Several organizations have annual ratings for the cost of car insurance premiums and every year Florida seems to end up in one of the top ten spots for the most  expensive state in the United States in which to insure a car. It seems hard to believe since it’s a state with no snow or ice to increase the number of car accidents. So, why is Florida car insurance so expensive?

Believe it or not, Florida has more claims and losses than just about all other states. Because of this, it costs a lot for insurance companies to provide protection for customers in Florida. It’s really all about the numbers, and in the insurance world, more claims mean higher costs. 

There are a few other factors that contribute to making Florida car insurance so expensive. 

Florida Requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

A handful of states, Florida being one of them, require drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection insurance, also known as PIP. This makes Florida auto insurance premiums more expensive automatically because PIP is not cheap. This requirement can have Florida drivers paying as much as 20% of their premium payments toward personal injury protection coverage in Florida. 

The short of it is that Florida used to be a no-fault insurance state, but scammers quickly figured out how to game the system. The scams because very sophisticated with people staging fake accidents and bribing doctors in order to collect insurance money that was automatic in a no-fault state. In effort to fix the broken no-fault system, the state began requiring drivers to carry PIP coverage by making it the law.

But, however unintentionally, this requirement has resulted in a steep rise in car insurance premiums in the State of Florida.

Population Density

Florida is a popular place, especially in winter. In fact, Florida is the third most densely populated state in the U.S. Most all of the population of the state is located in the cities that ring the coast of this large peninsula. It stands to reason that densely packed urban areas create more opportunity for accidents simply because there are more cars and people in a tight space: accidents are bound to happen.

But this creates a risk for insurance companies, so population density is a contributor to the high auto insurance rates in Florida

Too Many DUIs

Florida has the dubious distinction of being one of the leaders when it comes to drunk driving incidents.  And even though some of these incidents do not become car accidents, insurers still see a high number of DUIs as a risk. To combat the risk they feel they are taking, you will be charged higher rates just because of everyone else.

If you live in Florida and want to find the best rate around for PIP insurance, just use the InsuranceWins form to compare companies. The best way to combat high rates is to take advantage of discounts, and InsuranceWins can get you started.

While you may not like having to pay your car insurance bill every month, not having car insurance could leave you in a much worse position. If you’re really serious about not paying all that money, you could move to one of the two states that do not require car insurance. Before you pack your bags though, understand what these states do require as far as protection after a car accident. Afterall, nothing is free. 

Car Insurance is Required in Most States

In almost every state you are required to carry at least a minimum level of car insurance on your vehicle. While you can forgo coverage for yourself, generally, you must carry some type of liability coverage that will pay for damage to other vehicles and passengers in the case of an accident. Also, many states also require coverage for underinsured and non-insured drivers that are at-fault for an accident that causes damage to your vehicle, property, or injuries to you or your passengers. 

This is how most states work. But, a handful of states handle the financial responsibility for car accidents differently. 

States that Do Not Require Car Insurance

Only two U.S. states do not require drivers to carry a liability auto insurance policy: New Hampshire and Virginia. And although these states do not handle car insurance requirements in the typical way, they still require that owners and drivers of cars be held financially responsible for accidents they cause. 

Let’s look at how these two states handle this.

New Hampshire

While New Hampshire does not require car insurance, it does require that you be able to cover the cost of damages and injuries sustained in an accident caused by you. In practice, however, unless you have lots of savings, this means you probably need to buy car insurance. 

Virginia

Virginia also does not require specific auto insurance coverage, except for uninsured motorist protection. This means that if someone else causes and accident and they do not have coverage, your policy will cover the costs of the accident. In Virginia, if you don’t want to carry auto insurance you can pay a $500 with your registration or renewal, but you are responsible for any costs associated with an accident you cause. 

If you want to completely avoid having to pay monthly premiums for car insurance, you might consider moving to one of these states. But you should weight carefully the costs savings versus the risk you are putting yourself in. 

If you have an accident, it can actually be more of a hassle to not have car insurance. Why put yourself at risk? You can use the InsuranceWins form to quickly and easily receive auto insurance quotes after entering some basic information. Give it a try now and get yourself, and your family, protected while you’re on the road.

You’ve had a car accident and been through the whole claims process. Now, you have a check in hand. That’s great news, but you also have a boatload of bills and that money would sure help get you out of debt. So, you’re wondering if you have to repair your car with an insurance check or if you can use the money for something else. The good news is that you may have some choices, depending on the type of check, the status of ownership of your car, and the amount of damage it sustained.

This article clarifies when you must use your insurance check to repair your car and when you might be able to use the money for more urgent needs. 

Is the Check Made Out to You?

The first question to answer is whose name is on the check. If you outright own your vehicle then the check is likely made out to you alone. This is great news. If you are willing to forgo the repairs because they are not major, or because you just don’t have the time to go through the repair process, you can make that choice and keep the money for other uses. 

Is the Vehicle Financed or Leased?

If the vehicle is currently under a loan or lease this means that someone else has an interest in having the car repaired. In this case, the check is usually made out to you and the lender or leasing company. Sometimes it is even made out to a specific repair shop that has bee pre-approved by the insurance company. 

Your lender will want the car to be repaired as soon as possible to protect their interests. It’s up to you to get this done. 

How Bad is the Damage?

If the damage is not too bad and if you are handy with car repair, you may decide to repair the car yourself and use the insurance claim money for other expenses. This only works if you own the car outright of course and when the check is made out to you alone. 

What Kind of Coverage Are You Keeping?

Another consideration is whether or not you’re going to keep comprehensive or collision coverage after an accident and a claim. If so, you may be required by your insurance company to make the repairs and to show proof that you have done so. The reason for this is that insurance companies do not want to be in the position of fully insuring a car that already has damage that has not been repaired. If you do not make the repairs, your insurance company will likely make you drop any physical damage coverage from the vehicle. 

If you’ve been in an accident and you’re not happy with your insurance company’s claims process, use the InsuranceWins form to shop around for a new carrier. You just may find better rates for better coverage with a company known for a fast and easy claims process.

Car insurance can be complicated, especially when you live and/or work in multiple states. In this article, we’ll talk about when you may need to get car insurance in another state and the best way to keep yourself covered no matter where you are. 

Reasons You May Need Car Insurance in Another State

There are several common reasons why drivers may need to purchase auto insurance in more than one state. Here are a few situations.

Snowbirds

If you live part of the year in one state and part of the year in another, you may need to have insurance in both states. Depending on the state’s requirements, you may be driving illegally if you do not. In addition, if you have an accident your insurance company may deny your claim if you are in another state for an extended length of time and do not carry insurance for that state. 

The bottom line is that it is your responsibility to make sure you know the laws of the states you spend time in, as well as the requirements of your insurance carrier. 

College

For college students who move to a different state, there are no cut and dry rules. Some states allow out-of-state registration and insurance, as long as you notify the state of your vehicle. Other states require students to obtain insurance for the state they are in, especially if the student owns the vehicle and lives in the state full time. 

The bottom line for students is to also know the laws of the state they’re in and the rules of their insurance company.

Military

Car insurance for military personnel is a little bit different. Military personnel are required to declare a home state. Sometimes they can be stationed in another state, or several different states, for months or years at a time. If you are in the military and you are in a state other than your home state for your military service, the general rule is that you should have your vehicle registered and insured in your home state. 

How to Find Car Insurance Savings 

If you must buy insurance in another state, make sure you check out all the discounts available to you. Some carriers are now offering multi-state discounts and if you put your car in storage for part of the year and do not drive it, you may be able to find some stored vehicle discounts. 

Many large, national insurance companies are beginning to accommodate drivers who need coverage in more than one state. If you need to insure your vehicle in another state, use the InsuranceWins form to start the process of discovering just how much you might be able to save. Whether you’re a snowbird, in college, or in the military make sure you’re getting the best protection with the most savings.

Car insurance can be complicated, especially when you live and/or work in multiple states. In this article, we’ll talk about when you may need to get car insurance in another state and the best way to keep yourself covered no matter where you are. 

Reasons You May Need Car Insurance in Another State

There are several common reasons why drivers may need to purchase auto insurance in more than one state. Here are a few situations.

Snowbirds

If you live part of the year in one state and part of the year in another, you may need to have insurance in both states. Depending on the state’s requirements, you may be driving illegally if you do not. In addition, if you have an accident your insurance company may deny your claim if you are in another state for an extended length of time and do not carry insurance for that state. 

The bottom line is that it is your responsibility to make sure you know the laws of the states you spend time in, as well as the requirements of your insurance carrier. 

College

For college students who move to a different state, there are no cut and dry rules. Some states allow out-of-state registration and insurance, as long as you notify the state of your vehicle. Other states require students to obtain insurance for the state they are in, especially if the student owns the vehicle and lives in the state full time. 

The bottom line for students is to also know the laws of the state they’re in and the rules of their insurance company.

Military

Car insurance for military personnel is a little bit different. Military personnel are required to declare a home state. Sometimes they can be stationed in another state, or several different states, for months or years at a time. If you are in the military and you are in a state other than your home state for your military service, the general rule is that you should have your vehicle registered and insured in your home state. 

How to Find Car Insurance Savings 

If you must buy insurance in another state, make sure you check out all the discounts available to you. Some carriers are now offering multi-state discounts and if you put your car in storage for part of the year and do not drive it, you may be able to find some stored vehicle discounts. 

Many large, national insurance companies are beginning to accommodate drivers who need coverage in more than one state. If you need to insure your vehicle in another state, use the InsuranceWins form to start the process of discovering just how much you might be able to save. Whether you’re a snowbird, in college, or in the military make sure you’re getting the best protection with the most savings.

We all love our cars. Getting their first car is a big deal in anyone’s life. And of course, we all have to carry the car insurance that goes along with it. But when it comes to car insurance and what is covered when, most people have the same question, “Does my car insurance cover me in another car?”.

It happens in life sometimes that you must drive someone else’s car. Maybe you’re the designated driver for the night, or a friend needs some help that requires you to drive their car. Usually, this isn’t an issue and everything goes smoothly. But, once in a while something goes bad and an accident ensues.

Before you drive another car, it’s important to understand how insurance will handle any costs related to the accident. There are generally two types of costs to be covered: damage to vehicles or other property and personal injuries to your or others in the accident.

Driving Someone Else’s Car

Before you get behind the wheel in someone else’s car make sure you don’t’ make matters worse if there is an accident by following these simple guidelines:

• Make sure you have a valid license
• Make sure you have permission to use the car

Vehicle and Property Damages

The short of it is that if you are driving someone else’s car and you have an accident, you will be covered for any damage to the vehicle by their insurance. In other words, the insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver.

This is good news for you, you’re covered, but could be bad news for the owner of the other car. If you are found to be at fault for the accident, they will likely see a rise in their rates.

Personal Injuries

Injuries to people are treated differently than damages to vehicles or other property. In this case, if you sustain injuries while driving a car that is not your own, your own car insurance will be used to pay for the costs associated with the injuries.

This is why you pay for personal injury protection, or PIP, and for medical payments coverage. These two types of coverage pay for personal injury no matter who owns the car or who was driving the car.

Know Before You Go

There are times when you can’t avoid having to drive someone else’s vehicle. And there’s nothing really wrong with doing this, but in the eyes of insurance companies it does come with a unique set of risks for the vehicle they are insuring.

This is why you should understand the type of coverage you carry before driving another car. Understand the coverages you have for PIP and medical payments, and how they will cover you in an accident.

If you want to shop around for the best rates that include PIP and medical payments you are comfortable with, use the InsuranceWins form to get some fast and easy quotes from many insurance companies. All with the click of your mouse!

Mistakes happen, so there may be a time in your life when you forget to, or for some other reason do not, keep your car registration current. Maybe you were sick and unable to take care of important tasks or maybe you were out of the country. You may be wondering if an expired registration voids your policy.

Whatever the reason, don’t worry. The short answer is that you should not have any trouble with car insurance should you have an accident. Understand, however, that you’ll likely have other problems and have to face the consequences of not having a properly registered vehicle. But you will be covered by insurance. As long as you have paid your premium of course.

Consequences of Expired Registration

Accidental or not, driving with an expired registration is against the law. Typically, you’ll get a non-moving violation for an expired registration in most states. Non-moving violations, which include other offenses, like parking tickets, don’t mean that your insurance rates are automatically going to rise. Non-moving violations are a free-pass as far as car insurance is concerned.

Sometimes though you can face more serious consequences, such as having your car impounded on the spot. You won’t be able to get it out of the tow yard either, until you’ve paid all your back registration fees, your ticket, the tow yard fees, and any other outstanding fines.

The Relationship Between Insurance and Registration

While you may be covered if you have an accident and your registration is expired, there is still a connection between car insurance and car registration.

First, in the United States you must prove that you have some sort of auto insurance before you can register a vehicle. You may be able to get a temporary registration before securing insurance for a new car, but to get permanent license plates, you’ll have to show proof of auto insurance. Also, most states now participate in an electronic system that allows states to verify insurance coverage in real time.

Expired Insurance Coverage

Driving with expired insurance covered is a completely different story and something you do not want to experience. There are much more serious consequences to letting your car insurance expire and then getting into a car accident. Not only will you not be covered for damage to your car, you may be held personally liable for damage you cause to other cars or property. In addition, medical bills for personal injuries will all have to be paid out of pocket for you and for anyone else injured in the crash. You could also be sued.

If your car insurance has expired, you can fix that right away by using the InsuranceWins form. Just fill out a bit of information and we’ll send you quotes from insurance companies to help you get yourself legal and, more importantly, protected.

If you’ve had an accident, you’re probably already stressed about injury or damage. And if you’ve caused the accident, you’ll probably get hit with a rise in your car insurance rates when it comes time to renew your policy. Ouch!

But you may be able to recover some of that extra cost with the right insurance company and with a little bit of research after your accident. There are a few ways to lower your car insurance premiums. Each company will have its own variety of options you might be able to take advantage of, so shopping around is the best way to get the best rates.

Here are some things you can do.

Ask

It never hurts to ask, right? Start with your current carrier. They don’t want to lose you as a customer, so they may be motivated to work with you to balance out your rate increase after an accident. Many companies now offer an accident forgiveness clause that protects your rates after your fist accident. Be sure you are taking advantage of it if your company offers this.

Discounts

Even if you haven’t had a recent accident, it’s a good idea to review your policy every year to make sure you are taking advantage of all the discounts available to you. Your life situation is always changing, whether you get a new job, get married, buy a house, or start going to school, and your insurance rate can be reduced by all sorts of situations. Here are a few discounts you should check into.

• Safe Driver
• Good Student
• Bundling Home and Auto
• Corporate Discounts
• Multiple Car/Driver

Increase Your Deductible

Increasing your deductible decreases your premium. This may seem like a good idea, and it can be, but be careful. Make sure you have enough in savings to cover the deductible should you have an accident. You don’t want to be stuck with out a vehicle because you can’t afford your deductible.

Take a class

If you’ve had an accident or if you were cited for an incident you may be able to avoid a steep rate increase by taking a class. In some states, taking a defensive driving class may lower your rate. The class may cost you some money but less than a car insurance rate increase will cost you.

Shop Around

If all else fails, shop around. Comparing carriers is the best you to know if you are truly getting the best rate you can get, given your personal circumstances and driving history.

InsuranceWins can help you shop around. When you use our fast and easy form to compare rates, you can rest assured that you are getting the best rates to be found. InsuranceWins helps you narrow down your list of the best insurance companies for you.

One of the most confusing decisions when it comes to buying a car insurance policy is how much of a deductible you want to carry. The deductible is the amount of money you will have to pay out-of-pocket for injuries or property damage if you cause an accident and have to file a claim.

As an example, if you have an accident that causes $2000 in damage to your car and you have a $1000 deductible, you will have to pay $1000 and your insurance policy will pay for the second $1000 to have your car repaired.

Unlike health insurance, there is no reaching a deductible limit by the end of the year. If you have two accidents in the year, you will have to pay your deductible twice. In our example, this would mean $2000 out-of-pocket.

It’s important to understand the relationship between your deductible and your monthly premiums.

Essentially:

• A higher deductible allows lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs
• A lower deductible means higher monthly premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs

One thing to note is that if your damages are less than your deductible, you will end up paying for the total costs of repairs. In our example of a $1000 deductible, if your damage costs are $500, you will have to pay the whole $500 out-of-pocket. Oppositely, if you total your car your insurance company will pay you for the current value of your car, but they will subtract the deductible amount.

When You Have to Pay Your Deductible

Collision and comprehensive coverage are usually the two types of coverage that require a deductible. If you cause an accident, your deductible is required to be paid to repair your own car, not the cars of any others involved in the accident.  

When You Don’t Have to Pay Your Deductible

If someone else causes an accident that results in damage to your car, you will not have to pay your deductible. If you are not at fault, you do not have to pay.

Also, many policies offer a waiver of your deductible for certain types of damage such as glass damage. If your windshield or window is chipped or damaged, by road debris for instance, you won’t have to pay your deductible for the repairs.

If the cost of the repairs to your vehicle are less than the amount of your deductible you won’t want to pay your deductible. Depending on your financial situation and the nature of the damage, you may even skip the repairs altogether.

If you want to see how much your monthly payments will change with different deductible amounts, you can use the fast and easy InsuranceWins form. Simply fill out the form and you can see how a higher or lower deductible will affect your payments.