Insurance Claims

Why is it that whenever you have an accident you immediately get transferred away from your familiar agent to an adjuster you have never talked with before?  Doesn't it seem like before the accident you were promised that if any type of calamity or mayhem should occur that you could count on the neighbor-like-response to your requests with your insurance claim?  What can you do if you have problems with a Michigan insurance claim?

If it is a matter of getting a fair value for your totaled car you can try the following:  (1).  Use the website  http://www.nada.com/ to see what value your car had on the used car market (adjusters think NADA is a better site than Kelley Bluebook); (2).  Search for a similar used cars that are being currently sold by a dealers or private sellers;  (3). Use these values and add what you will be charged for sales tax (6% in Michigan) to come up with what you believe is a fair value (insurance companies have to pay sales tax because it is part of the costs of replacing a car - usually the adjuster won't tell you this) (4). Call the adjuster and see if he/she will be reasonable in negotiations; (5).  If you cannot get a fair price on your own, then call an attorney to assist you in the claim by either calling the adjuster on your behalf or sending the adjuster a demand letter on lawfirm letter-head.

More insurance information at:   
http://www.michiganautoaccident.com/Practice-Area/Uninsured-Underinsured-Motorists.shtml

Safe Winter Driving Tips

Considering the current blizzard warning for most of Michigan, the following condensed safe winter driving tips from the Department of Transportation seem appropriate:

• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights - even the hood and roof - before driving.
• Pay attention. Don't try to out-drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
• Leave plenty of room for stopping.
• Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows. The law requires you to slow down or move over when approaching emergency or maintenance vehicles, including snowplows, parked on the side of the road when they have their flashing lights turned on. If you approach a parked emergency or maintenance vehicle during a winter storm and decide to change lanes be extra careful. The passing lane may be in worse shape than the driving lane. There may also be a snow ridge between the two lanes. Avoid making an abrupt lane change. If approaching a snowplow, stay back at least 200 feet (it's the law!), and don't pass on the right.
• Know the current road conditions. log onto the Michigan Road Conditions Web page

http://www.michtip.state.mi.us/rw/home.htm

• Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
• Watch for slippery bridge decks, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridge decks will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement.
• Don't use your cruise control in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the short touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won't help you stop any faster. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop.  Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle's traction. Your 4x4 can lose traction as quickly as a two-wheel drive vehicle.
• Do not pump anti-lock brakes. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump brakes in attempting to stop. The right way is to "stomp and steer!"
• Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you a split-second extra time to react safely.
• Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
• Go slow!