Those who oppose the drafted bill say that could change if insurance companies get more control.” The only way to look at this is to see higher rates for drivers, more profits for insurance companies, less power for the people,” said Chrissy Pearson with the state Department of Insurance.Sen. Tony Rand, D-Cumberland, countered that the current system is unfair, with all drivers paying a surcharge that funds a coverage pool for risky drivers.”There are many ways to look at this,” Rand said. “One way is that it would be lower rates for some people who don’t have to subsidize. What we’re trying to do is get the subsidy out of this.”

“This is very easy to make a lot of trite statements about ‘we’re protecting people.’ But this is a very difficult problem to try to get straight,” Rand added. New Jersey has the nation’s highest average premium, $1,184, followed by Washington, D.C., drivers paying $1,183. Drivers in New York, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Florida, Rhode Island and Delaware all pay more than $1,000 a year on average.The Joint Study Committee on Automobile Insurance Modernization will likely only discuss the proposed bill Thursday. Rand said he is not sure whether the panel will vote on it.

Wrapped in steel and sheet metal, the blue bomber is safe, the engine purrs, gas mileage is decent, and the odometer hasn’t crossed 60,000 miles.

Then, wham. A slick street, squealing brakes, and the rear bumper and trunk now resemble an accordion that’s been stretched to the limit. Fortunately, your high schooler is OK, the car is drivable, and the damage looks repairable.

You’re thinking, no big problems — after all, the other driver was at fault for the rear-ender, and his insurance should cover the repairs.

Here’s where things start to fall apart. The insurer declares the car a total loss, and the $1,600 check it wants to cut you for the vehicle’s cash value won’t come close to covering a comparable replacement. Then there’s the sentimental factor: The car was Granny’s pride and joy, and now it’s one step from the scrap yard.

Recently, I encountered a situation similar to this. Not knowing exactly how to proceed, I went in search of experts to help me figure out what to do. Here’s some advice on what to be thinking about when the kid car gets crunched — and it’s the other guy’s fault.

Make your case

Should you take the insurance payout and apply it toward a replacement vehicle? Is it worth repairing? How hard can you push for a better deal with the insurer?

My advice: Play out all your options.

If you’re intent on getting your teen’s car repaired, you may have negotiating leverage with the other driver’s insurer. Their payout offer is just that, an offer, so diplomatically shove back with the help (we hope) of your agent.

For example, assuming the kid’s car has been well maintained, turn over copies of all repair bills along with receipts, say for the new tires and the paint job. The point: Show the insurer that the car was a valuable asset and not a bucket of bolts.

In addition, find out how much your car was worth before the accident. Don’t just take the word of the insurance company, whose goal is to minimize claims payouts and maximize profits.

Research online guides such as NADA and the Kelley Blue Book to find cars within proximity to your hometown that most closely match your vehicle.

As I discovered, this can be a problem with older models because the data may get sketchier. But if you know there are few if any comparables like the late-model Olds that are in good to excellent (pre-accident) condition with low mileage, you may have gained a few hundred dollars more on the payout to cover the repairs or the purchase of another vehicle.

“Don’t be afraid to present your case and ask … for an adjustment,” according to Edmunds.com, an online consumer car-buying site. “If your argument is sound, companies will probably listen to you.”

Sort out your options

What if the insurer won’t pony up more on the value of your kid car to cover repairs?

Certainly, take the check, have the car surgery performed at an agreed-upon garage, and shell out the balance due. Some companies also may let you salvage the “totaled” vehicle, but the check you receive will be reduced by the amount the company thought it could get from the salvage yard. In this case, you run the risk of having to pay even more on repairs.

Another option, assuming there is collision coverage on your teen’s car: File a claim with your own company to get the car repaired. You will be out your deductible, of course. But there’s risk here, too — an accident mark on your policy involving a teen that could result in higher premiums or policy termination.

Don’t roll over

If you believe the other driver’s insurer didn’t give you a fair shake or your own agent didn’t go to bat for you, complain to higher authorities. Start with an agency manager or regional director. Also, consider firing off a letter to the state insurance department.

Overinsured, underinsured?

Ideally you got around to deciding this when the car was purchased, but there’s nothing like an accident to prompt a review of your policy.

Most experts recommend skipping the collision and carrying only liability coverage on teen cars worth only a couple of thousand dollars.

“The determining factor is what you pay for the car,” said Chuck Eberle, an agent with Goodman Gravley Insurance in Olathe. In the event of an accident, he added, “can you afford to lose that money?”

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Insurance firm esure claims that many Britons travel abroad without the necessary cover despite the fact that, according to RAC research, they are three times more likely to be involved in accident in Spain or Portugal compared to the UK.

Many Britons mistakenly think that a comprehensive policy in the UK will provide the same level of cover in the EU but it translates only into third party cover, meaning that an accident will cover the other car and not that of the UK policy holder.

Adrian Webb, head of corporate communications for esure, suggests that anyone considering driving abroad must talk to their insurance company prior to making their trip.

He said: “Don’t ever take on a car abroad without having checked that there’s an insurance policy in place for that car that covers you.

“Otherwise you’ll be in for a very nasty shock. There’s a history of people making assumptions and coming up a cropper with foreign use of cars.”

Research by RAC also showed that three million British motorists head too the continent via the channel tunnel every year.

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Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Get at least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or access information on the Internet. You buy insurance to protect you financially and provide peace of mind. It’s important to pick a company that is financially stable. Check the financial health of insurance companies with rating companies such as A.M. Best (http://www.ambest.com) and Standard & Poor’s (http://www.standardandpoors.com/) and consult consumer magazines.

Get quotes from different types of insurance companies. Some sell through their own agents. These agencies have the same name as the insurance company. Some sell through independent agents who offer policies from several insurance companies. Others do not use agents. They sell directly to consumers over the phone or via the Internet.

Don’t shop price alone. Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations. Contact your state insurance department to find out whether they provide information on consumer complaints by company. Pick an agent or company representative that takes the time to answer your questions.

- 21st Century Insurance Company

- kanetix Insurance Shopping.

- Gieco Auto Insurance

2. Before You Buy a Car, Compare Insurance Costs

Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. These include daytime running lights and anti-theft devices. To help you decide what car to buy, you can get information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org).

3. Ask for Higher Deductibles

Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more. Before choosing a higher deductible, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.

4. Reduce Coverage on Older Cars

Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of cars. Or you can look it up online at Kelley’s Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com). Review your coverage at renewal time to make sure your insurance needs haven’t changed.

5. Buy your Homeowners and Auto Coverage from the Same Insurer

Many insurers will give you a break if you buy two or more types of insurance. You may also get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce the rates for long-time customers. But it still makes sense to shop around! You may save money buying from different insurance companies, compared with a multi-policy discount.

6. Maintain a Good Credit Record

Establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance costs. Insurers are increasingly using credit information to price auto insurance policies. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don’t obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly so that your record remains accurate.

7. Take Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts

Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles a year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who car pool to work.

8. Ask about Group Insurance

Some companies offer reductions to drivers who get insurance through a group plan from their employers, through professional, business and alumni groups, or other associations. Ask your employer and inquire with groups or clubs you are a member of to see if this is possible.

9. Seek Out Other Discounts

Companies offer discounts to policyholders who have not had any accidents or moving violations for a number of years. You may also get a discount if you take a defensive driving course. If there is a young driver on the policy who is a good student, has taken a drivers education course or is at a college out of the area without a car, you may also qualify for a lower rate.