How Long Will I Be a High Risk Driver?

Have you been labeled a high-risk driver by insurance companies? It is certainly frustrating to have to pay more for some things that cannot be controlled, like your age or location. The good news is that some factors that determine your high and low-risk status do not last forever. In fact, you may be a low-risk driver sooner than you think!

First, you need to know that remaining on your best behavior while behind the wheel is going to be the best way to chisel down the years. After that, consider the following factors that influence how long you will be a high-risk driver:

 

You Have Had No Insurance For Years, If Ever

First-time drivers and those who have had lengthy lapses in auto insurance are going to have much higher rates than those who have been covered continuously and never missed a payment. Fortunately, if this is the only thing against you, then your high-risk status can be voided within 6 months.

You will have to practice safe driving habits and pay your insurance bills on time. Otherwise, your high-risk status will be extended.

Also, once you have signed up for a policy, do not immediately look for a new one. You must stick with an insurance policy for at least 6 months before you decide to switch. If you switch too soon, any progress you made on reducing the high-risk period is going to be returned to square one.

 

You Accumulated a Number of Violations Rapidly

Typically, a minor infraction will take about 3 years to disappear and for your insurance rates to lower. However, if you are considered high risk because of multiple at-fault accidents or tickets, then you can return to a preferred insurance carrier once the oldest violation is 3 years old. That said, you will have to compare the cost of different carriers to see who offers the best rate.

Discuss your options with an insurance agent. If you switch to a preferred carrier on the day the oldest violation falls off, you can save a lot of money.

Keep in mind that not every preferred carrier is the same. Some only count tickets that were received in the past 2 years while multiple tickets extend the high risk term for 3 years.

 

Those Violations Were Severe

As noted above, minor violations take about 3 years to vanish. But what about major violations, like a DUI? In that event, it could take up to 5 years to get removed from your record. Not only that, but most states require you to take an extra step if you have a major violation. You will need to fill out something called an SR-22.

The SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility guarantees you have the appropriate amount of liability coverage for your state.

You may need to file for an SR-22 if you have the following:

  • A moving violation, such as an DUI or DWI
  • An at-fault accident while driving without auto insurance
  • Repeated traffic offenses
  • Many offenses received in a short amount of time
  • Suspended or revoked license

You will need to keep the SR-22 insurance for about 3 years, but it depends on your insurance provider and the severity of the offense. After those 3 years are up, you can start shopping for car insurance, but the cheapest estimates will only show up after 5 years time.

 

Tips to Avoid Being a High-Risk Driver

Putting everything you have learned together, here are some ways for you to reduce the duration of your high-risk period or to avoid returning to high risk:

  • Make payments on time
  • Keep continuous insurance coverage
  • Avoid cancellations for non-payment and do not let your policy lapse
  • Get a driver’s license as soon as you can—the sooner you get it, the sooner you can add to your driver’s history
  • Make sure you pay all of your tickets and taxes
  • Avoid tickets and violations, because they stay on your record for many years
  • Avoid filing small insurance claims, since this will cause premiums to skyrocket

 

Bottom Line

Dealing with higher rates as a high risk driver is only temporary. The main struggle is maintaining insurance coverage. Every time you miss a payment or your policy lapses can set you back. That is how easily your actions can affect your insurance policy. If you want to decrease the years you spend as a high risk driver, start behaving like a low risk one, and soon you will have more affordable auto insurance!

Are you a high risk driver in need of car repairs? Have questions about your status? Get in touch with us! Fill out the contact form, and a representative will get back to you.

Does Car Insurance Cover a Natural Disaster?

Mother nature can be unforgiving and causes a great amount of damages throughout the year. Those damages can affect your property and also your vehicle. After such a calamity, which are often called “Acts of God”, you might be left one question: “Does car insurance cover a natural disaster?” Rather than waiting until something terrible happens as a result of unpredictable storms or something similar, it’s best to know now whether such damages are covered or not.

The quick answer is yes, if certain conditions are met. Not every scenario is going to be covered.

Let’s break this down a bit further.

 

Comprehensive Car Insurance Coverage

There is no actual “natural disaster” insurance policy for motor vehicles. Instead, there is only comprehensive car insurance. Most states, like New Jersey, require drivers to have a minimum of auto liability coverage, which will pay for things like another driver’s injuries or damages to property in the event of an accident.

Comprehensive car insurance is optional. You must choose such coverage when you enroll into an auto insurance policy. Unless you choose a comprehensive plan, natural disasters will not be covered. Individual policies are different, though, so what one plan covers may not be paid for in another insurer’s plan.

The good news is that you can add comprehensive coverage onto your current policy, and it usually takes about 5 minutes when done online.

 

What Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover?

Most comprehensive policies offer coverage from falling debris, glass, and water damage. That means any damages caused by storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, or even hail storms and floods can be paid for. You may assume that you are safe from certain natural disasters, such as flooding, if you do not live somewhere considered a flood zone.

That said, you never know when flash flooding may occur while you are driving. Flood waters can cause damages to the internal machinery of the vehicle. However, only comprehensive coverage will help with mitigating the costs of car repair. If you live somewhere prone to flooding, pay it safe and get the appropriate amount of coverage.

You may also be covered in the event of a wildfire and earthquake.

 

Important Note

If you live in an area that is subjected to inclement weather, such as high winds, tornadoes, hail, and flooding, you should always ensure well in advance that your policy has comprehensive coverage. Otherwise, you may run into something called a “binding restriction.”

Binding restrictions occur when insurance providers place restrictions on consumers to prevent them from buying or changing plans during a major storm.

This means you cannot wait for the flooding to strike to purchase insurance that will cover your vehicle from damage.

 

What are Other “Acts of God”?

An “Act of God” refers to any damages that are the result of circumstances beyond your control as a driver. Aside from natural calamities like hail and flooding, additional Acts of God include:

  • Volcanoes
  • Mudslides and landslides
  • Sinkholes
  • Riots
  • Vandalism
  • Theft

As long as you maintain comprehensive coverage, you are safe from natural disasters and damages that may be the result of civil unrest. Think of comprehensive insurance as a safety net for anything beyond what happens on the road.

 

My Car’s Been Damaged in a Natural Disaster! What Now?

Now that you know that, yes, natural disasters are covered by comprehensive car insurance, it is time to discuss what happens if your vehicle is damaged by such a calamity. If you have comprehensive car insurance, then you shouldn’t worry about the cost, because it will most likely be covered. Once you are positive the danger has passed, you will need to file a claim with your auto insurance company.

Be sure to take pictures of the damages from every angle or take a video to show the damages. When you make your claim, you will be asked questions about how the damage occurred, so the evidence may come in handy. Do not move the car until the appraisal from the insurance company has been completed. Also, do not attempt fixing any damages before speaking to the insurer.

 

Limitations and Deductibles

Even though you have coverage and can file a claim, there are some things that could limit how much you get for the damages. You will have to pay a deductible, unless your auto insurance policy does not have one. Next, some comprehensive policies will have a limit to the maximum amount of expenses that would be covered. That limit is typically how much your car is worth.

 

Get Your Car Repaired Fast

You should now know that only comprehensive auto insurance will cover natural disasters and other Acts of God. Other forms of auto insurance, such as liability insurance, will not cover expenses from hail or flooding or anything else. If you live somewhere that regularly receives powerful storms, comprehensive auto insurance is a smart choice.

Has your vehicle been damaged in a recent storm? Once you’ve spoken to your insurance company, it’s time to bring it in for repairs. Our professional team is happy to return your car to its proper working condition. Let us know how we can help by filling out the contact form.

How to Safely Clean Your Car’s Interior During COVID-19

Now that the world is dealing with a global pandemic, it has become clear that our surroundings are not as safe or clean as we originally assumed. Even if you are working hard to wear a face covering and washing your hands every time you touch a surface, there are places that we forget about simply because we spend a lot of time there. Case in point: your car. Your car travels with you wherever you go, and so cleaning it is just as important as sanitizing your hands and phone and wearing a mask.

The good news is that cleaning your car to keep you safe during the COVID-19 era isn’t difficult. You already have most of the supplies you need.

So let’s get started.

 

Best Products For Cleaning Your Car

The interior of your car is less resilient than your kitchen counter or a shower stall when it comes to being cleaned. The fabrics, leather, and glass can be damaged if you don’t use the appropriate items. The best items you can use are the same ones you are probably already including in your daily life, such as dish soap, disposable gloves, and a warm water-alcohol solution. A microfiber cloth is also excellent for sweeping up tiny particles of dirt and dust and leaving surfaces streak-free.

For instance, disinfectant wipes containing around 70 percent isopropyl alcohol are most effective for killing COVID-19. You can also make a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar.

The CDC states that dirty surfaces and upholstery needs to be cleaned prior to sanitizing. Vacuum up dirt and dust. Shake out the floor mats. Remove any grime that is visible. Pick up any garbage, loose receipts, and anything else that could be an obstacle later. That will help your disinfecting efforts.

Keep in mind that any imitation leather in your vehicle will have a urethane coating. If you are using an alcohol-based cleaning solution, do not use it too often or scrub too vigorously. You could damage the coating. Soap and water is the best for fabrics and leather. Use only a small amount of water when cleaning the cushions. Otherwise, you could soak the fabric, and that will result in a musty scent or mold growth.

Wear disposable gloves while cleaning out your car. This will protect you from possible contaminants.

 

Cleaning Products to Avoid

What about products that could damage the interior of your car? While cleaners like hydrogen peroxide, ammonia-based solutions, and bleach are all excellent for annihilating viruses, they will also ruin plastic and upholstery. Ammonia-based liquids should never be used on touchscreens, because it will destroy the anti-fingerprint and anti-glare coating.

Be sure to read the ingredients list on the cleaning products you plan to use. Otherwise, stick with the basic water-alcohol mixture and some regular soap.

 

Focus On High Touch Areas

Once you have gathered the items required for cleaning the interior of your car, it’s time to formulate a game plan. That means targeting the places most prone to carrying viruses and bacteria, such as:

  • Door handles, outside and inside
  • Gear shifter
  • Steering wheel
  • Turn signal
  • Wiper level
  • Buttons on the radio
  • Touchscreens
  • Climate control areas
  • Armrests
  • Grab handles
  • Seat belts
  • Seat upholstery
  • Mirrors
  • Seat adjustment levers

Spend some extra time on places like touchscreens and the steering wheel. According to a study from CarRentals.com, a steering wheel could have four times more germs than public restroom toilets.

 

Keep Some Cleaning Products in Your Car

Keep your car clean on the go, too. You can keep some disinfectant wipes in the glove compartment and some hand sanitizer in the storage on the doors or in a cup holder. If you are going to be idling in a line at the drive-thru or running some errands, for instance, you should also have some extra disposable gloves and masks in the car so you can protect yourself both in and out of the vehicle.

 

Protect Yourself and Others While In The Car

Once you have finished with cleaning and disinfecting the interior of your car, don’t forget to wash your own hands before hopping in and driving off. Now that your vehicle’s interior is cleaner and sanitized, you are ready to do what you have to do. You will have more peace of mind going about your errands knowing that COVID-19 is nowhere to be found in your vehicle. Just remember to repeat this process, since the coronavirus can survive on surfaces for a long time.

Need help maintaining or repairing your car? Worried about COVID-19? We have a completely safe process to minimize risk and contact. Get in touch with us by filling out the contact form to learn more!

Why Did I Get a Car Insurance Cancellation Letter?

Auto insurance is necessary but certainly not easy to get. That is why you need to do what you can to maintain it. If you don’t have insurance, you are breaking the law; if you get caught without it, then you face severe penalties, such as impoundment, jail time, and fines. You do not want that.

Unfortunately, some circumstances lead up to you opening a letter from the insurance company telling you that your policy has been canceled. It’s a terrifying reality. How can you get on if you can’t drive insured? What happens from here?

Don’t panic. There are steps you can take to understanding why you have received a cancellation notice from your insurer and ways to continue your coverage. Keep reading to learn more.

 

Why You Received a Policy Cancellation Letter

Every state has its own rules and regulations involving auto insurance, but most agree that missing a premium payment is worthy of cancellation. Yet, it is highly unusual to receive such a letter. Though insurance companies are free to drop policies within the first 60 days of a new policy, as soon as the policy hits day 61, the rules get much less flexible.

In other words, if two months into the policy have passed, there are only a couple legal reasons why auto insurance can be canceled.

 

Common Reasons For Auto Insurance Cancellation

Aside from nonpayment of a premium, here are other reasons why you received a cancellation letter from your insurer:

  • You did not disclose essential information when applying. In order to give a rate, the insurance company needs to know where your car is garaged, who regularly uses the vehicle, and what kind of car you are driving. If you do not provide accurate information, it becomes material misrepresentation.
  • You have multiple at-fault accidents or traffic violations. If you cause accidents or receive speeding tickets, for example, within a specific time frame (usually 36 months or 3 years), your policy may be canceled.
  • You tried to commit fraud. Whether you submit a claim or someone else filed against you, you are expected to provide clear and accurate information.
  • Your license or registration was suspended or revoked. If your driver’s license or vehicle registration gets revoked or suspended a few times within 3 years, the insurer may decide to remove you or another covered driver with the offenses from the policy.
  • Your car is not safe. If you do not get your car inspected on time, the insurer may drop the policy. Also, if it is known your car has mechanical issues that are unsafe, your policy could be revoked.
  • You are using your vehicle for business. Personal insurance policies are not meant for business. This also means you can’t use your car for things like Uber or Lyft without informing your insurance provider.

 

Nonrenewal vs. Cancellation

Did you receive a nonrenewal or a cancellation notice? Though the words sound similar, they are different. Here’s why:

  • Cancellation: Happens during the middle of your policy. This is considered a last resort for the insurance company, which is why there are certain restrictions that limit cancellations.
  • Nonrenewal: Happens at the end of your policy, before the beginning of a new one. This occurs during the interim, between periods of coverage. Nonrenewal happens more frequently, because there are less regulations. This typically means you have to find a new carrier.

Nonrenewal revolves around certain circumstances that make the insurer believe you are too much of a liability to continue coverage. For instance, if you have had several DUIs under their coverage, they may send you a nonrenewal notice.

Regardless, the insurer will inform you of the reasons why they chose to cancel or to not renew the policy. The time between the warning and when the policy is dropped differs depending on your state. For example, in New Jersey, a company must give you 15-30 days notice before canceling if you haven’t paid. You get 20 days for other cancellation reasons.

 

What To Do When You Receive a Cancellation Notice

A cancellation notice should not be unexpected. Most policies are canceled only in extreme circumstances, but this means that you will have some warning. Usually, the insurance company will have already reached out to you to try and assist with the issues.

For instance, if you have run into financial difficulties and missed a payment, the insurance carrier usually provides you with a grace period so you can catch up. Or, if your license was recently revoked, you can take steps to get your license back before the policy lapses. While you may not always be able to correct the issue, you can get in contact with your provider to learn more about your options.

 

Can You Get Car Insurance Again After Cancellation?

Yes, you can get auto insurance after receiving a cancellation notice. However, you should know that you will have to deal with higher premiums. Insurance companies check to see if you have been late with payments or if you have been canceled previously, since that helps them separate low-risk drivers from high-risk ones.

If you are between cars, one way to prevent a coverage gap is to enroll in non-owner car insurance.

That said, you also need to consider the reasons why you were canceled. Having a severe traffic violation or a long history of missed payments and at-fault accidents will make you less desirable to insurance carriers. Those who are struggling to get accepted by a preferred carrier can look at the non-standard market, which is full of lesser-known insurance companies.

 

Bottom Line

If your auto insurance was canceled unfairly, you can contact the state insurance department to learn more. Be sure to research your state laws first. Should the cancellation be justifiable, you can expect to see increased auto insurance quotes when you begin shopping for another policy. But remember: Restoring auto insurance as soon as possible is important. It keeps you from being labeled “high risk.”

Have questions or concerns? Get in touch with us by filling out the contact form below.

What is a High Risk Driver?

High risk is a term that can apply to a lot of things right now, like traveling and gathering in large groups and, yes, even driving. However, it is not the act of driving but the driver that is high risk. Those who are stamped with being high risk means that they could lose eligibility for some insurances. Yet, most people do not realize there are certain things that can impact their auto insurance rates that are not obvious.

Here are several things that designate a driver as high risk:

 

Are You a High Risk Driver? Here Are The Signs

When it comes to getting auto insurance, you need to know whether or not you are considered low or high risk. The main difference between the two is that those who are considered to be a low risk driver will have less of a chance of filing a claim, whereas those who are high risk have a greater chance of filing insurance claims.

 

You Don’t Have a Great Credit Score

Many Americans these days struggle with maintaining good credit, especially if you are dealing with student debt and other financial struggles. Although insurance companies cannot deny you for having poor credit, you may receive a higher rate. See, credit scores are a gauge for financial stability and responsibility, so if you have made mistakes in the past and are still paying for it, you are considered high risk.

Those who have good or excellent credit scores may be eligible for a Financial Stability Discount from some insurance providers, so now is the time to look into ways to lower your risk.

 

Never Had Auto Insurance Before

Driving without car insurance is illegal, so you want to have it as soon as possible. There are also no exceptions for those who have never had auto insurance before now. If you have a driver’s license and a vehicle, most insurance companies are going to assume that you have been driving without insurance at some point. That translates into a high-risk rate now.

 

You Are a Young Driver

Nothing makes you more of a high-risk driver than being new behind the wheel. Teenagers and those who have no driving experience have a higher chance of getting into accidents, which heightens the chance of filing a claim. All new drivers go through something of a probation period where the rate is higher. Once you have established yourself as a good driver, the rate should decrease.

 

Too Many Traffic Violations, Tickets, or Accidents

Sadly, even on minor violation or accident, even if it was not your fault, will increase your insurance premium. It is certainly frustrating to have a slip-up several years ago only to have it haunt you again when you go to get a new insurance policy. Some carriers have introduced Accident Forgiveness, but that is an extra option that costs you a small fee.

Now, the more violations you have, the greater risk you pose. In fact, if you have multiple traffic violations that total over six points, you may lose eligibility for a preferred insurance carrier. Note that a ticket does not need to be issued in order for insurance points to be placed on your record.

 

DUI or DWI

Have you gotten a DUI or DWI recently? You may have received a notice of cancellation from your insurance provider. If you didn’t consider yourself lucky. Most insurance carriers do not allow for a major violation, such as driving while intoxicated. The DUI/DWI will also stay on record, so that will affect rates later on.

 

You Are Single and Don’t Own a Home

Since some insurance companies have something called a homeowner discount, where people who own homes pay less for auto insurance, it is the opposite for those who rent. Insurance companies believe that buying and affording a home means you are stable and responsible.

Again, this only applies to some insurance policies. Many do not consider home ownership as a deciding factor.

Yet, what home ownership can determine is whether or not you are married or a parent. Married with children brings with it more discounts for you and more stability (and a promise of safer driving) for the car insurance company.

 

Who is Considered a Low-Risk Driver?

Even if you have a pristine driving record, there are some things that insurance companies look at that you cannot change, like your age, gender, and the distance from your current place of employment.

Insurance companies consider the following low-risk populations:

  • Women
  • Adults (25 years or older)
  • Rural address/residence
  • Married
  • Parents

For example, if you are a 30-year-old woman who has been driving for many years, has never gotten into an accident, and lives far from the city, you will be considered low risk. Meanwhile, a 23-year-old male college student with bad credit and an apartment is considered high risk.

Yet, many policies and rates will decrease over time. Regardless, you can work actively towards becoming a better driver and decreasing traffic violations. The more reputable your history, the better off you will be.

 

Conclusion

Do you fall into some of these categories? You may be paying more than low-risk drivers because of it. Just remember that the longer you go without tarnishing your record, the less you will have to pay—eventually. Understanding what a high-risk driver is happens to be the first step!

Are you a high-risk driver in need of affordable vehicle repairs? Get in touch with us by filling out the contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.

How To Get Your Driving Record

There are many reasons you may want your driving record. Some companies require employees to have a clean driving record or you may be in the market for new insurance and want to be sure there are no surprises. If you live in New Jersey, these are the steps you need to take to get your driving record.

Request Your Record Online

New Jersey allows you to request a copy of your driving record online. In order to do so, you will need to set up a user ID and password. You will also need a copy of your New Jersey driver’s license or state-issued identification. There is a $15 fee that must be paid by credit or debit card.

Request Your Record by Mail

If you prefer requesting your driving record by mail, you must complete Form DO-21, Driver History Abstract. You can access the form and fill it out online or you can print the form and fill it in by hand. You can also receive copies of the following using the DO-21 form:

  • Order of Suspension
  • Schedule of Suspension
  • Restoration Notice
  • Mailing List
  • Summons
  • Accident Report

Accident reports cost $5 while all other reports are $15. You will need to provide dates for each of the reports requested. You must also supply a copy of your New Jersey driver’s license. You must also include a check or money order for $15, payable to NJMVC. The application must be mailed to:

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Abstract Unit
225 East State Street
PO Box 142
Trenton, NJ 08666-0142

 

Visit the Motor Vehicle Commission Office

You may also get a copy of your driving record by visiting a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office. You will need to bring your New Jersey driver’s license, a $15 fee in the form of cash, check, money order, debit or credit card. You can complete the Application for Driver History Abstract prior to going to the office or you can fill it out once you arrive. Offices are located in the following towns:

  • Baker’s Bason
  • Bayonne
  • Camden
  • Cardiff
  • Delanco
  • Eatontown
  • Edison
  • Flemington
  • Freehold
  • Lodi
  • Newark
  • North Bergen
  • Oakland
  • Paterson
  • Rahway
  • Randolph
  • Rio Grande
  • Salem
  • South Plainfield
  • Toms River
  • Vineland
  • Wayne
  • West Deptford

Third-Party Vendors

Another method for obtaining your driver’s license in New Jersey is through third-party vendors. You can find many vendors online who will obtain your driving record for you. The cost is usually higher than if you obtained the record directly from DMV and it may not be as accurate. However, many companies will send you the record immediately. It can take several days to get your record from the Motor Vehicle Commission. If you are under a time limit, using a third-party vendor may be the best option.

Insurance Agent

Your insurance agent may also be able to provide you with a copy of your driving record. Agents have the ability to access driving records and may be willing to print an extra copy for you. If you need a certified copy, however, this will not work as the agent will be unable to certify it even though it came directly from the agency.

Understanding Your Driving Record

Once your driving record arrives, you may find that you have difficulty understanding the information included. The top five lines of the driving record are identifying information such as your name, address, driver’s license number and the type of license you hold. Below that information is any event that was documented against your license. These events are listed in order from most recent to oldest. The first column shows the date the event occurred. The next two columns are the code used by either the state or municipality to designate the charge. A written description of the event follows. The next column is used by the state. IF there is an “X” in the CMV column, the offense was committed in a commercial vehicle. If there is an “X” in the HZM column, the offense was committed in a vehicle carrying hazardous materials. An “X” under FTL indicates there was a fatality and one under PA means that the offense is being appealed. The final column is the date the charge was posted by the state.

Common Codes Used by New Jersey

The code “SUS” indicates that the state has taken a suspension action against you while RES indicates they are in the process or have restored your driving privileges. DMV means that the state is in the process of taking action, ISS means you have an insurance surcharge and CIS means compulsory insurance. The last code is normally found in charges related to an accident. Download Explanation for Abstract of Driver History Record

Common Violation Descriptions

Because the state has limited space for the description, they are often abbreviated. Common events found on driving records include Failure to Wear Seatbelt, Operating During a Suspension Period, Speeding, Reckless Driving, Failure to Appear, and Failure to Comply with a Court Installment Order. The last violation indicates that you failed to make payments on a fine as stipulated by the courts.

Correcting a Mistake

If you see a mistake on your driving record, there are steps you can take to correct them. For example, if an accident that was determined to be no-fault is listed with you at-fault, you can usually clear that up with a simple police report submitted to the Motor Vehicle Commission. If there is an error, you need to try to correct it as soon as possible.

Your driving record contains a significant amount of personal information. It is critical that you protect it as much as possible. A poor driving record can lead to high insurance costs and may keep you from getting a dream job. Knowing what is on your driving record can protect you from a surprise in the future. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we know mistakes happen and are here for you should you be involved in an accident. Schedule your appointment today by calling or filling out the easy online form.