Reader’s Question:

Hi. I am a beginner driver and got myself in a minor accident in Virginia. What steps must I take in filing the claim with the car insurance provider? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

Jessica

Chesapeake, VA

First, take out your car insurance policy and read it. I know it is going to sound alien to you since you are a beginner driver, but try to make something out of it. If after that, nothing still makes sense to you, try to go online and research on the terms. That should give you a clearer picture of your car insurance policy and how the whole kit and caboodle goes. You could, of course, call your car insurance agent and make him or her explain to you thoroughly your coverage.

Second, were you hurt or injured in the minor accident? Have yourself checked by medical professionals because you could have a minor injury that you could choose to neglect now, but might give you a hard time some time in the future.

Third, call your car insurance provider and inform them of the accident. An adjuster will examine and assess the report to establish who was at fault. If you are not the liable party, you could have your car insurer or the other party’s insurer deal with the repair or replacement of your broken vehicle. You should thank your stars if it’s the other party’s car insurance that will be used because that will spare you from having to pay off your deductibles.

For more questions, go to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Virginia.

Tags: Beginner car insurance, car insurance agent, DMV

Reader’s Question:

How do I know my car’s actual cash value? Do insurance companies here at Chesapeake compute the cash value differently from other companies in other states?

Beverly

Chesapeake, VA

Each automobile insurance company has its own formula for computing a vehicle’s actual cash value. Likewise, some states give out certain rules, especially when it comes to auto insurance policies, making the cash value computation more varied. Typically, the computation for actual cash value is based on subjective judging - with the depreciation and current condition being taken into consideration. There are also more objective details that are being considered such as the mileage and the car’s age. Some insurance companies have developed less “subjective” ways of computation wherein computerized evaluation is involved. Normally, the computer assistance they get come in the form of third party systems, although some prefer to have their own programs custom-made so that it suits well with their needs. These computer programs give the company an access to a database that determines the true value of every repair in different repair shops and that makes benchmarking easier, too.

Actual cash value is basically the cost of replacing a vehicle or a part of it at the time of the damage, less the depreciation value (sometimes a deductible is included in this computation). This cash value is often compared to another similar vehicle’s value to make sure that the computation is right. Often, an automotive insurance company would get the inputs of local auto dealers and some third parties to determine the car’s value.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance, Car Insurance Company

Reader’s Question:

Is it absolutely necessary for me to get auto insurance here in Richmond Virginia VA? I really don’t want to spend too much money on this.

Rey

Richmond Virginia VA

Well, Rey, let me be clear about this: no matter what kind of car you drive, the law requires that you at least get liability coverage in Richmond Virginia VA. In case an officer stops you for a moving violation and finds out that you don’t have insurance coverage, you could be fined, your license and vehicle registration could be suspended and your vehicle impounded. Your auto insurance should at least provide medical benefits for you or any injured parties as well as coverage for property damage in case of an accident. There are other optional coverages, which would, of course also add onto your premiums.

Don’t worry, though – you can usually choose the level of premiums based on what you can afford. In fact, entering your zip code in the blank box on this site would allow you to do just that. Some insurers in Richmond Virginia VA offer discounts if you’ve got a good driving record, install safety gadgets in your car or opt for multiple coverage. Your auto insurance premiums may also be affected by such things as the type and age of your vehicle, your average annual mileage, sometimes, even your credit information. A good way to ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible is to request for free quotes in this site. The information available through links from this site can really help you save on your insurance premiums.

Tags: auto insurance, cheap auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

I have an international drivers license and will be in the Chesapeake, Virginia and I am planning to work there for two years. I am planning to purchase a vehicle. Can I put my insurance on my vehicle under someone else’s name?

Daniel

Chesapeake, VA

Auto insurance premiums are based on different factors that includes the people that will be operating the vehicle. This is not based on the policy holder’s name. Basically, the car insurance cost in Chesapeake, Virginia would not be any different if your car insurance policy was in somebody else’s name as you would still be added as a driver on that car insurance policy. Additionally, the policyholder’s name or the named insured should be the same as the registered owner of that car. Regardless of the name the vehicle will be registered in should buy the car insurance policy.

Some of our insurance providers will permit you to purchase a car insurance policy with your international drivers license but may require that you get a valid US drivers license within certain time period.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance cost

Reader’s Question:

Is it legal if I do not tell my insurance provider in Burke, Virginia that I have a lien on my vehicle?

Patty

Burke, VA

I am not aware of any laws in Burke, Virginia that require you to list a lien holder on your insurance policy. Typically this is a requirement signed between the borrower and the lien holder. It is not the insurance carrier’s responsibility to to determine if there is a lien on the vehicle, but rather the lien holder’s responsibility to check their property, the vehicle, is insured.

Most lien holder’s would require you to buy physical damage coverage of comprehensive and collision. The insurance carrier will list your lien holder on your auto insurance policy if you give them the information and your insurance provider will send a declarations page to them.

If you do not comply with their requirement to buy physical damage of comprehensive and collision your lien holder may have consequences or penalties which could include taking your vehicle back. You should verify with your lien holder to find out their specific requirements that you need on your vehicle.

Tags: auto insurance, collision insurance coverage, comprehensive insurance coverage

Reader’s Question:

Is it possible to register the car under my daughter’s name and have it insured under my name in Alexandria, Virginia? I think it would be cheaper that way.

Dan

Alexandria, VA

Some insurance carrier in Alexandria, Virginia would require that for you to be able to purchase car insurance policy, you name should appear on the registration and title of the car. Most insurance carriers would want you to have insurable interest on the car before you can place automobile insurance on it.

However it will still depend on your car insurance company’s guidelines if you can register and title the car under your name and have insurance under a different name.

If it is for the purpose of getting cheaper insurance in Alexandria, Virginia, you are not allowed to register and title the car under one name and have it insured on a different name. Before insuring that vehicle that is not registered under your name, you must inform the car insurance company regarding the situation. It will be considered a form of car insurance fraud if you did not tell the car insurance company properly and will only do it to get cheaper car insurance cost.

Tags: car insurance cost, car insurance rate, cheap auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

When do I cancel my car insurance policy after my car has been totaled. Do I wait for the the payments for the car to be made before I drop my car insurance policy in Chesapeake Virginia? Do I also get a refund for the unused payment my car insurance policy period?

Jackson

Chesapeake, VA

If your car gets totaled in an accident, and that is the only car on the car insurance policy in Chesapeake Virginia, you no longer have to wait to cancel your car insurance policy. If you want to cancel your car insurance policy, because you are not going to have another car to replace it on your car insurance policy, you may want it to have a cancel it for the day after the accident.

So, if the other driver’s car insurance carrier will pay for the accident, your insurance carrier will request proof that your car was totaled in an accident and the date the accident occurred. Most insurance providers impose a 10% surcharge to your return car insurance premium when you cancel your car insurance policy. I am not sure if that surcharge will apply in this case so you will need to talk to your insurance carrier otherwise, you will be refunded by what is rightfully yours.

Tags: auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

Can I purchase and insure a vehicle in a different state if my drivers license is from Dale City, VA?

Richard

Dale City, VA

Yes, it may be possible to purchase, register and insure a vehicle in one state while holding a driver’s license in Dale City, Virginia. Some reasons to be doing so is when you are going to school/college in one state where you want to purchase, register and insure a vehicle but want to keep your drivers license from your home state which you plan to return.

Another plausible reasons for you to purchase and insure a vehicle in one state and have a driver’s license for a different state are if you are in the military and stationed outside of your home state or having a vehicle garaged at your vacation house in a different state.

Insurance providers are similar since they normally also require you to insure your car in the state which the vehicle will be driven and garaged for the most of the year. Typically this means one should purchase car insurance in the state that your vehicle is registered since that is where in a normal situation where your vehicle will be garaged and driven.

Tags: auto insurance, military insurance, Student car insurance

Reader’s Question:

I am moving to Chesapeake, Virginia from Florida in about three weeks. My auto insurance policy ends in 2 weeks. Is it possible that I could obtain insurance from Virginia now or do I need to have a Virginia license and switch everything over in order to obtain it?

Allan

Chesapeake, VA

It may be possible to get car insurance in Chesapeake, Virginia with some insurance carriers if you already have the address of where you are going to be moving to and can give it to the insurance carrier to begin your auto insurance policy. Some other insurance carrier may want proof of Virginia residency or Virginia registration before starting up an insurance policy though.

The best way to transfer your car insurance would be to find out if your current insurance company is licensed in both Florida and Virginia. If they are, you may be able to renew your car insurance policy and thus continue your FL policy until you complete your move to Virginia and then at that time have your insurance company change over the insurance policy from a FL to a VA insurance policy.

Tags: auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

I live in Alexandria, Virginia and have driven my vehicle without insurance for the last six years. I am planning to purchase a new vehicle and I would like to know what problems I will face when insuring my new car.

John

Alexandria, VA

Regarding auto insurance, you will likely lose some insurance discounts, such as renewal discounts and without having an insurance company in Alexandria, Virginia for a few years or so some insurance provider may not choose to insure you. Some car insurance carriers will not write you an insurance policy without at least 6 months prior insurance.

Due to what the insurance carriers will see as a gap in carrying car insurance, your auto insurance rates will likely be higher than average. To get a reasonable auto insurance you may check and see if other discounts are available to you such as a discount for the safety features on your car, good driver discounts etc. According to the Bureau of Insurance for Virginia successful completion of a driver education or defensive driving course may also permit you to receive a discount on your auto insurance premium.

Tags: auto insurance lapse, Car insurance discounts