Secrets Your Auto Insurance Company Doesn't Want You to Know

Many drivers rely on good faith and may not expect to be forced to sue their auto insurance company in order to receive payment for expenses resulting from a car accident. Typically, most just want to have their car repaired and their medical bills paid.

Unfortunately, the auto insurance attorneys of Michigan Auto Law deal with many car insurance companies on a daily basis that take advantage of their customers by cutting off their benefits without reason or notice. Some insurance companies also put people "under investigation"- the excuse for stopping payment of all medical bills and wage loss. People are being ignored, threatened, intimidated and even lied to by their insurance claims adjusters.

The following are common tactics used by many auto insurance companies to either avoid or minimize their payouts to customers. Suggestions are included on how you can protect yourself to avoid or minimize problems with your automobile insurer.

1. Many restrictions and limitations are buried in your policy's fine print

Knowing how to read and understand the fine print of auto insurance policies is not an easy task. Auto accident lawyers have seen far too many people lose out on important benefits because they were unaware of important filing requirements buried in their policies. For example, many auto insurance policies pose strict notification requirements, such as 30 days notice for hit-and-run accidents. Many contracts have separate conditions for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage requiring very prompt notice, and insurance carriers can change their policy filing requirements at any time. When car accident victims do not respond to notification requirements on time, they can lose their coverage.

How to protect yourself:

Notify your insurance company immediately after any type of accident. Be sure you have your complete auto insurance policy, including any notification of coverage changes from year to year. This can also include pamphlets or notes that are mailed with renewal statements, reflecting any policy terms and changes. Most policies include declarations, conditions, insuring agreements and exclusions with conditions.

It's also important to check insurance policies for any benefits that overlap with your own health and disability insurance; and to review any additional coverage (such as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage). When receiving ongoing medical care for car accident injuries, having a solid understanding of insurance policies can help ensure that health care providers bill appropriately.
If you are confused with your auto insurance policy and have questions, don't hesitate to contact a lawyer who specializes in auto accidents - most are happy to offer advice and guidance for your protection.

2. Insurance agents don't always recommend the best coverage

Following a car accident, there can be numerous issues and challenges navigating health insurance plans, managed care plans, retirement plans such as ERISA, and coordinated/uncoordinated policies. In addition, insurance agents may avoid mentioning important coverage options and applicable discounts due to payout losses or lower premiums that reduce their commissions.

Many people choose to carry more insurance coverage so they will not be personally liable if they cause a serious car accident. However, some people only pay the minimum insurance premium to renew their license plate each year, and then let the auto insurance lapse. Without an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy, a driver or family members severely injured by an uninsured motorist will have no source of legal recovery for their injuries other than filing a lawsuit against the uninsured driver for his or her personal assets. Most people do not have sufficient personal net worth to compensate a person that they have seriously injured.

How to protect yourself:

If you are injured in an auto accident, contact an experienced auto accident lawyer who is best qualified to provide guidance on issues of which insurance is primary, and who will pay medical expenses that are incurred after a crash.

If you carry ERISA health insurance, uncoordinated or primary coverage is the safe move. An insured person with both ERISA and coordinated insurance may end up recovering nothing for their pain and suffering in the event of an auto accident.

Check your insurance policy for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. If this type of coverage is missing, contact your insurance carrier to add it - the cost is minimal and highly recommended to protect you and your family.

Raising your deductibles to at least $500 or more can also lower your auto insurance premiums by 15 percent to 40 percent. Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, eliminating those coverages can save you money, unless you still owe money for the car. Finally, if there is any reduction in the amount of miles you drive annually, contact your insurance carrier for quotes on low mileage discounts.

3. Accident Settlement Offers Are Always Too Low

Imagine you just suffered devastating injuries from a car accident and are now recuperating at home, in pain, and worrying about how you are going to pay your bills. An insurance agent knocks on your door with a check for $100,000 for your accident. With the emotional and physical trauma following a car or truck crash, a large amount of money sounds great, and some victims rush into accepting the first settlement offer. Yet determining the value of an auto accident case goes far beyond a simple calculation of injury type, future expenses not covered by no-fault insurance and the wrongdoer's policy limit. Offering to settle is essentially a backdoor approach by insurance companies to saving litigation costs at the expense of an accident victim's right to a full recovery.

How to protect yourself:

It never hurts to call an auto accident lawyer and ask for advice. Many lawyers can explain accident law, what you are entitled to and make sure your own insurance company is paying everything they are supposed to - with no fee or obligation.

4. Releases and Recorded Statements Are Pushed Early On to Overwhelm Accident Victims

Many victims rush into signing adjusters' documents without having the language reviewed by an auto accident lawyer, believing these are just basic verifications of the accident. Therefore, they may lose their right to sue a negligent driver for accident-related injuries. Claims adjusters often try to get recorded statements early, aiming to minimize the victim's pain and injuries for later use in court. Even vehicle damage releases can contain unrelated language that can jeopardize your other claims.

How to protect yourself:

Never give statements to an accident claims adjuster and never sign a release or allow the adjuster to look at the auto damage. Simply tell the adjuster that you need to review the paperwork with your attorney and will get back to them with your response. No matter how desperate you may feel after suffering the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages and disabling pain, involving an auto accident attorney will ensure your rights are protected. Keep in mind that the claims adjuster works for the insurance company, and has its best interest in mind - not the injured victim.

5. Standard practice is to deny or delay claim payouts

Most people suffering injuries from a car accident call their auto insurance company to find out what to do next. They assume that when they follow the process, they will receive fair, timely compensation for injuries resulting from the auto accident. After all, they paid for the auto insurance for that reason - to be covered in the event of a car accident.

Yet many insurance companies engage in common delay tactics including denying claims, not returning calls, placing people on hold for extensive periods, requiring a victim to repeatedly gather records, and passing you from one adjuster to the next. Soon the financial burden of time off work and mounting medical bills drives innocent car accident victims to contact an attorney. Or worse, it makes them desperate enough to accept an extremely low settlement offer, limiting any future recovery of damages.

How to protect yourself:

If you are experiencing these typical delay tactics, contact an auto accident attorney who can assist you with getting your claim processed and the benefits you are entitled to under your state's law.

Bottom Line:

If your auto accident involves injuries to you and/or your family (even seemingly minor injuries), consult an auto accident attorney as soon as possible. Not only will you better understand what benefits you are entitled to, but you will have the peace of mind knowing that you received the full value of benefits and compensation available to injured drivers.


Steve Gursten is recognized as one of the nations top experts in serious car and truck accident injury cases and automobile insurance no-fault litigation. Steve has received the largest jury verdict for an automobile accident case in Michigan in four of the past seven years, including 2008.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Secrets-Your-Auto-Insurance-Company-Doesnt-Want-You-to-Know&id=2824671] Secrets Your Auto Insurance Company Doesn't Want You to Know

How to Get the Best Price for Auto Insurance

Many variables comprise your auto insurance premium. These include vehicle type, your driving record and your state's insurance rules. You can get the best price for your auto insurance if you know what questions to ask your insurance company. For example, does your auto insurance company offer discounts if you have been accident-free for three years or more? In addition to asking this question, you can take other steps to get the best price for your auto insurance

Instructions

Step 1

Shop around for the lowest auto insurance rates. Since auto insurance rates can vary among insurance companies, get at least three quotes from financially stable companies.

Step 2

Request higher deductibles. Higher deductibles typically mean lower costs. According to Insurance Information Institute, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 percent to 30 percent.

Step 3

Keep good credit. Many insurance companies use credit to determine your auto insurance rate. "It is a fact that drivers with long, stable credit records have fewer accidents than drivers who don't," says Insurance Information Institute.

Step 4

Ask the auto insurance company about discounts that they offer. These may include defensive driving courses, anti-theft devices, air bags, good student and customer loyalty discounts.

Step 5

Drop full coverage on older vehicles. Use the Kelley Blue Book to determine your auto's value. Then decide if it is cost-effective to lower coverage on that vehicle.

Step 6

Compare auto insurance rates before you purchase a car. Part of your auto insurance premium is determined by the type of vehicle you choose to insure. Auto insurers consider the vehicle's price, repair costs, safety record and theft risk.

You know that you have auto insurance, but do you know how you might be covered if you got in an accident or something happened to your vehicle? Because of the variety of options available when insuring your vehicle, you may not be aware of exactly what your policy really covers.

In most states, drivers are required to purchase liability insurance to cover damage they might inflict on other vehicles or drivers, but what you cover beyond that is largely a matter of choice. A variety of options might come with your car insurance that may or may not cover everything from a fender bender to a tree falling on your vehicle when it's parked on the street.

Here is a snapshot of some policy options and what they may really cover:

Collision insurance: The most common form of auto insurance beyond liability, collision covers repairs on your vehicle if another driver is not at fault for damaging your vehicle. The deductible amount is the amount you would pay for repairs before the insurance begins paying.

Comprehensive insurance: This covers damage to your vehicle that is not the result of a collision, from a pebble bouncing up and chipping your windshield to your car being stolen. Check your individual policy for limits on what is covered.

Loan gap coverage: If you paid for your car using a loan, this would cover the difference between what you owe on the loan and what your car is worth at the time of the accident if your car is totaled and is valued at less than the balance of the loan. This is typically an optional auto insurance coverage available for purchase.

Rental coverage: Check your insurance policy to see what you are covered for if you rent a car. Most allow for liability coverage, but your policy may not allow for the same collision coverage on a rented vehicle as it would your own.

Other benefits: Some insurance policies provide lower rates for extended periods of safe driving. You may also receive a discount for adding anti-theft devices or taking defensive driving classes. Some policies also offer accident forgiveness programs that will allow you to have lower rates after periods of safe driving.

Secrets to Getting the Cheapest Auto Insurance?

Secrets to Getting the Cheapest Auto Insurance?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gurmit_Singh_Toor]Gurmit Singh Toor

Auto insurance is designed to help protect you in situations that involve your vehicle. Which is one of the reasons that auto coverage follows the car, Auto insurance is a necessity and requirement in all states? Auto insurance is a complete must for all the drivers. Auto insurance provides third party coverage and has emerged as a legal requirement.

Auto insurance is a very simple thing that may cause much confusion for many people. The lack of knowledge, when shopping for general auto insurance, is the problem that most people have. Auto insurance is one of the most used types of personal insurance. Most states require that you purchase some kind of insurance coverage to drive legally in the state. Auto insurance is a "necessary evil" which is necessary for all automobile owners. But it is not enough to have an insured vehicle; the main thing is to have an insured vehicle with best auto insurance.

Auto insurance is certainly one expense that you have to budget for where doing a little research and making some calls can pay huge dividends in both the short and long term. With little time invested, you can potentially save hundreds a year and tens of thousands over your lifetime. Auto insurance is mandatory for drivers in all 50 U.S. However, most drivers rarely, if ever, look at their auto insurance coverages to see exactly how they are protected financially in the case of an auto accident, natural disaster, or vandalism.

Auto insurance is meant to make you whole in the case of an accident with injury or property damage. It is to protect your assets and protect you from liability. Auto insurance is mandatory for all new vehicles, be it for commercial or personal use. Insurance Companies are coming out with comprehensive policies for its customers. Auto insurance is a mandatory thing, but like wearing a seat belt, it is fundamentally good idea. This is why so many people are reluctant to purchase only the bare minimum required by law in their states.

Drivers are classified based on a number of different characteristics including, but not limited to, age and gender, marital status, where the vehicle is garaged, driving record, make and model of vehicle, prior insurance coverage and annual miles driven. History has shown that drivers with certain characteristics, such as a poor driving record, have a greater chance of being involved in an accident, and the drivers in those classifications must pay higher rates. Drivers do not realize how expensive it is to have and operate a vehicle. This "privilege" is heavily subsidized. Drivers who are similar in other respects: age, gender, location, driving safety record, pay nearly the same premiums if they drive five thousand or fifty thousand miles a year. Just as an all-you-can-eat restaurant encourages more eating, all-can-drive insurance pricing encourages more driving.

Coverages include the type of losses for which the company agrees to pay. Each kind of coverage you buy will have its own section in the policy that details the situations it covers, persons insured under it, definitions of various words used, exclusions that apply to the section, and the limits of the company's protection in that section. Coverage provided by group and non-group policies generally is similar. Remember, however, that different companies offer different coverage options in their policies.

Companies having insurance for auto mobiles are accorded a rating depending on a combination of factors such as total experience, claims handling, policy opportunities, pricing and financial strength. Companies frequently adjust rates such that no one company stays in the low cost leader slot very long. Unless you get new quotes every year, you never know that you might be able to get better rates from a different auto insurance company. Companies offer discounts to policyholders who have not had any accidents or moving violations for a number of years. You may also get a discount if you take a defensive driving course. Companies renew policies after expiry. A discount on premium is sometimes provided to existing clients.

Car insurance rates for a 16 yr old can gradually decrease as the teenager learns how to show their level of responsibility more effectively. The less risk that driver shows, the lower their rates will be. Car insurance is one such item because they were very easy to possess but today they create difficulty for our pockets. People think a large number of times before going for any particular insurance plan. Cars that have more expensive parts, or are sportier are equipped with higher insurance rates. Buying a less expensive car will cut down on your insurance and liability coverage costs.

Carefully study coverage extent, the length of time it takes to process claims and extras such as free towing or road assistance. Customer support is also extremely important you want an auto insurance company that can give you maximum support whether online or over the phone. Cars with larger engines typically waste even more gas while idling than cars with smaller engines, according to Consumer Reports, as a rule of thumb, turn off your engine if you will be idling for more than 30 seconds.

Car accidents happen more frequently than you think, and car repair costs are higher than ever. And, in our increasingly litigious society, the chances that you will also be sued by another driver in the accident are very high. Cars are given a rating from 1 to 27, and the higher the number, the higher your premium.

Plan your next car purchase as a negotiation between what you really want and how it will affect your insurance premiums. Determine how much extra you are willing to pay in insurance for a car and use that figure to help you determine what your price range is. Plan ahead and potentially saves lots of money.

Persons sharing characteristics with high claims groups will be charged more for insurance coverage. Personally Identifiable Information might include your name, age, mailing address, telephone number, mobile phone number, email address, and other identification and contact information.

Comprehensive insurance policies have deductibles - the amount of money you have to pay out before your insurance company starts picking up the bill, the higher your deductible, the cheaper your monthly premiums. Comprehensive auto insurance will also protect you from any public liability claim made as a consequence of the accident. As well as accidents, your vehicle can also be covered from damage caused by from fire, theft, vandalism, adverse weather and other scenarios. Comprehensive insurance can assist you financially in this but only up to the Kelley Blue Book value of the car. If repair costs exceed this value, the car insurance company will declare it totaled and award you the full cash value of your car.

Additional coverage is recommended if you have a larger net worth. Additionally, life insurance can help pay for funeral costs and therefore ensure that your death will not be a financial burden for your family.

Liability insurance covers the damages caused by your vehicle, whether bodily injury or property damage. The amount of coverage varies by policy and by the kind of damages covered. Liability coverage pays for damage that you're responsible for and have caused to other people or their property.

State-run insurance guaranty associations, which are supposed to pay claims for insolvent insurance companies, exist in each state. However, while these associations are an important safety net for insurance consumers, they are by no means perfect. State regulators must explicitly approve the type of insurance policies that insurers offer, and in many states current regulations would not even allow pay by the mile policies.

Accordingly, buy a little more than the minimum required, to give you extra cushion of protection. What price are you willing to pay for piece of mind? According to industry professionals, teen drivers add anywhere from 50 percent to 500 percent to a premium. However, many insurance companies will discount the rate when a child is away at school. According to the Insurance Information Institute, increasing your deductible from $250 to $500 can save you up to 20 percent on comprehensive and collision coverage.

Thank you for taking your time to read this article. Information shared here does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice. This article is intended to provide general information only and does not give advice which relates to your individual circumstances.

Gurmit Singh Toor http://www.gurmitsingh.ca http://www.gurmitstoor.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Secrets-to-Getting-the-Cheapest-Auto-Insurance?&id=2633165] Secrets to Getting the Cheapest Auto Insurance?

Want to Reduce Your Auto Insurance Costs? Let Me Count the Ways!

Want to Reduce Your Auto Insurance Costs? Let Me Count the Ways!
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Arthur_Lewis]Arthur Lewis

We all complain about the mounting cost of automobile insurance. So what are our options to lower our auto insurance expense? Take a look at the following list of opportunities to reduce your auto insurance.

1. Plan For And Include Auto Insurance Costs Into The Cost Of your Auto Purchase
To begin with, buying a car is a significant initial expense and auto insurance is a sizable subsequent expense in your ongoing cost of ownership. You should always look into what your insurance costs are going to be on any vehicle you consider buying.

2. Research Auto Insurance Rates On Different Makes And Models Before Buying Your Car.
Insurers rate vehicles on a risk scale based on statistics that cover a range of factors such as exposure to risk of injury or theft, vandalism, flashy or sporty vehicles, cost, cost to fix, past claims history, overall safety record, etc. The higher the risk, the higher the insurance premium. Many insurers offer discounts for low-risk vehicles such as sedans and station wagons. Check out this information with your state or provincial insurance agencies before you to decide what car to buy.

3. Research And Get Quotes From Several Insurance Agencies
Once you have decided on a make and model of car, the best way to make sure you are getting the most affordable price for your auto insurance policy is to do your research and compare, quotes. You should obtain a number of quotes from different insurers as coverage costs from one insurer to the next can vary by hundreds of dollars, and possibly thousands of dollars. Get at least three price quotes. Call insurers directly or get online quotes. Provide the same coverage, deductibles and limitations so you can compare apples with apples. Nowadays, comparison sites do all the legwork for you and provide competing rates side-by-side. Visit some of the sites advertised on my website listed below.

4. Save Money By Raising Your Deductibles
You can reduce your insurance premium considerably by increasing the deductible on the comprehensive and collision portion of your insurance policy. However, keep in mind that in the event you have an accident and file a claim, you will have to pay the deductible out of your own pocket. So make sure you can afford to do that. You can save 10 percent or more by increasing your deductible from say $500 to $1,000. If your claim is $2500 and your deductible is $1,000, you will pay $1,000 and your insurance company will pay $1500.

5. Save Money By Purchasing Home And Auto Insurance From the Same Insurer
Purchasing your home and automobile insurance policies with the same insurer may qualify you for a further discount, which may shave up to another 10% on both policies. Most insurers offer this saving as an incentive to get your home insurance business too.

.6 Save Money By Including All Vehicles Under The Same Policy
Similarly, many insurers offer a multi-auto discounts for those who insure more than one car on the same policy. You can save up to 10% by placing more than one vehicle under the same policy.

7. Save Money By Maintaining A Good Driving Record
Your driving record is a significant factor in determining your insurance rate. If you have a clean driving record (without accidents, traffic tickets, drunk driving convictions, etc.,) you may be eligible for further discounts on your auto insurance policy. A bad driving record can become very costly in terms of insurance premiums, as you may take three years or more to wipe out past misdemeanors off your record.

8. Save Money By Maintaining A Good Credit Record
Insurers are increasingly using credit information to price auto insurance policies. Developing and maintaining a solid credit history can reduce your insurance costs. To protect your credit status, pay your debts on time, don't get more credit than you need and keep your debt balances as low as possible. Review your credit record often and ensure your record remains accurate by getting errors corrected promptly.

9. Save By Asking For Low Mileage Discounts
If you are retired, semi-retired, car-pool or use public transportation to go to work, and generally keep your annual car mileage as low as possible you may be eligible for a low-mileage discount. The low mileage limit is generally around 10k-12k miles per year depending on the state or province you live in.

10. Research Other Discounts
Other discounts may be available if you meet certain conditions. Examples may include age group, low mileage, occupation, if you install an alarm or other safety devices in your car, taken a defensive driving or drivers education course, are a member of an auto club, or loyal to the same auto insurance company for a number of years. These discounts vary by insurer.

11. Inquire about Group Insurance
Some insurers may offer discounts to drivers who obtain insurance through an employer provided group plan, through professional, business and alumni groups, or trade associations. Ask your employer and check with groups or clubs you are a member of to see if you are entitled to such discounts.

12. Drop Collision Coverage On An Older Car
If your car is 10 years or older, you may want to consider removing the collision coverage on your policy. Before you do this, you need to weigh the cost of the collision coverage with the value of your car and your chosen deductibles. For example, if you had a 12-year-old car that was worth about $1,000, and your deductible was $1,000, that collision coverage is worth zero. However, remember that you will have to bear the cost of repairs directly out of your pocket should you get into an accident.

13. Take Defensive Driver Training Courses
Safer drivers pay lower insurance rates. Taking state and/or insurer approved defensive driving courses in the past 3 years will get you reduced auto insurance premiums.

14. Install Safety And Anti-Theft Devices In Your Car
Insurers may give you discounts on your auto insurance if your car is equipped with one or more of the following options: Anti-lock brakes, automatic seat belts, and airbags. Similarly, anti-theft devices such as car alarms and tracking systems may also get you a discount because they reduce the chances of your car being stolen or vandalized.

15 Reduce Auto Insurance By Moving
If you move from urban big city traffic location to a rural area with little crime and traffic congestion, your premium will generally be lower. Of course, you would do this only if it is in keeping with other life-style decision factors.

16. Where Do You Park Your Car?
If you park your car in a garage, you may be entitled to a slight premium reduction. Cars parked in garages are less likely to be stolen, vandalized, or struck by other vehicles.

17. Develop A Relationship With Your Insurer
If you have been with one insurer for a long time, most will charge an existing client who has more than one recent claim less than they would a new client in the same situation.

18. Keep Your Insurer Up To Date
Make sure your insurance company always has correct and up-to-date information on file. For instance, if you relocate from an urban to a suburban or rural area, your rates may go down.

The key to auto insurance savings is not the discounts, but the final price. An insurer that offers few discounts may still have a lower overall price. The discounts listed may not be available in all states or provinces or from all insurance companies, so once again, it pays to do your research as the savings are just too significant to lose!

If you enjoyed reading this article and want to learn more about saving on auto insurance, then I invite you to visit our web site [http://askartabout.com/saveonautoinsurance]Save On Auto Insurance, for more articles, free quote information, and tools to reduce your auto insurance.

Author: Art J. Lewis

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Want-to-Reduce-Your-Auto-Insurance-Costs?-Let-Me-Count-the-Ways!&id=2936867] Want to Reduce Your Auto Insurance Costs? Let Me Count the Ways!

Secrets Your Auto Insurance Company Doesn't Want You to Know

Secrets Your Auto Insurance Company Doesn't Want You to Know
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steve_Gursten]Steve Gursten

Many drivers rely on good faith and may not expect to be forced to sue their auto insurance company in order to receive payment for expenses resulting from a car accident. Typically, most just want to have their car repaired and their medical bills paid.

Unfortunately, the auto insurance attorneys of Michigan Auto Law deal with many car insurance companies on a daily basis that take advantage of their customers by cutting off their benefits without reason or notice. Some insurance companies also put people "under investigation"- the excuse for stopping payment of all medical bills and wage loss. People are being ignored, threatened, intimidated and even lied to by their insurance claims adjusters.

The following are common tactics used by many auto insurance companies to either avoid or minimize their payouts to customers. Suggestions are included on how you can protect yourself to avoid or minimize problems with your automobile insurer.

1. Many restrictions and limitations are buried in your policy's fine print

Knowing how to read and understand the fine print of auto insurance policies is not an easy task. Auto accident lawyers have seen far too many people lose out on important benefits because they were unaware of important filing requirements buried in their policies. For example, many auto insurance policies pose strict notification requirements, such as 30 days notice for hit-and-run accidents. Many contracts have separate conditions for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage requiring very prompt notice, and insurance carriers can change their policy filing requirements at any time. When car accident victims do not respond to notification requirements on time, they can lose their coverage.

How to protect yourself:

Notify your insurance company immediately after any type of accident. Be sure you have your complete auto insurance policy, including any notification of coverage changes from year to year. This can also include pamphlets or notes that are mailed with renewal statements, reflecting any policy terms and changes. Most policies include declarations, conditions, insuring agreements and exclusions with conditions.

It's also important to check insurance policies for any benefits that overlap with your own health and disability insurance; and to review any additional coverage (such as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage). When receiving ongoing medical care for car accident injuries, having a solid understanding of insurance policies can help ensure that health care providers bill appropriately.
If you are confused with your auto insurance policy and have questions, don't hesitate to contact a lawyer who specializes in auto accidents - most are happy to offer advice and guidance for your protection.

2. Insurance agents don't always recommend the best coverage

Following a car accident, there can be numerous issues and challenges navigating health insurance plans, managed care plans, retirement plans such as ERISA, and coordinated/uncoordinated policies. In addition, insurance agents may avoid mentioning important coverage options and applicable discounts due to payout losses or lower premiums that reduce their commissions.

Many people choose to carry more insurance coverage so they will not be personally liable if they cause a serious car accident. However, some people only pay the minimum insurance premium to renew their license plate each year, and then let the auto insurance lapse. Without an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy, a driver or family members severely injured by an uninsured motorist will have no source of legal recovery for their injuries other than filing a lawsuit against the uninsured driver for his or her personal assets. Most people do not have sufficient personal net worth to compensate a person that they have seriously injured.

How to protect yourself:

If you are injured in an auto accident, contact an experienced auto accident lawyer who is best qualified to provide guidance on issues of which insurance is primary, and who will pay medical expenses that are incurred after a crash.

If you carry ERISA health insurance, uncoordinated or primary coverage is the safe move. An insured person with both ERISA and coordinated insurance may end up recovering nothing for their pain and suffering in the event of an auto accident.

Check your insurance policy for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. If this type of coverage is missing, contact your insurance carrier to add it - the cost is minimal and highly recommended to protect you and your family.

Raising your deductibles to at least $500 or more can also lower your auto insurance premiums by 15 percent to 40 percent. Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, eliminating those coverages can save you money, unless you still owe money for the car. Finally, if there is any reduction in the amount of miles you drive annually, contact your insurance carrier for quotes on low mileage discounts.

3. Accident Settlement Offers Are Always Too Low

Imagine you just suffered devastating injuries from a car accident and are now recuperating at home, in pain, and worrying about how you are going to pay your bills. An insurance agent knocks on your door with a check for $100,000 for your accident. With the emotional and physical trauma following a car or truck crash, a large amount of money sounds great, and some victims rush into accepting the first settlement offer. Yet determining the value of an auto accident case goes far beyond a simple calculation of injury type, future expenses not covered by no-fault insurance and the wrongdoer's policy limit. Offering to settle is essentially a backdoor approach by insurance companies to saving litigation costs at the expense of an accident victim's right to a full recovery.

How to protect yourself:

It never hurts to call an auto accident lawyer and ask for advice. Many lawyers can explain accident law, what you are entitled to and make sure your own insurance company is paying everything they are supposed to - with no fee or obligation.

4. Releases and Recorded Statements Are Pushed Early On to Overwhelm Accident Victims

Many victims rush into signing adjusters' documents without having the language reviewed by an auto accident lawyer, believing these are just basic verifications of the accident. Therefore, they may lose their right to sue a negligent driver for accident-related injuries. Claims adjusters often try to get recorded statements early, aiming to minimize the victim's pain and injuries for later use in court. Even vehicle damage releases can contain unrelated language that can jeopardize your other claims.

How to protect yourself:

Never give statements to an accident claims adjuster and never sign a release or allow the adjuster to look at the auto damage. Simply tell the adjuster that you need to review the paperwork with your attorney and will get back to them with your response. No matter how desperate you may feel after suffering the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages and disabling pain, involving an auto accident attorney will ensure your rights are protected. Keep in mind that the claims adjuster works for the insurance company, and has its best interest in mind - not the injured victim.

5. Standard practice is to deny or delay claim payouts

Most people suffering injuries from a car accident call their auto insurance company to find out what to do next. They assume that when they follow the process, they will receive fair, timely compensation for injuries resulting from the auto accident. After all, they paid for the auto insurance for that reason - to be covered in the event of a car accident.

Yet many insurance companies engage in common delay tactics including denying claims, not returning calls, placing people on hold for extensive periods, requiring a victim to repeatedly gather records, and passing you from one adjuster to the next. Soon the financial burden of time off work and mounting medical bills drives innocent car accident victims to contact an attorney. Or worse, it makes them desperate enough to accept an extremely low settlement offer, limiting any future recovery of damages.

How to protect yourself:

If you are experiencing these typical delay tactics, contact an auto accident attorney who can assist you with getting your claim processed and the benefits you are entitled to under your state's law.

Bottom Line:

If your auto accident involves injuries to you and/or your family (even seemingly minor injuries), consult an auto accident attorney as soon as possible. Not only will you better understand what benefits you are entitled to, but you will have the peace of mind knowing that you received the full value of benefits and compensation available to injured drivers.

To learn more about protecting yourself in an auto accident, visit the Michigan Auto Law Car Accident Legal Help and Legal Resource Center at [http://www.michiganautolaw.com/caraccidents/index.php]http://www.michiganautolaw.com/caraccidents/index.php, which includes tips and advice on dealing with your car insurance company, what to do after an accident, and understanding your insurance rights. If you have any questions about your auto insurance policy or concerns about your car accident or truck accident personal injury, please contact us by visiting http://www.michiganautolaw.com or calling (800) 777-0028.

Steve Gursten is recognized as one of the nations top experts in serious car and truck accident injury cases and automobile insurance no-fault litigation. Steve has received the largest jury verdict for an automobile accident case in Michigan in four of the past seven years, including 2008.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Secrets-Your-Auto-Insurance-Company-Doesnt-Want-You-to-Know&id=2824671] Secrets Your Auto Insurance Company Doesn't Want You to Know