Reader’s Question:

I am from Buena Park, California. I have temporary tags on my car. Unfortunately, last week while my car was parked on the street, it was towed. I was neither given any warning nor citation. I maintain car insurance on that vehicle. However, the temporary tags I have for that car had expired a month ago. Is it still legal for my car to be towed even if the tags I was using had just expired last month? Will this increase my auto insurance rate?

Alec

Buena Park, CA

I am sorry for what happened.

The state of California does not give a grace period after a driver’s tags had expired. Meaning to say, once the tag expires, penalties will be applied to the person who owns the vehicle. The longer you failed to pay the fees, the higher the amount of penalty would be.

Let’s take this for example, in your case you said the tag had expired lat month so I am assuming it’s been like 30 days. The penalties for failing to pay the registration for annual renewal between the days of 11 to 30 would be 20% of the vehicle license fee that needs to be paid for the year and 20% of the weight fee. Meanwhile, if it’s between 31 days- to 12 months, the penalties would triple to as much as 60% each for the vehicle license fee and the weight fee.

As to your question if it’s legal that your vehicle be towed without any warning, yes it is. The reason is simple, the tags are expired, then your vehicle can be towed anytime. It lies upon the decision of the law enforcement officer though if he/she will give you a ticket or have your car impounded. In your case, the officer chose the latter option.

As to your question if this incident will affect your auto insurance rate, it’s best to ask your auto insurance agent in Buena Park, CA. However, usually auto insurance companies do not consider non-moving violations as a serious offense. This is not likely to affect your auto insurance rate.

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

Reader’s Question:

In 2005, I bought a car and have it insured. When I am about to renew my auto insurance policy for this year, my agent told me that my vehicle was rebuilt according to CARFAX. I never know of this when I purchased my car. Now, I am afraid because I know that insuring or selling a car that has been rebuilt is difficult to do. What should I do? I am from Arivaca, Arizona.

Remy

Arivaca, AZ

I am very sorry to hear that.

You failed to mention though if you bought your car through a private party or not. Because if you did purchase your car from a private party, then in general it is as-is. Meaning to say, you bought it on its present condition, no implication of a warranty. It appears to me that if this is the case then you do not have any options to go against the seller.

However, the scenario is different if you purchased it through a dealer. As a dealer, it is their responsibility to inform you if the car has been rebuilt or not. If your dealer had failed to do so, then you can take some legal actions against them. You can contact a lawyer to better help you on legal actions to be done. I would also suggest you check with the Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT) so you could be further assisted on what you should do.

You are correct when you said that you rebuilt car is difficult to be insured. Normally, a rebuilt car implies a vehicle that has been in a serious accident before. Ask you auto insurance agent in Arivaca, Arizona on your options. In addition, if you opt to sell your car, you must inform the potential buyer of its current condition. However, this usually lowers down the market value of your vehicle.

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

Reader’s Question:

Is there a possibility that my auto insurance rate would go up if I received a ticket in another state? What happened is that I was driving in Connecticut and I received a citation for over speeding. I am from East Orange, New Jersey.

Diana

East Orange, NJ

There are a total of 45 states in the United States that are members of Drivers License Compact (DLC)and only 5 that are not - Michigan (MI), Tennessee (TN) Massachusetts (MA), and Wisconsin (WI) and Georgia (GA). This compact requires its member states to report back the moving violation received by a driver to his or her home state.

And going back to your question, yes there is a possibility that your auto insurance rate would increase even if you have committed an out-of-state moving violation. The reason for this is because Connecticut and New Jersey are both member states of the DLC. And also part of this compact assures that out-of-state moving violations will show on your New Jersey’s driving record.

However, you must remember that whether there is an increase on your auto insurance rate or none still depends on your auto insurance company because usually auto insurance guidelines differ from each company. I would suggest it’s better to ask your auto insurance agent if you would get an increase on your car insurance premium. And if it does, then it’s the best time for you to look and find for another auto insurance company that offers affordable car insurance rates in East Orange, New Jersey.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance discounts, car insurance online

Reader’s Question:

If I am using a car which is insured but I don’t have auto insurance policy myself would that be considered a violation? If yes, what would be my penalty? The reason why I’m asking this is because I frequently borrow my girlfriend’s car which has auto insurance policy on it but I myself don’t have one. I am from North Charleston, South Carolina.

Bo

North Charleston, SC

In general, if a person borrows an insured car, liability insurance on that vehicle is extended to the person driving or operating the car. If let’s say you are stopped by a law enforcement officer, showing him/her your girlfriend’s auto insurance card would be enough. You will not be penalized for not having auto insurance because what the law says is that the vehicle is the one that needed to be insured and not the driver himself.

However, the case is different though if you were caught driving a vehicle that is not insured. You may either be asked to pay a fine, issued a ticket or even be imprisoned for that. If you received a citation for driving a vehicle that is not insured, then you will be asked to provide proof of insurance for the said vehicle within 30 days from the time you received the citation. Failing to do so would result to the suspension of your driver’s license for an indefinite time.

Since you’ve mentioned that you frequently borrow your girlfriend’s car I would suggest you tell your girlfriend to ask her auto insurance agent if you will be covered by her car insurance policy if ever you are involved in an accident. If you are looking for new auto insurance rates in North Charleston, South Carolina you can start by checking our available online resources.

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

Reader’s Question:

My friend was driving last week when she hit a deer and that caused damage on her vehicle. She has auto insurance policy on her car in Gastonia, North Carolina. I just want to know, will this affect her auto insurance rates when she makes that claim?

Rosanna

Gastonia, NC

Studies showed that deer-related accidents caused more than 1.5 million vehicular accidents every year. Of these accidents, 150 are considered fatal and more than 10,000 resulted to bodily injuries. The damages incurred from these accidents are estimated to be at $1 billion. It is also found out that 1 for every 100 drivers is likely to be involved in car accidents involving deer.

Damages incurred from this kind of accident will be covered by your comprehensive policy. This is also the same policy that will cover damages incurred if you have a broken window on your car. In general, car insurance companies considered deer collision as an act of god therefore you are not the at-fault party. Also, it will not be counted against your driving record. This is not deemed to be a chargeable accident and normally, there wouldn’t be an increase on your auto insurance rate.

However, every car insurance company has different guidelines. You must check with your auto insurance agent in Gastonia, North Carolina to make sure whether this will cause an increase on your car insurance premium or not. If it does, check our website for cheap auto insurance rates in your area.

Tags: car insurance claims, car insurance rate

Reader’s Question:

My girlfriend was driving in Virginia and received a ticket for going 83 in a 65. She is from Delaware. Since the violation happened in another state, will this reflect on her driving record? Will this increase her auto insurance rate in Wilmington, Delaware?

Nicolas

Wilmington, DE

Your home state Delaware (DE) and Virginia (VA) are both members of the Drivers License Compact (DLC). This compact requires its member states to report out-of-state moving violations committed by a person to his or her home state.

Driving for over 23 mph beyond the speeding limit is considered a 6 point offense in Virginia. On the other hand, speeding over 20 mph in Delaware is given a 5 point offense. In addition, if a driver is found to be driving 20 - 24 miles beyond the limit, the DE Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) would send a letter of advisory to the driver.

Since your girlfriend was ticketed in Virginia for over speeding, the Virginia DMV would report to Delaware DMV her traffic violation. The Delaware DMV includes on a driver’s record all the traffic violations committed whether it happened in Delaware or out-of-state. However, it does not say though if there would be points assigned if a traffic violation is done out-of-state.

You must remember though that auto insurance rate does not depend on the points given to the driver per se but to the violation itself. Since there was indeed a violation for over speeding committed by your girlfriend, there is a possibility that this would increase her auto insurance rate but that still depends on her insurer. If she sees an increase on her car insurance premium, I would suggest shopping for affordable car insurance rates in Wilmington, DE through our website.

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

Reader’s Question:

I recently got married. I have a 16-year old step son with my new husband. He is from Ohio with an Ohio auto insurance. His dad and I live in West Virginia. We have auto insurance policy on all of our vehicles. If he comes here and drives our car and met a vehicular accident will he be covered by our auto insurance policy in Huntington, West Virginia?

Thalia

Huntington, WV

Best wishes!

In general, car insurance companies follow the vehicle-first and driver-second policy. Let’s take this scenario as an example. Your step-son is using your husband’s car and a vehicular accident happened. The insurance that would cover the damages incurred from said accident would be the car insurance policy on the vehicle being used at that time. Whatever damages that exceeded the policy limits on the vehicle will be covered by the insurance company that the driver has. But, I want to inform you though this is the general practice. You still need to talk to your car insurance agent in Huntington, West Virginia to clarify this matter.

It seems to me that your teen step-son frequently visits your husband. If that is the scenario, then it would be best if you would add him under your auto insurance policy. Because, depending on your auto insurance company’s guidelines, there is still a possibility that your step son will not be covered by your car insurance if he is involved in a car accident. It’s always best to be ready of whatever might happen while he’s driving your car.

Tags: car insurance claims, car insurance discounts, car insurance online

Reader’s Question:

My cousin just landed a new job here in Florida. She’s asking me a lot of things about car insurance law that I knew nothing about. Is auto insurance coverage required in Deltona, Florida? And also, since my cousin has an existing auto insurance policy from her (would be) previous state of residence, can she use that here?

Joanna

Deltona, FL

I would be glad to help you Joanna.

The Florida State Law requires its residents to have auto insurance policy for them to be able to purchase and maintain a Florida registration and tag. This auto insurance policy should meet the minimum required limits of $10,000 each for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL).

You’ve mentioned that your cousin has an existing auto insurance law in her soon to be previous states. I am sorry to tell you but she is not allowed to use that in Florida. For her to maintain a Florida registration and tag, your cousin must purchase Florida coverage. It is an auto insurance coverage issued or delivered in the state of Florida by an insurance company duly licensed by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS).

What your cousin needs to do is to contact her present auto insurance agent to transfer her existing car insurance policy to Deltona, Florida. This can be done most of the time since majority of the car insurance companies have agents in Florida who are licensed to issue insurance coverage here.

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

Reader’s Question:

I have had a lot of speeding tickets and moving violations against my driving record here in Bellingham, Washington, but have managed to discipline myself quite effectively on the road for some time now, I know my driving record is bad but do you think I can still get a good car insurance rate?

Rajo

Bellingham, WA

Even if your driving record has been tarnished there is still a chance for you to get a good car insurance offer. Admittedly though not a lot of insurance provider out there will be willing to give you their best offers however, if you are able to show improvement in your recent driving record, has maintained all necessary car insurances and forms such as an SR22, and managed to maintain a good credit score then you can definitely find good car insurance rates especially offers online. The reality though is that you will have to start from square one in rebuilding your records before you can get the best rates out there.

Some ways in re-establishing a good driving history would be, obviously, to follow the law, especially driving laws there in Bellingham, Washington. Drive within the speed limit and avoid doing things you know will get you in trouble again. Also, you can trim down your car insurance to the basic necessities to help you save on premium now, which in turn helps you pay your car insurance easily and therefore improving your credit score. You can lower down your insurance’s comprehensive liability coverage to your state’s minimum or consider driving an older or less-expensive car. Consciously make extra effort in driving safely as well as maintaining your car insurance and two or three years down the road, or maybe even sooner, depending on the gravity of your driving history or your current insurance policy, and you may get a better deal elsewhere or from your provider.

Tags: car, car insurance, car insurance rate, cheap auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

I am new driver and my mom told me to keep a clean driving record at all times or else her car insurance premium in San Jose, California will go up beyond my imagination. I am under her auto insurance policy. My problem is that I am a cell phone addict. I text my friends all the time - from the time I wake up, whenever I eat, in school, before I sleep or even when I drive. I just want to know, is texting while driving a traffic violation?

Lisa

San Jose, CA

This is a very timely question.

Beginning January 1, 2009, the No-Text Law will go in effect in your home state - California. This law prohibits any drivers to use their mobile phones for texting while driving. This law prohibits using your cell phone to read and receive: text messages, emails, and instant messages. And you must remember this law is state wide. This means, no matter which city or county in California you are a driving, you must follow this law all the time.

Violating the No-Text Law this law means paying a base fine of $20, if you are a first-time offender and $50 for succeeding offense.

Your mom is correct when she told you that maintaining a clean driving record is one sure way of avoiding an increased on her car insurance premium. So I would suggest that starting as early as now, you must practice not using your cell phone while driving. For more information about the no-text law, check with California Department of Motor Vehicles.

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