Auto insurance » Insurance Companies

DWI Auto Insurance – Will My Rates Increase?

admin — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 07:02:30 +0000

If you are convicted of a DWI then you better be prepared for your vehicle insurance to skyrocket. DWI auto insurance rates are more than any other classification of driver’s will pay. This is because a DWI conviction classifies you as a high risk driver and you will pay more in premiums to cover that risk. If you live in a state where auto insurance is optional it may not be such a big deal. However there are plenty of states where it is mandatory and the DWI auto insurance rates may be too much for you to pay.

You may get lucky though because may insurance companies only review a person’s driving record every three years. The fact that you have a DWI may go undetected for quite some time on your current policy so you won’t be charge more. Should you decide to switch companies though for auto insurance or make any changes to your current policy your DWI will be discovered. Many times a DWI can result in your request for auto insurance not being honored or your current policy being canceled.

The Department of Motor Vehicles has made it harder for those with DWI convictions to hide them from insurance companies though. In many states a SR-22 form of insurance is required before the person can get their driver’s license reinstated. This requires contacting your insurance company and letting them know about the situation. SR-22 insurance is more expensive that regular auto insurance because of the high risk involved with the driver. You can expect to be mandated by the Department of Motor Vehicles to have this type of insurance for up to five years.

To make sure you keep the SR-22 insurance coverage after you provide proof the Department of Motor Vehicles has your file flagged by the insurance company. Should you cancel the insurance policy or they cancel it for non-payment they will be notified and your diver’s license will be suspended.

The insurance company does reserve the right to cancel an auto insurance policy should they find out you have a DWI. They don’t have to offer the SR-22 coverage but many of them do because of the high amount of money they can charge for it. If the insurance company plans to cancel your current policy written notice will be sent to you so you are aware of the situation.

According to various studies 25% of individuals with a DWI conviction never find it showing up on their driving record. This is often due to the lack of effective documenting between the legal system and the Department of Motor Vehicles. In other states the DWI can be eliminated after the driver completes a treatment program and a driver’s education class.

By: Caleb Liu

Will Your Auto Insurance Claim Information Be Shared If You Switch Your Insurance Company?

admin — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 17:20:10 +0000

After making an insurance claim on their auto insurance policy, people will quite often try to switch their insurance on their car over to another company in the hopes that they will get a better deal and avoid having their premium raised. What they soon find out however is that even though there may not have been a police report filed, the record of their insurance claim is shared with all other insurance companies, effectively blocking them from getting that sweet deal.

It sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? Say maybe you hit a curb in a parking lot, doing damage to your vehicle that goes over your deductible. No one was hurt, you didn’t hit another car, but now your vehicle is damaged. You file an insurance claim, get it fixed, pay your deductible and you’re good to go. Next thing you know, your premium goes up. That’s understandable. Your insurance company now sees you as a bigger risk and therefore seeks to protect itself financially.

So you get the bright idea of switching companies. There was no police report, no moving violations, no public record, right? Wrong. Insurance companies have a program in place for such occurrences. This is the same program that allows them to all communicate and cooperate with each other. It’s pretty much vital to the auto insurance “system.”

So what are you supposed to do? In reality, there’s not much you can do. Your claims record will follow you everywhere. The best thing you can do is avoid filing any insurance claims for a few years. If you have a minor claim that doesn’t involve any other vehicles or people, consider paying for it out of pocket if you can. It’s more money up front, but may save you more money in the long run.

Of course, driving more safely is always your best bet. Most people are a bit “gun shy” after accidents and start to drive more carefully, so that will work in your favor. Listen to that nagging voice in your head that tells you to be more careful.

If you were involved in an accident with another vehicle and there is a police report, then you know that all the insurance companies will definitely know about it, should they take a look-like when you go to buy insurance from them. You may be able to save a few bucks by changing insurance companies even then, but regardless of who you go with, the best thing you can do is ask them if they have any options for lowering your premium. Some offer a discount if you attend driver’s safety school. Another option is if you have a vehicle that is fully paid for, you can just get liability coverage, which only covers any damage you do to other people and property, not your own. This is risky, but often cuts your premium in half.

In the end, there really is no way to pull the wool over the insurance companies’ eyes. The best thing you can do is drive safely and avoid claiming any minor dents or dings that don’t involve other vehicles.

By: Kian Chew Chong

Cheap Georgia Auto Insurance

admin — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 20:12:44 +0000

Compared to the rest of the United States, Georgia is regarded as one of the most affordable when it comes to auto insurance. Statistics show that the average annual auto insurance expenditures in Georgia totals around $900. The range of auto insurance premiums basically varies from one state to another.

The main types of auto insurance include fully comprehensive auto insurance policies, third party (fire and theft) policies, third party insurance and specialized car insurance.

Why get an auto insurance?

Auto insurance covers expenses that are incurred in vehicular accidents, fire damage, and theft. With this kind of policy, any auto owner is secured against several forms of losses.

Principally, this policy covers the policy owner, the automobile and the third party involved in the mishap. Owning auto insurance policies is a great advantage for you and your family as well as for your vehicle.

Important Considerations

Auto insurance is basically expensive. Logically, the more you pay for your premiums, the more coverage your insurance company can provide. Even if auto insurance policies in Georgia rate as one of the lowest, statistically speaking, you can still devise ways to lower your premiums.

One of the easiest ways to lessen the amount you will pay is to secure higher deductible rates. It is also important that you possess a blemish-free driving record. It would be best if the car that you have is not regularly involved in a car accidents. If you possess several cars, it would be better to insure them with the same company, as the company can give you a multiple-car discount. As much as possible, you should get all your other insurance needs (housing, life, etc.) from the same company so that you can get package discounts.

Unlike other states, your credit rating is not as significant in Georgia when it comes to auto insurance. It is better to focus on your own driving records and the many discount possibilities that insurance companies offer. For example, most insurance companies offer discounted rates for drivers over 55 years old and for students who have a 3.0 grade point average. Some companies offer discounts for people who carpool. Others offer discounts to drivers who have taken an approved driving safety course.

By: Jennifer Bailey

Car Insurance? Don’t Just Accept The Renewal Quote

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:30:09 +0000

Many millions of insurance renewal, bills will be sent out over the next two weeks, you should consider if it’s a good idea to just accept the quote. On the other hand, maybe you should shop around to see if you could find a better deal.

Huge numbers of motorists will be in severe shock when they discover how much their premium will have risen since paying their insurance a year ago.

In the UK, new number plates are issued during the month of March; it is also the month with the highest number of car sales. So obviously, as a side effect is also the month, the highest amount of car insurance policies arranged.

So for many millions March will be the happy anniversary of the purchase of their brand spanking new car. Unfortunately, it will also be the anniversary of taking out their new insurance policy.

Renewal time is an excellent opportunity to look over your policy, and consider, could you get the same cover and pay less money?

A good place to start is by going through all the boring terms and conditions. You may find that in your rush to get into your new motor last year. You did not consider exactly what insurance conditions you needed for you and your vehicle.

You may find that their are some conditions that don’t apply to you what you no longer need, removing small pieces of cover can significantly reduce your insurance premium.

The floods last summer had a huge effect on the cost of renewing household insurance because of the massive number of claims. People do not realise that huge numbers of cars were also damaged or destroyed by the floods, which have contributed to an increase in car insurance costs.

The AA has released its latest index of quarterly insurance costs. The survey concludes that there’s been a large increase in the number of personal injury claimants on motor insurance companies. The knock-on effect of this has been a 2.5% increase in the cost of insurance cover. The index covers quotes from more than 80 large and small insurers, and found that the average comprehensive insurance premium is now nearly

Arizona Auto Insurance Law

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 05:48:33 +0000

What does financial responsibility mean?

Like all other states, Arizona has financial responsibility laws which means that if you are involved in an accident you will be asked to present proof of your ability to cover the cost of damages caused up to a minimum amount. To comply with this law most drivers buy automobile liability insurance.

What type of automobile liability insurance am I required to have according Arizona Auto Insurance Law ?

Arizona Auto Insurance Law requires that you have Bodily Injury liability and Property Damage Liability

What are the minimum liability limits?

According to Arizona Auto Insurance Law, the minimum amount of liability coverage needed for personal injury is $15,000 person and $30,000 per accident.

The minimum amount of liability coverage needed for property damage is $10,000. This will usually appear on the policy in the form 15/30/10.

When will I be required to present proof of Insurance?

Within 30 days of registration. If you’ve had an accident you will be required to present proof of Insurance/financial responsibility at the time of the accident. Further, the State requires that you have proof of insurance at all times in your vehicle. In most cases a card issued by the insurer is sufficient.

Will my insurer required to verify the validity of my insurance policy?

Yes. According to Arizona Auto Insurance Law, if you’ve had an accident or you have been arrested, your insurance company will be required to verify that your policy is in good standing. Your insurance company must also inform the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicle if you cancel or fail to renew your policy. And according to Arizona computer data law, insurance companies are required to submit their entire list of policies in force, which the State may compare with registrations.

What are the penalties for non-compliance to the financial responsibility law?

A $250 fine.

What are the laws governing AZ liability insurance

Liability insurance in Arizona is based on the tort liability system. This means that if you were involved in an accident that is not your fault you and/or your passengers have the right to sue the party at fault for pain and suffering, and for other out-of-pocket expenses such as medical costs.

ARIZONA DUI/DRUNK DRIVING LAWS

What is the BAC (blood alcohol content) limit is the state of Arizona?

The BAC (blood alcohol content) limit for the state of Arizona is .08

Will I have my license revoked or suspended if my BAC is above 0.08?

According to Arizona Auto Insurance Law, yes. If you are pulled over by an officer and your BAC test result returns a reading above .08 you will face an on-the-spot driver’s license revocation or suspension. Further, if you refuse to take the BAC test your license will still be revoked or suspended.

What is the implied consent law?

Like most states, Arizona has the implied consent law. This law is base on the premise that because you choose to drive on the streets and highways of the state, you have given your consent to submit to the BAC and or urine test to ascertain alcohol or drug levels.

What is the penalty for violating the implied consent law?

The mandatory penalty for violation of the implied consent law in Arizona is suspension or revocation of one’s driving privilege.

Are preliminary breath tests permitted my law in Arizona?

According to Arizona Auto Insurance Law, yes. In states where it is permitted by law, sometimes an officer will do a preliminary breath test on-the-spot to confirm that you are actually under the influence. An alcosensor machine, a hand-held device, is often used. Although its results are not admissible in court, if the machine returns a positive reading, you may be taken to a police station the take the actual BAC test.

What is DUI Plea Bargain?

In a DUI plea bargain, the driver charged with DUI agrees to plea guilty to a lesser charge than one for which she could stand trial. When this happens, she receives a more lenient sentence, and/or have certain related charges dropped. The DUI plea bargain is prohibited in Arizona.

What is the open container law?

The open container law makes it illegal for the driver and passengers to have unsealed alcohol containers in an automobile passenger compartments.

ARIZONA SEAT-BELT LAWS

Are seat-belt laws enforced in the State of Arizona?

Yes. As of January 1, 1991, driver and all passengers are required to wear seat-belts in the State of Arizona.

Are seat-belt laws primary or secondary in Arizona?

Seat-belt laws in Arizona are NOT primary. Primary enforcement means that an officer may stop an automobile and issue a ticket for violation of the seat-belt law. Secondary enforcement means that the officer may issue a ticket for not using seat-belt if and only if the driver was stopped for some other violation.

What are the fines for noncompliance to seat-best laws in AZ?

$10

LAWS GOVERNING OLDER DRIVERS

Am I required to perform medical, knowledge, road, or vision retests when I renew my license?

Retesting for all drivers is usually required for vision, road retesting is only required under certain conditions. For example, if you’ve had too many accidents over a certain period of time.

Is my doctor required to report a physical condition that may affect my ability to drive safely?

NO

Is there an age limit on driver’s license renewals

Yes. 70 years.

LAWS GOVERNING TEENAGE AND YOUNGER DRIVERS

Do teenage drivers require graduated licensing?

YES. All states have graduated licensing (a rigorous learning period before full driving privileges are granted) laws for drivers 15 to 18 years old.

For what period of time are teenagers required to maintain a learners permit? For a minimum of six (6) months.

Are teens required to own an intermediate or provisional driver’s license before they a granted full driving privileges?

No.

Do young drivers have certain restrictions on night driving?

No.

Can teenage drivers carry the maximum number of passengers allowed in a vehicle?

Yes.

OK. What about BAC (blood alcohol content) level? Are there restrictions on that too?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the answer is yes. Although the BAC level for other drivers is 0.08, Arizona drivers under the age of 21 years with a BAC level greater that 0 (yes zero) could be charged with DUI.

By: Richard Cunninghamm

California Car Insurance Requirements

admin — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:05:59 +0000

California Law requires all motor vehicle owners to have insurance which provides Bodily Injury Coverage and Property Damage Coverage.

In the State of California the required minimum coverage for bodily injury is $15,000 per person injured in any one accident and $30,000 for all persons injured in any one accident.

The required minimum coverage for property damage is $5,000 for injury to or the destruction of property of others in any one accident.

Optional insurance may include Uninsured Motorist Coverage. If the policy holder makes this choice, the actual coverage purchased must be at least the amount of the required Bodily Injury Coverage. If the policy holder purchases more than the required amount of Bodily Injury Coverage, Underinsured Motorist Coverage may then be purchased in a lesser amount. The State of California does not require insurance companies to provide Uninsured Motorist Coverage in any amount greater than $30,000 per personal injury in any one accident and $60,000 for all persons involved in any one accident.

As well, if Uninsured Motorist Coverage is purchased, then the policy must also include Underinsured Motorist Coverage. California requires insurance companies to offer for purchase Underinsured Motorist Coverage in an amount equal to that purchased for Uninsured Motorist Coverage. Insurers may, however, offer a greater amount of Underinsured Motorist Coverage than the Uninsured Motorist Coverage actually purchased by the policy holder.

California requires liability limits of 12/30/5 which represent $20,000 for bodily injury coverage per person and $30,000 for bodily injury coverage per accident which will pay for medical bills and lost wages. The last number of 5 represents $5,000 for property damage coverage per accident which will pay for repairs and/or replacement of objects damaged or destroyed other than the policy holder’s own vehicle.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and No-Fault Coverage are not required by the state.

Adding Collision Coverage as well as Comprehensive Coverage to an insurance policy is optional as well in California.

By: Elizabeth Newberry

How to Get Affordable Car Insurance in California

admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:58:33 +0000

If you live in California and you are planning a road trip south of the border, you should contact your car insurance company. Most insurance companies in California offer no coverage to their clients when they venture into Mexico. Knowing this before you leave on your trip is crucial if you want to keep your car protected in the event of theft or an accident.

You also need to know how to get affordable car insurance in California for your basic coverage. If you already have an insurance policy that is coming up for renewal this is the perfect time to see what other companies are offering in terms of rates.

When you call potential insurance companies in California or you contact them online there are a few things you must provide to them that will aid them in preparing a quote. One is your driving history. You may think that being less than truthful by failing to divulge that you’ve been in several accidents and have a healthy stack of speeding tickets, will get you a better quote. It may, but when it comes time for the agent to underwrite the policy they will discover you were not forthcoming. This will likely result in much higher rates or they will withdraw their offer to insure you.

The number of miles you drive, on average, is another tidbit of information that insurance companies use to help determine a suitable quote. If you are a member of an employment carpool or you use public transportation to get to and from work, you may qualify for a low mileage discount. This is a great way to reduce your car insurance costs and also save on fuel and maintenance expenses.

Before you agree to any policy ask about the policy length and if the company offers any renewal discounts. If the policy is only for a term of six months you may face a hike in premiums then. If you choose an annual policy that rate jump won’t affect you for an entire year, so it’s something worth considering.

By: Deborah Mills

Quality Auto Insurance Policy

admin — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 01:53:31 +0000

It is an under-stated fact that driving isn’t a right, it’s a privilege. With luxury car and SUV sales increasing daily, it is apparent that many drivers want to feel very privileged to be driving. But while moon-roofs, third-row seats and On-star may make driving a bit more exciting, it doesn’t lower the need to carry a quality auto insurance policy.

A quality auto insurance policy will provide a driver with the necessary coverage while also safeguarding them from financial damages and/or losses that can be incurred during an accident. All states require a minimum amount of standard coverage, usually categorized as liability coverage. However, the wise driver would do well to ensure that they are getting a quality auto insurance policy that also includes medical payment options, personal injury protection, and/or under-insured/un-insured motorist insurance. Most insurance companies also offer collision and comprehensive damages, at an increased cost to basic insurance premiums.

There is no single trait that makes a quality auto insurance policy, but the following are some qualities that make an insurance policy better than average:

o Affordability: While location plays a large role in how much drivers will pay for a policy, quality auto insurance policies have premiums that are at the low end of the reasonable spectrum.

o Flexibility: A company that offers all ranges of coverage, from liability to comprehensive, and the option to change levels of coverage and deductibles for each, is more likely to be able to provide a customer with ongoing satisfaction. Watch for companies that only offer the minimum insurance required by the state. While there is nothing wrong with minimum coverage, it will not help drivers who are involved in an accident and need medical care or a new vehicle.

o Plenty of opportunity for discounts: Part of the joy of driving is receiving those discounts on monthly premiums for being a good student or a safe driver. Quality auto insurance policies allow drivers to lower their rate by adding safety and anti-theft devices onto their vehicles. Some will even discount premiums due to good payment history or taking a defensive driving or accident prevention course.

One trait of a quality insurance policy is one that doesn’t necessarily receive adequate attention. It is the “low-hassle” factor. Policies that have an on-line component to them, a place where the insured can change policy information, pay the bill or just review the policy documents before adding a new vehicle, can save the policy-holder a significant amount of headache. This translates into less stress and more time to enjoy driving. With the proliferation of larger, more family-oriented vehicles, Americans are traveling more now than ever before. With so many drivers on the road, purchasing a quality insurance policy isn’t just a good idea, it is a requirement.

By: Tristan Andrews

How To Choose Auto Insurance

admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 06:40:11 +0000

Did you ever feel bored and frustrated when trying to find the best auto insurance quote? According to a recent survey, it has been revealed that in the highly cutthroat competitive world of industry, an approximate of 1500 prospects are visiting daily on the web for a quote. What if each driver had to pay the money out of their own pocket?

In Michigan automobile owners pay some of the highest auto insurance rates in the industry for a non-major metropolitan area because of the harsh winters and sometimes hazardous driving conditions that come with those winters. When you shop online, you have the opportunity to receive an instant quote from a variety of different companies. Be careful and make sure that you give fully factual information on your instant quote application.

Before getting car insurance, it is necessary for you to get a detailed view of different rate or quote from more than one company. If your current insurance company does not offer any multipolicy discounts, consider looking elsewhere for a quote, such as online. Get loyalty discounts by buying your auto insurance from the same company.

After fulfilling the legal mandate on auto insurance, insure according to your needs alone. Apart from that, it is very important to know that you may not get the best offer when you try to make a claim from your insurance claim adjuster at the first time. Basically the main point that many consumers compare among different insurance companies when they want to buy the next auto insurance policy from is the automobile insurance coverage price.

Obviously, the amount of coverage of the vehicle impacts the price of auto insurance quotes. It is wise to take advantage of free quotes on the Internet. After all, the most difficult decision you need to make is which online insurance provider to choose from so that you can receive free quotes right away.

Moreover, people can use their quotes to find out more about the credits presented to drivers with good ratings. As for the drawbacks to purchasing auto insurance online, there are so few. Do keep in mind that that is not a cost but a great way to protect yourself, and family, with the automobile.

The first thing you should do before you start this comparison is to go through your insurance coverages and keep your auto insurance policy on hand. Every car insurance policy is different and that’s why it pays to read through several quotes from different companies so that you can make a fair assessment of which policy is right for you. So, equipped with this knowledge both you and I know that it pays to do a little legwork and shop around for car insurance.

Auto insurance is one of those things we all complain about until we need it, then we are glad we paid those premiums on time. Bodily Injury Coverage the funds that an insurance company would pay for damages caused to another individual involved in a motor vehicle accident. In fact, there are quite many factors which will affect the amount that they pay you.

By: Tsuyoshi E. Suzuki

Auto Insurance Cost In Florida

admin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 05:31:57 +0000

As gas prices approach four dollars a gallon, many personal auto insurance policyholders find themselves in a particularly painful kind of trap: most states require citizens to maintain auto insurance. For example, Florida requires drivers to carry at least $10,000 of Florida auto insurance simply to maintain their license. As gas prices eat into family budgets, it can seem impossible to keep gas in your vehicles and auto insurance on your vehicles.

And it’s not just personal auto insurance customers; commercial auto insurance policyholders feel the same crunch. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, firms with fewer than twenty employees can spend up to 45% more per employee to meet federal and state regulations. Some of those regulations, of course, set the minimal required amount of commercial auto insurance. In light of this information, what can personal and commercial auto insurance customers do to soften the blow?

First, drive safely-and let your insurance company know it. If you’ve been free of moving violations and accidents for the last three years, check to see if your auto insurance policy carries a safe driver discount.

Once you’re focused on driving safely, consider raising the deductible on your auto insurance policies. Although this means you’ll have to pay more in the event of an accident, doubling the deductible on your policy can save you 10% or more on your monthly premiums.

Next, check into moving your auto and homeowner’s insurance to the same provider. Many insurers offer discounts up to 10% for policyholders with multiple policies.

Finally, many auto insurance consumers aren’t aware that insurance companies have begun using credit scores as one factor in setting premiums; if your credit situation is better now than it was when you first acquired your auto insurance policy, make sure your insurer is aware of that fact, or shop your policy around for competitive rates.

By: Cory Waldron