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.
Budget Car Insurance For Good Drivers
Reader’s Question:
I’m planning on purchasing a new car here in Oklahoma, but am a bit tight on the budget. Do I really need to get auto insurance or can I choose to just get insurance some other time?
Marge
Norman, OK
All car owners in Oklahoma are legally required to also purchase auto insurance when they buy new cars. Proof of auto insurance is, in fact, the very first thing they will look for when you register your newly purchased car with DMV.
The state’s mandatory auto insurance policy ensures that damages arising from vehicular accidents are adequately covered. Such damages may only be minimal in some instances but in most cases, the costs arising from vehicular accidents are quite heavy.
Your personal liability for damages arising from accidents attaches when it is determined that your negligence caused the accident. In the absence of adequate insurance coverage, you may find yourself emptying your bank account especially when the damage is extensive. If you do not have sufficient funds to cover the damage, you may find yourself in an even tighter situation wherein the other person may file damages against you in court, thereby leading to additional litigation costs on top of the actual damage incurred. If you’re worried about insurance costs, though, there are several affordable insurance options that you can look into that may fit your tight budget. Most insurance companies offer comparisons and quotes for auto insurance via the web and you can even buy budget car insurance online.
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.
Very Cheap Rental Car Insurance
Reader’s Question:
How do I insure a rental car overseas? I’m from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Ian
Charlotte, NC
Make sure that the car you’ve rented in the U.S. will still be covered if you drive it overseas (i.e. in Canada or Mexico) and know this before signing the contract.
You can buy the rental company’s insurance if you rent a car overseas. Failure to do so could possibly put you inside an overseas jail if you have an accident. Virtually all car insurance policies purchased in the United States do not provide coverage overseas. It’s always wise to buy the rental car company’s insurance when renting a car overseas.
Use a recognized brand-name rental company based in the U.S.
Ask for the breakdown on what is included in the rate when renting a car overseas. Most insurance companies’ contracts include liability insurance. Fire and theft may also be covered but one thing that’s not covered by most rental agreements is collision.
Good Driver Insurance Discounts
Reader’s Question:
What kind of insurance discounts can I get from insurance providers in Kentucky if I am turning 50 next month. In addition to that I also have a good driving record for several years.
Martina
Lexington-Fayette, KY
Congratulations on having a clean driving record for many years.If you are lucky enough to be retired, some insurance companies will provide a discount to retirees receiving a certain type of pension. There are also some discounts provided to the mature driver however many insurance providers start this discount at age 55.
There are also other discounts that you may want to ask for when renewing your car insurance or starting a new one. Some insurers will give you a discounted rate for low-mileage vehicle use, two or more cars on one policy or having loss prevention devices installed in the car (car alarm, etc). Many insurance providers in Kentucky will give long-time policyholders with no claims and a good driving record or safe driver discount.
Auto Insurance Company Question
Reader’s Question:
What exactly is the definition of motorist list only status? What is the difference between unrated and list driver?
James
Atlanta, GA
Each insurance providers has their own terms they use when they rate an individual for an insurance policy or how they list an individual on a policy. Each state has different requirements for household members and how they are listed, excluded, rated or excluded with surcharge on a policy.
Some states require that all residents be listed on a policy, but in some instances you may want to exclude coverage for a household member.
Since insurance companies have their own different definitions for drivers’ statuses, so you may consult with the insurance provider you know that is using this specific auto insurance terminology or read through the terms of their policy to see what their intended meaning is for “list only” and “unrated” motorists.
Car Insurance Discounts – Who Offers Them?
Reader’s Question:
Which insurance companies offer a discount for security systems and what kind of security system does it have to be?
Liam
Austin, TX
Generally, most car insurance providers will allow for an anti-theft discount which would apply to Comprehensive coverage. The discount can vary from a 5% to 20% credit. Usually this is applied to cars with a passive disabling device which renders the fuel, ignition or starting system inoperative.
Many newer cars have this type of system already installed as standard equipment. The discount usually also extends to cars with LOJACK devices. In most cases, proof of installation like service order a receipt must be provided.
Save On Good Driver Car Insurance The Easy Way
There’s a lot of ways to save money on car insurance. Knowing what suits your needs is always the first step. Here are few tips you can follow that will definitely save you a lot of money.
- Make sure you shop for the best insurance that will work best for you. You can compare prices offered by your local insurance companies. Get at least 5 price quotes. You may call companies directly or access information on the internet. It is also important that you choose a company that is financially stable.
- Drive safely. By driving safely and responsibly, you can keep traffic violations and accidents to a minimum, thus helping you maintain cheap car insurance.
- You may also try taking defensive driving courses to get discounts. These courses are sponsored by your insurance company. For teenagers, they can get “good student” discounts. Talk to your agents about programs and discounts available.
- You can also get a discount if you drive a car that doesn’t get stolen a lot. Car insurance company will definitely charge you a higher rate if you drive a a very expensive car like Porsche. Get a low maintenance and low profile cars like Toyota Camry.
- You may also be qualified for discounts if you join a club like AAA or AARP.
But don’t forget that the key to savings is not the discounts but the final price. A company that offers few discounts may still have a lower overall price.
Goodluck!
-MariCAR
Cheap Car Insurance in Maryland For Good Drivers?
Car insurance can be very expensive in Maryland. You are required to buy Uninsured motorist(UM), Personal Injury protection (PIP) or liability insurance. There can be severe penalties like revocation of your driving permit, loss of your car’s license plate or some additional fees imposed by the courts.So here are few tips that may be able to help you in getting the best rates in Maryland:
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Make sure you maintain a clean driving record. By driving safely and responsibly, you can keep traffic violations and accidents to a minimum, thus helping you maintain cheap car insurance.
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If you are still in school and under 25 years of age, you may be qualified for a Good Student Discount on your car insurance premiums. Ask your local insurance agent if they support such programs.
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If you are 55 years of age, make sure you speak to your insurance agent about special driver refresher course to avoid high premiums.
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You may also drop your comprehensive and collision coverage if your car is old and in bad shape. Your insurance company may not pay for any repairs to your vehicle in any event.
The Internet provides the best solution for getting several insurance quotes in a short time. You can compare prices offered by these insurance companies. Shop around to know who is offering the best rates in Maryland that suits your needs. By taking extra time, you will be saving a lot!
Goodluck!
-MariCAR
Good Driver Car Insurance For Teenagers
Teenage drivers usually shell down huge amount towards insurance average costs since accidents more often happens to teenage drivers. But the good news is, you can expect this to go down with time by following simple tips.
- Shop around. You may call these insurance companies directly or you can surf the net for quotes and prices. Make sure to check for any discounts available for teenage drivers like “good student” discounts or discounts for taking driving class. Compare rices that will give you an overall lower price.
- Keep a clean driving record. Obey traffic rules and drive safely. Rates will go down substantially in years if there is no accidents and tickets. Keep your driving record clean and you’ll be okay.
- You may be listed as the secondary driver. It makes the price of the insurance less than half of what it would normally be.
- ask an expert. Talk to any of your local insurance agents. They will be able to help you paired up with one that best meets your insurance and your budget.
Goodluck!
-MariCAR
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