My car here in Colorado got wrecked in an accident, my question is can I file an auto insurance claim against the other party’s car insurance company or am I only allowed to file with my carrier?

Nguyen

Arvada, CO

You have two options since you are allowed to file a claim to either your auto insurance carrier or you can opt to file the claim for whatever damages and injuries you sustain to the other party’s carrier. Filing an auto insurance claim with another insurance company is termed as a “Third-party” claim. Before you do so, it is important that you speak to a knowledgeable insurance agent or contact Colorado’s insurance regulations department about specific laws and information regarding a third-party claim since most state have different laws regarding this.

Unlike a “First-party” claim which is filing the claim with your own carrier, submitting an auto insurance claim with a third-party carrier may not be as easy. First, their obligation focuses first on their own policyholder. So be prepared to provide all the necessary information and itemization of the damages that your vehicle has incurred. Be prepared for a call from the other party’s carrier as well to verify all the information you provided.

Auto accident insurance claims are tricky, and the other carrier would want to settle as soon as possible, they would also want to settle with paying you with the least amount of money as possible so stand your ground. If you feel that you are not being compensated properly you may opt to negotiate the settlement or, if push comes to shove, take legal action.

I am looking for some ways to save on my auto insurance here in Wyoming so I was thinking to slash some things off. For a married guy with two kids, how do you think I can reduce the payment for my auto insurance?

Jay

Cheyenne, WY

In case you are already up for a renewal on your auto insurance in Wyoming, make sure that you find some ways wherein you could be able to save some money. And cutting out some coverage that you don’t really need is a good start of reducing your premium payment. If you have a lot of drivers listed in your auto insurance policy, you may opt not to add those who don’t drive your vehicle on a regular basis. It would cost you less to list another driver for one day or a weekend in case it would be one off occasion. Alternatively, since you are already married, if you have listed your spouse to your policy, it can really help lessen the premium that you pay since single men are perceived as riskier drivers.

Do not list your kids to your auto insurance policy except if it is very essential. Adding a teen driver would actually raise the price up to the roof. Likewise, if your kids are listed on your policy, do not forget to take off their name once they leave home. A higher deductible would aid you to save on your insurance costs and in case you are a safe driver, this could be specifically beneficial. However, do not forget that in case you get involved in an accident where in you are at fault, you would have to pay the deductible before your auto insurance kicks in.

I just moved in here in New Jersey and unfortunately I’m still not very familiar with many things. Can I actually file a car damage claim here in New Jersey with my own car insurance?

Kate

Clifton, NJ

Here in New Jersey, you have the option whether you are going to use your own car insurance or the other driver’s car insurance for filing a claim if in case the other driver had caused the accident. If you have enough coverage you should be able to choose your own policy to file claim. But before you do this, you should first and foremost file an insurance claim if in case your car is damaged or stolen.

If you want to file a claim by your own policy you have at least the Collision Coverage or the Comprehensive coverage. If you file a claim to your own insurance company your insurers will pay the repairs for the damages of your car or if the damage repair of your car exceeds the value of your car, your insurers will pay the value of your car instead. IF you have chosen to file a claim with the other driver’s car insurance then you will only receive a payment for the damages incurred to your car even if the other driver is legally responsible with the accident, there is also a possibility that the other driver’s car insurance might not be able to pay everything you have lost.