What do I do if I get in an Accident

At First, always keep an inexpensive disposable camera in your glove compartment to take pictures of the vehicles, the scene, and the people involved. This helps prove who was actually there. Don’t be shy about using it! Make sure your current proof of Insurance is in your glove compartment at all times. (It’s also the Law). Make sure you get all the relevant details from the other person, or persons, involved.

At the very least you need:

* Their name, address and phone number
* The name of their Insurance Company
* The make, model and year of car
* List of damage to cars involved including your car

You should then file an insurance claim, even if another driver caused the damage. Also, you should immediately report the loss to the police if your vehicle is damaged by a hit-and-run driver, or if you suspect vandalism or theft. Without a police report, your insurance company could deny your claim.

What an insurance broker really is?

n Insurance broker is like a retail store. You can come and shop for insurance that fits your needs. We at Insure Me San Diego .com can sell insurance policies of the most reliable but also low-cost auto insurance companies in San Diego whether you have one or more cars, a good or bad record, need just a liability and comprehensive coverage we can help you make the right choice delivering the best insurance solution for you.

Consider Buying Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage pays for bodily injuries caused by an uninsured motorist or a hit and run driver who is legally responsible for the accident. In most states, it also applies to injuries caused by a motorist whose insurance company is insolvent.

What do you do if an uninsured motorist hits you?

Insurance agents and brokers strongly advise that you get the license plate number of the vehicle, name and drivers license number of the driver and the names of any witnesses. Notify your agent about this information immediately so that they can start processing your claim.
If you don't have uninsured motorist coverage, you may be able to use the collision coverage of your policy to pay for damages. If it seems unlikely that the uninsured motorist will pay for any damages, your last resort would be a lawsuit that can be expensive.

The Most Important:

Whether you buy uninsured motorist coverage or not, the most important is to drive safely, concentrate on a road and traffic and be aware of weather conditions as well as to stay alcohol and drugs free.

Before You Buy a Car, Compare Insurance Costs

Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of theft. Many companies offering car insurance in San Diego offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. These include daytime running lights and anti-theft devices. To help you decide what car to buy, you can get information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org).

Have your broker check other insurance company discounts

Some companies offering auto insurance in San Diego companies try to reward good risks. That’s the kind of driver they want. A lot of companies offer discounts to drivers who also have other kinds of insurance with them such as their homes. This is called a multi-policy discount. Other discounts available might be - multiple vehicles, anti-theft devices, retirees, drivers education, abstainers from alcohol, age, and distance to university/colleges for students. To name a few. Check with your broker to all that are available---- it will save you money!

Ask for Higher Deductibles

Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles from your San Diego auto insurance company, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more. Before choosing a higher deductible, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.

Reduce Coverage on Older Cars

Older cars in San Diego may have too much auto Insurance coverage. Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of cars. Or you can look it up online at Kelley’s Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com). Review your coverage at renewal time to make sure your insurance needs haven’t changed.

Buy your Homeowners and Auto Coverage from the Same Insurer

Many insurance companies offering insurance in San Diego will give you a break if you buy two or more types of insurance. Auto Insurance, Homeowner Insurance, and Life Insurance may apply. You may also get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce the rates for long-time customers. But it still makes sense to shop around! You may save money buying from different insurance companies, compared with a multi-policy discount.

Maintain a Good Credit Record

Establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance costs. Insurance companies in San Diego are increasingly using credit information to price auto insurance policies. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don't obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly so that your record remains accurate.

Take Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts

Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles a year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who car pool to work. Saving valuable money spend on insurance and gas for your car in San Diego

Seek Out Other Discounts

Companies offer discounts to policyholders who have not had any accidents or moving violations for a number of years. You may also get a discount if you take a defensive driving course. If there is a young driver on the policy who is a good student, has taken a drivers education course or is at a college out of the area without a car, you may also qualify for a lower rate.

You can send Brian an email at brianrr@insuremesandiego.com