Question: My auto insurance rating was pretty high a few years ago thanks to an accident I had. I think it should be lower now, but don’t know how to figure it out, and advice?

Answer: To determine how long an accident will be counted against you is as simple as making a couple of phone calls. First call your insurance company and ask them. They will be happy to share this information. Next call your state’s Department of insurance and ask them if there is a time frame for removing the accident.

If the insurance company’s information is the same as the states then you have an answer If you got different information from the two then we recommend calling your insurance company again and explaining what you were told. If they still insist the accident will stay on your record then you may have to file a complaint.

In most states this is done through the the Department of Insurance, but in some cases the insurance company will agree to have a hearing with an independent arbitrator. The arbitrators decision will be binding.

We hope this helped to clarify what to do about setting your auto insurance rating straight, but if you have further questions feel free to ask.