Author: James Shaffer
What Is Standard Coverage for Auto Insurance?
August 4, 2020
Standard auto insurance is a common (non-technical) way to describe the coverage most “average-risk” drivers buy to stay legal and protect themselves financially. In practice, it usually means: What “standard” isn’t: a single universal policy type. Coverage requirements and what insurers consider a “standard” package can vary by state, carrier, and whether your vehicle is […]
What Are Combined Single Limits (CSL)?
August 3, 2020
A combined single limit (CSL) auto insurance policy is a way to structure your liability coverage using one dollar amount per accident instead of separate “buckets.” That single limit can be used to pay a mix of bodily injury claims and property damage liability claims, up to the policy limit. In plain English: with CSL, […]
What Auto Insurance Is Best for Infrequent Drivers?
July 28, 2020
If you don’t drive much, you spend less time on the road — which usually means fewer chances to crash. In many cases, that lower exposure can translate into lower car insurance costs. That said, insurers don’t automatically know you’re an infrequent driver. To get the best rate, you typically need to (1) report accurate […]
Car Insurance for Foreigners – Cheap Insurance for Non-US Citizens
July 27, 2020
As a non-U.S. citizen, you can buy car insurance in the United States—whether you’re here as a tourist, international student, temporary worker, or new resident. The key is getting the right policy type for how you’ll drive (renting, borrowing, or owning) and having the documents an insurer can verify. This guide explains how auto insurance […]
Car Insurance for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
July 24, 2020
Getting car insurance for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle can feel complicated—especially when your van includes ramps, lifts, lowered floors, or hand controls. The good news: you can usually insure a wheelchair-adapted vehicle through standard auto insurers, as long as you set up the policy correctly. In most cases, the key is making sure your policy includes […]
Discount Car Insurance for Graduate Students
July 23, 2020
Grad school is expensive, and car insurance can feel like one more monthly bill that won’t quit. The good news: while there isn’t a universal “graduate student discount,” many insurers offer student-based and low-risk discounts that graduate students often qualify for. Below, we’ll cover the best ways to get cheap car insurance as a graduate […]
Does Car Insurance Increase at Age 70?
July 21, 2020
For most drivers, car insurance rates drop as you age. With more experience behind the wheel, you’re generally seen as a safer (and cheaper) driver to insure. But after a certain point, age can start working against you. Some drivers see car insurance rates creep up after about age 70 — not because insurers think […]
How to Remove Someone From Your Car Insurance Policy
July 17, 2020
Life changes fast: a roommate moves out, a teen leaves for school, a spouse separates, or a family member stops driving. In any of these situations, it may make sense to remove a driver from your car insurance policy (or formally exclude them) so you’re not paying for risk you don’t actually have. For example, […]
Defensive Driving Course Discounts Explained
July 11, 2020
Defensive driving courses can make you a better driver — and in many states, they can also help you qualify for an auto insurance discount. Insurers tend to reward drivers who invest in safer habits because they’re less likely to file claims over time. If you’re already focused on safer driving, a course discount can […]
All About the Good Student Discount for Car Insurance
July 10, 2020
Most major car insurance companies offer a good student discount (sometimes called a “good grades” or “smart student” discount). If you’re adding a teen driver or young adult to a policy, this is one of the easiest ways to cut the premium without lowering coverage. Rules vary by insurer and state, but most programs reward […]
What Is the Distant Student Discount?
July 8, 2020
Many auto insurers offer a distant student discount (sometimes called a student away at school discount). If a student is living at college without regular access to a household vehicle, insurers often consider them a lower day-to-day driving risk—which can lower your premium. This discount is most commonly used when the student stays on a […]
The 25 Best Auto Insurance Companies in America
June 19, 2020
Choosing the right auto insurance company can be a challenge. Many insurers offer similar “core” coverages, but the details that matter—claims experience, discounts, customer service, and rate stability—can vary a lot from one company (and one state) to the next. The truth is there isn’t one “best” auto insurer for everyone. The best company for […]
How Do Police Know If a Car is Insured?
June 18, 2020
In almost every state, you’re required to have (at minimum) liability coverage or meet your state’s “financial responsibility” rules. If an officer catches you driving without insurance (or without valid proof), you can face fines, registration or license suspension, and other penalties. So how do police know if a car is insured? It usually comes […]
What Is a Car Insurance Binder?
June 13, 2020
When you buy a new auto insurance policy, you might hear the term car insurance binder. A binder is a temporary document (and temporary agreement) that shows you have coverage in place while your insurer finishes issuing your full policy paperwork. In many cases today, you’ll get proof of coverage instantly through an app or […]
How Can You Become a Defensive Driver? Top 10 Tips
June 10, 2020
The easiest way to keep your car insurance costs down is to avoid crashes in the first place. And the most reliable way to avoid crashes is to drive defensively—staying alert, anticipating mistakes, and leaving yourself enough time and space to react. Defensive driving isn’t about driving “slow” or being timid. It’s about reducing your […]
25 Safe Driving Tips for Teen Drivers
June 4, 2020
Teen drivers (especially ages 16–19) have the highest crash risk of any age group, largely because they’re new behind the wheel and more likely to take risks. The good news: most of the biggest dangers are predictable — and preventable. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. And when a […]
What Is Bodily Injury Liability Coverage?
June 2, 2020
Bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage is the part of your car insurance that pays for other people’s injuries when you cause an accident. If you’re at fault and someone needs medical care, misses work, or sues you, BIL is what helps cover those costs—up to the limits you chose. BIL is required in most states […]
What Is Property Damage Liability Coverage?
May 30, 2020
Property damage liability (PDL) is the part of your auto insurance that helps pay for repairs when you damage someone else’s car or property in an at-fault accident. Because car insurance is mandatory in nearly every state, most drivers carry some amount of property damage liability—even if they don’t realize it. In this guide, we’ll […]
What Is Non-Renewal? How Do You Avoid It?
May 27, 2020
If your car insurance company no longer wants to continue your policy, you may receive a car insurance nonrenewal notice. A nonrenewal means your insurer is choosing not to renew your policy when it ends upon expiration. Once the policy term ends, you’ll need to replace your coverage (or stop driving) to stay legal and […]
What Is a Car Insurance Endorsement?
May 25, 2020
A car insurance endorsement (sometimes called a rider) is a written change to your policy that can add, remove, or modify coverage. Endorsements matter because they can dramatically affect what’s covered (and what isn’t) after an accident. Some endorsements are optional add-ons you choose (like roadside assistance or custom parts coverage). Others are restrictions insurers […]
How Can I Check the Status of My Auto Insurance Claim?
May 21, 2020
Tracking your auto insurance claim helps you stay on top of the timeline, see when repairs and payments are approved, and prevent delays—especially if your insurer needs more evidence for your claim. The good news: most insurers make it easy to check claim status online, in an app, or by contacting your adjuster directly. Here’s […]
What Does a Car Warranty Cover?
May 18, 2020
A car warranty can save you serious money on repairs — but only if you understand what it actually covers (and what it doesn’t). Many drivers assume a “bumper-to-bumper” warranty covers everything. In reality, most warranties cover manufacturer defects (materials/workmanship) — not wear-and-tear, maintenance, or accident damage. Below is a clear breakdown of the most […]
The Importance of Buckling Your Seatbelt
May 11, 2020
Buckling your seat belt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives. A few seconds of effort dramatically reduces your chances of being seriously hurt in a crash. Seat belt use in the United States is high—nationwide observational surveys show that around 9 out of 10 drivers and passengers buckle up. […]
The Top 22 Myths About Car Insurance
May 9, 2020
You might think you know how car insurance works — but the industry is full of half-truths, outdated “rules,” and myths that vary by state and insurer. Are red cars more expensive to insure? Does gender really impact premiums? Does “full coverage” mean everything is covered? Below are 22 of the most common car insurance […]
Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain
May 8, 2020
Rain significantly increases the chances of an accident. Wet pavement reduces traction, and heavy rain can cut visibility to almost nothing—two things you never want at the same time. Fortunately, driving in the rain doesn’t have to be dangerous. With the right prep (tires, wipers, lights) and a few defensive driving habits, you can reduce […]