Every auto owner must have auto insurance in order to drive their vehicle legally. You can get into serious trouble with the law if you do not have insurance in place and if someone hits you - or if you hit them - and auto insurance is not held by you or the other person, legal issues are not the only thing you will have to worry about. You will have to worry about how the vehicles will be fixed if they can be fixed and how doctors bills are going to be paid if someone is seriously injured.
If you get into an accident, the first thing you should do is make sure your auto insurance was in force at the time of the accident. Most insurance agencies have a 24 hour hotline for just the reason. If another person was involved, you will need to make sure their insurance is in force as well. The next step is to immediately contact the authorities so that they can help control the situation and charge whoever was at fault for the accident. This helps auto insurance agencies determine who is liable for any repairs or doctors bill. Having auto insurance is extremely important.
When you purchase a vehicle from an auto trader, a private person, or at an auction, you will need to contact your insurance agent immediately to let them know that you have purchased a new vehicle. Sometimes the auto trader will carry insurance on the vehicle they sold you for 24 to 48 hours in order to protect you until you can get your insurance in place. When you purchase a vehicle from an auto trader, always ask them about temporary insurance they may have in place. Additionally, always inquire about coverage for a new car with your agent before you purchase it. You may find that your coverage will be in force temporarily through your agent until you can sign or pay on a new insurance agreement.
If you get into an auto accident and your vehicle is considered a total loss, the vehicle may be used for auto parts if there are areas of the vehicle that are not damaged. Many auto salvage yards receive vehicles from accidents where auto parts can be salvaged and then resold for a reduced price to people who need them to fix up their own cars. Reliable auto salvage yards are a great source of auto parts that can save you some money if you are able to work on your own vehicle or know someone who can do the work for you.
Being able to prove that an accident is not your fault is key to making sure that you do not see increased auto insurance rates or are left out in the cold when they refuse to pay your claim. This is one of the reasons why a police report and unbiased witness accounts are important in an auto accident. If no report is filed with the police, then the cost of the accident will be split between you and the other party. This is not fair to you if you are not at fault, so always protect yourself and your investment. Never accept blame for an accident. Make the report in an unbiased way and let your insurance company determine the blame based on your information and the reports they receive. After all, this is what you pay them to do.
Bernice Eker is an expert on auto insurance and wants to help people by sharing her expertise.
