Reader’s Question:

My car got into trouble in Minnesota, and unfortunately it was impounded. That car doesn’t have auto insurance because I seldom use it and I’m not sure what kind of penalty I would face for my violation. I live here in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the vehicle that was impounded was registered here, too. What should I do?

Alice

Green Bay, WI

Since the vehicle has crossed the boarder and was driven to and made a violation in Minnesota, the rules that you need to follow are the state laws of Minnesota. Typically, if you drive a vehicle from one state to another, it is okay as long as your vehicle is insured. However, if the vehicle is uninsured and is driven to another state, then it definitely has violated a law, and you may have to face penalties because of it.

In your area there in Wisconsin, a financial responsibility law is directed towards all drivers who are authorized to drive in Wisconsin. This law is intended to ensure that each motorist has the financial capability to pay for damages that may result from future accidents. Financial responsibility may come in the form of a surety bond, certificate of personal insurance, or a liability insurance policy.

On the other hand, under Chapter 169 of Minnesota state laws every driver must have a proof of insurance when operating a vehicle. This proof must be carried all the time to immediately prove to the law enforcer that you are insured. However, the owner of the vehicle may not be convicted unless the driver knew that the vehicle is uninsured.

So, since your vehicle is impounded in Minnesota, it would be best if you show proof of auto insurance, so that you could get back your vehicle. You may also contact the law enforcement agency that impounded your vehicle to know more about how to get the vehicle back to Wisconsin.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance law

Reader’s Question:

What car insurance premium should I expect if I have my “rebuilt” car insured here in Wisconsin?

Philip

Green Bay, WI

Typically, a “rebuilt” title is given to a vehicle that has been damaged and repaired after having been considered a “total loss” by the car insurance company. A vehicle may be considered as a “total loss” if it has been decided that the cost to repair the damage is higher than its “actual cash value.” Normally, the cost of repair falls between 51% to around 80% of the car’s actual cash value (the car insurance company decides on what percentage the repair cost should fall under in order to consider the vehicle a “total loss”). If the car is totaled, it is given a salvage title. However, if the car is repaired and is proven to be ready for the road, it is given a rebuilt title.

In reality, it is difficult to obtain an insurance for a rebuilt vehicle. This is because most automotive insurance companies consider “rebuilt” vehicles as “bad risks” with higher probabilities of getting into an accident again. In case an insurance company agrees on getting your vehicle insured, you may expect that company to give you only a specific amount, something less than the premium that you could actually get if you insure a vehicle that is not titled “rebuilt.” In that case, it is up to you if you want to get that policy or not. Try going for an insurance shopping there in Green Bay, WI, so you could choose which among the companies you’ve consulted with could give you the best insurance rates for your car. Or you could go online and check out it out.

Tags: auto insurance, auto insurance premium, car insurance rate

Reader’s Question:

What do I need to do to remove my SR22 on my car insurance policy in Madison Wisconsin?

Leo

Madison WI

Generally if it is time for you to remove your SR22 and you were informed by the state that you can remove your SR22 already all you need to do is inform your auto insurance provider.

To be sure, you may contact the department of motor vehicle and ask them if it is okay to remove your SR22 before you tell your car insurance company to remove your SR22.. Usually car insurance provider will ask for documentation from the department of motor vehicle showing that it is okay to remove the SR22 financial responsibility on your

In some states insurance providers will send the state an a form when you cancel your SR-22 coverage on your policy. This form is called an SR26.

If you are taking off your SR-22 insurance and would to shop around for car insurance coverage you may start here obtaining car insurance quotes in Madison Wisconsin on the space provided for the zip code in this website.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance quotes, sr22 insurance

Reader’s Question:

I am a college student and I come back home in Green Bay, Wisconsin for only a month during winter break. I do not have a car in college. I would like to know if there was some auto insurance plan that would cover me for only a month that I am home and have a vehicle, so I wont be paying insurance when I am not driving.

Jeremy

Green Bay, WI

It sounds as if when you are home in Green Bay, Wisconsin , you will be driving your parent’s car. If this is the case then your parents will need to verify with their insurance carrier to check what options are available to cover you when you come home. If you are still using your parent’s residence as your address of record, their insurance carrier may still consider you to be a household member that needs to be on the auto insurance policy, especially in order to be covered and operate a car when you come home to visit during winter breaks.

Insurance carrier’s guidelines vary therefore you will need to speak with the insurance agent regarding you being away at college from your parent’s insurance carrier. Most insurance carrier require that all household members are included on the car insurance policy, including any children away from home or at college that may drive your car during the occasional trips home.

Tags: Student car insurance

Reader’s Question:

How long does a speeding ticket remain on your record for insurance carriers? Was it three years?

James

Green Bay, WI

Normally insurance carriers have a look back period to rate on an offense conviction for three, five or seven years. Since your speeding ticket would be on your driving record for five years then an insurance carrier could rate you on this violation for that time period or for a lesser time period.

Since insurance carriers look back period and rating systems differ so you will need to contact your insurance provider to check how long they will rate you on the speeding ticket.Your insurance agent in Green Bay, Wisconsin should be able to inform you about your insurance carrier’s rating system and/or you can contact the Wisconsin insurance regulator with whom surcharge and rates information must be filed with.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance rate, traffic violation

Reader’s Question:

I was driving in Green Bay Wisconsin WI on a restricted driver’s license by DUI. I was driving outside my restrictions. I crashed my car due to a road hazard so will my insurance pay for damages even though I was not driving to/from work as mandates by my restricted license provisions?

Sarrah

Green Bay, WI

The insurance company’s provisions and/or exclusions will determine if this is covered under your policy. Exclusions on a Personal Auto Policy can be different for every carries and state, so you better review your policy:

Some typical exclusion follows:
-committing a high misdemeanor or felony, or seeking to avoid lawful apprehension or arrest by a police officer; or
-acting with specific intent to cause injury or damage to himself or others;
-operating or “occupying” an “auto” without the permission of the owner of the “auto” or name insured under the policy insuring that “auto”.
-War (declared or undeclared);
-Civil war;
-Insurrection;
-Rebellion or revolution;
-Any act or condition incident to any of the above resulting from radioactive, toxic, explosive, or other hazardous properties of nuclear material.
-and other specified on each policy…

Based on the typical exclusions listed, it seems like you will have coverage afforded unless there are other exclusions listed on your policy.

Tags: sr22, SR22 filing

Reader’s Question:

I have always paid my bills on time and never had a problem with my car insurance. But, recently my MVR score got affected and I wasn’t given the cheapest rate by my insurance provider and I dont know why. I’ve heard rumors of new vehicles (especially red ones) increasing an individuals insurance. Is it true? My new vehicle is red. I live in Wisconsin.

Michael

Green Bay, WI

You might be confused with your Consumer Credit Report and MVR. Your MVR is a documents pertaining to your driving. It will include items such as if your driver’s license is current and if you have any insurance points. Points are generally given for a driving violation and the more points the worse your MVR. An insurance carrier checks your MVR to check how much of a risk you might be as a motorist. If your MVR has negatives on it, such as a a big number of points or prior license suspension it would most likely affect your insurance policy costs negatively.

Your consumer credit report in Wisconsin is a documentation that lists your credit history using information from financial institutions such as merchants, banks and other creditors. It has been studied and found that those with bad credit reports are more likely to file car claims thus their insurance rate might be higher than those with excellent credit histories.

Reader’s Question:

If I want to find an insurance provider in Wisconsin online to check their background how would I go about getting information on that company?

Ray

Green Bay, WI

To get the background on an insurance carrier in Wisconsin, the first thing you may want to do is to look at the company’s own website. Most insurance companies have an “about us” section that provides information on their history, noteworthy accomplishments, and mission.

Of course since any Wisconsin carrier will want to shed themselves in a good light you should also look with other carriers that are not affiliated with them to have more reliable information on that carrier. Word of mouth is good as well, if family or friends have used them and can give you feedback. There are companies which provide an objective look into businesses.

When looking for car insurance carriers in Wisconsin do not forget to go to a great state source of knowledge, which is your state’s insurance regulator. Most states’ insurance regulatory agencies publish consumer complaint ratios for the insurance providers licensed to do business in the state. These ratios can inform you how many complaints a car insurance company has received per 1,000 claims filed.

Q: I’m really emptying my pockets for car expenses. I have a new car, so I have a $500 a month car payment, and then my Green Bay SR22 payment is another few hundred dollars a month. How can I save money here?

A: Since you have a new car, saving money may stll keep you with a high Green Bay SR22 premium, but it ill be better than your current one. Change a few things up and make sure you’re getting credit for what you have so you can save everything possible.

First of all, do you have a safety discount? If you have features such as anti lock brakes, seatbelts, and air bags on your car, then you should be getting discounted for these things. Same goes for if you have an anti theft device of some sort–a particular type is usually required.

Beyond that, you can save a least a hundred dollars a month, if no more, by assuming more risk. You do this by raising your deductible on your additional Green Bay SR22 coverages, such as your collision and comprehensive. I’m going to set a bottom line at around $500, but I suggest you raise it as high as you can go and make sure you start setting money aside so you’ll be able to pay it when the time comes.

Q: How much Wisconsin SR22 insurance do I need to have?

A: Wisconsin is one of he few states which does not actually require its drivers to have car insurance, so those who are in the few categories which indeed do have to buy insurance are more unfamiliar with it than those in other states. If you live in Wisconsin and have to be insured, it’s probably because you’re either under 18 or you need a Wisconsin SR22 because your license was suspended.

The minimum car insurance coverage required for someone who needs a Wisconsin SR22 policy is pretty low. You need, a least, to have ten thousand dollars in coverage to take care of property damage, as well as twenty five thousand for bodily injury, and fifty thousand in case of a death. If you are required to have Wisconsin SR22 insurance, then you will need to carry proof of insurance, in the form of an insurance card, on you at all times in case you get pulled over by a police officer.