Let’s delve into an uncomfortable topic for many adults these days – performance anxiety. Sit tight, because no I am not talking about in the bedroom (unless you had an accident that involved coverage). Today I want to speak specifically regarding the anxiety a growing number of insured persons have in filing a claim with their own insurance company after an accident when they were not the at fault party.
Typically, we will come across clients that only submitted a claim through the at fault party’s insurance. Their rationale – they do not want their insurance rates to go up. Today I am going to let you in on a life changing secret that we tell all our clients. In Montana, it is against the law for insurance companies to raise the rate of your insurance after a claim. Mont. Code Ann. States 33-18-210(12) states an insurer may not charge points or surcharge a private passenger motor vehicle policy because of a claim submitted under the insured’s policy if the insured was not at fault. Mind blown, right?
So, let’s go over why you should submit a claim to not only the other party’s insurance, but your own insurance company as well:
- The at fault party’s coverage may have lapsed – if you do not file a claim through your own insurance company in a timely manner, you will be left to pay expenses out of pocket.
- They may dispute coverage – again, you need your insurance company to assist you in this battle and to ensure your bills are paid for.
- You pay your insurance every month, use it! – this sort of scenario is exactly why you diligently pay your monthly premiums, do not waste your hard-earned money.
- The other party’s insurance may not cover all of your medical bills – again, do not put yourself in a position where you will be paying for medical debt out of pocket.
Repeat after me – don’t be lame, file the dang claim. Do not hesitate to do this either, because timing is of the essence. If your insurance rates do go up because of your filing, know that that is illegal and there is a remedy available to you.
Have you been involved in an automobile accident? Was the car crash the other driver’s fault? Contact your insurance company immediately and contact our office should you have difficulties with either insurance company providing coverage. The attorneys at Bryan, diStefano & Mattingley, PLLP go to bat for their clients daily and have years of experience getting insurance companies to stick to their policies. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.