After an automobile accident, it’s important to contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible, to file a claim against your CO auto insurance policy for repairs. Sometimes various issues can arise in the process of getting your claim fully settled, some of which are discussed below.
- It’s important to get more than one written quote for repairs. Your insurance company will also provide an estimate of their own through a claims adjuster. It’s a good idea at this stage to negotiate with your insurance provider regarding which quote to accept, and not to just agree to the cheapest one if you feel the repairs for the price will be inadequate.
- In the event that the cost of repairs will be greater than the value of the vehicle, the insurance company may refuse to cover the repairs, in which case you may be paid for the car’s “book value” instead or “agreed value” if this is the type of policy you have .
- When you file a claim, your premium may increase when your policy is renewed, especially if the insurance provider considers the accident to be your fault.
- Should you have trouble settling your claim, contact your insurance company’s complaints department. You may be referred to an independent arbiter, to help you settle the matter and if all else fails you have the option of seeking legal advice.
To help avoid claim problems in the first place, it’s important to always ensure your CO auto insurance provides adequate coverage for bodily injury liability and property damage, and that you fully understand your policy and what is covered by it. When it comes to filing claims, having a good insurance agent at hand can be helpful too.
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