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What Kind Of Coverage Does Liability Car Insurance Give Me?


Liability automotive insurance is one of the most standard automobile insurance policy coverage. If you are going to get car insurance, you want to protect yourself against any liability that may result from having a car accident. Most car accident costs are beyond many people’s finances. Car accident costs can set you back when you don’t have insurance.
Liability auto insurance covers harm to property and persons after an accident occurs. So consider getting this type of insurance right away, if you don’t have it. It is easy to qualify for this insurance. If you're driving record is good your cost will be less. If your record has tickets or accidents your cost will be high.
In case you cause an automotive accident, your liability car insurance will cover the damages that occur on the other party’s property and bodily injuries. If the injured party files a lawsuit against you, your liability insurance policy will help pay for the lawyers fees. You will be giving yourself protection from great financial losses.



There are two types of liability insurance—property damage and bodily damage. As mentioned earlier, liability insurance covers the expenses for reparation of car damages from the car accident, of which you are guilty of.
Now, if the auto repair cost is more than your auto is worth, then your liability insurance covers the replacement costs of your car. The replacement cost is usually based on blue book value. Besides paying automotive damages, your liability car insurance policy will also pay for any property damages.

For example, if a passenger was transporting a computer or monitor inside your car during an accident, and it was damaged, your insurance would cover to get them repaired or replaced.
However, in buying this insurance, you need to check with the insurance company if personal items are indeed covered. The coverage of liability insurance is widely varied. The property does not need to be in a car in order to be covered during an auto insurance claim.
If you have damaged the window or door of a store during an accident, of which you are at fault, then the expenses for its reparation are covered by your insurance. The liability car insurance for bodily damage covers the medical expenses for physical injury resulting to a car accident, of which you are at fault.

This insurance also covers the legal expenses in case you find yourself in a lawsuit related to your accident. If you or the victim are unable to work because of the accident, your insurance will cover for wages lost. Even damages for pain and suffering will be covered, once the court decides in favor of the opposite party.

Liability car insurance is not just good insurance coverage. In most States in North America, it is a requirement. It is an essential and integral part of car ownership. It is protection against financial risks and losses. These are among the primary reasons why you should have it.

Even when the accident is caused by another party, your insurance steps in to pay the cost not covered by the other party’s insurance. Liability car insurance you need to think about buying. It should be accepted as required to protect your earnings and your family’s future.


Source:     Free Articles from ezine4i.com

014_2 Financial tips from FindAutoPart.info



10 Steps to Buying a New Car

Step 1: Starting out.

These steps will help you to locate the specific car you want, and at a price that is fair to both you and the dealer. By now, you should have done plenty of research to determine the best car to suit your needs. And, you should have a good idea of what to pay for the car you want. Now you need to narrow the research even more. You will soon be finding the exact car you want to buy — with the options you have chosen — and then you will be determining a target price to pay. If you have done your homework, this will be a fairly easy process with no unexpected surprises.

Buying a car is a big investment, but it can be exciting and rewarding, especially if you feel like you got the right car at a fair price.

Step 2: Using incentives and rebates.

An incentive is anything that gives you an added reason to buy a particular car. Often, however, it comes in the form of a cash rebate or low-interest financing. A car might be selling for 22,000 USD but the manufacturer is offering 3,000 USD in customer cash for a final price of 19,000 USD. In another example, a 22,000 USD car financed for five years at six percent would have a monthly payment of about 550 USD. But with zero-percent financing, the payment is roughly 480 USD. That's a huge savings to you.

Step 3: Pricing the car.

Car salesmen will usually point to a car's "sticker price" as the amount you have to pay. However, the price the dealership is willing to sell a car for is often well below the sticker price. How do you know what to pay? You can do research on the average price buyers are paying (also known as the "transaction price") for a certain type of car in your area. You may also want to factor in things in your research such as colors and options as well as any incentives and rebates

Step 4: Finding the exact car you want to buy.

You should now have a very specific idea of the car you want to buy. This means you know the make, model, trim level, options and color. The more flexible you can be about these specifics, the wider the range of the cars you'll find available for sale. Ultimately, the ability to consider several versions of the same model can give you additional bargaining power. For example, a shopper might be very firm about the make, model and trim level, but could accept a variety of options and colors. If you're a shopper who definitely wants hard-to-find options and a specific color, it will be more difficult to make a great deal. Why? You have no leverage as a negotiator. You have to pay the dealer's price or try to locate another identical vehicle. Obviously, if you do find the exact car you're looking for, there's no need to volunteer this information to the dealership.

Step 5: Test driving the car salesman.

As you call dealerships to locate the exact car you want to buy, you can also test drive the car salesman. In other words, you can determine if this is a person you want to do business with. It's a good idea to consider this issue ahead of time, before you get to the deal-making phase of the process.

The first way to evaluate a good salesperson is to ask yourself if you feel comfortable dealing with them. Are they impatient and pushy? Or are they relaxed and open? If you asked them about a specific car's availability, did they respond to your needs? Or did they try to steer you toward another car simply because they have too many of that model in stock? Do they return your phone calls? Do they answer your questions in a straightforward manner? Or are they evasive and confusing?

Step 6: If you are trading in your old car...

If you are trading in your old car to a dealer, you will probably not get as much money toward the price of a new car as you would have if you'd sold it yourself to a private party. However, trading in does have some advantages. You can solve all of your car-buying problems in one visit to the dealer. You can unload a hard-to-sell car with no newspaper ads, DMV lines or tire-kicking buyers involved. In some states, you will even pay less sales tax on a deal that involves a trade-in.

If it's important to you to get the maximum value for your trade-in, you should begin by looking up its market value. Then, visit several dealerships and solicit bids. Tell the salesperson that the sale of a new car will be contingent on the amount he or she will give you for your trade-in. Also, tell them you are visiting several dealerships. With a little legwork, you may be able to boost the price you get for your old car by several hundred dollars or more. Remember, the extra effort you spend in getting competitive bids is far less than what it would take to advertise, show and sell the car yourself.

Step 7: Negotiating for your lowest price.

If you want to try for a rock-bottom price, start by getting bids from three local dealers. Follow this up by taking the lowest price, calling the two other dealerships and saying, "I've been offered this car at this price. If you beat it I'll buy it from you." They almost certainly will. However, keep in mind that you can't play this game forever. Eventually, they will give you a take-it-or-leave-it price.

Also, be warned that if you ask the dealer to cut his profit, he might try to take it back somewhere else. Remember, a good deal isn't just the lowest selling price. It's the lowest total out-the-door cost on a car that meets your needs. This means that to ensure you get a fair deal you have to be vigilant throughout the entire purchase process, even after you and the salesman agree on a price.

Step 8: Closing the deal.

If you feel good about the price you have been quoted, it's time to take a look at the big picture. Many buyers focus on the cost of the car and ignore the related expenses. Besides the cost, you will have to pay sales tax and various fees which vary from state to state.

The simplest way to estimate total cost is to ask the salesperson to fax you a worksheet and invoice before you go to the dealership. This way, you'll be able to review the figures in a relaxed environment.

Step 9: Reviewing and signing the paperwork.

At the dealership, you will be presented with the contract for your new car and a dizzying array of forms to sign. This might be done by the Internet salesperson you have been dealing with, or it could be done in a separate office by the finance and insurance (F&I) manager. If this happens, the F&I manager might try to sell you additional items such as extended service contracts, fabric protection, alarms or a LoJack vehicle locator. In most cases, we recommend turning down these extras — with the possible exception of the extended warranty, which provides peace of mind to some buyers.

If you have already seen a worksheet for the deal you've made, the contract should be a formality. Make sure the numbers match the worksheet and no additional charges or fees have been inserted. You will also be asked to sign various forms that register your new car and transfer ownership of your trade-in. Understand what you are signing and what it means. Ask questions if you don't understand, and don't ever feel like you have to hurry. Buying a car is a serious commitment and it's the F&I manager's job to ensure you are comfortable with every document involved. Remember, once you have signed there is no going back.

Step 10: Inspecting and taking possession of your new car.

Most dealerships detail the car and provide a full tank of gas. You will have one more chance to inspect the car before you take possession of it. Make sure you walk around the car and look for scratches in the paint and wheels or dents and dings on the body. If you are paying for floor mats make sure they are included. If anything is missing, or if any work needs to be done, ask for a "Due Bill" that puts it in writing. You will then be able to come back and get the work done later.

As you drive away inhaling that new-car smell, there is only one more thing to be done: enjoy your new car.





Quote Wizard Financial tips from FindAutoPart.info
Topic:
"Cheap Car Insurance
Rates are Back"

Good News: Car Insurance Rates Have Dropped 3 Straight Months!

Right now is the perfect time to shop around for a new car insurance policy. People who use Quote Wizard save an average of $400, and rates are the cheapest they've been in over a year! If you haven't checked your insurance rates in the last six months, it's time to request quotes on a new policy.

Simple, Online Form

It's easy to forget about auto insurance costs if you've got automatic payments set up or you renew your policy every six months without comparing rates from other companies. Now that so many people are trying to lower their monthly bills to make it through the recession, it's time to take a few minutes to make sure that you're not paying too much.

What seemed like a cheap insurance policy six months ago might not be all it's cracked up to be. With rates at their current low levels, it's likely that you can save hundreds of dollars just by using Quote Wizard to find a better deal. We make it easy to get several free quotes and find the best rate in just a few minutes.

After you fill out our brief online form with a little information about your car and your driving history, we connect you with up to four local insurance agents. The agents then compete for your business, guaranteeing you the best rate possible on a policy you can trust.

And don't forget that with Quote Wizard, you can shop for a multi-line car and home insurance policy. When you purchase the two together from the same company, you receive a discounted rate on both. Plus, there's the added convenience of having one agent and one company for all of your insurance needs.

Click here to shop for a new rate with Quote Wizard

A testimonial from a Quote Wizard user:

Julie

Julie

"I'd always felt like I didn't understand my car insurance policy. I was worried that if I paid a lot less, I wouldn't be getting the right coverage.

Once I used Quote Wizard, I found an agent here in Phoenix who explained what my policy covered, and what it didn't. I got a new policy I understood, and it cost a lot less than my old one."

Thanks Quote Wizard!"

10 Ways to Save Money Every Month

1.Stick to a Budget
2.Eliminate Credit Card Debt
3.Cut Insurance Costs
4.Get a Roommate
5.Find Cheap Entertainment
6.Eat out Less
7.Drive Less
8.Ditch the Landline
9.Stick with Frugal Friends
10.Avoid Late Fees


                                                                                




Financial tips from FindAutoPart.info











Financial tips from FindAutoPart.info

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Some tips, in case if Had an Automobile Accident. So What ’s Next?  

Driving on America ’s highways can be a risky proposition.  Whenever you’re in a vehicle, there’s a chance you’ll be involved in a traffic accident.  Whether it’s a small fender bender or a major injury accident, knowing in advance what to do can help you avoid costly mistakes.  This guide discusses what to do after an accident and what to expect when you file an automobile insurance claim with your insurance company.  For your convenience, an accident checklist is contained herein which can be kept in your vehicle for future reference.

When purchasing insurance, carefully review the application before signing it to be certain that the coverages, policy limits, and deductibles suit your needs.  After you receive the policy, review the declaration page.  It contains important information on who is covered, the vehicles insured, as well as the coverage limits and deductibles. Make sure the information is correct and the coverage is what you purchased.   If changes are needed, send your request to your agent and/or insurance company in writing and keep a copy.  Use certified mail/return receipt requested to verify receipt of your letter.

Become familiar with your automobile insurance policy before it’s needed. Read the policy thoroughly so you know what is covered and what is excluded.

Some of the most frequently asked questions about automobile insurance claims are discussed below:
What to Do If There Is an Accident

Q.  What Should I Do at the Scene of an Accident?

A.  Immediately stop at the scene.

    * Call 911 if there are injuries.
    * Call the police. In some areas police authorities may not come to every accident scene.   They may consider factors such as the severity and location of the accident (e.g., some police authorities will not come to the scene if the accident is on private property).  However, you should attempt to notify the police.  You should also be aware that most policies require notification of police within a specified time period if the accident is a hit and run.  Obtain names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver’s license numbers from all drivers.
    * Obtain license plate(s) and vehicle identification numbers.  Ask to see driver’s license(s) and vehicle registration(s) to verify that the information is accurate.
    * Obtain names, addresses, and telephone numbers of other passengers and any witnesses.  
    * If you have a camera, take photographs of the damage, the position of the cars, and the accident scene (e.g., traffic controls, visual obstacles).
    * If the owner of a damaged car or damaged property cannot be located, leave a note with the names and addresses of the driver and owners of the involved cars.
    * Notify your agent and/or your insurance company immediately.
    * If anyone is injured or the vehicle damage exceeds $750.00, you must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days.  Failure to notify the DMV may result in the suspension of your driver’s license.

Things to Avoid at the Scene of an Accident

    * Do not argue with other drivers and passengers. Save your story for the police and your insurance company.
    * Do not sign statements regarding fault or promises to pay for damage.
    * If another party offers to pay your deductible, don’t sign anything releasing him or her from further responsibility.  By releasing the other party, you jeopardize your insurance company’s subrogation right, and the company may refuse to pay for damage to your car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  What Happens After I File the Claim with My Insurance Company?

A.  Your insurance company will contact you for additional information, such as a detailed account of the facts, or a written or recorded statement.  An examination under oath may be requested.  As part of the investigation, other drivers and witnesses may be contacted. If you have medical payments or an uninsured motorist claim, you must provide documentation of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, et cetera.

Q.  What Should I Do If the Insurance Company Does Not Contact Me?

A.  A claim representative should contact you within a reasonable period, usually 24-72 hours after you report the loss.  If you do not hear from anyone, call your agent or insurance company for assistance.  If they are not responsive, or you believe there is an unreasonable delay in settling your claim, contact the Department of Insurance.

Q.  How Does the Insurance Company Evaluate Vehicle Damage?

A.  An adjuster or appraiser usually inspects the vehicle.  Do not authorize repairs until the adjuster has inspected the vehicle and you are satisfied with the scope of repairs and the repair facility.  If the damage is relatively minor, the company may ask you to submit competitive repair estimates.

Q.  What Will the Company Pay on a Physical Damage Claim Under a Standard Auto Policy?

A.  Generally, the company will pay the lesser of
            The amount necessary to repair the vehicle or
            The actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle.
Read your policy to be certain of what is and isn’t covered.  Pay particular attention to exclusions. For example, there is usually no coverage for stereo equipment, a telephone, or a citizens band radio unless the equipment was permanently installed by the automobile manufacturer in the normal opening in the dash or console.  Coverage is usually available for such special equipment for an extra premium charge.

Q.  What Is Actual Cash Value (ACV)?

A.  Actual cash value means the fair market value of your car before the accident.  This is the price that a willing buyer would pay a willing seller, neither under pressure to buy or sell.

Your company may survey dealers, value guide books, and private parties for a similar vehicle to approximate the ACV.  A computerized market analysis system might also be used.

If you do not agree with your company’s figure for ACV, you may want to do your own survey of dealers and private party sellers in your area.  Companies are required to offer a fair settlement.  If you can show that your figure more closely approximates the ACV, your company should be willing to negotiate.  Your policy may also contain an appraisal provision.

Q.  What Is an Appraisal Provision?

A.  Most standard policies contain an appraisal provision which can be helpful in the event that you do not agree with your company on the amount of loss.  Read your policy to see if it contains one. Under this provision either of you can demand an appraisal.  Each party selects a competent appraiser.  The appraisers then select an umpire.  If the appraisers cannot agree on the amount of loss, their differences are submitted to the umpire.   An amount that any two agree upon is binding.  Each party pays its appraiser; the umpire fee is shared.

Q.  How Is the Check or Draft Prepared?

A.  The check may be made payable to the insured and any lienholder, such as a bank or finance company.  If the vehicle is repaired, the company may also include the repair facility as a payee.

Q.  Who Is Responsible for the Balance of a Car Loan?

A.  The borrower is responsible for the balance of the loan, even if the vehicle is stolen or damaged beyond repair.   If your claim payment is less than the loan balance, the lender will expect you to pay the difference.  Coverage commonly referred to as "gap" insurance can usually be purchased to protect against this situation.

Q.  Will the Company Pay for a Rental Car While Mine Is Being Repaired?

A.  Yes, if you have purchased rental vehicle coverage.  Review your policy before you rent a vehicle. Although policy limits vary, the company pays up to a specified amount per day for a specified number of days.  The coverage ends when your vehicle is repaired, the loss is paid, or after the specified period, whichever comes first.

If your vehicle is stolen, the policy may automatically provide transportation expenses. Again, review your policy to be sure.  This type of coverage usually begins 48 hours after the theft and ends when your vehicle is recovered, the loss is paid or after a specified period, whichever comes first.

Q.  What Is a Collision Damage Waiver and Will the Company Pay These Charges for the Rental Vehicle?

A.  The terms of the rental agreement make the customer responsible for collision damage while he or she has possession of the vehicle.  Additionally, rental companies insure themselves for damage  to the vehicle caused by collision.  For an additional fee, the rental company will waive all or a portion of the customer’s obligation to pay repair costs for damage to the vehicle caused by collision.  Both the amount of the fee and the language of the waiver vary.

Coverage for collision damage to the rental car under your  personal automobile policy depends upon the policy language.  Read your policy carefully.  Ask your agent or company before you rent a vehicle.

Q.  What Is the Salvage Value?

A.  This is the remaining value of your damaged vehicle if your vehicle is determined to be a total loss.  It is usually determined through bids from salvage buyers.  The company may sell the salvage to the highest bidder.  However, it is not obligated to do so. If you decide to keep the damaged vehicle, the highest salvage bid may be deducted from your settlement.   In effect, you are "buying back" your vehicle for the salvage value.   If you retain possession of the salvaged vehicle, it is your responsibility to file a salvage certificate with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Q.  What Is Subrogation?

A.  Subrogation is the right of the insurance company to recover from a third party the amount of damages it paid to you.   For example, if another party is at fault in an accident that damages your car, and you have a collision claim, your company will ask the other party to reimburse the money it paid on your claim.  The policy requires your cooperation with the company’s subrogation efforts.  Also, you cannot do anything that jeopardizes the company’s right of recovery.  For example, you cannot sign an agreement releasing the other party in exchange for payment of your deductible.

Q.  Is the Company Required to Help Me Recover My Deductible?

A.  Yes and no. The insurance company must advise you as to whether or not they intend to pursue subrogation.  If the company pursues subrogation, they are required to include your deductible as a part of the process.  However, if the company does not pursue subrogation they are required to advise you of that fact so that you may pursue your deductible on your own.  If their efforts are successful, in whole or in part, the company will reimburse you in accordance with the recovery.  For example, if 100 percent of the paid claim is recovered, you will receive 100 percent of your deductible; if the recovery is 65 percent, you will receive 65 percent of your deductible.  Any expenses or fees (e.g., legal fees, incurred by the company in its recovery efforts) will be apportioned between the company and you, if recovery is made.  However, if you choose not to have the company include your deductible in its efforts, you can seek recovery directly from the other party on your own.  But before you do, discuss the matter with your company to avoid jeopardizing its recovery.

Q.  Is the Car Covered Outside of America?

A.  Most policies provide coverage in other states, U.S. territories and possessions, and Canada. Most states and territories have enacted financial responsibility laws requiring drivers to carry a specified amount of automobile insurance to cover losses resulting from ownership or operation of a motor vehicle.  If the financial responsibility requirements where you are traveling are higher than your policy limits, your company will meet the higher requirements.  Most policies do not provide coverage in Mexico, so if you plan to drive your car there, it’s wise to buy that coverage separately.  Check your out-of-state coverage before you travel.

Q.  What Should Be Done If a Lawsuit (Summons and Complaint)Arises Out of an Accident?

A.  Notify your agent and insurance company immediately.  Keep a copy for yourself and mail or deliver the original documents to your company.  Do not give statements or discuss the accident with anyone except a verified representative of your company.  If the lawsuit arises out of a covered loss, your company will provide legal defense.

Q.  Is a Newly Acquired Vehicle Covered?

A.  Most policies provide 30 days automatic coverage for a vehicle that replaces a vehicle already on your policy.   The coverage normally is the same coverage you had on your previous vehicle.   Notify your broker-agent as soon as possible of any replacement vehicle. If you wish additional coverage, there is usually a requirement that you notify your agent or your company within a designated time period.

Most policies also provide automatic coverage for a newly acquired vehicle that is an addition to the vehicles you already have on your policy.  There are usually specific conditions that must be met. For example, the purchased vehicle must be reported to your agent or company within a designated time period (e.g., 30 days) or there may be a requirement that in order for coverage to automatically apply, all of your other owned vehicles must be insured with the company.

Important Tips

       -Read your policy. Don’t wait until after an accident.
       -If you don’t understand your policy, ask your agent and/or company for clarification.
       -If you have an accident, call the police. If there are injuries, call the paramedics.
       -Get as much information as possible at the accident scene to furnish to your agent and/or insurance company.
       -Immediately notify your agent and/or insurance company of an accident.
       -Cooperate with the insurance adjusters/investigators to aid in their efforts.
       -If you don’t understand something about the claims procedure (e.g., amount of settlement offer), ask your agent and/or insurance company representative to explain.
       -Notify your agent or company in writing of any change in your vehicle ownership.

Your Rights Under the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations  

In general, insurance companies are required to do the following:

    * Advise you of all benefits, coverage, time limits, or other provisions of your insurance policy.
    * Acknowledge claim, start investigation, provide forms and instructions, and provide reasonable assistance immediately, but in no event later than 15 days after receiving notice of claim. (Notice of claim is any written or oral communication to the insurance company which reasonably apprises the insurer that you wish to make a claim.)
    * Respond to communications received from you immediately, but in no event later than 15 days.
    * Accept or deny the claim immediately, but in no event later than 40 days after receiving proof of claim. (Proof of claim is documentation in your possession which provides any evidence of the claim and supports the magnitude or the amount of the loss such as estimates of repair or police report indicating theft of your vehicle, et cetera.)
    * Unless the insurer has provided you with the name of a specific towing company prior to your using a towing facility, the insurer must pay reasonable towing expenses.
    * Offer a fair settlement.  If you suffered a total loss, settlement must include taxes, license and transfer fees.  The settlement must reflect the value of a comparable deductions from the settlement for salvage must be fair, measurable, and discernable.
    * Once the claim has been accepted, the insurer must pay the claim immediately, but in no event later than 30 days from the date settlement was reached.
    * Advise you whether or not they will pursue subrogation.  If the insurance company pursues subrogation, they must include your deductible unless you have already recovered your deductible.

The above represents a paraphrased brief overview of some of the Fair Claims Settlement.
Automobile Insurance Fraud

Red Flags
Automobile insurance fraud in the U.S. historically has  taken several forms.   The most common fraud schemes involve automobile property and automobile accidents.

Automobile Property - This type of fraud most often involves dishonest auto body and repair shops and/or insureds who may employ a variety of illegal or questionable techniques including:

    * Reporting parts of vehicles as damaged or lost when in fact they were not damaged or lost prior to the shop receiving the vehicle.
    * Making final cost in excess of the original estimate of damage.
    * Billing for repairs that were not authorized.
    * Charging for genuine parts when aftermarket or used parts from a junkyard were used.
    * Pounding out dents or using bondo when charging for brand new auto parts.
    * Falsely reporting stolen vehicles or vandalism of vehicles in order to collect insurance monies.

It is always important for the consumer to review carefully all paper work from auto body and repair shops in order to protect against potential fraud.  Also, consumers should be cautious of any auto body or repair facility that makes referrals to medical or legal offices. This practice may be an indicator of "capping." Capping (a felony in most of the U.S.) is the illegal referral of clients to legal offices for a fee.

Automobile Accidents - Automobile fraud often involves organized auto accident rings. Staged auto accidents, which are not accidents at all, follow several basic schemes including:

    * Suddenly stopping for no apparent reason
    * Intentionally disregarding the right-of-way
    * Giving up the right-of-way in order to cause an accident
    * Claims report list passengers who were not in the vehicle at the time of the accident
    * Witnesses are listed who were not at the scene of the accident
    * Injuries claimed are excessive compared to vehicle damage
    * Driver has a temporary vehicle registration
    * Prior damage to the other vehicle
    * Contact by an attorney without being solicited

If you have been in an auto accident, be cautious of any unsolicited referral to a body shop, law office or medical office.  Organized accident rings and cappers actively solicit others in the community to participate in the creation of accidents.  Often these accidents only exist on paper (referred to as paper accidents), and no innocent parties are involved.  Paper accidents have gained in popularity among fraud perpetrators, as they are less dangerous from a bodily injury standpoint, and there is less likelihood of police involvement.

Auto Body Repair Shops

Under California Insurance Code §758.5, for example, an insurance company cannot require that an automobile be repaired at a specific repair shop.   However, an insurance company can recommend that an automobile be repaired at a specific repair shop under the following conditions outlined by law:

    * The consumer specifically requests a recommendation from the insurance company to a repair shop.
    * The consumer has been informed in writing of the right to select a repair shop of his or her choice.
    * If the consumer agrees to use the recommended repair shop, the insurance company must restore the damaged vehicle to its condition prior to the accident or loss with no additional cost other than as stated in the policy or as otherwise allowed by law.
    * If the company makes an oral recommendation to a repair shop, and it is accepted by the consumer, then the company must follow the oral recommendation with the prescribed written notice within five calendar days as specified by law.

If the vehicle is repaired in a shop chosen by the consumer, then the insurance company must pay the reasonable costs to repair the vehicle in a workmanlike manner.  The insurance company is prohibited from limiting or discounting reasonable repair costs based on charges that would have occurred if the vehicle had been repaired at the company's recommended repair shop.  Also, the insurance company must stand behind the repairs of the recommended shop if the vehicle is not repaired properly.

Auto Replacement Parts

In some cases an auto repair may include replacement of damaged parts with after-market parts.  After-market parts are parts which are not made by the original manufacturer.  After-market parts may be equal, better, or worse in quality than original equipment manufacturer parts.  Consumers should take note of the following:

    * An auto repair shop is required to provide a written repair estimate of the cost of repairs prior to initiating repairs to the vehicle.  Once the work is completed, the shop must then provide a written repair invoice.  State law requires that the type of auto parts used in repairs must be identified on the repair invoice.  Consumers should carefully check their invoice to ensure that the auto body shop has identified each auto part replaced as being used, reconditioned, rebuilt, an original  equipment manufacturer part, or an after-market part.