Car insurance rates often seem off the charts, but that’s only for people who don’t know where to find good deals. You could spend hours and hours poring over the millions of ads on the internet offering a wide variety of car insurance rates, or you could take the simple route and come to InsuranceUSA. By simply answering a few basic questions, InsuranceUSA can direct you to the insurance agents that would best suit your needs. Because we only deal with the top rated car insurance companies, you can be sure you will receive the best car insurance rates available on the market. The best part about the whole thing is that quotes from InsuranceUSA are free!
Once you’ve found the low car insurance rates that you were searching for, you will want to make them even lower. InsuranceUSA understands how important it is for you to save money- especially in these times of financial unrest. For that reason we have compiled a list of tips to help you access the lowest car insurance rates you can find on the market:
Increase your deductible- by raising your deductible, you could lower your car insurance rates by as much as 40%.
Don’t buy coverage you don’t need- you could reduce your car insurance rates by 50% if you opt to keep your coverage to a minimum. That is, there is no use to be fully insured if it is not required of you by law.
Use your car less- The bottom line- if you don’t need to use your car, don’t. By walking or taking public transportation, most insurance companies will take that into consideration and lower your car insurance rates.
Shop for the best car insurance rates- This is where InsuranceUSA comes in very handy. We slough through the millions of providers out there to connect you with the top insurance providers who can give you the best car insurance rates available for your needs in your area.
Consider taking a safety course- Even if you think you don’t need one, taking a driving safety course is a great way to lower your car insurance rates. After all, car insurance companies love a safe driver and one way to prove your safe driving is to provide the insurance companies with a certificate from a course.
Install an alarm system- Installing a car alarm will not only deter potential thieves, but also having the device will be taken into consideration by insurance carriers when they are determining your car insurance rates.
To help lower car insurance rates, InsuranceUSA partners only with the most reputable insurance companies who have your best interest at heart. We do the leg work and then provide you with quotes from the top companies in the market. When you have a list of the various car insurance rates, you merely need to choose the ones that best fit your circumstances.
There is no waiting for your car insurance rates- get a quote within five minutes. For the best car insurance rates, be sure to come to InsuranceUSA when you purchase a new or used vehicle. Also visit us to compare your current costs with the car insurance rates offered by InsuranceUSA- you will be glad you did!
Showing posts with label INSURE YOURSELF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label INSURE YOURSELF. Show all posts
Friday, May 28, 2010
Proper Inventory of Your Home -- Protect Yourself
Home Inventory refers to a detailed list of the personal property that is located in your home. The inventory shall also include that property of your home that is located in some other place also. The inventory list also includes different kinds of furniture, jewelry art pieces, carpets, different kinds of computer equipments and also snow equipment tools. Often a question arises, relating to the need of proper inventory, and it must be remembered here that the need is specially felt when any of your household possessions is destroyed or damaged and you are required to recall the price of the lost item. In case there is no proper inventory maintained of the household good, it becomes very difficult to determine the price of the good. When a proper inventory of the goods is maintained, then you can keep a track about the details of the items, their date of purchase and also the present value of the goods. Since household goods keep changing quite often, it is a difficult task to determine the time when the inventory of the goods is required to be made. The best time to make an inventory of your household goods is when you are moving into your new apartment or your rental apartment. In such circumstances in case of any loss suffered you will be able to make a claim against the moving insurance company. The best way to conduct an inventory is to move from one room to another, and in the process making a list of the items in each room, by opening the different drawers, closets and also storage boxes. It is better to provide a proper description of each item of the inventory, so that no confusion is made between the two similar items. The best inventory would be when you provide information about the items, manufacturer or brand names date of purchase, current value of the items, receipts or other proofs of purchase that is associated with the goods. In case of renovations, that includes additions and deletions made to the goods, all relevant photocopies are required by the insurance companies.
Besides, keeping a track of the various assets, there are many other reasons and needs that require the maintenance of an inventory. Maintenance of a proper inventory is very essential, especially for the purposes of insurance. It is a well known fact that everyone desires to get their property insured, so as to minimize the loss that may occur due to certain unavoidable circumstances. When a claim for the property is made, the insurance policy company will require that you make a disclosure of the actual quantity, their detailed description, and cash value of the good. The most important disclosure that is required to be made is the amount of loss that the assets have suffered, and that can be determined only when a true value of the asset at the present day is determined. The insurance company shall also ask you about many other details such as bills, receipts and other documents in order to support your claims. The claim has to be made meticulously, because in case you miss any items or make a wrong estimate there are high chances that you will receive an amount that is much less than the actual loss that is suffered by you.
Besides, keeping a track of the various assets, there are many other reasons and needs that require the maintenance of an inventory. Maintenance of a proper inventory is very essential, especially for the purposes of insurance. It is a well known fact that everyone desires to get their property insured, so as to minimize the loss that may occur due to certain unavoidable circumstances. When a claim for the property is made, the insurance policy company will require that you make a disclosure of the actual quantity, their detailed description, and cash value of the good. The most important disclosure that is required to be made is the amount of loss that the assets have suffered, and that can be determined only when a true value of the asset at the present day is determined. The insurance company shall also ask you about many other details such as bills, receipts and other documents in order to support your claims. The claim has to be made meticulously, because in case you miss any items or make a wrong estimate there are high chances that you will receive an amount that is much less than the actual loss that is suffered by you.
Homeowners Insurance for First Time Buyers
Insurance is something that shall protect you and help you to emerge from a certain crisis in your life. It is not possible to stop bad things from happening, but you can certainly protect yourself by purchasing an appropriate insurance policy. It is a very difficult task for the first time buyers to select an insurance policy that shall be most suitable for their needs and that shall fulfill all their requirements. You may not realize the importance of selecting an appropriate insurance policy, until you ever require filing a claim for a policy, and then you will realize the importance of having a right amount at the right time. The first important step for the first time insurance buyers is to determine the amount of insurance that is required to be claimed. There are several factors that are used to determine the amount of insurance that you require, and that includes the value of assets, how much you owe and own and also the out of pocket expenses that you can afford. There are many types of calculators and work sheets available that shall help you to determine the amount of policy, and these are all available in the online site of the company. However, the best policy is to consult the agents and brokers, who shall help you to thoroughly evaluate your needs and determine the amount of policy that is required. Since Insurance policy is a technical term, it involves many technicalities that is very difficult to understand. However, before making a final signature to the insurance policy, there are certain things that you should read and understand and these includes, the time of coverage, what materials are covered, amount of premium that is required to be paid and what is covered.
The process of making a selection of an insurance policy is same for all kinds of insurance policies. Once the customer decides about the insurance policy, they can start making contacts with the different insurance companies through their various agents and brokers. There are many ways in which you can make a contact with them, such as through their online sites, through their agents and brokers or even through direct contact through the phone. It is essential to get direct quotes from different agents, as the amount of premium usually varies from one agency to another. In order to get the best deal you may make a comparison of different quotes of the different agencies. There are policies that might cost you much less than the other policies, as they maybe offering few and different features and benefits. It is always recommended that the insurance company, whose services that you are hiring is of much repute and reliable, with good customer service records. In order to know which insurance company is best in terms of service provided you may consult the rating that is provided by the several rating agencies that includes AM Best and Standard & Poor's and Moddys.
In any kind of insurance policy, reviewing of the policy is very essential, as with the change in your life there is a change in the needs of your insurance also. Revision of the insurance policy is essential in order to see that whether you need more amount of insurance or less, or whether there should be some additional coverage. There are many times in your life, when it is necessary to review your insurance policy and these times includes marriage or divorce, renting of an apartment, retirement, a new job, your child taking admission in a new college, or even on purchase of a house. Therefore, the best way in which you can make your insurance policy work for you is to periodically make a review of the needs of the policy.
The process of making a selection of an insurance policy is same for all kinds of insurance policies. Once the customer decides about the insurance policy, they can start making contacts with the different insurance companies through their various agents and brokers. There are many ways in which you can make a contact with them, such as through their online sites, through their agents and brokers or even through direct contact through the phone. It is essential to get direct quotes from different agents, as the amount of premium usually varies from one agency to another. In order to get the best deal you may make a comparison of different quotes of the different agencies. There are policies that might cost you much less than the other policies, as they maybe offering few and different features and benefits. It is always recommended that the insurance company, whose services that you are hiring is of much repute and reliable, with good customer service records. In order to know which insurance company is best in terms of service provided you may consult the rating that is provided by the several rating agencies that includes AM Best and Standard & Poor's and Moddys.
In any kind of insurance policy, reviewing of the policy is very essential, as with the change in your life there is a change in the needs of your insurance also. Revision of the insurance policy is essential in order to see that whether you need more amount of insurance or less, or whether there should be some additional coverage. There are many times in your life, when it is necessary to review your insurance policy and these times includes marriage or divorce, renting of an apartment, retirement, a new job, your child taking admission in a new college, or even on purchase of a house. Therefore, the best way in which you can make your insurance policy work for you is to periodically make a review of the needs of the policy.
Am I Covered Under Roommate's Renters Insurance?
Sharing rooms has become common among many students and office going people who are based in different places, away from their hometown. Selecting a compatible roommate and a good accommodation is always considered to be a problem. However there are certain policies that are referred to as renter's insurance policies that are specifically designed for single individual families and also many traditional families. Hence, when two unrelated persons share a residence, there are many complications developed relating to the coverage of the insurance policy. There are different insurance laws, in different states, while the insurance policies also vary from one company to another. There are certain factors that all insurance companies try to maintain and this includes the maintenance of separate renter's insurance policy to cover the personal property insurance. It is always recommended that you create an inventory of your possessions so that a proper evaluation of all the assets are maintained, so that there is no question about the fact, that which insurance covers which of your items, in case you are required to file a claim. In such cases it becomes very necessary to maintain an inventory of all the assets of the household.
There are many insurance companies that have different insurance policies for all those people who share rooms. These all are listed in a single renter's insurance policy. In case your insurance company policies are structured in such a way, then you and your room mates can make a purchase of all the renters' policy in order to cover up all the possessions. It is very essential that each persons name is listed in the insurance policy, and the policy should be enough so that it is able to cover all the persons who are in the room. Another important factor that is required to be kept in mind in these circumstances is that, whenever a new room mate enters a room or another leaves the room, the insurance policy is required to be revised. It becomes a more complicated in the cases of couples who are not married, but are living together on a shared basis. Many insurance companies provide the facilities, of automatically extending the coverage to any resident of the policy holder's household, who can fit into the definition of a domestic partner. However, it is required that each of the partner have a separate insurance renters insurance policy in order to cover the personal property insurance. However, this is not considered to be a perfect solution, because even the unmarried couples are also having joint property. The best option is considered to be that, which makes a detailed record of the things that is actually purchased, and that which makes an accurate claim, whenever a need arises.
There are many insurance companies that have different insurance policies for all those people who share rooms. These all are listed in a single renter's insurance policy. In case your insurance company policies are structured in such a way, then you and your room mates can make a purchase of all the renters' policy in order to cover up all the possessions. It is very essential that each persons name is listed in the insurance policy, and the policy should be enough so that it is able to cover all the persons who are in the room. Another important factor that is required to be kept in mind in these circumstances is that, whenever a new room mate enters a room or another leaves the room, the insurance policy is required to be revised. It becomes a more complicated in the cases of couples who are not married, but are living together on a shared basis. Many insurance companies provide the facilities, of automatically extending the coverage to any resident of the policy holder's household, who can fit into the definition of a domestic partner. However, it is required that each of the partner have a separate insurance renters insurance policy in order to cover the personal property insurance. However, this is not considered to be a perfect solution, because even the unmarried couples are also having joint property. The best option is considered to be that, which makes a detailed record of the things that is actually purchased, and that which makes an accurate claim, whenever a need arises.
Hurricane Insurance -- Are You Covered?
Hurricanes are very common in United States, and many states get ravaged due to the many hurricanes, that occur every year. These cause massive destruction not only to the land and property, but are the cause of many deaths also. In order to reduce the impact and save the lives and property of many people when hurricane warnings are issued the homeowners can board up their houses, so that the loss is minimized. To save themselves and to recover the amount of loss, there are several insurance policies issued, which covers all damages that are caused by hurricanes, except the damage that is outlined in the policy. Whenever a hurricane strikes a nation, it brings with it a lot of flooding hence this is not covered under the policy of insurance. Since the policies keep changing, it is essential that the homeowners keep reviewing their policies, so that a proper determination is made of the exact value of the assets, at the time when the loss occurred.
Many services are provided by the insurance companies, in the nature of temporary repairs. The first step that is taken by the insurance company is to fix, all that which is very essential in order to get the building in a habitable condition. Nothing should be invested in making extensive repairs, as the adjuster is required to make an appraise of the repairs at the earliest. The receipts of all the repairs and renewals should be saved so that they can be provided to the insurance whenever a need arises. In case you desire any kind of information about damages and losses, you may contact your insurance agent who shall provide you with all details that are associated with the insurance claims and services. In those cases, where you are making arrangements to live temporarily, it is very important to keep all receipts of the living expenses such as food, housing costs and storage, so that the insurance company is able to reimburse you with all the costs. The insurance company sends a "proof of loss" form that shall be sent to you on behalf of the Insurance Company. This form is to be returned as soon as possible to the insurance company so that they are able to process the rest of the formalities as soon as possible. However, it is always recommended that that you keep a copy of all the documents that you send to the insurance company.
Whenever a loss arises, it is very important to make a list of the damaged property, and that includes the list should include details about the make, models and also the serial numbers. All the old bills should be properly organized with the receipts, so as to be able to establish their age and receipts. The garages, sheds and pools are not to be forgotten, while making an assessment for the damage. It is not necessary to hire a licensed engineer in order to access the services, but there should always be a proper assessment of the damage.
Many services are provided by the insurance companies, in the nature of temporary repairs. The first step that is taken by the insurance company is to fix, all that which is very essential in order to get the building in a habitable condition. Nothing should be invested in making extensive repairs, as the adjuster is required to make an appraise of the repairs at the earliest. The receipts of all the repairs and renewals should be saved so that they can be provided to the insurance whenever a need arises. In case you desire any kind of information about damages and losses, you may contact your insurance agent who shall provide you with all details that are associated with the insurance claims and services. In those cases, where you are making arrangements to live temporarily, it is very important to keep all receipts of the living expenses such as food, housing costs and storage, so that the insurance company is able to reimburse you with all the costs. The insurance company sends a "proof of loss" form that shall be sent to you on behalf of the Insurance Company. This form is to be returned as soon as possible to the insurance company so that they are able to process the rest of the formalities as soon as possible. However, it is always recommended that that you keep a copy of all the documents that you send to the insurance company.
Whenever a loss arises, it is very important to make a list of the damaged property, and that includes the list should include details about the make, models and also the serial numbers. All the old bills should be properly organized with the receipts, so as to be able to establish their age and receipts. The garages, sheds and pools are not to be forgotten, while making an assessment for the damage. It is not necessary to hire a licensed engineer in order to access the services, but there should always be a proper assessment of the damage.
Heavy Equipment a Tempting Target for Thieves
If you keep your eyes and ears open, you must be aware that heavy equipment theft is a mounting crisis. In 2001 itself, something like 5,500 heavy equipment thefts were reported to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Similar to vehicle theft, organized crime rings form the key motivating factor behind heavy equipment theft. No wonder, heavy equipment thieves are regarded as sophisticated criminals. In numerous cases, these sophisticated criminals are in possession of equipment shopping lists. Well conversant with the type of equipments they want and their whereabouts, they habitually aim construction sites rather than protected dealer lots.
Lots of these organized crime rackets dispatch stolen construction equipment abroad. Stolen equipment is frequently transported to a nearby port or across the border before being put on record as stolen.
To help counter this predicament, equipment manufacturers implemented a standard universal 17-digit product identification number (PIN) system, kicking off with their models launched in the year 2000. By virtue of this set-up, global law enforcement computer systems can better ensure, confirm, and keep vigil on equipment deemed as stolen.
Lots of these organized crime rackets dispatch stolen construction equipment abroad. Stolen equipment is frequently transported to a nearby port or across the border before being put on record as stolen.
To help counter this predicament, equipment manufacturers implemented a standard universal 17-digit product identification number (PIN) system, kicking off with their models launched in the year 2000. By virtue of this set-up, global law enforcement computer systems can better ensure, confirm, and keep vigil on equipment deemed as stolen.
Hurricane Property Damage
Answers to frequently made queries regarding hurricane-related property damage
Q: Do homeowners' insurance policies cover flooding?
A: Most floodings are NOT covered by homeowners' policies. You require a separate insurance policy exclusively pertaining to protection of property against flood to guard your home and properties against flood damage.
Q: Do automobile insurance policies cover flooding?
A: Yes, this is applicable if you have purchased comprehensive coverage. Otherwise, if you only have liability coverage, your vehicle is not insured for flooding.
Q: Can I purchase flood insurance if my property has been flooded in the past?
A: Yes, notwithstanding whether your home has been flooded before. However, there is a possibility that there is a 30-day delay before flooding is covered. Consult your insurance agent for details.
Q: Will federal disaster assistance pay for my flood damage?
A: You may be entitled to federal disaster assistance if your residence is in a federally declared disaster area.
Q: My neighbor's tree fell on my property and caused damage. Is the neighbor's homeowners' insurance company accountable for payment of my repairs?
A: Under normal circumstances, if your neighbor's healthy tree falls on any of your property, it is the responsibility of your insurance company to provide for the repairing cost for the damage. Your neighbor's insurer would commonly be only acknowledge liability and pay for the damage if the tree had been dead or weakened in such a way that the owner should have known it was dangerous before it fell.
Q: How soon does the insurance company have to pay me the money it owes me for the repairs to my property?
A: Sometimes you will receive a check soon the damage has occurred. However, an insurance company has a maximum of 30 days to pay your claim after you give them suitable confirmation of loss.
Q: If I am not content with the service that my insurance company has given me, how do I file a grievance with the Department of Insurance?
A: All complaints should be put forward in writing to the Department of Insurance of the state of your residence. Visit insuranceusa.com and go to Insurance In Your State for further details.
Q: Do homeowners' insurance policies cover flooding?
A: Most floodings are NOT covered by homeowners' policies. You require a separate insurance policy exclusively pertaining to protection of property against flood to guard your home and properties against flood damage.
Q: Do automobile insurance policies cover flooding?
A: Yes, this is applicable if you have purchased comprehensive coverage. Otherwise, if you only have liability coverage, your vehicle is not insured for flooding.
Q: Can I purchase flood insurance if my property has been flooded in the past?
A: Yes, notwithstanding whether your home has been flooded before. However, there is a possibility that there is a 30-day delay before flooding is covered. Consult your insurance agent for details.
Q: Will federal disaster assistance pay for my flood damage?
A: You may be entitled to federal disaster assistance if your residence is in a federally declared disaster area.
Q: My neighbor's tree fell on my property and caused damage. Is the neighbor's homeowners' insurance company accountable for payment of my repairs?
A: Under normal circumstances, if your neighbor's healthy tree falls on any of your property, it is the responsibility of your insurance company to provide for the repairing cost for the damage. Your neighbor's insurer would commonly be only acknowledge liability and pay for the damage if the tree had been dead or weakened in such a way that the owner should have known it was dangerous before it fell.
Q: How soon does the insurance company have to pay me the money it owes me for the repairs to my property?
A: Sometimes you will receive a check soon the damage has occurred. However, an insurance company has a maximum of 30 days to pay your claim after you give them suitable confirmation of loss.
Q: If I am not content with the service that my insurance company has given me, how do I file a grievance with the Department of Insurance?
A: All complaints should be put forward in writing to the Department of Insurance of the state of your residence. Visit insuranceusa.com and go to Insurance In Your State for further details.
Before You Buy Life Insurance
Life Insurance is purchased for many reasons that are mainly based on the insurance needs and wants of the people. Other factors that are taken in consideration, while purchasing an insurance is the marital status of the purchaser, total number of people depending on the consumer, size of the family, income and wealth status of the purchaser. All these factors help in determining the amount that shall be an ideal life insurance for the consumer. These factors also help to determine, the amount that a person will be able to spend on life insurance, without much discomfort caused and also keeping in mind the future needs of the person. Many steps are involved in this process of calculation that starts with the determination of the current insurance needs of the consumer, and the amount that can be spent without much discomfort. It is essential to take into account the future needs, as life insurance is purchased once in the lifetime of a person, and not as and when needed. In order to purchase a life insurance, a reasonable good health is desired.
In case we find that a particular kind of Insurance is not able to meet the different needs, we may have a look at other plans. It is very essential that we read the terms and conditions of the policy, and also enquire about any clause that may not be clear. Free Lock provisions are required to be taken in account, which states different lock periods for different Insurance companies. However, whatever policy we decide to purchase, it is essential that we make a review of the policy from time to time, so as to make it adjustable with our changing financial needs and also family conditions.
In case we find that a particular kind of Insurance is not able to meet the different needs, we may have a look at other plans. It is very essential that we read the terms and conditions of the policy, and also enquire about any clause that may not be clear. Free Lock provisions are required to be taken in account, which states different lock periods for different Insurance companies. However, whatever policy we decide to purchase, it is essential that we make a review of the policy from time to time, so as to make it adjustable with our changing financial needs and also family conditions.
Do I Need Disability Insurance?
Disability is an unpredictable event that has the capacity to restrict your capacity of making a living. In case you become disabled in case of any event, your ability to make a living becomes restricted, although you may have enough money in your bank account, in order to meet your short term demands. However, if there is no income all money is bound to get over, within a period of years. In such circumstances there arises a need for disability insurance. The people make purchases of the property brought and also casualty insurance, in order to protect their possessions such as houses, cars and furniture. Life insurance is also considered to be the most common form of insurance that provides an insurance policy in order to provide income to the survivors. Disability insurance is not much common as other forms of insurance, but it is the best insurance to protect you in case of disability, when you are not able to work.
Disability Insurance is very important like any other form of insurance. This is particularly important, if you are single with no other specific means of support. In case of married people, you may be able to support yourself with the income of your spouse. However, in all these circumstances your financial obligations do not decrease, as you still have your children to support or parents to look after. It is a misconception that disability insurance is important for those people who work in a hazardous environment and occupation. It is equally important to purchase disability insurance, as disability can occur even when you are at home. There can be accidents at home as well as workplace; hence all those who work and earn a living should purchase a disability allowance. Statistics reveal that there are always high chances for getting disabled for more than a month, than the chances of dying prematurely. The main reason for this is the development of science and technology, particularly in the field of medicine, and many medicines have been developed with the capacity of treating complex disabilities and injuries, that were previously considered to be very fatal.
There can be many facilities that are associated with disability insurance. In case you are injured at the time of working, you are entitled to receive certain disability benefits, from the workman's compensation insurance. The amount you receive is highly dependant on the policy that is adopted by the state of your work. In case a revision is made in the liability insurance, it shall be able to offer you limited disability insurance. Many government and private pensions plans are also available that provide you certain benefits, that is based on total disability, permanent disability or a certain amount of reduced retirement benefit, that is in proportion to the amount that has already been received as an amount of insurance. There is a social security that is associated with the benefits. In case you are eligible to get the dividends, you may not be able to get it, after six months you have become disabled, as there is an imposition of social security as a waiting period.
Disability Insurance is very important like any other form of insurance. This is particularly important, if you are single with no other specific means of support. In case of married people, you may be able to support yourself with the income of your spouse. However, in all these circumstances your financial obligations do not decrease, as you still have your children to support or parents to look after. It is a misconception that disability insurance is important for those people who work in a hazardous environment and occupation. It is equally important to purchase disability insurance, as disability can occur even when you are at home. There can be accidents at home as well as workplace; hence all those who work and earn a living should purchase a disability allowance. Statistics reveal that there are always high chances for getting disabled for more than a month, than the chances of dying prematurely. The main reason for this is the development of science and technology, particularly in the field of medicine, and many medicines have been developed with the capacity of treating complex disabilities and injuries, that were previously considered to be very fatal.
There can be many facilities that are associated with disability insurance. In case you are injured at the time of working, you are entitled to receive certain disability benefits, from the workman's compensation insurance. The amount you receive is highly dependant on the policy that is adopted by the state of your work. In case a revision is made in the liability insurance, it shall be able to offer you limited disability insurance. Many government and private pensions plans are also available that provide you certain benefits, that is based on total disability, permanent disability or a certain amount of reduced retirement benefit, that is in proportion to the amount that has already been received as an amount of insurance. There is a social security that is associated with the benefits. In case you are eligible to get the dividends, you may not be able to get it, after six months you have become disabled, as there is an imposition of social security as a waiting period.
Price Is Not Everything
Many factors are taken in consideration, while making a selection of an Insurance company, and price is one such factor, that is taken in consideration. Other factors that are taken into account are the claims of Insurance, different services that are rendered by the agents and also different kinds of coverages that are taken into consideration. There are different rates for different kinds of insurance, such as of Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Insurance, rates vary as discounts are provided at times, depending on the equipments that are available with the vehicles. There is a special kind of discount available for the vehicles that are equipped with a particular kind of lock system. In case we are thinking of making an insurance of a vehicle without a lock system, the premium that we will be required to pay will be much higher than the other rates that are applicable.
There may be No-Fault Coverages that includes a discount, as any vehicle that is manufactured in the United States, in the year 1990, is required to be equipped with a seatbelt as well as an air bag. In case there is an insurance being made of an older vehicle, the rates of premium are bound to be higher. The premiums that are required to be paid do not always reflect the dividends that the mutual insurers are required to pay. There are many insurers who do not make use of classifications, while there are many others who make the use of combined policies, with the limits that are quite different from what has been presented. There are merit-rating plans available with many insurers that help them to charge higher rate of premiums for all the vehicles that have been involved with some kinds of accidents. Many insurance companies accept the payment of insurance through different installments.
There may be No-Fault Coverages that includes a discount, as any vehicle that is manufactured in the United States, in the year 1990, is required to be equipped with a seatbelt as well as an air bag. In case there is an insurance being made of an older vehicle, the rates of premium are bound to be higher. The premiums that are required to be paid do not always reflect the dividends that the mutual insurers are required to pay. There are many insurers who do not make use of classifications, while there are many others who make the use of combined policies, with the limits that are quite different from what has been presented. There are merit-rating plans available with many insurers that help them to charge higher rate of premiums for all the vehicles that have been involved with some kinds of accidents. Many insurance companies accept the payment of insurance through different installments.
Roles for Insurance Agents and Brokers
Insurance Agents and brokers are the people, who pass the licensing examination that is conducted by the Insurance Department. In order to clear this examination, you are required to have a thorough knowledge of the different Insurance policies, rules as well as practices. These people provide us all possible help whenever we desire to obtain coverage from an Insurance company. The agents work on behalf of the Insurance companies, as their sales representatives, in return of a commission. There is a difference between insurance agents and brokers and the functions of both need not be confused. The basic difference between the two is that the work of the agent is to write policies, while that of the broker is to help and assist the customer, when he is making the policy.
There are many factors that we are required to take into consideration, before we purchase a contract. In cases where the Insurance is secured, the basis of the security is required to be seen. It is to be seen whether the security is on voluntary basis or on the basis of residual market. We can also ask for a detailed breakdown of the policy details so that we have a better understanding of all the features, that includes certain explanations that is related to deductions, premiums as well as coverages
In return of all the services provided by the Insurance agents and brokers, they receive commission. They usually provide us with a written memo that states the fee that they are charging. There is a limitation in maximum fee charged if the placement is made through an Auto Plan. If the placement is through other kinds of sources like the voluntary market, then there is no limitation to the fees charged, as long as everything is provided in writing in the agreement. It is to be kept in mind that the agents and brokers are in no position, to offer you cash, as any kind of inducement.
We should always try to obtain the best kind of coverage. In order to fulfill this purpose, we may contact the different brokers and agents, so as to find the best insurance deal. There are several ways, in which we are able to find the best broker and agent-the most common method is by seeking help from a happy and satisfied relative. It is in our best interest to approach the best brokers and agents, so that we get the best policy.
There are many factors that we are required to take into consideration, before we purchase a contract. In cases where the Insurance is secured, the basis of the security is required to be seen. It is to be seen whether the security is on voluntary basis or on the basis of residual market. We can also ask for a detailed breakdown of the policy details so that we have a better understanding of all the features, that includes certain explanations that is related to deductions, premiums as well as coverages
In return of all the services provided by the Insurance agents and brokers, they receive commission. They usually provide us with a written memo that states the fee that they are charging. There is a limitation in maximum fee charged if the placement is made through an Auto Plan. If the placement is through other kinds of sources like the voluntary market, then there is no limitation to the fees charged, as long as everything is provided in writing in the agreement. It is to be kept in mind that the agents and brokers are in no position, to offer you cash, as any kind of inducement.
We should always try to obtain the best kind of coverage. In order to fulfill this purpose, we may contact the different brokers and agents, so as to find the best insurance deal. There are several ways, in which we are able to find the best broker and agent-the most common method is by seeking help from a happy and satisfied relative. It is in our best interest to approach the best brokers and agents, so that we get the best policy.
Beware of insurance fraud
Pocketing Premium Payments
In the absence of payment of premium, an insurance policy is more than likely to be declared void. It is common for a policyholder to make such payments through an agent, usually the one through whom he purchased the policy. One oft-repeated insurance fraud occurs when an agent does not pay a premium to an insurance company, leaving the customer stranded without the insured risk being covered. A fraudulent agent may be found sometimes to be gambling that a client won't have a claim and makes the premium money his own.
To insure yourself against such uncalled-for risk, you can eliminate to agent from the process of paying the premium. Whenever possible, you can as well pay your insurance premiums by check or money order made payable to the company, not to the agent or agency.
Law is there at your rescue, in case a dishonest agent thus deceives you. Agents failing to turn over premium money to an insurance company are liable to lose their licenses. Agents may also be dealt with face criminal theft charges if they keep the money for their personal use.
Churning
In case of churning, an agent tries to sell an extra policy to a person already having a policy with a cash value. Churning usually occurs when an agent promises the person a new policy at a low cost. The fraud rests in the policy so meagerly priced because the rest of the premium is being drawn out of the cash value of his or her first policy. The new policy in due course eats up the cash value of the first policy.
The policyholder will be left trying to arrange for money to pay for both policies, or his or her coverage will lapse.
Sliding
Unscrupulous agents try to sell you coverage you either don't want or don't need by telling you it is part of a "package". They may even totally suppress from you the extra coverage. This is a case of sliding.
Sometimes agents look to "slide" in additional coverage that carries a high commission along with the low commission coverage you are purchasing.
Among the kinds of items most commonly used for "sliding", that agents "slide" are accidental death coverage, guaranteed renewable term life insurance, or motor club membership.
Stacking
More often than not, one policy covers a consumer's needs in each insurance area. However, for investment purposes some consumers may intentionally decide to buy more than one annuity or life insurance policy. Some agents try to sell you pointless multiple policies, claiming that you are in need of extra coverage. Known as tacking, this happens most frequently with life or health insurance policies.
Twisting
Insurance agents generally receive their biggest commissions for the first year a policy is in effect, with lower commissions in later years. With the purpose of profiteering, some agents may "twist" the truth and press you to change policies or companies, mostly in case of life insurance policies.
However, you should be cautious about changing any of your policies, because there could be downsides. For example, health insurance policies typically don't pay compensations for illnesses diagnosed before the policy took effect. Also, some policies may have a waiting period. So, you need to take notice of all the pros and cons and weigh them properly before changing an insurance policy.
Other Ways
Disreputable agents may at times sell made-up insurance policies. While some claim to be representing the federal or state government, there are others using the license of a former or retired insurance agent.
Verify with your state's Department of Insurance to make sure the license of an agent or company by getting in touch with them by phone or online.
In the absence of payment of premium, an insurance policy is more than likely to be declared void. It is common for a policyholder to make such payments through an agent, usually the one through whom he purchased the policy. One oft-repeated insurance fraud occurs when an agent does not pay a premium to an insurance company, leaving the customer stranded without the insured risk being covered. A fraudulent agent may be found sometimes to be gambling that a client won't have a claim and makes the premium money his own.
To insure yourself against such uncalled-for risk, you can eliminate to agent from the process of paying the premium. Whenever possible, you can as well pay your insurance premiums by check or money order made payable to the company, not to the agent or agency.
Law is there at your rescue, in case a dishonest agent thus deceives you. Agents failing to turn over premium money to an insurance company are liable to lose their licenses. Agents may also be dealt with face criminal theft charges if they keep the money for their personal use.
Churning
In case of churning, an agent tries to sell an extra policy to a person already having a policy with a cash value. Churning usually occurs when an agent promises the person a new policy at a low cost. The fraud rests in the policy so meagerly priced because the rest of the premium is being drawn out of the cash value of his or her first policy. The new policy in due course eats up the cash value of the first policy.
The policyholder will be left trying to arrange for money to pay for both policies, or his or her coverage will lapse.
Sliding
Unscrupulous agents try to sell you coverage you either don't want or don't need by telling you it is part of a "package". They may even totally suppress from you the extra coverage. This is a case of sliding.
Sometimes agents look to "slide" in additional coverage that carries a high commission along with the low commission coverage you are purchasing.
Among the kinds of items most commonly used for "sliding", that agents "slide" are accidental death coverage, guaranteed renewable term life insurance, or motor club membership.
Stacking
More often than not, one policy covers a consumer's needs in each insurance area. However, for investment purposes some consumers may intentionally decide to buy more than one annuity or life insurance policy. Some agents try to sell you pointless multiple policies, claiming that you are in need of extra coverage. Known as tacking, this happens most frequently with life or health insurance policies.
Twisting
Insurance agents generally receive their biggest commissions for the first year a policy is in effect, with lower commissions in later years. With the purpose of profiteering, some agents may "twist" the truth and press you to change policies or companies, mostly in case of life insurance policies.
However, you should be cautious about changing any of your policies, because there could be downsides. For example, health insurance policies typically don't pay compensations for illnesses diagnosed before the policy took effect. Also, some policies may have a waiting period. So, you need to take notice of all the pros and cons and weigh them properly before changing an insurance policy.
Other Ways
Disreputable agents may at times sell made-up insurance policies. While some claim to be representing the federal or state government, there are others using the license of a former or retired insurance agent.
Verify with your state's Department of Insurance to make sure the license of an agent or company by getting in touch with them by phone or online.
Workers' Compensation Fraud Hoaxes One and All
The workers' compensation insurance system is a no-fault scheme for reimbursing workers with medical expenses and wage losses as a result of on-the-job injuries. This is calculated to come to the aid of people who have been injured on the job in a way acceptable in the eyes of law. Most states call for full payment of medical and rehabilitation expenditure for injured employees and up to two-thirds of wage loss payback in the period of their being incapable of working. What all these mean is that workers' compensation is an alluring target for insurance criminals, on the prowl to hoax actuaries for in a bid for illicit money-making.
It must be admitted that, the huge mass of workers' compensation claims are honest. Still, one cannot deny that billions of dollars of false claims are produced each year before insurers from patients and unscrupulous doctors who either blow up the degree of injuries or just engineer them at the very beginning. Those actually paying the price for this offense are the honest masses. The annual payment of American businesses cross billions of dollars in higher insurance premiums and other expenditure such as production holdups, restrictive costs and equipment substitutions on account of workers' compensation hoax. These costs reflect in higher prices for goods and services.
Mastered by some fraudulent doctors, lawyers, employees (claimants) and even employers themselves, deceit in workers' compensation has manifold forms. Many doubtful workers' recompense claims are for soft tissue injuries, such as strained
muscles, headaches, whiplash and snowballing constant concern. These types of claims being exceedingly tricky to refute, they are eye-candies for those intending to swindle the workers' compensation insurance mechanism.
It must be admitted that, the huge mass of workers' compensation claims are honest. Still, one cannot deny that billions of dollars of false claims are produced each year before insurers from patients and unscrupulous doctors who either blow up the degree of injuries or just engineer them at the very beginning. Those actually paying the price for this offense are the honest masses. The annual payment of American businesses cross billions of dollars in higher insurance premiums and other expenditure such as production holdups, restrictive costs and equipment substitutions on account of workers' compensation hoax. These costs reflect in higher prices for goods and services.
Mastered by some fraudulent doctors, lawyers, employees (claimants) and even employers themselves, deceit in workers' compensation has manifold forms. Many doubtful workers' recompense claims are for soft tissue injuries, such as strained
muscles, headaches, whiplash and snowballing constant concern. These types of claims being exceedingly tricky to refute, they are eye-candies for those intending to swindle the workers' compensation insurance mechanism.
General Insurance Consumer Tips
Buying an insurance policy is basically not much different from buying any other valuable. You need to examine all options, before zeroing on the policy you would like to put your money into. When you insure any valuable -- be it a life, or any material possession, ensure that you everything you possible can on not only the policy you are buying, but also the competing ones. So, you should be enthusiastic and exuberant enough to shop around, focused and inquisitive enough to ask questions, and wise and judicious enough to compare prices, rates and benefits. Make sure you are comparing the same coverage. A policy may cost less, but at the same time, may provide fewer benefits.
1) Examine information about the company's financial strength.
2) Never deal with a salesperson who is "just passing through". This is primarily because he or she may not be there to provide service when you require it.
3) Ensure that you have got hold of the agent's name, address and phone number. Keep safe from an agent who refuses to give his or her name and company accreditation or leave a business card.
4) If you have any queries about an agent or broker contact data, go ahead and consult the Department's Bureau of Producer Licensing.
5) Feel free to ask about the agent's qualifications, experience and education in insurance.
6) Be alert while dealing with insurance agents of companies that declare or mean in whatever way that they are authorized by the government, labor groups, teacher groups or other professional organizations.
7) Never let emotions get the better of you when you make your purchase.
8) Don't feel pressurized into making a decision hurriedly. Keep in mid that any insurance policy available currently will still be there to buy the next day.
9) Do not hesitate to tell an insurance agent to leave your home immediately, if you are in no mood to eat into your precious time.
10) Never be "stampeded" or frightened into buying coverage you may not need in actuality.
11) Make sure you know what insurance benefits you already have before you dwell on purchasing additional policies.
12) Keep safe from duplication. You may have the same coverage in a current policy as those being offered to you in a new policy.
13) If you are considering substituting your current policy with a new one, make sure to have gone into the depths of the costs, benefits and conditions associated with each policy, as well as risks associated with a change.
14) Submit correct and complete information on an insurance application to avoid problems in future. Go through and understand what you are signing. When putting your replies for questions on an application, your declarations should be accurate, honest and recorded as you stated. You are accountable for information that bears your signature. Your policy could be declared void if information is misrepresented. Errors and omissions can lead to higher premiums or coverage terminations. So, make sure everything has been put down correctly and clearly.
15) Never ever assume that the policy premium quoted will be the actual premium of the policy, or that the policy will even be approved for coverage. Premium quotations are based on the information provided at the time. If the insurance company finds any of the information supplied to be incorrect or develops some additional information, the original premium quoted may alter or the company may even refuse to issue a policy.
16) When switching from one insurance company to another, do not annul your existing insurance policy until you are assured of the price and that you have been accepted by the new insurance company.
17) Never make payment in cash. Payment by check ensures proof of payment and allows you to stop payment if necessary. Always make the check payable to the insurance company. Avoid making the check payable to the agent.
18) Never sign an application for any insurance until you have read and verified the correctness of the information.
19) Make sure you read and make out what you are signing. When answering questions on an application for insurance, your answers should be accurate, honest and recorded as you stated. You are responsible for information that is otherwise authenticated by your signature. Your policy could be declared void if information is proved to be false.
20) When you receive your policy, make a thorough review the policy's coverage, including the omissions, with your agent.
21) If you feel like reducing your premium, consider going in for a higher deductible. The deductible is the amount you must pay yourself before the insurance company pays the remainder of the claim. Ensure that you understand how your deductible is defined (per occurrence or illness, per individual or family).
22) You may get in touch with your state Insurance Department's website to licensing status of an insurance company.
Go through premium payment options. Many companies offer the facility of installment payments for low administrative fees. Premium payments too may be financed. When opting for this, take careful to review the premium finance contract.
1) Examine information about the company's financial strength.
2) Never deal with a salesperson who is "just passing through". This is primarily because he or she may not be there to provide service when you require it.
3) Ensure that you have got hold of the agent's name, address and phone number. Keep safe from an agent who refuses to give his or her name and company accreditation or leave a business card.
4) If you have any queries about an agent or broker contact data, go ahead and consult the Department's Bureau of Producer Licensing.
5) Feel free to ask about the agent's qualifications, experience and education in insurance.
6) Be alert while dealing with insurance agents of companies that declare or mean in whatever way that they are authorized by the government, labor groups, teacher groups or other professional organizations.
7) Never let emotions get the better of you when you make your purchase.
8) Don't feel pressurized into making a decision hurriedly. Keep in mid that any insurance policy available currently will still be there to buy the next day.
9) Do not hesitate to tell an insurance agent to leave your home immediately, if you are in no mood to eat into your precious time.
10) Never be "stampeded" or frightened into buying coverage you may not need in actuality.
11) Make sure you know what insurance benefits you already have before you dwell on purchasing additional policies.
12) Keep safe from duplication. You may have the same coverage in a current policy as those being offered to you in a new policy.
13) If you are considering substituting your current policy with a new one, make sure to have gone into the depths of the costs, benefits and conditions associated with each policy, as well as risks associated with a change.
14) Submit correct and complete information on an insurance application to avoid problems in future. Go through and understand what you are signing. When putting your replies for questions on an application, your declarations should be accurate, honest and recorded as you stated. You are accountable for information that bears your signature. Your policy could be declared void if information is misrepresented. Errors and omissions can lead to higher premiums or coverage terminations. So, make sure everything has been put down correctly and clearly.
15) Never ever assume that the policy premium quoted will be the actual premium of the policy, or that the policy will even be approved for coverage. Premium quotations are based on the information provided at the time. If the insurance company finds any of the information supplied to be incorrect or develops some additional information, the original premium quoted may alter or the company may even refuse to issue a policy.
16) When switching from one insurance company to another, do not annul your existing insurance policy until you are assured of the price and that you have been accepted by the new insurance company.
17) Never make payment in cash. Payment by check ensures proof of payment and allows you to stop payment if necessary. Always make the check payable to the insurance company. Avoid making the check payable to the agent.
18) Never sign an application for any insurance until you have read and verified the correctness of the information.
19) Make sure you read and make out what you are signing. When answering questions on an application for insurance, your answers should be accurate, honest and recorded as you stated. You are responsible for information that is otherwise authenticated by your signature. Your policy could be declared void if information is proved to be false.
20) When you receive your policy, make a thorough review the policy's coverage, including the omissions, with your agent.
21) If you feel like reducing your premium, consider going in for a higher deductible. The deductible is the amount you must pay yourself before the insurance company pays the remainder of the claim. Ensure that you understand how your deductible is defined (per occurrence or illness, per individual or family).
22) You may get in touch with your state Insurance Department's website to licensing status of an insurance company.
Go through premium payment options. Many companies offer the facility of installment payments for low administrative fees. Premium payments too may be financed. When opting for this, take careful to review the premium finance contract.
Stop Insurance Fraud - Top 10
1) Do not buy the first policy you come across. With most things you shell out money for, you shop around and weigh against prices and features. Insurance purchase should be no different. Always get hold of quotes from a number of companies and judge against benefits and rates ahead of paying your first premium. The bottom line is to weigh the pros and cons of the available options before narrowing down your choice to the ultimate one.
2) Be careful to buy your policy only from authorized companies and agents/agencies. Unauthorized insurance procedures are illegal, and their policyholders are as good as unprotected against the risks apparently insured against, as also the danger of being hoaxed. You can verify the authenticity of an insurer by calling the Louisiana Department of Insurance.3) Be sure about the credibility of an agent as also of a company. A classic case in point is when the price quoted sounds too good to be true; it may very well be a bait for you to grab, and lose. Low premiums are worthless if you receive bad service or the company is incapable to cover your claim.
4) Fill out your application carefully, with utmost attention to the all of the otherwise minute details. An error or two creeping in here and there may catch you unawares derail you. Never put your signature on blank forms or blank applications. Inaccurate, imperfect or false information on your application can lay your insurance coverage on the line. It is an offense to furnish false information on an insurance application or claim. Don't allow an agent to sway you to say anything or file data that is not to the best of your knowledge.
5) Premium is of premier importance; it is always at a premium. Never pay your premium in cash. Always make check or money order payment of your insurance premiums. Ensure that you have a receipt that clearly shows that you paid the premium in reality. Whenever possible, pay direct to the insurance company, instead of through the agent.
6) Look ahead to getting a copy of your policy from your agent in a fair period of time. (Note: For auto insurance, an ID card is NOT regarded as a copy of policy.) In case of non-receipt of your policy, contact your agent first, and then your state's Department of Insurance.
7) Read your policy right away to bear out that it contains the coverage you conversed with your agent. If everything is not in place, get in touch with your agent straight away or return your policy.
8) Bear in mind there is a free-look period in which you are given time to assess a policy once you have received it. Ensure that you utilize it to the best effect. All life and health policies have to have a free-look period of at a minimum of 10 days; some may have longer.
9) Keep copies of all insurance records, including copies of all premium payments, for future reference, if the situation so demands. Keep additional copies in a safe-deposit box, in a waterproof and fireproof container, or with a trusted friend or legal practitioner.
10) Contact your state's Department of Insurance to know details of a company's or an agent's license standing, A.M. Best rating, complaint history, or to lodge a complaint.
If everything is not crystal clear...
If you are under the impression that your insurance company has inappropriately declines to issue or renew your policy, or turns down payment of all or part of a legitimate claim, you should ask questions first and then complain if required.
First, you should contact your agent or company representative. Oftentimes a slip-up has been made and will be set right upon inquiry. When putting up a query to your agent or company, ensure providing them your name, address, telephone number, policy number, type of policy, and the nature of your problem.
Complaints / Fraud
What happens if you're still in dark? If you do not get a fitting reply from your agent or company or to report deceit, you should not hesitate to lodge a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance.
Lying on Insurance Application
Telling lies on an auto insurance application is far from wise. Procedures for checking the information provided to insurance companies are increasingly sophisticated and extensive, making it progressively more likely that false information will be exposed. As well as the probability of being detected, a person who lies on an insurance application runs the risk of having the policy rescinded and being obliged to pay costs that may amount to tens of thousands of dollars.
The law is quite clear on the penalties that apply to people who give false information when completing an insurance application. An example of this is California Insurance Code Section 359. Under this code section, if a false representation is made in relation to any material point, whether it is affirmative or promissory, the company can rescind the policy and it will also be regarded as invalid "from the time the representation becomes false". This means in such a case that the policy is deemed to have actually provided no cover for the person who gave the false information.
A spokesman for the California Department of Insurance, Scott Edelen, points out that more than one problem can occur for someone who lies on an insurance application. As well as having the policy rescinded, the person may also be liable financially. This could happen if, during the rescinded policy period, any claim damages were paid. Such claim can involve large amounts, leaving the policy holder owing a lot of money.
Edelen, who is deputy insurance commissioner, communications, for the California Department of Insurance, said a recent example of such a predicament for a policy holder involved a person who had provided an insurance company with a false address. This had apparently been done in order to secure a cheaper rate, and the policy had existed in this form, with an incorrect address, for several years. The insurance company eventually discovered that the address supplied was false and rescinded the policy, but the problems for the policy holder did not stop there. In fact they were just beginning.
Checking its records, the insurance company found that while the policy was in existence it had paid a claim filed by the person who provided the false address. The claim followed an incident involving the policy holder and another motorist who had not been covered by insurance at the time. As well as having the policy rescinded, the former holder was then sued for the damages that were incurred during the policy's life. A lost judgment then resulted in the former policy holder being ordered to pay the cost of the claim that had been paid when the policy existed under the wrong address. The former holder also had to pay the difference between the cost of the policy as it had been and the cost it would have been at the correct address. The order also included payment of interest on both these amounts. Overall, the lie cost the former policy holder more than $20,000, much more than the extra cost that would have been incurred by providing the true address in the beginning.
People who are considering telling lies on insurance application should be aware that there is a strong possibility such lies will be discovered fairly quickly. The availability of modern technology makes checking information easy, and few insurance companies are prepared to take an applicant's word without applying some checking processes to the information supplied so that potential risk can be assessed and priced accordingly. As State Farm spokesman Bill Sirola says, companies such as his can check customer's driving records in their home states, and access nation-wide driving record information through Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) and a variety of other claims information data bases. The type of information that can be gathered includes tickets, violations and other facts about the person's driving record. While it is usual for the record of the past three years to be checked before a company agrees to provide a policy, an offence such as driving under the influence is subject to checking over the period of the past seven years. Any claims that have been made with insurers over the years, and the amounts of those claims, will also show up through organizations such as CLUE.
With such laws and checking procedures in place, telling lies on insurance applications is not worth the risk it involves. Northern California consumers, Don Sinn and Betty Proctor, agree with this. Don Sinn say lying would be foolish and would come back to haunt the person. Lies about a driving record, for example, would be exposed when the insurance company ran a check with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Sinn says he is aware that his policy could be cancelled or his premium raised if his insurance company caught him out in such as lie. Betty Proctor agrees and, although she has no intention of lying, is well aware that if she does so, her policy is likely to be rescinded. Like many people they conclude that honesty, in all insurance cases, is definitely the best policy.
The law is quite clear on the penalties that apply to people who give false information when completing an insurance application. An example of this is California Insurance Code Section 359. Under this code section, if a false representation is made in relation to any material point, whether it is affirmative or promissory, the company can rescind the policy and it will also be regarded as invalid "from the time the representation becomes false". This means in such a case that the policy is deemed to have actually provided no cover for the person who gave the false information.
A spokesman for the California Department of Insurance, Scott Edelen, points out that more than one problem can occur for someone who lies on an insurance application. As well as having the policy rescinded, the person may also be liable financially. This could happen if, during the rescinded policy period, any claim damages were paid. Such claim can involve large amounts, leaving the policy holder owing a lot of money.
Edelen, who is deputy insurance commissioner, communications, for the California Department of Insurance, said a recent example of such a predicament for a policy holder involved a person who had provided an insurance company with a false address. This had apparently been done in order to secure a cheaper rate, and the policy had existed in this form, with an incorrect address, for several years. The insurance company eventually discovered that the address supplied was false and rescinded the policy, but the problems for the policy holder did not stop there. In fact they were just beginning.
Checking its records, the insurance company found that while the policy was in existence it had paid a claim filed by the person who provided the false address. The claim followed an incident involving the policy holder and another motorist who had not been covered by insurance at the time. As well as having the policy rescinded, the former holder was then sued for the damages that were incurred during the policy's life. A lost judgment then resulted in the former policy holder being ordered to pay the cost of the claim that had been paid when the policy existed under the wrong address. The former holder also had to pay the difference between the cost of the policy as it had been and the cost it would have been at the correct address. The order also included payment of interest on both these amounts. Overall, the lie cost the former policy holder more than $20,000, much more than the extra cost that would have been incurred by providing the true address in the beginning.
People who are considering telling lies on insurance application should be aware that there is a strong possibility such lies will be discovered fairly quickly. The availability of modern technology makes checking information easy, and few insurance companies are prepared to take an applicant's word without applying some checking processes to the information supplied so that potential risk can be assessed and priced accordingly. As State Farm spokesman Bill Sirola says, companies such as his can check customer's driving records in their home states, and access nation-wide driving record information through Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) and a variety of other claims information data bases. The type of information that can be gathered includes tickets, violations and other facts about the person's driving record. While it is usual for the record of the past three years to be checked before a company agrees to provide a policy, an offence such as driving under the influence is subject to checking over the period of the past seven years. Any claims that have been made with insurers over the years, and the amounts of those claims, will also show up through organizations such as CLUE.
With such laws and checking procedures in place, telling lies on insurance applications is not worth the risk it involves. Northern California consumers, Don Sinn and Betty Proctor, agree with this. Don Sinn say lying would be foolish and would come back to haunt the person. Lies about a driving record, for example, would be exposed when the insurance company ran a check with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Sinn says he is aware that his policy could be cancelled or his premium raised if his insurance company caught him out in such as lie. Betty Proctor agrees and, although she has no intention of lying, is well aware that if she does so, her policy is likely to be rescinded. Like many people they conclude that honesty, in all insurance cases, is definitely the best policy.
Don't Drink and Drive
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) reports that alcohol related traffic fatalities occur every 31 minutes in the United States today, and alcohol related non-fatal injuries occur on our roads every 2 minutes. Other drugs, like cocaine or marijuana, are involved in some 18% of vehicle driver deaths. What can you do to keep yourself and your family safe on the roads? A lot.
Myths about Alcohol and Sobering Up
Many of us have heard that coffee, exercise, fresh air or a shower will sober you up. Food will not soak up alcohol. The simple answer? No, none of these will lower your blood alcohol level or sober you up at all. The only thing that will sober you up is time, around one hour per drink for most men, and somewhat longer for women. Women typically require longer to metabolize alcohol due to smaller body size and limited production of alcohol dehydrogenase, which metabolizes alcohol. A drink is a shot of hard alcohol, a glass of wine, or a bottle of beer or light beer. Many mixed drinks are actually several drinks. It takes much less alcohol to impair driving than many people think. Just three drinks spread over a couple of hours can be enough to raise your blood alcohol over the legal limit and make you a very unsafe driver.
The Affects of Alcohol
While we all know that alcohol may make you loud, silly, affectionate or playful, it also slows reaction time. Many organs and body systems and senses are impacted by alcohol. Let us consider just one sense, vision. Alcohol slows your ability to focus back and forth from images near and far. It also relaxes the muscles in the eyes, blurring vision. The impact of alcohol on coordination can cause double vision, and damage your distance perception. Night vision, peripheral vision and color perception are all also weakened by alcohol consumption. Comprehension of situations on the road and attention to detail while driving will also be reduced after consuming alcohol. Reflexes, including your ability to turn the wheel, control the accelerator, and control the break will be dramatically slowed. If you have been drinking, you are a danger to yourself and others on the road.
What Can You Do?
You can, first and foremost, avoid driving after drinking yourself. If you expect to be drinking, designate a driver, plan to stay the night, or make arrangements for a sober ride home from a friend or cab. All of these are safe options. Many bars offer free non-alcoholic beverages for a designated driver, and perhaps you and friends can take turns driving. If you find yourself intoxicated and did not plan for it, take a cab home or call a friend or family member for a ride. Many cities even offer free cab rides home if you find yourself in this position.
It is also important to create a social environment that is not conducive to driving under the influence. Do not allow friends and acquaintances to drive after drinking. Volunteer to be a designated driver. If you are planning a party, be certain to offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and consider collecting keys at the beginning of the evening. It is everyone's responsibility to prevent driving under the influence, and whether you are simply out with a friend or hosting a party, you owe it to your friends and anyone else on the roads to keep them off the roads.
Educating your children about driving under the influence is another critical element in keeping unsafe drivers off the road. Share information about driving under the influence with your teens, be certain that they understand that they are neither to drive nor accept a ride from a driver under the influence. Let them know that you will always come and get them, and provide a safe ride if needed.
Education of both young people and adults is critical to reduce and prevent driving under the influence. If we all work to create a social environment in which driving under the influence is absolutely unacceptable, traffic fatalities and injuries due to impaired drivers will drop, making the roads safer for all of us.
Changes in the Law
Every state in the country is actively working to combat the problem of driving under the influence. The legal limit for blood alcohol content is now 0.08% all around the country. Penalties for driving under the influence have been made harsher over time, in an attempt to reduce the number of alcohol related traffic fatalities and injuries. Even with education, social efforts, and legal penalties, on weekend nights between 1:00 and 6:00 A.M., one out of every 7 drivers is still legally impaired. Continuing efforts to stop irresponsible drinking and driving behaviors are critical to keep everyone safe on our roads.
Myths about Alcohol and Sobering Up
Many of us have heard that coffee, exercise, fresh air or a shower will sober you up. Food will not soak up alcohol. The simple answer? No, none of these will lower your blood alcohol level or sober you up at all. The only thing that will sober you up is time, around one hour per drink for most men, and somewhat longer for women. Women typically require longer to metabolize alcohol due to smaller body size and limited production of alcohol dehydrogenase, which metabolizes alcohol. A drink is a shot of hard alcohol, a glass of wine, or a bottle of beer or light beer. Many mixed drinks are actually several drinks. It takes much less alcohol to impair driving than many people think. Just three drinks spread over a couple of hours can be enough to raise your blood alcohol over the legal limit and make you a very unsafe driver.
The Affects of Alcohol
While we all know that alcohol may make you loud, silly, affectionate or playful, it also slows reaction time. Many organs and body systems and senses are impacted by alcohol. Let us consider just one sense, vision. Alcohol slows your ability to focus back and forth from images near and far. It also relaxes the muscles in the eyes, blurring vision. The impact of alcohol on coordination can cause double vision, and damage your distance perception. Night vision, peripheral vision and color perception are all also weakened by alcohol consumption. Comprehension of situations on the road and attention to detail while driving will also be reduced after consuming alcohol. Reflexes, including your ability to turn the wheel, control the accelerator, and control the break will be dramatically slowed. If you have been drinking, you are a danger to yourself and others on the road.
What Can You Do?
You can, first and foremost, avoid driving after drinking yourself. If you expect to be drinking, designate a driver, plan to stay the night, or make arrangements for a sober ride home from a friend or cab. All of these are safe options. Many bars offer free non-alcoholic beverages for a designated driver, and perhaps you and friends can take turns driving. If you find yourself intoxicated and did not plan for it, take a cab home or call a friend or family member for a ride. Many cities even offer free cab rides home if you find yourself in this position.
It is also important to create a social environment that is not conducive to driving under the influence. Do not allow friends and acquaintances to drive after drinking. Volunteer to be a designated driver. If you are planning a party, be certain to offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and consider collecting keys at the beginning of the evening. It is everyone's responsibility to prevent driving under the influence, and whether you are simply out with a friend or hosting a party, you owe it to your friends and anyone else on the roads to keep them off the roads.
Educating your children about driving under the influence is another critical element in keeping unsafe drivers off the road. Share information about driving under the influence with your teens, be certain that they understand that they are neither to drive nor accept a ride from a driver under the influence. Let them know that you will always come and get them, and provide a safe ride if needed.
Education of both young people and adults is critical to reduce and prevent driving under the influence. If we all work to create a social environment in which driving under the influence is absolutely unacceptable, traffic fatalities and injuries due to impaired drivers will drop, making the roads safer for all of us.
Changes in the Law
Every state in the country is actively working to combat the problem of driving under the influence. The legal limit for blood alcohol content is now 0.08% all around the country. Penalties for driving under the influence have been made harsher over time, in an attempt to reduce the number of alcohol related traffic fatalities and injuries. Even with education, social efforts, and legal penalties, on weekend nights between 1:00 and 6:00 A.M., one out of every 7 drivers is still legally impaired. Continuing efforts to stop irresponsible drinking and driving behaviors are critical to keep everyone safe on our roads.
Don't Drink and Drive
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) reports that alcohol related traffic fatalities occur every 31 minutes in the United States today, and alcohol related non-fatal injuries occur on our roads every 2 minutes. Other drugs, like cocaine or marijuana, are involved in some 18% of vehicle driver deaths. What can you do to keep yourself and your family safe on the roads? A lot.
Myths about Alcohol and Sobering Up
Many of us have heard that coffee, exercise, fresh air or a shower will sober you up. Food will not soak up alcohol. The simple answer? No, none of these will lower your blood alcohol level or sober you up at all. The only thing that will sober you up is time, around one hour per drink for most men, and somewhat longer for women. Women typically require longer to metabolize alcohol due to smaller body size and limited production of alcohol dehydrogenase, which metabolizes alcohol. A drink is a shot of hard alcohol, a glass of wine, or a bottle of beer or light beer. Many mixed drinks are actually several drinks. It takes much less alcohol to impair driving than many people think. Just three drinks spread over a couple of hours can be enough to raise your blood alcohol over the legal limit and make you a very unsafe driver.
The Affects of Alcohol
While we all know that alcohol may make you loud, silly, affectionate or playful, it also slows reaction time. Many organs and body systems and senses are impacted by alcohol. Let us consider just one sense, vision. Alcohol slows your ability to focus back and forth from images near and far. It also relaxes the muscles in the eyes, blurring vision. The impact of alcohol on coordination can cause double vision, and damage your distance perception. Night vision, peripheral vision and color perception are all also weakened by alcohol consumption. Comprehension of situations on the road and attention to detail while driving will also be reduced after consuming alcohol. Reflexes, including your ability to turn the wheel, control the accelerator, and control the break will be dramatically slowed. If you have been drinking, you are a danger to yourself and others on the road.
What Can You Do?
You can, first and foremost, avoid driving after drinking yourself. If you expect to be drinking, designate a driver, plan to stay the night, or make arrangements for a sober ride home from a friend or cab. All of these are safe options. Many bars offer free non-alcoholic beverages for a designated driver, and perhaps you and friends can take turns driving. If you find yourself intoxicated and did not plan for it, take a cab home or call a friend or family member for a ride. Many cities even offer free cab rides home if you find yourself in this position.
It is also important to create a social environment that is not conducive to driving under the influence. Do not allow friends and acquaintances to drive after drinking. Volunteer to be a designated driver. If you are planning a party, be certain to offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and consider collecting keys at the beginning of the evening. It is everyone's responsibility to prevent driving under the influence, and whether you are simply out with a friend or hosting a party, you owe it to your friends and anyone else on the roads to keep them off the roads.
Educating your children about driving under the influence is another critical element in keeping unsafe drivers off the road. Share information about driving under the influence with your teens, be certain that they understand that they are neither to drive nor accept a ride from a driver under the influence. Let them know that you will always come and get them, and provide a safe ride if needed.
Education of both young people and adults is critical to reduce and prevent driving under the influence. If we all work to create a social environment in which driving under the influence is absolutely unacceptable, traffic fatalities and injuries due to impaired drivers will drop, making the roads safer for all of us.
Changes in the Law
Every state in the country is actively working to combat the problem of driving under the influence. The legal limit for blood alcohol content is now 0.08% all around the country. Penalties for driving under the influence have been made harsher over time, in an attempt to reduce the number of alcohol related traffic fatalities and injuries. Even with education, social efforts, and legal penalties, on weekend nights between 1:00 and 6:00 A.M., one out of every 7 drivers is still legally impaired. Continuing efforts to stop irresponsible drinking and driving behaviors are critical to keep everyone safe on our roads.
Myths about Alcohol and Sobering Up
Many of us have heard that coffee, exercise, fresh air or a shower will sober you up. Food will not soak up alcohol. The simple answer? No, none of these will lower your blood alcohol level or sober you up at all. The only thing that will sober you up is time, around one hour per drink for most men, and somewhat longer for women. Women typically require longer to metabolize alcohol due to smaller body size and limited production of alcohol dehydrogenase, which metabolizes alcohol. A drink is a shot of hard alcohol, a glass of wine, or a bottle of beer or light beer. Many mixed drinks are actually several drinks. It takes much less alcohol to impair driving than many people think. Just three drinks spread over a couple of hours can be enough to raise your blood alcohol over the legal limit and make you a very unsafe driver.
The Affects of Alcohol
While we all know that alcohol may make you loud, silly, affectionate or playful, it also slows reaction time. Many organs and body systems and senses are impacted by alcohol. Let us consider just one sense, vision. Alcohol slows your ability to focus back and forth from images near and far. It also relaxes the muscles in the eyes, blurring vision. The impact of alcohol on coordination can cause double vision, and damage your distance perception. Night vision, peripheral vision and color perception are all also weakened by alcohol consumption. Comprehension of situations on the road and attention to detail while driving will also be reduced after consuming alcohol. Reflexes, including your ability to turn the wheel, control the accelerator, and control the break will be dramatically slowed. If you have been drinking, you are a danger to yourself and others on the road.
What Can You Do?
You can, first and foremost, avoid driving after drinking yourself. If you expect to be drinking, designate a driver, plan to stay the night, or make arrangements for a sober ride home from a friend or cab. All of these are safe options. Many bars offer free non-alcoholic beverages for a designated driver, and perhaps you and friends can take turns driving. If you find yourself intoxicated and did not plan for it, take a cab home or call a friend or family member for a ride. Many cities even offer free cab rides home if you find yourself in this position.
It is also important to create a social environment that is not conducive to driving under the influence. Do not allow friends and acquaintances to drive after drinking. Volunteer to be a designated driver. If you are planning a party, be certain to offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and consider collecting keys at the beginning of the evening. It is everyone's responsibility to prevent driving under the influence, and whether you are simply out with a friend or hosting a party, you owe it to your friends and anyone else on the roads to keep them off the roads.
Educating your children about driving under the influence is another critical element in keeping unsafe drivers off the road. Share information about driving under the influence with your teens, be certain that they understand that they are neither to drive nor accept a ride from a driver under the influence. Let them know that you will always come and get them, and provide a safe ride if needed.
Education of both young people and adults is critical to reduce and prevent driving under the influence. If we all work to create a social environment in which driving under the influence is absolutely unacceptable, traffic fatalities and injuries due to impaired drivers will drop, making the roads safer for all of us.
Changes in the Law
Every state in the country is actively working to combat the problem of driving under the influence. The legal limit for blood alcohol content is now 0.08% all around the country. Penalties for driving under the influence have been made harsher over time, in an attempt to reduce the number of alcohol related traffic fatalities and injuries. Even with education, social efforts, and legal penalties, on weekend nights between 1:00 and 6:00 A.M., one out of every 7 drivers is still legally impaired. Continuing efforts to stop irresponsible drinking and driving behaviors are critical to keep everyone safe on our roads.
When Your Car Is Stolen
When your car is stolen, it is a scary and distressing event. Most of us never dream of this possibility, so we do not know what to do when it occurs. The first thing to consider before the car is stolen is what you can do to prevent it from happening. There are things you can do to make it next to impossible for someone to steal your vehicle, thus preventing the problem in the first place.
The most obvious way to keep a thief from taking your car is to put anti-theft devices on it. This not only prevents your car from being stolen, but it also often lowers your insurance premium. Such anti-theft devices include lo jacks and car alarms. Also, locking your vehicle whenever you are not in it is a big deterrent for would-be thieves. Today's cars have anti-theft features built right in that make it difficult to steal a locked car. If you can, park your vehicle inside a garage or in an area with plenty of lighting.
There are other preventative measures you should take so you will be prepared if your car is stolen. You may want to have your vehicle identification number engraved in a place on your car that is hidden from view. Thieves often alter the VIN number on your car, so etching it in a hidden place will help it to be identified if it is stolen and altered.
You should keep copies of all your important paperwork somewhere other than in your vehicle. The paperwork you need to copy includes your insurance information, registration, driver's license, receipts for expensive additions to your car, and other receipts that will help identify the car as yours, such as a receipt for a major repair. Of course, the original insurance and registration papers should stay inside your car at all times.
The most obvious way to keep a thief from taking your car is to put anti-theft devices on it. This not only prevents your car from being stolen, but it also often lowers your insurance premium. Such anti-theft devices include lo jacks and car alarms. Also, locking your vehicle whenever you are not in it is a big deterrent for would-be thieves. Today's cars have anti-theft features built right in that make it difficult to steal a locked car. If you can, park your vehicle inside a garage or in an area with plenty of lighting.
There are other preventative measures you should take so you will be prepared if your car is stolen. You may want to have your vehicle identification number engraved in a place on your car that is hidden from view. Thieves often alter the VIN number on your car, so etching it in a hidden place will help it to be identified if it is stolen and altered.
You should keep copies of all your important paperwork somewhere other than in your vehicle. The paperwork you need to copy includes your insurance information, registration, driver's license, receipts for expensive additions to your car, and other receipts that will help identify the car as yours, such as a receipt for a major repair. Of course, the original insurance and registration papers should stay inside your car at all times.
Another tactic to help you in the event of a theft is to have pictures of your vehicle in your file. This proves the value of the car if you should need to submit a claim to your insurance company. Also, if the police are searching for your car, the picture may help them find it.
With these measures in place, if someone should try to steal your car, you will be prepared. If this occurs, you may feel like panicking. Knowing what to do will help keep you calm. Here are the steps you need to take to ensure that you get your car back as quickly as possible.
The first thing you need to do is telephone the police. You should give them a thorough description of your vehicle, including any special features that would help them identify it. You can give them the license plate as well. You should have this number committed to memory so that you can quickly give it to the police officer and get your car back in one piece. Remember, the sooner you get the description to the police officer, the more likely it is that you will get your car back without any damage. Don't forget to tell the police where your car was stolen. This gives them a starting point for their search.
Once you have described the theft and your vehicle to the police, follow any instructions they have for you. You may need to deliver copies of your insurance, registration, and other paperwork to the police department. Do this right away. If you find that your car was not stolen and the incident was just a matter of miscommunication, tell the police department immediately. You do not want someone you care about who is driving your car to be pulled over by the police and arrested.
Next, contact your insurance company. Even while the police are searching for your vehicle, the insurance agency can begin to process your claim. This way you can get a rental car quickly without cost to you.
It may happen that you find your car before the police do. If you do, call the police and give them the location, but avoid approaching the car. The thief may be hiding nearby and may attack. Also, if there is any evidence in the car that could lead to the arrest of the thief, this could be damaged when you start messing with the car. You do, after all, want this thief captured and punished for stealing your car!
These steps are simple, and they will help you stay protected in the unfortunate event of a car jacking. Also, make sure you do not forget about your insurance company. They are there to help you through this situation, and they want to see you back in your car driving down the road. If you forget what to do, always call the police first and your insurance company second. They will tell you exactly how to proceed to get your car back as quickly as possible.
Accident Not Your Fault?
Dealing with your own insurance company after an accident can not only be a waste of time, but a huge inconvenience and, needless to say, having to deal with another person's insurance agency can be tremendously frustrating. The person found at fault in an accident is held accountable to inform their insurance company of the event. This doesn't always happen, however, so it is generally acceptable if you contact their insurance agency and report the claim. In order to do this you will need to have enough information about the person found at fault such as their phone number, the correct insurance agencies name, and address.
Even when not found at fault, be sure to contact your own insurance agency. When this is done, a "good faith" note will be added to your insurance and over time, will provide you with a discount for being a safe driver. It will also be in your benefit if the person found to be at fault denies responsibility and so does the person's insurance agency.
When to Fight and When to Stay Quiet
Always know that it is illegal for an insurance agency to deny a claim when they haven't investigated the event or if the evidence points to a person under their liability and deny a claim to the person who was injured or had their vehicle receive any damage. As stated before, if you contact your own insurance company when an accident occurs, your fault or not), another insurance company cannot claim that they have no evidence that their policyholder was found at fault. They can only do this if in fact you were found at fault. That goes both ways though, if you were found at fault, then your insurance company cannot claim that you weren't just because they don't want to pay for your accident. If this happens though, you can and should fight the insurance company in court. If you have been seriously hurt because of the accident, this idea is more important to undergo now more then ever.
When doing this, it is best to hire an attorney to fight along side you and present your case. Hiring one will allow a better chance of success in getting what you are owed since most attorneys are trained to deal with automotive cases. They will provide the best question and answers when it comes to all that legal aspects of the case. Take note though, that you will have to pay for their services from the money that you are rewarded from the case.
Maintaining Honesty
People can be deceitful, plain and simple. In order to stop a person from lying and getting away with it when it comes to an auto accident, always collect the following information. Get the other driver's address, phone number, policy information, and the correct insurance agency they are insured by, eye witness statements and their contact information, call the police if they aren't already there, and call your insurance company after the police have let everyone go on their way.
Making sure all this happens, will stop any problems that may come up when the other driver tells a twist of the truth when notifying their insurance agency. Remember that their insurance company will be behind their story as to avoid having to paying a claim. The same will go with your insurance company.
Another way a person can try to get away with lying about an accident is if the police officer doesn't file a report due to the damages of a vehicle appearing to be minimal. Police officers do not have to file a report if the damages seem to be minimal and there is no way to make them file one in the first place. If you do all the things mentioned before, than you can rest assured that the insurance agency will still have to pay your claim.
Of course if you do not do this, then you can always take the deceitful driver to small claims court if the damages are under 500 dollars. You will need a lawyer to stop any insurance company from stalling and hoping you'll just settle for little to no money.
Premiums and Deductibles After an Accident
When another driver is found to be at fault for the accident, most insurance company policies will go after the driver found at fault and will seek payment from them for both damages incurred and the deductibles on your policy if you have any, such as collision deductible.
If you make a claim and are found to not be at fault, you will not have to worry about the policy's premium rising. It wasn't your fault so you will not have to pay for another driver's mistake. State law mandates that insurance companies cannot increase a premium for a policyholder in which they are found to be not at fault. So instead insurance companies will add that little note of "good faith" and will over time reduce your premium for being a good driver and reporting it. Keep in mind though that if you are found to have been in a lot of accidents and even if you aren't found to be at fault, an insurance company can discontinue coverage if they have adequate reasoning that you are just to high of a risk to maintain coverage by them. Overall keeping these tips in mind, they will help to keep your premiums down, liars at bay, and more importantly, keep yourself insured when driving.
Even when not found at fault, be sure to contact your own insurance agency. When this is done, a "good faith" note will be added to your insurance and over time, will provide you with a discount for being a safe driver. It will also be in your benefit if the person found to be at fault denies responsibility and so does the person's insurance agency.
When to Fight and When to Stay Quiet
Always know that it is illegal for an insurance agency to deny a claim when they haven't investigated the event or if the evidence points to a person under their liability and deny a claim to the person who was injured or had their vehicle receive any damage. As stated before, if you contact your own insurance company when an accident occurs, your fault or not), another insurance company cannot claim that they have no evidence that their policyholder was found at fault. They can only do this if in fact you were found at fault. That goes both ways though, if you were found at fault, then your insurance company cannot claim that you weren't just because they don't want to pay for your accident. If this happens though, you can and should fight the insurance company in court. If you have been seriously hurt because of the accident, this idea is more important to undergo now more then ever.
When doing this, it is best to hire an attorney to fight along side you and present your case. Hiring one will allow a better chance of success in getting what you are owed since most attorneys are trained to deal with automotive cases. They will provide the best question and answers when it comes to all that legal aspects of the case. Take note though, that you will have to pay for their services from the money that you are rewarded from the case.
Maintaining Honesty
People can be deceitful, plain and simple. In order to stop a person from lying and getting away with it when it comes to an auto accident, always collect the following information. Get the other driver's address, phone number, policy information, and the correct insurance agency they are insured by, eye witness statements and their contact information, call the police if they aren't already there, and call your insurance company after the police have let everyone go on their way.
Making sure all this happens, will stop any problems that may come up when the other driver tells a twist of the truth when notifying their insurance agency. Remember that their insurance company will be behind their story as to avoid having to paying a claim. The same will go with your insurance company.
Another way a person can try to get away with lying about an accident is if the police officer doesn't file a report due to the damages of a vehicle appearing to be minimal. Police officers do not have to file a report if the damages seem to be minimal and there is no way to make them file one in the first place. If you do all the things mentioned before, than you can rest assured that the insurance agency will still have to pay your claim.
Of course if you do not do this, then you can always take the deceitful driver to small claims court if the damages are under 500 dollars. You will need a lawyer to stop any insurance company from stalling and hoping you'll just settle for little to no money.
Premiums and Deductibles After an Accident
When another driver is found to be at fault for the accident, most insurance company policies will go after the driver found at fault and will seek payment from them for both damages incurred and the deductibles on your policy if you have any, such as collision deductible.
If you make a claim and are found to not be at fault, you will not have to worry about the policy's premium rising. It wasn't your fault so you will not have to pay for another driver's mistake. State law mandates that insurance companies cannot increase a premium for a policyholder in which they are found to be not at fault. So instead insurance companies will add that little note of "good faith" and will over time reduce your premium for being a good driver and reporting it. Keep in mind though that if you are found to have been in a lot of accidents and even if you aren't found to be at fault, an insurance company can discontinue coverage if they have adequate reasoning that you are just to high of a risk to maintain coverage by them. Overall keeping these tips in mind, they will help to keep your premiums down, liars at bay, and more importantly, keep yourself insured when driving.
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