Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance
Reader’s Question:
I am really confused. I came across uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages. Are there any differences on those two? Because from what I understand, both coverages would pay for my damage if I am involved in a vehicular accident with another driver who does not have auto insurance. Am I correct or not? I am from Arizona.
Stella
Chandler, AZ
The difference between the two coverages are pretty obvious, from the name of the coverage itself you would be able to differentiate the one from the other.
Uninsured Motorist backs you up for bodily injury if you have an accident with another driver who does not have liability coverage. Just remember the word “uninsured” meaning to say not insure.
Meanwhile, Underinsured Motorist Coverage would support you if you get into an accident with another person who does have not have enough auto insurance to cover for the damages you have incurred. This time the key word is “under” which means lacking of something.
In addition, both coverages – uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage would also support the passengers you have in your car.
I hope, I’ve given you some light on your question. If you have other questions regarding your auto insurance policy, don’t be afraid to ask your auto insurance agent in Arizona.
How To File an Auto Insurance Claim in Louisiana
Reader’s Question:
I am quite confused on how auto insurance claims works here in Lake Charles, Louisiana. If let’s say I am involved in a car accident and it was established that it was not my fault therefore it is the other driver’s fault. Where should I file the claim? Would that be with my auto insurance company? Or the other driver’s car insurance company?
Toby
Lake Charles, LA
In general, a person involved in a car accident can file for a third party claim at the other driver’s car insurance company through property damage liability coverage. In addition, you can also opt to file for a first party claim through your own auto insurance collision policy. The damage incurred will only be covered by one auto insurance company – either your own or the other party’s auto insurance company.
The good thing about filing a third party claim is that you don’t have to worry about paying for a deductible or even have the said incident put under your claims history. If you opt to file the claim at the other driver’s car insurance company, I would suggest you also inform your own insurer. By doing this, if ever there is a need for you to file the claim from your own car insurance company in Lake Charles, your own insurer would be aware of the incident and be prepared to take your auto insurance claims.
Do I Have to Add Teen Driver to My Auto Insurance Policy
Reader’s Question:
My boyfriend has a teen cousin who lives with him in Mount Vernon, New York. His cousin sometimes borrows his car. Given this situation that his teen cousin only uses my boyfriend’s car occasionally, is there a need to add him under my boyfriend’s auto insurance policy? Because I heard that is isn’t necessary at all.
Ruth
Mount Vernon, NY
In general, auto insurance companies require their policyholders to inform them if there are any licensed drivers living with them. Typically, if a policyholder has a teen daughter or son living with him/her, then he or she needs to inform his/her auto insurance company. Because if not, insurers would call it as a misrepresentation on the part of the policyholder concerning the number of licensed drivers at his/her residence.
The New York State Insurance Department stated that car insurance companies are allowed to take into consideration all the resident operators in rating a person’s auto insurance rate. Hence, insurers usually ask for all possible users of an insured vehicle – whether they use it frequently or not. As to your question, in my own opinion it would be best if your boyfriend would add his teen cousin under his car insurance policy just to make sure that he would be covered in an event of a car accident. However, I would suggest asking your boyfriend’s car insurance agent in Mount Vernon, New York for the best action to be taken about your question.
How To Qualify For Good Student Car Insurance Discount
Reader’s Question:
I heard from my teacher that being a good student will help my mom’s auto insurance bill to go down. I am a teen driver and currently I am under my mom’s auto insurance policy in Portland, Maine. I would say that I have good grades in school so I’m wondering about this discount. How does one qualify for good student discount?
Rica
Portland, ME
In general, car insurance companies offer auto insurance discount to good students. The logic behind this is simple – good students are considered as responsible drivers. Oftentimes, these people opt to stay in their houses and study instead of partying late at night. Hence, this lessens the chance of being involved in vehicular accidents.
To be able to get good student you must meet the following conditions:
- Either a full-time high school/ full-time college or university student/ graduated with a four-year degree course;
- Belongs to the upper 20 percent of the class;
- Has a B average or better;
These are the common qualifications for good student discount. However, every car insurance company differs. For more information on how you can avail of the good student discount in Portland, Maine ask your auto insurance agent.
Auto Insurance Declined Coverage Due To Late Payment
Reader’s Question:
My daughter was driving my car last week when she got into an accident. She just suffered from minor injuries however my car was determined to be totaled. On the same day that this happened, I made a payment for my auto insurance premium. This was after the due date on my insurance bill. When I informed my auto insurance company about what happened, they declined to cover the damage on my car. The reason they have given me is because I paid my auto insurance bill late. Can they do that? Is it legal to do that? I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Sabrina
Baton Rouge, LA
I am deeply sorry for what had happened Sabrina. I hope for your daughter’s speedy recovery.
Going back to your question, auto insurance bills are not like utility bills wherein you may be given a grace period before it gets cancelled. In general, auto insurance policy is cancelled if no payment is made on the due date itself or on the date listed on the bill. So I guess that is what happened to you. And yes, it is legal. Auto insurance companies can cancel a person’s policy if he or she failed to make a payment on time.
I would suggest you better practice making a payment on time to avoid this from happening again. For more information about auto insurance you can ask you car insurance agent in Baton Rouge.
Auto Insurance Company Will Not Pay My Claim For Damages
Reader’s Question:
I was involved in a car accident last week. Fortunately, I only suffered minor injuries and it was not my fault. The law enforcement officer at that time gave a ticket to the other driver, since it was clearly his fault. However, the other driver’s auto insurance company in Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia is refusing to pay me for any damages. They thought that I’m still somewhat to be blamed for the accident. This is not right! Can’t the Insurance Department force them to pay for my damages? I mean, since it’s been established that it was the other guy’s fault.
Benny
Augusta-Richmond County, GA
It’s nice to know that you suffered just minor injuries.
Going back to your question, unfortunately it is not within the legal responsibilities of the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner to determine who is at fault in a vehicular accident. Thus, the said office cannot force auto insurance companies to pay or settle the claims made. The said office’s role regarding third party claims like what happened to you is in fact very limited. It is mainly restricted to making sure that the other party’s auto insurance company is handling a fair investigation.
It appears to me that you will need some legal help. So, I would suggest it is best to seek legal help for you to know what exactly is needed to be done. I hope it would end up favorable on your part. And I also hope for your speedy recovery.
How Long Before Car Insurance Canceled After Payment Due Date
Reader’s Question:
How long before your car insurance can be canceled after the due date? I live in Berkeley, California?
Therese
Berkeley, CA
The insurance providers in California needs to provide 10 days notice of cancellation of the auto insurance policy typically. This is typically done by insurance providers mailing bills to the insured at least 10 days before the due date informing that the auto insurance policy will be canceled on a specific date unless the car insurance premium is paid. These insurance providers may then terminate the auto insurance policy of those who fail to make payments on time.
You can verify with your State’s Insurance Regulator to determine the specific guidelines and rules that apply in your state for how long after the due date of your car insurance can be canceled if the auto insurance premium is not paid.
Will Teen Driver Increase Parents Auto Insurance Rate in Texas
Reader’s Question:
My name is Justin. I’m turning 18 next week and I’m getting my driver’s license the week after that. Why will my dad’s auto insurance premium rate go up just because I’m a teenager? I went through driving school here in Amarillo and it went very well.
Justin
Amarillo, TX
When you are added to your dad’s insurance coverage, your dad’s premium rate will increase. It’s almost always a sure thing. It may seem unfair and prejudicial on the surface. However, according to the web site of CDC, car accidents or motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for American teenagers. Of course, this holds true in the state of Texas. Teenagers, especially the ones who just got their driver’s license, are deemed inexperienced and more aggressive on the road. There are ways, however, where teenagers such as you can find discounts. If you undergo further driving training on schools or programs recognized by the state, it could affect your father’s insurance premium rate positively. You can ask the local government office in Amarillo, TX, for the list of said programs or driving institutions. Also, believe it or not, having good grades at school can help lower your dad’s insurance premium. Insurance companies have statistical data that show that students who are diligent and excel at school tend to be very careful when behind the wheel. The information discussed above also holds true when you apply for your own auto insurance. Insurance premiums for teenagers would generally tend to become lower upon reaching the age of 25.
Where Can I Find Cheap Auto Insurance Discounts in Colorado
Reader’s Question:
My cousin who knows a lot about auto insurance stuff told me to shop around so I could get better car insurance deals. I also learned from him that every auto insurance company offers different discounts which I could get. He emphasized that I should ask for those discounts to see if I am eligible or not. The problem is, I don’t have any idea on what kinds of discount car insurance companies offer in Colorado. Can someone help me?
Robert
Northeast Jefferson, CO
Surely Robert!
Every car insurance company has different discounts that it offers. To give you an idea on what discounts you could avail of, I’ll include all the discounts I am aware of that auto insurance companies usually offer.
When you go shop for auto insurance rates, be keen on asking for the following discounts:
- Good driving record;
- Enrolling in a traffic school or defensive driving school;
- Good grades if you have teen son or daughter under your auto insurance policy;
- Multiple cars;
- Car/home insurance under the same insurer; and
- Safety features of your vehicle;
So now that you know on the discounts that you need to ask, consult your car insurance agent or the auto insurance company in , Colorado if they offer those kinds of discount. You could save a lot of money by just by getting one of these discounts. And if you are looking for auto insurance rates in your area, you could start by entering your zip code here.
Best Place To Shop For Auto Insurance Rates Online
Reader’s Question:
I am helping my boyfriend in doing some shopping for car insurance rates. I have no car so I am totally clueless when it comes to auto insurance stuff. Why do we need to do this “shopping” online for car insurance premium? Does it make any difference at all when it comes to auto insurance rate? By the way, we are both from California.
Sabina
North Antelope Valley, CA
Yes Sabina it does make a difference when you opt to shop around.
According to California Department of Insurance (DOI), every auto insurance company is given the rights to set its own car insurance rate depending on its expenses and previous loss experience.
Given this fact, with every car insurance company having different loss and expenses, it is therefore expected that there would different auto insurance rates form every insurer. This is also regardless of the geographic area.
By shopping around, you could get different auto insurance quotes and by doing this you could save a lot of money. You could use the telephone and call different auto insurance agents or companies or even continue using the online resources like websites to help you with your shopping. I hope you get the best car insurance deal by shopping around. Wishing you good luck!
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