Cheap Military Auto Insurance
Reader’s Question:
I have a boyfriend who serves the U.S. armed forces. If he is assigned in another country let’s say in Afghanistan (but I’m hoping he won’t) what should we do with his auto insurance coverage? Do we need to keep on paying for that even if he’s not in the United States? Oh I forgot to tell you, I have my own car too. And there’s no way that I would be using his car if ever he is stationed outside the country. We both live in Kendall-Perrine, Florida.
Josephine
Kendall-Perrine, FL
I’m hoping that your boyfriend would never be assigned to go to Afghanistan.
Going back to your question, according to the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS), a person serving the U.S. armed forces who is required to serve outside the United States is not required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL). This is given that there is no one who is going to use that person’s vehicle.
To be exempted from carrying these policies, you need to write your auto insurance agent or company and request for the exemption and also inform the Florida Department of
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
For additional information, ask you car insurance agent and also the Florida DHSMV.
Young Driver Auto Insurance
Reader’s Question:
I’ve just recently relocated to Birmingham, Alabama. I have a teenage daughter who is just starting to learn how to drive. My question is—Should I buy insurance for her, or since she’s going to be using my car, will she be covered under my auto insurance policy? Thanks!
Sue
Birmingham, AL
Everyone I think aged 25 and above needs to have his or her auto insurance for the car he or she is driving. If you already have your own license and your own car, you must have the car insured. But, of course, since your daughter is just learning how to drive, I don’t think she’s already 25. Kids who are just learning how to drive cannot have their own auto insurance policy because you need a valid drivers’ license to get car insurance. If your daughter is just currently learning how to drive, I’m pretty she would be covered under either the high school’s insurance policy or the driving school’s policy. After she gets her drivers’ license, then that is the time to take an insurance policy for the car you’re giving her this Christmas!
Since she only has a learners’ permit now, and the car she’s going to drive is yours, she would covered under your policy. I think that most auto insurance policies are whole-family policies since they don’t expect that each family member has his or her own car to drive. Of course, there will be car-borrowing involved. If I were you, I’d call an insurance company/agent there in Birmingham, Alabama to ask the necessary questions. Choose wisely because things are different from one company to the next. Tell your daughter, Sue, that I said happy driving.
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.
I Need Very Cheap Auto Insurance in New York
Reader’s Question:
Does New York state law allow married couples to have separate auto insurance policies?
Brooke
Yonkers, NY
It is your option to have separate auto insurance policies, but most of the time; it is cheaper to be on the same policy. A New York insurance company will ask questions of you being married or if there are other licensed operators in your household as a basis in calculating your premium rates.
If you and your spouse have separate auto insurance coverage, you may want to do a cost/benefit analysis of each plan to see if you should continue to keep your auto coverage separate. For example, if your spouse’s auto insurance policy has a higher deductible and/or co-payments or fewer benefits than those offered by your plan, he or she may want to join your auto insurance plan instead. You may also want to compare the rate for one family plan against the cost of two single plans.
It is also advisable for you to examine your auto insurance coverage too. If you and your spouse own separate cars, consider pooling your auto insurance policies with one company. Many car insurance companies will give you a discount if you insure more than one car with them. If one of you has a poor driving record, make sure that changing companies won’t mean paying a higher premium.
Auto Insurance Discounts
Reader’s Question:
I’m a bit concerned because I’m marrying someone who has a poor driving record in Waterloo, IA. With this, can I expect that my insurance rate will go up?
Joan
Waterloo, IA
If your fiancé has a poor driving record, you can expect that it will affect your insurance premium after you get married. Your car insurance policy covers you, your spouse, any other named insured under the insurance policy, and any licensed driver in your household. If any of those people in your auto insurance policy have a bad driving record, it will significantly affect your insurance rates.
If his driving record is really bad, you may want to consider additional strategies to lower your premium. If you arrange to buy all of your insurance policies which includes your homeowners policy from one company, you may benefit from multiple car and/or multiple policy discounts. Normally, in Waterloo, IA, your future spouse can take driver safety courses to improve his driving record. Furthermore, with your combined income, you might be in a position to raise your deductibles to keep your premium down.
Your fiancé may also be eligible for a low mileage discount by using public transportation for his commute to work. If all else fails, you may have the option to use a “named-driver exclusion” clause after you’re married to exclude your spouse from your insurance policy. This means that your spouse is not covered by your insurance company to drive your car. Your spouse could insure his car separately, and if it is an older model, waive collision and/or comprehensive coverage. Lastly, your insurance agent can discuss all of your policy options with you and make suitable recommendations.
Cheap SR-22 Auto Insurance For Non Owner
Reader’s question:
What should I do if I am required to carry an SR-22 but I do not own a vehicle? Please help.
Mike
Good question.
Usually there is a requirement by the state (Department of Motor Vehicle) for the insurance company to certify that the motorist has the minimum liability coverage.
That is the reason why you need an SR-22. It guarantees that you are financial responsible. This certification is what we call SR-22.
So if you do not own a vehicle, you will need a non- owners SR-22. This will serve as your liability coverage protection. But the vehicle itself is not covered by the policy. The SR-22 only covers up to the minimum liability protection. It does not covers the vehicle but the liability of the motorist that may cause in an accident. This will protect other people’s injuries in case of accidents due to your negligence. This is when you are driving someone else’s car.
This policy does not cover you in any car that you drive. Different state have different policy, but usually it does not cover you for the car registered to you, in your household, or any type of vehicle that is provided to you for your everyday use. If in any case you have a car registered to you or there’s one in your household or someone provided a car for you to use everyday, you should not purchase a non-owners policy.
Goodluck!
-MariCAR
I Need Cheap SR22 Auto Insurance in Florida
Reader’s question:
What is SR-22 filing and what process is involved to reinstate my license in Florida?
Rica
That’s a good question.
The SR-22 filing provides a proof to the Department of Motor Vehicle of your driving privilege that removes you from suspension of your license. This is being issued by your insurance company which guarantees you that you are getting the least minimum liability. If you wanted to know if you can get SR-22 filing without purchasing an insurance, the answer is No. The SR-22 filing shows proof of your liability insurance coverage.
The SR-22 is needed for those whose license were revoked or is under suspension by the Florida Department of Motors vehicles. This includes drunk driving, more minor moving violations within the year, unpaid fins and other tickets, or uninsured accidents.
To reactivate your driver’s license you will need to buy the minimum liability coverage first on the vehicle that you own. On the other hand, if you do not own a vehicle, you must purchase the Non-owners coverage. The amount would depend on the degree of your driving record, your location, and your driving experience. You can get your driving record from DMV if you do not know it. Normally, the SR-22 filing period is from one to three years although this can still be extended.
Contact Florida DMV to ask them what other fees you will need to pay to reinstate your drivers license.
Goodluck!
-MariCAR
Very Cheap Car Insurance in Colorado – Pay As You Go?
If you own an automobile in Colorado, you are required to purchase a car insurance. In the event you injure someone else or damages someone else’s property, you are required to carry liability insurance to provide financial protection. Here are some suggestions of steps that you can follow to save money on car insurance:
Shop for coverage. Colorado has a vibrant auto insurance market that is competing for your business. Be wary and make sure you review the financial stability of the insurance company and its customer service record.
Consider your level of deductibles. You may reduce your premiums by raising your deductibles.
Ask any available discounts. You can get discounts on:
- two or more cars on policy or with the same insurance carrier
- anti theft devices
- taking driver’s refresher course
- good student status
Drive responsibly. Accidents, tickets or citations are three of the factors that contribute to higher premiums. Make sure you obey traffic rules all the time.
The fewer miles you drive, the less chance of getting to accident. This would lower your premiums.
Expensive cars that are stolen more often cost more to insure. It also costs more to repair and replace thus giving you higher monthly premiums. So before purchasing a car, make sure you get a low profile or low maintenance car.
The Colorado Division of Insurance has many resources available to consumers to help them with insurance policies and choices. You may get as much as information you needed to to make sure you get the best insurance rate in Colorado.
Goodluck!
-MariCAR
Why The Heck Do You Need Auto Insurance Anyway?
Auto insurance is required for many people but are not aware of its importance. Almost thousand cases are registered everyday in the US alone for car accidents and the best way to safe guard your cars against this kind of damage is auto insurance.
Auto Insurance is is a procedure of getting your car insured. The most important purpose of this is to cover damages due to accidents or mishaps. You need to look into different insurance company quotes and prices that is suitable for you and your vehicle. You will be able to collect money if the driver that damaged your car was uninsured. This is why car insurance should never be taken for granted because it provides the financial means to survive a liability claim. That is the reason why its mandatory by law.
Car insurance is considered necessary because there is a lot of reckless and irresponsible driving going on the roads that leads to accidents. Auto insurance determines a lot of factors like the age of the vehicle holder, how old is the vehicle, if the vehicle has been damaged before, location of the vehicle, etc.
Car insurance is basically a protection for you. It is an incredible thing that we all require and should command with careful considerations. It provides a safety umbrella for your financial security.
Goodluck!
-MariCAR
Get Cheap Car Insurance in Missouri Now
If you are involved in a car accident or stopped by a police officer and found to be driving without car insurance , you will be subject to penalties in the state of Missouri like cancellation of your vehicle’s registration or go to jail. But if you have a limited income, what should you do to bring down the cost of automobile insurance in Missouri?
Here are few things that may help you:
- The basic and the surest way is to drive safely. If you get involve in accidents one too many times, this would definitely increase your monthly premium rates. Make sure you keep a clean driving record and obey traffic rules. My rule of the thumb is never drink and drive! Tickets for speeding or drunk driving will definitely cause your premiums to rise.
- Increase your deductibles. A deductible is the amount of any loss you must pay before the insurance company cover damages. It will decrease your insurance rates if you raise the deductible amounts on your policy.
- Take advantage of the discounts and programs available in your insurance company. Do not assume though that just because you are getting the discount, the rate is good. Sometimes a company without any discounts will give you an overall lower rate than those company that offers discount. Check and shop around to compare prices.
- Do you drive an expensive car? You can expect a higher monthly payment on your insurance since it will cost more to repair or replace it in case of an accident. I suggest you get a low profile car which is low maintenance to get lower monthly premium.
- Shop around. A few phone calls and checking individual company website will save you hundreds of dollars. Make sure you talk to an agent directly for more information before making decisions.
In any case you are having difficulty obtaining coverage from any insurance company in Missouri, you can get coverage from Missouri Joint Underwriting Association (MJUA). Any agent will be able to provide you with MJUA rate and information who to contact.
Goodluck!
-MariCAR
