I intend to purchase a hybrid vehicle here in Washington and I was told that I can save on car insurance using that type of car. How much savings can it cost me for having a hybrid vehicle?

Phil

Kennewick, WA

Car manufacturers are aware that various kinds of hybrids are popular so they are bringing in a lot of new models to meet with an increasing customer crave for hybrid automobiles that match their way of living. And as each hybrid automobile help save the ecosystem, the hybrid car that you intend to purchase in Washington will aid in saving you money as well.

To make having a hybrid vehicle reasonably priced for most people, car insurance providers come about with ground-breaking answers to pay in return for those environmental-friendly motorists. For instance, there are new insurance programs which give bonus to motorists who own or lease hybrid automobiles through providing discounts on their car insurance premiums. Some car insurance providers offer up to 10 percent discount on car insurance premiums to hybrid car owners. They say that giving incentive to customers who have green behavior is their response to the adjustment of customer attitudes toward vehicles. While we are in front of increasing gas prices and environmental issues, car manufacturers are exerting effort to sustain the emerging demand for hybrid cars. The fame of hybrid car would most probably remain to rush forward with new gas economy standards arranged to go into operation in the US in 2017.

My rates has recently been increased by my car insurance provider here in Washington. I’m wondering if my recent traffic violation got anything to do with it. Can you tell me what factors can affect my insurance rates?

Jeffrey

Seattle, WA

It is quite possible that the added traffic violation ticket against your driving record there in Washington may very well caused your increased auto insurance rates. It really depends on how many violations you’ve had before and how the latest violation could have tipped your record off into a “high-risk” driver. There are other factors to consider whenever an auto insurance provider evaluates, or re-evaluates your record. It is quite possible that falling within a certain age group, such as becoming a senior citizen, could have also caused your insurance to increase. Elderly drivers, along with teenagers, are also considered to be high-risk drivers and therefore the cost of insurance for them is high as well.

Your credit history also has an impact on how your car insurance premiums come out. Simply put, a bad credit rating shows your not able to handle your finances or bills well and this will be taken by insurance companies as an indication of how good you take care of everything else, including how safe you are while driving on the road. It is important to realize that the major reason your car insurance provider will raise their premiums is due to an event or something that you may have done that puts you at a higher probability of filing a claim. The added premium compensates for the added risk the company is taking to insure you and your vehicle.

Is it gonna be automatic that I would have a rate increase on my car insurance if I’d be in an accident caused by DUI or drunk driving here in Vancouver, Washington?

Herbert

Vancouver, WA

No, it’s not gonna be automatic that you would have a rate increase on your car insurance in case you cause an accident in Vancouver, Washington. Some car insurance companies, believe it or not, give their customers a one-time “get out of jail free” pass. So in case you make a claim on your first at-fault accident because of drunk driving, you may not see any increase on your car insurance premium at the renewal time. But this kind of practice, sometimes known as forgiveness, is not industry-wide so consider yourself lucky if your car insurance company holds your rate steady after a drunk driving accident.

Car insurance companies that forgive those first-time accidents often require that you fit a certain profile so that you will not have a rate increase on your car insurance premiums. If you are shopping for car insurance, it would be a good idea to ask an independent agent or an insurance company if they offer first-time accident forgiveness. It could save you 20% or more on your car insurance over the long haul.

I have a DUI conviction a year ago here in Washington. I need to renew my auto insurance. What will happen to my insurance? Is there a chance that it can be renewed?

Cyrus

Seattle, WA

Most insurance companies check your motor vehicle record only once every three years or if you are applying for a new policy. Sometimes, tickets, accidents and DUI convictions could escape their attention or do not end up on your motor vehicle record. But if they find out about your Washington DUI conviction, two things are likely to happen.

First is that your insurance company would likely raise your car insurance premiums and label you as a high-risk driver if it finds out you have been convicted of DUI. Second is that your insurance company may cancel your mid-term or terminate the policy at the end of the term, especially if you’re currently in a preferred class. They would send a notice stating why you’ve been canceled.

Washington state law requires DUI convicts to get an SR-22 from their insurance company so you cannot hide. Your insurance company would have to provide the DMV with an SR-22 form which removes your license suspension by providing the state with proof of your insurance. If your insurance company cancels your auto insurance for any reason, an SR22 also means your insurance company would have to notify the DMV about this. You will likely have to file proof of insurance for three or five years with Washington DMV in this case. Some insurance companies do not offer SR22 policies, so you may also be canceled or non-renewed because your insurance company can no longer provide what you need.