Auto insurance companies place drivers in one of three categories, standard, preferred, or “standard plus.” Each category has its own rating system. Those drivers with the lowest risk factors will receive the lowest rates. Drivers with good driving records will generally be in the standard category. For more information, 더팬시카 read our article on the differences between the three categories. In the end, you’ll have a better understanding of your insurance coverage. And if you have any questions, read our FAQ section on the different types of automobile insurance available.
Rates
Rates of automobile insurance and driver insurance vary widely. Drivers who have a history of insurance violations are often denied coverage. However, the amount of an increase varies from company to company, and you may qualify for a discount by taking a defensive driving course. Even if you have a clean driving record, insurance companies consider your past driving record when determining rates. In addition to driving history, insurers take into account the annual mileage you drive and the distance you commuting. If you drive very little, your rates are likely to be lower than those who drive a lot.
Some states have made it illegal for insurers to base insurance rates on your credit history. While this practice is illegal in some states, other states permit insurers to use credit to set their rates. For example, drivers with poor credit tend to pay significantly higher rates. In some states, drivers with bad credit pay almost twice as much as those with good credit. Depending on the state you live in, you could pay as much as four times more than the average.
Coverages
The types of coverage available for automobile insurance vary depending on the vehicle you own. Collision coverage, for example, will cover damages incurred by a collision with another vehicle. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, pays for repairs if your car is stolen. Some states require comprehensive coverage for people who are financed by a bank or other financial institution. Comprehensive insurance can be valuable for unforeseen accidents, like being hit by a deer or robbed of a car.
Liability coverage pays for damages done to other people by you or another driver, and protects your wages and assets. Liability limits are not the same for every vehicle, but state minimums may not be enough in today’s world. Considering your financial situation, you may want to consider increasing the liability limits. Remember that liability coverage only pays for damages up to the amount of your policy; if you cause more damage than your coverage limits, you are responsible for the rest.
Requirements
It is crucial to know your state’s requirements when buying automobile insurance and driver insurance. Massachusetts requires drivers to have a minimum liability insurance coverage limit. This coverage covers any injuries or property damage caused by your negligence. It is also required to list all licensed household and occasional drivers in the policy. Insurers generally interpret this phrase broadly, so it is important to check the minimum limits and other requirements in your state.
Your state may have specific minimum car insurance requirements, but they’re rarely enough. In addition, some states may require you to purchase additional insurance coverage if you plan on moving out of state. California, for example, offers a low-income driver’s policy through the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan. In Indiana, insurers must include UM/UIM coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Exclusions
If you have a personal automobile policy, you may be surprised at how many different exclusions you can have. Your policy will likely contain a list of specific types of policies that aren’t covered by your insurance. These types of exclusions can affect your insurance and your coverage. Make sure you read the fine print before you buy a policy to ensure that you’re not leaving money on the table.
A named driver exclusion is a clause in your automobile insurance policy that prevents certain people from driving the vehicle for which you’ve purchased the policy. These people are essentially uninsured and will not be covered. In addition, driving without insurance is illegal. In most cases, you’ll find this exclusion in nonstandard insurance policies or those with known high-risk drivers. For this reason, it’s best to list all drivers in your household on the policy.
Contacting an insurance company
Before you contact an insurer for a driver’s or automobile insurance policy, gather information for each vehicle. You will need the year, make, and model of each vehicle, as well as the VIN number. You will also need the license numbers of each driver, as well as their date of first licensing. It is also helpful if you know about any after-market equipment in the vehicle, such as anti-theft devices or seat belts.
Once you contact an insurance company, always be polite and keep notes of the person’s name and the name of the company. Then, be as brief as possible in stating your information. Remember, the insurance company will need to determine whose fault the accident is, and will make every attempt to recoup all costs paid. As such, it is critical that you cooperate fully and politely.