Accident Insurance is a Must-Have
Reader’s Question:
I have been very cautious driver my whole life. I’ve never had any accidents or traffic violations for fifteen years now. And so I’m wondering: Could I just not renew my accident insurance? I feel there’s just no need for it.
Peter
Jacksonville, FL
Even if you have been a very cautious driver, one sometimes just cannot help for accidents to happen. And so, accident insurance is a must in most states to ensure that drivers and properties of every individual who could get involved in an accident will be taken care of. You should be aware that driving without any accident insurance could get you penalized, where your driving privileges, vehicle tag and registration could be on hold for as long as three years, or until you have given them proof that you have availed of an accident insurance policy.
You’ve said you have been a law-abiding driver for a long time-Well, having no car accident insurance will taint your record as the Department of Safety and Motorcycle Vehicles has ways in tracking registered car owners who have not renewed nor availed of any car insurance policy.
You will never know when and where accidents happen, and so an accident insurance policy will make both your life and your property secure. It will not be a good idea if you do not avail one. You could always get only the minimum required accident insurance coverage in Florida which is $10,000 for personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 for property damage liability (PDL).
Driving without Car Accident Insurance
Reader’s Question:
I am in financial crisis at the moment and plan not to renew my car insurance which will expire this January 2009. Would I be in trouble and get penalized by driving without car accident insurance?
Horacio
Melbourne, FL
Yes, you will be in trouble for driving without any car accident insurance as it is illegal to drive without one. Keep in mind that the authorities could suspend your driving privileges together with your vehicle tag & registration for as long as three years until such time that you provide them with proof that you have already availed of car accident insurance. Also, the Department of Highway Safety and Motorcycle Vehicles would know if you haven’t renewed your insurance from your previous insurer. So, there’s no way out, really.
If you are really low in budget, I can advise you to not drive and just take public transportation. But you know what a hassle that could be. So, at the very least, try to get the minimum state-required property damage and PIP car accident insurance coverage for your vehicle, so as to avoid legal trouble and penalties. If police catch you driving without any insurance, it will cause you a whole lot more, which is not good especially since you are in financial crisis at the moment. Better get a car accident insurance as soon as possible.
Knowing More About Your Accident Insurance Coverage
Reader’s Question:
I want to know if there is some form of accident insurance coverage for injuries and property damage aside from what my auto insurance provides.
Ana
Paradise, NV
Yes, there is. Many individuals are not aware that there is another way of getting insurance coverage for property damage and injury following a car accident. I am referring to homeowner’s insurance, which may also cover for damages sustained in an accident. For instance, if you have purchased a comprehensive health coverage plan, most likely it would also apply to medical coverage at the time of an automobile accident. Many people just do not realize that they already have this coverage because they are pinned to the fact that they have to get a “car insurance” when they buy a car. It’s like parallel thinking; a notion that if you have a “car,” a “car insurance” must come along with it – without even realizing that the same insurance coverage will be available to them from another accident insurance coverage when needed. Your comprehensive health insurance will cover for injury at the time of an event. Thus, the PIP (Personal Injury Protection) offered by your auto insurance company is really no longer required (unless, of course, mandated by state laws) You have to recognize your other carrier or insurance provider, so you do not have to purchase any unnecessary coverage. This should help save your money and time by not having to pay for coverage you already have.
Accident and Insurance Claims History
Reader’s Question:
Is there a way to avoid reporting my accident and insurance claims history when I apply for car insurance coverage from a different company?
Chuck
Fresno, CA
Accident and insurance claims history have to be reported whenever an individual applies for car insurance coverage. The same is true when car insurance policies are up for renewal. This is because accident and insurance claims history, along with age, gender, make and type of vehicle and the number of licensed drivers to be enlisted in the policy are the main factors that are considered in the computation of one’s car insurance premiums. Moreover, the prospective client’s credit score will be checked by the insurers because they believe that responsible drivers responsibly handle their finances, as well. So, those with bad credit standing will have to pay more.
When an individual applies for car insurance, bear in mind that the motor vehicle record (MVR) that contains information on traffic violations, convictions and accidents will be accessed through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by car insurance companies. This will be the same case with your insurance records. The insurer will check with your previous car insurance providers for a record of your past benefit claims. So, it would be in your best interest to provide them with all the pertinent information that car insurance companies require. They are bound to know about your accident and insurance claims, anyway. You don’t want to attract unwanted suspicion by deliberately withholding information.
If you worry that your accident and insurance claims history will give you a hard time looking for reasonable car insurance rates, then you should broaden your range of options. There are companies who are willing to provide you with coverage even if you have a slightly long history of accident and insurance claims. You just need to put a little more effort in finding them.
Automobile Accident Insurance In California
Reader’s Question:
I just recently moved to California. What automobile accident insurance does this state have for its motorists?
Jonathan
San Diego, CA
The foremost accident insurance that California has for all its resident motorists is liability insurance. As the name implies, this type of automobile accident insurance covers the medical and hospitalization costs of the other motorist hit by the insured. This will also cover repairs for the damage done to the other motorist’s automobile. The smallest medical expense this accident insurance covers for one occupant (the driver) in the automobile is fifteen thousand dollars. For more than one occupant, a total of thirty thousand dollars worth of combined medical expenses is the minimum. Property damages including those sustained by the automobile can be covered for at least five thousand dollars. These amounts are actually the minimum liability coverage that a California driver must purchase. Anything less will mean that the driver is underinsured.
In an automobile accident, the insured driver’s vehicle will naturally also sustain damages. The accident insurance that covers this is called collision and comprehensive insurance. This type of coverage is not required by the state of California, but it is still highly recommended. One big advantage is that this type of insurance covers more than simple car crashes. Accidents caused by animal collision and bad weather are included. The automobile can also be insured against theft under collision and comprehensive. Necessary repairs can also be done and the insurance will foot the bill. It all just depends on how high or low the purchased limits are and what deductibles have been set between the policyholder and the auto insurance company.
Filing Car Accident Insurance Claims
Reader’s Question:
Even though no one would like to be in a car accident, we can never tell what happens so it’s better that you know what to do. Anyways, in case I get into one here in Texas, how can I file my car accident insurance claim?
Janice
El Paso, TX
Car accident is one of the primary reasons why people get injured. A small number of people endure minor injuries but about half of that experienced grave injuries, permanent disability and some even meet their demise. Being in a car accident is a hurtful encounter because apart from the physical pain and suffering, you would also bear emotional distress, loss wages and property damage. These things mean you have to be financially compensated and you could file a claim for car accident insurance against the one who caused the accident or from your insurance company.
If you get involved in a car accident in Texas, you could demand for compensation for all the damages that have been endured. You could seek help from an attorney experienced in handling car accident insurance. After filing a claim for accident insurance against the at-fault driver, you could also file a claim against your insurance company. When filing a claim for car accident insurance, consider the following things:
–Get a copy of the police report
–Be familiar with the security your auto insurance would give you
–Sign a medical discharge so that a duplicate of the medical record would be shown to the insurance company
–File a claim for bodily injuries under medical payments coverage
–Get at least two auto repair estimates in case your vehicle is declared a total loss
–Show estimates and let them take pictures of your vehicle
–Show the invoices for storage and towing cause
–Request your car insurance agent to help make plans for a provisional alternative car in case you have rental reimbursement coverage
–Inform your car insurance agent for any damages that have been noticed in the course of the repair
Accident Insurance for Passengers Florida FL
Reader’s Question:
My daughter and her boyfriend got into an accident. My daughter borrowed my car for a trip just outside of Florida where we live at the start of the year. The accident wasn’t their fault. That’s pretty clear at this point, but both of them are in hospital as I write. I’m sure my daughter is covered by my accident insurance, but will her boyfriend be, as well?
Jessica
Miami, FL
PIP coverage is required in Florida, so I assume you have this coverage. It stands for Personal Injury Protection, or some people call it no-fault auto insurance because basically one is entitled to it whether or not he or she was at fault. If you listed your daughter as one of the drivers of your vehicle, then it goes without saying that your auto insurance company will cover her hospital bills and her physician’s fees. Her boyfriend may be covered, too, because PIP typically covers the policyholders, family members residing in the same household, and the passengers at the time of the accident. However, accident insurance has limits. Only up to $10,000 dollars may be reimbursed for medical expenses under a PIP coverage. PIP only covers the amount which the auto insurance company deems reasonable. Unnecessary procedures or those which are very expensive might not be paid for in full. There are health care providers pre-approved by your auto insurance company. They’re worth checking out because they will charge you what the auto insurance company already agreed to reimburse. Also only 80% of the medical costs will be covered by the auto insurance company; Twenty percent of them will be shouldered by you as copayment. Anyway, I hope the kids recover soon, Jessica.
Auto Insurance Review Information?
Reader Question Where can I get auto insurance reviews? I want to see all the options and reader feedback about each auto insurance carrier before I make a decision to switch. Anyone know where I can get this info?
Barry,
Las Vegas, NV
Barry, I am not sure where you can obtain reader/customer feedback but you can learn all you care to know about an auto insurance carrier by getting an online quote above. Once you enter your zip code (sorry U.S. residence only) you will be asked some information that is needed to build a tailored quote just for you.
After these questions the system will then compare 12 auto insurance carriers instantly. You can see options, and of course prices. Make sure you think of any discounts that you might be elidgeable for like military, senior citizen, student, credit union etc. etc. etc.