Insurance Claims - Do's and Don'ts

If you have been involved in any kind of accident in which someone has been injured or killed, whether it is an auto accident, 18 wheeler accident, explosion, or fire, you will inevitably have to deal with your insurance company as well as the insurance agents of others involved in the accident. Filing an insurance claim and handling insurance adjusters can be intimidating and confusing as well as frightening. In an event, we have prepared a list of "Do's and Don'ts" which may you may find helpful.

Do's:

Do contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident or injury as possible.
Do take time to read your insurance policy and understand it., paying particular attention to the "Coverage" and "Exclusions" sections.
Do get as many details of the accident as possible, including taking pictures of the damaged vehicles, the accident scene, the injuries sustained and collecting the names and numbers of any witnesses to the accident.
Do get the insurance details of any other person or vehicle involved in the accident.
Do keep a written account of any conversations and dealings with the insurance adjusters, agents, lawyers, company officials and any other people involved in the claims process. Make sure to get the names, titles, and phone numbers of everyone you speak with about your claim.
Do save receipts and bills for any and all expenses relating to your claim, bills for any repair work on damaged vehicles, statements for any medical costs incurred on the treatment of any injuries, receipts for meals, lodging, and purchases made while pursuing your claim or recovering from your injuries from the time of the accident until final settlement.
Do take the time to review all your insurance policies to see if you may have more than one insurance policy that provides coverage for the particular accident or injury. Be sure to also review materials that come with your credit cards.
Do be honest with your insurance carrier. Failing to be honest with your insurance carrier might invalidate your policy or cause a denial of coverage.

Don'ts:

Don't admit to any kind of liability on your part. Liability is affected by different circumstances. It is not your duty or obligation to admit fault. The facts and evidence will determine liability.
Don't give anything in writing to any insurance adjusters or agents, whether your own or the other party's, if you do not understand any part of your policy or claim.
Don't let any time limits to file your insurance claim run out. All insurance companies require you to file an insurance claim within specified periods of time after the accident or injury. Don't disregard this time limit or else your claim may not be considered valid.
Don't accept their estimates without doing some estimation of your own. Insurance companies try to give you estimates of losses that are lower than your actual losses. Insurance companies will often try to get you to accept their estimator's or contractor's repair or replacement estimates, which might be a bit low.
Don't sign any document that is a release or a waiver of any kind. If you are not sure about what you are being asked to sign, consult an attorney.
Don't take any check as a full and final payment unless you are certain that it is a fair compensation for your losses. A bad financial situation after a major loss may make it seem necessary for you accept a premature, inadequate settlement.
Don't give any recorded statements to your insurer if you do not think you understand the insurance coverage. You are not required to allow the insurance company to record your telephone conversation. If you have doubts, consult an attorney.

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