Reader’s Question:

My car was rear-ended while driving in downtown Columbus. The other driver was issued a ticket. Will my car insurance premiums increase because of this?

Julia

Columbus, GA

Determining who is at fault in a rear-end accident is up to the authorities, and various factors are considered in their decisions. But in most rear-end accidents, the one who drove into another car is declared at fault. In your situation, since the other motorist was cited, it means that the police declared him or her as the one responsible for the mishap.

If you have a clean driving record, it is highly improbable that your premiums will increase following an accident that was not your fault. However, if you got into a related traffic accident before this no-fault one, you can expect an increase in your rates. The car insurer may consider you accident-prone if the two related incidents happened within two or three years.

Risk factor is the primary basis for insurance premiums, and car insurance companies calculate the possibility of a policyholder filing a claim. Citations can translate to higher premiums. The good news is that insurers only take note of moving violations. So, having parking tickets or any other non-moving violation would not be counted.

If you have a spotless record and have not been a liability to the car insurance company, then your premiums may not increase. If you are looking at lowering your premiums, consider taking a defensive driving course. Most insurers in Georgia offer discounts to drivers who have successfully finished the course. One ticket dismissal is also granted to drivers who complete the course. But this course can only be done once in a twelve-month period and cannot be repeated more than five times.Drivers need to pay, I think, less than $30 to take the course.

Tags: auto insurance premium, Car insurance discounts, traffic school

Reader’s Question:

Would you know what discounts auto insurance companies in Georgia offer?

Kim

Albany, GA

It’s good to know that you want to be a well-informed consumer. Well, different auto insurance companies offer different types of discounts, so you will have to get on the phone with your auto agent in Georgia to find out what they offer.

To give you a few hints, here are the most common types of discounts that auto insurance companies offer as incentives to their customers. Some auto insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles with safety devices and anti-theft devices, so consider having some installed if you don’t already have them. Other auto insurance companies offer discounts for insuring more than one vehicle. An annual policy may also be more cost-effective. Your mileage may also affect the auto insurance rates that you get, so check the distances that you’re driving. Choosing to make your payments via credit card may also slash a bit off your auto insurance rates compared to mail payments. Some auto insurance companies will also give a discount for drivers that have taken defensive driving courses. You may also want to consider combining your auto insurance with your home insurance, as well, to get some more discounts.

I’m sure with all these tips you’ll see a whopping savings on your next auto insurance.

Tags: auto insurance, Car Insurance Company, Car insurance discounts

Reader’s Question:

I just bought my first car here in Georgia. Can you give me any tips or pointers on how to choose the best auto insurance company?

Angela

Columbus, GA

Hello, Angela. Choosing which auto insurance company to have is a very difficult task. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for one.

Be sure to check if the best auto insurance company has a license to operate here in Georgia. Not all auto insurance companies have the license to operate in all states. Contact the state insurance department to verify this. And then, of course, compare premium rates. Shop around for the best auto insurance company in Georgia. Different insurance companies offer different premium rates and discounts. You may even consider online auto insurance. Make sure that the auto insurance company you will consider is financially solid. You need to be sure that the company will be around for a long time to be able to cover you when you need coverage. Again, you can go online to research. There are independent websites that provide performance ratings for the best insurance companies. Check the insurance company’s service. You need to be sure that their agents or representatives are competent enough to provide you maximum assistance. The insurance company or the agent should be readily available to provide you with answers and benefits. Be comfortable with the auto insurance company you are going to choose. Make sure that the agent or company is easily accessible if you have a question or need to file a claim.

Tags: auto insurance, Car Insurance Company

Reader’s Question:

There are just so many auto insurance companies out here in Atlanta Georgia. How can I tell if I choose the right one?

Eva

Atlanta, GA

Hi Eva, you’re right! It is quite a challenge to choose when there are so many to choose from. I can’t say which automotive insurance company is the right one, but I can give you some tips so you can choose which one is the best fit for you.

First of all, you may want to gather some quotes from different providers. There are quite a number of sites on the internet which will gladly give you free insurance quotes from various automobile insurance companies. You will most likely have to fill in a form with your details. Once you have your quotes, you will now be able to assess which companies are able to give you coverage within your budget. Choose the most affordable one which will give you ample coverage. Remember, cheaper is not necessarily always better. You may get an insurance with a cheaper premium but will leave you hanging once an accident happens giving you more out of pocket expenses. It would also be good to check their financial ratings as this will tell you their ability to shell out the cash in case something happens. Another tip is to head to your local automobile repair center in Atlanta, Georgia. These shops deal with insurers often and will be able to tell you which ones have the best customer service, and where it is easier to claim if the need arises.

Tags: auto insurance, Car Insurance Company

Reader’s Question:

I am required to obtain SR22 insurance and I was told by the car insurance company that I need to make a payment for six months up front and they said this is according to the Georgia Law. Is this correct?

Bryan

Augusta, GA

If you are required to get an SR22 then you will need to show proof an up front payment for a period of six months of SR22 insurance. The SR22 insurance must be carried for a period of 3 years

Future proof of insurance certificates (SR22/SR22A) are required in cases of:

• Habitual Violator with a probationary license (SR22)
• Unsatisfied judgment (SR22A).

The liability insurance policy does not provide absolute auto insurance coverage and you may be required to carry this for a period of six months, 1 year or 3 years and this depends on different circumstances. If an SR22 insurance is not premium finance the department considers the auto insurance policy to be in full payment. If the car insurance policy is terminated or canceled before normal lapse, the next SR22 filing must be issued on a policy full payment which carries a new policy number.

Tags: auto insurance, sr22 insurance