Where you live (or, more precisely, where you keep your car) has a bearing on your chances of having an accident or becoming a victim of theft or vandalism. That's why a vehicle owner in Brooklyn, New York, pays a higher rate than the owner of an identical vehicle in Dallas, Texas.
Other factors affecting regional insurance rates include time
and efficiency of police response and law enforcement, local road
and traffic conditions and the quality of local medical services.
Insurers even factor in the litigation rates in a given area--that
is, how many lawsuits are filed, go to trial, are settled out
of court and for how much.
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Vehicles are also grouped into categories according to their likelihood of being damaged, vandalized or stolen. Insurers generally consider the size and type of vehicle, as well as the value and the cost of repairs (which can vary greatly, even on vehicles that cost roughly the same). Thus, a new station wagon is expected to hold up better in an accident than a sports car or a subcompact.
Putting insurance aside, safety is key when buying an automobile. Your life depends on it! Some cars are considered safer than others because of their performance record in safety tests and real accidents.
That's why you should research insurance coverage before you buy
your car. It helps you to understand the actual cost and indicates
those vehicles with good safety records. Your insurer will ultimately
reward you for putting safety first.
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No-fault insurance is a system adopted in some states that essentially bypasses the conventional legal procedure which finds fault in an accident. (This is the procedure by which you hire a lawyer, file suit and possibly go to court to prove the accident was the other guy's fault.) No-fault simply does away with the concept of one party or the other being at fault--no lawyers, no court, no judge, no jury, no lengthy lawsuits against the other party. This is considered beneficial to taxpayers, because it eliminates costly legal proceedings that the state must manage, and to insurance policyholders, because it helps keep rates down.
If you are insured in a no-fault state and have an accident, you don't go after the other driver. You contact your own insurer and file a claim. Your own insurance policy guarantees you immediate compensation for damages, medical expenses, lost wages, etc.
The type and range of no-fault coverage varies from state to state. What defines the limitations of no-fault policies can differ in two critical areas:
The details of no-fault insurance can be complicated. Contact
your agent or state's insurance department for further information.
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No. Some states, while not mandating auto insurance, have "financial
responsibility laws" that require all drivers to be able
to pay for any damage or injury they may cause. However, carrying
liability insurance is still the best way for you to meet your
state's financial responsibility requirements.
UM and UIM policies are offered by law in all states, including
no-fault states. In fact, some states require all motorists to
carry this coverage in order to gain protection from inadequate
insurance coverage of other drivers.
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First, call the police to the scene to be sure all pertinent information is properly recorded. Your nerves will be shaken right after an accident, and it helps to have a calm and knowledgeable person walking you through the necessary details.
Then, contact your agent immediately and ask about filing a claim.
If you followed all the recommended guidelines when you bought
your policy, you should be covered within the limitations of that
policy. Remember, your insurance policy is designed to protect
you.
If the cost of your damages or injuries exceed the amount your
policy will pay out, it may be time to take legal action against
the other party. Even if you have no-fault insurance, sometimes
the only way to be compensated is to place blame and responsibility
where it belongs.
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Technically, in most states your insurer can cancel your policy
only if:
However, your insurer can choose not to renew your policy for
a variety of reasons.
Do you have a bad driving record? Have you received a lot of speeding
tickets? Have you ever been caught driving drunk? Not only are
these scenarios considered unsafe and illegal, they are justifiable
cause for your insurer to label you a bad risk and refuse to renew
your policy. (Some underwriters may feel compelled to cancel policies
after only one accident.)
Where do you live? Has the neighborhood changed in the last few
years? Have the accident or crime rates risen noticeably? As regions
are reassessed periodically, their status could change and you
could suddenly find yourself living in a high-risk area, where
your insurer's rates may not be adequate to cover losses.
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Even "good" drivers can find themselves in the position
of being dropped by their current carrier. Reasons range form
a "drinking while driving" violation or other serious
violations (that make you a high risk) to situations outside your
control, such as when insurers in your state are suffering severe
business losses. Overall rises in claims or losses can cause insurers
to become highly selective in determining whom they can afford
to insure.
That is why it is important to note that if you are licensed to
drive, by law, you are eligible for insurance. However, your options
for new coverage may be limited. Each state has created and regulates
a market of last resort for those who cannot otherwise obtain
coverage. These groups have various names, depending on the state
you live in, such as assigned risk plans or the residual market.
Your agent will know more about the particulars in your state.
Regardless of the reason you were dropped, you need to act immediately
to get another policy. Under no circumstance should you drive
your vehicle without insurance. Call your agent to help you find
new coverage. If you do find yourself in the residual market,
the price may be higher but it may be your only alternative in
maintaining your freedom to drive.
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The most obvious way to maintain your low-risk status is to keep
a clean driving record. If you've been in an accident, consider
taking a defensive driving course. Even those of us who have been
driving for years rarely know the simple tricks to preventing
accidents through defensive driving.
Also, look into purchasing special safety and security features
for your car, such as anti-lock brakes and an alarm system. Your
insurance agent can give you further tips on how to convince your
insurer you're a safe driver.
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Insurers often discount their rates in order to encourage good
driving practices and the use of safety and security precautions.
Depending on the insurance company, you can often lower your rates
from 5 to 35 percent.
Sometimes the investment you make in your vehicle is worth the
discount, and sometimes it's simply worth some peace of mind.
For example, the purchase of anti-lock brakes merits a discount
from nearly every insurer, but the discount probably will not
pay for the brakes (which cost several hundred dollars) during
the normal life of your vehicle. Anti-lock brakes are touted,
nonetheless, as a life-saving feature ó a serious consideration
when safety is a top priority.
Insurers generally offer discounts for:
You can also lower your insurance rates by requesting higher deductibles
ó the amount of money you pay before you make a claim.
Increasing your deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage
from $100 to $250, or even $500, will bring your rates down. Moreover,
you may not need collision and comprehensive coverage if you drive
an older car. Ask your agent which discounts are available to
you.
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The more people you allow to drive your vehicle on a regular basis,
the greater the chances of your vehicle being in an accident.
Teenagers are especially expensive to insure because they are
the least experienced drivers.
A driver's-ed course can help ease the burden of insurance costs
since it teaches your teenager defensive driving techniques. If
your child's high school does not offer driver's-ed, try to find
one offered by another school or a private firm in the area. After
all, the cost of driver's-ed could be cheaper than the extra cost
of your insurance. (Many insurers offer "good student"
discounts as well.)
An adult's driving experience can also affect your rates significantly.
Don't assume that every adult you know has been driving since
age 16 or is a competent driver with a clean record. Again, taking
a defensive driving course is a good way for adults to prove they
are responsible drivers, thus lowering their risk and their insurance
rates. (This is a great solution for new couples who are jointly
insured but unmatched in their driving skills or experience.)
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A list of coverage terms to help you understand your policy options.
Frequently Asked Questions
A listing of common automobile insurance related questions.
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