Reader’s Question:

What are the punishments if you are caught driving without auto insurance in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Do I need to pay just a fine and I’ll be ok? It’s not that I would like to break the law, but I just wanna know if the punishments are harsh.

Brandon

New Bedford, MA

Whether you plan on breaking the law or not, driving without auto insurance in Massachusetts is never a good idea. It is mandated by law that all vehicles that are being used in Massachusetts be insured.

And yes you are correct. You will be asked to pay a fine amounting to $500 but the punishment does not end there. You could also be put behind bars for not more than 12 months. So your punishment could include both paying the fine and also imprisonment. In addition, your license will also be suspended.

And if you are caught with this violation, it will show on your driving record. The next time that you look for auto insurance company, you will be shocked on how much you will pay for your auto insurance premium just because you were caught driving without car insurance.

There are so many ways on how you can purchase car insurance in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Right now, you can start doing that. Just enter your zip code on this website, purchase auto insurance before it’s too late.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance online, car insurance rate

Reader’s Question:

What are the factors likely to make my car insurance rate to change? I mean to go up? I am from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Armand

Cedar Rapids, IA

There are several factors that could affect a person’s auto insurance rate. Let me just give you the most common reasons why auto rates increase.

First, your driving history. If there is a change on your driving history and I meant change as in violations that tainted your clean, spotless driving record then most likely you’ll see an increase on your car insurance rate. If it’s a major offense like driving while intoxicated or over speeding beyond what I could imagine, then I would say expect a sky rocketed car insurance rate.

Second, your claims history. If you did not make a claim for some period of time and suddenly have made multiple claims then that means you no linger have a clean driving record. Thus, you are involved in several accidents, making you as someone risky to be insured.

Third, your credit history. Car insurance companies do take a look on your credit history. If you were not able to maintain a good credit history, the next time you renew your car insurance policy expect to see a higher rate. The reason is that, insurers think that a person with good credit history is a responsible person, thus a responsible driver.

For other factors that might affect your car insurance rates to go up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, ask your car insurance agent. You can also get more information about car insurance premium in your area though this website.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance online, car insurance rate

Reader’s Question:

I am about to get my auto insurance for the first time. I am going solo and checking on different car insurance companies. Do you think its better for me to buy car insurance policy directly from auto insurance companies? Or is it better to purchase it though an agent? I am from Little Rock, Arkansas.

Bill

Little Rock, AR

Well, that depends really on you. There no such thing as good or bad between the two. I would say it depends where you are comfortable dealing with - directly to the car insurance company or through an agent.

Let me just give you some things to consider. If you buy directly to an insurance company that means that you as the driver and owner of the vehicle will be dealing directly with the car insurance company, there is no middle person. Whereas, if you are buying through an agent, he or she may offer you personalized service.

If you are looking for auto insurance company in Little Rock, Arkansas I would suggest you start shopping by using our website first to give you an idea on how much car insurance premium you would be charged. And if you still wanna purchase through a car insurance agent, then there’s no problem about that. You can always do that. What’s important is you first make your own research to get better deal for your car insurance.

Tags: auto insurance quotes, car insurance discounts, young driver insurance

Reader’s Question:

I was driving around last week when I got into a minor vehicular accident. I hit another car and there was damage on the left side mirror. Since I didn’t have auto insurance, we decided to just settle the matter between us and did not call the police. I asked around and found that the damage is estimated to be somewhere between $50 - $80. However, a week after, the victim asked for $3000 to pay for damages. Since I don’t have auto insurance, my dad has no choice but to pay for the damage since the victim was threatening to sue us. Isn’t there a law that says you need to report an accident within 30 minutes from the time it happened or no legal actions can be taken against you? I am from Baldwin Park, California.

Mandy

Baldwin Park, CA

I am sorry for what happened to you.

From what I know, there is no law that says you need to report a vehicular accident within 30 minutes or the victim will lose his or her right to take legal actions against the other party.

But what I know is that driving without proof of financial responsibility, wherein in your case driving without auto insurance is punishable by law in California. This is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 16029. If you are cited for this, you will be asked to pay as much as $500 (excluding penalties), you car will be impounded and also your license will be suspended. It’s even worse if you are involved in a vehicular accident. Because with this, you are required to comply and meet the requirements for financial responsibility laws plus pay the damages incurred from the accident from your own expense.

It’s never a good idea to drive around without car insurance. Look for car insurance company now, before it’s too late. You can use this website to find what’s the best car insurance deal in Baldwin Park, California is. And always please do drive safely.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance claims, car insurance rate

Reader’s Question:

My boyfriend’s dad is 85 years old. We all know that being old affect a person’s ability to drive. My question is, does it also affect a person’s auto insurance rate in Coral Springs, Florida? Help please?

Laura

Coral Springs, FL

I’d be happy to help you Laura!

In general, most states allow the use of age as one of the determining factors in setting auto insurance rates. The logic behind this is simple, studies have proven that younger drivers, particularly those below 25 years old, are considered more risky to be insured as compared to drivers who are 25 years old and above.

On the other hand, according to a study conducted by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) among drivers aged 85 years and above, death rate for the mentioned age group is higher by four times as compared to age group between 30 - 59 years old. In addition, said study revealed that one of the factors why older drivers are frequently involved in car accidents is because they have difficulty when it comes to judging distance and speed thus leading to left-hand turn accidents to name a few.

Given this figure and going back to your question, it is true that being old only means getting higher car insurance rate. This is mostly the case when you reach the age of 70 years old and above. However, I’ve read somewhere that your home state Florida offer mandatory auto insurance discount for older drivers. For more information about this ask the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or your boyfriend’s dad car insurance agent in Coral Springs, Florida.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance discounts, car insurance rate

Reader’s Question:

I do not own a vehicle right now, do I still need to get car insurance in Portland, Maine to get drivers license?

Ely

Portland, ME

To get a driver’s license in Portland Maine you do not have to provide proof of car insurance. If you do not own a vehicle you are not required to get car insurance but when driving your friend’s vehicle you will have to be sure their auto insurance extends to you so that you can provide proof of car insurance if requested by police officer.

When a police officer stops a driver for any traffic violation or the driver is involved in an accident that must be notified under Maine law the law enforcement officer shall request the driver to show proof of liability insurance.

Keep in mind that to get a Maine driver’s license you are not required to provide evidence of car insurance, when you are operating an automobile you will need to be certain that the car has insurance by the vehicle owner and that you are covered by that auto insurance if you were to get involved in an accident.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance cost

Reader’s Question:

Can you give me some tips on what I should do after an accident?

Carl

Jackson, MS

Here are some tips on what you should do after an accident:

1. Check first if anyone needs medical attention.

2. You need to call the police. They will inform you whether you need move the vehicles, and whether the law enforcement officer will come take statements from those involved in an accident. If a police officer asks you some questions, be factual. If a police officer is not involved, get information from the other driver involved by getting their names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance providers names with each driver.

3. If you have a camera with you, take some pictures of all the cars involved in the accident so to avoid the other drivers placing car insurance claims for the damages not related to that accident.

4. Get some contact information from any witnesses in the accident.

5. Call your car insurance carrier immediately to know what procedures you need to do.

6. Follow up on the police records.

Tags: auto insurance claims, car insurance

Reader’s Question:

I just want to know if my car insurance rate will go up if receive a ticket for not wearing seatbelt in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Cory

Cambridge, Massachusetts

To know exactly if a not wearing a seat belt ticket will make your auto insurance rates to rise in Cambridge MA I suggest that you can call the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. The Massachusetts Division of Insurance sets the car insurance rates for the state every year.

You may receive surcharge points if you are convicted of the violation; or are assigned to an alcohol or drug education program or or pay a fine for a traffic citation. If you do not with a traffic citation, you must appeal it through the court. Traffic violations cannot be appealed to the Merit Rating Board or Division of Insurance Board of Appeals.

It is possible that your car insurance rate will increase if you are convicted of a seat belt violation and pay a fine.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance quotes, car insurance rate, traffic violation

Reader’s Question:

I have an automobile however I do not drive it. Am I required to put car insurance on it? I live in Carson, California.

Henry

Carson, CA

The state of California has rules and guidelines with regards to inoperable automobile. The state of California law requires current vehicle registration for automobile if they are driven, stored, towed, parked on public roadways or highways or parked in an off-street public parking area at any time during the vehicle registration period.

If you have an inoperable automobile in Carson, California you can apply for non-operational status on the automobile and pay a planned non-operation (PNO) fee. Once this status is placed on a automobile’s record, it stays until you decide to drive the automobile again and pay full registration renewal fees.

Tags: auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

I visited my friend in California and he let me borrowed his car. However, while driving around the city using his car, I was involved in a vehicular. I have no auto insurance. I am from Ames, Iowa and hold and an Iowa driver’s license. My question is, where do I file the SR-1 form? Is it in California or Iowa? I am really confused.

Tyra

Ames, IA

I’m sorry to hear what happened to you. I hope you are feeling better.

Now going back to your question, the accident happened in California so you must file the SR-1 form in California not in your home state. Accordingly, a report must be done to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if an accident resulted to:

• Damage to property amounting to more than $750;
• Injury to people involved, whether it is a minor or serious injury and;
• Death to a person.

Regardless, if you are the at-fault party or not, you are still required to file the report to the California DMV. This is also required to the other party involved. You must remember though that this must be done within 10 days from the time the accident happened. To be able to submit the report you need to get the form from the said department. It is also available though the CA DMV website. Once you have completed the report, mail it to the address written on the form.

Since you’ve mentioned that you do not have auto insurance I am hoping that your friend has car insurance on the car you are driving because if not then I am afraid that you are up to a bigger problem. If you frequently borrow your friend’s car, I would suggest you tell your friend to ask his/her insurer in California to know if you will be covered by his/her car insurance policy in an event that another accident happened.

Tags: car insurance online, car insurance rate, SR22 insurance