When to contact your car insurance company: don’t fall prey
After discussing how to choose the right car insurance policy with better coverage in our previous session, it is important you know when to contact your car insurance company so as not to fall victim to any uncertainties.
Most U.S. states mandate auto insurance of some kind. This safeguards not only the drivers of these vehicles but also those wounded or whose property is damaged as a result of an accident.
Car insurance, however, is frequently forgotten about, as is the case with the majority of insurance contracts.
The majority of drivers have little to no interaction with their insurer other than renewing their insurance and paying the premiums (approximately $1,000 annually, on average).
Though it’s possible that’s because there haven’t been many collisions, some drivers, both new and seasoned, might not know when an insurance needs to be notified.
Don’t fall victim – this is when to contact your car insurance company
Do you have auto insurance but you haven’t actually gotten in touch with them for anything while your policy has been in effect? Here are five situations in which you absolutely must contact your insurance provider.
1. A collision involving your car has occurred
The most obvious moment to get in touch with your insurance provider is now. Your insurance company needs to be informed of the incident, regardless of culpability.
They’ll probably demand a statement from you. This is in addition to details about the damage done to your car and the other vehicles involved. They might also dispatch an adjuster to analyze the damage and estimate the cost of repairs.
2. You would like to change the list of drivers in the policy.
You might need to modify the list of drivers who are covered under your auto insurance coverage at some point. When your child turns 16 and obtains their driver’s license. Perhaps when they leave the house and begin supporting themselves, that may be the turning point.
Changes in your covered drivers may also be necessary as a result of divorce, marriage, adoption, and many other circumstances.
You must get in touch with your insurance provider to have the driver added in these circumstances. If your policy is about to renew, keep in mind that it can affect your premium, so you might take the opportunity to compare prices.
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3. Your payment or contact details have changed.
You must notify your vehicle’s insurance provider right away. That is, if you receive a new credit card, alter your bank account, or move.
For starters, it’s crucial to have an accurate phone number and address on file. This will enable your insurer to get in touch with you if necessary. (They require this for billing reasons as well.)
Your premium may also be impacted by your location. Your move may result in a reduced (or higher) premium because some neighborhoods are riskier than others (greater rates of property crime, more street parking, etc.).
4. You wish to lower the bill or have questions about it.
Pay close attention to the bills when they arrive. Make contact with your insurer to discuss any abrupt increases in your premium or the appearance of additional fees you didn’t authorize.
Use resources like Credible to shop around for a new policy if they are unable to waive the cost or lower the premium. If you use a different insurer, you might be eligible for reduced premiums.
If you believe you may be eligible for new reductions, you should also get in touch with your insurance provider.
You may be eligible for premium discounts for completing a defensive driving course, becoming a homeowner, reaching retirement age, or getting good grades (among other things).
5. Your credit score has improved
A lot of auto insurance providers base your rates, at least in part, on your credit score. The greater your score, the lower your rate.
Ask your auto insurance provider to recalculate your premiums if you just paid off a debt or are aware of an improvement in your credit score. A higher credit score can significantly lower your bills.
Note:
You should contact your auto insurance provider for a variety of reasons, but these are some of the most common ones (and most important).
Err on the side of caution and call your insurer even if you’re unsure whether you should in relation to something. Any queries or issues you may have can be clarified or addressed by them.