Auto InsuranceAn informational guide on assigned risk and preferred risk automobile insurance.
Where you live or, more precisely, where you keep your car at night 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 Manhattan, New York, pays a higher rate than the owner of an identical vehicle in Black Mountain, North Carolina. 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.
Why are rates different for different cars, even if the cars cost the same?
Vehicles are also grouped into categories according to their chances 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 vary greatly, even on vehicles that cost about the same amount. Therefore, it is assumed that a new sport utility vehicle is expected to hold up better in an accident than a sports car or a subcompact or electric hybrid car. Putting insurance aside for a moment, safety is key when buying an automobile. Your life and everyone who rides with you depends on it! Some cars are considered safer than others because of their performance record in safety tests and real accidents. That is why you consumers 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.
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, essential services, rental car arrangements 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 important areas: - Threshold--The type of damage or injury or the cost of repair or recovery that triggers the need for legal action.
- Mandated--Benefit Level The package of benefits (medical, wage loss, replacement services and other expenses) your state requires you to carry.
The details of no-fault insurance can be complicated. Contact your agent or state's insurance department for further information. No. Some states, while not mandating auto insurance, have what is known as 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 once you know what they are.
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 that may not carry enough or higher limits as the majority does; i.e., 100-300-50,000.
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 or policy holder services or claims number usually on you ID Card immediately and ask about filing a claim. If you followed all the recommended guidelines and procedures when you bought your policy, you should be covered within the benefits and or limitations of that policy. Remember, your car insurance policy is designed to protect you and anyone in your vehicle.
It is better to have the police report and not really need it , than it is to need one for court and not have one because it would have taken another thirty minutes to an hour extra at the incident scene. 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 higher risk area, where your insurer's rates may not be adequate to cover losses. Even "good" drivers can find themselves in the position of being dropped by their current carrier. Reasons range from a couple of moving violations, or multiple accidents, 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 offer to insure. 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 55 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 and deserves serious consideration when safety is a top priority.Insurers generally offer discounts for: You can also lower your insurance rates by requesting higher deductibles, which is the amount of money you pay out of pocket 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. About the Author.
Dwain Ammons is a veteran insurance agent with 17 years of experience helping clients in a caring, knowledgeable, professional manner. Dwain is a regular contributor to several top insurance related websites. He also assists insurance agents needing to get online to promote their agency or brokerage. His design homepage is located at HostingEasy.Org or email him at webmaster@hostingeasy.org. | 
