What should you expect from your auto insurance when your get into an accident.
You except to be able to trust them to help you out of a situation you don't feel you have any control over and are usually not in the mental or emotional state to handle due to complicated business matters such as these.
Even though we all feel we are the best drivers, there are those on the road that barely have the basics of driving rules and driving safety.
It is scary to realize that some of these drivers can't even read the directional signs regarding driving.
These drivers can cause you to lose your confidence and make you wonder if you ever will feel safe to drive again.
This is where your insurance agent should step in to assist you in finding your strength again and help you get back on the road not only with a repaired vehicle but with the knowledge that you have someone you trust to assist you in every aspect of an automobile accident.
After you contact your agent and give them all the accident information including details of the accident, were the police called, anyone taken to the hospital, and your estimate of your vehicle's damage, the accident is then usually turned over to a team of trained specialists who truly care about you as their client.
An agent will also ask you who you believe was at fault so they can get an idea of which insurance company will be liable for the accident.
All you have to do is make that first telephone call to your agent and the wheels start rolling to get you back into your vehicle, attending to all injuries and property damage, and making arrangement to settle the claim with the other insurance policy.
You don't have to do another thing, expect maybe answer a few questions from your lead claims adjuster.
The "claims team" will contact the other insurance company, they'll get estimates on your vehicle, they take pictures of the vehicles and the place of the accident; all details needed to decide the fault in the accident.
As we all know, auto insurance companies are not in business to lose money they want to make money whenever possible.
So if it's going to cost more money to fix your vehicle versus the value of the car after the repairs, which would include increased depreciation just from being in an accident, don't be surprised if the auto claims team decides to total out your vehicle.
Look at it this way, you'll have a check in your hand and can go car shopping for a newer or even new car which is more beneficial to you because your new car won't have that history of a "depreciated vehicle due to an accident".
Some people looking for a vehicle to purchase won't even take the time to look at a car for sale if it has been in a prior accident.
If you were smart enough to purchase "car rental insurance" when you purchased your vehicle's insurance policy, you will be provided with a vehicle paid for by your insurance company while your vehicle is being fixed.
This can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.
The is also one of the options people try to cut out when buying insurance because we all tend to think we are invincible when it comes to getting into an auto accident.
You are a great driver, so why should you pay extra for this coverage? Basically, for peace of mind when you are in an accident and have no other car to drive to work, take your children to school or go to important medical appointments.
You'd be surprised how busy your relatives and friends can be when it comes to borrowing their car.
But your trusting auto insurance teams have your best interests at heart and will get you back on the road with the least stress to you as possible.