Minimum Auto Insurance for a Used Car
Reader’s Question:
Hello out there! I plan on buying a used car here in Wisconsin. Is it okay if I just get the minimum auto insurance required? Do I still have to get the add-ons my auto insurance agent suggests that I buy, too?
Mandy
Madison, WI
Hey there Mandy! Most people will purchase a used vehicle to save on the costs of down payments and monthly payments, which would be higher than if you were to purchase a new vehicle. But just because your vehicle isn’t brand-new, this does not mean that you have to be stingy with the auto insurance that you get. Of course, it would be practical if the comprehensive auto insurance and collision damage insurance premiums you sign up for cover just the amount you need for repairs or replacement of your vehicle. You may want to increase your deductibles for these types of insurance to lower your premiums. However for property damage liability and personal injury liability insurance, it is not practical at all to get just the minimum amounts of auto insurance coverage. Imagine what would happen if you got in a really bad accident. Would the minimum amounts be enough to pay for the damages? Will it be enough to pay for the medical expenses of any of the injured parties?
You may think that sticking to the minimum auto insurance requirements will save you some money right now, but getting more coverage will most likely pay off in case you do get into an accident. I suggest you try visiting some sites online that offer affordable auto insurance in Wisconsin.
Do I Need Car Insurance for Driving Someone Else’s Car?
Reader’s Question:
Quick question on non owner policy in Green Bay, Wisconsin: if I have auto insurance, will I need one if I keep driving another one’s car?
Miller
Green Bay, Wisconsin WI
I hope you are doing well, Miller.
Non-owner policy is also known as an operator policy. This is an insurance policy that provides basic mandatory liability coverage on any vehicle that you operate but does not own. This may be a friend’s vehicle or a company car used by you on the job. This policy may be written exclusive of your existing insurance in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
So that if other vehicles in the household have existing insurance, this policy may be issued discretely to satisfy the Wisconsin SR-22 high-risk auto insurance requirement. Your current insurance carrier in Green Bay does not need to be notified of your requirement for high-risk short term SR-22 insurance coverage. Be warned though about this particular one because if your local carrier discovers extreme violations, the premiums may be increased or the policy may be canceled.
These policies are issued by your auto insurance agent in cooperation with an acceptable insurance company licensed to operate in the State of Wisconsin. After the policy is issued, your auto insurer’s main office electronically files an SR-22 high-risk auto insurance form with the Wisconsin DMV Department of Financial Responsibility on the insured’s behalf. The issuing agent in Green Bay, Wisconsin also files an SR-22 insurance form with the State of Wisconsin and the insured receives a copy of the SR-22 insurance form along with the policy and proof of insurance cards.
How Much is a Teenage Driver Auto Insurance
Reader’s Question:
I have been thinking of enlisting my teenager in our auto insurance policy in Wisconsin. How costly can this be? What do I need to know?
Peter
Milwaukee, WI
Hello there, Peter!
I have to tell you in advance that adding your teenager to your insurance policy can really throw you for a loop. When you find out the cost of it insuring your teenage driver, you might be surprised.
Even if it can cost you a few dollars more, it is important however that you list your teenage driver on your insurance policy. This is because if you fail to list your teenager on your vehicle you could face having your policy canceled or not renewed and possible surcharges on your policy too. There could be some insurance companies can and will cancel your insurance policy for misrepresentation if you don’t list your teenager on your own auto insurance policy.
So if and when your teenager regularly drives your vehicle or any vehicle in your home, you better list in your own policy as one of the drivers. This ensures that your vehicle is covered by your insurance in the event that there is an incident while he or she is driving any of your cars. Next, this could also mean that your teenager will gain some valuable insurance experience in the process which will translate to some savings for your teenager when he or she gets their own vehicle and insurance.
So you can contact your local auto insurance agent in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and ask for procedures you can do to enlist your teenager in your auto insurance policy.
