Auto Insurance Claims Shreveport, Louisiana LA

Reader’s Question:

If I have liability auto insurance on my car in Shreveport, Louisiana and my car causes damage to my own property will it cover fixing damages to my property?

Martin

Shreveport, Louisiana

It will actually depend upon the terms of your car insurance policy as well as state laws but likely it would not pay to fix your own property. Usually Property Damage liability coverage covers you if your vehicle damages someone else’s property and not yours. Usually it is their vehicle, but it could be a fence, a house or any other property damaged in any car accident. If you damage your own property then your car liability insurance may not pay out for it. The concept involved in this type of situation is commonly referred to as a household exclusion. The mandatory liability coverage on your car protects members of your household against claims brought by people who are not part of the household. From time to time, this issue of household exclusions comes up for discussion in different states. However, according to the Commissioner of Insurance in Louisiana, it still continues to be an established rule of law recognized throughout the United States and beyond. If you hit your own fence, mailbox, etc then you may want to see if you can make a claim through your homeowner’s policy if your car insurance company in Shreveport, LA does not take your claim.

 

Tags: auto insurance claims

Auto Insurance Agent Monroe Louisiana LA

Reader’s Question:

I just bought a used car last week in Monroe, Louisiana, will my insurance cover me if I drive it to my home without notifying the insurance agent first? Also, how long do I have before reporting it to my insurance company?

Janice

Monroe, LA

It is always better to have your car insurance for any car you are purchasing to set up before you take the ownership. If you do not have an insurance policy in Monroe, LA then you definitely would not have automatic coverage. If you were buying the car with a loan it is possible that the lien holder would require you to have car insurance before you leave the dealership. Each state has different laws and each insurance company has different rules and guidelines.

Generally, car insurance companies will transfer coverage of an existing car (or vehicle that you traded in) to the “new” one for up anywhere from a few days up to 30 days. The amount of time depends on your car insurance company’s rules and state laws. A common mistake is when someone has liability coverage only on a car and then they purchase a car that needs physical damage (because of a loan or lease) and they are not covered. Be reminded that the insurance coverage transferred is typically limited to the amount of coverage on the old vehicle. If you never notify the insurance company or not within the days allows by law or rules (sometimes 5, 14 and even 31 days) then the new car would not be covered.

 

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance agent

Auto Insurance Claims Louisville Kentucky KY

Reader’s Question:

I want to know what my insurance company’s responsibility if I am being sued in small claims court in Louisville, Kentucky and what part of my insurance policy is this covered?

Kevin

Louisville, KY

It is your liability coverages of bodily injury and property that includes a legal defense as part of your insurance coverage. This part of your insurance coverage usually provides for a legal defense if another party in the accident files a lawsuit against you. Auto insurance coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in your own insurance policy.

When you purchase liability insurance, part of the insurance company’s obligation is to provide a defense for you if you are sued in case of an accident. An insurance company will normally do this by hiring and paying for an experienced attorney to represent you in court. Even though the auto insurance company selects the lawyer and must approve the payment of all legal fees and other expenses of the lawsuit, the lawyer still represents you.

If you are concerned with lawsuits being charged against you after a car accident in Louisville, KY then you may want to up your liability limits and perhaps obtain an umbrella policy to protect your assets. With this policy you can list what items you want to be covered (for example; home, boat, cars, motorcycle, etc) and then those listed items are underwritten and an insurance rate is provided for the premium to cover up to $1 million in liability. It should be noted that in general small claims court they do not allow lawyers to assist you in court so you would need to ask your insurance company what help they could provide you for a small claims lawsuit.

 

Tags: auto insurance claims, car insurance

Rental Car Insurance Honolulu Hawaii HI

Reader’s Question:

I’m going to Honolulu, Hawaii for a vacation, is car insurance required or just optional if I rent a car?

Frank

Honolulu, HI

Car insurance coverage while renting a car in Honolulu, Hawaii is optional. The reason for this is that you may already be covered while traveling through your current car insurance. In general, when you rent a car, the liability coverage limits you have with your own car insurance policy remain in effect with the same limits.

Hawaii is a no fault state, which means that in the occurrence of an accident each driver’s medical expenses will be covered by their own insurance company, regardless of who was at fault. Each driver must carry PIP (personal injury protection) coverage which will cover their medical expenses in case of a car accident. In the state of Hawaii, every car owner, bus or truck owner must have car insurance in order to register or operate a vehicle. Any person who violates any applicable provision of the Hawaii car insurance law will be subject to citation for such violation. Each violation shall be charged a separate offense and shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $5,000 or thirty (30) days of imprisonment, or suspension of motor vehicle operator’s license, or forfeiture of motor vehicle certificate of registration, or any combination of such penalties.

 

Tags: auto insurance

Auto Insurance Claims Boise Idaho ID

Reader’s Question:

My sister had an accident just recently in Boise, Idaho with another driver’s fault. We were unable to collect damages from the other driver, who can help us in claiming damages from this uninsured driver?

Daniel

Boise, ID

The Idaho Transportation Department may be able to help you to collect damages, for your sister who just recently had an accident, from an uninsured driver. After a court judgment has been entered, the Idaho Transportation Department will suspend the driving privileges of the uninsured driver until you have been paid for the damages, or for up to six years.

Boise, Idaho car insurance law mandates motorists to carry liability insurance to pay for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle. The car insurance law also authorizes the transportation department to suspend the license of an uninsured driver until a judgment for bodily injury or property damage resulting from an accident is paid, and the uninsured driver has provided the department with proof of financial responsibility (proof of ability to pay damages arising from liability equal to the minimum standards in Idaho). Your first step in collecting unpaid damages from the uninsured driver is to file a claim in the county where the uninsured driver lives or in the county where the accident occurred. Damage Claims may be filed in either Small Claims Court (to collect damages of less than $3,000) or District Court. If the damages are more than $3,000, you may want to consult the services of a private attorney.

 

Tags: auto insurance claims, automobile, car insurance

Auto Insurance Coverage Springfield Illinois IL

Reader’s Question:

What is the basic car insurance coverage for vehicles in Springfield, Illinois? What vehicles are affected on the liability coverage?

Don

Springfield, IL

In Illinois, state laws are greatly valued, and like all states, Illinois has a law about car insurance. You must be insured if you are going to drive in Springfield, Illinois. Illinois mandatory insurance law was established to keep drivers, who cannot bear the cost of injuries or damage they cause, off the highway. Your car insurance policy must meet the minimum limits of liability: $20,000 per injured person up to a total of $40,000 for everyone injured in the accident, and coverage of $15,000 for property damages. This basic insurance coverage is commonly referred to as 20/40/15 coverage.

You are required by law to always carry your car insurance card in your vehicle. You must show the insurance card upon request by any law enforcement officer. Usually when your insurance policy is issued or renewed, your insurance company will send you an insurance card. In accordance with Illinois car insurance law, you should sign the Mandatory Insurance affirmation statement on the annual Vehicle Renewal Registration Application that is sent to you via mail. Liability insurance is required for all motor vehicles that are being driven and must display license plates. This includes cars, recreational vehicles, vans, motorcycles, buses and trucks. However, trailers are not required to carry liability insurance.

Tags: auto insurance

Auto Insurance Kansas City Missouri MO

Reader’s Question:

What should I do if my car is stolen, if I have full coverage and live in Kansas City, Missouri and the stolen car that still has a balance of $18,000 can not be recovered what will happen?

Andrea

Kansas City,MO

If your vehicle has been stolen, you should immediately contact the police and file a stolen vehicle report. Most car insurance companies cannot process a claim for an automobile theft unless you first file a police report. After contacting the law enforcement police, you should report the theft to your car insurance company. Even if you do not have comprehensive coverage, you should still notify your insurance company of any stolen vehicles immediately. Reporting could help protect you if the thief causes damage to others with your car. If the stolen car is financed or leased, report the theft to your finance or leasing company. To speed up the process of your claims, inform your finance or leasing company to discuss the case directly with your car insurance company.

When you say “full coverage” on your car this usually includes collision and comprehensive. You should then make an insurance claim with your insurance provider under the comprehensive coverage. Your car insurance company will investigate the claim and determine what you are due if the car is not recovered. Kansas City, Missouri might have state laws about how long the insurance company can take to settle a stolen vehicle claim. Insurance companies will deal with the claim according to their own set of guidelines. It might be to find a vehicle similar to yours (same condition and trim) to replace yours or settle for the actual cash value (ACV). If the actual cash value (ACV) of your car is more than $18,000, then you should be able to pay off the balance. If not, then you will likely have to pay the remainder of the loan balance yourself.

Tags: auto insurance

Student Car Insurance Great Falls Montana MT

Reader’s Question:

I have a friend who will be moving to the city of Calgary for schooling; does he need to purchase Canadian car insurance? His car is registered in Great Falls, Montana and has a Montana license, can he get Canadian insurance?

Chris

Great Falls, Montana

Thanks for asking Chris. If your friend’s insurance company will not allow him to keep his Great Falls, Montana car insurance on his car while he is away in Calgary for schooling, then he will likely need to purchase his car insurance there in Alberta, Canada. Normally, the car insurance companies in US are not able to offer car insurance for your friend while he is a full-time student in Alberta, Canada. Generally, the car insurance companies can only extend coverage to residents in the US.

The Alberta government states that if a person is not a resident of Alberta but is attending full time school in Alberta they do not have to register their vehicles and change their driver’s licenses. This is provided that the vehicle is registered in their home jurisdiction under their name. However, the Alberta government does not discuss the issue of purchasing car insurance for out of the area full time students.

It is likely to secure car insurance that your friend will need to register his vehicles in Calgary. For help on obtaining the Canadian car insurance he will need on his vehicle while he is attending school in Canada, I would suggest your friend seek help from the student services department of the University he will be attending. The student affairs office of a college or university usually deals with situations such as helping international students figure out how to legally bring their vehicle over and properly place car insurance on it, so they should be able to offer expert advice on his situation.

 

Tags: Student car insurance

Auto Insurance Quotes Omaha Nebraska NE

Reader’s Question:

I make it a habit to shop for car insurance quotes online every six months, does towing coverage automatically need to be included to any insurance policy?

Evan

Omaha, NE

It is mistakenly assumed by many that auto insurance should include towing coverage. Having full coverage on your vehicles does not mean necessarily mean that your coverage will be included. Adding towing coverage is fairly inexpensive so the next time you’re getting auto insurance quotes, don’t forget to ask if it included. There are those who find out about not having towing protection at the worse time; when they need it! So it would be wise to make sure you know right off the bat if towing coverage is included rather than discover that you’re not protected at time of need.

Towing coverage is needed for a variety of reasons like accidents, vandalism, breakdowns and even illegal parking. If your vehicle has been in an accident or vandalized, it is a good idea to note the damages before your vehicle is towed for insurance purposes. If towing coverage is included on your auto insurance, make sure to request a receipt of payment for the reimbursement process. If you chose not to add towing coverage to your auto insurance policy, the manufacturer’s warranty may provide this coverage.

 

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance quotes

Commercial Car Insurance Paterson New Jersey NJ

Reader’s Question:

I’m having a hard time deciding on what to choose; a personal auto insurance policy or commercial auto insurance for business use in Paterson New Jersey? How do I know which is right for me?

Cody

Paterson, NJ

If your family car is also used for purposes that could be considered commercial use, you may have to review the terms of your insurance policy. You’ll need to consider purchasing a commercial policy or making sure that your existing personal auto policy covers the vehicle for business use. Whether or not you need a commercial policy would depend on how you use your vehicle and what insurance company it is under. Every insurance company has different guidelines and may surcharge for business-use coverage on a personal auto policy.

If you’re not sure whether business use is covered on your personal policy, call your insurance company or agent in Paterson New Jersey. To help you decide if you need to get a commercial auto insurance, you may want to ask these four questions:

• How do insurance companies determine commercial use? Commercial use of vehicles is defined as “engaging in transporting goods for compensation or a fee”.
• Do you need more liability coverage than what is provided in a personal auto policy? A commercial auto policy generally offers higher limits of liability but less or no coverage in areas that are not associated with commercial auto risks.
• Do you need special coverage for situations encountered while business is conducted? Commercial auto policies usually offer coverages not available with personal auto policies like hired and non owned auto coverage and coverage for towing a trailer for business use.
• Do you need to add employees as drivers to your policy? Commercial auto policies would allow you to list anyone under your employ. You don’t have this option in a personal auto policy.

 

Tags: auto insurance, business car insurance, Commercial car insurance

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