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WASHINGTON, D.C. May 19, 2003; Summer is not the time to be without a car after an accident, especially when you have more places to go and more things to do. According to the Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org), a non-profit, communications organization, the combination of more cars on the road, holiday weekends and slick roads caused by sudden storms increase the risk that your car will be damaged in an accident. Being prepared to handle an accident can help ensure that a fender-bender won't dent your lifestyle and a wreck won't ruin your summer plans.

The I.I.I. is joining the Consumer Protection Association of America in a nationwide public information campaign titled, "Driver Education Days," to coincide with the 100 days from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. The purpose of the program is to educate drivers to be better prepared to handle an accident and increase their satisfaction with the auto insurance claims process. More information is available at www.wiserdrivers.com.

"Many drivers think they are well prepared to deal with an accident, but let's face it, not many of us have ever read our insurance policies," says Carolyn Gorman, vice president of the I.I.I. "Although you're required to have a minimum level of insurance to register your car, the coverage is not guaranteed to meet your individual needs."

Gorman says that drivers need enough insurance to cover potential liability from an accident and repair their damaged car. In addition, standard coverage generally does not provide a replacement rental car while repairs are being made, which can take a couple of weeks. "Rental car reimbursement coverage costs only a couple of dollars a month, but without it, drivers can end up spending as much as $500 to rent a car to commute to work, drive the kids or run errands. The last thing people need after an accident is significant out-of-pocket expenses," Gorman adds.

One of Every Four Drivers Filed a Claim on Their Own Auto Policy in Last Two Years

A recent survey conducted by the Consumer Protection Association of America in cooperation with I.I.I. revealed that nearly one out every four insured drivers has filed a claim on their own policy sometime within the past two years. In addition, of those who indicated that they changed something about their insurance coverage after an accident, approximately one-third added rental car reimbursement to their policies.

Advice and tips for dealing with an accident include the following:

- Keep Safety First. Drivers involved in minor accidents with no serious injuries should move cars to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic. Leaving cars parked in the middle of the road or busy intersection can result in additional accidents and injuries. If cars cannot be moved, drivers and passengers should remain in the cars with seat belts fastened for everyone's safety until help arrives. Make sure to turn on hazard lights and set out cones if possible.

- File An Accident Report. Although law enforcement in many locations may not respond to accidents unless there are injuries, drivers should file a state vehicle accident report, which is available at any police station. A police report often helps insurance companies speed up the claims process. If there is any argument between you and the other drivers, it is a good idea to call the police. Keep contact numbers for law enforcement agencies in your vehicle's glove box.

- Know What Your Insurance Covers. The whole insurance hassle will be easier following your accident if you've kept yourself reasonably apprised of the details of your coverage. For example, don't wait to find out until after an accident that your policy doesn't automatically cover costs for towing or a replacement rental car. For only a couple dollars a month, you can add coverage for rental car reimbursement, which provides a rental car for little or no money while your car is in the repair shop or if it is stolen. Check your policy for specifics -- before you are involved in an accident.

- Supply Your Glove Compartment. Drivers should carry a cell phone, as well as pens and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera to take photos of the vehicles at the scene, and a card with information about medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention if there are serious injuries. Drivers can find a free fill-in-the-blank accident information form to keep in the glove compartment at http://www.wiserdrivers.com.

- Record Information. After an accident, take down the following information: The name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver's license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle. If the driver's name is different from the name of the insured, find out the relationship. Also, make a written description of each car, including year, make, model and color; and record the exact location of the collision and how it happened. Finally, be polite but don't tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was. In conjunction with the "Driver Education Days" public service campaign, the I.I.I. offers consumers additional advice on cutting the cost of having a car with tips on everything from reducing the frequency of car repairs to buying used cars that are still under warranty. Tips are available at www.wiserdrivers.com. Other Web sites that offer good information include:

Insurance Information Institute: www.iii.org/individuals/auto/b/renting

Council of Better Business Bureaus: www.bbb.org/library/autoins.asp

Insure.com: www.insure.com/auto/rentreimbursement.html

The Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org) is a non-profit, communications organization supported by the property/casualty insurance industry.

The Consumer Protection Association of America (www.consumerpro.com), based in Fort Collins, Colo., is a member organization that provides information resources, educational materials, and conflict resolution services to consumers and businesses. The "Wiser Drivers Wise Up" campaign is one of several topics addressed by the Association. Additional information, as well as "Quick Reference Sheets" on a variety of topics, is available on the organization's Web site.