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What mistakes can you make when submitting a claim?

I've just been in my first accident and I'm nervous about having to submit a claim for the first time. I want to make sure I do everything right, so is there anything I should avoid doing?

avatar
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Filing a claim for the first time is overwhelming! I completely understand wanting to
avoid mistakes
to ensure the process goes smoothly.
For that to happen, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid:
  • Don’t wait to let your
    car insurance company
    know about your accident. Waiting to inform your insurance, being dishonest, or leaving out important details can result in the
    denial of your claim
    .
  • Don’t dispose of any documentation related to the accident before your claim settlement. Your claims adjuster may request information about the accident. If you get rid of what you have, your claim may be denied.
  • Don’t tell your insurance you’re okay if you’re hurt! There are
    time limits for filing a claim
    . If you say you’re okay but your provider learns you suffered injuries later, you may not have coverage or have difficulty proving the accident caused your injuries.
While it may seem like a lot to remember, you shouldn’t have issues filing your claim if you’re honest and upfront with your insurance.
As insurance rates can increase after submitting a claim, be sure to shop around after! If you’d like help, use
Jerry
. Jerry is an app that gets multiple customized quotes from different top-of-the-line providers, ensuring you always have the best rates.”
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