Auto insurance fraud is a widespread problem, adding as much as $300 per year to every insurance customer’s premiums. Whether you’re purchasing Calgary car insurance or are out on the road, there are things you can do to prevent fraud from happening to you. Of course, the first step in this process it to make yourself aware of the types of fraud that are out there, and of the proper ways to deal with an auto accident when it happens. The best way to completely avoid fraud is to work with a licensed professional to purchase a Calgary car insurance policy that is perfect for you.
When purchasing Calgary car insurance
When you’re shopping around for Calgary car insurance, keep these tips in mind:
- Any time you have doubts about an insurance company, call the Alberta Insurance Council to find out if the company is certified.
- If you come across a company whose rates are much lower than its competitors, don’t buy anything just yet. Ask around and do research to make sure that the company is legitimate. If you can’t find good information on the company, it may be a scam.
- When it comes to door-to-door salespeople, internet ads, or telemarketers, be especially careful.
- Read every word of your insurance policy before signing it.
- Once you have your Calgary car insurance ID number, keep it private.
When driving
When you’re behind the wheel, always be aware of the cars that are around you. Watch out for cars that follow dangerously close to you or suddenly pull in front of you. These could be staged-accident attempts. Any time another driver is making you feel unsafe, get yourself out of the situation as soon as you can. If possible, pull into a gas station or any other safe spot.
After a collision with another vehicle
To guard against fraud from other drivers, it’s important to be aware of the best procedures to use following an accident. Here are some things to remember:
- After exchanging all relevant information with the other driver—including license numbers, vehicle registrations, names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information—take photographs of the scene and the damage to both cars. If you don’t have a camera in your phone, keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment.
- Count how many people are in the other car. If possible, get names and numbers for all of them.
- If anyone who is not a law enforcement officer arrives at the scene and tries to tell you to do anything, ignore them.
- Call the police and ask if they can come to the scene. If they do come, file a police report immediately.
- File a claim with your Calgary car insurance company as soon as possible.
- Don’t use a tow-truck driver who insists upon bringing your vehicle to a specific repair shop.
- Be sure to get detailed bills and invoices for all charges resulting from your accident, and keep all of your receipts.
- Never under any circumstances sign anything that you have not carefully read, even if someone urgently insists that you do so.
