The 10 Most Common Car Insurance Claims: Car insurance can be a tricky business. With so many different types of coverage and so many possible scenarios, it’s hard to know what kind of policy you need. And let’s not forget, car accidents are expensive and often result in hefty repair bills. To help you prepare for whatever might come your way, this article will cover the 10 most common car insurance claims. By learning about these, you can better understand the type of coverage you should purchase and how to navigate the claim process if an accident happens. Read on to find out more!
Contents
Fender bender
A fender bender is one of the most common types of car insurance claims. This is usually when two cars collide, causing damage to one or both vehicles. Fender benders can range from minor scrapes and dents to more serious accidents that result in major damage or even injuries.
No matter how minor or major a fender bender may be, it’s always a good idea to file a claim with your car insurance company. That way, you can be sure that you will be reimbursed for any damages that are covered by your policy.
Rear-end collision
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car insurance claim, accounting for about 29% of all claims. These accidents usually happen when one driver is following another too closely and doesn’t have time to stop when the lead driver brakes suddenly.
To avoid rear-end collisions, always leave plenty of space between your car and the one in front of you, and be sure to brake slowly and gently to give yourself time to stop. If you know you’re going to be stopping soon, give the car behind you a visual signal, like tapping your brake lights.
Single-car accident
If you’re in a single-car accident, the most common insurance claim is for damage to your vehicle. This can be caused by hitting a tree, pole, or guardrail; or, if you’re in a rollover accident, by hitting the ground.
In either case, your first step should be to call your insurance company and report the accident. Then, take pictures of the damage to your car and gather any other evidence that will be helpful in making your case. Once you have all of this information, you can file a claim with your insurer.
Be sure to keep track of any expenses related to the accident, such as repairs or rental car costs, as you may be able to get reimbursed for these. And if you miss any time from work due to your injuries, be sure to keep track of those lost wages as well.
Rollover accident
When it comes to car insurance claims, rollover accidents are some of the most common. These accidents typically occur when a vehicle overturns on its side or roof, and can be caused by a number of factors, including speeding, driver error, and adverse weather conditions.
Rollover accidents often result in serious injuries or even death, which is why it’s so important to have adequate car insurance coverage. If you’re involved in a rollover accident, your first step should be to contact your car insurance company and file a claim.
Be sure to have all the necessary documentation ready, including photos of the accident scene and any medical bills or police reports. Your car insurance company will then investigate the accident and determine whether or not you’re covered.
If you have comprehensive coverage, your policy will likely cover damages sustained in a rollover accident. However, if you only have liability coverage, your policy will likely only cover damages to the other driver’s vehicle – not yours.
No matter what type of coverage you have, it’s always best to contact your car insurance company after a rollover accident to see what kinds of benefits you may be entitled to.
Sideswipe
Car insurance claims for side swipe accidents are among the most common, and they can happen in a number of ways. One way is when a driver tries to change lanes and doesn’t signal, causing another car to swerve into their path and sideswipe them. Another way is when a driver backs out of a parking space too quickly and strikes the side of another car.
These types of accidents can cause significant damage, especially if the cars are travelling at high speeds. In some cases, the impact can even cause one or both cars to spin out of control. If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident, it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. Check for injuries first, and then call your insurance company to start the claims process.
Hit and run
The most common car insurance claims are hit and run accidents. These occur when another driver hits your car and then leaves the scene without providing any information. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will pay for the damages to your car. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you may be responsible for paying for the repairs yourself.
Accidents involving deer or other animals
In collisions involving animals, deer are by far the most common type of animal involved. According to State Farm’s data, there were 1.33 million deer-related car accidents in the U.S. in 2017, which is about one every minute.
These accidents typically occur between October and December, when deer are more active due to mating season. They also tend to happen in rural areas where there is a higher density of deer population. Not surprisingly, they are more common in states with large deer populations, such as West Virginia, Montana, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota.
While hitting a deer can be a frightening experience, fortunately most these accidents are not fatal. In fact, out of all the animal-related car accidents that State Farm studied, only 0.1% resulted in a fatality. However, they can still cause significant damage to your vehicle – and not just from the impact of hitting the animal itself. Deer-related accidents often result in secondary collisions as drivers swerve to avoid hitting the animal and end up crashing into another vehicle or object instead.
Wind damage
Wind damage is one of the most common car insurance claims. Many factors can contribute to wind damage, including severe weather conditions, trees or other objects falling on your car, and even garage doors blowing open.
If you live in an area prone to high winds, it’s important to take steps to protect your car. Keep it in a garage or carport if possible, and if not, make sure it’s parked in a safe location away from trees or other potential hazards. Inspect your car regularly for any signs of damage, and be sure to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible if you do experience any wind damage.
Hail damage
Hail damage is one of the most common car insurance claims. Hailstones can cause a great deal of damage to your car, and can even break through the windshield. If you live in an area where hail is common, it’s important to have comprehensive coverage on your car insurance policy.
Fire damage
1. Fire damage is one of the most common car insurance claims.
2. If your car catches on fire, it is important to call your insurance company right away and file a claim.
3. Be sure to have all the necessary documentation, such as the police report and photos of the damages, ready when you call.
4. It is also a good idea to get multiple estimates for the repairs before you settle on a shop.
5. Once your claim is approved, the insurance company will send you a check to cover the cost of repairs minus your deductible.
Conclusion
We’ve just gone through the 10 most common car insurance claims and discussed what your options are. Remember that having car insurance is essential if you want to stay safe on the road, but it can also be expensive if you don’t shop around for the best coverage. Make sure to read up on different policies and compare them so that you get a policy which meets all of your needs without breaking the bank.