A motor vehicle accident will bring many questions and concerns to your life. While you hope that your car insurance company can put your mind to rest, it’s up to you to understand your policy and protect your legal rights.
The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that your car insurance company is on your side. Yes, they may be nice to you. And yes, they may be helpful during this difficult time of your life. But when it comes down to it, they’ll always do what’s best for their business. So, you should stick with the facts and watch your back at all times.
Here are some of the things that should be on your radar:
- Ignoring the terms and conditions of your policy: Your car insurance policy is a legally binding contract. And for that reason, you should expect to receive benefits in line with what you’ve been paying. Don’t let your insurance company get away with anything less.
- A lowball offer: Your insurance company does this with the hope that you’ll take the money and close out your claim. It’s tempting, as you want to bring this chapter of your life to an end, but you could be missing out on thousands of dollars that are rightfully owed to you. Never accept the first offer.
- Forcing you to make a statement: Your car insurance agent or another company representative may ask you to make a recorded statement. It’s within your legal rights to turn them down. You’re under no obligation to provide any information, as doing so could result in you saying the wrong thing. As a general rule of thumb, you should first review your policy and consult with a legal professional before making a statement. This will help protect you against a mistake that could cost you money.
As much as you want to lean on your car insurance company after an accident, don’t put too much emphasis on this. You need to protect your legal rights, so giving them power of the entire claims process is a mistake.
Your goal is to receive treatment for your injuries, repair your vehicle and receive any and all compensation that you deserve.