Auto Insurance Law » Liability Limits

Minimum Levels of Required Auto Insurance

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:45:43 +0000

All 50 states have different requirements when it comes to budget auto insurance. In some states, motorists can’t register a car without showing proof that they have liability insurance, while other states use an “honor system” that doesn’t ask for proof of insurance until drivers have accidents or tickets on their records.

Only two states do not require motorists to carry liability coverage, but those that do demand that drivers purchase at least the state’s minimum. In other words, if you live in a state that requires liability insurance, you can’t walk into your insurance agent’s office and buy only $2,000 worth of liability coverage. If you’re going to buy it, you must purchase at least the minimum amount required.

How to Read Liability Limits

The following information will help you understand the table of liability limits.

First number: bodily injury liability maximum for one person injured in an accident.

Second number: bodily injury liability maximum for all injuries in one accident.

Third number: property damage liability maximum for one accident.

The Insurance Information Institute provides a chart of minimum insurance requirements by state, including uninsured motorist coverage. So, looking at their table below, you find that in Alabama the minimum liability limits are $20,000 for injury liability for one person in an accident, $40,000 for all injuries in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage in an accident.

What is No-Fault?

Some states have “no-fault” laws, meaning your auto policy must pay medical bills for injuries suffered in an auto accident regardless of who caused the accident. The laws were enacted in an attempt to reduce auto-injury fraud and keep car insurance costs down.

By: Amy Danise

An Overview of New York Auto Insurance Requirements

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:16:42 +0000

Laws and requirements for insurance are complicated and vary from state to state. There are numerous and varying types of coverage you choose from, whether full liability or personal injury protection. Some states require certain coverage types while others make it optional. New York has some some complicated requirements and options so lets review them.

Liability Coverage

Every states requires liability coverage, the most basic coverage , New York included. New York auto insurance laws require $25,000, $50,000 or $10,000 in coverage. These figures cover bodily injury liability per person, total bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident, respectively.

New York State is different in that it requires twice the bodily injury liability limits in the event the accident results in death, taking the limits to $50,000/$100,000. Owning a car is expensive in NYC if you haven’t figured that out yet.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection or PIP is required in New York, as well as several other states. It is an extended type of auto coverage that assists with medical costs and can cover lost wages and other miscellaneous charges.

Medical Coverage

New York is what is referred to as a “no-fault” state. All individuals that have New York auto insurance are required to have this coverage. This covers the insured’s medical costs, regardless of fault. There is some controversy over this type of coverage as it is generally expensive and is thought to create redundant coverage when the insured also has regular medical insurance.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional in some states but, required in New York. This coverage will cover the insured, up to the limits they have purchased, if they are in an accident caused by another driver and that driver is not insured or does not have sufficient insurance to cover the full liability. Another common case that this type of insurance is helpful is in the event of a hit and run.

Other New York Auto Insurance Requirements

New York State requires that auto insurance remain in effect while a vehicle is registered, regardless whether or not the vehicle is being used. If a vehicle is not being used, New York State requires that plates are returned to the state to cancel the registration.

New York auto insurance law requires that New York drivers have insurance in the state, out of state insurance is not acceptable. This state also requires that the insurance must be in the same name as the registered owner. Neglecting to follow this requirement will result in a lapse of insurance and the registration will be suspended; the owners’ driver’s license will also be suspended if the lapse exceeds 90 days.

By: Rex Freiberger

Auto Insurance FAQ – To Sharpen Your Car Insurance IQ

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:01:54 +0000

Auto Insurance FAQ – with Important Info for Today’s Motorist

Below you will find some frequently asked questions with constructive, money saving suggestions.

Question: What is meant by laws regarding “car financial responsibility?”

Answer: According to state law, you are required to bear responsibility for events that transpire while you are driving

Question: What if I decide to drive my vehicle without car insurance?

Answer: Depending upon which state you live in, refusal to buy insurance coverage may result in of fines, loss of drivers license or possibly serving a jail sentence. It is mandatory to have vehicle insurance in all states except Wisconsin and New Hampshire.

Question: Will my coverage protect everyone who drives my vehicle?

Answer: Yes, however this is true only if that driver has your permission to use the vehicle.

Be aware that some policies require all members of your household who drive your car to be named on your policy. In this situation, anyone living with you who drives your vehicle without being named on your policy, would not be covered.

Question: What liability limits do you recommend?

Answer: It is generally agreed among insurance agents that what state law requires is not sufficient.

My recommendation is 100:300:100.

·         $100,000 for bodily injury per person
·         $300,000 for bodily injury per accident
·         $100,000 for property damage per accident

In the US, medical costs are, for the most part, comparable from state to state. So the above bodily injury guidelines apply equally in all states.

You should consider increasing the property damage portion if you live or work in an area where property values are extremely high and the residents drive expensive vehicles. It doesn’t take many Rolls Royce or Lamborghinis to exceed $100,000.

Question: Is auto insurance needed by newly licensed teenagers?

Answer: Yes…absolutely! All drivers must be insured. You must be named on the policy of someone in your household or have your own policy.

Question: In deciding to renew or cancel a policy, what guidelines do insurance companies go by?

Answer: The bottom line consideration is…are you a “worthwhile risk?” Do you have a clean driving record? How is your credit history? Have you filed any claims? These are the major factors, but every insurance company has their own criteria for evaluating risk.

Take a good look in your “visor” mirror. Do you see an A1 driver staring back at you?

Hope you enjoyed this auto insurance FAQ.

By: Joe Goodman

California Car Insurance Requirements

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:25:26 +0000

California Law requires all motor vehicle owners to have insurance which provides Bodily Injury Coverage and Property Damage Coverage.

In the State of California the required minimum coverage for bodily injury is $15,000 per person injured in any one accident and $30,000 for all persons injured in any one accident.

The required minimum coverage for property damage is $5,000 for injury to or the destruction of property of others in any one accident.

Optional insurance may include Uninsured Motorist Coverage. If the policy holder makes this choice, the actual coverage purchased must be at least the amount of the required Bodily Injury Coverage. If the policy holder purchases more than the required amount of Bodily Injury Coverage, Underinsured Motorist Coverage may then be purchased in a lesser amount. The State of California does not require insurance companies to provide Uninsured Motorist Coverage in any amount greater than $30,000 per personal injury in any one accident and $60,000 for all persons involved in any one accident.

As well, if Uninsured Motorist Coverage is purchased, then the policy must also include Underinsured Motorist Coverage. California requires insurance companies to offer for purchase Underinsured Motorist Coverage in an amount equal to that purchased for Uninsured Motorist Coverage. Insurers may, however, offer a greater amount of Underinsured Motorist Coverage than the Uninsured Motorist Coverage actually purchased by the policy holder.

California requires liability limits of 12/30/5 which represent $20,000 for bodily injury coverage per person and $30,000 for bodily injury coverage per accident which will pay for medical bills and lost wages. The last number of 5 represents $5,000 for property damage coverage per accident which will pay for repairs and/or replacement of objects damaged or destroyed other than the policy holder’s own vehicle.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and No-Fault Coverage are not required by the state.

Adding Collision Coverage as well as Comprehensive Coverage to an insurance policy is optional as well in California.

By: Elizabeth Newberry

Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Laws – 5 Car Insurance Laws in PA That You Need to Know

admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 09:31:32 +0000

It is important to understand the various Pennsylvania auto insurance laws. Why? Because understanding these laws may just end up keeping you safe and saving you some money! Laws regarding car insurance change greatly depending on the state you live in. Some places have very straight forward or even practically non-existent laws, while others have more complicated and detailed laws. No matter where you live it is essential to know certain laws regarding auto insurance if you own a car. The state of Pennsylvania is no exception. There are, in fact, 5 car insurance laws in PA that you need to know.

Law #1 – PA’s Minimum Requirements For Car Insurance

The state of Pennsylvania mandates that you carry minimum liability limits of $15,000 per person bodily injury, $30,000 per accident total bodily injury and $5,000 per accident property damage. It also requires you to carry $5,000 in medical expenses coverage. These limits are extremely low and not satisfactory protection for most people when involved in a serious accident.

Law #2 – PA Is A No-Fault Auto Insurance State – Sort Of

You need to choose if you will have a limited tort or full tort option on your PA car insurance policy. Choosing full tort gives you better coverage if you are hurt in an accident. Limited tort is less expensive but it prevents you from receiving compensation for pain and suffering by limiting your right to sue the other party.

Law # 3 – There Are Hefty Penalties For Not Having PA Car Insurance

If you are caught driving without liability car insurance in the state of Pennsylvania, you will get a 90-day suspension of your license and several fines and fees.

Law # 4 – Pennsylvania Has An Assigned Risk Plan

In Pennsylvania, there is an assigned risk plan that ensures everyone can get auto insurance, no matter how high-risk they are. If you have been refused coverage, cancelled, or are having trouble getting coverage, you may want to check into it.

Law # 5 – You Can Stack Uninsured Motorist Coverage For Extra Protection

If you have more than one vehicle on a policy, you can stack the UM coverage on them for an additional premium and get additional protection.

Compare Pennsylvania Car Insurance Policies

Now that you are familiar with these 5 PA car insurance laws, you are well prepared to start shopping around for your car insurance needs. Use a free online quote tool, and you can compare top companies that are ready to offer you the coverage you need.

By: James J. Robinson

Illinois Car Insurance Requirements

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:06:45 +0000

Illinois Law requires all motor vehicle owners to have minimum amounts of auto liability insurance. In addition, lending institutions may require physical damage insurance to protect their interests in a financed vehicle.

In the State of Illinois the required minimum coverage for bodily injury is $20,000 per person injured in any one accident and $40,000 for all persons injured in any one accident.

The required minimum coverage for property damage is $15,000 for injury to or the destruction of property of others in any one accident.

Optional insurance may include Uninsured Motorist Coverage. The total amount of this insurance coverage must be equal to the bodily injury liability limits, unless specifically rejected in writing. The amount of Uninsured Motorist coverage may never be less than that which is legally required for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage.

Liability insurance will cover bodily injury (costs stemming from injury or death to pedestrians or to occupants in another vehicle) or property damage (costs stemming from damage to another person’s vehicle or property, i.e., fences, trees and buildings) caused by the policy holder’s negligent operation of the vehicle. Additionally, this coverage may also be used if a member of the policy holder’s family or another person with permission to use the vehicle caused an accident. Legal defense in lawsuits may also be covered under this insurance.

Illinois requires liability limits of 20/40/15 which represent $20,000 for bodily injury coverage per person and $40,000 for bodily injury cover per accident which will pay for medical bills and lost wages. The last number of 15 represents $15,000 for property damage coverage per accident which will pay for repairs and/or replacement of objects damaged or destroyed other than the policy holder’s own vehicle.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and No-Fault Coverage are not required by the state, however, Uninsured (UM) as well as Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) is mandatory. The UM coverage will pay expenses for bodily injuries caused by a hit-and-fun driver or a driver without auto liability insurance who is at fault. The monetary limits here are $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. UIM coverage will pay the difference between the policy holder’s UIM limits and the liability limits of the driver causing the accident if those limits are lower than UIM. This is required only if the policy holder purchases higher limits of UM coverage.

Collision Coverage as well as Comprehensive Coverage may also be required with regard to actual physical damage.

By: Elizabeth Newberry

Oregon Auto Insurance Laws

admin — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 02:54:54 +0000

Oregon financial responsibility law dictates
that if you are involved in an accident you will be asked to
present proof of ability to cover the cost of damages caused up to a
minimum amount. For this reason most drivers buy automobile liability
insurance.
What type of automobile liability insurance am I required to have in the
state of Oregon?

According to Oregon auto insurance law, you are required to have Bodily Injury
Liability, Property damage liability, Personal Injury Protection and Uninsured Motorist Insurance.
What are the minimum liability limits in Oregon?
According to Oregon
auto insurance law, the minimum amount of liability coverage needed for
personal injury is $25,000 person and $50,000 per accident.

The minimum amount of liability coverage needed for property damage is
$10,000. This will usually appear on the policy in the form 25/50/10.

When will I be required to present proof of Insurance?

You will be required to present proof of insurance at time of the
accident. In most cases a card issued by the insurer is sufficient.
Will my insurer required to verify the validity of my insurance policy?
Yes.
Your insurance company is required to inform the Department of Motor
Vehicles if you cancel or fail to renew your auto insurance policy.
What is more, insurers in Oregon are required to verify automobile
insurance policies selected at random.

What are the penalties for non-compliance to Oregon auto insurance law?

Driver’s license suspension and/or revocation, although not mandatory for first time offenders.

OREGON AUTO INSURANCE LAW AND LIABILITY INSURANCE

What are the laws governing Oregon liability insurance

Liability insurance in Oregon is based on the no-fault system.
This means that if you were involved in an accident, you will receive
payment from your own insurance company regardless of who was at fault
in the accident. But Oregon is also an “Add-On” State, which means that
in addition to receiving benefits from your own insurer, you also have
the right to sue the party at fault for pain and suffering and for
other out-of-pocket expenses such as medical costs.

By: Richard Cunninghamm

Arizona Auto Insurance Law

admin — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 07:58:14 +0000

What does financial responsibility mean?

Like all other states, Arizona has financial responsibility laws which means that if you are involved in an accident you will be asked to present proof of your ability to cover the cost of damages caused up to a minimum amount. To comply with this law most drivers buy automobile liability insurance.

What type of automobile liability insurance am I required to have according Arizona Auto Insurance Law ?

Arizona Auto Insurance Law requires that you have Bodily Injury liability and Property Damage Liability

What are the minimum liability limits?

According to Arizona Auto Insurance Law, the minimum amount of liability coverage needed for personal injury is $15,000 person and $30,000 per accident.

The minimum amount of liability coverage needed for property damage is $10,000. This will usually appear on the policy in the form 15/30/10.

When will I be required to present proof of Insurance?

Within 30 days of registration. If you’ve had an accident you will be required to present proof of Insurance/financial responsibility at the time of the accident. Further, the State requires that you have proof of insurance at all times in your vehicle. In most cases a card issued by the insurer is sufficient.

Will my insurer required to verify the validity of my insurance policy?

Yes. According to Arizona Auto Insurance Law, if you’ve had an accident or you have been arrested, your insurance company will be required to verify that your policy is in good standing. Your insurance company must also inform the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicle if you cancel or fail to renew your policy. And according to Arizona computer data law, insurance companies are required to submit their entire list of policies in force, which the State may compare with registrations.

What are the penalties for non-compliance to the financial responsibility law?

A $250 fine.

What are the laws governing AZ liability insurance

Liability insurance in Arizona is based on the tort liability system. This means that if you were involved in an accident that is not your fault you and/or your passengers have the right to sue the party at fault for pain and suffering, and for other out-of-pocket expenses such as medical costs.

ARIZONA DUI/DRUNK DRIVING LAWS

What is the BAC (blood alcohol content) limit is the state of Arizona?

The BAC (blood alcohol content) limit for the state of Arizona is .08

Will I have my license revoked or suspended if my BAC is above 0.08?

According to Arizona Auto Insurance Law, yes. If you are pulled over by an officer and your BAC test result returns a reading above .08 you will face an on-the-spot driver’s license revocation or suspension. Further, if you refuse to take the BAC test your license will still be revoked or suspended.

What is the implied consent law?

Like most states, Arizona has the implied consent law. This law is base on the premise that because you choose to drive on the streets and highways of the state, you have given your consent to submit to the BAC and or urine test to ascertain alcohol or drug levels.

What is the penalty for violating the implied consent law?

The mandatory penalty for violation of the implied consent law in Arizona is suspension or revocation of one’s driving privilege.

Are preliminary breath tests permitted my law in Arizona?

According to Arizona Auto Insurance Law, yes. In states where it is permitted by law, sometimes an officer will do a preliminary breath test on-the-spot to confirm that you are actually under the influence. An alcosensor machine, a hand-held device, is often used. Although its results are not admissible in court, if the machine returns a positive reading, you may be taken to a police station the take the actual BAC test.

What is DUI Plea Bargain?

In a DUI plea bargain, the driver charged with DUI agrees to plea guilty to a lesser charge than one for which she could stand trial. When this happens, she receives a more lenient sentence, and/or have certain related charges dropped. The DUI plea bargain is prohibited in Arizona.

What is the open container law?

The open container law makes it illegal for the driver and passengers to have unsealed alcohol containers in an automobile passenger compartments.

ARIZONA SEAT-BELT LAWS

Are seat-belt laws enforced in the State of Arizona?

Yes. As of January 1, 1991, driver and all passengers are required to wear seat-belts in the State of Arizona.

Are seat-belt laws primary or secondary in Arizona?

Seat-belt laws in Arizona are NOT primary. Primary enforcement means that an officer may stop an automobile and issue a ticket for violation of the seat-belt law. Secondary enforcement means that the officer may issue a ticket for not using seat-belt if and only if the driver was stopped for some other violation.

What are the fines for noncompliance to seat-best laws in AZ?

$10

LAWS GOVERNING OLDER DRIVERS

Am I required to perform medical, knowledge, road, or vision retests when I renew my license?

Retesting for all drivers is usually required for vision, road retesting is only required under certain conditions. For example, if you’ve had too many accidents over a certain period of time.

Is my doctor required to report a physical condition that may affect my ability to drive safely?

NO

Is there an age limit on driver’s license renewals

Yes. 70 years.

LAWS GOVERNING TEENAGE AND YOUNGER DRIVERS

Do teenage drivers require graduated licensing?

YES. All states have graduated licensing (a rigorous learning period before full driving privileges are granted) laws for drivers 15 to 18 years old.

For what period of time are teenagers required to maintain a learners permit? For a minimum of six (6) months.

Are teens required to own an intermediate or provisional driver’s license before they a granted full driving privileges?

No.

Do young drivers have certain restrictions on night driving?

No.

Can teenage drivers carry the maximum number of passengers allowed in a vehicle?

Yes.

OK. What about BAC (blood alcohol content) level? Are there restrictions on that too?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the answer is yes. Although the BAC level for other drivers is 0.08, Arizona drivers under the age of 21 years with a BAC level greater that 0 (yes zero) could be charged with DUI.

By: Richard Cunninghamm

Michigan Auto Insurance Laws – MI Car Insurance Laws You Need to Know

admin — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 06:20:51 +0000

There are many different Michigan auto insurance laws that are important for all MI drivers to at least have a basic understanding of. Michigan has a no fault auto insurance law. Most states throughout America have tort laws, but Michigan is one of the few that does not. Such no-fault laws are put in place to try and reduce the number of frivolous and fraudulent lawsuits that result from car accidents. The car insurance laws in Michigan are very comprehensive and provide for excellent benefits if you are injured in a car accident.

Understanding The MI No Fault Auto Insurance Law

Michigan’s no fault law simply means that if you are involved in a car accident, bodily injuries are paid for by your own insurance coverage, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. For you this means that apart from the fact that it is required by law, it is also in your best interest to carry at least the minimum insurance coverage in the state.

Michigan no fault insurance provides for your medical expenses in these ways:

A. Unlimited coverage for medical and rehabilitative costs

B. Wage loss protection

C. Replacement services of $20 daily, for as long as 3 years

Michigan State Required Auto Insurance Coverage

The state of Michigan requires you to carry liability limits of 20/40/10 and personal injury protection coverage.

- 20/40/10 means $20,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person, $40,000 per accident in total and $10,000 in property damage liability

- PIP, as personal injury protection is called, pays all the medical costs that you incur if you are hurt in a car accident.

Comparing Michigan Auto Insurance Coverage Options

There are other types of car insurance available in Michigan also, including personal property coverage like collision and comprehensive, amongst others. To get more pricing on your car insurance needs, check out an online quote tool. It will provide you with a variety of Michigan auto insurance quotes from top insurers, so you can compare and contrast price, coverage and service.

By: James J. Robinson