Question: No Ticket, No Claim, but Now Insurance Wants Info 6 Months Later
My son recently experienced a tire blowout and ended up in the median after hitting the guardrail. An officer responded, took his statement, and filed an incident report. Now, six months later, our insurance company is asking for more information, specifically a copy of the police report, or they might drop our coverage.
I have a couple of questions: How did the insurance company find out about this incident—was it just the DMV? How should we proceed from here? If we provide the police report to the insurance company, could that potentially create issues for us later? Would it be better to switch insurers now and manage the increase in premiums when they check the DMV record? I’m trying to figure out the best course of action. Thanks for your help!
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a tough situation. Here’s how you might proceed:
Understanding how they got the information: It’s likely that the insurance company got the information from the DMV, which keeps records of accidents and incidents involving vehicles. If a report was filed with law enforcement, it might also be available through public records.
Providing the police report: If you provide the police report to the insurance company, it’s possible they may use it to assess liability or determine if any claims should be made. This could potentially impact your policy, particularly if there are findings that suggest negligence. However, remember that they might already have access to some of this information through DMV records.
Assessing your options:
Transparency and communication: Consider discussing this directly with your current insurance agent. They can provide clarity on what information is necessary and how it might impact your policy. It’s better to be transparent to avoid potential coverage issues in the future.
Legal advice: If you’re unsure or concerned about the implications of sharing information, consulting with a legal expert or an insurance advisor might be wise.
Ultimately, weigh the pros and cons of staying with your current insurer versus switching. Understanding your rights and the details surrounding the incident report can help you make a more informed decision.