Progressive Opens Two New Service Centers in Dallas-Fort Worth

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, the third largest auto insurance group in the country and fourth largest in Texas, introduces a new level of service that reduces drivers' time spent dealing with accident repairs from about four days to about 15 minutes. Progressive's two new Service Centers in the Dallas area offer drivers the choice of using a "concierge" level of claims service in which Progressive manages the claims/repair process from start to finish on their behalf.

The two newest Progressive Service Centers are located at 355 Grand Junction Blvd. in Mesquite and at 2890 Lake Ridge Drive in Lewisville, Texas. There are now five Service Centers in Texas — three in the Dallas area and two in Houston — and 32 countrywide.

What to do if You are in an Accident

Nearly 34 million auto accidents occur annually in the U.S., and no matter how skilled of a driver you may be, it could happen to you. According to statistics by the National Safety Council, one in eight licensed drivers is involved in an automobile accident each year. If you are involved in an accident, remain calm and follow the tips provided below to lessen the stress caused by this unfortunate situation:

• Stop your vehicle and, if necessary, move it to a safe position near the location of the accident. The law requires that you stop at the accident scene; failure to do so could result in a traffic ticket or a warrant for your arrest.
• If your vehicle isn't drivable, call a towing company to move your vehicle. Get the name, address, and phone number of the towing company.
• Check all involved parties for injuries. Everyone who can walk should move to a safe location. If necessary, call 911 for medical assistance.
• Exchange contact information (names, addresses, and phone numbers) with all parties involved in the accident.
• Get the year, make, model, license plate number, insurance carrier, and insurance policy number for all vehicles involved.
• Identify any witnesses to the accident and gather their contact information.
• Contact the police. The police will advise you if their response to the scene is necessary. Contact the police if the accident involves a hit and run, if there are injuries to people, or if it is apparent that liability will be disputed. If police are present at the scene of the accident, get the police officer's name, phone number, and the police report number.
• Do not admit fault. Give details of the accident and cooperate with the police in providing answers to their questions.
• If you have a camera in your possession, take photos of the damage to the vehicle, accident scene, and people involved.
• As soon as possible, contact GEICO to report the accident. You can report your claim online or you can call GEICO at 1-800-841-3000.

In case of emergency you should always keep the following information in your vehicle:

• Always carry your insurance ID card and vehicle registration.
• Keep a list of emergency contacts at all times.
• Have a medical card with you if you have allergies to any medication, or have a condition that requires special attention.
• Pens or pencils.
• Paper or a note pad.
• Flashlight.
• Flares.
• First-aid kit.
• Blanket.
• Jumper cables.
• Rag or paper towels.
• Trash bag.
• Disposable camera.

Understanding Your Auto Insurance

Auto insurance can seem confusing. But once you understand the different types of coverages that make up your policy, it’s not hard at all. Your auto insurance is really a package of seven primary coverages. Taken together, these coverages make up a standard auto policy. Each of these coverages has its own separate premium. Your premium payment is the total of these separate premiums.

In addition to the primary coverages, for additional premiums you can also add on coverages such as GEICO’s Mechanical Breakdown Insurance and Emergency Road Service.

1. Bodily injury liability provides protection if you injure or kill someone while operating your car. It also provides for a legal defense if another party in the accident files a lawsuit against you. In the event of a serious accident, you want enough insurance to cover a judgment against you in a lawsuit, without jeopardizing your personal assets. Bodily injury liability covers injury to people, not your vehicle. Therefore it’s a good idea to have the same level of coverage for all of your cars.
2. Medical payments, no-fault or personal injury protection coverage usually pays for the medical expenses of the injured driver and passengers in your car. There may also be coverage if you are injured by a vehicle as a pedestrian.
3. Uninsured motorists coverage pays for your injuries caused by an uninsured driver or, in some states, a hit-and-run driver, in a crash that is not your fault. In some states there is also uninsured motorist coverage for damage to your vehicle. Given the large number of uninsured motorists, this is very important coverage to have, even in states with no-fault insurance.
4. Comprehensive physical damage coverage pays for losses resulting from incidents other than collision. For example, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car if it is stolen; or damaged by flood, fire or animals. To keep your premiums low, select as high a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket.
5. Collision coverage pays for damage to your car when your car hits, or is hit by, another vehicle or other object. To keep your premiums low, select as large a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket. For older cars, consider dropping this coverage, since coverage is normally limited to the cash value of your car.
6. Property damage liability protects you if your car damages someone else’s property. It also provides you with legal defense if another party files a lawsuit against you. It is a good idea to purchase enough of this insurance to cover the amount of damage your car might do to another vehicle or object.
7. Rental reimbursement coverage pays for a rental vehicle (usually up to $20 a day) when the insured's vehicle is out of commission as a result of a loss covered under comprehensive or collision coverages.