Avoid these insurance claim mistakes to ease your stress

After a motor vehicle accident, it won’t be long before you’re digging up the contact information for your insurance company. While you hope the claims process goes as planned, you know that there are many challenges standing in your way.

These are the types of insurance claim mistakes that often come into play after a car crash:

• Neglecting to review your policy: This is mistake No. 1, as a lack of knowledge can make it difficult to obtain all the benefits due to you. Review the terms and conditions of your policy before you file a claim.

• Saying too much: Yes, you need to contact your agent or provider to file a claim. However, that doesn’t mean you should provide an excessive amount of information or answer questions you don’t understand. Your insurance company wants you to say something they can use against you.

• Accepting payment: Don’t be surprised if your insurance company sends you a check marked as final payment at some point. This may happen when you least expect it, hoping to catch you off guard. If it does, put the check aside and contact your agent to let them know you won’t be cashing it.

If you understand your policy, take your time, and do your part in protecting your legal rights. You’ll feel better about your ability to file an insurance claim and receive all the compensation owed to you.

Problems come into play when you fly through the claims process in hopes that your agent will take care of you. This can lead to a situation in which you’re taken advantage of, which often leads to receiving less money than you’re owed.