NLIC.org

Erin Said:

Anyone ever heard of a car insurance company called The Electric Company?

We Answered:

Another of the many braches of GE.

Our Electric Roots

If you’re wondering how we got our name, you’re not alone. How does a company that sells auto, homeowners, condo, renters, umbrella, and special lines insurance end up with “Electric” in its name?

Well, if you guessed it has something to do with one of the world’s largest and most respected companies, you’re correct. The Electric Insurance name comes from GE, as in General Electric, and that’s where our story begins.
Back in 1927, our former parent company, EMLICO, was formed to provide GE with Workers’ Compensation insurance in Massachusetts. By the 1950’s, it was doing such a great job that it began providing coverage nationally for GE. At the same time, EMLICO expanded its product offering to include general liability and commercial auto.

Susan Said:

How do I explain my car getting blown up by robots to my insurance company?

We Answered:

You simply go to your agent and say: "My car was blown up by flying robots". After that the boys in the white coats will come and make you all warm and comfortable and put you in a nice safe place.

Jonathan Said:

Can one ask a car insurance company to not file a claim?

We Answered:

The answer may depend on what state your in.

In California after a claim is filed, yes it can be cancelled if the 2 parties decide to work it out themselves or for other reasons.

Ian Said:

Is the car insurance company going to run my credit every time I get a quote?

We Answered:

You have every right to be concerned about companies checking your credit, but insurance companies use a "soft hit" inquiry. It never shows up on your credit report and has no impact on your score what so ever. The difference is they are not actually pulling the entire report just your score. Car dealerships, furniture stores, etc. actually pull the entire report, which shows up as an inquiry on your report. Having multiple inquiries, or "hard hits" can damage your standings.
To actually answer your question, yes, nearly all insurance companies now use credit to determine your premium.

Olga Said:

How do i make i my insurance company to pay my car accident bills?

We Answered:

Well, you have a LIMIT OF COVERAGE on the rental. Usually it's $15 a day, or $25 a day. What's the limit? The policy doesn't pay for more than you bought. AND it only pays for actual repair days - not the waiting time until your body shop can "get around" to doing your car.

What does your AGENT say? They're the first line of help for you. YOUR AGENT. They should be the first person you call for help and explanations.

Regarding small claims court. Of COURSE you can file and sue. But likely you won't win, if the policy is only paying out the limits. So you're wasting your time & money, and risking a countersuit for the legal fees of them sending their lawyer to defend. THAT'S probably what they mean.

On the body shop issue . . . if they have shops that do the work for $35 an hour labor, and you choose to take your car to a shop that charges $70 per hour for labor, YOU have to pay the difference. Again, YOUR AGENT can explain this to you.

It's HIGHLY possible that you either 1. got a more expensive car than you had coverage for 2. kept the car longer than the actual repair days 3. added "extras" to the rental bill, such as their collision damage waiver, etc, none of which you mentioned, none of which EITHER insurance company is responsible for.

OF COURSE you can complain to the NY insurance commissioner. Then they'll ask your insurance company for an explanation of HOW they arrived at the amoutn they paid you (and your adjuster should have already explained this to you), and if it's legal and right, well, that will settle the complaint.

Go talk to your agent.

Regarding

Darryl Said:

What does your car insurance company do for you?

We Answered:

To answer the main question, the insurance company's responsibility is to indemnify you or another party in accordance with the coverages you selected and the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.

If you are rearended and your vehicle is driveable, you have the option of going through the other person's insurance for your damages. However, they must complete an investigation of the accident and will not pay for anything until they have done so. They may require you to meet an appraiser to view your vehicle. They may also wish to take a recorded interview. Cooperating with their insurance company will just make matters easier.

If you are not happy with the settlement, and provided that you have collision coverage with your carrier, you may choose to use your carrier to handle the damages minus your deductible, and they will pursue the other carrier through a process called subrogation. Your job is basically done.