Non Owner DUI – Will It Increase My Insurance Rate

Reader’s Question:

What will happen if my friend drives my car and gets a citation for DUI, will that increase my car insurance rate?

Harry

Phoenix AZ

If your friend was given a citation for driving under the influence while operating your vehicle it should not affect your auto insurance in any way. Your friend will get the citation written under his name and and it should not reflect on the vehicle owner’s driving record or car insurance. This means that it will reflect in their driving record as a driver and should not cause you any trouble in your auto insurance rate going up.

Even so, for instance, your friend gets involved in an accident while driving your automobile, the insurance claims will therefore go on your insurance claims record and may affect your insurance rate. Car insurance commonly follows the vehicle first and the driver the second. This means that if your friend get into an accident, it would be your insurance that would kick in first and your friends insurance would be the secondary and would cover the excess if your coverage limits were exceeded.

As the owner of the vehicle, you have liability for those you give permission to drive your vehicle so if the insurance limits were exceeded, then normally, in most sates, the one driving the car and the owner of the vehicle are both liable for all the damages that the motorist may cause while driving the automobile.

Question About Car Insurance Rates

Reader’s Question:

What will happen if my friend drives my car and get citation for DUI, will that increase my car insurance rate?

Harry

Phoenix AZ

If your friend was given a citation for driving under the influence while operating your vehicle it should not affect your auto insurance in any way. Your friend will get the citation written under his name and and it should not reflect on the vehicle owner’s driving record or car insurance. This means that it will reflect in their driving record as a driver and should not cause you any trouble in your auto insurance rate going up.

Even so, for instance, your friend gets involved in an accident while driving your automobile, the insurance claims will therefore go on your insurance claims record and may affect your insurance rate. Car insurance commonly follows the vehicle first and the driver the second. This means that if your friend get into an accident, it would be your insurance that would kick in first and your friends insurance would be the secondary and would cover the excess if your coverage limits were exceeded.

As the owner of the vehicle, you have liability for those you give permission to drive your vehicle so if the insurance limits were exceeded, then normally, in most sates, the one driving the car and the owner of the vehicle are both liable for all the damages that the motorist may cause while driving the automobile.

Getting Low Rates From an Auto Owners Insurance Company

Reader’s Question:

How can you get low rates from an auto owners insurance company? My friends always manage to do so but I can’t. We even bought insurance from the same insurer.

Gregory

Atlanta Georgia

 

The main thing to do in order to get low rates from an auto owners insurance company is to lessen your risks. Sadly, there is no such thing as a method that will ensure that you get really low rates. I can share some tips to help you get it. Interested?

One, always increase your deductible. A deductible is that part of the claim that is not included in the coverage. Simply put, it is the cost that you need to pay before the company will pay any of the expenses incurred. By upping your deductible, you have a chance to lower you premium rates. A caution though. Don’t raise it too much. You may not be able to afford a claim when an accident does occur.

Ask the Alabama company or your agent if they offer discounts. Depending on your driving history and type of car, for example, you may be eligible for some discount. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

If you have a really excellent driving history, then highlight that fact. It has a very big effect on the rates that will be offered to you. Having a good history also means that you have a lower risk. If its your first time to drive or don’t drive that often, I suggest you enroll in a class for defensive drivers. Classes like this will teach you on how to become a better driver. Keeping the car in a safe place, like a garage or well-lighted area, can also lower the rates that you will pay on the policy that the auto owners insurance company will offer. Buy devices that will enhance the safety of your car like anti-theft alarms.

You mentioned that you and your friends got insurance from the same company. Ask your agent what type of auto insurance was offered to them. Did they have specific coverage or just a general one? Ask your friends while you’re at it.

The key word here is “ask.”If you believe that you can save money, then ask. Don’t hesitate. In a majority of cases, auto owners insurance company will always have something up their sleeve to hook you into buying from them.