| Independent Insurance Agents Association |
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Q: What to do after an Accident?
A: 1) Do not admit blame. (Don't panic)
2) Secure your vehicle and property from further damage.
3) Seek medical assistance for any injured parties.
4) Contact police/fire department.
5) Exchange information with other parties.
6) Contact your insurance agent or company within 24 hours.
Reporting a claim can be a scary time in your life. We ask that whenever possible that you contact your insurance company DIRECTLY within 24 hours after the accident. If our office is open and you would like our advice on specifics please call. We will help in any way possible!
Q: Company (Telephone & Fax numbers)
A: New York Central Mutual
1899 Central Plaza East, Edmeston, NY 13335-1899
800-355-1717 (24 hour claims reporting) , 607-965-2136 (claims fax number)
800-355-5220 (billing information - automated) , 800-234-6926 (general inquiry)
Progressive Insurance
800-274-4499
Erie & Niagara Insurance Company
100 Erie Insurance Blvd. , Williamsville, NY 14231
800-234-9876 (general information) , 632-0410 (fax)
Farmers Insurance Company
500 Enterprise Dr. , Rocky Hill, CT 06067
1-888-243-8789 (Claims only)
1-888-503-2236 (Claims Fax)
GMAC Insurance
P.O. Box 3199 , Winston- Salem, NC 27102-3199
1-800-468-3466 (Claims only)
1-877-468-3466 (Customer Service)
Hanover Insurance Companies
1-800-628-0250 (Claims only) , 1-800-369-4527 (Glass Claims)
1-800-922-8427 (Customer Service)
Infinity Insurance
1-800-334-1661 (Claims only)
1-800-782-1020 (Customer Service)
Livingston Mutual
P.O. Box 498 , Dansville, NY 14437-0037
1-800-724-0074 (Customer Service) , 1-585-335-6794 (Fax)
Merchants Mutual
250 Main Street , Buffalo, NY 14202
1-800-462-1077
Preferred Mutual
One Preferred Way , New Berlin, NY 13411
1-800-333-7642 , 1-607-847-6616 (Claims only)
Progressive Insurance Co.
3332 Walden Ave. #110 , Depew, NY 14043-2437 (Claims office only)
1-800-274-4499 (Claims only)
1-877-776-2436 (Customer Service)
United Frontier Mutual
195 Davison Rd. , Lockport, NY 14094
434-5503 , 434-4735 (Fax)
Q: How are Claims reported on my Motor Vehicle Report?
A: Claims end up on your New York State Motor Vehicle Report in one of three ways. First, the policy may make a report and forward it to the DMV. Second, you may file a form MV-104 with your insurance agent as part of the claims process. This form would then be sent by you or your agent to the DMV. Any accident which involves total damages to all vehicles and property of $1,000 or more must be reported to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days after the accident. Additionally, any accident which involves injuries must also be reported within 10 days. Finally, your insurance company may on your behalf file the accident report the DMV.
Q: No-Fault? (Personal Injury Protection PIP)
A: One of the most comon questions we receive as insurance agents deals with New York State No-Fault. The name No-Fault is a bit of a misnomer. NYS No-Fault also known as Personal Injury Protection only covers you and anyone in your vehicle for injuries, work loss and death benefits. It has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not you were at-fault for a particular accident. It will not pay to repair your vehicle. The purpose behind this coverage is to provide emergency medical coverage for anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident regardless of fault.
Q: This accident as not my fault. Why should I report it to my insurance Company!
A: There are relatively few times when we reluctantly suggest that you may not inform your insurance company of an accident. This is a very risky proposition. If you are certain that you do not want to report an accident to our insurance company contact our office immediately for advice. If you do not report an accident within a reasonable amount of time the insurance company may not cover the accident at a later date. If you are later sued by someone involved in the accident the company will probably not pay. Furthermore, in New York State anyone involved in an accident has up to three years to sue you. If one of the parties is a minor they have until three years after their 21 birthday to bring suit. Remember you need not do anything wrong to be sued. Another factor to keep in mind is that our agency has far greater influence in assisting you by working through your insurance company. These are people we know and trust with our clients on a dialy basis.
Q: Do I have to report this accident?
A: New York State law requires that you MUST report any accident in which the total damages to all vehicles and property is over $1,000. Also, any claim in which anyone is injured MUST be reported. The accident report for both of the above situations must be made in writing to the Department of Motor Vehicles on form MV-104 within 10 days of the accident.
If you have any questions regarding the above requirments contact our office at once! |
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