Date: December 11, 2007
For more information contact: Mikaela Reck, Public Information Officer, (608) 267-9336 or mikaela.reck@wisconsin.gov

Check auto insurance policies this winter

Madison, WI—Insurance Commissioner Sean Dilweg urges drivers to be careful during the winter months.

"There are typically 17,000 automobile accidents in the winter months alone," said Dilweg. "Wisconsin's roads are often covered with ice, snow or slush this time of year, which can cause vehicles to slide."

Many consumers do not realize 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."

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.
• 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 are unhappy with your insurance company's decision, you may file a complaint with the Insurance Commissioner's Office.

To avoid accidents, make sure you plan your travels and check the latest weather reports to avoid any storms. 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, Consumer's Guide to Homeowner's Insurance, Buying a Home and Your Insurance Needs, and Settling Property Insurance Claims, 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.