Here are some more tips to becoming a "Wiser Driver" when it comes
to understanding what your auto insurance coverage may or may not
include:- Save yourself a lot of headaches by ensuring you have the
insurance coverage and options you want and need - before having to file a
claim. In addition to basic liability and collision policies, insurance
companies also offer many other supplements, such as Rental Reimbursement,
Towing Coverage, and Auto Replacement, that are very inexpensive to add to a
policy. Ask your insurance agent for more information.
- Reread your
policy once a year to review exactly what your auto insurance covers. How much
liability insurance do you have? What is your deductible? When does your
coverage expire?
- Enhance your coverage with the least expensive car
insurance options that can provide great benefits and convenience:
- Rental Reimbursement pays for the cost of renting a replacement car
if your car is stolen or damaged in an accident for only $1 or $2 a month.
- Towing and Labor covers some or all of the cost of
providing emergency service in case of a road breakdown.
- Auto
Replacement coverage that guarantees your car will be completely repaired or
replaced, even if these costs exceed its depreciated value.
- Protect your insurance card. Most insurance companies provide
two sets of insurance cards. Carry one with you, and place the other in the
glove compartment of your car. Information on the card is crucial to have in
case of an accident.
- If you have an accident, notify your
insurance agent as soon as possible. Your agent will review your policy with
you and tell you what you need to know if your car is disabled and/or in need of
repair, and if there are any injured parties. He or she will also be able to
tell you if your policy includes Rental Reimbursement and
towing coverage.
- Carry a mobile phone. A mobile phone offers many
conveniences, but none more important than for emergencies. Be sure to keep a
back-up battery and/or adapter in your car.
- Keep an emergency number list. Contact names and number of your
insurance agent, local rental car company, local towing company, neighbors and
family should be stored in the glove compartment of your car at all times. If
you have a mobile phone and can store numbers in its memory, be sure to add
these important numbers.
- Save all receipts. Be sure to retain all
receipts so that you can be reimbursed for any covered expenses that you pay for
out of pocket. Make copies of any legal papers, accident reports, or other
documentation pertaining to the accident. Be sure to keep the originals for
your files.
- Stock your trunk. The following items could prove
invaluable in case of an accident, especially in inclement weather: tire
chains, small snow shovel, snow brush, traction mats, flashlight, ice scraper,
cloth or roll of paper towels, booster cables, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit,
and a warm blanket.
- Use a camera. An inexpensive disposable camera
with a flash can be kept in your car's glove compartment to take photographs of
the accident scene.
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