What You Should Do After A Car Accident

What You Should Do After A Car Accident

Every driver involved in a car accident is legally required to remain at the scene. He or she must also offer aid and give necessary information to others involved and to law enforcement officers. If you’re involved in a car accident:

• Use all means possible to warn oncoming traffic of the danger at the scene.
  
• Give reasonable aid to the injured. Do not move them unless it is absolutely necessary.
  
• Notify the state patrol, city police or county sheriff, and if needed, request a doctor or aid unit and ambulance.
  
• Obtain and give necessary information for the accident report, including names of witnesses and police officers.
  
• If there is any injury or death, you must notify the state patrol, city police or county sheriff. If you fail to complete a written report, when required, it may result in the suspension of your driver’s license or instruction permit.
  

It is equally important that you promptly report the incident to your car insurance company. Also, you may be subject to other reporting requirements specified in your car insurance policy. It is vital that you read your policy and know what you must do to file a claim.

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How To Reduce Your Car Insurance Rates

How To Reduce Your Car Insurance Rates

How To Reduce Your Car Insurance Rates

Shop around
Each car insurance company has unique financial goals and costs. As a result, it isn’t uncommon to find rate differences between companies for the exact same insurance coverage. The cheapest insurance may not provide you with the degree of coverage you need. It is a good idea to discuss your coverage with your agent or auto insurance company.

Select the right vehicle
The type of car you own has a direct influence on your auto insurance costs. Before you buy a vehicle, check with your agent or broker to find out how much it will cost to insure.

Select higher deductibles
The amount of the deductible you select will affect your car insurance rate. For example, you may save money by increasing your collision and comprehensive deductibles from $100 to $500. To help keep your premiums down, you may want to think about paying for smaller claims yourself and using your car insurance to only pay for larger claims.

Special discounts
Ask each agent or insurance company if they offer special discounts. They often offer discounts to young drivers who are good students or who have completed a driver’s education course. Many companies will give you a discount on your premiums if you also insure your house through the same company.

Eliminate duplication
Your insurance coverage may overlap in some areas, such as medical, collision, and uninsured motorist property damage. Ask your agent or broker to explain your coverage and advise you if you are duplicating coverage.

Buying collision / comprehensive coverage
If you don’t think you could afford to fix your vehicle yourself if it was involved in a car accident, you may want to carry collision and comprehensive coverage. These coverages protect owners of expensive and late-model cars against the cost of repairs. Though coverage may increase your rates, you may want to think about it if the difference in what you pay would exceed your ability to pay the repair bills. Your lender may require these coverages until you’ve paid off your vehicle.

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The Segments Of The Car Insurance Market You Should Know About

The Segments Of The Car Insurance Market You Should Know About

The Segments Of The Car Insurance Market You Should Know About

Standard market: This market refers to the average driver who uses family-type cars and has a reasonably good driving record.

Non-standard market: This market includes young drivers with less experience, drivers with multiple tickets or accidents, and drivers with reckless or drunk driving histories.

Preferred market: This market features the lowest premiums and it is available to low-risk drivers with exceptional driving records.

Most auto insurers offer car insurance coverage that falls into the standard or the preferred markets. A few corporations have several companies within their group and establish tiers that range from the preferred market to the non-standard market.

You should:

• Know what types and limits of car insurance coverage you need.
  
• Ensure you’re dealing with an authorized company and a licensed insurance agent or broker.
  
• Make sure you have the make, model and other details of the car you wish to insure.
  
• Answer any questions about your driving record and car accident history fully and accurately.
  
• Shop for customer service and price.

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Total Loss | Vehicle Insurance

Total Loss | Vehicle Insurance

Total Loss | Vehicle Insurance

Total loss occurs when your vehicle is not repairable, or when it costs more to repair than what it is worth.

“Actual cash value” means your cost to replace your vehicle with a like vehicle. This includes the retail price, plus all applicable taxes and fees.

“Like car” (or “like vehicle”) means a car that is the:

• same make and model;
• same or newer year;
• similar body style, options, and mileage as your vehicle; and
• in as good or better overall condition.

To achieve “likeness,” you or the company must itemize and confirm in a dollar amount any deductions or additions for options, mileage or condition. An insurer must consider information that you supply when it determines deductions or additions. However, shared information may not always produce a change in the value.

You have the right to payment of the actual cash value of your car, and to expect a prompt and fair settlement. Don’t be surprised if your “value amount” and the insurer’s “value amount” do not match. Be ready to negotiate with the insurer when this happens.

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Why are insurance premium rates for teenagers so high?

Why are insurance premium rates for teenagers so high?

Why are insurance premium rates for teenagers so high?

Immaturity and lack of driving experience are the main reasons. Compared with older drivers, teenagers as a group are more willing to take risks and less likely to use safety belts. They also are more likely than older drivers to underestimate the dangers associated with hazardous situations and less able to cope with such dangers.

Teenage drivers have very high auto insurance rates of both fatal and nonfatal crashes compared with drivers of other ages.

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Auto Insurance Terms (Glossary)

Auto Insurance Terms (Glossary)

Auto Insurance Terms (Glossary)

Agent: An insurance sales person. An independent agent does not work for any insurance company and sells the policies of more than one insurer; an exclusive agent sells the policies of only one insurance company.

Arson: The willful and malicious burning of, or attempt to burn, any structure or other property, often with criminal or fraudulent intent.

Automobile Insurance Plan: A state supervised insurance plan for people who cannot find automobile insurance (this may also be referred to as the Assigned Risk Plan). Each driver in the plan is assigned to an insurance company. The cost of this insurance is higher than in the regular market.

Automobile Physical Damage Insurance: Coverage to pay for damage to or loss or policyholder's automobile resulting from collision, fire, theft or other perils.

Binder: A temporary written or oral insurance contract which is effective until it is replaced by a regular policy.

Catastrophe: In insurance, a term applied to an incident or series of related incidents causing insured property losses totaling more than US$5 million.

Claim: A person's request for payment by an insurer for a loss covered under a policy. Your claims to your company are "first-party claim." Claims made by one person against another person's company are known as "third-party claims."

Claimant: A person who files a claim with an insurance company.

Collision Coverage: Optional insurance which pays for damage to your automobile caused by collision with another car or object, or by rolling the car over. Frequently required if you have a car loan.

Comprehensive Coverage: Optional insurance which pays for damage to your automobile caused by things other than collision or rolling the car over such as fire, theft, vandalism, flood or hail. This is frequently required if you have an car loan.

Compulsory Insurance: Any form of insurance which is required by law.

Conditions: Part of a car insurance policy which states your obligations and those of your insurance company in order for the policy to be in effect.

Coverage: The scope of protection provided under a contract of insurance; any of several risks covered by a policy.

Deductible: The amount which you agree to pay, per claim or per accident. This is subtracted from the total amount paid by your insurer. If the claim is $500 and you deductible is $100, you pay $100 and your insurance company will pay $400. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium will be for the policy.

Exclusions: Provisions that explicitly limit the coverage provided by an auto insurance policy.

Insurance: A system under which individuals, businesses and other organizations or entities, in exchange for a payment of a sum of money (a premium), are guaranteed compensation for losses resulting from certain perils under specified conditions.

Insurance Company: A company which, in exchange for a fee (known as a premium), agrees to pay all legitimate claims that may arise under your policy.

Insurance Department: Enforces rules for the insurance business in each state. Source of information about all types of insurance; also handles consumer inquiries and complaints.

Insured: Person or organization covered by an insurance policy.

Insurer: The provider of insurance, such as an insurance company or other organization.

Liability Coverage: Insurance which pays the losses of other people, which you caused unintentionally or through negligence.

Liability Limits: The largest amount of money an insurer will pay in case of a covered loss.

Loss: The basis on which an insurance claim is submitted and/or paid.

Medical Payments Coverage: A form of insurance that pays for medical and funeral expenses regardless of liability.

Negligence: Failure to exercise a generally acceptable level of care and caution.

Policy: A contract of insurance.

Policyholder: The person who buys insurance.

Policy Period: The amount of time an insurance contract (policy) lasts.

Premium: The amount you pay for auto insurance coverage.

Pro Rata Cancellation: Cancellation of the policy by the insurance company. All unearned premium is returned to the insured.

Proof of Loss: Documents that you give to the insurer to support your request for payment of losses. The company uses these documents to determine whether and how much it will pay. (Ex.: Police report and written repair estimates from automobile body shops.)

Provisions: A list of actions a policyholder must take in order to make an insurance claim. Included in provisions can be additional specifications of the insurer's responsibility to the insured.

Rate: The pricing factor upon which the insurance buyer's premium is based.

Risk: The chance of loss.

Short Rate Cancellation: Cancellation of an insurance policy by the insured. Return premium is calculated on a short rate basis, meaning the insurance company keeps a portion of the unearned premium to cover expenses.

Substandard: A greater than normal risk to an insurer.

Surcharge: An additional charge allowed when a company pays a claim on your behalf.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage: A form of insurance which provides coverage when the liability coverage of the at-fault party is inadequate to cover the amount of damages or injuries.

Underwriting: The process of selecting risks for insurance and determining in what amounts and in what terms the insurance company will accept the risk.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: A form of insurance which covers the policyholder and family members if injured by a motorist who carries no liability insurance, assuming the other driver is at fault, or if injured by a hit and run motorist.

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Optional Auto Insurance Coverage in Delaware

Optional Auto Insurance Coverage in Delaware

Optional Auto Insurance Coverage in Delaware

These types of car insurance coverage are not required by law in Delaware. However, if you take out an auto loan, your bank or lender will likely require collision and comprehensive coverage.

Collision coverage: pays for physical damage to your car as the result of your vehicle colliding with an object, such as a tree or another car. This coverage is based on the value of your car and can be costly.

Important information about collision coverage: Car insurance policies only require the company to cover your financial losses, not to replace your vehicle. In the case of an accident involving an older car, the cost of repairing it can quickly exceed the value of the car and your insurance carrier will pay you what the car was worth rather than fix it. In severe cases, the value of the car may be less than premiums paid for the coverage. Therefore, if your vehicle is worth less than $2,000, there is little reason for you to purchase collision coverage, because you are likely to pay more money in premiums than you would ever receive as a result of your claim. This coverage may not pay the full replacement cost of the vehicle or may not satisfy the balance of your auto loan.

Comprehensive coverage: pays for damage to your car from almost all other causes besides an accident, including fire, severe weather, vandalism, flood and theft. Comprehensive coverage also will cover broken glass, such as windshield damage.

Uninsured motorist coverage: pays if you incur losses from a driver who does not have auto insurance or a hit-and-run driver. This coverage, when in effect, takes the place of the insurance that the other driver should have had but did not. The coverage comes at an automatic $250 deductible for property damage, regardless of the deductible you may have on your other coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage: will have policy limits. It does not protect the other driver. Your auto insurance company may sue the other driver for any money the company pays to you because of the other driver’s negligence. You must have made a police report about the accident in order to make a claim under an uninsured motorist policy.

Under-insured motorist coverage: protects you if you are involved in an accident that is not your fault and the other driver does not have enough insurance to cover your loss. This coverage does not pay for damage to your vehicle.

Towing and labor coverage: pays the cost of towing your car to the repair shop subject to the limit of your policy. Premiums for this coverage are very inexpensive. However, if you are a member of an auto club, you probably already have this service.

Rental reimbursement coverage: usually pays the cost to rent a car after an accident, subject to the policy's terms. The premium will vary from insurer to insurer.

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Car Insurance FAQ: State of West Virginia

Car Insurance FAQ: State of West Virginia

Car Insurance FAQ: State of West Virginia

My vehicle is several years old and has been paid off. Is physical damage coverage still useful?

The answer depends on whether or not you could afford to repair or replace your vehicle if it was damaged in an accident that you caused. It may be helpful to check your vehicle’s value by referring to used car listings in the newspaper or on the Internet for vehicles similar to yours and compare this value with your annual collision coverage cost.

What is the difference between a nonrenewal and a cancellation?

Insurance policies are issued for a specific term or period of time. Companies will usually issue either a six or twelve month policy. Nonrenewal occurs when an insurer terminates you insurance coverage at the end of the policy’s term. Cancellation occurs when an insurer terminates your coverage before the policy’s term ends.

Can my car insurance company cancel my policy or late payment?

Yes, your company may cancel you for nonpayment of a premium, even if the payment is just one day late. Some insurers have guidelines for late payment and may reinstate you when the payment has been made. The best practice is to pay your premiums before the due date to avoid being cancelled.

Will I receive a notice after my policy has been cancelled or nonrenewed?

No. Insurance companies are not required to send an additional notice after your coverage has expired. The company is only required to send a notice prior to taking this action.

What happens if there is a lapse in my coverage? Will I have to pay a penalty?

State law requires that West Virginia vehicle owners purchase the minimum coverage for liability and uninsured motorist protection. The West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles conducts a random sample of registered vehicles to ensure that vehicle owners have purchased the minimum required auto insurance coverage. If the Department of Motor Vehicles cannot verify coverage, it will suspend your license and vehicle license plate.

What should I do after an accident or when I have to file a claim?

• Dial 911. Give the operator detailed information about the incident, including if you or others involved need medical assistance.
  
• Remove your vehicle from the roadway, if possible.
  
• Take notes. Write down the location and time of the accident/incident and any other details (summary of what happened). Exchange insurance information with others involved in accident. Write down the make, model and license plate number of the other vehicles involved. If possible, take pictures or draw a diagram of the scene.
  
• Talk to witnesses. Obtain names, addresses and phone numbers of those who witnessed the incident.
  
• Cooperate with the police. Provide all information that is requested of you. Be sure to write down your incident or accident number and the officer’s name and badge number.
  
• Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible. Ask your company what documents are needed to support your claim. Provide all information that is needed. Keep records of all paperwork related to your claim (copy of accident report, notes from accident scene, expenses, etc…).
  

What if my insurance company determines that my car is a “total loss”?

Insurance companies will determine that your car is totaled if the cost of the damage approaches or exceeds the car’s worth. Companies will determine your vehicle’s average retail value before the accident occurred. The company must use an official used car guide approved by the West Virginia Insurance Commission to determine this.

Ask your insurance company how it arrived at its decision, and ask for a written copy of the valuation. Make sure that the company has all the necessary information. Review your vehicle’s maintenance records and look for any upgrades or new items. For example, had new tires recently been purchased? Had you recently installed a new CD player and stereo? It also will help if you can show the insurance company that your vehicles had been well maintained and serviced throughout your years of ownership. Many policies provide you the option of hiring an independent appraiser to evaluate you loss and then, along with the insurance company’s adjuster, select a person to referee the dispute. Independent appraisers are listed in the Yellow Pages. Because you must pay the independent appraiser’s fee and share the cost of the referee, this option can be costly.

Can my company repair my vehicles with used parts?

In most instances, the answer is “yes”. Your company can have your vehicle repaired, with parts of like kind and quality, which includes used parts.

Do I have the right to choose whether or not my vehicle is a total loss?

The auto insurance company determines whether or not your vehicle is a total loss in accordance with West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles guidelines.

Do I have to use a specific repair shop?

No. West Virginia law prohibits an insurance company from requiring that a certain shop be used or from recommending a particular shop without notifying the policyholder that their vehicle may be repaired by the auto shop of their choice. Your insurance company only will pay the amount of damage it already has determined for your vehicle, which is based on estimated parts and labor expenses.

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Tips to Help Consumers Lower their Car Insurance Premiums

Tips to Help Consumers Lower their Car Insurance Premiums

Tips to Help Consumers Lower their Car Insurance Premiums

Consider safety devices if you're buying or leasing a new car. For example, getting a automobile with anti‐lock brakes, side air bags, automatic seat belts and daytime running lights can help you save on car insurance premiums.

Install anti‐theft devices on your car, such as an alarm system or global positioning system so that your car can be located if stolen. Notify your auto insurance provider if you have these devices or have recently installed them.

Maintain a good driving record, as the number of accidents, DWI/DUI citations, claims and tickets directly affect your auto insurance premiums.

Call your insurance provider and ask about eligible discounts such as a multi‐car discount, good grades (for students under 25 years of age) and mature driver (for consumers between 50 and 65 years of age) among others.

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What Affects Auto Insurance Rates?

What Affects Auto Insurance Rates?

What Affects Auto Insurance Rates?
by Jon Arnold

There are several factors that can affect the rate you receive from an online auto insurance quote. Among these factors are:

• Your age
  

• Male or female?
  

• Your car's make and model
  

• Where you live
  

• The frequency with which you drive
  

• Tickets for moving violations
  

• Accidents
  

All of these factors will have an impact on the price you are charged by the insurance companies. One thing that can offset the age factor is if you have been on your parent's insurance policy and have had no accidents or tickets. This can show an established pattern of good driving and may allow you to have a better rate on your insurance as long as you do not receive any tickets or are not involved in an accident. Being a safe driver does have its rewards.

Also for drivers still in school, many auto insurance companies are offering additional discounts, sometimes up to 10-15% if you maintain a 3.0 grade point average while you are in school. The insurance company may not offer it, but you may find it is available if you ask.

One of the ways of decreasing your premium is by increasing the deductible. This means more money out of your pocket in the event of a claim but it can save money at the time you need it.

A good insurance agent can explain all the charges that are required and the ones that are optional. An online auto insurance quote can give you an idea of what your insurance is going to cost. Although the company that you go to purchase your insurance from sets their own rates according to the claims it has had to pay, this is just one more reason to shop around when you are trying to decide which company from which to purchase your insurance.

The following is an example of the coverage that you can purchase. These are the deductibles and coverage that you should check with each and every insurance company from which you request a quote. If you do not ask about exactly the same deductibles and coverage you may not be getting a quote for the same type of insurance so you will not know if one is cheaper than the other or not.

• Liability coverage: bodily and property damages are covered.
  

• Personal injury protection: covers medical treatment, rehab, lost wages from your job, funeral expenses, legal fees and court costs
  

• Medical: also pays for treatment or funeral expenses if the accident is auto related.
  

• Collision: pays for damage to the car which is covered under the policy in the event of collisions with vehicles, objects, or a rolled vehicle.
  

• Comprehensive: pays for damage or loss of an auto not covered under the above, such as flood, wind, hail, striking an animal, vandals, auto theft, or fire.
  

• Uninsured Motorist: pays for coverage if you are in an accident and it is caused by the other driver who does not have insurance.

Car Auto Insurance Index

Guide: How Does Car Insurance Work?

Guide: How Does Car Insurance Work?
by Colin Cherry

Car insurance is designed to protect the insured person against losses. Unlike other insurance, it is also intended to protect other people against losses arising from an car accident that was the fault of the insured person.

An car insurance policy is made up of coverages that are mandatory for everyone and coverages that are optional at the discretion of the insured person.

Each state stipulates what the minimum mandatory coverages are. They are included in the auto insurance policy in order to make sure that all people injured in an car accident (drivers, passengers and pedestrians) are covered for such things as bodily injury and property damage due to an accident caused by the insured person.

Taking Delaware as an example, the minimum coverage required is $30,000 for all people injured in an car accident up to a maximum of $15,000 for each individual and $10,000 for property damage.

It must be stressed that these are the minimum coverages you must have. As any shortfall between the minimum coverage and the actual amounts claimed may have to come out of your pocket, it would be wise to consider increasing these minimum amounts.

The optional insurance coverages are intended to provide the insured person protection for things not included in the mandatory requirements. Below is a list of the most common options available. In some states these are not optional but are mandatory.

PIP - Personal Injury Protection

This is mandatory in several states and is intended to provide coverage for injuries sustained by the insured person irrespective of who caused the car accident.

Collision Coverage

This covers the insured person for damages to their car when involved in a collision with another vehicle or object. Note: In some states where collisions with deer are common, a special option for just such an event may be needed over and above the normal collision coverage.

Un-insured Coverage / Under-insured Coverage

When the insured person suffers bodily injury or property damage as a result of an vehicle accident caused by an uninsured, underinsured or hit and run driver, this cover will pay for any expenses involved.

Of course, these options will increase the cost of the car insurance policy. When it comes to the amount of money you pay for your policy (the premium), the insurance company will take into account many factors to arrive at the total cost. Your age, driving record and the type of car you are insuring will all be considered. Where you live also has an impact on your insurance premium cost.

Car Auto Insurance Index

Examine Your Free Auto Insurance Quote

Examine Your Free Auto Insurance Quote
by Jon Arnold

Whether you shop online or face to face with a representative, getting the best premium does not always mean you got the best price. If that seems a bit odd, it isn't. Many times companies and representatives use standard coverage when they quote car insurance. Their standard coverage isn't necessarily the same as everyone else's.

When you request a free auto insurance quote, whether it's online or in person you need to be very specific about what you want the representative to quote. If you presently carry single limit liability coverage of $300,000 and someone quotes split limit coverage of 50/100/20 you aren't comparing the same thing.

Split limit coverage has three numbers. The numbers are in thousands. The first number is the maximum amount that they'll pay for each person injured in an accident. The second number, the 100 is this case, is the total amount they pay for bodily injury and the third number the 20 is the amount that the company pays for property damage that you caused to another. The single limit is the total that the company pays for property damage and bodily injury. If one person is injured and there's no property damage, which could happen if you hit a pedestrian, then they would have access to the full $300,000. In split limit the maximum the company pays one injured party is only $50,000 in this scenario. You easily see the difference. What if you have a split limit of 300/300/100 and someone tries to sell you a single limit of 300,000? The split limit is better because you have $100,000 more insurance. It is just for property damage, but it doesn't come off the $300,000 that you have for bodily injury.

Make certain that the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is equal for all free auto insurance quotes. You and your passengers receive this money if someone that doesn't have insurance hits you.

The comp (comprehensive) and collision section is easier to compare. The deductibles must be the same for both sections or you aren't comparing the same thing. If you have a lower deductible on the policy you carry and someone quotes a lower price for insurance, but the deductible is higher, it may not be a bargain. The higher the deductible goes, the lower the cost of the insurance becomes. Your present company also lowers its price as the deductible increases, and they actually could be lower than the free auto insurance quote you just received.

Check whether there extra coverages on your policy that aren't included in the free auto insurance quote. Towing and car rental are two that appear frequently. These items cost premium dollars and if omitted, and of course bring the price lower.

If a representative suggests you adjust your coverage and it sounds like a great idea, get a new quote from the competitors, including your own company.

The most important thing when you get a free auto insurance quote is to start soon enough so you can apply for coverage a month before your policy premium comes due. This gives the new company time to evaluate your driving record and make decisions on the real cost of the policy and whether they want you as their customer. If the rate increased after underwriting, you still have time to cancel the new policy without charge and keep your old one.

Car Auto Insurance Index

How To Get The Best Car Insurance Rates

How To Get The Best Car Insurance Rates
by Aaron Powell

Once you have purchased your new car you will need to get an car insurance policy. You should research many insurance companies so that you can get the best deal. Even if you are not buying a new car and you are not happy with your current insurance you can check out different insurance companies and see which ones have the best rates. You can get insurance information from other agents in your area or you can check online insurance companies to see who is offering the best deal. Then when your current policy is about to expire and you have found another company with better rates you will be ready to do so.

Probably the most convenient way to check out different insurance companies is to go online and get quotes for your car. By checking out car insurance company rates online you can check out many companies in a shorter amount of time from your own computer than you would by going to the many different insurance companies directly. Therefore, by checking out your options on the internet you will be able to get the best price for your insurance and you will save time and money.

What Goes Into Deciding The Cost of Your Car Insurance?
There are things about your car that will affect the cost of your car insurance like whether it is a new model car or older model car. A sports car will be a much higher cost of insurance than a regular car, just because it is a sports car. The size of the car and the size of the engine will also aide in the outcome of your quote. The safety features that are installed on your call like side air bags, proper head restraints and the type of brakes like the anti lock braking systems (ABS) will help reduce the cost of your insurance. Other things that can affect the cost of your insurance will be the age and sex of the person who is driving the car. A man's insurance under the age of 25 is usually much higher of a woman of the same age because according to statistics women are safer drivers and therefore, their insurance prices are much lower. Some insurance companies will give discounts for drivers who have taken a driving school course also some insurance companies offer discounts for teenage drivers who have good grades, a B average or better!

Choosing The Right Type of Insurance
Before choosing which insurance company you want you will need to decide what type of insurance you need. For example if you owe money on your vehicle the bank will want you to have a full coverage policy which is higher, but will cover you much more if you were to have an accident. However, if you have an older car that you do not owe money on you may only want to get liability insurance which is only a minimal amount of coverage, but is much cheaper on the cost.

With all of the information you have now been given you should be able to make a more informed decision on what type of insurance you need and the different things you can do to help lower the cost of your insurance. You should also check out the companies to see if they have any complaints against them and you can do this by checking with the Better Business Bureau in the state where there company is located.

Car Auto Insurance Index

How to Avoid Auto Insurance Fraud and Scams

How to Avoid Auto Insurance Fraud and Scams
by Amy Nutt

The types of scams

There are several scams that are well known amongst law enforcement and the general public alike. These scams include:

• The Exaggeration Scam: This is the scam in which the individual doing the scamming has inflicted prior damage to their car to make it look like the damage occurred in their accident with you. These individuals stage the accident, although the crash may be legitimate. Because their vehicle was not appraised prior to the accident, the damage they inflicted on it cannot be proven to be or not to be part of the accident. They are given the benefit of the doubt and they receive payment for that damage from your insurance.
  

• Rear-ender Scam: The scammer will dodge out in front of you and will then slam on their brakes. They make sure that they do this when you don't have enough time to brake and avoid hitting them. Unfortunately, the police and the insurance companies automatically assume the second car is at fault in a rear-end crash. Another unfortunate thing about the rear-ender scam is the fact that a false medical claim usually follows. The scammer convinces a doctor that they sustained injuries in the crash. What happens is that your insurance pays for their pain and suffering, as well as their medical bills. Sometimes these scammers may even have a medical accomplice who receives a payoff for their cooperation.
  

• The Good Samaritan Scam: This is the individual that waves you on when you can't see if traffic is coming. However, they wave you into the path of their partner and they ram right into you. What happens is that it looks like you drove out into traffic, which makes it look like your fault. When the cops arrive, the waver denies they ever waved you on.

How to avoid these scams

First and foremost, you need to be a defensive driver. You have to always stay alert and not always trust those around you. If someone waves you on, don't trust them. You still need to creep out into the street until you can see. You can wave at them to thank them, but don't gun it out into traffic. You also need to do everything you can to make sure there is plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. If someone darts out in front of you, you need to slow down just in case.

Furthermore, you should be sure to document everything in case of an accident. Keep a disposable camera in your car to take pictures of the accident and make sure you listen to what all of the witnesses say to the police. You also want to acquire a copy of the police report when it is available so that you can tell your auto insurance company about your suspicions. Insurance companies are experienced in stopping scammers, so provide them with everything you have so that you can turn the tables on the scammers.

Car Auto Insurance Index

Common Car Insurance Terms

Common Car Insurance Terms
by James Robinson

Absolute Liability
This is liability without fault, also known as liability without regard to fault or strict liability. You may see this pop up when something considered contrary to public policy happens, even though the event wasn't intentional.

Liability Insurance
In a nutshell, liability insurance is risk transference. Not only does give you protection against loss that arise from third parties, it covers your legal liability from injures to other people or their property.

Collision Insurance
This type of insurance is optional. Collision insurance provides coverage for the insured's vehicle, subject to a deductible, that is involved in an accident. Basically, this covers you whether the accident was your fault or not.

Deductible
Also known as excess, this is the amount you agree to pay toward the total amount of an insured loss, whether it is per claim or per accident. Usually a fixed rate, the deductible must be paid before the policy benefits can be applied to a claim.

Uninsured and/or Underinsured Coverage
This type of insurance is great protection for you and your family if you happen to be hit by someone without insurance coverage. Having uninsured or underinsured coverage allows you and your family's bodily injury to be paid for.

Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive insurance covers your vehicle in case of non-collision related incidents such as fire, theft, weather, impact with animals and vandalism.

Gap Insurance
This insurance is good for people who have just purchased a new vehicle. In a nutshell, new cars depreciate right after leaving the dealership lot. Gap insurance covers the difference between what an insurance company says your car's worth and what you would actually owe on the vehicle.

Gap insurance usually only covers theft and accidents, but that can vary depending on the insurance policy. You can also purchase gap insurance from the dealership. However, you can expect to pay even higher premiums.

Property Damage Coverage
This covers any damage you may cause to another's vehicle. Basically, if you cause it, you're covered.

Claim
This is your request for reimbursement concerning a loss covered by your car insurance policy.

Full Coverage
Actually, full coverage isn't really what it sounds like. Technically, full coverage is a combination of collision and comprehensive coverage, meaning that your car's physical damage is covered.

Secondary Driver
Also known as an occasional driver, this person is covered for driving the insured vehicle. However, this coverage does not mean that they're the primary driver.

Car Auto Insurance Index

Auto Insurance Plans and Rates

Auto Insurance Plans and Rates
by Marilyn Katz

Rising fuel prices are making it more expensive to run a car. While I cannot reduce the price you pay for gasoline, I may be able to help you cut costs on another major bill. You may not be getting the best possible price on your car insurance because you may not be taking advantage of all of the discounts that you are entitled to.

Your rates are based upon an insurer's judgment about your risk factors. If an auto insurance company thinks that you are a larger risk, your premium will be higher than a person who is considered a lower risk. How do these companies decide who is a bigger risk? Well, a number of factors go into that decision, and not every company gives the same weight to each of these factors. That's why it is important to do a bit of shopping around.

Your age and driving history matter quite a bit. However, some companies may forgive a recent ticket or accident, while some will automatically assign a substantial rate increase to each incident. If you are a new driver, and you lack a driving history, expect a higher rate than an experienced driver who has not had any accidents. But again, student or teenage drivers can get credit with some insurers for taking an approved driver safety course and keeping up a good grade point average.

These days, many large companies consider an applicant's credit report when the assign rates. So a driver with no recent claims may have a higher premium than a driver with a recent claim, if the first driver has a poor credit score. If you are surprised by a high premium quote, make sure you understand why. If the company is penalizing you for a poor credit report, look for a company that does not consider this factor.

You can also get sizable discounts for auto safety features and anti-theft devices. The type of car that you drive can also affect rates. For instance, a high horsepower sports car will usually cost much more to insure than a sedan. Sometimes newer cars will have higher premiums because of their value, but this is not always true. Newer cars come with built in safety features and anti-theft devices that auto insurance companies will encourage with a big discount. I have seen a 30% credit for some safety features.

You need to understand that different companies will have different formulas to calculate an individual's premiums, and you need to compare different policies in order to find the best deal for you.

Car Auto Insurance Index

Massachusetts Car Insurance Guide

Massachusetts Car Insurance Guide
by James Robinson

When it comes to buying Massachusetts auto insurance you can pretty much ignore comparing rates and concentrate on customer service and satisfaction. It won't matter how inexpensive your rate is if the insurance carrier doesn't want to pay your claims.

Massachusetts has the fourth highest auto insurance rate in the country and a program that is, at times, fallen under much scrutiny.

Every fall the Massachusetts Attorney General issues a recommendation for auto insurance rates for the upcoming year. This is followed by a recommendation from the state's auto insurance company trade association. The two recommendations are usually miles apart and then the dance begins until the insurance rates are eventually set by the Division of Insurance for the state of Massachusetts, which also regulates the commissions that independent auto insurance agents can charge.

Also, you can't register a car in Massachusetts until you have the minimum required auto insurance The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles makes sure of this by requiring your auto insurance company to stamp your application for registration. No stamp, no registration.

If you're thinking about canceling your MA auto insurance policy once you have the stamp and your registration you can, but to do so is illegal and may subject you heavy fines and license suspension.

There are minimum requirements for auto insurance in the state of Massachusetts. You must carry bodily injury coverage of at least $20,000 per person in any one accident and up to $40,000 for all people injured in any one accident.

Also you are required to have at least $5,000 in property damage coverage. Property damage coverage insures you against injury or destruction of property of another person's property.

In addition, you must have personal injury protection in the amount of at least $8,000. Personal injury protection (PIP) pays medical and lost wages without regard to who was at fault in the event of an accident.

These are just minimum requirements, but it might be a good idea to purchase additional coverage for such things as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM), as well as collision and comprehensive auto insurance Remember, you may be held financially responsible for any expenses that are over and above your auto insurance limits. Some auto insurance companies recommend that you carry at least $100,000 worth of liability and personal injury coverage, although if you can reasonably afford it, you might want to consider increasing that amount to $500,000.

A byproduct of the Massachusetts state government and insurance companies working together to set rates is the Safe Driver Program. This program is designed to put the greater burden of insurance rates on drivers who make the most insurance claims and to reward drivers who have safe driving records. For example, if you get a ticket or are found to be at fault in a car accident with damages of more than $500, you will have to pay certain mandated insurance surcharges, and those can add up pretty fast.

Massachusetts also uses a point system. If you get a ticket, or are involved in an accident anywhere from one to five points will be charged to your driver's license. Each point could mean up to a 15 percent increase on each of the four required parts of your auto insurance This could add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and there is no way to remove the points from your license other than time and maintaining a clean driving record.

Massachusetts, unlike some other states, does not allow you to attend a driver's school to reduce points.

So if you live in Massachusetts you may not have a lot of choice when it comes to insurance premiums, but you do have a choice in what auto insurance company you choose to deal with. When choosing your Massachusetts auto insurance company you may want to pay attention to how well they communicate. Find out if they have 24/7 claims service, if you can pay your premiums online, and how fast claims are paid. You might want to shop around and find the auto insurance company that offers you all the customer service features you require.

Car Auto Insurance Index

Why Do Some Occupations Pay More For Auto Insurance?

Why Do Some Occupations Pay More For Auto Insurance?
by James Robinson

Is it really true that some people can get a cheaper auto insurance rate simply based on their job? What is the relationship between your occupation and your auto insurance rates? Is it fair for auto insurance companies to charge higher premiums to those people who work in certain "higher risk" occupations? These are all important questions for everyone to ask, especially those who are working as many people do not realize that their occupation is one of the factors that many insurance companies use to determine their auto insurance rates.

The world of occupations is a very broad one. Not only do occupations label who you are and what you do for a living, but now they have a lot to do with how much you are going to pay in the insurance business. Life insurance is a major example of this type of occupational division. High risk occupations such as construction workers, miners and some other professions in which the person is at risk of death and injury result in more expensive premiums compared to those in which the person is sitting behind a desk the whole day. Many people do not think that this is the job of auto insurance, but it is my job to let them know they are highly mistaken. There are certain occupations that draw a major degree of attention to auto insurance companies, while some others do now really represent a high risk for auto insurance companies. Below you will be able to see where your occupation ranks and whether it works in your advantage or against you at the time of trying to get auto insurance.

Based on the 2006 occupation report given by Comparisonmarket the following are the 63 occupations starting with the cheapest one to get auto insurance for and ending with the most expensive one.

01 Scientist $870.20

02 Retired $917.63

03 Currently not working $934.10

04 Pilot/Navigator $965.94

05 Disabled $968.14

06 Actor/Performer/Artist $971.10

07 Librarian/Historian $1,008.86

08 Farmer $1,015.62

09 Student $1,028.96

10 Public Official $1,068.83

11 Design Services $1,070.87

12 Waiter/Bartender/Host $1,071.25

13 Engineer $1,087.56

14 Athlete $1,088.29

15 Homemaker $1,091.73

16 Instructor/Coach/TA $1,098.86

17 Breeder/Groomer/Trainer $1,102.83

18 Clerk/Cashier $1,105.93

19 Computer/Math/Research $1,110.15

20 Chef/Baker $1,114.89

21 Teacher/Dean/Educ Degree $1,121.15

22 Machine Operator $1,126.34

23 Architect $1,130.71

24 Machinist/Toolmaker $1,131.33

25 Marketing/Advertising $1,135.33

26 Cleaning/Janitorial $1,136.02

27 Mechanic $1,138.33

28 Repair/Maintenance $1,142.89

29 Null $1,146.46

30 Military Officer $1,147.96

31 Tradesman/Manufacturer $1,150.80

32 Customer Service $1,151.92

33 Other - Prof w/Coll Degree $1,156.33

34 Construction/Skilled Worker $1,159.93

35 Technician $1,160.09

36 Other - No College Degree $1,181.74

37 Bank/Clerical/Office Staff $1,190.75

38 Nanny/Caretaker $1,193.97

39 Military E5+ $1,196.27

40 Admin. Asst./Secretary $1,209.26

41 Clergy $1,209.72

42 Driver $1,209.94

43 Health Care Worker $1,212.75

44 Finance/Ins Prof w/Degree $1,213.17

45 Barber/Beautician $1,214.47

46 Sales/Real Estate $1,215.04

47 Government GS1-GS5 $1,215.50

48 Self Employed $1,217.59

49 Professional Worker $1,219.49

50 Security/Prison Worker $1,227.74

51 Administrator $1,229.80

52 Supervisor/Asst. Manager $1,231.67

53 Manager/Director $1,240.14

54 Government GS6 or higher $1,262.45

55 Police/Fire - other $1,264.62

56 Medical Doctor/Dentist $1,277.63

57 Military E1 to E4 $1,294.69

58 CPA/Comptroller $1,301.36

59 Police/Fire - Lt/Cptn/Chief $1,314.88

60 Nurse $1,316.40

61 Attorney/Lawyer/Judge $1,370.39

62 Executive $1,375.38

63 Business Owner $1,405.11

There is a good explanation for each of the following occupations and why they rank in the top or the bottom of the table. Let's start with the top and why scientists, retired people and pilots or navigators rank up there. When you are a scientist your significant research is done in the home or at a company that pays you to be meticulous and find valuable information. This people often take those careful practices that they learn from work and use them on the road. Scientists are thought to be careful individuals that think things twice and always pay full attention at the actions that they are doing. For this reason they tend to be better drivers out there than many other occupations and because of these reasons they average premium is right at $870 a month.

After this comes the retired person with a premium of about $917 a month. Retired people don't do much throughout the day and many of them stay at home watching TV or doing things to their house. Sometimes they decide to go out and drive to the grocery store and other places, the places they travel to however; are short distances, hence there is a lower probability that these people will get into an automobile accident when they do drive. It is good to note that many retired people do drive a lot, but these is an average of all the retired people and since there are a lot of what we call "baby boomers" in our population, the majority of retired people follow the pattern described above.

Pilots and Navigators are fourth on the list with an average premium of $965, which is relatively low in comparison to other professions. Auto insurance companies see this people are responsible individuals that are good at what they do. These people usually have the lives of other human being in their hands and that usually translates to the road. When these people drive they are thought to do it cautiously and defensively and many of them usually take the same actions that they do at work, making them great at driving and very defensive behind the wheel.

On the other side of the table we see attorneys, lawyers and judges with an average monthly premium of $1,370. A big reason for the change can be due to the fact that these people purchase more expensive vehicles than the three occupations we have discussed above. Since most of these people are still making payments on the car or they are leasing it, they find themselves with a full coverage policy, which can be very expensive. Their cars are usually harder to fix and they require more expensive parts and labor, for this reason insurance companies try to make up for the "risk" by giving them more expensive policies.

Second to last we see executives who pay about $1,375 for auto insurance a month. There people also purchase expensive cars that are harder and more expensive to fix, but you have to add another detail. Executives are constantly on the phone with people all around the country and the world. For this reason they are more likely to be paying attention to their cell phones while driving, which has been proven to be one of the major causes of accidents in the United States. Because of this little thing called cell phone, executives face one of the most expensive monthly premiums of any occupation.

Last but not least we find ourselves with the most expensive occupation to insure by an auto insurance company, the business owners. With an average monthly premium of a staggering $1,405, the business owners have the highest rate out of any profession. The reason for this is that these people live a very stressful life. Trying to keep their main source of a job operating correctly can take a toll on this people and the more stress you drive under; the higher your chances of making mistakes out on the road. Add to this that they spend countless hours on the road and that some of them use their cars for business purposes; and you will be facing the most expensive premium out there.

As you can see your occupation has a lot to do with the way that you are perceived to an automobile company. Unfortunately for people that fall in one of the expensive categories and that are good drivers, they will always be seen as part of the group in which they work. Occupations have a lot to do with who you are and what you are seen like, and now you can see that your profession goes farther than that because is not being use to determine your automobile rates!

Car Auto Insurance Index

How to Find the Best Auto Insurance Provider

How to Find the Best Auto Insurance Provider
by David Thomson

Auto insurance needs to be compared just as with anything else you buy, the auto insurance provider will compete with each other to get you to take out their policy. The cost of the actual insurance will vary considerably along with what is and is not included in the policy and both of these have to be checked out when looking into policies.

While standard fully comprehensive auto insurance will all include some of the same things, they differ in the extras that they include. Some providers might provide you with a courtesy car that would replace your own if you were to have an accident that meant your car was off the road for a certain length of time. With this in mind you need to check the terms and conditions very carefully before handing over your money to a auto insurance provider.

Car cover is worked on by some basic criteria which the majority of insurance companies will follow. The main criteria which determines the cost of your insurance is the insurance group which your car falls into. The group is worked out by the probability of risk which is usually based on repair costs. The bigger the risk then the higher the group and the dearer the insurance will be. A high powered car will usually cost a lot more to insure than a mini would and this should be remembered when looking to buy a car, particularly for the younger age group. When going to buy a car if you are considering buying from a dealership they should be able to give you a good idea of what bracket the car will fall into. The size of the engine is also taken into account so this needs some consideration also when buying the car.

Another factor that is taken into account is your no claims bonus. A good no claims bonus can knock as much as 70% off the cost of insuring your vehicle. The more you have then the cheaper the insurance will be and this is built up over years until you reach a certain amount. For example you will receive a bonus for each year that you do not claim against your auto insurance policy. You can also choose to take out auto insurance that will protect your no claims bonus in the event that you do have an accident.

The amount of time you use your car is also taken into account by the auto insurance provider. For example if you only drive so many miles per year then you are able to get cheaper auto insurance than someone who drives their car for a living. If you drive for a living then you are seen as a bigger risk, this is because the risk of you being involved in an accident rises. The security of your vehicle is also taken into account, if you keep the car parked in a garage when you are not using it then it will be more secure than if you leave it on the kerbside. The level of security is also taken into account and if you install car alarms, tracking devices or an immobiliser then this can keep down the cost of your auto insurance.

Car Auto Insurance Index

A Guide to Obtaining Cheap Auto Insurance

A Guide to Obtaining Cheap Auto Insurance
by Crex Sky

In this modern era, car is gaining popularity as one of the primary type of transportation. Almost every family has at least a car now to ease the burden of traveling. Car is a very good and easy form of transportation. However, how do we protect our car from any sorts of damages? Most of us would choose to buy a auto insurance to insure our car from theft, accidents or other mishaps. We would just buy any insurance policies which are recommended by the insurance company of our choice if we have little knowledge on auto insurance.

Paying insurance premium every year could prove a burden to us if we do not manage to get optimum benefits from our insurance policies since insurance premiums are getting expensive nowadays. Cheap auto insurance is getting harder to obtain and there are a few guides which we have to keep in mind.

First of all, we have to make comparisons and research when we are planning to take up an insurance policy. The rates differ from one insurance company to another. Try getting as many quotes of insurance rates from different insurance companies and make comparisons to ensure that we are able to get the cheapest insurance rate. In this technological world, gathering data about different insurance rates is getting easier because most of the insurance companies have websites. We can get a lot of different insurance rates easily by internet. By collecting different insurance rates using internet, we can obtain the data we want in a few minutes without going to the insurance company ourselves.

Next, we should look at our car model and its condition. The type of car we are driving is an important factor when we are trying to get a cheap insurance policy. By making our car secured with alarms and other devices because these devices help protect your car from any sorts of mishaps. Therefore, insurance companies would be more willing to offer you lower rates. Older cars and by declining collision and comprehensive cover would also enable you to get lower rates.

There are a lot of deductibles available and a discounted insurance policy does not guarantee that that we have gotten a cheap auto insurance. We might not get the deductible we want if you do not fulfill the conditions in the terms of the insurance policy. Having a good driving record or becoming an employee or member of certain company or association might help us to get cheap auto insurance as some insurance companies list this as their condition for deductibles.

Alternatively, some insurance companies offer lower rates if we sign up your other insurances such as house insurance with the same insurance company. They are able to get more profit from us when we are getting more insurance policies from the same company. Buying our auto insurance online could also help us to get lower rates as well as a lot of insurance companies offer discounts if we purchase it online.

Getting an expensive insurance does not guarantee that we will get the best benefits from it. Cheap auto insurance would offer almost same benefits if we know how to use it optimally.

Car Auto Insurance Index