7 Tips to help You Get Cheap Auto Insurance
Reader’s Question:
Like everyone else, I want to get cheap auto insurance rates. Just how do I do this without having to hire any brokers or spend too much time? Am I asking for too much here?
Zeus
Biloxi, MS
These days, who has the luxury of spending hours with agents or brokers 
to find auto insurance coverage? Still it is worth it to make sure you find the policy and provider that suits you best. Here are some useful tips to help you:
1. Start Online – Use auto insurance comparison websites (like this one). You get access to free instant auto insurance quote checks and are able to compare many different insurers simultaneously. This saves you a lot of time and effort in finding the best-priced deals out there.
2. Read the Policy Carefully – Know exactly what you’ll be paying for. Sometimes you end up with coverage items that are completely useless to you. Take off redundant coverage. If you have an old, cheap vehicle consider lowering (or dropping) comprehensive coverage.
3. Get Discounts - You can get discounts for bundling multiple policies with one company, for taking defensive driving courses, or for lowering your total annual mileage. Discounts are a great way to lower expensive coverage. Make sure to always ask for what you’re eligible for.
4. Go with a Competitive Company – Find out which insurers have the best service, rates, claims handing process, etc. by visiting the websites of Independent rating agencies like A.M. Best and J.D. Power. You can get valuable insights that will help you determine the companies you should do business with.
5. Choose a Bigger Deductible - Higher deductible, lower premiums. Just don’t make it too high though.
6. Setup an Annual Payment Plan – Most insurers today offer reduced rates or discounts for customers who pay a year upfront. If you can afford to, take advantage of this to save more in the long run.
7. Be a Good Driver – Nothing beats a good driving history when it comes to keeping affordable coverage for years to come.
Factors That Determine Your Auto Insurance Quote
Reader’s Question:
Is it true that I will pay more on my auto insurance if I drive a smaller vehicle? What other things should I know about that could cause me to pay higher rates?
Lillian
Ann Arbor, MI
Excellent question! First of all, yes it is quite possible for you to get charged higher auto insurance on a smaller vehicle. Everyday physics would tell you that in a collision between a smaller vehicle and a bigger one, the latter will always win. Passengers on a smaller car would have a higher risk of death or injuries in this case, even with a ton of safety features in place. This higher risk is what causes people to get more expensive auto insurance quotes from insurers.
Other things that can cause you to pay more on auto insurance:
1. Poor Credit Rating - Those with poor credit tend to file more claims and get into more accidents (statistically speaking). This increases the risk and therefore the rates.
2. Unsatisfactory Driving History – Getting into more accidents or collecting traffic tickets is probably the quickest way to skyrocket your rates.
3. Annual Mileage – The more you are on the road, the higher the risk of getting into a car accident.
4. Too Much Claims – Claims indicates how frequently you get into car accidents. The more you file the more you’re telling your insurer that you are a riskier driver.
I highly recommend you do as much auto insurance quote checks as you can. Use online auto insurance comparison websites to do this easily and quickly so you can get the best offers.
SR22 Insurance For DUI
Filed under: DUI insurance, Driving drunk insurance, Drunk driver insurance
Reader’s Question:
My boyfriend was convicted of DUI last week. I want to know what does the conviction of DUI involved and what are the requirements needed so that he can continue driving his car in Nebraska.
Kathy
Aurora, NE
In Nebraska, when a person is found guilty of DUI, all vehicles owned by the person will be immobilized for not less than 5 days but not more than 8 months. Immobilization refers to the revocation or suspension of the vehicle registration including the license plates. The officer may confiscate the license of a drunk driver on the spot if the driver acts drunk or fails on field sobriety test. This may also eventually leads to the arrest of the driver for driving under the influence of alcohol.
A court ordered revocation is an order from the court to suspend any license or operating privileges for a specific period of time set by the court. Your boyfriend’s license was revoked because he is convicted of a traffic violation, specifically on driving under the influence or DUI.
Your boyfriend needs to meet the following license reinstatement requirements if he wants to continue driving his car here in Nebraska. He must sign an affidavit of lost license if he no longer has the possession of his license. However, this requirement does not apply to an expired license.
Another requirement is to file proof of financial liability coverage in the form of SR22 insurance. The filing for SR22 insurance for DUI convicted motorist can be requested from an insurance company. This type of insurance is usually for high risk drivers. So naturally, a requested SR22 insurance for DUI drivers is charged high by most insurance companies.
Your boyfriend must keep this certificate for a minimum period of three years from the date of eligibility. Failure to comply with this requirement would result to the re-suspension of his license and driving privileges.
A reinstatement fee of $125.00 must also be settled. Payment can be in the form of cashier’s check or money order and must be made payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Nebraska. He can also pay online using his credit card. Just do not forget to include his identifying information such as his name, date of birth, license or social security number and current mailing address.
DUI Insurance
Filed under: DUI insurance, Driving drunk insurance, Drunk driver insurance
Reader’s Question:
My mom and sister had an argument. My sister’s boyfriend was caught driving while drunk and my mom commented that it’s impossible for my sister’s boyfriend to renew his car insurance policy. My sister argues that there are companies that offer DUI insurance. Who’s right?
Phoebe
Chicago, IL
I can’t blame your mom for her naiveté because probably, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs doesn’t exist in your family’s vocabulary. Forgive your mom for her being misinformed, but yes, there’s DUI insurance. Your sister was right that there are insurance companies willing to insure drivers who committed a DUI offense although the choices will be limited. Often, they’re not the original insurers of the violators prior to the DUI. But, yes, these companies exist.
Once the driver with a DUI record has decided what company to get his DUI insurance from, the chosen car insurance company will have to file a sr22 form to the state to inform that the offender has an active minimum state required insurance. It is the insurance company’s responsibility to do that.
Truth be told, Phoebe, the problem here isn’t really getting a DUI insurance: it’s more of getting the driver’s license back after a DUI, something that will give your sister’s boyfriend a real headache.
Meanwhile, be nice when correcting your mom about DUI insurance. Kudos to her (and probably your dad) for raising kids who don’t drink and drive.
You Need SR22 Insurance
Filed under: DUI insurance, Driving drunk insurance, Drunk driver insurance
Reader’s Question:
Will you need sr22 insurance for a first DUI?
Sasha
Miami, FL
The one inescapable case where you need SR22 insurance is when you commit a DUI offense. Driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida is classified under the driving while impaired (DWI) offense. This pertains to individuals found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher while operating a motor vehicle. Since FL takes drunk driving very seriously, the laws governing this offense are quite strict. A first time offender will have to shoulder penalties ranging from $250 to $500. If the BAC is 0.20 or higher, or was driving with a minor in the vehicle, then penalties add up to almost $1,000. Community service of up to 50 hours will be ordered against the first time offender but however has the option to pay $10 for each hour. If drunk driving results in serious injuries or even death, then imprisonment of at least two years will be handed down by the court. Your vehicle will also be sent to the state impound for ten days. And to top all of this, your driver’s license will be suspended for at least six months. You need sr22 insurance to have your license reinstated especially if you badly need to use your car to drive to and from work. To facilitate the license reinstatement, your insurer will file an SR22 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
I need SR22 Insurance New Jersey
Filed under: DUI insurance, Driving drunk insurance, Drunk driver insurance
Reader’s Question:
Hi! I was recently caught for DUI. Now I need SR22 insurance New Jersey so that I can continue driving. However I need SR22 insurance New Jersey that is cheap. How do I get one?
Vince
Newark, NJ
You can always go online and search for insurance companies offering cheap SR22 insurance in New Jersey. Go to Google and enter keywords like “I need SR22 insurance New Jersey” or “SR22 insurance in New Jersey,” and within seconds you will be given listing of insurance companies and insurance brokers offering cheap SR22 insurance. Click on any of these websites and read their terms and conditions for SR22 insurance. You can also get SR22 insurance quotes and compare them with other companies instantly.
You can also your insurance company handling your other insurance policies like life and health insurance if they can give you SR22 insurance. However most insurance companies may not give you SR22 insurance because this is a high risk type of insurance. Check first with your insurer if there’s any chance that they can grant you with one. You may even get a discount because you have multiple policies with them. However prepare to be saddled with high insurance premiums because SR22 is really expensive.
DUI Insurance
Filed under: DUI insurance, Driving drunk insurance, Drunk driver insurance
Reader’s Question:
I had a DUI conviction 6 months ago, and I’m about to renew my car insurance policy. To my surprise, my insurance carrier wouldn’t renew my policy. Can you help me find DUI insurance at this point?
Ramil
Chicago, IL
All car insurance companies base their rates on many factors, including driving record. Drunk driving convictions (DUI) would cause many insurance carriers to raise their charges, or in your case, cancel or not renew your coverage. Raised premiums, though, should be the least of your problems right now. Finding a car insurance company that will cover for your DUI insurance should be foremost in your agenda.
At this point, it is essential for you to seek professional advice regarding your car insurance situation. Fortunately for you, there are auto insurance companies that will insure you regardless if you have a DUI or not. Expect, though, to be charged properly. A DUI in your driving record may cause you to be considered a higher risk driver, raising your insurance premium significantly. As most states require you to file an SR-22, check if the auto insurance company you’re eyeing can do this for you. This is a statement of financial responsibility that shows proof that you have the right amount of insurance that is required by your state. How long your insurance company will bill you the rates of a DUI insurance will depend on your policy and your state rules. As long as your conviction is in your record, you will be charged accordingly.
DUI insurance may be a bit costly, but it is something you simply must have to prove that you’re a responsible driver.
DUI SR22 Insurance
Reader’s Question:
I was recently caught driving under the influence. Now the authorities say I should get a SR-22 or else I won’t be able to drive on the road again. Why is that so?
Kevin
Arlington, TX
DUI SR22 insurance is demanded from those who were caught for driving under the influence of alcohol. SR22 may also be requested from those who are frequent traffic violators. SR22 actually is more of a certification from your insurance company and issued to state authorities. This is to testify that you have a policy coverage with your insurance company and thus you are covered from any damage or accident you may get with the next time you are on the road.
DUI SR22 insurance is given only to high risk drivers, so expect that you will be dealing with high premiums from your insurer from now on. You have to pay your premiums on time, or your insurance company can cancel your DUI SR22 insurance for good. This means you cannot go around driving even if you have a driver’s license since your SR22 insurance had just been cancelled.
Remember that you have to carry your SR22 insurance every time you drive, or else you will be facing more troubles on the road.
Senior Citizen Automotive Insurance New Hampshire NH
Reader’s Question:
I want to give my parents a new car for their 25th year anniversary, but I want to know how I could cut costs on their automotive insurance since they are both already senior citizens. We live here in New Hampshire. Can anyone give me some advice?
Tom
Manchester, NH
Tom, you are such a sweet kid to make this gesture for your parents’ 25th wedding anniversary. And since you are a sweet child who reminds me of my own kid, I am going to help you out with your problem.
Automotive insurance policies can be quite costly at times, depending on the profile of a person. Several factors have to be considered in pricing, like driving record, credit history, gender of the person applying for automotive insurance, etcetera. So, knowing information about how automotive insurance works would help you greatly in lowering your expenses.
Anyway, here are some ways to reduce what you are going to pay for your parents’ automotive insurance.
First, I suggest that your mother be the one to carry the automotive insurance that you would be applying for. This is because women are generally considered less hazardous on the road. Statistics show that men are greater risks on the road than women. It is for this fact that automotive insurance companies are more open to the idea of giving discounts to female drivers.
Now, your mother’s being a senior citizen, partnered by the fact that she is a female driver, is going to further lower the automotive insurance premium. Why? Because senior citizens are entitled to a lot of discounts. You should definitely take advantage of these discounts.
As final words, all I can say is that there still are a lot of ways to further lower automotive insurance prices. We just have to know how the industry works and how we could use our knowledge in reducing what we have to pay for. Just go online and ask for instant quotes from different automotive insurance companies. This service if for free, and through this, I am quite sure that you would find the best cheap automotive insurance that would best fit your needs. You could also contact some independent automotive insurance agents there in New Hampshire who are experts on this matter.
Tags: auto insurance policy, senior car insurance, women car insurance
Auto Insurance Coverage for a Borrowed Car California CA
Reader’s Question:
My girlfriend has an insured car here in California, which I drive occasionally. Will her auto insurance company cover it if I get involved in an accident?
Matt
San Francisco, CA
In most cases, an existing auto insurance policy covers your incidental and temporary use of the car. Other companies do not have this, though. They will only cover those listed under the policy. So, it is best that your girlfriend calls her local auto insurance agent in California.
If you are not covered, then it would be best to have your name listed under your girlfriend’s policy. Or you may also opt to purchase your own non-owner’s insurance policy. But this may probably cost more than adding you to her current coverage.
It is also important to read and review what type of coverage your girlfriend purchased for the car. Since California only requires its motorists to carry the minimum liability insurance, and if your girlfriend indeed only has this coverage, then your medical and repairs costs will not be covered if you were responsible for an accident. This is because minimum liability only covers for treatment of bodily injuries and damages sustained by the other motorist’s car.
This is why collision and comprehensive insurance is necessary though not a requirement in California. This will cover for medical care and car repair of the insured following an accident. It is advisable that your girlfriend add your name to her policy. It would also be wise to add more coverage in the policy. This will consequently increase her premiums, so you might want to contribute a portion for the cost of insuring a car that you also use.
Tags: auto insurance coverage, collision insurance coverage, comprehensive insurance coverage, liability insurance, non owners insurance