Reader’s Question:
Aside from liability insurance which is required here in Georgia, why do financing companies require a driver who leases the car to them to have collision and comprehensive coverage?
Samuel
Augusta-Richmond County, GA
Even if you are not done paying for the loan on your car, the state of Georgia still requires you to have at least the minimum level of liability coverage on your vehicle insurance. As a matter of fact, most of the time, financing companies would require you to have comprehensive and collision coverage even though it is not mandated by the law.
If you have collision coverage as part of your vehicle insurance, it will pay for any damage on your leased car if you get hit by another vehicle or if you hit an object. Then if you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle insurance, it will pay for any damage on your leased car that is caused by anything other than a collision such as theft, vandalism, storm, flood, fire, etc.
The collision and comprehensive coverage on your vehicle insurance is a good investment not only on the financing company’s part but also on yours. If you think about it, if you don’t have these types of coverage on your vehicle insurance, you would have to pay for the repairs of the car from your own pocket. So you don’t have to worry about your car being damaged so long as you have collision and comprehensive coverage on your vehicle insurance. Keep in mind though that these types of coverage also have deductible that you have to pay first before your car insurance company picks up the rest up to the limits of your vehicle insurance.
Tags: auto insurance, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, vehicle insurance
Reader’s Question:
I know that the best way for me to get the best auto insurance coverage here in Georgia is to compare quotes. But I’m getting a little bit confused from all the things that I see online, what can I do about it?
Hakeem
Athens, GA
I perfectly understand that you are only making sure that you get the auto insurance coverage in Georgia that will suit the needs of your specific vehicle. What really matters in the end is that you get the best auto insurance coverage. When doing some comparison shopping, be certain that you increase your deductible to be able to have cheaper premiums, specifically if you are an excellent driver. Also, make certain that you are not getting complete coverage for older cars that don’t have as much value as newer model vehicles.
While you are comparing auto insurance quotes, you have to be certain that the details that you obtain from the auto insurance providers are the most precise. Remember that you only have to deal with an auto insurance provider that has a good reputation. Only sign up for a policy with an insurer that have a longstanding profile of dealing with car insurance claims efficiently. Since you are getting a little bit confused with the information that you see online, you may take the conventional car insurance way and get in touch with an insurance agent. You may ask clarification on the things that you are confused about auto insurance.
Tags: auto insurance, car insurance claims, compare auto insurance
Reader’s Question:
I have been meaning to find a new car insurance provider here in Georgia and with a little bit if polishing, I think I may have already found a better replacement. What is the best thing that I need to do in order for me to cancel my current car insurance policy?
Pacey
Athens-Clarke County, GA
For you to stay away from a mix-up that goes along with having a cancellation on your insurance record, here’s what you need to do. Get in touch with your insurance agent or your insurer and let them know that you would like to cancel your policy. Make certain that you tell them all the details, including the date that you want to terminate your policy. In case you don’t tell them particular details, you could finish off driving all over the place without knowing that you don’t have insurance. You will then receive a cancellation request form from your auto insurance provider. This may have already been filled out and all you have to do is sign it. Be sure to review the details because there could be something wrong.
Furthermore, if you go with another car insurance company and were not able to officially drop your old policy, you need to show your former insurer that you have new car insurance. Normally, what you have to do is give them a copy of your existing insurance ID or the first page of your new premium statement. Be certain that the paper you are sending them includes your name and your present policy number and mail it back together with the cancellation form. You would probably get confirmation through the mail that your policy termination has been dealt with.
Tags: car insurance, car insurance policy
Reader’s Question:
I wonder how car insurance companies view first time accidents of their customers. Do you think I have to switch car insurance providers here in Georgia after one at-fault accident?
Cáel
Sandy Springs, GA
In case you decide to switch car insurance companies in Georgia after one at-fault accident and start getting in touch with different insurers, the incident will stay on your record and chase you even if you switch insurance providers. Car insurance companies share details about their customers’ record on file. In case the accident caused tremendous damage on the parties involved, it would be suitable to benefit from the insurance that you have already paid for.
A car insurance expert explains that majority of car insurance providers assess crashes and property damage on a case-to-case basis if the rates will be higher. A lot of car insurance providers, especially the bigger ones have the tendency to be merciful with a first accident or traffic infraction. But there are a lot of things to consider such as the degree and amount of the damage and the kind of traffic infraction. If you have an excellent driving history and got into an accident for the first time, that might not be an issue the way you are viewed by the car insurance company. However, a driver who has a lot of accidents and claims will be perceived in another way.
Tags: car insurance, car insurance company, car insurance rates
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: car insurance, car insurance rates
Reader’s Question:
I have just gotten married and they say that this is the perfect opportunity to get a discount for my car insurance. How can my marriage have an impact on my car insurance here in West Dougherty, Georgia?
Thea
West Dougherty, GA
There are a lot of occasions which can have large influence in our lives and one of them is when we tie the knot. However, you may have never thought that saying “I do” could also have an impact on your car insurance premium rates. So this is really a great chance for you to re-assess your car insurance policy. You may be very excited to walk down the aisle for you will have a fresh start. Once you and your husband’s assets have merge, it would be a perfect opportunity for you to get bigger discount on your car insurance in West Dougherty, Georgia. This means that your marriage could definitely save you some money.
A lot of car insurance providers usually give discounts for multiple cars. So you could be able to save some money and cut back on a lot of bills and policies that you have. At some point in this occasion, you could also shop around and compare different car insurance quotes as well as policies from other insurance providers. This would really aid you come across the best rate and insurance coverage for you and your husband.
Tags: car insurance, car insurance discounts
Reader’s Question:
My brother was required to get an SR22 insurance because of his DUI in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. I also heard something like SR22A, how is that different from the SR22?
Kaelyn
Athens-Clarke County, GA
In the state of Georgia, an SR22A is akin to an SR22 that is required for your brother because of his DUI in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia except that SR22A has additional restrictions or is necessary under certain occurrences. SR22A is the Georgia Responsibility Insurance Certificate and it could be required for a driver if the person has a conviction for operating a vehicle without liability insurance or other particular traffic violations. In the state of Georgia, it is normally mandated for an unsatisfied judgment.
The period of time that a person has to have the Responsibility Insurance Certificate depends on why it is needed. It would be normally required for a period of one to three years. For instance, if a person is trying to get his license back after a suspension because of a second conviction of no proof of insurance, the SR22A should be filed and carried for three years from the date the person was convicted. An auto insurance provider should vouch that the person has in effect a valid liability insurance policy covering the mandated period of time.
Tags: auto insurance, drunk driving insurance, DUI, SR22 insurance
Reader’s Question:
Is it possible for my insurance carrier in Marietta, Georgia to cover the total loss and damages in my automobile if I was convicted of DUI?
Fred
Marietta, GA
It is not a typical exclusion in a car insurance policy being convicted of a DUI. Yes, the insurance coverage should be afforded to the terms in your auto insurance policy. Auto insurance claims with regards to an accident that occured while you were driving under the influence (DUI) are normally covered by the car insurance coverage you had in place at the time of the incident.
Most states have alcohol exclusions, however this is normally regarding damages one sustains while drunk driving.
To be certain that your insurance carrier in Marietta, Georgia will accept your car insurance claim for the automobile that was damaged at the time you were cited for a driving under the influence charge, you should review over the terms and conditions of your auto insurance policy and discuss with your car insurance agent. Your insurance carrier should be able to tell you if there are any exclusions in your auto insurance policy that would permit your them to deny your car insurance claim.
Tags: auto insurance, DUI
Reader’s Question:
Hi, I am only 13 years old, I live here in Augusta, Georgia and I don’t know how to drive yet, but I am so eager to learn. My dad explained to me that once I learned how to drive, I should never do it if I had something to drink. My question is, could you give me some examples of how an officer can detect a driver who is under the influence?
Laila
Augusta, GA
A drunk driver can be detected by a police officer if the driver was observed to have a problem in maintaining proper lane position. The task of maintaining proper lane position could be difficult for a driver who is under the influence. For example, you see a weaving vehicle in Augusta, Georgia in which it alternately moves toward one side of the lane and then the other. The pattern of lateral movement could be fairly regular, as one steering correction is closely followed by another. In some cases, the wheels even cross the lane lines before a correction is made. You may also observe a vehicle straddling a center or lane line in which it moves straight ahead with either the right or left tires on the wrong side of the lane line or markers.
Another example of how a police officer detects a drunk driver is if the vehicle is drifting. This happens when a vehicle is moving in a generally straight line, but at a slight angle to the lane. The motorist may correct his/her course as the vehicle approaches a lane line or other boundary, or fail to correct until after a boundary has been crossed. In some cases, the motorist fails to correct in time to avoid a collision.
Tags: DUI, DUI lawyer
Reader’s Question:
Hi, my sister was charged for DUI here in Sandy Springs, Georgia and I heard her and her friend talking about a 10-day rule. What does a 10-day rule mean in DUI cases?
Gina
Sandy Springs, GA
On your sister’s DUI arrest in Sandy Springs, Georgia, if she either refused to take a blood alcohol test or if she submitted to a breathalyzer (Intoxilyzer 5000) test and had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or more (age 21 or more), 0.04 or more (if operating a commercial vehicle), 0.02 or higher (if under age 21), the state would attempt to suspend her driver’s license or privilege to drive for one to five years. In most DUI cases, this state’s attempt in taking away the right to drive would occur prior to any trial and would automatically be entered against the defendant. Your sister has to file an “appeal” letter within 10 business days after the date of DUI her arrest.
Filing an appeal would permit a postponement and would possibly prevent any license suspension from occurring. At the very least, a “stay” of any proposed license suspension would occur until your sister has had a chance to have a hearing with a Judge from the Office of State Administrative Hearings.
Tags: blood alcohol content, breath test, driver’s license, DUI, DUI lawyer