What Are The Most Popular Auto Insurance Discounts

Reader Question

Hey there, I just got my second DUI conviction and wanted to know if there are any auto insurance discounts I can apply or ask for? I don’t have the money to pay the $3500 a year premium my current carrier is asking of me.

James
Houston, TX

James, your second DUI, come on man! No, I really don’t think you are going to find any discounts what so ever, and you might be very lucky to be able to get coverage at all. $3500 does not sound to terribly bad to me for the amount of risk your carrier is taking letting you continue to drive on the roads with the rest of us.

There are many popular auto insurance discounts but I really don’t think they apply to your case.

1. Good students with good grades
2. Good credit history and credit score, will be used to determine your ability to pay on time
3. Credit union members, and sometimes some fraternal organizations like Rotary have a group association discount
4. Raise your deductible amount to the highest you feel comfortable with, you only pay this amount when you have a claim paid by your carrier
5. Combine other lines of coverage together, home, life and auto
6. Buy online, some carriers will discount if you use their online forms instead of an actual real agent

Driving Without Insurance – What Are The Penalties?

Reader’s Question:

I recently got involved in a car accident with someone and I had no auto insurance coverage. The other vehicle had uninsured motorist coverage. Whats going to happen?

George

Houston, TX

I am sorry to hear about what happened. The specific penalties differ from state to state for driving without insurance and/ or being involved in a car accident without car insurance. You may be held personally liable for the damages you caused even if the other person had insurance. Additionally, you will be subject to some financial responsibility rules that is enforced by your state.

I would really suggest that you contact a lawyer to determine your liability exposure and you may also contact your local driver’s license office to know what action(s) may be taken against your license.

You will also need to find out the insurance status of the other motorist through the local authorities (police report and/or investigation)

Will a Dismissed DUI Case Still Affect my Car Insurance?

Reader’s Question:

Will a case of DUI dismissed in court can still affect my record and thus my insurance?

Neil

Thank you for asking Neil.

It is possible that for a dismissed DUI case to affect your driving record still. I would suggest that you check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what exactly will be listed on your driving record. The cost of a SR-22 will depend upon your driving history and other personal information.

The Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) will be able to give you more information if a dismissed case of DUI will still show up your driving record. If you do find that the dismissed charge will remain part of your driving record, you may also contact your insurance company to know how this will affect your auto insurance rates.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Car Insurance for Suspended Drivers

Reader’s Question:

I will be losing my license because of the DUI conviction. Can I have my new car insured while my license is suspended so others may be able to use it?

Nina

Thank you for asking Nina.

I don’t think it is possible (or may be difficult) to carry auto insurance while your license is suspended. Once an insurance carrier finds out that your license is suspended, your insurance policy typically is canceled.

If there is another person that has registered or co-owns the new vehicle with you, she/he might be able to get insurance in their name for the car until your driver’s license is reinstated. If not then the finance company can get “force” insurance, in which they take out insurance on the car to protect their asset (the car) but it might not be enough for the coverage of others operating the vehicle.

If you are able to get a restricted driver’s license, while still serving your penalty for the DUI, then an insurance carrier will normally be able to insure you and your car.

Goodluck!

MariCAR