FAQ

You can file a claim several ways. The best way is to contact the insurance company directly. For contact information by carrier, click here. You can also complete the File a Claim form on our website or call us.

When deciding whether to purchase insurance through a rental car company, it is important to consider the policy of your own automobile insurance. Typically, when renting a car, your policy will extend protection as if you were driving your own vehicle. However, be aware that there may be some exclusions or restrictions based on your policy and that any additional coverage (diminished value & loss of use) through a rental company could offer additional peace of mind. Furthermore, depending on the credit card used to rent the car, some provide complimentary coverage for rental cars for certain periods of time. Therefore, evaluating all aspects can potentially save you money in the long run by avoiding unnecessary costs. You can also contact a BWO customer service agent to help navigate your options before you rent a car.

Your automobile policy is designed to protect you while driving in the United States, US territories, & Canada. However, coverage is not extended to other countries including Mexico. There is a policy that can be purchased for coverage while driving in Mexico. If you are driving overseas, you will need to purchase insurance in that country. Contact us at BWO to help.

That depends. A business auto policy by itself won't extend protection to rented autos unless you have amended it. You can get protection for situations where you rent autos if you add Hired Auto Liability and Physical Damage coverage.

The claim process has a few variations but these are the essential steps once the claim has been submitted to the insurance company: You will be contacted by an insurance company adjuster to gather detailed information about your claim. Often, someone from the insurance company will inspect your auto or property for damage or will ask you to provide evidence of value and ownership for loss to property that is not a vehicle or real property. An estimate is prepared. A check is delivered. Sometimes differences in actual and estimated damages arise, especially after repair work has been undertaken. Every attempt is made to resolve these differences and sometimes a supplemental check is prepared. It is the responsibility of the insurance company to settle and pay your claim and the responsibility of our agency to make sure that is done as quickly and fairly as possible with a minimum of uncertainty and bother for you. We monitor claim progress closely and communicate with you throughout to make sure you are satisfied.

If you own, lease (long term) or finance your vehicle then you will file a claim with your insurance company. You will have to pay any deductible amount. Payment for your loss will include payment to the finance or leasing company, if any. If you cause damage to other vehicles or property, your insurance company will handle that with little or no involvement on your part, in most cases.

In most cases the other driver's insurance policy would respond and reimburse you for damages to your vehicle, property or injuries. In some cases, as when you or your passengers are injured and the other driver has inadequate or no insurance, coverage from your own policy may apply (Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage).

One claim is not a cause for concern on the part of insurance companies. But a pattern of claims may result in a premium increase or cancellation. So if you have a claim that is the third in three years, for example, that will be viewed differently than having one claim only. Individual claims that are suggestive of gross negligence can also result in significant premium increase or cancellation. An example might be an auto accident accompanied by a reckless driving or driving under the influence conviction.

Lending a vehicle to a friend or relative can be risky in regard to insurance. Generally, auto policies provide coverage for the policyholder and any additional drivers listed on the policy. If a third party borrows your vehicle, such as a friend or relative, be advised that any claims will be submitted to your insurance company. The third party’s insurance will be secondary to the owner of the vehicle. It's important to check with your agency ahead of time to understand if there is an option available for you to add this person to policy (if the driver regularly drives that vehicle). Before loaning a vehicle to anyone, it is essential that you are aware of who will be responsible in the case of an accident.

The VIN number and description of the vehicle is needed. If there is a lien then the name of the lienholder and mailing address will be needed. It is usually most helpful to have the financing information with you when calling in the change.

If the person is a licensed driver living in the household, or if they are a regular driver of the vehicle, they need to be added to the policy. If they do not live in the household and only occasionally drive the vehicle with permission (a child in town for the holidays), they are covered under "permissible use" and do not need to be added.

This depends upon what type of coverage is requested. 14 days for liability only coverage, & 4 days for liability-comp-collision. It also depends upon what kind of form the insurance carrier follows. It is best to calls in to add the vehicle as soon as possible. If there is a loan or lease on the vehicle, the finance or lease company may need proof of when the vehicle was added to the policy.