Questions About Auto Insurance and Accidents

euphonium

The underinsured received a letter from his carrier: Inasmuch as we expect the court award to be in excess of your policy limits, we advise you seek separate council to defend that excess judgement.

Mr_Shiftright

That's gotta be a bummer to get in the mail.

kyfdx

Yeah... that would suck to be under-insured.. plus, your insurance company can't spell counsel...

marsha7

liability (fault state, don't know about no-fault) check, you must sign a release...

Maybe you guys are smarter then me, but I often forget specifics about a question after about 10 posts...in other words, if someone asks a followup question, I just try and remember what the original poster asked, and sometimes, after 2,3 days or more, my memory just fails me, so details get lost in the shuffle...

And to try and find the original post, then scroll thru 20 posts and re-read all the irrelevant posts, simply takes too much time...

So, you may catch me on details simply because I have lost track of the 4th or 5th post that responded to the original question, including my own...too many damn screens to scroll backwards, if you catch my drift...

euphonium

Naw, it's the retired agent who can't spell.

fezo

Maybe you guys are smarter then me, but I often forget specifics about a question after about 10 posts...in other words, if someone asks a followup question, I just try and remember what the original poster asked, and sometimes, after 2,3 days or more, my memory just fails me, so details get lost in the shuffle...

Just what you want to hear from a lawyer..... if he's not yours!

houdini1

Be careful, I think you are being lured into a trap !!

What is that guy's name who wears the old crumpled overcoat, acts dumb and then nails the bad guy?

oldfarmer50

"...asking these tough insurance questions..."

Sorry, even us dumb rednecks get a thought or two rolling around in out heads from time to time.

oldfarmer50

"...we advise you to seek separate council..."

Does that letter begin: "Dear John"?

oldfarmer50

"...What is that guy's name who wears the old crumpled overcoat..."

That's Columbo but since Marsha7 is a lawyer you should be thinking of Matlock.

Now you got me thinking. With a name like Marsha maybe Marsha7 looks less like Matlock and more like his sexy blonde assistant? :confuse:

marsha7

"With a name like Marsha maybe Marsha7 looks less like Matlock and more like his sexy blonde assistant?"...

Don't you wish...wait...don't I wish...

fezo: "Just what you want to hear from a lawyer..... if he's not yours!"...

Hey, when I'm being paid to think, I always keep my notes in front of me to refer back to, so I can at least SOUND intelligent, even if I'm not...

houdini1

Well, you are right again. I got my stars crossed. For you and me I should have said Perry Mason.

fezo

That sounds about right.

One of my brothers is a self employed lawyer so I'm a little familiar with the drill...

Perry Mason! That's the ticket! Can you do a good Raymond Burr?

marsha7

Nah, can't do Raymond Burr...besides, I am not in a wheelchair...oops, that's Ironsides...

I can almost imitate the voice of Jack Nicholson...will that do???

euphonium

Wasn't Raymond Burr a TV ad person for Independent Insurance Agents of America? Wouldn't that make him an insurance agent of record?

fezo

Oh, we are on the ball today!

Of course he was also the reporter who broke the Godzilla story....

wdhyte

there any place that has a definitive breakdown and rating of all the insurers available to us in a given state? Sorta like a CR rating (sorry Edmunds! heh ) ?? I think my current company is way overcharging us and I want to go to a new one but dont want to leave one and inherit a whole new set of problems/difficulties/attitudes, etc? Know what I mean? There are way too many choices and ads on TV wanting my hard earned $$$ (lizards, girls in white suits, animations, etc) and good ol TX has some of the highest rates in the country so I'd really like to get the best for the least that I can...TIA...Dave

Mr_Shiftright

I used esurance (www.esurance.com) and I'm happy with their rates and service.

houdini1

Most insurers tend to target certain groups and set their rates accordingly. Most like married guys between 45 and 65 with a good driving record and a good credit rating with no young drivers in the household.

If you are not in that group you have to work a little harder. They depend on the fact that people don't like to change carriers and tend to stay with the "devil" they know so at least look around and get quotes and don't be bashful about changing.

euphonium

As a retired Independent Insurance Agent who represented several companies, I recommend you contact an Indepent Agent who will come up with the best deal considering many factors. When you contact him take your present policy (it contains coded information about you and your record) abstracts of driving records, and a copy of your credit report. He wants your business and will earn it.

wdhyte

i'm smack dab in the middle of that group

after some cursory pricing and even upping the coverage considerably I'm seeing quotes 500-700/yr less than what we're paying now. THATS got my attention.

wdhyte

hhmmmm...good idea...I like it. So if I deal thru an independent ins agent, if/when it comes time for a claim, do I deal thru him or the company or either? I've no idea how an independent works and what the point of debarkation is w/r to their involvement once the deal is done (sorta like a car salesman )

euphonium

if/when it comes time for a claim

The agent may have draft authority of up to $1,000 for paying mostly small Comprehensive claims such as Windshield replacements so present that bill to the agent. Liability claims are handled by a company staff adjuster as are major Collision claims.

Regarding your relationship with your agent - He is in your corner and a Shepherd in times of trouble. Each time your policy renews, he receives a Renewal Commission and that is usually enough to keep him interested in protecting and serving you the best he can.

marsha7

The additional advantage of dealing with an Independent Agent is that, as in my case, they represent, I believe, 4-5 different insurance companies...while that does not cover the ENTIRE market, I think they have a fairly decent representative sample of rates from multiple companies, and can shop for the best rates based on my most important demographic...ME!!!

I have had the same agent and insurance since 1992...I would hope, by now, he appreciates my continuing business...

houdini1

I'll second that motion for an independent agent. If you are with an Allstate, State Farm etc. and have a loss with complications it is just you against them because they all work for the insurance company.

On the other hand, if you are with and independent agency it is you and the agency against the insurance company because the agent works for YOU. Makes a huge difference. Travelers is supposed to be hot right now and they are accessed thru independent agents. Good luck.

stever

ads on TV wanting my hard earned $$$ (lizards, girls in white suits, animations, etc

I often wonder how cheap Warren Buffet's insurance could be if he wasn't constantly bombarding us with talking geckos. All the excessive advertising made me avoid Geico the last time I shopped last March (and I got quotes from ~7 companies and didn't even bother calling them). I don't even watch TV and the gecko is everywhere.

Steve, visiting, grumbling host

oldfarmer50

"...made me avoid Geico..."

The first time my younger son got insurance Progressive was the cheapest, this time Esurance came in lower. My older son got a better price from Geico.

In dealing with my younger son's transaction with Esurance we were doing it online and then got interrupted and had to start over. The second time we got the online quote it was $150 higher for the same policy. I called the service number, got a supervisor and he reduced the price by $200. Go figure. :sick:

wdhyte

OK, I'm convinced after reading the mail in here that an independent is a very good way to go. How do you even find/choose a reputable one? Yellow pages? Google? (i'd love to get a personal ref from friends but the few I've spoken to are using the 'big guys' direct so no help there) I'm so green in this regard I glow in the dark
TIA...Dave

marsha7

I would start with friends and fanily, and see if they know anyone...if not, try the Yellow Pages...I believe when you see the ads, they will be proud to list that they are independent (maybe there is a small logo for "Independent Insurance Agent") as they will also list in their ad some or all of the companies they represent...

I believe that for every company they list, there is probably some coop advertising money paid to the agent for their ad budget, but I could be wrong...further, they may only list the major companies they represent, and still have some minor companies they work with...whereas I believe State Farm agents represnet State Farm and nobody else, but I could be wrong on that, too...

But I am sure that there should be a way to find an agent that is independent...

euphonium

dial in www.iiaba.net and that will be of help.

marsha7

See???...I knew "somebody" would know how to find an independent agent...:):)

the_big_al

The places like Esurance make me nervous about using them if I ever needed to. Of course, all insurance places make me nervous should I ever have a need to use them. I am always afraid they are going to find a way to weasel out of paying anything. Kind of like the insurance place Mr. Incredible works for and he gets in trouble for showing his customers how to get their claims paid....

However, I have had to use the towing a few times on my insurance and it has been pretty problem free. The only time I had an issue was when the distance I needed towed was further than they would pay and I had to make up the $150 difference...

euphonium

The Towing Endorsement usually stipulates that the coverage applies to the nearest repair shop. It doesn't support your love affair with a mechanic 500 miles further. Even in Yerington, NV you don't need to be towed to Reno.

the_big_al

ya - i know. I was stuck more than 50 miles from the nearest facility that had a 4-wheel drive truck and that truck had to be flat-bedded from the tow facility as its miles per gallon was more like gallons per mile... Long story short -

Basically, I was inspecting a house out in the boonies just after it rained and snowed. The house I was after was a "must have" - no if ands or buts I was told. At the top of the hill and looking down the muddy stretch, across the muddy field and over the muddy wash I was thinking are they NUTS?? It was a must have, so down the hill I went, around the muddy corner, through the muddy field to the edge of the muddy wash. Parked, jumped the muddy wash, took my pictures, inspected the house and proceeded to dig my self out of the muddy hole I had parked in, back across the muddy field, down the muddy trail and around the 90 degree corner to go back up the muddy hill. Because of the 90- degree corner I couldn't get enough momentum to make it up the hill. Got stuck about 50 ft up and I still had a good 300 yds to go. Grabbed the shovel again and proceeded to dig my self up the entire stretch until 50 ft from dry land and sunk up the axles no more to go forward...

The nearest facility that had a 4x4 truck had to come from almost 50 miles away and because that truck got such bad gas mileage and had a top speed of like 50 MPH, they stuck it on one of their flatbeds to get it to me. It made for a very long day indeed. Luckily, I was reimbursed the full amount that I ended up having to pay as I explained to them it was a "must have" account and so I got their silly inspection for them...

ksage

I was in an accident this week-end. A lady pulled out infront of me, I swirved to try to miss her. My front hit her right quarter panel/bumper and it catapolted me across the street, down an embankment and hit a tree. I have a 1991 ford truck Custom. Its a very nice truck with only 68,000 miles on it. I want my truck fixed. it will need a new hood, front quarter panel, bumper, grill and drivers door, a new radiator and paint job. Will her insurance company fix it? they said she has insurance to pay for my damages up to $10,000 dollars????? I do NOT want another truck I want mine fixed...

tidester

If your damages exceed what her insurance company will pay that doesn't make her any less responsible for the damages she caused. You can either ask her to compensate you for the remainder or take her to court.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

houdini1

$10,000. is awfully low for a property damage limit. But in any case I'm betting that if they decide to total the truck, which I think they will, you will never see anything near $10,000. More like $2,000. I hope I am wrong.

If you are really attached to the truck you might want to talk to them about buying the salvage. It should be really cheap. Keep us posted.

marsha7

houdini is correct...you might want to try and buy the salvage after they total it...a 1991 Ford truck would probably be worth very little, despite the low mileage on the odo...insurance pays what the vehicle is worth, and, sadly, yours has no current value to speak of...it has value to YOU because I assume it is paid off, runs like a top, and has years of use left with only 68K miles, but tha actual value on the open market is near boat anchor material (sorry)...sentimental value is simply not a considered item...

Further, I would be surprised if a court would award you the amount to fix it, when the vehicle would be totalled, but for the $50 filing fee, it can't hurt to try...

That is the one thing about auto accidents where one is never fairly compensated...you pay off a vehicle, it depreciates like a rock, and what they pay you when it is totalled never comes close to replacing the vehicle that you took meticulous care of...

I don't know your state of residence, but $10K PD is quite low...GA was at $10K until about 5-7 years ago, when they raised the minimums to 25K/50K/25K...when you consider that most cars under two years old can cost over $20K even with depreciation, having a $10K limit meant that the at-fault driver could easily come up short with insuff insurance coverage...

marsha7

Just looked up 1991 Ford Custom, guessed at small V8, auto trans, 68K miles, good cond...$1,200.00 trade-in value, fair cond, $925.00 trade-in...retail obviously a little more, but probably not much...if it gets under 12-15 mpg, may be worth even less...good luck with the insurance...

Mr_Shiftright

They will definitely total it, and you won't get much for it, so you'd best be prepared to either: a) sue her personally or b) take whatever you get, buy the truck back, and fix it or c) just walk away and buy another truck as similar as possible.

If you don't like what the insurance company offers you, you can hire your own appraiser. If your appraiser comes in higher, and the insurance company STILL doesn't up their offer to the other's appraiser's value, you do NOT have to accept the arbitration in this case because this is a 3rd party claim (her insurance company). If it was your insurance company, no doubt you already agreed to binding arbitration when you signed the contract. But you made no such agreement with HER company.

If I were you I'd hire an appraiser, and try to get at least enough to fix the truck up, even under a salvage title. You won't get "a new paint job" because not all of your truck was wrecked. They'll only pay for the damage, not to paint the whole vehicle.

Welcome to insurance regulations written by the insurance industry.

PS: It'll cost you about $500 if you invoke the arbitration/appraiser clause, but you usually get at least that back in an arbitration, and hopefully a good deal more.

wdhyte

anybody got any idea what the current going/customary rate is for GAP insurance on a new vehicle (less than 1K mi)?

tidester

Give Gap Insurance a try.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

wdhyte

a hah...no wonder you knew about it
thanks a lot tidester

anitaa

i have a 99 pontiac grandam 4cyl. recently i was parked at a fairground during a family reunion someone or something broke my side mirror and casing off i contacted my insurance company and they said i could file a claim and i would not have to pay a deductible,, i called the 1 800# and the lady said i may have to pay a250.00 deductible depend on what the insurance adjuster say if it comprehensive or collision my question to you is can i back out of the claim if there is a deductible without being penalized? the adjuster will be here about september 23 2009 how do they determine if it is collission or comprehensive?
thanks

marsha7

While the definition to us may be fuzzy, I would guess that collision would apply if another car drove by and struck your car, knocking off the mirror, whereas if it was vandalism, that would probably come under comprehensive...I have the same deductible for each, so if it was my car, it would not matter how they processed it...

If it is simply installing a new mirror, consider paying cash if it is under $400.00...if the body is damaged along with the mirror, then cost may jump and a claim would be warranted...

imidazol97

I'd suggest searching on car-parts.com for a replacement mirror of the same type for your car. This searches recycling yards (formerly junkyards). You might even find one the same color. Replacement probably involves removing the inner door panel, removing two screws holding the mirror base to the door frame, disconnecting the electric wires (if the mirror was remote controlled), and screwing new mirror into place. If someone has removed the inner panels before and worked in the doors with the sharp metal edges, this is not a hateful job for them.

The recycling yards will ship a mirror with a a phone call to verify its color and type as far as features (mine was remote control with memory, heated, and had a turn signal in it). I think shipping was about $10. If you find a yard within a short drive distance, you can actually inspect the mirror for damage if it's the right color for you and won't need painting. Prices asked for mirrors vary wildly so look through the whole list. For my specialized mirror used only 3 years there were about 20 listings on two pages from Texas to New York. I bought one within my own state.

Doing a search on car-parts.com for a 1999 GrandAm mirror for right door with electric remote control and painted on color, I found 20 pages of mirrors with abou5 10 per page. It can sort the listings by cost of by distance from your zip code to find those within driving distance.

A friendly body shop might do the search and purchase for you if they're going to do the install work if you don't have someone who is capable of removing the panel and doing the replacement.

dtownfb

And if she is looking for something a bit more familiar, E-Bay is always an option. I bought a used side view mirror for my 2000 Intrigue. Mirror cost $40 and changing it took about 30 minutes.

the_big_al

A few years ago I snapped the mirror off my '95 S-10 when I backed up and it hit a non-movable post. I went to Shucks and ordered a mirror for like $60 or something like that. It was a power mirror. Install involved removing the interior door panel, removing a couple screws that held the mirror base plate in place and then reconnecting the power wires. Very simple. It took me about 20 minutes I think. Not that an S-10 is the same as a Grand Am, but I'll bet the process is very similar.

anitaa

my 1999 pontiac grandam has been starting slow for last 2 months and since its not giving a code they haven't diagnosed the problem.. when it starts i smell fumes would it have to do with the fuel injectors?

oldfarmer50

Wrong forum anitaa. Look to the right side of the screen where it says "Browse by Vehicle" and plug in the info for your make and model.

You should get some advice there.