Auto insurance » Insurance Company

Classic Car Insurance In California

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:40:19 +0000

Car insurance is a cover provided to automobiles on the payment of a premium, against any kind of loss. It means that in case of an accident, the insurance company will compensate any financial loss. A person is required to pay a fixed amount, which is known as premium, to the company on a regular basis. Classic car insurance is different from regular car insurance on the basis of, the type of coverage offered and the terms of claims. Classic car insurance in California has insurance laws and coverage options designed according to the state laws.

In California, classic car insurance can be applied for, only if the car is more than fifteen years old. The owner of the car must have held a driving license for more than ten years, and must also have at least one other car, for regular use. Further, it is mandatory for a classic car owner in California, to provide a garage to house the car, when not in use.

Regular car policies that are available are Actual Cash Value and Stated Value policies. Actual Cash value policies pay the insured the adjusted value of their cars in case of irreparable damage to the car. This adjusted cost is calculated by subtracting the depreciated value from the original value of the car. Stated Value policy is where the insurer pays ?up to? a certain amount in case of a claim for total loss. Both these policies are unsuitable for classic cars, as their value does not depreciate but rather, appreciates.

Therefore, the type of insurance policy preferred by the California classic car owners is the ‘Agreed Value’ policy. Under this type of policy, in case of total loss, the insurer is liable to pay a sum that, the insurer and the insured agreed upon while drawing a contract.

There are also many driving restrictions, while purchasing classic car insurance. There are limits on mileage, as well as speed. The owner of the car is also not allowed to use it for daily errands or commuting as a regular car might be used.

By: Josh Riverside

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 Car Insurance in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

admin — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:43:40 +0000

Wisconsin is one of the few states that don’t have a minimum requirement when it comes to car insurance. Motorists who live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin do carry a burden though and that’s to prove that they can cover the damages in the event of an accident. Without their own means of doing that, most motorists take the economical route and purchase car insurance.

One mistake that too many people make is insuring their car for more than its worth. Many people drive older cars because they simply don’t want to make the investment in a new automobile just yet. For them, they likely have had the vehicle for more than a few years and at one point needed collision coverage on it. As the vehicle ages, the value of it decreases. There comes a point where the cost of the continued collision premium just isn’t justified anymore considering how little the car is worth. Removing the collision coverage will always result in cheaper car insurance.

Where you store your car can also have a direct affect on how high or low your car insurance rates are. Many people in Milwaukee, Wisconsin live in single family dwellings with garages. If the car is typically parked in the garage and this is noted by the insurance company, it can result in a discount. There’s much less chance of the vehicle being vandalized if it’s always in a safe and covered environment.

The type and amount of coverage you had in the past can also play a part in your current car insurance rates. Buying adequate coverage every time you sign up with a new insurer and then doing your best not to file a claim will help lower your rates. Your reputation really does hold a lot of weight when it comes to how much you’ll pay in car insurance, so ensure that you always do your best to stay claim-free.

By: Deborah Mills

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

Auto Insurance

admin — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 19:34:06 +0000

Auto insurance is a contract with an insurance company that helps to protect you against severe financial loss if you are ever in an auto accident Auto insurance is required to protect yourself from road and auto accidents and may include losses for liability, medical payments and any physical damage resulting from the accident. The coverage of a personal auto policy includes the insured, his family members, friends and associates that may borrow the car.

Automobile insurance includes vehicles like cars and bikes and is available for everybody. Most states have laws that require basic auto insurance coverage for every driver. Only some states ask that you display financial responsibility. If you are involved in an auto accident or stopped by a police officer and found to be driving without car insurance or proof of financial responsibility, you will have to pay a fine or specific to the laws of your state which may also include loss of driving privileges. The financial responsibility law states that you have to demonstrate having sufficient assets to settle any judgments against you which may arise out of an auto accident. If you are uninsured and in an auto accident that involves property damage or injuries to people, you will be required to pay for any damages assessed by a court.

However, having automobile insurance does not prevent a person from suing you. It does assure that the financial and legal resources of the insurance company will assist you in defending the suit and paying for the damages in the case of an automobile accident.

Since most states require auto insurance from all drivers, the states have assigned risk plans to assure coverage. The plans vary from state to state, but assigned risk policies are usually expensive, because a bad driving record makes you a bad risk for any insurer. Most auto insurance policies are non-assessable. If you do have an assessable policy, you can be assessed an extra amount if your insurance company has had an extraordinary amount of car accidents that year.

Auto insurance rates have fallen considerably across the U.S. in the last two years. The reasons contributing to this decline are:

Safer cars

Falling crime rates

Stringent drunk driving laws

Increased competition among insurance companies

Ageing of the population

With a growing need for auto insurance, many insurance companies now offer specific auto insurance deals tailored to the consumer.

By: William Brister

Colorado Auto Insurance Minimum Coverage Requirements

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:03:42 +0000

Are you aware of the Colorado auto insurance minimum coverage requirements? The minimum levels of auto insurance coverage requirements are set by CO lawmakers. Driving without the required insurance is a very serious matter and can result in penalties and unwanted hassle.

Bodily Injury Liability

As a Colorado driver, you must have at least $25,000 in individual bodily injury liability insurance in place. This type of insurance pays for the medical expenses of a person injured in an automobile accident where you are considered the at-fault driver. Your policy must also have a cap of at least $50,000 to pay the medical bills for two or more people injured in the same accident.

Property Damage Liability

The property damage liability portion of your policy pays for damage caused to objects, such as the other driver’s vehicle, a mailbox, a fence, or a shed. The minimum level of coverage required by law in CO is $15,000.

Please keep in mind that the minimum levels of insurance coverage set out here are just that. Drivers in Colorado do have the option of buying more coverage if they want to. Before you make a decision about what level of coverage to buy, you will need to keep in mind that if you at the at-fault driver in an accident, you will be responsible for paying for damages above your policy limits.

It makes more sense to insure your vehicle properly and not take the chance that you will have to consider tapping into your savings or liquidating your assets after an accident. Your insurance company or agent can help you to figure out how much coverage you should have in place.

Find Colorado Auto Insurance Coverage Today

Now that you know what the Colorado auto insurance minimum coverage requirements are, why don’t you get take the next step and make sure you have enough protection for your needs? Spend a few moments comparing rates from some of the top companies and you can be on your way to the best Colorado car insurance in a jiffy!

By: James J. Robinson

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

Cheap Car Insurance For First Time Drivers

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:19:36 +0000

If you are new to driving it would be better, unless you have lots of money, to begin with a car from a lower insurance group. If you can build up and maintain a no-claims profile with no penalty points, you should be able to move up the car insurance groups without significantly increasing your premium.

The idea is that cheap car insurance for young drivers should be competitive because you are cutting out the middleman, so the insurer can pass the savings on to you. However you will have to do the leg-work though, which can take a few hours, but it will be time well spent. You should call at least three insurance companies before deciding on a policy. And remember that you can often save between 10% and 20% by going online. Most insurance companies offer cheap car insurance for first time drivers online. So if you get a telephone quote then you need to check you are not missing out on a deal which you can only get online, even from the same insurance company.

There is no shortage of websites that will let you compare car insurance policies and prices between different car insurance companies. But to get the best possible deal, then you need to spend a few minutes making certain that you are answering all of the questions correctly before you jump online.

Don’t think, however, that you can get away with only looking at comparisons on one website. Each website only compares a small handful of insurance companies. If you really and truly want to make sure that you are getting the very best deal possible on your car insurance, then you really need to bite the bullet and take the extra time to make the same comparisons on at least 3 different websites.

Another way to secure cheap car insurance for first time drivers is to pay up front for the policy. Paying by monthly instalments may appear to be the cheaper option but many insurers will charge interest on the payments (up to 25% APR) and this could effectively clear any perceived savings you made on the policy.

Also consider adding breakdown cover to the policy if offered by the insurer as this could save you a lot of money in the long run and is usually quite cost effective considering the peace of mind it delivers. You can save

Does The Coverage And Deductibles You Have On Your Personal Auto Policy Apply To A Rental Car?

admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:20:02 +0000

When you rent a car, there’s always that moment of truth, the moment when the salesperson asks you if you would like to purchase insurance (or more accurately, a loss waiver) through the rental company. According to most of these salespeople, if you do not purchase the insurance (which can bump the price of your rental up $20 per day or more) the consequences for the slightest scuff on the door will send you spiraling into bankruptcy. The cost of insurance at the rental car counter may also vary depending on the rental car company, state and the type of car you wish to rent. Car rental insurance can be complicated and you might even feel pressured into purchasing it, but before you commit yourself to spending the money on a loss waiver, take a moment to think about some other options.

Car Insurance

If you carry comprehensive and collision coverage, your personal auto policy will generally cover the cost of replacing or repairing a stolen or damaged rental car. Because each insurance company is a little different, however, it is a good idea to speak with your insurance agent and confirm that the rental car is covered by your existing policy.

Remember that any deductibles you have will apply to the rental car. For instance, if you have a $500 deductible and sustain $450 worth of damage, you will be responsible for the full cost. If you have a $500 deductible and sustain $1000 worth of damage, you will be responsible for the first $500 and the insurance company will pay for the balance.

Remember, too, that for your rental car to be covered you must carry comprehensive and collision insurance. If your insurance protects you only against liability, it will not cover the cost to repair or replace a rental car if it is wrecked or stolen. You may also want to take note that in the event of a car accident with the rental car, your personal insurance premium may go up in cost.

Credit Cards

Some credit card companies offer rental insurance benefits. To find out what each of your credit cards offer, simply call the customer service and ask. You may want to shop around a little to find out which of your cards offers the best insurance benefits. When you find the best deal, ask for a copy of the insurance policy in writing. This will allow you to look the policy over carefully to determine that it offers the coverage you need. Having the policy in writing will also put a stop to the he-said-she-said that may occur if a loss does happen.

It’s easy and often tempting to sign on the dotted line and let car rental insurance take care of everything. But if you do so without stopping to investigate other avenues available, you may find yourself paying for car insurance coverage you may already have. Fifteen or twenty minutes of easy research can save you a hefty sum of money and offer you piece of mind.

By: Amy Nutt