I am so worried about my brother because he was already convicted for DUI before here in Washington and he is once again charged for it. What are the possible consequences should he be convicted again this time?

Clarissa

Seattle, WA

First of all, it is highly advised that he should have a strong representation on his second DUI case so it is important that he hires a DUI lawyer. A second DUI in Washington means having committed the offense within seven years after the first conviction. This time, the consequences are severely bigger because he might be facing a mandatory jail time. Also, his driver’s license may be suspended for a longer period of time. So don’t ever wait to seek the advice of a DUI lawyer about this matter.

The consequences for a second DUI conviction in Washington include 30 days to one year in prison, 60 days of electronic home monitoring, at least $500-fine and two-year driver’s license suspension.

However, there are also consequences involved even if the case is still in trial, specifically if the first offense was just a recent one. The prosecutor would demand that the suspect has substantial conditions to be released from supervision while the DUI case is still pending. While the real aim of conditions of release is to safeguard the community and keep them secured, prosecutors contend that these conditions would make the accused sober, thus keeping the community safe. Alcohol supervision, electronic home monitoring and some other preventive devices are included in these conditions.

I’m buying a car soon and I want to find out how I can get good car insurance rates for it. Any tips?

Grey

Seattle, WA

Those who have bought car insurance before would tell you that having to call up many different agents or consulting brokers is not the most fun way to spend an afternoon. Luckily times have changed and it is now much easier to find the best car insurance rates for you. Here are some tips:

1. Compare Rates Online – Use car insurance comparison websites. You get free access to the latest car insurance quotes and are able to compare offers coming from many different car insurers simultaneously. This is the quickest way to maximize your chances of finding the best rates out there in very little time at all.

2. Visit Rating Agency Websites – You want to spend some time on the websites of agencies like Moodys, A.M. Best and J.D. Powers. These are independent rating agencies that can tell you which companies have the best scores when it comes to customer service, pricing, claims handling, etc. This will help you identify the best car insurers to go with.

3. Get Some Discounts – Getting cheap quotes is one thing, being able to reduce your total insurance rates is another. Discounts are an excellent way to do this. There are a lot available so there’s a good chance you’ll qualify for at least one. Always ask an insurer about discount options.

4. Optimize Your Coverage – Go on a yearly payment plan if you can, this will reduce your rates or make you eligible for discounts. Remove unnecessary coverage items on your policy as well. You also probably don’t need full comprehensive coverage if you drive an old vehicle as well.

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.

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.

I have a daughter who is already in college. Last holiday she came home and had requested for a car. I don’t have any problem with that but buying a car means getting another car insurance. What are the possibilities that I will be able to get a cheaper car insurance here in Seattle, Washington for my daughter? Are there any ways of availing the cheapest one?

Lila

Seattle, WA

In most cities, including Seattle, Washington, there are actually many ways of availing cheap car insurance for your children who is already in the right age to drive. Availing insurance in the name of your child is far more expensive. You might as well check the insurance requirement of the city where her university is located to ensure if your policy is compatible with the State law.

One way of getting a cheaper insurance is, when your child is an A student. If the child is able to maintain a desirable average, you can lower your premium. You can also check your insurance company all the ways to get a lower car insurance but protects your child well in case of accidents. You can also ask for roadside assistance that will assist your child if ever they are going out on the road everytime they are having their breaks from school. If there’s a chance that your child is leaving her car at home you can expect to have a lower premium, since you are going to lessen the drivers on the road. You have to make sure that either in your name or your child’s, you have to get them car insurance.

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!

I’m a busy career woman and I want to look for cheaper Car Insurance here in Seattle, Washington but the problem is, I don’t have any means on how to, Is there any way that I can shop a Car Insurance through the internet?

Lila

Seattle, WA

With this century, yes, you can already do shopping online not only for clothes, appliances and other technologies but also insurances—life insurance and definitely car insurance. The good thing with this is, it’s just like a marketplace where you can choose the best one for you for there are many varieties. There are online car insurance companies and agents that have reasonable rates for you. And I assure that car insurance shopping online can give you dependable and rapid service that is reasonable enough for you.

There are Car Insurance Companies that are also online in Seattle, Washington that offers all the citizens of every city in the state. You just have to request quotes from the Car Insurance Website you have searched. You can also see that there has been a change in the Car Insurance rates as years pass by here in Washington. As for 2003, Car Insurance rates have increased for 18%. But you can see a decrease of O.5% in 2007. This was the first time that Car Insurance has decreased. Other Insurance Companies are doing the best they can to make the Car Insurance to be affordable to everyone. Save money and time, get online and request for quotes now.

I just recently purchased a vintage car that I need to insure here in Seattle, Washington. Will my car have special requirements if I get an insurance for it?

Fletcher

Seattle, WA

A lot of people who buy vintage or classic cars usually don’t use those cars as their regular car. A lot of vintage cars are kept in very good condition and very well hold a special place in the owner’s hearts. So it would be necessary to buy the perfect kind of insurance for those vintage cars.

Your vintage car in Seattle, Washington would have special requirements in obtaining auto insurance for it. You can insure your vehicle under a normal policy but you could be paying higher insurance rates. Also, that certain insurance policy may not provide coverage for the special needs of your vintage car. Together with the age of your vintage car (older than 15 years), most car insurance providers would require that the car you’d like to insure is not used for commercial purposes and also not used as the primary car. There may also be some restrictions such as the allotted miles you could drive the car. You need to find a car insurance company that specializes in vintage cars because most car insurance companies would not understand that repairing any kind of damage using original and hard to find parts is necessary.

My sister has just been recently charged with DUI here in Washington. She was thinking about just pleading guilty to her charge but her DUI lawyer advised her that she has an option for a deferred prosecution. I didn’t get the chance to ask her what it is. So, what does it mean if she will have a deferred prosecution?

Shirley

Seattle, WA

In Washington, when facing a DUI charge, one can plead guilty, go to trial or have a deferred prosecution. This is nothing more than a contract and by entering to this, you agree to do five things. Your DUI case is dismissed at the end of the contract if you do the five things. The five things are required by statute which means that a judge must include all five in the contract.

First is that you must get an alcohol evaluation and the evaluation must say that you are an alcoholic which means you would have two years of alcohol classes. A lesser evaluation would disqualify you from being granted a deferred prosecution. Second is that you will be under probation for five years. Third is that you should have good behavior for five years which means you should have no new criminal law violations. Fourth is that you have to go to Victims Impact Panel class where you listen to family members of people who have been killed by drunk drivers. Last is that you should have an ignition interlock device installed in any vehicle you drive.

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.