Could you please give me some instances wherein I don’t have to file a claim with my car insurance company here in Florida regarding an accident? Also, it will be much appreciated if you give instances on when it is necessary to file a claim.

Adrien

Miami Beach, FL

In case there is already a point on your driving record because of a speeding violation, you may inquire with the California department of insurance to see their rules about nonrenewal. Be cautious to report the accident to your car insurance company in case filing a claim for an accident you cause, plus your previous ticket, will indicate a nonrenewal. However, if there is another vehicle concerned or you have other people in your car, you might want to file a claim for that. You will never foresee what may happen after the accident and if you don’t report it, your car insurance provider will have a drawback in defending you.

In some instances that do not have bodily injury, it is enticing to just privately resolve the issue with the other individual/s involved without reporting it to your insurer or the authorities. However, you have to be cautious if you were not the one who caused the accident and you have endured damages. On the other hand, if injuries were not instantly obvious after the accident and they show up the following day and you know that those injuries need medical attention, you have to inform your insurer about that accident.

My new job requires me to travel a lot so I may have to rent a car if necessary. Will my car insurance here in Florida cover me in case of an accident in a rental car?

Darien

Miramar, FL

There are some things that you have to know about rental auto insurance before you do rent a car. Car insurance coverage differs from one provider to another. Certain insurance policies could not cover rented cars but others would cover the damage you may cause to any vehicle that you drive, including a rental car. Your auto insurance in Florida could also protect you against liability claims up to the policy limits.

Even if your auto insurance will give coverage, you have to find out exactly who is covered. You and other listed drivers on your auto insurance policy may be covered while driving a rental vehicle. And you can also check if other drivers may be covered as well. One good way to know for sure is to ask your insurance provider or broker. You may ask the rental company about insurance coverage that they offer if the people you are traveling with are not covered. You may also go over your auto insurance policy’s fine print to check if there are any restrictions to rental auto coverage. Certain policies could cover a rental vehicle only when your own automobile is stolen or being repaired.

I have a DUI conviction here in  Florida and I was told that my auto insurance rate would increase. Is there a way that the insurance company doesn’t find out about it and my rates will stay the same?

Kacey

North Westside, FL

Auto insurance providers obviously would not be happy if they find out about your DUI conviction in North Westside, Florida. They would carry out serious penalties to people who have DUI under their belts. But this would only happen if they discover the DUI conviction that you have. A lot of auto insurance providers don’t check their client’s driving history any more than once every three years. Because of that, those who have DUI convictions could get away with any penalties the insurance providers typically carry out.

If your auto insurance provider finds out about your DUI, they could increase your premiums or they could cancel your policy altogether. Depending on the auto insurance carrier and their regulations concerning auto insurance after DUI, your insurance rates could not rise at all. Some of them would look at your driving record and make their decision based on that. DUI conviction could cause a lot of problems for motorists. Most state laws allow three years for an auto insurance provider catch up on DUI convictions. If they get wind a client having DUI, they could legally decide to increase their insurance rates or cancel the policy.