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Getting the Most Out of Your Automobile Insurance

According to the Labor Department the cost of automobile insurance over the past five years is more than double the 10.7% rise in consumer prices during the same time period.  Yet, claim payments are at best just keeping up with inflation as per the Consumer Federation of America.  Thus, even though the price of insurance is rising, you are not getting any more for your money so you want to make sure that your coverage pays off.  The following are some tips to keep in mind should your car be damaged in an automobile accident.

     First, collect as much information at the accident scene as possible including other drivers’ information insurance, witness information along with photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage.  You can use your smartphone to record much of this information.  Free apps such as WreckCheck can be very useful to collect all this data.

     Second, report your accident, even a minor incident, especially if it is not your fault.  Many times damage to your vehicle is not immediately apparent.  For instance, damage to your auto’s electronics can take a couple of weeks to emerge.  Therefore, you want to make sure your accident is reported so that you can claim all the damage to your vehicle including supplemental repairs which appear later.

     Third, be sure to receive everything to which you are entitled from your insurer.  Be sure the repair shop to which your insurer directs you is qualified to properly fix your vehicle and as many original parts as possible are used.  If your vehicle is totaled check the value of your automobile on websites such as Edmunds or Kelly Blue Book to make sure you are getting fair compensation for your loss.  Finally if you have towing and/or rental coverage, be sure to use it to pay for the inconvenience while your vehicle is being repaired or until you purchase another car. If you don’t have automobile rental coverage, the responsible driver’s insurer usually covers at least $30 per day for rental of a temporary vehicle so be sure to request it.

     If you have any questions about your Massachusetts automobile insurance policy my office is always available to answer your questions and provide a free consultation.


Attorney Joseph F. De Leo is a lawyer with over twenty eight years experience handling personal injury claims serving the entire greater Boston area.  He can be reached at jdeleo@deleolaw.com or by visiting deleolaw.com

 
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Location: Cambridge, MA, USA

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