Your rights and responsibilites when purchasing auto insurance…

RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

When you buy automobile insurance, you have certain rights and responsibilities. Knowing your rights and responsibilities will allow you to get the most from your insurance coverage and prevent you from losing benefits or your entire coverage.

 RIGHTS

You have the right to choose your own insurance company and agent. You do not have to buy insurance from the dealer who sold the vehicle or the lending institution financing it.

You have the right to a fair quote for coverage and to a refund if your insurance agent quoted your  premium incorrectly, causing you to overpay on your policy.

You have the right to receive your policy within 60 days of its effective date.

 You have the right to a proper and timely investigation of your claim.

 You have the right to receive payment for repairs or the value of your vehicle within 20 days of the date you signed a settlement agreement.

 You have the right to buy a policy free of unfair discrimination due to your sex, occupation, marital status, national origin or a physical handicap that does not impair your driving ability.

 You have the right to receive copies of all forms and applications signed by you or your insurance agent.

You have the right to file a complaint with your insurance company. It must maintain complaint-handling procedures. If the company fails to resolve the complaint, call the DFS Consumer Helpline toll-free at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236) for assistance.

 RESPONSIBILITIES

You are responsible for reading and understanding your policy.

You are responsible for keeping copies of your policy and/or an identification card from the company both in a safe place and in your automobile.

 You are responsible for obtaining insurance for at least $10,000 of PIP and $10,000 of PDL.

 You are responsible for verifying licenses — call the DFS Consumer Helpline toll-free at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).

 You are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of information on your application. Avoid signing any blank, incomplete or inaccurate forms. Do not be tempted to “pad” your insurance claim. Taking money that you are not due from an insurance company is a crime. This type of theft and fraud is investigated by insurance companies and the Department of Financial Services, and is  punishable by fines and/or jail time.

 You are responsible for getting a binder from the insurance agent once you sign the application and pay for coverage. A binder shows proof of your coverage until you receive your policy. It shows the name of the agent and insurance company, a list of your vehicles, lienholders (if any), effective date and time, and the coverage you bought. It must also bear the signature of a licensed agent.

You are responsible for keeping track of your policy renewal date. Policies usually last for terms of six or 12 months. Most companies will send you a bill at least 45 days in advance of your deadline for renewal and premium payment.

 You are responsible for paying any additional premium amount if your agent quoted a lower premium and you still want to continue your coverage.

 You are responsible for reporting to your insurance agent or company any changes affecting your policy.

 You are responsible for contacting your insurance company or agent immediately after an accident.

 You are responsible for reporting suspected fraud to DFS. You may call our Fraud Hotline toll-free at 1-800-378-0445.

 You are responsible for contacting THE PROTECTION CONNECTION! Don’t settle for mediocre customer service and an auto insurance policy that puts you in the soup line!  Call our Hollywood, Florida office today 1.800.927.9277 or visit us ONLINE for a free quote today!