Will Car Pooling in Kentucky Lower Your Insurance Rates?

Reader’s Question:

I have been a full-time mom since I gave birth to my son. Now he is 4 and is attending pre-school. I have recently volunteered my car for carpooling and I am curious if this qualifies me for a lower motor vehicle insurance cost. I live in Kentucky.

Moira

Louisville, KY

The price of gasoline is shooting up. That’s an unfortunate fact that car owners will have to deal with everyday. One of the simple ways to save on gas is carpooling. Many have resorted to carpooling to get to work or school, and to cater to the changing times, motor vehicle insurance providers have devised discounts to reward motorists who use their cars less. Since you have agreed to start carpooling, it’s quite possible that you would be eligible for a lower motor vehicle insurance rate. If you have been carpooling for quite some time, and have not been receiving the rate adjustment, all you need to do is contact your insurance agent and ask him or her what you need to present as proof that you indeed share a ride. Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and whatever else they may require, submit it to your agent and inquire if you are entitled to a refund. If you are, they would usually apply the difference to your next policy statement. The terms and conditions on this particular issue may vary between motor vehicle insurance providers in Kentucky. Some may offer less and others may offer more. Each one may require different forms of proof. Besides inquiring from your agent, you could also seek out information on your own by visiting various websites on this topic and get up to date on the issue.

Car Insurance Claim and Diminished Value Question

Reader’s Question:

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.

Can I Use My Parents Out of State Auto Insurance in Kentucky?

Reader’s Question:

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.

How Should You Buy SR22 Insurance in Kentucky?

Q: Should I buy my Kentucky SR22 insurance direct or with an agent?

A: Both direct line insurance and agent bought insurance are great ways to get your SR22 policy, but which one works for you personally will depend on your own specific situation.

For agents, these are more often and better used by people who lead very busy lives and don’t have the time available to do all of the research and quote mining that finding the cheapest Kentucky SR22 premium requires. Agents are also often a good route for people who are new to the insurance business and don’t have the knowledge or experience to know when they’re looking at a good deal and when they aren’t.

Direct line is also very quick and easy, and is best for people who want to save their money instead of paying an agent fee, and also for people who move around a lot. If you buy your SR22 insurance through an agent, then you often have to find a new one every time you move, but with direct, you just call up and change your address. You can also often handle your direct car insurance all by yourself online, and it isn’t very difficult to learn the ropes.