When you purchase auto insurance, you should feel safe and secure, knowing that, if you are involved in a Virginia car accident, you will be protected, but what if that isn’t the case? What if your auto insurance company misleads you and lures you into a false sense of security? What if they are actually only looking out for their best interests? Insurance companies are businesses. At the end of the day, their goal is to make as much money as possible. Unfortunately, that usually means they are more than willing to fool or trick their policyholders into paying more than they should in premiums, or paying injured policyholders far less than they are entitled to.
What are some common ploys that auto insurance companies use to save themselves money after a Virginia Car Accident?
Going after a major auto insurance company sounds intimidating to most people. At the Virginia Beach personal injury law firm of Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp it’s just business as usual. If you were injured in a Virginia car accident, give us a call to schedule your free case review today.
Insurance Company Tricks to Watch Out for After a Virginia Car Accident
Making a Lowball Settlement Offer
Following a motor vehicle accident, the insurance provider is going to offer you a settlement that is significantly less than the actual value of your case. They will use tactics that include telling you that you were to blame for the accident and doubting the seriousness of your injuries. They put a lot of effort into twisting everything you say so that it can be used against you. This is why it is always a good idea to refer anyone from the insurance company to your lawyer. This allows your attorney to sift out any untrue or unnecessary information and offer you advice when you need it.
Using After-Market Car Parts
After you are in a car accident, the insurance carrier might offer to repair your vehicle. Bear in mind that they will not be using original equipment manufacturer parts. Instead, they will be using after-market car parts. After-market parts often do not fit properly and lack the durability of an OEM part. They can also have a serious impact on the overall value of your vehicle if you ever decide to sell it. Always read the fine print on your auto insurance policy to find out if after-market parts are permitted.
Not Honoring the Policy You Purchased
Auto insurance providers often attempt to wriggle out of paying out on a claim by simply not honoring the terms of the policy. For instance, they might deny a claim for the theft of your vehicle if it was not properly locked or otherwise secured, or they could deny a claim for storm damage because your policy does not include comprehensive coverage. Make certain that you understand the specifics of what your auto insurance policy covers, what it doesn’t cover, and what you need to do to avoid surprises when you make a claim. A good insurance agent will not mind answering your questions, no matter how many you have.
Unfair Premium Hikes
An auto insurance company might also attempt to trick you by significantly increasing your premiums right after you file a claim. They will explain this by claiming that you are now a much higher accident risk, but this is most likely an arbitrary and unfair raise in premiums. Before you renew your auto insurance policy, it is essential to get quotes from several insurance carriers to ensure that you are being charged a fair rate. Never purchase the first policy you happen to find.
Talk to a Virginia Car Accident Attorney Today
The first step in avoiding falling for one of these or another trick played by an insurance company is to become a well-informed consumer by doing your due diligence, researching insurance companies, and asking any questions you may have. Always read over a policy carefully, and know what is covered and what isn’t. If you think that your auto insurance company is treating you unfairly, you should file a complaint with the state insurance commissioner or consult with a Virginia car accident lawyer from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. Call us today at (833) 997-1774 to schedule your free case review.