Date: February 5, 2010
For more information contact: Jim Guidry, (608) 264-6239 or jim.guidry@wisconsin.gov

Commissioner Dilweg: Be safe and secure this winter driving season

Madison, WI—Insurance Commissioner Sean Dilweg reminds drivers to be careful driving during the winter months and to review their auto insurance coverage.

"During the winter, weather is a factor in 28 percent of all crashes according to the National Academy of Sciences," said Dilweg. "Road conditions deteriorate and accidents increase."

Dilweg encourages consumers to check the limitations of their automobile insurance coverage. For example, consumers who carry collision auto insurance without comprehensive coverage are not covered in the event of damage to vehicles as a result of hail, wind or flooding.

"It's very important to know what your insurance policy covers," said Dilweg. "Anyone having trouble understanding their policy or with questions about what is covered should call their agent."

Dilweg also reminds consumers about recent changes to state law affecting auto insurance. The changes include mandatory auto liability coverage beginning on June 1, 2010. Consumers should review their current coverage now to make sure they will have the necessary coverage in place when the requirement becomes effective. Some of the law changes, including changes to requirements for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, are already in effect.

If you are in an automobile accident, remember the following tips:

  • Call the police.
  • Obtain information such as the names, addresses, telephone numbers and license numbers of all persons involved in the accident, as well as all witnesses.
  • Record the time, date, location, road conditions, make and year of the vehicles involved, insurance information, apparent damage and injuries and your version of what happened. If you can, take pictures with a cellular telephone camera.
  • Call your insurance agent. Make sure to have your policy number and other relevant information on hand. Also be sure you cooperate fully with the insurance company and ask your agent what documents, forms and data you'll need to file a claim.
  • Take notes each time you talk to your insurance company, agent, lawyers, police or anyone else involved in the situation. Write down dates, times, names and what you talked about, as well as any decisions or promises made.
  • Save any receipts and bills, including those from a car rental or hotel room if the automobile accident happens outside of your town.

If you file an insurance claim and you disagree with the insurer's decision, you may file a complaint with the Insurance Commissioner's Office. Complaints can be filed online at OCI's Web site.

As you make your travel plans, check the latest weather reports. You can find out the latest road conditions by going to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Web site at www.dot.wisconsin.gov or by calling 1-800-ROADWIS.

OCI publications such as "Consumer's Guide to Auto Insurance" and "Tips for Saving on Auto Insurance" can be ordered free from the agency by writing to OCI Publications, P.O. Box 7873, Madison, WI 53707-7873, calling 800-236-8517, or visiting the OCI Web site at oci.wi.gov.

Created by the Legislature in 1871, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure that the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs.