Millions of people all over the country are facing problems due to ice storms and frozen roads as the temperature is seeing a drastic dip. When conditions in winter are at its worst now, does your auto insurance policy offer you the kind of protection you are looking for when you meet with an accident?
Winter can be the right time to read the fine print of your insurance policy for people who have not had time in a while to have a look at it in a while. People who have moved from one state to the other should also relook at their policy because the state minimum requirements for coverage vary from one state to the other.
Get the right auto insurance coverage
- Collision coverage: Imagine a situation when you slid on ice damaging you car and that of the other person. Though it happened accidentally, you will be the one help responsible for the damage caused. Your collision coverage will come into play in such situations to bail you out of the financial burden by covering the repair costs for both the cars in addition to property damage costs and bodily injuries sustained by the passengers of the car.
- Personal Injury Protection: If a passenger in your car sustained injuries, then the medical expenses, funeral expenses and loss of earnings are covered by personal injury protection. This is also a legal requirement in many states.
- Comprehensive coverage: Imagine a huge tree falling on your precious car during a storm when you are not in it. Your car will be reduced to nothing. In such cases, comprehensive coverage will pitch in to cover the expenses of repairing your damaged car when it is not involved in a collision. Damage due to flood, vandalism, theft, falling objects and collision with animals are covered under this protection.
Should you file a claim or not
When filing a claim:
- Ensure all are fine and put out any fire caused and get somebody to route the traffic while the damaged cars are being moved aside.
- Do not hesitate to call the police in case of any injuries or disruption in the flow of traffic.
- Place a call to your insurance provider immediately. Keeping their number on hand and calling them from the scene of accident will help you give the details clearly without missing out on any details.
- Communicate the details of your policy with the other driver and get the same details from him too. Exchange important information like name, telephone number, insurance policy number, car license number and driving license number.
- Get the phone number and names of the witnesses at the scene of the accident.
- Put your cell phone camera to use and click pictures of the scene of accident and the damage caused.
- In case of any injury, death or damage in excess of $1500, you can file an auto insurance claim with the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. You can get information on the details needed by visiting their website.
When to pay from your pocket
- In case of windshield damage, it is better to refrain from filing for a claim. For as less as $50 to $150, you can get it repaired easily since it would be lesser than the deductibles on your policy. Check with your insurance provider too since some providers give you auto glass coverage with the policy. You might want to bear this in mind when looking for a new policy the next time around.
- If your car has just incurred a small scratch in case of a storm when parked in the drive, then, it is a wise option to just get it buffed at a repair center or elbow grease.
Though collision and comprehensive coverage are not a must on every policy, it a good practice to opt for complete protection irrespective of if you meet with an accident in winter or any other season.
Begin by comparing free auto insurance quotes online and see how they vary depending on the coverage you choose.