Reader’s Question:

My daughter just learned how to drive and I wonder if I should add her already to our auto insurance policy here in Georgia or would it be better if our first time driver had her own auto insurance?

Abdul

Columbus, GA

Immediately after your daughter gets her driver’s license, you can add her already as a named driver on your auto insurance policy in Georgia. You have to bear in mind that a first time driver needs to be insured because statistically speaking, young drivers are more likely to have car crashes than others who are part of a different age group. Some auto insurance experts even advise parents that their children should be added in their policy immediately after the first time drivers learn how to drive. Parents must inform their insurer quickly when the first time driver gets their learner’s permit and once again after a permanent license is given out.

Putting your young daughter on your auto insurance policy will cost less than having her buy her own insurance policy. She will more likely have better coverage than she can pay for if she will have policy of her own. If your daughter has her own car, you may be eligible for a multiple car discount for having more than one car in one policy. Make sure that you push your daughter to have better grades and complete a driver training course. A lot of auto insurance providers offer discounts to students who have a B average in school and for accomplishing driver courses.

Tags: , , ,

Reader’s Question:

Higher gas prices hurt a lot of drivers and make them turn into less driving. I also drive less now than I used to because of that and in return, I would like to pay less on my car insurance here in Georgia as well. How can I take advantage of driving less to make my auto insurance rates lower?

Gannon

Savannah, GA

You are just one among many drivers who tend to drive less because of higher gas prices. A lot of us try to look for any means to save money and some even go with hybrid vehicles. Some even turn to taking public transportation instead of driving. Some just go on car pooling and may be combining trips will do. No one can blame you for doing so because not only that you can save a bit, but also get lower chances of getting into an accident while driving your own vehicle. For that reason, this may mean a lot on your car insurance rates in Georgia.

A lot of people already understand the connection of driving less and better auto insurance rates. For one thing, as already mentioned, driving less means that you get lower chances of being involved in a car crash. This will lead to fewer injuries, thus fewer injury coverage from your auto insurance company. This is, by far, the reason why auto insurance providers give discounts on low mileage driving. If you tend to drive fewer miles than you used to, your auto insurance premiums will eventually drop.

Tags: ,

Reader’s Question:

If I add my Son, who just passed his driving test here in Georgia, how much can I expect my Auto Insurance rates to increase?

Ian

Columbus, GA

Admittedly, once you add your kid under your auto insurance policy expect it to go as much as three times it’s original price. Car insurance providers will consider young and inexperienced drivers at a higher risk of getting involved in car accidents and moving violations, as compared to parents or more mature drivers. Statistics have shown that the driving youth has a 70 percent higher chance of getting into a car crash. With this kind of figures, it is only natural for auto insurance carriers to pass along the increased risk as higher premiums. Aside from age, here are a few more information you may be interested to know about, before adding your son under your policy there in Georgia.

1. Refrain from getting your kid under their own insurance policy. It will cost significantly more for them to pay car insurance on their own, as compared to being listed as a “Named Driver” or “Occasional Driver” under the parent’s policy.
2. Academic Performance – can also be used to determine how much risk your son will pose once added under your policy. If he averages high marks at school, you could qualify for Good Student Discounts towards your insurance premiums.
3. Completion of Accredited Driving Course – if your son scored well during drivers ed., you have a better chance of getting a relatively lower increase towards your premiums.
4. Gender. Unfortunately, you will have to pay more premium for a male as compared to a female kid with the same age.

Tags: , , , ,

Reader’s Question:

Do you have any tips or suggestions on how to get the best Non-owners car insurance? I’m borrowing my friend’s car while I stay here in Georgia for the moment. Thanks!

Carlos

Augusta, GA

The best kind of Non-Owners Auto Insurance policy should be able to fully cover you from any type of insurance complications arising from damages or liabilities you might have caused to properties or bodily injuries while driving a car that is not under your ownership, It should not have too much limitations stated under its insurance clause and of course, without costing too much money. For those not familiar, Non-Owners Auto Insurance coverage is a limited type of car insurance that basically gives drivers who either rent or borrow the vehicles they use the capacity to pay for for damages they may caused someone or something in a car accident. The Financial Responsibility law of Georgia mandates that each driver have at least some minimum form of auto insurance while on the road.

Suggested Tips on How to look for a good Non-Owners Auto Insurance:

1. Try to get one from a reputable auto insurance provider who have proven excellent customer service in handling claims.
2. Some Credit Card companies may provide car insurance coverage if you use their cards to rent a vehicle.
3. The Internet is a great resource for competitive offers so try to get at least five offers Online for comparison.
4. Read the fine print; make sure you understand the policy you get. Remember that collision or personal injury coverage might not be included all the time in a Non-owners auto insurance policy.

 

Tags: , , , ,

Reader’s Question:

My mom is so worried about so many expenses including her car insurance here in Georgia. What I don’t understand here is that why does she need to buy car insurance? I’m sorry I had to ask this in case I get my own car and buy car insurance for myself.

Leann

Albany, GA

You may be very much aware that if you get on the road, no one exactly knows what’s gonna happen. You may encounter some things that are never part of your plan. That’s one of the reasons why your mom needs to have car insurance because she owns a car in Georgia. Accidents can happen while driving so motorists and other people might get hurt. Even if a vehicle is just simply parked in a corner of a street, it can be stolen or a catastrophe might strike that can damage the vehicle.

In cases such as the aforementioned, car insurance would give you protection for financial needs for personal injuries, injuries to others and property damage resulting to car crashes, theft, vandalism or natural calamities. Furthermore, car insurance is a requirement in the state of Georgia so your mom needs to buy at least the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage. And in case she has an outstanding loan on her vehicle, she will usually be required by the finance company to buy at least the minimum amount of car insurance as well as collision and comprehensive coverage.

Tags: , ,

Reader’s Question:

I have a senior citizen friend here in Atlanta, Georgia and I would like to know how we can help him get inexpensive car insurance.

Paul

Atlanta, GA

Inexpensive Auto Insurance for your senior citizen friend? That would be quite a challenge considering that most, if not all, car insurance companies view senior citizens as a high-risk segment of the population while on the road. Don’t despair; there are still ways to go around high senior citizen car insurance premiums for your friend there in Atlanta, Georgia. Here are some recommendations on how to get lower car insurance rates for those above 55.

Compare Offers
Don’t just get the first thing that arrives. Look into getting several quotes from independent insurance agents or through online auto insurance portals which is a much easier and convenient task. This should give you guys a good picture of how prices insurance rates are going in your area.

Increase Your Deductible
A lot of people are surprised when advised that they should agree on a higher deductible. If you agree on a higher deductible you can actually make your car insurance premiums lower, regardless of age.

Safety and Security
A good auto insurance provider will provide discounts if you take extra steps in making your vehicle safer by installing additional safety mechanisms as well as protecting it from car theft.

Drive an Older Vehicle
An older vehicle costs less to insure than a brand new, high-end model. You could also drop comprehensive insurance coverage, which covers for cosmetic repairs on your damaged vehicle among other things, since it may prove less expensive for you to have minor damages fixed yourself than having to ask your insurance company to do it.

Tags: , , ,

Reader’s Question:

I already had my driver’s license here in Roswell, Georgia and would always ask my parents to buy me my own car. Their only reservation is the teen car insurance which they believed to be expensive. Are there any way for us to get an affordable teen car insurance?

Ben

Roswell, GA

It is indeed true that most car insurance companies are setting higher car insurance premium rate for teenagers than for adult’s car insurance. But of course, there are a several ways through which you can avail affordable teen car insurance there in Roswell, Georgia.

Your driving record helps a lot, meaning if you have a clean record and have not committed or involved in any roadway collisions or traffic violence you are more likely to receive lower premium rate. Another is by enrolling in a driver education courses. Because statistically teenagers are more involved in car accidents than adults or middle aged, your car insurance provider will be giving you discount opportunities when you finish a driving course. This is because your insurance provider at least expects that you drive very safely the time you receive your policy. But make sure that the school you want to enroll is credited by your car insurance provider, otherwise you cannot avail any discounts

Discount opportunities also come along with high grade point average (GPA). A GPA of 3.0 will most likely decrease your teen car insurance premium by 10 percent; however, this vary from one insurance provide to another.

Tags: , ,

Reader’s Question:

Aside from being penalized for not having car insurance here in Athens, Georgia, could you give me one more practical reason why I should get insured?

Benny

Athens, GA

The punishment for not having car insurance could vary from paying fines, having a suspended driver’s license and serving time in jail. If a motorist is caught, the automobile or license plates can be impounded until he/she pays the necessary fine. Also, it is likely that a driver can have all of these punishments. In case you are involved in an accident, the punishments are more severe if you’d like to be able to drive again. Moreover, there is a possibility that you would have to constantly keep a bond or some other proof of auto insurance. You will have another punishment if the bond gets expired.

One practical reason that I can give you for you to be insured is that auto insurance is actually there to give us protection. In case you are involved in a crash and damage another person or property, your auto insurance in Athens, Georgia will pay for everything that it covers. Most of all, if you are caught driving without insurance, you will be tagged as a high-risk driver and you will end up paying more. Everything is going up nowadays but having auto insurance isn’t an alternative, it is a must because it’s illegal to drive without auto insurance and you will still end up paying more should you get caught without it.

Tags: , ,

Reader’s Question:

Hi, is it true that I will save more on my car insurance here in Macon, Georgia if I switch to a smaller car (Sedan) from a big-old pickup?

Heathe

Macon, GA

Hello Heathe! You have a very interesting question. The thing that most people would logically expect is that a smaller sized vehicle equates into smaller car insurance expenses. However, you may be surprised to know that a smaller vehicle, with all its economic and environmental benefits, can actually cost you more to insure and this is due to a few factors. (Yet another reason to hate car Insurance companies, you say?). There is basis for car insurance providers to justify these higher insurance rates.

Statistics show that smaller-sized vehicles are actually more prone to getting involved in car accidents. Some people have the impression that driving a smaller car is more controllable and maneuver able than your generic family pick-up, helping avoid car accidents, but this is the exact same reason that more people neglect to drive safely, hence the higher accident rates.

Also smaller vehicles are much more affordable, especially to the teenage and first-time drivers demographic. Unfortunately, these drivers are also treated as high-risk customers (lack of skills and experience on the road being one major reason) and also get the added perk of paying a higher auto insurance bill.

So unless you have excellent driving history and have been driving for years, you may want to stick with your big-old pickup truck there in Macon, Georgia for the time being.

 

Tags: , , ,

Reader’s Question:

My car insurance policy here in Northeast Cobb, Georgia would only give coverage for a rental car only if my car is stolen or being repaired. If I rent a car for a business trip, am I the only driver of the car who will be covered?

Noah

Northeast Cobb, GA

For an extra payment, rental vehicle companies typically have different kinds of insurance protection and loss waivers. If you purchase insurance from the rental vehicle company, it could be your main insurance coverage. But remember that as the renter of the car, you are normally the only one authorized by the rental company to drive the car. This means that the insurance from the rental company may not apply when other individuals drive the car. But here are some exceptions:

–In some states, your legal spouse will be regarded as an “authorized operator” of the automobile and could drive it with your permission.

–If you lease the car under a corporate account, your boss, workers or fellow workers on a business rental could be regarded as “authorized operators” who could drive the car with your permission.

–If agreed to in writing, you could have “additional authorized operators” who could drive the car. Additional operators are normally should be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver’s license and a major credit card. There could be an extra fee for every driver that you add.

These people are typically covered by any insurance you purchase from the rental car company if you are away from Northeast Cobb, Georgia on a business trip. However, be certain that you confirm this with the rental company at the time that you lease a car.

Tags: , , ,