Reader’s Question:

Is it safe to buy senior citizen auto insurance online? By the way, I am from North Carolina.

Robin

Winston-Salem, NC

Hi there, Robin. The only thing I can say about your question is that, as with everything else, there are certain advantages and disadvantages to buying auto insurance online. No one can really say that it is safe or that it is not safe, because you are still making transactions with humans after all, even if it is on the Internet.

Finding the cheapest auto insurance for a senior citizen would prove to be uncomplicated. Senior citizens are automatically eligible for numerous discounts. Auto insurance companies are not hesitant on giving them lower auto insurance premiums since they are not considered as high-risk drivers.

Now, buying from the Internet an auto insurance policy for a senior citizen could double the amount that you would be saving from not having to consult with an independent auto insurance agent or doing a door-to-door journey there in North Carolina to find the ultimate auto insurance that would best satisfy your needs. You can just sit down in front of your computer, while drinking your cold lemonade, and just surf away and ask for free instant quotes from different auto insurance providers online. You can compare and analyze the auto insurance policies they offer all within the comforts of your own house.

The only thing you need to worry about in buying your auto insurance policy online is the reliability of the auto insurance carrier. But even this does not pose much of a problem because you can always check the list of accredited companies on the Web sites of your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Insurance. You will find on these Web sites more useful tips and information that could guide you in protecting the best of your interests.

So, if I were you, do not be scared of the Internet. Just be wise, and I am sure you will find no trouble.

Tags: auto insurance online, auto insurance premium, Car insurance discounts, cheap auto insurance, senior car insurance

Reader’s Question:

Is it legal for car insurance companies in Louisiana to raise their premiums for people over the age of 75?

Vincent

Baton Rouge, LA

All car insurance companies employ insurance risk selection methods to determine whether or not to insure an individual and to decide on what insurance premium to charge. The government can mandate insurance premiums. It can also be determined by car insurance companies based on the regulations set by the government. But if the premium is not mandated by the government, insurance actuaries derive their calculations on statistical data. This means that premiums may differ depending on various factors assumed to have impact on expected future claims. Car characteristics, car usage, coverage preferred, and the drivers’ profile are some of the factors that can be included.

Majority of car insurance providers charge higher premiums to drivers over 75 to offset the risk since senior citizens have a tendency to file claims more than most other ages. This way, car insurance companies are trying to minimize their liability for insuring a high-risk age group.

Since you are looking at lowering your premiums, shop around. Insurers use different methods to calculate risk. There is a good chance that you may find lower premiums from another company in Louisiana. It is best to talk with an car insurance agent who represents multiple companies, so that you can get as much information as you need about numerous company offers instead of calling the companies individually.

Tags: auto insurance claims, auto insurance premium, Car Insurance Company, high risk insurance, senior car insurance

Reader’s Question:

My car was stolen a couple of days ago in Nevada, and I have already filed a report about it. Do I still have to continue paying my car insurance premiums?

Bree

Spring Valley, NV

One thing you can do first is to file an insurance claim for your stolen car with your insurance provider. However, if your premium payments are due immediately, then you should contact your local insurer to find out whether you have to pay the premiums even if your car was stolen, or you have to wait until your insurance claim gets resolved.

You should also consider the possibility of your vehicle being recovered by the police; otherwise, you don’t have to pay for the premiums. If the thief gets into an accident and injures people with your stolen car, you will not be held liable for that incident.

Moreover, there are companies there in Nevada that includes car theft in their policy, which means that if your car gets stolen, the insurance company will pay for the expenses in repairing your damaged car or completely replacing it. Remember that the more coverage you have, the more protected you are, in spite of the high premium rates. Call your agent to make sure if you have coverage should your vehicle gets stolen.

You may need to pay the company or the bank that’s financing your stolen vehicle until your insurer complies with your claims. But if delays occur in your claims, and you exceeded your required payments, the insurance company will repay you together with interests. So, be sure to contact your local insurer as well as your bank regarding this matter.

Tags: auto insurance claims, auto insurance coverage, auto insurance premium

Reader’s Question:

Hi there. I’m planning to buy my first car next week. It’s not really a new car, so I was wondering if I will still have to get insurance for it. I live in Michigan.

Andrew

Detroit, MI

Hi Andrew, you must be really excited to get your first car. My first car was a lemon, too, but I loved every bit of it. However, no matter how old your new car will be, you will still need to have it insured in order to drive it legally. Most states will require proof of adequate insurance even before allowing you to register your vehicle. In Michigan, the minimum insurance limits are 20/40/10 or translated as 20K for bodily injury per person with a max of 40k per accident and 10K for property damage.

If you haven’t decided on a vehicle yet, it would be good to know that some vehicles cost less to insure than others. Also, some car insurers provide additional discounts for vehicles with safety gear or anti theft devices. Since you won’t be driving a brand-new car, it shouldn’t cost too much to have it covered. You may want to look into getting full coverage for your car. Look into getting comprehensive insurance, collision insurance and personal injury liability, as well. Of course when you graduate to a new car, please remember that you cannot just carry over your old insurance into a new vehicle. You will want to up your insurance coverage limits to make sure it can cover the cost of repairs to your new car.

Tags: auto insurance, auto insurance coverage

Reader’s Question:

Hi. My name is Steve. San Antonio, Texas is a nice city to live in. However, I need to tighten my belt really bad or I will be in financial ruin. Can you give me tips on how I can save from my car insurance premium so I can stay living in the city I love?

Steve

San Antonio, TX

Steve, when times are hard and when hard pressed, we are forced to look for ways to adapt to our situation. We know that car insurance really eats up a large amount of our budget. So, here are a few tips on how to save on your car insurance premiums.

• First and foremost, be sure to follow road rules. Following road rules will keep you from being issued traffic tickets. Drunk driving or DUI apprehension will get you on a high risk list for 3 to 5 years and will result to higher premiums.
• Second, insurers look for clients that stay in one job for at least three years. Staying in one job gives you a profile that you are safe and stable. This will make your premiums go down over the years.
• Third is taking defensive driving courses. Car insurance companies will give you discounts if you show them your certificate that you attended a defensive driving course.
• Fourth, you can move to a safer neighborhood. Moving in the suburbs will subject your car to fewer risks.
• And lastly, avoid making a claim from your policy if it’s just minor repairs. Having zero claims will reward you in less premiums and deductibles over time.

By the way, my wife is from San Antonio, Texas, too. We San Antonians should stick together.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance, cheap auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

Hey, peepz, I got into a motor accident here in Elyria, Ohio, and my insurance company tells me that I’m underinsured. I don’t know what the heck that means. Can someone please enlighten me here?

Hadrian

Elyria, Ohio

Hadrian, I’m not really very sure but as far as I am concerned, underinsurance is actually a policy option, so that means you were the one who chose that. So, I don’t understand why you were not aware of that. Next time, be more attentive to the papers you are signing and to the agent of the insurance company. Anyways, from what I know, being an underinsured motorist means that the damage in your car is covered, and also, if you have any physical injuries, that is covered as well IF it was the fault of the other motorist and not yours and if that motorist’s insurance policy is insufficient or is already exhausted to be able to pay for all of your expenses.

This actually saves you all the hassle of going to court and pursuing the other party because your underinsured motorist insurance policy will most likely pay for the punitive damages. I don’t know about how it is there in Elyria, Ohio, but in some states, some companies even pay for the property damages. Why don’t you ask your insurance company for more information about being an underinsured motorist because I’m sure that there are certain policies there in Ohio that governs this kind of claims? And also, I don’t know what is going to happen if you’re the party at fault. I guess you would be in real trouble.

Tags: auto insurance claims, car insurance agent, Car Insurance Company

Reader’s Question:

I just want to know if the windshield replacement claim raises car insurance rates in Elizabeth, New Jersey?

Sarah

Elizabeth, NJ

In general a car insurance claim for a windshield replacement should not make your vehicle insurance rates to increase. The windshield replacement does not affect your driving history, so therefore it should not have any bearing on your risk factor as a driver with the insurance provider.

A car windshield glass insurance claim would be covered under the comprehensive coverage of your auto insurance policy. With this coverage on your automobile the only expense for the replacement might be your deductible. I suggest that you speak with your car insurance agent in to get more information if the windshield replacement claim would affect your car insurance rates in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Tags: auto insurance claims, car insurance

Reader’s Question:

I had a car insurance lapse for a year and a half in Boise, Idaho. I am planning to get insurance again from a different auto insurer. I am just wondering what the consequences and penalties are in this kind of situation?

Mark

Boise, ID

You should be able to get car insurance in Boise, Idaho and have your car insured but normally you will find higher car insurance rates because of the lapse in your car coverage and if your car insurance was terminated for non-payment.

Before getting auto insurance you will first have to take care of any issues, like suspension of your drivers license that the state of ID may have put upon you due to being without insurance for more than a year. The Idaho Department of Transportation states that in Idaho if you fail to carry car insurance your driving privileges will be suspended.

The Idaho driver’s manual states that if you violate ID insurance laws, for the first offense, you will be required to provide proof of financial responsibility for a year. With a second offense in a 5-year period, you will be required to provide proof of financial responsibility for a period of 3 years. This certified statement of liability insurance coverage form from your insurance company is also known as sr22 certificate.

Tags: auto insurance, sr22 insurance

Reader’s Question:

My wife is unable to get a drivers license in the state of Florida and she was told that she need to get an sr22 in Warwick, Rhode Island? She would like to know how she can get that?

Jim

Warwick, RI

According to the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (RI DBR) your wife needs to purchase auto insurance in Florida insurance carrier is licensed as well to do business in the state of Rhode Island. The insurance company will be able to provide her the financial responsibility certificate or sr22 that she needs and what the state is mandating her to carry.

I would suggest that you check with the Rhode Island DBR website to get a list of insurance providers that are license in the state of Rhode Island You may also check the insurance department in the state of Florida for a list of insurance providers to know which insurers are licensed and authorized in both states.

If you and your wife are now living in the state of Florida you can obtain the Florida car insurance that is needed and since it will need to be with an insurance provider that also sells auto insurance in Warwick Rhode Island they should be able to file the RI financial responsibility form or SR22 with the state for your wife.

Tags: auto insurance, sr22 insurance

Reader’s Question:

How much cost does auto insurance rates increase with 2 speeding tickets on my driving record?

Hanna

Mobile, AL

It depends. Ultimately you will have to contact your insurance provider to check how much cost your insurance premiums will increase, if at all. Any increase however will depend on how many other infractions you already have on your driving record. Moreover, it will depend on how much over the speed limit you were ticketed. Again, it will depend on the cost your insurance provider charges for those kind of violations. So, insurance companies are required to file their rates and rules with regulatory bodies like your state’s Department of Insurance. They will not be able to enforce these higher auto insurance rates until your current policy expires and if you decide to renew it.