What to Do If You See or Involved In a Hit-and-Run Accident

Witnessed a hit-and-run? Here's what to do to help victims: document the scene, assist police, and understand how insurance plays a role.

Virginia Beach PHOTOSafe & School Zone Cameras (2025)

Certification of PhotoSafe Locations in Virginia Beach

Automated traffic enforcement has been part of Virginia Beach’s roadway safety strategy for over a decade. The city’s PHOTOSafe program, which uses red-light cameras at key intersections, is designed to reduce dangerous crashes and change driver behavior. In 2025, the system continues to evolve, with city officials approving the expansion into school-zone speed enforcement. This article explains how the program works, the laws behind it, where cameras are located, your rights as a driver, and the impact these systems have had on safety.

Virginia’s Legal Framework for Photo Enforcement

The use of red-light cameras in Virginia is governed by state law. Virginia Code sets strict limits on how cameras can be used, requiring engineering studies before installation, visible signage warning drivers within 500 feet of an enforced intersection, and a 0.5-second grace period after the light turns red before a camera can register a violation. Importantly, camera-issued tickets are treated as civil penalties rather than moving violations. That means they do not carry driver’s license points and do not go on your DMV record. The maximum fine for a red-light camera ticket is $50. By contrast, a police officer’s ticket for the same violation can carry higher fines and DMV points.

Virginia Beach PHOTOSafe Program

Virginia Beach launched its PHOTOSafe red-light camera system in 2009. Today, the city operates cameras at 11 major intersections. The police department oversees the program, with a private vendor handling camera operation and initial violation processing. City officials report that collisions at monitored intersections have declined significantly since the system’s installation. At some locations, crashes have dropped by more than 70%. This statistic is often cited when the City Council considers whether to expand the program.

Example intersections that have had cameras include:

• Virginia Beach Boulevard at Independence Boulevard

• Indian River Road at Kempsville Road

• Holland Road at Rosemont Road
  Each intersection is clearly marked with signs warning drivers that enforcement is in place.

Speed Cameras Coming to School Zones

In March 2025, the Virginia Beach City Council approved the installation of school-zone speed cameras as part of PHOTOSafe. These cameras will issue $100 tickets to drivers traveling more than 10 mph over the posted school-zone limit. Officials emphasized that the goal is safety, not revenue. The revenue generated is earmarked for pedestrian infrastructure improvements around schools, such as better crosswalks, flashing beacons, and sidewalk upgrades. Deployment of these new cameras is expected to begin later in 2025.

What Happens if You Get a Ticket

If a PHOTOSafe camera captures your vehicle running a red light, you’ll typically receive a ticket in the mail within 3–7 days. The ticket includes a photo and, in many cases, a short video clip of the violation. Because these tickets are civil penalties, they are not reported to insurance companies and don’t add points to your license. However, ignoring them can lead to collections, so they should be taken seriously.

How to Challenge a Ticket

Although PHOTOSafe tickets are designed to be accurate, they can be contested. Drivers have successfully challenged tickets on grounds such as:

• Missing or obscured signage: State law requires warning signs.

• Signal timing issues: If the yellow light was too short, the citation may be invalid.

• Camera maintenance problems: Cameras must be properly calibrated.
  If you decide to challenge a ticket, review the evidence online and consider gathering photos or witness statements from the intersection.

Safety vs. Revenue Debate

Critics of photo enforcement argue that these systems are more about money than safety. However, in Virginia, the capped $50 fine limits revenue potential compared to other states. Virginia Beach reports that while the program is self-sustaining, the true benefit has been crash reduction, especially dangerous T-bone collisions. Studies show that while rear-end collisions may increase slightly at camera-equipped intersections due to sudden stops, the reduction in serious right-angle crashes usually outweighs that risk.

Best Practices for Drivers

To avoid a PHOTOSafe ticket in Virginia Beach:

• Always stop fully at red lights, including right turns.

• Slow down in school zones, especially once speed cameras go live.

• Watch for PHOTO ENFORCED signs at intersections.

• Avoid trying to “beat” yellow lights — the 0.5-second grace period isn’t much.

Conclusion

Virginia Beach’s PHOTOSafe program is one of the most established automated traffic enforcement systems in Virginia. It has demonstrated measurable safety benefits and is now expanding to cover school-zone speeding. For drivers, the key takeaway is simple: obey signals, slow down in school zones, and you’ll likely never have to deal with a camera ticket. For more on Virginia Beach camera locations, you can view the Virginia Beach PHOTOSafe program page. For statewide coverage of traffic cameras and enforcement, see PhotoEnforced.com’s Virginia map.

New Speed Cameras Can Verify Insurance & Seat Belts Instantly

Speed cameras have long been a controversial yet effective tool for enforcing traffic laws. Initially designed to catch drivers who exceeded posted speed limits, these devices have evolved into highly sophisticated enforcement systems. Today, the latest generation of speed cameras is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and advanced imaging technologies that allow them not only to record vehicle speeds but also to verify insurance status and detect whether drivers and passengers are wearing seat belts.

This expansion in capability represents a major shift in how governments, insurers, and law enforcement agencies think about road safety and compliance. Instead of relying solely on officers at traffic stops, automated enforcement systems can now instantly identify violations that once required manual checks.

How Speed Cameras Have Evolved

The earliest speed cameras were little more than radar guns paired with still cameras. These captured snapshots of vehicles that crossed speed thresholds, allowing municipalities to send citations by mail. By the early 2000s, many cities had also introduced red-light cameras to deter drivers from running intersections.

Fast forward to today, and the scope of automated traffic enforcement has expanded dramatically:

• Speed Monitoring – Measuring velocity in real time with radar and lidar.

• Red-Light Enforcement – Capturing violations when cars enter intersections after signals change.

• Insurance Verification – Accessing insurance databases instantly to see if a car is covered.

• Seat Belt Detection – Using AI-driven cameras that can identify whether seat belts are being used.

• Distracted Driving Monitoring – Detecting phone usage through high-resolution lenses.

This is not science fiction. Countries such as the UK, Australia, and the Netherlands already deploy multi-function enforcement systems capable of these checks. The U.S. is beginning to follow suit, with states piloting AI-equipped traffic enforcement programs.

Insurance Verification in Real Time

Driving without insurance is a major public safety issue. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that nearly 1 in 8 drivers in the U.S. are uninsured . This creates enormous financial risk for accident victims, raises premiums for insured drivers, and strains state insurance systems.

New speed camera systems integrate directly with insurance databases. When a vehicle passes a camera, its license plate is scanned using automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) technology. That plate number is instantly checked against state or national databases to determine whether the vehicle has active insurance coverage. If no insurance is found, a citation can be generated automatically.

This reduces the need for roadside checks and increases compliance. States like Texas, Florida, and New York already maintain real-time insurance verification databases, and these can be seamlessly connected to smart enforcement cameras.

Seat Belt Detection with AI Cameras

Seat belts are one of the simplest, most effective safety measures in road travel, reducing the risk of death in crashes by about 45% for drivers and front-seat passengers . Despite decades of public awareness campaigns, seat belt non-use remains a leading cause of preventable traffic fatalities.

AI-driven cameras can now identify whether drivers and passengers are wearing seat belts. These systems use high-resolution imaging combined with AI models trained to recognize seat belt placement across different vehicle types, lighting conditions, and seating positions.

• Infrared sensors improve visibility at night.

• Machine learning algorithms adapt to new car designs and seat positions.

• Privacy safeguards blur facial recognition but highlight seat belt status.

Australia and the UK already deploy seat belt detection cameras, issuing fines to unbelted drivers. In the U.S., states with primary seat belt laws could adopt these systems quickly, while those with secondary enforcement may face legal hurdles.

Privacy and Ethical Concerns

While the technology is effective, critics argue that it represents a step toward mass surveillance. Concerns include:

• Data storage – How long license plate and driver data are retained.

• Accuracy – Potential false positives in seat belt or insurance detection.

• Equity – Whether automated systems disproportionately affect certain communities.

Civil liberties organizations often push for transparency in how these systems are implemented. For example, groups like the ACLU have raised concerns over ALPR databases being misused for non-traffic purposes. Balancing public safety with individual rights will be crucial as these systems expand.

Economic Impact: A New Revenue Stream

Local governments often rely on traffic enforcement as a revenue source. Traditional speed and red-light cameras already generate billions annually worldwide. By expanding their scope to include insurance and seat belt enforcement, municipalities could see significant increases in fine collections.

However, the true benefit lies not in revenue but in deterrence. If uninsured drivers and unbelted passengers know they can be caught instantly, compliance will rise. This leads to fewer traffic fatalities, fewer financial hardships for victims, and a reduction in court backlogs.

Case Studies Around the World

Australia

In New South Wales, AI-enabled cameras have been deployed since 2019 to catch both mobile phone use and seat belt violations. The program has issued over 400,000 fines in its first year, dramatically reducing distracted driving incidents.

United Kingdom

The UK has piloted advanced road safety cameras capable of detecting seat belt use and mobile phone violations. Data from the Department for Transport shows promising reductions in non-compliance where cameras are active.

United States

While the U.S. has been slower to adopt these multi-functional systems, cities like New York and Washington, D.C. are exploring AI-driven enforcement that could expand beyond speeding and red lights. Given the success of ALPR in tolling and parking enforcement, integration with insurance databases is seen as the logical next step.

Legal Considerations

Each state in the U.S. sets its own laws governing traffic enforcement and the use of automated systems. For speed cameras that verify insurance or seat belts, key questions include:

• Admissibility in court – Are AI detections considered reliable evidence?

• Notification process – How are citations delivered, and can drivers contest them?

• Revenue allocation – Will money go to road safety programs or general budgets?

Legislators will need to balance innovation with fairness, ensuring drivers have due process protections while keeping roads safe.

The Future of Traffic Enforcement

The integration of AI with speed cameras is part of a larger trend toward “smart roads” and connected vehicles. Cars already come equipped with sensors and telematics that could share data directly with enforcement agencies. Insurance companies may also integrate with these systems, offering discounts for drivers who consistently comply with safety laws.

In the future, we may see:

• Automated crash reporting from roadside cameras.

• Integration with vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology.

• Dynamic penalties where uninsured drivers face higher fines automatically.

• Real-time driver behavior analysis to improve urban traffic management.

Conclusion

The newest generation of speed cameras represents a dramatic leap forward in automated traffic enforcement. No longer limited to catching speeders, these systems can now instantly verify insurance coverage and detect seat belt use. While privacy concerns must be addressed, the potential benefits are enormous: safer roads, fewer uninsured drivers, and higher compliance with life-saving safety measures.

As more U.S. states and cities evaluate these systems, the debate will intensify. Are these cameras simply “cash cows,” or are they a necessary evolution in keeping up with modern traffic challenges? The answer may be both—but one thing is certain: the future of road safety will be increasingly automated, data-driven, and immediate.

Sources

1. Insurance Information Institute – Uninsured Motorists Statistics

2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Seat Belt Safety

3. UK Department for Transport – Road Safety Data

Public Records Resistance in Iowa

Access to public records is a fundamental right in many parts of the world, essential for transparency and accountability. In Iowa, however, there are increasing concerns about resistance to releasing certain types of public data, especially regarding traffic enforcement records, such as those from speed cameras and red-light cameras. Understanding the challenges surrounding public records in Iowa can help residents, journalists, and advocates push for more transparent practices. This article explores the barriers to public records access in Iowa, why these records are crucial, and how the state compares with others on this issue.

Why Public Records Matter in Iowa

Public records are essential for government transparency, giving the public insight into how taxpayer money is used and providing accountability for government actions. In Iowa, traffic enforcement records—such as data from red-light and speed cameras—can help the public understand enforcement patterns, assess traffic safety programs, and hold institutions accountable for the use of automated traffic cameras.

Access to these records allows Iowans to:

• Verify enforcement accuracy: Errors in traffic citations can be challenged when records are accessible.
• Hold public agencies accountable: Review agencies’ spending on traffic enforcement, especially in areas where automated cameras are in use.
• Evaluate public safety effectiveness: Determine if red-light or speed cameras actually improve road safety or if they disproportionately generate revenue without substantial safety benefits.

Challenges to Public Records Access in Iowa

Despite these benefits, Iowa has seen resistance from some government agencies in releasing public records. Here are some key challenges to accessing this information:

1. Privacy Concerns

   • Iowa agencies cite privacy as a primary reason for restricting access to traffic enforcement data. While privacy protection is essential, Iowa’s laws sometimes overly restrict information, leaving residents unable to assess how public resources are used.

2. Cost of Access

   • In many cases, obtaining public records can incur high fees, often justified by the need to cover the time and labor required to produce the information. These costs can deter ordinary citizens from accessing data and reduce public scrutiny.

3. Lack of Transparency in Record-Keeping

   • Record-keeping practices can sometimes be inconsistent or lack transparency, making it difficult to track down specific information. When agencies aren’t required to provide detailed reports, it leads to inconsistencies in data accessibility.

4. Limited Resources for Records Requests

   • Agencies often claim limited resources to handle records requests in a timely manner. This results in delays that can take weeks, months, or even years, effectively rendering some data unusable for time-sensitive investigations or reports.

How Iowa’s Public Records Resistance Compares with Other States

Public records laws vary widely across the United States. Some states have robust systems in place to ensure data accessibility, while others, like Iowa, place significant hurdles before citizens. Here’s how Iowa compares with other states:

• Stricter Regulations: While states like California have relatively accessible public records laws, Iowa has stricter regulations that can hinder transparency, particularly around automated traffic enforcement data.
• Higher Fees for Access: States like Texas offer many public records at minimal costs, making it easy for residents to access data. In Iowa, however, fees can sometimes be prohibitively high.
• Lengthy Processing Times: States with better funding and streamlined procedures, like Washington, allow for quicker processing of public records requests. Iowa's process, however, can take significantly longer, adding frustration for those seeking timely data.

Potential Solutions for Improving Public Records Access in Iowa

1. Revisiting Privacy Laws: Updating laws to maintain a balance between privacy and transparency can ensure that the public gets access to essential information without compromising individual privacy rights.

2. Standardizing Record-Keeping Practices: By implementing standardized record-keeping practices across all agencies, Iowa can reduce discrepancies and improve data consistency, making it easier for residents to locate information.

3. Streamlining the Request Process: Simplifying the request process through online portals and efficient systems can speed up response times and reduce bureaucratic red tape.

4. Reducing Access Fees: Lowering or eliminating fees for public records requests, especially for journalists and researchers, would encourage transparency and public oversight.

5. Implementing a Digital Database: Iowa could establish a centralized digital repository where non-sensitive public records are available on demand, without needing to request them individually.

Why Public Records Matter to Iowa Residents

Ultimately, public records serve the public’s interest by promoting government accountability and transparency. For Iowans, having access to enforcement data can shed light on traffic safety initiatives, guide public opinion on automated enforcement, and influence local and state-level policy decisions.

Conclusion

While Iowa faces challenges in providing transparent access to public records, particularly in traffic enforcement, progress can be made with targeted reforms. Balancing privacy with transparency, reducing fees, and improving response times are all achievable goals that would bring Iowa closer to an open-access model. By addressing these issues, Iowa can ensure its citizens have the information they need to make informed decisions and hold government agencies accountable.

Unlicensed, Uninsured, and Unregistered Driver Accident: What To Do

Accidents are stressful under any circumstances, but when the other driver is unlicensed, uninsured, and using fake plates, the situation can become even more complicated. Here's a comprehensive guide on what steps to take if you find yourself in such a predicament.

Auto Insurance: 8 Clever Ways Texans Can Bring Down Their Premiums

Car insurance premiums can be one of the most expensive parts of being a car owner. Auto insurance is required throughout most of the US, and Texas is no exception. In the event of an accident you cause, Texas law requires you to be able to pay for all of the damages incurred. For most Texans, taking out insurance is a simple and hassle-free way to ensure they meet this legal responsibility. 

It is important not to prioritize cost over quality when it comes to auto insurance. The best car insurance can protect you in a wide range of scenarios and can provide you with invaluable aid if you get injured in an accident yourself. Still, it makes good financial sense to do what you can to bring down premiums when possible. 

Buy The Right Vehicle

Some cars are cheaper to insure than others, so if you’re due an upgrade for your vehicle, consider looking at options that will cut back on your premiums. You can find plenty of lists online of the cars that are cheapest to insure, or you could check the quotes you get from price comparison sites to see the benefits yourself. Things that impact a car’s insurance costs include the cost of the car, how expensive it is to repair, and its safety record. 

Avoid Unnecessary Driving

The more you drive, the higher your insurance premiums will be. This is because the more time you spend on the roads, the higher the likelihood of you experiencing an accident. While cutting back may not be possible for many Texans, those based in major urban or suburban areas could cut back on driving and take public transport instead. You could also try walking or cycling more often and add a little health bonus to the money saved. 

Make Use Of Multi-Car Discounts

If you have multiple cars that need to be insured at once, you could benefit from a multi-car discount from your insurer. This is essentially bulk buying in insurance, and many providers offer it as a way to entice larger families or people with multiple cars to their business. Check out the quotes you get for insuring one car against insuring two or three to see what kind of savings you could make. 

Join The AARP

Some insurance providers offer discounts to members of certain groups. One great example of this for Texans is The Hartford, which provides car insurance Austin TX at a 10% discount for AARP members. Not only do The Hartford provide excellent value for money, but their AARP insurance has a range of benefits in coverage that could benefit any driver over 50. 

Shop Around For The Right Provider

Shopping around should be a staple for any smart financial choices you make. Many insurers will offer incentives for you to bring your business to them, such as discounts or freebies that come with the policy. Check regularly to see what kind of offers there are for the insurers you’re considering but be careful to think it through and not give in to impulse purchasing or pressure tactics. You could also talk to your current provider to see if they can match quotes you’ve received elsewhere. 

Pay In One Go

Paying your insurance premiums in one go is almost always cheaper than paying monthly. Unfortunately, this is one of the catch-22s of buying insurance, as people often opt for monthly payments because they can’t afford to pay for the policy outright. It might help to start saving as soon as you take out your new policy and try to pay in one go when the insurance renews. 

Increase Your Deductibles

The more you pay in deductibles, the lower your insurance premiums will be. Of course, the higher your deductibles, the more you will have to pay out of pocket if something does happen. You should think carefully before using this option, as you’ll normally see the benefit if you increase deductibles from $250 to $1,000. If you do this, it is vital that you have sufficient savings to cover the $1,000 deductible so that you aren’t left in debt or on the wrong side of Texan law. 

Take A Defensive Driving Course

Defensive driving courses can help you to become a better and safer driver, making you a lower risk in the eyes of your insurance provider. There are plenty of defensive driving courses available to help you manage emergency driving situations safely. You can even take these courses online, though you should check with your insurance provider to ensure that they accept the course you take. 

Conclusion

There are plenty of options available for Texans who want to bring down their car insurance premiums without sacrificing the quality of their coverage. You’ll need to be strategic about your insurance and take steps to make yourself a lower risk in the eyes of insurance providers. It is also crucial to shop around until you find a provider with the right benefits and value for money to make your insurance investment worthwhile. 

Adulting 101: Understanding Car Insurance

Hi, just your fellow aging millennial checking in here to make sure you haven’t sped past learning car insurance on your adulting journey. Are you running smoothly, or is your insurance-education check engine light flashing?

Whether you’ve been driving for over a decade or just starting, understanding car insurance is necessary as you become an adult. Knowing that you have to pay for it and using a car insurance comparison guide to find the least expensive options isn’t enough if you have no idea how to use it properly.

Life is expensive enough, so you don’t need to pay for more than what you need or spend more than required. Understanding car insurance will help you negotiate better deals and ensure that you utilize whatever policy you have to its full potential.

What are the parts of an auto insurance policy?

Every basic policy will include a variation of six features that outline your coverage. A list of each feature you need to ensure a well-rounded policy that will give you the most protection and savings is:

Liability Coverage

We all make mistakes, which is why liability coverage is probably most crucial when designing a policy. Having liability insurance ensures you and anyone you allow to operate your vehicle in case of an accident. 

Since this is fault protection, how much liability coverage drivers have to purchase to be insured on the road can be set by your state law. Liability coverage is made of two parts to help protect you from needing to come out of pocket for another driver’s injuries or damage vehicle. 

Bodily injury liability is designed to cover costs related to a person's injuries. In contrast, property damage liability helps protect the financial need to fix any damage you’ve caused to someone’s vehicle. This coverage is mandatory in almost all states. 

Bonus Insurance Tip — Always know what your liability limit is before agreeing to a policy. This limit will tell you the value of the maximum amount your insurer will pay if you are at fault for an accident. 

The most basic coverage most use to compare the quality of their deal is called "25/50/25" coverage. This means that your policy will pay up to $25,000 per injured person, up to $50,000 per accident, and at least $25,000 in property damage.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)

Serves as financial protection if you are hit by a driver who doesn't have insurance, whom you cannot identify (hit-and-run), or whose insurance has lapsed. 

In some states, UIM coverage will pay for your medical bills as well as the cost of vehicle repairs, which is vital when you can’t hold another insurer responsible. 

This coverage also comes into effect if you are hit by a driver whose liability limits aren't enough to cover bills caused by the accident. UIM is required in some states but optional in others.

Collision Coverage

Car accidents are common, and the last thing you’ll want to stress about is how you’ll pay for damages. After being involved in an accident with either another vehicle or an object, collision coverage will guarantee you financial help that will recover or repair your car. 

This kind of coverage is ideal to have included in your policy because it covers you regardless of who is at fault. Collision coverage is not required and is optional in most states.

Comprehensive Coverage

Those funny sketches show moments where a tree branch or something crazy ruins a character’s car isn’t so amusing when it happens to you. For those unpredictable and unavoidable moments, there is comprehensive coverage. 

With this, if you experience non-collision damage from an external non-fault factor such as natural elements, vandalism, flood, fire, or theft, your car is covered. Comprehensive coverage is valuable because it can aid in paying for repair costs or even replace your entire vehicle up to its full cash value. 

Please note that this coverage typically has a deductible, which is the dollar amount you'll have to pay before your insurer reimburses you the claim. Comprehensive coverage is optional but may be required to lease a vehicle.

Medical Payments Coverage

Protects you if you, a family member, or a passenger need to file injury claims after an accident. Medical payment coverage is necessary coverage to help cover any costs associated with injuries you or your passenger gets while in your vehicle.

 

A few examples of what medical payments are covered include hospital visits, surgery, X-rays, and more. Though Medical coverage is wise to have it is only required in some states and is optional in others. 

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or No-Fault Insurance

Both personal Injury protection (PIP) and medical payment coverage pay for most medical and funeral expenses. 

This policy is used to help cover any bills that accumulate because of injuries obtained during driving. This policy is a preferred coverage option because it will cover expenses other auto insurance policies don’t. 

PIP will help cover expenses such as child care, household expenses, and physical therapy. Though the policy’s title is “personal injury,” this protection also ensures coverage for passengers that may become harmed or killed while traveling in your vehicle. 

Another PIP benefit is that it will help recover lost income due to an accident. PIP coverage is required in some states and optional in others. 

You can decide which policies you need, more or less depending on what you need, what you can afford, and for how long you need your policy.

What to Know About Applying for Car Insurance

The easiest thing about car insurance is finding it. Companies want your business and are dying to tell you, in detail, about all, they can offer.

Before looking at a price and signing an agreement, shop around and vet your agent just as much as you are your deal. Stay mindful about what deals are currently available to you as well as the realities of your application. 

Advertisements may be intriguing with cheap rates, but go over the details with a fine-tooth comb to make sure you’re not sacrificing pennies now for thousands of dollars later on. If you have poor credit, accumulated tickets that affect car insurance, or live in a city that requires high liability, expect higher premium quotes. 

Understanding insurance can be intimidating, but it is simply an agreement between you and a provider for financial protection for unexpected expenses for whatever accidents may come your way. 

Car insurance is one adulting responsibility of many, but if used correctly it can help you maintain and gain more control over your life. 

Danielle Beck-Hunter writes and researches for the car insurance site, CheapCarInsuranceQuotes.com. Danielle is an insurance expert that is passionate about millennial and GenZ financial literacy and insurance education.

How Where You Live Affects Your Auto Insurance Rates

Just like in real estate, location especially matters when renewing your insurance plans. If you’ve ever had to update your car insurance because of a move, you likely noticed a change in your monthly premium.

The way location affects car insurance is not as simple as avoiding the country’s deadliest cities for drivers. To keep from being surprised by rising insurance rates, continue reading to find out what changes to look for in your town that could make you pay more for auto coverage.

What factors influence your auto insurance rates?

Driving is a risky activity, but many drivers go years without receiving a ticket or being involved in an accident by practicing safe driving. It is expected that drivers with a clean record are given the lowest insurance quotes possible, but elements outside of a driver’s control are just as influential. 

Finding quotes for insurance coverage is a lot like adding and subtracting weights on a balance scale. A list of elements that are in little to no control of a driver is: 

●       Age: Unlike dating apps, you can’t lie about your age to insurance companies. Drivers under 25 and over 65 tend to have higher premiums due to inexperience and decreasing physical abilities. 

●       Gender and sex: This topic is somewhat taboo because most insurers ask for gender when data for comparing male and female drivers is done by sex. 

For all drivers, insurers are likely to formulate insurance quotes based on an insuree’s license despite the way any initial forms have been filled. Because males tend to display riskier behavior behind the wheel, they tend to experience higher insurance rates. 

●       Credit score: Although you have some control, in most cases, a driver will always need insurance, making building a credit score before applying not always an option. When applying, insurers will pull a credit report, but you can request new rates from your insurer as your score improves. 

●       State regulations: States have different requirements for driving insurance minimums that influence base prices for premiums. Only two states (New Hampshire and Virginia) don’t require car insurance, but drivers are always held responsible for their driving and vehicles they operate or cause damage to. 

●       Where you park: Accidents can happen even when you’re not driving, which is why insurers consider what’s called your garaging address. Having covered private parking makes your vehicle less likely to be damaged or stolen. 

For insurers, this means that having to cover damages due to weather, vandalism, or theft is at a lower risk. Those who live in cities usually utilize street parking, increasing their likelihood of filing a claim as opposed to drivers with private parking. 

●       ZIP code: In addition to what state you’re in, the ZIP codes of where you travel matters as well. If you live or work in cities with heavy traffic or experience high crime rates, your premium will increase due to the environment being considered high-risk.

What is the average rate for car insurance?

The national average annual cost of car insurance is upwards of $1,400. Going by the average, most drivers with fair credit and driving records should expect to receive insurance quotes around $120 for a monthly premium. 

Whether you pay more or less than the national average is mostly dependent on external factors like the ones listed above. Although not every aspect that affects auto insurance quotes is within your control, knowing how your location influences your rate may help you negotiate a cheaper auto insurance rate. 

Why Your Address Affects Auto Insurance

If you’re looking for ways to conduct a quick move that save time and money, you should research the locational details before applying for new coverage. The most prominent factors in determining whether a location will raise a premium depend on these four things: 

●       Traffic flow: Living in a big city comes with price tags just about everywhere. Being in a heavily populated city provides more chances for drivers to get into accidents, making every other driver around you an additional liability.

●       Commuting mileage: Working in closer proximity to where you live reduces your likelihood of getting into an accident. The shorter your daily commute, the lower your monthly premium can be.

●       Harsh weather conditions: Those who reside in states with harsh weather conditions tend to have higher base premiums than those who live in areas with less dramatic seasonal changes. Experiencing harsh weather conditions such as frequent rain, tornadoes, hurricanes, or snowstorms affects a driver’s abilities and can threaten a vehicle’s condition.

●       Local crime rates: Crime rates don’t always reflect the city’s size, which gets reflected in insurance rates. If your zip code experiences high levels of auto theft, vandalism, or hit-and-runs, your quotes are likely to be high despite your city’s population size.

What states pay the highest for auto insurance?

If your mind is racing as to what cities do or don’t check these boxes, you’re not alone. Hopefully, that list hasn’t discouraged you from any plans to move, but the states that continuously have the highest rates include: 

●       Florida: $2,587

●       New York: $2,498

●       Louisiana: $2,351

●       Michigan: $2,105

●       Texas: $2,050

●       Rhode Island: $2,066 

Where there’s high market competition between insurers and insufficient data for unregistered drivers, annual premiums tend to be cheaper. The states with the lowest annual auto insurance rates include: 

●       Maine: $831

●       New Hampshire: $985

●       Ohio: $998

●       Wisconsin: $1,049

●       Idaho: $1,055

●       Iowa: $1,122

How You Can Get the Best Auto Insurance Rates

Finding the best moving company should be at the top of your moving concerns, not needing new coverage. Doing your research can help you negotiate the best plan and keep you from paying for coverage you don’t need. 

State regulations are designed to target the issues experienced in the area, but it can be frustrating to know that you’re paying more than someone else for the same service. 

Every location has its pros and cons, but a few steps you can take to help you get the most affordable rates are: 

●       Pick a car with high safety ratings.

●       Practice safe driving habits.

●       Improve your credit score.

●       Take an advanced driving course.

●       Don’t take the first offer.

●       Pay annually instead of monthly. 

Insurance agents take time for each applicant to weigh all the personal and external variables that contribute to setting an insurance quote. By taking into consideration what can benefit both you and the insurer, you will find new coverage faster, easier, and more helpful in fitting your needs.

Danielle Beck-Hunter writes and researches about auto insurance for the insurance comparison site, USInsuranceAgents.com. She is passionate about helping people understand their options and save money on their auto insurance.

Damages You Can Claim For After Being Involved In A Car Accident

While recovering from your physical injuries and even emotional distress after being involved in a car accident, one of the most daunting impacts for victims of vehicle collisions is the financial aftermath. Some of your financial considerations in a crash will include diminished value as your vehicle will likely be worth quite a bit less at the time of the accident compared to its original purchase price. 

What's more, if you are purchased your vehicle with the help of vehicle finance or a personal loan, you will also have to consider the loan's interest. Recovering your damages from your insurance can be daunting, so to help you best list your costs, we have listed all the things you can legally claim after being involved in a car accident. 

Diminished Value

Car insurance is undoubtedly essential, although policyholders almost always find themselves frustrated when in a position to claim from an insurer. Your insurer will likely attempt to settle for a low initial offer in most cases. However, it is vital to understand your policy and how to claim correctly to get the most out of your policy when you need it. A diminished value claim is a separate claim from your car accident claim. It is best to rely on legal representation when claiming from your insurer to solidify your case. 

Property Damages

Property damages could be included in your car accident claim if you had any personal belongings in your vehicle that were damaged due to the accident. Property damages can also include property that was damaged as a result of the collision. This type of claim is handled separately from bodily harm claims. 

Lost Wages

Suppose the impacts of the accident left you unable to earn an income for some time. In this case, you will be able to claim lost wages as damages that resulted from the car accident. However, you will need to provide valid evidence that you have lost income due to the accident, including a letter from your employer. Lost wages are usually quite straightforward to prove in a car accident claim, granted you have evidence from your employer as well as bank statements to solidify your missing income claim. 

Medical Bills

One of the most common claims from victims of car accidents is medical expenses. However, if you have medical insurance that is covering your bills for you, you might not be able to recover medical costs. On the other hand, all you will need to prove this expense is the physical receipts from healthcare practitioners and any treatment recommendations for ongoing bills, and your diagnosis reports. 

Emotional Distress

Claiming for emotional distress damages in a car accident claim is significantly more challenging than most other types of relevant damages. However, this is because it can be challenging to prove that emotional turmoil impacts the accident. Although you can claim for pain and suffering with the right medical professionals behind you and the correct legal representation caused the accident. Obtaining diagnoses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and others will be necessary to prove your experience was genuinely damaging to your mental health. 

Top 3 Ways to Save on Auto Insurance

Are you paying too much for car insurance? I’m sure you’ve seen or heard ads from car insurance companies promising to help you save big. Often, they’ll mention bundling which is a great way to get a discount and save money. But there are so many other ways to save, too. 

Did you realize that sometimes even your occupation qualifies you for a discount? Almost every car insurance company offers a military discount, and some even offer discounted car insurance for firefighters, EMS workers, and teachers. 

Discounts are one of the best ways to save, but you can also pay less for car insurance by comparing quotes and switching to a company that offers your lower premiums. You can also tweak your coverage to appropriately cover your needs, which may help you save money. 

Read on for some of the top ways for you to save money on car insurance.

#1 – Discounts for Save on Your Car Insurance

Almost every driver is eligible for at least one discount and many can earn several discounts. Each car insurance company sets up its own discount system, and the discounts listed below aren’t recognized universally. 

Still, these are some of the most common car insurance discounts.

Bundling Discount

If you purchase a homeowners, renters, boat, or motorcycle policy from the same provider as your car insurance policy, you will probably be able to get a discount. This discount is one of the most common, and nearly every provider offers a percentage off of your premiums for bundling.

Good Driver Discount

Good drivers tend to continue being good drivers. If you haven’t gotten into an accident in three years, you may be able to get a good driver discount. Insurance premiums are based on the risk you present to an insurance provider. Good drivers are low risk, so they usually get a discount. 

Getting into accidents will affect your eligibility for a good driver discount, and so will filing claims and getting traffic tickets for things like speeding or running red lights.

Automatic Payments Discount

When you set up your payments to leave your account automatically each month, you’re less likely to miss a payment and more likely to stick with your current insurer, so they reward you with a discount.

Paperless Billing Discount

Paperless billing saves time and money for the insurance company because they don’t have to physically mail bills to your address, so they usually offer a small discount in return.

Low Mileage Discount

It makes sense that you’d pay less for car insurance if you drive fewer miles annually. The less time you spend on the road, the lower the risk that you’ll get in a crash and file a claim. 

Obviously, insurance companies like that and will incentivize that behavior.

Good Student Discount

Teen drivers pay the highest car insurance rates of any age group. Most car insurance companies will offer a significant discount for students who earn a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Driver’s Education Discount

A driver’s education discount is vital for teens because their car insurance rates are incredibly high, and they don’t usually qualify for many discounts. Find out which driver’s ed courses your car insurance company recognizes before investing in a class. 

If you’re going to take a class, you might as well get rewarded for it with a discount. You want a good driving instructor and program that will help your teen drive safely, but you’ll want it to be recognized by your insurance company so that you can get a discount for it.

Occupational Discounts

Military members can almost always earn a discount. Some car insurance companies offer reduced rates for first responders like firefighters, law enforcement, and EMTs. Teachers can sometimes find insurers who provide a discount for their occupation, as well.

#2 – Comparing Rates to Save

Every six months, you should make a quote comparison. As your personal factors change with time, your current car insurer may not be the best. Some car insurance companies are a better fit with specific demographics. 

You must realize that you may not be a good fit with your current provider anymore as your demographics change.

Switching Car Insurance Companies

It doesn’t take much time to compare rates, and if you find a reputable insurance company where you can save significantly, you should take advantage and switch providers. 

It’s crucial to compare identical coverage, though. Don’t compare different coverage levels between companies because you won’t get an accurate comparison. Make sure your deductibles and level of coverage are identical, otherwise you may leave yourself open to unnecessary financial trouble later.

Talking with Your Car Insurance Company

Car insurance companies don’t negotiate premiums. You won’t be able to talk them down to a lower rate, but what they can do is help you evaluate your coverage, find discounts you may have missed, or adjust your coverage levels to get your premiums more manageable.

#3 – Tweaking Your Policy to Save

Changing your policy can help you save a lot of money. Just remember that you’ll pay less when you lower your coverage, but you’ll also be eligible for fewer benefits.

Reducing Your Coverage

Reducing coverage will definitely help you save money on car insurance, but it’s vitally important not to leave yourself underinsured. 

Suppose your car is over 10 years old, and you’re paying more than 10 percent of your vehicle’s value annually for full coverage. In that case, you’ll be better off dropping full coverage and carrying a liability-only policy. 

Evaluate all the different types of coverage you have. If you have coverage that will pay for a rental car should your car be damaged, you could drop that option if you have a second vehicle or transportation option.

Increasing Your Deductible

A reasonably standard deductible is $500. If you raise that to a $1000 deductible, your monthly premiums will lower significantly. Just remember that you’ll need to be prepared to pay that deductible if you file a claim.

Switching to a Usage-Based Plan

Your car insurance provider may offer a different type of plan than standard insurance. If they don’t, you may want to consider switching insurers to one that does, especially if you don’t drive much annually. 

A usage-based insurance plan charges you based on your driving. Some plans are by-the-mile where you pay a base monthly fee, and then you pay a set amount per mile that you drive. 

Other usage-based plans use telematics devices to monitor your driving habits, and the price is based on that information.

Be Proactive to Save the Most

There are many different ways that you can save on car insurance. None of them take much time, but you do have to be proactive. Your insurance company isn’t likely to call you up and offer you a discount. 

It’s your responsibility to review your coverage and make sure you’re taking advantage of any available savings. Set aside an hour this weekend to look over your options. It shouldn’t take much longer than that, and the savings you can find are well worth the time. 

Melanie Musson writes and researches for BuyAutoInsurance.com. She’s passionate about helping people understand their auto insurance needs and find the best fit for coverage without overpaying.

 

 

 

 

 

What is your garaging address?

Many factors play a role in the insurance premium you are quoted when looking for the best car insurance. Plus, all the information you have to provide for a single application can be overwhelming.

Even an experienced driver who has paid for auto insurance for years can find the process daunting. Providing your insurance representative with the wrong information during the application can affect your quote or can lead to legal issues down the road should you accept the quote and start a policy with incorrect information.

Asking questions like “Can I insure my car at a different address?” while applying for insurance with a provider can save you a lot of trouble down the line since your garaging address plays a major role in the insurance rate they give you.

Understanding what a garaging address means for insurance companies and how it can affect you as a consumer can help you find better car insurance rates and prevent you from unintentionally providing incorrect information on your policy.

What exactly is a garaging address?

The concept of a garaging address can actually be pretty simple depending on your lifestyle factors. Your garaging address is the location where your car is parked most of the time. 

If you have an apartment downtown near your job but have a permanent home in the country, you would put your garaging address where your car spends the majority of the time at. 

So if you work and sleep at your downtown apartment Monday to Friday and go to your permanent home in the country on the weekends, your garaging address would be at your apartment because your car is parked there more. 

For most people, their garage address is where they live, but like the example mentioned above, it is not so simple for everyone. Older individuals who are retired may travel a lot, so they may live in more places than one. Their garaging address may change whenever they relocate.

Why a Garaging Address Is Important

Some may figure that as long as they are paying their insurance on time, then what does it matter what address they give their insurance company? Well, your insurance rate is directly affected by your garaging address. 

Also, say you follow all the important steps to take after a car accident and your insurance provider sends a check for your claim in the mail to your garaging address. If they have the wrong address for where your car is parked most of the time, you may have to wait longer to receive funds to fix your car.

This type of situation can be extremely frustrating if you moved to another city or state. This is why you should always update your garaging address whenever it changes.

ZIP Codes Impact Insurance Rates

 

Your garaging address and the ZIP code connected to it are important because they determine your car insurance rate. Car insurance rates are based on where your car is located the most.

If your car is in an area that has high crime rates, your premium rate will be higher compared to if you live somewhere that is an urban or rural area with low crime rates. 

Even having a garaging address in a city that has a higher population can increase your rates because it increases the chances of having a car accident. 

It also increases the chances of your car being stolen or broken into because a higher populated area includes a wider range of different individuals with varied lifestyles. 

Some other factors that impact your insurance rates are your date of birth, occupation, marital status, education level, driving history, and insurance history. Out of all of these factors, the most significant ones to auto insurance underwriters are your driving history, your age, and your car’s location. 

Those are the most impactful factors because they directly affect the well-being of your vehicle. If you drive poorly, are young with little driving experience, or are regularly parking in a busy or crime-ridden area, insurance underwriters view you and your vehicle as a liability. 

The extra money you pay for parking your car where it is most of the time makes up for the financial risk you pose to your insurance provider. Parking in a safer or less populated area can save you money with your insurance rate. 

Another factor to consider with the higher premium rate for certain locations is the fact that red-light cameras are located in busier cities more often than rural and less populated areas. You are more likely to be caught doing something illegal while driving, whether or not intentional, in a crowded city than in a less busy area. 

Too many traffic tickets display you as a liability and more likely to get into an accident because you break the laws of the road.

What is garaging misrepresentation?

Garaging misrepresentation happens when you give the wrong garaging address on your car insurance policy. People partake in garaging misrepresentation unintentionally or intentionally, but no matter the reason, insurance providers take the misrepresentation seriously. 

Unless you can prove the misrepresentation was a mistake, your provider could cancel your coverage, you could end up paying significant penalty fees, or you could face legal consequences.

Auto insurance companies in the United States lose around $3 billion every year because of garaging misrepresentation. So after you have started a policy, underwriters are usually required to double-check your address through various sources from time to time. 

Misrepresenting your location can lower your premium by around 35 percent, which makes doing it understandably appealing. However, the consequences down the road can outweigh the immediate benefits.

How to Avoid Garaging Misrepresentation

The best way to avoid garage misrepresentation is by merely being honest about where you park your car most of the time and always updating your address whenever you relocate.

If you drive a fuel-efficient, smart car, there are even ways that you can connect your car’s location to your insurance provider’s web system or your account with them. This is a great way to avoid unintentionally being dishonest about your garaging address and can be used in case of an emergency where you cannot tell emergency personnel your location. 

Your insurance representative can give you more information on how to connect your car’s location to them or let you know if this is an option with the company. At the very least, they can give you tips on how to best keep them updated with your garaging address. 

Imani Francies writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, CarInsurance101.com. She earned a bachelor of arts in film and media and specializes in various forms of media marketing.