Should My Car Insurance Pay for a Dent From a Parking Lot?
Reader question:
I went grocery shopping the other day and and when I came out of the store, there was a big dent in the back of my car that hadn’t been there before. Of course, no note at all. What part of my car insurance coverage takes care or this type of damage?
Juan
Thank you for asking, Juan.
In your case, you are going to want to make a car insurance claim using your collision coverage. Collision coverage is most often known to apply to any vehicle that has gotten into an at fault accident, where liability of the other driver does not extend to their vehicle. Car insurance coverage for this type of damage could also fall under comprehensive, but in a different situation.
You might wonder why it is that collision coverage is needed if you can’t be sure that another vehicle was involved. You also might wonder why it is that whoever caused the dent does not have to pay with their auto insurance liability coverage. Both are valid questions, and to the first one I’d say that there isn’t much rhyme or reason to it, it’s just the way the auto insurance business works. As to the second one, you could do that if you know who the driver is. If you see the driver run into your car and cause the dent, or if they leave contact information on your car so that you can make a claim with their auto insurance company, then you don’t have to make a car insurance claim with your own company at all.
Also, not in every situation would a dent be covered under collision coverage. If the cause of the dent was, say, a shopping basket colliding into the back of the car, and you saw this and didn’t just guess it, or someone else saw it, then so long as you didn’t know the person who did it you could make a claim under your comprehensive coverage, because that is what would apply.
Now, one more question that might be remaining is, would your auto insurance rates go up for a dent that you claimed for under collision coverage, since collision coverage is usually used when you get into an at fault accident? Ninety nine percent of the time it would not, because most car insurance companies do not go by what type of coverage you filed the claim under, but instead by who caused the accident. It is obvious in this situation that you did not. Some car insurance companies are very draconian, though, and your rates would indeed go up so long as your state allowed it. However, in many cases it would not be necessary to even file a claim because if you have a higher deductible you can usually fix a dent in a car for much less than the deductible. If you want to stay on good terms with your auto insurance company, though, you should at least advise them of the incident.
Cheers,
Fashun Guadarrama.
Who’s Auto Insurance Company Should Pay After a Collision?
Reader question:
Me and my girlfriend bought a car together, and she co signed. We are no longer going out and haven’t been for awhile, and I think she moved out of state. But last week I got into an auto insurance collision and my vehicle was declared a total loss, so now I have to replace it. Am I allowed to do that without her permission?
Mike
Thank you for your question, Mike.
There would be no problem at all with you being able to get a new car if she co signed for the old one with you. You might come up against problems if the thing that you were trying to do was sell the car, because as long as her name is on the vehicle’s title, a transfer of title does require the consent of both parties. However, that is not the case with you, so I advise you not to worry.
Cheers,
Fashun Guadarrama.
At Fault Car Insurance Accident – Who Should Pay The Claim?
Reader question:
If I’m changing lanes and somebody in the lane I’m changing to is pulling out of a parallel parking spot, who is the at fault driver if we get into an auto accident?
Jerry
That’s a good question, Jerry.
It all depends on the timing of your little collision ballet, actually. For example, of the other car started pulling out before you started changing lanes, then that would bring one result. But if you started changing lanes before the other car began to pull out, then it would bring another. IT just goes to show how similar situations can be and how different the results are.
From the situation you describe, though, I want to say that it is most likely that the onus of the accident would be on the person who was changing lanes. The reason for this is, to begin with, that any time you collide with someone in a car insurance accident from behind, you are almost always at fault. This even applies when somebody slams on their brakes and then you run into them. The reason for this is that your car insurance company expects you to practice defensive driving techniques, which would have helped you avoid an accident.
It is also probable that if you started to change lanes and the other person started to pull out at the same time, that it would be a case of shared negligence. That way you would be considered responsible for a certain percentage of the other person’s damage, and they for a certain percentage of yours, depending on how much they are considered to be at fault in this car insurance accident. Either way, the person who ended up paying more would be the lane changer.
Cheers,
Fashun Guadarrama.
Why Should I Lower My Car Insurance Deductible?
Reader question:
What is the effect on your car insurance premium if you lower your auto insurance deductible?
Amy
Good question, Amy.
The greatness of the effect of a lowering of your car insurance deductible on your premium depends a lot on what good of a driving history you have. For example, someone who has a very good driving record would not have as much of a negative effect from lowering their car insurance deductible as someone who already has a couple of speeding tickets under the belt. Why is that? Mostly it is because the way the car insurance company charges you for your auto insurance premium depends mostly on how likely you are to get into a car accident, so if you have a five hundred dollar deductible for a good driver premium, it’s not as big a deal that they would have to pay more on the off chance that you get into an accident in which you are at fault, because it is very unlikely that you will get into such an accident. Do you see what I mean?
However, it does not matter so much how good your record is if you want to keep your auto insurance premium low, because regardless, if you lower your car insurance deductible then your premium will go up. It just might go up less if you lower it with a good driving record.
One thing you should remember before lowering your car insurance deductible is that raising the deductible is one of the best ways for you to save money on your car insurance. It is one of the things that I always suggest to people who want to do so. Before you consider lowering your deductible, think about why you are doing it. Do you not want to be inconvenienced out of the higher deductible if you get into an accident? Think about the fact that higher premiums will inconvenience you out of way more money than a one time deductible. Don’t go ahead with lowering your car insurance deductible unless you know for a fact that you would be unable to afford to pay the higher one if you ever got into an at fault car insurance accident.
Cheers,
Fashun Guadarrama.
Do You Really Need Uninsured Auto Insurance Coverage
Reader question:
What happens if I get crashed into by somebody who doesn’t have auto insurance coverage? For the record, I do carry uninsured motorist coverage. Is my car insurance going to give me my damages, and then chase after the uninsured driver to get from him what they paid out to me?
Lynn
That’s a good question, Lynn.
The first question that you should ask in this situation is what the policy of your company and state is. Some companies would do this, others would not, and certain states have laws concerning lawsuits against uninsured drivers. However, I would say that it is very likely that if this happens, then your insurance company would subrogate (go after with a lawsuit, as you might say) the insured driver.
First of all, you say you have uninsured motorist coverage. This will take care of all of the damages that a motorist’s liability insurance would normally pay for. While your car insurance company is able to subrogate the other driver, you are also allowed to go after him or her in order to get compensation for any emotional or other long lasting struggles that yo have faced.
When in doubt as to your options, consult with an attorney. If you intend to file lawsuit against the uninsured motorist that your auto insurance coverage took care of, then you will need to have legal consultation.
Cheers,
Fashun Guadarrama.
Looking For PIP Auto Insurance Coverage?
Reader question:
Hi, I’d like to know if I can give my medical bills to my own auto insurance company, where I have PIP auto insurance coverage, even if the vehicle insurance company of the at fault driver has already agreed that my medical bills will come out of the settlement that they give me?
Margeret
You should play it safe, Margeret.
I want to encourage you very much to walk on egg shells when you are dealing with an insurance company about any issue, especially when it comes to medical bills and PIP auto insurance coverage. When you are already medically covered by your own auto insurance company, but the at fault driver’s company is also ponying up money, then you are in a very hazy situation. In this case I would recommend that you hire a car accident injury lawyer to help you with your PIP auto insurance coverage claim.
When you’re hiring a lawyer, be careful of who you get. There are many who put out cheesy ads on TV but give no help at all. I can tell you from experience. Instead, either ask friends or relatives who have been in similar situations for recommendations, or you can call your state’s bar to get suggestions from them. Most lawyers who deal in this area of business are specialized, experienced, and often offer consultations for free, which would allow you to pursue your case without the worry of too much additional cost.
Cheers,
Fashun Guadarrama.
Do You Need a Cheap Non Owner Auto Insurance Policy?
Reader question:
How much does a non owner auto insurance policy tend to cost?
Greg
Thank you for your question, Greg.
Naturally, this price will vary depending on what vehicle insurance company you go with, but I would say that the typical non owner auto insurance policy costs slightly more than a regular car owner auto insurance policy. The reason for this lies behind the fact that it is a specialty policy and does not have a vehicle attached to it, and a vehicle is normally a very big factor in the insurance score of a person that determines how high or low their car insurance premium will be. A person with a non owner auto insurance policy will be using various vehicles, all with different safety and theft ratings.
Just like with a regular vehicle insurance policy, though, you can get discounts and cheap car insurance rates on your non owner auto insurance policy. The way to do this is much the same. You raise your deductible, you get a good driver’s discount, and you purchase all of your insurance policies with the same company so long as it is possible. Non owner auto insurance does not have to be expensive, and it is well within the reach of many who cannot afford to own a car.
Cheers,
Fashun Guadarrama.
Cheap 17 Year Old Car Insurance
Reader question:
Can you let a 17 year old drive your car even if they aren’t included on your car insurance policy?
Margeret
It depends on your situation, Margeret.
I’d like to know under what circumstances the teenager is driving your car. First of all, does the teenager live with you, is he or she your child, etc.? If the teenager is considered part of your household, that is to say, if they live with you, then you should add them to your policy as soon as they get their driver’s license. This means a big hike in the price of your auto insurance premium for the 17 year old car insurance coverage, but it is much better than what the repercussions would be if the 17 year old ever had to make a claim and had not been listed on the policy.
Everybody who is driving has to have motor vehicle insurance. If the 17 year old does not live with you, then yes, that kid will be covered if he or she drives your car, because any friends or relatives who drive your vehicle are covered, regardless of age. So if you little your little brother borrow your car to run an errand, he will be covered.
Cheers,
Fashun Guadarrama.
SR22 Car Insurance – Can I Insure a Commercial Vehicle?
Reader question:
I live in Kansas, and I wanted it to know if it’s likely that my employer will still cover me with commercial car insurance while I’m doing business, even though I have an SR22 form for drunk driving?
Nick
That’s a great question, Nick.
First of all, I find it very unlikely that you would even be able to be hired by a job for which you are required to do any more than a completely negligible amount of driving for a good, long time after you were required to file your first SR22 form after a drunk driving conviction. The most common number that I could throw out is ten years, although in many cases a company that requires driving will not hire you ever again after you have been convicted for drunk driving, especially, for example, a trucking job. There is already a big problem with the lack of safety among commercial vehicles on the roads, so employers are more cautious, at least in this area.
Secondly, as to whether or not your employer will insure you if you have an SR22 form filed, I really doubt it. It is possible that this could happen, but it would be entirely the decision of your boss or whoever is in charge of this aspect of your job. If your employer allows you to drive for business reasons under their own vehicle insurance policy, then they are taking on a substantial amount of risk. This could result in a rise in vehicle insurance premiums in the company, and could thus cause problems with your employment.
I would suggest that if you do find yourself in this situation, the best option for you, and most likely the only option that you have available, is for you to go and get a non owners car insurance policy. These types of policies are widely available, cheaper than normal, and will cover any car that you drive but do not own. It would be the perfect option for driving for business reasons if you have an SR22 form, or even if you don’t and your employer simply does not provide insurance.
Cheers,
Fashun Guadarrama.
Car Insurance Liability Coverage For Seperated Couples?
Reader question:
My husband and I are separated, and I have a question about his car insurance liability coverage. Is there a way that I could limit it so that it doesn’t apply to me?
Nina
I’m glad you asked, Nina.
Unfortunately, when one spouse gets into a car accident and or has a lawsuit brought against them, it usually ends up that both spouses are liable and end up sitting together in the court room while they lose everything they own. This is one of the reason that many couples in this day and age are signing pre nuptial agreements before they get married, so that they can retain their solvency against their spouse’s debts. The problem is, though, that such agreements only apply to wealth accrued and debt from before the marriage itself, so after marriage it is much more difficult.
The best advice that I could give to you at this moment is to get in touch with a lawyer to see what your options are should your husband be the cause of an accident while the two of you are separated. It is possible that, depending on what state you live in, your lawyer could set up something for you that would make it to where you do not have to take part in any of the repercussions of your spouse’s car insurance liability claims.
Failing that, the most foolproof way to get out of this situation is to go ahead and get a divorce. While the two of you are still married, if in name alone it does not matter, you are still economically tied and thus share an often joint culpability for many financial matters. The way to sever this tie is to start the divorce proceedings. While you should never rush into something like that, it is a thought.
Cheers,
Fashun Guadarrama.
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