Car Insurance Quotes Washington

Reader’s Question:

I just bought a car here in Washington State. What’s my grace period for getting car insurance to avoid getting a penalty?

Jenny

Seattle WA

There’s no grace period for a liability coverage according to the Insurance Commissioner of Washington state. Also, the grace period to adding another vehicle to your insurance policy would be different from one company to another. It is important then to check with your insurer the maximum time required to file or add your newly bought vehicle to your existing policy. Most dealers would often require a physical damage coverage before it leaves the dealership.

If you’re replacing an old car to your policy, most insurers would extend that existing policy to your new car. If you’re adding a new car to your policy, you could inquire whether they would extend your existing policy for a certain amount of time or should you add the new vehicle to your policy with the required coverage.

If you’re just about to get an insurance policy on your car, then it is more practical to give your preferred auto insurance company an update on the type of car you’re planning to buy before it actually leaves the dealership. Request your dealership a fax of the car information to work with your insurer the practical coverage to apply.

SR22 Insurance In Washington

Reader’s Question:

Is SR22 insurance a type of insurance policy? I’d like to know more about this since I’ve heard a few things about this. Thanks

Gilbert

Spokane, WA

In reality, SR22 insurance is not a kind of insurance coverage. It is more of a certification from an insurance company issued to a state’s department of motor vehicles stating that the holder is covered by an insurance company. SR22 insurance is usually required from drivers who have ran into major traffic violations such as DUI. Those who were caught driving without vehicle insurance are also required to show SR22 insurance, as well as those who were involved in car accidents without proper insurance coverage.

SR22 insurance in Washington can be expensive. Most insurers in your area will charge you with high premiums and insurance rates because once you are requested to give SR22 insurance, you are considered as high risks by insurers. SR22 insurance in Washington should be maintained by the driver for the next three years. SR22 insurance must be carried by the driver, or else he faces graver consequences.

Will Traffic Tickets Affect My Auto Insurance Rates in Washington

Reader’s Question:

I’ve had a few traffic violation citations here in Washington State. How will my driving history affect my vehicle insurance policy rates? The latest violation I had happened 2 months ago.

Anthony,

Bellevue, WA

The Washington State Office notes that auto insurance companies must compute the vehicle insurance rates based on the dollar amount. This base rate must be adjusted according to certain factors determined by the auto insurance company. These are gender, age, marital status, model and make of the vehicle, driving history, credit history, claims history, and geographical area. The vehicle insurance carrier may impose an additional charge if you have been in an accident or you have violated a traffic rule. This is referred to as a surcharge.

The WA Department of Leasing (DOL) notes that convictions and violations or infractions will be kept in your driving record for five years upon the conviction date. For collisions, this will be recorded in your MVR. The record will show who are involved in the incident, whether one or none of the involved parties were parked when the incident happened, the persons affected and the type of injury it caused them. For private vehicles, the incident will stay in the driver’s record for 5 years, while for commercial vehicles, it’s 10 years.

In WA, the auto insurance company decides on how long the violations or accidents could affect a driver’s vehicle’s insurance rate. However, most insurance companies will rate you based on your moving violations for a period of 3, 5 or 7 years, depending on the frequency of occurrence of the violations and accidents.

Beginner Driver Auto Insurance Washington

Reader’s Question:

I’m a beginner driver, and I just got my driver’s permit a couple months back here in Washington. Last night, I was driving home from my part-time job. I didn’t see a kid that was on his trike till it was almost too late. The kid’s okay, but I crashed the car into someone’s mailbox. Will I have to pay for the guy’s mailbox myself, or will the auto insurance company cover this? I’m not insured, but hoping I can use my parents’ auto insurance.

Leo

Bellingham, WA

Oh, well, they say there’s always a first time for everyone. It’s a really great thing that you had the presence of mind to avoid hitting the kid even if you are just a beginner driver. He must have been so scared when he realized what happened!

Of course, hitting some guy’s mailbox instead isn’t the best way to go. And you will be expected to repair anything that you damage. I suggest you tell your parents about it and help them get in touch with their auto insurance provider in Washington. In general, you do not need your own auto insurance as you do not have your own license yet and you do not have your own vehicle, as well. So you should be covered under your parent’s auto insurance since you were driving their vehicle. However, some auto insurance companies require their policy holders to have all people driving the vehicle listed in the policy. Also, most states in the USA require different amount of liability insurance, so if your parents have this, then this should be able to cover the cost of the repair for the mailbox. The thing is if they only got liability insurance, then you can repair the mailbox but not the damages on the car. So, check to see if they also got collision insurance as this part will shell out the cash for repairs to the vehicle. Otherwise, I hope your job pays you more than enough because you’ll be the one paying for repairs to the car. Next time, please drive safely and keep your eyes on the road.

Drunk Driving DUI Insurance in Washington

Reader’s Question:

What are the implications of DUI to my car insurance here in , Washington? I suppose it can’t be a good thing.

Bill

Spokane, WA

Since when has drunk driving been a good thing? I suppose you already know about the license suspension, lawyer fees and fines. I’m assuming here that you did get convicted of drunk driving. Well, in case you haven’t spent enough yet, on top of everything, you have to worry about higher premium prices for your vehicle insurance–that is if you are lucky. Some insurance companies will actually cancel your policy. And bet the top of your legs that you’re going to have a hard time looking for new automotive insurance. So, let’s say that your company decides to keep you, you lucky son of whatever, as one of their policy holders. You then will be branded as high risk. Your car insurance company is required to submit an SR-22 to your DMV there. It is a document that gives proof that you have the minimum required coverage, and more importantly, it reestablishes your driving privileges.

If you’re thinking that this is easy enough to handle, that it was all worth it since you had so much fun drinking, let me tell you now that not all insurance companies offer SR-22s. Check out your insurance laws there in Spokane, WA to find out. And one last thing, stop being an idiot. Don’t drink and drive.

Tips For Cheaper Rates On Auto Insurance in Washington

Reader’s Question:

Cheers to my promotion in Washington! I will soon be eligible to buy a brand car and I am both excited and anxious. Anxiety results from my ignorance with auto paper works and insurance. So what do I need to know when buying auto insurance policy in WA?

Matty

Bellingham, WA

Congratulations, Matty!

If you want to save on your car insurance here are a few tips that can help you as you search for vehicle insurance.

The best thing you need to do is comparison shop. It cannot hurt to shop around to check what other prices are out there. If the auto insurance price is higher you know you are where you need to be and if you find a lower car insurance rate you always have the option to change.

Another way to lower your car insurance premium is by increasing deductibles. The portion of money you pay before the insurance carrier pays for injuries or damages is called a deductible. You may save hundreds of dollars over the term of your car insurance policy if you choose the highest deductible that you can afford.

Some insurers provide various discounts so make sure you ask if there are insurance discounts that you can take advantage of. You may obtain insurance discounts for lower mileage usage if you live close to your job. Discounts are also given for safety features such as anti-lock breaks and airbags. So make sure you always ask for discounts when buying auto insurance in Bellingham Washington.

The best way to save on you car insurance premium is to maintain a good driving record. Your driving record is also a major determining factor on how much the car insurance premium rate will be. If you can maintain a safe driving record, without accidents or traffic violations on your driving history, your rates will be cheaper compared to those with violations on their driving record.

 

What Is The Fine Cost For Driving Without Auto Insurance in Washington?

Reader’s Question:

Can you please tell me the fine if I drive without an insurance in the state of Washington?

Markus

Thank you for asking Markus.

Washington State mandatory insurance law, listed in Title 46 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), states that motorist must carry with them an insurance identification card showing proof that you have a valid vehicle insurance policy. The current mandatory limits for WA are 25/50/10.

These numbers stand for:

$25,000 total for bodily injury per person,

$50,000 total for bodily injury coverage per accident and

$10,000 total for property damage per accident.

If you are found driving a motor vehicle without having proof of insurance or of the mandatory insurance law you are committing an infraction. This violation of the law is punishable by a minimum fine of $250. There may be other fees that can be added to this fine.To get more information of the exact amount of your fine you may contact the court on the ticket.

A ticket for driving without insurance is like any other moving violation and will become part of your WA driving record.

To make sure you have at least the Washington state minimum auto insurance coverages so to avoid penalties, you may contact your insurance company.

Goodluck!

MariCAR