Reader’s Question:

Three years ago, my husband was fined due to driving without insurance when he was still a teenager. I just want to know how long for that conviction should affect our rates because our premiums are still high. We live in Ontario Canada.

Maria

Good question Maria.

In Ontario the law requires that all motorists have car insurance. The mandatory coverage in Ontario are: $200,000 of third party liability, statutory accident benefits, uninsured automobile and direct compensation-property damage.

Fines of $5000 up to $50000 may be penalized for vehicle owners and drivers who do not have a valid car insurance . If you get caught driving without a valid automobile insurance, your driver’s license may be suspended and your vehicle impounded.

If you are convicted of operating a vehicle without valid automobile insurance, your insurance provider will put you as a “high-risk” driver and may charge you higher premiums. It is also possible that they will refuse to sell car insurance as well to you.

It is considered a major conviction if you drive without an insurance. Surcharges should apply to your insurance for three years. Insurance providers may be able to look up to your driving record for the past three years (and the past six years for claims).

Insurance companies in Ontario assess your rates depending on what they perceive as their risk of having you as a policy holder. According to information provided above it would appear that 3 years of driving without insurance conviction should no longer affect your husband’s rates.

So you may contact your insurance agent to know why your policy rates continue to be high. You may also consider shopping around for other insurance companies and get quotes if you are not satisfied with your current insurance provider.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Once my 16 year old kid gets his license, can he drive my vehicle and does he needs to get an insurance right after getting his license?

Richmond

Thank you for asking Richmond.

The mandatory auto liability insurance in Wyoming law requires that an individual driving a motor vehicle must satisfy the state’s financial responsibility limits of 25/50/20.

According to the Wyoming financial responsibility law, liability policy means an owner’s or an operator’s policy of liability insurance, certified as proof of financial responsibility, and issued by an insurance carrier authorized to transact business in this state, to or for the benefit of the person named as insured.

It looks like, from the information above, anyone driving must have insurance on them as a driver. I would suggest that you check with the Wyoming Department of Transportation to get more information if this is correct according to Wyoming Motor Vehicle Statutes.

If your son is getting a license, since he is under 18, he will need an authorization from you. In this form you will have to sign and part of this may include keeping insurance coverage or being responsible for the young driver while he is driving so you may check it from the WY DOT exactly what the release form states.

Most insurance companies will require you to put on the list any household licensed drivers on your policy. So when your son gets his license you will need to notify your insurance company and they likely will require you add your son to the insurance policy. He is likely going to operate your vehicle so he needs to be insured.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

My 18 year old daughter lives in Georgia and Im planning to buy a car for as a gift and wanting to get her an insurance. How can I get an insurance for her, I live in Mississippi.

Michael

Good question Michael.

If the car that you will purchase for your daughter will be titled and registered in her name only, she will be the only person who can obtain insurance on the vehicle.

Now if the car will be titled in your name or your name and your daughter’s name, then an insurance company will be able to insure the car for you and/or your daughter. Im not sure if you can find an insurance company who will be able to insure a car in Mississippi that is garaged in Georgia.

Since the car is going to reside and be garaged in Georgia it has to be registered there, regardless whose name is on the title. Car insurance companies must be licensed with the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

It would be easier if you find an insurance company for your daughter in Georgia and register it under her name. You may be able to assist her with the payments once its already set up.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I was given 3 tickets for speeding and not using a signal, am I going to lose my license? Im 17 years old and I live in Kentucky.

Kymra

Good question Kymra.

In Kentucky , you will get 6 points for going 25 mph over the speed limit but for 26mph or over the speed on any highway you will have to attend a hearing and may have your license suspended.

It is a 4 point offense for reckless driving in Kentucky.It is not listed on the KY Division of Driver Licensing (DDL) points system the offense for not using the turn signal but you may check with the Department to see if theres a point associated with it.

The Department of Driver Licensing states that if you accumulate 12 points (7 points if under age 18) within a two year period, your license may be suspended. The motorist will then have to attend a hearing prior to the possible suspension. Your drivers license may be suspended for 6 months if you fail to attend the hearing.

After the hearing, the department may require the motorist to be placed on probation in lieu of suspension and he needs to attend a driver improvement clinic. So its possible that your license will be suspended because of the violations. You may contact the KY Transportation Cabinet to get more information regarding your situation.

Goodluck!

MariCAR