Types of insurance coverage available
Direct General offers several types of coverage offering varying levels of protection. Bodily injury liability insurance provides coverage if you or someone on your policy causes an accident that injures others. Bodily injury liability will also help pay for medical expenses and your legal services.
It is important to note that bodily injury liability does not cover the policyholder’s medical expenses. Property damage liability provides coverage for damages to another person’s property in an accident you cause. Property damage liability does not cover damage to your own vehicle. Collision coverage provides payment to repair or replace your vehicle if it is in an accident, regardless of whether or not you are at fault. Comprehensive coverage applies to damage to your vehicle caused by anything other than an auto accident.
Medical payments auto coverage helps cover the costs of medical, hospital, or funeral expenses incurred by you or someone on your policy in the event of an auto accident. Personal injury protection helps cover the costs for certain hospital, medical, and funeral expenses resulting from a car accident regardless of who is at fault. Uninsured motorist auto coverage provides coverage in the event you’re in a car accident and the at fault driver either does not have auto insurance.
In some states, uninsured motorist auto coverage can also be used in the event the at fault driver only carries the minimum level of insurance yet your medical expenses exceed their policy, this coverage can pay the difference. Towing and labor coverage reimburses policyholders for towing costs when a vehicle is disabled due to breaking down or an auto accident. Towing and labor coverage also covers labor and service costs. Direct General also offers coverage for rental reimbursement and accidental death.
What to do after a car accident
After you are in a car accident, despite experiencing a range of emotions ranging from shock to stress and confusion, there are several important things that need to occur. First, if possible, pull to the side of the road and turn on hazard lights. Remain in your vehicle until it’s safe, and do not leave the scene until you are told it is clear to do so.
Check yourself and any other passengers for injuries. If there is an injured person, do not move them, wait for emergency professionals to assist. Even if you do not think you are injured, it is imperative to seek medical care for an exam as injuries can often arise several days after an accident. Otherwise, if you do not seek medical care and an injury actually arises, it will be harder to establish that the injury is a result of the car accident as well as decreasing the chances of having your medical expenses covered.
Next, call 911 and while waiting for help to arrive, use your phone to take pictures and video of damage to all vehicles involved, as well as the surrounding area to capture things such as traffic lights, skid marks, property damage, and license plates. Be sure to exchange insurance information with other drivers involved. Also, remember to get the police report number as well as names, phone numbers and addresses of all passengers and witnesses.
When discussing the accident, do not admit fault. Make sure to get your car to a body shop for a damage quote right away. Your auto insurance company may have one in mind, but you can get a second opinion.
How to file a claim
Before filing a claim, there are several pieces of information that you, as the claimant, need to have readily available. You need to have your Direct General policy number, the police report, pictures, names and contact information of all drivers, passengers involved, and witnesses. You will also need to have a description of damages to your vehicle.
To initiate the claim, contact a customer service representative by phone or in person. An insurance claims adjuster will be assigned to your claim by the end of the following business day. The claims adjuster will conduct a thorough investigation and evaluate the damage as well as answer any questions you may have.
If your vehicle has any damage, upload photos of your vehicle for a virtual photo inspection. An appraisal will be conducted on your vehicle and an appraiser will provide an estimate of repairs. Alternatively, an appraiser can come to you and inspect the vehicle and assess damages. You have the choice of either taking your vehicle to an in-network auto repair shop or an independent mechanic.
The next step is to make rental car arrangements. If your insurance policy includes rental car reimbursement, your claims adjuster will help you make arrangements, otherwise, it is an out of pocket expense.
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History of lawsuits
Direct General has a lengthy history of lawsuits and class action suits. Direct General was sued in Florida by a healthcare provider over improperly reimbursing the healthcare provider over treatment it rendered to a man injured in an auto accident. The treatment was covered under the policyholders insurance policy.
In July 2014, a class action lawsuit was filed against Direct Auto Insurance Company, the first insurance company under Direct General Group, for allegedly selling auto insurance to low income communities and offering super low cost coverage compared to competitors but would not honor claims when they were filed.
The insurance company had a practice of challenging claims made by policyholders by filing declaratory judgment actions, knowing that their low income policyholders were unable to afford legal representation to challenge the actions in court. Direct Auto was accused of violating Illinois consumer fraud and deceptive practices acts by offering low insurance premiums to persuade them to purchase policies although Direct Auto never intended to honor their claims.
What to do if your claim is denied
If your claim is denied, the immediate first step is to reach out to Direct General for a letter explaining the reason(s) for denial. The next step should be to reach out to Florin | Roebig for a free consultation. The dedicated lawyers at Florin | Roebig will be on your side to look at all documentation and analyze all available evidence in order to reach a more favorable settlement.
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Florin|Roebig: Suing direct general auto insurance
If you’ve had a claim denied by Direct General, you need a dedicated car accident attorney who can guide you through the circuit court system and help prepare your case. Whether you are in a no-fault state, like Florida, or fault state, like Tennessee, we can help ensure you get the compensation you need for a motor vehicle accident. Call today.
