Auto Insurance FAQs... | |||||
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Claims (Please refer to the Claims section in Client Services for more detailed claims faqs.) How long will it be before some one sees my car? What happens if the damages are more then the estimated figure? What is a GRS and why should I use it? What is my car worth if it is totaled today? Why does the check need to be payable to the body shop or the lien holder? Do I have to file a police report for my claim to be covered? Will genuine or replacement parts be used to repair my car? I have an old car that isn’t worth much. Do I still need auto insurance? Is my roommate covered under my auto policy? Will my policy be canceled if I have an accident? What is the difference between comprehensive and collision? What if there are injuries to me and my passengers? How many tows am I allowed with emergency road service? Is a newly acquired vehicle covered? Who do I pay my deductible to? When can I expect to get my deductible back? What factors affect my auto insurance rates? How much will my premium increase if I have an accident? Do I need to purchase insurance when I rent a car? Do I need to buy the collision damage waiver when I rent a car? I’m driving to Mexico for the weekend; do I need to buy special coverage? What about rental reimbursement? When can I get in a rental if I have rental reimbursement coverage?
ClaimsWhy should I consider filing a
claim against the other company when I'm not at fault in the
accident?
This would
prevent any out of pocket expense to you, including the cost of the
deductible and rental (if there is no rental coverage available on
your policy.) How long will it be before some one sees my
car?
It could take 3-5 business days depending on where the vehicle is
located and the adjuster's daily schedule. In many cases payment can
be arranged when the appraiser views the vehicle. What happens if the damages are more then the
estimated figure? If the body shop
determines that there is supplemental damage to your vehicle, they
will contact your insurance company's auto damage adjuster and
request that the adjuster come back out to re-inspect the vehicle
for additional repairs. If the insurance company's adjuster agrees,
as is most often the case, a supplemental payment will be
issued. What is a GRS and why should I use
it?
A GRS is a Guaranteed Repair Shop used by your insurance company to
provide vehicle estimates and repair vehicles in covered accidents.
The repair work is GUARANTEED for as long as the customer owns the
vehicle. What is my car worth if it is totaled
today? Your insurance company determines the value of a vehicle by
using an electronic database of vehicles sold in your area at the
time of the loss, unless the relevant state law requires
otherwise. Why does the check need to be payable to the body
shop or the lien holder? Once your insurance
company is put on notice that a policyholder's vehicle is subject to
a lien, they are required to protect both the policyholder's
interests and the legal title holder's interest in ensuring the
vehicle is in its pre-accident condition. Therefore, you have a
choice to have the insurance company adjuster make the check out to
you and the body shop or you and the lien holder. These checks will
require both party's endorsement. Do I have to file a police report for my claim to
be covered? Generally, no. But if the accident involves a hit and run
vehicle or your vehicle is stolen, you may be required to do so. It
may also be advisable or required by state law, to call the police
when there may be injuries to people in a vehicle involved in the
accident, when a pedestrian is involved, and if it is apparent that
liability will be disputed. Will genuine or replacement parts be used to repair
my car? New parts, both original equipment manufacturer and
after-market, will be used if your insurance company can't find
like, kind and quality recycled parts. A 5-year-old car, for
instance, would be repaired with parts at least as good as the parts
that had been in the car. Your insurance company will guarantee the
after-market parts used for these repairs for as long as you own the
car. Coverage QuestionsI have an old car that isn’t worth much. Do I
still need auto insurance? Why do I need
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage if liability coverage
is required in California? If I borrow my
neighbor’s car and get into an accident, whose insurance applies, my
neighbors or mine? Is my roommate covered under my auto
policy? Will my policy be canceled if I have an
accident? Usually not. The type of accident (fender bender vs. drunk
driving accident), number of accidents (first or third?), and state
laws also affect the determination. What is the difference between comprehensive and
collision? Comprehensive physical damage coverage pays for damage to
your car from theft, vandalism, flood, fire, or other covered
perils. Collision coverage pays for damage to your car when it hits
or is hit by another object. What if there are injuries to me and my
passengers? If you or your passengers are injured in an accident, and you
have medical payments coverage or personal injury protection
coverage, your insurance company will provide you with the necessary
forms so your injury related bills can be paid in accordance with
your coverage. How many tows am I allowed with emergency road
service? There is no limit set in the policy on the number of tows
allowed, but your insurance company will probably review policies
where a high frequency occurs. Is a newly acquired vehicle covered?
Most policies
provide automatic coverage for a vehicle that replaces a vehicle
already on your policy. The coverage normally is the same coverage
you had on your previous vehicle. If you wish additional coverage,
there is usually a requirement that you notify your insurance
company within a designated time period. Most policies also provide
automatic coverage for a newly acquired vehicle that is an addition
to the vehicles you already have on the policy. There are usually
specific conditions that must be met. For example, the purchased
vehicle must be reported to your agent or company within a
designated time period. REMEMBER: Some policies do not provide this
automatic coverage. Read your policy and please call us about your
specific policy. DeductiblesWho do I pay my deductible
to?
The body shop after the work is complete and you are satisfied with
the work. When can I expect to get my deductible
Back? Your insurance company will attempt to get your deductible
Back as soon as possible. Once they make payment, the claim file is
transferred to the subrogation department, which attempts to get
Back all or part of your deductible, depending on the
liability. PremiumsWhat factors affect my auto insurance
rates? How much will my premium increase if I have an
accident? If you are at fault in an automobile accident, you could
expect a rate increase. In our preferred companies, however, some
insurance companies have an accident forgiveness program for the
first accident if you have been insured with us for five
accident-free years. (This program is not available in all states,
and in some states the criteria may differ from the above.) State
regulations also affect our decisions regarding application of
surcharges. Rental CarsDo I need to purchase insurance when I rent a
car?
Your rental car will be
covered by your insurance for up to 30 consecutive days providing
the same coverages you have on your own automobile. You may have to
pay for additional coverage if you do not have collision and
comprehensive coverage on your own vehicle. Do I need to buy the
collision damage waiver when I rent a car?
I’m driving to Mexico for the
weekend; do I need to buy special coverage?
What about Canada? If I
rent a car while on vacation in Europe (or other foreign country),
will my auto policy cover me? What about rental reimbursement?
If
you have rental reimbursement coverage, most of the cost of the
substitute vehicle can be defrayed while your car is being repaired.
Rental reimbursement coverage extends for a maximum period of 30
days or the maximum dollar amount for your policy whichever comes
first. Your claims representative will help arrange for a rental car
if you have this coverage. When can I get in a rental if I have rental
reimbursement coverage? If you can drive your
car, after the body shop confirms all the parts are in and they are
ready to start work on your vehicle. If you cannot drive your car,
immediately. |
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