Beware Computerized Payouts

Many automobile insurance companies use special software to determine payouts in bodily injury claims, and the Consumer Federation of America's Hunter warns that these computer systems often shave 20 percent off the claims.

The CFA says customers should ask if their auto claim offer was evaluated by computer and, if so, ask for the range of offers generated. "Don't accept any offer that is less than the high end of the range," the CFA advised in a Dec. 2010 consumer alert.