GETTING REAR-ENDED

Yup, it happened to us yesterday - rear-ended at about 10:05 a.m.

There were five of us in our Jeep Cherokee heading to an outdoor festival about 20 miles away. Although we had never been to this festival, it was apparent that it was very popular. Traffic increased, slowed, then finally came to a stop maybe less than a mile from our intended destination. We were at a standstill behind a Jeep Liberty when BAM, we were wickedly hit from behind.

The driver ahead of me, who we were pushed into, soon told me he had passed the person behind us maybe a mile back as she was busily talking on a cell phone. It had angered him that she appeared (to him) oblivious to her surroundings. She was still on the phone as we exited our vehicle, no doubt in as much shock as we were.

I was dizzy and had blurred vision initially. Headaches have persisted. The neck feels like a an accordian. My daughter has pains in the neck. The other person's insurance company will pay for those treatments without problem, hopefully.

They call them "accidents". I had no hard words for the lady who hit us, offering comfort as she cried. She was upset but who wouldn't be at causing a four car accident. But I knew she didn't intend to ram us. She was not paying attention plain and simple. But that happens to the best of us in life.

What's up with State Farm though?

I called State Farm a little over three hours later to inform them their insured had rear-ended us, that there were plenty of witnesses, a police report and that their insured had been cited by officers on the scene.

The State Farm claims person who answered said they could do nothing until their insured called the claim in.

Huh? Let me get this straight. I have a wrecked vehicle and State Farm cannot proceed until their insured makes a phone call? What if she never does call?", I quizzed her. Continuing, I asked, "Under those circumstances, why would she or anyone else call in to report a claim against themselves? If she never does call, does the claim go unsettled? Does my car go unfixed."

Actually, I knew that I could go to my own insurer and have them fix my vehicle. I would be out my deductible temporarily until my insurance company settled the claim with State Farm. But it was irritating the approach this woman took.

So I pressed on patiently.

Finally, I was transferred to someone who took my information and promised to contact their insured to get their side of the story. I am fine with that. I was also promised a claims adjuster would call within 48 hours. We'll see how that goes.

At this point I have to trust the system to work. But that initial response from State Farm was less than satisfying. I hope they are alone in the way they treat those who call to report a claim. It seemed an instant defensive reaction that was not necessary from an old and established insurer.






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THE DANGER - Minimum Liability Coverages

According to an Associated Press article, Alabama is seeking to raise the minimum liability coverage on an auto policy up to $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.

Arizona currently has $15,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage coverages - amounts that are woefully low. Consider a typical new car may cost $18,000 or so. Ten grand in PD coverage barely covers half of that amount.

Bodily Injury - covers the "other" person if you cause injury and are at-fault
Property Damage - covers damages to the "other" vehicle if you are at-fault

What that means is this - if you hit another car valued at $18,000 and cause property damage you are responsible for those damages. What if the other car is totaled and you only carry $10,000 PD on your policy? That leaves a gap of $8.,000. Do you have eight grand sitting in a dresser? Most of us don't.

I could understand how some would be concerned for those with high auto premiums having to pay even higher costs if the minimum requirement is raised.

However, for the vast majority of driver's the increase in premium would be nearly inconsequential. Sure, every increase in premium taps into an already tight budget. But fifteen thousand on BI and ten thousand in PD in today's economy is far short of what we really should carry on our policy.

Shouldn't it be our responsibility as vehicle owners to ensure we cover other people for the injuries and damages that are our fault?

Continue reading below. I have other articles explaining BI and PD in greater detail.

Thank you!

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Arizona Disability Insurance

Here I go again....talking about subjects other than Auto Insurance or Home Owner Insurance.

Did you know - the odds are much greater (during your working years) of having a disability than dying?

Yet, we all get concerned about buying life insurance without even considering disability income protection.

A DI policy helps replace a portion of your income is you are too hurt or sick to work. Most American's do not have enough money set aside to ride out a long term illness or injury.

If you are unable to work for an extended period, how could you make your mortgage payment, buy groceries and pay other regular monthly bills?

If you have two incomes in the household and one of those incomes is halted due to an injury or illness, how long could you survive financially?

That's why DI is important.

There are two (2) types of Disability Insurance - Short Term and Long Term.

Short term plans typically covers disability periods under six months. Long term disability plans up to age 65.

If you have questions or want a quote, ask us about an Arizona Disability Insurance policy quote.






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Please remember, we provide Arizona Auto Insurance and Arizona Home Owner Insurance and low cost Arizona Life Insurance and Arizona Long Term Care Insurance in Phoenix, Tucson, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Peoria, Avondale, Scottsdale, Goodyear, Surprise, Casa Grande, Apache Junction, Florence, Yuma, Kingman, Marana, Oro Valley, Prescott, Prescott Valley, and all of Arizona.

Bodily Injury coverage is SUPER important

What is Bodily Injury coverage?

On your auto policy, it usually is the first item listed. It is under the "liability" portion of your policy.

Liability protects the other driver (or their passengers) from injuries you cause in an auto accident.

Bodily Injury is probably the most important coverage on your auto policy.

Imagine what would happen if you hit someone and caused serious injury or death? You would probably be sued.

What if you carry low BI limits on your auto policy? Your insurance company would pay up to the limits on your policy, then you would likely be personally sued.

Is that want you want?

If not, talk with your agent about raising your BI limits. It helps protect you from being personally sued and possibly having your assets attacked in a lawsuit or your income garnished.

It's not just car accidents you need to be concerned about. You could hit a kid on a bicycle, a pedestrian, or even a motorcyclist.

Own a home? Have other assets? Earn an income?

This is a quick-to-sue world. Protect yourself!







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