What is the fine for driving without car insurance in  Kentucky?

Collins

Owensboro, KY

Driving without auto insurance in Owensboro and in all areas in Kentucky can be rather severe. For the first offense you are cited, you will be required to go to court and can be fined between $500 up to $1000 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days or both.

Your KY license plates and registration can be suspended for 1 year or until proof of car insurance is presented. You could also lose your drivers license for up to one year. The penalties increase for each subsequent offenses of not having proper proof of car insurance liability.

If you were found driving without auto insurance in the state of Kentucky you may contact the court listed on your ticket for information on the possible penalties you may receive in court. The clerk of the court can likely advise you what the normal fine amount is for a first time violation of driving uninsured in the county in which you were cited.

I was found to be at-fault in an accident and the other driver filed a claim against my car insurance company for property damage. He quoted about $5,000 that he said he lost in diminished value. Is there such a thing as “diminished value” claim that is payable under my auto insurance policy?

Chelsea

Fayette, KY

If you just heard about a “diminished value” claim, it does exist. This claim is based on the idea that any car that has been in an accident, regardless of how well the repairs are done, is worth less than the exact same car that hasn’t been in an accident.

The physical damage section of an auto insurance policy does not usually cover claims for a car’s “diminished value” after an accident. It applies to direct and accidental damage only. By definition, direct damage is the actual physical damage done to the car, not a loss in value.

This is the reason why some courts began to question this approach and ruled that since diminution in value was not specifically excluded by the terms of the policy, it was covered.

However, a diminished value claim is a liability claim for property damage and cannot be judged in the same light as a physical damage claim. Under a liability claim, the insurer agrees to pay damages for property damage for which the insured is legally responsible because of an auto accident. If you’re legally liable for the damages of the claimant, then whatever the amount for which you’re liable for is the amount the policy will pay. Be aware that it still is subject to the limit of liability amounts.

It’s always advisable to contact your insurance agent in Fayette, KY or your insurance company directly to have a further discussion regarding the terms of your policy.

I currently live with my father in Ohio and have my vehicle insured under his insurance. In a few months I am moving to Kentucky where I will be going to college. Can I stay on my fathers insurance, as that is where my permanent residency is or do I have to obtain my own insurance?

Kathy

Lexington-Fayette, KY

This differ from insurance provider to insurance provider. Most insurance carrier will continue to insure you on your father’s policy if you will be attending school in the same state. Other companies will continue to insure you if you attend school in another state. Some insurance companies will not insure you if you will be attending school in another state. Your father should contact his insurance agent or insurance carrier to determine what their guidelines are.