Should you file a car accident claim if you are involved in a single vehicle car accident?
When you are involved in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be able to recover damages from his or her insurance company. But what if you are involved in a single vehicle accident?
Deciding to File a Claim
If you are involved in a single vehicle car accident, such as when you lose control of your car on a snow covered road, you will need to decide whether or not to file a car accident claim to pay for damages. However, there could be circumstances when you might decide not to file a claim, including:
- You were not injured in the accident.
- There was minimal property damage and you can afford the repair costs out of pocket.
- The cost of the vehicle repair is less than the deductible and you can afford to pay for the repair costs.
Will Your Premium’s Increase?
Your insurance premium may increase even if you choose not to file a claim. If you receive a police citation or ticket for failure to control your car or for speeding, that ticket will add up as points on your driver’s license. These points are reviewed by the insurance company to evaluate potential increases in premiums.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage may allow a person to file a car accident claim without risking an increase in the premium rate. In these cases, the insurance rate will remain unaffected even if you file an insurance claim if the damage was caused by:
- natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes
- weather phenomenon such as windstorms, hail, and lightening
- getting hit by or hitting an animal such as a deer
- vandalism
If you have been in a car accident and need assistance to file your auto accident claim, call an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney. Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. at (314) 361-4242.