"Getting recalled vehicles repaired improves safety for the owner, their passengers and others on the road. The end results are fewer accidents and more lives saved," said Francesca Forlivio, personal lines sales executive at John M. Glover Agency. "It may seem to be an inconvenience to have your car repaired, especially if it seems to be running fine, but it can make a lifesaving difference."
With recalls being announced frequently, Forlivio offered the following tips to track recalls:
oThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has created a standardized label that car manufacturers are required to use when sending recall notices to help consumers recognize a mailing as legitimate, in hopes of increasing recall completion rates.
oSome helpful tools are available to track recalls, among them is NHTSA's free mobile app called SaferCar. The Hanover offers MyHanoverGarage to its Platinum Experience customers, which is a website that tracks car recalls, maintenance and repair information and sends updates to customers.
"These efforts by the industry, government and companies help drivers quickly sort through all the recall information by sharing relevant information so consumers can respond when recall notices are issued," Forlivio said.
According to Forlivio, purchasing a used car presents unique challenges with regard to safety recalls. According to Carfax, one in 10 used cars for sale online has a recall that has not been addressed.
"I have never seen a company ask about recalls in the insurance application process. It's possible that a carrier could ask about a recall on a particular type of car, but I haven't seen it. That would be very unusual," Forlivio said.
Owners are not obligated to fix recalls before selling, so it is important to know about any existing recall notices on the vehicle. Always ask a seller for proof of prior recalls being repaired.
"There is no connection between auto manufacturer recalls and auto insurance. An auto insurance policy provides protection regardless of any recall activity or history," Forlivio said. "Your insurance policy provides protection for you and others regardless of any recall activity or history."
If a car has an open recall, the manufacturer, a vehicle history report or the dealer may be able to tell from the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), located inside the front driver's side door.
Consumers can report potential vehicle-related safety defects for review to the NHTSA by calling (800)424-9393.
"Auto manufacturers do routinely communicate about recalls and there are a number of places individuals can go to research open recalls for a particular make or model car. The information is readily accessible," Forlivio said. "To help keep the roads safe, it is important to note that it is a good idea for vehicle owners to quickly get their car to a repair shop if a recall is issued on their vehicle."
Forlivio noted that some insurance carriers do provide additional support for their customers. The Hanover Insurance Group, which is the Glover Agency's carrier partner, offers MyHanoverGarage to its Platinum Experience customers. This website tracks car recalls, as well as maintenance and repair information and informs customers.
http://www.thehour.com/news/norwalk/local-insurer-weighs-in-on-vehicle-recalls/article_962280e0-b79a-5880-8515-d44eb049c424.html
