Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance Claim Guide

This is a FREE Insurance Claim Guide

Your "Motor Vehicle" can be a truck, car, motorcycle - - you name it! If it's powered by a motor and has one, two, three, four (or even more) wheels this "Guide" is for you.

The information below is a bare-bones "Guide" for those who have had such a motor vehicle accident. It details the basics of how one should with their property damage and/or personal injury claim.

AFTER IMPACT CHECKLIST

We heartily suggest you make a copy of this "Impact Checklist" to be kept handy within the confines of your motor vehicle. A "Guide" to refer to so you'll be certain, should an accident take place, that you've covered everything.

Other than the fact that one must obtain from the other operator, both their drivers license and motor vehicle registration information, you should also proceed to do the following:

IMMEDIATELY MAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF: Names and addresses of eye witnesses. And later the investigating police officers name and badge number. WEATHER CONDITIONS: Snow, rain, fog, mist, sleet, etc. ROAD SURFACE: Dry, wet, slippery, icy, etc.IMPACT AREA: City, suburban, business, wooded, etc. VISIBILITY: Sunny, cloudy, dusk, night, moonlight, etc. (Was the sun in the other driver's face)? TRAFFIC CONTROLS: Were there overhead lights? Posted speed limit signs? Stop or warning signs? Hospital or school zone signs? CREATE A DIAGRAM: Driving area: Flat, crowned, straight, curved, macadam, asphalt, concrete, cobblestone, dirt, etc. Indicate the width of street. Show the location of impact, gouge and/or skid marks. CONDITION OF MOTOR VEHICLE THAT STRUCK YOU: Age and general overall condition. Is their state inspection sticker displayed and up to date? Were chains or snow tires needed? AS SOON AS POSSIBLE RETURN TO THE SCENE AND SNAP PHOTOGRAPHS: It's most important to take pictures of: Skid or gouge mark's on the road surface plus the damage to both vehicles. PHOTOS OF YOUR BODILY INJURIES: It's crucial to the ultimate value of your claim to snap a multitude of colored photos (up close and from different angles) of your bodily injuries - - especially all black and blue marks or bruises.


INSIGHTS INTO HANDLING YOUR CLAIM (There Are Six Areas You Must Be Familiar With) 1. Out-Of-Pocket Expenses 2. Lost Time From Work - Lost Wages 3. Property Damage Losses 4. What Your Medical Doctor And/Or Chiropractor Reports Should State 5. Medical Payments Coverage 6. What To Do If An Adjuster Refuses To Cooperate

You Should Go Into Detail Regarding These (Below Listed) Six Areas:
(1) OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES:These are expenses that can be measured in definite sums of money. They are the foundation of the calculations used to award damages (including that often great and extra amount paid to you for your "Pain and Suffering") regarding any financial loss flowing directly from the injury you may have sustained.


MEDICAL EXPENSES: Obtain all bills and services rendered. (Prior to their being sent out, you have ever right to ask for and read the crucial Final Reports regarding your physical condition from your Doctor, Chiropractor, "Medical Specialist" and/or Dentist).Medical Expenses Typically Include: Ambulance ~ Emergency Room ~ Hospital or Clinic ~ Laboratory Fees and Services ~ Diagnostic Tests: (X-rays and/or CT Scan) ~ Registered or Practical Nurse Fees ~ Medicine and/or Prescription Medications ~ Prosthetic Appliances or Surgical Apparatus (Canes & crutch, etc.) ~ Physical Therapy ~ Ace Bandages, Gauze & Tape ~ Heating Pads ~ Creams, Ointments, Balms & Salves. As you read them make sure these Medical Reports include the length of time of your "Total Disability" and/or your "Partial Disability". These are of enormous value because they justify the often HUGE, extra payment made for your "Pain and Suffering" . (Plus this information will also prove your claim for Lost Wages).


NON-MEDICAL DAMAGE EXPENSES. These include: Lost Wages and Earnings ~ Lost Vacation Time and/or Sick Leave ~ Travel Expenses: (Transportation costs incurred getting to and from The Doctor and/or Hospital, etc.) ~ Household Help During Disability ~ Child Care During Recuperation.


(2) LOST TIME FROM WORK - - LOST WAGES - - YOUR "LOSS EARNING CAPACITY": The weeks, hours and/or days you were unable to work (thus the money you may have lost) is added up and documented on company letterhead. You're often entitled to compensation for "Lost Time and Earnings" even if you have no actual loss of money ! Such as, for example, if your salary is paid by some other insurance coverage you may have or by taking sick leave or some other similar arrangement. It doesn't matter if you're employed full time, part time, self-employed, own your own business, retired, unemployed, or a housewife not employed outside the home, you should keep a written record of all household help and/or child care needed during your disability period.


All of these constitute an element of your "SPECIAL DAMAGES" mainly "Lost Wages". Insurance companies usually don't view your time away from work (because of an injury) as "Lost Time And Earnings" but as "Lost Earning Capacity". In most states one is entitled to compensation for lost time and earnings even if they have no loss of money. For example, when your salary is paid for by another insurance coverage you have or by taking sick leave and/or some other similar type of arrangement. There are specific situations to be considered and called to the forefront when it comes to being employed either full-time or part-time. More detailed information (regarding these above stated area's of your loss) are found in CHAPTER FOUR "Damages" within the book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM.


(3) PROPERTY DAMAGE LOSSES: "AGREED COST TO REPAIR": This figure has been negotiated between your damage repair person and the insurance adjuster. Be sure you know (and possess a written copy of) exactly what that figure is.COLLISION: There's usually a deductible. Read your policy. (If you're not at fault you should eventually be able to get this money back).PROPERTY DAMAGE LIABILITY: Protects you for damages you do to the property of another (i.e. his or her trees, lawn, shrubs, mailbox, etc.) EXCLUSIONS: These are stated in your policy. A good rule of thumb is, "If it's not excluded, it's covered". Read your policy closely to discover your exclusions and how they apply. TOTAL LOSS: A "Total Loss" is when the motor vehicle damage exceeds the value of the vehicle, as stated within all of the up-to-date and "Official" Property Damage books and/or documents. OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE LOSSES: Clothing, jewelry, watches, eye or sunglasses, etc. You can also collect for your (or any other individuals) personal property which happened to be in the car and was damaged. (Be sure to have written proof of the cost of each item damaged plus the date it was purchased). Never forget: You're entitled to be reimbursed for any charges you may have incurred for towing, storage and/or substitute motor vehicle rental, or for that matter - - any other alternate transportation.


The above is a very brief review. For more in-depth information read CHAPTER FIVE: PROPERTY DAMAGE found in AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM.


(4) WHAT YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR AND/OR CHIROPRACTOR REPORT SHOULD STATE: Each "Injury Evaluation Factor" should be clearly stated within each of your final Medical Reports. For example: That your disability is solely the result of the accident. If there were any pre-existing conditions aggravated by your injuries? What treatments were administered and for what duration? What medications were prescribed, in what amounts and for how long? What symptoms or medical problems were such medications meant to relieve? Were there any adverse reactions demonstrated? Ask to read them before they're sent to the adjuster so you're sure it explains the nature, plus the extent and frequency of the pain that an injury, such as yours, will likely cause.


PROGNOSIS: This is the clearly stated information (regarding your personal injury progress) and should include: The part played by a pre-existing condition, if any? Their prediction of any possible future temporary disability/impairments? Does the individual attending you anticipate any further or future treatments? LENGTH OF YOUR "TOTAL" DISABILITY: Why? Because it's so important (when it comes time to settle) this is clearly stated in weeks and days. LENGTH OF YOUR "PARTIAL" DISABILITY: Again (and for the same reason as above) this too should be clearly stated in weeks and days. (Specific details, regarding both "Partial" and "Total" Disability , and the incredible value it provides for you in your claim, are found in CHAPTER SIX: YOUR BODILY INJURY).


(5) MEDICAL PAYMENTS COVERAGE: If you have this coverage in your motor vehicle policy, it will pay (up to the limits stated) for all medical bills arising out of the accident - - regardless of who's at fault! (You must read your policy carefully because the "Who", "Why" and/or "How" of this often differs).

A WORD ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS: In certain instances, it may be possible to have your medical bills paid and yet avoid any repayment by tapping into your health insurance coverage, or some other plan you may have. (Yes, this means, under certain circumstances, you may be able to collect twice for the same medical bills)!


(6) WHAT TO DO IF THE ADJUSTER REFUSES TO COOPERATE? These Are Your Usual And Routine Choices: a. Threaten that you're going to obtain the services of a lawyer to represent you. b. Go over the adjuster's head. c. Resolve your loss in Small Claims Court. d. Contact the proper people (working through the State Department of Insurance) implementing the time honored principle of "Good Faith" vs. "Bad Faith".


All the information necessary for you to deal with and handle the above issues are spelled out within the contents of AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) found on the internet at http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com or http://www.caraccidentclaims.com. This book also contains BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Formula). THE BASE FORMULA will tell you exactly how many dollars the "Pain and Suffering" you endured are worth.


DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this article is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Dan Baldyga, does not offer a guarantee of any kind whatsoever, NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is the INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLY to obtain such services.


Copyright (c) 2004 By Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved.

For over 30 years Dan Baldyga was a Claims Adjuster, Supervisor, Manager and Trial Assistant. He is now retired and spends his time attempting to assist those involved in motor vehicle accident claim so they will not be taken advantage of. dbpaw@comcast.net

Motor Insurance For Young Drivers - Why So Costly, and How Can You Minimise the Cost?

Every parent of a teenager who has passed his or her driving test and is lucky enough to be able to afford his own motor vehicle will be painfully aware of the immense cost of insuring that vehicle, even to the minimum liability requirement prescribed by the law. It is not merely anecdotal that many young drivers find that the insurance quotations that they receive for one year of cover, either through a broker, on the telephone or via one of the numerous online insurance price comparison websites, is more expensive than the vehicle that they wish to insure! There are obvious cost implications for the parent in this situation but before we consider how the premiums might be minimised, we will look briefly at the reason for this overloading of motor insurance premiums for young drivers.

Essentially, insurance companies are businesses. The bottom line of every business is to make a profit, so that it can pay can pay a dividend to its shareholders and/or invest that profit in some other money making venture. Accordingly, insurers are extremely cautious about setting their premiums at a level that might jeopardise their profit by virtue of increasing the amounts that they are required to pay out in respect of a claim. In order to calculate the amount of the premiums that they quote, therefore, insurance companies take into account the statistical likelihood of a particular driving group to be involved in an accident and, if they are involved in the accident, the likely extent of the damage and, in turn the likely size of the payout that they will have to make.

The statistical evidence is quite damning. Firstly, one out of every five drivers is involved in some form of motor accident during the first year of driving. Inevitably, the vast majority of these drivers will be a young driver. Secondly, there is a ten times greater likelihood that a male driver under the age of twenty-one will be involved in a motor accident that a male who is over the age of thirty-five. Thirdly, the preponderance of motor collisions involving young drivers occur after nightfall. There are only one in eight drivers in Britain who are under the age of twenty-five, yet one in four of the drivers who are fatally injured in a car accident come from this age group.

 Finally, approximately 40% of motor car passengers who will suffer fatal or critical life threatening or life altering injuries will have been in a car that was driven by a young driver. It is important to add a rider to these statistics. Whilst they refer to young drivers generically, in fact young female drivers are significantly less likely to be involved in a motor accident that their male counterparts and, if they are involved in a collision, the consequences are likely to be less severe. It should also be added that the cost of the claims that are settled arising from accidents caused by "boy racers" are spread through the entire driving community - meaning that we all are paying higher premiums as a result.

So, the insurance companies justifiably charging a substantial premium to insure young drivers, what can be done to seek to keep the costs down as much as is possible?

 The first and arguably the most effective way in terms of reducing not only the young driver's premiums but also the likelihood of his being involved in a crash is if he completes the Pass Plus course conducted by the Driving Standard Agency. In this course, the young driver gains additional experience in driving in and out of town, in different weather, at night, on dual carriageways and on motorways. Completion of the course can drastically reduce the initial premium. Additional ways of reducing the premium are to keep the car in a locked garage, or at the very least, off-road during the night, have an effective immobiliser fitted to guard against theft, ensure that the young drivers avoids falling into the trap of buying a car which is considered to be high risk and therefore in a higher insurance class and, as important as any of the above, make sure that there are no alterations made to the vehicle, such as the addition of spoilers, which might alter an insurer or as broker that they have a potential boy racer on their hands.

All the above measures will serve to minimise the initial insurance premium. Thereafter, it is in the hands of the young driver. If he gets through a year without any claims, he will receive his no claims discount for the second year's premiums. As this will be a percentage reduction, it is likely to involve a substantial saving, which will be repeated, so long as he remains accident free, until the full no-claims discount has been reached.

Although, it is clear that the premiums for young drivers will remain high, unless driving habits change beyond recognition, it is hoped that this article explains why this is the case and what steps can be taken to obtain the lowest possible premiums. When all that has been done, compare the insurance prices that are available, to further maximise your money saving.

Author: Billy Phillips. Look at the Best Insurance Comparison Sites on his website Best Price Comparison Website

Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes - Tips For Getting The Lowest Rate

Finding auto insurance quotes online is easy, but finding the cheapest auto insurance rates can be more of a challenge. To get the lowest quotes, follow these tips to help you find ways to trim possibly hundreds off your auto insurance quotes.

1. Give them details - If you don't provide information about your zip code, marital status, car's safety features, and annual commuting miles, by default insurance companies will quote you a higher auto insurance rate. Provide as much detail as possible to make sure you get each discount that you qualify for.

2. Shop around - Auto insurance rates can vary as much as 300% between companies for the same coverage. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by comparing prices between companies. Don't forget to check out your current insurance company, they may have lower rates for new customers that you may be able to negotiate for yourself.

3. Raise your deductible - Higher deductibles equal lower insurance premiums. For example, increasing your deductible from $250 to $500, can save you a hundred dollar or more on your annual premium. 

However, plan on having additional financial resources to cover the deductible in case of an accident.

4. Cut the miles you drive - For drivers who travel on average 40 miles or less a day, they qualify for a low mileage discount with most insurance companies. Consider carpooling or taking public transit a couple of days a week to reduce your car's mileage to qualify for the discount. By flying or taking a train for vacations instead of driving, you can further reduce the miles on your car.

5. Switch drivers - For married couples, compare insurance quotes between the male as the main driver and the female as the main driver. You may get a lower quote if the female is insured on a truck and the male is insured on the minivan. Teens should also be insured on safer cars such as the family sedan, rather than a sports car.

6. Add an anti-theft device - By installing car alarms or a tracking system in your car, you will get a discount from auto insurance companies. Since anti-theft devices reduce the risk of your car being stolen, insurance companies pass on the savings to you. A certified defensive-driving class can also reduce your premium for three years with most insurance companies.

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