Oh no!!! I forgot to pay my auto insurance premium last month. Will my policy be canceled?
Each state has its own rules governing the cancellation of automobile insurance policies. You should check Part F of your personal auto policy (PAP) regarding termination and cancellation conditions. This section will address when, how, and for what reasons coverage under your personal auto policy can be terminated. You should also check any applicable endorsements regarding cancellation.
If you fail to pay your premium on time, your insurance company has the right–after providing you with at least 10 days notice–to cancel the policy. The notice of cancellation, mailed to the named insured shown on the Declarations page of the policy, will inform you of the date and time the cancellation will take effect. Even if you’re only a day late with your premium payment, your state may allow your insurance company to cancel your insurance policy, and the company won’t necessarily reinstate you once it gets your money. Furthermore, once your policy has been canceled, you may find yourself paying more money for a comparable policy or having trouble finding insurance at all. For our clients, sometimes we can be of help in this situation by dealing with the insurance company for them.
That being said, some insurance companies will not immediately issue a cancellation notice. You may simply receive an overdue notice, asking you to pay the past-due premium plus a late fee. Other companies may state in the cancellation notice that if payment is received by your insurance agent prior to the effective cancellation date shown, your coverage will be considered “reinstated.” It may also be possible for you to reinstate coverage after the effective cancellation date by paying the overdue premium and perhaps an additional sum. (However, it is likely that you will not be covered for any accidents between the effective date of cancellation and the date of reinstatement.)
In any event, you must look to state law and your automobile insurance policy to learn whether your policy will be canceled. Feel free to call us to ask for assistance.
- Published in Auto Insurance Premiums, Automobile Insurance, Insurance Doctor, Uncategorized
So my driving record is not that great! How does this impact my insurance rates?
In most states, the department of motor vehicles has a “point” system, which is used to track and measure your driving record. Generally, each type of infraction (moving violations, parking tickets, at-fault accidents, driving under the influence, etc.) is assigned a certain point value. When you are found guilty of one of these infractions, the appropriate number of points is added to your driving record. The more points you have, the worse your record.
Typically, an auto insurance company has the right to review the driving record of anyone who applies for an auto insurance policy from that company.
There are two purposes for this initial review:
To determine whether you meet the insurer’s standards of insurability
To evaluate your risk potential (i.e., how much your insurance will cost).
Each insurance company has its own method of evaluating applicants. So the points on your driving record may have a direct impact on the rates you pay for auto insurance. This is one of the reasons why we shop among 40 different insurance companies and programs to find the best policy for you.
There are certain times when you can be relatively sure your insurance company will be checking your record. These include:
When you initially apply for coverage
When your policy comes up for renewal
If a review of your driving record uncovers negative information, your insurance rates may increase. Insurers typically have their own “point” system to calculate the increase (if any). Then we go to work for you to find you the lowest rate even with this negative information.
You deserve the best and that’s what you will get here at The Insurance Doctor!
Lets talk about you for a minute – and what you deserve from people like us.
You want to save money… without spending your life learning the insurance business and shopping for the right policy. Research is our job. Leave that to us.
If you are a safe driver, you want to be sure you are getting the savings you deserve. You probably have no idea the discounts you may qualify for. We’ll show you.
If you have a bad driving record, you want to be treated fairly and respectfully. And you want the best policy for your current situation. We are proud to help you.
You want to pay on your terms. Maybe in small monthly payments by direct bill or EFT. Maybe you would rather pay by credit card – or in cash? We give you the choice.
You don’t want to be haunted by a traffic violation from years ago. Most insurance companies review the last five years of your driving before they will insure you. We only review the last three years of your driving record.
You don’t want to deal with the insurance company. We do it for you.
You want immediate service when you need it the most. We offer 24 hour claim service.
You want an expert as your own personal representative. Someone well-trained and friendly – who you trust to follow up with you quickly. That’s us. We’re open during lunch and in the evening to suit YOUR schedule. We’ll work with you by phone or email. Whatever suits you.
You don’t want to deal with an automated answering service or 1-800 numbers. We don’t want to jeopardize personal service just when you need it the most. You will get your own agent every time you call.
Let us make your life a little easier – and save you money at the same time.
Get a quote. And see how it pays to let us do the shopping for you.
Teen driving tips to keep prom and graduation safe
High school is full of defining moments for teens and two of the highlights for most are prom and graduation.
However, this time of year often sees other, more tragic defining moments – serious car accidents involving teens who are distracted or even under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
At the Insurance Doctor, we want to help make this season one to celebrate for you and your teen. So, with the help of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, here are some tips that can keep your teen safe.
First, encourage your teen to follow these general safe-driving rules:
Absolutely no alcohol
Always use seat belts
No cell phone use (including texting) while driving
- Published in Road Safety