FAQ continued:
Q: What is Uninsured or Under-insured motorist coverage?
A: If you’re in an auto accident caused by the negligence of the other driver, and the other driver has no insurance or not enough insurance, this coverage will kick in to the limits allowed by the policy.
Q: What factors can an insurance company look at to determine if they will insure me?
A: Typically, insurance companies weigh the following factors to determine if they will write, or continue, coverage for an individual:
Your age
The type of vehicle you drive
Your claims history
Your driving record
Insurance companies cannot discriminate against providing coverage based on a protected class such as race, sex, religion, national origin or ancestry. Your state may also have additional restrictions such as profession or marital status.
Q: Can I require my insurance to authorize the use of original equipment parts when repairing my vehicle? My policy says they will return my damaged vehicle to “pre-accident condition.”
A: Possibly. This can depend on both the state you are in as well as the terms of your auto insurance policy. Some automobile insurance companies automatically use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Others use non-OEM parts. If the repair of the damaged part directly affects the operational safety of the auto, the insurance company may be required by your state law to replace it with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part.
For non-safety-related parts, there may be more restrictions on the use of OEM both under state law as well as your policy. You may be able to insist on OEM parts, but where they aren’t?t required you will generally have to pay the difference in cost.
Q: My insurance company is denying my claim because the location where I keep my vehicle is not what is listed on the application. Is this right?
A: Yes, it is possible. If you give false, misleading or incomplete information on the application and if such information increases the insurance company’s risk of loss, your company may then be able to refuse to pay the claim under guidelines set out by your state. Misleading information includes the description of where the vehicle is kept, the names of the operators or any information related to those who operate the vehicle.
Q: Is my insurance company required to provide me advance notification if they are canceling my policy?
A: Yes. Notice is generally required. Depending on the state you live in, the method of notification (regular, certified or registered mail) and the amount of advance notice may vary.
