The state laws of every state in the USA require that you carry Car Liability Insurance on your vehicle. This coverage pays for damage that you cause to persons or property in an automobile accident when you are at fault. The laws regarding this insurance are determined by the individual states. This means that the requirement varies by state. In some states you will find that the state minimums are lower than in other states.
Liability insurance is not only required by law, it is needed to protect your other properties. If you have an accident that causes major damage to persons or property and you are inadequately insured, the person suffering the loss can file a lawsuit against you. If they prevail, then a judgment can be filed against you. A lien can be filed against any of your properties to satisfy that judgment. This lien can prevent you from refinancing your property and if you sell the property, the lien must be satisfied before you receive any money for the property that is sold.
When you purchase liability insurance it the policy is often referred to in three numbers, such as 10/20/10. These numbers would indicate that the policy offers ten thousand dollars in personal injury protection for each person that is involved in the accident with a cap of twenty thousand dollars per accident. Additionally, the coverage would pay up to ten thousand dollars in property damage. While these limits seem low, there are states that actually have lower limits.
The requirement in most states is too low to give adequate protection to your personal and real property. Often you can purchase much more adequate insurance at a very small difference in price. The insurance agent should be able to give you a very good idea about the policy that would best suit your needs.
Your state DMV will be able to tell you the minimum amount of liability insurance that is required for your vehicle. In addition, they can tell you about penalties for allowing insurance to lapse. In an effort to cut down on the number of uninsured motorists, many states have enacted laws that require the insurance company to notify the DMV if your policy lapses for even one day. While the effort to cut back on uninsured motorists is appreciated, you can get into a sticky situation if you forget to pay your policy premium.
The penalty for allowing the insurance to lapse even one day is cancellation of the registration of your vehicle or of your driver’s license. You will have to show proof of insurance and pay an administrative fee or fine to have them reinstated. The penalties grow progressively higher with each time the insurance lapses and some states will confiscate your vehicle on the third offense for six months. You are responsible to pay for the state to store your car.
Persons needing to purchase liability insurance can request quotes using the internet. You can often get instant quotes for the insurance you need. By comparing the quotes, you can find the best coverage for your vehicle and the best possible price for your insurance.
Learning to drive defensively is one of the best ways to lower the price you pay for liability insurance. Defensive driving will keep you from having accidents and will also keep you from having traffic tickets. If you do not already drive defensively, then you should consider taking a defensive driving class to learn some new techniques.
Canada’s largest independent insurance brokerage firms delivering car insurance Kitchener and home insurance London solutions in your community and around the world for over 70 years and offices in London, Cambridge, Waterloo and Toronto.
Tags: auto, automobile, business, car, car insurance, consulting, family, financial, health, home, Insurance, Life, life insurance, quota