Millions of people depend on automobiles to get them from place to place. With that being said, what is the best course of action if you have been in an automobile accident. Here are some easy tips to ensure that you protect yourself and potential claims.
1. Stay calm at the scene.
2. Do not admit fault to any party including the police (stating the facts of how the accident happened is sufficient).
3. Take eye of all potential witnesses and people speaking to the police.
4. Look at the damages to the other vehicle (this way you can report to your insurance carrier what you noticed on the date of accident).
5. Take photos at the scene if a camera is available.
6. Exchange information with the other driver (such as, address, drivers license information and insurance information)
7. Seek medical attention if you are injured
8. Report the claim to your insurance carrier providing them with the information you gathered at the scene.
Good luck and happy driving.
Filed under Automobile Insurance Information by on Feb 20th, 2011. Comment. 
Have you ever wondered how insurance rates for automobile insurance are calculated? There are several factors involved, one of the most necessary being the ISO Symbol given to your particular originate of vehicle by the ISO. The Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), established in 1971, is a leading resource for insurance carriers looking for information about risk. The ISO analyzes data and statistics about vehicles to provide insurance carriers with rating information about a vehicle’s theft susceptibility, safety features and cost to repair. Insurance carriers obtain this information through ISO symbols for different makes and models of vehicles.
Vehicle Series Rating Program
The purpose of vehicle series rating is to match premiums to loss experiences for different makes and models. A high ISO rating means a more expensive insurance rate. The ISO adjusts these ratings periodically when current loss statistics are analyzed.
Surcharges and Discounts
If your vehicle has a high ISO rating, it can mean a surcharge of up to 25 percent on your auto policy. Discounts of up to 20 percent are offered for vehicles whose low ISO rating means they will fare better in vehicle accidents and cost less to repair.
Factors Considered
ISO considers several factors when determining the rating for a vehicle, including loss experience, vehicle size, body construction, wheelbase and horsepower. Recent findings by the ISO have shown SUVs in a more positive light than in earlier years. SUVs have had better loss experience than sedans and some other smaller vehicles. Cars considered “sports cars” are almost always issued a high ISO rating symbol.
Rating Symbols
Two rating symbols are given for each make and model. One rating symbol covers bodily injury and property damage. The other symbol applies to medical payment coverage. The rating symbols correspond with the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the automobile.
Top Safety Picks of 2009
The top safety picks of 2009 were the Acura RL, Ford Taurus, Volvo S80 (colossal); Acura TL, Honda Accord, Subaru Legacy (midsize); Saab 9-3, Volkswagen Eos, Volvo C70 (midsize convertibles); Honda Civic, Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi Lancer (small); Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona (minivans); Ford F-150, Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tundra (large pickups); Toyota Tacoma (small pickup); Audi Q7, Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook (gigantic SUVs); Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, Subaru Tribeca (midsize SUVs); Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, Volkswagen Tiguan (limited SUVs).
Source:
http://www.iso.com/
Filed under Automobile Insurance Information by on Feb 17th, 2011. Comment.
Everyone should have an insurance conception irrespective of whether one drive a car or a motor bike. However, for the motorcycle riders, the insurance is even more necessary as motorcycles do not have as many safety features as cars have.
This article is aimed to provide information and package details about the top four insurance plans for motorcycle riders.
Most Expedient Insurance Option for Motorcycle Riders # 1: Markel American Insurance Company
This company has been providing motorcycle insurance for the past thirty five years. It offers very grand and cost-effective insurance services. Different types of coverage plans are available, ranging from normal use to recreational purposes. The best thing about Markel insurance is its mercurial processing of insurance claims. Moreover, they provide accessory coverage even up to $10,000. Taking a normal insurance coverage, the company will give an individual $1000 as accessory coverage. In case of excessive re-modeling of your vehicle, they can provide 50% value settlement. The collision coverage plans have different values ranging from $250 to $2000. Markel Insurance is the only company, which provides passenger insurance as well. However, market survey’s reveal that insurance experts of this company often quote higher insurance premiums. With its recent set of coverage plans, Markel’s insurance is one of the most used in the market.
Most Suitable Insurance Option for Motorcycle Riders # 2: AllState Motorcycle Insurance
The best thing about AllState insurance is its waiver offered on first time accident. There are no deductions from your premium for the first accident to your motorcycle. Another novel feature on offer is lease-loan gap coverage. If your motorcycle has been stolen or damaged and you are mild left with some of the lease payments, the insurance company will provide with the rest of the amount. It provides an accessory cover of $10,000 on normal plans. However, you can increase your access cover to around $30,000 dollars by paying twenty percent more premium on annual basis. The comprehensive coverage plan provides collision cover, personal injury protection and accessory cover.
Most Suitable Insurance Option for Motorcycle Riders # 3: Motorcycle Insurance services, LLC
This company is famous for its free and affordable quotes provided by their officials. The premium payments can be made through electronic transfer, credit cards or even through the debit cards. They have different coverage plans for a number of motorcycles and they adjust their plans and premium in correlation with the slightest feature of your vehicle. They provide an accessory cover of $1500. Their comprehensive coverage understanding includes collision cover, accessory conceal and bodily damage liabilities. However, there is one potential pitfall. Their roadside assistance plan has been promoted a lot but people have found it very tough to use. Their hidden conditions are not met by even the most obvious road position incident.
Most Suitable Insurance Option for Motorcycle Riders # 4: ACE Insurance services
The best thing about ACE insurance is their flexible payment plans. You can pay the premium in form of installments over a period of six months. The limit for fee custom parts is $1000, which is suitable for normal usage. They have flexible limits for both comprehensive coverage as well as liability plans. There are separate rates for motorcycles of different design and model. The clearance time for claims is a little more than rest of the insurance companies.
Source(s):
Personal knowledge and experience
Filed under Automobile Insurance Information by on Dec 18th, 2010. Comment.
