Reader’s Question:

My father has just bought a new car, which is actually his second car in a way that he doesn’t know if he is going to avail a new Car Insurance. Does he need to avail a new one or it can be added to his present car insurance here in Kentucky?

Ryan

Fayette, KY

Car Insurance here in Kentucky is not complicated especially when you buy a new car. You just need to inform your car insurer whether the new car is a replacement of the old one or an additional car and if you are not able to inform them in a desired time you might lose your coverage. Either way, before you do anything else you have to at least read and understand your car insurance policy so that you will be able to know the possibility whether a new car could be included in your policy.

The new car you just bought has a possibility that it is automatically included to your policy but with certain limitations. Usually, an additional car will have the same coverage as the first one that is insured. But if you already have two cars which for example the first one has the Liability Coverage and the second car with Liability, Collision and Comprehensive Coverage and suddenly you have bought another car, the new and third car will automatically have the same coverage with the second car. And if you bought a new car as a replacement for the old car, of course the car insurance coverage that you had from the old one will automatically be passed to the new car.

Tags: auto liability insurance, car, car insurance, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage

Reader’s Question:

Is there a separate car insurance policy that I can get here in Kentucky for my classic car or will I just get coverage from a regular car insurance policy?

Harvey

Fayette, KY

A lot of money can be invested on your classic car and this type of vehicle increases in value. So in order for you to protect your classic car, you need to get a special type of auto insurance in Kentucky. This would be the “collector auto insurance” and this one is usually offered in a policy apart from the coverage you have for your everyday car use. No matter which year your classic car was manufactured, getting a special car insurance coverage has conditions that should be followed for your vehicle to be insurance under a classic car insurance coverage.

Majority of car insurance providers want the classic car to be in good condition and be garaged in a completely covered and protected place, Your classic car also needs to be at least 19 years of age and should be mostly used in car shows, club events, etc. Even though intermittent driving is allowed, the classic vehicle should not be used as a main or everyday use vehicle. Also, even as classic car insurance coverage is rather reasonably priced, the protection given would be very exclusive to the vehicle. Another thing you have to be aware about classic car insurance is that most insurers regulate the mileage of the car from 1,000 to 5,000 miles annually.

Tags: car, car insurance, car insurance policy, classic car

Reader’s Question:

I feel like I made a mistake in fighting my car insurance company here in Kentucky about the cash value of my totaled car. We agreed to have arbitration on this matter; can I bring a lawyer with me?

Samson

Lexington-Fayette, KY

If the discussion with you and your car insurance company in Kentucky about the value of your totaled car does not take you anywhere, you can either go through arbitration or litigation. Arbitration is method for resolving objections that is less of a hassle real court case which is litigation. The decision in arbitration can be non-binding which means that you could make a decision to take the matter to court if you are still not pleased.

A car insurance professional warns that arbitration, even if it is less expensive and time-consuming than a court case, has bigger chances to go in favor of the car insurance provider. You may have difficulty fighting over through arbitration since car insurance providers have more experience in going through with it. Arbitrators constantly deal with insurers and this means that they are not apt to get the insurers steamed. You could definitely take a lawyer with you to arbitration and this can add to the chances of agreeable results for you. However, prior to making a decision on taking the matter up to court, you have to reflect if fighting over to get more money for your totaled car will be worth it.

Tags: car insurance, car insurance claims, car insurance company

Reader’s Question:

Let say I get involved in a car accident here in Kentucky, how much can I expect my auto insurance premiums to increase due to this?

Jules

Owensboro, KY

The amount of increase on your auto insurance, as well as how the increase will be applied, depend largely on who your auto insurance carrier is. Generally, speaking you can expect a minimum of 30% increase on your premium there in Kentucky, for being at-fault in an accident, and if the insurance provider exceeds a certain limit of payout amount. Some might see only a 10% increase just by being involved in a car accident or filing a related insurance claim. Some providers might even claim that they have not increased your rates, but have actually removed some discounts you might have had in effect on your policy already to justify the increase in insurance cost. There are even some providers or insurance carriers who will remove your good drivers discount just because you got involved in a car accident.

It is also important to note that you might have to continue paying this increased premium for a minimum of three years (again depending on who you have auto insurance coverage with) until you are able to prove that you have become a safer driver and is able to boast a cleaner driving record. Also, if you get additional violations or file additional claims within this “cleansing” period, you might get additional surcharges towards your premiums that will become incrementally higher as you incur more points against your driving record.

Tags: advice, auto insurance, auto insurance claims, car insurance, car insurance company

Reader’s Question:

I got involved in a car accident here in Kentucky, and it was determined that the at fault party will be liable to pay us for damages. I was wondering if the other party’s insurance will pay for the repairs on my vehicle.

Iris

Louisville, KY

Unless the other party has inadequate car insurance (or no insurance at all), you shouldn’t have to worry about getting re-reimbursed for damages caused to you. Especially if it was ordered by the judge. The liability coverage clause of the “at fault party” will be the one to cover for all repairs needed to ensure your vehicle’s monetary value is restored to the original amount (minus depreciation costs of the vehicle, but this depends on your insurance policy) prior to the car accident, assuming that the said party’s liability coverage limits are high enough to cover the total costs of damages and repair.

If you determine that the at-fault individual or party’s insurance is inadequate don’t lose hope yet. I suggest you get in touch with your car insurance company and see if you have an Underinsured/ Uninsured Motorists Insurance Clause under your policy there in Kentucky. This kind of policy will pay you the remaining amount needed to restore your vehicle in the event the at-fault’s insurance coverage is inadequate to do so. The other party’s insurance will still have to pay for the repairs and damages and only after its liability coverage has been exhausted will your Underinsured/ Uninsured Motorists Insurance Coverage kick in.

In the event that you don’t have any insurance at all (which is against the law in most states) and the other party’s insurance is unable to pay the rest of the damages your vehicle incurs I’m afraid you will either have to pay for the repairs yourself.

Tags: auto insurance claims, auto insurance premium, car insurance company, car insurance discounts

Car Renter Auto Coverage Owensboro Kentucky

Reader’s Question:

Would you advise that I get car insurance on my own even if I would just be renting a car for a few months while I get settled here in Owensboro, Kentucky?

Adam

Owensboro, KY

Normally, it would always be to your advantage to try and get automobile insurance for yourself even if you don’t own a vehicle, most rental car insurance are either over-priced or lacking in appropriate insurance coverage. I’d rather suggest you use a dependable mass transportation system, if available, there in Owensboro, Kentucky, but it really depends on your circumstances. If you do see yourself renting a vehicle for at least six-months or will be borrowing someone else’s car for an extended period of time, it will be a smart move to get your own insurance in the form of a Non-owners Car Insurance policy.

Rental car insurance usually cost anywhere from $10 to $25 a day, and that’s on top of what you have to pay for in renting the vehicle on a daily basis. So spread that costs over a six-month period it can be very substantial and it may prove cost effective to get proper insurance on your own. In the event that you would need to borrow a vehicle from someone in the future, it will look very responsible in your end that you have insurance coverage even if you don’t have your own vehicle yet.

Keep in mind though that a Non-Owner’s Auto Insurance coverage is not the same as a regular car insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage for those instances when a car is damaged or destroyed due to non-car crash related events, might not be available, as well as towing reimbursement services.

Tags: auto insurance, auto insurance claims, car insurance, car insurance company

Reader’s Question:

A friend of mine told me that he works with an agent for his auto insurance here in Owensboro, Kentucky. What can an insurance agent do for me in case I consult one for my auto insurance?

Kaliyah

Owensboro, KY

We were accustomed before that customers buy auto insurance from an agent, but at present, auto insurance providers let their consumers buy their policies directly through speaking with a service representative over the phone or by doing it themselves online. Nonetheless, a lot of insurance providers have maintained their countrywide connections of local agents. Insurance agents are categorized as: (1) the captive agent who stands for a sole insurer and (2) the independent agent or the broker who embodies different insurers.

In case you have an insurance agent in Owensboro, Kentucky who works with you, you have an advantage that he/she would really want to make you satisfied in terms of your auto insurance policy. For that reason, the agent could recognize your unique condition and be of guidance in choosing the right policy. One insurance expert says that it’s better to have an agent, an independent agent if possible. This independent agent is very much knowledgeable about less beneficial situations of one insurer and can help you go to another insurer. You could even switch companies without switching your agent.

Tags: auto insurance, insurance agent

Reader’s Question:

Is it true that my father living here in Fayette, Kentucky can get senior citizen discounts towards his car insurance bills? He also has AARP membership, will that also help?

Martin

Fayette, KY

Hello Martin. Yes, it is definitely possible for your father to get discounts for being a senior citizen and still having to pay for car insurance. Admittedly, it will not be that easy at first since most car insurance providers view senior citizen drivers as having a bigger risk in getting involved in car accidents. This is due to the physical effects of aging slowing down their reflexes and how quickly they can see (poorer eyesight) and react to dangerous situations on the road. The higher the risk of getting involved in car accidents the higher the premiums you’ll have to pay car insurance companies for coverage.

Here are a few tips on how your father can get senior citizen discounts there in Fayette, Kentucky:

Defensive Driving Schools
Learn more about safe or defensive driving from accredited driving schools and you’re father can qualify for discounts on car insurance.

AARP
Since you’re father has AARP membership, there is a good chance that he may qualify for more discounts not only towards his car insurance, but towards his other expenses as well. Have him consult his current insurance provider to see what kind of discounts he can get for his membership.

Raise Deductibles
If your father is driving an older vehicle, consider having a higher deductible on the car. This should lower his car insurance premiums as well. Also, it will be helpful to ask directly for a discount. Most Insurance Providers have senior citizen discounts but don’t expect them to be proactive about it.

Tags: auto insurance, auto insurance claims, car insurance, car insurance company, car insurance discounts

Reader’s Question:

I need to know how to determine the Salvage value for my totaled vehicle here in Louisville, Kentucky. I don’t think my
car insurance company is giving me a fair price for my lost vehicle. Thanks!

Clark

Louisville, KY

Hi Clark, if you feel that you are not being given a fair amount (for the salvage value of your car) you can call up several different salvage or wrecking yards in or near Louisville, Kentucky so you can compare and compute the average that these yards are willing to pay for your totaled vehicle. That should give you a very good idea of how much salvage value your vehicle is worth. Generally though, around fifteen to twenty-five percent of your car’s retail value at the time you lost your vehicle is what’s used by most insurance adjusters.

Please note though that each car insurance company will have its own system in determining how much to pay you for the price of your vehicle loss. Some of the other factors that your car insurance provider may use to determine the salvage value includes: Current bluebook value, re-sale value with dealers, the car conditions and appraisal prior to the accident, newspaper listing of prices and current salvage values that may come from their own affiliated wrecking yards. They may also reference the current market value of another comparable vehicle. It is also interesting to note that the part of the vehicle that was severely damaged by the collision can also affect the salvage value of the car. Front-end damage will result in a lower salvage value as compared to a read-end damage.

Tags: auto insurance

Reader’s Question:

I just graduated from college here in Louisville, Kentucky and I got a new car as a gift from my parents. I do have to pay for my car expenses though, including car insurance. I’m curious though, how do car insurance companies compute my rate?

Allyson

Louisville, KY

There are a lot of different ways or tools every car insurance company use to determine your insurance rates. Generally the premium you pay for is directly related to the level of risk you pose as a driver based on the assessment of the provider. They would want to know if you’re the type who will file for a claim all the time or gets frequently involved in accidents. Data and information that are gathered when you inquire about getting car insurance such as driving records, age, gender, where you live and the type of car you drive are all factored in (along with some proprietary software or technology the car insurance provider may be using) to determine your car insurance rates.

So if you’re a male teenager, have been involved in multiple car accidents, or live in the big city then you can expect a very high auto insurance rate as compared to a female, middle aged driver with a good driving record driving in the country. It’s all about statistics and this is what car insurance providers use to minimize their expenses on claims as much as possible. You can, however, shop around and compare car insurance rates there in Louisville, Kentucky. You should get at least five quotes before making a decision on the best car insurance provider for your budget and needs.

Tags: auto insurance, auto insurance quotes, car insurance, cheap auto insurance