Auto Insurance Coverage in Maine
Reader’s Question:
I’d like to know if my vehicle will be covered while having it shipped from Portland Maine to New York?
Vincent
Portland, ME
During transit, damage to your vehicle will be covered by the shipper’s own insurance policy. When shopping for carriers, you can ask for copies of each shipper’s insurance certificate.
Although auto transport companies are required by law to carry insurance, the coverage may vary so make sure you examine the shipper’s policy. Also, you need to know if the entire car is protected and not just certain parts like the body. Be aware of any deductible or other costs you might be required to pay. If the insurance company promises you additional protection outside of their normal contract, you better get these assurances in writing.
It is a good idea to be present during this inspection since the car will be inspected by the shipper when it is picked up. Then it will be checked again when it is dropped off and this is the more important of the two inspections. If you don’t take note of any damage at this time, it will be impossible to hold the company liable later. Always check the undercarriage and start the vehicle up to ensure that everything is functioning.
Check your own insurance policy in Portland Maine to find out whether they also offer coverage during transport. Most companies don’t, but it’s always good to have additional protection. Those that do cover may require you to give notification prior to shipping.
If your vehicle is damaged and the shipper is not taking responsibility for it, you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. If the vehicle was transported across state lines, a complaint can also be filed with the Department of Transportation.
Short Term Car Insurance Coverage in Connecticut
Reader’s Question:
What are the advantages of getting a short-term car insurance to a complete long-term car insurance in Hartford, Connecticut?
Alex
Hartford, CT
Short-term car insurance policies generally refer to policies that are arranged over a period of time that ranges between a single day to 28 consecutive days. There are auto insurance companies that might offer policies for a period of up to 84 days but these may still be considered short-term deals. Normally, short-term car insurance is comprise of a 28 day policy that can be carried over and repeated and thus extended further from 28 days to 56 days and then further from 28 days to 84 days.
There are a number of advantages to arranging insurance over a short term period as opposed to taking out a complete long term policy. One advantage of this is that you do not have to become tied into an extensive policy. This can give the policyholder a greater level of flexibility than what is being offered in a normal deal. This means that person can take up a deal and not have to be tied to a policy for an extensive period of time. The short term insurance deals have become very popular with people that want to spend a bit of time researching which long term deal that they will go for at the same time not having to delay. Shop around for auto insurance quotes from different companies in Hartford, Connecticut and choose the one that best suits your insurance needs.
Non Owners Auto Insurance in Los Angeles California
Reader’s Question:
My boyfriend will be leaving the country and will leave me his vehicle to use in Los Angeles, CA and I will be signing a power of attorney for the vehicle. I was wondering if I can get non owners insurance?
Larry
Los Angeles, CA
If your boyfriend is leaving you his car with you it is doubtful that you would qualify for a non-owners policy in Los Angeles, CA. The reason for this is because it would appear that you will be having the vehicle at your residence and driving it frequently as if you were the owner since you have the power of attorney.
You instead should be able to either obtain a regular car insurance policy on the vehicle or an auto insurance policy, that is for someone without insurable interest in a car but who has the vehicle in their possession.
With the power of attorney it would seem as if you are the owner of the vehicle while the true owner is out of the country and therefore should be able to find insurance coverage on the car for you as the driver instead of a non-owner policy which is for an individual who does not have vehicle in their household to use regularly.
How Much Car Insurance Do I Need?
Reader’s Question:
There are several options of car insurance. How will I know which one works best for me?
Wallace
Saginaw, MI
Auto insurance and the types of optional insurance place on a car are personal choices one has to make depending on overall and financial situation. The best thing is to always get the most insurance coverage you can afford to be sure that you and your family are always protected.
If you are interested in knowing what bodily injury limits are best for you, just to give you an idea, Bodily injury (BI) liability insurance is coverage for other people’s injuries or death for which you are liable. Bodily Injury coverage can also provide legal defense if another party in the crash files a lawsuit against you.
Generally, you will want enough BI insurance to cover a judgment against you in a lawsuit, to make sure that your assets are not put at risk. You should always purchase the maximum amount of insurance that you can afford.
Required Auto Insurance Limits in Maryland
Reader’s Question:
In Maryland, what car insurance limits is mandatory?
Campbell
Ellicott City, MD
The Maryland Insurance Department states that the minimum coverages and coverage limits required by MD law are:
- Liability coverages of $20,000 for bodily injury per person or accident up to $40,000 and $15,000 for property damage (20/40/15);
- $2,500 for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage; and
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverages of $20,000 bodily injury per person or accident up to $40,000 and $15,000 for property damage (20/40/15).
Collision and Comprehensive coverages are optional coverages but if you have a lien holder on your car they may require these coverages be placed on the vehicle.
Will My Auto Insurance Cover a Law Suit?
Reader’s Question:
What is my insurance provider’s obligation if I am being sued in small claims court? I have insurance in Pocatello, ID.
Olive
Pocatello, ID
It is your liability coverages of property and bodily injury liability in Pocatello, ID that include a legal defense as part of your coverage. Usually this coverage provides for a legal defense if another person in the incident files a lawsuit against you. Car Insurance coverage is limited to the conditions and terms contained in your car insurance policy.
When you purchase liability insurance, part of the insurance provider’s responsibility is to provide a defense for you if you are being sued. An insurance carrier will do this normally by hiring and paying for an experienced lawyer to represent you in the court. Even though the insurance carrier selects the attorney and must approve the payment of all expenses of the lawsuit and legal fees, the attorney represents you.
How Long Does Car Insurance Points Stay on Record in Tennessee?
Reader’s Question:
How many years do points remain on your driving record in Tennessee?
Jim
Chattanooga, TN
According to the Tennessee Driver’s manual,the Department of Safety keeps records of moving violations and accidents for each motorist. These driving records are based on reports of accidents submitted by investigating officers and reports forwarded to the department by the courts.
Motorists who accumulate 12 or more points within a 12 month period receive a notice of proposed suspension. In an effort to keep motorists aware of the possibility of losing their driving privilege to drive an advisory letter is mailed to a licensed driver having 6 – 11 points on their driving history within any twelve months.
The manual does not state how long the points remain on your driving history so I would suggest that you contact the Tennessee DPS directly to know.
Determining Car Insurance Points in Denver Colorado
Reader’s Question:
Is it true that it is up to the insurance carrier whether or not if the tickets will be held against you with regards with insurance points? I live in Denver, Colorado.
Lory
Denver, CO
For a speeding ticket, or other traffic infractions, to be put on your drivers record normally you must have been found guilty of the violation. If you pay the traffic ticket you are pleading guilty and therefore it becomes a conviction and the traffic violation is then listed on your driving history.
If the traffic ticket is reduced then the reduced ticket violation usually is listed on your driving record. If the traffic ticket is removed or if you are found not guilty in traffic court then the infraction would not be listed at all on the driving history since your were not convicted of the violation.
To know how and what type of traffic tickets are put on your driving history contact your Department of Motor Vehicles. To get information on how your insurance carrier’s rating system works regarding speeding ticket or other traffic violation ask your car insurance agent in Denver Colorado.
Interlock Ignition and Drunk Driving DUI Charges
Reader’s Question:
Is there any state that do not use the ignition interlock devices? How about in Honolulu, Hawaii?
Gary
Honolulu, HI
Yes, there are some states that do not use ignition interlock devices. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) the following states do not use ignition interlock devices: Alabama, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Hawaii, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming.
You can also verify Departments of Motor Vehicles in Honolulu HI to find out if IIDs are currently used or not.
Most states that do have laws regarding the IID require DWI or DUI violators to install an ignition interlock device as a condition of license reinstatement or probation after being charges of a DUI of alcohol offense.
Car Insurance Rates For RV In Colorado
Reader’s Question:
How is insurance for RV different to insurance for passenger cars or SUVs in Boulder, Colorado and how are the premium rates determined?
Tom
Boulder, CO
Insurance companies treat RVs differently than passenger cars or SUVs. As compared to the ordinary coverage minimums applied to passenger cars, the cost of RVs and the possibility for extensive physical damage when an accident happens is high. In addition, since many RVs are driven by people who aren’t used to the extra size and length, insurance companies believe that there is a greater risk for accidents.
RV insurance combines the coverage offered by both auto and homeowner’s policies. This means that coverage for loss due to fire, smoke, theft, vandalism, landslides, hail, windstorms and collision are included. It also normally offers coverage for your personal property, emergency-expense coverage such as lodging and campsite/vacation liability coverage — which protects you if you use your motor home as a residence. It should also provide protection for awnings, satellite dishes and other attached accessories. You can get additional coverage if your RV is used as a semi-permanent residence for most of the year.
As with any standard home or auto policies, RV policies renew each year. Insurance premiums are based on the type, size, and age of your motor home, where you live, how much you drive and your driving record. Also, the premiums are based on your age and gender, address at which the vehicle is principally garaged and your driving record. Many auto insurance companies in Boulder Colorado offer discounts for maintaining a good driving record or owning multiple policies with the same insurer. You have the same option as with other car insurance to reduce your insurance premium by increasing your deductible.