Posted by John Coyle on Mon, Nov 24, 2008
Whether in a severe collision or just a simple fender bender, thousands of people are involved in car accidents on a daily basis. Despite the severity of the accident, the steps you need to take directly following the incident rarely change. There are numerous questions that will need to be answered regarding who is at fault and if the parties involved have auto insurance. Good coverage is essential to coming out on top in the event of an accident. Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. of North Dallas, Plano and Frisco is an independent insurance agency that can shop around to find you the best auto insurance rates available.
First-rate auto insurance coverage aside, a car accident may still be a costly and frustrating trial. To ensure that the other party does not take you for a ride, remain calm and take the following steps:
Survey Damage: First things first, make sure that no one is in need of immediate medical attention before moving on to inspect each vehicle. Be sure to document any damage with a camera to use as evidence if the need arises. Also, never admit fault. As tempting as it is to say, “I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault,” don’t. Professionals will determine who is at fault after reviewing all the facts.
Exchange Information: Even if there is little or no damage to your vehicle, make sure to request insurance information from the other person or persons involved the accident such as: name, address, phone number, insurance company name, policy number, license plate and drivers license number.
File a Police Report: Even in a minor accident it is wise to involve a third party. Police officers may not directly respond to an accident unless there are emergencies, but you can file a state vehicle accident report at any local police station. A valid police report can also help insurance companies like Tri-Star Insurance make the claims process easier.
Safety First: Never leave home in your vehicle without a first aid kit fit snugly in your trunk or glove compartment. There are many auto first aid kits that contain adhesive bandages, sanitary wipes and sterile gauze. In addition to a med kit, carrying an emergency kit consisting of a disposable camera, pen and paper, and contact information is a good idea.
Know Your Policy: Perhaps after an accident you find out too late that your policy doesn’t cover the cost of towing or a rental car and you end up paying out of pocket expenses. Knowing exactly what your auto insurance policy covers before an accident will make the whole ordeal easier. You can usually add rental car reimbursement coverage for only a couple of dollars a month.
When you need insurance for your car or truck in the North Dallas, Plano and Frisco area remember that Tri-Star Insurance is ready to assist you. Call 214-387-0600 or toll-free at 1-800-880-4600 today to speak with an insurance professional to find out more about auto insurance policies and what you need to be safe out on the open road.
Related Links
Texas Department of Public Safety
U.S. Department of Transportation
MADD
Posted by Roger Harkins on Wed, Sep 24, 2008
Car insurance is a necessary yet expensive evil that all automobile owners just can’t go without. Even though sometimes it may be tempting to just cancel your policy and take a ride on the wild side, it is extremely unwise to forgo coverage altogether. However, depending on your vehicle and the state you live in, you may not need to purchase the most comprehensive plan on the market. Tri-Star Insurance Professionals Inc. in North Dallas, Plano and Frisco can help you choose a policy that will fit your needs without draining your wallet.
For most people just getting the bare minimum in insurance requirements is top priority such as liability insurance, which is required by most states. In the event of an accident, if you are judged to be the legally liable party, then you are at risk of being sued for the full cost of damages, which may include property, medical and lost income. Liability insurance protects you up to a certain amount from any negative financial impacts that a lawsuit may impose upon you. Unfortunately, if the total cost of damage exceeds the amount of your liability insurance, you might have to face paying out of pocket expenses. State liability coverage requirements differ greatly and are always specified as the minimum amount. It is up to you whether or not you want to raise the amount for extra protection.
Another form of coverage you may want to consider is collision coverage, which pays for the repair or replacement of your car regardless of who is at fault in an accident. The amount of coverage available depends on the market value of your car and how much it would cost to repair it. This kind of coverage is usually unnecessary for older cars because the coverage is limited to the cash value of your car, which may not be much. In some cases a deductible may even exceed the worth of an older vehicle. However, if you feel you need this kind of coverage and want to keep your premiums low, select a larger deductible that you are sure you can afford to pay out of pocket.
If your car is ever the unfortunate victim of a theft or subjected to the wiles of Mother Nature such as a flood, fire or animal attack, then a comprehensive plan will pay to fix your vehicle less the deductible you have chosen. This kind of coverage is perfect for people with newer cars because they are worth more. Also, if your car is leased the finance company will most likely require you to carry comprehensive coverage.
Whether or not you drive a luxury sedan or an old beater you should always consider purchasing Personal Injury Protection (PIP) even if you live in a state that does not require you to have it. PIP not only covers your own medical expenses in the event on an accident, but also any insured passengers. This kind of coverage is especially important for people that don’t have sufficient health insurance.
Always remember to study up on available insurance policies so that you don’t end up paying for unnecessary coverage. The experts at Tri-Star Insurance are willing to help you pick the perfect policy. Just call 214-387-0600 today!
Related Links
Insurance Information Institute
Consumers Union
Texas Department of Insurance