Auto insurance specialist » Personal Injury Protection

California Car Insurance Requirements

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:25:05 +0000

California Law requires all motor vehicle owners to have insurance which provides Bodily Injury Coverage and Property Damage Coverage.

In the State of California the required minimum coverage for bodily injury is $15,000 per person injured in any one accident and $30,000 for all persons injured in any one accident.

The required minimum coverage for property damage is $5,000 for injury to or the destruction of property of others in any one accident.

Optional insurance may include Uninsured Motorist Coverage. If the policy holder makes this choice, the actual coverage purchased must be at least the amount of the required Bodily Injury Coverage. If the policy holder purchases more than the required amount of Bodily Injury Coverage, Underinsured Motorist Coverage may then be purchased in a lesser amount. The State of California does not require insurance companies to provide Uninsured Motorist Coverage in any amount greater than $30,000 per personal injury in any one accident and $60,000 for all persons involved in any one accident.

As well, if Uninsured Motorist Coverage is purchased, then the policy must also include Underinsured Motorist Coverage. California requires insurance companies to offer for purchase Underinsured Motorist Coverage in an amount equal to that purchased for Uninsured Motorist Coverage. Insurers may, however, offer a greater amount of Underinsured Motorist Coverage than the Uninsured Motorist Coverage actually purchased by the policy holder.

California requires liability limits of 12/30/5 which represent $20,000 for bodily injury coverage per person and $30,000 for bodily injury coverage per accident which will pay for medical bills and lost wages. The last number of 5 represents $5,000 for property damage coverage per accident which will pay for repairs and/or replacement of objects damaged or destroyed other than the policy holder’s own vehicle.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and No-Fault Coverage are not required by the state.

Adding Collision Coverage as well as Comprehensive Coverage to an insurance policy is optional as well in California.

By: Elizabeth Newberry

New Jersey Auto Insurance Minimum Coverage Requirements – How to Find the Best NJ Car Insurance

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:31:28 +0000

Finding the best New Jersey car insurance rates is often just a matter of doing your research. Read on to learn some of the New Jersey car insurance basics and find out a few things that maybe you didn’t know about auto insurance coverage in New Jersey and then put your newfound knowledge to good use shopping around and comparing NJ car insurance quotes. Read on and see how much you may be able to save!

In New Jersey you are also required to have a minimum bodily injury liability coverage in the amount of $15,000 per person up to a total of $30,000 per accident. Bodily injury liability protects you or another driver on your policy if you are found to be at fault in an accident that resulted in an injury or death, for such things as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and legal defense, if necessary.

You’re also required to have at least $5,000 of property damage liability in New Jersey. If you or another driver on your policy is found to be at fault in an accident, property liability damage will cover damage to another person’s property such as a fence, car, or home, and any legal costs associated with the accident.

In addition, you are required to have a minimum of $15,000 of personal injury protection. Personal injury protection may include all medical expenses, dental and optometric treatment, ambulance and nursing services, necessary medications, medical supplies, and prosthetic devices.

Be sure and shop around and compare NJ auto insurance companies side by side in order to find the best NJ car insurance coverage.

By: James J. Robinson

Oregon Auto Insurance Laws

admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:35:12 +0000

Oregon financial responsibility law dictates
that if you are involved in an accident you will be asked to
present proof of ability to cover the cost of damages caused up to a
minimum amount. For this reason most drivers buy automobile liability
insurance.

What type of automobile liability insurance am I required to have in the
state of Oregon?

According to Oregon auto insurance law, you are required to have Bodily Injury
Liability, Property damage liability, Personal Injury Protection and Uninsured Motorist Insurance.

What are the minimum liability limits in Oregon?
According to Oregon
auto insurance law, the minimum amount of liability coverage needed for
personal injury is $25,000 person and $50,000 per accident.

The minimum amount of liability coverage needed for property damage is
$10,000. This will usually appear on the policy in the form 25/50/10.

When will I be required to present proof of Insurance?

You will be required to present proof of insurance at time of the
accident. In most cases a card issued by the insurer is sufficient.

Will my insurer required to verify the validity of my insurance policy?
Yes.
Your insurance company is required to inform the Department of Motor
Vehicles if you cancel or fail to renew your auto insurance policy.
What is more, insurers in Oregon are required to verify automobile
insurance policies selected at random.

What are the penalties for non-compliance to Oregon auto insurance law?

Driver’s license suspension and/or revocation, although not mandatory for first time offenders.

OREGON AUTO INSURANCE LAW AND LIABILITY INSURANCE

What are the laws governing Oregon liability insurance

Liability insurance in Oregon is based on the no-fault system.
This means that if you were involved in an accident, you will receive
payment from your own insurance company regardless of who was at fault
in the accident. But Oregon is also an “Add-On” State, which means that
in addition to receiving benefits from your own insurer, you also have
the right to sue the party at fault for pain and suffering and for
other out-of-pocket expenses such as medical costs.

By: Richard Cunninghamm

What Type of Car Insurance Should I Have?

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:12:08 +0000

“What type of car insurance should I have?” is a common question. Here’s a brief outline of what you should have and how to get it at the best rate possible.

What Type of Car Insurance Should I Have?

Most states require you to have a minimum amount of liability insurance, which includes:

* Bodily injury liability coverage which pays your legal fees and claims made against you when you, a family member, or someone driving your car with your permission, injures or kills other people.

* Property damage liability coverage which pays your legal fees and claims made against you when you, a family member, or someone driving your car with your permission, damages someone else’s property.

A few states also require you to have uninsured motorist coverage which pays for medical fees and property damage expenses for you, your family, and your passengers when you’re hit by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver.

These two types of insurance are all you’re required to carry. However, if you’re in one of the categories below you should consider purchasing the following coverages:

If you drive a late model car – you should carry collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage pays to repair your car when you’re involved in an accident no matter who was at fault, and comprehensive coverage pays to repair your car when it’s been damaged by fire, vandalism, theft, or acts of nature.

To save money on collision and comprehensive coverage, get the highest deductible that you can afford to pay. Raising your deductible from $250 to $1,000 can save you up to 50% on your insurance premium.

You may also want to purchase personal injury protection coverage which pays medical expenses for you and your passengers when you’re involved in an accident. It also pays medical expenses for you and your family when you’re injured in someone else’s car or when you’re walking or riding a bicycle.

If you drive and older car – consider dropping your collision and comprehensive coverage altogether, especially if your car is worth less than the cost of your insurance plus your deductible.

If you have more than one car – insure both cars with the same company. Doing this can save you 5% to 15% on your yearly premium.

If you’re shopping for a car – buy a safe, low maintenance, low profile car, like a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, to save big bucks on your auto insurance. Cars that cost a lot to repair or that are favorites of thieves cost a lot more to insure.

If you’re a teenager or a student – keep your grades up, take a driver’s education course, and keep a clean driving record to keep your rates low.

Comparison Shop to Get the Best Car Insurance Rate

Comparing rates from different companies is by far the best way to get the best rate on your car insurance.

By: Brian Stevens

Quality Auto Insurance Policy

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:47:35 +0000

It is an under-stated fact that driving isn’t a right, it’s a privilege. With luxury car and SUV sales increasing daily, it is apparent that many drivers want to feel very privileged to be driving. But while moon-roofs, third-row seats and On-star may make driving a bit more exciting, it doesn’t lower the need to carry a quality auto insurance policy.

A quality auto insurance policy will provide a driver with the necessary coverage while also safeguarding them from financial damages and/or losses that can be incurred during an accident. All states require a minimum amount of standard coverage, usually categorized as liability coverage. However, the wise driver would do well to ensure that they are getting a quality auto insurance policy that also includes medical payment options, personal injury protection, and/or under-insured/un-insured motorist insurance. Most insurance companies also offer collision and comprehensive damages, at an increased cost to basic insurance premiums.

There is no single trait that makes a quality auto insurance policy, but the following are some qualities that make an insurance policy better than average:

o Affordability: While location plays a large role in how much drivers will pay for a policy, quality auto insurance policies have premiums that are at the low end of the reasonable spectrum.

o Flexibility: A company that offers all ranges of coverage, from liability to comprehensive, and the option to change levels of coverage and deductibles for each, is more likely to be able to provide a customer with ongoing satisfaction. Watch for companies that only offer the minimum insurance required by the state. While there is nothing wrong with minimum coverage, it will not help drivers who are involved in an accident and need medical care or a new vehicle.

o Plenty of opportunity for discounts: Part of the joy of driving is receiving those discounts on monthly premiums for being a good student or a safe driver. Quality auto insurance policies allow drivers to lower their rate by adding safety and anti-theft devices onto their vehicles. Some will even discount premiums due to good payment history or taking a defensive driving or accident prevention course.

One trait of a quality insurance policy is one that doesn’t necessarily receive adequate attention. It is the “low-hassle” factor. Policies that have an on-line component to them, a place where the insured can change policy information, pay the bill or just review the policy documents before adding a new vehicle, can save the policy-holder a significant amount of headache. This translates into less stress and more time to enjoy driving. With the proliferation of larger, more family-oriented vehicles, Americans are traveling more now than ever before. With so many drivers on the road, purchasing a quality insurance policy isn’t just a good idea, it is a requirement.

By: Tristan Andrews

NJ Auto Insurance Requirements

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:27:18 +0000

When shopping for policies, residents of the Garden State have to keep NJ auto insurance requirements in mind. This heavily populated region is subject to more accidents than a rural area and the state has specific guidelines for drivers to follow if they plan to drive in New Jersey.

There are certain documents required by the state. These include a New Jersey Insurance Identification Card. The card is issued by your car insurance company and you have to one for each vehicle that is covered under the policy. This is a very important document for drivers to keep with them when they operate their vehicles.

The New Jersey Insurance Identification Card needs to be presented in order for a vehicle to be inspected. Police will ask for the card if you are ever stopped for a traffic violation or in a spot check. This card is also required if you are involved in an accident. Failing to present the card can lead to fines.

Driving without insurance can also lead to hefty fines as well. This is a serious infraction that should not be taken lightly. Operating an vehicle that is not insured is considered a crime and it has significant ramifications including possible community service, insurance surcharges and suspended license in addition to the fines.

Minimum NJ Auto Insurance

Many people simply want enough coverage to keep them driving legally. There are three types of mandatory coverage required by the state of New Jersey. Each one is designed to protect you as a driver. They also serve to protect other drivers who may be involved in an accident.

Liability insurance pays for damage is for property. Basically, you are covered for damage that you may cause in the event of an accident. Liability does not address medical expenses. This kind of coverage simply addresses damage to property and the costs of repairing or replacing the property.

Personal injury protection pays for medical expenses if you are injured in a car accident. This kind of coverage also pays for medical bills for other people covered on your policy. This coverage is often referred to as “no fault” insurance because it pays for medical expenses if you did not cause the accident.

Although everyone should have car insurance, many people brave the roads without it. The state of New Jersey requires drivers to keep uninsured motorist coverage. This protects drivers in the event of being in an accident with another party that does not have the proper NJ auto insurance coverage.

By: James Hyder

Auto Insurance

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:29:24 +0000

Auto insurance can make all of the difference in the world in the unfortunate event of an accident. Not only does it cover property damage, but auto insurance offers other protections as well.

For example, liability coverage will cover damage you cause to other vehicles in an accident, and it can also cover others’ medical expenses.

The type of policy you have will determine the dollar amount of coverage you receive in these areas. The cost of the policy will be affected by the level of protection you buy, and other factors such as your age, and driving record.

Given the importance of auto insurance, it’s a good idea to shop carefully when looking for appropriate coverage.

The policy itself is a contract that specifies your obligations, as well as the financial commitment of the insurer. The amount you pay for a set term of coverage is called the premium. Generally the premium of your auto insurance is fixed for the term of the policy barring unforeseen events, such as an accident.

State requirements for auto insurance vary from state to state and from individual to individual. Speaking to an insurance professional will help you make a decision based on your particular needs.

The premium for auto insurance is directly connected to 6 levels of coverage. These levels include comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist, property damage liability, bodily injury liability, and medical payments (also known as personal injury protection).

Comprehensive protection covers losses that are not a direct result of an accident. For example, comprehensive would come in handy if you sustained damage to your car due to a hailstorm.

Some drivers choose not to carry comprehensive, especially if they are driving an older vehicle of little monetary value. Also the deductible (the portion of an expense you pay out of pocket)may exceed the value of some older cars.

On the other hand, if you purchase a new car, especially with a loan, you may need to incorporate comprehensive in your policy.

Collision coverage appropriately covers your automobile in the event of a collision. This protection covers damage even if it’s determined you’re at fault in the accident. The cost of collision coverage will be affected by the deductible. Generally speaking, the higher your deductible the lower the premium for your auto insurance.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage covers you in the event that you are in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. This protects you as well as any other designated driver of your car. This coverage can be invaluable if you sustain significant injury. This type of coverage may also cover you if you are a pedestrian and a driver hits you.

Property damage liability covers damages you cause to another vehicle. It also covers damages you might cause to other property. If for example, you take out the neighbor’s fence going around a corner, property damage liability coverage will cover this.

Bodily injury liability coverage is particularly important. This helps protect you financially in the event that you cause an accident and cause injury to other people.

Medical payments coverage (personal injury protection) is a type of coverage that protects you and the occupants of your car for medical related expenses.

Auto insurance will help you and those you love if a mishap occurs. Finding the right auto insurance policy will help make your driving experience safer and more pleasurable.

For more information, see Make-Getting-Insurance-Easy.com/auto-insurance

By: David S

New York Auto Insurance Policies

admin — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:36:39 +0000

New York auto insurance policies are necessities for drivers in this state. It is very important to be cognizant of the importance of keeping your motor vehicle coverage current on a continuous basis. An updated policy is one of the most important aspects of owning a vehicle, especially in the state of New York.

The NY Department of Motor Vehicles features the Insurance Information and Enforcement System. This system, also known as IIES is designed to detect uninsured vehicles. The system is quite valuable to the state and it is also a very formidable obstacle against driving without insurance.

Those who have vehicles registered in the state of New York are required by law to report to the Department of Motor Vehicles if they have any important information about their car insurance policies. This includes cancellations, new policies and renewals for all policies.

Once the information is entered into the system’s database, the IIES tracks the insurance information for each registered vehicle. If there is a change, the IIES will be notified immediately. There is little chance of getting away with driving uninsured if you are a resident of the state of New York.

New York Auto Insurance Requirements

People who drive in this state are required to have three basic types of insurance on their vehicles’ policies. These three forms of coverage are designed to protect everyone involved in an accident, including the person who is at fault. Without this coverage, many drivers may find themselves in dire straights.

No-Fault, or Personal Injury Protection is a must in this state. This coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages for people involved in accidents. Liability is designed to pay for damage done to property in the event of an accident. Uninsured Motorist protects you if you are involved in an accident with a person who does not have adequate insurance coverage.

With these three types of insurance, drivers have the peace of mind in knowing that they are driving legally and that they have some support if they are involved in an accident. However, it is always wise to seek more benefits in your New York auto insurance plan.

By: James Hyder

Get a Low Cost Auto Insurance Quote in Florida

admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:38:21 +0000

Looking for a low cost auto insurance quotes in Florida? Here’s how to find the best quotes with the best companies.

Florida Auto Insurance Requirements

If you own a car in the state of Florida you are required to carry auto insurance, even if your car is inoperative. The minimum amount of insurance is:

1. $10,000 Personal Injury Protection – this coverage pays for expenses due to injuries regardless of who was at fault. PIP coverage applies to you, relatives who live in your home, passengers in your car, and anyone who drives your car. You are also covered if you’re hit by a car while walking or riding a bicycle.

2. $10,000 Property Damage Liability – this coverage pays for damages you or your family cause to other people in a car crash.

If you were involved in a prior auto accident you may be required to carry Bodily Injury Liability coverage in addition to the above coverages. This coverage pays for expenses due to injury or death to others when you, or family members living with you, cause an auto accident. It also pays for legal expenses if you’re sued by the injured party.

Additional Coverage

In addition to the required auto insurance coverage you may want to get the following coverages:

* Collision coverage – pays for damages to your car by another car or an object, regardless of who was at fault.

* Comprehensive coverage – pays for damage done to your car by vandalism, theft, fire, hail, and causes other than a collision.

* Uninsured/Underinsured coverage – pays for medical expenses and property damage costs for you, your family, and your passengers when caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver.

Get a Low Cost Quote

The easiest way to get a low cost Florida auto insurance quote is to comparison shop for insurance online. There are a number of sites where you can get quotes from different companies, compare quotes, then choose the best quote. Some of these sites even have a toll-free telephone number and a chat feature where you can talk with an insurance expert and get answers to you questions. (See link below.)

By: Brian Stevens

Auto Insurance 101

admin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:25:17 +0000

Auto insurance, as the term suggests, is insurance that you can purchase for your vehicle (cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, etc.). It provides protection against losses incurred as a result of vehicle accidents. While the product seems simple, there are many different types of auto insurance policies available for purchase. Depending on the policy that you choose, your coverage levels and types will vary. Broadly speaking, these are the types of auto insurance programs on the market today:

Coverage:

o ‘Comprehensive coverage’ (Comp) – This kind of insurance insures your vehicle against the cost of purchasing a new vehicle if it is stolen or destroyed in a fire.

o ‘Collision coverage’ (Coll) – This kind of insurance insures your vehicle against the cost of repairing the vehicle following an accident or the cost of purchasing a new vehicle if it is damaged in an accident beyond economic repair.

Protection:

o Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – This insures against the cost of medical expenses and lost wages related to the use, ownership or maintenance of a motor vehicle. This insurance is mandatory in some U.S. states.

o Medical Payments (MP) – insures against the cost of medical expenses for bodily injury sustained in an accident beyond any expenses that may be covered by PIP.

o Legal liability claims against the driver or owner of the vehicle following the vehicle causing damage or injury to a third party.

While ‘Liability insurance’ covers only legal liability, ‘comprehensive insurance’ covers PIP, MP, as well as legal liability. In the United States, liability insurance covers claims against the policyholder and any other operator of the insured’s vehicle. If, however, any other operators live at the same address, they must specifically be covered on the policy. For rented vehicles, most rental car companies offer insurance to cover damage to the rental vehicle.

While comprehensive insurance covers most aspects of damage which can affect the car itself or the driver, there is one risk associated with buying a new car is not covered even by comprehensive insurance – once the car is bought, there is a sharp decline in its value. During this period (immediately after a car is bought), in which the remaining car payments exceed the value of the vehicle and thus the compensation the insurer will pay for a ‘totaled’ (destroyed, or written-off) vehicle, customers may consider purchasing ‘GAP insurance’. GAP insurance was established in the early 1980’s to provide protection to consumers based on buying and market trends.

By: Chris Tolamalu