If you have been in an accident in Massachusetts, you probably feel confident that your insurance company will make things right. However, you may be in for a bit of trouble. Insurance companies really never want to pay out. They prefer to collect premiums and deductibles, so when you make a claim, they will try hard to pay the least amount possible. This could spell trouble for you.

If your insurance company denies your claim or refuses to pay the full claim, you do have some things you can do to get it to pay, according to Kiplinger. Start by providing the insurance company as much information as you possibly can. This means providing pictures of the accident, estimates from repair shops and even witness statements. You can also get an appraisal from a third party to provide to your insurer.

If this still does not get results, you may want to double check your policy. In some cases, the refusal to pay is based on the fact that you do not have the right coverage. Make sure you understand your policy and ask questions if you need clarification.

If your insurer is trying to declare your vehicle a total loss, but you disagree, you can combat that by gathering information on the value of your vehicle. Use authoritative sources, such as Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds. Typically, if repair costs are more than the vehicle’s value, it is totaled, but you might be right on the edge and being able to prove the value of your vehicle is more than the cost of repairs can save you the hassle of dealing with the aftermath of having your vehicle declared a total loss. This information is for education and is not legal advice