Know the Common Insurance Claims and How to Respond
If you’re a rookie driver, you know that you must have insurance coverage before you take your vehicle out on the road. New drivers have a lot of questions concerning auto insurance coverage and one of them is: “What are the most common vehicle insurance claims that drivers encounter?” With that said, here’s a look at several of the most common claims from Service King Babcock in San Antonio, TX that are most frequently filed with most of the most common car insurance companies out there.
Fender Benders (Smaller Hits)
Without any doubt, one of the most frequently filed claims drivers make with their auto insurance companies deal with minor accidents, aka fender benders, that feature minimal damage to a vehicle, and no serious injuries. Unfortunately, while these claims are common and usually don’t cost an insurance provider a lot, they can also end up raising your premiums, especially if you file several claims within a short period of time. If the damage is insignificant, instead of filling a claim, you might want to pay for the repairs yourself. Why? – Because these smaller damages might not be large enough for your insurance coverage to actually kick in. In addition, if you do ultimately file a claim, your premiums could also increase. In the end, higher premiums could end up costing you more than repairing a few dents and scratches, so weigh your options before signing on the dotted line.
Broken Windshields
Whenever you take your vehicle out on the road, there is a chance that your windshield can be damaged. A rock can kick up from another car and shatter your windshield or the glass can also be damaged in a collision, or even if your vehicle is parked in a lot or on the street. If you carry full comprehensive insurance, a damaged windshield will likely be covered. If the glass can be fixed, your insurance provider might choose to waive the deductible, but if the windshield can’t be repaired and will need to be replaced, the deductible will be applied, and the cost can end up being fairly extensive.
Vandalism and/or Theft
Vandalism is another claim that drivers’ often make with their auto insurance providers. If your vehicle is broken into, spray painted, keyed, smashed with a baseball bat, or vandalized in any other way and you have comprehensive insurance, your provider will cover this type of claim. However, do note that you will be responsible for paying the deductible before your insurance kicks in and covers the cost of repairs. Additionally, the more claims you make, the higher your premiums will be. Therefore, if the damage is minor, you might want to consider fixing it yourself instead of filing a claim.
Storm Damage
Storms can cause serious damage to a vehicle and hopefully and hailstones and flash flooding are of particular concern. In fact, the damage from hail and floods can be so harsh that a car could end up being totaled completely. If you live in an area where storms are a frequent occurrence, make sure to take extra precautions to protect your vehicle so that you won't have to end up avoid filing a claim.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
Accidents involving collisions that do not involve another vehicle are among the most commonly filed claims that motorists file with their insurance providers. Single-vehicle collisions can include run-ins with street lamps, fence posts, retaining walls and mailboxes, for example. Believe it or not, single-vehicle accidents can cause extensive damage and severe injuries. Make certain that you always heed caution and pay attention to the rules of the road and avoid driving in inclement weather if you possibly can, as single-car collisions often occur during bad weather, including snow, ice, sleet, or heavy rain.
Service King Babcock, 5631 Babcock Rd, San Antonio, TX 78240
Sources: wallethub.com and Forbes
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