After choosing and purchasing auto insurance policy, you will be wondering the way to use it. In reality, there is no requirement to use it, yet considering the drivers these days, there may be chances for making use of it. If nothing happens so, it is good. Be grateful that you are covered and carry on paying for the policy. You will need it only when some damage is done to either you or your vehicle.
Such damages can happen either when the vehicle is moving or stationary, normally involves another vehicle in either of the modes specified. Soon after a collision and damages incurred, a traffic officer will request some items like driver’s license and registration, proof of auto insurance, etc to be produced before him. Possession of auto insurance is obligatory in many of the states. It may lead to expensive consequences in case of no insurance. So it is safe to carry a copy of the policy in your vehicle at all times.
Soon after an accident, it is wise to have some witness statements, and their names and also phone numbers if necessary for future reference for your insurance company and the police. Give out all the information like other driver’s name, vehicle number, license number, insurance company name, policy holder name, policy number, etc in the police report as well as to your insurance company. Your carrier must extend friendly and timely help at these situations. In a few days time, both the insurance companies, whose clients have been involved in the accident, will receive a copy of the police report. Based on this report, the fault will be determined.
The insurance companies may be different in dealing with the repairing process of your vehicle. This will be based on the fault and the amount of damage done. Suppose, you are not-at-fault, your vehicle repairs will be financially completed by the other insurance company. This may sometimes annoy you since you need to wait until they finish off your repairs and maintain an amicable relationship with them. They may either send you a check after completion of an estimate or deal directly with the body shops.
Suppose, you are at-fault or the other at-fault but uninsured or you are only the one involved in the accident, you need to use your insurance. Once your carrier is informed about your accident, they may wait to get the police report before giving you instructions regarding the repairs. So be patient since they have a procedure to be followed. Based on your carrier, it may take days to weeks to repair your car. After your deductible is paid, they may instruct you to a body shop or permit to choose your own. There are some carriers who do pay for a rental car, while repairing your vehicle; however it is only a percentage of the entire cost.
As you can see, these times are really frustrating. It is best to carry your auto insurance. Though you may need to pay from your pocket, possession of an insurance policy reduces this amount greatly. It is also good to ask yourself if you are properly covered by analyzing many situations though you have not come across any. If any doubts, you may clarify with your carrier. And if you find, you are not covered completely, you may enquire the different options with you carrier and add coverage. Some states mention a coverage limit to be possessed, but it is just the minimum. So it is good to know all the available options and choose among them. Every person needs to have some form of insurance and it is too unrealistic to think it is not required in such a world of today.
