Automobile Insurance Coverage Maryland MD

Reader’s Question:

I am expected to give birth to a baby girl this January. It’s out first baby and everybody in the family is so excited about it. My husband and I are planning on everything and making sure that our angel will get the best in life. I just need a little advice regarding auto insurance policy. Now that we’re adding a new baby in the family what are the things that we should consider now? Are there things that should be changed regarding our car insurance policy? Before I forgot, we are from Maryland.

Jean

Silver Spring, MD

Congratulations Jean! I hope you’ll have a healthy baby girl!

As to your question, let me just give you three simple steps that I’ve read from the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) regarding auto insurance polices for families who are just starting:

First, you have the option to increase your liability coverage. The reason is simple, your family is increasing and thus, the risk for accidents also increases;

Second, since you are starting a family, it’s given that your assets are also increasing, thus it’s also advisable for you to get umbrella policy. This would back you up in an event that you are involved in an accident and the liability coverage you have is not enough to cover the other party’s damages. The umbrella policy would kick in by protecting your assets like vehicle and house which the other party may go after to collect the claim.

Third, since you’re married and assuming you haven’t merged your auto insurance policy yet with your husband, then I would advise you do so. By doing this you would save on your car insurance premium.

If you have more questions about car insurance in Maryland you can always ask your auto insurance agent or even the MD Insurance Administration.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance online, car insurance tips

Car Insurance Rate Alabama AL

Reader’s Question:

I heard from a friend that getting a citation would increase my auto insurance rate in Alabama. Another friend also told me that getting a traffic ticket would also increase my auto insurance premium. I am just curios and also confused. What is the difference between citation and ticket? Between the two, which would affect my car insurance rate more?

Elias

Decatur, AL

Well, the two are just the same. It is normally used interchangeably which I normally do.

But just to give you a clearer idea I researched on the exact definition of these two and found that citation is defined as a legal document that is issued either by the court or of an administrative office of the government.

On the other hand, ticket (or traffic ticket to be more exact) is a citation that is used and issued by the law enforcing officers to drivers who violated traffic rules.

And since you’ve mentioned that your friend told you that getting a citation or traffic ticket would increase your auto insurance rate in Alabama that still depends on the traffic violation and to your car insurance company.

First, let me be clear this by saying that a ticket or citation would only reflect on your record if you were found guilty of it or is convicted of it. So as long as it’s not on your record your auto insurance company would not find about it. Next, let’s say you were convicted of the said violation, now it depends to your auto insurance company on how they will take evaluate this matter.

Every car insurance company uses different guidelines in setting auto insurance premium. Normally, if it’s a first time minor traffic violation, insurers “forgive” its policyholders and will opt not to increase the rates. However, this is a case to case basis. I would suggest asking your car insurance agent in Alabama for clarification on this matter. I hope I was able to help you with your question. Cheers!

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance rate, car insurance tips

Suspending Military Auto Insurance Maryland MD

Reader’s Question:

I have a boyfriend who is serving the military. He would be stationed in another country for several months. He has a car here in Maryland that is registered and also insured. What’s the best thing to do with his car insurance policy? Is it advisable to keep paying on his auto insurance premium? Because I think it’s not practical to do that. The reason is no one is going to use his car. We’re thinking of saving on his auto insurance bills while he’s away. Do you think that’s possible?

Anna

Ellicott City, MD

From what I’ve read from the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA), your boyfriend who is serving the military may opt to suspend his auto insurance coverage if he is deployed in another place. This suspension may be applicable to suspending the full coverage or just partial coverage. This is usually done to save on auto insurance premium payments. However, you must be sure first that no one is going to use the vehicle. And also since your boyfriend is with the military service, he could suspend his car insurance policy and have it reactivated once he returned. He could do this without any penalties at all. This is provided that the reason he is going to suspend his policy is because he is assigned in another country and would be required to stay in that country for a long time.

For more information on how your boyfriend can suspend his car insurance policy, do check with his car insurance agent in Maryland as soon as possible.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance online, car insurance tips, military insurance

Lower Auto Insurance Rate Arizona AZ

Reader’s Question:

My husband just lost his job. I have two teen daughters who are both studying. Things are not doing very well for my family. I must say this is the worst year we ever had. I’m having so much problem making ends meet. Bills keep coming up and unpaid bills keep pilling up. Both my teen daughters are under my auto insurance policy and that only makes matter worse. Having two teen daughters just make my auto insurance rate to go up. Can you give me some tips on how I can lower my auto insurance rate in Arizona? I really need all the tips on how to save on my car insurance premium.

Millie

Glendale, AZ

I’m sorry to hear that. I hope your husband would get another job the soonest possible time.

As to your question, I heard from my uncle (who is an auto insurance agent himself here in Arizona) that there are several discounts that auto insurance companies offer. These discounts are:

• If you’re a good driver and is not involved in any accidents;
• If you get insurance both for your home and vehicle under the same insurance company;
• If you have several vehicles under your auto insurance policy;
• If your teen daughters are getting good grades;
• If no one smokes in your household; and
• If you have safety features in your car like automatic seat belts, airbags, etc.

In addition, increasing your deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverages would also decrease your auto insurance premium. Ask you car insurance agent now in Arizona to see if you could avail of those discounts.

Tags: car insurance rate, cheap car insurance, good driver discount, teen car insurance

Vehicle Insurance Rate Pennsylvania PA

Reader’s Question:

Hi I’m from Pennsylvania. My license is suspended because of underage drinking. How will this affect my vehicle insurance rates? I already informed my insurance provider but I still have not received any notification about any rate increase of policy cancellation.

Melanie

Pittsburgh, PA

A driver who is impaired carries a great risk to insurance companies. Thus, alcohol offense or driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol is a serious concern for insurance providers. If you would like to know if this offense will increase your insurance premium, or the insurance company will cancel your policy once they find out this offense from your motor vehicle record or MVR and the suspended license, you should check with your Pennsylvania insurance agent.

Aside from these, your insurance agent can also provide information on the rating system of the insurance company, and whether the underage drinking offense will or will not affect your policy. The Pennsylvania Department of Insurance can also provide information on how the offense will affect your policy.

 

Tags: car insurance rate, teen insurance, Young driver car insurance

Buy Auto Insurance Mississippi MS

Reader’s Question:

I am planning to purchase car insurance in Mississippi. Any tips you can give me? I really need some help. Thanks in advance!

Kelly

Gulfport, MS

Hi there Kelly!

According to Mississippi Insurance Department, you can purchase auto insurance in three ways:

First, through internet and phone, which means directly to the car insurance company itself;
Second, through an independent auto insurance agent which represents different car insurance companies; and
Third, through a captive agent, who represents just one auto insurance company.

It is strongly recommended that you get auto insurance quotes from different auto insurance companies. By doing this, you’ll be able to compare auto insurance rates. In addition, be aware of the discounts that insurers offer. There are different discounts like for example if you have several vehicles and have it insured under one auto insurance company, if you work as a farmer, if you’re a student with good grades, and a lot more.

Also bear in mind that you could also qualify for a discount if you have car safety features installed in your car like anti-theft devices, air bags etc. In general, you can get as much as 5% discount for having these devices.

If you are planning to enroll in a defensive driving class then do so. Because by doing this you can get a discount on your collision and liability premiums. This also applies if you are a young driver who took driving school class. On the other hand, if you’re 55 years old and above, you still can get car insurance discount provided that you’ve enrolled and passed driving course for mature drivers.

For more information on auto insurance, feel free to ask your car insurance agent. You can also start looking for auto insurance quotes in Mississippi by using the websites now.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance online, car insurance tips, cheap car insurance

Car Insurance Policy Louisiana LA

Reader’s Question:

My insurance policy was canceled just this week because I was having problems making the payments. Does that really mean I can’t drive at all until I get another drivers license? Is there no grace period for people like me? I come from Louisiana by the way. What are the rules around here?

Susan

Lafayette, LA

The law varies in every state, I believe. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but in Louisiana, the state allows you only 10 days to get a new insurance policy. Fines as much as $225 await those who fail to do so. And until then, you can renew neither your registration nor your license. You had better talk to people from the Motor Vehicle Reinstatement Office there in Louisiana about this.

It is also important that you be driving around with a liability insurance at the very least. You are required by the state to bring proof of insurance every time you take your car out of the driveway. Otherwise, your vehicle will be impounded and your license plate will be confiscated. Furthermore, failure to show proof that you do have insurance coverage within three days would mean you have to register your vehicle all over again.

Obviously, the state of Louisiana is pretty strict when it comes to vehicle owners’ having liability insurance. If I were you, I wouldn’t risk getting caught driving without one. It’s just not worth the trouble. You should find the time to sort out your auto insurance problems as soon as you can. Only then can you get back on the road.

 

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance

Auto Insurance Claims Laguna Niguel California CA

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.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance claims, car insurance tips

Driving Without Auto Insurance St. Cloud Minnesota MN

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 St. Cloud, 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 St. Cloud, Minnesota, I would suggest checking with the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance rate, car insurance tips

 

Auto Insurance Renewal Federal Way Washington WA

Reader’s Question:

I heard that auto insurance renewal in Federal Way, 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 cancelled 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.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance law, car insurance online

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