- Be wary of insurance offers from door-to-door salespeople, telephone callers or unsolicited Internet advertisements.
- Be suspicious if the price of insurance seems much lower than the competition's. It could be a scam, or the coverage might be full of exclusions that are only discovered when you need the coverage.
- Contact your state's insurance department to make sure the agent and company are licensed.
- Check the company's rating at the Better Business Bureau.
- Make sure "free services" aren't actually hidden in your insurance bill.
- Ask if the insurance company has purchased or invested in vehicle repair shops; this is a red flag. You are not required to use them, and they will not give you better service or prices — in fact, they could be worse.
- Guard your insurance identification number the same way you would your social security number, because once it's stolen, criminals can use it in a scam.
While Driving
- Be wary if a car pulls in front of you, forcing you to follow dangerously close. You may be set up for a staged accident.
- Trust your instincts. If someone seems to be tailing you or otherwise behaving suspiciously, pull into the nearest gas, fire or police station, or other "safe spot" that you see.
- Carry an accident emergency kit, or at least a disposable camera, in your car.
- Exchange information with the person driving the vehicle, including driver license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Take pictures of all damage to both cars.
- Count the number of people in the car. Get a name, address and telephone number for each one, not just the driver.
- Call the police, and if possible, have them come to the scene. Get a police report with the officer's name, even if the damage is minimal. This makes it more difficult for a criminal to damage the car later and try to collect a larger claim. Note that in cities where police are stretched thin, the police may not come to an accident scene unless there are injuries reported.
- Avoid people who suddenly appear at an accident scene and try to direct you to specific doctors or attorneys.
- Avoid people who offer you quick cash to fix your car.
- Be wary of tow truck drivers who recommend a specific auto repair facility without being asked.
- Demand detailed bills for any repairs or medical services. Keep all your receipts related to the accident.
- Make sure you get Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts at the repair shop.
- Be wary of physicians who insist that you file a personal injury claim after an accident, especially if you are not hurt.
- Never sign blank insurance claim forms.