My family had just moved in here in Washington for my job offer. I have current car insurance in another state and I just don’t know if my recent coverage is applicable here in Washington. Is there any imposed car insurance coverage here to be followed?

Greg

Kent, WA

Every citizen in Washington is suppose to have a car insurance and because of this there are so many ways of getting car insurance as fast as you can. Car insurance here in this state is a must for the protection of the citizens in case they get any accidents or troubles along the way.

The other thing that the state asks with regards of car insurances is that they should at least have a Liability Coverage or at least increase your Liability Coverage than getting a lot of different coverage with different minimums since even if you combine the different coverage minimums it still not enough to meet all the claims in any accident on the road. Though Car Insurance Companies offer you such other car insurance coverage like collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection, uninsured or underinsured motorist and the like it doesn’t mean that the State of Washington impose you to get these coverage. In any offers whether the car insurance company or the state you still have the final say. If the state imposed something about such coverage and if you don’t think you need it you just have to relinquish or get a reduction form telling them about your decision.

My parents own three cars and I drive each of them once in a while. How would I know if I am covered under their car insurance here in Washington?

Orin

Bellevue, WA

These days, a lot of families own more than one vehicle because most family members are always on the go. Most families register each of their vehicles under only one name since car insurance providers normally check the driving record of the vehicle owner before selling car insurance policy. The other family members then become named drivers on the insurance policy and this procedure is legally accepted and could be able to save money on your premiums. To determine if you are part of your family’s car insurance policy in Bellevue, Washington and have sufficient coverage, here are some things to follow:

–You may ask every family member if your vehicles’ insurance is under one name.

–You may request the registered family member to inform your insurer to include your name in the policy.

–You may contact the insurance provider to verify that you name is included in the policy.

–You may obtain a copy of the policy and verify all the names and be sure that your name has been added properly.

–Examine the kind of coverage you have because in some instances, you could not be covered comprehensively.

–You should drive the car only after getting affirmation that you are included in the policy and make sure that you have a photocopy of the policy when you drive one of your vehicles.

I’m originally from Canberra Australia but have recently moved to East Seattle Washington to work. My problem is, I learned to drive on the other side of the road and am worried I might get into an accident while learning to drive the American way. What kind of auto insurance coverage is available here?

Ethan

East Seattle Washington WA

Hi Mate! Welcome to East Seattle Washington WA. I hope your work works out and that you enjoy your stay here enough to stay.

Now, to answer your question: there are at least six types of coverage you can get when you buy auto insurance. Among these, liability coverage would be the first thing you’ll require. I believe you already know how to drive fairly well, except that you need to adjust to driving on the other side of the road. Liability coverage will allow you to feel some level of security that in case of an accident, your insurance will cover property damage as well as bodily injury. Furthermore, liability coverage will take care of legal fees in case the accident is your fault. The limit of coverage for each of these items will be indicated in your auto insurance policy as a set of three numbers. For instance, 25/50/20 means (a) $25,000 for bodily injury (BI) for each person up to a total of $50,000; and (b) $20,000 for damage to property (PD) will be covered per accident. Note that BI includes medical bills and lost wages, as well, while PD covers repair and/or replacement of property that was damaged.

Should you wish to know more about other types of auto insurance coverage as well as the approximate cost of premiums in East Seattle Washington WA, just key in your zip code in the box on this page. Don’t hesitate to write again if you need more information. Cheers, Mate!