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If you have a question about car insurance, we'd like to help you find the answer. Search through our database of already answered queries, and if you still haven't found what you're looking for, do not hesitate to ask us directly.

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What are some hidden costs of owning a car?

When purchasing a car, you can’t just think about the cost of the car. You also need to factor in other assorted costs. A cost that has been rising in recent years has been gasoline. When you’re selecting your car, consider the fuel economy. If you need to shell out a hundred dollars every week ... [more]

What will I pay to insure a Jeep Compass?

The 2011 Compass has been given a new exterior and off-road capability. The 2011 Compass comes in cheaper and more fuel-efficient than other compact SUVs, but you pay for that with its interior and handling on rough roads. The 2011 hasn’t been crash tested yet, and because Jeep completely redid ... [more]

What does a Jeep Commander cost to insure?

The 2010 Jeep Commander is a great SUV if you have to hit some pretty rough roads with a big family. Otherwise, it doesn’t quite measure up to its competition. The Chevy Tahoe offers a more comfortable interior, with a slight reduction in off-road abilities and the Chevy Traverse rides more ... [more]

I’m buying a Chevy Traverse, what should I expect to pay for car insurance?

The Chevy Traverse, while it can carry 8 passengers and tow up to 5,200 lbs, can’t quite hack it on rough terrain. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2011 Traverse a 5-star rating for rollovers, side crashes, and overall crashworthiness. Front crashes got a 4-star ... [more]

Why is Wisconsin closing down so many DMV offices?

The Wisconsin state government planned to close down at least 16 motor vehicle offices. The concern was that the cost of keeping them operational outweighed their value. However, the state government was barraged by criticism over the closings. In response, the administration agreed to keep them ... [more]

I’m getting a permit in North Carolina, are the rules changing?

The rules for your permit are changing, but they won’t go into effect until October 1, 2011. The new law will require you to get 60 hours of driving practice before you can be issued a provisional license. You will only be allowed to do 10 hours of practice driving a week. Of the 60 hours, 10 ... [more]

Do I need to take driver’s education in New York?

Getting a driver’s license can be a trying process. It often seems like there is just one more thing you need to do. In order to get you driver’s license in New York, you must take driver’s education. If you are over the age of 17, you don’t need to do the 50 hours of driving practice. You ... [more]

What are the restrictions on a Montana intermediate license?

The intermediate license is a step between a learner’s permit and a full license. In Montana, this stage of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program is called the “First-Year Restricted License.” As the name implies, the restrictions are on the license for the first year of issue. The ... [more]

Does Minnesota have a moped license?

Minnesota defines a moped as having: • An engine displacement of 50 cc or less • Two-brake horsepower or less • A maximum speed of 30 mph on a level surface Minnesota does offer a moped license. You must be at least 15 years old to get a moped license. However, you don’t need a moped ... [more]

Is texting and driving legal in Maryland?

Texting and driving, a form of distracted driving, has been banned in several states. Texting while driving increases the chance of an accident, making an accident 23 times more likely. Some states have partial bans, while others have full bans. Maryland has instituted a full ban on texting and ... [more]

What is the penalty for a DUI in Kentucky?

If you are convicted of a DUI, you can expect to be paying for it years from now. With a blot like that on your driving record, your insurance premiums will skyrocket. You will be lucky to even get insurance. In addition, the state of Kentucky will levy the following punishments for a first drunk ... [more]

Do I have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Indiana?

Indiana originally had a universal helmet law, but this was repealed in 1977. In its place is a partial law. You are only required to wear a helmet if you are under the age of 18. Just because the law doesn’t require it, doesn’t mean it isn’t a good idea to wear a helmet. You should consider ... [more]

How do I get a motorcycle license in Hawaii?

Driving a motorcycle is the sign of the American rebel. However, to get ride your motorcycle, you need to get a license first. The first step to getting your Hawaii motorcycle license is to get your permit. If you are under the age of 18, you must take a driver’s education course. To get your ... [more]

How do I get a driver’s license in Delaware?

If you are over 18 and want to get you driver license in Delaware, you must go through the driver licensing process. The first step to getting your license is getting your learner’s permit. To get your learner’s permit, or Temporary Instruction Permit, is to: • Pass the vision test • Pass ... [more]

What is on the motorcycle skills test in California?

To get your motorcycle license in California you need to pass the road skills test. You will be asked to identify several items on the motorcycle, they are: • Starter • Kill switch • Clutch • Throttle • Gear selector • Dimmer switch • Brakes • Turn signals • Horn Once ... [more]

Do I need motorcycle insurance in Alaska?

With some exceptions, you are required to prove financial responsibility for your motorcycle in Alaska. You can establish financial responsibility through: • Self-insurance • Posting a bond with the DMV • Buying insurance Most people choose to get insurance, since the other two require ... [more]

Do I need to take motorcycle safety course to get a license in West Virginia?

West Virginia doesn’t offer a standalone motorcycle license. Rather, you must get an endorsement on your regular driver license. To get your motorcycle license, you must take a Basic Rider Course offered by the West Virginia Motorcycle Safety Program. The Basic Rider Course will cost about $100. ... [more]

What is on the Virginia road test?

If you are under the age of 19, you don’t need to worry much about the skills test. The skills test is a part of the required driver’s education course. If you are over the age of 19, you must take the road test at the DMV. Unfortunately, the Virginia DMV doesn’t provide any information about ... [more]

What do insurance costs run on a Volvo S40?

The 2011 Volvo S40 was awarded 4 stars on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 5-star scale for rollover tests. It hasn’t been tested for side, rear or frontal impacts yet, but the 2010 earned 5-star ratings for front and side impacts. An experienced driver with at least ... [more]

What will I spend on insurance for a Volkswagen Routan?

The base model Routan starts at $26,930 MSRP. That makes it only slightly less expensive than Chrysler Town and Country, the most expensive minivan on the market. If you’re looking for something besides the base model, you can expect to pay $43,240 for the SEL premium edition. All 2011 Routan ... [more]

What does it cost to insure a Volkswagen GTI?

The Volkswagen GTI has been one of Car and Driver’s “Ten Best” since 2007 and U.S. News and World Report called the 2011 GTI the “Best Upscale Compact Car for the Money.” The base model comes in at $23,695, but adds up quickly if you add the extras. How much driving experience you have ... [more]

What are the car insurance costs for a Kia Sorento?

The Kia Sorento has garnered some respect for its fuel efficiency. The aggregate fuel economy across all models is 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. That may not sound like much if you’re accustomed to looking at car fuel efficiency, but it is great when you’re talking about a SUV. The estimated ... [more]

What should I be spending on car insurance for a Buick Enclave?

The 2011 Buick Enclave starts at $35,865 MSRP and runs up to $44,345 MSRP depending on the level of trim and if you decided to get four-wheel drive. Consumer Reports describe the interior as “upscale”, made of high-quality materials and with great design. The National Automobile Dealers ... [more]

What are the exceptions for the restrictions on a California intermediate license?

The California intermediate license is a part of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. The intermediate license has a set of restrictions on when the holder may drive. The exceptions to this rule are: • Medical necessity when there is no other reasonable transportation • School or ... [more]

Does the California DMV offer the driver’s handbook in Spanish?

Yes, they do. You can find the driver’s handbook on the California DMV website. All you need to do is select it from the drop down menu. The English version is available as an mp3 on the website, and the Spanish mp3 version should be up soon. You can listen to the mp3s on the computer or download ... [more]

How do I get a driver’s license in Delaware?

If you are over 18 and want to get you driver license in Delaware, you must go through the driver licensing process. The first step to getting your license is getting your learner’s permit. To get your learner’s permit, or Temporary Instruction Permit, is to: • Pass the vision test • Pass ... [more]

How do I get a motorcycle license in Hawaii?

Driving a motorcycle is the sign of the American rebel. However, to get ride your motorcycle, you need to get a license first. The first step to getting your Hawaii motorcycle license is to get your permit. If you are under the age of 18, you must take a driver’s education course. To get your ... [more]

Do I have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Indiana?

Indiana originally had a universal helmet law, but this was repealed in 1977. In its place is a partial law. You are only required to wear a helmet if you are under the age of 18. Just because the law doesn’t require it, doesn’t mean it isn’t a good idea to wear a helmet. You should consider ... [more]

What is the penalty for a DUI in Kentucky?

If you are convicted of a DUI, you can expect to be paying for it years from now. With a blot like that on your driving record, your insurance premiums will skyrocket. You will be lucky to even get insurance. In addition, the state of Kentucky will levy the following punishments for a first drunk ... [more]

Is texting and driving legal in Maryland?

Texting and driving, a form of distracted driving, has been banned in several states. Texting while driving increases the chance of an accident, making an accident 23 times more likely. Some states have partial bans, while others have full bans. Maryland has instituted a full ban on texting and ... [more]

Does Minnesota have a moped license?

Minnesota defines a moped as having: • An engine displacement of 50 cc or less • Two-brake horsepower or less • A maximum speed of 30 mph on a level surface Minnesota does offer a moped license. You must be at least 15 years old to get a moped license. However, you don’t need a moped ... [more]

What are the restrictions on a Montana intermediate license?

The intermediate license is a step between a learner’s permit and a full license. In Montana, this stage of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program is called the “First-Year Restricted License.” As the name implies, the restrictions are on the license for the first year of issue. The ... [more]

Do I need to take driver’s education in New York?

Getting a driver’s license can be a trying process. It often seems like there is just one more thing you need to do. In order to get you driver’s license in New York, you must take driver’s education. If you are over the age of 17, you don’t need to do the 50 hours of driving practice. You ... [more]

I’m getting a permit in North Carolina, are the rules changing?

The rules for your permit are changing, but they won’t go into effect until October 1, 2011. The new law will require you to get 60 hours of driving practice before you can be issued a provisional license. You will only be allowed to do 10 hours of practice driving a week. Of the 60 hours, 10 ... [more]

Why is Wisconsin closing down so many DMV offices?

The Wisconsin state government planned to close down at least 16 motor vehicle offices. The concern was that the cost of keeping them operational outweighed their value. However, the state government was barraged by criticism over the closings. In response, the administration agreed to keep them ... [more]

I’m buying a Chevy Traverse, what should I expect to pay for car insurance?

The Chevy Traverse, while it can carry 8 passengers and tow up to 5,200 lbs, can’t quite hack it on rough terrain. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2011 Traverse a 5-star rating for rollovers, side crashes, and overall crashworthiness. Front crashes got a 4-star ... [more]

What does a Jeep Commander cost to insure?

The 2010 Jeep Commander is a great SUV if you have to hit some pretty rough roads with a big family. Otherwise, it doesn’t quite measure up to its competition. The Chevy Tahoe offers a more comfortable interior, with a slight reduction in off-road abilities and the Chevy Traverse rides more ... [more]

What will I pay to insure a Jeep Compass?

The 2011 Compass has been given a new exterior and off-road capability. The 2011 Compass comes in cheaper and more fuel-efficient than other compact SUVs, but you pay for that with its interior and handling on rough roads. The 2011 hasn’t been crash tested yet, and because Jeep completely redid ... [more]

What are some hidden costs of owning a car?

When purchasing a car, you can’t just think about the cost of the car. You also need to factor in other assorted costs. A cost that has been rising in recent years has been gasoline. When you’re selecting your car, consider the fuel economy. If you need to shell out a hundred dollars every week ... [more]

What should I know about tinting my windows?

The first thing you consider when you are deciding to tint your windows, is how dark your state allows them to be. You may be able to find this information online at your DMV’s website. If they don’t have the information, try your local car dealer. Also, consider the cost of tinting. Compare ... [more]

What does a James Bond car cost?

There have been many James Bond cars over the years, from Astin Martins to Mercedes. If you take the most recent car, the Astin Martin DBS V12, base model you can expect to shell out $275,000. However, you still need to fill it with all the gadgets. Bulletproofing your car would be at least ... [more]

Will my infant car seat be covered by my insurance?

These days you have to have kids in car seats until they’re practically grown up. The exact age varies between states, but they all agree that infants need to be in one. Infant car seats protect the youngsters who are too little for the standard seat belts available in your car. The price on ... [more]

Does car insurance cover my engine?

Engines are an incredibly expensive piece of machinery, quite possibly the most expensive part of your car. If your engine breaks, you’re going to be looking for some kind of financial relief. Unfortunately, the only time your car insurance is going to cover your engine is if you damaged it in an ... [more]

What is a non-standard car insurance policy?

Simply put, a non-standard car insurance policy is designed for those drivers who for one reason or another are difficult to insure. The difficulty may be due to their driving history. For example, they may have numerous traffic violations or DUIs on their record. Most insurance companies are ... [more]

What is the difference for my insurance between a DUI and a DWI?

There really isn’t any difference at all. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are different names for the same phenomenon. Most states set the standard for a DUI or DWI to mean that you have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08. What it means for your ... [more]

What is a PIP waiver?

PIP is an acronym for Personal Injury Protection, a type of medical coverage. What it does is cover the medical expenses for you and your passengers in an accident. Waiving your PIP protection just means that you won’t have the coverage and will have a lower premium. Waiving your PIP coverage ... [more]

How do I get a driver’s license in Ohio?

To get your first time driver license in Ohio, you need to visit the local Driver Examination Station and do the following: • Provide the proper documentation to prove: o Full legal name o Date of birth o Social Security number o Legal presence o Residency • Pass the vision test • ... [more]

How do I get a permit in Pennsylvania?

Getting your driver’s permit is the first step on the road to getting your driver license. Before you go to the Driver License Center, you need to visit a physician and have them fill out a Medical Qualification Certificate (DL-180). Once you’ve done that, you need to visit the Driver License ... [more]

How do I register my car in South Dakota?

Any time you purchase a vehicle, you will need to register it. Registration in South Dakota is done through the local county treasurer’s office. In order to register your car in South Dakota, you must: • Complete an Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration • The application must ... [more]

How do I get a motorcycle license in Utah?

Utah does not offer a motorcycle-only license, you must get an endorsement. This means that you must already have a regular driver’s license. Once you have your driver’s license, you can get a Utah motorcycle endorsement in two ways. • License office: o Fill out the application o Pass the ... [more]

What are some hidden costs of owning a car?

When purchasing a car, you can’t just think about the cost of the car. You also need to factor in other assorted costs. A cost that has been rising in recent years has been gasoline. When you’re selecting your car, consider the fuel economy. If you need to shell out a hundred dollars every week ... [more]

What will I pay to insure a Jeep Compass?

The 2011 Compass has been given a new exterior and off-road capability. The 2011 Compass comes in cheaper and more fuel-efficient than other compact SUVs, but you pay for that with its interior and handling on rough roads. The 2011 hasn’t been crash tested yet, and because Jeep completely redid ... [more]

What does a Jeep Commander cost to insure?

The 2010 Jeep Commander is a great SUV if you have to hit some pretty rough roads with a big family. Otherwise, it doesn’t quite measure up to its competition. The Chevy Tahoe offers a more comfortable interior, with a slight reduction in off-road abilities and the Chevy Traverse rides more ... [more]

I’m buying a Chevy Traverse, what should I expect to pay for car insurance?

The Chevy Traverse, while it can carry 8 passengers and tow up to 5,200 lbs, can’t quite hack it on rough terrain. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2011 Traverse a 5-star rating for rollovers, side crashes, and overall crashworthiness. Front crashes got a 4-star ... [more]

Why is Wisconsin closing down so many DMV offices?

The Wisconsin state government planned to close down at least 16 motor vehicle offices. The concern was that the cost of keeping them operational outweighed their value. However, the state government was barraged by criticism over the closings. In response, the administration agreed to keep them ... [more]

I’m getting a permit in North Carolina, are the rules changing?

The rules for your permit are changing, but they won’t go into effect until October 1, 2011. The new law will require you to get 60 hours of driving practice before you can be issued a provisional license. You will only be allowed to do 10 hours of practice driving a week. Of the 60 hours, 10 ... [more]

Do I need to take driver’s education in New York?

Getting a driver’s license can be a trying process. It often seems like there is just one more thing you need to do. In order to get you driver’s license in New York, you must take driver’s education. If you are over the age of 17, you don’t need to do the 50 hours of driving practice. You ... [more]

What are the restrictions on a Montana intermediate license?

The intermediate license is a step between a learner’s permit and a full license. In Montana, this stage of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program is called the “First-Year Restricted License.” As the name implies, the restrictions are on the license for the first year of issue. The ... [more]

Does Minnesota have a moped license?

Minnesota defines a moped as having: • An engine displacement of 50 cc or less • Two-brake horsepower or less • A maximum speed of 30 mph on a level surface Minnesota does offer a moped license. You must be at least 15 years old to get a moped license. However, you don’t need a moped ... [more]

Is texting and driving legal in Maryland?

Texting and driving, a form of distracted driving, has been banned in several states. Texting while driving increases the chance of an accident, making an accident 23 times more likely. Some states have partial bans, while others have full bans. Maryland has instituted a full ban on texting and ... [more]

What is the penalty for a DUI in Kentucky?

If you are convicted of a DUI, you can expect to be paying for it years from now. With a blot like that on your driving record, your insurance premiums will skyrocket. You will be lucky to even get insurance. In addition, the state of Kentucky will levy the following punishments for a first drunk ... [more]

Do I have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Indiana?

Indiana originally had a universal helmet law, but this was repealed in 1977. In its place is a partial law. You are only required to wear a helmet if you are under the age of 18. Just because the law doesn’t require it, doesn’t mean it isn’t a good idea to wear a helmet. You should consider ... [more]

How do I get a motorcycle license in Hawaii?

Driving a motorcycle is the sign of the American rebel. However, to get ride your motorcycle, you need to get a license first. The first step to getting your Hawaii motorcycle license is to get your permit. If you are under the age of 18, you must take a driver’s education course. To get your ... [more]

How do I get a driver’s license in Delaware?

If you are over 18 and want to get you driver license in Delaware, you must go through the driver licensing process. The first step to getting your license is getting your learner’s permit. To get your learner’s permit, or Temporary Instruction Permit, is to: • Pass the vision test • Pass ... [more]

What is on the motorcycle skills test in California?

To get your motorcycle license in California you need to pass the road skills test. You will be asked to identify several items on the motorcycle, they are: • Starter • Kill switch • Clutch • Throttle • Gear selector • Dimmer switch • Brakes • Turn signals • Horn Once ... [more]

Do I need motorcycle insurance in Alaska?

With some exceptions, you are required to prove financial responsibility for your motorcycle in Alaska. You can establish financial responsibility through: • Self-insurance • Posting a bond with the DMV • Buying insurance Most people choose to get insurance, since the other two require ... [more]

Do I need to take motorcycle safety course to get a license in West Virginia?

West Virginia doesn’t offer a standalone motorcycle license. Rather, you must get an endorsement on your regular driver license. To get your motorcycle license, you must take a Basic Rider Course offered by the West Virginia Motorcycle Safety Program. The Basic Rider Course will cost about $100. ... [more]

What is on the Virginia road test?

If you are under the age of 19, you don’t need to worry much about the skills test. The skills test is a part of the required driver’s education course. If you are over the age of 19, you must take the road test at the DMV. Unfortunately, the Virginia DMV doesn’t provide any information about ... [more]

What do insurance costs run on a Volvo S40?

The 2011 Volvo S40 was awarded 4 stars on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 5-star scale for rollover tests. It hasn’t been tested for side, rear or frontal impacts yet, but the 2010 earned 5-star ratings for front and side impacts. An experienced driver with at least ... [more]

What will I spend on insurance for a Volkswagen Routan?

The base model Routan starts at $26,930 MSRP. That makes it only slightly less expensive than Chrysler Town and Country, the most expensive minivan on the market. If you’re looking for something besides the base model, you can expect to pay $43,240 for the SEL premium edition. All 2011 Routan ... [more]

What does it cost to insure a Volkswagen GTI?

The Volkswagen GTI has been one of Car and Driver’s “Ten Best” since 2007 and U.S. News and World Report called the 2011 GTI the “Best Upscale Compact Car for the Money.” The base model comes in at $23,695, but adds up quickly if you add the extras. How much driving experience you have ... [more]

What are the car insurance costs for a Kia Sorento?

The Kia Sorento has garnered some respect for its fuel efficiency. The aggregate fuel economy across all models is 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. That may not sound like much if you’re accustomed to looking at car fuel efficiency, but it is great when you’re talking about a SUV. The estimated ... [more]

What should I be spending on car insurance for a Buick Enclave?

The 2011 Buick Enclave starts at $35,865 MSRP and runs up to $44,345 MSRP depending on the level of trim and if you decided to get four-wheel drive. Consumer Reports describe the interior as “upscale”, made of high-quality materials and with great design. The National Automobile Dealers ... [more]

What are the exceptions for the restrictions on a California intermediate license?

The California intermediate license is a part of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. The intermediate license has a set of restrictions on when the holder may drive. The exceptions to this rule are: • Medical necessity when there is no other reasonable transportation • School or ... [more]

Does the California DMV offer the driver’s handbook in Spanish?

Yes, they do. You can find the driver’s handbook on the California DMV website. All you need to do is select it from the drop down menu. The English version is available as an mp3 on the website, and the Spanish mp3 version should be up soon. You can listen to the mp3s on the computer or download ... [more]

Meet the Authors

Cecil Helton

Cecil Helton

Owns: 2008 Suzuki SX4
Wants: BMW M5
Dreams: Porsche 959

Gary Grant

Gary Grant

Owns: Mazda 300MX
Wants: Subaru WRX STi
Dreams: Ferrari 458

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