Cheap Automotive Insurance Rates
Reader’s Question:
I was given speeding tickets in Wyoming last year and in Montana last month. Will these violations appear in my Washington driving record? Is this going to affect my automotive insurance rate?
Louie
East Seattle, WA
Like Washington State, Wyoming and Montana are also members of the Driver License Compact (DLC). Therefore, whatever violation you commit in those states will be relayed to the Washington Department of Licensing (WA DOL) Office and would eventually appear in your Washington driver’s record. Under 46.21.010 of the Washington Revised Code, it is stated that the licensing authority of DLC shall report all convictions and violations made in another DLC member state to the licensee’s home state. This report shall state clearly the violation, the action/s taken, and the plea for guilty or not guilty.
Since all your traffic violations in your home state and in other DLC member states are recorded in your MVR, then your automotive insurance policy carrier will definitely see them once they decide to pull your record. Typically, automotive insurance companies base their policy rate computations on different factors. However, it is common practice to use the driver’s record as one of the bases, too. This rating procedure is acknowledged, though not mandated, by the state’s laws. Therefore, with your MVR in their hands, it is possible that your automotive insurance rates will go up once your driving history has been factored in.
If you need to find out if the speeding tickets you got from Wyoming and Montana would affect your policy rates, ask your automotive insurance agent for their rating system.
Cheap Vehicle Insurance Rates In Houston Texas
Reader’s Question:
I was surprised when I renewed my car insurance. I was charged a higher rate because I moved to Houston, Texas. I use to live in a suburban district also in Texas. Does living in a city really warrant an increase on my car insurance rate?
Deidre
Houston, TX
Always remember, Deidre, that automotive insurance companies compute premiums based on risk factors. The combination of these different risk factors will determine the eventual amount of premium you will have to pay. Most insurance companies take into consideration the following factors that may affect your car insurance premiums: Geography, age, marital status, gender, driving record, vehicle, credit rating, occupation, and insurance claims.
Since you mentioned you transferred to Houston, Texas and got an increase in your premiums, this means that your car insurance company took into consideration your Geography as a risk factor. What makes Houston at a higher risk is because it is the 4th largest city in the U.S. It would mean that more vehicles will be on the move at any given time, giving a higher probability of a car accident to occur. And the insurers don’t like higher probabilities of accidents because that will mean more automobile insurance claims. We’re not just talking about higher incidence of road accidents, but also higher incidence of car theft and vandalism. For sure, area with a high crime rate qualifies automatically for a higher car insurance premium. However, Deidre, you can reduce your premiums too on account of a good driving record. If you can establish that you are not a road risk, your car insurance company will recognize this and will give you discounts on your premiums or they will give you higher deductibles for your comprehensive car insurance coverage.
When Can My Auto Insurance Company Cancel My Policy?
Reader’s Question:
My girlfriend just purchased auto insurance for her new car. I don’t have a car and obviously neither do I have car insurance. We are just wondering on how car insurance stuff works here in West Allis, Wisconsin. Can her car insurance company just cancel her policy anytime they want? Or is there such thing as grace period before auto insurance policy can be cancelled by the insurance company itself?
Orion
West Allis, WI
Hello there Orion!
I’ve checked with Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) about your question and I learned that car insurance companies can cancel their policyholder’s auto insurance policy provided that said coverage has been in effect within the 60 days. If an insurer chose to cancel the policy within the mentioned period then they are not required to give out explanation about the cancellation. Other reasons wherein a policy can be cancelled is when a policyholder failed to make a payment for the premium on the due date, fraudulent activities done by the policyholder himself/herself when availing of the policy or when making the claim, or major changes on the characteristics of the insurer.
However, for a car insurance policy to be cancelled, insurer is required to notify through writing the policyholder not less than 10 days before the effective date of cancellation or else said cancellation will not be processed.
If you have any questions about car insurance termination you can ask your car insurance agent in West Allis, Wisconsin or even the Wisconsin OCI.
I Am Looking For A Great Vehicle Insurance Company
Reader’s Question:
Greetings from Denver, CO! I would like to know if my auto insurance company would hold me responsible or liable if I were in an accident where I wasn’t the one at fault, but I was not wearing a seat belt.
Heather
Denver, CO.
Now, everyone should wear their seat belts when on the road, whether you be driver or a passenger. Think safety, people. So, you got hurt in an accident that was not your fault but were not wearing your seat belt? If you got in an accident and got hurt, the other driver may be completely liable for the damage to your car because of the circumstance of the accident, but the fact that you were careless also makes you partly responsible. The injuries you sustained were partly due to your own carelessness. You go ahead and file a claim with your auto insurance company and let them decide who pays what.
What happened to you is called ‘contributory negligence.’ It wasn’t entirely your fault but you did contribute to the damage by being negligent. The state of Colorado, I’m sure, has a law comparable to this. Check with the local office there in Denver, CO. The auto insurance company will definitely look into your situation and determine just what percentage of the settlement amount will be shouldered by you. This will depend on the assessment of the auto insurance’s claims adjuster. Be truthful now. Claims adjusters can be very resourceful.
Are You Driving Without Auto Insurance ?
Reader’s Question:
If I received a ticket for running on a stop sign in California what would be my penalty? Also, if let’s say I’m cited for that violation plus I’m caught driving without auto insurance is it going to be double penalties? What penalties are involved?
Bethany
Apple Valley, CA
In the state of California, is it mandatory that you meet the required financial responsible law on the vehicles you operate or drive. One of the common ways in which California residents meet such requirement is through purchasing auto insurance.
If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer for failing to stop in a stop sign and you were asked to show proof of financial responsibility but you failed to do that would mean paying fines which can go up to $500. Also, other penalties are to be imposed like you car being impounded and your driver’s license suspended. If your vehicle is impounded, then you need to pay additional charges for tow and storage fees.
If let’s say you are involved in a more serious traffic violation like driving without auto insurance and got involved in a vehicular accident, you will be asked to comply with the financial responsibility law through to name a few like SR22, SR22, and SR16 depending on what applies to your situation. Not to mention having to pay for the damages incurred from the accident right from your own pockets.
If you don’t have auto insurance, then today is the right time to get one. You can use the websites to find affordable car insurance rates in Apple Valley or even ask your auto insurance agent.
Where Can I Get Cheap Auto Insurance In Las Vegas Nevada?
Reader’s Question:
I live in Las Vegas, Nevada and is it true that hybrid cars are cheaper on insurance because they have less power?
Donna
Las Vegas, NV
Hybrid cars may or may not be cheaper than vehicles with a normal gas or diesel powered engine. It depends on the underwriting rules and guidelines of an individual car insurance company to determine rates for vehicles, such as hybrids.
There are some insurers in Las Vegas, NV that offer discounts if you have a hybrid vehicle. Once such company is Travelers car insurance, in 2006 they became the first car insurance company to offer a discount for hybrid drivers through the whole US. They rolled out a state by state discount and thus by 2007 have 44 states in total that they offer this discount in.
Travelers offers the discount to hybrid owners because their studies has shown that hybrid drivers typically are lower risk drivers. Their research shows that many hybrid buyers are married, between the ages of 41 and 60 and safer on the road then many drivers. They are mature, experienced drivers that are trying to save on gas costs and thus are not typically known to be “lead” foots or risky drivers. There are other car insurance providers though that may actually charge more to insure a hybrid. This is because of the cost of repairs being higher than the same model with a gasoline engine. There are also more components to replace if certain areas of a hybrid car are damaged or inoperable.
Auto Insurance Question in Los Angeles
Reader’s Question:
I would like to make sure if it is illegal to have your car insurance registered to a different address than where you live? I live in Los Angeles, CA right now, but if I place the address for my car insurance to my parent’s house in another city, the rate is reduced by at least half.
Victor
Los Angeles, CA
It is illegal and a form of fraud to give false information on an insurance application, especially for the express reason of lowering your insurance rates. According to the California Department of Insurance, fraud happens when an individual knowingly lies to obtain some benefit or advantage to which they are not otherwise entitled or an individual knowingly denies some benefit that is due and to which someone is entitled.
An alleged wrongful act may be handled as an administrative action by the Department of insurance or the Fraud Division may handle it as a criminal matter depending on the specific issues involved. Trying to obtain car insurance from your parent’s address instead of your own address where the car is actually garaged would be misrepresentation and could get both you and your parents in trouble if done. If you did acquire car insurance using their address and this lie was later uncovered your car insurance could be cancelled and if an accident occurred it may not be covered since the insurance policy was set up using false information.
This can also be classified as material misrepresentation which as defined by the Department of insurance is a false statement given by an applicant of any important fact that, had the insurance company known the truth, it would not have insured the risk. Instead of committing fraud it is best to be upfront and truthful with an insurance company and use your correct address. If you want to try and reduce costs for your car insurance in Los Angeles, California ask about discounts or if there are driver programs in which to participate so that you can reduce your premiums.
The Cheapest Auto Insurance Company In Arkansas?
Reader’s Question:
What should I purchase from a car insurance company in Little Rock, AR for liability coverage?
Faye
Little Rock, Arkansas
Under Arkansas law it requires drivers in Arkansas State, whether in Little Rock, Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, El Dorado, Fayetteville or somewhere beyond, to have a car insurance liability policy of at least the required minimum limits. This means that every car owner in the state of Arkansas must have liability coverage. Any claims, when you are at fault in a car accident, will be paid by liability coverage. You must be presented by a car insurance company an opportunity to purchase coverage for uninsured motorist bodily and property damage, underinsured motorist coverage for bodily injury and personal injury protection coverage, comprehensive and collision coverage when you apply for liability coverage.
If the other driver is at fault and does not have liability insurance, Uninsured Motorist Coverage will cover you and your car. If the other driver is to be blamed and doesn’t have enough coverage to cover your injuries, Underinsured Motorist Coverage gives you additional protection. Personal Injury Protection will provide you with wage loss, death benefits and medical coverage regardless of who is at fault in the accident. Comprehensive and collision coverage may also be purchased for your liability coverage. Comprehensive coverage gives protection against damage to your automobile from acts of nature or other events not associated with driving the automobile. Collision coverage protects against damage to your car when it is involved in an accident.
Cheap Auto Insurance in Newark New Jersey?
Reader’s Question:
I just moved to Newark, New Jersey, do I need to purchase car insurance in my state? Also, I usually hear people talking about Dollar a Day, what does it mean in New Jersey?
Ellen
Newark, NJ
Car insurance is mandatory in New Jersey, but the type and cost of any insurance coverage can differ significantly. There are two general types of car insurance policies in New Jersey, they Standard and Basic Policy. The Standard Policy covers a number of different coverage options and the opportunity to purchase additional protection. This type of auto insurance policy is chosen by most New Jersey drivers. On the other hand, the Basic Policy normally cost significantly less than a Standard Policy, although it provides limited benefits. This policy is not for everyone, but it does provide enough coverage to meet the minimum insurance requirements of New Jersey law. The Basic Policy is an option for those individuals with few family responsibilities and few assets to protect (including income from a job).
The Dollar a Day is what Newark, New Jersey calls “the Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP), it is a new initiative to help make limited car insurance coverage available to drivers who are eligible for Federal Medicaid with hospitalization. Such drivers can get a medical coverage only policy at a cost of $365 a year, or $1 a day. Those who are currently enrolled in Federal Medicaid with hospitalization are eligible for the Dollar a Day policy. You are eligible for this policy if the Card Run Identifier on the upper left of your Medicaid ID card has an asterisk “*” after the code and “SAIP” is printed and located on the lower right of the card. In addition, the Dollar a Day policy can be obtained at most car insurance agencies.
Liability Auto Insurance Discounts in New York
Reader’s Question:
I live in Buffalo, NY and I will be moving to another state in three months, what will happen if I cancel my liability insurance?
Harold
Buffalo, NY
The car insurance company must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if you cancel your liability insurance. If your insurance coverage is reinstated or you get new insurance coverage, your car insurance company in Buffalo, NY is also required to notify DMV. If the car insurance company does not file an electronic notice about your new or reinstated liability insurance, the DMV will send you a letter about your insurance. Once you receive the letter, read the insert mailed with the letter, and follow the instructions in the letter. You are given 10 days from the date of the DMV letter to prove that you carry an insurance coverage, prove that you sold the vehicle, or show other proof that insurance coverage was not required in New York State. If you do have insurance coverage, also ask your car insurance company to file an electronic notice of insurance coverage with the DMV.
If you do not have liability insurance, you must surrender your vehicle plates to the New York State DMV immediately and make sure you get a receipt. You must respond to the letter you receive from the DMV or surrender your license plates to avoid the suspension of your registration and driver’s license. If your liability insurance is about to lapse and you do not plan to replace it with other car insurance, surrender your vehicle plates to the DMV before your insurance coverage lapses.
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