By: Charlene Webb

When it comes to driving, no matter how careful of a driver you may be, the unthinkable can happen—you’re involved in a car accident. If you look at what’s happening on the roads today, you’ll notice that just about everyone is on a cell phone or doing everything in his or her car except paying attention to the road. Talking on a cell phone, texting messages from your phone, putting on makeup, drinking beverages, speeding to get to and from work and fooling around with your radio are the foundation for an accident waiting to happen in your vehicle.

If you have been driving for years, you may want to consider taking a defensive driving course to address those situations on the roadways. A defensive driving course will not only help you to refresh your knowledge of road safety, but it will give you an opportunity to discover new ways to stay safe today. Statistically the number of seniors continuing to drive after age 65 as well as teen drivers on the road is increasing by the dozens. Unfortunately, as we grow older our reflexes are not as fast as they used to be, and our young drivers don’t always have the experience needed to deal with unexpected situations, such as a car cutting them off on the road. You have to drive just as defensively on the road as you do offensively to stay safe. Getting rid of the distractions that take your attention away from the road is key. Every time you pick up a newspaper, you’ll find drivers being killed as a result of foolish accidents and choices some drivers are making on the road. Everyone seems to be in a hurry to go nowhere. In addition, taking this course can help you save money on your auto liability insurance usually anywhere from 10 to 15%. Check with your local insurance agent to find out what their specific guidelines may be for receiving that discount.

If you are involved in an auto accident, please call the police or an ambulance if needed so that a report can be taken, and as soon as possible, contact your agent to discuss the accident so that you can be advised accordingly as to what action needs to be taken.

Depending on the circumstances of the incident, your insurance coverage may or may not cover the incident. If a claim is established with your carrier, additional information may be needed regarding the parties involved in the accident, the vehicles involved, insurance information and so forth. Make sure you have as much information about the accident available as possible to assist your agent in helping you with your claim. Many people tend to want to settle the matter without going through the claims process, but be mindful that if there is no police report or documentation about the accident, the party that may have caused the accident could change the facts of the situation, and you wind up paying costs out of your pocket that you may actually not be responsible for. Also, be aware that anyone not wanting to get the police involved may have a reason for not wanting them involved—reasons such as them not having any insurance or having a suspended license. You need to make sure you are protecting your assets. With today’s economy being what it is, there are many people out there looking for a quick buck at your expense. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable.

If you are injured in an accident, automatically contact your agent as soon as you can to establish a personal injury claim. Personal injury claims are paid through your personal injury coverage, otherwise known as PIP, from your auto policy whether you are at fault in the accident or not. Let the insurance companies worry about getting reimbursed if you are not at fault in the accident. That’s what your insurance company is in place for, to handle those kinds of problems. When seeing doctors after the accident, make sure you give them your personal injury claim information; otherwise, they’ll hold you responsible for payment of those doctor visits. You don’t want those bills going into collections and having your credit report affected because you forgot to call the claim into your carrier.

Claims representatives are usually available 24 hours a day to take your information. For your own peace of mind, take the time to meet with your agent regularly to ensure you have the appropriate coverage you need to handle any medical claims you may incur as a result of injury you sustain in an accident. Call TODAY for your Good Hands Coverage Checkup.

Webb is an Exclusive Agent for Allstate Insurance Company, 494 N. Dupont Hwy., Dover, DE  19901, 302-736-6475.

She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, with a BS degree in Business Education and is celebrating five years of service with Allstate Insurance Co. Webb Insurance Agency of Allstate Insurance Company offers a complete product line which includes helping families protect their lives, homes, cars, boats and businesses to helping prepare children for college by offering 529 plans, to getting ready for retirement using various financial services products such as IRAs, mutual funds, and annuities. We offer annual reviews of current policies to ensure you are up to date on your current needs and goals and to help you protect the assets you have worked hard to earn. Her office is located at 494 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE  19901, and she can be reached at 302-736-6475 or on her website at www.allstate.com/charwebb.

Testimonials:
“I couldn’t have asked for a better agent than Charlene Webb who is more than our agent but a friend that always looks out for us and our needs. We love her, and God bless her.”
~G. Charlene Cotter

“Charlene is a very nice person, a great agent who’s always going out of her way to please her clients. Customer service is always great, and I appreciate the help she has not only given me but my entire family. She is so pleasant to work with.”
~Susan Mannon