Get your Car Insurance Company to Work for You

Posted in Accident & Injury on July 18, 2013

by Arthur Elk

Insurance companies can often seem like large, impersonal corporations that are protecting their own interests above all else. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Your insurance company provides a service that you contracted as a customer, so you deserve to be treated as such. As an experienced car accident lawyer, I work with clients to achieve a positive resolution to insurance claims, and I have developed knowledge over the years to give substantial advice. The following are a few key pros and cons when dealing with insurance companies and information you should take care to remember in the event of an accident.

First, ensure that you initiate contact with your insurance company as soon as possible in the event of an accident. After health and law enforcement concerns have been considered, contact your insurance agent. Second, keep a log of all correspondence and conversations with your insurance company, including names, times, and dates as well as a summary of the relevant facts or particular details of your claim.

Third, save all paperwork and receipts relating to your accident. You should request copies of charges from medical providers and estimates from automotive repair locations. Keep physical copies of documents in case you need to refer to them at a later time. When you work with a car accident lawyer, they can help maintain records like police reports, medical records, and other correspondence.

Lastly, be aware of time limits. Most insurance policies carefully detail deadlines for filing of claims. Be sure that you file any claims before these deadlines pass.

Most of all, remember that you are a customer of the insurance company. You have legal rights, and they in turn have legal obligations. If you are in any doubt of your position, a skilled car accident attorney can give quality advice and help you through the process.

Sources:

“Get the Most from Your Auto Insurance” by Kelsey Owen, Better Business Bureau, March 14, 2013.

“20 things to know about auto insurance” by Dana Dratch, Bankrate.com.