With over five to six million collisions annually, auto accidents are still a major issue in the US. About 60% of traffic fatalities are caused by speeding and drunk driving combined, whereas 8% are caused by distracted driving.
It can be confusing and stressful to be in a car accident. According to car accident attorney Louis Rubano, personal injury victims are entitled to recover damages for non-economic damages, economic damages, and punitive damages.
Typically, after an auto accident, people often ask if they should share their insurance details. It is essential to understand how and when to go about it since this will protect the insured and make it easier to file a claim. Future issues or disagreements can also be avoided by providing the appropriate information at the appropriate moment.
Let’s look at the situations where you should give your insurance information and why it matters.
Sharing Insurance Information After an Accident
After an accident, it is good practice to promptly share your insurance information with the other party so as to expedite the claims procedure. Along with providing details to the other party, this also lends the feeling of shared community and trust.
It makes it possible for them to hold you to some measure of accountability. Development of relations with the other party demonstrates a genuine willingness to amicably resolve the claim. Provide the other driver your name, policy number, and contact information. You are also entitled to ask for the same information from the other driver.
Sharing your insurance information can help keep the lines of conversation open during tough times.
Disclosing Your Policy for Medical Treatment
Should you give your insurance if someone hits you? Most accident victims tend to ask this question. Sharing insurance information is very important, especially when medical treatment is required. Any delay in this process might affect the administration of your treatment.
By disclosing policy information with the medical providers, you help them verify if you have coverage and ease the billing process. Doing so provides you an opportunity to focus on recovery without concern for money.
Providing Details When Renting a Vehicle
If you are renting a car, then you must provide your insurance information to be safeguarded in the event of an accident or damage. Many companies offer insurance, but when you already have it, supplying these details will help you save money. Sharing your insurance details helps you ascertain whether your policy covers a rental car.
Verify whether you can exercise any insurance or credit card privileges before you hit the road. Once you have checked your insurance coverage, you can go on trips with confidence that you are protected by your insurance policy.
Transparency will help you in the end, but more importantly, it will build a relationship with the rental company. After all, a responsible renter will always have a positive feeling within their community.
Sharing Information With Your Insurance Agent
Informing your insurance agent might intimidate you, but it is necessary to have the correct coverage. Insurance agents will help you understand the confusing terms involved in insurance claims. Once you list your assets, wants, and way of life, this information will be used to make a policy that fits your needs.
When things change in your life, like when you buy a car or when you change jobs, you may need to talk to your agent about your coverage needs. Your insurance agent’s job is to look out for your best interests. Open and honest communication will bring about mutual trust.
When to Keep Your Insurance Information Private
There may be certain times when sharing some of your insurance information can be helpful. But other times, your insurance details should still be kept private. Never give your policy numbers or any personal identification to anyone randomly, especially while dealing with strangers or surfing the web.
Oversharing can lead to identity theft and fraud. If someone you’re talking to doesn’t need to know about other issues of privacy, you might still keep them looped. It’s perfectly fine to say no if something makes you uncomfortable. Listen to your gut.
Only give out your insurance information if it is really necessary. Being cautious about your privacy will guarantee that the info stays personal.
