Reader’s Question:

I’m new to this car insurance thing and I’m totally confused of all the choices here in Palm Bay, Florida. What are the things I should know before deciding on car insurance?

Aileen

Palm Bay, FL

Choosing the right car insurance policy is not only essential to your well being as an automobile owner, it is also a social responsibility towards others as well. That’s why its very important that you know first what minimum requirements, in terms of car insurance coverage, are required in your state. You should reach the local Department of Motor Vehicles there in Palm Bay, Florida for information on what needs to be included in your car insurance policy. Also get in touch with an insurance agent so that you know you are choosing the right insurance for your state.

Try to get an insurance that has liability coverage limit of at least 100/300/20 which, in insurance terms would mean liability protection of $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $300,000 per accident and $20,000 in property damages in case you are at fault in a car accident and would need to have your insurance pay for the damages caused. Also get Personal Injury Protection (PIP) so you are covered regardless as to who is at fault in an accident and the state of Florida will require you to have one as well. Medical Payments or MedPay covers medical cost for you and any passenger injured during the accident. Comprehensive and Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist Coverage are optional and are not required by any state but is something you might still consider since it gives added protection in case the at fault party in a car accident does not have or has insufficient insurance to cover all damages insured.

Tags: car insurance, car insurance policy, DMV

Reader’s Question:

I’ve recently sold my car here in Burbank, California, and decided to cancel my existing car insurance policy, my current insurance company suggested I switch to a non owners auto insurance policy with them instead, since I mentioned I’ll probably be borrowing my sister’s car more often. Do you recommend that I do?

Tyler

Burbank, CA

The necessity to get a Non Owner’s Auto Insurance depends on a few factors. If you live in a city where there is a dependable Mass Transportation System, such as buses or trains and you seldom see yourself borrowing someone else’s car then it may be cheaper for you to find car rentals there in Burbank, California that also offers same-day insurance coverage. There are benefits, however, of getting yourself a non owners auto insurance policy if in the long term you will be using someone else’s car or find yourself renting cars more frequently.

Having non-owners car insurance is a very responsible thing to do since you are assuring yourself and the party lending you the vehicle that, in case of an accident, both are still covered. A non-owners auto insurance policy, however, could not take precedence over the car owner’s insurance policy. This means that in the event of such an accident, the car owners insurance will take effect first and in case their coverage is not enough for the damages then a non-owners insurance coverage could take care of the rest.

This can actually work to your advantage, since non-owner policies cost significantly less than normal owners auto insurance. Non-owner auto insurance also typically covers the ff: Liability damages, medical payments coverage, as well as uninsured or under insured motorists coverage. As you can tell, there is a lot to gain by getting yourself covered under a non-owners car policy even if you don’t own a car.

Tags: auto insurance, non owner’s auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

Hello, I’m 17 years old and was recently pulled over by a police officer. I did not have my drivers license on me and I recieved a ticket and had to pay a fee. There was a note on the ticket citation that say it was a written warning. How can it be a written warning if I have to pay a fine? Will my insurance go up because of this? If so, is there anything I can do to lower the auto insurance in Lincoln, NE?

Alfred

Lincoln, NE

It is my understanding that if you pay the fine then you are admitting your guilt to this citation. You can admit guilt and pay the fine, but will not have to pay more for your car insurance. If this is your first ticket since it is considered a ‘minor offense and most insurance carriers do not charge for it. In addition, it may be that all you have to do is present your drivers license and avoid having to pay a fine. It is likely that it was just a written warning in which case the same would apply. If you do not wish to do this, then you may consider some other options. You may also choose to fight this ticket in court and if you are succesful than the offense will not show up on your driving record and you will not have to pay a higher auto insurance rate. You can also choose to finish a driver improvement class. You can get an auto insurance quote and check how this violation may affect your auto insurance rates in Lincoln, NE.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance quotes, teen insurance, traffic school

Reader’s Question:

I am a resident of North Dakota. I had an accident in Fargo, ND and they said it was my fault. I would like to know if my medical bills only covered to $30,000 with my injuries?

Seth

Fargo, ND

You only would have $30,000 of coverage under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. The Bodily Injury Liability coverage is for other people you may have injured, not including yourself. If you have health insurance, I would suggest that you contact them for additional coverage.

Had you injured anyone in the other car and you were at fault in an accident in Fargo, ND then the individual that you hurt would have to pay their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) first. That should pays first regardless who was at fault in an accident. After their Personal Injury Protection is exhausted then they would get payment from you your Bodily Injury. In your situation you would have additional medical coverage for them up to $100,000 per person up to $300,000 per accident. Had the other motorist been at fault in an accident and not have $100,000/$300,000 coverage then your uninsured motorist coverage would pay over and above your Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

Tags: auto insurance claims, car insurance

Reader’s Question:

What are the liability coverages under the Baltimore, Maryland car insurance law? How do these liability coverages vary from each other?

Angel

Baltimore, MD

Liability insurance protects drivers with insurance policy when they have caused an accident. There are two types of liability coverage that are required by Maryland State law; these are bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage.

Under Maryland car insurance law, if you cause an accident and an injured person makes a claim or files a lawsuit against you, Bodily Injury Coverage will pay for a lawyer to defend you if you are sued; and pay the amount of medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering that you are legally responsible to pay to another person (up to the policy limits); or pay an amount to settle these claims (up to the policy limits). In other words, if the claim against you is covered by your bodily injury insurance in Baltimore, MD, then (up to the dollar limits of the coverage that you purchased) your personal assets will not have to pay for claims or lawsuits filed by any injured person.

Under Maryland car insurance law, if you cause an accident that damages someone’s property and the property owner makes a claim or files a lawsuit against you, Property Damage Liability coverage will pay for a lawyer to defend you in the event that you are sued; and pay the amount of physical damage that you caused to vehicles or property that you do not own (up to the policy limits); or pay an amount to settle these claims (up to the policy limits). In other words, if the claim against you is covered by property damage liability insurance, then (up to the dollar amount of the limits of the coverage that you purchased) you will not have to use your personal assets to pay claims or lawsuits filed by the property owner/s.

Tags: auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

I’m moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan, what is Property Protection Insurance in the State of Michigan?

Michelle

Grand Rapids MI

In Michigan, Personal Protection Insurance (PPI) is one of the required types of car insurance that state law mandates drivers to carry. There are 3 basic parts to a Michigan no-fault policy that must be purchased and carried on to every vehicle. Personal Protection Insurance is one of the three mandatory coverages in Michigan, the other two are personal injury protection (PIP) and Residual bodily injury and property damage liability (BI/PD).

Property protection (PPI) covers protection if you cause damage to any properly parked vehicles or fixed properties such as buildings or lamp posts in the state of Michigan. Outside Michigan, your Property Damage Liability Insurance provides your legal liability for property damage.

Property protection insurance coverage pays up to $1 million for damage your vehicle does in Michigan to other people’s property, such as buildings, poles and fences. This type of auto insurance coverage in Grand Rapids, MI will also pay for damage your car does to other people’s properly parked vehicles. This is normally the only time a vehicle will be covered under PPI. Usually if a vehicle (not parked) is hit while on the roadway in Michigan the only recovery a person can receive from the offender is through the mini-tort provision of MI law which allows the not at-fault party to sue the at-fault party for up to $500. The other option is for the individual to make a claim through their own collision coverage. If a driver chooses to use their own collision coverage then the person can still sue the at-fault party for up to the $500 mini-tort amount as a way to cover their collision deductible.

Tags: auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

How much is the fee for a ticket citation for driving without car insurance in Minneapolis, Minnesota?

Trevor

Minneapolis, MN

According to the Minnesota driver’s manual, operating an uninsured motor vehicle can result in a revocation of license plates and registration for that vehicle. The operator’s driving privileges may also be revoked for up to one year. Any individual who is convicted of operating an uninsured vehicle may be fined up to $1,000 and sent to prison to up to 90 days of sentence. Owners of motor vehicles driven on public roads in Minneapolis, and in any areas in Minnesota must always carry MN no-fault and liability insurance on their own vehicles. Valid proof of insurance should be carried in the vehicle at all times. Failure to show proof of insurance at the request of a law enforcement officer may lead to revocation of your driver’s license and vehicle registration.

When driving privileges are revoked for lack of car insurance, the driver must pass a knowledge test; pay a $30 reinstatement fee in addition to fines charged by a court or citation; apply for a new driver’s license; and submit an insurance certificate issued by the home office of the insurance company.

Tags: auto insurance, driving without insurance

Reader’s Question:

I want to know what the car insurance laws in Jackson, Mississippi are?

Jerry

Jackson, MS

The insurance laws for Jackson, Mississippi are the same as for the rest of the city in MS. Under the Mississippi car insurance law, Mississippi drivers are required to maintain liability insurance. The minimum financial responsibility requirements for car insurance are $25,000 per person (limited to a single accident), $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.

Beginning January 1, 2006, Mississippi law requires that all drivers maintain liability insurance and carry an insurance card in their vehicles at all times showing that they have liability insurance. If a law enforcement officer found that the individual operating the vehicle is without insurance, the person can be fined $1000 and have their driver’s license suspended for one year or until the motor vehicle owner shows that the vehicle has insurance on it.

Liability coverage covers for the damage you caused to other people and their property. It protects and saves your assets and wages from seizure and litigation. However, you should realize that in today’s time of ever-rising medical costs and auto repair bills, the state-mandated minimum requirements of 25/50/25 may not be enough. It is still a good idea to consider purchasing liability coverage with higher coverage limits. Remember, if you are at fault in a car accident, your liability coverage will only pay up to the limits of your insurance. Damages over that amount will be your responsibility. You will need to purchase other kinds of coverage if you want the car insurance company to pay for your medical bills and vehicle repairs.

Tags: auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

Hi, I’m from Albany, Georgia. What happens if I have auto insurance lapse for my car?

Miller

Albany, GA

The state of Georgia requires vehicle owners maintain insurance coverage for their vehicles to proceed
with the following: legally drive the vehicle, register and obtain Georgia licensed plates and renew,
replace or transfer their existing GA license tags.

Insurance information, including those that were terminated and had lapsed, is electronically reported.
Lapsed insurance is defined by Georgia Department of Revenue as 10 or more days where the record shows
that a motor vehicle is not covered by auto insurance policy. When the DOR sees that your car is not insured, you will receive a Notice of Lapse Mandatory Liability Insurance Coverage by mail. Aside from the 25.00 lapse fee, the notice also requires you to show proof of valid insurance coverage within 30 days. If you fail to settle the lapse fee, then the vehicle’s registration will be suspended. To cancel the suspension,
you have to settle the lapse fee and reinstatement fee worth USD 60.00 and show the proof of auto insurance.

You may contact the DOR for more information about lapse auto insurance.

Tags: auto insurance, auto insurance lapse

Reader’s Question:

I’m doing an auto insurance comparison from different companies in Boca Ciega, FL, what is the best way to do this?

Stephen

Boca Ciega, FL

When doing an auto insurance comparison, you should not only consider the price but also the quality of the services offered and the financial stability of the insurance company.

Most consumers would like to pay as little as possible and one easy way of doing this is by finding out which company is cheapest for your particular category such as driver age, driving record, vehicle and coverage desired. There really isn’t one single company out there that is cheaper than the rest. The technique is to compare multiple rate quotes from several companies so that you can find the company that fits your needs as far as price goes.

Comparing auto insurance quotes online is a fast and convenient way to shop. There are many auto insurance websites that allow you to compare rates from many companies with one simple process. In some states, you can even purchase your auto insurance policy online and will receive instant proof by email.

Finding the right auto insurance company also includes considering quality as a determining factor. If you only take rates into consideration, you may end up with an auto insurance carrier that will not provide their end of the contract.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance quotes