Will Parking Ticket Increase My Auto Insurance Rate in New York

 

December 13, 2008 by author · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Traffic Tickets 

Reader’s Question:

I received a parking ticket here in New York. Will it affect my car insurance premiums?

Ian

Albany, NY

In most cases, getting a parking ticket will not be considered by car insurance companies as a demerit earned on your insurance points. This is because moving violations, especially if a driver gets convicted for them, are the ones that the insurance carriers take into consideration when raising premiums. However, if you failed to address a parking ticket, like paying the fine, this would eventually lead to the suspension of your driver’s license, and then the suspension will be put against your driver’s motor vehicle record (MVR). The State of New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will then notify your auto insurance provider about the suspension. That is why it is very important to remember to address any traffic citation, even ones as seemingly harmless as a parking ticket as soon as possible. When you get a parking ticket, remember not to lose it in the glove compartment along with your loose change and ATM receipts.

In the State of New York, non-criminal tickets will be addressed by the local town or village criminal courts. However, you will need to face the Department of Motor Vehicles Traffic Violations Bureau since you are from Albany, New York. Instead of appearing before a judge, a DMV administrative law judge who has the authority to set penalties and fines will try your case. Bear in mind that it is easier to avoid getting a ticket than dealing with the consequences of it afterwards. Just make it a habit to follow traffic laws and practice safe driving.

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How Much Car Insurance Coverage Do You Need in New York

 

December 13, 2008 by author · Leave a Comment
Filed under: New York Auto Insurance 

Reader’s Question:

How much car insurance coverage do I need to purchase in New York?

Jeff

Buffalo, NY

The State of New York is a no-fault state. This means that in the event of an accident, you will need to file a claim against your own car insurance company through your no-fault insurance policy. The minimum amount of no-fault insurance as part of personal passenger car insurance policy in New York is fifty thousand dollars. The minimum liability insurance that you must purchase is referred to as the 25/50/10 coverage. This type of coverage will assist with $25,000 for bodily injuries to one person, $50,000 for bodily injuries to all persons, and $10,000 for destroyed property in any one accident. The no-fault insurance policy is also known as the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy, and it is there to financially assist a policyholder’s medical costs. Additionally, PIP is devised to pay promptly regardless of who was at fault in the accident. This is to cut back on lengthy court litigations and provide necessary financial help right away. Due to the no-fault law, cases against car accidents can be tried only for losses that go beyond the no-fault insurance limits. A case can also be brought to the court for non-economic damages such as suffering and pain sustained from a serious injury.

Insurance for Rental Cars in New York

 

December 6, 2008 by author · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Rental Car Insurance 

Reader’s Question:

I live here in New York and usually rent a car whenever my own car is in repair. Do I need to have a separate insurance for rental cars?

Anna

Manhattan, NY

Rental car insurance is always a confusing matter for most of us. Renters buy supplemental rental car insurance for $20 to $40 per day for fear of what might happen if they refuse. What many of us do not know is that additional rental car insurance is mostly unnecessary if you have sufficient car insurance coverage. Before renting a car in New York, it is good to call your car insurance agent. Inquire about how much coverage you have on your car.

Generally, whatever deductibles and coverage you have on your car insurance would apply to your rental car. If you have removed the collision or comprehensive coverage on your car insurance policy, your rental car will not be covered if it was damaged or stolen.

Ask your agent if your insurance provider covers towing fees or administrative charges. Some car insurance companies cover these for their policyholders and may prove to be less expensive since you would not need to buy full coverage through the rental car company.

The next thing to do before renting a car is to call your credit card company. Companies like Visa, American Express and Discover may shoulder comprehensive damages to most vehicles. MasterCard offers secondary coverage to its platinum and gold card holders.