Obtaining auto insurance can be challenging if you’re considered a high-risk driver. Insurance companies may view you as riskier to insure, whether due to a history of accidents, traffic violations, or other factors. However, it’s still possible to find coverage. Here are some tips from Commonwealth Insurance Center, serving Williamsburg, VA, to help high-risk drivers obtain auto insurance. 

1. Shop Around

Not all insurance companies assess risk in the same way. Some specialize in providing coverage to high-risk drivers and may offer more competitive rates. Get quotes from multiple insurers to find the best option.

2. Consider Non-Standard Insurance

Non-standard or high-risk auto insurance providers cater specifically to drivers with less-than-ideal records. While premiums may be higher, securing coverage through these insurers is often easier.

3. Improve Your Driving Record

Over time, traffic violations and accidents will have less impact on your insurance rates. Focus on safe driving practices to gradually reduce your risk profile and, consequently, your premiums.

4. Take Defensive Driving Courses

Defensive driving courses have been shown to reduce the chances of being involved in an accident. This may help you show an insurance company you are committed to driving safely and defensively and may lead to insurance discounts. Check with insurers to see if they offer discounts for completing such courses.

While auto insurance for high-risk drivers may come at a higher cost, maintaining coverage is essential to comply with legal requirements and protect yourself financially. With perseverance and the right strategies, you can find a policy that suits your needs and budget. If you’re ready to look for an auto insurance policy in the greater Williamsburg, VA region, contact the Commonwealth Insurance Center to get started today.

At Commonwealth Insurance Center, serving the greater Williamsburg, VA area, our clients have many questions about auto insurance and how their rates are determined. One of the questions we are frequently asked is whether your auto insurance policy rate can increase if you are in an accident and are deemed not at fault. Being deemed not-at-fault means the accident was not your fault. Read on to get the answer to this question. 

Can Your Auto Insurance Rates Increase If You Are In An Accident You Are Not At Fault For?

Yes, your auto insurance rates can increase if you were involved in an accident for which you were deemed not at fault. 

Why Can Your Insurance Rates Increase If the Accident Was Not Your Fault?

Auto insurance providers can look at your driving record when determining how much to charge you for auto insurance. This means that they can look at accidents, even if you were not at fault for an accident. They may use any points or imperfections on your driving record to increase your auto insurance rates. 

Every insurance company is different, and the way they calculate their rates can vary. One insurance company may penalize you heavily for having an accident on your record, even if the accident was not your fault. In contrast, another insurance company may overlook accidents that are not your fault. If your auto insurance rates have increased due to an accident, it is recommended that you shop around for a new auto insurance policy and compare rates. The team at Commonwealth Insurance Center, serving the greater Williamsburg, VA area, can help. Call us today to obtain estimates for auto insurance. 

When you have a car and someone else wants to borrow it, it is a responsible question to ask about whose car insurance will cover damages in the event of a problem. In Virginia, like elsewhere in the nation, car insurance will cover the vehicle and not the driver of the car. Still, the minimum requirements for auto insurance in Virginia may not be enough when you add other drivers to the mix.

At Commonwealth Insurance Center, we want all Williamsburg, VA drivers to have enough coverage to protect them financially from any problem on Virginia roads.

When an Accident Happens

When an accident happens and someone else is driving the car, liability coverage will go into effect if that driver is found to be at fault for the accident. Unfortunately, that will be your liability coverage. 

That means that when another person drives your vehicle and is found at fault in an accident, you are going to be responsible for the damage through your own insurance coverage. Your insurance premiums will see an increase in the following year.

It won’t go on your driving record, it will go on your insurance record.

Your Insurance Coverage

Virginia is an at-fault state when it comes to car insurance. When someone driving your vehicle gets into an accident, your insurance coverage will cover injuries and damages if that person is at-fault for the accident.

Your liability coverage will pay for medical bills and property damages to the other party. If you have medical payments coverage then the driver will also have their medical bills covered.

If you also have collision coverage, your vehicle repairs and replacement will be handled by your insurance company.

If this driver will be using your car a lot, you will want to add them as a secondary driver. That will make the insurance question a lot easier in the event of an accident. The alternative is to make sure that you have comprehensive and collision coverage in addition to medical payments coverage when you are updating your policy.

With that, you will be covered in every way in the event of an accident, regardless of who is driving your vehicle.

Get a Quote

It is among the most common questions in car insurance. The car insurance follows the car, not the driver. At Commonwealth Insurance Center, we want Williamsburg, VA drivers to have every coverage they need for every driving scenario. Call us for a quote and talk to us about this today.

Auto accidents are bound to strike any time. It is therefore paramount to prepare in advance for any eventuality if an accident occurs. This preparation salvages you from settling damage and injury costs out-of-pocket. Buying prolific auto insurance in Williamsburg VA is fundamental to shield yourself and your car in the event of an accident. If you are shopping for auto insurance in Williamsburg, VA it’s crucial to comprehend the common types of coverage available on car insurance policies. Buy your auto insurance early enough from Commonwealth Insurance Center to avoid frustrating instances when auto accidents happen. Buying an auto insurance policy is an absolute necessity and harbors a lot of benefits, including:

Protecting yourself and others

Car insurance can safeguard you and your loved ones from massive expenses. This protection is extended to passengers and other drivers. Therefore, it’s imperative to have magnificent auto insurance to cover both property damage and injury expenses.

Coverage for asset

Auto insurance ensures that your valuable asset is always protected while cruising on Virginia roadways. Investing in both collision and comprehensive coverages can protect your car against potential perils. The comprehensive policy caters to the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle resulting from non-collision events like theft. In contrast, collision coverage caters to physical damage costs by either repairing or replacing your car after a collision with other vehicles or stationary objects.

It’s a legal requirement.

Most states, including Virginia, require motorists to liability car insurance that meet specific minimum requirements if they get engaged in an accident. These advocated minimum requirements by the state of Virginia comprise bodily injuries and property damage.

Instills peace of mind

Everyone is subject to making blunders. Regrettably, sometimes another driver’s mistake can become your problem. However, with proper auto insurance, you feel confident knowing that you are guarded even if you engage in an accident with a driver who is insufficiently covered or doesn’t have insurance.

Are you a car owner in Williamsburg, VA searching for auto insurance to safeguard yourself and your family? Please contact our dedicated agents at Commonwealth Insurance Center today and start your insurance journey with us.

One of your most important auto insurance needs to meet in Virginia is your need for liability coverage. At Commonwealth Insurance Center, we offer liability coverage as well as numerous additional types of insurance coverage in Williamsburg, VA.

The following are three things to know about auto liability insurance in Virginia.

You need to meet bodily injury requirements.

One of the most important requirements to meet with your auto liability coverage is the bodily injury coverage requirement.

You need to carry at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person in an accident. Also, you need to carry $50,000 total in bodily injury coverage for every individual accident you’re involved in. 

You need to meet property damage coverage requirements. 

Another requirement that you need to meet in Virginia is the requirement for property damage coverage. In Virginia, the property damage coverage requirement for auto insurance policies is $20,000. 

If you don’t purchase liability coverage, you have to pay a large fee. 

Unlike many other states, you do have a choice to forego auto insurance coverage in Virginia. However, it’s important to note that this is an expensive choice to make.

If you forego auto insurance coverage in Virginia, you will be required to pay a fee of $500 to the state DMV. Although you have to pay this fee, you don’t enjoy any type of auto insurance coverage for paying it.

It’s definitely a better idea to put your money toward auto insurance coverage than paying a DMV fee that you’ll get nothing back for. 

Are you looking for a solution to your auto insurance needs in Williamsburg, VA? We can help at Commonwealth Insurance Center. Contact us for information on our auto insurance policy offerings. 

For those that are in the Williamsburg, VA area, there are plenty of great local amenities including a strong job market and plenty of recreational activities to enjoy. If you are going to live here, you will want to make sure that you have a way to get around town. Those that choose to purchase a car should also consider their insurance needs. There are several ways that an auto insurance policy can protect someone here.

Coverage Gives Liability Protection

One advantage of having an auto insurance policy is that it can give you liability protection. Anyone that drives a car in any situation is going to take on some liability risk at all times. If you happen to cause an accident while you are driving, you will be responsible for damages. Fortunately, with an auto insurance policy, you can receive protection that will cover you in these situations.

Coverage Protects Assets

Another reason that you should get an auto insurance policy is that it can protect your asset. A car is a very valuable asset that you will want to ensure is covered at all times. If you get collision and comprehensive coverage, you will get the protection you need to offset a variety of risks including the risk of vehicle theft or damage that occurs in an accident. 

When you are looking for insurance in the Williamsburg, VA area, you will want to get guidance and support from someone that you can trust. The team at the Commonwealth Insurance Center can help you find a policy that is right for your situation. Commonwealth Insurance Center is able to do this by carefully assessing your situation and building a policy that provides you with the right protection. They can also answer any questions that you have. 

You want to protect your friends and family from dangers, but that’s not always possible. Having a sound auto insurance policy is a great start to helping protect yourself if an accident does occur. Commonwealth Insurance Center can get you started with that. In Williamsburg, VA, you’ll be able to get the right coverage for your needs.

The Types of Coverage Available

Being found at fault for an accident can be life-changing, and carrying the burden of debt because of the expenses can be just as devastating. Luckily with auto insurance, you’ll be able to avoid going into debt.

• Bodily Injury Liability – is liability insurance that gives you coverage if a claim is made against you because someone was injured in an accident that was your fault. Medical costs could be completely covered, which may include hospital stays, clinic visits, and rehabilitation.

• Property Damage Liability – is coverage that begins when you damage someone’s property. Property could include a vehicle, a home, a fence, or any other property.

• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists – is coverage that generally goes together. If someone is uninsured or does not have enough coverage to pay for damages to your vehicle or person, then this coverage will start.

Other Kinds of Auto Coverage

You may need additional coverage that will pay for varying costs.

• Collision – pays for coverage if you have an accident and damage your vehicle. This could include an accident with another vehicle or an object, such as a telephone pole.

• Comprehensive – is coverage that protects you if your vehicle is damaged due to something other than an accident. This includes fire, vandalism, and theft.

With a good auto insurance policy, you could be completely covered. Start by getting in touch with the agents serving the Williamsburg, VA area at the Commonwealth Insurance Center.

Are you someone who always goes for the cheapest auto insurance available? That may not be the wisest idea. Sure, it’s great to be able to say you got the "best deal out there." However, you might end up regretting this later on if the unexpected happens, and you have to pay out of pocket for damages or replacement. This should be discussed with an agent at Commonwealth Insurance Center, serving the greater Williamsburg, VA area. 

What Is Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

This can mean different things for each person and each insurance company. It’s best to read all the details of an auto insurance policy before you sign up for it. 

Almost all of these policies feature the following types of protection:

• Liability is what covers any damages that are determined to be your fault in an accident. This includes the vehicle itself and any medical expenses of the people who were inside the automobile at the time. Most often, maximum limits for liability insurance are $500,000 total for an accident, $100,000 for the other vehicle, and $250,000 for that vehicle’s driver and passengers.
• Collision insurance covers the damage that’s done to your vehicle, as well as any injuries you and your passengers have as a result of an accident that’s deemed to be your fault. The insurance company should pay for everything besides a deductible of about $100-500 that you have to pay out of pocket.
• Comprehensive insurance covers other types of damages to your automobile that occur when you’re not driving it. This includes natural disasters such as tornados, and damages arising from vandalism. It also may cover the cost of replacing your stolen vehicle. 

Why Get Full Coverage?

If you own your automobile outright but will not be able to replace it yourself if it’s stolen or damaged enough to need a replacement, full coverage is essential. If you’re someone who does a lot of driving, it makes good sense to have the full coverage in place if you have a car that’s worth a lot of money. If you are still making car payments, you’ll be required to have full coverage auto insurance.

Be sure to talk to a professional about this matter and anything else you aren’t sure of when it comes to auto insurance. Reach out to the team at Commonwealth Insurance Center of the Williamsburg, VA area for assistance right away. 

Whether you are driving through the city of Williamsburg, VA or are in the rural outskirts of the city, there is a chance you will come upon a deer. The times when you are at the greatest risk of hitting a deer is during migration and mating season, which is generally between October and December. Deer are most often seen first thing in the morning and at dusk. The typical deer can weigh 200 pounds or more, so hitting one with your car can cause significant damage, even death. Here are a few tips to avoid getting in an accident with a deer.

Use High Beams

If you are driving in an area that is known to have deer, for the best visibility, it’s best to drive with your high beams on. This will allow you to have a better view of the side of the road as well as what’s ahead of you, but keep in mind that if another vehicle is approaching, be sure to turn your high beams off to avoid limiting the vision of the driver coming toward you.

Advance Slowly

If you see deer standing on or on the side of the road, advance slowly. Startling the deer can cause them to run in an attempt to avoid your vehicle. Unfortunately, they may run right in front of you. Keep in mind that not only is it possible for you to hit a deer, but deer can hit you. While trying to run, it is common for deer to ram into the side and even the top of a vehicle, so use extreme caution if you see a deer.

Sound the Horn & Flash the Lights

If there are deer in the middle of the road, do not attempt to go around them. Instead, slow down and flash your lights and sound the horn until the deer are out of harm’s way. If you must stop because of deer in the road, keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the deer and continue to sound the horn and flash the lights until they leave the road.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that if you see one deer, there are probably several more in the area, so drive with extreme caution. If you can’t avoid colliding with a deer, try not to swerve; it will increase the chance of you losing control of your vehicle. If you do hit a deer, contact the proper authorities and Commonwealth Insurance Center as soon as possible.

Residents of Williamsburg, VA who want to learn more information about deer accidents should contact Commonwealth Insurance Center.

Once you buy a new automobile, the next step is to purchase the right amount of insurance. Many people in the Williamsburg, VA area are unsure about the amount of coverage they need for their new vehicle. Learn what type and how much automobile insurance you need before you even drive home, to protect you from losses.

What Type Of Insurance

If you are either purchasing or financing a new vehicle, you should probably select full coverage insurance. Without full coverage, you may not have the funds available to repair or replace a new vehicle. If you are financing, most states now require you to carry full coverage insurance at all times during the financing period. Once you begin shopping for your insurance, you will have to decide on a deductible, as well as covered amounts. Some of the coverage amounts you must select include hospitalization, liability, and uninsured motorist. 

Selecting A Deductible

When selecting a deductible, you should know that the more your deductible is, the lower your monthly premium will be. If your premium is high, your deductible will be low. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to select the higher deductible to keep your bill low every month. Just keep in mind that you will have to come up with a larger amount of money in the event of a covered accident before the insurance pays for any damages to your vehicle.

If you are looking for superior automobile insurance that you can count on when you need it, check out Commonwealth Insurance Center. The insurance representative at Commonwealth Insurance Center in Williamsburg, VA can help you discover your coverage options, and select a plan that is right for your needs.