Reader’s Question:

I just got my license and my auto insurance coverage last month here in Texas. I know that my auto insurance premium is higher because of my limited driving experience, but what would make me a high risk driver?

Albert

Forth Worth, TX

Well, since you said that you just got your license and that you mentioned your limited driving experience, it is safe to assume that you’re a teenager. Teenagers do get higher premium rates because of their perceived (and proven) recklessness when on the road. Teenage drivers, due to their limited driving skills, tend to make faulty decisions when driving.

Your question: what would make you a high risk driver? Well, it won’t really be hard, considering that you’re a teenager with a car. First factor would be your driving record. We all know that. If you were in an accident and you were at fault, then your auto insurance premium will increase and you just might join the rank of high risk drivers. Even a seemingly harmless traffic offense like speeding can get you listed there, too. Even accidents that you figured wherein you’re not at fault can get you on the list. For every road violation that you do, your chance at being in an accident increases. Even if the accident was not your fault, you, somehow, got into that situation. If the offense keeps showing up every now and then, multiple speeding, then you will get to the high risk drivers list.

Your age will figure in there, too. It’s just is. I already mentioned why. Teenagers are riskier for auto insurance companies to cover because they can be reckless at times.

And though you don’t qualify for this yet since you just got your license and insurance, I’d like to mention continuous coverage. Auto insurance companies do not like it if they found out that there was a time in your driving history record that you were driving around Texas without auto insurance coverage. Very irresponsible and, therefore, very high risk.

Tags: driving without insurance, teen, teen insurance

Reader’s Question:

What are the vehicle insurance laws here in Fort Worth, Texas?

Bill

Fort Worth, TX

Basically, those who drive in Fort Worth, Texas are given the responsibility of paying for any vehicle, person/s or property, which have been damaged during an accident where that person is involved and is found at fault. This law is stated in the Texas Transportation Code under Section 601 titled “Motor Vehicle Responsibility Act.” In this section, it is stated that a driver should comply with the financial responsibilities required by the law in order to be able to drive. These responsibilities include an insurance policy for a motor vehicle, a security bond recorded under Section 601.121, a security bond under Sections 601.122 and 601.123, and a personal insurance to comply with Section 601.124.

Any one of these financial requirements must be settled by any driver driving in the state. Typically, drivers choose to secure insurance policies over the other financial settlements. However, TX law requires that if a driver opts to get insurance, the policy should have a minimum coverage of $25,000 for body injury, $50,000 for vehicular damage, and $25,000 for property damage. A person found to be violating any of the financial responsibilities stated by the law may face some serious penalties. On the first conviction, a person may be asked to settle a fine between $175 and $350. Any succeeding convictions may result to fines from $350 to $1,000, driver’s license suspension, or vehicle impoundment.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance law

Reader’s Question:

If your vehicle is stolen, does your liability insurance covers it? I live in Fort Worth, Texas.

Harry

Fort Worth, TX

The answer is no. If the vehicle is stolen, your liability coverage does not cover the stolen car. The liability coverage only covers those that you damage but will not cover your own car.

If you want your car to be covered for theft you will need a comprehensive car insurance coverage. This insurance coverage covers your vehicle if your car gets stolen. Other than that, your comprehensive car insurance covers your vehicle if its damage by fire, by flood or animals. This coverage repairs your car less the deductible in your car insurance.

If you want to check how much car insurance cost it would be if you add these physical damage liability of collision and comprehensive to your car insurance you can get a Fort Worth, Texas quote here online. It is always best to get the most coverage that you can afford so you will be fully protected. Start getting a car insurance quote now here.

Tags: auto insurance, auto insurance online, car insurance quotes, comprehensive insurance coverage

Reader’s Question:

If I took my girlfriend’s vehicle without permission in Fort Worth, Texas and got into an accident will her insurance company still cover the vehicle if I am not a listed driver?

David

Fort Worth, TX

No, it is unlikely that you will be covered for this type of accident.

There are a couple of reasons why your girlfriend’s insurance carrier would usually deny insurance claims arising from an accident where you were driving without permission and as an excluded driver. Normally to accept a an insurance claim you must be a permissive driver, and that means the vehicle owner gave you permission to drive the car. If you took the vehicle without permission, therefore either stole the vehicle or had unauthorized use of it then her insurance carrier could deny insurance claims.

Another reason is that you are an excluded driver. You should know that if you were excluded from her car insurance policy it means that you would not be extended any car insurance coverages if you drive the car. This means if you operate it with permission, without permission, or in an emergency, etc.

If you did take your girlfriend’s car in Fort Worth, Texas and cause an accident then likely you will be held personally liable for all the damages you caused to her vehicle and anyone else.

Tags: auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

If you’re in an auto accident do you have to report it to my insurance company? If someone was insured can she use her medical coverage in place of auto insurance for a person who was driving? I am afraid medical insurance will deny my insurance claim in Fort Worth, TX..

Bill

Fort Worth, TX

Yes, you do have to report this accident to your insurance carrier in Fort Worth, TX. This situation will be able to handle by a licensed claim adjuster appropriately. In most situation, the insurance carrier that gives your medical coverage will begin to pay after you have exhausted any benefits available under your car insurance policy.

You should contact your auto insurance agent or insurance carrier as soon as possible, regardless of who is at fault. To know whether you are covered for this loss contact your insurance provider. Even if the accident appears minor, it is essential that you let your insurance carrier know about the incident.

Tags: auto insurance claims, car insurance

Reader’s Question:

Currently, I do not own any cars but I wanted to know if there was a way of knowing my car insurance quote in Fort Worth depending on the vehicle?

Hayes

Fort Worth, TX

Yes, there is a way to determine what your car insurance rate premium would be based on the vehicle you believe you may buy in the future.

If you have certain automobiles in mind that you are interested in buying and want to know which would be cheaper to insure you can obtain car insurance quotes for each vehicle individually.

You can get a car insurance quote here by entering your zip code in Fort Worth. You can get unlimited number of car insurance quotes. Just change the car information to know the different costs for different makes and models.

Tags: car insurance cost, car insurance quotes

Reader’s Question:

Can somebody tell me what the primary risk factors are of insurance in Fort Worth, Texas and why are they so important?

John

Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth, TX insurance companies permitted to set up their own car insurance rates and do so by using certain risk factors to determine the driver’s car insurance rate. These factors are important since statistically they can assist determine those drivers that will be more of a risk for an insurance company and therefore their insurance rates will be higher. The factors are important for a policyholder or motorist to know so that they know on what criteria their car insurance rates are set.

Risk factors assist insurance carriers determine the car insurance premium rates as accurately as possible. Theres a lot of risk factors. Here are a some of the primary factors that most insurance providers use:

• Age
• Gender
• Marital Status
• Geography
• Driving Record
• Claims History
• Occupation
• Education
• Vehicle Type
• Miles driven each year
• Years of driving experience
• Type of vehicle use (business, personal, commuting, etc.)
• Current insurance and current insurance limits

Tags: auto insurance, high risk insurance

Reader’s Question:

My ex-wife and I leased a vehicle together in Fort Worth Texas. She was the co-signer and she is the primary motorist. The vehicle is insured under my name. If I drop the vehicle from my insurance policy, will I be held liable if there is an accident when she is driving? Does the vehicle have to be insured under my name since the lease is in my name and she is a co-signer?

Candice

Fort Worth, TX

If your wife does not have insurance on the car and got involve in an accident, it is likely that you could be held responsible because you are on the lease with her. As a signer on the lease you are liable for those that operate the vehicle and what happens to the car while they are driving, this is called vicarious liability.

In addition, if the car is registered under your name and there is a lapse in the car insurance it will go on your driving record. The penalties for a lapse in auto insurance differ on state laws but can include losing your suspension of the license plates and driving privileges to name a couple.

You may contact the insurer in Fort Worth Texas which you leased the car through to check if the insurance needs to be under your name or if you can cancel your auto insurance on the car if your wife puts the proper insurance on it and has the vehicle registered in her name.

Make sure that the leased vehicle has enough insurance on it so that you and your assets are not at risk if the car is in an accident.

Tags: auto insurance, automobile

Reader’s Question:

Can I purchase a vehicle from a dealership if my license is suspended in Fort Worth, Texas?

Wes

Fort Worth, TX

You possibly could be able to buy a vehicle from a dealership with a suspended license in Fort Worth, Texas. It would depend on the guidelines of dealership and your Texas state laws. For example in some states you may be allowed to purchase and register a vehicle without a license while in other states laws might dictate that you cannot.

Most states including Texas require you to have proof of insurance when you register a vehicle and if you do not have a valid license it is normally difficult to find auto insurance. You can contact your state’s DMV to find out if your state has laws regarding purchasing a vehicle while having a suspended license.

Tags: auto insurance, Driving without License

Reader’s Question:

I live in Texas and I was curious as to what are the different DWI laws applicable in my state. My boyfriend was convicted a DWI arrest and I want to know what are the penalties for a DWI arrest.

Hannah

Fort Worth, TX

In Texas, it is illegal to drive while intoxicated, it means that either your blood alcohol content is 0.08 or more or you are physically and mentally incapable because of the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is punishable by a minimum term of 72 hours in jail. This offense is a class B misdemeanor. Upon a second conviction is a class A misdemeanor, the penalty is increased to a minimum term of 30 days in jail. A third conviction is a felony of the third degree, punishable by a term of not less than two years, not more than ten years. In addition, a fine of up to $10,000 may be required.
Driving while intoxicated and causing someone “serious bodily harm” (meaning that there was a) a substantial risk of death, b) serious permanent disfigurement, or c) protracted loss/impairment of function of a body member or organ) is a third degree felony, punishable by a term of not less than two years, not more than ten years. In addition, a fine of up to $10,000 may be required.

Driving while intoxicated and causing the death of another is second degree felony, punishable by not less than two years, not more than 20 years. In addition, a fine of up to $10,000 may be required.
Driving while intoxicated with a minor (under the age of 15) in the car is termed a state jail felony, punishable by a term of not less than 180 days, not more than two years. In addition, a fine of up to $10,000 may be required.