How To Switch Your Car Insurance Company

Switching your car insurance is not an end of the world event. In fact, it’s actually not that complicated. Everyone who owns a vehicle has at one time or another chosen to move on to another provider. With so many insurance carriers glutting the market, and prices fluctuating, there are unending choices and deals to be gained. Maybe you’re moving to another area or are experiencing poor service from your current provider. If that’s the case, think about changing insurance companies.

 

Steps to Follow

If you’re unsure of the process in switching to another carrier, here are some steps to follow and some precautions to take when changing your car insurance coverage.

 

Comparison Shop

In switching insurance providers, your first step is to do some comparison shopping. You want the lowest price possible in a policy along with good customer service. Contact as many insurers as possible.  Get 3-5 quotes through on-line providers, independent agents, or other insurance companies. Further research the going rates in your area to get a better understanding of competitive pricing. Also, seriously think about whether you need changes in your coverage. You’ll want to check for discounts that you may qualify for through a different policy.  Check whether you can eliminate certain coverages, like collision, particularly if you own an older vehicle that’s diminishing in value. Or, if you’re driving more in the evening hours, you’ll probably want to look at increasing your liability coverage to minimize your risk of nighttime accidents.

 

Know What You’re Getting

A low quote for car insurance is easy to pounce on but before you go full speed ahead with a different company, determine what kind of coverage you’re getting. The quote given to you may be lower, but it may also be for a lesser amount of coverage than what you are getting through your current policy. You may have to increase your coverage on a new policy, which means you aren’t initially saving what you thought you would.

 

Steering Clear of Mistakes

To steer clear of making mistakes, compare your current policy features with that of the new policy. Look at the types of coverage on the new policy and your limits and deductibles with it.  You should send a copy of your current declarations page to a potential insurer that includes a listing of your current policy provisions. You want any new provider to be aware of the coverage you need, plus you want a new policy equal to or better than your current policy.

 

Notifying your Current Provider

Once you’re done with your comparison shopping and have come up with a fair price and a good company to work with, notify your current insurance provider of your plans to make a change. Explain to them you’ve been a loyal customer and that you’ve found another insurer that offers similar coverage at a lower cost. Most insurers today like to keep long-standing customers, so they will likely go over your account and determine whether you are eligible for discounts. They may either match the quote or go below the other insurer’s quote.

 

Cancellation Process

If your current insurance company is unwilling to make adjustments to your policy or meet a competitor’s quote, you need to ask them about the cancellation process concerning your policy. You will probably have to give them sufficient notice of cancellation. That can be as much as 30-days. You may also have to pay a cancellation fee as some insurance companies charge penalties for going to another company before the end of the term of your coverage. If you cancel in the middle of a term, you may have to pay a percentage for any unused premium or there may be a standard fee. Other insurers may allow you to cancel whenever you choose as long as proper notice is given. Be sure and ask your insurance company if there is a cancellation penalty. You can then decide whether to make the switch right away or at another time to avoid any penalties.

 

Finalization of the Switch

If you complete a switch in your car insurance, pay for your new policy and verify that it is in place and active. Once your new insurer provides verification, contact your old insurer and cancel the policy. You should receive a refund for any time left on your old policy when making the change at the midpoint of the policy. You don’t want any interruptions in your coverage, so make sure you have coverage between the end of your old policy and the beginning of your new one. You don’t want to risk losing your license or receiving premium increases.

 

After Switching Policies

When you switch your insurance policy and are with a new company, you’ll want to notify any lease provider or loan holder right after you make that switch. Car lease holders and loan holders almost always require insurance coverage. If a loan company thinks you no longer have coverage, or that your insurance coverage has been cancelled, you could face repossession of the vehicle.

Your new insurer could drop your coverage during the first couple months that coverage is in effect (60 days). Within that time period, you want to be very careful to avoid traffic violations and accidents. You don’t want to wind up uninsured or worse yet, scrambling to find another provider.

Switching car insurance companies doesn’t have to be a drawn out affair, but you want to take time to research enough alternatives that offer adequate coverage at competitive rates. If you are still unsure how to go about switching your car insurance, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the information you need to help you make the switch.

How do Vehicle Recalls Work?

You saw it on the news or in a consumer-related report that a recall was in the works or you may know a friend or relative who received a recall notice for one of their vehicles. Besides recalls for cars, trucks, SUV’s and other vehicle related items, there are recalls for things like baby carriers, food products, toys and hundreds of other products that affect consumers worldwide.

 

Recall Awareness

Most anyone is pretty much aware of all the recalls that occur on a fairly regular basis. Usually the focus is on consumables, but vehicles are as much of a concern, especially when newer ones seem to experience ongoing problems. Maybe you’re wondering just what happens with vehicle recalls. If you have, here is a rundown on how vehicle recalls came about and how they work.

 

Vehicle Recall History

In the initial stages, recalls were associated with safety issues. In 1966, the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act established standards concerning vehicle safety. Vehicle related recalls quickly became an ongoing occurrence. Within a few years, the auto industry issued recalls for millions of vehicles. Fifty-plus years later, recalls continue to soar into the billions.

Today, issuing of recalls is usually through the automaker or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Vehicle  manufacturers are the ones issuing recalls, but  the NHTSA will intervene. Issuing recalls by car manufacturers is the preferred action as it allows them to resolve any vehicle recall related problems in a more immediate and direct fashion. If an auto manufacturer and the NHTSA aren’t able to come to terms on a recall, court decisions will determine any outcomes. The recall process can also come through individuals who work on vehicles or own their own that display noticeable defects. Consumers can contact the NHTSA themselves and report their concerns directly to the agency.

What is a Vehicle Recall

A recall means that a federal safety violation or a major defect was found with a vehicle that could cause a critical safety situation, faulty equipment operation or a related problem. It could be anything from a stuck gas pedal to an easily triggered airbag. Anything that causes a major dysfunction and safety concern with a vehicle could be a reason for a recall. Whatever the issue, any recall effort requires thorough investigation, testing and collection of data to determine whether a true problem exists.

 

Notification of a Recall

Should your vehicle be a part of a recall, the notification process will come as a letter through your vehicle’s manufacturer. It will arrive within a 60-day period from the filing of the recall with the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA). The letter will provide the following information:

  • Description of the defect
  • Risks, warnings and problems if the defect is not unresolved
  • Manufacturer’s plan to fix the defect
  • Time frame for the repair of the defect
  • Guidelines to follow that assure the repair process
  • Other followup instructions

If you fail to receive the letter, you can still go through the repair process. To determine eligibility, search the recall database listed on the NHTSA internet site. Regularly check the site for updates on vehicle recalls to determine whether yours is on the list. Check this listing at least once during a 6-month’s period.

 

Your Options with a Recall Notification

If you receive a recall notification for your vehicle, your options include:

  • Repairing of issue through a dealership that represents the car manufacturer
  • Replacing the vehicle with a comparable model
  • Refunding of the vehicle’s price minus any depreciation

Repairing a recall issue will be the least costly and most appropriate for the situation. They will only use the other two options should the problem go beyond the repairable stage.

 

Payment Process

If your vehicle is on a recall list, they will repair any recall related defects or damages free; however, any recall work will go through an authorized automobile dealer for the manufacturer. To avoid problems, make sure you bring your recall notification letter to the dealership. If charges happen, speak with the dealership’s management, verify your letter and provide other pertinent information. Should problems continue, contact the manufacturer through the number provided in the recall notification letter. If that action fails, call or write the NHTSA directly and report your issue to them. They should be able to resolve any problems and provide you with detailed information regarding car recalls.

If you are unsure whether your vehicle is on a recall list and want to know more about the general process, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the information you need concerning how vehicle recalls work.

Common Types of Collision Damage

There are many reasons why your car may incur collision damage, from an auto accident to a tree limb that blows down in a storm. The type of damage makes a difference in how repairs are performed. Understanding the different types of collision damage can help you understand what repairs may be necessary.

 

Weather Damage

There is the potential for weather damage in all four seasons of the year. During the summer when the sun is at its strongest, your car can sustain damage to the paint due to fading and wearing. In addition, tires can become dry and cracked when the weather is overly hot. During the winter, salt applied to roads to avoid ice can lead to erosion in your vehicle while the fluctuating temperatures that can occur in some areas could lead to cracked windshields. In all seasons, there is a risk of high winds that can cause limbs to fall or hail that can lead to dents.

 

Failure to Maintain Your Car

If you don’t maintain your car, failing mechanical systems could lead to collision damage. Tires that have too little tread can blow out or your steering and brakes could fail, leading to an accident. Not only does neglecting the maintenance on your car lead to accidents, it can actually cause engine, exterior and interior damage. You should never ignore warning lights and have your car serviced at least once each year.

 

Car Accidents

Of course, the most common reason for collisions is car accidents. You could have a major accident that leads to shattered windshields, engine damage or destruction of several areas of the exterior of the car. Even minor fender benders can lead to damage that is more significant than it appears. Sometimes, minor collisions can cause damage to areas of the car that cannot be seen except by a trained professional.

 

Common Types of Damage

There are some types of damage that are more common than others. Dents can be tiny impressions to large craters in your car. Small scratches may be buffed out but if the scratches are significant, digging deep below the surface of the paint, they may require more extensive repair. Damage to the suspension is also a common type of collision damage along with a cracked windshield. Bumper damage is also common.

 

Collision Repairs

If the panel has a deep dent, it will need to be replaced as it more than likely cannot be repaired. Dents may be repaired using a hammer and dolly method, a stud welder or a dent puller. There is also paintless dent repair that uses new technology that does not require sanding, filler or painting. Deep scratches may require filler, sanding and painting to cover them properly. If suspension damage is significant, the auto shop may also need to remove and replace the shock absorber or ball joint. A small crack or chip in the windshield can be filled with resin to prevent it from spreading but if the crack is through both panes of glass or more than one inch long, the entire windshield needs to be replaced. If the bumper of your vehicle is damaged, it is possible it can be repaired easily, similar to other dents. However, if the damage to your bumper is significant, you may have hidden damage inside the vehicle that cannot be seen.

 

Choosing a Repair Shop

When your vehicle needs repair after a collision, be sure to ask about experience, payment policies, warranties and certifications. That way you know that your vehicle is being repaired by a qualified repair shop. If you will be filing an insurance claim, your insurance company will require you to get more than one estimate for repairs. Most require at least three, but you are free to get as many as you choose. The insurance company cannot require you to go to a specific shop and you can work with them if you suspect the amount they have offered for the repair is too low.

If your car has been involved in a collision, contact Elmer’s Auto Body. With more than 70 years’ experience, you know you are getting high quality service and that the car you drive away in is safe for your family. We repair your car as if it were owned by our own family because that is how we think of our customers. You can schedule an appointment by calling today or fill out the easy online form.

Do I Have to Repair My Car After an Insurance Claim Accident?

Depending on the accident and your insurer, you may not have to repair your car after making an insurance claim. Sometimes you can keep your claim money, but before you go spending cash on a wild shopping spree, look at the circumstances that govern whether you claim the money or give it up to a repair facility.

 

Owning your Vehicle

When your vehicle is free and clear of any payments and you’re the undisputed owner, and state laws allow for release of insurance claim money directly to a policy owner, and your insurance policy specifically states that a claim can go directly to you rather than a repair shop, the insurance claim money is legally yours with no implications of fraud; however, when you claim damage you won’t be able to claim it again, which includes not using any claim money for repairs. If you claim the same damage for another incident, there can be legal implications.

 

Check your Policy

Checking your policy requirements is the first place to go to determine whether you can collect an insurance claim payout for yourself. Attempting to claim any monies without approval could be unlawful.

 

Insurance Check Recipient

As nice as it would be to pocket your insurance claim money, your provider may require that any payment for repairs go straight to the body repair shop performing the work. This is one way of guaranteeing that any insurance money for repairs is going directly to the repair shop. When you go through the claims procedure, your insurance company may allow you to choose your own repair shop or will select their own one for you to use. Your provider may require you to get several appraisals if you go with your own shop choices, which makes it more of a task for you, so it may be best to go with your insurance provider’s choices. You also want to remember that once you make a claim for damages, you won’t be able to make another one.

 

Vehicle Leases and Loans

If you lease a vehicle or have a loan on it with monthly payments, keeping any insurance claim money will probably not be your choice, as your insurance policy will show the loan and leasing company as the entity insured on the policy. Any check written to cover repairs will probably be in your name and the company representing the lease or loan. This means the company will have to be the signer on any repairs before you receive any cash. Whoever your lease or loan holder is, they may instruct you to use any claim money for repairs and ask for documentation and assurance that the repairs were made.

 

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

If you have comprehensive or collision coverage on your vehicle, that coverage requires you to repair any damage after an accident. Maintaining and keeping comprehensive and collision coverage makes it essential to make repairs. If you leave the damage alone and you pocket an insurance claim check, an insurance provider will be reluctant to pay out for any ensuing damages because of a second accident, plus the provider may require a policyholder to cancel the comprehensive or collision coverage. It’s necessary to show proof of the repair, and that happens when a claim check is in both your name and the body repair shop’s name.

 

Neglecting Repairs

In neglecting vehicle repairs after an accident, the safety aspect comes into play as vehicle owners could put themselves in jeopardy of another accident without the coverage. Maybe the original damage is minimal and requires little to no attention in the way of repairs, but there is always the chance of hidden damage coming out later and causing safety issues with driving.

Unseen damage is one reason it is critical to get advice from a body repair expert. This kind of neglect brings added expenses down the road and the threat of an unsafe vehicle. Vehicle owners think they are saving money when they pocket money through an insurance claim, but they are just postponing the inevitable of another accident, losing necessary coverage and the general hassle of it all.

If you really want to save money in the long run and don’t want the issues that go along with unresolved damages after an accident, complete the online contact form and an expert technician will get back to you with the advice you need to determine whether you need to repair your car after an insurance claim accident.

Do I Need Car Repairs After an Accident?

If you experience a car accident, whether a minor or major one, there will probably be damage that will affect your vehicle. You’ll be lucky to escape repair costs as even the most minimal of damage may require repair. Determining whether you need repairs will take not only your own observation but that of any law enforcement officials at the accident scene, your insurance company and an auto body repair expert.

 

Ignoring Repairs

Some drivers will ignore minor repairs and go on their merry driving way, but in making that choice, they are setting themselves up for problems down the road. There are several reasons you shouldn’t ignore even the slightest damage following an accident as any initial damage can lead to further damage. There are several other reasons you should repair your vehicle after an accident.

 

Saving on Repair Costs

Keeping any insurance claim money and not paying out the deductible is not the wisest tactic. Allowing damage to remain on a vehicle is costly as further complications can occur as time goes on and overall repair costs escalate. It’s a lot easier to just pay the original repair costs. If the deductible worries you, there are ways to cover repair costs through payment plans to auto body repair shops.

 

I Need My Car

You may think losing your vehicle for a few days is a major dilemma, but delaying repairs can make any future repairs more difficult and costly. Waiting patiently for your vehicle to go through a professional repair process is important to the stability and longevity of your vehicle. Most auto body repair shops will do everything within reason to repair and return a vehicle in a reasonable amount of time. Use a rental car, loaner car, catch a ride with a co-worker or take a city bus, train or other public transportation.

 

Insurance Company Woes

Deciding to delay damage repairs on your vehicle causes additional problems. If another accident occurs, your insurance provider may wonder about the previous damage and why you didn’t make repairs early on. Also, your provider may feel that the initial accident aggravated any new damage, or they might feel that you are being deceptive on your part and are trying to receive an additional disbursement.

 

The (DIY) Routine

You may believe you possess the tricks of the trade to repair the damage to your vehicle, but you’d be wise to realize that auto body technicians are highly trained and must be certified to repair vehicle damage. Trying to compete with that and repair unseen damage can be an arduous process and present safety hazards to you along the way, plus compromise the stability of your vehicle. You may think you are saving time, and money, but a professional knows best.

 

Finding the Right Auto Body Shop

Finding a reputable body shop for repair work is important, and many vehicle owners express distrust in body shops as they feel they’ll be bilked out of gobs of money in the repair process. Most body shops today are both highly reputable and technically savvy, and they’ll provide the latest in innovative repair services with fair prices. Many shops are adept at working with insurance companies and will also help vehicle owners in the negotiation process.

 

Repair Procedures

When you realize the extent of damage to your vehicle following an accident and understand that you need to take care of any damage as soon as possible, you’ll want to be aware of the right procedures to follow.

The process begins with contacting your insurance company, filing and completing a claim form and selecting a reputable body repair shop. Choosing a shop to do the job is important, as you want to find one that will complete the work in a reasonable amount of time but meet certain standards. It pays to check reliable repair shops.  Talk to others or read online reviews as to the reliability of body shops that you would like to use,  or your insurance company recommends that you use.

Before you make a final choice, make sure you get price estimates from several shops and double check that your final choice has ASE certified mechanics, provides warranties for repairs, expresses whether they use new or after market replacement parts, provides explicit written and verbal explanations as to the exact extent of damages and repairs that will occur. In addition, get a final repair estimate agreeable to you and your insurance carrier.

If you’re still unsure whether your vehicle needs repair work after an accident, complete the online contact form and an expert will get back to you with answers to questions you may have. Once you receive a full assessment, you’ll be better able to decide on filing an insurance claim and choosing a shop for needed repairs.