Author: James Shaffer
Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
May 23, 2018
Hailstorms can cause serious and expensive damage to vehicles. If your car is dented, cracked, or totaled by hail, you’ll want your insurance to step in—so does car insurance cover hail damage? The answer depends on which type of coverage you have. Below, we explain exactly when hail damage is covered, when it’s not, and […]
Adding Your Teens or Children to Your Car Insurance Policy
May 20, 2018
When your teen finally starts driving, it’s a big milestone—and a big insurance moment. In most cases, you can add your child to your existing policy, and it’s usually the simplest way to keep them covered (and often cheaper than a standalone policy). Here’s what parents should know about adding a teen driver to their […]
What Age Has the Cheapest Car Insurance?
May 19, 2018
Car insurance rates change significantly with age. Young drivers pay higher premiums because they lack experience, while older drivers often see rising rates again as age-related risk factors increase. Somewhere in between lies the “sweet spot” — the age range where most drivers pay the lowest rates. Below, we break down how age affects pricing […]
How to Bundle Auto and Homeowners Insurance to Save Money
May 14, 2018
If you look at any list of the best ways to save money on car insurance, you’ll see “bundling” near the top. Bundling is still one of the easiest, most reliable ways to reduce your insurance costs. But what exactly is bundling? How does it work? And how can you bundle auto and homeowners insurance […]
Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive in Michigan?
May 10, 2018
Michigan is consistently one of the most expensive states in America for auto insurance. For years, Michigan drivers have paid some of the highest premiums in the nation — even after major reform efforts. Why is car insurance so expensive in Michigan? Why do Michigan drivers pay far more than drivers in most states? Below, […]
What Is a Car Insurance Card?
May 9, 2018
In the U.S., most drivers must carry auto insurance and be able to prove they’re insured when requested. In many states, liability insurance is the minimum coverage requirement. It helps pay for damage you cause to others, including property damage and bodily injury. A car insurance card—also called a proof of insurance card—is the document […]
How Long Does an SR-22 Last?
May 5, 2018
An SR-22 is a state-required certificate that proves you’re carrying at least the minimum auto liability coverage. It’s sometimes called “SR-22 insurance,” but it’s not a separate insurance policy—it’s paperwork your insurer files on your behalf. So, how long does an SR-22 last? In many states, the SR-22 requirement is commonly around three years, but […]
Will My Insurance Company Cover Me If I Start Driving for Uber or Lyft?
May 3, 2018
So you’re thinking about driving for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft — and you’re wondering how car insurance works. Do you need special insurance to drive for Uber or Lyft? Will your personal insurer cover you? Should you notify your insurance company before you start driving? Below, we explain how rideshare insurance works […]
Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive in Florida?
April 30, 2018
Drivers in Florida pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the United States. What makes Florida such an expensive place to insure a vehicle? Why are car insurance premiums so high in Florida? Below, we break down all the major factors driving Florida’s high insurance costs. Key Takeaways Florida Is Consistently Among the […]
How and Why Can Insurers Deny Your Claim?
April 28, 2018
You did everything you were supposed to do: you paid your premiums, you filed a claim, and you expected the insurer to pay. Then you get the letter (or email): claim denied. A denial doesn’t always mean you’re out of options. Sometimes it’s a paperwork problem, a misunderstanding about coverage, or a dispute about fault […]
Are There Car Insurance Discounts for Teachers?
April 26, 2018
Drivers with certain jobs may qualify for special auto insurance discounts. Some professions statistically file fewer claims, which means insurers often reward them with lower premiums. Are there car insurance discounts for teachers? Can educators expect to pay less for auto insurance? Below, we explain how teaching can help you save—and which companies offer the […]
Affordable Car Insurance for SSI Recipients
April 25, 2018
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may be wondering whether you qualify for special car insurance rates—or whether insurers will charge you more because of your disability or fixed income. Many SSI recipients live on tight budgets, so finding affordable coverage is important. The good news: your SSI status does not disqualify you […]
Car Insurance Quotes for Drivers with Bad Driving Records
April 20, 2018
If you’ve had a few tickets, an at-fault accident, or something more serious on your record, you can still get insured. The tradeoff is that your driving history affects your insurance rates, so you’ll usually pay more—and some companies may decline to quote altogether. This guide breaks down what insurers consider a “bad driving record,” […]
The 6 Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies for College Students
April 18, 2018
College students have a lot of expenses—tuition, books, housing, fees, and everyday living costs. Paying for car insurance may feel like the final financial straw. Fortunately, students have access to many unique discounts and cost-saving opportunities that can significantly reduce premiums. Insurance companies know students are often on tight budgets, and many offer incentives or […]
What If My Car Insurance Lapses?
April 17, 2018
Maybe you missed a payment, your card expired, or you forgot to renew on time. Whatever the reason, a car insurance lapse can create a gap in coverage—meaning you’re uninsured for a period of time. Even a short lapse can lead to legal trouble if you drive, and it can make your next policy more […]
Can You Get Car Insurance Without a Job?
April 16, 2018
You’re unemployed and you need car insurance—now what? Can you still get coverage? Does your employment status impact your rates? The good news: being unemployed does NOT prevent you from buying car insurance, and in some cases, you may even pay less. Below, we explain how employment status interacts with auto insurance pricing, why it’s […]
Is It Required to Have Auto Insurance?
April 14, 2018
In almost every part of the U.S., you must have auto insurance (or a state-approved alternative) to legally drive a registered vehicle on public roads. Requirements are set by each state, but the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) notes that 49 states plus Washington, D.C., require drivers to carry auto liability insurance. New Hampshire […]
Does My Car Insurance Cover Theft?
April 11, 2018
If your car gets stolen (or someone breaks into it), the big question is whether your auto insurance will pay. In most cases, theft is only covered if you carry comprehensive coverage—sometimes called “other than collision” coverage. Below is how theft coverage works, what a theft claim typically pays, and what to do step-by-step to […]
How to File a Car Insurance Claim After an Accident (Step-by-Step)
April 4, 2018
After a crash, filing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re dealing with injuries, a damaged vehicle, and a flood of phone calls. The good news: once you know what your insurer needs, filing an insurance claim is usually a straightforward process. Below is the proper way to file a claim after a car […]
Car Insurance Claim: What It Is, Types, and How to File
April 3, 2018
A car insurance claim is how you ask your insurer to pay for covered damage or injuries after something happens to your vehicle. In plain English: you’re using your car insurance policy the way it was designed to work. Some claims are straightforward (a crash, a stolen car, hail damage). Others are less obvious, like […]
Should You Make a Claim? Deciding Whether or Not to File a Claim After an Accident
April 2, 2018
So you’ve been in a car accident. Your first instinct might be to immediately file a claim with your insurer—but that isn’t always the best financial choice. In many situations, you may actually be better off paying out of pocket. Below, we break down when you should file a claim, when you shouldn’t, and why […]
Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident (For Insurance)
April 1, 2018
You’ve just been in a car accident. Once everyone is safe, the next priority is protecting yourself financially by documenting what happened and starting the insurance process the right way. This guide walks you through exactly what to do at the scene, what information to collect, how (and when) to notify your insurer, and what […]
How to Find Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes Even If You Have a Speeding Ticket
March 30, 2018
So you received a speeding ticket—but you still want to find cheap auto insurance. While a ticket will almost always raise your rates, there are still reliable ways to secure affordable coverage. Below, we break down how speeding tickets affect insurance and how you can still get cheap quotes afterward. Key Takeaways: How Do Speeding […]
What Is Personal Injury Protection?
March 28, 2018
Personal injury protection (PIP) is part of an auto insurance policy that can help pay medical expenses after a car accident—often regardless of who caused the crash. Depending on your state and policy, PIP may also help with wage loss, replacement services (like childcare or housekeeping), funeral benefits, and rehabilitation costs. If you’re wondering whether […]
Is Usage-Based Car Insurance Right for You?
March 24, 2018
Usage-based car insurance (UBI) has become increasingly popular among drivers who want a more personalized—and potentially cheaper—insurance experience. Instead of relying only on traditional pricing factors like age, driving record, vehicle, location, and mileage estimates, UBI uses real driving data to help determine how much you pay. But is it right for you? Below, we […]