Posts Tagged ‘auto insurance policies’

Average Cost of Washington Auto Insurance

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

The average cost of auto insurance in Washington for 2010 is $1,665. This rate is higher than the national average, which is $1,578.

When you think about the average cost of car insurance, keep in mind that individual drivers may pay more or less than this amount for their coverage. Insurance companies set their own criteria for evaluating applicants, and the price can vary greatly depending on the company involved.

The insurance company’s underwriters try to determine the likelihood that a policyholder will make a claim when determining rates. An applicant who is deemed more likely to make a claim is more risky to insure. The higher level of risk that an applicant presents, the higher the rate that the insurance company will charge.

One thing that a car insurance applicant can do to present a lower level of risk is to maintain a good driving record. Insurance companies look at a person’s past driving history as a way to predict their future conduct.

Taking a driver’s education class or a defensive driving course can also help to present a person as a lower risk for insurance purposes. If you are considering taking this step, check with your insurance company to find out which course it recognizes and ask how providing proof of completion of the program will affect your rates.

Proof of Washington Auto Insurance Required

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

In Washington, drivers are required to produce proof of car insurance to police officers on request. The proof of insurance should be carried in the vehicle at all times.

If a driver is unable to provide the requested documentation, the office will presume that the driver does not have coverage. This is a traffic infraction which carries a minimum fine of $450. Providing the officer with a falsified insurance document is a misdemeanor offense.

A valid identification card includes the following information:

  • Name of the insurance company
  • Policy number
  • Date policy took effect
  • Expiry date for the policy

The insurance card will also include a description of the vehicle the policy pertains to. It lists the make and model of the vehicle, as well as its year.

A new insurance card is issued when a policy is renewed, and a driver needs make sure to switch the previous card for the new one on receipt. Destroying the old insurance card is a good idea to avoid confusion about whether the driver has the current one in his or her car.

Some types of vehicles are exempt from the proof of insurance regulation:

  • Antique vehicle
  • Collector vehicle more than 30 years old
  • Moped
  • Motorcycle.
  • Motor-driven cycle)
  • State or publicly-owned vehicle

They must be insured, but an operator does have the same duty to produce proof of insurance when asked to do so by a police officer.

Nevada Car Insurance Discounts

Monday, July 5th, 2010

No one wants to pay more than they have to for their Nevada car insurance coverage, and companies do offer discounts to customers who meet certain criteria. If you are a member of a professional or trade association, for example, you may be entitled to a lower price for your auto insurance coverage. To find out whether you qualify for this type of discount, contact the group’s administration to find out if it has made arrangements with a specific insurance company for preferred pricing for its members.

One of the best things you can do to qualify for a discount on your car insurance is to take a driver education course. Even if you have had your license for some time, taking a defensive driving course can help to give you a refresher and point out where you may have developed some bad driving habits along the way.

The make and model of car you drive can have a bearing on how much you get charged for your car insurance as well. Some vehicles, because they cost more to repair or are more likely to be targeted by thieves, are more expensive to insure. If you are thinking about buying a new car, check with your insurance company to find out whether the one you had in mind will cost you more money to cover.

Illinois Auto Insurance: Proof of Coverage

Monday, June 28th, 2010

Illinois drivers are required to have insurance coverage in place, and they must also be able to provide proof of insurance when asked to do so. One situation where you would need to demonstrate that you have coverage is if you are stopped by a police officer. If you happen to be involved in an accident, you will also need to provide your insurance information to the other driver.

You need to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle. It’s a good idea to put your card in the glove compartment so that it’s always handy in case you need it. When you buy a new policy or your insurance is renewed from year to year, you will receive an updated card setting out the name of your insurance company, the policy number and the date your policy expires.

If you buy your Illinois car insurance online, you may be able to get your proof of insurance right away. Once you have made your payment, the company will issue a card that you can use until you get a permanent one.

When you register your vehicle in Illinois, you will be asked to sign the Vehicle Renewal Registration Application form as part of the process. Your signature on the document is considered your promise that you will keep proper insurance in place as long as the vehicle is registered in the state.