Learn About Auto Insurance Claims Process

Admin    August 16, 2018    3 comments   

If you own a car, truck, motorcycle or any other vehicle, you know you need related insurance. All is good as long as you pay your monthly premium and do not make a claim.

Then you are involved in an accident. What then?

For many auto insurance policyholders, the auto insurance claim process is very, very complicated. Here, we bring you the basics of understanding with the following oft-repeated questions.

How long does it generally take to process an auto insurance claim?

A: If the insurance company has all the facts, a settlement should be achieved fairly quickly. By providing much of the details involved in the collision, the policyholder him or herself will help get the process off the ground. Any insurance company worth its reputation will do its utmost to process the claim as efficiently as possible.

Why is the estimated cost of repairs less than the actual payment check?

A: This is because the auto policyholder must first pay out-of-pocket for the deductible. Only after this, is the remaining balance given through a check.

What is the reason for the auto lien holder to be placed on the insurance payment check?

A: Many states make this a requirement for the simple reason that the lien holder has an insurable interest in the repair work done on the vehicle. In order for the policyholder to get the funding for the repair, he or she must be in touch with the lien holder.

What is the meaning of Direction of Payment?

A: Most auto repair shops require you to sign a Direction of Payment form so that they have documented evidence that the insurance company has permission to pay them for the repair work they complete.

What is common practice of insurance companies in regard to rental cars during the time the insured car is in the shop for repairs?

A: Most times, an insurance company will supply a rental car if the insured car is inoperable and in for repairs.

What about towing costs?

A: Generally speaking, towing is a covered service provided by the auto insurance company following an accident.

What is the procedure if the insured incurs injury during an auto accident?

A: The policyholder should be in touch with the insurance company if he or she is injured. The claims person will inform the policyholder about the related medical care and treatments that are covered under the policy.

Understanding Why Auto Insurance Premiums Are Very Costly

These days, we're all complaining about the high cost of living. It appears as if anyone who owns and operates an automobile is hit by a good dose of bills that require struggling with: the cost of purchasing the car, fuel costs, maintenance and repair costs - and the super BIG ONE - auto insurance premiums.

If you haven't yet verbalized it, no doubt the glaring question is underscored in your mind: Why does car (read car, truck, motorcycle, RV and so on) insurance have to be so very, very expensive?!

The answer to anything related to insurance comes from the industry itself and this is no exception.

"Insurance rates differ from person to person and are based on a few factors," says a noted specialist working in the Tri-State area and employed by an independent agency. "It all boils down to how much of a risk you as a driver may be."

Eight Factors that May Affect Your Auto Insurance Bill

Some of the things that determine how much you pay for auto insurance are listed below.

• What Type of Vehicle you Drive
There is a clear difference between makes and models of cars in regard to safety. Moreover, higher-end cars attached to a bigger price tag are more attractive to car thieves and are more expensive to replace; they are also more expensive to fix after an accident.

• Your Address
If you live in a place that has a higher crime rate, your premium will reflect the risk of theft. If you locality has proportionately more auto accidents and submitted claims, it will have an effect on your premium as well.

• How You Use Your Car
If you use your car for the commute to and from the workplace or use it for business purposes, you'll find that you will have a higher premium than those that drive just to go to the grocer or for leisure trips.

• If You Are a Good Driver
If you never have gotten a driving ticket or never been an accident, you will have a lower insurance rate than those who have a less pristine driving record.

• Your Claims Record
If you have previously filed insurance claims, especially if they have resulted in big payouts, your insurance premium will reflect that. But you may also find a rate increase if you have only filed claims in regard to accidents where you are not at fault.

• How Old You Are
Young drivers, especially boys in the teen years, are grouped together as riskier drivers because the statistics say they display poor driving habits and are involved in and cause many more serious accidents than older drivers. To a lesser degree, those sixty-five and older may find their insurance rates up due to age matters that contribute to poorer reflexes, eyesight issues and more.

• Marriage Status
Studies show that husbands and wives are not involved in as many collisions as those who are not married.

• How Your Credit Rates
Though this may not seem fair to some, insurance companies may class you as a driving risk due to your poor credit score.

Speaking to a knowledgeable specialist employed by an independent insurance agency will help you navigate through the web of insurance policies so that you are presented with the most tailored one at the most competitive price

7 Scenarios Wherein a Car Insurance Claim Might Get Rejected

Car insurance is a mandatory investment as the law. Therefore, a large number of car owners opt to pay a premium for a car insurance policy to safeguard their cars against a possible collision. However despite this, a majority of their claims are rejected by companies. This is because people are unaware or rather ignorant to the intricacies related to car insurance. Therefore, a major chunk of car insurance claims are rejected. To stop this from happening, let's go through a list of reasons where a car insurance claim might get rejected:

1. Intimating your insurer late or not at all: Please be informed that your claim is destined to be rejected if you fail to inform your insurance provider in the stipulated timeframe. On an average, you should update your insurance company within 48 to 72 hours from the time of accident or collision.

2. Driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug: This one is a no-brainer but still most people are negligent about it. If you are driving when you have consumed alcohol not only are you breaking the law, but even your insurance company will refuse to cover in case of an accident.

3. If your car is being used for commercial purposes: If you have a private car and it is being used for any commercial use such as being used to carry goods or passengers than your car insurance provider can reject your claim. This is because there are different policies for Private car and commercial vehicle policies.

4. If you drive without a valid license: In case you or anyone driving your car is driving valid license and face an accident then your coverage becomes null and void. Therefore, ensure you renew your license on time.

5. Starting the repairs before inspection by insurer: When you intimate your insurer about the collision or accident, a surveyor will visit you to inspect the condition of the car and authenticate your claim. Without this inspection, the insurance company will be unable to trace the degree of the repairs and estimate the cost involved. Therefore, your claim is bound to be rejected.

6. Failing to transfer the policy from the previous owner: There is going to be some verification during the claim process. In case, the car insurance policy is not in your name then your insurer has the right to refuse your claim.

7. An Electrical or Mechanical Breakdown: In case your car is damaged without any external collision due to some electrical or mechanical breakdown then you are not covered by your car insurance policy. In this case, you will have to shell out some money from your own pocket.

Next time be more careful of all these reasons and ensure you make maximum utilization of your car insurance policy.