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Don't
Be A Crash Test Dummy: According to
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Traffic Safety Facts
report, during 2009, more than 5.5 million motor vehicle crashes were
reported to police across the U.S. If you were in an accident, would you know
what information to get for an insurance claim? The National Association of
Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers these easy to follow tips to get the
necessary information following a crash. |
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Be
Prepared From an
accident to a breakdown, you should be ready for anything that can go wrong
on the road. Start by refreshing your memory about what is covered by your
auto insurance policy. A few important things to know: What is your
deductible? Your liability limits? Is towing or a rental car covered? For an
explanation of these terms and other possible coverages, check out the auto
section of your life situation at InsureUonline.org.
Remember,
insurance follows the car, not the driver. Always make sure there is a
current copy of the insurance ID card and an accident
checklist in the car. Make it easier by keeping these documents with your
car registration. After
an Accident The
minutes and hours following an accident can be hectic and adrenaline-filled.
Here are ten important things to remember in the heat of the moment:
Filing
the Claim Filing a
claim can be a confusing process. To help, notify your agent or insurance
company about the accident as soon as possible while the details are still
fresh in your mind. When you
call, have available the police report, your insurance card or declarations
page, and all of the information collected at the scene. Ask
questions. Make sure you understand who's coverage pays for which damages. If
there were injuries, ask if you live in a fault or no-fault state. In a
no-fault state a driver does not have to prove the crash was somebody else’s
fault before being reimbursed for medical expenses up to an amount listed in
the policy. In a no-fault state, Personal Injury Protection or PIP will be a
listed coverage on the declarations page. If it was
a multi-car accident, the insurance companies involved may investigate the
circumstances of the crash. A claims adjuster will likely want to examine the
damage to the car and talk with you about the accident. Your insurance
company will use the adjuster’s findings as the basis of their settlement. If it was
a minor accident and the car is still drivable, the company may offer you
several auto repair shops to choose from that can also act as the adjuster
for the claim. No matter
how you decide to get your car fixed, keep notes of all conversations you
have with various company representatives. Also keep all written material
regarding the claim. More
Information Contact
your state insurance department if you have problems settling the claim with
your insurance company. Consumer representatives can better explain the
claims process and can assist if you choose to file a complaint against the
insurance company. Click here
to find your state insurance department’s contact information. Understanding auto insurance can
be difficult, so take the guess work out of buying a policy. Get smart about
your insurance needs. For a quick primer on auto insurance read this consumer
alert. For more information and tips on how to save money on your
premiums, go to www.InsureUonline.org
and choose the life stage that best fits your situation. You can also
download the Consumer’s
Guide to Auto Insurance. April 2011 |
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About
the NAIC
Formed in 1871, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
(NAIC) is a voluntary organization of the chief insurance regulatory
officials of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S.
territories. The NAIC has three offices: Executive Office, Washington, D.C.;
Central Office, Kansas City, Mo.; and Securities Valuation Office, New York
City. The NAIC serves the needs of consumers and the industry, with an
overriding objective of supporting state insurance regulators as they protect
consumers and maintain the financial stability of the insurance marketplace. For more consumer information, visit insureUonline.org.
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Opt Out services. ©2011 National Association of
Insurance Commissioners. All rights reserved. |
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