Can I Report a Driver Who Does Not Have Mandatory Auto Insurance?

Reader’s Question:

How can I report a person if I suspect him of driving here in Florida without the mandatory auto insurance policy?

Ally

Jacksonville, FL

There is an agency in Florida called the Florida Bureau of Financial Responsibility, where you could call and report another person who violates the mandatory auto insurance law. This agency is in charge of making sure that all registered drivers can guarantee financial responsibility for damages they may cause when operating a registered vehicle.

If you feel the need to report someone you suspect of driving without insurance, there are financial responsibility departments that you may call. Even if you’re not sure about the person’s auto insurance status, you may still report it to the agency. Do not feel guilty for causing the other person trouble because you may never know if the person he causes damage to in the future is you. Besides, you may think of it as part of your social responsibility to report anyone who may cause damage to another person and may face the situation unprepared.

Regardless of what state you’re located in, you can report a suspected uninsured person. Each state has its own department that handles this, and you may reach their hotline number to report this supposed violation. Otherwise, if you think that you can handle the situation, you may recommend to the person an auto insurance company or agent and try to convince him to get his vehicle insured before he gets caught.

How Much is The Ticket Cost For Driving Without Car Insurance?

Reader’s Question:

Does anyone here know how much I would pay for a ticket for driving with no insurance here in Corpus Christi, Texas?

Christie

Corpus Christi, TX

Hey, Christie of Corpus Christi, Texas. In Texas, like in most states, it is actually required for drivers to show some kind of proof that they can pay for any damages that they might cause in case they involve themselves in an accident. Most Texas drivers buy auto liability insurance for this purpose because this is actually the cheapest way. But the basic coverage may not be enough to guarantee enough financial protection for you and your car. The basic coverage in Texas is 20/40/15, which means that the law in Texas requires minimum coverage of $20,000 per injured person to a total of $40,000 for every person injured in an accident and $15,000 for the damages of property.

Now, when you buy an auto insurance policy, your insurance carrier will give you a proof-of-insurance card that you may show when asked by a law enforcement officer or if you’re going to register or renew your vehicle, or if you are getting or renewing your driver’s license or if you are having your car inspected.

If you are an uninsured motorist, and you are stopped by a traffic enforcement officer, Texas has corresponding penalties for this according to the state’s financial responsibility laws. For first offense, you may have to pay a fine of $175 to $350. The next convictions will be more of a hassle for you. You might pay from $350 to $1,000, and they could also suspend your driver’s license and impound your automobile.

So, Christie, I really suggest that you have your vehicle insured. It really comes in handy in times of need.

What Is Liability Auto Insurance Coverage?

Reader’s Question:

Hi, I’m from Phoenix, Arizona and I am a new driver and quite new to auto-insurance. Could someone explain to me what Liability coverage is?

Pam

Phoenix, AZ

Hi, Pamela, right? Let’s get the facts straight. Liability coverage is that piece of automobile insurance that is required by most states now. Most states– that means unless you’re a resident of some states like, from memory — Virginia, New Hampshire and Wisconsin, liability coverage will be a fact of life for you. Surely you won’t move states just to skip it, kidding. So how does liability coverage work? Liability coverage works to protect the car owner from accidents that are his or her fault. One article I read about it cleverly points it out that a driver’s good luck or clean slate won’t last forever.

Here are some basics for you to understand the concept. I’ll leave out the clutter. In Arizona, you’re required to have Bodily Injury Liability Coverage and Property Liability Coverage. Bodily injury coverage serves to pay for damages like medical bills, even funerals. Property Liability coverage, this one saves you from the pain of paying for damage to property caused by you. The state requires you go to have a minimum coverage of 15/30/10. What the heck do these numbers mean to you? Simply put, the first number represents $15,000 of bodily injury for one person with a cap of $30,000 (the second number) total for all the people injured. The last number just means you’re covered up to about $10,000 of property damage. If damages exceed the numbers…that will be a different story already.

Will Auto Insurance Pay Medical and Car Repair Expenses?

Reader’s Question:

Hi. I’m between policies, I got hit by a car that was insured. Is it possible to charge my medical expenses and the repair of my car? This happened in Davenport, Iowa.

Dolores

Davenport, IA

What a lucky lady! You know what, Dolores, you should thank your stars you’re from Davenport, Iowa. Had you come from other states, you would have had a bigger problem. So, right now your one and only problem is if it is possible for the driver at fault who is fortunately insured to cover all your medical expenses and all the costs that the repair of the damages to your car will incur? That is an interesting question. First, I know that your apprehension is that the insurance policy of the driver that hit your car will not cover all your expenses because you are not insured yourself. Well, because you’re from Iowa, the state’s law protects you because it is not mandatory in Iowa to have a vehicular insurance. However,

I really hope you have liability coverage for bodily injuries and property damages because that’s the only requirement that the state of Iowa asks of its residents. As a matter of fact, even if it appears that you are at the losing end because of the absence of an insurance at the time of this accident, you sure can claim liability from the offending driver’s insurance policy because that’s how insurance works in general.