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How do you know when to file an insurance claim? An expert tells “GMA."
— -- Insurance may be the best way to help you bounce back from life’s unwanted surprises, such as medical problems, car accidents and emergency home repairs, but filing a claim can be confusing.
How do you know when you should and should not file a claim? Insurance expert Bob Rusbuldt explained it all to “GMA” Investigates.
First, when to file? Rusbuldt, the CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, says people should always file a claim when they’ve damaged someone else’s property.
“You may think you have a little minor incident ... and three weeks later you're sued for whiplash,” he said. “You have to file a claim to protect yourself ... because of litigation.”
That’s exactly what George Brown says happened to him. He says he got into a fender bender and decided not to file a claim. He was later sued for $125,000.
“I just didn't think that they would sue me for damages because there was no way that anyone was injured!” Brown, a 72-year-old Florida resident, told ABC News.
Next, Rusbuldt said, you should report any issue that could result in continuing damage.
“Even if you think it's a minor thing now, it could be much larger than you imagine,” he said.
But when is it better not to file? Don’t file if it’s the same incident over and over.
Rob Berger, the father of two teens from Virginia, said his children got into multiple, yet minor, car accidents that didn’t involve other cars. He didn’t file any claims.
“I was concerned that if we report any claims, no matter how small, it would affect our premiums,” he said.
Experts say Berger was absolutely right.
