When you pay your monthly car insurance premium, you may wonder why its so high, and whether you are being scammed. In fact, however, the culprits are usually the people with the insurance, and not the companies providing it. Want to know why? Here are some of the most common auto insurance ripoffs:
Sometimes people will use their insurance to get a new car when their old one is just about to give out. If the driver gets into an accident just as the engine hits 150,000 miles, for example, you have to wonder.
Other dishonest drivers stage a low speed accident, and then claim thousands in medical bills, sometimes going so far as to claim permanent disability.
Taking this a step further, the scammer may even bring a few friends along for the accident, and then claim that these passengers also suffered injuries. The friends settle for a goodly sum, and then give the primary culprit a percentage of their take.
What may seem like a relatively minor scam, but can actually run into serious money is the person who, wanting to make sure that parts are replaced and not just repaired, will intentionally cause additional damage after the accident.
Finally, it may not be the owner of the car but the repair shop who devises the scam. Some shops will drastically inflate the costs of repairs, reasoning that the money isn’t really coming out of anyone’s pocket.
Insurance companies that provide auto coverage have a few defenses against scams. One is the use of deductables. Since the insurance holder has to pay out of pocket the full amount of the deductable before the company has to pay anything, this theoretically reduces the incentive to use insurance. Second, making a claim against your insurance can result in a significant increase in premiums, and this increase can be applied for years. Again, this discourages frivolous and fraudulent use. Finally, fraud is a criminal offense, and offenders can be prosecuted. Those convicted may face jail time.
In the end, though, the people who are hurt most by fraud are the innocent people who do nothing wrong. They are the ones who have to make up for fraud losses in the form of higher premiums. Because every auto insurance quote has some amount factored in for fraud.
By: Aiden Matthew Wilson
Posts Tagged ‘Auto Coverage’
Auto Insurance Ripoffs
January 23rd, 2010Common Auto Insurance Terms – Car Insurance Terms That You Need to Know
November 28th, 2009
Before you start shopping around for auto insurance, you should get a handle on some of the common car insurance terms. In all reality, the more you know about car insurance, the better chance you’ll have at finding the perfect coverage for your vehicle. Sure, you’d love to think that all companies would be upfront and honest with you about what you need and what you don’t need. But come on, what company doesn’t want to make some profit? This is why having the basic knowledge when it comes to car insurance can make all the difference when it comes to your auto coverage. Read on to learn some common auto insurance terms and then see how much money you can save!
Absolute Liability
This is liability without fault, also known as liability without regard to fault or strict liability. You may see this pop up when something considered contrary to public policy happens, even though the event wasn’t intentional.
Liability Insurance
In a nutshell, liability insurance is risk transference. Not only does give you protection against loss that arise from third parties, it covers your legal liability from injures to other people or their property.
Collision Insurance
This type of insurance is optional. Collision insurance provides coverage for the insured’s vehicle, subject to a deductible, that is involved in an accident. Basically, this covers you whether the accident was your fault or not.
Deductible
Also known as excess, this is the amount you agree to pay toward the total amount of an insured loss, whether it is per claim or per accident. Usually a fixed rate, the deductible must be paid before the policy benefits can be applied to a claim.
Uninsured and/or Underinsured Coverage
This type of insurance is great protection for you and your family if you happen to be hit by someone without insurance coverage. Having uninsured or underinsured coverage allows you and your family’s bodily injury to be paid for.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive insurance covers your vehicle in case of non-collision related incidents such as fire, theft, weather, impact with animals and vandalism.
Gap Insurance
This insurance is good for people who have just purchased a new vehicle. In a nutshell, new cars depreciate right after leaving the dealership lot. Gap insurance covers the difference between what an insurance company says your car’s worth and what you would actually owe on the vehicle.
Gap insurance usually only covers theft and accidents, but that can vary depending on the insurance policy. You can also purchase gap insurance from the dealership. However, you can expect to pay even higher premiums.
Property Damage Coverage
This covers any damage you may cause to another’s vehicle. Basically, if you cause it, you’re covered.
Claim
This is your request for reimbursement concerning a loss covered by your auto insurance policy.
Full Coverage
Actually, full coverage isn’t really what it sounds like. Technically, full coverage is a combination of collision and comprehensive coverage, meaning that your car’s physical damage is covered.
Secondary Driver
Also known as an occasional driver, this person is covered for driving the insured vehicle. However, this coverage does not mean that they’re the primary driver.
Shop Around To Find Cheap Auto Insurance
Familiarizing yourself with the above common car insurance terms will result in you making a wise decision when it comes to your auto coverage. Take your time and shop around before committing to a provider and you will be find the cheapest auto insurance company that will still meet your coverage needs.
The above terms are just the ones most frequently talked about or that affect the majority of drivers on the road. There are more common car insurance terms, but they are mainly state specific. The best way to find out what’s required in your state is by visiting your local DMV’s website.
By: James J. Robinson