My boyfriend is required to get SR22 Alabama to reinstate his license. It’s his first time to get that so were totally clueless. What is this SR22?

Beth

Birmingham, AL

I’m sorry to hear that Beth. I hope your boyfriend is ok.

Going back to your question what is an SR22 exactly? Let me just do a quick review about Alabama auto insurance law because this has something to do with SR22 insurance.

Getting auto insurance a prerequisite to have your auto registered. Following are the required auto insurance limits in Alabama. Remember that these figures are just the least amount that one can purchase for their Alabama auto insurance coverage:

• $20,000: bodily injury per person per accident
• $40,000: for more than one person per accident
• $10,000: damage on property per accident

In Alabama, if a driver is involved in a traffic accident that resulted to damages or injury, a police officer will ask for a proof of auto insurance from that driver. A driver must show his or her proof of insurance through an auto insurance card given by his or her insurer. If, let’s say auto insurance policy is canceled, then that driver’s license will be suspended by the Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Meanwhile, if a person has committed several traffic offenses, or has been cited for drinking under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), or been caught driving without auto insurance, the Alabama DMV will require proof of financial responsibility through the SR22 certificate.

Getting SR22 insurance is getting high risk auto insurance too since both are exactly the same. The SR22 insurance functions as an assurance that a certain driver is meeting the required auto insurance law in Alabama, In general, a person needs to keep SR22 coverage for 36 months to 60 months, which would be a period of three to five years. However, for some more serious cases, he or she may need to keep SR22 insurance for a longer period of time.

You can also ask your auto insurance agent for more information about SR22 certificates. If you’re looking or SR22 insurance quotes you can use the Web.

I have a friend who also lives here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While on vacation he was convicted of DUI in another state. The incident happened in Alaska. I heard that both Pennsylvania and Alaska are members of DLC. How long will his license be suspended because of that conviction in another state? How much increase will this have on his car insurance rate?

Henry

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I am assuming that this incident happened recently. But just to give you a little background on out of state convictions, a violation that occurred before February 1, 2004 would have a one year suspension.

However, if a violation happened after February 1, 2004, your friend’s driver’s licenses will not be suspended by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). So assuming it was just recently, then you don’t have to worry his license will not be suspended. But if it’s his second or succeeding offense, then a one year license suspension would be imposed.

As to the increase on your friend’s auto insurance rate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania because of this violation, it would be best if he would ask his auto insurance agent. Because that depends on his insurer’s guidelines. But, I just wanna inform you this is a serious offense. And normally a violation like this has so much effect on a person’s auto insurance rate. If he sees so much increase on his car insurance premium, then he could shop online for auto insurance rates in your area.

I would like to know if  SR22 auto insurance  is enough to give me the ability to drive even though I do not have a drivers license?

John

Cicero, IL

No.

An SR-22 is a certificate required as an evidence of vehicle insurance by the court or under state law for individual convicted of certain traffic violations. It does not provide you the right to operate the vehicle, but it may permit you to have your license reinstated. If your driver’s license has been revoked or suspended due to certain violation of the law then your state may require you to get and maintain an SR-22 in order to have your license back.

The SR-22 is not really anything special in the way that the car insurance policy covers the automobile. The difference from the plain old insurance policies is that this is required or mandated to by the court or DMV.

So a SR-22 certificate does not provide you the ability to operate a vehicle but it could be part of the process to have your driver’s license reinstated if it has been revoked or suspended. You need to contact your state’s DMV to know exactly how you can get or reinstate a driver’s license in your case.

I am required to carry SR-22 insurance certificate because I just have so many demerit points on my driving record. How long will I be required to carry an SR-22 insurance certificate? How can I get rid of my SR-22? I am from Concord, New Hampshire.

Elmer

Concord, New Hampshire

As listed by the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles, a person is required to maintain SR-22 insurance certificate for the following conditions:

First, a period of 3 years from the date that a person is convicted or from the date that was imposed by the hearing examiner;

Second, a period of five years from the date of conviction, if a person is found guilty of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and;

Lastly, if a person is convicted for a serious offense within the period that she or he is required to carry an SR-22, said requirement will be extended for another 3 years from the date of the violator’s conviction.

To relieve of your SR-22 requirement in Concord, New Hampshire, you must submit a request in writing (that includes information like your name, address and birth date) to:

New Hampshire DOS DMV
FR
23 Hazen Drive
Concord NH 03305
(603) 271-3105

For more information, you can check with the NH Department of Motor Vehicles.

I’m planning to rent a car for just one month and I found a rental company in the yellow pages but I think their insurance is very expensive (at $25 per day, it adds $900 to my costs). I’ve already spoken with my credit card company if they offer auto insurance in Worcester, Massachusetts for a rental car. Do you have any suggestions on other what options I have for insuring a rental car for one month?

Brooke

Worcester, MA

First talk to your car insurance agent about a driver which would cover any at fault crash you would have with a rental vehicle for a month. If you’re looking for suggestions, they’re the best source.

It seems you will lose big amount of money without a return. Well, I think it’s much better for you to do some research. Look around for other insurance companies in Worcester, Massachusetts that offer cheap rates if they’re catering this kind of services. Collect quotes and select the best car insurance for car rental.

Your personal car insurance may have a minimal rider attached to it. There are some credit card companies that have programs covering insurance for you. If you are travelling domestically, I suggest using your credit card and declining the rental coverage. If travelling internationally get the insurance through the rental company – it can be a nightmare to deal with this sort of claim. Your personal insurance may usually cover rentals depending on the specifics of your car insurance policy. Otherwise, usually they charge you 15 to 20 bucks and you can walk away if you total it.

Tags: auto insurance, rental car insurance

I have had no insurance for almost a year now. I canceled my old policy because I don’t drive my car anymore and I’m selling it. So I finally bought a new car, and I’m currently looking for insurance. But I haven’t had any insurance for the past year; where can I get insurance in Jacksonville, Florida?

Michael

Jacksonville, FL

If you don’t have too many points on your license, or another situation that would prevent you from acquiring insurance, then you should have no trouble looking for one. People who have not driven for years, for whatever reason, can still purchase insurance, as long as their license is in effect or valid. You can go online to see the available insurance companies in Jacksonville Florida. But I would advise checking with your friends, family, and coworkers, for a referral to their insurance agent or preferably a local insurance broker. They have more companies to write for, thus giving you a better choice, and better rates.

There are a lot of places to look for car insurance, even though you haven’t had any for a year. To get the best price, you need to shop around and see all the available options you have. The easiest way to know the available insurance companies in Florida is to go online since most of them will give you free and instant quotes. If you go through a broker they will charge you a broker’s fee.

Almost any insurance company will insure you without problem as long as your driving record prior to this was clean. If your gap without insurance was less than 12 months your driving record may not even be impacted.

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

My car is in a repair shop. My work demands me to be driving almost all the time. So, it’s a necessity for me to rent a car while my car is being repaired. My question is, am I still protected by my insurance even if I drive a rental car in Amherst New York?

Olivia

Amherst, NY

I assume that you have a liability insurance policy because this is mandated by New York Law. So, with your liability coverage, this covers you for property damage and bodily injury. But you must remember this applies only on the “excess” basis. Let’s say you had a vehicular accident, the insurance company provided by the rental car will pay for the damage up to their specified limits. If there are any excess damages that resulted from that accident, then your insurance policy will cover for that.

You must remember that as the driver of the rental car, you may be held fully liable for the damages incurred to the rental car, unless you purchased an optional vehicle protection from the rental vehicle company, have insurance coverage from your insurance policy or from your credit card.

Check with your auto insurance agent in Amherst, NY for more information on insurance policy. You can also get information about rental car through websites also.

Tags: auto insurance

I received a traffic ticket in another state but I have a Florida license. Will this affect my driving record? How about my insurance rate in Coral Springs Florida? Will it go up?

Michael

Coral Springs, FL

Yes, it will affect your driving record. Your traffic information will be sent to Florida and will be added to your record. Thus, you will be receiving points. But this depends though if said ticket is a point-accessible violation as per Florida Statute 322.27(3). Enrolling in a driving school to remove points from your record is not an option though. This is because Florida State Law does not allow any driving school or program to remove points for a ticket that was received from another state. Also, remember to pay your ticket or else your license will be suspended.

And going back to your second question, will it increase your insurance rate? That depends on your insurance company. Usually, if it’s your first minor ticket it will not affect your rate but succeeding tickets would only give you sky rocketed premium.

Ask your insurance agents in Coral Springs, FL to find more about how traffic tickets will affect your rates. Check with the websites for additional information for insurance rates in your area.

Tags: car insurance rate

I’m shopping for insurance rates in Columbus Ohio. I heard from my boyfriend that the kind of car that a person drives affects his or her insurance rates in Columbus, OH. He also told me that the more expensive a car is, the higher the insurance rates will be. How true is that?

Wendy

Columbus, OH

Your boyfriend is absolutely correct. The type of car affects you insurance rates. The reason for this is simple, it will determine how much you will pay for your comprehensive and collision policies. According to research, cars that are expensive to insured are those that are expensive to repair, have high horse power and/or high dollar.
Following are the most expensive cars to be insured from 2002 to 2004 according to Highway Loss Data Institute:

1. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
2. Mercedes CL-Class
3. Dodge SRT-4
4. Subaru Impreza WRX
5. Jaguar XK (convertible)
6. Lexus IS 300
7. Honda S2000
8. Acura RSX
9. Nissan 350Z
10. Jaguar XJ

So when you shop around for insurance rates in Columbus, OH, always consider the kind of car you’re driving. Having a car that is a popular target for thieves means higher rate for premium. Don’t forget to shop online, there are so many available quotes you can get by just doing that. Enjoy shopping!

Tags: car insurance cost, car insurance rate

My daughter is celebrating her birthday and I’ll be buying her first car. I heard from friend that there are cars that are said to be most likely stolen and those that are not. I know that having a car that is likely to be stolen only guarantees a higher premium rate. Since, it’s going to be my daughter’s first car, I’d like to make sure it won’t be stolen and that I won’t be paying more on my premium in Tallahassee, Florida. Can you help me?

Diane

Tallahassee, FL

That’s true. There are cars that are too hot for a theft’s eyes and there are cars that are not. According to a study conducted by Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (from 2003-2005) following are the cars most likely to be stolen or be broken into:

1. Cadillac Escalade
2. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
3. Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab pickup
4. Ford F-250 and F-350 SuperCrew four-wheel drive pickups (2005s only)
5. Chrysler Sebring (2004, 2005)

On the other hand, if you want to buy your daughter a car that is proven to be least likely to be stolen, I would suggest you consider buying these cars:

1. Ford Taurus station wagon
2. Pontiac Vibe station wagon
3. Buick Le Sabre
4. Buick Park Avenue
5. Toyota Sienna four-wheel drive (2004, 2005)

The type of car is always a factor on your insurance rates. Buying cars that are likely to be stolen or broken into will only assure you of higher premium. Don’t forget to ask your insurance agents when shopping for insurance rates or to get faster information use the Internet and start comparing insurance rates in Tallahassee, FL.

Tags: advice, auto insurance, teen insurance, Young driver car insurance