7 Tips Toward Helping You Reduce Your Insurance Costs

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Monday 20 July 2009 2:00 am

Not a year goes by that insurance rates go up. At least it seems that way. You can control ? even reduce ? your insurance expenses by following these seven easy to remember tips.

1. Combine Policies. If you own a home and you own a car, purchase your insurance from the same company. Some insurance companies reward those customers who choose to bundle their insurance together with discounts as high as 10%.

2. Adjust Your Deductibles. Perhaps you don?t need a $200 home deduction. If you can live with a deductible of $500 or more you can save significantly from year to year.

3. Special Discounts. Depending on your age, there may be special discounts you can take that will also reduce your premiums.

4. Examine Your Policy. Oh, we do think they are correct ? right? Well, if your address is incorrect you could be paying more than you should. Check to make sure that your correct zip code is listed…it could cost you money if your insurer has you living in another neighborhood.

5. Abstain From Bad Habits. If you do not smoke or drink, make sure that your insurance company knows this. Your rate will drop accordingly if this is news to them.

6. Eat Your Losses. If you have a small claim, consider not submitting this information to the insurance company. Any claims you make can push up your rates down the road thereby costing your more in the long run.

7. Pay Now, Save Later. Instead of breaking up your premium into monthly payments, consider paying the entire premium at one time. Usually, insurers tack on a surcharge for the privilege of monthly payments.

You may also be able to save yourself some money by sticking with one insurer as they will reward regular customers with ?loyalty? discounts. In addition, it may pay for you to have an alarm installed on your car or home, especially if you live in a higher crime area. Finally, meet with your broker from time to time to see how you can reduce your payments.

Matt Keegan is The Article Writer who covers topics from business to human interest to politics. You can view his site at http://www.thearticlewriter.com

Who Sets Auto Insurance Rates?

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Saturday 18 July 2009 2:00 pm

Auto Insurance rates are a complicated business. Have you ever wondered who sets your auto insurance rates and how the rates are actually derived?

Many factors determine how much you will pay. Most of these are common sense and you probably already know but let?s go over them just in case.

The very first thing that occurs is that the insurance company determines all its costs for the previous year. This includes all claims, the cost of operations, and what ever costs they incur. They then take those costs and divide them among all the drivers insured with them. This sets a base line for them but it doesn?t mean that?s what you will pay.

Your driving record plays a major role in how much your premiums will be and whether you earn a discount. The better your driving record the lower your total cost to insure your auto is going to be. Your driving record includes auto accidents and speeding tickets. If you haven?t insured a vehicle for a few years they will also penalize you. This sounds crazy but it?s because they have no way of following up on your driving habits so they consider you a bad risk.

What coverage you purchase will be reflected on your premiums. Deductibles are a good way to save money. Check with your insurance company and find out what effect raising and lowering your deductibles does to your policy. Remember to never take a deductible that is more than you are willing or able to pay in the event of a claim. Your insurance company will not divvy up their share until you do.

Age is also a determining factor. Studies have shown that younger drivers are involved in more accidents then older drivers. Some of this is due to their lack of experience. Most insurance companies charge you more until you reach the age of 25. Although some will offer some discounting for every year you drive accident free and without driving infractions.

The type of vehicle you drive and how far you drive affect your rates. That fabulous sports car you?ve been eyeing could cost you a bundle. You should check rates on any vehicle before you purchase to make sure you are willing to pay the rates. Some cars get better discounts than others because they more safety devices such as anti theft immobilizers. Some cars also rate list because thieves don?t like them and so they don?t steel them.

Your insurance company also charges you more if you drive lots. The less you drive the cheaper your premiums will be. Most insurance companies use an average of 10,000 miles in a year. If you exceed this you can expect your premiums to go up.

Where you live also affects your rates. Big city drivers will pay a lot more than some one lives in a rural area or small village. That?s because cities have more thefts, more accidents, and more trouble over all.

Follow this information to help save on premiums. Don?t forget to shop on line. Rates can vary dramatically from one company to another. With a few clicks of the mouse you can have several quotes and get low cost insurance.

Sher from The Auto Insurance Center has been serving customers for over 20 years. To find out how to save on your auto insurance Please visit us at http://www.all-auto-insurance.com/

Car Insurance &amp Cell Phones: Playing It Safe

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Thursday 16 July 2009 10:00 pm

We’ve all been guilty of doing double duty at one time or another?that is, talking on our cell phones while driving down the road. But as experts study the impact simultaneous conversing and driving has on our safety and car insurance rates, it is becoming more and more apparent just how hazardous doing both simultaneously really is.

Inattention to driving is the number one cause of auto accidents in the U.S., according to experts. And drivers splitting their attention between driving and talking on cell phones are amongst the most inattentive, increasing their risk of accident four to five times more than average, according to experts.

With over 200 million cell phone-holding drivers on the road, that presents considerable danger.

And what part do these statistics play in car insurance rates?

Increased risk of accident means higher auto insurance rates; it’s as simple as that. So if you want to keep your car insurance policy affordable, don’t use your cell phone while driving.

However, if you’re one of those people who couldn’t even think of jumping on the freeway without your cell phone in one hand and the wheel in the other, consider these tips to help you do so more safely?and keep auto insurance rates low:

  • Know how your phone works before you get in your car. That way, you can use it without looking.

  • Mount your cell phone where you can easily reach and see it, and keep both hands on the wheel at all times.
  • Use a hands-free headset whenever possible.
  • Program frequently-called numbers into your phone’s memory and/or use voice dial to reduce the amount of time you take your eyes off the road.
  • When preparing to make a call, either pull off the road, wait for a stop light, or ask a passenger to dial for you.
  • If you decide to pull off the road, be careful where you stop so you can protect yourself and your car from injury and accident.
  • Don’t use your cell phone in heavy traffic or bad weather.
  • Don’t take notes or look up phone numbers while driving. Having numbers pre-programmed and saving phone messages for later is the safest way to talk, drive, and store the information you need.

If you’re a cell phone user and driver, limiting your phone use when on the road is the best way to play it safe and keep car insurance affordable.

So practice safe driving and make those calls later. You?and everyone around you?will arrive where you’re headed safely!

About InsureMe

Penny Hagerman is a copywriter and insurance information expert with InsureMe in Englewood, Colorado. InsureMe links agents nationwide with consumers shopping for home, life, health, long-term care and auto insurance. The InsureMe network provides thousands of agents with insurance leads every year. For more information, visit http://www.InsureMe.com

Car Insurance

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Tuesday 14 July 2009 6:00 am

Anyone who drives or owns a vehicle should have car insurance. Most states require a driver to have car insurance and to carry proof of that insurance. There are civil penalties for not having car insurance up to and including losing a person?s right to drive. Additionally, legitimate car dealers will not allow car buyers to leave their lots without having car insurance in place for the vehicles they have purchased. Many drivers and car owners may think that they can save on their auto expenses by doing without it, but in the long run, attempting to do without coverage can result in far greater financial hardship in the event of an accident or theft of the car; even being under-insured can be a big mistake. Given the importance of having vehicles properly insured, the wise car owner will become knowledgeable regarding specific kinds of coverage. The most popular car insurance coverage options are:

? Liability: This kind of insurance pays for damages incurred when a driver is at fault. It is categorized into property damage insurance and bodily injury insurance. In general, liability insurance represents the absolute minimum insurance which a driver is required to carry.

? Collision: This type of car insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing a vehicle if it is hit or damaged by another vehicle or as the result of a single vehicle accident. Collision insurance will have a deductible, which is an amount of funds which is the responsibility of the person who owns the car. This amount is subtracted from the amount the insurance company pays to the policy holder in the event of an accident or other mishap. For example, if the deductible on a car insurance policy is $500 and the repair cost is $1,000 the car insurance company will pay the policy holder $500. If the repair costs less than $500, the car insurance company will not have to pay the policy-holder anything. People who drive older cars which have little value may want to consider dispensing with collision insurance. However, be aware that not carrying collision insurance means a car insurance company pays nothing in the event the vehicle is damaged, totally destroyed or stolen.

? No-fault insurance: This type of insurance is meant to cover medical treatments and loss of wages as a direct result of an accident. It is only available in a select number of states and will only pay under certain circumstances.

? Umbrella insurance: This policy goes above and beyond the typical coverage available to car owners, covering more than just the minimum liability. It may also cover things that traditional liability policies won’t.

? Comprehensive coverage: Similar to an umbrella policy, this coverage also covers more than the traditional policy. However, comprehensive goes one step beyond even the umbrella coverage. It will compensate the driver in the event of fire, flood or other natural disaster, in addition to providing assistance if the vehicle is stolen or vandalized.

Car insurance is required in all states, to one extent or another, but drivers are still free to choose to what extent they cover their personal property and health. The wise driver will evaluate his/her requirements before settling for the cheapest and least comprehensive plan available.

Tristan Andrews is a writer for California Car Insurance.

When To File An Auto Insurance Claim

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Monday 13 July 2009 2:00 pm

When is it Better Not to Tell Your Auto Insurance Company?:

To File or Not to File, That is the Question: A few year’s ago, my wife got into a minor accident in a parking lot. There was no damage to our car, but the other vehicle had about $900 in damages. The accident was our fault and we filed with our insurance company. Although this was the first accident we had filed for in over 10 years, our monthly insurance premium increased by about $10 about 8 months after the accident. I complained to the auto insurance company, but was told that I had submitted a claim above $800, so an increase was madatory.

Although the policy of don’t ask, don’t tell seemed like a good idea for the military, should it be the same with auto insurance company? As you see, telling can lead to bigger premiums. In my case it wasn’t too big, but it’s the principal of the issue (no claims for 10 years and then this?). There are times when you just pay for damages on your own, but what’s the threshold for paying on your own and filing a claim? What do you NOT tell your auto insurance company? If you want your door repainted every time someone bangs into it, that is your right, but be prepared for your auto insurance company to raise your rates. Depending on how many and for what dollar amount your claims are for, your policy may not even be renewed at the next renewal period. Just like your homeowner’s insurance, each time you call in a claim, it will go on your transferable record. Believe it not, auto insurance companies hire hundreds of gossipy aunts just to share news with each other. It’s a fact, they do share information about each other’s clients. Bottomline, you can no longer switch companies to avoid being charged for a comprehensive claim. If you let your auto insurance lapse for nonpayment, you will be stuck with high-risk insurance for three years. Does this sound like a problem? It could be, but, for now, most body shops won’t contact your auto insurance company if you take your car in to be fixed on your own.

Steps to take to determine what to do
If you have some dents you want fixed, and you aren’t sure whether to file a claim or not, first take it to a body shop and see what it would cost. If it is less than or slightly more than your deductible, pay for the repairs yourself. Some experts say that you can save a lot on auto insurance by simply raising your collision and comprehensive deductibles. This will lower your monthly premiums. In the best of worlds, you would sock the savings into your own special savings account to accumulate for the time you will need it.

WARNING! WARNING! DANGER! DANGER! – When to report

If you have an accident with another vehicle, immediately report it to the police AND your auto insurance company. Even if it seems no one is hurt, if you don’t file, the odds are good that the other guy will. And, if his is the only story on file, guess which one will be believed several months down the road! Any time two vehicles are involved, you can bet that one is going to file an auto insurance claim. Be sure your report is filed first. Get the names and addresses of any witnesses to back you up. Note time and day, road conditions, exact description of the damage to both cars. You’d be amazed at how hitting someone on the right front bumper can cause damage to the rear of a car, if you don’t have the damage noted.
There are times when not reporting a minor incident is a good idea. If the damage is less than your deductible, you won’t get anything anyway – except a ding on your auto insurance report. But if another vehicle, or worse, damage to someone else’s property has been done, then immediately report it.

Dan Lyne has been driving cars and insured for 25 years. He’s been in a few accidents and had to use his auto insurance, he also has paid for his own repairs, so he’s learned about the impact claims can have our your auto insurance premiums. You can find more information about auto insurance and personal finance issues, by clicking on the previous links and checking out the sites he frequently contributes to.

Discount Auto Insurance Get Low Rates And Superior Coverage

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Sunday 12 July 2009 10:00 pm

Auto insurance rates can be quite expensive. If you are in shopping for auto insurance or just comparing rates between your current insurer and competing insurance companies, you may want to look at the rates offered by discount auto insurance providers. Discount auto insurance companies offer superior coverage at prices that could be significantly lower than your current insurance rates.

Most states require auto insurance. While the requirements in each state may vary, even purchasing the minimum amount of auto insurance that is required in your state may be quite expensive. A discount auto insurance company can help you significantly lower your premiums and still give you superior coverage and excellent customer service.

A discount car insurance provider can help you decide which coverage is right for you and how much coverage is necessary. Discounts for insuring more than one car, safe driver discounts, and discounts for good students are just a few of the additional savings that can be fully explained to you by your discount auto insurance company. Even if you have traffic violations, need an SR-22, or do not currently have auto insurance, there is a discount insurance provider than can give you the coverage you need and still save you money.

Discount auto insurance is available across the country. You can save money each and every month and you could even get better coverage than with your current insurance company. Protect yourself and your car with an auto insurance policy from a discount insurance provider. Discount auto insurance companies offer the same types of coverage as your current insurance company while giving you superior customer service. Friendly, knowledgeable insurance experts will handle your claim quickly and professionally.

If you are paying too much for auto insurance, take the time to shop for discount auto insurance. You could save hundreds of dollars each year and still receive the type of coverage and service you expect. Discount auto insurance companies offer the same coverage as the higher priced insurance companies, you will receive top-quality customer service, and prompt attention to any questions or claims you may have.

Contact a discount auto insurance company for all your insurance needs. Protect your car and yourself and save money at the same time.

To view our recommended sources for insurance and read more articles about insurance, visit: Recommended Auto Insurance Companies.

Carrie Reeder is the owner of eZerk, an informational website about various topics with articles and the latest news. Visit her website to read articles from various sources on auto insurance.

Auto Insurance In Texas

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Sunday 12 July 2009 2:00 pm

If you are looking for auto insurance in texas, you might want to check out golden rule insurance company who offers cheap auto insurance online. Of course there are plenty of other companies that also offer affordable rates, but first you should understand Texas auto insurance requirements.

Texas is a tort state, which means that the driver is financially responsible for any damage and injury they cause in an accident. Purchasing Texas Auto Insurance will fulfill this legal requirement.

Texas auto liability minimums are 20/40/15 which translates to $20,000 per person for injuries you cause to the other party to a total of $40,000 for all claims and up to $15,000 for damage you cause another persons property. These are the minimum requirements and it is recommended that you carry much higher levels of liability insurance.

In addition to required liability coverage, Texas drivers may choose to purchase coverage for some first party benefits. These include compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and loss of services. These benefits apply to every accident regardless of fault.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist policies also cover your expenses, but these apply in the event that you are struck by a driver with inadequate liability insurance. These policies are not required, but they’re relatively inexpensive, and can provide a lot of protection.

Texas auto insurance companies will also offer optional policies such as collision and comprehensive coverages. Be warned the mandatory requirements are way too low for the average cost of serious injuries and financial loss from an automobile accident. All insurance agents recommend you purchase much higher levels of liability insurance.

Auto insurance companies also offer optional coverage such as medical payments, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured and underinsured motorist?s bodily injury coverage.

How your insurance rates are set in Texas is different than many other states. The rates are determined by the behavior and accident rates of all Texasn drivers. The cost of insuring Texas drivers? including settlements and legal fees is totaled for the entire state and divide it up between everyone.

Of course these costs are not spread around evenly. The percentage of these costs that you are going to pay is determined by things like your driving record, your age, where you live, and the kind of car you drive.

Not all insurance companies compute their figures the same way so a driver with the same profile can land up with different rates depending on the insurance company. That?s why it is so important to get several quotes before purchasing insurance.

As mentioned previously liability is the most important element of your entire insurance policy. Make sure you purchase adequate liability insurance to protect your assets, because within a split second, the time it takes for an accident to occur, your life could be left in financial ruin if you are not adequately covered.

There are also other coverages you can buy such as collision, comprehensive, rental, and even towing and road side assistance. You will need to determine what your personal needs are.

When comparing insurance make sure you compare equal policies. Make sure the deductibles are the same, that the exemptions or fine print reads the same and that the liability is for the same amount. It is important to compare policies of equal quality to make sure your cheapest quote truly is your cheapest quote.

In less than a half hour you can have all the quotes you need and be on your way to buying cheap Texas auto insurance. Why waste time? Get busy!

Sher from The Auto Insurance Center has been serving customers for over 20 years. Please visit us at http://www.all-auto-insurance.com/

Cheap Car Insurance For Consumers

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Wednesday 8 July 2009 2:00 pm

Before you buy car insurance make sure you know what you’re getting into. Quotes are available from every company that provides car insurance, and you WILL get wildly varying prices from different insurance companies.

Here are a few things to watch out for when buying car insurance:

  • Price – Make sure you know the price the company is quoting you.
  • Term – Make sure you know what the time period of the price is for. Often a quote will be for a year, but sometimes to make something look cheaper a quote will be for a 6 month period.
  • Limits – Know the limits on your policy. There are two sets of limits which are the amount per person and the amount per accident. The legal limits vary by state and are very different, so make sure you disguss this with your insurance agent before buying. There is nothing like buying insurance and being under-insured.
  • Deductable – You can often get your price lowered if you raise your deductable. However, the higher the deductable, the less of a chance that you will use the insurance. The general rule is to have as high of a deductable as you can afford. If you get into an accident and can’t afford to pay out $500, make sure your deductable is below $500.
  • Reputation – What is the reputation of the company you are getting the quote with? Some companies will be easy to deal with when filing a claim, others will be very difficult. Cheaper isn’t always better, especially when it comes to insurance.

With the power of the internet getting car insurance quotes has never been easier. Websites like 1CarInsurance.org make it super easy to get a cheap car insurance quote from lots of different companies. They aggreagate companies together who provide insurance in your area and make it easy to apply for quotes from all of them.

When signing up for a quote online be prepared to give personal information, as that is the only way auto insurance companies can provide correct rate information for you.

John Jonas is an internet entrepreneur with interests in insurance, working from home, and family websites. His car insurance website is highly ranked in search engines and has a lot of valuable information. He also has a term life insurance and a renters insurance website. He is a trusted source for consumer insurance information.

Car Insurance Increase

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Wednesday 8 July 2009 12:58 am

The UK alone has increased the coverage on car insurance. Currently the USA is in the process of increasing the rates of insurance as well. While, home insurance in the UK in decreasing, the car coverage is on the rise. Recently the ?AA?s British Insurance Premium Index? exposed new discoveries that over a few months the standard ?cost of annual full comprehensive? policies reached a soaring rate of ??757.? The cause of rise is explained by the many companies that compete to allure in policyholders, yet at the same time, this competing stage has lowered premiums slightly. Thus when considering car insurance it is wise to search the marketplace for the best rates.

Triple A is one of the leading car insurance providers, and the service often offers emergency roadside service, and so forth. The Triple A service offers support for ?one-stop shopping? meaning that the policyholder is able to meet all his expectations in a single trip. The policy will cover car rentals, and more, including offering discounts to policyholders for continue travel. If discounts will extend to hotel stays, flights, cruises, and so forth. The company will help the policyholder by providing discounts and making the ?reservations? including ?procuring? ?e-tickets.? Triple A is one of the leading car insurance providers and is highly reputable.

To help you find the right car insurance many companies online offer free quotes. The quotes will help you review rates over ?50 states? including the UK. Getting a quote for car insurance online, is the best option since the quotes offer a convenient method for comparing rates and coverage at the same time helping the customer to save money and time? Car insurance online is often cheaper, since there are no overhead costs often.

State Farm is another well-known car insurance provider. The mission of State Farm is to help customers manage their life, by reducing the risks. State Farm is one of the better car insurance providers because the companies will payout in a timely manner on a claim. The policyholder must have full comprehensive coverage to get the maximum coverage; however, it is worth it since less hassle is involved when filing claims. For the most part the company will provide discounts if the clients has not received tickets for not wearing seat belts, or even discounts on non-traffic tickets.

State Farm offers coverage for campers, cars, utility trailers, offer road motorcycles, motorcycles, travel trailers, antique cars, classic and replica cars, buses, commercial vehicles, and so forth. The company covers motor homes also, as well as recreational vehicles.

To get a quote from a local State Farm agency you will need to provide a few details. The company will expect current policy information, since in most states it is illegal to not have coverage. You will need to provide the type of vehicle to cover, including Vehicle Identification Numbers, as well as information about the vehicle status, including seat belt, air bags, security systems and so forth. You will also need to provide a valid driver license, and any details of violations of the law. In other words, you will need to show a record of tickets or accident occurred during your time driving. If you have more than one car to insure many insurance agencies will provide discounts.

Many insurance companies for auto will cover various claims, including bodily injury liability. The claims will cover the policyholder if the driver is in an accident. Most policies will cover collision, and other related costs caused by the accidents. If you are in an accident and you are accused of causing the damage you are at risk of lawsuits, thus having comprehensive coverage can make all the difference in the world.

Finally, it is against the law to not have insurance coverage in most states. Thus, having insurance can save hassles, and sense the cost of insurance is increasing it is wise to compare companies to find the best rates and get coverage now!

Authored by Michael Bens. For more great information about all forms of insurance visit our free online insurance publication the Gabae Insurance Source to find the information you’re looking for!

Also you can check out Gabae Insurance Articles to find the articles’ you’re looking for!

How To Negotiate A Settlement With An Insurance Claims Adjuster

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Tuesday 7 July 2009 5:59 am

You and I. M. Strong, the adjuster from Granite Mountain Insurance, are sitting at your kitchen table in an attempt to settle your motor vehicle accident claim.

Strong is all wound up and on the offensive, rambling on and on about how your injuries weren’t serious. His typical pitch usually goes something like, Look, I’ve been at this a long time. I’ve talked to people like you, day in and day out, for over twenty years. People who’ve gone through exactly what happened to you, with the same sort of claim as yours. Sure, you had a period of discomfort but your so-called injuries were routine. Believe me when I tell you they aren’t worth much.

You?re stunned. You can’t believe what Strong is trying to pull. You say, I?ve been miserable! There was no way I could get back to work because of the pain in my neck and back.

Strong shift’s in his seat and a victorious look (one that says he knows it all) begins to march across his face. At that point he predictably states, Look, I can tell you, after handling thousands of cases like yours, that the discomfort you may have had, for a couple of days at the most, are relatively minor. They don?t even come close to justifying the three week?s of work you lost and the disability you and your doctor are claiming.

Now you’re thunderstruck! He smiles to himself and comes at you from another angle, I’ve seen thousands of cases like yours and I’ve had more than my share of exposure to personal injury claims, examinations, doctor-talk and recovery – - the whole nine yards. I’ve seen physical trauma at its slightest and its worst. Any judge or jury would know, once they heard about your so-called ?injuries? that your physical problems were almost non-existent.

He’ll take a minute to let that sink in and then he’ll attempt to sway you even more by telling you he can prove your time lost from work was not compatible with the injury involved. He’ll hint around about some independent information he’s supposedly gathered from your neighbors and/or business associates, which indicate you?ve been involved in very active physical activities since the accident.

Once he lets that one sink in he’ll ramble on about the independent examination the doctor hired by Granite Mountain executed, telling you, with outrageous confidence, that his doctors Medical Report states there was little, if anything, wrong with you. Then he?ll surely try this one on for size: ?My doctor is a professional .The only people he ever sees are those who?ve been in motor vehicle accidents. That?s what he does all day long, check out personal injury claims like yours. His report clearly states your physical problems were almost non-existent?.

He hums a happy tune to himself as he observes the amazement marching across your face and that drum beat he?s heard so very often begins to pound away within the gray matter between his ears: Boom/Boom/Boom, declaring, ?I gotcha!, I gotcha!, I gotcha!, I gotcha!?

If you let Strong get away with that than his attempt at downgrading your disability will have been successful. As a way of proving what happened to you wasn?t serious he?ll describe your ?so-called injuries? with fancy medical language and then compare them to the more extreme types of personal injury problems or conditions he’s dealt with in the past. The implication being yours were obviously minor and have little, if any, value.

At that point he’ll read the statements and opinions in your own attending physicians Medical Report in such a way which, if not read properly, he’ll insist proves, ?You may have been a little sore from a slight injury but it clearly states you certainly didn’t have any serious physical problems?. (You can bet every dollar in your wallet that he?s made that statement several thousand times)!

You’re quickly discovering that neither Adjuster I. M. Strong nor his supervisors at Granite Mountain Insurance are going to be fair. They’re out to take advantage of you. That?s the name of their game and that?s what they get paid to do. Question: Is that really true? Answer: Yes, it?s really true. Take it from Dan, I was on that firing line for 30 years!

From that point on you shut down. You be the listener. Let him babble on. When he’s finally done, you say, Your points about my injuries are very interesting. I’d like to discuss them in detail with my doctor?. Pause and then add, ?We’ll call this off for now while I go back and consult with him.

Before he answers you should get up, smile, point towards the kitchen door and bid him Goodbye. If he balks, sneak a peek at your watch, tell him you’re late for another appointment and insist your meeting is over. He’ll have no choice but to leave.

If you do that here’s what you’ll have accomplished:

(1) You’ll have seized the bargaining momentum and control from the adjuster and, if you remain adamant he’ll never get them back.

(2) Served notice on him that it’s you, not he, who will now call the shots in the negotiation Power Game he’s been playing.

(3)Impressed the adjuster that the settlement will be done on your terms, not his.

You may ask: Okay, I threw the adjuster out and let him politely but surely know I?m not going to buy into his nonsense. So, when this all gets played out, what have I accomplished?

The answer is: I. M. Strong is aware you?ve not bought into his pitch and in his secret heart he perceives that reality. For those in the home office (so as to know exactly where they stand) his instructions have always been that everything that passed between the two of you is placed into the report?s he continues to send in, regarding the settlement talk?s he?s been having with you. So, the fact that you?re not buying his story, will go into your file to be read by that adjusters superiors.

Once they do they?ll have no choice but to conclude that you?re no pushover!

You?re going to stick to your guns because you?re right and the Medical Report your attending physician executed for Adjuster Smart is legit. You know that both your ?pain and suffering? and the length of recovery from your injuries, has been clearly stated.

Smart has correctly assumed that you?re not accepting his usual pitch, filled with mumbo-jumbo nonsense, yet so often works. It?s beginning to dawn on him if he doesn?t change his tactics you?re going to hand you case over to an attorney and his superiors at Granite Mountain won?t be dancing for joy should that come to pass.

Wait five or six weeks then call Smart and ask him to come back to talk some more. I flat out guarantee you the next time you meet the power will have shifted into your corner and you’ll never again hear him attempt to minimize your injuries. That often comes to pass because he?s received this typical six word, one line memo, from his supervisor at the home office, ?Settle this one and move on?.

Granite Mountain will have reached the point where they?re satisfied to pay and get rid of you. Why? Because personal injury claims continue to pile up and clog their incoming pipeline. They?ve got a lot of other unsuspecting prey to trap and shoot and it?s clear you’re an individual who?s too wise, too tough and too difficult for them to fuss with any longer.

DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this claim tip is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga nor (name of magazine/newsletter and/or web site) make any guarantee of any kind whosoever; NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is the INDIVIDUAL?S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain said services.

Dan Baldyga’s latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How

To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the internet at his web site http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com or visit your favorite bookstore.

Copyright (c) 2002 Danil G.Baldyga. All Rights Reserved

Dan Baldyga

About The Author

For 30 years Dan Baldyga was a claims adjuster, supervisor, manager and also a trial assistant. He is now retired and spends his time attempting to assist those involved in motor vehicle accident claims so they will not be taken advantage of.

dbpaw@attbi.com