When Should You Make a Car Insurance Claim?

​If you got into a car accident or you had your car stolen, you will undoubtedly have one of the most stressful times of your life. Thus, you should know the ins and outs of the claims process to make things easier for you. Meanwhile, here are some instances when you have to make a car insurance claim.

If Your Car Was Stolen
Although this claim largely depends on the police report and some credible witnesses, this is certainly one of the reasons you should file a car insurance claim. Your liability coverage will cover your entire car's cost but depending on its estimated cost at the time of the theft. Remember that your car depreciates in value through the years, and you should be ready for that.

If There Are Injuries
When you’re pretty sure you’ve injured other people in an accident, be confident that your liability coverage will handle all the medical costs. Remember that it’s a smart move to let the insurance company take care of this because you won’t know how high your medical bills will be. Moreover, in case there are other extra medical bills, you might not be able to handle it all. Make sure that you file the claim early, or you might lose the chance for your insurer to approve your claim.

If You’re Unsure Who’s At Fault
Never agree to make payments if you think that the other person is also partly to blame for the incident. If it’s not clear who’s fault the accident was, your insurer has a legal obligation to represent you in their negotiations with the other party. This is to minimize the size of your payment and your legal responsibility. 

If the Damage is Significant
If you can't afford to pay for the damages that your accident caused, then you should file a claim with your insurance company. In fact, you should contact them from the scene of the crash, or right after that. This should involve them with the investigation process from the start. Also, contact repair shops to send someone to the scene. Get transportation for you, the other driver, and anyone injured. However, this should depend on the details of your policy.

Some Final Words
Even if the damage to another person's property is only a minor one, you must file an insurance claim if that person threatens to sue you in court. Some people could get emotional anytime, especially if their loved ones get injured. In that case, call your attorney to help you sort things out while you call your car insurance company.

At Cornerstone Insurance Agency, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (888) 661-8831 or Click Here to request a free quote.