Friday 20 November 2015

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Auto Insurance Information

Read below for information related to the basics of an auto insurance policy.
  • What is auto insurance?
  • What is no fault insurance?
  • What are the various types of auto insurance coverage?
  • What is liability coverage?
  • What should I do when renting a car?
  • What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
  • Suppose I lend my car to a friend; is he/she covered under my automobile insurance policy?

What is auto insurance?

An auto insurance policy is a contract between you and an insurance company.  You pay a premium.  In exchange, the insurance company promises to pay for specific car-related financial losses, within the selected coverage limits, that you may have during the term of the agreement.
Most states require that you carry automobile liability insurance in certain minimum amounts.  If you are at fault in an accident the law requires that you pay the damages sustained by the person who is not at fault.  These can include property damage, which is the cost to repair or replace any property that you have damaged.  These can also include damages for personal injuries, which include not only the other person’s medical expenses and lost wages but also damages for pain and suffering, permanent injury, and loss of enjoyment of life.  These damages can come to thousands of dollars even for a minor accident.  That’s why adequate insurance is essential to your economic health.

What is no fault insurance?

In states with no-fault insurance victims of automobile accidents are compensated by their own insurance company, regardless of who caused the accident.  No attempt is made to determine fault.  This is different from the traditional insurance coverage where the party at fault is primarily responsible for paying the costs of an accident, either individually or through his or her insurance company.  In certain circumstances, though, victims can sue the other party; the limitations vary among no-fault states.
No fault programs are designed to reduce the cost of auto insurance by reducing claims and litigation.  About one-half of the states have enacted some type of no fault or auto insurance reform legislation.  No-fault insurance laws vary widely, so you should check with your insurance commissioner’s office or an insurance agent for requirements in your state.  If part of your coverage is based on no-fault laws, find out if it covers you when you drive in other states.

What are the various types of auto insurance coverage?

The standard private passenger automobile insurance policy affords up to four types of coverage.  These coverages include: Liability Coverage, Medical Payments Coverage, Uninsured Motorist Coverage (Underinsured Motorist Coverage) and Coverage for Damage to Your Auto (Comprehensive and Collision).
Liability coverage protects you from property damage or personal injury claims arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of a covered automobile.  Unless specifically restricted by your policy, you will have coverage while driving any car, pickup, or van so long as you have the owner’s permission to use the vehicle.  A person who is using your car, pickup, or van with your permission will also be covered.  At the time the policy is issued you will choose the limits of liability that you want.  The limits that you select are the most that we will pay in the event of a loss.
Medical payments coverage pays for medical expenses that you, or a family member, incur as the result of an automobile accident.  It also covers persons who are occupying a covered automobile.  At the time the policy is issued you will choose a coverage limit.  The limits that you select are the most that will be paid for each person in connection with a single accident.
Even though liability coverage is advisable and often required, there are many irresponsible people who do not buy insurance.  If an uninsured motorist causes an accident you will not be able to recover any damages that you sustain.  If you purchase uninsured motorist insurance, though, your insurance company will pay you for the property damage and bodily injury caused by an uninsured motorist.  It will cover you, any family member, and anyone occupying a covered automobile.  The limits for this coverage are usually the same limits that you selected for liability, although you can choose lower limits.
There are also times when a person who causes an accident has liability insurance but your damages exceed the limits of that person’s coverage.  In some states underinsured motorist coverage is included in your uninsured motorist coverage.  In other states, you can purchase underinsured motorist insurance which covers your excess losses up to the limit set forth in the policy.
If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, the insurance company will pay for damage to a covered automobile regardless of fault.  Most banks and finance companies require you to maintain comprehensive and collision coverage on your car if it is financed.

What is liability coverage?

Liability coverage extends to you, your spouse, and any resident family member for the ownership, maintenance, or use of any car, pickup, or van unless specifically restricted by your policy.  Most state laws require that you carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, which pays for injuries or damages you cause to someone else.  (We recommend that you carry much more than the minimum - enough to protect all your assets.)

What should I do when renting a car?

The answer to this question is not as easy as it once was.  In the not-too-distant past, most automobile insurance policies would extend coverage to rental cars whenever you rented one.  This is not quite true anymore and coverages now vary widely from company to company and from state to state.  The best way to find out what rental car coverage you have under your automobile policy is to call your insurance company or your agent.

What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?

Collision is defined as losses you incur when your automobile collides with another car or object. For example, if you hit a car in a parking lot, the damages to your car will be paid under your collision coverage.
Comprehensive provides coverage for most other direct physical damage losses you could incur. For example, damage to your car from a hailstorm will be covered under your comprehensive coverage.

Suppose I lend my car to a friend; is he/she covered under my automobile insurance policy?

It depends on your coverage. There are several instances where coverage would not apply to anyone else driving your car (named owner policies, restricted policies, specific exclusions for certain risks and circumstances, etc). However, most of the time when you knowingly loan your car to a friend or an associate, he or she will be covered under your automobile insurance policy.

Auto Insurance By State

Auto insurance is handled differently in every state.  Find your state below to read further about your state here.

If you are planning to travel to Mexico, you will be required to obtain a separate Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance Policy or a Mexican Car Insurance policy.  We have partnered with a company that can help you with this need; you can find more information on our Mexico Travel Insurance page.

Alabama Auto Insurance Information

The General® auto insurance is available in Alabama!  Get a quote online or over the phone today and find get a great low rate on car insurance even if you have accidents or violations on your driving record, never been insured before, let your policy lapse, or had your license suspended or revoked.
We’ve put together some information below with answers to some of the more common questions we’ve received from our customers.

Mandatory Minimum Level of Coverage

The state of Alabama, like most states in the US, has put up minimum auto insurance coverage requirements to make sure its residents are secured enough in case of an accident. Alabama determined the minimum car insurance requirements as:

Bodily Injury Liability

- $25,000 for the death or injury of any one person, any one accident
- $50,000 for all persons in any one accident

Property Damage

- $25,000 for any one accident
This basic coverage is often referred to as 25/50/25 coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Alabama Auto Insurance

What is considered proof of liability insurance coverage?

The best proof of liability insurance is the insurance card issued by the insurance company. The insurance cards contain the vehicle year model, vehicle make, vehicle identification number, name of the insured, the name of the insurance company, the insurance company NAIC number, the policy number, and the effective and expiration dates of the policy. Motorists must be sure that the insurance card carried within the vehicle is current. 
Other acceptable documents to prove insurance include:
  • A temporary insurance card issued by the insurer.
  • A premium receipt or insurance binder issued by the motorist’s insurance agent.
  • The current declarations page of a liability insurance policy.
  • The actual liability insurance policy issued for the vehicle.

What is SR-22 Insurance?

SR-22 insurance is high risk insurance policy it can be used by a driver to prove to the state of Alabama that they have adequate insurance coverage.

What if you’re currently driving without coverage?

The General® offers instant proof of insurance when you buy auto insurance online at our website.

Alaska Auto Insurance Information

The General® is pleased to offer insurance in the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. From Juneau to Anchorage, The General® has you covered. The General® offers low cost auto insurance even if you have violations on your driving record, have never been insured, let your policy lapse, or had your license suspended or revoked. We have provided some helpful information for Alaska customers below.

Alaska Mandatory Coverages

Nonexempt vehicle owners must carry the legally required minimum amount of liability insurance. Alaska law provides you with protection from claims by others for damages that might arise out of an accident for which you are found to be legally responsible. The coverage minimums are:
Bodily Injury Liability: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Alaska Auto Insurance

What is SR22 Insurance?

SR22 is a document often required by a state’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) proving that a driver is carrying the state’s required minimum amount of vehicle liability insurance.
SR22s are typically needed for a driver to reinstate their driving privileges after an offense such as a DUI conviction or uninsured auto accident. Drivers who do not own a vehicle but still wish to reinstate their driving privileges may need to provide a non-owner SR22 policy.

What does Uninsured Motorist cover?

Uninsured Motorist pays you or your passengers for medical, rehabilitation, and funeral costs. It also pays settlements of lawsuits resulting from an accident caused by an uninsured, underinsured or hit-and-run motorist.

What if you are currently driving without coverage?

Failure to have the proper insurance may result in a suspension of your driver’s license and the impoundment of your vehicle.  Proof of vehicle liability insurance must be in the person’s possession at all times when driving a motor vehicle.

Arizona Auto Insurance Information

The General® is pleased to provide auto insurance in Arizona.  We offer low cost auto insurance online even if you have a less than perfect driving record, have never been insured before, have let your policy lapse, or have had your auto insurance coverage suspended or revoked.
We’ve provided some information below that we hope will be helpful in answering some of the more common questions we’ve received from our customers.

Mandatory Minimum Level of Coverage

Car insurance coverage in Arizona must provide a minimum of $15,000 for injury liability for one person in an accident, $30,000 for all injuries in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage in an accident.

Coverage Explanation:

Bodily Injury

- $15,000 for the death or injury of any one person, any one accident
- $30,000 for all persons in any one accident

Property Damage

- $10,000 for any one accident

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Arizona Auto Insurance

What Happens If I Don’t Carry Auto Insurance?

Law enforcement officers will ask you for proof of insurance at the time of traffic stops or accidents.  Insurance companies notify Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of all policy cancellations, non- renewals, and new policies.  If your insurance company sends MVD a notice that your policy is no longer active, we will send you an inquiry notice to verify insurance status.  Failure to maintain proper insurance could lead to the suspension of your registration and/ or driver’s license.  The General® can provide instant proof of insurance for Arizona drivers.

Will My Out Of State Insurance Be Acceptable For Arizona?

No.  All vehicles registered in Arizona must be insured by a company licensed to do business in Arizona.  Arizona residents who are out of state (including military personnel), however, may submit a De-Insured Certificate on a vehicle, on a short term basis.

How Long Do I Have To Get Insurance After I Register My Car?

Insurance is required immediately, before driving the vehicle.

How Do I Prove I Have Insurance?

Your insurance company will send you a proof of insurance card listing the covered automobiles and drivers and showing the policy number and expiration date.  Your policy or a temporary binder is also acceptable evidence of insurance.

Arkansas Auto Insurance Information

From the Ozarks to the Ouachita Mountains to the lowlands along the Mississippi River and the Arkansas Delta. One thing is certain, auto insurance is required and The General® has you covered. The General®offers low cost auto insurance even if you have violations on your driving record, have never been insured before, let your policy lapse, or had your license suspended or revoked.
Below is some information that should help answer some of the more common questions we receive from our Arkansas customers.

Arkansas Mandatory Coverages

The minimum liability you are required to carry by law is $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 to cover other’s property damage. When applying for liability coverage in Arkansas, you will have the option to purchase coverage for uninsured motorist bodily injury and property damage, underinsured motorist coverage for bodily injury and personal injury protection coverage. UM, UIM and PIP can be rejected in writing.
Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Arkansas Auto Insurance

What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and who does it cover?

PIP is insurance coverage for medical and other expenses, such as wage loss and funeral expenses, which result from an auto accident, no matter who is at fault. The law does not require you to have PIP coverage and can be rejected if put into writing.
PIP covers the person who is named on the policy, household residents related by blood, marriage or adoption, and step- or foster children. It also covers non-family passengers and pedestrians involved in the accident.

What is SR22 Insurance?

SR22 is a document often required by a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) proving that a driver is carrying the state’s required minimum amount of vehicle liability insurance.
SR22s are typically needed for a driver to reinstate their driving privileges after an offense such as a DUI conviction or uninsured auto accident. Drivers who do not own a vehicle but still wish to reinstate their driving privileges may need to provide a non-owner SR22 policy.

What are the penalties for driving without insurance in Arkansas?

If you are caught driving without insurance the first violation carries a fine of $50 to $250. A second violation carries a fine of $250 to $500. A third or subsequent violation carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 or a sentence of one year in jail or possibly both.

California Auto Insurance Information

The General® is pleased to provide auto insurance in California.  We offer low cost auto insurance online even if you have a less than perfect driving record, have never been insured before, have let your policy lapse, or have had your coverage suspended or revoked.
California automobile policies are underwritten by Permanent General Assurance Corporation (California Certificate of Authority #08956), which is domiciled in the State of Ohio, principle place of business 9700 Rockside Road, Suite 250, Valley View, Ohio 44125.
We’ve provided some information below that we hope will be helpful in answering some of the more common questions we’ve received from our customers.

Mandatory Minimum Level of Coverage

California’s Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law requires every driver and owner of a motor vehicle to be financially responsible for their actions.  The statutory minimum limits of liability insurance are:

Bodily Injury

- $15,000 for the death or injury of any one person, any one accident
- $30,000 for all persons in any one accident

Property Damage

- $5,000 for any one accident

Consumer Rights/Protections Related to California Auto Insurance

California Proposition 103: In November of 1988, Proposition 103 (Prop.103) was enacted into law by the voters of California.  It provides many consumer protections related to purchasing and maintaining auto insurance.
View the California Proposition 103 Fact Sheet for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding California Auto Insurance

What Happens If I Don’t Carry Auto Insurance?

In California, it’s mandatory to have Proof of Insurance at all times.  Not providing Proof of Insurance when it’s requested may result in a fine or suspended license.  The General® can provide instant Proof of Insurance for California drivers.

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Liability Insurance?

Judges can impound the vehicles of frequent, flagrant violators.  If you provide false evidence of auto insurance coverage and your driver’s license is suspended, the suspension cannot be lifted until you demonstrate genuine Proof of Insurance.

When Must You Show Proof of Insurance?

The Legislature passed a law requiring motorists to produce Proof of Insurance before the Department of Motor Vehicles renews vehicle registration.  The legislation also requires motorists to display Proof of Insurance when stopped by a police officer for traffic violations.

How Do I Prove I Have Insurance?

Your insurance company will send you a Proof of Insurance card listing the covered automobiles and drivers and showing the policy number and expiration date.  Your policy or a temporary binder is also acceptable evidence of insurance.

Colorado Auto Insurance Information

Colorado residents are eligible for low cost car insurance with The General®.  We offer low cost auto insurance options online even if you have you have violations on your driving record, have never been insured, have let your policy lapse, or have had your license suspended or revoked.
We have provided some information below that we hope will be helpful in answering some of the more common questions we have received from our customers.

Mandatory Minimum Level of Coverage

Colorado law requires you to have automobile liability insurance.  If you drive in Colorado, you must show that you can pay for accidents you cause.  Most Colorado drivers do this by buying auto liability insurance.  The statutory minimum limits of liability insurance in Colorado are:

Bodily Injury

- $25,000 for the death or injury of any one person, any one accident
- $50,000 for all persons in any one accident

Property Damage

- $15,000 for any one accident

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Colorado Auto Insurance

What is “Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist” Coverage?

The “uninsured motorist” portion of this coverage is for your bodily injury losses caused by a hit-and-run driver, or by a driver who has no automobile liability insurance.  This coverage takes the place of insurance the other driver should have purchased.
The “underinsured motorist” portion of this coverage is for bodily injury losses that you are legally entitled to collect from the owner or driver of an underinsured vehicle.  An underinsured vehicle is one that is insured, but the bodily injury liability limits of that policy are less than the limits of your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.  The minimum amount of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, unless waived by the policyholder, is $25,000 per person, and $50,000 per accident.

Do I have to show proof of insurance before I can register my vehicle?

Yes.  You must provide proof of insurance to your county clerk and recorder before registration can occur.  Each month, insurance companies must inform the Colorado Motor Vehicle Registration Division of who has insurance and whether insurance has lapsed or does not exist.

Texas Auto Insurance Information

The General® is pleased to provide auto insurance in Texas.  We offer low cost auto insurance options online even if you have a less than perfect driving record, have never been insured before, have let your policy lapse, or have had your coverage suspended or revoked.
We’ve provided some information below that we hope will be helpful in answering some of the more common questions we’ve received from our customers.

Mandatory Minimum Level of Coverage

Texas law requires you to have auto liability insurance.  If you drive in Texas, you must show that you can pay for accidents you cause.  Most Texas drivers do this by buying auto liability insurance.  The statutory minimum limits of liability insurance in Texas are:

Bodily Injury

- $30,000 for the death or injury of any one person, any one accident
- $60,000 for all persons in any one accident

Property Damage

- $25,000 for any one accident

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Texas Auto Insurance

What if I fail to keep insurance on my vehicle that I have registered in Texas?

Texas law provides severe penalties for violating the state’s financial responsibility laws.  A first conviction will result in a fine between $175 and $350.  Subsequent convictions could result in fines of $350 to $1,000, suspension of your driver’s license, and impoundment of your automobile.  Texas also uses a real-time insurance verification system called TexasSure, which allows law enforcement officers and county tax officials to instantly verify whether a vehicle has auto liability coverage required by state law.  In short, state officials say “if you’re not covered, you’ll be discovered”.

What if you’re currently driving without coverage?

The General® offers instant proof of insurance when you buy auto insurance online at our website.

Wisconsin Auto Insurance Information

The General® is happy to provide the state of Wisconsin with affordable auto insurance. We can provide a quote online or over the phone even if you have a less than perfect credit or driving history, let your policy lapse, or have a suspended or revoked license.
The information below answers some of the more common questions that Wisconsin residents may have about auto insurance.

Minimum Level of Coverage

Wisconsin law requires you to have auto liability insurance. If you drive in Wisconsin, you must show that you can pay for accidents you cause. Most Wisconsin drivers do this by buying auto liability insurance. The statutory minimum limits of liability insurance in Wisconsin are:

Bodily injury (BI) liability

$25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury to others. 

Property damage (PD) liability

$10,000 per accident for damage to the property of others.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage

$25,000/$50,000 each for bodily injury only.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Wisconsin Auto Insurance

Why should I buy auto insurance?

If you cause an auto accident, you may be responsible for the losses of the other people involved. If you do not have insurance, anything of value that you own may be taken to pay for those losses. By purchasing auto liability insurance you can help protect yourself so this doesn’t happen.

What is “Bodily Injury Liability”?

Bodily Injury Liability coverage pays for serious and permanent injury or death to others when you cause a crash involving your automobile. Your insurance company will pay for injuries up to the limits of your policy and provide legal representation for you if you get sued. In particular, your company pays for injuries caused by you or members of your family who live with you, even if they were driving someone else’s vehicle. It may also cover others who driver your automobile with your permission. This coverage also provides you with legal defense in the event you are sued by the injured party.

What is “Property Damage Liability”?

This coverage pays for damages you or members of your family cause (and are liable for) to other people’s property in a crash involving a motor vehicle.

What is “Uninsured Motorist” or “Underinsured Motorist” coverage?

Under an auto policy, this is protection for the insured against bodily injury or property damage caused by the negligence of an uninsured or underinsured motorist.  These coverages are available separately in the state of Wisconsin.

Car Insurance 101

What coverage do I need? What coverage is included in my quote?

What is a lien holder?

The lien holder (or loss payee) is an entity that has a financial interest in the vehicle.  In most cases this is the bank or lending institution that has financed the loan on the vehicle.

What coverage do I need if my car is leased?

If your car is leased your leasing company will require you to have collision and comprehensive coverage.  This coverage protects the vehicle in the event of a claim and since the leasing company technically owns the car, they will require you to maintain this coverage.  Some leasing companies also require higher than minimum liability limits.

What is a “restricted” policy?

A “restricted” policy is an optional endorsement that restricts coverage under your policy to only those individuals who are specifically listed on your policy.

What is a deductible?

A deductible is the portion of the claim that the policyholder must pay before the insurance company pays.  The higher the deductible, the lower the cost of the coverage.

What is “liability only” insurance?

“Liability only” typically refers to a minimum coverage level that is required in most states.  Liability coverage pays for damages to other people and property caused by you in an accident. 

What is “full coverage” insurance?

“Full coverage” is a term that is often used to describe how much automobile insurance coverage someone has on their policy.  Although there is really no such thing as “full coverage”, that term is intended to mean that the policy has more than just Liability coverage and includes collision and comprehensive coverage.

Do I need collision and comprehensive coverage?

If you are financing or leasing your vehicle, collision and comprehensive coverage will be required by your financing or leasing company.  If you own your vehicle these coverages are optional for you but provide protection for your vehicle in the event of a covered incident.  The key things to consider are the value of your vehicle (what the insurance company will pay you in the event of a loss, minus the deductible), and the cost of collision and comprehensive coverage.

Quote and Buy Car Insurance Online

The General® makes it easy to get your quote online with no personal information and when you’re ready to buy a policy – we make that pretty easy too.

Do I need to include all of the drivers/residents of my household?

Yes, all residents of your household age 14 and older (in most states) and any other individuals who regularly operate your vehicle must be either listed as a driver or excluded from coverage.

When can I get proof of insurance?

Immediately – once you have made your down payment you will be prompted to electronically sign your application and then you can print your proof of insurance.

Can someone else make my down payment for me?

Yes, that is acceptable.

What types of payment options does The General® offer?

We accept payments via credit cards and electronic checks (not available in all states). 

What types of payment plans does The General® offer?

In most states we offer monthly payment plans and our quote defaults to the lowest plan we offer. 

Why do I need to “register” and pick a password before I purchase a policy?

Once you decide to “purchase” a policy we must collect personal information from you in order to complete the application process.  By registering and selecting a password you are protecting your personal information.

Can I get an SR-22 Financial Responsibility filing with The General®?

Yes, an SR-22 can be filed in the state where you are applying for insurance. 

Can I buy a policy if I have a suspended or revoked driver’s license?

Yes, as long as you have been licensed at some point (e.g., have a driver’s license number) you can purchase a policy with The General®. 

Can I buy a policy if I have an out-of-state driver’s license?

Yes.  However if you require an SR-22 Financial Responsibility filing, it cannot be issued for an out-of-state license.

Can I make changes to the initial quote The General® provided?

Yes, you can add coverage and/or modify limits to meet your specific needs.

What coverage is included in my quote?

The initial quote provided by The General® includes the minimum coverage required by the state.  Coverage can be added and limits modified after receiving the initial quote.

How can I get the advertised $59 down payment?

The amount of the down payment required will vary based on several factors (e.g., where you live, age, driving record, type of vehicle,etc). 

How can The General® provide an anonymous quote with “no personal information”?

The General® is able to provide a very fast and accurate quote without requiring unnecessary personal information, unlike most of the other insurance companies.  If you decide to purchase a policy, then of course we will need to obtain personal information to complete the application/purchase process.
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