Car Was Hit In Parking Lot – Will My Auto Insurance Increase
Reader’s Question:
My car was hit in the parking area where I work and no one confessed to the accident the police officers were notified and a damage report was filed. Will I be penalized even when it’s not my fault?
Mike
Gadsden, AL
This is a case where your car insurance policy should protect you when you are not at fault.
When you buy insurance or renew your insurance policy, your insurance provider will evaluate your claims history and based upon their rates and guidelines they will apply any surcharges to your insurance policy.
I do not think that it would be a penalty, but more of an evaluation of your claims record to know your insurability and the likelihood of future claims. The future claim potential may cause your insurance rates to rise.
Tags: auto insurance claims
Is a New Driver Covered On Parents Auto Insurance Policy
Reader’s Question:
How long is a new driver covered under their parents auto insurance policy after they get their drivers license? They have insurance in Alabama.
Dan
Tanner-Williams, AL
A new driver may not be automatically covered under their parent’s policy after they obtain their license.
In order to be covered, you have to be listed on the insurance policy declaration page. That means the insurance policy holder contacted the insurance provider and had the motorist endorsed onto the insurance policy. Some auto insurance policies do cover a motorist on a restricted license, but once an operator’s license is acquired they should be added to the insurance policy.
If you are listed on your parent’s policy, you should be covered on that insurance policy until you are endorsed or removed from the policy. I suggest that you contact your parent’s insurance company to know if you are included on the insurance policy and if anything needs to be done to remove you from the policy. If you reside in the household in ,Tanner-Williams, AL it is likely that you should remain listed or excluded from the policy.
Restricted Drivers License With DUI in Alabama
Reader’s Question:
I currently have restricted driver’s license in Alabama due to a prior DUI but at one point in Birmingham. I was driving outside my restrictions. I crashed my car due to a road hazard and given that my insurance policy is current, I am still anxious that my insurance will not pay for damages even though I was not driving to or from work which is what’s mandated by my restricted license provisions.
Michael
Birmingham, AL
The insurance company’s provisions and/or exclusions will determine if this is covered under your policy. Exclusions on a Personal Auto Policy can be different for every carries and state, so you better review your policy:
Some typical exclusion follows:
-committing a high misdemeanor or felony, or seeking to avoid lawful apprehension or arrest by a police officer; or
-acting with specific intent to cause injury or damage to himself or others;
-operating or “occupying” an “auto” without the permission of the owner of the “auto” or name insured under the policy insuring that “auto”.
-War (declared or undeclared);
-Civil war;
-Insurrection;
-Rebellion or revolution;
-Any act or condition incident to any of the above resulting from radioactive, toxic, explosive, or other hazardous properties of nuclear material.
-and other specified on each policy…
Based on the typical exclusions listed, it seems like you will have coverage afforded unless there are other exclusions listed on your policy.
Do I Have to Tell My Auto Insurance That I Upgraded My Engine
Reader’s Question:
I’m planning of upgrading my cars engine system. Is it necessary to inform the change to my insurance carrier?
Jim
Tuscaloosa, AL
It is always best to let your insurance carrier in Alabama know of any upgrades or customizing you do to your motor vehicle. This way the auto insurance agent will be able to make sure your current auto insurance policy will cover these new items. If not then generally they should be able to assist you obtain different coverage that will cover the upgrades to the car.
I would also recommend checking with your automobile manufacturer as well to make sure you are not voiding any warranties with your upgrades.
