Reader’s Question:

I was told I am classified as a high risk driver and need a special insurance in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. What exactly does is mean in the context of auto insurance in LA?

Claire

Baton Rouge, Louisiana LA

High risk drivers are those classified as ‘unsafe drivers’ and who probably gets denied by most auto insurers for coverage due to the risk factors.

The most common of this type are the ones convicted with DUI. In most states, including Louisiana LA, drivers with DUI are required SR22 filing to get back their license and drive again. SR22 usually lasts from 2-5 years and is filed by SR22 filing companies who understand the needs of those who have their licenses suspended due to some traffic violations.

Another group of high risk drivers are those 70 years old or older and those who are 20 years old or younger. They are considered high risk drivers for two opposite reasons. The older ones are considered experienced, but with physical flaws due to impaired vision, slow reflex actions, and other physical constraints. The younger age bracket of 20 below is also considered high risk due to being inexperienced and relatively being too aggressive when on the road.

Still another class are the ones who have a history of auto accidents or violations. Other insurers may try to keep these guys off the road, but there are auto insurers Baton Rouge, Louisiana out there who know their needs and cater to keep them insured. Some insurers would even give discounts to this group if over time a clean record is kept by becoming a more cautious driver.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance, DUI, high risk drivers, sr22, SR22 filing

Reader’s Question:

My son drives our older car but my insurance company based our car insurance premium rate upon him being the primary driver of our newer car? We’re from Monroe, Louisiana. Is this valid?

Paula

Monroe, LA

Insurance companies’ policy guidelines on determining rates vary but it is normal for them to rate the youngest driver in your household as the highest rated driver and the newest vehicle as the highest rated vehicle. The reason behind this is that most insurance companies base the car insurance rates on the driver who develops the highest premium; this normally is the youngest driver. Other countries, such as the UK, also use this type of insurance rating. In addition, auto insurance policies are also rated base on the age of the youngest driver. For example, the base rates (the starting point for premiums) are set at the age of 30. That means drivers under the age of 30 attract surcharges while drivers over 30 attract insurance discounts.

In the United States it is a little better since premium rates begin to fall normally when a motorist is 25 years of age or older and has at least few years of driving experience. Try contacting the consumer division of Louisiana insurance regulatory body to find out what state auto insurance laws allow.

Tags: car insurance rate, New Driver Insurance, teen insurance, Young driver car insurance

Reader’s Question:

I was unaware that my auto insurance was cancelled in Baton Rouge Louisiana and I would like to know what steps do I have to make?

Rick

Baton Rouge, LA

If your insurance was cancelled, under any circumstances, after you have had an insurance policy for sixty days in the state of Louisiana, that car insurance policy can only be cancelled if you fail to pay your car insurance premium, you or a member of your household has a driver’s license or motor vehicle registration suspended during the auto insurance policy period or you file a fraudulent claim.

If your insurance provider decides not to renew your auto insurance policy in Baton Rouge, you must be given a 20-day notice, and the insurer must provide you the reason for non-renewal if you request it in writing. So if your car insurance was canceled your insurer should have notified you.

If your car insurance was canceled without notification then you may contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance to check what consumer insurance advice they may be able to give you on this subject.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance, insurance advice

Reader’s Question:

What will happen if you get involved in a car accident and you do not have car insurance in the state of Louisiana?

Denver

Monroe, LA

If you do not have car insurance on your motor vehicle at the time of the accident, the “No Pay, No Play” law would then apply in Louisiana. That is, a person who does not have car liability insurance, no matter who is at fault, cannot collect for the first $10,000 of damages in an accident.

If you were at fault in the accident then I am sorry to tell you but of course you would have no insurance to make a claim through therefore you will likely be held personally responsible for the damages that you caused to the other party.

In Louisiana, the penalties for driving uninsured if you are cited by Louisiana law enforcement is that the vehicle can be impounded, you may be hit with fines and administrative fees, registration and license plates (tags) can be suspended or revoked as well.

Tags: auto insurance, car

Reader’s Question:

My car was parked in Metairie, LA and was hit but there were no witnesses and no one admitted to hitting my vehicle. I want to know if my car insurance will cover the damage to my car and if this will increase my car insurance rate? I live in the state of Louisiana.

Jonas

Metairie, LA

Normally, this hit and run claim would be place through your collision coverage since neither the at-fault party nor car was found. You would have to obtain specifics about your car insurance company’s rating system from your car insurance agent, but since you were not at-fault in Metairie Louisiana normally you would not have your car insurance rates raised due to a claim to fix your vehicle.

To know more about your insurance provider’s specific rating system that they have filed with the state of Louisiana you should be able to ask your insurance broker or agent and / or contact the LA Department of Insurance. Just speaking to your car insurance agent about their rating system and the possibility of making a claim to repair the damages from the hit and run incident should not affect your car insurance rates in any way.

Tags: autos, car insurance rate

Reader’s Question:

I would like to know how I could go about buying a non-owner’s car insurance policy in Louisiana?

Paul

New Orleans, LA

Hello there, Paul.

It’s good that you asked me this important question. First of all, you need to understand what the non-owner’s car insurance policy is essentially for. It can cover any damages that you may cause to someone’s property or body while driving a car which is not yours. This may include rented and borrowed cars. A non-owner’s car insurance policy is a kind of liability coverage which can help you sort out several insurance complications. You can easily have a non-owner’s car insurance policy if you have a commercial liability policy. You can just pay to add this on and you will be all set.

I can give you some tips on how you should go about purchasing your own non-owner’s car insurance policy. First of all, you better call several insurance companies and ask about obtaining a non-owner’s policy. Each and every state and insurance company invariably offers such a policy so you may not need to look specifically for companies that do in Louisiana.

Try to ask for information about the “Assigned Risk Program/Plan” offered to the insurance company by Louisiana. Such company should offer you a policy in accordance with the risk program and agents would rarely respond with a cold shoulder on this query. If you experience such, you can always complain since you are entitled to receive such coverage.

Reader’s Question:

I am a college student and have my own vehicle, should I get insurance in the state I live in which is in New Orleans Louisiana or the state I attend college in?

Robert

New Orleans, LA

If you are a Louisiana resident but going to school in Texas keeping your current car insurance may be a problem, depending on your insurance carrier. If the insurer is licensed to do business in Texas then you should be able to stay with that insurance provider but according to the Louisiana Insurance Commissioner it would be up to the guidelines of your individual insurance company if they would continue your policy or drop you so that you would get TX insurance.

So to decide which state to register and insure you vehicle, first try speaking to your current insurance broker to verify if your policy will follow you. If it will not follow you then you will need to obtain insurance in the state where your college is located.

Reader’s Question:

In Louisiana how long does a DWI conviction remain on your record?

Marissa

Shreveport, LA

According to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), your official driving record (ODR) lists different law violations and the retention period for infractions differs depending on the type of violation

So a DWI in Louisiana would remain on your driving record for 10 years from the date of the infraction for this driving while intoxicated charge. According to the Louisiana driver’s manual, a first conviction for a DWI can cost you $4500 in court costs, fines, insurance costs, lawyer fees, etc.

In addition to the penalties, proof of future financial responsibility or the SR22 form must be filed and maintained for 3 years from the date of conviction. The court also has the authority to require participation in driver improvement programs, community service work, and substance abuse treatment, all at your expense.