Reader’s Question:

I am a senior driver. I admit that being a senior driver has so many disadvantages and one of them is getting higher car insurance rates. I need help on how to get lower car insurance rates for a senior driver like me. I would greatly appreciate any information that you can give about senior car insurance. Thank you so much in advance!

Ronald

Edison, NJ

Hello there Ronald. That’s what exactly my grandpa’s problem before. He had been complaining about the high car insurance premium that he is paying just because he’s a senior driver. Honestly, in my opinion, you cannot really blame the auto insurance companies for that. I mean, let’s face it, scientifically speaking as we grow older, our motor skills and coordination (that we all need in driving by the way) also decreases. And auto insurance companies know that. Insuring a senior driver poses higher risk than insuring younger drivers.

However, the great news is that Ronald, there’s still hope to lower your car insurance rates. One thing that I’ve learned from my grandpa is that there are senior car insurance discounts available. In fact, senior car insurance discount is mandated in over 2/3 of the states. From what I know, there are driving education courses offered by auto insurance companies that you need to complete. Once completed, you may be eligible for a discount. But just to make sure if this is being offered by your car insurance company, I suggest you contact your auto insurance agent about that as soon as possible.

Always drive carefully and I’m wishing you good health!

Reader’s Question:

What is DUI insurance? Who needs it?

Jonathan

Bismarck, ND

DUI insurance is simply an auto insurance policy that is specifically designed to cater to people who are convicted of DUI (drinking under the influence) offense. Having convicted of such offense usually results in the cancellation of an existing auto insurance policy or nonrenewal of your policy. Also, being convicted of DUI automatically labels you as a high-risk driver.

However, there are still car insurance companies who are willing to insure a person with a DUI conviction and will offer you DUI insurance. But bear in mind that this kind of auto insurance is very pricey. In fact, if you will compare it from an ordinary auto insurance policy the price difference can be as high as 200% or even 300%.

If you are caught drinking while driving, your license will be suspended or revoked. Once you are convicted of DUI, you will be required to file proof that you have an existing auto insurance coverage in the form of SR22. For your license to be unsuspended, your own car insurance company needs to file the SR22 form to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Usually, you will be asked to carry SR22 form for a period of three years.

You may be wondering on how long auto insurance companies will charge you with DUI insurance. That depends on your state’s law and auto insurance company’s guidelines. But from what I know, as long as the DUI conviction is still on your driving record, it will still affect your auto insurance rates even if you switch to another auto insurance company.

Reader’s Question:

How do I find cheapest car insurance?

Miguel

Gilbert, AZ

Hello Miguel! One effective way on how you can find cheapest car insurance is to shop around. Ask for several auto insurance quotes from different carriers and learn to compare what they offer. So, the next big question is how do you shop around?

First, let me just tell you the information you will need for you to get auto insurance price quotations. In most cases, auto insurance companies will ask for:

• The description of your car, including the make, model and year;
• Your car usage, if its for commuting, business, pleasure, work etc;
• Your license number;
• How many drivers are there in your household;
• The auto insurance coverage that you need and the limits you would like to have

There are three ways on how you can get auto insurance policy:

1. Direct Marketing: These marketers sell car insurance policy through the Internet, letter, or by phone.
2. Independent Agents: These kinds of agents usually represent several companies. If you chose to get car insurance from them, make sure to ask on how many auto insurance companies they represent;
3. Exclusive Agents: As opposed to independent agents, these kinds of agent only represent one company.

To find cheapest car insurance, I would highly recommend using the Internet. It gives you so many choices for auto insurance quotes. From there, you can compare prices and get the best deal that you can find.

Reader’s Question:

I am a new driver. I’m having difficulty getting what I should know about car insurance. I guess, I’m just overwhelmed with too much information I see on the Internet. Can you help me with my car insurance new driver?

Kala

Minneapolis, MN

Being a new driver often involves confusion and I totally understand what you feel. When I was doing my research on how to get car insurance new driver, I was too overwhelmed with so much stuff about car insurance. It was an information overload I must say! Just remember these things and you’re good to go.

First, your driving history affects your car insurance rates. Since you are a new driver, then this is the best time to give all your efforts to maintain your driving record at its best level. Avoid getting into any kinds of traffic violations or accidents. The more violations you have, the higher your car insurance rates will be.

Second, enroll in a driver’s education program. Being a new driver means your driving skills is still not that good. Enrolling in driving classes will surely improve your driving skills and you may even get a discount from your car insurance company;

Third, if you are still studying then by all means study hard and get a 2.0 average or better. There’s what you call a good student discount offers by car insurance companies, who knows, you may qualify for one.

Fourth, if you are fond of exercising then try stretch those muscles, burn those fats, and walk instead of driving whenever you can. Decreasing your driving miles may qualify you to get low mileage discount.

For more information about car insurance new driver, you can always ask you car insurance agent.

Reader’s Question:

I am a graduating student and one of the best from my class. I know that getting good grades is one sure way of getting lower auto insurance rates. Also, I’ve been keeping a clean driving record from the time I started driving. Those are just two things that I do to get cheap student car insurance. What other things should I consider to ensure I’d be paying lower auto insurance rates?

Anna

Brooklyn, NY

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! I’m hoping you’ll graduate on top of your class.

I’ll give you something that’s so easy to do to keep cheap student car insurance – you choice of car.

Since, you will be graduating soon and you’ve studied hard, I’m guessing that your parents will reward you with something big – a new car!

The type of car you will be driving is one of the factors that affects getting a cheap student car insurance. Insurance rates for vehicles differ by the car’s model, make, and year. If you consider getting a sports car, then expect higher auto insurance rates. Consider this before buying a car, how much will it cost your car insurance company to repair your car if it’s been damage? The higher the cost of the repair, the higher your car insurance premiums will be.

Normally, a fancy sports car or any expensive cars require higher amount to be repaired. That’s why, car insurance companies charge higher amount for car insurance premiums.

For more information on how you can choose the right car to get lower auto insurance rates, you can check with your car insurance agent.

Reader’s Question:

My brother is a bad driver. He’s been ticketed several times for different traffic violations. Because of that, our family has this huge problem on how to get car insurance for high risk driver like him. What can you say about our problem?

Sarah

Allentown, PA

When my boyfriend became a high risk driver because of his bad driving history, we asked around to know exactly what we should to get car insurance for high risk driver. These are just some of the tips I’ve remembered that I got my friends:

First, make sure to check with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) about your brother’s driving record to give you an idea on his driving history;

Second, forced your bother to pay for fines for every single violation he had in the past and also in the present;

Third, check with PENNDOT and ask around on how your brother can improve his driving skills;

Fourth, if your brother is driving a fancy car, get a cheap car for him to get lower car insurance rates;

Fifth, ask the help of auto insurance agent so he or she could help you find better deal for car insurance for high risk driver;

Sixth, enroll your brother in a driving class to improve his driving skills;

Seventh, install anti-theft and security devices in your brother’s car (this may qualify him for an auto insurance discount);

Eighth, get car insurance for high risk driver from auto insurance company that gives the most coverage at a very reasonable price, learn to bargain;

And ninth, carefully study the auto insurance policy before your brother signs the contract.

Reader’s Question:

I’m a college student from the University of Southern California. My dad promised to buy me my first car next month as an advance graduation gift. As early as now, I’m checking on different auto insurance rates to get an idea on how much I need to pay on my car insurance premiums. I need help on getting car insurance for college student. What are the things I need to know?

Katrina

Los Angeles, CA

Advance Happy Graduation Katrina!

Getting car insurance for college student for first time buyer is usually confusing. But, it’s a good thing that you’ve mentioned you’re a college student because in fact you may qualify to get discounts from your auto insurance rates for being a student.

If you have good grades then you can get a car insurance premium discount. From what I know, good-student discount is available in your university. I heard that if you do have an average of B (or better), included in the top 20% of your class or made it on the dean’s list then you definitely qualify for this discount.

By the way Katrina where do you live? Do you live near the campus? Do you often drive or not? The reason why I’m asking you these questions is because your driving miles has to do with your car insurance rate. Driving miles is directly proportional to your car insurance rate. The higher the driving miles, the higher the auto insurance rate will be.

Also, have you enrolled in a any defensive driving class? Or are you considering in enrolling? If you do, you may also qualify for a discount from your car insurance company.

For additional information about car insurance for college student, you may ask your car insurance agent.

Reader’s Question:

My friend was recently involved in a car accident. She’s been asking me too many questions on how to file for car ins claims. But I don’t know anything about auto insurance claims since I’ve never been involved in any accidents and I’ve been keeping a spotless driving record from the start. Can you help me with this?

Catalina

Metropolitan Government, TN

Sure Catalina! I do hope your friend is ok.

As to your question on filing for car ins claims, this usually involved the following:

First, you must call your auto insurance company the soonest possible time. But before being involved in a vehicular accident, its better that you’ve already familiarized yourself on what’s included in your policy. This will give you a heads up so as to know what to expect from your insurer.

Moreover, get as much details as you can regarding the accident. Know all the people involved – the witnesses and their contact numbers, and even the vehicles involved like the model and make of the car etc. You can even take pictures of the accident. Take note of the important details about the accident.

Make sure that you have kept all the records regarding you car ins claims. It’s also important to note that you’ve talked with the law enforcement officer present at the time of accident. Also, keep all the receipts or any bills you have paid that was incurred from the said accident.

It’s also important to review your policy again to know if you can file for another auto insurance claim.

Just make sure you give out just truthful information or else you may be denied of auto insurance claims because of insurance fraud.