Step 1:

While you are still at the accident scene, call 911. This will alert law enforcement that there has been an accident, and you need them to be there even if it was a minor event. In order to file a claim for an accident, there must first be a police report filed.

Step 2:

Get the other parties information. You want to have their name, contact information and auto insurance information. This will help make your claim filing go smoother.

Step 3:

If there were witnesses to the accident, get their information as well. When filing an auto insurance claim, you want all the information you can get. This makes the process easier.

Step 4:

Contact your insurance company right away. Having your insurance card with you is always a good idea for just such an occasion. The person you speak to will help you with the claim filing process. Even if you are not the one who caused the accident, you want to take this step. It is always recommended that you file a claim with your own insurance company since each company is out to protect the best interests of their own clients. Just because you are filing a claim when you are not at fault does not mean you are in any way accepting responsibility. You are simply covering all the necessary bases.

Step 5:

If the other party is indeed at fault, contact their auto insurance company as well. You should inform them that you have filed a claim through your own company and they will be seeking reimbursement since you are not at fault. Let them know that your company will also be seeking damages for all the things that they will not be paying for you. This includes all expenses that you are not covered for under you own policy.

Step 6:

You will likely get a call very soon after the accident from the responsible party’s insurance company. Speak with your carrier to find out what you should or should not say to them. Also, if there is issue with personal injury, you should speak with your attorney before you talk to the other insurance company in order to best protect your interests. If you choose to speak with them, write down or record the conversation as they will be doing the same.

Step 7:

An adjuster will be coming to look at the damage done to your car. They will estimate what it is worth and either repair it or declare it a total loss. The insurance company will give you a check for the vehicle itself or for the estimated repairs. You do not have to agree with the adjuster’s estimation or price offer. If you are unsure of how to proceed, speak with your insurance company or attorney. 

Auto Insurance Add On’s You May Not Have Considered

Every state in the nation has rules and regulations about the things that you must have on your auto insurance. There are minimum liability amounts that are required, and certain coverage that drivers with financed vehicles must have. However, have you considered what other things you can add to your auto insurance that may be worth your time and money?

Roadside Assistance

While many drivers do not think that it will happen to them, accidents happen and cars break down. This is where roadside assistance swoops in to save the day! This type of auto insurance add on includes towing assistance and mobile repairs in case you find yourself on the side of the road with no other alternative. The mechanics employed by the roadside assistance crew are equipped to gas up your car (you would be surprised at how often drivers run out of gas on the road), change tires and assess problems. Sometimes however, the problem is not something that can be repaired while your car is on the side of the road. If this happens, you will be towed to the closest car repair facility. Even though the chances of this type of luck befalling you, not having roadside assistance coverage is really not worth the risk. It is better to be safe than sorry!

The Vanishing Deductible

This auto insurance add on has just recently become more popular as the large insurance companies have been doing some heavy advertising connected with it. This add on is offered as a premium policy and is something that is definitely worth adding on. The vanishing deductible works by subtracting a certain amount of money from your original deductible each year until the deducible is nothing. It simply vanishes as the name suggests. It may take a few years to get down to zero, but how wonderful would it be if you needed to file a claim and had no deductible? There is a catch to this add on though. In order for your auto insurance company to keep lowering your deductible each term, you have to keep a clean driving record. If you get in an accident that is your fault, things are reversed and you must start at the beginning again. However, if you get in an accident that is not your fault and are using your company to get your vehicle repaired, you pay the lower deductible rather than the original and your deductible will still continue to vanish.

Gap Insurance

This type of add on insurance keeps you protected if you get in an accident and the insurance payoff is not enough to pay off your vehicle. In a case like this, your company will pay it off for you as long as you have gap insurance. This may or may not be in your favor. It depends upon the condition of your car right before the accident. For instance, if you still owe $10,000 on your car, but in reality it is now only worth $7,000, this is all the insurance company will pay.

When shopping for insurance, be sure to consider these add on’s and find out if they are right for you.

By: Shift Insurance

RSS: Shift Insurance

How To Renew Your Auto Insurance

If you’re reading up on how to renew your car insurance, one can safely assume that you’ve gone through the whole ordeal of getting car insurance already. While that may have been a personal challenge you’ve overcome, renewing your insurance is relatively simpler. That said, a little bit of research may literally take you places with your auto insurance.  Here are a few of the great ways to make your car auto insurance renewal a pleasurable one!

1 . The right time

Renew your auto insurance on time. If you wish to opt out of your current insurance policy and go for one that seems more rewarding, go ahead. But make sure you do it at the time when the old policy is up for renewal. This saves you from being charged with penalties or fees. Also make sure that before you cancel the old policy, you have a new, verified insurer in place.

2. Research

Do your homework about the various policies that are up for grabs. Consider the coverage and cost against your income and investment capacity. Stick with the same insurer if you’re getting a discount with him as compared to opting out and going for a new insurer. Note down all the offers from new insurers and first call your current insurer to ask if he’s willing to step up on the existing offer.

3. Timing

Never be without insurance. Before you opt out of the current policy, if at all, make sure you have a new one in place.  Save time by making calls to tope few auto insurance companies and comparing their offers.

4. Written word

Make sure you get all offers in the written word before you decide to switch. Your process can begin with a phone call but the basis of your decision should always be a written quote from the prospective insurer. Most importantly, you must be able to tell which is the best bid. This way you’ll be assured of now over paying and putting your money with an insurance company that is right for you.

After considering these parameters, the process is fairly simple and the route you take depends on whether you deal with an agent, or you renew it online or you want to go for automatic renewal.

5. Check online

Almost all information is available online on the insurance company’s website. If you have an online account with your insurer or you’re registered in the automatic online bill pay option, you can visit the FAQ section to have your queries answered. Other than this, most companies have now made renewal easy for its customers and a few clicks along with re-entering your personal information should get your through with your renewal process in a matter of minutes.

6. Call your agent

If the online process doesn’t satisfy you, call the agent you dealt with when you procured your auto insurance. Phone them and find out the terms and conditions of your renewal. If you don’t have a direct contact, get in touch with the company board line and get connected to an agent.

Ideally, you should check for auto renewal before you register your insurance. If you’re not sure, don’t worry. Just call your insurance company and find out the T&C of your insurance policy. Enquire about the renewal offer, compare it to that of other companies and take a call. It only takes a few minutes on a phone call or a few clicks on your computer and the job is done.

Before starting the process, understand that while you must never go without insurance cover, the insurance company wants your business; so go out there and get the policy that’s best for you and your pocket!

Why To Insure Your New Vehicle In California

Why to get your new vehicle insured?
For more about Car Insurance California, visit the author's website at www.shiftins.com.

Automobile insurance aims at protecting consumers by compensating for financial loses that result from road side fatalities. Cars have so far been an integral part of the automobile industry and the number of road accidents has increased through the years. If you feel that you do not need to get your vehicle insured, know that thousands of accidents that take place every year in California alone. These accidents have led to tremendous loss of property and have caused physical damage along with financial pressure to the car owners. However, financial tension can be relived to an extent by using car insurance services. Car Insurance companies protect their consumers by covering the cost of damage that happens to vehicle and protecting the owner from huge financial losses.

Car Insurance in California

Assembly Bill for a personal auto insurance policy was passed on January 1st 2005 in California. Whether it's a small roadside bang up or a major bump, having insurance in advance always helps to reduce the financial burden an accident brings in. Here are some interesting facts for you:

- Every insurance company is supposed to pay a minimum amount to its consumers in case of any accident or injury.
- In California, minimum limits of applicable insurance are $15,000 for death or harm of one whereas $30,000 in an accident.
- It is mandatory for insurance agents to meet their clients within required period of time which can extend up to 15 days.
- There were around 22,083,049 registered automobiles in the State of California in 2011, which in itself indicates the frequency of road traffic accidents.

What to do after an accident?

As soon as the person suffers an accident, they are supposed to inform the insurance company with the details. It is wise to make the insurance company known for losses as early as possible as they always prefer to inspect the damaged vehicle and property. After that, when insurance company pays for the repair of the same vehicle, it's the consumers' duty to sign up and authorize the workshop for its repair.

Car insurance has proved to be the best savior out of the losses that follow a major accident. The term 'accidents' does not only include collisions; insurance companies also cover vehicles that get damaged by theft, fire, malicious destruction, weather, or other types of comprehensive losses.

Driving without insurance - a safe bet?

Since 2005, driving without insurance has been regarded to be a serious offence in California. Inability to show up with proof of insurance when requested by any government officer leads to charge on that person that can be either in form of fine or in form of suspended license. The claim that one gets from insurance usually depends on the type of company the person has applied in. In most of the cases, insurance companies are said to have paid the minimum amount that is necessary for vehicle repair or even the actual cash value of the vehicle (ACV). Department of Insurance of California maintains an informative website where it keeps all the names of insurance companies operating in California. The Department has its own consumer helpline number which works from 8 am to 5pm. Legal responsibility of insurance sometimes does not cover the policy holder if they maneuver any vehicles other than their own, although, in some cases, where the policy holder does not have a vehicle of his own, he is liable for relaxation in policy.

Car Insurance Coverage Explained

By: Raphael Locsin
Website: http://www.shiftins.com

Working as a California car insurance agent has help me realize people always want to get a good deal on their insurance premiums. What my job has also taught me is that people will spend more time trying to get a good deal than understanding what the deal actually is. Recently, I have been hearing an increasing amount of stories about someone's insurance nightmare. While plenty of these could actually be cases of "insurance gone wrong", I feel that some are actually attributed to the insured not knowing what their policy actually covers. By learning the different forms of car insurance coverage, you will be able to not only ensure you are receiving the best deal but you will also ensure you are properly protected.

Liability 
Covers: Damages done by the insured to other people or their property 
Limits of liability: Bodily Injury per person / Bodily injury per occurrence / Property damage 
Examples of limits: ($15,000 / $30,000 / $5,000) is the same as (15 / 30 / 5) 

·         15/30/5 

·         25/50/25 

·         50/100/50 

·         100/300/100 

·         250/500/250 

Bodily injury - If you cause an accident that injures other people, this insurance will pay the amount you are legally obligated to pay for those injuries and related costs, which can include:

·         Hospital and medical bills

·         Rehabilitation

·         Long-term nursing care

·         Funeral expenses

·         Lost earnings

·         Pain and suffering

·         Other damages

Property damage - If you ever cause an accident, your Property Damage Liability coverage will pay for the damage done to anyone else's property, whether it's another vehicle, a lamppost, or even a house, up to the selected amount.

Liability is the most basic form of coverage. In order to operate a vehicle, it is usually required by law to have liability insurance. Liability will take effect if you are driving your car and crash into anything or anyone (at fault accident). The policy will pay any damages you are found legally responsible for until the dollar limits specified. If you have a liability only policy and are at fault in an accident, it will not cover any damages to your car or any injuries you may have. If you have a liability only policy and you not at fault in an accident, the policy of the driver at fault will pay for any damages and injuries you may have.

Uninsured Motorist
Covers: Damages done to the insured by a driver with no insurance or insufficient insurance limits
Limits of liability: UMBI per person / UMBI per occurrence
UM Property Damage: Exists but is usually limited to low amounts like $3500. Anything more should be covered under comprehensive and collision. 
Examples of limits: ($15,000 / $30,000) is the same as (15 / 30) 

·         15/30

·         25/50 

·         50/100 

·         100/300 

·         250/500

note: UM limits may not exceed those of Liability but do not necessarily have to match the limits either. It is possible to have a liability of 50/100/50 and a UM of 25/50

Uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage is not always required by law to have but is extremely important to know about. In 2004, the California Department of Insurance calculated that 14.43% of drivers on the road were uninsured. If an uninsured driver were to injure you in an accident, who would pay for your medical bills? With some exception, the average person whom does not carry insurance will also not be able to afford $15,000+ of your medical bills. You will end up having to sue the person and try to collect money from them for what could be years and try to recover from your injuries at the same time. UM will pay for any injuries the policy holder has that is caused by a driver with no insurance or not enough insurance.

Full Coverage (comprehensive and collision) 
Covers: Damages or loss towards or of the covered vehicle 
Limits: Will pay to repair or replace the insured vehicle according to its current value 
Deductible: Is the amount you are required to pay after a covered loss in order for a claim to be covered
Examples of deductibles: ($500 / $500) is the same as (500 / 500)

·         250/250

·         500/500 

·         1000/1000 

Comprehensive coverage - will cover pretty much anything that can happen to the car besides a collision with another vehicle or form of property. This includes but is not limited to:

·         Theft

·         Vandalism

·         Fire

·         Windstorm

·         Collision with an animal

·         Glass breaking

Collision Coverage - will provide protection in the event that it is damaged in a collision and will pay out if your vehicle:

·         Collides with another object

·         Overturns or rolls

The common misconception about the term full coverage is that it is usually only referring to the vehicle not of every possible loss. Make sure to check your policy to see if what you have is what you are getting. You may think you have a full coverage policy when an uninsured motorist crashes into only to have injuries and find out you only had liability and comprehensive and collision. It is also important to remember that you will only have to pay your deductible if you want to have the insurance company pay for any damages or loss towards your vehicle.

Medical Payments
Covers: Any medical the insured may need as a result of an accident regardless of who is at fault.
Limits: Usually limited to treatment received within the first 3 years after an accident and limited to a specific dollar amount.
Common Med pay amounts:

·         $1,000

·         $5,000  

·         $10,000

·         $25,000 

·         $50,000

Med pay is usually very inexpensive and is sometimes considered the least expensive form of coverage to add on to a policy. The most common time med pay will take effect is if the insured is at fault in an accident and he or she is also injured. For instance if you are driving down the street and crash into a parked car (with nobody inside) and break your arm, med pay would cover your medical bills and property damage liability would pay for the car.

Road Side and Towing
Covers: road side services and towing for a vehicle
Limits: usually restricted to only vehicles listed on the policy and only after a covered claim

This is more of an add-on to your policy but it is worth mentioning. Road side and towing can save you money in the event of an emergency that requires a tow service to be hired.

Understanding what forms of coverage are on your policy is vital to understanding the type of "deal" you are getting. Sometimes it is not always beneficial to go after the "lowest price" when you are skipping out on coverage that is important to you. Become familiar with the different forms of coverage and determine what fits your needs then shop for the best deal on the proper coverage. You will feel safer knowing that you not only saved money but that you are also properly protected.

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Car Insurance Los Angeles

The City of Los Angeles is a one of the top US cities for business, international trade, entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, and education. It is also the second most populated city in the United States, after New York City. According the the 2010 United States Census there are 3,792,621 people residing in Los Angeles city alone and 12,828,837 people living in the entire L.A. county. It is no surprise that The City of Angels is also known for its traffic. Car Insurance in Los Angeles is just as notorious.

The most popular type of auto insurance coverage in Los Angeles is comprehensive. (The next most popular is collision.) Comprehensive coverage might be optional depending on a few different factors, but many people opt to add it to their auto insurance policy. If you have never heard the term comprehensive coverage, you may know it by its other name – OTC coverage (other than collision). This type of coverage takes care of most all types of damages that are incurred by things other than accidents involving other vehicles.

Adding comprehensive coverage is not something that everyone opts for. The people who do add it to their policy typically have vehicles that are new or costly models. Those driving these types of cars find that comprehensive coverage is well worth the extra added expense, while others who have less than new and low to moderately priced cars may not see the point in making their rates go up. If you do choose to add this to your policy, there are many good things that it can do for you if the need for it arises. The following are some of the things for which comprehensive coverage will offer protection:

• Your vehicle is stolen.
• You vehicle is damaged in a flood or other natural disasters such as hurricane, earthquake or tornado.
• Someone has vandalized your vehicle.
• Your vehicle is damaged by a fire.
• Your vehicle is damaged from hitting an animal.

Having protection from these types of incidents can be highly desirable because you never know when disaster can strike. People who live in places that are prone to natural disasters will find comprehensive coverage to be a necessity that they cannot afford to be without.  When putting your policy together, make sure that you read all the fine print to make sure that everything you want your comprehensive coverage to take care of is present.

Comprehensive Coverage Advice and Recommendations

If you are having a difficult time deciding if you want or need to have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, here is some advice from the professionals.

• If you have a vehicle that is financed or leased, having comprehensive coverage may be required. Check your state laws to find out if this applies to you. The reason that this may be true in your state is that the finance company wants to ensure that everything is covered for every possible scenario. They do not want to lose any money on their investment. After all, the vehicle technically belongs to them until you have it paid off.
• If you have a newer model car, it is worth getting comprehensive coverage. This is for your protection and may come in handy one day.
• If you have a vehicle that is older, comprehensive coverage is not something that is very important in most cases because it is not financially sound. The only older car that would benefit from comprehensive coverage is a classic.

Take all of the above into consideration and you will have an easier time deciding if you need comprehensive coverage or not. The road ahead may be tough to navigate but your car insurance Los Angeles doesn't have to be.