After you’ve been in an accident it’s easy to get frustrated with the insurance process and your coverage.
By the time you come to see us, you’ve already been in an accident and are likely to be already in the thick of the claims process. You ask:
- "Why don’t I have rental car coverage?"
- 'Why is my Insurance company specifying aftermarket parts?"
- "Why do I have to pay such a high deductible?"
- "What’s the difference between Genuine and Aftermarket parts?"
So to help, we’ve come up with some topics to discuss with your agent before you have a loss.
Discussion points for you and your insurance agent
Here’s some advice to think about before you have the need to make a claim.
Check your policy liability limits
In Utah the minimum requirement for property damage liability insurance is $15,000. That means if you are at fault in an accident your insurance company will only pay up to $15,000 to fix the other vehicle(s), and any other damage you may have caused. You could be personally responsible for anything over that amount. If you do not want to be at risk, talk to your agent about higher limits. It will not add much to your premiums, and helps you sleep better.
Verify that you have rental car coverage on your policy
Most drivers think ‘full coverage’ includes rental car coverage, but that's not always the case. The time to find out is before you need it, and it sure makes things easier if you are in an accident. Rental car coverage costs typically don’t add much to your premiums, and saves you from the expense of renting a car. Unless you want to be bumming rides, shelling out $ for Ubers or Lyfts, or waiting at bus stops to get to work, school, or the slopes.
What are Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) versus aftermarket parts?
Most insurance companies will recommend the least expensive parts for repairs. That means repairing your vehicle using aftermarket parts made by a different manufacturer or used parts form a wrecking yard. If it is important to you to have new, genuine parts made by the original manufacturer on your beloved car or truck, then talk to your agent about getting a policy that specifies whether OEM or aftermarket parts will be used for your repair.
Consider your deductible
The deductible is the amount you agree to pay on each loss before your insurance company pays. Generally, the larger your deductible, the smaller your premium. Talk to your agent before a loss to decide how much you want to pay. Do you want to pay the first $1000.00 or $250.00?
Note: A trustworthy and reliable insurance agent is worth their weight in gold. It can be invaluable to have someone in your corner to discuss a potential claim with before deciding whether it makes sense to actually file a claim.