• Pitfall #1: Most people have little or no idea what their insurance policy really says. They think they have "full coverage" and "their insurance company will take care of everything." They come to us to have their vehicle repaired and are shocked to find out they don't have rental car coverage. Then, after checking further, they discover the policy gives their insurance company permission to use NON-FACTORY parts. You'll want to avoid this pitfall.

We encourage you to get out your policy and read it until you know what you pay for every time you make your premium payments. Call your agent and have him or her review it with you. Feel free to contact us with your questions. There's a real good chance we've seen your insurance company in action. There are many solid insurance companies and agents out there with excellent products. Make sure you really have the "full coverage" you think you have.

• Pitfall #2: Many people are not prepared for the decisions they have to make when their vehicle is damaged. What will I do for transportation while my car is in the shop? How will I pay my deductible? Will the other guy pay for my rental car? If you have avoided Pitfall #1, some of these decisions will be easy. Other decisions need to be considered in advance.

Ask your agent, "If I were involved in a collision, what are some of the decisions I would need to make? Am I covered for these situations?" Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have so you will be better prepared. We'll be glad to answer them and help you avoid this pitfall.

• Pitfall #3: You have just been involved in an accident. You have avoided Pitfalls #1 and #2. The next pitfall to avoid is thinking since the insurance company is "paying the bill"—they should make the decisions. The insurance company's goal is to get the vehicle repaired as cheaply as possible. That may not be in your best interest. You've paid your premiums month after month so that your vehicle will be repaired properly when and if an accident occurs. Make sure it's being repaired the way you want. It's your money. It's your car. You make the decisions.

Again, know what your policy really says. Make sure you haven't signed anything that limits the decisions you need to make to protect your investment. Make sure you have the coverage you expect. We will be glad to assist you in this process any way we can.

REMEMBER: If you find a cheaper insurance policy, the reason it may be cheaper is because it does not provide the same coverage as your previous policy. Look it over carefully and go over it with your agent before switching to a low-cost company.

We'll straighen things out!