As a teen driver, you might have discovered that your insurance rates are higher than your parents’. The primary reason for that has to do with experience. In the view of insurance companies, you haven’t driven long enough and therefore are more likely to be involved in an accident. Using that fact as a basis for setting premium prices isn’t a guarantee that the insurance company will be forthcoming with a benefits claim. They will be doing all they can to avoid paying out on that claim. That is why you need to be prepared to deal with insurance companies after a car accident in a way that is beneficial for your cause. Here are three tips to help you know how to deal with insurance companies if you get into a car accident.
Do Not Post on Social Media
After you file an insurance claim, you need to go on a self-imposed social media blackout. Next to recovering from actual injuries, this might be the hardest thing you have to do. The reason is that the insurance companies can use any of your postings as evidence against you. If you post vacation pictures or even a selfie from your favorite eatery, then you could be telling the insurance companies that you’re doing fine. That means your claims of suffering from an injury aren’t all that you’ve made them out to be.
Be Very Careful About What You Say
At some point, you will have to provide your version of the accident. This is information that the insurance adjuster will need to process the claim. It’s important to not say things that can be left to an insurance adjuster’s interpretation. For instance, you should never admit to guilt even if you think you were partially responsible for the accident. The best response to questions is “yes” or “no” without adding anything. Don’t assume the insurance adjuster is on your side even if they are your carrier. They all want to make a profit for the company and that can only happen if they deny claims.
Don’t Accept the First Offer
At some point in the claims process, the insurance company might make you a settlement offer. You shouldn’t automatically accept that first offer until you’ve thought things through. That offer might cover your immediate medical bills, but what about future bills? Will you need ongoing physical therapy? There is also the issue of lost wages to consider. How much more time might you miss from work because of the accident injury? Keep in mind, that an insurance company’s first offer is typically the lowest amount that they are willing to pay, but it might not be the only amount that they can offer.
All of these issues about dealing with an insurance company can be handled by working with an experienced attorney. They can be the person to answer questions and negotiate on your behalf. When dealing with an insurance company is it sometimes better to let an attorney do all the talking. By following these tips, you will be better prepared to deal with insurance companies when the occasion arises.