The COVID-19 pandemic forced many Hawaii residents to lose their jobs and make sacrifices that they will not soon forget. However, one benefit from Gov. Ige’s stay-at-home order was that there were fewer people on the roads. That meant fewer car accidents and traffic fatalities, a welcome change for Hawaii citizens.
Unfortunately, many auto insurance companies did not reduce rates at a time when so many people were struggling to pay their bills. Instead, they continued to profit from the high rates they charged their customers. But the tables are turning. Customers are filing lawsuits, alleging that the companies did not provide fair coronavirus auto insurance discounts when people needed them most.
Were you injured in a car accident on Oahu? Contact a Honolulu car accident lawyer at Recovery Law Center for a free consultation.
Insurance Companies Sued During Pandemic
Like many big businesses, insurance companies also offered discount rates during the pandemic. Plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits say that those discounts simply were not enough. State Farm offered a 25 percent credit for approximately ten weeks, while Allstate only provided a 15 percent credit to their customers. The lawsuit states that these amounts are simply inadequate when compared with what a fair analysis would indicate. A lawsuit in Illinois has been classified as a class-action, and it is believed that thousands more policyholders may join that lawsuit.
Tips to Reduce Your Car Insurance Premiums
Although you can only control so much when it comes to purchasing car insurance, here are some tips to reduce your premiums:
- Compare quotes from at least three different auto insurance companies.
- Drive safely.
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Keep a clean driving record.
While you should compare different insurers every time you purchase insurance, you should also make the same comparison when it is time to renew your policy.
What to Do If You Have Been in an Accident
- After a crash, it’s common to feel shaken. If you are able, take these steps to protect a future car accident claim:
- Notify law enforcement, as required by Hawaii law.
- Remain at the crash site.
- Collect evidence at the accident scene, including pictures of the vehicles, injuries, and other relevant pieces of environmental evidence, such as traffic signals, weather conditions, and road debris.
- Exchange insurance information with all other drivers involved.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not think you are injured.
- Contact a car accident lawyer in Hawaii.
Notify your insurance company of the accident. An attorney can contact the insurer on your behalf if you wish.
Contact Recovery Law Center If You Have Been Injured
Motor vehicle crashes can have life-changing consequences. If you’ve been injured, let Honolulu car accident attorney Glenn Honda fight the insurance company so that you are paid full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
There is nothing to lose and everything to gain by scheduling a free consultation. Call or contact Recovery Law Center today to get started.
