Questions And Answers

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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Are IID devices installed for first time DUI offenders in Virginia?

Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) are installed in vehicles and function as a breathalyzer. The driver has to breathe into it in order for the vehicle’s engine to start. The driver typically must breathe into the device several more times in the process of driving in order for the engine to keep ... [more]

Michigan’s roads are terrible; will the state ever fix them?

Well, they may, someday. The problem with the roads in Michigan is the lack of money to repair them. At least, that’s what the government has said about the problem. Michigan insists it needs at least $1.4 billion more just for repairs and maintenance of the roads Michigan currently has. Getting ... [more]

Does political preference affect car buying?

It is a little hard to say if straight political preference affects car buying, but recent studies have shown that car-buying patterns differ between Red States and Blue States. Red states are those that typically vote Republican, while Blue States vote Democrat. The Ford F-150 is the most popular ... [more]

Are licenses in Alabama REAL ID compliant?

The REAL ID Act calls for all states to ensure that their driver’s licenses be compliant with the standards laid out in the Act. The type of ID is called a STAR ID. STAR stands for Secure, Trusted, and Reliable. Alabama’s driver licenses as of February 13, 2012 are STAR cards. In order to get a ... [more]

Are novice drivers in Arizona restricted from using cell phones?

Novice drivers are usually defined as a driver going through the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. Right now, Arizona does not ban the use of cell phones by novice drivers. There is a State Senate bill SB1056 that would require those individuals who hold learner’s permits or intermediate ... [more]

Do mopeds or electric bikes require insurance in Alabama?

Yes, although it doesn’t flat out say that in any one law. You need to add several together to get that piece of information. Alabama defines a motor vehicle as being “self-propelled”. A motorcycle is a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle that has no more than three wheels. A motor-driven ... [more]

Are CITE vehicles very effective?

CITE or Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles have been cited as being very useful in combating the use of cell phones and texting while driving. New York State has banned the use of handheld cell phones while driving along with texting while driving. Conviction results in fines and ... [more]

What is a CITE vehicle?

CITE is an abbreviation for Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicle. This is a term used by the New York State Police. This vehicle was just recently introduced into the police force’s arsenal. The primary use of this vehicle is to catch people who are texting or using their cell phones ... [more]

Does every teen need to take driver’s education to get a driver’s license?

No. While driver’s education is a popular part of many Graduated Driver License (GDL) programs, it isn’t necessarily a part of them all. Some states don’t find driver’s education to be a necessary and don’t require it of their teen drivers. In fact, according to a recent study, as many as ... [more]

If I am 18 and have a permit, do I need to have someone 21 or older in the car since I’m not in the GDL?

While Graduated Driver License (GDL) programs and learner’s permits are linked, they are not necessarily the same thing. The GDL process is designed for those drivers under the age of 18, so you are correct, you wouldn’t need to follow those rules. However, if your state requires that you hold ... [more]

My sister got into an accident with my car, but neither of us is insured, what do I do?

It sounds like you’re going to be paying out some money. Every state but New Hampshire requires some level of car insurance if you have a registered car. Because she was driving the car, she has some measure of liability for the accident. Since you are the owner of the car, you have a measure of ... [more]

What can you tell me about JD Power and Associates?

JD Power and Associates is a marketing firm that started in 1968. It has its headquarters in Westlake Village, California. It was recently acquired by McGraw-Hill. JD Power is best known for its rating of the customer service process of car insurance companies. They rate • Policies ... [more]

What companies rate car insurance companies?

Not all insurance companies are created equal. Some are better at providing various services. In order for the customer to be better informed, certain companies conduct regular surveys to determine which car insurance companies are providing the best service. Possibly the most famous ratings ... [more]

What are the requirements of the GDL program in Florida?

The process of getting your driver’s license through the Graduated Driver License (GDL) system can seem a tedious at times. First, you need to pass a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Course. Then you need to apply for the learner’s permit, pass a written, vision, and hearing test, and have ... [more]

Why do all specialty license plates look the same in Colorado?

Most states that offer a variety of license plates also offer a variety of designs. Sometimes the profusion of designs can be very confusing. This actually is the primary reason that Colorado’s license plates all have the same basic design: a mountain range. The only thing that changes is the ... [more]

What is de-insurance in Arizona?

If your vehicle is not roadworthy for some particular reason, you can de-insure your vehicle. You only want to do this if your vehicle will be off the road for a long time. De-insurance is the process for de-insuring your vehicle during this period. To de-insure your vehicle, you need to complete ... [more]

Can I renew a motorcycle permit in Wisconsin?

The motorcycle permit is the first step on the road to getting your motorcycle license. To get a motorcycle permit, you must pass a knowledge test, a sign test, and a vision test. If you’re 18, you must also have a sponsor, provide proof of driver’s education completion, and provide proof of ... [more]

Does Washington State have any driver license reciprocity agreements?

When a state is said to have reciprocity when it comes to driver’s licenses, it means that they will exchange a driver’s license from another state or country for one of their own. Washington State has reciprocity with all other states in the U.S. They also have reciprocity with Germany, South ... [more]

How do I know if a car seat is incorrectly installed in South Dakota?

Car seats are an important part of ensuring that your children are safe when you are driving. Failure to correctly install the car seat can actually make them more dangerous than if you didn’t have them at all. For that reason, it is vital that you install these devices correctly. A car seat is ... [more]

How many points can I get on my license in Ohio before it is suspended?

Ohio, like most states, utilizes a point system in order to track traffic violations. The values of the points are tied to how seriously the state views a particular crime. For example, homicide by vehicle is six points, whereas speeding would be two points if you were going 10 to 30 miles over the ... [more]

What safety gear does New York recommend for motorcyclists?

As a motorcyclist, you are in much greater danger of suffering head and neck injuries than a regular motorist is. You need to protect yourself from the dangers of the road. For this reason, New York recommends that you wear an approved helmet and eye protection. They mention that “novelty ... [more]

What are the point values of traffic violations in Montana?

When you commit traffic violations in Montana a number of points will be added to your license. Violations have a different point value based on their severity. Accumulation of too many will result in a suspension as a Habitual Offender. The violations and their point values are: • Deliberate ... [more]

What should I study for the Minnesota motorcycle knowledge test?

If you want to get a motorcycle license in Minnesota, you must pass a knowledge exam as the first step. Your best bet to passing the knowledge test is to take a motorcycle safety course. There you can be trained by experts, not only in the head knowledge you need in order to pass this test, but ... [more]

I’ve been offered a great deal on a salvage vehicle, is there any reason I shouldn’t take it?

That all depends on what you’re buying the vehicle for. If you’re looking for scrap or replacement parts, there really isn’t a reason not to go for it. However, if you’re looking to rebuild it to drive around, you may want to reconsider. There are several problems with rebuilt ... [more]

Is it legal to block my own driveway by parking in front of it in California?

Here you are going to run into the difference between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. The law as written says that it is illegal to block any driveway, including your own. However, according to some law enforcement officials, they’d let this pass because the spirit of the law ... [more]

My mother put me on her insurance on Friday. Can I still drive my mother’s car even if the new insurance card didn’t come in yet?

Yes. As long as her insurance card is in the car for proof of insurance. When the insurance is checked, it will be discovered that you are on the ... [more]

I am going into the military and will not be driving my car for a while. However, I do not want it to show that I didn’t have insurance because I will be driving the car again, eventually. What can I do?

Many insurers will allow you to suspend the car insurance until you will be able to drive again. Contact your agent or the insurance company for ... [more]

How can I get cheaper car insurance? There must be a way!

Check out at least five insurance company quotes. There can be a surprising variance among pricing from different companies. In addition to that, there are four other ways to lower insurance costs: Deductibles: Make the deductibles as high as possible. This means instead of a $500 deductible ... [more]

If I am covered under a commercial policy, will my personal insurance get a surcharge?

It will not. Commercial and personal insurance are two unrelated ... [more]

What does no outstanding liabilities mean when it comes to car insurance?

A court will sometimes ask for this. Just have the agent get them a letter that states there are no liens, debts, or outstanding liabilities between the insured and the insurance company. It is a common practice to have to prove this. ... [more]

I want to change car insurance companies now, at my renewal. However, my car is being repaired by my current company because of an accident. Will they stop working on the car?

No. If the accident occurred during the policy period and the premiums are paid in full, work will be completed on the car. It will not impact the situation if the insurance company ... [more]

I had my insurance on a 2006 Toyota Scion. I then traded that in for a 2010 Toyota Scion. I got in an accident with that car two weeks after I bought it. However, I had not yet added the new car to my insurance. Am I insured?

Yes. The insurance company usually allows 30 days to report another vehicle on the policy. And think about it, the insurance on the old car is still being paid for. So, it’s a minor thing to switch cars even though the premium may turn out to be a little higher because of the newer ... [more]

I got into an accident on a boat which was covered under my parent’s boat policy. I am currently getting insurance for a new car. One of the questions on the application is- “Were you ever involved in a traffic accident?” Do I have to report the boat accident?

No. They are entirely unrelated. Now, if your parents were purchasing boat insurance the incident would have to ... [more]

I had a slight bump into another car with no visible damage, what do I do?

There are two courses of action that can be taken: · Do nothing. It will not be noticed by the driver of the other car. · Write a note with your insurance information on it and leave it on the windshield of the other car. State that you saw no damage to the car but they can ... [more]

I got hit by another car while I was sitting at an intersection. The other driver admitted it was her fault. Do I have to report it to my insurance company and will my rate go up?

It’s always a good idea to report an accident, no matter whose fault it is, to the insurance company. Surprising things can arise in another’s rendition of the accident. And no, the insurance rate will not increase if the other individual has admitted ... [more]

I can’t afford car insurance right now… I just have too many other obligations. What happens if you are caught while driving without insurance?

The penalties for driving without insurance differ from state to state. However, they can be quite serious. For a ticket: In addition to receiving a citation for the original offense, another citation will be issued for driving without insurance. In some states, the vehicle registration can be ... [more]

Can a 17-year old purchase auto insurance on his or her own?

Generally, one must be a legal adult (usually 18 years old) to purchase insurance. However, a minor can still purchase car insurance but a parent or guardian may be required to co-sign on the policy. It’s much more advisable and less costly to go on a parent or legal guardian’s ... [more]

Who do I file with if I was a passenger in a vehicle that was hit and the other driver was at fault?

The claim can be filed against the insurance company of the driver you were with. It can also be filed with the company of the at-fault driver if the insurance information is available. If in doubt, file a claim to both and let them both ... [more]

I was in a car accident and the other party provided expired auto insurance to the police officer who did not notice it. What do I do?

Report it to your insurance company and let them handle it. However, if the other driver is uninsured and you do not have collision or uninsured motorist insurance, you may have to go after the other driver to be ... [more]

An unknown car parked in my driveway. I did not give the driver permission to park there. When I pulled out, I dented her car. Am I at fault even though she was trespassing?

Yes. The driver that hits a parked car is typically at fault. Drivers are responsible for avoiding all obstacles, even parked ... [more]

What is wrong with online car insurers?

Nothing. What matters is how the insured wants to work with the insurance companies. If an insured likes a personal touch meaning someone to talk to, an insurance agent in his or her community might be best. If price is all that matters, there are several good companies online but the personal ... [more]

What does Comprehensive mean when it comes to car insurance?

This is also known as other than collision (OTC) coverage. It means anything that can happen to the insured’s vehicle that is not a collision is covered (minus a deductible). This includes damage by theft, vandalism, storms, animals, floods, etc. It is an optional ... [more]

Will the insurance company cover damage to the fender grill/ bumper hood if I have liability insurance?

The property damage will be paid if the insurance coverage includes collision. If not, the other driver’s insurance would pay under the property damage liability coverage (required in most ... [more]

Does the insurance company usually call and ask you questions about the accident or is it all a hoax to get my statement recorded?

When you get in an accident, it is standard operating procedure for an insurance company representative, usually a claims adjuster, to contact the individuals involved in the accident and record the conversation for the protection of company and the ... [more]

I have an uninsured vehicle registered in my name. My girlfriend, who is fully insured on her own vehicle, got into an accident while driving mine. Will her insurance pay?

Insurance is primarily written on the vehicle’s owner and covers whoever is driving the vehicle. So, in most cases, her insurance would not pay. If both cars were insured, the insurance that would pay out would be from the policy belonging to the owner of the vehicle. However, in some states, ... [more]

If I get into an accident and the insurance company pays, will I get a check for the amount or will it go direct to the place that repairs my car?

If an insurance company approved repair place is used, the check could be made out to them (minus the deductible, if applicable). There are other cases where the insured would receive the check directly. It’s best to ask the claims adjuster how the payout ... [more]

I was in a car accident today and the one who hit me has no driver’s license or insurance. He begged us not to call the real owners of the car and said he would pay for the damage. What do I do?

As a general rule of thumb, report everything to everyone, in each instance, as soon as possible. It cannot be predicted what people will say or what promises will be kept. What can be set are the facts that are provided as soon as possible after the ... [more]

My car was parked in the street and when I went out to it, the driver’s side mirror was shattered. What can I do?

Regarding replacing the mirror, unfortunately the best option probably is to replace it yourself. The cost of that depending on the make and model of the car, is probably less than the deductible. The incident could also be reported to the police in case there are other reports of car vandalism in ... [more]

I’m listed as a secondary driver on my mom’s policy but I don’t want to drive her car. I have a motorcycle and only drive that. How can I get off of my mom’s policy? I’m 17

All licensed drivers in the household are listed on the policy because they have access to the vehicles. If you do not want to be on there, your mom can either get a new policy and/or specifically exclude you as a driver. However, depending on the company, that may also be ... [more]

How much does car insurance typically cost for a 16-year old girl, who lives in Minnesota?

We receive many queries like that and they are difficult to answer on a question board but easy to find the answer to. You can find out in one of two places—your parent’s insurance company or by completing online quote forms from different companies. Factors that impact the cost are ... [more]