Maleeha Kamal
mkamal@newscenter25.com
Updated: 3/07 8:33 pm
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New PD Policy That Could Hurt Insurance Claims
Big changes are on the way for how police respond to minor accidents. Starting next month VPD officers won't be responding to minor fender benders.
After hearing our story about the new police policy which encourages driver to handle small fender benders on their own, Thursday night insurance companies are speaking out, saying this could cost them and you more money. Victoria's police Chief J.J. Craig Wednesday said the change in procedure is only to make the city safer. Every time you have an officer respond to accident scene it take roughly 45 minutes to clear up and a lot of time these officers are not needed to exchange information. Drivers will then have to deal with situation on their own.
Shelia Mansios with Easley Insurance further explained not having this bit of information could make it harder to make a claim and cost you more money and that without this information it’s harder for the insurance company to prove who is at fault leaving both parties to pay for individuals which will increase premiums. However, Chief J.J. Craig said before the procedure changes go into effect they will have a week of training drivers on how to properly gather information.
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