Will Buying a Hybrid Car Decrease My Auto Insurance
Reader’s Question:
Can I get my car insurance company to lower my premiums if I get a Hybrid car? I’ve been interested in getting one for my home here in Long Beach, California, and I kind of wanted to know the benefits or savings I can get for buying one.
Sammy
Long Beach, CA
If you are referring to an eco-friendly, gas-electric or fuel cell hybrid car (instead of a hybrid vehicle that uses gas and electric power to boost performance) then yes, it is possible for you to save money on your car insurance and more if you own these types of vehicles. With the ever growing popularity of hybrid vehicles and the increasing awareness on environmental protection, not to mention new bills and laws being passed in minimizing carbon emissions, there are definitely lots of advantages in owning a hybrid car.
These days you already know how the ever-increasing prices of fuel affects the economy, shrinking the mileage you can get out of every dollar you spent for gas. Hybrids can cut your gas costs by half. And with a looming global economic crisis every penny that is saved counts! A hybrid car can provide you all of these savings especially for your car insurance there in Long Beach, where you may qualify for discounts by some companies if you are the proud owner of an eco-friendly, hybrid vehicle. Travelers insurance, for example, provides car owners up to 10% off their auto insurance for using a hybrid vehicle. The best thing to do is to talk to your car insurance company to see what kind of offers or discounts they could give you before setting out to buy your first hybrid.
You could also look forward to having some tax incentives for owning a hybrid car and manufacturers are coming out with more diverse models to suit buyers needs, making it more and more attractive to buy a hybrid car in the future.
Do I Have To Have Insurance In Louisiana For Second Hand Car
Reader’s Question:
I got a really cheap, second-hand car here in Shreveport, Louisiana recently. Do I still want to have car insurance on it?
Aberforth
Shreveport, LA
Regardless of how old a vehicle is or how much value it has, it is still a moving vehicle, and thus, by most state law, you will be required to get car insurance for your second-hand car there in Shreveport. Most states will even require proof of financial responsibility (car insurance) meeting state law before you can ever get that car properly registered. It is not really the monetary value of the said vehicle to be insured but rather, the potential of the said vehicle, more so since it was pre-owned and hence its mechanical condition debatable, thereby increasing the likelihood of casing or being involved in an accident that brand new models.
Don’t lose hope though, most car insurance policies are really a package of several types of insurance coverage so you don’t necessarily have to get all kinds of protection for the old car. You may choose to drop on the collision coverage (if it is really old and decrepit) since it might be too much of a hassle to repair than to replace. You, however, would definitely want to keep paying for Personal Injury Protection, Bodily Liability insurance and Property liability insurance. These three are essential in protecting you and make sure you’re covered in the event that you do get involved in a car accident.
How To Get Low Cost Auto Insurance in Denver Colorado
Reader’s Question:
Hello from Mile High! Go Broncos! We are getting hit hard with increasing fuel and general auto costs. What can we do to find affordable car insurance?
Jim
Denver CO
Welcome Jim,
Affordable car insurance is available. Auto insurance carriers provide many tips for controlling costs in these hard economic times. Affordable car insurance requires proactive participation by the insured. With auto insurance, the little things add up.
Jim, you will find that by purchasing an annual auto policy the rates for affordable car insurance will be lower than for policies of a shorter term. You should also receive proposals for combined coverage. Affordable car insurance is often obtained by combining the auto request with a request for a homeowner’s policy. Insurance companies like expanded coverage and offer discounts for these policies.
The safe the driver is, the more affordable car insurance will be. Encourage all family members to take accredited safe driving courses and list these accreditation’s on your application for proposals. Discounts are available for safe drivers.
Jim, the key to affordable car insurance is to combine these strategies with competitive shopping. When you complete the simple request for affordable car insurance forms on this site, you will receive multiple proposals from auto insurance carriers in Denver. Compare these policy proposals to your current coverage and we think you will be pleased with your new affordable car insurance coverage.
Raising your deductible amount to $1000 will greatly reduce your annual premiums if you are a good safe and claim free driver. You will see great savings in the long run for doing so. You only pay that amount if and when you have a claim.
Shopping For A Lower Auto Insurance Rate in Alaska
Reader’s Question:
I’m shopping for new auto insurance rates. Can you give me tips on the things I should consider when buying car insurance policy in Alaska? I just need simple tips so no technical auto insurance terms please. Thanks in advance!
Roger
Anchorage, AK
Sure Roger!
These are the simplest tips I always give for anyone wanting to get auto insurance polices and at the same time save on their car insurance rates:
- The kind of car insurance policy that you need;
- Know how much insurance you need that will meet your demands;
- The amount that you are willing to pay for your auto insurance bills;
- Combine the other existing insurance policies that you already have with the same carrier;
- Ask around because you might be getting a discount for being a member of a particular organization, through your credit card, through your employer etc. and;
- Be familiarized with auto insurance limits you are required to have
- Raise your insurance deductible amount to the highest level you feel comfortable with
You an also opt to ask your car insurance agent in Anchorage to help you get the best deal you are looking for car insurance rates. Or for faster result, why don’t you start shopping around online. There are so many available websites that could offer you different car insurance policies that would surely meet your needs and demands.
I Need Cheap Auto Insurance in Atlanta Georgia
Reader’s Question:
This may seem like a silly question but I’d like to ask it anyway. I know that there are several types of auto insurances. I’ve seen really cheap auto insurance in Atlanta Georgia but they offer very limited coverage. Prices suddenly increase when I ask for more coverage. Is there no way to get a cheap insurance but with a considerable coverage?
Dave
Atlanta, GA
You have the correct attitude, Dave! In getting insurance, the most important thing is that you ask anything that you might be wondering about, no matter how silly they may seem. That one silly question can be a deal-breaker in many cases. In fact, many people decide on the basis of price only, which is a critical error. They find out later that they have actually bought something less than what they want, or need. They’ll be in a situation where they need their insurance and will be greatly be disappointed, thinking all along that they have appropriate coverage.
Raising your deductible amount to a higher level can greatly reduce your annual costs, and if you are a good driver with a clean claims history can save you a ton of money in the long run. And, you don’t have to change or reduce your existing coverage or limits.
I would also ask for discounts, like for union or bank membership, military personnel and sometimes fraternal organizations.
You should also check your credit score, a low score will hurt your annual premiums as well.
Simply put, premiums increase as a direct function of coverage offered. This is a very good observation which should be realized by everybody else. Therefore, comparing the price of two policies with differing coverage is not so advisable. If you’d really want to compare prices, which is ideal, what you should do is have several insurers in Atlanta to quote for the same car (specifications, age, and mileage) and the same coverage. Only then can you truly have an intelligent comparison of quotes. You can get some quotes form this site by simply entering your zip code below.
You may wonder what would make companies have different quotations for the same scenario. It is because companies differ in their underwriting, or the evaluation and analysis of risks. Some insurance companies in Atlanta may deem a particular condition high risk while others may not. So the key is really to just keep on asking for free quotes for the same coverage until you find one that you are comfortable with. This may be time consuming but is the only way you can get “cheap” auto insurance. Good luck on your auto insurance bargain hunting! All the best!
I Failed To Renew My Drivers License In New Jersey
Reader’s Question:
I live in New Jersey and have a valid NJ driver’s license. My question is, if I failed to renew my license will it affect me in any way? Will I be asked to pay a fine or even charged for some sort of violation?
Henry
Camden, NJ
The use of having a New Jersey driver’s license is to legally give you the license to drive. It’s also a must to have a license because it is required by your car insurance company. Now, if your license had expired, you must renew it.
Driving with an expired license is the same as driving as an unlicensed driver. It is a surchargeable offense, a violation of the NJ Statutes 39:3-10, which requires any drivers operating a vehicle in NJ to have a valid and current driver’s license. And aside from paying a $100 surcharge required by NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), you will be also asked to pay court fines or penalties.
If you failed to pay the surcharges, your driving privileges will be cancelled for an indefinite period of time and actions will be taken against you by the State Superior Court which may include a legal claim on your property, withholding your salary etc.
Aside from those things I’ve mentioned, you will also be losing your car insurance if your license had expired. Without a valid driver’s license, then there’s no license to be rated on by your car insurance company.
So if your license has expired it is best to renew it the soonest possible time so that you do not receive these penalties from the MVC or lose your insurance since you no longer have a valid license to be rated on. Don’t forget to ask your insurance agent in NJ or check the websites for car insurance rates if you’re thinking of switching to another car insurance company.
When Does My Auto Insurance Policy Expire
Reader’s Question:
My car insurance policy is about to expire and I’m shopping around for new car insurance companies. I would like to know at exactly what time will my insurance policy expire in Minnesota? Is it during the morning, noon, or late afternoon?
Mara
Bloomington, MN
Interesting question.
The time of expiration for insurance policies differs by state laws and by the car insurance company’s guidelines. However, in general it expires by 12:01 AM on the date of expiration. So let’s say your policy’s expiration is by 12/01/2008. So, your policy will expire at 12:01 AM (your local time) of December 1, 2008.
I know this is quite confusing for policyholders. Because, usually we assume that we have all of the 24 hours of the expiration date, without realizing it expires a minute after of that day. So what’s best to do is to always check your policy. It’s stated on what time it will expire and why it will expire.
Also, it’s always important to pay your insurance bills on time, because if you failed to do so, then it will result to cancellation of your insurance. For example, some insurance guidelines state that if you failed to pay your insurance bill at 12:01 AM of its due date, then it will be canceled. And you don’t wanna drive around Minnesota with canceled car insurance.
Check with your car insurance agent in MN to know the specific details of your policy. And since you’re thinking of changing insurance companies, don’t forget to shop online to give you auto insurance rates.
High Risk Auto Insurance Racine Wisconsin WI
Filed under: Auto Insurance Quotes, Auto Insurance Tips, Insurance Quotes
Reader’s Question:
I live in Racine Wisconsin and haven’t had insurance for about four years now. I’m getting married in six months and my fiancé’s insurance agent said that I should get insurance now, six months before the wedding, so that once we get married and I get added onto his insurance, I won’t be the reason for increasing his insurance. Now, I’m going to get insurance on a car that doesn’t have a loan on it, and I’m wondering how much insurance I need? What is the least amount of insurance I could get on my car, so that in six months I won’t be considered high risk anymore.
Phoebe
Racine, WI
You should qualify for liability insurance instead of full coverage. The actual amount of insurance you need depends on what your car is worth right now, how old it is, your past driving record and your “high-risk” label will also definitely have an effect. You need to get a few different quotes to be sure what company has the lowest rate for you.
The smartest thing for you to do is to have comprehensive/collision insurance since you started a “chain reaction” accident, you rear ended a car and it pushed that car into more cars – your minimum property damage limits will be GONE, even worse if you injure someone. You and your husband will be in big trouble as you will have to pay out of pocket when the other insurance company comes after you for what they paid out.
On the other hand, if you hit another car you’ll likely pay out a lot more money than you would have spent with proper auto coverage. If you’re going to drive the car regularly, I would suggest not taking the chance, in the long run it will save you, believe me. Also, there are many auto insurance companies in Racine Wisconsin offering free auto insurance quotes. So widen your options and look for the cheapest rate.
Tags: collision insurance coverage, comprehensive insurance coverage, high risk insurance
Rental Auto Insurance Worcester, Massachusetts MA
Filed under: Auto Insurance Quotes, Auto Insurance Tips, SR22 Auto Insurance
Reader’s Question:
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
Automobile Insurance Online Jacksonville Florida FL
Filed under: Auto Insurance Quotes, Auto Insurance Tips, Insurance Quotes, SR22 Auto Insurance
Reader’s Question:
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