A guide to interacting with this sub – read me first

A Comprehensive Guide to Engaging with This Subreddit – Please Read First

Welcome to our subreddit! This post is intended for both newcomers and seasoned contributors, as well as everyone in between. Our primary aim is to promote a more welcoming environment throughout the community.

If you’re new here, please keep in mind that we have no financial interest in your claims or coverage. We’re not here to sell you anything or help companies cut costs. If you respond negatively to our advice simply because it’s not what you wanted to hear, it may lead to unfavorable reactions.

We frequently encounter the same questions, and perhaps this will provide the clarity you need:

• How much will my insurance premium increase after a ticket, accident, or lapse in coverage? We can’t determine that without knowing the specific regulations in your state that apply to your situation.
• My premium increased by $X. How can I contest this? Unfortunately, there’s no way to fight this. Your best option is to shop for new coverage, which we can’t assist you with.
• What do others pay for insurance? Unless you find someone with a similar demographic background and situation, those figures aren’t helpful.
• What is my claim worth? We can’t provide that information. (Note: a more detailed inquiry regarding your claim may yield different responses.)
• How long will my claim take to resolve? We don’t have that information either. (Again, a more detailed question might lead to different insights.)
• Why is someone trying to sell me something? If you encounter this, please report the post, comment, chat, or private message to the moderators for further action.
• Will you assist me in committing fraud or breaking the law? Absolutely not. We may ban anyone attempting such actions.

We’re here to help you navigate what can be a complex insurance system, which significantly impacts many lives directly and indirectly. To make the most of your posts and receive effective assistance, please include:

• Your location (at minimum, country and state/province)
• The type of insurance involved (Auto, Homeowners/Renters, Commercial, Health, etc.)
• A brief overview of the issue and any advice you have received so far

Additionally, here are some key terms that might enhance your credibility in the discussion:

• Adjuster: The individual who manages your claim, makes coverage decisions, and processes payments.
• Agent: The person who sells you a policy. Although they sometimes assist with claims, this is not their primary role.
• Underwriter: The person who determines the cost of a specific policy based on assessed risk.
• Rate: This term refers to how your final price is calculated and is often synonymous with “premium,” “cost,” and “price.”
• ~~Full coverage~~: Avoid using this term. It lacks a universally accepted definition, leading to confusion and possibly negative reactions from other members.
• No Fault: There are 18 states that require bodily injury claims to be paid by your own policy, rather than the at-fault party. Michigan is the only state that makes vehicle damage No Fault. All Canadian provinces have some form of No Fault provisions for injuries, which is why we need your location when you ask questions.
• Collision coverage: This covers damage from a collision with another vehicle or object.
• Comprehensive coverage (also known as Other Than Collision): This protects your vehicle from various incidents, including natural disasters, tree falls, and sometimes animal strikes.
• Deductible: The amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in for a claim. While deductibles can occasionally be waived, this is not the norm.

Our community is made up of volunteers with a solid understanding of the insurance system. Mistakes typically occur due to a lack of information for precise answers. We hope this guide helps you find the answers you seek and encourages a