A guide to interacting with this sub – read me first

Welcome to Our Subreddit: A Guide for New and Seasoned Members

This post serves as a helpful resource for first-time posters, long-time volunteers, and everyone in between, with the aim of promoting a friendly atmosphere within our community.

If you’re new here, it’s important to understand that none of us are personally invested in your claim or insurance coverage. We’re not here to sell anything or cut costs for companies. Please remember, being unkind to responders because you’re unhappy with their answers can create unnecessary negativity.

We often receive similar questions, and here are some common inquiries along with their answers:

• How much will my insurance increase after a ticket, accident, or lapse in coverage? We can’t determine that without knowing specific details about your situation and the laws in your state.

• My premium increased by $X. How can I contest this? Unfortunately, you cannot contest it. Your best option is to look for new coverage, which we cannot assist with.

• What do most people pay for insurance? The answers to this question can be misleading unless you find someone who fits your exact demographics in your specific area.

• How much is my claim worth? We can’t provide that information. (Note: if you have a more specific question about your claim, we may be able to offer guidance.)

• How long will it take to resolve my claim? We can’t say for certain, as it depends on the complexity of the case.

• Why is someone trying to sell me something? If this occurs, please report the post, comment, or message to a moderator for assistance.

• Will you help me commit fraud or break the law? Absolutely not. Engaging in such activities could lead to a ban from the community.

Our main goal is to assist you. We are a group of volunteers dedicated to helping others navigate the complexities of the insurance system, which impacts many lives directly and indirectly. To help us help you, please consider including the following details in your post:

• Location: Include your country and state/province.
• Type of insurance: Specify whether it’s Auto, Homeowners/Renters, Commercial, Health, or something else.
• Brief description of the issue: Provide a short overview of your situation and any advice you’ve received so far.

Additionally, here are some definitions of common insurance terms that may help you communicate more effectively:

• Adjuster: The person managing your claim and determining coverage and payments.
• Agent: The individual who sells your policy; involvement in claims is typically rare for agents.
• Underwriter: The person who assesses risk and sets the price of a specific policy.
• Rate: This refers to how your final price is calculated and is often synonymous with “premium,” “cost,” and “price.”
• Full coverage: Avoid using this term, as there is no universal definition, and it often leads to downvotes.
• No Fault: Refers to states that require your policy to cover bodily injury claims first; Michigan is the only state where damage to your vehicle also follows No Fault rules. All Canadian provinces have some No Fault provisions for injuries, which is why location matters in your questions.
• Collision coverage: Covers repair costs if your car is in an accident with another vehicle or object.
• Comprehensive coverage (Other Than Collision): Covers various incidents such as floods, fires, and more, though it might not always cover animal strikes.
• Deductible: The amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance provides coverage, which can sometimes be waived, although this is uncommon.

As a community of volunteers familiar with insurance matters, we strive to provide accurate information. When inaccuracies occur, it’s often due to a lack of specific details. We hope this guide equips you to receive effective assistance and fosters a positive experience in our subreddit.