Your car is a second home for you, but all of sudden you get in an accident! Happens every 20 minutes in T&T.
You might have 100% trust in the car insurance company for a hassle-free car insurance claim settlement. But, WAIT! Do you know there are chances that your insurance company may not honour your car insurance claim?
See below 7 circumstances where it is quite possible for your claim to get rejected and learn the steps how you can avoid this.
Step 1: Lack of knowledge…That is the problem!
Many people buy car insurance policy just for the heck of it. But, when it comes to filing a claim, they actually go through a lot of trouble due to lack of knowledge.
The terms and conditions of the car insurance policy are systematically mentioned in the policy document. Sadly, very few bother to even have a look at it. Policy documents are made to relieve the car insurance companies from a financial as well as legal liability that may arise post signing a contract with you. Missing the asterisks on the policy wordings will put you in a total mess.
Shyft.tt Solution: Thoroughly read the policy terms and conditions and carefully scrutinize it to avoid car insurance claim rejections. Seek advice from your Sales Team members at Shyft.tt
Step 2: Stop dilly-dallying –Pay your premiums on time!
Don’t be lazy, or being a bad creditor, and pay your car insurance premiums on time. Procrastinating will only lead to lapsed car insurance policies.
Once a policy laps for lack of payment, you will not be covered in the event of an accident. Besides, you may also lose over the No Claim Discount if you do not renew your car insurance policy within 90 days from its expiry.
Shyft.tt Solution: Keep a careful watch on your car insurance policy expiry date. Renew it on time to avoid unnecessary hassles. Do not pose a risk to you, your car and the third party’s life by taking the law in your hands!
Step 3: Don’t act over smart – first inform your insurer/Shyft.tt
Okay, so you think you did a wise thing by getting your car repairs done first without informing the insurer? NO, not really!
Some Trinis think they can get their car damages repaired thinking they can later get money reimbursed from the car insurance company afterwards. WRONG! It is your duty to first inform your broker/motor insurance company about the incident. The surveyors from the insurer’s office will need to inspect the car and conduct an analysis for the cost of damage and an estimate would be then provided to you.
In fact, your insurance company has all the rights to reject your car insurance claim in case you get the repairs done first and then inform them.
One of the many reasons of the claim rejection can be the inability to trace the accident spot and the cost of damage.
Not to forget, inform the car insurance company within the prescribed time frame. This definitely varies from one insurer to another!
Shyft.tt Solution: First thing first, inform your car insurance company about the accident. DO NOT get the repairs done on your own. This can definitely lead to a car insurance claim rejection.
Step 4: From bars to behind bars – Watch out!
Well, you really need guts to drive after necking back a lot of beers and rum! There are so many even today, who intentionally take the law in their own hands. But, why?
Insurance companies will straight forwardly reject your claim if you drink and drive. Forget about the car insurance claim getting rejected, be ready to go behind the bars!
Besides, due to the stringent laws, paying a penalty and imprisonment of 6 months to 3 years will be applicable. Also, your license will be revoked and you may have to appear before the court. “Drunk and drive” is one of the most common exclusions under a car insurance policy.
Shyft.tt Solution: Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ensure you drive safely and be a responsible citizen. Don’t violate laws. Trust us, if you adhere to the rules, you can definitely have a smooth and hassle-free car insurance claim settlement!
Step 5: Forgot to transfer the car ownership in the insurance policy?
You can either forget to transfer the car’s ownership under your name in the insurance policy. Or you can intentionally act lazy to get it done. Both are very irresponsible when time comes for a claim.
It is your responsibility to transfer the insurance policy in the new owner’s name after buying the car. The car insurance policy will be considered invalid, or best case can be dragged on for months, in case any claims arise. Why invite unwanted issues when you can get the documentation easily by informing your insurer on time?
Shyft.tt Solution: If you own a brand new or second-hand car, make sure you transfer the car insurance policy in your name at the earliest. Don’t wait for an incident to happen. Ignorance is NOT bliss.
Step 6: A private car but being used to make money?
Like really? You buy the car for your private use but all of a sudden you feel like renting out the car to make some money, or run “taxi”? Or worse, get ready for car insurance claim rejection if you use your private car for commercial purposes.
But if you know your “risk profile” has changed after you took out your insurance, do the right thing by opting for a passenger carrying car insurance or goods carrying car insurance if you wish to use your car for commercial use.
Shyft.tt Solution: From the start, get an appropriate car insurance policy in case you want to make money from your car. Using your private car for commercial purposes is definitely NOT the solution…the “saving of money” is not worth the risk.
Step 7: Do not have a valid driving license?
You might think you are a safe driver, but driving without a valid license is an offence and is the least safe things you can do!
Your car insurance claim will not be honoured and you will get in trouble with the law. It’s that simple! Why create unwanted hassles when you can avoid such things in the first place, let your friend drive, take a driving test or get the licence renewed on time? Yes, there is a small grace period after it expires but this is a few weeks!
Shyft.tt Solution: Do not drive unless you have a valid driving license. Besides, do not allow anyone else to drive your car who doesn’t possess a valid license.
Follow the above-mentioned steps to avoid car insurance claim rejection in T&T. Shyft.tt is here to help you file for hassle-free claims when the need arises, because it will arise! Why unnecessary break the rules and fall prey to claim rejections?
If you may still need advice, www.shyft.tt is always there to help you today and always!
