I get confused everytime I try to get some information about automotive insurance since I plan to buy a new car here in New Jersey. Do you have any advice for me to understand the confusing things about auto insurance?

Derek

Elizabeth, NJ

Understanding the fine points of automotive insurance could be so difficult and confounding. Here are the things that can be useful to understand some of the more complex things about automotive insurance:

–You should decide on which coverage for automotive insurance is suitable for you. For the most part, your automotive insurance bill would be for liability and something in relation to the vehicle use as well as your driving history. You could manage the other part of your automotive insurance premium that would be for damage or loss, collision and comprehensive coverage.

–There are a lot of automotive insurance companies in New Jersey so it’s likely that you would pay less by getting automotive insurance quotes from various insurance carriers. It’s worth it to shop around, especially of you think that you are paying high automotive insurance premiums.

–A number of automotive insurance providers offer different kinds of discounts such as multiple-line discount. You can also ask for some other discounts such as good driver discount, military discount, multiple-car discount, discount for installing safety equipment in your vehicle, etc.

–Think about getting higher deductible since you could lessen your automotive insurance premium by doing this. However, be certain that you can pay the higher deductible you agree with one you file a claim.

I’m only learning how to drive so I’ve only got a learner’s permit. I actually just got it today. Is it some kind of a violation for me not to purchase coverage from an automotive insurance company? What are the rules in New York?

Vincent

Babylon, NY

It’s not a violation, Vincent. In fact, I think you can’t purchase coverage from an automotive insurance company with only a learner’s permit. Of course, we’re only talking about New York. Go to another state and the rules would change altogether. So if you’re thinking of only using the car within New York then the best thing to do is to be listed as one of the drivers of the family. I assume your parents have automotive insurance coverage for the car that you are using. In that case, they are required to notify the insurer of there is a new driver in the family, even though he or she is just a learner. If you plan to drive out of state, I think you need to have a licensed driver on your passenger seat. He or she should be over 21 years old. Just to be on the safe side (automotive insurance is confusing business), research the regulations of the state you want to visit.

By the way, now that you’re learning how to drive, it would also be a good idea to take an actual driving course and strive to get good marks. I’m sure your parents would agree. This would save you guys some money on automotive insurance premium.

How much automotive insurance coverage should a motorist get in the state of Washington?

Wally

Seattle, WA

Financial accountability laws in the state of Washington dictate that every resident motorist must have the capacity to offer monetary compensation to the injured party for any bodily harm or property damage he or she may cause in an accident. This is the underlying rule that makes liability automotive insurance a requirement in this state. Unforeseen mishaps such as road accidents tend to be expensive and therefore disruptive to one’s financial stability. With this policy in hand a driver would not have to worry about losing his or her personal material assets.

The state of Washington will hold liable a motorist guilty of causing an accident for at least twenty five thousand dollars worth of medical expenses for the other motorist. If there were more than two injured parties, a total of fifty thousand dollars of combined medical expenses for all occupants will be due. As recompense for property damage which may include but is not limited to the victim’s automobile, ten thousand dollars will be owed by the guilty motorist to the injured party. Remember these amounts when purchasing Washington automotive insurance. They are the minimum liability coverage every motorist should have. Buying anything less would make a motorist underinsured.

Another type of automotive insurance which is not required but highly advisable to acquire is comprehensive coverage. While liability covers the other motorist’s injuries and property damage, comprehensive insurance in the meantime pays for the damages to your own property and that includes necessary repairs to your automobile.
Your insurer will carry the repair costs up until the Blue Book value of your automobile. Exceeding that, your insurer will pay you the total cash value of your automobile instead.

A readily available source of information for Washington automotive insurance matters is the state’s insurance regulator, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Don’t hesitate to contact this agency or visit its website to get more details and familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of automotive insurance in this state.