California Car Insurance

California Car Insurance: Saving Tips

and State Requirements

If you have lived in California for a minimum of 18 months and haven't
received a traffic ticket or have not been involved in an accident in
the past 3 years, you are automatically entitled to get a discount on
your auto insurance.

There are various ways to get cheap car insurance in California. Some of which included:

Be a Good Driver

This is one of the most essential requirements for getting cheap car
insurance in California. You can get a cheap car insurance if you have a
good driving record.

Buy a Car with Quality Safety Features

To obtain cheap car insurance in California, it will be beneficial for
you to install safety features in your car or buy one which has these
features included. More safety features mean less possibility of the car
being stolen and less physical damages to the car as result of an
accident. This factor is given due importance by most insurance
companies. Therefore, it’s recommended you consider buying a car with
advanced safety features such as air-bags, alarm system, Dynamic
Stability Control, GPS Tracking System, anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
and safety glasses.

Enroll Yourself in a Driving Class:

Certain car insurance companies in California provide driving classes or
guidance to people to ensure they possess good driving skills. This is
termed as 'defensive driving.' You should consider enrolling yourself in
such these types of driving classes to get cheap insurance rates. Check
with you insurance provider on what type of courses they offer discount
on.

Stay with Your Parents

If you are a teenager or young driver, you can obtain low cost car
insurance in California if you choose to live with your parents and
register your insurance policy under their name, as you may have to pay
less for your insurance premium. This is especially beneficial if you
parents have good driving records and has been with an insurer for a
number of years.

The CLCA Program

The state of California has a program called CLCA, (California Low Cost
Automobile Insurance Program). This program provides people on
low-income with more options to find an affordable car insurance policy.

California State Requirements:

Before buying car insurance in California, it is essential to be aware of the minimum legal requirements set by the state.

As per California Insurance Code §11580.1b, the minimum insurance requirements are:

• $15,000 for injury or death to one person
• $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
• $5,000 for any damage to property

Most insurance companies in California already have the above coverage
included, but you will need to determine if more coverage options or
higher limits on your chosen options is needed to protect your personal
assets.

To obtain more information regarding California auto insurance, you can
contact the California Department of Insurance in Los Angeles at
800-927-HELP (4357) or visit their website at http://www.insurance.ca.gov .

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Colorado Car Insurance

Colorado Car Insurance: Easy Guide to

Auto Insurance in CO

Anyone in who drives a car in Colorado must have car insurance as per
state laws. If you reside in Colorado, you must know a few basic facts
about car insurance before you take your car out for a spin.

Colorado used to be a “No Fault” state until 2003. Now, the state
follows a tort system. Under this system, it is believed that the
accident is the fault of one of the parties involved in it. The liable
driver and his insurance company are required to pay for all the damages
sustained by other parties.

All drivers, regardless of age, must have minimum liability insurance in
the state of Colorado. The minimum liability in Colorado is 25/50/15.
This means, $25,000 is the liability amount for bodily damages per
person per accident. $50,000 pays for the bodily injuries of everyone
involved in the accident. Property damage liability is $15,000 and this
pays for damages to property such as walls and fences.

You have the option of purchasing this as a combined single limit by
paying a minimum amount of $60,000, which basically serves as proof of
financial responsibility.

 

Purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage is not
mandatory in Colorado, but it is suggested you get this valuable
coverage. It pays for bodily injuries and other damages when you are
involved in an accident with a driver who is either uninsured or
underinsured.

 

Though it is not compulsory under Colorado state law for drivers to
purchase comprehensive and collision coverage, it is mandatory for the
insurance companies to offer them to customers. However, if you have
bought your car on loan, your lender may require you to buy collision
coverage until your loan is paid off.

Colorado state law requires insurers to offer you Medical Payments
coverage for a minimum amount of $5,000. If you don't want this
coverage, you must opt out as its likely bundled by default in the
policy. If you don’t as your auto insurance provider to remove it, this
optional coverage will be automatically added to your premium.

 

It is important for you to check the lease agreement when leasing a car.
Normally, these agreements require you to have liability coverage of
$100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident and property damage
coverage in excess of Colorado Insurance Law.

Failure to comply with the insurance laws can land you in trouble. You
may face either a fine or a suspension. In some cases, you may even face
imprisonment.

For more information on all aspects of Colorado’s auto insurance
requirements, residents can visit the Colorado Division of Insurance
located in Denver website available at http://www.dora.state.co.us/insurance/ or by call their office at 1-800-930-3745.

 

The current average car insurance premium rate for residents of Colorado
is $1,687. This rate is 30% higher than what it was in 2008.

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Hawaii Car Insurance

Hawaii Car Insurance: Quick Guide to

State Requirements

A car insurance is essential to you can driver a vehicle in Hawaii. The
state law requires that your vehicle be insured for the period of its
registration. You are also supposed to have a valid vehicle insurance
identification card in your car at all times.

 

You can be fined if you are found to be driving without a proper
identification card. Driving without insurance will cause your vehicle
registration to be cancelled and you will have to surrender the
registration certificate and the license plate to your county director
of finance.

Hawaii is a “no fault” state. This means that your car insurance company
will pay for the medical expenses for you and your passengers' injuries
up to the upper limit of the Personal Injury Protection, regardless of
who is at fault in the accident.

In Hawaii, car insurance coverage requires driver to carry a minimum of
Personal Injury Protection amount of $10,000 per person for you and
every member of your family.

The bodily injury coverage pays for injuries that you may cause to
others. The minimum amount for this coverage is $20,000 per person and
$40,000 for all injuries per accident.

“No fault” applies only to injuries caused to people. It does not apply
to property damage. Therefore, the person who is held responsible for
the accident has to pay for causing damages to others property. The
property damage liability required need to cover a minimum limit of
$10,000 per accident.

Overall, the basic coverage is referred to as 20/40/10 coverage.

For more details on laws and regulations required by authorities in
Hawaii, contact Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in
Honolulu, by calling (808) 586-279 or visiting their website at http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/ins.

 

Drivers may add optional insurance coverage option which includes the
physical damage coverage that pays for the damage caused to your own car
in the event of an accident. This coverage includes collision insurance
and coverage insurance.

Unlike some other state, some coverage options are not mandatory in
Hawaii. However, you can still consider these options for additional
coverage such as having insurance against uninsured or under-insured
motorists.

 

You may buy uninsured motorist coverage at a minimum of $20,000 per
person to pay for serious bodily injury or death if the driver at fault
is uninsured, or in case of a hit and run accident. You may also
purchase underinsured motorist coverage at a minimum of $20,000 per
person to pay if the driver at fault does not have adequate insurance to
cover all costs.

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Idaho Car Insurance

Idaho Car Insurance: Driver's Guide to

Auto Insurance Requirements in ID

Idaho, like most other U.S. states, has minimum mandatory requirements
for car insurance. Before committing to a policy, you must familiarize
yourself with the state's specifications.

Idaho follows a tort system. Under this system, one of the parties
involved in the accident is considered guilty of causing it. The person
responsible for the accident and his insurance company has to pay for
all the damages caused by the accident. The driver who is at fault for
causing the accident can be sued in a civil court by the people involved
in the accident to recover lost wages or compensation for sustained
damages.

 

The state law of Idaho requires all its drivers to purchase minimum
bodily injury liability of $25,000 per injured person per accident,
$50,000 as bodily injury liability for all people injured in an accident
and a minimum of $15,000 property damage liability. This basic coverage
plan is referred to as 25/50/15 coverage. The liability policy pays for
injuries and damages if you are responsible for the accident. It is
recommended that all car owners purchase more than the minimum required
liability.

As per the state law of Idaho, it is not mandatory for car owners to
purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage liability. But it's
wiser to purchase this coverage as it pays for damages if you are
involved in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured.
If you purchase uninsured motorist coverage, it should be at least the
same amount as bodily injury liability.

Purchasing Collision and Comprehensive coverage is also not mandatory in
Idaho. These types of coverage pay for damages to the insured vehicle
up to its blue book value. If the cost of repairs exceeds the cost of
car, the market value of the car is calculated and given to the owner in
cash.

If you don't comply with the minimum requirements of insurance laws of
the state, your driver's license will be suspended. Once the suspension
period is over, you can apply for reinstatement of your license through
Idaho Transportation Department.

Further information regarding Idaho’s insurance policies can be obtained
by contacting the Idaho Department of Insurance at 1-800-721-3272 or
visiting their website available at http://www.doi.idaho.gov .

 

The average car insurance premium rate for an Idaho resident is $1,494
for 2009. Car insurance premium rates are increasing every year.

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Montana Car Insurance

Montana Car Insurance: Simple Guide

to State Auto Insurance Requirements

Before you start driving in the state of Montana, there are some basic
regulations that you need to know. The most important of these are the
minimum car insurance requirements as mandated by the law of the state.

Minimum Legal Car Insurance Coverage

The law in the state of Montana requires a driver to have a minimum
bodily injury liability of $25,000 per injured person per accident and
up to $50,000 for all injuries per accident.

The property damage liability coverage has a minimum limit of $10,000.
This basic plan is often referred to as 25/50/10 coverage.

 

Under Montana auto insurance law, it is mandatory for companies to offer
uninsured motorist coverage. But it is up to a driver to decide if they
want to take this coverage. In other words, it’s recommended and
sometimes bundles as part of your auto insurance quotes, but it’s still
optional.

Unlike some other states that follow a “no fault” system, the state of
Montana follows a tort system, which means that one of the parties
involved in the accident must be responsible for causing it. The person
held responsible for causing the accident has to pay for all the
damages. The tort system varies slightly from state to state.

 

Though not required by the law, you may also purchase collision and
comprehensive coverage to pay for damages against accidents and other
factors such as theft and natural disasters.

Private Injury Protection is also a valuable addition to your insurance
policy. It pays for medical expenses required in treating injuries
sustained by you and your passengers in the event of an accident.

The state of Montana allows owners of 25 vehicles or more to obtain a
self-insurance certificate. More details on auto insurance requirement
in the state of Montana can be obtained by directly contacting Montana
State Auditor in Helena on (406) 444-2040 or visiting their website at http://www.csi.mt.gov/industry/insurance.asp.

What if you Drive with No Auto Insurance?

Driving without valid insurance can result in strict penalties within
the state of Montana. You may be hit with a misdemeanor charge, which
includes a fine of up to $500 and 5 points on your driving license. A
total of 30 points on your license ultimately leads to its cancellation.
You may also be jailed for 10 days. However, if you are caught a second
time without valid car insurance, you will face a higher fine and
another 10 days in jail. Moreover, your license may be suspended for a
period of 90 days.

In order to find the best rate possible for car insurance, make sure
that you compare the prices of at least 3 to 4 car insurance companies

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Nevada Car Insurance

Nevada Car Insurance - Basic Guide to

Residents Requirements

If you are a driver residing in the state of Nevada, you are required by the state law to have car insurance.

Even though each state has its own requirements, bodily injury liability
and property damage are the minimum coverage plan that you need to buy
in Nevada. Only if you own 11 vehicles or more, you are exempt from
buying insurance in the state of Nevada.

The state follows a tort system which means that one of the parties
involved in the accident must be guilty of causing it. The party held
liable is responsible for covering expenses of bodily injuries and
property damage.

 

Whether a vehicle is in use or not, the owners must have $15,000 of
bodily injury coverage per person per accident, $30,000 for all injuries
in an accident and $10,000 as property damage coverage per accident.
This basic coverage is referred to as 15/30/10 coverage.

The basic coverage plans are there to compensate others and their
property from damages as a result of an accident. This basic coverage
doesn't cover costs of any injury or damage to you, your passengers or
your car if you are found at fault.

Over and above the mandatory basic plan, it is advisable to add a few
optional coverage options to the policy. These coverage options prove
really beneficial if you are at fault in an accident.

The Personal Injury Protection coverage will pay for medical expenses
required by you and your passengers in case you are at fault in an
accident.

Uninsured and under-insured motorist coverage options are not required in
Nevada. They are equal in amount to the basic coverage plans.

 

Unlike most states, if you own 11 vehicles or more, you are exempt from buying auto insurance coverage in the state of Nevada.

The average car insurance premium for Nevada residents in the year 2009
is $2,097. This year the rate is 10% higher than that of 2008.

To ascertain who has coverage and who doesn't, the state of Nevada has
an Insurance Verification Program in place. This is one of the reasons
why you need to carry proof of your coverage in your car before you
drive off. SR-22 form is available from your car insurance company for a
small fee serves as proof of your insurance coverage. It is valid for 3
years.

More details on Nevada auto insurance requirements can be obtained by
contacting the Nevada Division of Insurance in Carson City on
1-775-687-4270 or Las Vegas on 1-702-486-4009 or visiting their website
at http://doi.state.nv.us.

 

Driving without valid insurance can attract severe penalties. You may
even have your driver license suspended until you get insurance that
meet the state requirements.

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New Mexico Car Insurance

New Mexico Car Insurance: Simple

Guide to Auto Insurance in MN

Before you take your car out on the roads in the state of New Mexico,
you must prove to the authorities that you have the financial capability
to cover costs of all damages if you are involved in an accident.

To establish your financial responsibility, you can deposit a lump sum
of $60,000 in the state treasurer's office in the form of a surety bond
or cash. The other more popular and cheaper method of securing financial
responsibility is to buy car liability insurance.

 

The state of New Mexico requires you to buy a minimum bodily injury
liability of $25,000 per person per accident and up to $50,000 for
injuries of all people in an accident. The property damage liability is
set at a minimum amount of $10,000 per accident. This mandatory coverage
plan is referred to as 25/50/10 coverage.

 

For more information on New Mexico consumers can contact the New Mexico
Public Regulation Commission in Santa Fe by calling 1-888-4ASK-PRC or by
visiting their web site at: http://www.nmprc.state.nm.us/.

 

The state follows a tort system, which means that one of the parties
involved in the accident is guilty of causing it. The person responsible
for the accident and his/her insurance company has to pay up all the
money to cover costs of bodily injuries, property damage and any other
damages covered in the policy document.

 

If you are held responsible for causing the accident, the victim has a
right to sue you. In such a case, the minimum insurance cover may not
cover all costs. Therefore, it is better to have an insurance coverage
that is more than the minimum set by the authorities.

 

29 % of all motorists in New Mexico are uninsured. This is the highest
ratio of any state in the country. Thus, getting coverage against
uninsured and underinsured motorists is a highly recommended.

The insurance companies in the state monitor the drivers using the New
Mexico Insurance Identification Database and report any irregularities
in the insurance to the state authorities.

If you drive around the state without valid car insurance, you could
face misdemeanor charges, a fine of up to $300 and the cancellation of
your vehicle registration.

The average car insurance premium rate in the state is $1,939 in 2009.
Car insurance is mandatory and it does not come cheap. However, this
does not mean that you should pay more than what is required. Before you
buy a car insurance policy, don't forget to shop around and compare the
quotes offered by various companies.

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Oregon Car Insurance

Oregon Car Insurance: What Residents

Need to Know

Oregon, a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S., is one of
the most strict and inflexible states in the U.S. when it comes to car
insurance requirements. It is mandatory for every driver in the state to
possess auto insurance. If you are caught driving in Oregon without an
auto insurance policy, you may have to bear tough consequences in the
form of SR-22 compliance. In the worst case, you can be suspended of
your driving privileges and the local law enforcement group may even
'relocate' your vehicle to some other place.

To avoid these complications, it is better for you to opt for a cheap Oregon car insurance policy.

The Minimum Insurance Requirements for Oregon:

1. Bodily injury and property damage liability of $25,000 per person,
2. $50,000 per crash for bodily injury you cause to others,
3. Personal injury protection to cover "reasonable and necessary
   medical and other expenses for one year after the accident" of $15,000,
4. $10,000 per crash for anyone else's personal property that decides to get involved,
5. Uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

For more specific details on regarding Oregon insurance consumers may
contact the Oregon Insurance Division of the Department of Consumer and
Business Services in Salem at 503-947-7980 or by visiting their website
at http://www.cbs.state.or.us/external/ins/index.html.

 

It is essential for you to be aware of the ways in which you can get cheap car insurance in Oregon. Some of the ways are:

Keep a Good Driving Record:

This is the first factor that auto insurance companies consider when
offering insurance. Based on the policies of your car insurance
provider, an accident can stay on your record for 3-7 years. Hence, an
'at-fault' accident can increase your insurance premiums for up to 7
years and this can cost you a considerable amount of money. Therefore,
it is very important for you to maintain a good driving record. A clean
driving record will surely fetch you cheap car insurance in Oregon.

Maintain Low Mileage:

Some car insurance companies in Oregon consider the mileage your car
covers in a year, on average. This is because, the fewer miles you drive
on the roads, the lower the chances of you getting involved in an
accident. Therefore, it is advised that you use the public
transportation system at least twice a weak to get to your workplace. If
your car insurance company offers discounts for low mileage, you will
pay cheap insurance rates.

It is advised that you choose the most appropriate insurance coverage
for yourself by considering quotes of different car insurance companies
in Oregon.

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Utah Car Insurance

Utah Car Insurance: A Simple Guide to

Saving and Requirements

Utah, a western State in the U.S., has made it mandatory for all drivers
to carry an insurance policy. Getting cheap car insurance in Utah is
not a daunting task. However, you need to know some tips in which you
can use to obtain cheap insurance quotes.

 

The first thing you need to do is use our free insurance quotes form and
visit at least 3-4 car insurance companies in Utah to compare each
quotes. This way, you will have more options to choose from. After you
have gone through the quotes of different auto insurance companies, you
can choose the most feasible insurance policy for your needs.

Many car insurance companies in Utah offer discounts if you meet the guidelines set by them. Some of these discounts are:

1. Safe driver discounts for not being involved in an accident for three or more years.
2. Senior citizen discounts for drivers who are 55 or more.
3. Multiple policy discounts if you decide to purchase your home and auto insurance policy from the same company.
4. Good student discounts for students who score well in their exams.

If you can qualify for any of the above mentioned discounts, you will pay less on your car insurance rates.

The majority of car insurance companies in Utah value cars that have
safety features. Hence, it is advised that you consider installing
safety features such as front and rear crumple zones, air bags, alarm
system, anti-lock braking system and GPS.

 

Although not all car insurance companies take note of a person's credit
record when offering insurance, it is always good to have a clean credit
record. By paying your bills regularly, you can convince your insurance
provider that you are a trustworthy customer. And if your insurance
provider values a good credit record, you can get cheap insurance rates.

A better way to obtain cheap car insurance in Utah is to opt for the
minimum liability or a cheap Utah car insurance policy, also called as
25/50/15 policy. This policy requires:

 

• Bodily injury coverage of at least $25,000 for each person you injure in an accident.
• Bodily injury coverage of $50,000 for all overall injuries you cause.
• Property damage liability of $15,000 for the damage you cause to other people's car and property.

As Utah is a no-fault state, it also requires you to have a PIP
(personal injury protection) insurance coverage to pay for your medical
bills and damaged property, irrespective of who was at fault, when you
are involved in an accident.

If you own a good comprehensive health insurance policy, it is advised that you opt for only a minimum PIP policy.

For more details on Utah auto insurance policies, you may contact the UT Insurance Department by visiting their website at http://www.insurance.utah.gov/.

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Washington Car Insurance

Washington Car Insurance: WA State

Auto Insurance Requirements

The state of Washington requires a driver to have a car insurance
liability policy, a certificate of deposit or a liability bond of the
required limits.

The minimum bodily injury liability is $25,000 per person and up to
$50,000 per accident. The property damage liability is $10,000. This
basic coverage plan is also referred to as 25/50/10.

 

If you prefer to buy bonds instead of an insurance liability, the same
rules apply. However, if you wish to purchase a certificate of deposit,
then you need to pay $60,000 to the office of the State Treasurer. If
you own 26 vehicles or more, the state of Washington allows you to have
self-insurance.

You are required to carry proof of your car insurance with you at all
times in Washington. You can be fined around $450 if found driving
without adequate proof. There is also a chance that this may go on your
driving record as a violation. Moreover, the court can impose a fee on
your fine.

 

You must comply with all the rules of Washington's mandatory auto
insurance law, even if you are an out-of-state non-resident driver who
happens to be driving through Washington.

Vehicles over 40 years old that are especially licensed as “antique
vehicles”, “collector's vehicles” or “classic cars” that are over 30
years old and vehicles owned by public bodies and two wheelers are
exempt from the auto insurance law in the state.

 

The state of Washington requires insurance companies to offer uninsured
and underinsured motorist coverage as part of their deals. However, it’s
up to customer whether they want to purchase it.

Insurance companies are also supposed to offer their customers a type of
coverage known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This must provide a
minimum of $10,000 in medical expenses, $2,000 for funeral expenses,
$10,000 as wage compensation subject to a limit of $200 per week, and
$5,000 for loss of services subject to a limit of $200 per week per
person insured.

Washington follows a tort system which means that someone must be at fault for causing the accident.

More information on Washington auto insurance can be obtained by
contacting the Office of the Insurance Commissioner at 800-562-6900 or
by visiting their website available at http://www.insurance.wa.gov/.

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Wyoming Car Insurance

Wyoming Car Insurance: A Simple

Residents Guide to WY State

Requirements

It is illegal to drive a car in the state of Wyoming without owning
proper insurance. Car insurance proves you are financially responsible
in case of an accident. The drivers are also recommended to carry proof
of car insurance while driving in the state of Wyoming.

Basic coverage for Wyoming car insurance is often referred to as
25/50/20/. The state law requires minimum Bodily Injury Liability limit
of $25,000 per injured person up to a limit of $50,000. Minimum limit
for Property damage Liability is $20,000. There are also other types of
coverage options such as rental reimbursement and collision, and
comprehensive coverage.

For more detailed information on auto insurance requirements all Wyoming
residents should contact the State of Wyoming Insurance Department in
Cheyenne on 1-800-438-5768 or visit their website at http://doi.wyo.gov.

 

WY follows the Tort system, which states that the person responsible for
the accident be found, and that person and his/her insurance company be
held responsible for all the damages.

You can determine which car insurance policy is most suitable for you by
comparing car insurance quotes of different companies. Some tips to
getting cheap car insurance quotes in the state of Wyoming are:

Insurance More Cars Per Address

Multiple car discounts is a good way of obtaining cheap insurance
quotes. Car insurance companies offer a discount if you insure two cars
at the same time.

Purchase Auto Insurance for at Least One Year

Purchasing a car insurance policy for a year instead of 6 months or less
can extend the savings on your auto insurance. If you purchase a policy
for six months, you will have to pay a rate which changes every six
months.

Reduce your Yearly Mileage

Moving closer to your work or college is also a great way to get a cheap
car insurance quote. Cars with less mileage per year are offered a low
rate by most insurance companies.

Listed Organizations for Discounts

Many Car insurance companies offer discounts if you are affiliated with
organizations like credit unions or other entities listed for discounts.
It is recommended that you ask for a list of organization affiliations
to the insurance company you wish to use for your auto insurance cover.

Defensive Driving and Other Special Driving Courses

Some car insurance companies give discounts to people who have taken a
special driving course. Insurance companies consider people who have
taken special driving course as less likely to get into an accident.

Multiple Insurance Services

You can get a cheap insurance quote if you register your car and home insurance with the same company.

Watch your Credit Score

Keeping your credit score high is another way to get cheap car
insurance. Car insurance companies now decide the insurance rate you are
to pay based on your credit score.

What if you Can’t Get Coverage?

There is an insurance option available for high-risk individuals, too.
If you are classified as a high-risk driver, and find it hard to get car
insurance or cannot afford the high premiums, it is recommended to look
out only for companies which specialize in insurance bad drivers, such
as The General. You may also contact the state insurance commissioner
for further assistance if you are still having trouble getting auto
insurance.

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Arkansas Car Insurance

Arkansas Car Insurance: Saving Guide

and State Requirements

If you are looking to buy a car insurance policy in Arkansas, it is
essential for you to be aware of various ways in which you can get cheap
insurance rates. We have listed some below:

Good Driving Record

Your driving record is given the utmost priority by car insurance
companies in Arkansas when it comes to offering cheap insurance quotes.
You need to drive safely and properly follow the traffic rules and
regulations. If you get a speeding ticket or a traffic ticket, or if you
are found guilty for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under
the Influence (DUI), you won't be granted cheap car insurance rates in
Arkansas for at least 3 years. Hence, it is necessary for you to have a
good driving record to get cheap car insurance. If you haven't been
involved in an accident for at least 3 years, your insurance company may
grant you a discount on your auto insurance policy.

Safety Features

Cars that are equipped with safety features have less possibility of
being stolen. This factor is given due prominence by car insurance
companies in Arkansas when determining insurance rates. By installing
safety features such as air-bags, seat-belts, front and rear crumple
zone, anti-lock braking system, alarm system and a GPS system in your
car, you can get cheaper insurance rates.

Ask for Discounts

Some car insurance companies in Arkansas offer attractive discounts such as:

• Senior citizen discounts for the drivers aged 55 or older.
• Safe driver discounts for having good driving record with no involvement in accident for 3 or more years
• Good student's discounts for students who score well in their driver’s examinations

Each insurance company has a list of discounts available. Therefore, you
should check what’s on offer to decide if you are entitled for one. If
your car insurance provider offers discounts for any of the above
mentioned reasons or more, and if you qualify for it, you will pay
smaller premiums.

Combine All your Coverage Needs

It is recommended that you buy your home and car insurance policy from
the same insurance provider. Your car insurance provider will consider
this while determining your insurance rate and you may pay less on
insurance premiums.

Arkansas State Requirements:

When shopping for cheap Arkansas car insurance policy, it’s important to meet requirements set by the state:

• Bodily Injury Coverage of at least $25,000 for per person injured and $50,000 for all persons injured in any one accident.
• Property Damage Coverage of at least $25,000 for injury (caused to
  other person in the accident) and damage to other people’s property.

More details on Arkansas’s insurance requirements can be obtained by
contacting the Arkansas Insurance Department in Little Rock at
1-800-282-9134 or by visiting their website at http://insurance.arkansas.gov.

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Illinois Car Insurance

Illinois Car Insurance: Useful

Information for Drivers Before Buying

Car Insurance

Every state has its own particular guidelines regarding car insurance.
The specific insurance requirements for Illinois can be obtained from
the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Division of Insurance in Springfield 217 782-4515 or Chicago 312
814-2420. Consumers can also obtain information by visiting IL Dept. of
Insurance website at http://insurance.illinois.gov.

 

The average car insurance premium rate in Illinois is around $1,204.
Illinois follows a tort system. This type of liability policy means that
someone must be held responsible for the accident and that person and
his insurance company must pay for all the damages to the victim and his
vehicle. The specifications of a tort system vary from state to state.

 

Illinois requires its drivers to possess uninsured or underinsured
insurance because not all states require their motorists to have
liability insurance. It is obvious that at some point there will be
uninsured drivers on Illinois roads. Uninsured and underinsured motorist
coverage provides bodily injury and vehicle damages suffered by the
insured in case the driver responsible for the accident does not possess
liability coverage or if his coverage is not enough to pay for the
compensation. It also pays for damages suffered as a result of a hit and
run.

 

The state law requires minimum motorist coverage of $20,000 per person
and up to $40,000 per accident to protect you against damages caused by
an uninsured or underinsured driver. This is only for injuries. The
property damage liability coverage should be a minimum of $15,000.

This coverage is referred to as 20/40/15 coverage with 20/40 UM limits.

 

Illinois law requires you to provide Proof of Financial Responsibility
on random selection of your vehicle. If you fail to return the
questionnaire or found not to have insurance, your license could be
suspended.

If you have been found guilty of traffic violations then it is better to
keep an SR-22 form issued by your insurance company as a proof of
future financial responsibility.

Though not mandated by the state, a car lender may require that a car
still possessing a lien obtain comprehensive and collision coverage.
This way, if the vehicle is damaged in an accident and its driver is
responsible, then it can be repaired. If the cost of the repair is
greater than the value of the car, it will be declared as “totaled” and
the cash value of the car will be compensated to the owner.

Insurance rates change every few years. Even in the state of Illinois,
the rates have not remained constant. The current average car insurance
rate of 2009 is 8% higher than that of 2008.

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Indiana Car Insurance

Indiana Car Insurance: Simple Guide to

Insurance Requirements

Car insurance laws vary from state to state. These laws affect the rates
of your insurance policy and hence, you need to keep in mind the
several requirements to comply with Indiana state laws while buying a
car insurance policy.

All states require a minimum Property Damage Coverage and Bodily Injury
Liability, and the state of Indiana is no exception. The Indiana
Department of Insurance monitors the insurance industry in the state of
Indiana. It states that the minimum requirement for a car insurance
policy should be 25/50/10. Let’s take a broader look at these
requirements.

Required Minimum Bodily Injury

A minimum coverage amount of $25,000 for Bodily Injury is required to
pay for each person injured in any one accident and $50,000 for all
persons involved in each accident.

Required Minimum Property Damage

In this type of requirement a minimum amount of $10,000 is required to
pay for damages to property of other party in each accident.

Optional Insurance Coverage

 
Under-insured Motorist (UIM) and Uninsured Motorist (UM) requirements, as
stated by the state of Indiana, stipulate that a minimum requirement of
Uninsured Motorist to be purchased must not be less than the required
minimum amount of bodily injury coverage. However, in case of an
Underinsured Motorist, it must be up to at least a minimum amount of
$50,000.

More details on Indiana insurance requirements are available from the
Indiana Department of Insurance in Indianapolis by calling 317-232-2385
or simply visiting their website at http://www.in.gov/idoi/.

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Iowa Car Insurance

Iowa Car Insurance: A Useful Guide to

Car Insurance for IA Residents

In the state of Iowa, the only type of coverage needed is liability
coverage. The basic liability coverage here is 20/40/15, which can be
broken down as:

• $20,000 to cover Bodily Injury Liability per person per accident
• $40,000 to cover Bodily Injury Liability for all individuals involved in the accident
• $15,000 to cover Property Injury Liability

Consumers can obtained more details on IA state specific guidelines the
Iowa Insurance Division in Des Moines, either by calling 877-955-1212 or
visiting their website at http://www.iid.state.ia.us

There are other options like comprehensive and collision insurance,
uninsured/under insured Motorist policy, and GAP insurance, but these are
not mandatory in Iowa.

For car drivers in Iowa, getting the best car insurance deal at an
affordable price is a priority. But most people don’t know the steps to
take to get that perfect deal. Here is how you can get cheap insurance
quotes from car insurance companies in Iowa:

Asking for Discounts:

Car owners are recommended to ask their insurance company or the
insurance agent if you can benefit from any discounts. Car insurance
companies provide cheap quotes to people based on their profession.
People working from their home, or living near their workplace or
educational institution pay lower premiums. They are categorized as low
risk since they travel less and have a lower chance of getting into an
accident. Locations are also classified as high risk or low risk
depending on the crime rate in the area. If you move into a locality
with a low rate of car theft and vandalism, you can qualify for a cheap
insurance quote. You can also get discounts with some insurers if you
are a senior citizen.

Multiple Drivers Auto Insurance Policy:

Registering the names of all family members on a single policy is a good
option to get cheap quotes from car insurance companies.

Renewing Policies

Car insurance companies provide good discounts when you renew the policy
with the same company. Not claiming anything during this term can also
qualify you for a discount in the next term.

Taking a Driving Course

Car insurance companies offer low premiums to people who take defensive
driving course. Drivers who pass these special courses are considered
low risk and less prone to accidents. You need to submit the certificate
you’ll receive upon successfully completing the course to the insurance
company to benefit from the low premium.

Getting Good Grades:

Auto insurance companies can provide young drivers with a cheap quote if they have secured good grades in school/college.

Maintaining a Good Driving Record

You can get a cheap car insurance quote if you have a good driving
record and haven't received a speeding ticket for a long time.

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Kansas Car Insurance

Kansas Car Insurance: Simple

Guidelines for Auto Insurance Hunters

Kansas has its own car insurance laws. If you are a car owner in Kansas,
it is mandatory for you to have a Comprehensive and Collision car
insurance along with your minimum liability requirement. The minimum
liability requirement in Kansas is $25,000 for bodily injury to a single
person, $50,000 for each accident, and $10,000 for property damages.

Car insurance companies in Kansas provide insurance coverage if any
damage occurs due to fire or natural disasters. The amount you receive
as compensation for your damage depends on the value of the car, the
coverage options you purchase and the limit on the policy. For damages
to your car, you would receive your compensation as per the prevailing
market value of the car even at the time of the accident even if you
have purchased your car at a lower or higher price.

Further information regarding KS auto insurance is available by
contacting the Department of Insurance in Topeka by either visiting
their website available at http://www.ksinsurance.org or calling 1-800-432-2484.

 

If you are looking for a cheap car insurance in Kansas these tips may help you to lower your insurance premium cost:

1. Pay your Premium Once a Year:

The car insurance companies in Kansas allow you to pay your premium once
a year. However, it is easier for most people to pay a monthly premium,
since paying the premium yearly means paying one large lump sum.
However, if you afford to pay this yearly cost, it is beneficial for the
insurance company as it saves their administrative costs. The savings
is passed on to you and you will be offered a discount on your premium
rates.

2. Liability Only Insurance:

Collision and comprehensive coverage offer you coverage only for the
replacement value of car if you suffer a total loss. Liability only
insurance coverage would offer you enough to fund for a new car. Very
often insurers in Kansas suggest you buy collision coverage, but once
the payment is made for a replacement, it would not a wise to keep the
coverage. If you have a liability only insurance coverage, you need not
maintain other coverage options. This would save you a lot of your
money.

3. Good Driving Records:

Car Insurance companies in Kansas offer great discounts on premium rates
for good drivers. If you are a bad driver and you have been involved in
accidents a number of times or you have been issued tickets for
speeding or drink driving, you would be deprived of a discount on your
premium. So if you want to take advantages of any available auto
insurance discounts, you must make sure you drive safely every time you
are behind the steering wheel. Some companies may overlook a good
driver’s mistake if they get into an accident for the first time.

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Lousiana Car Insurance

Lousiana Car Insurance: Things you

Should Know Before Buying Car

Insurance

It has become a necessity for drivers to have suitable car insurance. If
you are a first time car buyer, you need to be aware of the ways in
which you can get cheap car insurance in Louisiana. Some of the ways
are:

Maintain a Good Driving Record

This is the most important factor considered by car insurance companies
in Louisiana when offering insurance quotes. Hence, it’s better for you
to have a clean driving record.

Secure your Vehicle

Cars that have a high risk of being stolen attract higher premiums.
Hence, it will be beneficial for you to make your car theft-proof by
installing safety features such as an alarm system. Air bags, GPS system
and anti-lock braking systems are also taken into consideration. By
having a car with safety features, you'll pay less in insurance premiums
to car insurance companies in Louisiana.

Do the Math

If you own an older vehicle with no loans, it does not require full
coverage insurance. An effective way to get cheap car insurance in
Louisiana is to reduce the coverage on the vehicle. If the premium
amount on the insurance policy is more than 10% of the car's worth, the
insurance policy is perhaps not worth it.

Shop Online

The most common mistake consumers make, is they purchase a car insurance
policy from the first company they find. You need to weigh all your
options. Compare the insurance quotes of at least 3-4 car insurance
companies in Louisiana. By doing so, you can choose a policy that suits
your budget and your needs.

Opt for a Yearly Policy

It will be beneficial for you to choose a yearly policy instead of a
6-month policy from your car insurance company in Louisiana. This way,
you will have to pay less in premiums and your rate will remain
unchanged for an entire year.

Drive Less

Certain car insurance companies in Louisiana offer their customers
low-mileage discounts. You can consider going to your workplace by way
of public transportation at least twice a week. This way, you can cut
down the usage of your car and get a cheaper insurance rate.

Minimum Coverage Requirements:

The state of Louisiana follows a Tort system and the minimum coverage requires:

• Bodily Injury Liability limits of $10,000 per injured person and
• Up to a total of $20,000 per accident
• Property Damage Liability coverage with a minimum limit of $10,000

This basic coverage is also referred to as '10/20/10' coverage.

More information about Louisiana auto insurance policies can be obtained
from the Louisiana Department of Insurance in Baton Rouge by calling
1-800-259-5300 or 1-800-259-5301 or visiting their website at www.ldi.state.la.us.

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Michigan Car Insurance

Michigan Car Insurance - State

Requirements for Residents

Buying car insurance in Michigan is easy. But if you are a first time
customer, it is essential for you to be aware of the ways in which you
can get cheap car insurance in Michigan. Some of these ways are as
follows:

Maintain a good driving record. This is the most important factor that
car insurance companies in Michigan consider while offering insurance.
To get cheap insurance rates, it is essential for you to have a clean
driving record with no cases of accidents or claims.

 

Consider the same insurance company for your home and vehicle. It is
advised that you consider opting for the same insurance company for both
your home and vehicle. Considerable amount of discounts maybe available
by bundling your home insurance needs with your car insurance in
Michigan.

Use your credit rating to your advantage: Car insurance companies in
Michigan value good credit reports and offer attractive discounts.
Hence, if you have been paying all your bills on time and have never
defaulted in any of your payments, insurance providers will see it as a
plus point in your credit report.

Buy a car with safety features. One of the most important factors that
car insurance companies in Michigan consider while offering discounts,
is the safety feature that the car contains. If your car consists of
cutting-edge safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags,
computer-chip keys, seat belts, GPS systems, or front and rear crumple
zone, you can get cheap car insurance.

Opt for insurance policies with high deductibles. By opting for
insurance with high deductibles, you will have to pay less on your
insurance premium.

Michigan Auto Insurance Requirements:

Car Insurance requirements vary from one state to the next. Before
buying car insurance in Michigan, it is advised that you be aware of the
state's requirements. If you are a Michigan resident, you can contact
the Michigan Department of Financial and Insurance Services (FIS)
located in Lansing by calling (517) 373-1820 and asking to be
transferred to the Department of FIS. Or visit their website at www.michigan.gov/difs.

 

You need to know that Michigan is a no-fault state. This means that you
will be required to carry a PIP (Personal Injury Protection) policy.

It is essential that all vehicles in Michigan are covered under a
liability policy, as there are exceptions to the no-fault rule. A
liability insurance policy is required to cover up to:

• $20,000 for the medical expenses of a single driver.
• $40,000 for the combined medical expenses of the driver and passengers injured in the accident.
• $10,000 for property damages (including the damage to both the victim's vehicle and public property).

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Minnesota Car Insurance

Minnesota Car Insurance: What MN

Residents Need to Know

When you register your vehicle in Minnesota, the authorities
automatically establishes that you have the minimum financial
responsibility as set by state laws.

MN state law requires its drivers to have mandatory bodily injury
liability, property damage liability, personal injury protection, and
uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

 

The law requires a minimum bodily injury liability of $30,000 per
injured person per accident and a total of up to $60,000 for all
injuries in an accident. The property damage liability coverage is set
at a minimum of $10,000 per accident. The lower limit for uninsured and
underinsured motorist coverage is $25,000 per injury per accident and
$50,000 for all injuries per accident.

 

This basic coverage plan is referred to as 30/60/10 coverage with 25/50 UM limits.

The personal injury protection coverage (PIP) that pays for injuries
sustained by you and your passengers has a minimum limit of $40,000 per
person per accident out of which $20,000 is for medical expenses and
$20,000 is for non medical expenses such as lost wages, funeral expense
and survivor's other economic loss.

This is the basic car insurance plan required by state authorities of
Minnesota. You can opt to add more coverage to it. If your car were
financed through a loan then you would require collision and
comprehensive coverage also.

 

Minnesota follows a “no fault” system, which means that your insurance
company will pay for your injuries regardless of whose fault the
accident is.

The victim of the accident is not entitled to sue the guilty driver
unless the cost of damages exceeds the coverage or if the accident
results in permanent disability, disfigurement or death.

Every Minnesota driver involved in an accident, which results in injury
or death, or property damage worth more than $1,000 must file a crash
report to the Driver and Vehicle Services within 10 days of the
incident.

 

More information on MN auto insurance can be obtained by contacting
Minnesota Dept. of Commerce in St. Paul by calling 651-296-4026 or
visiting there website available at http://www.state.mn.us.

If you have a bad driving record and are facing difficulties in
obtaining car insurance through regular channels, ask your insurance
agent about the Minnesota Automobile Insurance Plan. You can get
insurance through this plan as it takes care of high-risk individuals.
You can also use our free quotes tool available at the end of this
article to check on available insurance companies in your area.

The average car insurance premium for residents of Minnesota in the year
2009 is $1,855, which is more than the national average rate of $1,807.

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Missouri Car Insurance

Missouri Car Insurance: Coverage

Requirements for the 18th Most

Populous State

Before registering your car and driving it on the roads of Missouri, you
must prove your financial responsibility. Though the state gives you
various options to accomplish this, one of the most popular methods is
to purchase car insurance.

 

The state of Missouri requires drivers to have a minimum bodily injury
liability of $25,000 per injured person per accident and $50,000 for all
injuries in an accident. The minimum amount for property damage
liability for any one accident is $10,000.

 

Uninsured motorist coverage is also mandatory in the state to help
protect you against damages caused by uninsured drivers. The limits for
bodily injury are the same as regular coverage.

This basic plan is referred to as 25/50/10 coverage with 25/50 UM limits.

The insurance requirements laid down by the law of the state are simple.
You may add more coverage options to your personal car insurance plan
such as collision coverage, physical damage coverage, personal injury
protection coverage and gap insurance.

Missouri follows a tort system. Under this system, one of the parties
involved in the accident is believed to be guilty of causing the
accident. The person responsible for causing the accident and his/her
insurance company has to pay for all the damages that arise from the
accident.

Driving your car without valid insurance proof can result in either 4
points on your driving record or suspension of your license. Driving
uninsured may also result in automatic suspension of your license and
you will be required to pay a fine to get it back.

 

If you are uninsured and have an accident, you will be required to file
an SR-22 form to the Department of Revenue within the next 3 years.

More details on Missouri auto insurance requirements are available
directly from Missouri Department of Insurance by visiting their website
at http://insurance.mo.gov or by calling their Jefferson City office on 800-726-7390.

 

Purchasing a car insurance policy can be expensive. However, you can
still save some money by shopping around. Get quotes from multiple
online insurance companies. We have selected partners in every state in
the country that offer the most competitive rates and comparing the
prices is very easy using our online quotes system available at the end
of this article. Over the minimum requirements of the state law, you
need to decide what extra coverage you need, then look for plans that
cover all your specific requirements.

 

Start looking for a policy a few months in advance and make sure that
you do thorough research. Otherwise, you might end up paying more than
what you should.

To keep the cost of your insurance premium low, try to maintain a clean
driving record. Increasing the deductible will also bring down the
premium rates.

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