What to Do If Your Auto Insurance Adjuster's Settlement is Too Low

Best Insurance Auto Presents:

What to Do If Your Auto Insurance Adjuster's Settlement is Too Low
By Robert McKnight

After experiencing a car accident and filing your claim with a claims adjuster, you look forward to receiving a fair settlement offer fast. You may be surprised to learn that chances are your claims adjuster's first settlement offer could be too low. Why would that be?

One of the reason's why your claims adjuster's offer may be too low has to do with the adjuster's job expectations. Your auto insurance company expects your claims adjuster to settle claims within a certain dollar range. In order to save the company money, the adjuster will often make an offer to you from the low to middle end of your settlement range. Their goal is to settle your case as quickly and cheaply as possible. It may be in your best interest to turn down her first offer, even if it sounds fair to you.

Countering Your Adjuster's First Offer

What if you have no idea of what dollar value to place on your claim? After all, you probably don't have an insurance background. You might have no clue about how cases are evaluated to come up with fair settlement numbers. If your claims adjuster has made an offer to you that sounds good why shouldn't you just take it? Because if it's the first offer, chances are that it's still too low.

Try making a counter demand for more money. Be reasonable. For example, if your adjuster has offered you an $8,500 settlement, don't ask for $100,000. Don't ask for some outrageously high amount for your settlement just because you know the adjuster is probably making you a low offer. It won't help settle your case any faster. Counter the adjuster's offer just enough to begin negotiating a fair price.

Negotiating Your Own Claim

Negotiating your settlement offer on your own is only advised when you are dealing with small settlements. If you have a realistic idea of what your claim is really worth, draft a demand letter including all documentation including any reports, medical bills, receipts and proof of any lost wages to support your case. Close your letter with a demand for a settlement and a time limit for a response.

Make sure that you have thoroughly researched the accident. You should know how much it will cost to repair your vehicle. If the insurance company wants you to use a certain repair shop, investigate the shop thoroughly before you agree.

Document Everything

Document all your medical bills, receipts, estimates for repair, and days off from work. Even if your company paid you for those days, you have the right to request reimbursement since you had to spend your vacation days recuperating from an automobile accident.

Making a request for more money is one thing. But it is not generally advisable for policyholders to handle their own claim, especially if it involves a significant settlement without the proper representation. Take your time to negotiate wisely if you are handling the claim on your own. If it is a large amount of money, it may be wise to hire an attorney.

Working with experienced professionals you trust is essential when dealing with auto insurance claims. Ask friends for referrals, browse the Internet or start making phone calls to make sure that you've got the coverage you need and a company which meets your needs.

Choose A Reputable Auto Insurance Company

Be sure that you shop around and not only find the best car insurance rate but that you choose a trusted auto insurer. These auto insurance companies have a trusted reputation for a reason. Performing research and comparing auto insurance companies is a must before making a decision on a policy

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_McKnight




Best Insurance Auto

How Are Auto Insurance Premiums Calculated?

Best Insurance Auto Presents:

How Are Auto Insurance Premiums Calculated?
By Brenda Williams

Auto insurance premiums are calculated through a variety of complex statistics determining the risk that a customer is going to file a claim. Some insurance companies base their auto premium information on other aspects of the profile including: credit history, driving record and past history with the insurance company.

Did you know that there are various factors that could lead to increased auto insurance premiums? Multiple drivers or young drivers under the policy could increase premiums up to thirty percent. These drivers can offset this cost by enrolling in driver training courses which could save up to fifteen percent of the annual insurance premium.

Some companies base insurance premium amounts on the demographics of the client and the location that they live. Did you know that auto insurance premiums are often higher in the city than the country? In the city, there are more people, therefore the incidence of accidents are much higher than in rural areas. Some claims which are also higher in the city are vandalism, theft and break-ins to the vehicle.

The type of car that you drive makes a huge difference in auto insurance policies. Some vehicles are considered to be higher risk than others and the make or model can influence your auto insurance premiums greatly. When purchasing a new vehicle, it could be important to consider the safety ratings of the vehicle.

How often do you intend to use the vehicle? The more that a vehicle is used, based on the amount of kilometers or miles driven in the past year, the higher the insurance premiums. Some people who live close to their workplace, or work from home will pay less in auto insurance, as they do not use their vehicle on a regular basis to commute. Driving patterns that include more than fifteen miles commute to work are often higher than those who are not driving to work.

Did you know that there are many types of auto insurance? Depending on the coverage that you require, auto insurance premiums can vary. The more coverage required, the higher the auto insurance premiums. If you select a higher amount of coverage limits, than you will indeed pay a higher premium on an annual or monthly premium.

Depending on the insurance company that you choose, there could be a minimum deductible that must be adhered to. When choosing an auto insurance coverage amount, determine the value of the vehicle. If the vehicle is older, than it may be considerable not to require additional or optional coverage for the vehicle. If you lower your limited coverage, but increase your deductible it will surely lower your auto insurance.

Most important, when shopping for auto insurance - shop around! Regardless of how premiums are calculated there are often companies that offer lower insurance rates the competition. Finding these competitive rates will ensure that you are saving as much as you can on your auto insurance premiums. So, be a safe driver, get a safe car - shop around and reap the benefits of cheaper car insurance.

Tulsa Car Transport

Auto Transport Tulsa

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Williams

Best Insurance Auto

Top 10 Auto Insurance Myths - Debunked

Best Insurance Auto Presents:

Top 10 Auto Insurance Myths - Debunked
By Carrie L Van Brunt

10. Every state requires liability insurance.

FALSE. While most states do require liability insurance, some states do not. Despite whether the state requires liability or not, it is never a good idea to drive without liability coverage. If you were in an accident, were found at-fault and had no liability coverage- you could be sued for all of the damages.

9. Standard collision coverage protects me against damages caused by windstorms, hail, animal accidents and theft.
FALSE. While collision and liability coverage will cover damages caused by your car colliding with another vehicle or object, you have to have comprehensive coverage if you want to be covered for windstorms, hail, theft or accidents with animals. Many drivers mistakenly think, for example, that if they hit a deer that this will be covered under their collision coverage. This is not true.

8. My new car is covered under my insurance policy automatically.
True and False. While most insurance companies will automatically cover a new vehicle, this coverage is temporary and it is your responsibility to tell them about the new vehicle within the amount of time specified in your contract.

7. If my friend gets into an accident in my car their auto insurance will pay for my damages.
FALSE. Because it is your car- it needs to be covered by your auto insurance. While the other driver's insurance might be used to pay excess damages, it is still primarily paid by your auto insurance. Also, even if you were no where near the scene of the accident, your auto insurance score may be affected.

6. Drivers of red cars pay more for their auto insurance
FALSE. It is a common belief that auto insurance rates are affected by the car color. In actuality, the color of a vehicle does not affect the premium at all. Some factors that do affect your premium are the make and model of car, its safety features, where it is parked most often and what city you live in.

5. No-fault insurance means my premium won't be affected even if I am in an accident that is my fault.
FALSE. No-fault insurance means that your insurance company will pay for your damages no matter whose fault the accident is. It does not mean that your insurance score won't be affected or that your premiums won't go up.

4. Males under 25 years old pay the highest insurance rates.
FALSE. While young men under 25 do pay higher insurance rates than female drivers- they are still not the highest paying customers by age group. Teenagers and senior citizens typically pay the highest rates due to the fact that they are involved in more accidents than other age groups.

3. If I want to switch insurance companies I should just let my current policy lapse.
FALSE. Letting your current policy lapse can reflect negatively on your credit score. If you want to switch insurance companies you should officially notify your insurance company that you are cancelling your policy and pay any fees or premium that they require.

2. My personal auto insurance will also cover my business use of my car.
FALSE. If, even occasionally, you use your auto for business purposes, you will need to extend your personal auto insurance to cover your business use as well.

1. My credit score does not affect my auto insurance rate
FALSE. Your credit score information does play a small role in determining your rates. Insurance companies will typically reward drivers with lower rates if they have a good credit rating. When you are shopping for auto insurance, companies may check your credit score. The type of inquiry made is called a "soft inquiry" and does not negatively impact your credit rating. Inquiries from credit card companies, banks and other lenders are considered "hard inquiries" and can negatively impact your credit score.

For more information visit http://www.autoinsurancequotes.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carrie_L_Van_Brunt

Best Insurance Auto

How Drinking Affects Your Car Insurance

Best Insurance Auto Presents:

How Drinking Affects Your Car Insurance
By Alex Gregory

We all know about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, but did you know it could seriously hurt your car insurance premiums too? According to research by a comparison website, motorists found driving, or even attempting to drive, while under the influence of alcohol could face a hike in their car insurance premiums of as much as 82 per cent - or even find that they are deemed uninsurable.

The driving penalty, DR10, is heavily punished by certain insurers. Both Kwik-Fit and Budget continue to provide cover for drivers with a previous driving conviction, but will increase premiums by 82 per cent on average, typically seeing annual costs rise from £290 to £528.

Indeed several insurers, including providers such as Halifax and Sheila's Wheels, will not even return quotes for drivers with a previous drink-driving conviction. The likes of More Than and LV= meanwhile, will not insure a driver if they have had a driving ban in the last five years. So not only could drinking and driving cause your car insurance premiums to rise, but one offense could even make it illegal for you to drive altogether if you are unable to find an insurer to cover you.

Despite this however, many motorists persist with their drinking - a recent ROSPA survey reported that 44 per cent of drivers admitted to driving after drinking alcohol.

The clear message to drivers is to not drink. However, if you feel you can't resist the urge, particularly over the festive season, then consider paying for a hotel to stay somewhere overnight or sharing a lift with someone who doesn't drink and can act as a designated driver.

If you have been convicted of drink-driving in the past then finding cheap car insurance will not be easy. The key is to gather quotes from as many providers as possible to ensure you're getting the best deal available to you - this can be done quickly with a car insurance comparison website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Gregory





Best Insurance Auto

Auto Insurance Rates - Does the Color of Your Car Matter?

Best Insurance Auto Presents:

Auto Insurance Rates - Does the Color of Your Car Matter?

Someone at some place during some point in time started a rumor that owning a red car means you will get more speeding tickets and have higher insurance rates. The reason I have heard most often is due to red standing out more from other cars and therefore the police officers eye sees the red car and pulls it over even though other say, black cars driving near the red car are speeding as well. This reasoning seems somewhat logical, but what about for car insurance rates? Does owning a certain color of car affect your prices?

Perhaps the primary reason for the continued presence of this alleged myth is the psychology behind how a certain person chooses their car color of choice. Studies on this matter have determined a theory that people who purchase a red vehicle like to drive fast or feel as if they need to speed through everything in life. That statistic provides a direct correlation between the "more speeding tickets" portion of the myth, so maybe there really is something to this.

Not to ruin the article, but the short answer to 'Does the color of your car affect your auto insurance rates?' is no, it does not. The only time this may be possible is if the insurance agent that sees your car when you pull into their parking lot or as they take pictures of your vehicle for their records does not like the color of your car and takes it out personally on your policy. If you feel this is being done, it's probably best to move on from that company anyway, but that's another story.

Sometimes the suggestion has been made that the Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN has a certain code to notify the color of the car, but this is not the case. The VIN does not store details on car color in its code.

Car insurance companies look at several other factors though, such as the year, make and model, how big your engine is, and also your previous driving record and where you live. Where you live is usually determined by zip code. So, if your favorite color is candy apple red, go ahead and buy that car or paint your current car without worry of being pulled over more or getting robbed with high insurance rates.


About The Author
Tod F. is owner of http://www.theinsurancefiles.com - The Insurance Files is a great resource for information on all types of auto insurance, health insurance, life insurance, homeowners insurance and more. You will find a wealth of information to answer all of your insurance questions. Get a free auto insurance quote today from The Insurance Files!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tod_F.

Best Insurance Auto

What Type of Auto Insurance Covers Vandalism and Damage to a Car?

Best Insurance Auto Presents:

What Type of Auto Insurance Covers Vandalism and Damage to a Car?

Insurance needs can be confusing. That is why you must sit down with the agent representing the insurance company that you are considering. Find out everything about the policy before you purchase it. The time to find out that you are not covered for something is not when you file a claim. Know what your insurance policy is going to pay for should something happen and what is not covered, because you can add items that you want covered.

Comprehensive insurance is one type that many people do not understand. It is not typically covered under a general liability insurance policy. This is the insurance that will cover damage to your vehicle whether it is caused by fire, theft, weather, or animal collisions. Many people have this type in the area where deer are commonly found. Vandalism is another type of damage that comprehensive insurance covers.

If you have full coverage insurance due to your vehicle being financed or just because it is a newer vehicle and it makes sense, the comprehensive insurance is part of your policy. If you do not have full coverage, comprehensive will have to be purchased separately.

Many people choose to purchase this insurance because the chances of theft or some unforeseen incident can be high in certain areas. If something happens to total your car and you do not have coverage, you are left without transportation. Not to mention there will be no money coming to purchase another vehicle.

The type of coverage you have will actually depend on the insurance policy that you have purchased. If you are in doubt as to what your policy covers, look at the 'Extras' page which will tell you what ones are available and what ones you have or do not have.

If your policy is the type that only offers third party protection, you will not have coverage if you car is stolen or damaged by fire. However, it does not cost that much more than a third party plan to get the third party fire and theft included so that you will be covered in the event that this happens.

Some insurance policies that you have comprehensive insurance with may provide you with a courtesy car if repairs are being done on your vehicle. Read your policy to make sure this is an option. Most people do not know this but if your car is under a year old and gets damages that are going to be over 60% of the value of the car to repair, your car can be totaled. If it is totaled by the insurance company, they will pay you the current market value of your car.

The best thing you can do is to read your policy and know what it covers. If you have any doubts, call your insurance agent and find out about certain aspects. They will be happy to let you know what your insurance policy includes and excludes. It may benefit you to know what options are available from different companies and the price difference between the premiums before you make a choice as to which company you will go with.

About the Author
Kian Chew is a car insurance expert and owner of Car Insurance Hot Zone. Car Insurance Hot Zone helps those who wish to lower their car insurance cost for life by using a few basic rules and some strategies which few people know. You can instantly view the secrets by visiting http://www.CarInsuranceHotZone.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kian_Chew_Chong

Best Insurance Auto

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage - Which Types of Coverage Do You Need on Your Car Insurance Policy

Best Insurance Auto Presents:

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage - Which Types of Coverage Do You Need on Your Car Insurance Policy
By Laura Caldwell

When shopping for car insurance it is always a good idea to be informed and to know what you are looking for. One thing you will need to know are the various types of auto insurance coverage available to you.

Here are the main types of coverage.

Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

This coverage is for any injuries sustained to people involved in an accident where you are at fault. This is required by law in every state. Check to see what the minimum requirements are in your state.

Property Damage Liability Coverage

Property damage liability coverage will pay for damages to the other person's vehicle in an accident where you are at fault. This is also required by law in most states.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection or PIP will cover you, the driver, and your passengers' expenses for injuries sustained when you are in an accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage

This will protect you in the event that you are in an accident and the person who is at fault is not insured.

Comprehensive Coverage

This car insurance coverage will pay for damages to your car that are unrelated to an accident. For example, this will cover any damages due to fire, vandalism, or a tree falling on your parked car. If your car is being financed this type of coverage may be required by your lender.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage will cover any damages to your car when you are in an accident. This type of coverage may also be required by your lender if your car is being financed.

Make sure you know what the car insurance requirements are for your state and which types of coverage you need when shopping for car insurance. Make sure to compare quotes from multiple companies before you decide to buy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Caldwell

Best Insurance Auto

How Much Does Your Auto Insurance Increase After You Get a Traffic Citation?

Best Insurance Auto presents:


How Much Does Your Auto Insurance Increase After You Get a Traffic Citation?
By Kian Chew Chong

If we are lucky, we can go through our life without every getting any type of traffic citation. Traffic citations can come from many different avenues. For example, speeding, driving under the influence, or causing a car accident can become cause for a traffic citation. However, these citations are more than just a bad mark on your driving record or a big dent in your checkbook; they also affect your car insurance rates.

You cannot help but deal with auto insurance, it is a requirement in almost every state within the U.S., and therefore, you should understand just how getting a citation can hurt your premium each month. Insurance companies analyze your driving record every so often and determine if an increase or decrease is in order. One citation may not hurt you dramatically, if at all. You may have the pleasure of dealing with an understanding company.

This will however depend upon the type of infraction that you make. Mistakes are mistakes, we are all human and we make mistakes. Big mistakes are not often forgiven quite as easily as maybe a speeding ticket for going five miles over the posted speed limit. Big mistakes might be reckless driving, driving under the influence, and mistakes that lead to an accident.

So, what elements can actually cause your insurance rates to rise dramatically? These elements usually are the above mentioned, as well as getting too many citations, multiple infractions, and serious infractions. About every year or two, the insurance company will look over your driving record and determine if anything listed on the report requires a raise in your insurance premium.

If your auto insurance is raised, the amount will depend upon the significance of the citation or seriousness, as well as the number of citations that you have received. So, just how much are we talking?

For a serious offense, you could be looking at double what you currently pay. However, for lesser offenses, the insurance company will take a look at what type of relationship you currently have with their company. For example, if you have been with one insurance company for a long time, they might be a little more lenient on you.

The exact amount that your insurance premiums are raised depends upon multiple elements; therefore, it would be impossible to tell you just how much you are looking at. The best way to think about this is to avoid speeding, drive defensively, and never get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Not only will you save money with your auto insurance, but you might just save your own life or the lives of others.

Kian Chew is a car insurance expert and owner of Car Insurance Hot Zone. Car Insurance Hot Zone helps those who wish to lower their car insurance cost for life by using a few basic rules and some strategies which few people know. You can instantly view the secrets by visiting http://www.CarInsuranceHotZone.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kian_Chew_Chong

Best Insurance Auto

Auto Insurance Rates - How Do Traffic Tickets, Accidents and DWIs Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates

Best Insurance Auto Presents:


Auto Insurance Rates - How Do Traffic Tickets, Accidents and DWIs Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates
By Benjamin Robert Ehinger

Do you know the true cost of a traffic ticket, an accident or a DWI when it comes to your Auto insurance rates? Do you know how long these things can have an affect on what you pay for your insurance each year? These are offenses that insurance companies take into consideration when they are deciding how much to charge you for your insurance. They are all reasons that your insurance rates will go up and you need to know how much you can expect to pay if you get a ticket, have an accident, or get caught drinking and driving.

First, let us discuss traffic tickets. When you get a ticket for speeding, if it is your first, you can usually use the deferment program and pay the ticket. This means that as long as you do not get another ticket within a year the insurance companies will never find out that you got a ticket because it will be removed from your record. If you can use this program, then you should do so. If you have already used the deferment program, then you will have to report the ticket to your insurance and this will cause your rates to go up from 50% to 150% of your current premium.

It will make a difference if you were going 20 miles or more over the speed limit because that is considered wreckless driving and you will have to pay even more on your insurance premium.

Second, let us discuss accidents. Even an accident that is not your fault will raise your rates some. This is due to the fact that somehow you were in the situation where you ended up in an accident. This will not raise your rates too much, but if you have a few of them in a year or so period of time, then it will have a heavy effect on your rates. Now if you have an accident that is your fault, then you better be prepared for your rates to skyrocket. They will at least double and might even triple in some cases. Accidents are one of the worst things when it comes to your insurance rates.

Last, let us discuss DWIs. These are the worst for your insurance. Beside the couple thousand in court costs, lawyer fees, probation fees, and alcohol class fees that you will pay, you can expect your insurance to jump about 200% to 500% for the next year, then it will go down a little if you do not have any infractions. After about 3 years it might make it back down to where it was before, but it may take up to 5 years. This will most likely bring the total cost of your DWI up to around $5,000 to $7,000 when you could have taken a cab for under $50 or rented a hotel room for under $100. Instead you will pay for it on your Auto insurance rates.

Do you want your teen to be safe on the road? How about the insurance premiums, do you want to know how to get the best deal when it comes to Auto Insurance Rates incur? Get more answers here:

Auto Insurance Rates

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benjamin_Robert_Ehinger

Best Insurance Auto

Auto Insurance Requirements

Best Insurance Auto Presents:


Auto Insurance Requirements
By Jon James

Motor Insurance basic requirements in the UK come greatly from legislation, specifically The Road Traffic Act, modified most recently in 1991. The Road Traffic Act is an act of Parliament, legislating traffic in the interest of safety. This includes regulations on speed limits, parking spaces, and of course insurance cover. The Road Traffic Act requires motorists to have, at the very least, cover for injuries to others and also property damage resulting from driver negligence on a public road or in a public place. Police regulate this legislation on public roads, however the laws of the Road Traffic Act cannot be enforced on private land.

The government requirements for drivers are an example of Third Party Insurance. Though Third Party Insurance covers damage to others and the property of others, it does not cover damage to the car belonging to the insured motorist. Other types of insurance cover include Third Party, fire and theft and comprehensive. Third Party, fire and theft will cover what was just mentioned as well as theft and damage caused by attempted theft and also fire. The third type of cover available is comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance will protect for the risks already discussed plus: accidental and malicious damage to the vehicle, personal accident, a portion of medical expenses, loss or damage to personal property in the vehicle, replacement of vehicle within the first year, and also glass replacement/repair.

In addition to being required to have proper insurance cover, it is also required by law to have proof of such cover. The documents showing proof are insurance are obtained by the insurance company when signing up for an insurance policy. The police can request proof of insurance for inspection. If a motorist is unable to produce proper documentation for a police inspection, they are usually given seven days to produce these documents at a police station for verification. If the motorist still fails to produce legal proof of insurance, they will be guilty of a traffic offense.

Another requirement for motorists in the UK is the display of the vehicle excise duty disc. The vehicle excise duty is simply a road tax, similar to vehicle licensing fees and registration fees. This tax is collected yearly, and is enforced by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. According to requirements, the duty disc must be displayed in the car of the motorist in order to be legally driven on public roads. This practice is to enforce to a greater degree that motorists have proper insurance when driving on public roads.

To further aid in the protection of motorists using public roads is the Motor Insurers Bureau. Founded in 1946, the MIB is a private, non-government agency, which compensates motorists who were victims to the negligible acts of those who were uninsured. The MIB is a sort of last resort for those who cannot seek compensation from any other source, and must comply with the government and also the Road Traffic Act.

It is important to have the basic cover required by law, however because it is often difficult to receive compensation when uninsured motorists are at fault in an accident, comprehensive is often a good choice. You should also look into ways to reduce monthly premiums such as getting an immobiliser for the insured vehicle. Also, it is important to research what type of cover would be cheaper in the long run based on premiums, especially if the vehicle is worth less than ¤4000.

It is extremely important have appropriate cover. In researching the basic requirements for motor insurance in the UK, you will find out how to be properly protected against the risks of driving and keeping a motor vehicle. Also, in properly following the legal requirements of driving a motor vehicle, you will be protected against further expenses involved in the event of an accident.

http://www.simplyfinance.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_James

Best Insurance Auto