Auto Insurance Law » Auto Insurance Company

Progressive Auto Insurance Company Website Review

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:15:26 +0000

Walk into any room filled with people who have auto insurance and ask them to name an auto insurance company and there’s an excellent chance that most of them will say “Progressive.” We have all seen their TV ads and their billboards. We know that they claim their website is extremely easy to use. We see them everywhere; and I don’t know about you, but when I see their advertising, it makes me feel like I can trust them. I decided to pay a little visit to their website and see for myself if Progressive Insurance lives up to its reputation. Here’s what I found in a ten minute website visit.

User Friendly Website?

Here’s what you’ll find when you visit the Progressive website. First, you see the famed white SUV barreling up an incline- presumably on their way to help you out in a crisis. You also see their “Get a Quote” box immediately. With the words “save hundreds” and “lower” enticing me I entered Auto and my zip code and sat back to wait. Very quickly I get sent to an information page that allowed me to continue on my own or connect with a representative who could chat with me and give me a hand.

At first, I was happy with how quickly the website was moving along. Then we reached a question where I incorrectly entered information and then tried to change it. The system got hung up and wouldn’t accept my corrected information. At this point I needed to access an agent for help. I must admit, this is frustrating to me. I like to do things online quickly and efficiently and when I get involved in customer service chats, things generally get bogged down as they ask me all the questions I already filled out on the form. Strike one.

I tried to return to the home page without completing my quote request and I had to enter my email address before I could get a link back to home. Strike Two.

The home page offers many different links to gather information about Progressive Insurance. It also offers several options for getting business taken care of. You can call by land line phone, you can use your cell or PDA, you can text message, email or chat. They offer online billing and paperless documents of your policies and other information. This is a huge Hit!

Each page I visited allowed me to get an instant quote, sign in to my account, or link to other information, including the home page. This is a big Hit as well.

I continued exploring the site and eventually began a chat with a customer service representative. She was friendly, very helpful and was eager and prepared to help me. HOMERUN!

The Importance of Your Representative

Don’t underestimate the importance of the professionalism and friendliness of your agent or customer service representative. This can speak volumes about the company itself. Remember, when you’ve got the stress and pressure that lead to the need to file a claim, you don’t want to deal with a difficult “helper” on the other end of the phone line. Looking into the customer service satisfaction rates of different companies can tell you a lot.

So, where does Progressive Insurance rate with me, after a 10 minute website, visit? They provided me with enough options and help that I would definitely continue on with a quote request or any other question. While the process isn’t perfect they do have a great reputation and the people on the phone seemed genuinely interested in helping me.

Compare Multiple Companies

By: Robert McKnight

Auto Insurance FAQs – Accidents Happen

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 06:37:37 +0000

With over 6 million auto accidents per year in the United States alone, there’s a good chance that you or someone close to you will be involved in an auto accident at some point. Having auto insurance is a great way to be prepared for an auto accident. When shopping for auto insurance, it’s important to look at auto insurance rates and quotes and do some comparing. Knowing how to proceed in the event of an auto accident can save you time, money, and headaches, especially if your car is damaged.

Q: What should I do if I’ve just had an auto accident?

A: Assuming there are no injuries, here’s a checklist of how to proceed:

Call 911 to report the auto accident. You’ll want a copy of a police report for any future claim, especially if the accident was not your fault. If the damage is minor and the other driver wants to negotiate a settlement on the spot, be wary: You could have unseen damage. Don’t bother engaging the other driver in an argument about who was at fault – the police will handle that. Write down the other driver’s name and insurance information. If you have a camera in your car, get some shots of the damage and general accident scene. When you get home, call your auto insurance company to report the accident if there will be a claim on your policy. If the other driver was at fault and you don’t live in a “no-fault” state, contact their auto insurance company to start the claims process.

Whether the car damage is minor or extensive, your main goal is to get enough information in order to protect your best interests later. And remember that honesty is the best policy in reporting the circumstances of the auto accident.

Q: What coverage pays for damage to my car?

A: If you’re at fault in an auto accident (whether you’ve crashed into someone else or into a fence), you’ll need collision coverage if you want your repairs covered. If you don’t have collision coverage, you’ll need to pay for repairs out of your own pocket. Some drivers drop collision coverage when their cars get older because the potential cost of fixing them is more than the value of the cars.

If someone else crashes into you, their liability auto insurance must pay for repairs to your vehicle. This is called a “third-party” claim because you’re making a claim on their auto insurance company.

If you live in a “no-fault” state, you always make a claim on your own policy no matter who is at fault.

Q: Do I have to use my auto insurer’s body shop for repairs?

A: No, you can never be forced to use a repair shop that your auto insurance company designates. However, you may find it’s more convenient to do so. Many auto insurance companies have customer service programs that streamline your claim process by handling paperwork and your rental car from the repair shop and fully guaranteeing the work.

You can never be too prepared when it comes to an auto accident. Hopefully, these FAQ’s have given you some helpful advice and information if you or someone you know has to face this situation in the near future. Auto insurance companies are there to help you sort through the car damage and remove some of the headaches and worries for you. Auto accidents aren’t something that we like to think about, but thinking ahead will help you and your auto rates in the long run.

By: Amy Danise

Who Else Wants Affordable Automobile Insurance Rates That Are Cheap?

admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:12:16 +0000

Getting car insurance rates that are affordable in the state of Massachusetts is not hard. With the problems get a So recent change in the laws the Commissioner of Massachusetts has allowed a new policy to open the door for more competitive rates in the auto insurance market.

This is good news for you because now you stand a good chance of actually getting a better deal on your automobile insurance. With every state you live in you have to be aware of the rules and regulations as far as the car insurance laws goes. Massachusetts is an at fault state. This pretty much means that you are required to carry insurance to cover for damages if something was to happen in an auto accident.

This means that you cannot go driving around without automobile insurance in the state of Massachusetts. And the minimum amount that should be covered for your personal injury is $8000. So you shouldn’t skimp on the importance of being fully protected if you are drastically trying to reduce your premium. One thing you should be aware of is the discounts that are available.

If you are enrolled in defensive driving there is a good chance that you are going to get a better deal on your car insurance. Another factor you should look at is if you’re a student and you are currently getting good grades. You should also think about combining your home and auto insurance to get the best rates on your Massachusetts car insurance. By simply combining these two types of insurance your auto insurance company will be more than willing to give you a great deal. I know that you do not enjoy overpaying every month on your car insurance.

By: Craig Realton

AAA Auto Insurance Company Review

admin — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 15:05:59 +0000

AAA Auto Insurance Company is a car insurance company on the rise.Perhaps one of the insurance companies that almost nobody has heard about has to be the American Automotive Association (AAA) Car Insurance. They are known mostly for their road services such as towing, but people should start taking into consideration that the company has expanded and now offers many more services that can be of use to the consumer.

American Automotive Association was founded on March 4, 1902 as a non-profit organization. With the new pavement roads soon formed, the residents of the United States at the start of the century definitely needed a hand when it came to automobile services. As first there were only 1000 chartered members but the company would see an increase in memberships in the upcoming years after its foundation. It is important to note that the organization was founded when different local and regional offices came together, meaning that members belong to individual clubs (usually divided into city or states) and they would get their benefits for their respective entity. However, they would also be covered anywhere that AAA was available because the other offices arranged reciprocal services between all the AAA clubs established at that time.

Although the company is mostly known for their car services (towing), they offer a variety of things that consumers need nowadays. Some of the coverage offered by AAA includes life insurance, health insurance, homeowners insurance and related travel services (reservations, car rentals, cruises, directions to and from a destination, maps, etc). The company has grown so much over these 105 years of existence that it has affiliates in the countries of Canada and the United Kingdom as well and they will keep growing assuming that more of the population gains knowledge of all the things being offered.

Automobile insurance coverage has been part of the firm for 70 years now and they are proud to keep serving the United States consumers. “Triple A” as many people call the company, has had a long history of reliable and excellent customer service and this is just one of the many reasons that people select this company for themselves and their families. Their main website can be a little troubling for some people that are not used to the Internet because it has incredible amounts of information due to the fact that the company offers a gigantic array of services.

Being a member of the American Automotive Association doesn’t only guarantee you car insurance of your choice, but they also go as far as giving different coverage options due to the diverse population of the country. AAA focuses on three types of automotive insurance coverage: protection for others and their property, protection for yourself and any passengers you might have with you at the time of an accident, and protection for your assets. It is also good to mention that although the website does not give a list of possible discounts that AAA offers their members, it is always good to double check to see if the company offers any. Most people that forget or simply just don’t bother to ask end up spending hundreds and even thousands of dollars that they can be saving.

Apart from the normal automobile insurance coverage that the American Automotive Association offers, a member is given many more services. One of them includes your car’s battery and it allows you to have it checked, and even replaced at an approved AAA battery center. Another great service provider to the member is the Approved Auto Repair (APR) in case of any damage and with it the Vehicle Inspection Program (VIP) is included; which allows certified mechanics to inspect your vehicle thoroughly.

As said before in the article if you get lost or simply want to be prepared for a trip, AAA offers you maps, trip books, hotel directories and sometimes even discounted fares that permit a customer save some money; and most importantly ensure the member that they will get to the destination with no problems. Last but not least this great company offers road side assistance for any particular reason. This was the basis in which the company first opened, but they have improved tremendously from those days. They now offer vehicle towing up to 100 miles, jump starting, emergency tire changing, giving you gasoline if you unexpectedly run out of gas and helping you recover a key left inside the vehicle.

By: James J. Robinson

Helpful Information on How to Select Cheap Auto Insurance

admin — Sat, 08 May 2010 08:45:18 +0000

When considering how to get the best possible auto insurance, there are many factors that need to be considered. This article will be your guide to making the right choices when it comes to getting good auto insurance that you can depend on when you need it. By doing the research and gathering information, you are protecting yourself from having to pay more than is absolutely necessary in certain situations where you may or may not be at fault.

First thing is first, you should find out all you can about your own state’s laws regarding auto insurance. There are many different rules and regulations that could effect you on the road, so get on the internet and start doing research. There is most likely a government-run website that you can visit for your state that will include detailed insurance information, including what your state’s basic plan consists of.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you should be comparing quotes with different insurance companies to get the best deal you can. One of the most common mistakes people make is that they see a commercial on TV for an auto insurance company and let that be the deciding factor. Every single auto insurance company will tell you why they are the best, but ultimately it is up to you to decide for yourself.

You must also take into consideration what you want your plan to look like. If you want more than what is included in your state’s basic insurance plan, then you’ll want to think about all of the different kinds of situations you could end up in. The last thing you want is to have a plan that doesn’t provide you with the coverage you need while on the road.

By: Scott Byers

Finding Auto Insurance In Maryland

admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:15:53 +0000

Having auto insurance in Maryland is just as important as having coverage in any other state. And although most people don’t think there would be any difference between auto insurance offered in Maryland and anywhere else, there are definitely differences you to know about. On the other hand, just as there are some differences in companies that offer auto insurance in Maryland and those that do not, there are also companies that do not differ, offering pretty much the same type of coverage.

The key is to know the difference in options available in order to make an educated decision as a consumer, in regard to what kind of auto insurance to purchase when living in Maryland.

The Coverage That Doesn’t Differ from State to State

Although there will always be differences from state to state when it comes to auto insurance due to specific state laws, some companies offer auto insurance nationwide which is so similar that you’d be able to stay on the same plan when moving from one state to another. Companies such as Geico auto insurance is offered in Pennsylvania along with any other state in the Country, and will offer just about the same plan to any consumer no matter the state they live in.

This kind of coverage, just as any other product or service, has benefits and disadvantages alike. These pros and cons will differ from person to person due to preference, but one of the most common benefits of purchasing nationwide coverage is price. Because companies like Geico offer coverage to so many people, they are usually able to offer you a lower price, especially compared to local agencies.

On the flip side, a negative aspect that’s popular among consumers is the fact that big nationwide companies do not offer personalized service, therefore customer service may not be as reliable or satisfactory as a smaller company.

Coverage That Does Show a Difference

Any state one lives, including Maryland, can find an auto insurance company that’s local and specializes in personal commitment to their customers. A good way to find these companies is by using your yellow pages or relying on word of mouth from friends and family. The benefits usually outweigh the negatives with this kind of company because of their size, and many people lucky enough to find a good insurance company that’s locally run never even think about switching providers.

Although locally owned auto insurance in places like Maryland are more than likely going to have higher premiums, they tend to make up for it in customer service and satisfaction guarantees. In the end, choosing the right auto insurance comes down to preference, budget and concern.

By: Rex Freiberger

The Importance of Accurate Applications For Auto Insurance

admin — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 00:58:08 +0000

Auto insurance is something that every person who owns or leases an automobile must deal with. Not only is auto insurance required by law, but it also protects us in the event of an accident. In order to fully enjoy the benefits of that protection, however, it is critical that you are accurate and honest when initially completing your application. Whether it’s your first time shopping around for a policy or whether you’re looking to switch insurance providers, the information below will help you avoid some common pitfalls. It is extremely important to be accurate when completing the applications required by the insurance company. There are various sections within the application, each requiring different types of information.

Vehicle Information

First, the auto insurance company will want to know all about your car. Make and model are a given, but you may also be asked body type, number of cylinders or engine type. If you do not know the true answers to these questions, make sure to look in your car’s owner manual or to ask a trusted mechanic. Next, the insurance company will want the auto’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This number will help them research to see if the car has ever been reported in an accident.

If the information you supply to your insurance company on the application is incorrect or inaccurate, you may end up insuring a vehicle that doesn’t even belong to you (in the case of writing the wrong VIN on the application) or forfeiting your coverage altogether.

Driver Information

In this section, the insurance company will want to know the name, birth date and driver’s license number of each person to be named on the policy. You may also be asked to note any persons who live in your household but will not be covered. It is very important to be honest and to include anyone who may drive your vehicle, no matter how seldom.

The application may contain some questions as to the driving history of each driver you want included on the policy. Generally insurance companies are most interested in any accidents you’ve had or insurance claims you’ve made within the last six years. It is important to be truthful and accurate with your account of each driver’s record. Insurance companies will either require you to provide or request directly from the DMV an official driving record. If you are perceived as trying to be dishonest in the application process, you may be denied coverage.

The Importance of Accuracy

Several things can happen if you are not thorough and accurate in the application process. Omission of pertinent information can result in denial of coverage. Also, since auto insurance applications include a statement confirming the completeness and accuracy of the information, you could be found guilty of breach of contract or fraud. If omissions are discovered, your insurance can be deemed invalid or be cancelled. Cancellation of your policy due to misrepresentation can also result in higher premiums down the road.

By: Amy Nutt

Auto Insurance After a DUI

admin — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:31:23 +0000

Your auto insurance after a DUI will be affected for several years due to the fact that you’ll now be classified as ‘high risk’. The first major impact you’ll see in regards to your auto insurance will be the mandatory requirement that you carry what’s referred to as an SR22 insurance policy for 3 years.

The SR22 insurance policy is reserved for DUI drivers when they get their drivers license back and is the highest risk policy an auto insurance company can cover. Not all employers offer this type of auto insurance either and most of the major insurance carriers will likely drop you after your DUI conviction (or whenever they find out about the DUI on your driving record) as they don’t insure ‘high risk’ policies.

To get a high risk policy you’ll most likely need to seek out smaller companies that specialize in these types of policies. These smaller companies are set up specifically to provide high risk coverage and charge as you could have guessed a bit more for their services. In some instances your auto insurance after a DUI can be at least 2 or 3 times what a ‘regular’ policy costs.

The thing to remember about getting auto insurance after a DUI conviction is that there are no laws in effect that regulate the premiums that are charged. What this means is that each company is free to charge whatever prices they want in order to issue you one of these high risk SR22 insurance policies. Knowing this, the best thing you can do is to comparison shop and get quoted on as many policies as you possibly can before deciding on a particular insurance provider.

By: Tim H

Auto Accident Injury Cases – Common Myths

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:16:00 +0000

Whether it’s a relative or friend’s past experiences, media exposure or general assumptions about lawsuits, no one can predict the outcome of an auto accident case. Many drivers would probably be surprised to learn just how different auto accident law is from any other type of law in this country. This unique area of law indicates that predicting the outcome of an auto accident case is impractical as experienced lawyers explain some of the common myths associated with these types of injury cases.

Myth 1: Each state’s auto injury laws are the same

Insurance rates are regulated by state-run agencies and vary widely from state to state. Some states require that you purchase liability insurance, some do not. Some states have no-fault law, while others have at-fault laws. No-fault laws tend to be widely misinterpreted by residents who find the details of who pays for what fairly confusing.

No-fault in its simplest terms means that regardless of fault, a car accident victim is entitled to certain benefits. For example, a person’s own auto insurance company pays for the economic loss from his injuries (medical bills and lost wages) after an auto accident, regardless of which driver caused the accident.

At-fault states take into account who was at fault for an accident, and to what degree, when determining what each person (and their insurance companies) will pay for injuries and property damage.

All of these factors affect an auto accident case including settlement offers, jury verdicts and even appeals.

Myth 2: I can collect pain and suffering damages simply from being in pain

Some states have specific requirements that an injured car accident victim must first pass before she can recover non-economic (pain and suffering) damages from any automobile accident. This means that being in pain is not enough to receive compensation beyond your limited economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages. In order to qualify for additional non-economic damages in some states, the injured party has to have suffered any of the three types of injuries:

1. Death
2. Permanent serious disfigurement
3. Serious impairment of body function

“Death” is pretty self-explanatory. A “permanent serious disfigurement” is the loss of a body part, scarring, burning or any other type of injury that affects one’s outward appearance. A “serious impairment of body function” is an injury that generally affects the victim’s ability to lead his normal life. Still, the interpretation of serious impairment varies by case. For example, a broken finger may not negatively impact most people’s lives, but for a professional bowler or violinist, it would be considered an important body function.

Myth 3: Million dollar settlements are easy if you have severe injuries

Auto accident attorneys have seen plenty of cases thrown out with zero compensation for victims who had serious, life-altering injuries. With so many interpretations of the law and the impact of recent activities with key cases before each state’s Supreme Court, auto accident law is continually evolving. With the poor economy resulting in huge losses for many insurance companies, auto insurance defense teams are using dirty tactics and becoming more aggressive with challenging injuries. Every case is different and a good attorney will not guarantee you a specific award.

Myth 4: If I hold out long enough, my insurance company will settle for a higher amount

A victim’s injuries and circumstances can have a dramatic affect on an insurance company’s willingness to settle an impending lawsuit. There are numerous factors that can affect an insurance company’s reimbursement offer including their internal company protocol, the reputation of the victim’s attorney and the track record of the assigned judge. Discussion with an auto accident lawyer on your unique set of circumstances will help you have a better understanding of the viability of your case. Even then, auto insurance companies’ display of unpredictable behavior is making auto accident law one of the most challenging areas of law to interpret and predict.

Myth 5: Any personal injury lawyer can handle my case

The law defining what’s required to have a successful automobile accident case is always changing. With constant changes to car accident law in each state, there is a great deal of legal uncertainty for general practice lawyers seeking to understand what is necessary to have a “good” car accident personal injury case. There is no dependable body of case law to guide attorneys handling automobile accident cases today. This lack of a dependable law has left many personal injury lawyers confused by conflicting decisions interpreting each state’s automobile negligence laws.

That’s why it’s vital to have a personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accidents, truck accidents and motorcycle accidents. Keep in mind, in some states, one who markets himself as a personal injury lawyer does not need to hold any special qualifications, training, certification or licensure to say he is indeed, a personal injury lawyer. But a lawyer who specializes in auto accidents and has experience with these types of cases will be aware of the latest judgments and how they affect future litigation. Car accident lawyers also have more experience dealing with auto insurance companies and understand how to challenge their delay and deny tactics unjustly and routinely used on accident victims trying to make claims.

Good legal advice from the start will help you avoid devastating loss of your legal rights, medical benefits and ability to receive the best compensation for pain and suffering. Whether you go through a friend or find a reputable attorney through your states’ Bar Association, make sure you choose one who specializes only in auto accidents with a proven record of success.

By: Steve Gursten

Insurance Premiums and Car Accidents

admin — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:04:50 +0000

The increases in car or auto insurance premiums following accidents are expected by individuals who actually caused the accident. Sometimes, premiums increase even when a person doesn’t cause an accident but is merely the victim of an accident. The thought processes behind insurance rates are somewhat mystifying at times but make sense when considered carefully.

When calculating an insurance rate for anything, the insurance company, reputedly, uses a number of different probabilities to determine the risk level of the individual as a person or a driver or whatever else is being insured.

Following an accident or ticket, the record of that incident is likely to continue to affect a person’s insurance rates for a minimum of three years. Some states require both accidents and violations to stay on a person’s driving record or history for as many as five years.

While the incident is present on one’s record, the auto insurance company is likely to classify the driver as a high-risk driver or individual. When a person is classified as being high-risk, he or she is likely to pay more for auto or car insurance than if he or she hadn’t been classified as “high-risk.” Logically, the person is going to pay more for car insurance or auto insurance than if that person hadn’t been in the accident and found at-fault or been issued a ticket at all.

When rates increase follow an accident, the insurance company, contrary to popular belief, is not trying to recoup the expenses that were required to cover the damage done to the other car or the driver’s own car. The purpose of raising insurance premiums is to cover the insurance company since the individual is now seen as having greater odds of being in another accident. Premiums in general are based on the perceived risk of payout for whatever reason, not due to past payouts. Unfortunately, past payouts or incidents are said to increase a person’s future odds of being in an accident since he or she was already in one accident or received one speeding ticket.

Insurance premiums are less likely to increase if an individual was not at fault in an accident. The person did not cause the accident and so really shouldn’t be seen as being a greater risk since he or she did not do anything to get into the accident. If, however, there is a citation issued for something at the same time as the accident, rates may go up since there was at least some cause of the accident.

By: Joseph Devine