Auto Insurance Claim – Why You Need To Report Accidents
Reader’s Question:
I’m from Milwaukee, WI. I got hit recently by another driver who was clearly at fault. He offered me to pay in cash for the damages rather than make a claim on his car insurance; is that okay?
Karen
Milwaukee, WI
It’s a bad idea to accept cash if you’re injured or if you even have a hint of being injured. Your PIP coverage should pay for your medical expenses and any lost wages that you may incur if you’re injured. Once your PIP is consumed, your health insurance will kick in and pay for the rest of your expenses. You can sue the at-fault driver to pay for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and any lost wages as a result of the crash if you do not have PIP or health insurance.
On the other hand, never take money on the spot if you choose to accept the other driver’s cash offer for the physical damage to your car. Be sure to know exactly how much it will cost to repair your vehicle. You could end up paying for a portion of the repairs yourself if you don’t get an accurate estimate, Say for example, the other driver offers you $1,000 to pay for damages and you later receive an estimate showing that the total cost is $1,500 to repair your car, you may have to kick in $500 of your own pocket.
It is also important for you to carefully examine any documents you may be required to sign that absolve the other driver of any further liability. If the at-fault’s party has consulted an attorney, it is likely that the attorney has drafted a document that will take away your right to sue later. If you are in doubt about signing the document, consult an attorney. Hiring a lawyer is an unavoidable expense that you’ll have to pay for. Always check your policy language for details so it’s advised to contact your Milwaukee, WI insurance agent to have a statute of limitations for reporting accidents.
How Far Can Insurers Can Look Back on Your Driving Record
Reader’s Question:
Someone told me that in the state of Wisconsin the car insurance carriers were only permitted to look back 3 years on your driving record. Is this true? I live in Wisconsin.
Neve
Kenosha, WI
I am not aware that insurance companies can only look at your driving record for three years in Wisconsin. Auto insurance carriers generally can go back 3, 5 or 7 years to look at a person’s driving record.
Most minor moving violations stay on your record for three years while major traffic violations can remain on your record for seven years or more. Many insurance providers will look 3 years back on a driver’s record for minor infractions but will look back for major offenses, i.e. DUI, for a longer period of time, such as 7 years.
On applications for car insurance many carriers will request information on previous accidents and moving violations and indicate how long proceeding the application date they will want you to list. If they request more than 3 years back, then you will need to list the moving violation and/or accident that happened during the time frame they requested information on.
Low Wisconsin Car Insurance Quote for New Drivers
Reader’s Question:
My aunt told me that as a new driver, I might often be charged with a more expensive car insurance quote. What can I do to help lower my costs for new driver car insurance in Wisconsin?
Mercy
Milwaukee WI
New drivers will most often be initially quoted with an expensive car insurance coverage compared to normal drivers. This is because car insurance providers naturally perceive them as more prone to road accidents since they lack the experience of driving along public roads and highways. However, there are many ways that you can consider in order to save you on car insurance policies even if you are a new driver.
Basically, you have to assure your car insurance provider that you are a responsible driver. You can do this by attending classes focusing on defensive driving. This program will allow you to drive safely and to anticipate hazards that you might experience while driving. There are even courses that offer you how to drive carefully under various road conditions or weather situations. Holding on to your program certificate will get you discounts on your new driver car insurance.
If you are a student, being responsible can also be reflected in your scholastic records. Some insurance providers will reward you for being a good student, thus, earning you a new driver car insurance at a lower rate. Additionally, having a clean credit record will also get you lower rates.
Do not forget to ask for any discounts.
Make sure you start making good credit score.
My Impounded Vehicle Doesn’t Have Car Insurance
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.
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Why you Need Car Insurance in Wisconsin
Readers Question:
Hello! Please give me a clear definition of car insurance. I think I need to buy a car in Wisconsin. Thank you.
Aubrey
Appleton, WI
Hi! Thank you as well for asking that question, dear. I’m sure you’re quite misled of these two terms. I perfectly understand since you’re so very young to be familiar in auto insurance. It seems too simple but we can not deny the fact that some are truly having misconceptions between the two. But actually there is no difference between auto insurance and car insurance. Car insurance is the term that we always use since it is widely understood by many people.
Auto insurance seems confusing if it is our fist time to inquire about this term. But once you understand the different types of coverage that make up your policy, it’s not hard at all. Your auto insurance is really a package you are looking for. Taken together, this coverage make up a standard auto policy. Each of this coverage has its own separate premium. No additional payment for separate premiums. You can also add coverage such as the coverage that will protect you from accidents along the road and service coverage that will provide you 24 hours toll-free assistance. Just be smart and read all the details of the insurance you are choosing.
Hope to hear from you, soon Aubrey! Good luck to your auto insurance search!
Checking What Car Insurance Company A Person is Insured At
Reader’s Question:
Is there any database available in Wisconsin to verify what car insurance company a person has? It think that there should be some way to check out if an uncooperative at-fault driver has car insurance.
Marie
Milwaukee, WI
It is likely that the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be able to assist you track down the at-fault person’s insurance company, if he has one. The WI Department of Motor Vehicle checks for insurance coverage on all motorists listed on an accident report. So hopefully you called the law enforcement officer to your accident scene to take a report.
If the Wisconsin DMV finds that a driver involved in an accident is uninsured, the other parties involved in the accident are informed. Those who are injured or have property damage can report their damages or injuries to the DMV. The Wisconsin safety responsibility law helps protect those who suffer damages in accidents caused by uninsured drivers by first taking away their vehicle registration and drivers license if the uninsured driver is at-fault and did not pay for the damages they caused.
So either way, if the at-fault party did or did not have car insurance at the time of the accident the DMV should be able to assist you so that your damages can be taken care of by the individual who caused the accident.
Do I Need to Pay Immediately for a Traffic Ticket?
Reader’s Question:
Do I have to pay on the spot for the ticket if I received one in the state of Wisconsin. I live from out of state.
Michelle
Thank you for asking Michelle.
While there may be areas or jurisdictions in Wisconsin that require this for certain conviction, but generally, I dont think that a motorist needs to pay a ticket on the spot to law enforcement officer in WI due to having an out of state driver’s license.
Typically in Wisconsin if you have been cited for a ticket and simply wish to pay the fine, you may send a check or money order for the amount of the fine to the address that is printed on the ticket. Usually, police officers will remind you to be sure to include your driver’s license number and the citation number on the check or money order.
You can contact the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to find out if they can advise you if there’s any area of WI that may require you to pay a traffic ticket on the spot instead of going to court or sending fine amount to the court listed on the ticket.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
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