Resources

News & Issues

Reservists, National Guard Members called to Active Duty

Military reservists and members of the National Guard who are called to active duty, or have their duty extended, may designate an adult third party to receive bills and other notices related to their insurance coverage. The third party’s name, address, and telephone number, along with a statement signed and dated by the third party indicating their agreement to become a third party designee should be submitted to the insurer.

For more details, insureds should contact their agent for specific answers to questions.

Return to Top

Court Decision Allows Insurers to Recommend Repair Shops to Consumers

Two companion cases, Allstate Insurance Co. v. Serio and GEICO v. Serio challenged the constitutionality of the section in the Insurance Law that prohibits Insurance Companies from recommending or suggesting particular repair shops unless requested to do so by the policyholder.

On May 4th, Judge Casey of the United States District Court, found that such restrictions violated the First Amendment commercial speech protections. The New York State Insurance Department advises all Insurance Companies, writing automobile insurance in New York State, may now recommend or suggest a particular place or repair shop to the policyholder, regardless of a formal request. But in no event shall either the agent or the company demand or require that a specific Body Shop be used.

Return to Top

Deer Related Accidents are on the Rise

DRIVERS BEWARE… the rise in the deer population is causing an increase in deer related automobile accidents. According to Steve Schassler, DEC Region Four director, the current population of deer in New York State has grown to nearly 1,000,000.

Here are a few basic safety measures to keep you safe and the number of deer related accidents at a minimum.
  • Stay alert in the early morning and evening hours.
  • Slow down… drive with caution.
  • Use high beam headlights to make the deer’s eyes visible.
  • Brake firmly when you notice a deer in the road. DO NOT swerve to avoid hitting the deer. By swerving, you could confuse the deer or lose control of your vehicle and cause additional damage and injury.
  • Wear a seatbelt. Statistics show that most people injured in deer related accidents were not wearing seatbelts.
  • Deer seldom run alone… check for additional deer entering the road.
     

While state and local wildlife agencies look for ways to control the deer population, protect you and your family by taking extra precaution when traveling on roadways.

Return to Top

Title Branding in New York State

New York State has title branding regulations in place to ensure consumers are made aware of vehicles that may have been severely damaged. These regulations only apply to:

  • Vehicles 8 years old and newer
  • The vehicle has been totaled (damages exceed the value of the vehicle)
     

An Insured has one of two options if the vehicle is determined to be a total loss:

  • Keep the vehicle; or
  • Have the insurance company retain the salvage
     

Whether the insurer keeps the vehicle or decides to have the insurance company take possession of the vehicle, they will have to forward the signed title to the insurance company. The insurance company may withhold up to at least 50% of the payment awaiting receipt of the title.

If the insured elected to keep the vehicle, the insurance company would forward the title to the DMV. The DMV would then forward a letter to the titled owner advising them of the process involved before receiving the title branded as "REBUILT SALVAGE, NY".

It is suggested the insured calls DMV prior to keeping any total loss vehicle at 1-800-CALL-DMV or 518-474-4714, Title Services.

Return to Top

On-Line Services for the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles

Why make an unnecessary trip to your local DMV office when you can complete some transactions on-line? The DMV will allow you to renew your registration and order custom and personalized plates on-line.

Have you recently had an address change? The DMV site also has many of the forms available to download. Some of these forms can be mailed and others will allow you to have the form completed prior to your visit at the DMV office.

There are many other informative issues that can be found at http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/

Return to Top

Gap Insurance on a Leased Vehicle

Gap Insurance is necessary in the event your leased auto is involved in an accident and is destroyed. If the car is totaled or stolen, your personal auto insurance may cover the actual value of the vehicle at the time of loss, but not the payments still required if more is owed than the vehicle is worth. Gap Insurance covers this difference between the actual value of the car and the amount that may still be owed on the lease.

Ask the leasing company if Gap Insurance is included without charge.

Gap Insurance is somewhat more expensive when purchased separately. See your insurance agent for guidance if you plan to lease a vehicle.

Return to Top

Renting a Car?

Some Tips on Automobile Insurance
Many rental car customers are still confused regarding their rights and responsibilities under the laws in New York State.
Here are some tips for New York drivers renting a vehicle:

  • You are covered for damage or loss to your rented vehicle by your private passenger automobile insurance policy.
  • Rental car companies are not permitted to "block" your credit card if you decline to purchase the Collision Damage Waiver
  • Inspect your vehicle carefully before leaving the lot. Make sure the rental car company has a record of any pre-existing damages.
  • If you damage your rental vehicle, notify your insurer immediately to give them time to inspect the vehicle.
  • Do not allow a rental car company to charge any vehicle damages to your credit card. Insist that they bill you directly or contact your insurance company.
  • Charging your rental vehicle on a major credit card may also provide you with necessary coverage. Check with your credit card company.
  • An insurer can deny coverage for a loss that results from an intentional or irresponsible act.
     

For more information, please contact your agent.

Return to Top

 
Top | Home | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map

Copyright A. Central Insurance Company.
A. Central Insurance is a subsidiary of NYCM Insurance