I rented a car from Enterprise and declined their insurance. I had credit card insurance. However I made a blunder of not initiating the rental in that credit card. While driving the rental car the tire blew out and the car hit the median and there is some extensive damage to the car. I am in deep trouble now as my credit car insurance will not work as I didnt initiate the car rental in that card. Is there any way that I can salvage this situation? Please help!!

Yes, you pay for the damage. For future reference, credit card insurance isn't auto liaility insurance & it doesn't alleviate your responsibility to have it…what would you do if you hit a pedestrian or another car?

Things parents can do to help reduce the costs of car insurance for teens:

According to a 2004 study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly a third of all traffic-related fatalities are represented by teenagers. Further studies have shown that teen drivers are far more likely to commit errors behind the wheel, make poor decisions, and drive at unsafe speeds than any other age group. This is the main reason why car insurance companies attach high premiums to teen policyholders. Their business model is based upon risk management strategies, and teenage drivers clearly represent a significantly higher level of risk.

Fortunately, there are steps that parents can take in order to reduce their teen's auto insurance rates. Below, you'll learn 5 ways to control the costs of car insurance for teens while helping to ensure that your teenager also remains safe on the road.

#1 - Watch Their Grades

Auto insurers use profiles to determine the potential risk of underwriting a policy. Good grades usually reflect responsibility and good decision-making skills. As a result, carriers often reward teens - and their parents - with a rate reduction. Each insurance company has varying guidelines regarding discounts on premiums for good grades. Ask your car insurance company about their GPA requirements.

#2 - Encourage Traffic School

Teenage drivers tend to speed, attracting more than their fair share of traffic tickets. Unfortunately, traffic tickets cause their insurance rates to rise. The good news is that their driving record can remain clean if they agree to attend traffic school (if/when the judge offers them the option). However, left to their own devices, a lot of teenagers will avoid spending an entire Saturday in class. Make sure they attend. Not only will it give them the opportunity to reflect on their mistake, but a clean record helps keep premiums manageable.

#3 - Choose A Practical Car

Your 16-year-old son may want a red Corvette, but buying one for him will likely cause his insurance rates to rise. Car insurance companies consider teenagers with sports cars to represent a higher potential risk than otherwise. Opt for a 4-door vehicle that is safe to drive, fuel efficient, and comes equipped with safety features (i.e. airbags). Your teenager's insurance premiums will be lower.

#4 - Add Them To Your Policy

It's usually more cost-effective to add your son or daughter to your family car insurance policy than it is to open a new policy for them. If you can have them categorized as a "part-time" driver, you'll enjoy lower rates. Carriers consider full-time teenage drivers as a higher risk; the premiums will reflect that increased risk.

#5 - Cultivate The Right Attitude

Despite what a lot of parents think, their teenagers often become involved in traffic collisions because of their attitude toward driving, not a lack of skills. Young adults develop a sense of invulnerability. As a result, they often neglect to drive safely. This lack of concern while behind the wheel leads to traffic tickets and accidents.

Ride along with them. Take note of their driving skills, decision-making ability, and attitude. If you can nurture the right perspective in your son or daughter, they're more likely to drive safely and keep their record clean. And remember, a clean driving record leads to lower car insurance premiums.

Parents, Teenagers, and Premiums

Teenage drivers are at an immediate disadvantage. They've already been profiled by auto insurers as a high-risk group and are instantly saddled with higher insurance rates. That said, parents can take a few savvy steps in order to help manage the costs. By encouraging good grades, traffic school (when available), buying a practical car, and adding them to a family policy, they can keep the premiums at a reasonable level. Finally, they should invest time to cultivate the right attitude toward driving. By doing these 5 things, parents can significantly lower their - and their kids' - auto insurance rates.

Kade Phillips
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/car-insurance-101-for-teenage-drivers-and-their-parents-1087958.html

I understand that Michigan is a no-fault state, and as a result everyone gets this PLPD insurance or something. I'm moving from Pennsylvania and had full coverage on my car for about $90/month. I thought PA and MI were both no-fault, but it seems different and the rates I'm being quoted for the same insurance in MI are higher. I'm so confused!! Also, right now I am on State Farm. I'm 25 but on my mom's plan, and I am getting married/changing my last name and I now live in Michigan so it is past time for me to pay for my own insurance.
Right now I'm on State Farm, and there are agents both here and in PA, but their rates seem to be high.

Michigan is a wierd state for insurance. If your car is worth anything, you will have to have physical damage coverage. Reason: If you are in an accident, the most you can collect is $500.00 from the other insurance company ( it is called a mini tort) unless you ae legally parked at the time of loss. As the laws are this way, the rates are higher as the Insurance co's cannot collect the damages that they paid out from the other person's insurance co due to the law only allowing the mini tort $500.00. Also, the closer you are to Detroit, the higher the rates due to the high incidence of auto theft in that area.

The car insurance policy is automatically renewed. The driver forgot to report to the insurance company that he had a speeding conviction before the renew date. Does that mean he has made his policy invalid and would not protected by the policy at all?

If your insurance company called you on renewal and asked you if you had any new tickets or traffic violations and you specifically said no knowing you did that could cause you problems, but if they didnt call you and you did get one you can always tell them. Working for an insurance company for years now i know we would never void a policy if they didnt report a violation to us. Not only is it bad business practice but when you think about it they could possibly be collecting more premium for your conviction then they would be to cancel you. I would give them a call and tell them you did get one and I wouldnt worry to much, just always be honest with them because they have the right to pull your driving record and they will call you on your non disclosure if you said no. But dont be to worried and good luck.

Drinking and driving is obviously a mistake for many reasons. One of the effects of a 'driving under the influence' conviction that many people fail to realize - is just how severely your car insurance rates can be affected. If you're covered by a policy at the time you're convicted of a DUI, your rates may increase dramatically or your policy may be canceled. If you don't have car insurance at the time of a DUI conviction, you may find it very difficult securing future coverage.

Below, you'll learn more about how drunk driving can affect your car insurance policy and your rates. We'll also describe the purpose of an SR-22 form, which may be a requirement if you are convicted of a DUI offense and wish to legally drive again. Also, we'll offer a few tips that you can use to get car insurance in the event that you're caught driving under the influence.

The Purpose Of An SR-22 After a DUI Offense

Driving under the influence carries significant consequences. If you're caught and convicted of a DUI, you'll likely be required to file an SR-22. In its simplest form, an SR-22 is a legal statement (document) that validates that you have adequate car insurance coverage. An offender's suspended driver's license is usually returned when this statement is filed.

Most states (there are a few exceptions) legally require drivers who have received a DUI conviction to file an SR-22 with their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some car insurance carriers offer special SR-22 coverage for "high risk" drivers, charging much higher premiums. Other insurers won't offer such coverage and will simply cancel a "high risk" driver's policy.

An SR-22 form can be obtained from your auto insurance company (once they have decided to insure you) when purchasing your car insurance.

A DUI Can Remain Under The Radar - For a While

Occasionally there's somewhat of a disconnect between the local court system and the local department of motor vehicles. DUI convictions are supposed to be delivered to the DMV that is located in the jurisdiction of the court. Sometimes, this fails to happen. When a DUI offense isn't reported to a driver's local DMV, that driver's DUI offense may remain hidden, and that driver may be able to effectively avoid filing an SR-22, because their alcohol-related offense is not immediately discovered by their car insurance company. Though this does happen on occasion, insurance providers can eventually learn of a policyholder's DUI - even years later, and act accordingly.

If You've Been Convicted, Don't Wait To Shop Around For An SR-22 Insurance Policy

A common mistake among those who have been convicted of driving under the influence is waiting until their car insurance policy has been canceled before finding an alternative. If your current provider is canceling your policy, it's likely because they know about your DUI from your driving record at the DMV. In that case, anticipate other providers discovering your DUI, too.

It's much more difficult to find a carrier that is willing to offer an SR-22 insurance policy when you're not already covered. Shop early while you still have coverage from your current carrier. If you find that the larger, established insurance carriers are unwilling to insure you, you may want to check with the independent agents in your area.

Picking Up The Pieces And Planning Ahead After a DUI

Driving under the influence can have a dramatic impact on your car insurance for several years. It can substantially increase your rates or cause your current provider to cancel your policy. In short, a DUI severely limits your options. But, if a DUI conviction is in your past, don't let it dissuade you from shopping for car insurance. Assuming the DMV has recorded your DUI in their records, you'll need to pay higher premiums for your policy, but, the alternative - driving without coverage - can lead to hefty penalties, financial loss and even jail time.

Remember, while a DUI conviction can stay on your record for a decade, car insurance companies will typically only use it for premium scoring for 3 years (sometimes less).

Obviously it's in everyone's best interest to just say no to drinking and driving. However, if you're learning this lesson a bit late, it's best to know your options, plan ahead and work diligently toward putting the experience behind you.

Kade Phillips
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/driving-under-the-influence-dui-and-car-insurance-dont-mix-1087960.html