IFPA Helps Prepare Drivers For a Dangerous Driving Season
January 4, 2012
[MECHANICSBURG, PA] –Driving in snow, ice, or sleet can be dangerous and the Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (IFPA) wants Pennsylvania drivers to protect themselves by considering these key tips for driving in the winter and understanding their auto insurance policy
before an accident occurs.
“Winter weather can cause treacherous driving conditions that can increase the chances of an accident,” said Ralph Burnham, executive director for the IFPA. “We want to remind drivers to check their insurance policies and understand their coverage before they are in an accident. Smart drivers know their insurance policies and, because of this preparation, are less tempted to commit insurance fraud.”
According to PennDOT, there were over 19,000 reportable crashes in Pennsylvania from January to February last year. In addition, 332 reportable traffic crashes occurred each day in Pennsylvania in 2010.¹ Year-round, but especially during the winter season, drivers should review their policies and ask themselves key questions such as: Do I have comprehensive and collision coverage? Is my deductable practical for my budget? Do I have rental reimbursement or towing coverage?
The IFPA offers drivers these tips for winter weather driving:
Allow extra space between you car and the car in front of you. This cushion of space can protect you from legitimate and staged accidents. Staged accidents can be caused by drivers who may pull in front of you and quickly slam on their breaks to purposely cause an accident.
In the case of an accident, document all the facts. Details such as the name, address, insurance company, policy number, and phone number of the driver; how many passengers were in the car; the license plate number of the car; and the exact location of the accident to file a claim and protect yourself in the case of an accident.
If you can safely do so, take photos to document auto accidents. In addition to calling police and emergency personnel, use your cell phone or a camera to take pictures of your vehicle at the accident scene.
Honestly report all auto accidents to your insurance provider. Purposely submitting false information to your insurance company about an accident in order to obtain something of value that you would not have received if the truth had been told‚ is insurance fraud.
Read and understand your insurance policy before you are in an accident. If you have a question about auto insurance, visit the consumer services section of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s website at
www.ins.state.pa.us or call 1-877-881-6388 for information.
In Pennsylvania‚ insurance fraud is classified among the most serious of crimes, a felony. Those convicted of the crime can face prison time‚ fines‚ and legal fees. To learn more about insurance fraud in Pennsylvania visit
www.helpstopfraud.org.
The IFPA was created in 1994 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Act 166, the Insurance Fraud Prevention Act, arms law enforcement and prosecutors with the resources necessary to fight insurance fraud in the Commonwealth.
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Source: PennDOT
¹ Reportable crashes are those PennDOT has received information on and only includes where there was towing or injury.
Contact: ifpapr@helpstopfraud.org
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