|
|
Understanding All Auto Insurance ClaimsBy Sher Matsen
If you are involved in an accident it is important that you know the proper procedure for filing an insurance claim. You will most likely need to deal with one or more adjusters who will determine the insurance salvage. Follow these simple tips to make sure you have taken all the necessary steps to collect the correct information and follow the correct procedure.
Do your self a favor and prepare in advance. Know the laws and the reporting requirements of the state you live in and drive in. Always carry an accident package in your car. It should contain paper, pen, and accident reporting form which are available online free from the DMV.
If an accident occurs remain calm and stop your car. If there are injuries do what you can to make the person or persons comfortable. Call the EMT to treat any injured parties and call the police.
If you smell gas or if the car is on fire clear all persons away from the area. Do not move seriously injured people unless it is a threat to their lives to leave them where they are.
If the accident is minor and there is only property damage and no injuries, put your hazard lights on and drive both vehicles to a safe location at the side of the road. Set up flare or reflective triangles in the rear and side of the cars to ensure other motorists are aware of your location.
Both drivers need exchange car insurance information. You also need to exchange the names of the drivers, all passengers in the vehicle, and any witnesses. As well as names you should obtain complete addresses and telephone numbers.
Next you will need to contact your insurance company and if you feel you need to contact a lawyer now is the time to do so.
Your car insurance company will need to collect all pertinent information. They will need the year, make, model, and license plate number of the other car. They will also need the drivers name, address, telephone number, date of birth, and his or her driver’s license number as well as the issuing state.
If the other drive is not insured obtain as much information as you can then notify the police. Both the police and the insurance company will want the full names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses.
If the police attend the accident scene request a business card from the attending officer that gives his full name and how you might reach him.
If you have a digital camera handy take plenty of photos. These days many people have a digital camera built right into their cell phone which is very convenient.
As soon as you are able, write down all details pertaining to the accident. Information such as weather conditions, pavement conditions, visibility and lightening could all become very important in determining who was at fault.
You also need to record the estimated speed of both vehicles. As well do a sketch of the accident scene marking the direction each driver was traveling. Make notes of things such as stop signs, traffic lights, other vehicles on the roadway, and any obstacles.
You should also record all damage to the car and any other property as well as all body injuries no matter how minor they appear.
Whatever you do, do not discuss who is at fault with the other driver. Insurance companies recommend you do not engage in conversation about fault. Give the police officer an account of the accident but in privacy away from the other driver.
Remember no one can force you to give details of the accident or admit blame. You always have the right to consult a lawyer before answering any questions.
Let’s hope you never have to file an insurance claim. But if you are well prepared should an accident occur you will be much more likely to record the necessary information to ensure that your claim proceeds smoothly.
|
The Car Sharing Shootout: Autoshare vs. Zipcar (Torontoist)
No, it's not carpooling. Yes, it can work for TTC users. And don't even mention the word "rental." Car sharing comes with its fair share of misconceptions, and the recent entry of U.S.-based Zipcar into the Toronto market creates further confusion.
Budget bill loses ground as senators back Coalition (Central Midlands & Costal Advocate)
THE Government's first big budget bill is on shaky ground in the Senate with the Family First senator, Steve Fielding, refusing to support a $555 million increase in the luxury car tax.
Rudd continues attack on Budget raid (News Interactive)
PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd is maintaining pressure on the opposition, reiterating his claim coalition senators are mounting a $6 billion raid on Labor's first Budget.
Rudd accuses opposition of budget raid (The West Australian)
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is maintaining pressure on the opposition, reiterating his claim coalition senators are mounting a $6 billion raid on Labor's first budget.
Rudd attacks oppn's budget raid (AAP via Yahoo!7 News)
PM Kevin Rudd is maintaining pressure on the opposition, reiterating his claim coalition senators are mounting a $6 billion raid on Labor's first budget.
Funding bind keeps revenue options on table (Pearland Journal)
Besides raising transportation fees and meal prices, the Pearland Independent School District is finding more creative ways to maintain a balanced budget this year.
Oppn has right to block 'bad policy' (The West Australian)
The federal opposition has the right to block "bad policy" even if the government had a mandate for it, Liberal frontbencher Joe Hockey says. The coalition last week managed to successfully block the Rudd government's $555 million luxury car tax bill in the Senate.
Senate rejects luxury car tax (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
The Federal Government's luxury car tax bill has been defeated in the Senate after Family First Senator Steve Fielding and the Opposition combined to vote against it.
Get the balance right: making your own budget (RTÉ News)
Many people have no idea where their money disappears to every month. Coffees, dinners out, petrol, sports gear, phone bills? It all adds up. Maybe you are spending more than you earn and going into debt without even realising it.
Summit MRDD expenses scrutinized (Akron Beacon Journal)
When Summit County Board of MRDD Superintendent Thomas Armstrong takes his 2001 Land Rover Discovery II into the shop for repairs, county residents pick up part of the tab.
|
Review: The Complete Cheapskate
Every other Sunday, The Simple Dollar reviews a personal finance book. I picked this one up at the library because of the title - The Complete Cheap...
THE WORLD today!
??????????????????????????? 1. US-Presidential Election 2008 and failed policies of Republican President Bush Barack Obama, winning more than 2206 del...
John McCain's speech in full
There are many who believe that John McCain's speech to the RNC was poor. I must beg to disagree. The main reason I enjoyed his speech - and I did wat...
FactChecking McCain
He made some flubs in accepting the nomination. Summary We checked the accuracy of McCain?s speech accepting the Republican nomination and noted the...
Crisis-hit banks are acting out a shameful piece of theatre
Things are going downhill so rapidly that we need to look at changes day to day, not year to year. In economic analysis, it is normal to compare yea...
1697 Campus Technology, boletín informativo, 3 de septiembre de 2008
Campus Technology News Update September 2, 2008 Contact the Editor | Sponsor this Newsletter | Subscribe | Change email address | Unsubscribe In T...
John McCain at the Gop Convention (Video)
Adsense Code] Here is The Maverick? in all his glory speaking to his fellow patriotic Americas. This after a night of shamelessly using the images of...
Sharing Living Expenses with Roommates
by Eric Jilson A cause of stress in many relationships is money. When a couple or roommates share expenses, arguments can happen quickly if people do...
Lowest Car Insurance Company - Which one is it?
Since we are all unique in the factors used for determining premiums (age, driving record, etc.), we each have to locate our own "lowest" auto i...
Full Text: Remarks by John McCain
Full Text: Remarks by John McCain SAINT PAUL, Minn. - This evening U.S. Sen. John McCain will accept the Republican Party?s nomination for President...
Full Text: Remarks by John McCain
Full Text: Remarks by John McCain TeddyBearcloseAuthor: TeddyBear Name: Mr. Chad "Teddy Bear" Everson Email: ggr@grizzlygroundswellradio.com Site:...
Full Text: Remarks by John McCain
Full Text: Remarks by John McCain Chad T. (Teddy Bear) Everson (GGR-MN)closeAuthor: Chad T. (Teddy Bear) Everson (GGR-MN) Name: Chad T. (Teddy Bea...
Six Steps Toward A Bad Auto Loan
Topics: loans, car, auto, finance, bad, credit, history, vehicle, payment, interest, cost, approved, bank Anyone can get a bad deal on an auto loan....
The Easy Guide to Money Management
Successfully managing your money comes down to one thing?control. For all the things we talk about here at The Dough Roller from retirement to invest...
Clothing, Accessories & Shoes Hiatus, once more with feeling
I?ll be on C.A.S.H. once more (with feeling!), until December 31, 2008. I?ve achieved 75% of my Freedom Fund goal (see sidebar!), so if I stay on trac...
THE WORLD today!
??????????????????????????? 1. US-Presidential Election 2008 and failed policies of Republican President Bush Barack Obama, winning more than 2206 del...
ARIZONA SENATOR JOHN McCAIN, PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE
posted by Mr. Right Thank you all very much. Tonight, I have a privilege given few Americans -- the privilege of accepting our party?s nomination f...
Republican National Convention: John McCain
Full Text: Speech by John McCain Thank you all very much. Tonight, I have a privilege given few Americans -- the privilege of accepting our party?s...
John McCain Republican National Convention VIDEO PODCAST TEXT
Download John McCain MP3Remarks As Prepared for Delivery: John McCain. Thursday, September 04, 2008, 2008 Xcel Energy Center. Contact: Joanna Burgos,...
Senator Merle Flowers praises John McCain?s speech
Senator Merle Flowers praises John McCain's speech Stacey and I had the honor and privilege to participate in the Republican National Convention th...
|
|
Best Sellers from
|
