The 6 Most Common Auto Insurance Claims in Central New York

If you live in Central New York, you know that driving can be challenging and unpredictable. From harsh winters to busy traffic, there are many factors that can cause accidents and damage to your vehicle.

That’s why having a good auto insurance policy is essential to protect yourself and your car. But what are the most common types of auto insurance claims in this region?

At the Horan agency, we have the answers. We’re a local and trusted insurance agency that has been serving Central New York since 2009. We know the roads, the weather, and the drivers in this region. We also know the best auto insurance policies crafted to your standards and budget. We can help you find the right coverage, save money, and handle any claims quickly and easily.

In this article, we’ll look at the six most frequent causes of auto insurance claims in Central New York and how you can avoid them or minimize their impact. These are:

1. Windshield and glass damage: This is the number one type of claim in Central New York, as rocks, debris, hail, or vandalism can crack or shatter your windshield or windows.
2. Pothole damage: Potholes are a common problem on the roads, especially after winter. They can cause damage to your tires, rims, suspension, or alignment.
3. Rear-end collisions: These are very common in Central New York, as drivers may not pay attention, brake too late, or follow too closely. Rear-end collisions can cause damage to your bumper, trunk, or rear lights, as well as injuries to your neck or back.
4. Parking lot accidents: Parking lots can be a risky place for your car, as other drivers or shoppers may hit your car with their vehicles or carts. Parking lot accidents can cause dents, scratches, or paint damage to your car.
5. Deer collisions: Central New York has a large population of deer, which can run across the road unexpectedly and cause serious damage to your car or injuries to yourself. Deer collisions are more likely to happen at dawn or dusk when deer are more active, and visibility is low.
6. Left-turn accidents: Left turns can be tricky and dangerous, as you have to cross the path of oncoming traffic or wait for a gap. Left-turn accidents can result in head-on collisions, side-impact collisions, or T-bone collisions, which can cause severe damage to your car or injuries to yourself or others.

Continue reading to learn how to prevent or reduce these types of claims. You’ll also learn what to do if you’re involved in one, and how Horan can help you every step of the way.

1. How to Deal with Windshield and Glass Damage Claims

Windshield and glass damage is the most common type of auto insurance claim in Central New York. Your windshield is the first line of defense against rocks, debris, hail, or vandalism that can crack or shatter your glass.

The good news is that windshield and glass damage claims are not very expensive to fix and usually don’t affect your premium. Most glass companies like Safelite can repair or replace your windshield quickly and conveniently, often at your workplace or home.

But you shouldn’t ignore or delay a windshield or glass damage claim, as it can compromise your safety and visibility on the road.

2. How to Avoid Pothole Damage Claims

Potholes are another common cause of auto insurance claims in Central New York. After a long winter of snow plowing, the roads are often filled with new potholes that can damage your car. If you hit a pothole, you may end up with

• a blown tire,
• a bent rim,
• a broken axle,
• a damaged suspension,
• or even body damage.

Pothole damage is considered a collision claim, which means you have to pay your deductible, and it may affect your premium. But don’t expect the municipality to reimburse you for the damage, as they’re not liable for the condition of the roads. Therefore, the best way to avoid pothole damage claims is to drive carefully and watch out for potholes.

If you see one, try to slow down and steer around it if possible. If you can’t avoid it, don’t brake hard or swerve suddenly, as this may cause more damage or an accident. If you do hit a pothole and notice any signs of damage, such as a flat tire, a steering problem, or a strange noise, pull over safely and inspect your car.

3. How to Prevent Rear-End Collision Claims

Rear-end collisions are very common in Central New York, as drivers may be distracted by their phones, radios, or other devices and fail to notice the car in front of them. Rear-end collisions can cause damage to your

• bumper,
• trunk,
• rear lights,
• or exhaust system

They can also cause injuries to your neck, back, or spine. Rear-end collisions are usually considered the fault of the driver who hit the other car from behind unless there are extenuating circumstances.

One of the situations where rear-end collisions often happen in Central New York is when you’re trying to merge or turn right, and you look behind you to the left to see if you’re clear. The driver in front of you inches up and appears ready to take off but changes their mind at the last second while you accelerate. This can happen at Carrier Circle in East Syracuse, coming off the thruway, or at any off-ramp.

To avoid rear-end collisions, you should always keep a safe distance from the car in front of you, pay attention to the road and traffic signals, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration.

4. How to Avoid and Handle Parking Lot Accident Claims

Parking lot accidents are another common type of auto insurance claim in Central New York. Parking lots can be a risky place for your car, as other drivers or shoppers may hit your car with their vehicles or carts. Or you may hit another car or object yourself.

Despite having backup cams, warning sensors, and other technology in our vehicles, we still face many parking lot issues. Parking lot accidents can cause dents, scratches, or paint damage to your car or more serious damage if the impact is hard.

Parking lot accidents can also be complicated to determine who is at fault, as there may be no witnesses or cameras, or the other party may leave the scene. To avoid parking lot accidents, you should always

1. park in a well-lit and visible spot,
2. avoid parking next to large vehicles or carts, and
3. drive slowly and carefully in the parking lot.

You should also use your mirrors, backup camera, and sensors to check your surroundings before backing up or turning. If you’re involved in a parking lot accident, try to find the other driver or leave a note with your contact information on their car.

You should also take pictures of the damage and the scene and contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

5. How to Reduce and Handle Deer Collision Claims

Deer collisions are a frequent type of auto insurance claim in Central New York. Deer are abundant in this region and can run across the road at any time, especially at dawn or dusk. Deer collisions can cause serious damage to your car or injuries to yourself or your passengers.

Deer collisions are considered comprehensive claims, which means they don’t affect your premium as much as collision claims. You should still try to avoid hitting a deer if possible.

Some ways to reduce the risk of deer collisions are:

Drive slowly and carefully. You should always drive cautiously on roads where deer are likely to appear. Some of these roads are Hencle Boulevard in Baldwinsville, 13 Curves in Syracuse, Route 3 going toward Sandy Creek, or any rural or wooded area.

Use your headlights and horn. You should use your high beams at night when there is no oncoming traffic, as this can help you see deer better. You should also honk your horn if you see a deer on the road, as this may scare it away. But one long, well-timed blast of the horn is best.

Do not swerve or brake hard. If you encounter a deer on the road, you shouldn’t swerve or brake hard. This may cause you to lose control of your car or hit another object or vehicle. Doing so is considered a collision claim, which is more costly and affects your premium. Instead, you should try to slow down gradually and steer straight.

Watch out for more deer. If you see one deer, there may be more nearby, as deer often travel in groups. You should be extra alert and watch for any signs of movement on the sides of the road. If you do hit a deer, you should follow these steps:

• Pull over to a safe place. You should move your car to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot if possible. You should also turn on your hazard lights and call 911 if anyone is injured.
• Do not approach the deer. You shouldn’t touch or approach the deer, as it may be alive and dangerous. It may kick, bite, or gore you with its antlers. You should also not try to move the deer from the road, as this may be illegal or unsafe.
• Take pictures and gather information. You should take pictures of the damage to your car and the deer if possible. You should also note the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as any witnesses or other drivers involved.
• Contact your agent or carrier. You should report the accident to your agent or insurance company as soon as possible and follow their instructions. They may ask you to file a claim form and provide them with the pictures and information you collected.

6. How to Avoid and Handle Left-Turn Accident Claims

Left-turn accidents are another frequent type of auto insurance claim in Central New York. Left turns can be tricky and dangerous, as you have to cross the path of oncoming traffic or wait for a gap. Left-turn accidents can result in head-on collisions, side-impact collisions, or T-bone collisions, which can cause severe damage to your car or injuries to yourself or others.

Left-turn accidents are usually considered the fault of the driver who made the left turn unless there are extenuating circumstances. Some of the situations where left-turn accidents often happen in Central New York are:

• Running a yellow light. You may think you can make a left turn on a yellow light, but you may not notice another car that is going straight and has a green light. This can cause a collision at the intersection, as the other car may not have time to stop or avoid you.
• Relying on another driver’s signal. You may want to make a left turn across a line of stopped cars and see a driver who waves you through or leaves a gap for you. But you may not see another car that is coming in the next lane and has the right of way. This can cause a collision as you cross the lane. Why? Because the other car may not expect you or see you.

If you’re involved in a left-turn accident, you should follow these steps:

• Pull over to a safe place. You should move your car to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot if possible. You should also turn on your hazard lights and call 911 if anyone is injured.
• Exchange information with the other driver. You should exchange information with the other driver, such as your name, address, phone number, license number, insurance company, and policy number. You should also get the same information from any witnesses or passengers involved.
• Take pictures and gather information. You should take pictures of the damage to your car and the other car, as well as the scene and the traffic signals. You should also note the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the direction and speed of both cars.
• Contact your agent or carrier. You should report the accident to your agent or insurance company as soon as possible and follow their instructions. They may ask you to file a claim form and provide them with the pictures and information you collected.

Stay Protected on the Road with the Right Policy

Driving in Central New York can be a challenge, but it can also be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With the right auto insurance policy and the right insurance agency, you can drive with peace of mind and protect yourself and your car.

By following our advice, you can avoid or reduce the most common types of auto insurance claims in Central New York. You can also handle any claims that may arise with ease and confidence.

By overlooking our advice, you may face more risks and challenges on the road. You may end up with more damage, injuries, or costs. You may also have a harder time dealing with your insurance company or finding the right coverage.

Horan is here to help you with all your auto insurance demands. We’re familiar with the CNY region and its citizens. And we know insurance.

Get started on the road to the right auto policy by clicking the Get a Quote button below. We’d be happy to discuss your insurance options and tailor coverage to fit your unique situation.

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