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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Is it true that Arizona is planning to have electronic licenses and proof of insurance instead of physical copies?

Arizona lawmakers are certainly looking into that possibility. One bill in the legislature would allow drivers to use a wireless device to display their proof of insurance and driver’s license. This may be a case of putting the cart before the horse. No state currently issues their licenses in an ... [more]

Can my Washington State driver license be suspended over a broken tail light?

Having a broken tail light is a traffic violation. However, your license could only be suspended for this in a very roundabout way. For example, if you didn’t pay for your ticket, or didn’t show up in court for it, then yes, your driver’s license could be suspended. Even that possibility may ... [more]

Is collision coverage for my car necessary?

Whether or not collision coverage is a necessity is dependent on a number of factors. If you are leasing a car or have a lien on it, you might find that the company you are working through requires that you carry collision; in that case, it is necessary. If you own your car free and clear the ... [more]

Can I reject the Uninsured Motorist coverage in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania requires that you carry certain types of insurance. One of the strongly advised types is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage will protect you if you get into an accident with someone that either doesn’t have insurance, or their insurance isn’t enough to ... [more]

How much more do young men in the UK pay for car insurance compared to young women?

Car insurance in the UK is an expensive proposition if you’re under the age of 21. So no matter which way you slice it, you’ll be out quite a bit of money if you’re young. However, men do have it much worse than women. The average insurance quote for a male age 17 to 20 is £3,730, while the ... [more]

Can I register my car with the Cherokee Nation instead of Oklahoma?

You can if you’re a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Since the Cherokee Nation is considered a sovereign nation, it is allowed to issue its own registration and plates. There is considerable advantage for a member of the Cherokee Nation to register his or her vehicle with that entity rather than ... [more]

Once my kit car is safe for the road in the UK, how do I register it?

To ensure that your kit car was safe for the road in the UK, you’ll have taken it to a Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to undergo the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) testing. Once it passed, you will have been given an Individual Approval Certificate. You need to take that ... [more]

How do I see if my kit car is legal for use on the roads in the UK?

For a kit car to be legally used on the UK roads, it must meet the rules and regulations established by the DVLA. Your vehicle needs to pass the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test. This is the successor to the Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) test. This test will determine its road safety. This ... [more]

Won’t automated cars cost me more in taxes so the government can upgrade roads?

New infrastructure costs more money. Regardless of an automated car, the roads in the U.S. are in sore need of complete replacement rather than the patching that often goes on now. So expect that increase to happen regardless. However, the autonomous cars that are in experimentation now utilize the ... [more]

Won’t automated cars be more dangerous than regular drivers are?

Setting the bar at how well regular drivers do on the road is a pretty low expectation. Driving to work is the most dangerous part of any job. In fact, if driving safety were as regulated as workplace safety, driving would have long since been banned. Most of the problems with driving deal with ... [more]

Is there a way to see how busy the DMV is in Nevada?

The Nevada DMV has no desire to see anyone wait longer than they absolutely have to. In order to minimize the amount of time someone waits at the DMV they’ve instituted a number of initiatives. For example, many transactions can take place online instead of in the DMV itself. In addition, they ... [more]

Does Missouri treat underage DUIs differently than regular ones?

An underage DUI is similar to other DUIs, but the threshold is much lower. Any detectible alcohol will result in a DUI charge. Being underage, you are also subject to a number of other alcohol laws. You can lose your license just for: • Any alcohol related traffic offense • Any offense ... [more]

What are the GDL requirements in Michigan?

If you are under the age of 18 in Michigan and seeking a driver’s license, you must go through their Graduated Driver License process. The first requirement for this program is that you be at least 14 years and 8 months old. You must take driver’s education. Once you’ve completed this step, ... [more]

Do all motor vehicles in Maine need to be titled?

In most states, all motor vehicles need a title. However, Maine doesn’t have this requirement. In fact, they allow for the registration of vehicles that don’t have a title. If your vehicle was manufactured before 1995, it does not need to have a title in Maine. You also don’t need a title for ... [more]

What should I study for the motorcycle knowledge test in Kansas?

If you want to get your motorcycle license in Kansas, you need to pass the knowledge test. The best way to prepare for this is to take an approved motorcycle safety course. That way you’ll be educated by trained professionals who will ensure that you get the most out of your training materials. ... [more]

What safety gear does Illinois recommend for motorcyclists?

Illinois doesn’t require any sort of protective gear for motorcyclists. They used to have a helmet law, but it was repealed in the 70s. Nevertheless, they do recommend that you wear a properly fitted helmet since this will greatly reduce your chance of a fatal head injury. In addition, Illinois ... [more]

What actions can result in a license revocation in Georgia?

A license revocation is called for in especially egregious traffic violations. You must undergo the licensing process if you want to get a driver’s license after your revocation period is done. Your license in Georgia can be revoked for: • Being declared a Habitual ... [more]

What are the point values of traffic violations in Connecticut?

Whenever you commit a traffic violation in Connecticut, you will be assessed a number of points on your driver’s license. Accumulate too many points and your license will be suspended. The number of points assessed is based on the severity of the violation. Some violations and their point values ... [more]

How many points can I get on my driver’s license in Arkansas before it is suspended

Like most states, Arkansas uses a point system to track traffic violations. This system is known as the Arkansas Administrative Point System. Every week a computer program searches through the driver records and identifies those that have fallen into an area for sanction. Once you hit 14 points, ... [more]

What can you tell me about ATVs in Alabama? What can you tell me about ATVs in Alabama?

All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) can be a lot of fun to ride. They offer freedom from the road and the exposure to danger that some find thrilling. Despite the fun of these vehicles, there is an amazing lack of information on ATVs in Alabama. You don’t need to title or register ATVs in Alabama. The one ... [more]

If Wyoming doesn’t use a point system, how do they evaluate driving?

Most states use a driver point system to track your traffic violations. In these cases, a number of points are added to your license when you commit a traffic violation, with more points being added as the severity of the violation increases. In Wyoming, they just add up the number of moving ... [more]

How do I get a motorcycle license in Washington, D.C. if I’m 16?

Washington, D.C., requires that you have a Class M license if you plan to ride a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle that has at least one of the following characteristics: • Piston displacement over 50 cc • Possible speed over 35 mph on level ground • Over 1.5 brake horsepower • Wheels ... [more]

What is the driver license knowledge test like in Vermont?

The driver license knowledge test in Vermont consists of 20 questions. The questions are in multiple-choice format and have four possible answers. You need to answer 16 questions correctly in order to pass. If you fail the test, you must wait at least one day before taking another one. If you have ... [more]

Did Tennessee recently change their citation process?

No, not really recently. They changed them in January of 2011, so if you haven’t had a citation since then, it may look new to you. The process that went into effect last year requires that all citations have certain information at a minimum. That information is: • Citation ... [more]

Does Rhode Island have driver license reciprocity with other countries?

When discussing license reciprocity, what is meant is that you could transfer a license from one locale to another. All states have some sort of license reciprocity with other states. A few states have reciprocity with other countries. Rhode Island only has reciprocity with those areas that are ... [more]

Can I insure my pickup truck in a personal auto policy?

Yes. The definition of covered auto includes pickups and ... [more]

What discounts can I get on my auto insurance?

There are several discounts available: Multi-car Anti-lock brake systems More than one policy with the same insurance company Air-bags Anti-theft devices Good student New ... [more]

I get confused by limits expressed like this: $100,000/$300,000. What does that mean?

This means the limits for bodily injury would be $100,000 per person for injuries you caused to the other party. The $300,000 is the top limit for all injuries sustained in that one ... [more]

How do I get a new drivers license moving from New York to Virginia?

Driver’s Licenses are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles in Virginia. (http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/eligibility.asp) You must obtain a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days of moving there. You will have to take the vision test but if you have a valid New York ... [more]

I got into an accident with a drunk driver. There were injuries and severe car damage. The problem is that the driver had the minimum insurance requirement in Texas. I think the damages will be more than that. What do I do?

The minimum coverage in Texas is $25,000 and $50,000 for bodily injury liability and $25,000 for property damage. (On January 1, 2011, these limits will increase to $30,000 of coverage for each injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per ... [more]

Should the cost of car insurance be the same for everybody irrespective of age, etc.?

Probably not. Car insurance rates are determined by the actuaries working for the insurance companies. The individuals in this profession collect statistics of actual accidents and place them in computer models designed to generate a rate that will cover claims and make the insurance company ... [more]

My policy cancelled for non-payment. What do I do?

You can ask your insurance agent/company if you can be reinstated. In general, the process is that you will receive a notice that your policy will be cancelled for non-payment within 15 days (the time varies by company) if payment is not received. If the payment is not received by that date, the ... [more]

What happens if the damage is more than my car is worth?

The insurance industry’s definition of totaled is when an accident causes so much damage to the car, it would cost more to repair it than the vehicle is actually worth. That damage that ends up totaling a car goes to the worth of the car. For example, minor damage could end up totaling a ... [more]

I totaled my wife’s new car and don’t have insurance. I live in Ohio. What will happen to me?

In Ohio, it is illegal to drive any motor vehicle without insurance or other financial responsibility (FR) proof. If you receive a traffic ticket indicating that proof of FR was not produced, you must submit proof to the traffic violations bureau along with payment of a fine and costs for the ... [more]

I have heard there is something called agreed value for car insurance on classic cars—how does that differ from cash value?

There are three ways car insurance companies pay out when a classic car is declared totaled : Actual Cash Value, Agreed Amount Value and Stated Amount Value. Actual Cash Value: This is the way 99% of all standard car insurance policies are written. This means that the claim adjuster for the ... [more]

Does full coverage insurance repair 100% of the costs of the other vehicle?

Full coverage actually means that you have the following insurance: Bodily injury liability (required in all states but one) Property damage liability (required in all states but one) Collision which covers your vehicle if it gets damaged in a collision Comprehensive which covers your ... [more]

Does full coverage insurance repair 100% of the costs of the other vehicle?

It will depend on the coverage you have and the damage that has been done. Let’s take a look at the six major coverages and how the payouts will work if you are at fault: Bodily injury liability- This will pay out to the other parties if injuries were sustained Property damage liability- ... [more]

Does a car insurance company pay you if you are the one who caused the accident?

I got into an accident while my insurance was pending. The other driver had insurance that will pay for his vehicle. Will the insurance company then turn around and demand money from me for the accident?

If you get into an accident without insurance that means that the other driver had collision and /or uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. That insurance pays out to the driver who has received damage to his/her own vehicle. However, the insurance company will want to get their money ... [more]

How much will a DUI conviction cost me?

In 2008, alcohol played a part in 37% of car accident fatalities. That translated to 13,846 alcohol related fatalities against 37,261 total fatalities. The total cost for a typical DUI is about $10,000 by the time all the bills are paid. Consider all of the ways a DUI can drain your bank ... [more]

What can I do if my auto insurance is too expensive?

If you are looking to reduce your current insurance, there are several policy areas you can consider changing: Deductibles: You could increase your deductible. This will reduce your insurance expenses. For example raising your deductible from $200 to $1000 could reduce your collision premium by ... [more]

How does car insurance look at repairing accident damage if there already were previous dents and scratches on the spot where fresh accident damage occurred?

Let’s take a look at a couple of scenarios: If you had a few nicks and dents on your bumper and then the bumper is damaged so badly, it needs a new bumper; the insurance would pay out for the new bumper and disregard the nicks and dents in the old one. Let’s say your right side panel had ... [more]

A car hit me from behind when I had to suddenly stop because the car in front of me stopped. I did not rear end the person in front of me. I only have liability insurance and the other driver has insurance.

What would happen is that the other driver’s insurance would pay out on the property damage up to the property limit because he was at fault for hitting you from behind. However, if he did not have insurance and you just had liability coverage, you would have to try to get the other driver to ... [more]

What are the functions of car insurance?

The ultimate function of insurance is to make the situation as right as possible. To restore things back to the way they were prior to the accident. If you were injured, you have to be healed. If your car got damaged, it would be repaired. If your car died on the road, towing insurance would be ... [more]

What are the ten worst vehicles to insure because of high losses?

Every few years, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety releases insurance loss rates by car model. You would expect the worst vehicles to insure to be a target of thieves, have expensive replacement parts, and be larger and more expensive cars. For the 2005-2007 models, insurers paid the ... [more]

Who are the best car insurance companies?

Using affordability, value of service and responsiveness as the leading barometers, the Top Ten List website, http://www.the-top-tens.com/lists/best-auto-insurance-companies.asp, put together a list of the 20 best car insurance companies as voted on by their readers. The first 10 companies ... [more]

Is an insurance company required to tell you why your claim was denied?

Yes, they are. For example, in Texas, a Consumer Bill of Rights exists. It states: Upon request, you have the right to be told in writing why you have been denied coverage. The written statement must fully explain the decision, including the precise incidents, circumstances, or risk ... [more]

Do I need to hold a permit for 180 days if I’m 18 in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires those under the age of 18 to hold the permit for 180 days. You do not need to hold a permit for that length of time. You will still need to take the knowledge test and the road skills test in order to get your license. Make sure you bring the following to the DMV ... [more]

Do you need insurance to get a license in California?

Yes. According to the California DMV website (http://dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm) you need proof of financial responsibility prior to getting a license: Below is everything you need to get a license in California: You must: · Be 16 years old · Have had your ... [more]

I have a driver’s permit, do I need insurance to obtain a driver’s license in Indiana?

According to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), any person who is younger than 18-years old must submit a completed, notarized agreement of financial liability when applying permit or license. The agreement is called the Agreement of Financial Liability - State Form 39531. This has to ... [more]