Tips For First Time Buyer of Car Insurance

Reader’s Question:

It’s my first time to buy a car insurance policy here in Massachusetts. Are there any reminders that I need to know first before I purchase a policy?

Milton

Framingham, MA

Learning more about car insurance before buying a policy is a very good idea, Milton. It’s better to understand your options better, so you will be able to get the car insurance policy that is perfect for you.

As you may already know, every state in America requires you to have car insurance with at least the minimum required coverage. And if you get caught driving without proof of insurance, there is a big chance that your license will be revoked.

A car insurance policy typically has property coverage that covers expenses when your car gets damaged or stolen. With liability coverage, your policy will shoulder the medical expenses of people injured or properties damaged. Your car insurance policy can also be useful should you get sued after an accident.

Be sure to contact the Massachusetts Department of Insurance for more information regarding the required minimum liability coverage for your car insurance policy.

Regarding your rates, most car insurance companies in Massachusetts offer reasonable premiums for most drivers. However, if this is your first time driving a car, your premium rates could be expensive. The car insurance company will also assess if you’re a high-risk driver or not through your driving record, credit history or any traffic violation convictions. The more you get involved in an accident, the higher your premiums will be.

Your age, gender as well as your residence location will be considered in determining your policy rates. The type of car you drive is also a factor and will affect premium prices. Sports cars and SUVs are usually expensive to insure compared to heavier and slower sedans.

If you have more questions regarding car insurance policies in Massachusetts, call your local agent or go online for free car insurance quotes before you finally decide on purchasing your own insurance policy.

Ask for discounts, you never know what you might be able to get and how much you can save by asking.  Some popular discounts can be given for:

1. Military personnel

2. Good grade students

3. Union membership and bank member affiliations

4. Safe drivers with no claims in last 7 years

5. Defensive driving school attendance

6. Clean credit history – used by many carriers to determine payment risk

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.