When the Illegal Immigrant Has a License and Auto Insurance

Of late, there's been so much focus on the illegal immigrant in the media that we in the insurance industry have decided to have our say, as well.

Here goes.

Of all the fifty US states, there are only twelve that give driving privileges to the undocumented immigrant. In the other states, any undocumented immigrant that drives does so without having been issued a license. Without a license, you can bet your bottom dollar that there is no auto insurance to cover an accident. If a legal driver is the not at fault party of a collision, not only will there be no coverage to pay for damages from the other party, but it's likely there will be no out-of-pocket money to speak of in compensation as well.

Good reason to invest in uninsured motorist of underinsured motorist insurance, huh?!

In any case, the danger involved in illegal immigrant driving has prompted the few states that do offer some form of driving licenses to the undocumented to actually expand the eligibility. With the invitation from CA, CO, DE, DC, HI, MD, NV, NM, UT, WA and VT to apply for a driving license, the undocumented immigrant who passes the written and driving test has better odds of safe driving and can actually purchase protective auto insurance coverage.

This means of course that in the event of a vehicular accident, the illegal immigrant that lives and drives in one of the areas where the privilege is open to him or her can have the shielding insurance to cover damages.
But the illegal immigrant who passes the driving test required in order to acquire a legal driving license has other more inclusive options that, like any US citizen, can shield him or her more comprehensively.

These include the options of:

Collision Insurance Coverage - this compensates for the cost of damage incurred to the at-fault driver as well

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage - this provides payment for other losses incurred as a result of a stolen automobile, car vandals, or the damage from a natural disaster

Uninsured/Under-Insured Motorist Insurance Coverage - this provides coverage for damages resulting from an accident with a driver that does not have adequate auto insurance

Irrespective of your standing in regard to residency or citizenship, if you are a legal driver it is wise to seek guidance and advice from a qualified insurance professional in relation to insurance coverage options that are applicable to your individual circumstances.

Essential Car Insurance Facts for Calgary

In Calgary, driving isn't always easy. Drivers must brave weather that can change quickly, and heavy rush hour traffic. Regardless, you'll always need car insurance, whether you are daily commuter, weekend adventurer, or an occasional driver.

Average Car Insurance Costs in Calgary and Alberta
Although Alberta has a private insurance market, the insurance rates themselves are still regulated by the provincial government. There are two agencies in Alberta that oversee car insurance rates: The Automobile Insurance Rate Board and the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance.

In 2004, Alberta implemented a premium grid on auto insurers, settings maximum premium levels for basic coverage. The grid takes into account where you live, the number of years you've been licensed, the number of claims you've had in the last six years, and how many driving convictions you have on your record. But it is still important to shop around because even with the premium grid, auto insurance rates vary wildly within Alberta.

If you are aged 25 or under in Alberta, you are considered young and will pay around $187/month for Alberta car insurance. However, as you get older your premiums will go down. For example, you'll pay around $152/month at ages 31-35, about $122/month at ages 46-50, and around $100/month at ages 56-60.

Auto insurance rates in Alberta are determined by a variety of factors:

Your gender and age
Your driving experience
Type of vehicle you drive
Location and use of your vehicle
Your driving record
The amount of coverage you've selected
How to get the Cheapest Auto Insurance in Alberta

Compare rates among various companies and don't feel like you must stick with the insurers your parents used. There are many insurance providers available, and often they use competitive pricing, meaning different providers may offer the same policies at greatly different prices. Talk to a broker (who compares auto insurance rates in Calgary for you) or use online tools to see where you can get the best rate for the coverage that is right for you. As well, reading auto insurance reviews will help you avoid unexpected issues. Search online for opinions using blogs and forums.

Sometimes you can get better rates if you bypass the broker or agent and deal with a direct insurer, like Belairdirect or TD Insurance.

Use rate tools and calculators. For instance, if your credit card includes rental car protection, you can save 20 per cent by paying with it. You can use a credit card navigator tool to assist you in finding insurance for a rental car compatible with the value add-ons on your credit card. You can also use an insurance price comparison tool to compare insurance premiums.

Bundle your car insurance in Calgary with other policies. For example, if you have multiple vehicles and a home to insure, you can bundle them with one insurance company to get a bundle discount. Insurance companies reward their customers for giving them more business.

If you got your policy you were a smoker and can prove you have quit smoking since then and have not returned to it for at least one year, they will reduce your insurance premiums. Smokers typically pay double the amount for premiums!

Invest in driving a hybrid vehicle. By purchasing a hybrid, you may save on more than just gas! Inquire with your insurance company to see if they offer discounts for hybrid vehicles.
There are many factors that affect your auto insurance rates in Calgary and Alberta, and it can be a daunting task to research all your available options. To get started on your way to finding the best rates for the coverage you need, contact InsurEye today.

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