Reader’s Question:

I just bought my first car here in Connecticut after months of saving. Is there a car insurance policy for first-time drivers like me?

Aaron

Bridgeport, CT

Yes, there is certainly a car insurance policy for you, Aaron, but it can be pretty expensive. This is due to the fact that first-time drivers like you are inexperienced when it comes to driving. And because of that fact, most car insurance companies there in Connecticut will categorize you as a high-risk driver, thus increasing the premiums you have to pay. Usually, teenagers fall under the high-risk category mainly because of the higher numbers of accidents and injuries attributed to them. In the U.S., it is estimated that about eight out ten teenage drivers are more likely to get into an accident than experienced adult drivers.

But don’t be disheartened about these statistics, because no matter if you’re a teenage first time driver or an adult driving newbie, having car insurance is most definitely the responsible and important thing to do. A car insurance can add more security and protection to your driving experience. First, you need to know that having car insurance is pretty much required by United States laws. And being caught driving without one is punishable by law, and some states even consider it a felony. So, you should definitely get yourself one.

Having car insurance can also help you should you get into an accident. Depending on your coverage, a car insurance policy basically pays for damages to your car or another person’s car. It also provides payment for injuries sustained in accidents whether you’re the one injured or another person. And if properties are damaged, as well, your car insurance policy will also take care of that provided that it is included in your coverage. Also, a car insurance can also shoulder legal expenses should you get sued after an accident.

Included in the standard first time driver’s insurance policy is the liability coverage, which basically pays for damages to vehicles or injuries to people. A medical payment coverage is also included, which shoulders the medical costs of all those involved in the accident. While a personal injury protection coverage takes care of other expenses like wages lost, pain and suffering and funeral expenses.
An uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage are also included for first time drivers’ insurance. This is very important especially if you get injured due to an accident and the other driver involved doesn’t have sufficient coverage or doesn’t have any insurance at all.

Take all these considerations in carefully before buying car insurance. Make sure you look around for the best deals and discount offers. Try surfing the internet as well for free car insurance quotes. Good luck and drive safely.

Tags: auto insurance premium, car insurance quotes, teen insurance

Reader’s Question:

I’m about to surprise my son on his birthday and give him my old car. It’s complete with registration and car insurance I got in Bridgeport, Connecticut five months ago. Do I have to insure the car again just because he’s going to own it soon? Seven more months down the drain, is it?

Helene

Bridgeport, CT

Hi, Helene. Wow, that is so fantastic. Can you be my mother just for my up and coming birthday? I’m only kidding. Seriously now. Okay, here’s the catch, my dear Helene. Car insurances are actually very much like car registrations that you have to renew on a yearly basis, no matter how much we hate doing it. Now, when you got your car insurance about five months ago, the car insurance coverage was under your name, so it only addresses any liability that involves you and you alone. I have a pretty good idea why you’re asking this. You have got seven more months to go, and really it is a pity to see the bigger chunk of what you paid for go to waste. However, I do not think that these insurance policies are transferable. The only rational thing I feel you should do is to register your son under that existing insurance as someone who uses the vehicle often. Then that solves your problem by getting enough coverage for your son while at the same time retaining the same existing car insurance policy that you have right now. Visit your insurer in Bridgeport, Connecticut for complete details. The only drawback to this is that you won’t be able to transfer the car registration to your son’s name just yet. Guess you’ll have to wait another seven months to be able to do that.

Tags: auto insurance coverage, car insurance

Reader’s Question:

Kathleen of Bridgeport, Connecticut. I just had a minor accident a few weeks ago. The whole repair process was horrendous. My auto insurance company has designated body shops. Is it advisable to use their designated body shops?

Kathleen

Bridgeport, CT

Hello, Kathleen. I am familiar with the arduous routine that follows when you need to have your car fixed. After the experiencing the shock of having a road accident, you will deal with the trauma of having it repaired. First, remember that your auto insurance can not and should not force you to pick one of their designated shops. And also, check to make sure that the repair cost is not cheaper than your deductible. Otherwise, you are essentially paying for the repair.

There are benefits, though, if you go with one of their designated shops in your area (Bridgeport, CT). Insurance companies have devised this designated body shop program to lessen the inconvenience of having an insured car repaired. Studies have shown that after going through the process of having a car repaired (arranging to have the car towed, obtaining repair estimates, choosing a body shop, looking for a rental car, etc), people would usually want to change their auto insurance company. If you choose a designated repair shop, the tedious process mentioned above will be minimized if not eradicated. The object of designated repair shops is to improve customer satisfaction, so that the policy holder won’t think of cancelling the policy. Of course, the auto insurance companies get discounts from these shops. They get their discounts, you get convenience.

Tags: auto insurance, Car insurance discounts, car insurance rate