Best 5 Auto Insurance Companies in USA

 

 

There are almost lots of auto insurance companies in USA, but among them
there are best 5 auto insurance companies  in USA; GEICO, Progressive,
Nationwide, Allstate and Infinity. These five companies cover
approximate 70% market share of USA and still remain the top auto
insurance companies for all kinds of USA drivers for their
distinguishing characteristics. Those 5 auto insurance companies provide
every coverage needed by the drivers and each of them offer cheap car
insurance and they prepare insurance package for specific clients.



After reading this post you will get the idea about the top auto
insurance companies and then you will need to know how to buy cheap car
insurance.



GEICO Auto Insurance – The Best Auto Insurance Company in USA

Among the five auto insurance companies, GEICO auto insurance company is
famous for its lifetime alliance with the US army and old hand group of
people. GEICO offer huge facilities such as scholarships, assistance
programs and donations to the retired from military and who are still in
military. It also has special facilities such as cheap car insurance,
low cost auto insurance and affordable car insurance for veterans and
their families. The great feature of GEICO is it offers low cost car
insurance that car drivers can save half of insurance premiums. They
assist car drivers every 24/7 when and wherever the drivers have
problems.



Progressive Auto Insurance – The Second Best Auto Insurance Companies

Progressive auto insurance is well-known for discount auto insurance
because it offers a wide range of discount policies for home owners,
multiple car insurance, students, mileage and online shoppers.
Progressive auto insurance changes car insurance policy so that car
drivers can get discount on their insurance policy easily. Another
feature of Progressive auto insurance is that it can also save drivers
money like drivers will save $50 immediately when they sign their first
insurance documents online and has a provision for who have long term
insurance. Discounts can be varied by state to state.



Nationwide Car Insurance

Nationwide offers a variety of insurance policies and claims 95%
customer satisfaction. The distinguishing feature of Nationwide is that
they have an auto repair network and if any driver wants to get normal
life fast, they can repair their car from Nationwide repair network and
can claim immediately after accidents. Nationwide also offers discounts
for who purchase multiple policies, students and firms and has an
excellent program of rewards to the safe drivers.



Allstate Auto Insurance

Allstate designs their insurance policies especially for teenagers and
takes promise from the teen while providing low cost insurance policies.
They motivate young and teen drivers by offering cheap car insurance
and discount policy. They also reward teen drivers if drivers drive
safe.



Infinity Auto Insurance

In Infinity car drivers can choose their own insurance agent which may
reduce the stress that the same agent always collects information,
communicates with you, and the best advantage is you will get your
insurance agent as soon as possible when you need. Infinity also offers
discounts to good drivers, students, and to any customers who pay in
full.



These best five auto insurance companies are available in the US
insurance market and try to serve their customers as best they can. You
can get cheap and low cost car insurance from them and can compare cheap
auto insurance online. They all offer car insurance quotes within few
minutes.

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List of Top Classic Car Insurance Companies in the USA that Offer Affordable Rates

Are you looking for classic car insurance?  This article will offer
information on some of the top classic car insurance companies their
specialties are classic cars.  Many owners and agents are classic car
owners and collectors themselves and will understand the importance and
pride that you take in your own classic car. 

When comparing different companies and quotes, you will want to look at
the different services that are offered as well as industry and customer
classic car insurance reviews.


Hagerty Classic Car Insurance


The Hagerty family began the company in 1984 because they felt
sufficient coverage was not available for classic boats.  They
eventually added classic car insurance into their business.  The company
has now grown from a small family owned business to a national
corporation. 

They offer unique services and benefits like specialists on standby to
not only answer your insurance related questions, but also discuss
different legislation that might affect the classic vehicles and give
advice on repairs for your car.  Hagerty also offers publications which
include an in-house published magazine promoting the classic world, and a
pricing guide on post-war collector cars.  Another great feature is
their online valuation tools.

If you need Information about Insurance, Please follow links http://goo.gl/Fkd6nL

• Accident, sickness, and unemployment insurance
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Grundy Classic Car Insurance


Gundy is a full service auto insurance company that offers coverage
for almost anything you can think of to insure.  They were the first
company to insure antique vehicles 65 years ago and offer value agreed
policies in case of a complete loss and single liability charge that
covers a collector’s entire collection instead of having to pur.


American Collector Car Insurance


Another well know classic car insurance company is American
Collector. They specialize in providing insurance for classic and
collector vehicles with over 30 years of experience.  They provide fee
online quotes and also the option to buy and manage policies online. 
Another extra service or policy that they provide is their TLC plan. 

If you purchase this extra coverage, they reimburse expenses related to
towing and roadside assistance.  In the event that you are left stranded
50 miles from home, this coverage also includes reimbursement for
lodging and meals for up to five days. 


Another perk of this plan is if you were to break down on the way to a
car show and miss it but have already paid a non-refundable fee, they
will reimburse you for this expense.  If your car is ever stolen or
vandalized, with this plan, personal items that were in the vehicle as
well as the vehicle itself are protected.


There are three levels of coverage that the TLC plan offers silver, gold and platinum.
All
three of the above listed top classic car insurance companies offer
agreed upon value when writing classic car insurance policies. 

This is an important aspect to consider when insuring you classic car. 
Most cars depreciate every year and that is something regular auto
insurance companies that into consideration, but it is just the opposite
when it comes to classic cars. 


With this in mind, you should know that if going with a traditional auto
insurance policy, you will not receive the actual value that you feel
your car is worth in the event of a complete loss.  Something else you
will also want to be vigilant about is increasing the value amount of
you classic car every few years. 


Classic car insurance tends to be less expensive than regular auto
insurance but does place restrictions on the car.  There will an
allotted amount of miles that the car can be driven each year as well as
requirements for the storage of the vehicle.  It has to be protected
from the elements. 


Most companies require the driver to be at least 25 years old with a clean driving record.
All
three of these top classic car insurance companies specialize in
providing unique services to its special clientele.  Traditional auto
insurance for your cherished classic car is just not sufficient. 

When you go with an insurance company that specializes in classic cars,
you will find a knowledgeable staff with the expertise needed and
willingness to go above and beyond in finding parts and the perfect
mechanic in the event your car is in need of repairs. 

Any of these top classic car insurance companies will provide the
coverage that you need, but you will want to find which company offers
the services that best meet your needs and take advantage of those. 
Remember when paying for insurance, you are paying for service.

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Enduro Motorcycles for the Beginning Motorcycle Rider

 

 

Deciding to ride enduro motorcycles as a beginner motorcycle rider is a
great choice! Enduro motorcycles are also known as Dual Purpose or Dual
Sport motorcycles, because they're street legal and off-road capable.

Riding dual purpose motorcycles off road (on approved trails/fire roads)
is a great way to hone your motorcycle skills.



First of all, perhaps most importantly for some, it is highly unlikely
that you'll get blindsided by a cell-phone talking delivery truck or a
minivan-driving soccer mom! Also, riding in rugged terrain is both
mental and physical exercise.



Your motorcycle riding muscles - in your body and your head - will be
tested and challenged unlike a street ride. Also, recovering from a
spill off road is usually easier - anything is softer than concrete.
This recovery also applies to your motorcycle. A spill on a street bike
almost invariably required a trip to the mechanic or body shop. Not so
with a dual purpose bike.



 Great Fun, Great Way to Learn



 Just imagine! You will have the luxury of jumping on your motorcycle
and enjoying a brisk street ride to arrive at a favorite off road riding
area. Mountain fire roads are usually good enduro off road
destinations.

As a beginning motorcycle rider, I've got three great enduro motorcycles
to tempt you with:

• Suzuki DR200
• Yamaha XT225
• Kawasaki KLR250

All of these cycles belong to dual purpose motorcycle lines that have
been around for a long time, improving all the time. In fact, although I
like the Yamaha XT 225 slightly more than the others, I can't
completely recommend any one over the other two.



They're all within about $350 price difference, two of the three are
air-cooled, and they all have the benefit of hydraulic disk braking
systems. Which one is best for you will depend on your seating comfort,
or merely your color preference!

Kawasaki KLR250 - Excellent Choice among Enduro Motorcycles for new
riders



Yamaha XT225 - My Pick among Beginning Enduro Motorcycles



All three of these models have front disk brakes. All are single cylinger ("thumper") engines.



The Kawasaki stands out for a few reasons: 1) It's the most expensive of
the three, 2) it has the largest engine, and 3) it's the only one with
liquid cooling. Yep, the KLR250 has a radiator.



Now, an enduro motorcycle with a radiator may be a drawback: if you
suffer a good spill and the radiator gets damaged (coolant leaks out)
you may very well be sunk. If you're far away on a mountain top fire
road, this is no place to be.



Granted, it's not likely, and this sort of spill isn't a casual
oopsie-daisy moment, but... it can and has happened. It can strand you,
far from the reaches of a rescuing bus or taxi. However, for 99.9999999%
of the rest of the time, a radiator on a motorcyle prolongs engine life
and is actually a good selling point.



Are Enduro Motorcycles for You?



Suzuki DR 200 - Another Option among Enduro Motorcycles for new riders

Enduro motorcycles are a bit different creatures from your regular
street motorcycles. Enduros usually have more immediate torque (engine
"wheelie power") than street cycles. I've thought that enduro engines
are really 1.5 to twice the displacement their street counterparts are. A
200cc enduro will feel as powerful as a 350cc street bike.



No 250cc street bike will hold its own against a 250cc enduro at least,
not down low in the powerband. Simply put, enduro motorcycles do pack a
bit more whallop. Your throttle skills will really be sharpened on a
dual purpose motorcycle.

The riding position is also quite different on DP's than regular street
motorcycles.



 On an enduro, you sit ON the bike, up high. It's a very alert, sporty
position, you may prefer it. Riding a cruiser motorcycle, in comparison,
puts you closer to the ground. Another benefit with enduro motorcycles
regards their (or their owner's) hardiness.



If an enduro motorcycle falls over, it's not nearly as heart-stopping
as, say, a fully-faired Ninja; if a Ninja falls over, something is gonna
crack or break, and it won't be cheap. Some cruiser riders will pull
over to the side of the road to clean off their exhaust pipes if they
happen to roll through a mud puddle and get soiled.



Enduro motorcycle riders, on the other hand, see little mars as badges.
They're not nearly as anal about the aesthetics of their motorcycles.
Heck, they were made to get dirty and have fun with!

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Finding Vintage Car Insurance

 

 

Vintage, Classic and Antique car insurance are all covered under the
same type of insurance policy which is commonly known as classic car
insurance. There is a distinction however in the classification of the
three types of vehicles.



 The age and year manufactured will determine which category that your
vehicle falls into. An antique car was manufactured before 1903.



A vintage car falls into the range of 1903 and 1933 manufacture dates,
and a classic car is considered any vehicle over thirty-five years old.
The vehicles market value and condition will both play a more important
role than the car’s age or classification in determining an insurance
quote. Many insurance companies offer free auto insurance quotes
online. You can find these with a simple search. However, if you are
not having a lot of luck you may want to try alternative keywords to
vintage car insurance such as classic car insurance, collector’s car
insurance, and antique car insurance.



 Many sites offer insurance quotes online in as little as 90 seconds.
Insurance companies will also place some restrictions on the car. There
will only be an allotted amount of miles, typically around 2,5000, the
car will be permitted to be driven over a one year period. Some
companies do offer plans that allow for flexible rates based on the
millage accrued for the year.



Classic car insurance rates are traditionally lower because they are not
out on the street being driven around every day and therefore at less
risk of being in an accident. Classic car owners also tend to take
better care if not meticulous car of their cherished possessions.
Insurance policies often require the owner’s to keep the vehicle in a
secure and protected location such as a garage. When dealing with a
valuable vehicle additional requirement such as increased security and
fire protection will have to be in place.



 There are a few qualifications the owner and drivers will need to meet
in order to qualify for vintage or classic car insurance.



First all drivers need to be a minimum of 25 years old and will also
have to have a clean driving record.
When examining different insurance quotes that you receive online, you
will want to look for and find a policy that is the value is agreed upon
by both the owner and insurer. In the case that something happens to
your classic car, you will want to receive the full value that you feel
you vehicle is worth.



Traditional car insurance depreciates the value of a vehicle each year,
which is truthfully what happens to standard everyday vehicles. However
when you are talking about a classic care the opposite is what actually
happens. Classic, vintage and antique cars all appreciate in value
overtime if the right care and maintenance is made in order to keep them
in top notch standards.



There are many companies that specialize in classic car insurance. Many
of the company owners and agents are themselves classic car lovers and
collectors. They are able to offer a higher level of expertise than a
traditional auto insurance company because of their knowledge base.



They understand the importance and care that you put into you classic
car and will help to find the best parts and services needed in the
event of accident or repairs need to be made. Some insurance companies
such as Hagerty specialize only in classic vehicles and boats.



They are active in legislation that affects vintage car owners and even
have specialists on hand to discuss these issues with you.
Another aspect that you will need to look into when review any quotes
that you receive are the different times that your car will still be
covered but may not be physically driven. This could something such as a
restoration period or during shipment out of state or overseas.



Many insurers also sell a liability coverage that can is only one fee
but covers all of your vehicles. This is something that you will want
to take advantage of if you are a collector and have multiple cars that
require vintage car insurance.
In the end when you buy any type of insurance, you are buying a service.



You will want to make sure that company that you eventually select to
protect you can handle your needs and provide exemplary services when
needed. Finding the right vintage car insurance will take time, but you
will want to shop around to ensure that you receive in the end will
protect you in the case of a complete loss.

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Top 3 Local Classic Car Insurance Quotes Online

Many insurance companies offer free classic car insurance quotes
online.  You can gather several quotes to not only compare pricing but
other services that insurance companies offer classic car owners.


When comparing classic car insurance, pricing is not the only
determining factor.  Sure a classic car insurance quote may come back at
a fabulously low price, but when you are buying insurance you are
buying a service therefore you want to ensure what you receive is great
quality. 



will want to compare classic car insurance by not only the quotes given, but industry and customer reviews also.


One of the main things to look at when selecting the policy that is
right for you is the way the company decides on the value of the vehicle
to be insured. 



More modern cars tend to depreciate in value and traditional insurance
companies take this into account.  For a classic car that retains its
value and even appreciates, you will want to select a policy in which
the value is agreed upon by both the owner and insurance company.  This
will ensure that in case of a total loss, you will receive the entire
value of the vehicle when a claim is paid out.


One way to compare classic car insurance companies is with
hypothetical situations to understand how they handle claims, payments
and other important aspects of protecting you vehicle.  Finding out how
claims are processed is also an aspect that you will want to explore. 



Will you be waiting weeks for a payment or is the company efficient, promising payment is just a few business days? 



Does a classic car insurance company require you to only use a mechanic
from their approved list, or will you be given the option to use your
trusted personal mechanic.



What are the millage limitations and storage requirements that each insurance company places on your classic car?


Comparing other services offered can also help you make the best
decision.  There will be standard services such as road side assistance,
liability coverage, and coverage when your car is being transported. 
Companies can also other benefits and incentives that might lure you to
go with them such as no deductibles and flexible rate plans according to
mileage accumulated each year.


Some insurance companies that specialize in classic cars offer
unique services that traditional car insurance companies just don’t have
the knowledge to.  Hagerty Classic Car Insurance even publishes its own
magazine that promotes different classic cars and boats along with
their owners. 



They also offer customer service representatives that you can speak with
to not only answer insurance related questions, but provide support on
legislative issues affecting classic car owners and repair suggestions. 
Another unique feature is the online valuation tools that you can use
to help determine your car’s worth. 



This is especially helpful when coming up with the amount to insure a vehicle for.
Car
insurance rates in New Jersey are the second highest rates in the USA. 
It is a densely populated state which makes accidents more likely.
Rates in New Jersey are governed by driving and credit records.  If you
are exemplary in both of these areas, you rates will be less
expensive.   



There are several agencies in New Jersey that offer quotes online as
well as nationwide classic car insurance companies that of course
service New Jersey.  Plymouth Rock Assurance is a New Jersey based car
insurance company that offers classic car insurance quotes online.


Florida is another state with a lot of people looking for classic
car insurance.  This could be because of the number of retirees that
reside in the state and have taken to car collecting as a hobby.  A
simple online search will yield several company websites that allow you
to receive classic car insurance quotes online, some in as little as 90
seconds. Heacock Classic Car Insurance Company is a Florida based
insurance agency that offers free online quotes.


Classic car insurance in Ireland follows many of the same standards
that it does in the USA.  There are multiple companies that will give
free classic car quotes online.  In Ireland, most classic cars are
exempt from the compulsory NCT test that is required every three years
manufactured after 1980 although you should make sure that your car is
always safe for the roadways.  A classic car that is in good, well-kept
condition will almost always receive a better insurance rate. 



Here are a few Ireland insurance companies that offer classic car
insurance: Classic & Collectable Club Insurance Ltd, Carole Nash,
Axa Insurance, First Ireland, O'Riordan Insurances, Cork, Brophy &
Co Insurances Ltd.


No matter where you reside, you will want to get different classic
car insurance quotes online and compare the quotes and companies to
ensure that you are not only getting the best rate, but the services
that fit your needs for the money that you are paying.

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Why has my car insurance premium gone up? Tips to lower your premiums

And how do we get the best price available?

As someone who
works in the industry, I am fully aware of the stigma that is sometimes
associated with insurance - mostly personal insurance policies, such as
car, home or travel insurances. It is common place on social networks,
chatrooms, forum sites, and in general chit chat amongst friends for the
subject of insurance to arise at some point, whether this be related to
price, a recommendation, or a complaint about a claim etc. I think we
have all had our renewal come through and gasped at the increase...only
to find your insurance company will reduce the price in alot of cases if
you call them to complain about it...! So what are the reasons for
this....?



The methods used
to calculate insurance are complex, but i will attempt to briefly
explain the mechanics behind the underwriting and the marketing
practices used by insurance companies and brokers in the car insurance
market today.



Ok, so
essentially, insurance is a business like every other, they are designed
to make a profit - lets assume for this exercise that an insurer does
not earn any additional income other than that from insurance premiums
alone, ie no investment returns, cross selling etc - this is classed as
"underwriting profit".



Lets also assume
that 100 people want to insure their car (they want to pass the risk of
any financial loss associated with their car to another party) - all of
them pay £200 for one year - the insurer collects £20,000 premium.
Essentially, to make money, the insurer does not want admin costs, or
the costs of claims to exceed £20,000 in one year. Lets say two of these
people have a crash with a couple of other third parties and it is
their fault - even minor incidents are likely to cost the insurer a
considerable amount, but if the claims involved personal injuries, which
many do these days, the costs of these claims may easily top £20,000
each.



Lets take the
£20,000 each claim for this example, which means the insurer has paid
out £40,000 - next year - the insurer is going to have to charge each
person £400 and hope it doesnt have any claims (even then it will only
have recouped the cost of last years claims and will break even).



It is worth
noting at this point that the car insurance market as a whole has not
made an underwriting profit for over ten years!! - this means that your
car insurance is still too cheap! Whattt?? i hear you say.....that cant
be true...!?



Unfortunately it
is - insurers discount the true underwriting premium in order to gain
market share, which is why you are always going to get a cheaper price
when first joining a company - the company know they wont make money off
the car insurance premium itself, but they will try to cross sell
Breakdown, or Legal Expenses to make some money back. Then at renewal,
you will find your price goes up to something more in line with what the
insurer needs to charge to make money.



Ok, so now lets
take a close look at what is going to happen to your car insurance
premium over the next couple of years - claims costs are rising, costs
of parts, solicitors fees, admin fees, all mean the average cost of a
claim is always rising with inflation. In addition to this, there are
more cars on the roads now than ever before, there are more cases of
fraudulent claims, exagerrated claims, and uninsured drivers (uninsured
drivers add around £25 to your insurance premium every year). Personal
injury claims are more frequent, and the payouts higher....can you see
where i am going with this....



Essentially,
your car insurance will probably rise this year, by as much as 10-20% -
and will possibly continue to do so next year - ultimately, the only
thing that can be done to prevent future rises, are for drivers to be
more careful on the roads.



However, individually, there are a few things you can do to keep the cost of your insurance down:



1. If you are Third Party Fire and Theft - get a quote for Comprehensive cover - these policies are sometimes cheaper


2. Try adding your Spouse to the policy - insurers give discounts for Insured and Spouse Drivers

3. Estimate at a
lower mileage per annum - obviously if you are going to go over it you
will be obliged to tell your insurer when you get close to the declared
limit

4. Shop around
at renewal - however, always be careful of excesses and cover offered -
generally you get what you pay for - the same applies to an insurance
policy

5. If you are
prepared to pay a slightly higher voluntary excess, you will get a small
discount off your premium, but have to pay more in the event of a claim

6. As the very last available option....get a smaller engined car!

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British Columbia

Car insurance in this province is provided by a government-run insurance
company, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). Since 1973,
BC consumers have had very little choice in how and where they buy their
car insurance. If they are dissatisfied with the service provided by
ICBC or the premiums they are being charged, drivers in BC do not have
the same option as do drivers in other provinces – the option to switch
insurance companies.

 

BC consumers do have some of the same choices available to other
Canadians when it comes to optional car insurance. Drivers can purchase
collision, fire and theft insurance from the private car insurance
companies competing for business in BC. These companies are committed to
ensuring consumers have the benefit of competition and choice, where
government inaction has made it difficult to do so.

A competitive business environment is a powerful incentive for insurers
to deliver the best service and to understand and meet consumers’ needs.
Auto insurance is no exception to this rule. As consumers’ needs
change, private sector insurance companies respond by offering
innovative new products and services. Product innovations such as first
accident forgiveness, replacement cost coverage, roadside assistance,
and payment plans were all adopted in competitive jurisdictions long
before they were available in provinces with government-run auto
insurance systems.

 

After the BC government’s 2001 election-campaign commitment to increase
competition in auto insurance, a lengthy examination of the role and
mandate of ICBC was conducted. The recommendations for insurance reforms
that came out of that review fell short of creating a fully competitive
market and giving consumers full choice and competition in automobile
insurance. Drivers in BC must still buy their mandatory insurance from
government-run ICBC.

Private-sector auto insurers continue to work to ensure that consumers
in BC have competition and choice in where, how and from whom they buy
auto insurance.

 

Minimum Required Auto Insurance

 Coverage in British Columbia

As of May 1, 2013

Compulsory minimum third-party liability:	$200,000 is available for any one accident; however, if a claim involving both bodily injury and property damage reaches this figure, payment for property damage will be capped at $20,000
Medical payments:	$150,000/person, including rehabilitation, excluding health insurance and other medical plans
Funeral expense benefits:	$2,500
Disability income benefits:	75% gross weekly wages to a maximum $300/week; 104 weeks temporary disability, lifetime if totally disabled; nothing is payable for the first 7 days of disability; homemaker up to $145/week, maximum 104 weeks
Death benefits:	Death of head of household $5,000 and $145/week for 104 weeks to first survivor, plus $1,000 and $35/week for 104 weeks to each child; death of spouse/partner $2,500; death of dependent child according to age, maximum $1,500/child
Impairment benefits:	N/A
Right to sue for pain and suffering?	Yes
Right to sue for economic loss in excess of no-fault benefits?	Yes
Administration:	Government (government and private insurers compete for optional and excess coverage)

 

Steps Required to Become a Fully 

Licensed Driver in British Columbia

Introduced Oct. 6, 2003

How do I become a Learner?

To enter the Learner Phase (Class 7L), you must:

• Be at least 16
• Take a vision test
• Take a driving knowledge test
• Have a parent or guardian’s consent (if you are under 19)

How long will I be in the Learner Phase?

You must be in the Learner Phase for at least 12 months. The Learner’s
license is valid for two years, but can be extended if you re-qualify on
the knowledge test. You can stay in this phase for as long as you like.

You must be 16 years of age (and have passed all license requirements) to enter the Learner Phase.

What are the restrictions while I am in the Learner Phase?

You must drive with a supervisory driver who is 25 or older and has a
valid Class 1-5 driver’s licence. You can have, along with the
supervisory driver, only one other passenger in the car with you.  You
cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot drink when you are
driving – your blood alcohol must be zero. Your car must have the
Learner sign on it.

The minimum penalty for violating any Learner Phase restriction is a
$109 fine. If you break the no-drinking-and-driving rule, you will get
an immediate 12-hour driving suspension, and you will not be able to
drive again for one month, on a first offense.  If you break the
no-drinking-and-driving rule again, you will not be able to drive for a
year.

What else should I know?

If you break any traffic rules while you are a Learner, you can lose
your right to drive very quickly. You will be allowed only two to six
demerit points (instead of the 15 to 19 points allowed to a Class 1-5
driver).  If you get too many demerit points, you will lose the right to
drive for a period of time.

If you get four demerit points (this would usually happen with two
tickets) you can lose the right to drive for one month.  If you get more
than four points you can lose the right to drive for a longer time.

You are also subject to all the penalties and fines that apply to other drivers.  For a chart of these, seehttp://www.icbc.com/Licensing/lic_fines_pen_fine_chart.asp

How do I become a Novice?

To enter the Novice Phase (Class 7N) from the Learner Phase, you must pass the Class 7 road test.

How long will I be in the Novice Phase?

You must be in the Novice Phase for at least 24 months, unless you take and pass an ICBC-approved driver education course (which
reduces this by 6 months). The approved course must be taken and passed
in the Learner Phase. In addition, to qualify for the six month
reduction, you must be prohibition free; ticket and violation free; and
not have any at-fault collisions.

What are the restrictions while I am in the Novice Phase?

You can have only one passenger in the car with you, unless you have a
supervisory driver who is 25 or older and has a valid Class 1-5 driver’s license (one or more immediate family members are allowed even without a
supervisor). You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol
must be zero. Your car must have the Novice sign on it.

What else should I know?

If you break any traffic rules, you will go back to the beginning of the
Novice Phase; you will lose all of the time you have spent in this
phase.

As in the Learner Phase, you will be allowed only two to six demerit
points (instead of the 15 to 19 points allowed to a Class 1-5 driver).
If you get too many demerit points, you will lose the right to drive for
a period of time.

To graduate from the Novice Phase, you must pass the Class 5 road test.

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