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.
DUI And SR22 Insurance Filing In Alabama
Reader’s Question:
I need to know the minimum mandatory insurance coverage for the State of Alabama. I was charged with DUI around Huntsville, Alabama and I need someone’s tips for my SR22 filing here.
Dexter
Huntsville, AL
Ok…so that’s not the end of the world yet. You can still relax since you never really run out of options in Huntsville, Alabama.
First of all, let me explain to you the minimum mandatory insurance coverage in Alabama AL. Remember the figures 20/40/10: $20,000 bodily injury for one person in one accident, $40,000 for two or more persons in one accident and $10,000 property damage incurred in one accident.
Law enforcement officials in Huntsville, Alabama will ask for proof of insurance at the time of a traffic stop or at the time of an accident in which damage or injury occurs.
A valid insurance card must be presented to provide proof of insurance coverage in AL. Be careful with your auto insurance renewals because if your policy has lapsed or has not been renewed, the Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend operator’s privileges until proof of insurance is provided.
Since you committed DUI, it is highly probable that Alabama DMV will mandate proof of financial responsibility in the form of SR-22 insurance. This insurance is also known as high risk auto insurance in some auto insurance companies and SR22 filing companies in Huntsville.
State motor vehicle departments, as a rule, do not maintain databases of individual insurance policies like what’s in Huntsville, Alabama. Insurance companies do have the obligation to maintain a database and to issue any form notifying the Alabama DMV when an individual’s insurance policy has been canceled, lapsed or has not been renewed. As the owner, you also get a copy and must then show Alabama proof of insurance. Failure to do so will result in suspension of your driver’s license. This is the time when the DMV will require an SR-22 high risk auto insurance policy in order for the license to be reinstated.
Can Car Insurance Rates in Alabama Increase Due To Bad Credit
Reader’s Question:
My car insurance premium was raised once by an auto car insurer in Alabama, because of a bad credit. In my opinion though, I do not think it is relevant to do that. I do not even think that can be lawful in Birmingham, AL.
Gary
Birmingham AL
Different people will have different views on this debate on car insurance premium with relevance to credit standing.
The pro people say that basing car insurance rates on credit allows car insurance companies in Alabama to more accurately predict risk, making rates lower for everyone. The anti people say that bad credit does not make someone a bad driver. Even if many people with bad credit are bad drivers, it doesn’t mean that good drivers with credit problems should be punished as well.
However, what’s interesting to know is that most people agree that car insurers should notify car insurance policyholders should car insurance rates increase due to a bad credit. After all, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) clearly stipulates that that people have the legal right to be notified when they are declined for credit, employment, or insurance, on the basis of their credit history. However, the same Act is unclear on whether or not car insurance companies have to notify you if your bad credit results in higher rates. This now leaves legislature issues which we need to watch out for.
Since laws always come a long way to get perfect for everyone, the least you can do is to watch your credit so that you will keep your car insurance rates at level for now.
Penalty For Driving Without a License in Alabama
Reader’s Question:
How much will the ticket be if you get caught driving without a drivers license in Alabama?
Ben
Tuscaloosa, AL
According to the Alabama Code 32-6-1 drivers are required to be licensed in Alabama. Subsection (a) states that every individual, except those specifically exempted by statutory enactment, shall procure a driver’s license before operating a motor vehicle upon the highways of the Alabama state.
It would appear that a ticket for driving without a license in Alabama will come with a fine of around $100 in addition to the extra $50 fee. The amount for this violation should be within the parameters set by of the Alabama state but the exact cost of a ticket will differ from one jurisdiction to the next. If you have received a violation for being an unlicensed motorist then the court listed on the violation should be contacted for specific information on the penalties you are facing.
Cheap High Risk Auto Insurance in Alabama
Reader’s Question:
I’ve been looking around to get cheap high risk car insurance. What are the minimum requirements for liability car insurance in Alabama?
Aaron
Birmingham, AL
In Alabama, car insurance represents a significant drain on many drivers’ monthly resources and almost all drivers would like to find a cheap high risk car insurance.
A basic liability policy is the smallest and cheapest insurance policy that an Alabama driver can purchase and still drive 100% legally. A basic liability policy may be what you are looking for if cost is your only concern.
In Alabama, the legal minimum amount of liability insurance you must purchase is called a 20/40/10 liability policy. This means that your insurance would pay out a maximum of $20,000 to any one individual for medical expenses which result from an accident with your vehicle. It would pay a maximum of $40,000 in medical expenses for everyone involved in an accident with your vehicle regardless of how many people are hurt or what the extent of their injuries are. Finally, the insurance would pay a maximum of $10,000 in property damage for any accident. Generally, property damage means repairing the other person’s vehicle, but property damage can include other property as well.
There are two things that can make this insurance risky. First is that this insurance pays nothing for your medical bills and nothing on the medical bills of anyone in your vehicle at the time of an accident. This insurance also pays nothing toward the repair of your vehicle.
Second, and more importantly, the maximum payout of a basic liability policy isn’t necessarily enough to cover the actual medical expenses or property damage which could easily result from an accident. You could be held personally responsible for paying the remainder out of your own purse or pocket if the insurance fails to pay all of the medical or property damage expenses of the other party. Conceivably, this could result in you losing your life savings or even being forced to sell your home in order to make payments.
It is possible to purchase liability insurance with higher payouts, and of course, at a higher monthly premium. Regardless of whether you choose to purchase a full coverage policy or a basic liability policy or something in between, your best option for finding the cheapest high risk car insurance is to buy your policy online. Online insurance companies have a very little overhead and they would pass that savings on to you. You have to compare prices at the largest number of insurance companies possible if you want to find the rock-bottom price for your car insurance. Make sure that you make your price comparisons on more than one website, rather than relying on just a single site.
How To Get Cheap Car Insurance For a New Car
Reader’s Question:
I am planning to buy a brand new car and get insurance for it, how can I get cheap auto insurance rates?
Lidany
Decatur, Alabama
Lidany you’ve come to right place.
Sometimes it’s hard to find an affordable rate for auto insurance, technology takes place, and for a click of a mouse you can see what you find. Finding auto insurance quotes online is easy, but finding the affordable auto insurance rates can be more of a challenge. To get the lowest rates for auto insurance policy follow these tips:
1. Give them details – If you do not provide information about your zip code, marital status, car’s safety features, and annual commuting miles, by default auto insurance companies will rate you a higher auto insurance rate. Provide every detail as possible to make sure you get each discount that you qualify.
2. Shop around – Auto insurance rates can vary as much as 300% among companies for the same coverage. You can save every year by comparing prices among companies.
3. Increase your deductible – Higher deductibles equal lower auto insurance amount.
4. Cut the miles you drive – For drivers who travel on average 40 miles or less a day, they qualify for a low mileage discount with most auto insurance companies.
5. Switch drivers – For married couples, compare auto insurance quotes among the male as the main driver and the female as the second driver. You may get a lower rate if the female is insured on a truck and the male are insured on the minivan.
6. Put in an anti-theft device – By installing car alarms or a tracking system in your car, you will get a discount from auto insurance companies. Since anti-theft devices reduce the risk of your car being robbed, auto insurance companies pass on the savings to you.
Car Insurance For Refurbished Used Cars
Reader’s Question:
My father bought me a refurbished used car. How do auto insurance policies protect me and this cheap used car?
John
Birmingham, AL
Hi, John.
It’s always for the safety of your self and your car. Refurbished car is great for those who are on a skimpy budget and looking for ways to save money. However, the older you vehicle gets, the more expensive it will be to insure the vehicle with most auto insurance companies. I know of some people who drive cars without insurance. That is also against most state laws and they can be subject to heavy fines and penalties for driving their cars without auto insurance coverage if they are caught.
Just to remind you John, there are reasons why a vehicle needs to have the auto insurance. It is not just a way of protecting you and the vehicle for an accident.
There are also many ways by which your auto insurance can protect you. Your car can also be insured against theft, fire, accident damage and third party use.
As my best advice, I suggest you purchase an auto insurance policy for adequate protection in Birmingham AL. You can shop around anytime for free auto insurance quotes online! You may start by typing in your zip code on the space provided for in this page.
Do All Auto Insurance Companies Check My Credit Score
Reader’s Question:
Do you know any insurance companies in Alabama that do not use your credit score? It seems like your driving record means nothing anymore when your credit score is low?
Chris
Montgomery, AL
Not all insurance companies check credit score when an individual buys car insurance so you may be able to find one in Alabama that would not check your credit record for the credit score as part of their rating process.
If Insurance providers could find a rating variable that is more accurate than credit score, these insurance providers would readily use it. Credit scores have been one of the best predictors of high risk drivers, thus carriers have adopted them as a rating factor.
The best thing that you can do is to shop around for auto insurance quote in Alabama. You may find an insurance company that does not check or you might find that using credit record, as a rating factor will still provide you a competitive rate.
Will My Auto Insurance In Alabama Increase After an Accident
Reader’s Question:
If someone that is listed on my insurance policy in Alabama get into an accident, does my insurance rate go up?
Sarah
Huntsville, AL
If the individual that is listed on your insurance policy in Alabama got involved in an accident in your car and a claim is paid out from the insurance provider for the crash, it is possible that your insurance rates or premiums might go up. Alabama insurance carriers factor in collisions and claims paid out when figuring car insurance rates.
By how much this might affect your car insurance rates will be determined by how your insurance provider calculates their auto insurance rates. So you can either ask your insurance carrier about their rating system or their rates must be filed with Alabama’s insurance regulator, so you can contact this government agency.
Will Vehicle Identification Number Affect Insurance Rates
Reader’s Question:
Does the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on a particular car affect liability coverage rates?
Elizabeth
Birmingham, AL
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of a car is a unique code assigned to the vehicle by its manufacturer primarily for registration and identification purposes. The number can be decoded to show specifics about the car, such as make, model, body style, year and engine size. By knowing this information insurance carriers can tell what options your car came with as well as know the history of the vehicle.
Typically, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is needed by an Alabama insurance carrier to properly transmit your insurance information to the Alabama Department of Public Safety database. If the VIN is used to verify the history of the car and it shows that the vehicle has a salvage title or has been totaled or stolen in the past it could possibly change your insurance rates if this was not told to the insurance provider beforehand.
Since Alabama insurance carriers vary on their rating systems you would have to contact your state’s insurance regulatory body to find out how a particular insurance company determines its rates since this information must be filed with this government agency.
