Author: James Shaffer
Does Car Insurance Follow the Car or the Driver?
February 13, 2019
One of the most common auto insurance questions is whether coverage follows the vehicle or the driver. The honest answer: it depends on the type of coverage and the specific policy language. There are general patterns, but plenty of exceptions. As a rule of thumb, most core coverages (like liability, collision, and comprehensive) primarily follow […]
What Is the Arbitration Process Like for Car Accidents?
January 31, 2019
After some auto accidents, settlement negotiations hit a wall—especially if you believe the carrier is undervaluing your damages. If you’ve reviewed the numbers and feel the settlement offer is still too low, arbitration can be a practical way to resolve the dispute without going to court. Arbitration isn’t right for every claim, and the rules […]
Diminished Value Claims Explained
January 30, 2019
Even after quality repairs, a car that’s been in a wreck can be worth less simply because it now has an accident record. Buyers (and dealers) tend to discount vehicles that show prior damage—especially if the collision involved structural components, airbags, or visible cosmetic issues like chipped paint or scratches. That lost resale value is […]
How to Document Damage and Gather Evidence for a Car Insurance Claim
January 25, 2019
After a car accident, the decisions you make in the first minutes and days can affect your health, your recovery, and whether your insurer pays your claim. Start with safety and medical care. Then document everything you can—because strong evidence can help support a successful car insurance claim and reduce the odds of a claim […]
How to Insure Your Used Car the Right Way
January 19, 2019
Buying a pre-owned vehicle and insuring it isn’t always the same as driving off the lot with a brand-new car. Insurers don’t sell a special “used car insurance” product. Instead, your price is driven by your vehicle’s value, repair costs, safety tech, theft risk, where you live, your driving history, and how much coverage you […]
Best Auto Insurance Options for Active-Duty Military Members
January 17, 2019
As an active-duty member of the military, you serve your country with pride—and your life is anything but static. You move frequently, deploy overseas, and often have to rearrange your entire living situation with little notice. While no company can fully repay that commitment, some insurers do recognize the unique needs of military families and […]
Can You Get Car Insurance Coverage with a Suspended Driver’s License?
January 15, 2019
Driver’s license suspensions happen. Once your license is suspended, however, you cannot legally operate a motor vehicle. That creates a tricky situation: you’re not allowed to drive, but you still have a car—and you still need insurance to avoid a lapse in coverage and the higher costs that come with gaps in insurance. Can you […]
How to Negotiate an Auto Insurance Settlement
January 12, 2019
Getting into a car accident is stressful—then the settlement offer comes in and you’re not sure if it’s fair. The good news is that auto insurance settlements are negotiable in many situations, especially when you can document your losses and explain (clearly) why the offer should be higher. This guide walks you through how to […]
Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive in California?
January 11, 2019
The state of California is huge—geographically and demographically. With nearly 40 million residents and dense metros like Los Angeles and the Bay Area, it’s no surprise that insuring a car here isn’t cheap. If you own a vehicle in California, you’ve probably noticed that your premiums are higher than what friends or family pay in […]
Will Auto Insurance Cover Fire Damage?
January 10, 2019
Most drivers think about auto insurance for collisions, theft, or vandalism—but fire damage can be just as financially devastating. The good news: car insurance can cover fire damage in many situations. The catch is that it depends on which coverage you carry (and what caused the fire). If you only have minimum liability coverage, your […]
Do Car Insurance Companies Share Claim Information?
January 9, 2019
You were in an accident and filed a claim with your insurer. Now you’re worried your rates are going to increase—and you’re wondering if switching companies will help. Here’s the reality: car insurance companies can (and often do) see your prior claims history. Even if you change insurers, you generally can’t “erase” a claim—especially if […]
Should You Drop Collision Coverage on an Older Vehicle?
January 5, 2019
You’re not the type to chase the newest model. Instead, you’re proud to drive an older, paid-off vehicle that still runs well and doesn’t come with a monthly car payment. The one bill you still have, of course, is your auto insurance. Many financial sites suggest dropping collision coverage on older, paid-off vehicles to save […]
What Is Accident Forgiveness?
December 26, 2018
If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you know how stressful it can be. Beyond dealing with damage and injuries, you also worry about what will happen to your insurance rates. Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness, which promises to protect you from a premium increase after an at-fault crash. But what exactly is […]
Temporary and Short-Term Car Insurance Coverage Explained
December 18, 2018
“Temporary” or “short-term” car insurance can mean a few different things, and that’s where most confusion comes from. In the U.S., most mainstream insurers don’t sell true 1-day or 1-week standalone policies. Instead, “short-term coverage” usually means using one of several practical options to stay legal and protected for a limited time. This guide explains […]
State-by-State Auto Insurance Requirements
December 17, 2018
Auto insurance rules aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each state sets its own minimum coverage requirements—usually liability insurance—and some states also require additional coverages like PIP or uninsured motorist protection. This guide explains how state minimums work, what the common “25/50/25” format means, and includes a state-by-state chart you can use as a quick reference. Because laws change, […]
How to Save Money on Your Car Expenses
December 5, 2018
This is your practical guide to saving money on your car expenses. From choosing the right vehicle and maintaining it wisely to cutting repair, fuel, and insurance costs, these strategies can easily save you hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars per year. Buckle up—there’s a lot here, but it’s broken into sections so you can scan and apply […]
Can I Buy Car Insurance After an Accident? Can Insurance Be Backdated?
November 28, 2018
You’ve been involved in an accident, but you didn’t have the right insurance — or maybe no insurance at all. Now you’re wondering: can you buy coverage after the crash and use it to pay for the damage? Can you buy car insurance after an accident? Can you backdate coverage or file a claim for […]
What Happens If You Get Into a Car Accident Without Insurance?
November 21, 2018
A car accident is stressful. A car accident without insurance can turn into a financial and legal mess fast—especially if someone is injured or there’s serious property damage. What happens next depends on (1) who caused the accident, (2) whether you’re in an at-fault or no-fault state, and (3) whether your state has extra rules […]
I Got a License Plate Number from Hit and Run – Now What?
November 20, 2018
Hit and runs are frustrating and stressful. If you’re lucky, however, you might catch the other driver’s license plate before they disappear. So you’ve been in a hit and run accident—but you have a license plate number. What should you do next? Below, we explain the steps you should take after a hit and run […]
How Many Accidents Before Insurance Drops You?
November 14, 2018
So you’ve been in a few accidents, and now you’re wondering: how many accidents does it take before car insurance companies start to get nervous? Can an insurer actually drop you for having too many claims or at-fault crashes? Below, we explain how insurers think about multiple accidents, the difference between cancellation and non-renewal, and […]
How to Move from High-Risk to Standard Car Insurance
November 6, 2018
Insurance companies group drivers into risk categories. Some drivers are labeled “high risk,” which usually means paying higher premiums than drivers with clean records and fewer risk factors. The good news? High-risk status doesn’t have to be permanent. Over time, most drivers can qualify for standard car insurance again. If you’re trying to move from […]
What Are the Most Common Car Insurance Claims?
October 19, 2018
If you’re a new driver, car insurance can feel like something you buy and hope you never use. But understanding how drivers actually use their policies is one of the easiest ways to choose the right coverage (and avoid surprises after an accident). The most common question is simple: What are the most common car […]
Is There a Grace Period for Getting Insurance on a New Car?
October 13, 2018
If you want to legally drive your new car, you need valid auto insurance. Many buyers wonder whether there’s a grace period for getting insurance on a new car—or if coverage must be purchased immediately. Below, we explain how new car insurance grace periods work, when they apply, and what to expect, whether you already […]
Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies for New Drivers
October 4, 2018
Getting car insurance as a new driver can feel overwhelming. You’re entering the insurance world with little to no driving history, and rates may seem confusing or unfair at first. The good news? Thanks to online quote comparison tools—including our own—it’s easier than ever to find affordable coverage, even if you’re brand new to driving. […]
Can Car Insurance Deny Coverage to Me?
October 2, 2018
Car insurance companies can deny coverage to certain drivers. Auto insurers are not legally required to offer a policy to everyone, and most companies reserve the right to cancel a policy within the first 30 to 60 days if they discover disqualifying information. If you are considered too risky—or violate policy terms—an insurer can deny, […]