nationwide car insurance Helpful Advice and Useful Tips

• What To Do In An Accident
  If you’re involved in an accident with a motorist, pedestrian or bicyclist, the law requires you to stop immediately and aid any injured person and to properly identify yourself. You are also required to notify the police immediately by calling 9-1-1 in an emergency.
  
  Each year, millions of people are involved in traffic accidents. If you are one of these unfortunate people, will you know what to do in the aftermath of a collision? How you react can prevent further injuries, reduce costs and accelerate the clean-up and repair process.
  
  Over 6.3 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 1998. Almost one-third of these accidents resulted in injury. In 2001, nearly 42,000 people died on America's roadways. Clearly, accidents are a part of life in America.
  
  
• So, if you are involved in a traffic collision, try to remain calm, and follow these steps:
  
• 1. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Glove Compartment
  Drivers should carry a cell phone, as well as pen and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera to take photos of the vehicles at the scene, and a card with information about medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention if there are serious injuries. Also, keep a list of contact numbers for law enforcement agencies handy. Drivers can keep this free fill-in-the-blanks accident information form in their glove compartment. A set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares should be kept in the trunk.
  
  
• 2. Keep Safety First
  Drivers involved in minor accidents with no serious injuries should move cars to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic. Leaving cars parked in the middle of the road or busy intersection can result in additional accidents and injuries. If a car cannot be moved, drivers and passengers should remain in the cars with seatbelts fastened for everyone's safety until help arrives. Make sure to turn on hazard lights and set out cones, flares or warning triangles if possible.
  
  
• 3. Exchange Information
  After the accident, exchange the following information: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle. If the driver's name is different from the name of the insured, establish what the relationship is and take down the name and address for each individual. Also make a written description of each car, including year, make, model and color — and the exact location of the collision and how it happened. Finally, be polite but don't tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.
  
  
• 4. Photograph and Document the Accident
  Use your camera to document the damage to all the vehicles. Keep in mind that you want your photos to show the overall context of the accident so that you can make your case to a claims adjuster. If there were witnesses, try to get their contact information; they may be able to help you if the other drivers dispute your version of what happened.
  
  
• 5. File An Accident Report
  Although law enforcement officers in many locations may not respond to accidents unless there are injuries, drivers should file a state vehicle accident report, which is available at police stations and often on the Department of Motor Vehicles Web site as a downloadable file. A police report often helps insurance companies speed up the claims process.
  
  
• 6. Know What Your Insurance Covers
  The whole insurance process will be easier following your accident if you know the details of your coverage. For example, don't wait until after an accident to find out that your policy doesn't automatically cover costs for towing or a replacement rental car. Generally, for only a dollar or two extra each month, you can add coverage for rental car reimbursement, which provides a rental car for little or no money while your car is in the repair shop or if it is stolen. Check your policy for specifics.
  
  Obviously, it's much easier to prevent accidents and injuries in the first place than to deal with the painful aftereffects.
  
  
• Roadside Emergencies
  If you find yourself in an unfortunate breakdown situation don’t forget to:
  
  - Reduce distractions in the vehicle
  
  - Stay calm and assess the situation and traffic conditions.
  
  - Turn on your hazard lights.
  
  - Slowly move as far off the roadway as possible—do not stop in a travel lane. Exiting the roadway via the next exit or pulling into a parking lot would be ideal.
  
  - Use flares or reflectors if you are parked on the shoulder of the road.
  
  - If possible and necessary, call for roadside assistance. If need be, call 911 for emergency assistance and report any circumstances that put you, your passengers, or your vehicle in danger.
  
  - If you don’t have access to a phone, place a sign in your window asking passing motorists to call the police.
  
  - If conditions allow, stay with your vehicle and wait for help to arrive.
  
  - Do not walk along the roadway near traffic.
  
  - Do not attempt to repair the vehicle yourself if it is in or near traffic lanes.
  
  It is a good idea to always carry an emergency road kit with first aid supplies and other safety/survival items. In many cases this can make the differences between a brief trip interruption and an extended stay on the shoulder.
  
  Many packaged kits with all the basics are available, but since you know your classic and how you use it better than anybody, you can probably customize a more complete kit for your own needs. Sure this may take up a bit more space in the trunk, but if your vehicle is prone to throwing belts or leaking fluids, it’s nice to be prepared. Here are some suggestions:
  
  - Cellular Phone
  - Compass or Global Positioning System (GPS) Device
  - Jumper cables
  - Flares
  - Help Sign
  - Assorted automotive fluids, parts, and repair items:
  - Motor oil
  - Antifreeze
  - Transmission fluid
  - Brake fluid
  - Extra fuses
  - Spare plugs
  - Replacement belts and hoses
  - Tire inflator
  - Leak stop
  - First aid kit - prepackaged kits work well.
  - Bottled water
  - Blanket
  - Flashlight and extra batteries
  - Assorted tools
  - Screwdrivers (Slotted and Phillips in various sizes)
  - Standard and locking pliers
  - Adjustable wrenches
  - Tire pressure gauge
  - Lug wrench
  - Hammer and pry bar
  - Miscellaneous fastening devices
  - Duct tape
  - Muffler clamps
  - Hose clamps
  - Tie-down straps
  - Rags
  
  A quick search on the Internet under "emergency road kit" will produce endless sources for kits of all shapes and sizes. Using one of these and adding to it will give you the perfect kit for your situation.
  
  
• Insurance Discounts
  
• Ask for Higher Deductibles
  Deductibles represent the amount of money you pay before your insurance company fulfills a claim. By requesting higher deductibles on collision and comprehensive (fire and theft) coverage, you can lower your insurance costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15% to 30%.
  
  
• No Comprehensive and/or Collision Coverages on Old Cars
  It may not be cost effective to have collision or comprehensive coverages on cars worth less than $1,000 because any claim you make would not substantially exceed annual cost and deductible amounts. To determine the value of your car, call your bank or refer to the Kelly Blue Book to car buying available at a library or at www.kbb.com.
  
  
• Buy a "Low Profile, Low Maintenance" Car
  Cars that are expensive to repair, or that are favorite targets for thieves, have much higher insurance costs. See the National Insurance Crime Bureau at web site www.nicb.org for a list of the U.S.’ top stolen vehicles.
  
  
• Low Mileage Discounts
  Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive fewer than a predetermined number of miles a year.
  
  
• Location Considerations
  Premium costs tend to be lowest in rural communities and highest in cities.
  
  
• Automatic Seat Belt and/or Airbag Discounts
  Some coverages provide discounts if you have automatic seat belts and/or airbags.
  
  
• Anti-Lock Brakes
  Anti-lock brakes improve steering control and stability when a car is brought to a stop, thus reducing accidents. Some states, including Florida, New Jersey and New York, require insurers to give discounts for cars equipped with anti-lock brakes while some insurers have a nationwide discount in place.
  
  
• Other Discounts
  Some insurers offer discounts for a variety of other qualifications like:
  
  - no accidents in three years;
  - drivers over 50 years of age;
  - driver training courses;
  - anti-theft devices;
  - good grades for students; and
  - having more than one car insured with that company.
  
• Specialty Coverages
  Adding supplemental insurance coverages like towing and labor or car rental reimbursement to your basic auto insurance policy may save you money. For example, for an average of $1 or $2 a month added to your auto insurance, you can purchase coverage that will pay for your rental car while your car is being repaired from an accident. If you have this or some other specialty insurance, be sure to remind your insurance company or agent when you file a claim.
  
  
• Filing An Insurance CLaim
  Payment of claims is the reason that insurance exists, yet policyholders often perceive that insurance companies resist paying legitimate claims make the claims process unduly difficult. Both insurance companies and policyholders have contractual obligations that must be understood and performed to ensure the timely and satisfactory resolution of claims.
  
  Understanding what to do when you have an auto insurance claim can help you avoid some of the headaches, problems and red tape involved in tackling the process. It can also help you get better value for your insurance dollars.
  
  If your car is involved in an accident, if it is damaged by fire, flood or vandalism, or if it is stolen, put your insurance to work for you by following these steps in filing your claim:
  
  
• Phone your insurance agent or a local company representative
  Do it as soon as possible even if you're far from home and even if someone else caused the accident. Ask your agent how to proceed and what forms or documents will be needed to support your claim. Your company may require a "proof of loss" form, as well as documents relating to your claim, such as medical and auto repair bills and a copy of the police report.
  
• Questions you should ask your agent or company representative:
  - Am I covered for these losses?
  - What is my deductible?
  - How long will it take to process my claim?
  - Does my policy have a time limit on filing a claim?
  - Is there a time limit during which claims must be resolved after they are filed?
  - What are those time limits?
  
• Supply the information your insurer needs
  Cooperate with your insurance company in its investigation, settlement or defense of any claim, and turn over to the company immediately copies of any legal papers you receive in connection with your loss. Your insurer will represent you if a claim is brought against you and defend you if you are sued as the result of an accident.
  
• Keep records of your expenses
  Expenses you incur as a result of an automobile accident may be reimbursed under your policy. Remember, for example, that your no-fault insurer usually will pay your medical and hospital expenses, and possibly such other costs as lost wages and at least part of your costs if you have to hire a temporary housekeeper.
• Keep copies of your paper work.
  Store copies of all paper work in your own files. You may need to refer to it later.
  
  Talk things over with your agent an adjuster if you are dissatisfied with the settlement offer.
  
  Check your policy to see what settlement steps it outlines.
  
  
• After an accident, DO NOT:
  - Move any injured persons.
  - Apologize for the accident.
  - Tell any party how much insurance you carry.
  - Accept any money. If you do, you forfeit your right to file a claim
  - Agree to forget about the accident
  
  Later on, the other person may file a lawsuit against you.
  
  
• Auto Insurance explained
  Almost every state requires you to have auto insurance and insurance is now tailored to the individual making prices vary. The following factors will influence how much you pay.
  
  Your driving habits - Are you a safe driver? How long have you had a driver’s license?
  Your age, gender and occupation.
  Where you live, city vs. suburb and do you rent or own a home?
  The kind of car you drive along with safety and anti-theft features your car has.
  Whether the car is being financed vs. being owned?
  The purpose of the vehicle (business or pleasure) and the number of miles traveled a day.
  Your credit history and whether or not are you a resident of the US.
  There are many companies who now underwrite car insurance policies and as a consumer, you should shop around for the best possible coverage at the least cost based on all your personal needs.
  
  The insurance company that gives your parents a good price may not be the lowest price for you. One thing to remember is that you can lower your premium by raising your deductible and it is important to read the laws in your state governing required and minimum coverages.
  
  If you are a new driver (a teenager), your rate will be higher because teenagers are considered a risk. Parents of teens can expect to pay 50% more than people who do not have teens driving in their household
  
• Types of Coverage
  
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
  This is a wide form of medical payment coverage and is now mandatory in many states with no fault insurance. Some policies cover you only in the state, which you reside, read your contract carefully and ask many questions before deciding on a carrier. PIP also pays for lost wages, and the cost of in-home medical help.
  
  
• Property Damage Liability
  This can cover repairs and/or replacement of the other car or property that the insured damages in an accident. Usually set at about $10,000.
  
  
• Bodily Injury liability
  In an accident where you have been found to be at fault, this can pay for medical treatment, rehabilitation that is incurred by another driver. It can also cover the client’s legal costs.
  
  
• Collision and Comprehensive
  The minimums of state insurance requirements usually are not enough to cover actual losses and or damages in the event of an accident or theft. Collision and comprehensive pays for the repair or replacement of your car at current market value regardless of who is at fault.
  
  
• Uninsured Motorist
  One in every four drivers has no insurance at all and this will pay you and your household for medical costs, rehabilitation and pain and suffering from an accident caused by a driver who lacks the proper insurance. Limits are usually about the same as bodily injury liability, and most states will allow you to purchase as much coverage as you like.
  
  
• Medical Pay
  This optional coverage will pay doctor and hospital bills, and rehabilitation for you and your passenger, and can be bought in increments of $1,000.00, $5,000.00 and $25,000 and has no deductible. If you have a good health insurance plan, you may not need this coverage or can choose to purchase only what your health insurance plan does not cover.
  
  
• Credit Life Insurance
  This optional policy pays any credit or loan payments up to the maximum of the coverage in the event of the insured death or disability leading to the inability to work and make regular loan payments.
  
  
• Tips for saving on your Insurance Costs
  - Determine exactly what coverage you need.
  - Get at least four quotes and compare them.
  - Ask insurers what discounts are available
  - If you are married you may get a better rate if you have only one policy because having more than one car on a policy will often lower the rate.
  - Getting a car that costs less to insure. Luxury cars cost more to insure because of the higher cost to fix and replace them.