Author: James Shaffer

Driver’s Ed Insurance Discounts for Teens: How to Qualify & Claim

Completing driver’s ed can help teen drivers qualify for an auto insurance discount—but it’s not automatic, and the rules vary by insurer and state. This guide explains what typically counts as “driver’s ed” for insurance, how to claim the discount, and which other savings often make the biggest difference for teen premiums. Key Takeaways The […]

What Is a Rideshare Endorsement?

A rideshare endorsement (sometimes called a Transportation Network Company (TNC) endorsement) is an optional add-on you can attach to your personal auto insurance policy if you drive for rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. The goal is simple: it helps reduce coverage gaps that can happen when you’re driving for pay, but you don’t carry […]

What Is a Car Insurance Declarations Page?

A car insurance declarations page—often called a “dec page”—is the quickest way to see what your auto policy covers (and what it costs) without digging through the full policy contract. Think of it as the “policy summary” that lists your vehicles, drivers, coverages, limits, deductibles, and premium for the current policy term. You’ll use your […]

How to Get Very Cheap Car Insurance with No Deposit

Budget-conscious drivers are always searching for the cheapest possible car insurance — ideally with nothing due upfront. While many insurers advertise “$0 down” or “no deposit” options, the reality is that you’ll almost always need to pay something to start coverage (usually your first installment, plus any policy fees). In other words: true no-deposit car […]

Will Insurance Pay for Medical Bills After an Accident?

If you’re injured in a car accident that is not your fault, the at-fault driver (through their insurance company) is ultimately responsible for many of your accident-related damages—including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But here’s the part that surprises people: the at-fault driver’s insurer usually doesn’t pay your medical bills “as you […]

How Donald Trump’s Victory Will Impact Auto Insurance Rates

President Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election—and his return to the White House in January 2025—has a lot of drivers asking the same question: will auto insurance get cheaper or more expensive? Here’s the reality: the president doesn’t set your car insurance rate. Auto insurance is regulated primarily at the state level, and insurers […]

What Are the Best Collector Car Insurance Companies?

Collector cars have different insurance needs than ordinary vehicles — especially if you only drive yours on nice weekends, store it for months at a time, or have it mid-restoration. The biggest difference is how your car is valued. Most specialty “classic/collector” policies use agreed value (you and the insurer agree on a value up […]

Can I Sue My Insurance Company?

You can sue your car insurance company—but only in certain situations, and the “right” lawsuit depends on who caused the problem: the at-fault driver, their insurer, or your insurer. Most accident-related lawsuits are filed against the at-fault driver (and handled by the at-fault driver’s insurance). But if your own insurer wrongfully denies, delays, or undervalues […]

How to Get Japanese Import Car Insurance

Importing a car from Japan can get you something you can’t buy at a typical U.S. dealership—anything from a kei truck to a right-hand-drive performance car. The good news? Getting Japanese import car insurance is usually straightforward once the vehicle is legally titled and eligible for registration in your state. There’s no special “Japanese import […]

SR-22 Insurance in Illinois

In Illinois, an SR-22 is proof to the state that you’re carrying the required auto insurance after certain serious violations. It’s often called “financial responsibility insurance,” but the SR-22 itself isn’t a special policy—it’s a certificate your insurance company files with the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS). If the SOS requires you to file an […]

SR-22 Insurance in Ohio

Ohio, like most states, uses an SR-22 (also called a certificate of financial responsibility) to monitor certain higher-risk drivers after a suspension or serious violation. If you’re required to file one, the Ohio BMV will typically not reinstate your driving privileges until it receives proof that you carry at least Ohio’s minimum liability coverage. One […]

South Carolina SR-22 Insurance: Requirements, Cost & How to File

High-risk drivers in South Carolina are sometimes required to carry an SR-22 filing to get their license (or registration) reinstated after certain violations. Despite the name, SR-22 “insurance” isn’t a separate policy. An SR-22 is a state filing—submitted by your insurer—that proves you carry at least the required coverage. If you’re new to the concept, […]

Do I Need Gap Insurance If I Have Full Coverage?

If you’re leasing or financing a vehicle, you may need gap insurance even if you already carry “full coverage” car insurance. Gap insurance (Guaranteed Asset Protection) helps cover the difference between your vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) and what you still owe on your auto loan or lease if the car is totaled or stolen […]

What’s Insurable Interest in Car Insurance?

When you’re shopping for car insurance, you’ll sometimes see the phrase insurable interest. It sounds technical, but it’s basically the insurer asking: Would you actually lose money or face a real risk if this car is damaged, stolen, or totaled? In most cases, proving insurable interest is simple—if your name is on the title or […]

What Is the Average Settlement Amount for a Rear-End Collision?

If you were rear-ended, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, vehicle damage, and related expenses. There’s no single “average” rear-end collision settlement that applies to everyone. Many claims resolve in the low thousands to low five figures, while serious injury cases can climb into six or seven figures (and sometimes more) depending on […]

How to Write a Car Insurance Cancellation Letter

Some insurance companies (or agents) ask for a signed, written request to cancel your policy. The good news: a car insurance cancellation letter is short, straightforward, and usually takes just a few minutes to write. In most cases, your letter only needs your name, policy number, the date you want coverage to end, and your […]

Who Do I Call If I Lock My Keys In My Car?

Everyone makes mistakes. If you lock your keys in your car, you usually have a few safe, fast ways to get back in—without damaging the door, window, or weather stripping. Start with the simplest fix (a spare key or remote unlock). If that doesn’t work, roadside assistance through your insurer or AAA can typically dispatch […]

How Long Can A Child Stay On Their Parents’ Auto Insurance Policy?

In many cases, you can save money by staying on your parents’ car insurance—especially if you’re a young driver and you live at home. But unlike health insurance (which has a well-known age cutoff for dependents), auto insurance eligibility is usually based on things like where you live, who owns the vehicle, and where the […]

What Car Insurance Do I Need While Traveling Abroad?

If you’re traveling abroad and planning to rent a car, don’t assume your U.S. auto policy (or your credit card) automatically covers everything. Coverage rules depend on where you’re driving, what you’re renting, and which insurance options you choose at the rental counter. This guide explains where U.S. car insurance typically applies, what coverage you […]

Can I Raise My Deductible to Save on Car Insurance?

Some insurance experts recommend raising your deductible to save on car insurance. But does raising your deductible actually lower your premium? In most cases, yes. A higher deductible usually means a lower premium—because you’re agreeing to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim. Keep reading to learn how deductibles work, how much […]

Primary vs. Secondary Auto Insurance Coverage

If you’re sorting out rental car insurance, you’ll quickly run into two terms that sound complicated but are actually pretty simple: primary and secondary coverage. These aren’t separate “types” of insurance. They describe the order different coverages pay after a claim. Primary pays first (up to its limits). Secondary pays after that—often to cover leftovers […]

How to Check If a Car is Insured

Need to confirm whether a car is insured? In the United States, it’s easy to verify your own coverage through your insurer. But if you’re trying to check someone else’s insurance, your options are limited—mostly to situations like an accident, a claim, or a legal matter. This guide covers the most reliable (and legal) ways […]

How Changing Your Address Affects Auto Insurance

If you move to a new address, your car insurance rate can change—sometimes dramatically. Insurers price policies based partly on where your vehicle is garaged (where it’s usually parked overnight), so even a move across town can shift your premium. A new ZIP code can raise or lower rates by double digits, and moving to […]

How to Get Car Insurance Before Buying a Car

Before you sign the paperwork and drive your new car home, you’ll need active auto insurance (or proof that your current policy already covers the newly purchased vehicle). In most cases, the dealership and/or your lender will ask for proof of insurance before they’ll finalize the sale. The good news: getting coverage set up is […]

How to Cancel a Gap Insurance Policy and Get a Refund

You may have gap insurance (also called “GAP” or “guaranteed asset protection”) on a financed or leased vehicle. If you no longer need it—or you’re paying for it through the wrong place—you may be able to cancel your coverage and get money back. In most cases, canceling is straightforward: contact the company that sold you […]