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Auto Club Offers Tips On Filing a Claim

5 May 2000

Auto Club Offers Tips On Filing a Claim; Take a Quiz, Qualify for an Auto Insurance Discount

    LOS ANGELES--May 4, 2000--Motorists can now learn how to file auto insurance claims and save money at the same time, says the Automobile Club of Southern California.
    Those who buy or renew auto insurance policies from the Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club will receive a new guide that provides step-by-step instructions on what to do in case of a collision. If they complete the attached quiz and send it back to the Exchange, they will receive a discount of approximately 1.8 percent on their bodily injury, property damage and uninsured motorist premiums.
    "The time to learn about filing a claim is before you need to use the information," said Lawrence Baker, the Auto Club's senior vice president for insurance. "A collision can be a traumatic experience, and some familiarity with the claims process can be helpful and comforting to those involved. We've designed our new guide to fit inside glove compartments so that drivers can quickly check it for reference in the event of a collision."
    The guide also includes space for information that drivers need to collect when they are involved in a collision, such as names, insurance information and vehicle data.
    In addition to explaining what steps to take after a collision, the guide advises drivers to carry emergency equipment in their vehicles such as pens and paper, a first aid kit, a blanket, jumper cables, flares, flashlight and disposable camera.
    The guide also advises drivers of the warning signs of a possible fraudulent collision (one that has been staged deliberately for profit). Up to 10 percent of vehicle collisions are fraudulent.
    The following signs can alert drivers to the possibility that a fraudulent collision is being planned:

    -- Vehicles that change lanes frequently

    -- Vehicles with no working brake lights

    -- Drivers who look frequently into the rearview mirror or
    passengers who look behind frequently

    -- Older model vehicles, often with previous damage

    -- Vehicles traveling at slow speeds

    -- Two vehicles, driving side by side, that appear to be
    communicating with each other (planning an accident. To
    prevent being the victim of a fraudulent accident, the Auto
    Club advises motorists to drive defensively, watch for warning
    signs, and avoid tailgating other vehicles.