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How to Switch Your Car Insurance to MAPFRE

Although having a valid car insurance policy is required by law, there are no rules to say that you must stay with the same insurance provider forever. If you are looking to switch over to MAPFRE Insurance, the process is simple! And while you make that switch, It’s vital to organize the transition properly so your vehicle remains covered throughout the process.

How to Switch Your Insurance to MAPFRE

At MAPFRE, we offer car insurance tailored to your needs. Once you have decided to switch your car insurance policy over to MAPFRE, the first thing you should do is look at the cancellation requirements of your existing policy.

Some insurers require you to pay administration or cancellation fees when you cancel your policy before the end of its full term. You also need to understand the way in which your current insurer calculates refunds since some companies ask you to make payment for the month that has already started while others refund customers on a day-to-day basis.

Before you cancel your existing policy you will also need to speak with a licensed agent who represents MAPFRE to ensure that we will be able to offer you the level of coverage that you are looking for. Every insurer has rules, which need to be followed regarding the level of risk taken when covering a driver. This means that certain people may be unable to take out coverage with specific insurers. Your Independent Agent will be able to explain this to you and let you know If we are able to cover you. If so, you can go ahead and arrange for your MAPFRE insurance to start straight away and then contact your existing company to cancel your policy as of the date your coverage with MAPFRE begins. This will ensure you remain covered at all times while finalizing the switch.

How to Make Changes to Existing Car Insurance

Sometimes, you need to make changes to an existing policy without changing the insurer. (One of those changes may be the name of the driver on the policy). When you are insured with MAPFRE,. all you need to do is call your independent insurance agent to tell them about any changes that you require.

How to Add or Remove a Driver to Existing Car Insurance Policy
If somebody regularly drives your car, like a teenager, other family member, roommate or even a friend, it’s important to add them to your car insurance policy. To do this with MAPFRE, you can call your independent agent to make the change. Your agent will typically need the driver’s name, date of birth, address and license information. Your agent can also remove someone from your policy.

How to Add or Remove a Car to Existing to Car Insurance Policy
If you already have your auto insurance policy with MAPFRE and you want to add another vehicle, you need to contact your independent agent. Your agent will ask you to provide the vehicle’s make and model, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the license plate number, and possibly the mileage. If you need to remove one of your vehicles from your policy, your agent can assist you with that as well.

Now that you know how to make changes to your policy, when you are ready to make the switch to MAPFRE, contact a local independent agent in your state or get a fast, free quote in Massachusetts today to get outstanding coverage at a great price.

Frequently asked questions about total losses

When is my car considered a total loss?

Your car is considered a total loss (totaled) when the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds its current value.

How is the value of my car determined?

MAPFRE works with a third-party to help determine the actual cash value of your car. The value of your vehicle is determined by a variety of factors like its pre-loss condition, age, make, model, and mileage. Also taken into consideration is the value of a vehicle of a similar type and the price paid for the vehicle.

What happens if I still have a loan or lease on my car?

Depending on the lender, if the actual value of your car is less than what you owe on your loan or lease, then you may still owe the balance.

 

Having gap insurance will typically cover the difference between what your vehicle is currently worth and the amount you actually owe on the loan or lease.

What paperwork is needed before payment can be issued?

Before payment can be issued, MAPFRE needs the title of the vehicle. If you hold the title, you must fill in the odometer disclosure statement and sign the title before sending it to us.

 

If the title is with your lender, MAPFRE will reach out to them. Keep in mind, requirements differ by states and there may be additional steps.

What happens to my car if it's determined a total loss?

After your car is determined a total loss, you will need to advise the repair shop or tow yard that you would like to release your vehicle to MAPFRE. This timely permission to move the vehicle will help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

 

During this time, you should also remove all personal belongings from the vehicle and take off the license plates.

Why do you need to take my car and where are you taking it?

While we usually cover up to $35 per day of storage at shop or tow yard, those fees can add up quickly. That’s why MAPFRE takes it to a storage-free facility. If you don’t want to allow MAPFRE to move your car, you may be responsible for the additional storage fees.

What if I decide to keep my car?

MAPFRE has the right to take your vehicle in settlement of a total loss under the terms and conditions of your auto policy. If we decide to allow you to retain the vehicle, it will be returned to you from the salvage yard once the claims process is complete. Once a car is totaled you will still need to have it repaired and pass inspection. You will need to apply for a salvage or rebuilt title that identifies the car as having been a total loss. Many insurance companies will not cover a salvaged vehicle it’s challenging to accurately assess the true condition of the vehicle.

Please Note:This content is not intended to describe any specific coverage offered by MAPFRE Insurance. No coverage is provided, bound or guaranteed by this article. Available coverages, credits and discounts vary from state to state and are subject to eligibility criteria and policy terms/conditions, which will control in the event of conflict between this article and your insurance policy. For information about your policy, please review your individual policy contract and speak with your insurance representative.

MAPFRE Insurance® is a brand and service mark of MAPFRE U.S.A. Corp. and its affiliates, American Commerce Insurance CompanySM (Cal. COA 4928-8); Citation Insurance CompanySM; The Commerce Insurance CompanySM; Commerce West Insurance CompanySM (Cal. COA 1372-2); and MAPFRE Insurance CompanySM (Cal. COA 3039-5). Not all products available in all states.

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