Can I Be Sued For Car Accident Damages If I Am Caught Drunk Driving

Reader’s Question:

I’m an 18-year-old student in Florida, and I rammed into a car the other night. The man behind the wheel says he will sue me for physical injuries and damages to his car because I was drunk and driving, and even get my license revoked. Can he really do this?

Allen

Tampa, FL

My goodness me, Allen, you are in a very tight situation, I must say. Let me try to put sense into everything that is happening to you right now. You rammed into a car and the man behind the wheel says he will sue you for physical injuries and damages to his car because you were driving under the influence (or what we commonly call DUI). You ask if he can legally do this. I say no. It actually depends on what state you are in, as the law could differ from state to state. But your angels must have been smiling down on you that night of the accident because you are from Florida. Because you see, the state of Florida follows a no-fault car insurance system. And because of this, you are spared of any legal and financial responsibilities to the other driver. Whether or not you are the liable party, the other car’s insurance coverage will have to pay for whatever damage to property and medical expenses there may be. Then we come to your other question. He wants to have your license revoked because you were driving under the influence. As for revoking your license, none of us can tell, not even the man whose car you rammed your car into. It will be the discretion of the police and the officials of Florida’s Department of Motor Vehicles and Road Safety. Most definitely, you will be required to carry an SR-22. But the fate of your driver’s license? You just have to keep your fingers crossed.

SR22 Car Insurance Bond in California

Reader’s Question:

My 22-year-old son receives a ticket most of the time and recently got a DUI. I’m planning to establish a bond for him and his car. Car insurance is expensive since we live in California. I would like to get your opinion on whether this is a good idea.

Lilian

Berkeley, CA

The California’s Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law states that every owner and driver must be financially responsible. You will find the ways of accomplishing the financial obligations.

1. the motor vehicle should be covered by an auto insurance policy.
2. A $35,000 cash deposit to the DMV
3. A self-insurance certificate from DMV to owners of at least 25 vehicles.
4. A $35,000 surety bond issued by the insurance company in California

The insurance must be at least within the minimum liability required by the state or an approved alternative way to pay for a damage or injury in an accident. A non-compliance of this vehicle code entails a
severe penalty.

It seems that you plan to accomplish financial obligations in number 4. Because of the limited information, I cannot tell you whether this is a good idea or not. You can contact your insurance provider in California to find out which is better provided by your son’s current situation.

The California Department of Insurance telephone line is 800-927-HELP and can be reached from 8 am to 6 am, Mondays
through Fridays except holidays. You can get more information on this matter from them.

Cheap DUI insurance rates and more – see for yourself and save a boat load.

DUI Auto Insurance Rates In Wyoming

Reader’s Question:

If I get caught driving under the influence here in Cheyenne, Wyoming, what will happen to my auto insurance policy?  Will I need special DUI insurance?

Oliver

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious matter that, us, drivers should not be too quick to neglect because it affects us in a lot of different ways. Aside from putting our lives and the lives of our passengers in danger, having DUI offense may also affect us financially.

Lately, states in this country are tightening the leash when it comes to this issue. In states like Oregon, Ohio, Iowa and Minnesota, laws are already ordering those with DUI offenses to have some kind of identification mark on their vehicles as punishment. Aside from this, their driving privileges are also being restricted. Some studies say that this tagging system is actually effective on lowering the numbers of DUI offenders.

So, now if the laws of states are getting really strict when it comes to DUI, just imagine its repercussions on your automobile insurance policy. Companies deal with this matter differently. They could actually give DUI customers very high rates or they could cancel or opt to not renew the policies of their customers.

If you are caught drunk driving there in Cheyenne, Wyoming, your automobile insurance company would most likely consider you as a high risk driver. This makes your premium skyrocket because most companies are not going to be willing to insure high risk drivers. In this case, you will be required to file a proof of insurance with Wyoming’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for three or even five years.

So, if I were you, just don’t drink and drive.

Don’t leave without getting a free DUI insurance rate quote today and save a ton of cash.

Can I Get Auto Insurance If I Don’t Own A Car

Reader’s Question:

My name is Patrick and I don’t usually ask stupid questions. But I want to know if one can get auto insurance even if he or she does not have a car. Thanks. Brick, NJ rules.

Patrick

Brick, NJ

Patrick, my man. Honestly, I don’t think the question is stupid, but I hope you don’t rule Brick, NJ. That’d be scary. To answer your question– yes, you, Patrick of Brick, will be able to get auto insurance even if you don’t have a car, much less a donkey. The whole insurance quotation thing would be much easier, though, if you have a car.

This whole scenario, of course, will depend on the insurance company. A car insurance company will usually appraise the risk factor of the car to be insured and the risk they are going to take in insuring you. This car insurance is called non owners car insurance. In the absence of your car, Patrick, they can only appraise your risk factor. You can expect the premium rate to be cruel. If the auto insurance company agrees to cover without a vehicle Patrick, it means that they agree to let you drive any car and promise to have your back. If you drive a Ferrari, which is expensive to cover, they’d cover it. It’s risky for them and expensive for you. Look around Brick, you just might find that car insurance company you need. But, Patrick, wouldn’t it be easier to just buy a car first, then have the car insured? Easier for everybody.