Mapfre Auto Insurance: Damage Waiver Reimbursement Explained

MAPFRE Insurance is an auto insurance carrier that offers a wide range of coverage options and discounts. The company provides protection for individuals, their cars, and their peace of mind. MAPFRE's auto insurance covers liability, collision, and comprehensive, as well as additional options like medical payments coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. One concern for drivers is whether their insurance will reimburse for a damage waiver when renting a car. In Massachusetts, MAPFRE's auto insurance policy follows the insured in the U.S., Canada, and U.S. territories, so additional rental insurance is usually unnecessary. However, it is essential to confirm this with MAPFRE directly, as there may be specific circumstances or exclusions that apply.

MAPFRE's Accident Forgiveness Endorsement

Typically, when a claim is made after an at-fault accident, your premium increases. The amount of the increase depends on factors such as the state you live in, the severity of the accident, and the claims made to compensate for costs resulting from the accident. Even if you change insurance providers, your driving record will still impact your premium. MAPFRE's Accident Forgiveness Endorsement helps to prevent this increase in premium by forgiving the first at-fault accident, meaning it won't be considered when determining your premium.

Eligibility for Accident Forgiveness depends on certain criteria, including merit rating code, driving history, operator assignment, and your current Merit Rating step, which your independent agent can discuss with you. It is important to note that the accident is not erased from your driving record, and if you switch insurance companies, your new insurer may factor the forgiven accident into the calculation of your premium.

Accident Forgiveness can provide peace of mind and protect you from premium increases, especially if you are a safe driver. It is a valuable addition to your car insurance policy, and MAPFRE offers it to a wide range of drivers, including inexperienced and new drivers, making it a great choice for those looking for comprehensive and affordable coverage.

MAPFRE's Auto Glass Repair Program

The process begins with reporting a Windshield/Auto Glass Claim to an American Commerce Claim Service Center Representative, which can be done online or over the phone. This initial reporting step takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Once the claim has been made, customers can choose a glass repair shop from MAPFRE's Preferred Glass Network. MAPFRE guarantees the quality and workmanship of glass installations conducted at these preferred shops, which have been selected based on their high level of customer satisfaction.

The "fit and finish" of the glass installation is also guaranteed by MAPFRE, who promise to intervene if the work is not performed to the customer's satisfaction. Repairs can be made at the customer's home, work, or another chosen location, depending on the extent of the damage and the repair shop's preferences. After the repairs are completed, MAPFRE will pay a reasonable amount for the repair or installment, with the customer only responsible for paying their chosen deductible.

It is important to note that customers should confirm with their independent agent that their policy covers auto glass repairs, as this may vary depending on individual needs and coverage.

MAPFRE's CAR EZ Program

The benefits of the CAR EZ Program include:

• Contact within 24 hours
• Arrangement of vehicle pickup
• Coordination of a rental car, if applicable
• A thorough cleaning of your vehicle prior to its return
• Exemplary customer service throughout the entire repair process
• A limited lifetime warranty on all repairs
• Priority repair scheduling
• No payment hassles—MAPFRE Insurance pays the repair shop directly

The CAR EZ Program is available at select auto repair shops across Massachusetts. As a MAPFRE customer, your repairs will begin and end sooner, and you can simply drop your car off to be repaired. Certified shops will manage your appraisal and all payments with MAPFRE. If coverage applies, the shop will coordinate the pickup and drop-off of your rental car.

MAPFRE's ePICS Program

The ePICS Program is a self-service damage assessment option offered to customers who have a claim with minor damage. Customers can submit photos and answer a few basic questions about their damage through the ePICS platform from any device. The photos required include the vehicle mileage (picture of the odometer), the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), all four corners of the vehicle from a distance, an overview of the damage, two additional photos for details of the damage, and any other photos related to the damage. Once the information is submitted, a MAPFRE adjuster prepares a remote damage assessment and, in most instances, the claim can be resolved within a matter of days.

The ePICS Program is eligible for various losses causing damage to property, including landscaping or retaining walls, playsets or outdoor furniture, and sheds or detached buildings. During the First Notice of Loss (FNOL), a Claim Representative will determine whether the claim is eligible for the ePICS Program. If the claim is eligible, the ePICS Program is offered to the customer. If the customer chooses to participate, they will receive a text or email prompting them to answer a few basic questions about the damage and will be provided with directions to upload photos. The damage assessment is then completed, and in most cases, a check is issued to the customer within a few days.

MAPFRE's Substitute Transportation Coverage

The rental coverage provided by MAPFRE is determined by the limits purchased on your car insurance policy. These limits can vary based on your policy attributes and the number of vehicles you have insured. If you have rental coverage, it is recommended to opt for a vehicle with a lower daily rate to maximize the overall amount of available coverage. Your claim representative will assist you in obtaining a rental vehicle from a list of preferred companies.

• Your auto was in a collision and is being repaired or replaced.
• Your auto was involved in a theft.
• Your auto is being repaired or replaced within a reasonable time frame.

It is important to note that normal wear and tear is not covered under the substitute transportation coverage. Additionally, before starting the repair process, you can take advantage of MAPFRE's CAR EZ Program, which offers expedited auto repair services with benefits such as priority scheduling of repairs, arrangement for pickup of the damaged vehicle, coordination of a rental car, and a limited lifetime warranty on all repairs.

Frequently asked questions