Can You Switch Auto Insurance Companies After an Accident While Your Claim Is Pending?

As a personal injury lawyer, I often get asked whether switching auto insurance companies after an accident is possible while your claim is still pending.

The short answer is yes, you can change your insurance company, and your new insurance company will be obligated to cover your claim as long as your coverage was enforced at the time of the accident.

In this blog post, we will discuss why people may want to switch insurance companies, important things to remember before making the switch, and the potential impact on your claim.

If you need help filing a personal injury claim, call Onward Injury Law. Remember to fill out our easy, five-minute form to schedule your free consultation. Contact us today.

Reasons Why People Want to Switch Insurance Companies

We see a variety of circumstances that lead people to want to change their insurance companies.

One common scenario is when folks have to deal with their insurance company on a property damage claim and have a lot of frustration or difficulty communicating with their adjuster. They may become dissatisfied with the level of service they are receiving and want to make a change.

Another reason is when people meet with a personal injury lawyer and review their policy declarations. They may discover that the insurance company they are currently with does not provide the best coverage for their needs. In some cases, they may want to switch to a company that has a better reputation for paying claims or offers better coverage options.

Lastly, some individuals may have canceled their policy after an accident because they no longer have the vehicle or asset covered under the policy.

In any of these cases, you may wonder if you can cancel the policy without affecting the pending claim. Yes, you can, but you should keep some things in mind before switching.

Have more questions? Contact the team at Onward Injury Law. We’re here to help.

Important Things to Keep in Mind Before Switching Insurance Companies

If you decide to switch insurance companies after an accident, there are a few crucial things to keep in mind.

First, you should never have any gap in coverage between the two policies. If you cancel your insurance coverage with one policy, and a few days later, your new policy starts, this can create problems.

You would be breaking the law if you were driving in those days in between, and your vehicle is not covered. In an accident, you would be responsible for any damages to your car, and you could face legal consequences.

Second, you should also consider whether you have a bundling arrangement with your insurance company. If you have your auto and home coverage bundled with the same carrier, you may be getting discounts on both policies. If you cancel your auto coverage with the insurance company, you may lose those discounts and end up paying more for your home insurance coverage.

If you need help determining whether or not you should switch insurance companies, fill out our form to schedule your free consultation. Onward Injury Law provides the legal support you need.

Impact on Your Claim

Switching insurance companies should not affect your claim as long as your coverage was in effect at the time of the accident. Your new insurance company will be responsible for covering your claim, and your old insurance company will be released from any further obligation.

However, it is essential to note that changing insurance companies could potentially delay the claims process. The new insurance company will need to review the accident and the pending claim before they can assume responsibility. This process could take some time, which may result in delays in receiving the compensation you are entitled to.

Here are three reasons why your choice of a car accident insurance company matters.

FAQ: Switching Auto Insurance After a Car Accident

Can I cancel my current policy after an accident?

Yes. You can cancel your current policy after an accident but you should ensure that your new policy starts before canceling your old one. Canceling your policy without having continuous coverage can lead to potential legal and financial problems.

How can a personal injury lawyer help me switch insurance companies?

A Bloomington car accident lawyer can review your policy declarations and recommend a different insurance company that can provide better coverage options or has a better reputation for paying claims. Additionally, they can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Will switching insurance companies affect my claim?

Switching insurance companies should not affect your claim as long as your coverage was enforced at the time of the accident. However, switching could potentially delay the claims process as the new insurance company will need to review the accident and the pending claim before they can assume responsibility.

Contact Onward Injury Law Today

You can switch auto insurance companies after an accident while your claim is still pending. It is important to consider your reasons for switching, ensure there is no gap in coverage, and be aware of the potential impact on your claim. If you have any questions or concerns about auto accident claims or personal injury law, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Contact us today to get started on your claim. Fill out our quick and easy form to schedule your free consultation with a Bloomington car accident lawyer.

Author Bio

Josh Rohrscheib

Joshua Rohrscheib is the Owner of Onward Injury Law, a Central Illinois personal injury law firm. With more than 17 years of experience in injury law, he is dedicated to representing clients in a wide range of legal matters, including car accidents, trucking accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and other personal injury cases.

Josh received his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law and is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including being named among the “Top 40 Under 40” in 2019 by The National Trial Lawyers and a “Rising Star” in 2019 by Super Lawyers.

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