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.

My cousin wanted to get a lawyer to help him on his DUI charge here in Bethesda, Maryland but he’s worried it’s expensive to hire one. How would he decide whether or not to pay for a DUI lawyer?

Hazel

Bethesda, MD

Private lawyers charge anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000 or more to represent someone charged with a misdemeanor DUI so it’s understandable that your cousin is pretty much worried about the cost of a DUI lawyer to help him on his DUI charge in Bethesda, Maryland. The aforementioned amount also does not include what they charge additionally for trial. Your cousin needs to save himself some expense by evaluating his own DUI case to see if he needs a lawyer or if he’d just be paying the lawyer to get same deal that he can get on his own.

Your cousin needs to check his Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) because if he was tested to have more than 0.08%, that’s the reason why he was charged with DUI. But even if he was tested to have a BAC lower than 0.08%, the DA may prove that he was under the influence or he had impaired driving. He needs to be aware that if his BAC was 0.10% or more, his chance of getting the charges reduced is slim to none regardless if he has a lawyer. Remember that he would also have higher chances of getting increased rates on his car insurance because of his DUI charge and a lawyer could help him on that. You could tell him to get a free quote from this website if he is not yet insured or planning to switch companies.

After my DUI charge in Bethesda, Maryland, I understand that my auto insurance would likely go up because I need to get SR22 insurance along with it. I’m getting frustrated now because I can’t seem to find a low SR22 car insurance. What are the things that I can do to lower the cost of my SR22 auto insurance?

Helena

Bethesda, MD

There are a lot of things that you could do to actually lower the cost of your SR22 auto insurance after your DUI charge in Bethesda, Maryland. The first option that you have is that you could simply raise your deductible. If at all possible, you could try to obtain an auto insurance with a deductible of one thousand dollars. But if you are very much worried that you could not afford a higher deductible, then you might want to set aside any money you’re saving from using a lower premium deductible. While carrying an SR22 auto insurance form, you could lower your actual auto insurance. For you to be able to get the lowest possible auto insurance, you could actually lower your current coverage to the state required minimum.

The SR22 auto insurance is required by the Department of Motor Vehicles as a proof of financial responsibility. If you are getting frustrated because you can’t seem to find a low SR22 auto insurance, you might be surprised to find the lowest possible rate if you get an online rate quote now from this very website.

I was charged with DWI in Maryland. I heard that there are two kinds of cases a DUI suspect has to face in the State of Maryland, what are these?

John

Bethesda, MD

In the State of Maryland, there are two cases a person charged with DUI has to face. First is the administrative driver’s license action. During this first part of the case, you may likely lose your driving privileges because of your DUI charge in Bethesda, Maryland. There is a possibility of a partial or even complete suspension of your driving license.

The second part is the court case. This may mean facing a jail term and paying for financial penalties. There may be specific factors that will aggravate your case. These factors, if present, will more likely increase your penalties and punishments.

The factors I’m talking about include accidents resulting to partial or total disability, accidents resulting to death, incidents like delivering babies while inside a motor vehicle, and etc. In this situation, it is wise to hire a specialized DUI lawyer as early as the time of your arrest. Your DUI lawyer will be able to let you know the latest developments in the DUI legal framework and rules.

One important thing that you need to think of if you’re charged with DUI in the State of Maryland is that you need to apply for a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administrative hearing within 10 days from the date you were arrested. If this is not done, then your driver’s license will be suspended. Then, you have to hire an experienced DUI lawyer and he will be able to help you with your case.