Reader’s Question:
I just moved here in Maryland and I need to buy new auto insurance coverage. I came from a state that doesn’t require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. How about here in Maryland, are those types of coverage required?
Lawrence
Bethesda, MD
In the State of Maryland, it will be a requirement that you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in your auto insurance policy. In this case, you will have coverage if get into an accident and find out that the other motorist doesn’t have enough or doesn’t have auto insurance at all. A lot of auto insurance professionals suggest this kind of auto insurance coverage, not only it is required in some states, but also it may come in handy in any instance that the other driver has little or no auto insurance. Based on a research, the approximate number of uninsured motorists could reach up to 25% in some states.
Not only uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage could pay for you in case of an accident, but also for your passengers as well as damage to your own property if the crash was caused by the other motorist who is not insured or has little coverage. In case of a hit-and-run, it is considered as uninsured motorist because it is related to uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI). In these instances, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage could cover your damages. Be reminded as well that uninsured and underinsured motorist types of coverage are separate but it can be bought together in some states.
Reader’s Question:
Would my car insurance rates here in Maryland, still increase even for minor traffic violations where the most that I got is a ticket?
Suzanne
Dundalk, MD
Although minor traffic violations themselves may not be enough to cause your insurance rates to significantly rise, accumulating traffic violations will and if this particular driving violation becomes one too many, you’re insurance rates can definitely increase and that’s aside from the possibility of your driver’s license getting revoked as well as heavy fines and penalties. What you don’t want to happen here is to allow your car insurance provider there in Maryland to file your record under ‘High-Risk” and repeatedly getting points against your driver’s license wouldn’t help you much in accomplishing that.
Here are some additional tips to help you keep auto insurance rates in check:
Maintain Continuous Coverage
Don’t allow your car insurance policy to get canceled. It will be much harder for you, not to mention a lot more expensive, to get reinstate one again.
Drive Safely and Responsibly
Be a safe driver. You really can’t afford to add anymore violations. This will be in your records for years and it will years of hard work to get these cleared up and the same amount of time before your insurance rates goes further down.
Enroll in Defensive Driving Classes
Not only will you learn additional skills in keeping yourself and your passengers safe, taking defensive diving classes will also qualify you for additional discounts towards your insurance premiums as well.
Reader’s Question:
Do you have any tips on how a part-time working, law-abiding, god-fearing senior citizen here in Baltimore, Maryland can save on car insurance expenses?
Angela
Baltimore, MD
There are a lot of people out there (especially the fast-aging baby boomer generation) who knows exactly how you feel when car insurance expenses suddenly begin to climb. Due to the effects of aging, such as poorer eyesight, reflexes not as sharp as before, and weaker stamina, car insurance providers have considered the elderly drivers to be at a higher risk in getting involved in car accidents. The higher the risk the auto insurance company will have to take-in, the bigger the insurance premium a customer will be charged as compensation.
There are ways to still maintain inexpensive car insurance there in Baltimore, Maryland even if you’re above 60 years old:
Drive Safely
Quite obvious but you really can’t afford to get any traffic violations or get involved even in minor car accidents that could further escalate your already high-pegged insurance premiums.
Take Defensive Driving Lessons
It’s never too late to take those safe driving or defensive driving classes. Your car insurance provider will provide discounts for taking accredited defensive driving courses.
Increase your Deductible.
A higher deductible means lower insurance premiums. But don’t raise it too much or you might not be able to pay your deductible when you actually need it.
Membership Discounts
If you have AARP or is retied from the military, there are insurance providers that car give you additional discounts. Ask your auto insurance company if they have senior citizen discounts available
Reader’s Question:
My friends here in Maryland told me that females are given special considerations by car insurers. How can I avail discounts when I get my car insurance policy?
Donna
Towson, MD
Your friends there in Maryland seem to be familiar enough about the dynamics of car insurance. Yes, they are right females actually are lucky to have the opportunity to avail cheaper car insurance premium rates than males. There are various reasons for this, which include: first, you are statistically driving safer than females; and second, females are usually driving lesser distance than males.
The first reason provides warrant for car insurance provider to rate female only car insurance lower than the other sex because it is the male that are usually involved in roadway accidents and not females. On the other hand, the latter reason speaks much of the experiences of car insurance providers to their clients. Female clients are usually insuring cars that are often used just for going to and from the grocery or marketplace, thus, only travel short distances and on a frequent basis. These are very potential reasons for you to be granted of discount opportunities when you get your own policy.
However, be informed as well that there are certain conditions in which you might get the same rates given to males. One instance could be when you include your husband or any family members to the data of your car insurance policy.
Reader’s Question:
This is the first time ever that I am shopping for my very own auto insurance here in Dundalk, Maryland. I was advised that I should get higher deductible to save money and that I may opt not to have collision coverage since I have an older car, what do these things mean?
Carolyn
Dundalk, MD
You could get a lot of savings on your auto insurance in Maryland if you have higher deductible. The deductible on your auto insurance would be the cost that you have to shell out from you own pocket before your auto insurance provider starts paying the remainder. So this means that you pay a small amount in case of an accident and your auto insurance provider pay for the weighty bumps. For instance, if the deductible on your auto insurance is $500 and the damage of an accident you are involved is $2000, you would have to pay $500 and our insurance provider would have to pay $1,500. But you can have a deductible of $1,000 because this could nonetheless protect you from great losses, but it could lessen you premiums by as big as 30%.
Collision insurance would pay for the damage on your vehicle from any collision such as with another vehicle, light post or even a mailbox. Since you have an older car and if it is not that valuable, you may choose not to have collision coverage. If your vehicle’s value is less than $200, you will likely pay out more having a collision coverage that its value. After all, you are driving an older vehicle to save some money, right?
Reader’s Question:
What money saving tips can you give me on my car insurance here in Maryland? I drive an old vehicle and although it still runs fine, it has seen better days. Thanks!
Manolo
Aspen Hill, MD
Even if you have an older vehicle you could still get savings towards your car insurance rates. You just have to know how and where to look. The level of savings that you can get however is greatly dependent on the type of vehicle you have there in Aspen Hill, Maryland. Here are a few tips and suggestions on how to save much needed dollars off your car insurance bills:
Bigger Deductibles
It may be more cost effective for you to increase to a higher deductible since this will lower the regular insurance premiums you pay. Also, if the vehicle is old enough and has had major damages before, it may cost you less overall to have the vehicle repair yourself, in the event of a minor car accident, as compared to the total amount of money you’ll be shelling out just to maintain the coverage.
Lower Comprehensives
You may also choose to lower and eliminate some items on your comprehensive insurance coverage. Comprehensive insurance is mostly beneficial and cost effective on more expensive, newer vehicles. Again, this depends on the condition of the car you own. If you’re not concerned about the cosmetic repairs or just waiting for the car’s last breath then why carry comprehensive insurance at all?
Defensive Driving Classes
Accredited driving schools and courses in your state can qualify you for additional discounts as well for being a safer driver.
Reader’s Question:
I’m used to having a straight payment for my car insurance here in Gaithersburg, Maryland. But due to a very tight budget, I may have to pay instalment plan once I renew my policy. Would that be advisable to do or do I really have to find a way to pay all at once to get lower rates?
Orland
Gaithersburg, MD
Instead of having an upfront payment wherein you pay your premiums all at the same time, you may also opt to pay partially for the premiums. This way, you can split up the payments for the premiums of your car insurance in Gaithersburg, Maryland into instalment plan. The premium fees are normally being paid up every six months, every quarter or every month, but almost all insurance providers have an administrative fee for dividing the payments. It may be just a few dollars every time you make a payment, however, the more you split up the payment, the more it counts up.
Before you renew your policy, make sure that you inquire about the fees for paying partially for the premiums. If you think that the fees would not be so big, it could be worth a try. But keep in mind that insurance providers could cancel your policy if you have so many late payments, with the minimal notice. So if you could be able to pay the premiums for your car insurance all at the same time, it could make things easier and save you some money.
Reader’s Question:
My husband has recently gotten traffic violations here in Bowie, Maryland and I’m afraid its causing our car insurance expenses to go through the roof! Would it be a good idea to exclude him from our car insurance policy for the time being?
Luisa
Bowie, MD
Dear Luisa, you may be surprised to hear that there are a lot of people who share your sentiments. A spouse’s bad driving record can definitely cause you to pay hefty, inflated premiums in your car insurance. I’m sure this is not something you would want to experience, especially if you’ve worked hard all your life to be a responsible and safe driver as well as maintain a good driving history. Almost all states and auto insurance providers will allow you to exclude or remove spouses with less-than-stellar driving records off their husband’s/ wife’s auto insurance coverage.
Please do take note that once you do remove your husband from your current insurance coverage, he will be completely unprotected in the event of a car accident. Not unless you’re sure he wont be driving anytime soon, both of you might end up paying more in the event he does have a car accident or causes injury or destruction of property.
Here’s a suggestion: If your husband can afford to take public transportation the its highly recommended if he wont have any car insurance policy, otherwise you may decide to pay the higher premiums for now. You can have him enroll in Drivers Education or Defensive Driving Classes to help improve his skills in road safety. This should also give him much needed plus points and improve his driving records and eventually, after a couple of years accident and violation free, both of you can enjoy lower insurance premiums again.
Reader’s Question:
Car insurance is one thing that I need to buy that I hope I would never have to use. I need some help in choosing the right one for me here in Maryland because this is actually the first time that I am buying my own car insurance. To make sure that I get the right type of coverage, what tips can you give me once I shop for my car insurance?
Taj
Silver Spring, MD
In buying your own car insurance in Silver Spring, Maryland for the first time, you need to first determine how much car insurance is necessary. The amount of car insurance that is essential would depend on a lot of elements which include your assets and liabilities, whether you have dependents, and the amount that you can afford from your own pocket. It will be a great idea to seek help of an insurance agent who can help you figure out your insurance needs.
The procedures are basically the same whatever kind of insurance you are purchasing. Once you came to a decision as to what kind of insurance and how much coverage you need, you could start getting in touch with car insurance providers online, through phone or an insurance agent for you to be able to get quotes. Car insurance premium rates greatly differ so you have to acquire quotes from various insurance providers. Make a comparison from these quotes and take a look at each coverage. Be certain as well that the car insurance provider that you choose is trustworthy, has good customer service and good name in paying claims. You can go online or through public libraries to check the ratings of insurance companies based on their ability to pay claims.
Reader’s Question:
Winter’s here in Baltimore, Maryland are really harsh and I know this can cause my car insurance rates to climb. What steps can I do to make sure that I’m preparing my car for winter?
Ian
Baltimore, MD
Winter, a time of beautiful snow, and spending evenings in front of the fireplace sipping hot cups of chocolates. Its also the season where car insurance rates can, and do, go through the roof! What with visibility-plunging blizzards, tricky ice-covered roads, heavy snowfall and other winter driving conditions elevating the risk of accidents on the road what does an average driver and car insurance payer to do? Here’s a few tips on how to keep your car insurance costs there in Baltimore, Maryland in check come winter time.
Have A Pre-Winter Car Check
Nows as good time as any to bring the car to your trusted mechanic. Check to make sure your tires have enough air pressure. Check your car’s anti-freeze and brake fluid. Make sure headlights are not busted, wipers ready and the heater working.
Constant Vigilance!
Skidding on ice while suddenly needing to brake and zero visibility are just a few of the challenges you are facing while driving during the winter. You also have to worry about other cars out there having the same problems as well. Driving safely and constantly being alert is paramount for your safety. Negotiate corners carefully and avoid tailgating. Stick to major highways as well since they’re well plowed and maintained against snow buildup.
Prepare
Keeping an extra key here, an ice scraper there, an extra tire, flashlights, blanket and food stored properly in the compartment can be, literally, a lifesaver when you find yourself stuck on the snow. Also have emergency numbers handy.