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Auto Insurance Coverage
Date: Jan 18, 2005
Contributor: Kurt Mcilrath
The reason we have insurance is to pay for car repairs in case we do have a wreck. What about a rental car and other expenses? If your policy doesn't pay all these things, it really could be your own fault.
Working your way through the claims process after an accident takes more than knowing what to do after the glass is cleaned up and your car has been towed away.
Insurance Information Institute's P.J. Crowley says "People may not realize that their ability to cope with the claims process depends in large measure on decision they make before a crash happens."
The Consumer Protection Association of America says you can take steps that will make the process easier.
Make sure you understand your deductible and any options that can save you money, if you are ever in a crash.
Ask if your insurer has a repair program that offers a written limited or lifetime warranty and know what your insurance covers.
Don't wait until an accident to discover that you will have to pay out of your own pocket for the tow truck or a rental car to use while your car is in the shop.
Claims Adjuster Jack Billington says, "Most people, who purchase insurance, try to get it as affordable as possible. As a result, [they] don't pay for some options that would cost them a few dollars a month. They have an accident, they need their car, and as a result they're not purchasing those option, like rental reimbursment, they spend about $500 per rental car."
And finally, if you can, call the insurance company directly from the scene of the accident. You might be able to save on towing charges by having the car towed directly to the repair shop to get the whole process started sooner. So, you can get your repaired car back as quickly as possible.
To help with the claims process, you may want to carry a disposable camera in your glove box to take pictures at the accident scene. Include pen and paper for notes, and include any information about allergies or medical conditions and emergency contact phone numbers.
It pays to be prepared as we face winter driving.
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