Auto Insurance Law » Car Accident

Mexican Auto Insurance – What’s Different From US Insurance?

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:49:35 +0000

First of all, the US operates on a “innocent until proven guilty” system. Mexico is the exact opposite. If you are involved in a car accident, you will be immediately detained until fault is determined and the accident is settled. US insurance holds no bearing in Mexico, so you need to make sure that you purchase adequate amounts of Mexican auto insurance before crossing the border. You need to have enough coverage to pay for the injuries and property damages that an accident could cause. If you aren’t properly insured, you could face thousands of dollars in fines, legal fees, and even a vacation in a Mexican jail.

Doesn’t sound fun? Then you just need to purchase Mexican auto insurance that provides the coverage you need. Many online companies sell this insurance, and some larger American companies sell it as well. For example, AAA offers a great policy for those in need of auto insurance in Mexico. Don’t buy Mexican auto insurance from just anyone. You need to make sure you get it from a reputable company, and that you carry proof in your vehicle at all times to alleviate confusion or complications.

Also, before traveling out of the country, you need to be sure you’re fluent in the foreign language- at least enough so that you can stand up for yourself in the event of an accident. It’s also imperative to keep a cell phone on you at all times, and to keep in contact with your family and friends in the states who may be able to assist you. Mexican law enforcement doesn’t play games. Anyone who is accused of a crime goes straight to jail until they are proven innocent. Wouldn’t it be easier to prove your innocence at the accident scene and save the trip to jail?

Mexican insurance policies are very particular. If you request emergency services treatments or EMT services, these are usually limited to the cities of Mexico and not rural areas. Additionally, health insurance from the US usually isn’t accepted in Mexico, so medical payments coverage will be helpful in your Mexican auto insurance policy.

By: Costas Peppas

When Pertaining to Car Insurance

admin — Mon, 17 May 2010 08:40:33 +0000

TN car insurance is not like any other state when pertaining to car coverage. TN car insurance is not required by law but you must take financial responsibility. This basically means licenses may be suspended if you receive a violation or have a car accident that is more than $50 worth of damage done to the car.

Now, TN has no requirement to show proof of financial status but this is still the law. There are ways to establish financial responsibility first contact licensed car insurance agents request insurance quotes and contact major insurance companies directly ask them about the different coverage options to establish the right insurance coverage for you.

Sometimes locating affordable rates can be a challenge everyone needs car insurance coverage but some can’t afford to pay for insurance. When speaking to car insurance company ask for a reduced rate just saving a little is better than no savings at all. Within TN you’re not required to have car insurance but as I stated before you are financially responsible now below you will read how to start that process.

The first way to establish financial responsibility is by placing a cash deposit or bond at the Department of Safety advising them that you have placed deposit or bond for covering financial responsibility of any damage due to an accident.

Another way to being financial responsible is by purchasing TN car insurance getting the minimum which is liability policy that includes bodily coverage of $25, 000 per individual that is up to $50. 000 per accident plus property damage with a limit of $10, 000.

Now if you fail to retain financial responsibility meaning having no proof of insurance or proof of cash deposit or bond. You will be subject to a fine of no more than $100. 00 and possible license suspended plus a stop on your file avoiding you from getting a new car registration.

Showing proof of insurance or financial responsibility is vital when there is accident. The proof you should present is showing the insurance card or declaration binder of your insurance carrier. The other proof you can show is the certificate from the Department of Safety showing you have cash deposit or bond for the amount required.

No one likes to pay for insurance coverage but going without could really cost you more if you have an accident or have a traffic stop. Do your best to research auto insurance in TN finding the best rate possible.

By: Felix Fassbinder

Missouri Car Accident Insurance

admin — Fri, 14 May 2010 21:49:38 +0000

The most common response to why Missouri residents have car insurance is, “to protect oneself in the event they cause a Missouri car accident.” This is certainly on reason but not inclusive of all reasons. Car insurance should also protect the policyholder from an uninsured and/or underinsured driver that causes a car accident, as well as any third-party to whom the policy holder may be liable.

In Missouri, Liability coverage protects the policyholder in the event they cause a car accident or truck accident which results in property damage and/or bodily injury to another party. Missouri requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50 for car insurance policies. This means the policyholder has automobile liability coverage up to $25,000.00 per person and up to $50,000.00 for any group of people injured in the same car accident. If the Missouri car accident results in serious injuries and claims exceed the 25/50 limits, personal assets will be at risk.

Missouri insurance agents rarely adequately explain the different types of car insurance coverage to their policyholders. It is common to see clients during a free consultation with who believe they have adequate car insurance because their agent told them they had full coverage. The words “full coverage” are extremely misleading to the general public. “Full coverage” is not always “proper coverage.”

Uninsured motorist coverage is one way the general public can protect themselves from drivers that are uninsured. An uninsured motorist policy provides coverage to the policyholder when injured in a Missouri car accident by an uninsured driver.

Underinsured motorist coverage protects the policyholder if they are injured in a car or truck accident by a driver with inadequate insurance coverage. Typically, an underinsured motorist policy provides coverage when the policyholder is in a car accident and the liable party has coverage that is equal to or less than the policyholder. Underinsured motorist coverage is specific and the language changes from policy to policy.

Medical payments coverage (also known as med-pay coverage) is designed to pay medical bills incurred as a result of a car accident or truck accident.

Trying to save a few dollars per year on insurance premiums could cause major problems if a serious accident occurs. Don’t assume that your insurance company will be looking out for you, they will not.

By: John J Page

Car Insurance In Mexico

admin — Thu, 13 May 2010 05:52:14 +0000

Failure to have car insurance in Mexico can land a driver in hot water. Mexican law requires proof of liability coverage. If a visitor to Mexico fails to purchase car insurance in Mexico, and if that driver becomes involved in an accident, that driver would be found in violation of the law. He or she could end up in jail.

A driver might well realize that Mexican law can hold him or her liable for damage to another vehicle. Still a driver in Mexico might not understand the full meaning of the Mexican law. A driver in Mexico can be held liable for damage to trees or even to rocks along the side of the road. That is why it is important to get car insurance in Mexico.

In a Mexican traffic court, the judge will generally talk about at least two types of damages. One such damage represents the actual damage to the vehicles involved in whatever accident is before the judge. The judge can hold a driver liable for that damage.

A judge could also hold a driver liable for something called “moral damage.” What is “moral damage?” It is the Mexican equivalent of the “pain and suffering” mentioned in a U.S. civil suit. The court judge determines the amount of moral damages that must be paid by the driver faulted for the car accident.

Sometime a judge can point to a damage that falls outside of either actual or moral damages. The Mexican judge has the right to expect the driver at fault to cover all accident damages. The judge can add to the conventional damages. A driver who buys car insurance in Mexico obtains financial protection from the whims of a Mexican judge.

Having learned about damages in Mexico, a driver headed into Mexico should also become familiar with the extent of liability coverage. Such coverage gives the driver at fault the ability to handle all the expenses resulting from an accident. Some of those expenses come under the heading “damages,” and some are expenses never mentioned in a U.S. traffic court.

Suppose, for example, that a vacationing driver in Mexico tries to avoid a farmer and his stock (something that could well happen in Mexico). Suppose that that action leads to a terrible accident. Suppose that a member of the third party is killed as a result of that accident. The driver is then held liable for the funeral expenses.

By: Robert Mall

Personal Auto Insurance In Mexico

admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 07:12:47 +0000

When the traveler drives into Mexico, he or she must ride over strange roads. Such a driver views new, distracting sites and seeks guidance from street signs that bear words in Spanish. The traveler driving into Mexico enters a country where he or she is at increased risk for involvement in a car accident. That traveler needs personal auto insurance.

In Mexico an insurance policy that offers only collision coverage does not satisfy the requirements of Mexican law. Mexican law stipulates that anyone found at fault at the scene of an accident must show the financial means to cover the costs of that accident. A traveler in Mexico thus needs an insurance policy that provides liability coverage.

What should a driver expect when an insurance provider promises personal insurance in Mexico? A driver with such insurance should have no liability for damages or injury to persons other than those in the insured vehicle. The insurance policy normally refers to such persons as “a third party.”

A few tricks can facilitate completion of the process that guarantees delivery of insurance coverage. One trick involves the taking of photos at the scene of an accident. A second trick calls requesting a copy of the police report. Use of tricks can help a driver to benefit fully from personal auto insurance purchased in Mexico.

When the traveler secures personal auto insurance in Mexico, he or she has taken an important step toward aversion of possible problems. Still the possession of such insurance does not guarantee avoidance of troubles in the event of a car accident. An insurance provider can not cover a claim, unless the driver contacts the insurance provider before returning to the United States.

A driver with a cell phone might think that he or she should have little trouble calling-in information about a potential car accident. Travelers in Mexico must realize that a cell phone frequently fails to work properly in Mexico. Calls from Mexico to an insurance provider should be made from a land phone.

Personal insurance in Mexico can not always cover a lost or stolen vehicle. Such a policy can only cover the specified problem if the driver obtains the proper Mexican documents. What are those documents?

A driver who hopes to be reimbursed for a lost or stolen vehicle must obtain both a local and federal police report before leaving Mexico. Then after returning to the United States, the same driver must get something called a “Courtesy Report.” That Report must come from a State Highway Patrol Agency. All of the indicated documents should be sent to the insurance provider.

By: Robert Mall

Car Insurance Fraud and Scams – How to Avoid Them

admin — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:51:53 +0000

Being in a car accident is a difficult thing whether the accident was your fault or not. Unfortunately, there are individuals out there who make it their career to scam people in one way or another and they do it by endangering lives, causing financial pain, and causing mental anguish. That is why it is good to be aware of these frauds and scams because the unsuspecting are usually those who end up with higher insurance premiums, points against their license, and even canceled insurance. Don’t let this be you. Be aware of what these scammers do and do everything you can to avoid it.

The types of scams

There are several scams that are well known amongst law enforcement and the general public alike. These scams include:

• The Exaggeration Scam – This is the scam in which the individual doing the scamming has inflicted prior damage to their car to make it look like the damage occurred in their accident with you. These individuals stage the accident, although the crash may be legitimate. Because their vehicle was not appraised prior to the accident, the damage they inflicted on it cannot be proven to be or not to be part of the accident. They are given the benefit of the doubt and they receive payment for that damage from your insurance.

• Rear-ender Scam – The scammer will dodge out in front of you and will then slam on their brakes. They make sure that they do this when you don’t have enough time to brake and avoid hitting them. Unfortunately, the police and the insurance companies automatically assume the second car is at fault in a rear-end crash.

Another unfortunate thing about the rear-ender scam is the fact that a false medical claim usually follows. The scammer convinces a doctor that they sustained injuries in the crash. What happens is that your insurance pays for their pain and suffering, as well as their medical bills. Sometimes these scammers may even have a medical accomplice who receives a payoff for their cooperation.

• The Good Samaritan Scam – This is the individual that waves you on when you can’t see if traffic is coming. However, they wave you into the path of their partner and they ram right into you. What happens is that it looks like you drove out into traffic, which makes it look like your fault. When the cops arrive, the waver denies they ever waved you on.

How to avoid these scams

First and foremost, you need to be a defensive driver. You have to always stay alert and not always trust those around you. If someone waves you on, don’t trust them. You still need to creep out into the street until you can see. You can wave at them to thank them, but don’t gun it out into traffic. You also need to do everything you can to make sure there is plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. If someone darts out in front of you, you need to slow down just in case.

Furthermore, you should be sure to document everything in case of an accident. Keep a disposable camera in your car to take pictures of the accident and make sure you listen to what all of the witnesses say to the police. You also want to acquire a copy of the police report when it is available so that you can tell your car insurance company about your suspicions. Insurance companies are experienced in stopping scammers, so provide them with everything you have so that you can turn the tables on the scammers.

By: Amy Nutt

No Fault Auto Insurance – Everything You Need to Know About No Fault Car Insurance Regulations

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 23:02:57 +0000

No-Fault automobile insurance has been around since the 1970’s when legislation granted individuals the right to pursue medical reimbursements from their own insurance company in case of any sort of automobile accident. Although no-fault wasn’t practiced much back in the 70’s, it gained momentum in the 90’s and some states opted for passing legislation that transformed them into No-Fault Automobile Insurance states. For the most part these legislations were trying to get rid of long term litigation processes required often after an accident and the spending of dollars for these legal practices. In present day America there are twelve states that have No-fault legislation with regards to automobile insurance. The no fault auto insurance states are: Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Utah.

The No-Fault Insurance term basically refers to any automobile insurance system that requires a driver to have car insurance for their own protection, while placing limitations on their ability to sue the other driver in the event of an accident. This is personally good because it avoids long term processes and court fees that can result after a wreck. This also means that if you reside in one of the twelve states that have no-fault insurance legislation and get in a car accident, you will have to go to your own car insurance so they can pay for your damages regardless of who is at fault in the accident. Even if the car accident is not your fault (an example would be when you get rear-ended) your insurance company will still have to take care of the expenses. The other driver (or drivers) involved in the wreck, will also have to go to their own car insurance company in order to pay for their damages.

It is important to know that in a PURE no-fault automobile insurance system the driver would be 100% covered for any damages he or she makes and therefore, they wouldn’t have the need to sue another driver for anything. Although the state of Michigan comes pretty close to the “pure” version of no-fault coverage, none of the twelve states mentioned above have a truly “pure” system. They all use for the most part, little rules of the no-fault system and the regular standard liability system; in which you pay for the damages you cause. Because of this reason, it is important to understand your state’s regulations on automobile insurance and how they might be different from the pure no-fault system.

Another important thing worth mentioning is that some states will allow you to choose from the No-Fault insurance coverage and the standard liability system. One of these examples is the District of Columbia, where you can go with either coverage. This means however, that in the case of choosing the standard system, you will be required to purchase Personal Injury Protection Coverage, also known as PIP.

The No-Fault system, like every other legislation; has people that see it as a great idea and some others that completely oppose it and view it as extremely unnecessary. Supporters of no-fault insurance, base their claims in that the state would lose time and money to conduct hearings on every person that would go to traffic court in case of an accident. They also state that if you account for the money people would have to pay for court fees and proceedings, the drivers would be spending more than if their premiums were raised.

Critics of the no-fault car insurance system on the other hand, argue that it is not fair for “good” drivers to report a claim to their company when the accident wasn’t their fault, hence getting their premium raised. They also say that the standard liability system would teach the driver at fault to be more careful because he/she would be sued once and that would be enough. Many critics argue that is it very tough to find cheap no fault auto insurance.

Statistics also show that states that have adopted the No-Fault automobile insurance system also have higher monthly premiums than those who don’t. Because of these critics many of the states are thinking about going back to the at-fault insurance system and some state legislation are bringing automobile insurance back to their agendas, to see what is better for their respective state. It won’t be surprising however, if most of the states with no-fault insurance change it in the next few years because a lot of people are starting to oppose this measure of automobile insurance.

Last but not least, it’s very important to highlight that because a state’s No-Fault insurance law doesn’t excuse them for not carrying automobile insurance when they drive. Most of the states that are part no-fault, allow drivers to sue other in case they sustain an injury, in other words they would sue you if you don’t have Bodily Injury Protection. It’s for this reason that is important for a person to familiarize themselves with their home state’s automobile insurance laws, since sometimes they can be very difficult to understand. For more information on no-fault insurance and the regulations your home-state has on automobile insurance you can contact your Department of Motor Vehicles.

No fault auto insurance can either help you out if you cause the accident and reside in one of the twelve states, or it can wrong you by raising your premiums and by “punishing” you if someone else hit you (if the accident is their fault). So find out what the laws for automobile insurance are in your state, and if you are part of a no-fault state be sure to ask your insurance company on the mandatory coverage within your state.

By: James J. Robinson

Why Is Auto Insurance Important?

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:19:09 +0000

Auto insurance protects you from being financially responsible for an accident, but you’re required to pay monthly premiums to keep the insurance. By law you must have car insurance if you want to drive on the road and without it you can be fined, lose your license, go to jail and also be sued depending on the seriousness of the accident you caused. Even if you’re pulled over without car insurance you can be fined though which means you must have and maintain auto insurance.

There are lots of companies that offer auto insurance and you’ll need to research which is the best option for your specific needs. Auto insurance has many different types of policies and coverage so you need to make sure when you buy your car insurance that the policy makes sense for you. One thing you want to make sure of is that the monthly premium will fit into your budget and also that you’re getting the right amount of coverage for your vehicle. Don’t get to much coverage but also don’t get too little coverage, there is a very fine line between the two and you’ll need to determine which is suitable for your vehicles.

Typically if you get into a car accident and you’re at fault then you need to put the claim through your insurance. This will mean that your insurance company will pay the damages to the vehicles and also any medical expenses that anyone faces, if any. Without car insurance it makes you liable for the damages and medical bills and this is where it gets very serious. You can be sent to jail for injuring someone in an accident without any insurance and you will most definitely be sued by the family. This will often result in you losing everything you own.

Car insurance isn’t a joking matter and is one of the most important insurance policies you need. It’s also one of the insurance policies that are mandatory to have while driving. Having car insurance is also necessary to have in case somebody hits your vehicle. If someone hits your vehicle and you don’t have insurance then they won’t be liable for paying any damages to you.

As you can tell having car insurance benefits you in a lot of ways and also gives you a feeling of safeness while out on the road. It’s always better to drive focused and not sub-cautiously have to be thinking about the fact you’re driving without insurance. Car insurance can be bought for very affordable monthly premiums and offer great coverage, you just need to do a bit research beforehand so that you can find the best deal. There is highly competitive competition in this industry and there are many companies fighting for your business. Decide on a budget savvy auto insurance policy and I guarantee you’ll be saved a lot of hassles and unnecessary fines. You’ll also be ensured that you won’t be financially accountable for any damages to people or vehicles as your insurance will cover you.

By: Brenda Williams

Car Insurance is the Law in Canada

admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 11:44:21 +0000

In every Canadian province and territory, whether you are a first time driver or a senior driver, it is the law to have car insurance when you drive your vehicle. If a driver is pulled over by the police, or in a car accident, and found not to have car insurance, the ramifications can be serious. Fines can be severe, demerit points will be applied to the driver’s record, the driver’s license may be suspended or canceled, and the car may even be seized and a substantial fine may be given before one can get the car returned.

If you are involved in a car accident and you do not have car insurance, you find yourself serious financial turmoil. For instance, if another driver is seriously hurt and their car is severely damaged, you may be responsible to pay their medical costs, vehicle repairs, a new vehicle, or the driver may be awarded punitive damages. It could result in financial damages of hundreds of thousands of dollars. You will also be responsible for your own legal costs as well as the other driver’s legal costs.

As well, if you do not have insurance, you may not be able to afford to pay a lawyer to represent you if the other driver is found at-fault for the accident. In some provinces there is a capped amount for the amount of compensation that one can receive. For example, in Nova Scotia, the capped amount for pain and suffering is $2,500. Pain and suffering claims are not part of claims for loss of income, medical expenses, and damage to property.

Having car insurance will protect you against financial devastation. Two important types of car insurance coverage are Liability and Collision Coverage. In Canada, liability is mandatory in every territory and province. This type of insurance covers you if another driver, another person’s property, and the other driver’s car is damaged in the event of an accident. Collision coverage will cover you if your car is damaged in an accident as the result of a collision. Collision is not mandatory in Canada but is recommended for drivers with expensive cars.

There are a number of criteria that insurance companies take into consideration when determining the insurance premium for a particular driver. Drivers with a clean driving record will pay less for their insurance because they are considered low risk compared to drivers that have a history of speeding and other traffic violations. Teen drivers are considered ‘high risk’ because they are less experienced. However, most insurance companies will offer discounts for teen drivers who maintain a specific school grade average or have taken a driver training program.

As well, there are other discounts any driver can take advantage of such as: anti-theft device discount, a discount if one is a member of an auto club, multi vehicle discount, ‘green’ vehicle discount, discount for maintaining low mileage, and more. It is important to ask your insurance company what discounts they offer. As well, the make, year, and model of the car will affect the cost of insurance premiums.

Without having car insurance when driving in Canada one runs the risk of serious financial loss. It makes sense to obey the law when it comes to car insurance because the premium you pay is much lower than what you will pay if you are caught driving without it.

By: Adriana N.

Guide to California Auto Insurance

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:14:10 +0000

If you need California auto insurance, you might be a little confused by all the choices available today. California auto insurance, like in all other states, is available in numerous packages with many types of coverage. Some coverage is required by your state while other types are required by car lenders, so it’s wise to study up on insurance before making a choice. This guide briefly explains the types of coverage for California car insurance to help you grasp the basics.

Liability and Bodily Injury Coverage

Liability insurance for bodily injury protects you from claims against you if someone is injured in a car accident in which you are at fault. If you have an auto accident, this type of insurance covers the injured person’s medical costs resulting from the injury up to a certain dollar amount. There is usually one dollar amount for coverage of a single person in the accident, and another cap amount for the total payment for all persons injured in the accident. This insurance also covers your legal defense costs.

When shopping for California auto insurance, be sure to get as much liability coverage as you can afford. Check around to see which companies offer the best coverage plan within your budget. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Also keep in mind that for auto insurance, California laws require you to have a certain minimum amount of liability coverage even if you do not owe money on your car.

Property Liability Coverage

Property liability is similar to bodily injury coverage except it covers damages to the other person’s vehicle in an accident in which you are at fault. It also covers damages to other properties, such as houses, fences, lawns, and telephone poles. As with liability for bodily injury auto insurance, California state law also requires a certain minimum amount of property liability coverage.

Collision Coverage

Collision insurance is usually required by lenders and covers damage to your own vehicle in an accident with another automobile or if you wreck by hitting other objects, such as signs, trees, ditches, or buildings. This coverage protects you if the accident is deemed to be your fault. If the accident is caused by another driver, their insurance will need to cover any damages to your vehicle. Companies offering California car insurance will often charge a certain amount for liability only, and then extra for collision coverage. These are usually based on your driving record.

Comprehensive Coverage

You might also want to obtain comprehensive coverage for additional protection. This covers theft and fire, or damage to your car by other means such as tornadoes, vandalism, floods, or hitting a large animal (such as a deer, cow, or horse). California auto insurance policies offering this coverage often vary from one company to the next. Some may offer to cover certain items within the package that others won’t, so shop around to see what’s available.

Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If a driver hits your car and has no insurance, this leaves you in a bind. They will likely not be able to pay for the damages even if it is their fault. This is where underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage can be advantageous. It covers damages to your automobile in these cases and also in the case of “hit and run.”

Other types of coverage to consider, which may or may not be included in your normal coverage, include towing, no-fault personal injury protection (PIP), medical coverage for yourself and others in your car no matter who is at fault, full glass coverage (for damaged windshields or windows), and car rental if and when you need to leave your car for long-term repairs.

Understanding each of these and how they work will help as you shop around for California auto insurance. Use online resources to find the right coverage for you today!

By: Chris Robertson