Hit and Run Car Insurance

How to Handle the Accident and the Insurance Claim

2010-01-18T20:44:00.000-08:00

A hit and run accident is more common than most of us think. Nearly 30% of all drivers in the U.S. are not insured. This leads to a very high rate of hit and run accidents daily. This type of situation is a very
confusing and can take you by surprise.

If you are in this unfortunate situation, try to get as much detail about the other vehicle as you can. This is not always possible since you can be hit in a parking lot and will not have any idea of who hit you.

However, in the even that you were present, try to identify the type, model, and color of the car. If you can get the license plate number then that would be even better. One thing you should never do in a hit and run accident is to get in a car chase. You never know why the other vehicle is running away and if they can possibly be armed and dangerous. Consequently, if you violate any traffic laws, you will not be excused. That also applies if you get in a second accident or you hit someone else.

You need to call the police as soon as you can. This is often a source of frustration. The police will ask if your hit and run accident happened in a parking lot or if anyone was injured. If you are in a parking lot, the police will not come to the scene because it is private property and they do not have “jurisdiction” over that parking lot (unless there are injuries). Sometimes police officers do answer to hit and runs in parking lots, and sometime they will only answer if there are injuries, however, they are not obligated to. You could easily end up holding the bag.

To protect yourself, you should still call the police. If the police department does not come to the scene, then go into the nearest police station and file a “walk-in report”. Make sure you carefully analyze and document the scene of the accident before you leave. To learn what to do and what information you will need when filling a police walk-in report, visit http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/Police-Report.html.

Make sure that you get as much detail as you can about the scene and of what happened. If you can take couple of pictures, this would really help your case.

The next step is to file a claim with your own insurance company. To be covered for a hit and run accident, you need collision or uninsured motorist property damage coverage (uninsured motorist bodily injury if there are injuries). You will be subject to a deductible that you purchased when you took out the policy. If you do not carry either of these coverages, then your insurance company will deny coverage.

You will have to report the claim within a reasonable time. You will also be required to file a police report, even if it is a walk-in report. Going to the closest police station and filling out the necessary forms will ensure that you get your car fixed. You could jeopardize your coverage if you do not file a police report or inform the insurance carrier within a reasonable time.

You can file the claim even before you file the police report. You just have to make sure a police report is file within a reasonable time. Some police departments will not accept walk in reports for matters older than three days, some others will give you more time. Either way, try to file the report before the three-day mark.

Once you have the report, fax it to the insurance company and let them handle the hit and run accident and the damages. They will follow up with the police investigation to find the responsible party. If the are able to collect, they will inform you and refund your deductible according to your state regulations.

Auto Insurance FAQ - Accidents happen

2010-01-18T20:32:00.000-08:00

With more than 6 million accidents each year in the U.S., there is a good chance that you or someone close to you will be involved in a car accident at some point. Having a car insurance is a great way to prepare for a car accident. When shopping for auto insurance is important to take into account the auto insurance rates, quotes and do some comparisons. Knowing what to do in case of a car accident, you can save time, money and headaches,especially if the car is damaged.

Q: What should I do if I just had a car accident?

A: Assuming no injuries, here is a list of how to proceed:

Call 911 for the car accident. Want a copy of a police report of possible future
If you have a camera in the car, get some pictures of the damage and place overall.
When you get home, call your auto insurance company to report the incident, if there is a question about his policy. If the other driver was at fault and not live in a "non-state" fault Contact your car insurance company to start the claims process.

If the damage is minor or major vehicle, your main objective is to obtain sufficient information to protect their interests later. And remember that honesty is the best policy in reporting the circumstances of the accident.

Q: What coverage pays for damage to my car?

A: If you are at fault in a car accident (if it crashed into another person or in aclose), you need collision

coverage, if you want your deck repair. If you do not have collision coverage, you must pay for the repair of their own pockets. Some drivers low collision coverage when their cars are growing because the potential cost of fixing them is greater than the value of cars.

If someone else accident, liability insurance should pay for car repairs to your vehicle. This is known as "third parties", they say, why make a claim on your the car insurance companies.

If you live in a "non-state" guilty, always make a claim against its own policy, no matter who is to blame.

Q: Should I use my insurance shop auto body repair?

A: No, you can never be forced to use a repair shop that your auto insurance company covers. However, you may find it more convenient to do so. Many car insurance companies have programs to help customers to streamline the claims process by document management and hire the shop to be repaired and fully guarantee the work.

It can never be too prepared when it comes to a car accident. Hopefully these FAQs that I have given some useful advice and information if you or someone you know is facing this situation in the near future. The car insurance companies are there to help you sort through the car for damage and remove some of the headaches and worries about you. Traffic accidents are not something we like to think, but thinking ahead will help you and your auto rates in the long term.

Car insurance for their children

2010-01-18T20:22:00.000-08:00

Car insurance can be very expensive for young drivers. Parents are often worried (rightly), when a young adult reaches the age of driving. Here are some things that can help manage the risk and cost.

My opinion is that a young driver should not be given a car and insurance at no cost or obligation. If the young adult to work or to make a significant contribution of families who may have more respect for the privilege of being granted. It could also be useful to have a written agreement on the rules for granting driving privileges. In most states, parents can revoke permission to guide the young adult license. This should be considered if the young driver demonstrates neglect. Many insurance companies have security plans for young drivers. Your agent may have information on this. Your insurance agent may also be willing to negotiate with the new driver of how the family policy will be affected by accident or tickets for the new driver. To help keep costs down is very important for the new driver to avoid tickets or accidents. Pair of tickets or accidents could result in costs of automobile insurance of the family to be very high!

The biggest factor that down as a young driver's insurance cost is to have only liability insurance on the vehicle's driver again. It would be desirable if the cash value of young people is low and the vehicle you can afford the cost of losing it. The type of vehicle, the driver can also make a significant difference. (In general, the type of car the young adult does not want the lower cost of insurance, for example, a truck into a great sports car performance.) Majority of insurance companies offer a discount if the new driver exceeds a approved safety course. It may also be a good student discount. Ask your insurance agent about available youth Driver discounts. If the rate of adding the new driver does not seem reasonable, you can buy from different companies. One thing you should not skimp on the amount of liability coverage. THE MINIMUM-state is the protection is not enough! Consult your agent and make sure the new controller has sufficient coverage.

Will my Insurance rates increase?

2010-01-18T20:16:00.000-08:00

If convicted of a DWI then you better be ready for your car insurance through the roof. DWI charges are more car insurance than any other category of driver pay. This is due to a DWI conviction is classified as a high risk driver and have to pay more premiums to cover this risk. If you live in a state where auto insurance is optional, can not be a big problem. However, there are a lot of states where it is compulsory and free of DWI insurance rates may be too much for you to pay.

You might get lucky, because if insurance companies can only check the documents to guide one person every three years. The fact that you have a DWI can go undetected for a period "of time in its current policy to not be responsible. If you decide to switch companies, although car insurance or make changes to your current policy will open its DWI. Many times the DWI can lead to requests for cars insurance be dishonest or current policy to be canceled.

The Department of Motor Vehicles has made it harder for those who have DWI convictions to hide from the insurance companies though. In many states an SR-22 insurance form is required before a person can get your driver's license reinstated. This needs to contact the insurance company and let them know the situation. SR-22 insurance is more expensive than regular cars safe because the level of risk to the driver. We expect to be charged by the Department of Motor Vehicles for such insurance for up to five years.

To ensure that you maintain the SR-22 insurance After presenting evidence of the Department of motor vehicles is the file marked by the insurance company. If you cancel the insurance policy or cancel for nonpayment will be reported and the diver license will be suspended.

The reserves of the insurance company the right to cancel a car insurance policy, you should find a DWI. They do not have to provide coverage for SR-22, but many of them due to the large amount of money you can charge for it. If the insurance company expects to cancel your current policy written notice will be sent to you because you are aware of the situation.

According to several studies, 25% of people with a DWI conviction not find listed on your driving record. This is due to the lack of effective documentation of the legal system and the Department of motor vehicles. In others, DWI can be removed after the driver performs a treatment program and driver's education class.

Hit and Run Auto Insurance - The Claims, the Calls, and the Coverage

2009-12-28T21:11:00.001-08:00

Accidents are unfortunate side effects of driving, and hit-and-run auto accidents are the unfortunate side effects of basic human fear or negligence. Whether it be fear of getting in trouble or fear of facing the financial burden of an accident, people flee the scene of a hit and run auto accident all the time. You cannot avoid these drivers, and you cannot avoid their careless behavior. You can, however, avoid having to pay for their actions out of pocket by getting some quality hit and run auto insurance.

Hit and run auto insurance is designed to protect you in times when another reckless hit and run auto insurance cannot cover the costs of damages. If you're in a hit and run auto accident and cannot get a hold of the other driver because he or she left the scene of the accident, this hit and run auto insurance will cover your costs without claiming that the accident was your fault. This obviously benefits your financial situation as you do not have to pay for the hit and run auto accident out-of-pocket, but it also helps your coverage overall as the event does not show against you on the policy. Granted, the hit and run auto insurance accident will still be on there just as any would, but there will be an indication that you were not the cause.

In many instances, your auto insurance plan will have hit and run auto insurance built in, but you should check with your car insurance company to make sure. Be prepared for the situation from the start. When you get a quote for a new policy, ask your representative if there is a provision for hit and run auto insurance coverage. This may be in a package along with uninsured and underinsured coverage. Some states automatically require that hit and run auto insurance coverage anyways, so you may want to find out your state insurance laws before you state to ask any questions. If that is all included, then you shouldn't have much of a problem in the event of a hit and run auto accident. If it is not covered, then request a quote with that provision added into the policy. This may require that you move up to a premium package or a higher level of coverage overall, which could increase your monthly payment with hit and run auto insurance. It is your discretion as to whether or not the extra protection is worth the money that they are requesting.

If you are told that you have hit and run auto insurance coverage and then the vehicle insurance company tells you that you don't once the vehicle has been hit, contact a lawyer immediately. Then during the lawsuit, request that your court costs be covered along with the amount of money that you should get back from the accident. Your lawyer should be able to walk you through the entire proceeding so that you get a fair deal.

Filing a hit and run auto insurance claim isn't always easy to do, but that does not mean it is impossible. To start, you need to make a phone call to your auto insurance company as soon as possible to get a record of the hit and run accident. The longer you wait, the longer you'll forget what happened and the harder it will be to prove your case. Most car insurance providers have a 24 hour help line that you can call to make reports for a hit and run auto insurance claim. If the hit and run accident occurs during normal business hours, you can also go down to the agency office to file the hit and run auto insurance claim.

You need to make sure that you get the name, address, and phone number of any witnesses that were around when the hit and run occurred. These people can be vital when you are trying to prove your case in court, so take the time to do a thorough survey of anyone in the area who may have seen the hit and run auto accident. Make sure that those people will be willing to testify to what they saw in court or with the hit and run auto insurance agency so you know who to contact first.

Once you have reported everything to your auto insurance company, they will send you a hit and run auto insurance claim form. You will need to fill out any information you put on the police report for the accident, and you'll be asked to draw a depiction of what happened. Make sure that this is as accurate as possible as you will likely have to repeat it in court. Any misrepresentation on your hit and run auto accident report (either the one with the police or with the car insurance company) could lead the courts to think that you are running a fraud. If you do not remember a certain aspect of the accident, don't put it down.

If there was some form of personal injury involved, then you need to make sure that you do not sign any forms that say “release” on them until you discuss matters with an attorney. Auto insurance companies often try to get you to back out of a deal by offering some type of incentives within the release form. You may get a sum of money, but you may also sign away your right to aid medical coverage. That could lead to a lot of unexpected expenses that can be associated with hit and run auto insurance that could have easily been avoided by consulting with a lawyer.

You will need to get a damage quote ahead of time so that the court or vehicle insurance company knows how much money to award you. The auto insurance company that you are working with may request that their mechanics look over the vehicle, or they may request that you go to a specific shop in town. You will need the mechanic shop that gave you the quote to sign a form that indicates that they are willing to work for the specified amount of money on the quote. You will need to present that documentation in court so that you have proof of the reasoning behind the amount of money that you are requesting to be paid.

Once you make it to court, you will have to prove that the accident was a hit and run. This is where your witnesses will come into play. Without any people to back up your story, you will have a very hard time convincing people to believe you. If you have no witnesses, you could try to locate store camera footage from your area to see if anything was caught on camera. Other than that, you will simply have to testify on your own behalf, following the story you told in the police and car insurance reports.

If the court determines that you are entitled to get money for the accident, then you will eventually get a check in the mail. The check will be the value of the quote for the damage repair, as well as any extra funds you may be awarded, excluding a deductible (when applicable). After that, the vehicle insurance company that you normally go through should make an indication on your records that you filed for and received money from a hit and run auto insurance claim. That should complete the process. Be sure to monitor your driving record for the next several months as there are times when the accident gets reported as your fault. If nothing results, then you'll be good to go.

Hit and Run Claims

2009-12-28T21:00:00.000-08:00

After spending the last hour in the grocery store, you push your cart out of the store and head towards your car. Suddenly, you notice a cargo van quickly backing up and heading straight for the front of your car. You yell for the driver to stop, but it’s too late.

The front of your car is now a crumpled mess. To make matters worse, the driver of the cargo van isn’t stopping. He’s turning the wheel and putting the van into drive. You quickly grab a pen and scribble the license plate number onto the palm of your hand. Next, you call the police.

While you’re waiting for the police to arrive, you locate two other people who witnessed the hit-and-run. They are both in a hurry, but provide you with their name and phone number so your insurance company can contact them and obtain their statements.

After filing the police report, you go home and put your groceries away. Then you call your insurance carrier, or visit their website to file your claim. But, before you file the claim you need to make certain you have the proper coverage.

If you don’t carry full coverage on your vehicle, chances are you aren’t covered for a hit-and-run accident. This doesn’t mean you can’t file a claim with the hit-and-run driver’s insurance company — if he’s insured.

To do this, you will need to file a police report and provide the authorities with the license plate number. You’ll also want to provide the names and contact information for those who witnessed the hit-and-run incident.

The police should be able to track the vehicle from the license plate number. Only then will you be able to determine if the driver has insurance or not. If he does not have insurance coverage and you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, the only recourse left is to file a complaint with your state’s District Attorney’s office. You will be required to provide proof of damages and a police report to initiate a restitution order against the driver.

If you are able to obtain the hit-and-run driver’s contact information, you can file a lawsuit against him in Small Claims Court.

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it’s best to work with your own insurance carrier. They will work as your personal advocate and take the necessary steps to recover expenses from the hit-and-run driver or through his insurance company.
It’s important to remember that when you use your own insurance company to file a hit-and-run claim, you will be responsible to cover the deductible amount. Should you or your insurance company be able to recover expenses from the hit-and-run driver, you will be reimbursed for your deductible.

If you are unable to obtain the license plate number of the hit-and-run driver and you do not have full coverage or uninsured motorist insurance, you are basically out of luck. There is nothing for you to fall back on and you will have to pay for the damages to your vehicle out of your own pocket.
If you are unable to obtain the license plate number of the hit-and-run driver, and do have full coverage and uninsured motorist insurance, you will be able to file a hit-and-run claim. However, you will not be able to recoup the cost of your deduction.

Road accidents with hit and run drivers or those that have no insurance

2009-12-28T20:43:00.000-08:00

If you have been unlucky enough to encounter an uninsured driver in an accident situation you may, quite rightly, worry about the prospect of obtaining compensation from them. If no insurance company exists, it follows that no compensation can be obtained. In addition to those drivers that have no insurance there is a further risk to law abiding road users.

There are more than 350,000 "hit and run" accidents in the UK every year. Most fortunately do not involve personal injury but almost every case will leave the victim with serious doubts about how they will recover compensation for loss, injury or damage.

Fortunately in the UK there is a legal solution.
The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) are a non-profit making company set up by motor insurers and their aim is to compensate victims of uninsured and untraced drivers. In addition they are responsible for operating what is known as the Green Card System in the UK, which compensates UK citizens who are the victims of accidents involving foreign registered vehicles either in the UK or abroad.

Uninsured Accident Claims
The MIB have devised a procedure known as the UNINSURED DRIVERS AGREEMENT. Within this agreement or scheme they will consider claims for the cost of repairing/replacing your vehicle (only if it is not insured comprehensively), hire charges, loss of use and property damage. Any such claim would usually be subject to a £300 excess. Treatment and /or rehabilitation for personal injury. Compensation for personal injuries suffered, death, or losses arising from personal injury or death (such as lost earnings). Legal costs are paid in full by the MIB for this type of accident claim.

There are certain conditions:
- You must make your claim for injury within 3 years of the accident date.
- You must make your claim for injury within 3 years of the accident date or for property damage only claims within 6 years.
- You must keep any losses to a minimum.
- You are advised to report the incident to the police within 14 days for personal injury or within 5 days for vehicle/property damage.

Hit and Run accidents
Here the MIB will apply the UNTRACED MOTORIST AGREEMENT. Claims will be considered for the cost of repairing/replacing your vehicle (only if is not insured comprehensively), hire charges, loss of use and property damage. Any such claim would usually be subject to a £300 excess. This section is not payable however if the offending vehicle has not been identified. Treatment and/or rehabilitation for personal injury. Compensation for personal injuries suffered, death, or losses arising from personal injury or death (such as lost earnings). A contribution towards legal costs, usually limited to only £500 + vat.

Conditions;
- You must make your claim for injury within 3 years of the accident date.
- You must make your claim for vehicle/property damage within 9 months of the accident date.
- You must keep any losses to a minimum.
- You must report the incident to the police within 14 days for personal injury or within 5 days for vehicle/property damage.

The MIB have restricted legal costs for hit and run cases simply because there is no prospect of taking a non-existent third party to court and this reduces the scope for legal fees to be recovered.

Diesel spillage claims
This is a little known area with which the MIB can assist under the untraced driver scheme. Accidents involving vehicles skidding out of control on diesel spillages are more common than people realize. The criteria are the same as above but there are some additional conditions, which need to be met.

1. You must report the matter to the police within 14 days for personal injury or within 5 days for vehicle/property damage.
2. You must report the matter to the Local Authority as soon as is practical.
3. You must take photographs if at all possible.

The MIB agreement requires that the spillage should be of such a size that the Local Authority would be required to take some cleansing action. As a fund of last resort, the MIB would be required to rule out that the spillage came from something other than a vehicle.

In summary – do not despair if you find yourself in an accident situation with an uninsured driver or if you fall victim to a “hit and run” motorist. Genuine accident victims will receive support and be able to secure compensation subject to the above rules.

What to Do in a Hit and Run Car Accident?

2009-12-22T20:31:00.000-08:00

The reason for hit and run accidents is very common in United State because around 70% of US drivers are insured, while the rest are uninsured. Such a situation becomes very alarming and can catch you off guard. Here are some easy, yet important measures to guarantee full insurance cover and getting your automobile repaired.

In such a situation, it is important that you obtain as much information about the other automobile as is possible. Though, this is sometimes unfeasible. For instance, while being parked in the parking lot, your car can be hit and you will have no idea about who hit your car.

In case of hit and run accidents suspect information is really important. Information such as model of the car is really helpful for the government departments to hunt down whoever hit you. The impact point on your car can give a lot of information about the damage caused.

The next important thing is to inform the police. This is necessary if the person who hit your car is caught. Calling the police is also required if you have to obtain insurance policy cover. After you have called the police you should also make a point to file a concrete report.
This can be done in two ways.
1. Either you can visit the police station to file the report.
2. Or the police can come to the place of accident to obtain the vital information from you.

However, hit and run accidents in parking lot, you will have to visit the nearest police station to file the report. After the police comes your insurance company. You must provide as much information as you have about the accident such as know about your insurance coverage. Collision and/ or uninsured property damage will cover you for the damages of your car. Both the covers have their own specific requisites and deductibles. The important thing is ask your insurance company if these covers apply in your case. Keep in mind that you should make it a point to contact your attorney before you make any decision about your claim.
Now that you have filed for property damages with your insurance company, you will have to wait. Usually policies have a wait for 24 hours. During this time the insurance providers are waiting to see if the guilty party is caught or turns up on its own. If so happens, you will have to file a claim against the offender with his insurance company. It usually happens if you have filed for damage cover under the heading of uninsured property damage. Alongside this, if you have bought rental coverage in your insurance policy, you will not have to wait.

Calculate the approximate repair charges for your car. This will give you an estimate of the payment that your insurance company is going to issue for the damages of your car. You can do this by driving in to the insurance-certified repair shops in the area. You can ask an adjuster to see your car and evaluate the estimated damages if you do not want to go to the repair shops. But, this process may require around 5 days.You can take your car for repair to the shop you previously went to for an estimate. The insurance company will directly make the payment to the repair shop. You will have to pay only the deductible on collection of your car. If you have the adjuster evaluating your car, then you should show your mechanic the estimate of the insurance company for adjustment. If he does not agree to the value, ask him to contact the adjuster directly so that they reach a settlement.