If you have an accident you should:

Assuming you will be compensated for the stolen car and that no insurance premiums are due immediately, you should talk to the insurance company about how long it will take to resolve your stolen car claim. Normally, you won't need to pay for insurance on a car that you no longer have -- but you have to consider the possibility that the police will recover the car in a few days.

The actual cash value refers to what it would cost to replace your vehicle with one in similar condition. In making this cost calculation, conditions such as mileage, previous unrepaired damage, and tire wear are considered. Ultimately, the value to the insurer may not be the same as the market price of a car of the same make, model and year.

The insurance company will offer you an amount that they consider fair, taking into consideration such factors as wear to the car, mileage, and previous damage. If this amount is less than what you consider fair, you should turn down the offer and continue to negotiate until you reach an agreement. Ultimately, if you cannot reach an agreement, you might have to consider the possibility of litigation -- provided enough money is at stake to justify the cost of litigation.

Try further negotiation. If you have a specific complaint and can demonstrate that the proposed settlement is unfair to you, you may be able to get assistance from the state insurance department. Ultimately, you can take the insurance company to small claims court -- or sue them, if enough money is at stake.

It depends on the company. Some years ago, three estimates was more-or-less standard practice, but some companies may now have a lower requirement. Many companies also use estimate provided by their own claims adjusters.

Your underinsured coverage provides bodily injury coverage when the other driver has some insurance, but it is insufficient to cover your bills. Underinsured motorist coverage pays the balance – up to the limit on your policy.