Category: Safety

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.

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.

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.

Cars never want to break down when it is convenient and when yours decides to do so on the side of the road, it can be frightening. Even worse, you may then be at risk for tow truck scams. These tips can help you avoid being the victim of a deceitful tow truck driver the next time you suffer a breakdown.

 

Tow Truck Shows Up Within Minutes

There are tow truck drivers who patrol certain sections of highway looking for stranded motorists. If a tow truck miraculously appears just minutes after you have pulled over, they may attempt to scam you. They will be very friendly, offering as much assistance as they can and offer to tow you to a nearby service station. They hook up your car, take your keys and hand you paperwork. However, when you arrive at the station where your car has been taken, they charge you a significant amount of money to get it back, even if they don’t repair your vehicle. In some areas, tow trucks are not permitted to drive around looking for customers, so they hire others to do it for them. Be suspicious of anyone who stops and immediately offers to call a tow for you.

 

They Insist They Must Take Your Car to a Particular Shop

A tow truck driver who tells you that they must take your car to one particular shop due to a contractual obligation or policy is more than likely attempting to scam you. Legitimate tow truck drivers are willing to take your vehicle wherever you want to go. If it is outside a certain mileage range, the tow may cost more but other than that, they should be willing to take your car to any shop or even to your home if you plan to work on it yourself.

 

Hooking the Car Without Your Permission

If a tow truck driver arrives and immediately begins to hook up your car without talking to you first, they may be trying to scam you. There are unscrupulous tow truck drivers who will hook up a car and then demand an extremely high payment to tow the car. When you tell them you aren’t paying that fee, they will hold your car hostage, refusing to release it unless you pay them. They are legally required to release your car if you tell them you don’t want them to tow it. If they pull away with your car when you have told them to release it, they can be charged with a crime.

 

Ask to See the Bill First

Before the tow truck drivers hooks up your car, ask them for an estimate of costs. Although there will be a fee for the tow, there may also be storage fees and many other charges involved. A reputable tow company will provide you information on what the tow will cost as well as any additional fees that may be incurred. Any paperwork handed to you should have pricing information and if it does not, ask for it before they hook up your car.

 

Contact Your Insurance Company

Many car insurance policies have towing coverage included. If you have towing coverage, the insurance company may suggest a preferred company and, even if you must pay more than the coverage allowed, it will save you overall. You also know that the insurance company has vetted the towing company and the one they recommend will not attempt to scam you. One thing to be wary of is a tow truck driver who is asking for too much personal information, especially insurance information. They may use what you give them to perpetuate other frauds. The same is true with credit card or driver’s license information.

 

Check the Documentation

Tow trucks should have identifying information on their vehicles. There should be a licensing number and a company name clearly displayed. Be sure that any paperwork you receive matches the information on the truck.

 

Be Patient

When your car breaks down on the side of the road, you may be tempted to jump at the first offer of assistance that arrives. However, to make sure you are not being scammed, simply thank the individual for stopping by and send them on their way.

 

What to Do If You Have Been Scammed

In instances where a tow truck driver refuses to leave or release your vehicle, call the police. You can also contact the police if you arrive at the location where your car was taken, and they are demanding an excessive payment for you to get your car back. If you believe you have been scammed, there are also other steps you can take. Contact the Better Business Bureau and the consumer fraud department for your state. You may even be able to get assistance from your insurance company. You may be able to contest any charges if you can prove the tow truck company misrepresented their services, committed flagrant acts of deception or claimed to be with your insurance company or law enforcement. The charges can be contested in civil or small claims court, but you will need to review the law in your state. In some states, once you give signed permission for the tow truck driver to take your car, you may be held liable. Always read anything handed to you before you sign it.

The majority of tow truck drivers are honest, hard-working people with only a handful of them known as tow truck bandits. If your vehicle breaks down on the side of the road, call Elmer’s Auto Body for an honest, reliable tow to or shop. For over 70 years, we have provided auto services with no gimmicks or surprises. When we tow your vehicle, we provide you with details on pricing and will work with your insurance company to handle as much paperwork as we can so you don’t have to. We also offer a wide range of auto body services, from paintless dent repair, bumper repair and windshield replacement. Contact us today by phone or fill out the easy form online to schedule an appointment.