Auto Insurance Claim Expectations Insurance Brokers of Arizona in Gilbert, ArizonaA Call for Facts of Loss

When you’re involved in a car accident the first thing that happens after you report your claim is you receive a call from the insurance adjuster. An insurance adjuster looks at your coverages, listens to your statement about what happened (Facts of Loss), and then determines fault. This adjuster will also guide you through the remaining process to get your vehicle back to pre-loss condition. If it is found that another party is at-fault, you may elect to go through them for your repairs. If you use your insurance, you may have to pay your deductible up-front which your insurance company will attempt to A close up of a damaged car headlight & to subrogate back for you.

Choices for Repairing Your Vehicle

When you need to get your vehicle repaired, the choice is up to you on who fixes your vehicle. Typically, the insurance carrier will work with a network of body shops in your area and can recommend one or two. Regardless of who you choose, the insurance adjuster or estimator will work with the body shop on your behalf to ensure your car is repaired.

Vehicle Parts

Oftentimes, insureds are surprised to hear that the insurance company authorized the usage of aftermarket (commonly referred to as Like-Kind-Quality or LKQ) parts on their vehicle. If your vehicle is new, it is unlikely this will occur, but if your car is more than a couple of years old, there will likely be many parts like bumper covers and fenders that are available for your vehicle that may be used when your vehicle is repaired. Most of the time, you will not have an option to choose, but if you see it on your estimate, you could likely opt to pay the difference yourself. Most insurance contracts say in the policy language they may use aftermarket parts.

Rental Coverage

When your vehicle is in the shop, you’ll likely be without it for at least a few days. If you need a rental car during this time, you’ll have to check your policy to see if you have one available. If you’re going through the at-fault party’s insurance company, they will provide you with a rental vehicle for basic transportation. If you have unique circumstances like an ADA vehicle or a truck or van that you have to use for work, be sure to let them know you have circumstances that require a similar temporary replacement.

Deductibles

If you are at fault for your accident, you’ll have to pay a collision deductible. The amount is unique to your insurance policy and typically is between $100 and $2500. If you’re not at fault and going through the at-fault party’s insurance company, there will be no deductible applied to your claim.

We hope you never have to experience an auto insurance claim but in the event you do, we’re here to help. If you’d like to discuss your auto insurance coverages prior to being in an accident, please schedule a time or call our office to review your existing coverage.

Auto Insurance Agent Gilbert, AZThe U.S. Dept. of Agriculture cites as many as 2 million collisions with animals occur each year.

It can be a scary moment when you are driving 70 mph on the freeway and a deer or other wildlife comes out of nowhere and runs right in front of your vehicle. Your first reaction may be to slam on the brakes or swerve to avoid the collision and hurting or even killing the animal. But, what happens if you do make contact with the animal and your car is damaged from it?

Are you covered?

It depends on what auto insurance coverage you have purchased. Comprehensive and collision insurance can provide you with coverage.

Comprehensive insurance covers your vehicle when you make contact with an animal while driving.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that if you decided to swerve, missed the deer or animal and strike a tree then you could be covered by collision insurance on your auto policy. Because every insurance carrier is different, their claims department will handle it with the coverage they feel is most fitting to the situation.

Safe Driving Tips To Always Remember

Driving hazards present themselves daily and can occur year-round in every state. Here are three things to always remember when it comes to driving your vehicle and wildlife.

Always stay alert

If you are driving in rural areas, be aware that wildlife is always nearby and keep a lookout towards the sides of the road.

Don’t swerve your vehicle

Swerving cannot only results in a worse injury and more severe accident, but your insurance company might find you at fault if you swerve to miss a deer and end up hitting a tree, another vehicle or guard rail. Regardless, remember to avoid swerving in general. Tightly hold the steering wheel, apply the brakes and stay in your lane.

Be more aware at night

Animals can become more active in the evenings and some travel in groups. If you see one, chances are there are more nearby. If there are two lanes, drive in the lane farthest away from the side of the road.

Tips If You Happen To Hit The Animal

Like any accident, there are a few things to always do immediately.

  • Safely pull to the side of the road. Give yourself as much space as possible then turn on your emergency lights.
  • Check to see if everyone in your vehicle is okay. Hitting an animal is startling so take a moment to take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves.
  • Call the police to report the accident and arrange a tow if necessary.
  • For claims purposes, always take photos of the damage to your vehicle and make notes.

If you have questions about your auto or vehicle insurance, contact us! We can provide you with an insurance quote or answer any of your questions.

Car Insurance Gilbert, AZThe cost of repairing or replacing a transmission or engine in a car can be daunting. Many people wonder what exactly is covered by an auto insurance policy. Does an auto insurance policy cover things like transmission repairs, tires, faulty wiring or worn suspension parts?

In short, no, an auto insurance policy will not pay to repair wear and tear items on your vehicle. The only time some items may be covered are when they are damaged as a direct results of a covered loss such as a collision.

Insurance is not designed to repair damaged or worn parts due to normal wear and tear of your vehicle. There is no coverage for things like mechanical failures or maintenance.

So, what options are there to cover these items? When you purchase a vehicle, some dealers offer extended warranty coverage. These warranty policies essentially extend the manufacturer warranty of newer vehicles. This is the type of insurance program that would provide coverage for things like mechanical breakdown of your transmission or engine parts.

If you have questions about car insurance, contact our agency. There are an overwhelming number of choices for car insurance out there, don’t stress! Let the professionals at Insurance Brokers of Arizona gather quotes from several insurance carriers, presenting you with the best options for your budget and needs! Our agents are here to help guide you through rate comparisons, discounts, flexible payment options and they may have some money-saving tips as well. Get your quote today!