Q: In the AJC a few weeks ago, an article stated that you only need to exchange your name, the name of your insurance company and the agent’s name after an auto accident. She stated, for security reasons, that a person shouldn’t exchange their driver’s license number or home address. What information should be exchanged with the other driver in case of an auto accident?
—M.L. Evans, Atlanta
A: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recommends sharing only your name, accurate vehicle information (make, model, year, etc.) and phone number of your insurance provider with the other driver involved in an auto accident. Drivers who share personal information, such as home or cell phone numbers, home addresses and driver's license numbers put themselves, "their property and their safety at risk," it states at www.naic.org. "In fact, sharing personal phone numbers is not necessary." The NAIC recommends calling law enforcement officials so that an accident report can be filed, which "can help facilitate the insurance claims process." The NAIC has created the "WreckCheck" app for iPhone and Android users that "outlines what to do immediately following an auto accident and takes users through a step-by-step process to create their own accident report." More information about the app can be found at www.insureuonline.org/auto_wreckcheck_guide.pdf.
Q: Are those live bird chirps we hear on the Masters’ telecast or are they added by the network?
—Doug Messerlie, Dunwoody
A: All sounds are natural, an Augusta National spokesman told Q&A on the News in an email.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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