Insurance Claims Do's and Don'ts

The Do’s

DO consult an attorney for legal advice.

DO review your insurance policies to find out what is covered and what is excluded.

DO notify your insurance company right away after you are in a car accident, your car is stolen or damaged, or another such covered event takes place.

DO take pictures if you can: of your vehicle, the accident site, and your injuries.

DO take notes when you speak with your insurance company. Make a record of the names, job titles, and phone numbers of the representatives with whom you communicate. If you can, get the names of their supervisors, too. Note what you discussed and what you or the representative promised to do.

DO tell your insurance company the truth. Not only does this save everyone a lot of time and effort, but questions of legal liability can be complex. If you fail to be forthcoming with your insurance company, this could invalidate or reduce your coverage.

DO investigate whether you have additional insurance coverage. Depending on the circumstances, supplemental coverage may come from another auto insurance policy, a homeowner’s policy, or umbrella coverage.

DO keep the receipts for money you’ve spent on car rental, medical bills, and purchases made in connection with the motor vehicle accident.

DO make sure you’re aware of the difference between the replacement value of your car and what you actually owe on the car. If the car is totaled, most car insurance policies will cover only the cash value of your car at the time of the accident. You may owe more than that, however, on the loan or the lease of the car. Gap coverage makes up for this difference. Additional coverage is usually necessary for things like a special sound system in your car.

The Dont’s

DON’T accept the insurance company’s estimate of your losses and damages until you have a chance to fully explore the matter yourself. An attorney’s help can be valuable in determining whether the insurance company’s estimate is fair.

DON’T give the insurance company a recorded or written statement until you have determined how you wish to proceed. It is important to be aware of the extent of your insurance coverage and your rights.

DON’T sign a release or waiver until you have gotten reliable legal advice. You may feel pressure to sign from your insurance company, but it is your right to explore your options. Just make sure that you take appropriate action within the time limit stated in your insurance policy.

DON’T accept a check from your insurance company — especially one that says “final payment” — unless you have obtained legal advice and carefully weighed your options.

Contact a personal injury attorney at
Rensch & Rensch Law

Your insurance company is legally obligated to follow through on the terms of its contract with you. You have the right to make sure that happens, and a lawyer can offer you the support, guidance, and advocacy you need. Contact Rensch & Rensch Law in Omaha, NE, to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney to discuss your situation.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter. Your free consultation with our Omaha personal injury attorneys is as close as your phone: 402.498.4400 at any hour, day or night, seven days a week. You can also email us or fill out the form below, and we will be in touch.