Filing an insurance claim is a step that policyholders sometimes take without much thought.
After all, it's what insurance is for, right? Well, yes, but not all claims are created equal, and there are important factors to consider before you rush to file a claim. At The Robert C
Dempsey Agency, we're here to help you make informed decisions about when and when not
to file a claim.Â
Why the Caution?
Insurance claims, whether for your home, auto, health, or other policies, can have far-reaching
consequences. Here's why exercising caution is critical:Â
1. Impact on Premiums: Filing a claim can lead to an increase in your insurance premiums.
Insurance companies might view you as a higher risk, especially if you've had multiple
claims in a short period. It's crucial to weigh the potential premium hike against the
claim's value.Â
2. Claims History Matters: Insurance companies take your claims history into account
when assessing your risk profile. A lengthy claims history may lead to higher premiums
or even difficulty in securing coverage with other insurers.Â
3. Your Policy's Scope: Review your policy carefully to understand what's covered and what's not. Filing a claim for an event that isn't covered by your policy will likely result in
denial and potentially tarnish your claims history.Â
4. Legal Obligations: In some cases, like auto accidents, you may have a legal obligation to report incidents to your insurer. Ignoring this responsibility could result in legal
repercussions.Â
5. Financial Evaluation: Before filing a claim, evaluate the total cost of repairs or
replacement. If it's not significantly higher than your deductible, it might be more cost-
effective to cover the expense yourself.Â
The Do's and Don'ts of Filing Claims
Do's:Â
1. Contact Your Agent: Reach out to your insurance agent before filing a claim. They can
provide guidance, help you understand your policy, and assess the situation.Â
2. Gather Evidence: Collect all necessary information and evidence related to the incident. This can be crucial in the claims process. Remember to ALWAYS call the police if someone hits your vehicle, no matter how kind they seem at the scene. It is common for people to attempt to change the incident report after the fact, and when you have a police report in hand it helps dispute those changes.
3. Report Incidents Promptly: When necessary, report incidents to your insurance company in a timely manner to avoid potential complications.Â
Don'ts:
1. Rush to File: Don't rush to file a claim without considering the long-term implications. Assess the situation and potential costs first, but keep in mind that you should report claims in a timely manner.
2. Over-Claim: Avoid the temptation to over-claim or file for minor expenses that are within your budget.Â
3. Neglect Your Deductible: Remember that your deductible is the amount that
will be deducted from your claim check. Some companies have disappearing deductions, so
check with your agent BEFORE filing a claim.
Seek Expert Guidance
If you're uncertain about whether to file a claim, our team at Dempsey Insurance Agency is here
to assist you. We understand that insurance can be complex, and the decision to file a claim
should not be taken lightly. Our experienced agents can help you navigate these decisions, so
you make the best choices for your financial well-being. At Dempsey Insurance Agency, we
prioritize your peace of mind and financial security, and remember that we're here to guide you
every step of the way. Your financial future matters to us, and we're here to protect it.
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