08 Feb |
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Posted in the Star TelegramMoney-saving insurance don'tsPosted Sunday, Feb. 07, 2010 By GREGORY KARP The (Allentown, Pa.) Morning Call When it comes to insurance, what you don't do can be just as important as what you do. Wrong moves when filing a claim, or saying the wrong thing, can cost you. To see what insurers know about your claims history, get a C.L.U.E., your free annual auto and personal property claims reports by the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange at ChoiceTrust.com. And when it comes to auto and home claims: Don't play auto mechanic. After a car wreck, don't jump to the conclusion that it's a fender-bender. Drivers involved in accidents often see small dents and scratches and decide that damage is minor. But major structural damage, such as a cracked axle, might be hidden. Get the name, address, driver's license number and insurance identification number of all those involved in case you need to make a claim. Otherwise, you'll have to file a claim on your own policy if you have collision coverage. "Of course, you want to avoid claims, if possible, so that you don't see a car-insurance rate increase in the future," said Amy Denise, senior managing editor for Insure.com. Don't be embarrassed. Be aggressive about documenting the accident scene. Keep a disposable camera in the glove box or use your cellphone camera to take pictures of damage. And request a copy of the police report. Don't apologize. Resist the urge to apologize or admit fault at the scene. Fault often determines liability, which can lead to claims against your insurance policy and higher premiums. Don't buy roadside assistance from your insurer. Roadside assistance and towing plans from AAA or a similar group are fine. But when you get it from your insurance company, using it might count as a claim, which can lead to higher premiums. Don't hire a tow truck that just shows up. Some tow-truck drivers listen to police scanners and circle accident scenes hoping you'll hire them. But they might be unlicensed or exorbitantly expensive, Denise said. And don't call your insurance agent if you won't make a claim. Don't start home repairs and cleanup immediately. Wait until your insurance adjuster arrives. You want to get the full amount to which you're entitled. However, do minor temporary repairs to prevent further damage, such as fixing broken windows or holes in the roof, Denise said. Also, don't call your home insurance company if you're not going to make a claim. Don't fail to document your belongings. Don't throw out receipts for big-ticket items. They can support claims. And take photos of items around the house or use a video camera to document your belongings. Keep the documentation in a fireproof box or off-site.
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