| Tips for Claims & Preventing Insurance Fraud | Bill Gill |
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Everyone Pays for Insurance Fraud
Auto insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. We can all do our part to hold down costs by reporting suspected fraud and being part of the solution.
When you are involved in an automobile accident, you rely on your auto insurer to handle your claim properly, fairly, and with as little inconvenience to you as possible.
As policyholders, we can ensure the efficiency of claims processing by doing our part to assist insurers in providing accurate information when the policy is issued and in the fact-gathering process that follows an automobile accident.
Buying a Policy
The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself from a claim denial is to check that all of the information you provide your insurance company is complete and accurate.
You must indicate where your car is garaged most of the time, regardless of your listed address. Furthermore, you must also list all the licensed drivers who are likely to operate your vehicle. This includes people who live with you (family and roommates) who do not have their own auto insurance, and also people who use your car on any kind of regular basis.
After an Accident
Three simple steps can make a real difference in collecting all of the relevant information in the event of an accident:
1. Keep the following items in your glove compartment - a disposable camera, a first aid kit, a tape measure, and blank police reports or accident diagrams.
2. Note all participants and witnesses at the scene including their name, address, contact information, and insurers regardless of whether or not anyone was injured.
3. File reports with the local police and your insurer promptly after the accident.
These easy steps will allow you to make a contribution to containing the cost of fraud to all insurers and thereby hold down rates for all consumers. In addition, you will be far more likely to be satisfied with the handling of your claim. If you suspect fraudulent conduct on the part of anyone involved in your motor vehicle accident or your insurance claim - including other operators, any passengers, the repair shop, the appraiser, or any employee of the insurer - please call the Insurance Fraud Bureau hotline at 1-800-32-FRAUD. Another number to remember is the Governor's Auto Theft Strike Force Hotline at 1-800-HOT-AUTO when you have information about an auto theft. You will be able to speak confidentially with an investigator about your suspicions.
Finally, be sure that your auto body repair shop is registered with the Division of Standards 1-617-727-3480.
The Use of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
Parts in the Repair of Your Vehicle
OEM Parts No Additional Charge to Owner
You are entitled to the use of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts in the repair of your vehicle under any of the following circumstances:
- Your vehicle has been driven for no more than 20,000 miles, or
- The operational safety of the vehicle would otherwise be impaired, or
- After reasonable and diligent effort, an appropriate rebuilt, aftermarket or used part cannot be located.
OEM Parts With Out of Pocket Charge to Owner
If you do not meet any of the criteria listed above, you can always require your auto repairer to use OEM parts, but you must pay the increased cost that may result.
Optional Endorsement
Some insurers may offer for payment of additional premium an endorsement covering the amount necessary to replace any damaged "crash part" which cannot be repaired, with an OEM part on any auto to which the endorsement applies. Contact your agent or insurance company to see if they offer this endorsement. A crash part is defined as a motor vehicle part of sheet metal or plastic that constitutes the visible exterior of the vehicle, including inner and outer panels. Coverage for glass or mechanical parts is excluded.
Notice
Whenever repairs are to be made to a vehicle using non-OEM parts, state law requires that notice must be given by the appraiser and repairer to the owner prior to repairs being made.
Return to Auto Insurance Index.
Source: Massachusetts Division of Insurance.
Note: This is general information and is not meant to be a substitute for reading your Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Policy. That policy is your insurance contract. Questions or disputes concerning your automobile insurance will be resolved according to the terms of this policy. If you have any further questions please contact our agency. |
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For information about Lynch Insurance please contact:
William Lynch |
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