One of the hardest things that can happen during the day of a claims representative is to receive a "new" file an incident that happened months and perhaps years earlier, especially if it is a liability file.
When there is a small loss of property, we can understand why it would take so long to file the claim. You thought that missing piece of jewelry turn up (they often do). Or maybe you were not at home when a storm took place and did not realize he had praised until a neighbor told you a few months later when you asked why there was a new roof put on the house. Then there's the time you turned on the AC for the first time this season and he has acted, but believe you just need a little maintenance ... until your repairer you says he was struck by lightning. In such case, the statement not usually late hinder our ability to investigate, assess and pay the claim.
But there are other times. Since the accident in which you were not at fault, but there were serious injuries involved. Another insurance company has contacted you and paid for the damage to your vehicle. Fortunately, you were not hurt. Your passenger went to an emergency room, and despite being a little sore was not seriously injured. You may feel particularly lucky because one of the passengers of the car that hit you was taken from the scene by helicopter and admitted to hospital in serious condition. But in your case, you see no reason to declare the accident to your insurance company. Everything is in order. Or so you think ...
Six months later, you receive a letter from a lawyer representing that critically injured party of the other vehicle. They allege that you are partly responsible for the accident and urge you to have your insurance company contact them! In a panic, you call your company or agent to report the claim. At present, the company's investigation could be hampered because of the passage of time. Police markings made on the street at the time of the accident will probably not be visible. Details of the accident are no longer fresh in the minds of all the witnesses, and other parties can now be represented by lawyers who do not allow their customers to make statements. An injured party may be influenced by knowledge of the limits available to the responsible party and be grasped any possibility of recovery from another source. Your passenger, who was unable to solve his little damage claim with the other company is frustrated and uncooperative when your company asks him to help them in their investigation.
Although it may seem there was no reason to declare the claim in the accident, keep in mind that your insurance policy describes your rights in the event of a loss . Common provisions include under these functions (often first) something like "Give prompt notice to us or our agent." Failure to comply with notice requirements of your policy, especially if the failure impedes or impairs the investigation the company could jeopardize coverage that would otherwise have been available.
Although we would all immediately reported losses for us, regardless of size, we understand that there may be legitimate reasons for a delay, as mentioned at the beginning of the job. But whenever you are involved in an accident, even if it seems there is no way that someone might believe that the accident was your fault, it's best to let your insurance company know as soon as possible. you can save yourself a lot of grief on the road by doing.
Have you ever had to report a loss well after the loss occurred and how the process works for you?
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