September, 2017 | Amigo Insurance

What Is Proof of Loss?

You need to file a home insurance claim. A part of the process in doing so is often to complete a proof of loss statement. What’s that? And, how do you know how to complete it?

The good news is your home insurance agent will help you through this process. Whenever there is a need to file an insurance claim, rely on your agent to help. This speeds it up. It also ensures you do not provide inaccurate information that could damage your claim.

Defining Proof of Loss

The proof of loss statement is a document you often must complete when filing a claim. Most insurance claims require it. However, it is nearly always a requirement when filing a home insurance claim. In short, it is a statement that outlines what amount of money you wish to request. This is a legally binding document. That means you must be truthful in it. You must also take steps to ensure the amount you request is accurate.

A proof of loss statement requires your signature. This signature is your sworn oath about the money you wish the insurer to pay you for the claim loss. The home insurer will use this document to determine if it can pay you the amount requested. This is not your actual claim. You will need to fill out additional information about why you are filing the claim.

With a proof of loss statement, you state how much you wish the policy to pay you. In some cases, you will need to justify this amount. For example, in a roofing claim, the estimate from a local roofer will help to prove that this is the amount necessary to cover the claim. If you lost a piece of jewelry, a receipt can help you verify the actual worth of the item.

Take the time to work with your insurer to complete the proof of loss. Be sure it is as accurate as possible. This information will play a role in how much the insurer pays you for the claim. However, it is only the first step. The insurer will still verify that this is the right amount. The home insurance policy also defines how much coverage you will receive. Your home insurance agent will help you through this process to ensure accuracy and speedy claim service.

Ready for home insurance? Look no further. Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc. at 877-999-2644 for a Chicago home insurance quote.

The Scoop on Potholes and How to Avoid Them

It is awfully difficult to traverse city roads without encountering a pothole. Sometimes, potholes can linger for years.

Potholes form as a result of uneven roads that cause the back ends of trucks to smack against the road. Potholes also form due to freezing and thawing that leads to cracking. When moisture reaches such cracks, they form potholes. Often, drivers see potholes and swerve into another lane without looking. This reaction might cause an accident and raise auto insurance rates.

Why Potholes are Such a Problem

Potholes are certainly unsightly. They often mar otherwise clean roads that are in solid condition.

Yet the most glaring problem posed by potholes is the damage they inflict on vehicles. Potholes have the potential to severely damage a vehicle’s wheels, tires and suspension. Let’s take a look at a few tips that will help drivers reduce the impact of potholes.

How Drivers can Avoid Potholes

The best way to avoid potholes is to use common sense.

Drive at a reasonable speed that is always at or below the posted speed limit. Such a safe speed will provide you with ample time to react if you spot a pothole. Do not tailgate.
Do not swerve into an adjacent lane to avoid the pothole. Changing lanes could cause an accident worse than any damage resulting from direct contact with the pothole.
If you have enough time to gauge traffic in an adjacent lane, do so. If you believe there is enough space to change lanes before hitting the pothole, go ahead and move over.

Minimize the Damage

In most instances, you will not have enough time to avoid potholes. Be especially aware at night when potholes are that much more difficult to see.

You may be able to reduce the damage of the impact by reducing your rate of speed. Take your foot off the brake after making contact with the pothole. This strategy helps your automobile absorb the impact. Be sure to approach the potholes with your vehicle’s wheels pointed straight ahead. Striking a pothole at an angle can worsen the damage.

It will also help to keep your vehicle in good working order. A well-maintained car stands better chance of emerging from a pothole without damage. Keep your vehicle’s tires inflated to the proper level. Make sure the steering and suspension are in tip-top shape. These preparations will help you avoid an accident that spikes your car insurance rate.

Do you need auto insurance? Let us help. Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc. at 877-999-2644 for a fast, free Chicago auto insurance quote.

Traveling in Mexico? You Need Auto Insurance

Whenever you hit the road, you need auto insurance. This is especially true when you venture to an unfamiliar location. When you travel, you face risks that you may not ordinarily encounter. That’s why this coverage is so important. But, when you travel outside of the U.S., you may find that your standard auto insurance does not cover you.

Americans may travel into Mexico on vacation or even everyday business. However, what you may not realize is that Mexican law does not recognize most forms of U.S. auto insurance. However, going without auto insurance in Mexico is just as risky as going without auto insurance in the U.S.

Driving Qualifications for Mexico

If you plan to drive in Mexico, you have to the first take steps to ensure that you have the correct qualifications to operate in the foreign jurisdiction.

The good news is that Mexico recognizes the U.S. driver’s licenses. Still, U.S. drivers usually also need passports, visas or other documents to legally enter Mexico. Also, depending on where you drive, you may have to get an import permit to bring your vehicle into Mexico.

But, along with these requirements, you must get insurance as well.

Getting Mexican Auto Insurance

Mexico, like the U.S., requires most drivers to carry auto insurance. If Americans fail to carry the appropriate foreign insurance, they may face severe penalties from Mexican authorities. Penalties may include impoundment of vehicles or even jail time.

American drivers in Mexico can usually get Mexican insurance before they leave home. Many American brokers work closely with reputable Mexican insurance companies to issue policies. These policies will meet all Mexican insurance requirements. They should contain:

Liability coverage, similar to the third-party liability coverage of American policies
Medical payments coverage for those in your vehicle
Travel assistance similar to roadside assistance
Legal assistance coverage, in case a legal problem arises relating to the accident

Drivers may also be able to add extra protection like theft or collision coverage.

Many Mexican insurance policies can cover drivers in both short- and long-term increments. American drivers should talk to an experienced insurance agent before buying a policy. The agent can help the driver determine the appropriate coverage limits for Mexican driving.

Do you need Mexico auto insurance? Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc. at 877-999-2644 now.

Avoiding Reckless Driving Charges and SR-22 Requirements

Reckless driving demonstrates risk to the authorities and insurance companies. Reckless driving may harm drivers, their vehicles, personal property and others on the road.

A state may require reckless drivers to get a SR-22 certificate. A SR-22 certificate is not an insurance policy. It is a certificate that verifies for the state that a driver has an active auto insurance policy.

SR-22s remain on a driving record and auto insurance policies for a couple of years. Drivers have to maintain active auto insurance for the entire SR-22 period.

If an insurance policy lapses, the SR-22 becomes void. If drivers continue to receive reckless driving charges, the SR-22 period may start over. Drivers may even face harsher driving penalties.

Drivers should do everything they can to avoid a reckless driving charge. Take a look at some of the ways to reduce this risk, and also cut the chances of getting an SR-22.

1. Brush Up On Unfamiliar Laws

Many of us cannot fully understand the myriad of state driving laws. We may not understand certain signs, right of way laws or speed requirements. Accidentally breaking one of these laws may lead to a reckless driving charge.

All drivers should periodically refresh their basic knowledge of state driving laws. Reviewing the state driving handbook or passing a defensive driving course may help them learn to be safer on the road.

2. Put Down the Mobile Devices

Multiple states penalize distracted drivers for reckless driving. A common distraction is mobile device use. Texting while driving may lead to accidents, speeding and potentially deadly harm to others. Never use mobile devices while driving.

Another common cause of distracted driving is impaired driving. Never drive while intoxicated or under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs.

3. Have Vision and Hearing Tests

Many states require vision or hearing tests for drivers to obtain a license. If drivers don’t pass these tests, they could pose driving risks. Proper vision and hearing help make sure a driver can react and avoid potential hazards. Drivers should never hit the road without wearing glasses, contacts or hearing devices required of them.

Finally, drivers should take the time to check their insurance coverage. If they don’t carry auto coverage that meet’s their state’s requirements, they could face driving charges. This may include the requirement to get an SR-22. Never hit the road without a policy that can adequately cover vehicular risks.

Need SR-22 coverage? Call Amigo Insurance Agency, Inc. at 877-999-2644. We can help you get an accurate Chicago car insurance quote right now.

Defining Proof of Loss

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Questions? Call Us

Visit an Office

Why Potholes are Such a Problem

How Drivers can Avoid Potholes

Minimize the Damage

Blog Archive

Tags

Questions? Call Us

Visit an Office

Driving Qualifications for Mexico

Getting Mexican Auto Insurance

Blog Archive

Tags

Questions? Call Us

Visit an Office

1. Brush Up On Unfamiliar Laws

2. Put Down the Mobile Devices

3. Have Vision and Hearing Tests

Blog Archive

Tags

Questions? Call Us

Visit an Office

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