1. What is in a basic auto policy?
2. What determines the price of my policy?
3. At the scene of an accident

1. What is in a basic auto policy?



Your policy includes the following:

1. Bodily Injury Liability: This coverage applies to injuries you or the designated insured driver causes to someone.
   
   
2. Property Damage Liability: This coverage applies to damage you or the designated insured driver, may cause to someone else's property. Usually , this means damages to someone else's vehicle , but it also includes damages to lamp posts, telephone poles, fences, buildings or any other structure your vehicle may strike.
   
   
3. Own Damages: This coverage pays for damage to your vehicle resulting from collision with another vehicle, object or as a result of rolling over. Also covered are losses arising from fire, external explosion, theft, burglary, vandalism and malicious damage.  Hurricane coverage is mandatory.

If you are at fault for the accident , your own damage coverage will pay for the costs of repairing your vehicle, minus the deductible. If you are not at fault , we try to recover the amount paid for your repairs, from the other driver's insurance company. If we are successful, you will be reimbursed your deductible.

2. What determines the price of my policy?



There are many factors which influence the price you pay for insurance. This price is called the "premium". Your premium may be higher or lower than average, depending on the following :

1. Your driving record : The better your record, the lower your premium. If you have had accidents or serious traffic violations, you will pay more than if you have a clean driving record . You may also pay more if you haven't been insured for a number of years.
   
   
2. The number of miles you drive each year : The more miles you drive, the more likely you will have an accident. If you drive a lower than average number of miles per year, eg less than 12,000, you will pay less.
   
   
3. Your age : In general, mature drivers have fewer accidents than less experienced drivers, particularly teenagers. So insurers generally charge more, if teenagers or young people below age 25, drive your vehicle.
   
   
4. The vehicle you drive : Some vehicles cost more to insure than others. Variables include the likelihood of fire or theft, the cost of the vehicle, the average cost of repairs, and the overall safety record of the vehicle.
   
   
5. The amount of coverage : Of course, like anything else, the more coverage you have, the more you pay . However , you may qualify for discounts.


3. At the scene of an accident

Knowing what to do if you are involved in an accident can save lives and also make the claims process easier.


1. Stop your vehicle and find out if anyone is injured.
   
   
2. Call the police. Tell them how many people were hurt and the types of injuries. The police will notify the nearest medical unit.
   
   
3. Cover injured people with a blanket to keep them warm.
   
   
4. Try to protect the accident scene such as directing traffic away from the point of impact. . Take reasonable steps to protect your vehicle from further damage, such as getting the vehicle off the road and calling a tow truck.
   
   
5. Ask the investigating officer when you can obtain a copy of the police report. You may need it when you submit your claim to your insurance company.
   
   
6. If necessary, have the vehicle towed to a repair shop. But remember, your insurance company will want to inspect it and appraise the damage before the repair work is done.
   
   
7. Make notes:- Keep a pad and pencil in your glove compartment.
   
   Write down :
   
   • The names and address of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident.
   • License plate numbers.
   • Year, make and model of each vehicle.
   • Drivers' license numbers.
   • Insurance identifications.
   • Names and addresses of witnesses.
   • Names and badge numbers of police officers or other emergency personnel.
   
   
8. If you run into an unattended vehicle or object, try to find the owner. If you can't, leave a note containing your name, address and phone number. Record the details of the accident.