IS ANYONE WHO DRIVES MY CAR COVERED?In most cases, yes, as long as they have the permission or reasonable belief from the insured that they can use the vehicle. The insured is the person named on the insurance policy and their spouse if applicable. There are some exclusions, so you would need to look at your particular insurance policy to make sure. Remember, everyone in your household must be listed on your insurance policy if they have a license. For example, if a girlfriend you live with uses your car, she may not be covered if you did not list her on your insurance policy. On the other hand, if you live separately, she could use your car with your permission and be covered.
Back to TopHOW DOES MY DRIVING RECORD AFFECT MY INSURANCE PREMIUM?The premium you pay is a direct reflection of your driving record for the past three to five years depending on the insurance company. Insurance companies order driving records from the DMV of your residence state and from other states where you’ve been licensed. Statistics show that drivers with tickets and accidents are more likely to have accidents than drivers with clean record.
Back to TopWHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPREHENSIVE AND COLLISION?Collision coverage is when you have a collision with something like another car. Comprehensive coverage is when it is anything else other than a collision such as fire or theft. Most people would have both coverage’s when using the car on a regular basis. Sometimes when one is just storing a car they may only keep comprehensive coverage since they are not using it on the road therefore, it is unlikely to be in a collision.
Back to TopI WORK PART-TIME USING MY CAR TO DELIVER PIZZA. DOES MY INSURANCE COVER ME WHILE I AM WORKING THIS JOB?Probably not. Most private passenger auto insurance policies do not provide coverage when the covered vehicle is used to deliver property, i.e. pizzas or people for a fee (salary, tips, etc.). Coverage would probably be denied if an accident occurred while you were using your personal vehicle to deliver. Check with your employer to determine if the employer would provide you coverage while you are engaged in that employer’s work.
Back to TopWHAT FACTORS CAN AFFECT HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE PREMIUMS?The following factors can affect your homeowners insurance premium:
- Home Features and Characteristics — Your home’s age, type of structure, wiring, roof, garage, etc., can affect your homeowners insurance premium. Older homes can often cost more to insure, and those costs can differ depending on whether your home is brick, frame, stone or has synthetic siding.
- Location — Where your home is located can change your homeowners insurance premium. For instance, your home insurance rate can be affected if your home is in close proximity to a fire station; is exposed to extreme weather, such as hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes; or is in a neighborhood more prone to theft.
- Protective Devices — Burglar alarm systems, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and deadbolt locks can lower your homeowners insurance premium.
- Personal Factors — What you do can affect your homeowners insurance premium, too. For instance, smokers may pay more for home insurance than nonsmokers. A good credit history also can lower what you pay for home insurance.
- Claims History — If you have a history of claims on a homeowners insurance policy, you may pay a higher premium.
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