Car Insurance Explained, & What to Do After a Car Accident!

In which we discuss car insurance: how it works, how to get cheap car insurance and quotes, and exactly what you should do after a car accident!

OTHER RESOURCES:

HOW TO ADULT Posters Now Available from DFTBA Records!

Merchandise from Mike (including "Reading Changes Us" and "Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost" posters!):

"How to Adult" is a "life skills" edutainment channel brought to you by Executive Producers Hank Green and John Green. Subscribe for new videos every week!

Created by:
Emma Mills & T. Michael (Mike) Martin
Emma and Mike are also Young Adult novelists!
Check out Mike's debut novel, THE END GAMES, at all online booksellers, including

Written by:
& T. Michael Martin

Hosted and Directed by:
T. Michael Martin

Edited by:
Nathan Talbott

Executive Producers:
Hank & John Green

[wothanar]

Love the class I took in high school teaching me this. Oh wait...

[zatoby]

So apparently showing compassion for the other party during an accident is ill-advised because it can be used against you in court. What a world we live in today.

[blessedbyacurse]

As someone who sets up initial claims for insurance, this is a pretty solid basic explanation and I wish everyone who called knew this stuff beforehand.

[JacobSacher]

Step 1 after an accident. Turn off your car.

[lorderik]

I came here after suddenly realizing that I had no idea what I'm supposed to do if I got in a car accident with another person. I'm 26 years old.

[bethhernandez]

Im 13 im just getting prepared for the future😂

[courtneyy]

So helpful! I was rear ended a few years ago by a very aggressive and angry semi-truck driver. I was flustered and in a different state and had absolutely no idea what to do. At least now I'll know how to handle it if it ever happens again.

[mollymaree]

Some notes from someone who sells insurance. Purchasing a policy: If possible talk to an agent who can explain all the coverages for your state before purchasing a policy. Just because you get a quote does not mean you have to purchase the policy, different states have different liability limits and coverage requirements. Don't buy the cheapest policy you can find, look for the best coverage for the least amount of money. If you financed your vehicle the finance company WILL have a max deductible allowed, find out what it is if you have a higher deductible than they allow they will force place insurance and it will cost you more than you think. Also if you have force placed insurance be aware it does not cover you, it ONLY covers the vehicle. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ASK THEM! I would rather spend an extra 5-10 minutes now explaining coverages to you than to have you come back after an accident and ask me why you don't have a certain coverage. On accidents/claims: NEVER EVER ADMIT FAULT OR APOLOGIZE!! If possible have the policy come and do a police report. Police do not determine who was at fault in the accident, and sometime the only way to get the other persons information is a police report. If you are at fault in an accident and don't carry physical damage or towing coverage, the towing and/or storage fees for your vehicle may not be covered, check with your agent or claims adjuster. Also your agent usually does not and is not licensed to handle your claim, the company will assign a claims adjuster who will help you through the process. If you have a difficult time with the adjuster you can request to speak to a manager or have a new adjuster assigned to your claim. Again if you have questions ask them! Couple extras: some states will now accept a digital copy of your proof of insurance card, save a copy of it to your phone. Most state minimum liability limits are not enough coverage and could land you in a lawsuit, check with an agent or do some research. Liability is sometimes the smallest portion of your premium and sometime it only cost a couple extra dollars to increase that coverage. Don't be afraid to get multiple quotes and make sure you check the down payment to start the policy, some companies require two months up front. And don't forget to ask questions if you have them, I've seen way to many people end up with the wrong/more coverage than they need. Hope this helps :)

[Datarror]

It's worth noting that, when shopping around for insurance companies, consider getting a separate quote from an agent with your parents' insurance company if they had one. Often enough you can get better rates than internet tools/searches will turn up for customer loyalty reasons.

[jakeswatchinyou]

Love that energy! If we’re on this page it’s a chance we were in a collision and your sense of humor and knowledge really helped. Thanks.

[suitfist]

Was coming onto the highway and was merging into the fast lane. As I was merging my front driver side tire hit the car that was also in the fast lane. I know this was 100% my fault and I feel awful. Thankfully nobody was hurt and the cars are still drivable.

[tydariusreed]

this you tube channel is gonna save my life thanks

[benaaronmusic]

Thanks for the video, Michael.
Drive safely!

[chelseacaceres]

Thank you for making this! I requested this particular topic once and it really helped!

[BrentWigginsWords]

Ozymandias baby. Very thorough video and good advice. Thanks for looking out for us new and old drivers!

[KPpivot]

I literally needed this video last Saturday when some backed into me at the gas station when I was picking up a powerball

[tyishayoung]

Greatest video ever! This very informative message for people has damages and other hurricane so be patient.

[enamuossuo]

Your video is so clear the company I recently joined used it as training material, thank you!

[largesizejellyfish]

EVERY SINGLE TEENAGER NEED TO SEE THIS VIDEO IN SCHOOL!

[TiasTravels]

Question: When an insurance company runs a credit check, do accidents that you were deemed not-at-fault still hurt your record?