Do’s and Don’t while Claiming Truck Insurance
The primary reason for insuring your truck is to provide financial protection in the event of an accident. An insurer honors its obligation to the policyholder by satisfying a legitimate claim. Your insurer realizes that you are extremely upset because of the monetary loss you have incurred as a result of a collision or theft of your covered truck. However, in order to resolve the claim, the claimant must follow a prescribed series of actions.
What we’re attempting to imply is that every procedure has a set of dos and don’ts. From buying a car to booking a ticket, everything has its own set of laws and restrictions. This also holds to the truck insurance claims process. If you get yourself familiar with the do’s and don’ts, the procedure will go more smoothly and your chances of having your claim validated will increase.
So here are they:
Dos while filing truck insurance
Immediate register an FIR
When you are involved in a truck accident, one of the initial things you must do is contact the police and submit an FIR i.e. First Information Report. When starting the settlement procedure, all insurance companies want a copy of the FIR. In the event of a vehicle collision that causes physical harm or death to a third party, or if your truck is robbed, you must submit an FIR. While filing a claim, you must send one version to the insurance provider and keep one version for yourself. However, you should be aware that you do not always need to submit an FIR; it is not required in the event of minor incidents.
Let your insurer know about it
Just as important as filing an FIR is informing the insurance provider about the accident. According to experts, you must notify the accident to your insurance firm within 7 days after the incident. If you do not, there is a good chance that your claim application will be rejected. Some insurance carriers have a 48-hour deadline to report an accident. The crucial step in getting the settlement authorized, regardless of whether you have the greatest truck insurance coverage, is to notify the insurer as early as possible. Also, alerting the insurance provider before sending the truck to the mechanic for repairs might assist you in taking advantage of policy items such as towing, pick-up, and drop-off.
Send the paperwork to the insurance company
To begin the truck insurance claim procedure, you must give the insurance company the necessary claim-related papers. You should inquire with the underwriter about the papers necessary for the reimbursement and the time frame for completing them. Most insurance companies require the following documentation to begin the compensation process:
- Insurance claim form
- Duplicate copy of insurance plan
- Duplicate copy of RC
- Copy of a valid driver’s license
Collect proof at the accident location
Taking photographs and gathering adequate proof is one of the finest strategies to support your truck insurance claim. You can provide the images as legitimate documentation while submitting the claim form. Experts also advise taking down the names and contact information of any witnesses. This will assist you throughout the investigation and speed up the claim procedure.
Examine the policy paper
When you acquire an insurance plan, the insurer provides you a coverage copy language that includes the policy’s inclusions and exclusions, as well as other data. An examination of the policy document will enable you to understand the procedures of the agreement and the documents you must submit. Understanding the policy paperwork will also enable you to determine the scope of the protection you will get.
Do I need to hire a lawyer after a truck crash? Truck accident lawyer Trent Kelly says: “The short answer is yes. Every injury claim can be complicated, and truck accident cases can be even more so. You need to deal with piles of technical evidence, or trucking companies trying to avoid liability
Don’ts while filing truck insurance
Never flee the scene of an accident
Among the most common pitfalls that individuals do that contribute to their truck insurance claim being denied is fleeing the scene of the accident. According to experts, you should never flee the site of an accident and should never move your vehicle. If your truck has been damaged, it is best not to drive it further since this may cause more damage and cause the insurance provider to lower or refuse the claim. You must also refrain from making any repairs to your vehicle till the insurance provider has approved your claim.
Never conceal any truths
Often, people do not tell all of the specifics of the accident, or they try to conceal key information during the accident inquiry. Not giving the truth may result in the claim being rejected due to confusing information, or it could declare your coverage void.
Don’t accept an out-of-pocket settlement
Frequently, a third party engaged in the crash will offer to negotiate the transaction without telling the insurance provider or policy. You should decline such offers since failing to notify the appropriate officials about the incident is criminal. Always follow the lawful path and file an FIR. This will assist you in filing the claim and receiving proper compensation.
Do not sign any claim-related documents in haste
Before filing a claim, ensure you properly check the policy paperwork to understand the coverage’s contents and limitations. You should also avoid signing anything without first seeking legal guidance from a professional and always double-check the insurance company’s assessment of the damage. Finally, when renewing your policy, make sure to include the truck insurance NCB (no claim bonus) in your renewal form to receive a rate discount.
Timelines must not be overlooked
Your insurer will have established a schedule for filing a claim based on the kind of truck insurance claim. Contact your insurance to determine the precise number of days you have to submit your claim. The timeframes are designed to minimize severe loss from continuing to operate a damaged truck. However, in the event of a significant accident in which the owner of the covered vehicle is seriously injured and hospitalized, the insurer may reconsider canceling the timelines.
Final Words
Implementing these dos and don’ts can assist you in completing your vehicle insurance claim. Reading the policies in small print before purchasing insurance and also when claiming will streamline the claiming process and help you get the most out of it.
