What Would You Do If You Were On An Accident?

 

 

 

When you get into a car accident, there are certain steps you may want to take in order to help make sure everyone is safe, to follow the law and to get the insurance claim process started.

The following steps may help guide you through important decisions you need to make if you've been in an auto accident, whether you were at fault for the accident or not.

 

STEP 1: CHECK YOURSELF FOR INJURIES.

If you're injured, call 911 or ask someone else to do so. If you're seriously injured, try not to move, and wait for emergency personnel.

STEP 2: CHECK ON THE WELL-BEING OF YOUR PASSENGERS.

If you're not too hurt to move, check on the other passengers in your car. If anyone's injured, get on the phone with emergency services or ask a bystander to call for help.

STEP 3: GET TO SAFETY.

If you're able to, move to the side of the road or a sidewalk. If your car is safe to drive and is causing a hazard where it is, pull it to the side of the road. Otherwise, leave it where it is and get yourself to safety.

STEP 4: CALL 911.
Whether an accident is considered a fender bender or a major collision, calling the police is important — and in some states, it's legally required. The responding officers will fill out an accident report and document the scene. If the police can't come to the scene of the accident, you can go to the nearest police station and complete a report yourself, according to the III. When you file a claim with your insurer, they may ask for a copy of the police report to help with the claims process.

STEP 5: WAIT FOR HELP.
Turn off your engine, turn on your hazard lights and use the road flares in your emergency kit to warn other vehicles to slow down.

STEP 6: EXCHANGE INFORMATION.
After making sure you and any passengers are uninjured, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. The most important information drivers should exchange after an accident:

 

Full name and contact information

• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver's license and license plate number
• Type, color and model of vehicle
• Location of accident

Avoid discussing fault when going over the facts with the other driver. When you file an insurance claim, the adjuster reviewing your claim will determine who's at fault based on an inspection of the vehicles/property damaged, information provided by you and the other parties involved in the accident, and any supporting documentation, like the police report or photographs from the scene.

 

STEP 7: DOCUMENT THE ACCIDENT.

In order to help protect yourself take the following steps:

• Identify the officers.
  Once the police arrive, get the name and badge number of all responding officers.
• Get a copy.
  Ask the police officers present where you can obtain a copy of the accident report. Your insurer may ask for a copy of the report when you file a car insurance claim.
• Take pictures.
  Document the accident thoroughly by taking pictures of your vehicle from different angles, showing the damage done to both cars. It might also be a good idea to take pictures of the other car's license plate.
• Take down names.
  Write down the names and addresses of all parties involved, including any passengers in the other vehicle.
• Talk to witnesses.
  If there were any witnesses to the accident, take down their names and their contact information, as well.

 

STEP 8: NOTIFY YOUR INSURER AND START THE CLAIMS PROCESS.

You may want to call your insurance agent while you're at the scene. That way, they can tell you exactly what they will need to in order to process your claim.

An accident can leave even the most seasoned driver frazzled, but following these steps may help protect you from unnecessary worries. That way, you can focus on working with your insurance company to get your vehicle repaired as smoothly and as quickly as possible.

 

Car-Lotta Wants To Know What   To Do!

 

 

Can A Minor Purchase A Vehicle?

High school students tend to visit dealerships for vehicle service or to buy a car during the spring and summer months.  A minor can purchase a vehicle, but the dealer should be aware of certain pitfalls.


Any vehicle contract with an individual under the age of 18 can be rendered null and void, as a minor may have the right to return a vehicle and demand reimbursement until the age of 18.
 
Dealers are advised to require a responsible adult to become the purchaser or co-purchaser of a vehicle. 

Common questions on sales, service and insurance include:

Can a vehicle be registered in a minor's name?  Yes.  There is no age restriction to being registered as the owner or lessee of a vehicle.

What about a buyer's order, lease or rental agreement? It is advisable to have the minor and an adult, usually a parent, sign the buyer's order, lease or rental agreement, as well as financing documents.

Are there special disclosure requirements for sales to a minor?  No.  However, as minors often purchase lower-cost,  used vehicles, dealers should explain the warranty, if any, and request an adult co-purchaser acknowledge all aspects of the sale in writing.

Do any special requirements apply to a minor's proof of insurance? The name(s) listed on the registration must correspond with the proof of insurance.  The minor may own the vehicle and be covered by a parent's policy if the minor's name appears on the declaration page of the parent's insurance policy.  If the minor's name does not appear on the proof of insurance document provided, a dealer must request further proof of coverage which does list the minor's name.

Getting Your Auto Ready For Spring

Winter is finally winding down. With more sun and rising temperatures comes an entirely different strategy for car care. Here are a few simple tips to help you care for your vehicle as winter makes way for spring.

Wash and Wax

A good, thorough wash and wax is the most important thing to do with your car once the winter is over. Winter driving can cause a huge amount of road grime, debris and -- worst of all -- salt to build up on your car. You want to make sure those items are long gone before spring starts. Allowing debris and grime to build up on your car can affect its paint and finish, while allowing salt to build up can lead to rust and other serious problems.

Clean the Inside, Too

Nobody wants to spend time cleaning out their car during a cold winter day. That's why spring is the perfect time to clean your car's interior, so spend a day doing some spring cleaning. Remove and throw away all the interior papers, trash and other items that have accrued over the winter. Not only will you have a clean car, but your spring cleaning can be done when it's more temperate and comfortable outside -- especially important if you have to vacuum your carpets and seats.

Are You Ready To Help Your Auto Recover From Winter

Your car has battled snow, ice, salt and potholes for months on end. Now that winter’s in the rear view mirror ( well almost),  certain aspects of your car need a little more TLC than others.

A few things to check 

• Tires: In our area, now is the time to swap your snow tires for your all-season tires. If you kept your all-season tires on all winter, you’ll want to have them rotated. That’s because the drive wheels get worn down faster in all conditions, but especially in harsh winter conditions. By having them regularly rotated (about every 5,000 to 7,500 miles although your vehicle owner’s manual will tell you what is recommended for your car), they will more evenly distribute the wear-and-tear and extend the life of your tires.
  
  Also, if you’re keeping your all-season tires on all year, make sure to check the tire pressure.  cold air lowers tire pressure, which reduces the traction your tires have with the road. The tire pressure may have improved automatically when the weather warmed up, but it’s still best to check.
• Windshield wiper blades: Your wiper blades were probably working overtime removing snow and slush off your windshield. That, along with the fact that cold temperatures wear down blades, means you’ll want to inspect them in the spring. Clean the rubber insert with a lint free rag and window cleaner and replace them if they look worn, squeak or don’t completely clear water off your windshield.
  
  

• Body of the car: The salt used on winter roads can corrode your car, which can cause rust to form. This is especially true when it comes to the car’s underbody. Get things under control by taking your car to a car wash that has high-pressure regular and under-sprays. It will clear off the salt, which will let you inspect your car for any small pits and bubbles that could be the start of a rust spot.
  
  Definitely take your car to a shop if you notice the beginnings of a rust spot. Before next winter, you might also want to stop back to have your car pre-treated with an oil solution under-spray that will help resist winter road salt damage.

• Brakes: Brakes work harder in the winter, so it’s a good idea to give a close listen to them. If they make any strange noises, take your car to a pro ASAP. You might also consider having your brake pads and drums checked, especially if your car is on the higher end of the mileage spectrum. It’s easy to become used to the feel of worn brakes.

• Fluids: It’s important to check your car’s fluid levels since cars tend to use more fluids in the winter. Have a pro check your brake, oil, windshield, coolant, battery and transmission fluid levels. Also ask him or her to test your battery’s charge since extremely cold temperatures can take a toll on batteries
• Engine air filter: A clean engine air filter helps the engine take in fresh, clean air. If it’s clogged, the engine has to work harder. That can lower your fuel economy, so make sure to replace your engine air filter about every 15,000 miles.

• Interior of car: Now is the time to wash the floor liners, vacuum and clean out any trash that’s accumulated. You might also consider applying a protective dressing to the interior vinyl to give it a barrier against the sunshine-filled days ahead.

• Alignment: Potholes can knock your car out of alignment. If your car pulls in one direction instead of maintaining a straight path, it could be out of alignment. Have a pro check its alignment if that’s the case.

Car-Lotta reminds you to take care of your 4 Wheel Baby!   

Do You Know What NOT To Do To Your Auto?

You probably rely on your vehicle every day to get you where you need to go. But how well can your vehicle rely on you?

There are some things you should never do to your car. Are you guilty of any of them? Check out the list below to find out—and learn what you can do to give your car the care it needs.

8 things to never do to your car...

 

• Put off the recommended maintenance. There’s a reason the car manufacturer gives you that little book when you buy a car. It contains important maintenance guidelines for the age and mileage of your car. By following what it says, you can keep your car running smoothly and safely—and save on having to pay for big repairs later on.

 

• Ignore any warning lights. Most cars come with a check engine light and other warning lights. If any warning light goes off, it’s time to take your car to a qualified mechanic ASAP.

 

• Never change the air filter. A fresh air filter keeps your engine running smoothly and improves your car’s fuel efficiency. Most manufacturers suggest you replace your filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. (Err on the lower side if you drive in dusty conditions or in stop-and-go circumstances.)

 

• Never check your tires’ air levels. Not having the right tire pressure makes for unsafe driving and reduced fuel efficiency. Most vehicles list tire pressure requirements on the driver side door post so you know how much air to give your tires.

 

• Have an unqualified person work on your car. Take the time to find a qualified car mechanic. (Keep in mind that you could qualify as “unqualified” if a repair is beyond your skill level.)

 

• Rev the engine during the winter. Doing this doesn’t warm up the car—in fact, it can cause damage since the oil hasn’t yet worked its way through the engine.

 

• Leave keys in the ignition of an unattended car. This is one of the easiest ways to tempt thieves—

 

• Run your gas tank down to empty. Doing so cuts the life of the fuel pump—and puts you at risk of running out before you get to a station.