Auto Insurance Tips

How high should it be?

One of the queries you have to answer before ultimately purchasing an auto insurance policy is the amount of deductible the company has to consider. Many buyers are confused with this matter and wonder how high their deductible should be. Here are a few insights on how you should make a decision on these things.

If you are looking for a minimum coverage then choosing a higher deductible becomes one of the best options. The car insurance provider will comfortably give you a lower-priced premium policy, yet be ready to carry the burden of paying upfront payment when faced with a car accident in the future.

Understanding Deductibles

Deductibles are the amount initially paid by the driver during an accident before the auto insurance company enters the picture.

For example, you have a deductible of $500, then it implies that this amount is to be paid initially by the driver upon encountering a crash and the remainder of the cost will be shouldered by the insurance provider according to the terms of the policy.

Some people may choose higher deductibles because they believe being a safe and responsible driver on the road is sufficient to keep them at lower risk of encountering a car crash. Unfortunately, this is not the case. You may be very cautious on the road, but if the other party is not as responsible as you are, then you may still encounter a crash.

Think before purchasing a car insurance policy and you will be doing yourself a favor in the future.

Saving for your car insurance policy is now made even more possible through the following methods.

Always consider this before making an auto insurance purchase and you will be surprised with the amount of savings it will bring.

1. Change of location

The car insurance premium rate is greatly determined by the location. Some states are charged more by insurance providers because of the high density of vehicles and populations in the area; therefore, if you will move to a place with the least number of vehicles, then you are guaranteed lower priced policies.

2. Join Organizations

Organizations like the AAA, Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, and AARP are greatly favored by most insurance providers. You may wish to become one of its members and you will be provided with a list of auto insurance providers affiliated with their site.

3. Low Risk Occupation

Another factor considered by companies in determining policies is job occupation. Some jobs have higher risks of encountering a road accident; therefore, it is charged more. Choose something less wild and your car insurance premium is less likely to be too expensive on your pocket.

Use free car insurance quotes online today and see the lowest deals in the market. Shop with confidence and find the best car insurance package for your needs.

You have every right to cancel and change to a different insurance company anytime without penalty; however, it is important to find a more reliable company that will assist you with your car insurance needs before you do decide to leave your current provider.

There are various reasons why someone would wish to switch to a different auto insurance provider. Primarily, they may have seen a more affordable auto insurance policy with the same coverage they currently hold. Nevertheless, it is wise to investigate the customer satisfaction rating of the new company before you do decide to leave the old because lower premium rate is not the only condition you should consider in making the switch.

Checking the latest car insurance deals online is one of the easiest ways to determine if you are in need of a switch. Free online car insurance quotes are tools provided by many websites for the convenience of car insurance buyers. You should take advantage of this kind of opportunity to find better deals and save money in the future.

Making the switch is fairly simple, but finding a company worthy to replace your current auto insurance policy will be a bit tricky.

No one would like to experience an automobile crash, but in case you do, how will the adjuster determine your car accident claim payout.

Accident Facts

Details of the crash have to be examined which includes the persons involved, the speed of the vehicles that caused the accident, the intervention of the police officer, and other relevant facts related to the event will be scrutinized.

Determining Liability

The claims adjuster determines the party responsible for the accident. Reconstruction experts may be called to assist if both parties fail to acknowledge the fault. Nevertheless, if the other party has been easily pointed out as the cause of the crash then it will involve minor investigations.

Extent of the Injuries

The insurance company will require a medical report from your physician, so your treatment and forms of medication can be summarized and analyzed. Most auto insurance companies will try their best to pay minimum amount; therefore, it is best to keep a record of all your medical expenses to easily justify your claim.

Other Expenses

If you or another party were injured during the crash, it is highly possible that the vehicle experience much damage as well. The bills covering payment for the restoration of the vehicle has to be covered by someone. Normally, it is accounted by the driver at-fault, but the amount has to be justified by providing a minimum of one repair estimate. Expect them to look at your vehicle even after submitting the estimate, but never take this personally because they are just doing their best to reduce their expenses.

Note: You are not obliged to readily agree with the terms provided by your car insurance provider. If you believe it is not the amount you deserve, and then feel free to discuss these matters with your attorney for possible court litigation.

Your auto insurance company will remind you that it is absolutely necessary that you report all car accidents to them and to the authorities. However, is it always wise to do so?

Accident under $1, 000 without Injuries

Authorities will not require you to report car accidents that have a total damage of only $1000 for both vehicles. You are free to have it settled between the two of you. Nevertheless, if it involves personal injury then there is no argumentative reason why you should not put it into records.

Should I report it to my insurance company?

Even the minutest of accident incurred through your policy can be considered a blemish on your insurance report. It will reflect on your records for six years and it may be used by car insurance providers to increase your premiums.

Accident over $1,000 without injuries

Any accident with total damages that amounts to $1,001 has to be reported to the authorities. It is to your prerogative, especially if the other party offers cash payment in exchange for it not being reported to the insurance provider and the authorities, but it is a risk you should be willing to take. There is no assurance he will indeed pay the remainder of the repair and damages incurred on your vehicle. Moreover, you may be letting someone go and risking the lives of other drivers from his reckless driving.

Accident with injuries

Any car accident that involves personal injuries has to be reported to the police station. It becomes more than an issue of who is liable to pay for all the damages because a person’s life has been placed at great risk because of someone’s irresponsibility. Be sure to report this, otherwise tables can be turned against you especially if the other party reports to the authorities that you left the scene of the crime.

 

Secure the following information, before you go to your car insurance company to submit a claim because this will greatly reduce the amount of time needed to resolve your auto insurance claim.

Complete Information of the Other Party

List down the address, the contact details, the date of birth, and the driver’s license of the other party. Care to inquire about their insurance information including the name of the insurance provider catering their needs and the contact number of the agent assigned to this policy.

Gather the Witness

To make an authentic claim, find a witness that can stand by your story. It will help your insurance company easily identify the true culprit behind the incident.

Police Information

If a police assisted you during the event, then take note of his name, his badge number, and the report number of the accident.

Vehicle Information

Do not leave the scene without listing down the make, model, license plate number, VIN number, and vehicle year of all the vehicles involved in the accident.

Location Information

Take a picture of the event. Write the place where it happened. Note down the area where the vehicle impacted, direction of travel, the lane you are driving in and the other car, and possible sign posts that may have posted a warning for drivers in this route.

Hand this over to your insurance provider for a speedier processing of your car insurance claims, but always keep a copy of the documents you submit to them for future references.

 

You were responsible to purchase a car insurance policy according to the requirements of the State. However, the party responsible failed to do so. He has no car insurance coverage, what will happen next?

Remain Calm

Do not loose your cool. It would seem natural if you start shouting back at him for being a very irresponsible driver on the road, but it will do you no good. It would not help you with your auto insurance claims. Instead, remain focus and gather authenticated identification details. After he provides his name and contact details, ask for names of individual who can attest the information he has provided is indeed true.

Present Details to the Car Insurance Provider

After gathering the relevant evidence and information, claim for damages through your own insurance company. It may file joint complaints against the uninsured and if you follow the above-mentioned recommendation; then it is very much possible the court will favor your case. Ultimately, the uninsured shoulders all of the costs incurred through the accident.

Conclusion

Do not drive without a car insurance policy. If you are yet to find affordable auto insurance then it is important you do it at the quickest time possible because this can be your only passes to walk conveniently away from a road accident.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is one of the major reasons behind these accidents. It is too unfortunate if you become one of the victims of someone else’s irresponsibility. However, if you do encounter one on the road, what should you do? How should you react?

Minor Accident: The Other Party Acknowledges Fault

If there is no police in the scene, it is only a minor scratch on your vehicle, the other party is acknowledging it is his fault; then has him sign a written consent form stating he claim responsibility. You are free to settle the matter with him without the need to involve car insurance companies. However, make sure you gather and authenticate all of his contact details in case he suffers from temporary amnesia and forgets all that you have discussed.

Minor and Major Accident: No One Acknowledges Fault

It would be great if the party responsible easily acknowledges his fault, but most of the time no one would claim responsibility. When this happens, you need to have witnesses who will prove the other party is the party responsible. Make a claim to your car insurance company and present the details of the incident together with the names of the witnesses and the evidences you have gathered. Allow them to investigate on the matter. It may take a few months before they take action, so compile all of the bills you paid because it will be helpful for future reimbursements with the auto insurance company.

AARP is a non profit organization offering a wide variety of insurance products for its members. These products include long-term care insurance, residential insurance, life insurance, mobile-home insurance and health insurance. In addition to this, members of the organization are also provided with expert advice and support on different topics. With over 40 million members, AARP is widely considered to have one of the largest membership organizations in the US.