Connecticut is receiving $11.5 million in federal funds to combat underage drinking.

The state will receive $2.3 million in each of the next five years. It’s one of four states, including Colorado, Illinois and Tennessee, to receive the money from the federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.

The money will be spent on community coalitions across the state that will use various prevention techniques to reduce the use of alcohol by teens. The University of Connecticut Health Center will evaluate the effort and track any progress.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell says the state’s prevention efforts are already strong and that this grant represents a reward for Connecticut’s past success.’

This is good news for young drivers or teenagers involved in DUI and intoxication since it will help them reduce the use of alcohol by teen and thus keep your DUI insurance low or qualify you for cheap SR22 car insurance quote. Stop drinking and drunk driving.

Glenn : Is it true that the insurance compaies can deny claims associated with the consumption of alcohol for auto insurance DUI claim?

Resonse : Yes, this is true. The Alcohol exclusion laws permit insurance companies to deny claims associated with the consumption of alcohol. They were passed in the 1940s in the United States to discourage people from drinking alcoholic beverages and to save insurance companies money from alcohol-related claims (Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol Problems, George Washington University Medical Center, 2007). It was believed that people would be less likely to drive while impaired or intoxicated if insurance companies could deny medical payments or other claims associated with any injuries associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages. 41 states currently allow alcohol exclusions in health care insurance policies

There is to date no scientific evidence that exesive alcohol exclusion laws discourage drunk driving. In fact, some argue that these laws discourage physicians and hospitals from testing accident victims for possible alcohol in their blood (BAC). That’s because insurance companies can refuse to pay doctors and hospitals for treating patients found to have alcohol in their bodies. In short, screening for alcohol could lead to the loss of payments from insurance companies. Because of this, there is concern that alcohol exclusion laws help drunken drivers avoid detection and increase the likelihood that they will repeat their crime in the future . Nine states now prohibit alcohol exclusions and several more are currently considering such action.

The insurance industry supports alcohol exclusion laws. On the other hand, the professional organization which regulates that industry, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, has voted unanimously to recommend the repeal of alcohol exclusionary laws. Other groups supporting their repeal include the National Conference of Insurance Legislators, the American Bar Association, the American College of Emergency Physicians, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the National Commission Against Drunk Driving, and the American Medical Association.

Keith Baxter: I was involved in an auto accident but did not know what to do?

Response : When you are involved in an auto accident there are 6 main steps that are recommonded which you should follow :

1. Stop your car and talk to the other driver. Call the police if necessary. If you have ever been involved in drunk driving previously, it is in your best interest to go for a breath test or BAC so that you have a record there. If it is a minor accident you can exhcange telephone numbers and other details like insurance.

2. Evaluate and decide whether you want to report this as a claim. However, it is best to notify the insurance company since there can be complications after-wards. If you do not report the accident, you will naturally save your premium.

3. Fill out your “What to do after an accident worksheet. This will give you evey detail of the accident documented. Its best to find witness who are willing to back-your story to the insurance company.

4. File the claim as soon as possible with your insurance company, irrespective of whether it was  your fault. Your insurance company will handle the claim process as your lawyer. Do not make any misrepresentation. Misrepresentaiton changes your risk to high auto risk.

5. Corporate with your insurance company and provide all the documents that they require. Most insurance companies have excellent claims personnel who would cooperate with you. 

6. Get your car repaired, only after the insurance adjustor advices you and he has done the due diligence required on his part. A lawyer should be hired only if you need one.

Your claim settlement will be very easy without stress. If you are required please maintain your SR22 insurance at all times.