What should I do if I'm involved in an accident?

There are several important things to remember if you're ever involved in an auto accident. If there are any injuries, contact 911. 1) Even if there are no injuries, contact the police to report the accident. 2) Write down all pertinent information, such as vehicle information (year, make, model, plate number, color, etc.), weather conditions, direction of travel, whether any citations were issued. 3) Exchange insurance information with all parties involved. Be sure to obtain contact information and write down the plate numbers of the vehicles involved. 4) If your vehicle is towed from the accident scene, remember to find out where it is being towed. 5) AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, contact your insurance company to report the accident. 

Does my vehicle have to be repaired at one of my insurance company's "preferred facilities"?

No, you have the right to choose the shop where your vehicle will be repaired. Insurance companies are not allowed to "steer," "direct" or "refer" you to a shop. An insurance company, however, may provide recommendations for shops (what are typically known as Direct Repair Providers - DRPs).

What is the difference between Full & Limited Tort?

With full tort a driver and policyholder retains unrestricted rights to bring a lawsuit against the negligent party in an automobile accident. For example, filing a lawsuit to receive compensation for pain and suffering as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. Whereas limited tort allows policyholders to save money with a lower premium thereby waiving their right to recover certain damages. Tort varies for each state so you should refer to your state insurance department to learn how your state's tort system is set up.

I was involved in an accident & injured, should I cooperate with the insurance company? Absolutely. It is your duty to cooperate with your insurance company and provide all of the necessary information about the accident and/or any injuries that may have been involved pursuant to the terms of your policy. They need your cooperation to assist in the fair and proper handling of the claim.

My insurance company deemed my vehicle a total loss & I don't agree with their offer. What are my options?

A vehicle is deemed a total loss when the cost of repairs exceeds a specific threshold of the vehicle's value. If you do not agree with your insurance company's total loss offer, you may hire an independent appraiser (at your cost) to complete a valuation of your vehicle. Get the valuation in writing and provide it to your insurance company. If that does not help, you have the options of either arbitration or litigation. For more information, refer to your policy terms.

My insurance company wants to use aftermarket parts on my vehicle. Is that allowed?

Yes, the insurance company may utilize aftermarket and/or like, kind & quality (LKQ) parts on your vehicle. However, they are required to disclose the use of such parts in the estimate. You have the choice to reject the use of those parts and request all original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts be used by the repair facility but you would be responsible for the difference in price.

What is the difference between Collision (COLL) & Comprehensive (COMP) coverage?

Collision coverage is for when your vehicle collides with another object, including another vehicle or if it overturns. Your insurer will usually pay for these damages even if you are at fault. Events which fall under comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, are often referred to as "acts of God." Theft of all or part of the vehicle, glass breakage, damage due to fire, windstorm, hail, water, vandalism, falling objects, explosion or hitting an animal are all examples of claims which may be covered under comprehensive coverage. Please contact your local state insurance department for more specific coverage explanations.

What is the difference between Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM)?

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you or the passengers in your vehicle for bodily injury you or they may sustain when involved in an accident with another driver who has no liability coverage (uninsured). Underinsured motorist coverage protects you or the passengers in your vehicle for bodily injury you or they may sustain when involved in an accident with another driver who has insufficient insurance to cover the injuries of you or your passengers.