Don't wait until you have deer in headlight look before you check out your auto insurance policy

From the Better Business Bureau

FORT WAYNE—Insured drivers whose cars are damaged in auto-deer collisions could be covered for more than they think. With deer migrating and mating season occurring between October and December, the Better Business Bureau and the Insurance Information Institute recommends that drivers read their auto insurance policy closely or they could miss out on reimbursements or other benefits they are entitled to receive.

“The likelihood of a driver/deer collision in Indiana is 1/135. Drivers spend a lot of money on auto insurance, but too often they wait until they need to make a claim after an accident and don’t remember what their policy will cover,” said Michael Coil, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana (BBBNI). “When there’s a seasonal problem like deer collisions and many people are making claims simultaneously, it’s important for car owners to ask the representative handling their claim about their coverage and deductible, as well as any options that are included, so they get their money’s worth.”

According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), a nonprofit organization, on average, deer-vehicle collisions cost $2,800 per insurance claim; $10,000 if there is injury to the driver or a passenger.

Only comprehensive coverage reimburses drivers for loss due to contact with animals such as birds or deer. This fact often causes confusion among drivers who are not aware that collision coverage will not cover an auto-deer collision. In addition, most auto insurance policies do not automatically cover the cost of a replacement rental car after an accident.

“Although many states do not require that you purchase comprehensive coverage, your lender may require it until your car loan is paid off,” said Carolyn Gorman, vice president of the I.I.I. “Comprehensive insurance is usually sold with a $100 to $300 deductible.”

Although many drivers have coverage for a replacement rental car, they might not realize it because this optional coverage was added at such a minimal expense, usually just a couple of dollars a month. This coverage provides immediate access to a replacement rental car until repairs are made to their damaged car, or they are authorized by their insurance company to purchase a new car.

Drivers also should know if they have Gap Coverage. If their car is totaled, drivers with this coverage might not have to continue making payments on the balance owed on the car. Gap coverage pays the difference between the amount the insurer pays for the totaled car and the amount the insured owes on his or her lease or loan. Without this coverage, drivers are responsible for paying the remainder of their lease or loan even when their car is totaled.

The best advice is to be prepared to know what your auto insurance covers and what you should do if your car sustains damages by following these tips:

• Report damage as soon as possible. If your car is not drivable, your agent or claims center might be able to save you time and money by having the car towed directly to the repair facility instead of to a temporary storage facility. In addition, arrangements can be made immediately to provide you with a replacement rental car, if your policy includes this coverage.
• Know what your deductible is and ask about any additional charges before authorizing work. Expect your insurance adjuster, claims representative or repair facility appraiser to review the damage with you and explain the repair process, including the use of original or generic auto parts. Before authorizing repairs, know what your deductible is, as well as any additional charges you will be expected to pay once repairs are complete.
• Ask about warranties on repairs. Ask whether your insurer has a repair facility referral program that offers a written limited or lifetime repair warranty backed both by the repairer and insurer for as long as you own your vehicle.
• Do business only with a reputable company. Obtain insurance from companies, independent brokers or direct marketers that have a proven track record of handling auto insurance claims effectively. Get a referral, or contact your BBB (www.bbb.org) or State Department of Insurance.

As part of a nationwide consumer education program, entitled Wiser Drivers Wise Up (www.wiserdrivers. com), Better Business Bureau and the Insurance Information Institute have teamed up to inform and educate drivers to review their auto insurance policy annually to make sure they have adequate coverage for various types of incidents, including deer-vehicle collisions.

Both the Insurance Information Institute and Better Business Bureau advise drivers to take a few minutes annually to read their policy or talk to their insurance agent to make sure they have the coverage they want and need. Knowing as much as possible about your coverage is the best way to ensure you get your money’s worth. For more details, go to http://www.iii. org/individuals/auto/a/basic/.

This is part of the October 15, 2008 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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