THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA says "wiser drivers" can minimize many of the unexpected costs that can add up quickly after an accident. That's why we've teamed up with the Insurance Information Institute to help you know what to do after a car accident, increase your satisfaction with the auto insurance claims process, and start saving time and money immediately.

		The Insurance Information Institute says: "While some insured drivers may shell out as much as $500 to rent a replacement car after an accident or if their car is stolen, others pay little or nothing. The cost may depend more on your own auto insurance policy than whether the accident is the other driver's fault. What many people don't realize until it is too late, is that one full-year of rental reimbursement coverage can cost less than renting a car for one day."

Since the average car is in the repair shop for 10-12 working days after an accident, even if you don't have an accident for eight or nine years, you're still way ahead in saving money. For only $1 or $2 a month for an option called Rental Reimbursement, your auto insurance will cover the cost of a replacement rental car for little or no money if your car is stolen or ends up in a repair shop after an accident.

Fortunately, most accidents are minor, but they can still cause considerable additional expense and aggravation for drivers. Although it may not be possible to avoid a collision, it is always possible to steer clear of costly mistakes by being better prepared.

"When 'Wiser Drivers Wise Up,' satisfaction with insurance claims increases and everyone is happier," says the Insurance Information Institute.