Released on: October 10, 2008, 7:16 am

Press Release Author: Howard Schwartz-Director of Communications, BBB CT

Industry: Consumer Services

Press Release Summary: Few people read their auto insurance policy and are unaware
of limitations and extent of coverage

Press Release Body: Wallingford, CT- October 10, 2008 - Coming to a highway near you
soon: The annual Deer Roadways Crossing Season.

Anyone whose vehicle has collided with a deer knows that the threat, which is
greatest between October and December is a real one that, aside from being
potentially fatal, may put a strain on drivers' wallets for repairs. Connecticut
Better Business Bureau has found that many people don't even know how their
insurance coverage can help them.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Hotton Scarpetti, says
drivers who don't read their insurance policies may miss out on important
reimbursements.

"Most people only find out the extent or limitations of their vehicle insurance when
they have an accident. Only comprehensive insurance covers reimbursements for
property damage as a result of contact with animals such as birds or deer. This
however, creates confusion among motorists who are not aware that their policy may
not cover those types of accidents."

In addition, Scarpetti emphasizes "Most insurance policies do not automatically
cover the cost of a replacement car after an accident, but policies may cover the
cost of a rented car during repairs."

Comprehensive insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I),
is usually sold with a $100 to $300 deductible. Typical repairs for damage caused by
a deer-vehicle accident run between $2,800 to $10,000 if the passenger or driver is
injured.

Vehicle insurance policy holders should also check if they have what is known as
"Gap Coverage." With this coverage, in the event a car is totaled, drivers may not
have to continue making payments on the balance owed on the vehicle.

Gap Coverage pays the difference between the amount the insurer pays for the totaled
car and the amount the insured owes on his or her lease or loan.
Here are some steps you can take to verify the extent and limitations of your auto
insurance and what you should do if you get into an accident:

-Report any damage as quickly as possible. If your car is not drivable, your
insurance agent or claims center may be able to save you time and money by having
the car towed directly to a repair facility instead of a temporary storage location.
In addition, immediate arrangements may be made to provide you with a replacement
rental vehicle if your policy includes this coverage.

-Know your policy's deductible and ask about any additional charges before
authorizing repairs.

-Ask about warranties on repairs and recalls. Ask if your insurer has a repair
facility referral program that offers a written limited or lifetime guarantee backed
both by the repair center and the insurer for as long as you own the vehicle.

-Do business with a reputable company. You may find a list of BBB Accredited
Business insurance brokers who have a proven track record of handling auto claims
effectively at www.bbb.org or by calling 203-269-2711 extension 2, Monday through
Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

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Web Site: http://www.bbb.org

Contact Details: Connecticut Better Business Bureau
94 South Turnpike Rd
Wallingford, CT 06492
203-269-2700 ext 103