Car accidents can bring about stress and worry on top of potential physical pain. They happen when you least expect them and can seriously cost you if you happen to lack auto insurance! One thing that many Americans neglect to consider is auto insurance scams. There are many scam artists out there, ready to coordinate and dupe you. At Shepard Walton King, we want you to have some inside information, so you won’t fall victim to these scams.

Few Too Many Passengers

One of the most infamous scams around involves claims where the scammer adds passengers that weren’t involved in the accident to their insurance claim. The goal is to walk out of the ordeal with a bigger payout. Of course, this scam can be difficult to avoid, which is why it’s so important for you to make note of every passenger involved and to have police officers aware as well.

The “Good” Samaritan

If you’ve been in an accident and get a phone call or visit from an insurance official telling you that they can provide you with emergency services or car repairs, hang up the phone or deny them your attention. These sneaky “insurance” callers are likely trying to get some personal information from you so they can file false claims and make a profit off of you. Keep in mind that you should only deal with your own insurance company.

Tricked into a Rear Ender

In a rear-end accident, the rear-ender is almost always the person at fault. Many scammers take advantage of these legalities by trying to get you to hit them from behind. They’ll brake abruptly (brake-checking), slow down, weave in and out of traffic, or even cut into your lane. The best way to avoid falling victim to these scams is by staying alert while behind the wheel and keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you.

Faking It

Let’s say you get into an accident with no serious injuries, but, after the police arrive, the other driver begins yelling bloody murder that they’re injured. They’re trying to fake injuries so that they can get major cash from your insurance company! In some cases, they’ll even visit physicians who are in on the scam to really sell the injuries. Stay alert, notify your insurance company of things that don’t add up, and make sure the police report’s information is accurate.

The Peace of Mind You Need

As a driver, you want an insurance company that will do right by you at all times, even in the event of dubious run-ins with scammers. This is where Shepard Walton King comes in. We’ve built a reputation for being a McAllen insurance agency that you can trust for protection. Contact us today for more information about our services.