AUTO ACCIDENT AND CLAIMS ADVICE

BY ALAN PLAFKER, President & CEO
MEMBER BROKERAGE SERVICE LLC
A MELROSE CREDIT UNION SERVICE ORGANIZATION

WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT:

What do I do at the scene of the accident?

If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident the first thing you should do is contact the police. If anyone is injured give details to the police, and then give the victims whatever help you can. To avoid injuring them further try not to move them. If you smell or see leaking gas call the fire department and clear the area. The police will complete an on the scene accident report, something your insurance company will require to settle your claim.

Cooperate with the police in giving them the necessary information, but try not to make self incriminating statements such as taking blame for the accident. Your comments may be used against you later. If another driver is involved exchange information. Be sure to obtain the other driver’s license number, registration, insurance agent’s name, insurer and policy number. Also, write down the name, address, work and home phone numbers of the driver and any passengers in the other vehicle.

Make notes about their injuries, if any, or if they say they are unhurt. Record the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses, and the names and badge numbers of police officers or emergency personnel. With your camera phone, take photos showing the accident using different angles. Capture the other vehicle’s license plate, and take photos showing the damage, skid marks or any other evidence that might help document what happened.

Make a sketch showing the positions of the vehicles before, during and after the collision. Keep your vehicle in place unless you’re creating a hazard. If the police can record the exact position of the vehicles when they crashed it will help substantiate your claim.

If it is unwise to leave your vehicle in position take reasonable steps to protect it from further damage. Set up flares. Get the vehicle off the road and call a tow truck if necessary. While your memory is fresh note the time of the accident, what the weather was like, road conditions, visibility, traffic conditions, speed of the vehicles involved and how the accident happened. Ask the investigating officer where and how you can obtain a copy of the police report.


How do I file an insurance claim?

If you are involved in an accident, if your vehicle is stolen, or damaged by fire, flood, or vandalism, contact your insurance representative as soon as possible to report the claim. Have your policy number ready plus all license numbers, phone numbers and other information. The police must be notified immediately of any motor vehicle accident or theft. Your professional, independent agent can assist you in completing the necessary paperwork, and will guide you in taking the steps you need to take to be reimbursed for your loss.


What happens then?

Whenever you talk with anyone regarding the accident take detailed notes. Record the time, date, name of the person and what you discussed. Include all decisions or promises made. Keep your agency fully informed, and furnish them with copies of any documents you send or receive.

Save all receipts. Your auto insurance policy may cover incidentals such as vehicle rental or a hotel room if your accident occurs out of town. Check with our agency for the specific details of your policy. Cooperate fully with any insurance company employees who may contact you for further information.


How to handle an insurance claim

Generally, there are three methods used in handling auto accident claims:

  • You will be asked to drive the car to a drive-in claims center where an adjuster will inspect your car and issue an estimate of damages; or

  • You will be asked to take the vehicle to several body shops for estimates, and then turn the estimates over to the adjuster; or

  • Your insurance company will contact an adjuster to review your case and expedite your claim. Get the adjuster’s name, address and the name of the firm. If an adjuster has not contacted you within 10 days notify your agent.


When reviewing an estimate with the adjuster find out if the damaged parts are to be repaired or replaced. Determine whether the estimate is for original manufacturer or third-party parts, and if that type of part is covered by the terms of your policy.

After you have received authorization to repair your vehicle make an appointment with a reputable repair shop. Ask how long the job should take and find out if the needed parts are in stock. If the cost of the repairs exceeds the estimate ask the shop to notify the adjuster for authorization. And, remember, you’re not in this alone. Insurance agents are trained and willing to help you with every step in this process. The best way to insure a favorable result is to have the vehicle seen at YOUR body shop.


Timeliness is vital when filing an Insurance claim

Insurance policies are designed to protect businesses in the event of an accident, vandalism, theft of tangible possessions such as automobiles or computers or intangibles such as research results or proprietary information and other crimes. While most businesses continue to pay their premiums on time month after month without giving it much thought, some may fail to see the importance of submitting a claim in a timely fashion.


Just how important is it to file a claim right away?

Consider the following scenario:

There has been an incident in which an employee is injured on the job. The worker’s injuries are minor and the company decides to settle the claim without notifying its insurance company. Later, the employee in question determines the company was negligent and did not provide necessary safety measures which could have prevented the accident. To cover the new claims the company decides to file a claim with its insurance company regarding the accident which now took place months ago.

In response to the business’s query the insurance company denies the claim, leaving the business to cover the full cost of the employee’s settlement or even possible legal fees.

Why was the claim rejected? Does the insurance company have the right to deny the claim? In the duties after loss section of most insurance policies it states that a failure to report the claim in a timely fashion causes a breach of condition of the policy. Since the business that holds the insurance policy failed to uphold its part of the agreement,the insurance company isn’t legally obligated pay the claim.

Timelines and definitions of “a timely fashion” can be as little as a few days after the incident, but can vary depending on the circumstances of the situation and often is decided on a case by case basis.

While submitting a claim promptly is the easiest way to avoid the stress of a denied claim, there are some general instances when tardiness can be excused. If it can be proven that the claimant was unaware that an occurrence took place or had reason to believe he or she was not accountable for the situation or, if the claimant was in the hospital and/or physically unable to submit a claim, an extension of time may be granted.

Make sure the protections offered from your insurance policies are realized fully when they are needed. Always file claims as soon as possible when the situation arises. If you have any questions give your agency a call. They are there to help you.


Avoid Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud is a continual problem that drives up premiums for honest policyholders. There are many ways people try to take advantage of others to bilk the system.

Staging auto accidents is one method of insurance fraud to watch out for. Some drivers will intentionally sideswipe your car, or pull in front of you and stop short to cause a rear end collision. Ignore anyone who attempts to get you to leave the scene of an accident or let it go unreported.

If an accident occurs, be sure to call the police, obtain a copy of the police report, record the car’s license plate and take photos of the damage if possible. Similarly, there are fraud rings that specialize in slip-and-fall claims. They will claim to be injured on your property working in cahoots with crooked doctors and lawyers, and pressure you to pay up. Again, you should not hesitate to contact the authorities to help sort things out.

In addition to all of the above be sure to call your agency if something happens. Even if it doesn’t seem suspicious they’re here to help. It’s better to be safe than sorry.


Storms and Used Cars …. Buyer Beware!

Anytime there is a serious storm that involves flooding there is a chance that water damaged used cars can end up on a car dealership’s lot. Even if the storm wasn’t in your area there’s a possibility you could buy a damaged car. Cars that have been submerged in flood waters can have electrical and mechanical problems, not to mention problems with rusting and corrosion which could take years to manifest.

If you are considering buying a previously owned car take it to a qualified mechanic before you purchase it. The mechanic should be able to identify the signs of water damage. However, there are a few things you can look for while you are on the lot.

  • Check under the vehicle’s carpets or floor covering for mud or rust. Don't forget the trunk.

  • Check to see if the undersides of the carpets smell like mildew.

  • Check the hard to clean spaces, e.g., under the hood, in the truck, underside of panels and brackets for mud and debris.

  • Check for rust on the heads of any exposed screws under the hood, around the doors or trunk.


Various states have sent up data bases to allow consumers to check a car’s Vehicle Identification Number to see if it has been reported as flood damaged.


There isn’t an insurance policy that you can buy to protect yourself before you purchase a water damaged car. In fact, if your car is involved in an accident after you purchase it, and it’s discovered that the car had pervious damage, your insurance claim only will pay for the actual cash value of the car which could be considerably less than you paid for it.

If you have any questions about what your auto insurance policy will or will not cover give your agency a call before you buy the car. They’re here to help you in all your insurance buying needs.


Your Professional Insurance Agent …
We want you to know about the insurance you’re buying.

For more information, please contact the author of this article.

Alan Plafker, CIPA

  • Certified Professional Insurance Agent and licensed Insurance Broker
  • President/CEO of Member Brokerage Service LLC, a Melrose Credit Union Service Organization
  • President Elect on the Board of Directors the PIANY (Professional Insurance Agents Association of NY)
  • Member of CIBGNY (Council of Insurance Brokers of Greater NY)
  • Treasurer for the New York Independent Livery Driver Benefit Fund Board of Directors.

His Agency insures thousands of polices for TLC Insurance as well as many policies for all types of PERSONAL and COMMERCIAL insurance. You can reach him in his Briarwood, Queens office at (718) 523-1300 Ext. 1082, or visit the website at: www.MemberBrokerage.com

ALAN PLAFKER, CPIA, ELECTED PRESIDENT OF PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE AGENTS OF NEW YORK (PIANY)

PIANY PRESIDENT ELECT ALAN PLAFKER: PROFESSIONAL AGENTS THRIVE IF THEY SEIZE OPPORTUNITY


GLENMONT, N.Y. - The Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc.’s newly elected president, Alan Plafker, CPIA, urged agents to seek out and take advantage of opportunity that comes with inevitable change, including that from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPCA).

As part of a multi-generational professional, independent agent family, Plafker followed his father with the entrepreneurial step of owning his own agency. He noted that he, his father, Phil; and his son, Michael, have all taken leadership
positions at PIANY. In addition to being part of PIA, he said, successful agents share common characteristics: The ability to realize opportunity in the face of change, identify a niche, and look ahead when others might hesitate.

A current example of such an opportunity, Plafker said, is participating in the health benefits exchanges conceived by New York state in accordance with the PPCA. PIANY was among the first to offer certification courses for agents seeking to participate.

"This month," Plafker reported, "PIA released a Health Insurance Tool Kit; next month, PIA (Professional Insurance Agents) will launch a Business Operations Tool Kit. Your association is constantly identifying and creating ways to help your business prosper in the face of adversity".

Plafker said that while professional, independent agents are certain to face adversity they will continue to be the most valuable distribution system for insurance carriers because of their ability to move quickly when change occurs; to recognize and respond to customers’ needs and inclinations.

"We make ourselves more valuable to our customers by enhancing the basic insurance products we offer. The more we can provide our clients beyond price the more we can provide through relationships. In so doing we protect ourselves from the possibility that we will lose our customers over a single product beyond what a direct writer could offer them."

Plafker said customers appreciate and seek out convenience and expertise: "While change will always take place, our local presence, personal service and expert advice demonstrates that we feel the pulse of our communities and we can react to inevitable change better than any other distribution system. Independent agents are focused on smart growth. We know that as we are constantly learning new systems and processes that, on the best day, the best systems can go wrong".

"My primary goals this year are to make sure our members know PIA is constantly rolling up its sleeves to ensure professional independent agents have a bright future, and to encourage my fellow agents to seize the opportunity to determine their own futures and the future of our industry."

PIANY is a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout the state.

 


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