I recently got involved in a car accident here in Washington, and I would like to make sure I file my auto insurance claim correctly so I want to know what things I should remember to do.

Brendan

Seattle, WA

Filing an auto insurance claim is just one of those things in life that we hope we never have to do, but don’t want to end up doing wrong. There are, however, a few things you need to remember before filing that claim:

Do you really need to file a claim?
Yes, it is quite understandable, you pour good money in that auto insurance policy for your vehicle there in Washington, so why shouldn’t you file that insurance claim for that scratch on the bumper? Well, its called a deductible, and it can range from $200 to $750 against the amount of money your auto insurance provider will pay your for the damage repair. So if the damage is less than your deductible it is not cost effective. If the damage is minor and you can afford to have it repaired yourself, it would be highly recommended that you do so.

Remember also that once you file a claim, even just calling to inquire about it, your auto insurance company will tend to look at you as a higher risk customer. And this can cause your auto insurance rates to go up.

Keep track of all information you have, names and contact numbers of the other party or parties involved. Also you might get a call from the other party’s insurance provider for your version of the event so make sure you take down notes, especially who called you and what was discussed.

I am not satisfied with the service I get from my current insurance company here in East Seattle, Washington. My auto insurance and other coverage are ending soon so I’ll just cancel my policies altogether. If I don’t pay anything after the end of the coverage, it means that my insurance is canceled, right?

Bo

East Seattle, WA

You could opt to cancel your automobile insurance policy for several causes, and dissatisfaction is one of them. Be careful, though, that if you don’t give enough notification to your insurance provider, you may spend more or worse, it could have an effect on your credit rating. It has been a tradition for the majority of insurance providers to let their customers drop their policy at any time in the course of the policy term. All they need to do is to send a written notification that includes the exact date of termination.

Your auto insurance policy in East Seattle, Washington would not automatically be cancelled at the end of the coverage, so don’t assume that you could drop your policy by taking for granted the next bill. In case you don’t send them a notification that you’re terminating your policy, they would consequently send you a bill in advance for the following policy term’s premium payment. If you ignore it, they would drop your policy and it would go against your credit history. These details are not clearly explained in your policy; auto insurance providers always tell us that we can cancel our policies at the end of the coverage by not paying the next premium, but they never tell us about the consequences for not giving them any notification.

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!

Getting online quote for my auto insurance is probably a better way to go. What are the things that I should know before getting an online rate quote for my car insurance here Issaquah Plateau, Washington?

Collins

Issaquah Plateau, WA

Before getting an online rate quote for your car insurance in Issaquah Plateau, Washington, you need to make sure that the company you are going with has a good reputation. You can do this by doing a little research on your own by going online as well. If you find out that the auto insurance company is okay, you could then get a quote from them through their website. It is also a great idea to check out the state regulations for car insurance so that you could be sure you’re complying with the state law.

You need to have with you some personal details to be able to get a quote. If you’re going to add other members of the household in your auto insurance policy, you need their details as well. Normally, these details include your vehicle identification number, your driver’s license and social. Shop around by getting quotes from different insurance companies so that you can get the best rates possible. You could compare these quotes and decide which auto insurance company is the best for you.

A friend of mine was charged with DUI here in Washington while driving my vehicle. How will his drunk driving case affect my auto insurance rates?

Kailyn

Graham-Thrift, WA

If a friend of yours was charged with DUI in Graham-Thrift, Washington while driving your vehicle, then it would likely not have an effect on your auto insurance premiums. He must have gotten the charge written out to them in his name so that the DUI would go on his driving record and not cause you any troubles.

But if your friend got into a crash while driving your vehicle during this time, then the resulting claims will go on your claims record and hence can have an effect on your auto insurance rates. Insurance normally follows a vehicle first and the motorist second which means that if your friend was drunk driving in your vehicle, then it will be your auto insurance policy that will be gone to primarily and his insurance will be secondary or excess if your limits were exceeded. Also as owner of the vehicle, you have vicarious liability for people you allow to drive it so if all auto insurance limits were exceeded, then in most states, you and the driver could be held accountable for the damage he caused while driving your car.

My drivers license was suspended because of the DUI and my parents would like to add me to their car insurance policy in Everett, Washington. Will the insurance company be able to know about the DUI charge?

John

Everett, WA

I would recommend that you allow the car insurance carrier and your parents know that your driver’s license is suspended because of the driving under the influence charge. You should not drive a car or be insured on their auto insurance policy in Everett, Washington with a revoked or suspended license. You could place your parents or their auto insurance policy at risk for non-disclosure.

The insurance carrier can pull up your motor vehicle record when they try to add you to the auto insurance policy. They can disclose the information that they cannot add you because of your your drivers license is suspended because of DUI. They can give the inquirer for the information to use in order to contact the reporting agency.

I have a serious charge of DUI here in Washington and one of my biggest concerns is the problem I would have with my auto insurance. What consequence shall I face with regard to my auto insurance after being charged for DUI?

Bruce

Bellingham, WA

The consequence that you would have to face with regard to your auto insurance after your DUI charge in Bellingham, Washington is that you should file an SR22 auto insurance. This is a form for an auto insurance policy that you would have to obtain from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in order get your driver’s license reinstated and legally drive again.

The SR22 auto insurance would essentially become a written agreement between your insurance company and the DMV. The agreement would oblige your insurance company to provide accurate coverage for your specific needs and let the DMV know if your insurance company is no longer providing coverage for you for whatever reason. Generally, the DMV would suspend your driver’s license again after they have received the notice that your insurance company is no longer providing coverage for you. You have to find an auto insurance company that will give you coverage for the SR22 insurance if your current insurance company is not providing this for you. Good news is, an online rate quote for SR22 auto insurance is readily available from this website.