Washington Auto Insurance Regulations
A Consumer's Guide to:
Auto
Insurance
Choosing and using your auto insurance coverage
Washington State
Office of the
Insurance Commissioner
www.insurance.wa.gov
Dear auto insurance consumer:
Auto insurance is one of the most personal kinds of coverage we purchase. Yet
my office receives more complaints about auto insurance than any other type of
coverage.
While we are able to solve many of those problems, complaints too often involve
discrepancies between what consumers thought they were buying and the actual
coverage they receive. This guide will help you understand how auto insurance
works and what coverage is right for you.
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) publishes additional guides, fact
sheets and other information to educate and assist consumers. All are available on
the OIC's Web site at: www.insurance.wa.gov under "Publications."
Also, if you need help with an insurance problem, or want to file a complaint, call our Insurance Consumer
Hotline toll free at 1-800-562-6900.
We're here to help you.
Sincerely,
Mike Kreidler
Washington State Insurance Commissioner
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
1
Understanding your auto
insurance policy
Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. It spel s out exactly
what the company agrees to do in exchange for the premium that you pay. This contract is divided
into two sections: a declarations page and the policy itself.
The declarations page
The policy
This section of the policy includes basic details of
The second part of your insurance contract is the
the agreement. It is important that you review this
policy itself. This includes:
page to make sure all the information is correct and
all the coverages you requested are included. The
Insuring agreement
declarations page includes:
Definitions
Name of the insurance company
When and where coverage applies
Name(s) of the policyholder(s)
Conditions if the vehicle is financed
Policy number
General conditions
Policy period
Mutual conditions
Description of the vehicle(s) insured
Exceptions and endorsements of the policy
Coverages purchased
Limits of liability and deductibles purchased
Premium charge for each coverage
List of forms that are a part of the policy
Make sure you review your declarations page to verify that your policy
includes the types and amounts of coverage you requested.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
2
Types of coverage
There are many different types of coverages available to meet your auto insurance needs. Some
are required and some are optional. Here are brief descriptions of the available coverages:
Liability
Emergency road service
Washington state requires liability coverage. This
This covers towing when your car breaks down.
covers bodily injury and damage to property that you
cause to others while using your car.
Car rental expense
Personal injury protection
If you have a claim that is covered under your auto
policy, this coverage pays to rent a car. Be sure to
This covers a limited amount of medical and hospital check your policy for any limitations.
costs, income continuation, funeral expenses, and
loss of services. Coverage limits are defined in the
Death, dismemberment and loss
policy.
of sight
Medical payments
This pays for death and certain injuries to people
named in your policy due to an auto accident.
This covers medical and funeral expenses (not all
companies offer this coverage).
GAP coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist
In the event your vehicle is a total loss, this pays the
bodily injury
difference between the current market value of your
auto and the amount you still owe the lender.
This covers injuries an uninsured or underinsured
driver causes to an insured person.
Custom equipment coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist
This covers direct and accidental loss to custom
furnishings or equipment.
property damage
This covers property damage an uninsured or
Many companies also offer other endorsements
underinsured driver causes to your insured vehicle.
(additional coverage). Ask your insurance agent or
broker about:
Col ision coverage
· Trailer/camper body coverage
This covers damage to your car that is caused by
· Snowmobile coverage
a col ision.
· Limited Mexico coverage
Comprehensive coverage (other
than col ision)
· Joint ownership coverage
This covers damage to your car -- except by col ision.
· Auto loan/lease coverage
For example, this covers your car if a tree fal s on it
or someone vandalizes it.
Remember to check your declarations page to
verify the coverage you purchased.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Shopping for automobile insurance
Many insurers offer auto insurance in Washington state. Under state law, insurers may
consider your age, driving record, where you live, credit history, and other factors to decide if
they will offer you coverage. Not every insurer will offer you coverage.
If an agent or broker is unable to find coverage
whose services you choose, it is important to do your
for you, it doesn't mean that there isn't an insurer
homework in advance. You should:
wil ing to cover you. No single agent or broker will
have access to all auto insurers doing business in
· Know what types and limits of coverage
Washington state.
you need.
There are three segments of the auto insurance
· Ensure you're dealing with an authorized
market you should know about:
company and a licensed agent or broker.
Preferred market -- This market features the
· Make sure you have the make, model and
lowest premiums and it is available to low-
other details of the vehicle you wish
risk drivers with exceptional driving records.
to insure.
Standard market -- This market refers
· Answer any questions about your driving
to the average driver who uses family-type
record and accident history ful y and
cars and has a reasonably good
accurately.
driving record.
· Shop for customer service and price.
Non-standard market -- This market
includes young drivers with less experience,
Agents and brokers sel ing insurance in Washington
drivers with multiple tickets or accidents,
must be licensed with our agency. We regulate nearly
and drivers with reckless or drunk driving
85,000 licensees. Some are employed exclusively by
histories.
a specific insurer, while others work independently.
You can find agents and brokers:
Most insurers offer coverage that fal s into
· in the Yel ow Pages of your local phone book
the standard or the preferred markets. A few
corporations have several companies within their
· through referrals from friends and family
group and establish tiers that range from the
preferred market to the non-standard market.
· on the Internet
We cannot recommend or suggest specific
Insurance can be a sophisticated product. You
companies, but we can offer tips to help you shop
need to do your homework and shop the market,
for auto insurance. Regardless of how you shop or
regardless of whether you buy in the traditional
manner or online.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
What to do if you can't find
auto coverage
Some drivers have a hard time obtaining insurance. This can result from a number of factors,
including a poor driving record, type of vehicle, claims history, experience, etc.
There are insurance companies that write non-
If your driving record prevents you from obtaining
standard policies in this state.
a policy in the non-standard market, your agent
They include:
or broker will contact the Automobile Insurance
Plan on your behalf. More than 55 years ago, the
· Al state
Washington State Legislature created this plan to
· Dairyland
provide auto insurance coverage to high-risk drivers
· Farmers
who are unable to find coverage. To qualify for this
special coverage, you must:
· Financial Indemnity
· Guaranty National
· Be a Washington state resident or a member
of the U.S. military
· Infinity
· Leader
· Hold a valid Washington state driver's license
· Nationwide
· Not have any debt from previous auto
· Progressive
insurance coverage
· Safeco
· Viking Insurance Company of Wisconsin
The cost of auto insurance
Auto insurance cost is a major concern to Washington's drivers. Insurance companies must submit their
rate requests to our agency for review. These requests must include enough financial information (actuarial
based) to verify the need for the requested rate. If we are satisfied with the rate information, we must approve
the request.
Insurance companies can rate all licensed drivers
model and year of your vehicle. When you shop for
in the household -- the policyholder and his or her
auto insurance, remember that each company uses
spouse, and other household members, whether
these factors differently.
or not they are related by blood. This includes
roommates. As a result, insurers general y base their Age
premiums on all household members.
Statistics show drivers under the age of 25 have more
Insurance companies base auto rates on a variety
accidents than adults between age 25 and 65. As a
of factors. The premium you pay consists of a "base
result, insurers charge young drivers and families
rate." The base rate is adjusted based on factors such with young drivers in the household higher rates.
as your age, sex, marital status, driving pattern,
Statistics also show that senior citizens are more
claims history, location, credit history, and the make, likely to be involved in an accident.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
5
Gender
Driving patterns
Young men under the age of 25 are involved in more The number of miles you drive per year can increase
accidents per miles driven than any other population your rates. For example, if you drive a total of 7,000
group. Washington state law al ows insurance
miles in a year, you will normal y pay lower rates
companies to charge based on gender and age when than if you drive 15,000 miles in a year. Insurance
statistics indicate a greater risk.
companies consider the distance you commute
to work as additional miles you add to your non-
Marital status
commuting, "pleasure" miles.
Statistical y, married couples have fewer accidents
than singles and general y pay lower rates.
Driving record and claims history
Most companies apply a surcharge to drivers
Vehicle type
involved in an accident or convicted of multiple
General y, the more expensive your vehicle, the
traffic violations. Likewise, the more claims you file,
more you will pay for comprehensive and col ision
the more likely your rates will increase.
coverage. Also, because sports cars and high-
performance cars are involved in more accidents,
Credit history
cost more to repair, and are stolen more often, they
Under federal law (Fair Credit Reporting Act),
cost more to insure.
insurance companies can use credit history as one
factor that impacts your auto rate. They may assign
Location
you an insurance score based on your credit history.
A higher number of accidents in a highly populated They use your score as one factor to decide whether
area will raise both liability and col ision premiums. to accept or decline your coverage, or how much to
Higher crime rates in urban areas can also raise
charge you. However, the Insurance Commissioner
premiums for comprehensive coverage. The law also believes that the use of credit information in
al ows companies to base your rates on your address insurance is inherently unfair and in 2002, he
(where you keep your car), even though you may
requested a bill to limit its use. The law limits the use
drive to a more urban or rural area.
of certain information in credit scoring. For more
information, read the fact sheet Credit Scoring and
Insurance on the Web at http:/ www.insurance.
wa.gov/publications/factsheets/credit_scoring.
pdf.
Companies differ in the skil , care and speed with which they settle customers'
claims. The OIC cannot recommend one company or policy over another.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
6
How to reduce your rates
Here are several options for saving money on auto insurance while making sure that
you have adequate coverage:
Shop around
companies will give you a discount on your
Each insurance company has unique financial
auto premiums if you also insure your house
goals and costs. As a result, it isn't uncommon
through the same company. They also offer
to find rate differences between companies
discounts to seniors who complete the "55
for the exact same coverage. The cheapest
Alive" program. For more information about
insurance may not provide you with the degree
this program, call or write the:
of coverage you need. It is a good idea to discuss
Washington Traffic Safety Commission
your coverage with your agent or insurance
1000 S. Cherry St.
company.
Olympia, WA 98504
Select the right car
Phone: (60) 75-175
www.wtsc.wa.gov
The type of auto you own has a direct influence
on your insurance costs. Before you buy an
Eliminate duplication
auto, check with your agent or broker to find
Your coverage may overlap in some areas, such
out how much it will cost to insure.
as medical, col ision, and uninsured motorist
Select higher deductibles
property damage. Ask your agent or broker to
explain your coverage and advise you if you are
The amount of the deductible you select will
duplicating coverage.
affect your auto rate. For example, you may
save money by increasing your col ision and
Buying collision/comprehensive
comprehensive deductibles from $100 to $500.
coverage
To help keep your premiums down, you may
If you don't think you could afford to fix
want to think about paying for smal er claims
your car yourself if it was involved in an
yourself and using your insurance to only pay
accident, you may want to carry col ision and
for larger claims.
comprehensive coverage. These coverages
protect owners of expensive and late-model
Special discounts
autos against the cost of repairs. Though
Ask each agent or company if they offer special
coverage may increase your rates, you may want
discounts. They often offer discounts to young
to think about it if the difference in what you
drivers who are good students or who have
pay would exceed your ability to pay the repair
completed a driver's education course. Many
bil s. Your lender may require these coverages
until you've paid off your car.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
7
Additional information
Coverage for home health What you should do after
care workers
an accident
If you are a health care worker and you use your
Every driver involved in an accident is legal y
own auto to occasional y take clients to their
required to remain at the scene. He or she must also
appointments, it may impact your coverage.
offer aid and give necessary information to others
Insurance policies vary from company to company.
involved and to law enforcement officers. If you're
Always check the coverage and exclusions in your
involved in an accident:
insurance policy. If you still are unsure about
what uses your policy covers, contact your agent
· Use all means possible to warn oncoming
or insurance company. You can also read our fact
traffic of the danger at the scene.
sheet "Auto coverage and home health care workers"
· Give reasonable aid to the injured. Do not
on the Web at: http:/ www.insurance.wa.gov/
move them unless it is absolutely necessary.
publications/auto.
· Notify the Washington State Patrol (WSP),
Auto service contracts
city police or county sheriff, and if needed,
request a doctor or aid unit and ambulance.
Auto service contracts extend and expand
your car's original warranty. Effective Oct. 1,
· Obtain and give necessary information for
2006, the company issuing the service contract
the accident report, including names of
must be registered with the Office of Insurance
witnesses and police officers.
Commissioner. Service contracts must be backed
· If there is any injury or death, or if property
by an authorized insurance company. The warranty
damage exceeds $700 to any one person's
contract must clearly identify the insurance company
property, you must notify the WSP, city
and the company that's promising to repair your
police or county sheriff. If you fail to
vehicle (vehicle service contract provider) and how
complete a written report, when required, it
to contact them. You have a right to deal with the
may result in the suspension of your driver's
insurance company directly.
license or instruction permit.
It is equal y important that you promptly report the
incident to your insurance company. Also, you may
be subject to other reporting requirements specified
in your insurance policy. It is vital that you read your
policy and know what you must do to file a claim.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
8
Additional auto insurance
publications
For more information about auto insurance, read the fol owing fact sheets at:
http:/ www.insurance.wa.gov/publications/inspublications_auto.asp
Auto Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
Vehicle Total Loss
Gap Insurance
Insurance Decoded (A Consumer's Insurance Glossary)
Questions and Answers on Credit Scoring
How Insurance Companies Determine Auto Rates, and Suggested Tips for Consumers
Mandatory Auto Insurance Law
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Subrogation & Your Rights
Extended Automobile Warranties/Service Contracts
Auto Insurance Coverage for Home Health Care Workers
To request a hard copy, contact the Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900.
You can also go to www.insurance.wa.gov and click on "Publications" to view our full library
of publications.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
9
Need more help?
Call our Insurance Consumer Hotline!
1-800-562-6900
Our professional consumer advocates enforce insurance law and can investigate complaints
against insurance companies and agents on your behalf.
We also offer individual counseling and group education on health care issues in your
communities. Our highly trained Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)
HelpLine volunteers can help you understand your rights and options regarding health care
coverage, prescription drugs, government programs, and more.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Call our Insurance Consumer Hotline
1-800-562-6900
See inside back cover for details
2057-OIC-Guide-Auto Insurance-EN-rev. 11/06
Auto
Insurance
Choosing and using your auto insurance coverage
Washington State
Office of the
Insurance Commissioner
www.insurance.wa.gov
Dear auto insurance consumer:
Auto insurance is one of the most personal kinds of coverage we purchase. Yet
my office receives more complaints about auto insurance than any other type of
coverage.
While we are able to solve many of those problems, complaints too often involve
discrepancies between what consumers thought they were buying and the actual
coverage they receive. This guide will help you understand how auto insurance
works and what coverage is right for you.
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) publishes additional guides, fact
sheets and other information to educate and assist consumers. All are available on
the OIC's Web site at: www.insurance.wa.gov under "Publications."
Also, if you need help with an insurance problem, or want to file a complaint, call our Insurance Consumer
Hotline toll free at 1-800-562-6900.
We're here to help you.
Sincerely,
Mike Kreidler
Washington State Insurance Commissioner
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
1
Understanding your auto
insurance policy
Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. It spel s out exactly
what the company agrees to do in exchange for the premium that you pay. This contract is divided
into two sections: a declarations page and the policy itself.
The declarations page
The policy
This section of the policy includes basic details of
The second part of your insurance contract is the
the agreement. It is important that you review this
policy itself. This includes:
page to make sure all the information is correct and
all the coverages you requested are included. The
Insuring agreement
declarations page includes:
Definitions
Name of the insurance company
When and where coverage applies
Name(s) of the policyholder(s)
Conditions if the vehicle is financed
Policy number
General conditions
Policy period
Mutual conditions
Description of the vehicle(s) insured
Exceptions and endorsements of the policy
Coverages purchased
Limits of liability and deductibles purchased
Premium charge for each coverage
List of forms that are a part of the policy
Make sure you review your declarations page to verify that your policy
includes the types and amounts of coverage you requested.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
2
Types of coverage
There are many different types of coverages available to meet your auto insurance needs. Some
are required and some are optional. Here are brief descriptions of the available coverages:
Liability
Emergency road service
Washington state requires liability coverage. This
This covers towing when your car breaks down.
covers bodily injury and damage to property that you
cause to others while using your car.
Car rental expense
Personal injury protection
If you have a claim that is covered under your auto
policy, this coverage pays to rent a car. Be sure to
This covers a limited amount of medical and hospital check your policy for any limitations.
costs, income continuation, funeral expenses, and
loss of services. Coverage limits are defined in the
Death, dismemberment and loss
policy.
of sight
Medical payments
This pays for death and certain injuries to people
named in your policy due to an auto accident.
This covers medical and funeral expenses (not all
companies offer this coverage).
GAP coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist
In the event your vehicle is a total loss, this pays the
bodily injury
difference between the current market value of your
auto and the amount you still owe the lender.
This covers injuries an uninsured or underinsured
driver causes to an insured person.
Custom equipment coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist
This covers direct and accidental loss to custom
furnishings or equipment.
property damage
This covers property damage an uninsured or
Many companies also offer other endorsements
underinsured driver causes to your insured vehicle.
(additional coverage). Ask your insurance agent or
broker about:
Col ision coverage
· Trailer/camper body coverage
This covers damage to your car that is caused by
· Snowmobile coverage
a col ision.
· Limited Mexico coverage
Comprehensive coverage (other
than col ision)
· Joint ownership coverage
This covers damage to your car -- except by col ision.
· Auto loan/lease coverage
For example, this covers your car if a tree fal s on it
or someone vandalizes it.
Remember to check your declarations page to
verify the coverage you purchased.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Shopping for automobile insurance
Many insurers offer auto insurance in Washington state. Under state law, insurers may
consider your age, driving record, where you live, credit history, and other factors to decide if
they will offer you coverage. Not every insurer will offer you coverage.
If an agent or broker is unable to find coverage
whose services you choose, it is important to do your
for you, it doesn't mean that there isn't an insurer
homework in advance. You should:
wil ing to cover you. No single agent or broker will
have access to all auto insurers doing business in
· Know what types and limits of coverage
Washington state.
you need.
There are three segments of the auto insurance
· Ensure you're dealing with an authorized
market you should know about:
company and a licensed agent or broker.
Preferred market -- This market features the
· Make sure you have the make, model and
lowest premiums and it is available to low-
other details of the vehicle you wish
risk drivers with exceptional driving records.
to insure.
Standard market -- This market refers
· Answer any questions about your driving
to the average driver who uses family-type
record and accident history ful y and
cars and has a reasonably good
accurately.
driving record.
· Shop for customer service and price.
Non-standard market -- This market
includes young drivers with less experience,
Agents and brokers sel ing insurance in Washington
drivers with multiple tickets or accidents,
must be licensed with our agency. We regulate nearly
and drivers with reckless or drunk driving
85,000 licensees. Some are employed exclusively by
histories.
a specific insurer, while others work independently.
You can find agents and brokers:
Most insurers offer coverage that fal s into
· in the Yel ow Pages of your local phone book
the standard or the preferred markets. A few
corporations have several companies within their
· through referrals from friends and family
group and establish tiers that range from the
preferred market to the non-standard market.
· on the Internet
We cannot recommend or suggest specific
Insurance can be a sophisticated product. You
companies, but we can offer tips to help you shop
need to do your homework and shop the market,
for auto insurance. Regardless of how you shop or
regardless of whether you buy in the traditional
manner or online.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
What to do if you can't find
auto coverage
Some drivers have a hard time obtaining insurance. This can result from a number of factors,
including a poor driving record, type of vehicle, claims history, experience, etc.
There are insurance companies that write non-
If your driving record prevents you from obtaining
standard policies in this state.
a policy in the non-standard market, your agent
They include:
or broker will contact the Automobile Insurance
Plan on your behalf. More than 55 years ago, the
· Al state
Washington State Legislature created this plan to
· Dairyland
provide auto insurance coverage to high-risk drivers
· Farmers
who are unable to find coverage. To qualify for this
special coverage, you must:
· Financial Indemnity
· Guaranty National
· Be a Washington state resident or a member
of the U.S. military
· Infinity
· Leader
· Hold a valid Washington state driver's license
· Nationwide
· Not have any debt from previous auto
· Progressive
insurance coverage
· Safeco
· Viking Insurance Company of Wisconsin
The cost of auto insurance
Auto insurance cost is a major concern to Washington's drivers. Insurance companies must submit their
rate requests to our agency for review. These requests must include enough financial information (actuarial
based) to verify the need for the requested rate. If we are satisfied with the rate information, we must approve
the request.
Insurance companies can rate all licensed drivers
model and year of your vehicle. When you shop for
in the household -- the policyholder and his or her
auto insurance, remember that each company uses
spouse, and other household members, whether
these factors differently.
or not they are related by blood. This includes
roommates. As a result, insurers general y base their Age
premiums on all household members.
Statistics show drivers under the age of 25 have more
Insurance companies base auto rates on a variety
accidents than adults between age 25 and 65. As a
of factors. The premium you pay consists of a "base
result, insurers charge young drivers and families
rate." The base rate is adjusted based on factors such with young drivers in the household higher rates.
as your age, sex, marital status, driving pattern,
Statistics also show that senior citizens are more
claims history, location, credit history, and the make, likely to be involved in an accident.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
5
Gender
Driving patterns
Young men under the age of 25 are involved in more The number of miles you drive per year can increase
accidents per miles driven than any other population your rates. For example, if you drive a total of 7,000
group. Washington state law al ows insurance
miles in a year, you will normal y pay lower rates
companies to charge based on gender and age when than if you drive 15,000 miles in a year. Insurance
statistics indicate a greater risk.
companies consider the distance you commute
to work as additional miles you add to your non-
Marital status
commuting, "pleasure" miles.
Statistical y, married couples have fewer accidents
than singles and general y pay lower rates.
Driving record and claims history
Most companies apply a surcharge to drivers
Vehicle type
involved in an accident or convicted of multiple
General y, the more expensive your vehicle, the
traffic violations. Likewise, the more claims you file,
more you will pay for comprehensive and col ision
the more likely your rates will increase.
coverage. Also, because sports cars and high-
performance cars are involved in more accidents,
Credit history
cost more to repair, and are stolen more often, they
Under federal law (Fair Credit Reporting Act),
cost more to insure.
insurance companies can use credit history as one
factor that impacts your auto rate. They may assign
Location
you an insurance score based on your credit history.
A higher number of accidents in a highly populated They use your score as one factor to decide whether
area will raise both liability and col ision premiums. to accept or decline your coverage, or how much to
Higher crime rates in urban areas can also raise
charge you. However, the Insurance Commissioner
premiums for comprehensive coverage. The law also believes that the use of credit information in
al ows companies to base your rates on your address insurance is inherently unfair and in 2002, he
(where you keep your car), even though you may
requested a bill to limit its use. The law limits the use
drive to a more urban or rural area.
of certain information in credit scoring. For more
information, read the fact sheet Credit Scoring and
Insurance on the Web at http:/ www.insurance.
wa.gov/publications/factsheets/credit_scoring.
pdf.
Companies differ in the skil , care and speed with which they settle customers'
claims. The OIC cannot recommend one company or policy over another.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
6
How to reduce your rates
Here are several options for saving money on auto insurance while making sure that
you have adequate coverage:
Shop around
companies will give you a discount on your
Each insurance company has unique financial
auto premiums if you also insure your house
goals and costs. As a result, it isn't uncommon
through the same company. They also offer
to find rate differences between companies
discounts to seniors who complete the "55
for the exact same coverage. The cheapest
Alive" program. For more information about
insurance may not provide you with the degree
this program, call or write the:
of coverage you need. It is a good idea to discuss
Washington Traffic Safety Commission
your coverage with your agent or insurance
1000 S. Cherry St.
company.
Olympia, WA 98504
Select the right car
Phone: (60) 75-175
www.wtsc.wa.gov
The type of auto you own has a direct influence
on your insurance costs. Before you buy an
Eliminate duplication
auto, check with your agent or broker to find
Your coverage may overlap in some areas, such
out how much it will cost to insure.
as medical, col ision, and uninsured motorist
Select higher deductibles
property damage. Ask your agent or broker to
explain your coverage and advise you if you are
The amount of the deductible you select will
duplicating coverage.
affect your auto rate. For example, you may
save money by increasing your col ision and
Buying collision/comprehensive
comprehensive deductibles from $100 to $500.
coverage
To help keep your premiums down, you may
If you don't think you could afford to fix
want to think about paying for smal er claims
your car yourself if it was involved in an
yourself and using your insurance to only pay
accident, you may want to carry col ision and
for larger claims.
comprehensive coverage. These coverages
protect owners of expensive and late-model
Special discounts
autos against the cost of repairs. Though
Ask each agent or company if they offer special
coverage may increase your rates, you may want
discounts. They often offer discounts to young
to think about it if the difference in what you
drivers who are good students or who have
pay would exceed your ability to pay the repair
completed a driver's education course. Many
bil s. Your lender may require these coverages
until you've paid off your car.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
7
Additional information
Coverage for home health What you should do after
care workers
an accident
If you are a health care worker and you use your
Every driver involved in an accident is legal y
own auto to occasional y take clients to their
required to remain at the scene. He or she must also
appointments, it may impact your coverage.
offer aid and give necessary information to others
Insurance policies vary from company to company.
involved and to law enforcement officers. If you're
Always check the coverage and exclusions in your
involved in an accident:
insurance policy. If you still are unsure about
what uses your policy covers, contact your agent
· Use all means possible to warn oncoming
or insurance company. You can also read our fact
traffic of the danger at the scene.
sheet "Auto coverage and home health care workers"
· Give reasonable aid to the injured. Do not
on the Web at: http:/ www.insurance.wa.gov/
move them unless it is absolutely necessary.
publications/auto.
· Notify the Washington State Patrol (WSP),
Auto service contracts
city police or county sheriff, and if needed,
request a doctor or aid unit and ambulance.
Auto service contracts extend and expand
your car's original warranty. Effective Oct. 1,
· Obtain and give necessary information for
2006, the company issuing the service contract
the accident report, including names of
must be registered with the Office of Insurance
witnesses and police officers.
Commissioner. Service contracts must be backed
· If there is any injury or death, or if property
by an authorized insurance company. The warranty
damage exceeds $700 to any one person's
contract must clearly identify the insurance company
property, you must notify the WSP, city
and the company that's promising to repair your
police or county sheriff. If you fail to
vehicle (vehicle service contract provider) and how
complete a written report, when required, it
to contact them. You have a right to deal with the
may result in the suspension of your driver's
insurance company directly.
license or instruction permit.
It is equal y important that you promptly report the
incident to your insurance company. Also, you may
be subject to other reporting requirements specified
in your insurance policy. It is vital that you read your
policy and know what you must do to file a claim.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
8
Additional auto insurance
publications
For more information about auto insurance, read the fol owing fact sheets at:
http:/ www.insurance.wa.gov/publications/inspublications_auto.asp
Auto Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
Vehicle Total Loss
Gap Insurance
Insurance Decoded (A Consumer's Insurance Glossary)
Questions and Answers on Credit Scoring
How Insurance Companies Determine Auto Rates, and Suggested Tips for Consumers
Mandatory Auto Insurance Law
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Subrogation & Your Rights
Extended Automobile Warranties/Service Contracts
Auto Insurance Coverage for Home Health Care Workers
To request a hard copy, contact the Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900.
You can also go to www.insurance.wa.gov and click on "Publications" to view our full library
of publications.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
9
Need more help?
Call our Insurance Consumer Hotline!
1-800-562-6900
Our professional consumer advocates enforce insurance law and can investigate complaints
against insurance companies and agents on your behalf.
We also offer individual counseling and group education on health care issues in your
communities. Our highly trained Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)
HelpLine volunteers can help you understand your rights and options regarding health care
coverage, prescription drugs, government programs, and more.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Call our Insurance Consumer Hotline
1-800-562-6900
See inside back cover for details
2057-OIC-Guide-Auto Insurance-EN-rev. 11/06