Auto Insurance Claim in California For Hit And Run Accident
Reader’s Question:
I am from Laguna Niguel, California. I usually parked my car on the road that is in front of my house. However, just yesterday it was hit. I am confused on what type of auto insurance coverage would pay for the damage on the car. Is this kind of accident be covered by my uninsured motorist coverage or not?
Elisa
Laguna Niguel, CA
I am sorry to hear that Elisa. I hope there was not too much damage on your car.
Going back to your question, from what I know, this kind of auto insurance claims would fall under comprehensive policy. This policy pays for damages made on your vehicle that resulted from non-related collision accident like for example fire, windstorm, theft, hail, etc. On the other hand, uninsured motorist coverage pays for the damage if you got into an accident with another driver who is not insured or does not have sufficient auto insurance.
I would suggest you contact your auto insurance agent as soon as possible to inform your insurer of this accident. Your car insurance company would send its claims adjuster who would determine on the damages made on your car and the loss that would be covered by your insurer.
Penatly For Driving Without Auto Insurance in Minnesota
Reader’s Question:
My friend has been driving for some months now without auto insurance. Just last week, he got unlucky and was caught driving without auto insurance in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He refused to talk to me and discuss the violation. I am just curious, what would be his penalty for doing that? Will this affect his auto insurance rate to go up?
Pamela
St. Cloud, MN
Being caught without auto insurance in Minnesota is considered a misdemeanor. Additionally, if this violation happened for two times within the 10-year-period, it is considered as gross misdemeanor.
As for the penalty, from what I know, it could be a fine of not less than $200 or even imprisonment. Additionally, your friend’s driver’s license can also be suspended.
If this is going to affect his auto insurance rate to go up, that depends on his auto insurance company. However, the Minnesota Department of Commerce listed driving record as one of the factors that affect auto insurance cost. Accordingly, the more traffic violations a person has, the higher the premium. With this, I would say that there is a higher chance that your friend’s auto insurance rate will be affected by his recent traffic violation.
For more information about auto insurance law in Minnesota, I would suggest checking with the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Auto Insurance Renewal Grace Period In Washington
Reader’s Question:
I heard that auto insurance renewal in Washington depends on the car insurance companies themselves. So if an insurer decided not to renew a person’s policy, that person doesn’t have a choice but to find another car insurance company who would be insuring him. Now my question is, do car insurance companies offer a grace period? I mean, if they have decided not to renew the policy, do they send in some kind of notification to the policyholder?
Ally
Federal Way, WA
Yes they do Ally.
According to the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, it is a requirement for auto insurance companies to give the policyholders a notification in form of writing if their auto insurance policy has been canceled or not renewed.
If a car insurance policy is not renewed, an insurer must send a written notification regarding the non renewal and this should be twenty days (20) prior to the non renewal of the policy. Such grace period is given so a person has enough time to purchase a new car insurance policy.
If you auto insurance was not renewed by your car insurance company, you can check the available websites for auto insurance rates. You can also ask your car insurance agent in Federal Way, Washington for additional information.
Visiting Teen Driver Auto Insurance Coverage Question
Reader’s Question:
If my son comes to visit us here in Ann Arbor, Michigan and we give him permission to use our car, if they get involved in an accident are they covered?
Alice
Ann Arbor, MI
Well if you give permission to your friend or a relative who does not reside with you in the household to borrow your automobile on an occasional basis, normally then your auto insurance coverages will extend to them and therefore they will be covered and the car will be covered if they get involved in an accident.
Vehicle insurance providers differ with their guidelines and terms of insurance policies so you I suggest that you read through your insurance policy and it is important to talk to your auto insurance agent with regards to the issue to be sure your auto insurance policy does not have exclusions for lending your automobile to your teenage son when they come to visit you and operate your vehicle. Your auto insurance agent should also be able to inform you which of your auto insurance coverages are extended to those that you give permission to drive your automobile but who are not listed as a motorist on the car insurance policy.
How To Lower Your Auto Insurance Rate in Delaware
Reader’s Question:
My sister will be moving soon to Greater Newark, Delaware to start a new life. She just also landed a new job here. I just wanna know, what are the things that affect the car insurance rates here? I don’t have a car so I’m totally clueless when it comes to car insurance. Any suggestions you can give me so my sister could save on her auto insurance rate? Thanks!
Louise
Rate Greater Newark, DE
There are a lot of things that affect auto insurance rates in Delaware some are controllable and unfortunately some are not.
So here are the things that car insurance companies usually consider when setting their auto insurance premiums:
- Type of car. Expensive car means higher auto insurance premium and so inexpensive car means lower auto insurance rate;
- Driving record. Good driving record means low risk driver thus lower premium;
- Cost of coverage. The state of Delaware has minimum limits for each required policy. Thus, going beyond the state required limits means higher rates;
- Driving Miles. The more you drive everyday, the higher the risk of getting involved in a car accident, hence the higher your auto insurance rate;
- Age. The younger you are, the more expensive your premium would be, specifically if you’re below 25 years old; and
- Gender. Since your sister is a she, you don’t have to worry, she’ll get higher chance of being charged for lower premium because of her gender;
Those are just some of the factors that affect auto insurance rates in Delaware. For more tips, you can ask the Delaware Insurance Commissioner & Department of Insurance.
Auto Insurance and Personal Information Given In California
Reader’s Question:
My boyfriend is gonna get his auto insurance in Ventura, California. We are somewhat skeptical about the information that will be asked from him since we do value privacy so much. We just wanna be sure on what are the usual and normal information that will be obtained from him in getting car insurance here?
Viviana
San Buenaventura CA
Hello Viviana!
According to the California Department of Insurance Fact Sheet that I have read, it is normal that car insurance companies will get several information from a person who is applying for auto insurance. This is done to make sure that a person is eligible to get a car insurance policy and set the auto insurance rate depending on the company’s guideline.
Some of the usual information obtained would be: driving miles, driving experience, and driving records.
For most auto insurance companies, they would order a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) for all the drives that are listed on the auto insurance application. In addition, MVR includes all the driving record of a particular person together with traffic violations, car accidents, and suspension of the license that the person had.
If you are looking for car insurance rates in California, you can use this website by entering your zip code now.
How To Get a Better Rate on Car Insurance in Idaho
Reader’s Question:
My friend is asking me for help on things that are needed to be considered in buying car insurance in Idaho. We’ve already discussed the factors affecting an auto insurance rate. Are there other things you could suggest to us? I’d be glad to hear from anyone an answer to this. Thank a lot in advance!
Bianca
Nampa, ID
Hello Bianca!
It’s nice to know that you’ve already done some research on buying auto insurance. Since you already know the things you need to consider let me just share to you some tips that my boyfriend gave me when I purchased my car insurance in Nampa, Idaho:
First, make sure to fill out the application form completely and in all honesty;
Second, never sign a blank application form;
Third, never pay the auto insurance agent in cash. Make sure to pay in check to the car insurance company and don’t forget to include the kind policy that you are paying for;
Fourth, if you are turned down by a car insurance company, demand an explanation in writing;
Fifth, do not purchase a policy because of the budget alone, make sure to consider the coverage and the kind of service you will be getting;
Sixth, choose a car insurance agent and company that are trustworthy;
Seventh, ask for the discount that the insurer offers that you could avail; and
Lastly, ask for the savings you could get in choosing higher deductible.
If you have any other questions about buying car insurance in Idaho you could also ask the Idaho Department of Insurance.
First Time Driver Auto Insurance In Idaho
Reader’s Question:
I’m helping my friend to find the right auto insurance policy for himself. It’s his first time to buy a car insurance policy since this is the first time that he’s going solo. Can you give me some suggestions on how to get the right auto insurance in Idaho Falls, Idaho?
Fabiola
Idaho Falls, ID
Sure Fabiola!
Let me just give easy to follow steps that you need to follow in choosing the right auto insurance for your friend.
First, shop, shop, and shop more. It’s better if your compare auto insurance premium form car insurance companies. By doing this, you could getter better deals;
Second, contact many car insurance agents or companies so you could get better combination of auto insurance policies that suit your budget;
Third, make up your mind. Before you purchase a car insurance policy know what you want;
Fourth, ask for different discounts that the insurer offers; and
Lastly, be aware of factors that affect car insurance premium like age, driving history, credit history, type of car, place of residence, and deductibles.
Having a high deductible amount will greatly reduce your annual premiums if you are a safe driver with no claims in the last few years.
For more information on car insurance rates in Idaho ask a licensed auto insurance agent in your area and check the websites.
What Are Car Insurance Requirements in Wisconsin
Reader’s Question:
I have no time to review my car insurance policies. I just purchased what is required by Wisconsin state law and paid for it. I have bodily injury policy on my auto insurance since it is required by law here. My question is, does this mean I am covered if I am involved in a car accident. Does that mean I don’t have to worry for myself? I am from Wisconsin by the way.
Fernanda
Eau Claire, WI
I think there’s some confusion on your part. Bodily injury policy does not protect yourself or your vehicle itself. Let’s take this scenario for an example. If you are involved in a vehicular accident and let’s say you are at-fault, then most probably the other party will file its claim and your insurance policy will pay them. That is where the bodily injury policy kicks in. It serves as a protection on your part by paying for the injured party depending on the limits you have on your car insurance policy.
For more information about auto insurance policy in Wisconsin, you can ask your car insurance agent or even the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI).
Do I Need Seperate Rental Car Insurance Coverage On My Policy
Reader’s Question:
My car is in the repair shop as of the moment. I have auto insurance on that vehicle. I would be renting a car next week. What I am not aware of is do I need to purchase a separate car insurance for the car I am going to rent? Is it not covered by the auto insurance policy that I currently have? I am from Manchester, New Hampshire.
Ron
Manchester, NH
This is really quite confusing on the part of the policyholder. What I could suggest you to do is to contact first your car insurance company and second your credit card company.
Once you’ve contacted your auto insurance company, you need to know how much auto insurance coverage you have on your car. In general, the policies you have in your vehicle would be applied on car you will be renting.
Now, let’s go to your credit card company. You don’t have to call all the credit card companies you have. The only credit card company you need to contact would be the credit card that you would be using for paying the rented car. Credit card companies offer insurance coverage. At the back of your credit card, you’ll find a toll free number. All you need to do is to call that number so you could ask more information about the car insurance coverage you could get.
If you have more questions about coverage on rental car, don’t forget to ask your car insurance agent in New Hampshire.