Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance is a type of professional liability insurance that protects individuals and companies from claims made by clients who have suffered financial losses due to errors or negligence on the part of the insured. E&O insurance can be essential for professionals who provide advice, expertise, or services to clients, such as lawyers, accountants, consultants, and even handymen. If a client sues you for negligence or errors in your work, your E&O insurance policy can help cover the cost of legal fees, settlements, and judgments up to the policy limits. This type of insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection for professionals facing legal claims related to their work.

1.Hire only licensed contractors. 2.Check the contractor’s license number by utilizing our Online Contractor Search or by contacting the Nevada State Contractors Board: Southern Nevada: Address: 2310 Corporate Circle, Ste 200 Henderson, NV 89074  Phone: (702) 486-1100  Fax: (702) 486-1190  Northern Nevada: Address: 9670 Gateway Drive, Ste 100 Reno, NV 89521  Phone: (775) 688-1141  Fax: (775) 688-1271  Hours of Operation Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm 3.Get three references and review past work. 4.Get at least three bids. 5.Get a written contract and do not sign anything until you completely understand the terms. 6.For pool contracts, pay 10% down or $1,000 – whichever is less, if a deposit is required. 7.Don’t let payments get ahead of the work. Keep a record of all payments. Don’t make a final payment until you are satisfied with the job. 8.Don’t pay cash. 9.Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project. 10.Check the contractor’s record with the Better Business Bureau in your area or visit their website at www.bbb.org

10 Tips for Making Sure Your Contractor Measures Up:

Handyman Contractor, Residential Limited (CCB): This contractor may arrange, and/or perform an unlimited amount of unrelated building trades on any residential property or small commercial property. This category includes new homebuilders, remodelers and contractors who work on residential and small commercial property.

A contractor is only eligible for this classification if they meet all of the following:

• You expect to gross less than $40,000 from your construction business in the next year.
• You do not contract to perform any work that exceeds $5,000.
• The value of any work you perform does not exceed $5,000 per job site per year.
• The Construction Contractors Board (CCB) may inspect your business’ Oregon Dept. of Revenue tax records to verify any of the above.
• You agree that if your gross construction business volume exceeds $40,000 during the coming year, you will immediately notify the CCB, change your category, increase your bond and your insurance coverage.

Owner-Builders in Hawaii A Guide to State Regulations: Before you sign on the dotted line… Chapter 444 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) requires that a licensed contractor be hired for any construction work which is more than $1,000 or for which a building permit is required. This contractor is considered the responsible and liable party of record for the construction described in the permit. Property owners who are building or improving their own home or business site, however, can register as an Owner-Builder with their county building department. This exempts owners from the requirements to be licensed as contractors, yet still allows them to obtain building permits. In order to protect and inform consumers about the legal consequences of being an Owner-Builder, the law requires that each applicant must sign a Disclosure Statement provided by the county building departments.

This page discusses some of the major responsibilities and potential liabilities of being an Owner- Builder. What is the definition of owner-builder? Chapter 444, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) defines owner-builders as owners or lessees of property who build or improve structures on property for their own use, or for use by their immediate family. How do I qualify as a builder-owner? You must register for a permit as an owner-builder at the Building Permit department in your County Building office and comply with the laws defining your responsibilities. Are there any restrictions on owner-builder exemption permits? As an owner-builder, a homeowner acts as its own contractor. However, all electrical and plumbing work must be performed by contractors licensed to perform that work. The structure cannot be sold or leased or offered for sale or lease within one (1) year after completion of the construction. If a person obtains an owner-builder exemption more than once within a two year period, that person is presumed under the law to be in violation of the exemption requirements.

What are the major responsibilities of an owner-builder? As an owner-builder, you are acting as your own general contractor overseeing that the work complies with all applicable laws, building codes and zoning regulations. It is your responsibility to insure that all subcontractors hired by you have the appropriate licenses required by state laws and county ordinances. As a general contractor, you may be acting as the employer of an worker or unlicensed contractors you hire. As an employer, you must comply with all employer requirements such as deducting and paying the State, FICA, and withholding taxes, and providing unemployment, temporary disability and workers’ compensation insurance for those workers. What are the risks of hiring an unlicensed contractor? You may be sued by an unlicensed individual who is injured while working on your project or be required to pay workers’ compensation or other insurance coverage if a claim is filed and an employer-employee relationship is determined.

How do owner-builders find themselves liable for these claims? An unlicensed contractor may persuade a property owner to obtain an owner-builder permit, and then have that unlicensed contractor do the work. The owner is considered the actual employer of any workers hired by an unlicensed contractor. Licensed contractors or subcontractors are only qualified to do specified types of construction. A licensed contractor working outside its company contracting license classification is considered an unlicensed contractor on the job. Does everyone engaging in contracting activity need to be licensed? The most frequently used and abused exemption in the contractor law is the $1,000 exemption, commonly referred to as the “handyman” exemption. The handyman exemption permits the hiring of a person not licensed as a contractor if the total cost of the project including labor, materials, taxes, and all other items if equal to, or less than $1,000. This exemption does not apply in any case where: 1. a building permit is required no matter what the total contract price is; 2. for electrical and plumbing work; 3. where the work is parceled out into multiple projects. Are there penalties for owner-builder violations? Depending on the type of infraction, a first offense may result in a fine of up to $5,000 or 40% of the appraised value of the building, whichever is greater. Subsequent violations may result in a fine of $10,000 or 50% of the building’s appraised value.

How can a property owner be protected? Hire contractors that you have confirmed are properly licensed and current in all employer withholdings and insurances. Contact the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (586-3000) for licensing information. You may call the Regulated Industries Complaints Office’s (RICO) complaints history line (808) 586- 2677) to check if there are any complaints against a contractor. If I am having problems with my contractor and want to file a complaint, who do I call? You may call the Regulated Industries Complaints Office, Consumer Resource Center, at (808) 587- 3222. Government Agencies Ready to Assist You The state Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO) has jurisdiction over complaints relating to licensed or unlicensed contractors. Call the Consumer Resource Center at (808) 587-3222 if you have a consumer complaint. From the neighbor islands, call the state toll-free telephone number listed below. (You will then be asked to dial the last five digits of the state phone number you want to call, then press the # sign.): Kauai 274-3141 Hawaii 974-4000 Maui 984-2400 Molokai/Lanai (800)468-4644 Call (808) 586-2677 for complaint history information. To check if a contractor is licensed, contact the state Professional and Vocational Licensing Division at (808) 586-3000.

Why should I hire a licensed handyman contractor? The cost of buying and owning a home is probably the biggest investment made by most people in their lifetime. Property owners therefore often look for the lowest price when looking to build or remodel a home. Since most unlicensed contractors are not bonded or insured and do not pay into the residential contractors’ recovery fund or pay any unemployment compensation for their workers, they can often under bid the licensed professional. This bottom line may at first be attractive to the property owner, as a way to lower costs and save money. Most of the time, it is not.

With the unprecedented growth in the country, and especially in the southwest, hundreds and even thousands of “would-be” contractors have appeared. People who may have worked as a laborer or a framer for a short period of time decide that they are ready to start their own business. In spite of the fact that they lack sufficient capital and experience, they print up fliers, distribute business cards and place an ad in the yellow pages.

In an attempt to get “the best price”, the unsuspecting customer calls the number listed on the flier or in the ad and asked for a bid. Often, such operations are run out of a mail drop or on an answering machine, but someone usually calls the customer back. When you get the bid, you are really pleased at how much this person / company says they can save you. You may even see “licensed, bonded and insured” on the business card or in the ad. Then the story begins. The contractor tells you he is going to need a large portion of the money up front. He may say he needs it to purchase materials, or to pay workers for another job where the property owner is slow to pay. He may even tell you about the unexpected medical bills he had to pay for a sick child (that he really doesn’t have), in hopes of gaining your sympathy.

At first things may seem fine. In a day or two a worker shows up and starts measuring, or a small load of material is delivered to the job site. Then the excuses begin. After a week has passed, with no work being done, you call your unlicensed contractor. All you get is a recorded message, so you leave a message, politely requesting a return phone call. Several more days passed, with no response, so you call and leave another message, not as polite as the first. When the contractor does call, he is very apologetic and tells you about some catastrophe involving either his truck, his family, his help or another job he just had to complete. He promises to get right on your job the next day. A week later he still hasn’t shown up, or he does show up and says he needs more money.

Sound ridiculous? Well it happens every day, often with the consumer losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. You, as the property owner have little recourse other than to pursue the matter in court.  Hiring a licensed contractor offers many additional protections to the property owner, especially regarding residential property. First of all, a contractor can not obtain a license without possessing a minimum amount of experience and must pass a business management test. The applicant also may be subjected to a criminal history background check, and must not have any unresolved contracting complaints outstanding.

Should you experience the above problems with licensed contractor, you as a residential property owner have significant protections not available to persons utilizing an unlicensed contractor. Among them is the ability to file a complaint against the contractor’s license, in most cases, for a period of two years from the date of occupancy or date the last work was performed. This is your guarantee should the workmanship be below standard or in violation of existing codes.

Under certain conditions, you may also be eligible to apply to the residential contractors’ recovery fund and receive up to thirty thousand dollars to have the work corrected or completed. Each licensed contractor is covered for up to $200,000.00 to a maximum of $30,000.00 per residential property owner, on a first come, first serve basis upon filing a complete claim. Keeping detailed records of your contract, checks or other forms of payment will speed the processing of your claim, should the need arise. For more detailed information, you may contact the Residential Contractors’ Recovery Fund in Maricopa County Monday through Friday during regular business hours at 1 (602) 542-1525 or from elsewhere in the state at 1 1-877-MY AZROC (1-877-692-9762), toll free. These protections are in addition to other remedies available through the courts.

Licensed, Bonded and Insured? Just because the ad says it doesn’t mean it’s true!  Many complaints about unlicensed contractors are received where the home or business owner believed they had contracted with a Licensed, Bonded and Insured contractor, but they had not. The ads that appear in the yellow pages are not regulated by the publisher, and should be considered accurate only about the name of the company or individual and the phone number to call. The only sure way of knowing that your contractor is licensed is to call the Registrar of Contractors to confirm it.

Handyman Quote Comparison Tip — When making a quote comparison, a vehicle owner may notice that there are many different rates being offered. Although prices naturally fluctuate between providers, the amount of coverage being quoted also plays a large part. If one company is offering one price for the minimum amount of insurance available, and yet another is offering more extensive coverage at only a slightly higher price, then a motorist is encouraged to consider the policy with the increased protection. In order to get a more comparison of rates, it may be a good idea to ensure that the quotes being compared are based on the same level of coverage.

Knowing the extent of coverage that a person needs also helps in this process. Every state has different levels of requirements, and suggests different amounts of protection in order to remain properly covered. An excellent place to obtain policy suggestions is a motorist’s state department of insurance, which generally offers consumer guide and tip to get adequately insured. The Consumer Action Website lists State Insurance Regulators in order to assist vehicle owners in locating the right sources for information. With accurate details and thorough knowledge about one’s place of residence, a motorist will be better able to input specific information when completing a quote comparison, and obtain quotes which relate specifically to their needs.

When a teenager first gets their license they’re often filled to the brim with excitement, eager to explore the open road; meanwhile, their parents nervously chew on their fingernails. But before they can jump behind the wheel, like most drivers, they need to be insured. Teens may be alarmed to find out, however, that insurance rates for young adults are often considerably higher than other age groups. This is because people from the age of 16 to 19 are often considered high risk drivers, and are more likely to be involved in an automobile accident than any other category of people.

If rates are higher when purchasing car insurance for teenagers it is simply because statistics show that they are considerably more dangerous while driving. In 2009 roughly 3,000 teenagers in the United States between the ages of 15 and 19 were killed, while over 350,000 others were treated in emergency rooms for injuries sustained from automobile accidents. Young drivers ages 15-24 account for nearly 30% of the total cost of vehicle related injuries among males, amounting to nearly $19 billion dollars, and nearly 28% of total medical costs from vehicle related injuries among females, which is about $7 billion dollars. Teenagers are also far less likely to wear seat belts than adults, and in 2008 roughly 3 of every 4 youths killed in an automobile accident as a result of drinking and driving was not wearing the proper restraints. Insurers will often asses all of these risks when calculating premiums, and with these statistics it is obvious why rates are increased for younger drivers.

Bringing Down the Price of Teenage Insurance

Although the price of auto insurance is often higher for teenagers, there are still many things that could be done to help lower costs. Like everyone else, teens can easily benefit from doing a quick online quote comparison to see which companies are offering the best prices. Shopping around takes only minutes and could result in significant savings. Because of the types of statistics surrounding young drivers, as stipulated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there is a fairly good chance that premiums will be higher, making comparison shopping that much more important. This is why teenagers should choose to explore the benefits of being added to their parent’s policy rather than purchasing one on their own. This option can typically end up costing much less, especially if the parents already have excellent coverage at a great price. Although, this option does come with some potential pitfalls such as increased rates, it may still be a cheaper alternative. Parents and children should compare rates based on both options to see which would lead to the best deal.

To maximize savings, teens should ensure that the different types of discounts that many insurance companies offer are taken advantage of. Often, students can get a Good Student discount by maintaining a B average (3.0 GPA), which in turn gives parents another reason to make sure their children are studying. Students could also benefit from a low mileage discount, assuming that they typically only drive to and from school. If a policy provider sees that a motorist is driving a low number of miles they’ll be more inclined to lower premiums because less driving means less of a chance to get in an accident. Additionally, completing a drivers training course is not only an excellent way of lowering coverage costs, but it can also teach teens valuable information to become better drivers and stay safer on the road.

New Jersey Car Insurance Options for Handyman: The Garden State requires that drivers have auto insurance while operating a vehicle, yet allows people a choice in the type of coverage they acquire. Many different motorists comply with this law by choosing to purchase either a basic or a standard policy. Each of these offer different degrees of protection that are each suited for different individuals with unique needs and driving habits. Before getting automobile coverage quotes, it is good for motorists to know what they are considering purchasing and the difference in the two options in policies.

A basic New Jersey car insurance policy is one that offers the bare essentials of coverage and usually costs less than a standard policy. For people with low incomes, few assets that need protecting, or have minimalistic driving habits, this would be an excellent plan to pursue because it meets the state requirements at the lowest possible price. Basic protection, however, does not come with very much coverage. Typically, it does not include bodily injury liability and only includes $5,000 worth of property damage liability per accident. The only other inclusion is personal injury protection worth $15,000 per person, per accident, with up to $250,000 for permanent or significant injuries, such as brain damage, spinal cord injury, or disfigurement. Other additions are available from select carriers, but typically adding these results in a more expensive policy. However, standard policies are available and can provide even more options to drivers.

NJ Standard Insurance Policies

Purchasing a standard auto insurance policy offers motorists considerably more protection, but with a higher price tag. With this plan, drivers would get Bodily Injury Liability as low as $15,000 per person, and $30,000 per accident, with the limit being as high as $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident. Additionally, Property Damage Liability would be increased to a minimum of $5,000 and as high as $100,000 or more. Personal Injury Protection could be set to as high as $250,000, and additional Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage would be available to reimburse a policy owner in the event that they were involved in an accident that was caused by an uninsured motorist, or even an accident caused by a driver whose policy would not provide adequate compensation for claims.

Although both plans meet the state requirements, each are not equally suitable for every driver. Young motorists and students would usually be drawn to the basic policy because it offers just the right amount of protection that they are looking for, at a price they can usually afford. People with few assets that need to be taken care of would also fit into this category, or people who are simply on a budget. Motorists, who own expensive cars, homes and are in need to protect assets however, would most likely consider the standard plan. This would more adequately cover losses that the policyholder may cause and help avoid the need to use personal assets to compensate a third party. Residents can visit the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance which provides an explanation of the difference in policies and suggestions for consumers.

Brief Explanation of Handyman Insurance in Michigan: Michigan is one of only twelve states in the nation that is a no-fault state. This means that when choosing auto insurance coverage, there are three basic parts that are required that all MI motorists should be aware of. The first of these is Property Protection Insurance (PPI). PPI covers up to $1 million in damages to other people’s property. This means that if a driver’s vehicle strikes another person’s fence or building, then considerable amount of the repair costs may be covered by this mandatory precaution. However, this coverage does not include any damages done to any vehicles or their contents, which includes trailers or the objects they might be carrying.

The second portion of Michigan no fault auto insurance is Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which would pay for any reasonable medical expenses that might come from an automobile accident. It is also possible that a policy holder’s PIP will also pay for up to three years of wages that the driver would have earned if they had not been injured, up to a certain amount. Finally, MI requires Residual Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Coverage (or BI/PD). This ensures that if a vehicle owner is in an automobile accident that their defense costs, as well as the costs of any damages that they are found liable for as a result of the accident are covered, up the an amount which was set at the time the policy was added. BI/PD coverage, however, does have minimum limits in it’s coverage. Every holder must purchase $20,000 to cover any person who is hurt or killed in an accident, $40,000 per accident in the event that multiple people are injured or killed, and up to at least $10,000 for property damage that takes place in another state.

Additional Michigan Insurance Coverage

Before driving the streets of the Wolverine State, it is important for drivers and future coverage owners to seek out all possible information on purchasing auto insurance in order to have full understanding of their future automobile policy. The protection possibilities in MI do not stop at the three basic parts of a no-fault policy; there is an array of additives that can be included into one’s vehicle coverage. It is first important to note that a basic no-fault policy does not pay to repair or replace a policyholder’s car if it is damaged. In order to get the peace of mind that comes with coverage, owners would have to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision would take care of costs to a driver’s automobile made from a collision with another car, while comprehensive coverage handles costs involved in damage to a vehicle owner’s car that may be caused by anything from falling objects, fire, or vandalism, to animal confrontations or theft.

Even though Michigan insurance among the most comprehensive in the nation, there are still some that choose to forgo insurance altogether. For this reason, many providers offer Uninsured Motorist Coverage, which ensures that an insured driver will be compensated for possible pain and suffering, as well as any excess wages that were lost because of injuries received during a hit and run accident, or an accident caused by an uninsured motorist. It’s always important to remember that knowing what type of protection to purchase and finding cheap premiums for such policies could end up saving drivers both money and frustration if damage ever came to their automobile.

Handyman Coverage: Help Find The Best Insurance Companies: When people set out to find a good car insurance company, a lot of the time the first thing often considered is budget. For this reason and many others there is no single company that can be a perfect fit for every motorist. Instead, there are simply carriers that are better suited for people who have certain needs and budgets to consider. No matter what a driver is in need of, the process of finding that ideal provider usually starts the same: by doing an online comparison between several different insurers and looking at the prices they offered for the desired product.

Many factors go into finding the perfect carrier for each unique driver. This includes the quality of a company, the services they provide, and their overall customer satisfaction are elements that should be explored when trying to decide what is one of the best auto insurance companies for a driver’s particular needs. For instance, if a motorist lives in an environment where rain and snow are a regular occurrence they may want to seek additional protection, such as comprehensive coverage, which then covers repair costs to the owner’s vehicle if it is damaged in a way that does not involve a collision with another vehicle, such as damage from flooding or hail. While this may cost a little more in premiums, drivers may want to include such additions when making comparisons between different carriers to help find the most competitive rate.

Additional Coverage from the Best Insurance Company

What a driver needs as far as protection goes plays a fairly large part in the price of policies, which means that in order to get an accurate price comparison between providers these additions should be included in each quote compared from different companies. Some drivers may do perfectly fine with a basic protection plan, but there are others that may need certain additions based on their location and driving habits. Although most states have unique requirements when it comes to insurance, there are still some basic additions that many motorists may like to consider, such as collision coverage and not all providers would be able to provide this option, and if they do it may not be at a reasonable price. This type of policy addition often pays for damages to a vehicle owner’s automobile in the event of a collision with another car, which is a feature that is not typically standard in many different policies. Drivers that live in congested areas such as large cities can sometimes benefit from such increased protection because of the higher likelihood of coming in direct contact with another vehicle.

Options such as these, however, are only just another piece of what makes a company considered amongst the best. Although price and additional protection are important, overall customer satisfaction is something that should never be overlooked. If a company has a low number of complaints in relation to their number of customers, then there is a fairly good chance that they are an organized corporation that treats their customers well. Considering the frustrations and concerns that come with getting in a traffic accident, it’s important for a driver to know that should they ever need to speak with their provider, they are going to be treated well and taken care of in a professional manner. To help in finding these statistics, states such as Ohio publications such as customer complaints on auto insurance so that people can take these figures into consideration when choosing which company they want to sign up with. All of these factors, when lumped together, give drivers an excellent understanding which quality carrier can offer the best product at an affordable rate.

Motorists take the chance of being involved in a traffic collision every time they get behind the wheel of an automobile, and unfortunately this can have effects on the premiums that are paid by consumers for vehicle coverage. Automobile accidents can impact drivers differently and there are many factors that can cause the price of policies to change due to auto collisions. Car insurance companies base rates on the chance of taking a loss as a result of insuring a vehicle and carriers must charge a rate that will reflect such risks.

Generally, a company will charge higher rates to motorists that have had multiple claims and at-fault-accidents on their record, whereas a driver that has never been involved in a collision or filed a claim will often pay less for coverage; this is simply because the driver with a history of claims is viewed as having a higher likelihood of suffering a loss. However, collisions do not always have a negative impact an a driver’s premium. Consumers are often under the impression that if they are in a traffic accident their rates will automatically go through the roof, which is not necessarily true.

There are many factors that can surround a traffic collision that may determine whether a driver’s premium will be affected or not. In many cases, if a motorist is hit by another vehicle by no fault of their own, their rate will not be increased; however, having more than one such claim will often cause a rate increase. The matter of how long accidents affect insurance rates is dependent on the company. In general, collisions that have occurred in the past three years are taken into account by carriers. If a policyholder causes an accident while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol then the premium that will be charged for coverage will probably increase, up to 60% in some cases, and the insurer may even cancel the policy.

Additional Accident Risks that Can Affect Insurance

A motorist does not necessarily need to be involved in an accident to be affected, both positively and negatively. As automobile policy providers receive an application to provide coverage to a potential insured, there are a number of factors that are taken into consideration as a premium is calculated. The most common items that are used when calculating rates for policies are a driver’s age, gender, place of residence, claims history, driving record, and in all but few states, credit history. These factors are used by insurers to determine the risk of the driver being involved in a traffic accident and each factor is believed to be an indicator to help assess risks.

Unfortunately, particular motorists end up paying higher car insurance premiums simply due to uncontrollable factors such as their age and gender. For example, teenagers are four times more likely to be involved in traffic collisions than any other age group and therefore, insurers must raise premiums for such drivers to compensate for a potential loss; until these numbers begin to decline, teens will continue to pay high rates. On the same token, males are often charged more than females and this due to the accident-related data showing men having more involvement in auto collisions than women.

Location is also a factor that has an accident-related impact on policies. While particular rural areas are usually seen by insurers as less risky to provide coverage in, urban and densely populated areas are often considered riskier to insure. A state such as North Dakota has some of the lowest premiums in the nation which is attributed to a low number of claims and pay outs as well as a low number of vehicles per capita, whereas Massachusetts’ motorists pay some of the highest rates in the country due to opposite reasons. According to the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation the reason for this is because the majority of drivers are in densely-populated areas where accidents are more likely. Also, the state has a higher than average cost of medical care, vehicle repair and litigation costs, which translates to increased losses by insurers and is passed on to policyholders. As long as there is the risk of a traffic accident occurring, an insured motorist will be affected by the rate paid for coverage, whether they have been involved in a collision or not.

Getting Handyman Insurance Identification Cards: The chances are that if an individual owns an automobile or plans on operating one, the law will require that the vehicle and driver are covered by an auto insurance policy; although there may be a few states that have a few exceptions to such laws. In addition to the need to keep vehicles insured, there are many states that require motorists to also carry proof of automobile coverage at all times while behind the wheel and fortunately, there are many ways to go about getting such documentation.

Prior to acquiring a document that will prove that a vehicle is insured, motorists must first purchase a policy from an insurer. This can be done in a number of different ways such as purchasing policies in person directly from an agent, over the phone or even on the Internet. Following a purchase it is extremely important that the policyholder obtain proof that the automobile is insured. Generally, when a policy is bought, the insurer will issue an identification (I.D.) card which may be temporary and a permanent card will be mailed, but depending on the method used to obtain coverage, there may be a few different options to choose from. If a motorist is sitting across from an agent when buying a policy, an I.D. card will usually be handed right over to the newly insured once the transaction is complete.

Nowadays, consumers have the ability to get policies right from the comfort of their own home so they will need to be sure that the documentation is sent a soon as possible and prior to operating their automobile. Whether the transaction is completed on the phone or over the Internet, the option to obtain the car insurance cards online via email, right on a website or by fax should be offered; the insurer can mail the paperwork, but it could take days before it is received. In addition, if identification cards are ever misplaced, it should take very little effort to replace them and can be easily done by contacting the insurer or even visiting their website and printing them out.

Carry Proof of Insurance at All Times

Obtaining the documentation proving that a motor vehicle is insured should be fairly easy once a policy is purchased from a carrier and any good company will be happy to provide a replacement should a customer misplace their proof of car insurance. With that in mind, motorists should also have this paperwork handy while operating an automobile. Although not all states require that drivers carry policy information, there are many times when it can come in handy and there really is not reason that it should not be accessible to a motorist driving a vehicle. Usually a company will send two identification cards to policyholders and one should remain in the vehicle in an area such as the glove compartment; this will help those who may borrow the automobile access it should they need it.

There can be many situations that may arise where having proof of coverage can be helpful and assist in avoiding complications. In the event of a traffic collision, whether the state requires I.D. cards to be carried or not, the parties involved will need to exchange information to settle claims and collect compensation from the insurer; all of the necessary information should be located on the identification card and can speed up the process of settling these matters rather than having to obtain such info later.

In states that require motorists to carry policy documents at all times, simply gathering the info at a later time may not be so cut and dry. According to the Missouri Department of Revenue a ticket can be issued for lack of proof of insurance and many states follow the same law with some enforcing harsher penalties. It is often advised to contact the police if involved in a collision with a driver who cannot prove that they are insured. If a law enforcement officer arrives on the scene of the crash and one of the parties is lacking the necessary documentation, it may result in a ticket and even the impoundment of the vehicle; this can be a costly result of simply not putting a tiny piece of paper in an automobile. Keeping policy information in cars at all times can save a lot of hassle and takes very little effort.

Details About Massachusetts Handyman Business Auto Insurance: The Bay State requires that every vehicle that is operated in Mass. must be insured. Individuals who own a motor vehicle that is found to be knowingly driven without auto insurance coverage will have the automobile’s registration revoked by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. MA is one of the minority states that implement the No-Fault system, which means that motorists must be covered by automobile policies that cover the injuries of the policyholder and those considered “insured” that result from a traffic accident. The majority of states require that drivers carry a policy that will solely compensate injuries to third parties.

In order for residents to comply with these no fault laws, Massachusetts car insurance policies must be purchased that contain Personal Injury Protection (PIP) consisting of a limit of no less than $8,000. Unlike some no-fault states, in addition to PIP, MA also requires liability coverage to be obtained to cover the injuries of others and have limits of $20,000 for the bodily injury of one person and $40,000 for the bodily injury of two or more people. In addition, and similar to most states, motorists must have compensation in place to pay for property damage that they may cause. In Mass., drivers must carry at least $5,000 in property damage liability. Massachusetts’ laws also mandate that resident-drivers protect against uninsured motorists by purchasing protection for bodily injury equal to the state’s minimum liability limits of $20,000 and $40,000.

Further Details Regarding MA Insurance

Unfortunately, residents of the Bay State pay some of the highest premiums for automobile policies in the nation. It is believed that there are a few reasons for the inflated prices of coverage in the state and the major factor is the risk involved with insuring Massachusetts’ vehicles. According to the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), the state has more bodily injury and property damage claims than almost any other state. Generally when insurers must absorb losses they must increase rates to offset payout which leads to more expensive auto insurance for residents. The state also has a higher than average cost of living and this translates into more expensive medical care, vehicle repair and court costs. These two factors combined not only means more claims, but higher payouts as well.

The good news for residents that own and operate vehicles is that there are ways to find the most affordable coverage possible and this best achieved by shopping around. Beginning April 1, 2008, car insurance companies were allowed to determine their own premiums which led to competition; rates must be approved by the Commissioner of Insurance. With competition usually comes a higher probability of finding the best price for any product, including automobile coverage. This is because carriers must now compete for the business of motorists and keep pricing attractive in order to obtain new customers. Consumers are urged to shop around to find the most inexpensive policy available from competitors.

Necessary Handyman Car Insurance in Alabama: Automobiles are restricted from being operated, registered or to keep registration without being covered by an active AL car insurance policy or valid proof of financially responsibility. Similar to just about every state in the nation, a motorist must have the ability to pay and compensate other parties for bodily injury and/or property that they may cause as a result of a traffic accident. The most common method used by residents to comply with such laws set by the state is by purchasing automobile coverage from a licensed insurer that meets Alabama’s minimum  protection requirements.

In accordance with Act 2008-393 all vehicles in the state that are covered by an Alabama automobile insurance policy must contain liability limits of no less than $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $25,000 for property damage. All policies must be issued by an insurer that is approved and licensed by the state and documentation proving that a vehicle is insured must be carried at all times while the automobile is being operated. Documentation proving that vehicles are covered must contain the name insured, year make and model of the automobile, vehicle identification number (VIN), name of carrier, policy number and the effective and expiration dates of coverage.

Failure to Carry AL auto insurance

Operating an automobile without financial responsibility in place is not only illegal, but can also lead to consequences that can be avoided. Law enforcement officers are allowed, and may request proof of a valid policy during a routine traffic stop or upon arrival on the scene of a traffic accident. If a motorist’s auto insurance is canceled for any reason and the Department of Revenue is notified and made aware of this, the registration of the automobile can be suspended. In addition to the suspension of a vehicle’s registration a fine may be issued as well. In order to have the the car re-registered the fine must be paid and proof of coverage must be submitted.

The fine for a first time suspension is a $100 reinstatement fee and subsequent violations can result in $200 reinstatement fees and a suspended registration of four months. However, complying with the state’s laws can be done quite easily and may be far less of a hassle than having to deal with fines, suspended registrations and court appearances. Shopping around can help residents find the best deal on automobile coverage and avoid such penalties and the chance of being involved in an uninsured accident which can be extremely devastating both monetarily and emotionally. Alabamans may want to refer to the Consumer’s Guide to auto insurance provided by the state to help assist in understanding more about vehicle policies.

Make Sure to Get Your Handyman Insurance Questions Answered: Aside from purchasing a home or vehicles, obtaining automobile coverage is one of the most important purchases made American motorists and not only from a legal aspect. Of course, abiding by the car insurance laws of an individual’s particular state in which they reside should be the first concern of a driver, getting the right type of coverage can be of equal importance. Far too many people purchase vehicle policies without fully understanding what exactly it is that they are buying and asking or finding the answer to a particular question can be extremely beneficial.

Insuring automobiles and drivers can be very complicated when one takes into consideration all of the different types of coverage, options available and the various companies that are willing to offer policies. Consumers should take the time to get the answers to any auto insurance coverage questions that may come to mind to help ensure that the ideal protection is located to best secure assets and cover the numerous risks that exist while behind the wheel. There are many ways to go about getting inquiries answered about the various aspects of a vehicle policy and making that the options available when insuring automobiles can be the difference between being adequately protected following an accident or being susceptible to unexpected expenses.

Getting Answers to Insurance Questions

Unfortunately, there are many individuals that simply purchase a policy that will fulfill the requirements set by the law or the coverage that is recommended by an agent, friend or family member. While recommendations from such individuals is always a good thing, it may not always be correct. Motorists should take the time to understand what options that they have to choose from and what can be beneficial for their particular situation.

For instance, a state such as California only requires motorists to carry $5,000 in property damage liability which can easily be used up following a collision involving an expensive vehicle or striking a building. What many may not be aware of is that once the $5,000 limit is exceeded, the policyholder will be responsible for paying the other party for anything over this amount and following a legal proceeding, a judge can rule that the person’s assets be used to pay for damages; this can include savings, stocks, bonds, homes and even future wages. Asking the question, “Do I need more coverage?” can help avoid such a scenario and the answer is usually a resounding yes. For not much more in premium dollars, a driver may be able to obtain $50,000 in property damage liability and would be glad they did if they ever find themselves in such a situation.

A great place to obtain an answer regarding auto insurance is to speak with an industry professional such as a licensed agent. Agents can be a helpful resource in guiding a consumer to the right type of coverage that will properly protect against potential risks and help secure assets. If a person wishes they may be able to “pick the brain” of an agent to get every question that they may have answered. One other great resource and trustworthy is that of state insurance regulators which often offer consumer guides to help residents understand the options that they have to choose from. Consumers can always call the regulator as well and speak to a representative if they are uncertain about something. The bottom line is that getting insured should not be done prior to obtaining the answers to any lingering questions and there are resources that would be happy to help.

Handyman Michigan Insurance Required: Residents of the Wolverine State are well aware that if they own and operate an automobile the cost of ownership can be exorbitant. Aside from the normal ownership costs of vehicles including oil changes, tires, tune ups, gasoline, etc., Michigan’s motorists are also required by law to maintain the mandated auto insurance coverage set by the state. Unfortunately, the requirements are quite extensive and generally lead to high premiums for drivers. In fact, the average amount paid by consumers for automobile policies are among the highest in the nation and in a city such as Detroit, a motorist may be looking at an annual premium of over $4,000.

One of the major reasons that the cost of Michigan car insurance coverage can become very expensive is due to the fact that the state enforces one of, if not the most comprehensive No-Fault insurance systems in the United States to cover the expenses arising from traffic accidents. The majority of states follow the tort system and require motorists to purchase liability coverage to pay for bodily injuries and property damage that a policyholder may cause to a third party. MI mandates that this type of protection be maintained by motorists as well as purchasing policies that will cover the insured for their injuries in the event of an accident regardless of who is to be found at fault. This type of system is believed to be effective in ensuring that a person receives the compensation needed should they be injured and suffer losses in an auto collision.

Breakdown of Michigan auto insurance Requirements

As mentioned, policies must contain extensive coverage consisting of various types of protection. Motorists must carry Residual Liability to cover the bodily injury and/or property damage that they may cause to another person. The minimum limits required are $20,000 for bodily injuries to one person, $40,000 for bodily injuries to two or more people and $10,000 for property damage caused in another state. In addition, drivers must also obtain Property Protection with a limit of $1 million to pay for damages sustained to another person’s property. This will pay for damage caused to such items as poles, fences, buildings and legally parked vehicles.

The most extensive portion of a MI automobile policy is probably Personally Injury Protection (PIP). This covers injuries sustained by the insured and will pay all medical expenses incurred that result from a traffic accident regardless of who is at fault. Additionally, the policyholder will receive 85% of the income that they would have earned if they are unable to work following the incident for up to three years. The maximum amount that can be received by policyholders is $4,929 monthly and is adjusted each year; the last adjustment took place October 1, 2010. If the insured is killed in the accident then the benefits will be transferred to the household family members. Although the cost of coverage in the Wolverine state can be a bit costly it does come with its benefits. Residents may want to refer to the publication titled, Brief Explanation of Michigan No-Fault Insurance to get additional information regarding policies.

Opting for Virginia Handyman Auto Insurance: The state of Virginia has what is called a financial responsibility law, which means that all drivers, whether insured or not, are financially responsible in the event that they are involved in an automobile accident and are found to be at fault. All insured motorists must purchase an automobile policy that covers $25,000 for an individual who is injured or killed during an accident, $50,000 for two persons in the event that they are injured or killed, and $20,000 for any property damage. VA is a state where auto insurance is not required; however, the financial responsibility law still remains in effect.

Uninsured motorists must pay an “uninsured motorists fee,” which costs $500 and must be paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles. It’s important to note that this fee does not mean that said purchaser is in any way insured. It simply means that they are registered as “uninsured,” and must still cover any damages in which they are responsible out of their own pockets. Because of this, opting to purchase Virginia auto insurance often ends up saving individuals money in the long run. With the ability to drive uninsured being present within the state, some VA citizens opt to purchase additional Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in order to protect themselves against possible collisions with uninsured drivers. In the event that such an incident occurs, purchasers will most likely be saved from having to pay large repair bills out of pocket.

Reasons to Buy VA Insurance

Even though Virginia’s laws give drivers the option not to purchase automobile insurance, many citizens decide to do so rather than not. This is because, if an individual is involved in an accident and does not have insurance, then they may still be responsible for any property damage that they happen to cause, as well as any medical expenses, or for the pain and suffering of any injured persons. According to 2009 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts there were 116,744 reported traffic accidents, which means that some would consider forgoing coverage to be a poor decision. With the amount of additional protection that is available, however, should an insured individual get in an automobile accident, there is a good chance that many of their expenses will be covered.

The state of Virginia offers a wide array of additions to preexisting plans, including rental reimbursement coverage, which handles the expense of renting a substitute vehicle in the event that the insured would need to rent a car because their own had been damaged in an accident or suffered comprehensive damage (such as fire or theft). In addition to this, VA has the option of including medical expense and loss of income benefits coverage, creating yet another reason for drivers to pursue increased protection. This addition covers all necessary medical costs that may occur as a result of getting in an accident. This may include funeral costs, and is applied to a person who is present within the vehicle of the insured person, and the coverage persists even if the protected driver is the cause of the accident. Virginians should explore all coverage options that are available and consider purchasing any that can be afforded.

Handyman Insurance With No Money Down: Dependent on many factors, the cost of finding the cheapest automobile coverage can be either a walk in the park or an uphill battle. Middle aged female motorists with no tickets or accidents are likely to pay the best rates for vehicle policies than any other type of driver, when solely based on individual characteristics and excluding the type of vehicle to be insured. The fact of the matter is that a high risk driver operating the same exact type of vehicle can pay double or triple the amount of a low risk motorist and the possibility of paying a premium in full can be out of the question and the need to locate a carrier that is willing offer car insurance with no down payment with the remaining balance to be paid in installments may be the only feasible option to maintaining coverage.

For certain motorists, the annual cost of an auto insurance premium can equal thousands of dollars, and some consumers can simply not afford to pay such an amount in one lump sum. For instance, teenagers, especially 16 year olds, are charged extremely high rates due to the likelihood of them being involved in a traffic accident, which is more than any other age. The chances are, the average sixteen year old probably does not have a couple of thousand dollars lying around and are probably full time students; therefore, the only option of staying insured is by putting as little money as possible up front and making payment to continue coverage and fortunately, this is a possibility.

Getting Insurance With Nothing Down

Very few consumers pay for policies up front and in full. Whether it is due to the fact that it may be extremely expensive, they cannot afford to or they would just rather keep the money on hand. Whatever the case may be, many companies are willing to provide policies and allow monthly payments to be made until the premium is paid. In order to find carriers that will offer such an option, motorists must shop around and locate a provider that will do so at the lowest rate and allow the smallest start up cost. Many individuals have the misconception that “no down payment” means that no money would have to change hands to begin coverage, but this is not the case. What it does mean is that only the first month’s premium would have to be paid without any other fees being tacked on.

To help ensure that the best deal is found and lowest amount is paid up front is to get as many quotes as possible and select a few of the cheapest available. Prior to making a purchase or payments ask if there are any fees that will be included with the price being paid to begin protection; this may include service or billing fees. If there are fees, see if there would be any way to negotiate these in order to get the lowest price. Companies are in business to obtain as many customers as possible and may be willing to cut costs to get a new policyholder. It may also be a good idea to take advantage of tools such as the New Jersey auto insurance Purchasing Planner to help with the shopping process. With some diligence, a consumer may be able to find a policy and only pay the first month’s premium up front.

Find the Cheapest Handyman Insurance In 2011: With the past year having flashed by in the blink of an eye for many, it is just days away for individuals to prepare for 2011. Aside from planning December 31st parties, chanting the midnight countdown, popping a cork and raising glasses, consumers may also want to be preparing for the upcoming new year and how to make it the most prosperous and enjoyable one yet. One goal of many is to lower monthly bills and although items such as mortgages, rent or automobile payments may be a difficult area to cut costs, one way that can quickly save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the New Year is reducing the price of car insurance.

Many consumers let far too much time pass prior to reviewing policies and ensuring that the right coverage and the best rate is being paid. A number of motorists stick with the same policies for much longer than they should and there may be cheaper options available. Although a cheap auto insurance premium may have been found when coverage was initially purchased, this may no longer be the case for several different reasons. As time passes, many things change and a policy review and quote comparison can help ensure that individuals are not paying too much for protection, getting the discounts that they are entitled to and are insured by the cheapest insurer.

Review Insurance for Cheaper Rates in the New Year

When the New Year comes along consumers can potentially save a good amount of money by taking a simple and most suggested approach, and that is to comparison shop for cheaper carriers. Putting aside some time to compare quotes from numerous insurers may lead to finding a more affordable carrier due to a couple of reasons. Insurers periodically change rates and enter markets, therefore, if a consumer may have obtained a good deal from one particular company, there may be one now available that is more competitively priced. In addition, if a motorist purchased a policy and had a few blemishes on their driving history, they may have been turned down by the most inexpensive providers, but as time passes and past mistakes behind the wheel may no longer be used negatively, the most competitive carriers may now be willing to offer policies at the cheapest rates.

One of the most important reasons to review policies is to make sure that the proper protection is being paid for. Many vehicle owners protect against physical damage by purchasing comprehensive and collision coverage, but as time passes this may no longer be necessary due to the value of an automobile depreciating and could be a waste of money. A consumer can check an appraisal website to get an estimate of what their vehicle’s value is and see if it makes sense financially to pay for the premium and the deductible if a loss should occur; if the automobile’s worth is near this figure it may be a better idea to save the money to put towards a new car. For individuals that are still in need of comprehensive and collision, it may be worth looking into increasing deductibles. The publication titled, 9 Ways To Lower Your auto insurance Costs states that choosing a higher deductible can reduce rates significantly. However, one must keep in mind that although this could lower premiums, the amount chosen would need to be paid in the event of a loss. A quick policy review can reduce premiums and although the New Year is a good time to do so, one may want to consider reviewing policies more often to ensure that the most affordable coverage is maintained.

Handyman Insurance Comparisons on Various Factors: While most consumers dread the time when it comes to shopping for auto insurance, completing thorough comparisons can be extremely important and should not be taken lightly. Comparing the various aspects of automobile coverage and the carriers that are willing to provide such products can be all the difference in locating the right amount of protection, a sound company and a provider that can be relied on when assistance is needed.

In general, consumers are out to get the best price possible when looking to purchase practically any product, and although this may be a good idea when buying small goods, groceries, etc., motorists should realize that vehicle policies are extremely important and should be treated as such. A car insurance comparison should be conducted based on several factors, and when comparing companies and coverage options, there are a number of items that are often overlooked that can end up saving a consumer a lot of grief, especially when it comes to the amount of protection that should be obtained.

Insurance Factors to Consider Comparing

One of the most vital aspects of getting insured is to find the best coverage that can suit a specific individual’s needs. Although it may be tempting to purchase the absolute minimum policy requirements mandated by the state in which a driver resides, in many cases this can leave a motorist vulnerable to financial hardship. Individuals who live in states with low liability requirements can be left having to pay any difference in compensation above the required levels that may be due to another party. If a person is only required to carry $15,000 in bodily injury liability and injures another person as a result of a traffic accident and the medical care costs are $50,000, the policyholder could be held responsible for paying the $35,000 balance. Motorists may want to compare the cost of obtaining the most coverage that can be afforded to help avoid such situations.

In addition, Illinois Insurance Facts provided by the state suggest that motorist look into various other factors when shopping for an insurer. The state suggests that consumers make sure to find a reliable company, which can be done by checking a number of various areas of the make-up of carriers. When comparison shopping and after an acceptable rate has been found for the desired coverage, consumers should look into the company prior to finalizing the transaction. It is advised to make sure that the carrier is licensed to ensure that they are legitimate and legally providing policies. Also, one may want to check the company’s complaint ratio to gauge a carrier’s customer satisfaction level; both licensing and complaint information should be obtainable through the driver’s state department of insurance. One last thing that may want to be checked is the financial stability of a provider. This shows how financially sound a carrier is and indicates their ability to pay out on claims in which they are obligated; this can usually be done online by visiting the website of one of the various rating agencies that judge and grade the financial outlook of insurer. While price is important, it can be of equal importance to ensure that the right protection is obtained from a quality carrier.

Handyman Information Regarding Montana Insurance: The state of Montana requires that motorists are financially responsible for any bodily injury and/or property damage that may be caused as a result of a traffic accident. A large portion of the state’s drivers choose to purchase a liability car insurance policy to satisfy this law. Policies must cover at least $25,000 for bodily injury for a single person, $50,000 for bodily injury coverage for two people, and $10,000 coverage for property damages. It’s important to note that Montana’s required state automobile liability policies only covers damages to others in an accident if the insured is at fault, but not the driver’s own personal losses.

The Montana auto insurance laws also require that carriers offer Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which may be rejected by the consumer. If a motorist does choose to purchase the Uninsured Motorist option, the limits of protection must equal $25,000 for a single person and $50,000 for two people. The coverage required by the state does not provide any compensation for damage sustained by the insured’s vehicle or bodily injury resulting from a collision with the exception of UM and when only involved with a driver lacking a policy. Consumers may want to consider additional protection and in many cases it could be necessary and beneficial.

Additional Montana Insurance Options

When choosing one’s auto insurance options, there may be benefits to including Medical Payments Coverage, particularly if the vehicle owner does not have a health care plan. In the event of an accident, regardless of who was at fault, Medical Payments would provide protection for not only the insured, but the insured’s family members and passengers who were present in the insured’s car at the time of the accident, up to the policy limits. This coverage, however, does not include injuries sustained by passengers in any other car involved in the accident.

Another form of coverage that drivers may want to take into consideration is Comprehensive and Collision coverage. This form of protection is particularly beneficial to people who are financing or own a particularly expensive vehicle. This is because the Comprehensive protects the car from damages that are not collision related, such as hail or contact with a bird or animal. In some cases, banks may insist upon this form of coverage when financing an expensive car as part of the loan agreement.

Prior to purchasing a policy, a consumer may want to comparison shop and locate rates based on different options. In many cases, additional coverage can be obtained for a small premium amount. Shopping around is cost free and may lead a consumer to find more adequate protection. One can also refer to the Montana Automobile Insurance Rate Comparison Guide to view sample rates based on common scenarios.

Handyman California Auto Insurance Discounts: The price of automobile coverage in the Golden State can be down right unaffordable for some residents, especially for those who may be newly licensed, have blemished driving records, or simply own an expensive vehicle. Fortunately, a number of the car insurance companies offer motorists multiple discounts for numerous reasons, and taking advantage of any that are applicable may end up saving a Californian a great deal of money. Consumers should become aware of all of the types of rate reductions offered by insurers to help make the cost of policies as affordable as possible.

One of the most common discounts available to CA motorists is the good driver discount. If a motorist has a clean history they can have premiums reduced in the area of 20%, which is a substantial savings. Unfortunately, many drivers have received tickets or been involved in traffic accidents and may not be eligible for the “good driver discount”, however, there are other savings available that can lower rates. Many teenagers who have just obtained their driver’s license will likely be charged exorbitant prices for policies and since being considered a “good driver” usually means that the motorist has been licensed for at least three years and have maintained a clean driving record; this is not possible for 16-18 year olds. The good news is that there is a good student discount that is offered by California auto insurance companies to students who have a 3.0 grade point average or higher and can help with the price of coverage.

Additional CA Insurance Discounts

The “good driver and student discount” may be among the most common and can reduce rates quite a bit, but there are others available that a person may not even be aware is offered. Some discounts are automatically applied by insurers for such things as owning a vehicle equipped with safety features or anti-theft devices; individuals who put an aftermarket anti-theft device may have to provide proof of installation such as a receipt to receive a discount. Another type of savings that may be available is by having two vehicles (multi-car) or an automobile and home (multi-line) on the same policy.

The most recent way for Californians to save on automobile coverage is the Pay-As-You-Drive option. The California Department of Insurance just recently approved two carriers to provide premiums based on the actual mileage driven rather than an estimate given by the insured. The option to purchase this type of coverage will be available beginning February, 2011 and will be offered by two carriers. One of the companies that is going to provide the pay-as-you-drive option estimates that approximately 25% of current policyholders will choose this coverage and will save customers around $31 million dollars; it is thought that savings would be in the 5% range.

Handyman Auto Insurance With No Driver’s License: Whether licensed or not, there are many individuals who will still need to get auto insurance for a number of reasons. While the average consumer may not see the point of paying for automobile coverage while lacking the licensing by a state to operate a vehicle, there are many instances where it may be necessary. Unfortunately, many are under the impression that there are not companies available that will offer policies to an unlicensed person, but this is not necessarily always the case and it can be in one’s best interest to find a carrier that will offer to insure them without a driver’s license.

The bottom line is that it is illegal in most states to operate a motor vehicle without an automobile policy and while a motorist with suspended or revoked driving privileges should not get behind the wheel, there are individuals who may need to obtain car insurance with no license and there are companies that will offer it. Another misconception is that some may think that simply because they are unlicensed they will be subject to inflated rates and although this may be true for those who have have their licenses revoked due to certain traffic violations, international motorists may be able to find policies at the same price that a domestically licensed driver may pay.

Why to Get Insurance without a License

Individuals who are visiting or relocating to the United States will more than likely need to drive in order to get around and complete tasks. Those who are only visiting are allowed by most states to operate legally with foreign licensing, but they must be financially responsible for any bodily injury or property damage that they may cause while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Therefore, it may be in their best interest to obtain auto insurance to avoid any legal repercussions during their visit. Many companies will insure drivers with foreign licenses or identification cards for a specified length of time; company guidelines will differ.

One of the most common reasons why people may need to obtain automobile policies is to have driving privileges reinstated. A driver’s license can be suspended or revoked for a number of reasons and the majority of states will not reinstate licensing without proof of coverage being submitted to the appropriate state department. The Arizona Department of Transportation requires that a Certificate of Insurance (also known as an SR 22) be provided prior to the reinstatement of driving privileges. Although it may not seem necessary to purchase a policy if one cannot drive, it may be needed to begin operating a vehicle in the future.