You are driving down the highway when suddenly you have car trouble. The National Safety Council suggests the following measures when your car breaks down or has a flat tire on the highway.

At the first sign of car trouble, gently and smoothly take your foot off the accelerator. Do not brake hard or suddenly. Carefully work your vehicle toward the breakdown lane or the side of the road. If you are on an interstate, try to reach an exit. Signal your intentions to drivers behind you. If it is necessary to change lanes, watch your mirrors and the traffic around you closely.

Once off the road, make your car visible. Put reflectorized triangles behind your vehicle to alert other drivers; use your emergency flashers. If it is dark, turn on the interior dome light.

When you have a flat tire, be certain that you can change it safely without being close to traffic. If that is possible, change the tire as you normally would. Remember, safety must take precedence over your schedule or whatever other concerns you may have.

However, when the car is beyond repair, it is best to get professional help. Do not try to flag down other vehicles. Raise your hood and tie something white to the radio antenna or hang it out a window so police officers or tow truck operators will know help is needed. Don’t st and behind or next to your vehicle. If the car is in the roadway, st and away from the vehicle and wait for help to arrive.

If your car is safely out of traffic, wait inside the vehicle with the doors locked. Use your cellular phone to call for help. If someone stops and offers to help, open the window slightly and ask them to call the police.

Watch for a uniformed police officer or other emergency personnel. All interstate highways and major roads are patrolled regularly. Also, some highways have special “call-for-help” phones.

It is inadvisable to walk on an interstate, especially during inclement weather. However, if you can reach a source of help on foot, without jeopardizing your physical or personal safety, try the direct approach by walking. Keep as far from traffic as possible and walk on the right side of the roadway. Never attempt to cross a multi-lane, high speed
roadway.

Information and recommendations are compiled from sources believed to be reliable. The National Safety Council makes no guarantee as to and assumes no responsibility for the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information or recommendations. Other or additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances.  

Source: National Safety Council, “What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down On The Highway” nsc.org website. Accessed October 14, 2014. http://www.nsc.org/news_resources/Resources/Documents/What_to_Do_If_Your_Car_Breaks_Down_on_the_Highway.pdf

© Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. This content is strictly for informational purposes and although experts have prepared it, the reader should not substitute this information for professional insurance advice. If you have any questions, please consult your insurance professional before acting on any information presented. Read more.

Having a flat tire when driving is always a problem. But experiencing a flat or blowout while traveling on an interstate highway or other high-speed roadway can present special dangers. The National Safety Council offers these tips for coping with tire trouble:

• At the first sign of tire trouble, grip the steering wheel firmly.
• Don’t slam on the brakes.
• Let the car slow down gradually by taking your foot off the gas pedal.
• Work your vehicle toward the breakdown lane or, if possible, toward an exit.
• If it is necessary to change lanes, signal your intentions to drivers behind and do so smoothly and carefully, watching your mirrors and the traffic around you very closely.
• Steer as your vehicle slows down. It is better to roll the car off the roadway (when you have slowed to 30 miles per hour) and into a safe place than it is to stop in traffic and risk a rear-end or side collision from other vehicles.
• When all four wheels are off the pavement—brake lightly and cautiously until you stop.
• Turn your emergency flashers on.
• It’s important to have the car well off the pavement and away from traffic before stopping, even if proceeding to a place of safety means rolling along slowly with the bad tire flapping. You can drive on a flat if you take it easy and avoid sudden moves. Don’t worry about damaging the tire. It is probably ruined anyway.
• Once off the road, put out reflectorized triangles behind your vehicle to alert other drivers. Keep your emergency flashers on. If you know how to change a tire, have the equipment and can do it safely without being near traffic, change the tire as you normally would.
• Remember that being safe must take precedence over your schedule or whatever other concerns you may have. Changing a tire with traffic whizzing past can be nerve-wracking at best and dangerous at worst. Therefore, it may be best to get professional help if you have a tire problem or other breakdown on a multi-lane highway.
• Raise your hood and tie something white to the radio antenna or hang it out a window so police officers or tow truck operators will know that you need help.
• Don’t st and behind or next to your vehicle. If possible, st and away from the vehicle and wait for help to arrive.
• All interstate highways and major roads are patrolled regularly. Also, some highways have special “call-for-help” phones. If you have a cell phone you can call right from the roadside. It is inadvisable to walk on a multi-lane highway. However, if you can see a source of help and are able to reach it on foot, try the direct approach by walking but keeping as far from traffic as possible.

These are the most important things to remember when dealing with a flat tire on the highway:

• Don’t stop in traffic.
• Get your vehicle completely away from the roadway before attempting to change a tire.
• Tackle changing a tire only if you can do so without placing yourself in danger.
• Finally, the Council recommends that you have a qualified mechanic check your vehicle after having a flat tire to be sure there is no residual damage from the bad tire or the aftermath of the flat.

Source: National Safety Council, “What to Do If You Have a Blowout on the Highway” http://www.nsc.gov website. Accessed August 5, 2014. http://www.nsc.org/news_resources/Resources/Documents/What_to_Do_If_You_Have_a_Blowout_on_the_Highway.pdf

© Copyright 2014 intouch Business, Inc. All rights reserved. Certain names and articles used with permission of owners. Trade names mentioned herein are owned by third parties.

Be TireWise!

Breaking down on a busy road can be dangerous and every year people are hurt or even killed while repairing their cars or waiting for assistance. Follow these simple guidelines to prevent such roadside risks.

See Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go1_BWXFSac

Spokespersons: Lon Anderson, American Automobile Association; Sgt. Greg Vanleer, Virginia State Police.

Source: Insurance Information Institute, “Car Breakdown Safety” iihs.org website. Accessed June 2, 2014. http://www2.iii.org/video/car-breakdown-safety.html

© Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. This content is strictly for informational purposes and although experts have prepared it, the reader should not substitute this information for professional insurance advice. If you have any questions, please consult your insurance professional before acting on any information presented. Read more.

If you are in an accident or your car breaks down, safety should be your first concern. Getting out of the car at a busy intersection or on a highway to change a tire or check damage from a fender bender is probably one of the worst things you can do. The Insurance Information Institute recommends the following precautions when your car breaks down:

• Never get out of the vehicle to make a repair or examine the damage on a busy highway. Get the vehicle to a safe place before getting out. If you’ve been involved in an accident, motion the other driver to pull up to a safe spot ahead.
• If you can’t drive the vehicle, it may be safer to stay in the vehicle and wait for help or use a cell phone to summon help. Under most circumstances st anding outside the vehicle in the flow of traffic is a bad idea.
• Carry flares or triangles to use to mark your location once you get to the side of the road. Marking your vehicle’s location to give other drivers advance warning can be critical. Remember to put on your hazard lights!
• In the case of a blowout or a flat tire, move the vehicle to a safer place before attempting a repair—even if it means destroying the wheel getting there. The cost of a tire, rim or wheel is minor compared to endangering your safety.

Source: Insurance Information Institute, “Car Breakdown Safety” iii.org website. Accessed June 2, 2014. http://www.iii.org/individuals/auto/lifesaving/breakdown/

© Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. This content is strictly for informational purposes and although experts have prepared it, the reader should not substitute this information for professional insurance advice. If you have any questions, please consult your insurance professional before acting on any information presented. Read more.

Dear Valued Customer,

FILING AN AUTO INSURANCE CLAIM

Filing An Auto Insurance Claim: Podcast

Source: Insurance Information Institute, “Filing an Auto Insurance Claim: Five Steps” iihs.org website. Accessed June 2, 2014. http://www2.iii.org/video/podcast-filing-an-auto-insurance-claim.html

© Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. This content is strictly for informational purposes and although experts have prepared it, the reader should not substitute this information for professional insurance advice. If you have any questions, please consult your insurance professional before acting on any information presented. Read more.

Source: Insurance Information Institute, “Does My Auto Insurance Cover Damage Caused By Potholes?” iihs.org website. Accessed June 2, 2014. http://www.iii.org/articles/does-my-auto-insurance-cover-damage-caused-by-potholes.html

© Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. This content is strictly for informational purposes and although experts have prepared it, the reader should not substitute this information for professional insurance advice. If you have any questions, please consult your insurance professional before acting on any information presented. Read more.

No one likes to think that they may be involved in an auto accident, but knowing what to do after a crash can save lives, reduce injuries and make the entire claims process much easier, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

There are over 6.3 million auto crashes each year, resulting in an injury every 11 seconds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“If you are in an auto accident, there are four things to remember to do,” says Jeanne M. Salvatore, consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I. “Stop your car, see if anyone is hurt, assess the damage and then get as much information as possible about the accident.”

At the scene of an accident, the I.I.I. recommends that:

• Find out if anyone is injured. Call the police or highway patrol and let them know how many people were hurt and the extent of their injuries. The police will then notify the nearest medical unit. Avoid moving a severely injured person, unless they are in danger of getting hit by traffic. Try to calm the person and keep them warm by covering them with a blanket or jacket until help arrives.
• Protect the accident scene. Take reasonable steps to protect your car from further damage by setting up flares, getting the car off the road and calling a tow truck.
• Collect as much information as possible. Everyone should keep a pad of paper and a pencil in the glove department of their car. You may also want to keep a disposable camera to take pictures of any damage done to the vehicles. Make sure you get the following information:- Names, addresses and phone numbers of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident, license plate numbers, make and model of each car, driver’s license numbers and insurance information.- Names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses.- Names, badge numbers and contact information of police, highway patrol or other emergency personnel at the scene. Remember to ask where you can obtain a copy of the police report. You will need it when filing a claim.- Make note of the date, time, location and other relevant information such as driving conditions. Details can sometimes be forgotten weeks or months later, so it is important to jot them down.

If there is anything about the accident that does not feel right, mention it to the investigating police officer and let your insurance company know. Some auto accidents have been orchestrated by insurance fraud criminals. 

“If you feel that the accident was a set-up, don’t confront the other driver or passengers,” says Salvatore. “They can be dangerous people. Instead, tell law enforcement or your insurance company about your suspicions and let them investigate the situation.”

The National Insurance Crime bureau has information on staged accidents on its website at www.nicb.org. If you suspect insurance fraud, you can also call their toll free number, 1-800-TEL-NICB

“If you get in accident with another driver or pedestrian, let your insurance company know about the incident,” points out Salvatore. “Even someone who appears to be unharmed may sue you. For your insurer to defend you in court, they need to know about the accident.” 

To file an auto insurance claim, the I.I.I. suggests:

• Get in touch with your insurer as soon as possible, regardless of who is at fault.
• Find out what forms or documents you will need to support your claim. In most cases, your insurer will require you to fill out a “proof of claim” form. If there is a police report, provide this to your insurer. Many insurers have the technology that allows you to monitor the progress of your claim on their website.
• When speaking with your insurer, get the names and phone numbers of everyone you speak with throughout the claims process and keep copies of any bills or documents you supply to your insurer.
• Ask your agent or company representative the following questions:- Does my policy contain a time limit for filing claims and submitting bills?- Is there a time limit for resolving claims disputes?- If I need to submit additional information, what is the cutoff point?- Do I need to get repair estimates for the damages to my car?- Will my policy pay for a rental car while my car is being repaired? If so, how much will I be reimbursed and are there any time constraints?

“Each state has its own laws governing the claims process and you have rights and obligations under these laws,” says Salvatore.

If you have any questions regarding your claim, contact your insurance agent or company representative.

For a link to your state insurance department or more information on filing an auto insurance claim, you can access the I.I.I.’s website at www.iii.org 

The I.I.I. is a non-profit, communications organization supported by the property/casualty insurance business.

Source: Insurance Information Institute, “Knowing What To Do After An Auto Accident Saves Lives & Makes Filing A Claim Easier; The I.I.I. Offers Tips to Help Navigate the Claims Process” iihs.org website. Accessed June 2, 2014. http://www.iii.org/media/updates/archive/press.740304/?printerfriendly=yes

© Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. This content is strictly for informational purposes and although experts have prepared it, the reader should not substitute this information for professional insurance advice. If you have any questions, please consult your insurance professional before acting on any information presented. Read more.