Car and health insurance tips for back-to-school season [Chattanooga Times Free Press, Tenn.]

Aug. 4—As the school year gets underway across the Volunteer State, Tennessee Insurance Commissioner Carter Lawrence says that education doesn't stop in the classroom and he is offering his own lesson of tips to save on insurance bills for consumers.

"As the parent of three young children, I know the back-to-school season can be hectic for students, parents, and educators alike," Lawrence said in a consumer advisory. "During this busy time of year, I want to encourage Tennesseans to take a moment and consider our insurance tips, which I hope might provide greater peace of mind all year long. Individuals who have insurance questions should contact our team for assistance."

If you are insuring a teenager, here are a few tips from Lawrence.

— If a teenager lives with his or her parents or legal guardians and doesn't own the vehicle, the teen can stay on their parents' or guardian's insurance policy.

— Review current deductibles to determine if the deductible is affordable, should an individual need to pay it. On older vehicles, consider lowering or eliminating physical damage— unless a lienholder, such as a bank, requires it.

— Increase deductibles and have the teen drive the oldest vehicle to help lower insurance costs. Consult your licensed insurance agent to learn more.

SUVs, convertibles, and sports cars often come with higher insurance premiums. Several insurance companies offer discounts to students with high-grade point averages.

What to do in an accident

Unfortunately, sometimes accidents happen. If a driver is involved in an accident, remember the following tips:

— If someone is injured, call 9-1-1 immediately to request an ambulance. Make sure an officer comes to file a police report. This helps the insurance company process the claim.

— Take pictures of the damage to submit once the individual contacts the auto insurance company to start the claim filing process.

— Take the car to an auto shop—either one recommended by the insurer or a shop you prefer.

An adjuster will look at the vehicle to assess the damages. The auto insurance company will determine how much to give toward repairs or, if a total loss, a new vehicle.

College students

College students who are away from home also need to be prepared. Lawrence urges such persons to remember:

— Students can stay on their parents' health insurance plan until they turn 26 years old.

— Find a doctor and health facility in the area that are in-network with the health plan.

— Keep auto insurance policies up to date. If the college student will not drive for a year, take them off the policy. If the student will drive, keep them on the policy.

— If they have a car, make sure they always keep their auto insurance card with them or on their mobile device.

— Homeowners' insurance policies may cover a student's belongings in a dorm or apartment may be covered by his or her parents' homeowners policy. Ask your agent if the policy covers these items.

Unfairly Denied an Insurance Claim?

If your family experiences a claim denial, claim delay, or settlement disagreement, you can always file a complaint with our team. TDCI's Consumer Insurance Services team serves to mediate claims between policyholders and insurers. So far in 2023, over $7.4 million has been returned to Tennesseans through our team's efforts.

If you have questions about consumer insurance, visit our website or contact us at 1-800-342-4029 or (615) 741-2218.

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