Understanding And Avoiding Car Insurance Fraud
Posted by: Auto Buff / Category: Car Insurance, Car Maintenance TipsCar insurance insurance fraud and fraudulent claims end up costing everyone more money. The cost of those excessive or dishonest claims get put back onto the rest of us – the consumers. In the heat and shock of an accident, many of us can make simple mistakes that cost us a lot when it comes to getting the claim that we deserve. This is unfortunate but true. You should consider this when you are involved with your insurance and you see suspicious activities. Here are some tips and advice.
Call your car insurance company right away. Your insurance company will most probably offer assistance at the scene of an accident. Dishonest tactics may get you into trouble or may have impact on your claim. By contacting your insurance company immediately at the scene of the accident, they should be able to advise or arrange the tow-truck for you, or sending you to a preferred car repair or work shop. They may even be able to assist with your transport out of the situation. Some will go as far as to help you contact friends and family.
Preferred repairers. While getting car insurance quotes, get information on what companies they recommend or are preferred to fix and look after your car. Remember there are companies out there that will make excessive fixes to your car when they have the chance to abuse an insurance claim. Unfortunately this is the truth. You should know which companies that you should take your car to in the case of needed repair. Understand the process and procedure your provider would like you to follow.
Be wary! Of towing companies that appear at an accident scene. Some tow-truck drivers, also known as “chasers”, work with vehicle repair shops, rehabilitation centres, paralegals, lawyers and are paid referral fees. It might not be in your best interest to opt for their assistance because they are at the scene. Remember in the heat of the moment, and under pressure you might make the wrong decisions that will have a poor reflection on your claim outcome.
If you are injured. Keep detailed records of your medical treatments, including all doctors names, dates and locations. You should check these records against your statements from your insurance provider. If there are discrepancies, you know there are problems. Be the first to raise the alarm bell.
Read carefully. Make sure that you read any document that someone may ask you to sign. That includes doctors, lawyers, tow-truck drivers and the police. Anything you sign may have significant impact on your genuine claim and your integrity.
It is all too easy to make the wrong decisions in a situation of crisis. Small decisions or signatures in the wrong place at the wrong time could cause you a lot of hassle in the future. This is why it is important to arm yourself with knowledge before anything happens. A good insurer will talk with you about these processes. The more that you know, the more you are likely to remember when something goes wrong.
