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Can I change my deductible or coverage levels before filing a claim with my insurance company?
I was driving on the freeway and an object from the road damaged my car. I have a high deductible of $1,500 and to fix the damages, it'll cost $2,000 to $2,200. Before submitting my claim, can I call my insurance company to lower my deductible? Or can I switch to a new policy with a different carrier?
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Technically speaking, yes, you can change your policy’s deductible prior to submitting a claim—but unfortunately, it won’t impact what you pay in this specific instance. The coverage that applies for the damage/loss to your vehicle is the coverage that is in effect on the date and time that the loss occurred.
In other words, even if you change your deductible or switch providers, you’ll still have to pay the $1,500 when you file a claim for your vehicle. If you attempt to misrepresent the date or time that the loss occurred by filing a claim after making changes to your coverage, this would be considered insurance fraud—which is illegal and comes with stringent penalties.
It’s important to be mindful, also, that changing your deductible, coverage, or insurance provider within 90 days of a claim can be a red flag to carriers. It signals to companies that there may have been an element of fraud involved in your claim, which will prompt additional investigation by the insurance company, may delay processing of the claim, and could even lead to the denial of the claim entirely if any fraud is uncovered.
While it is upsetting to pay a large amount of money for damage to your vehicle, the best thing you can do is pay your deductible and repair the damage. Once your claim is submitted and closed, wait a few months before making changes your deductible or shopping around for a better policy.
MORE: Car insurance scams: How to avoid insurance fraud
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- Gregory R.
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