Editorial
Front Page - Friday, December 11, 2009
Insurance Insights
Winter weather and auto insurance
Jay Bradford
These last few days of cold temperatures remind us how soon winter weather will be upon us. Snow and ice can prove dangerous, often causing damage to the vehicles we drive. I would like to offer some general guidelines to follow if you are involved in an automobile accident.
First, call the police. Collect information such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and license numbers of all persons involved in the accident as well as all witnesses. Record the time, date, location, road conditions, make and year of the vehicles involved, insurance information, apparent damage and injuries, and your version of what happened.
Call your insurance agent or insurance company with your policy number and other relevant information as soon as possible. Be sure you cooperate fully with the insurance company and ask your agent what documents, forms, and data you will need.
Take notes each time you talk to your insurance company, agent, lawyer, police, or others involved in the situation. Write down the dates, times, names, and subjects you talked about, as well as any decisions or promises made.
Ask your insurance company if you have coverage for a rental vehicle if your car is not drivable and save any receipts and bills, including those from a car rental or towing and storage of your damaged car.
If you have a dispute with your insurer about the amount or terms of the claim settlement, remember you can contact the Arkansas Insurance Department for assistance.
The Arkansas Insurance Department is located at 1200 West Third Street in downtown Little Rock. 1-800-852-5494. www.insurance.arkansas.gov
Jay Bradford was appointed Insurance Commissioner by Governor Mike Beebe on January 15, 2009.
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