Sunday, December 28, 2008

Auto Insurance Laws - What You Should Know

By Mark Alison

Do you know the proper auto insurance laws of your state? Do you know how much coverage you need? Or, what is the minimum coverage required? Do you have liability insurance? What will happen if you drive to another state and get pulled over?

To answer these questions, call your insurance agent. They will have all the best information about state and regional laws that involve you and your vehicle. It's their job to know all this and help you with it. Before you call, make sure you have all your questions ready so you don't forget.

Each state will have specifics that must be followed when it involves your insurance coverage. Full coverage will cover injury to people, cars and property. Some states may only require coverage involving people. This is liability insurance. If you damage a car, then you must pay out of pocket for damages to your car, but insurance will probably pay for the other car.

The general rule is that you need proper coverage for the states you drive through as well. If the state you're traveling through needs more coverage than you have, it's your responsibility to extend the coverage for the states you travel through.

There are other options for insurance then paying for it. States have different liability laws involving motor cycles and scooters. If you're strapped for cash and you can't afford insurance, simply check out the state's laws about these vehicles. In Washington, you don't need insurance to drive a motorcycle.

Most states require that you keep your proof of auto insurance in your car at all times. If you are pulled over by a police officer, you must provide proof of insurance. There are heavy fines if you don't have it. If you forgot it or it expired and you didn't get the updated version in the mail. Simply contest the ticket and provide proof to the judge and they should wave the fine.

Getting cheap auto insurance is a whole lot easier when you have a clean record. Knowing some basics about the laws can help keep your record clean. - 15485

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