Reader’s Question:

I acquired a certified copy of my driving record which shows that I have no infractions in the last three years but I was in an accident about a year ago in a different state. When I go for auto insurance will they be able to know this or is all they check is my DMV record?

Ross

Appleton, WI

Most states are part of the Drivers License Compact or Agreement which permit them to transfer violation or infraction information between Motor Vehicle Agencies. It could be that your home state or state in which you had the accident is not part of this agreement and therefore the information did not transfer. Or it could be that the system is backed up and that the information will eventually come through and be listed to your DMV record.

Your auto insurance carrier might not show the accident if it is not showing up on your DMV record however if you put in a claim or had a claim filed against your insurance policy it is likely that shows up in their records. If the insurance carrier asks about your record it is always better to be truthful and upfront so that you can obtain an accurate quote.

Reader’s Question:

I have a question. I am leaving the USA in two months, and my auto insurance ends in this month. Can I insure my vehicle only for two months?

Jared

Jackson, MS

Typically, auto insurance policies are only written for 6 months or 1 year. So instead of searching for a 2 month policy, you instead will likely need to renew for six months and then cancel your insurance policy once you no longer need it.

In most states, if you own a motor vehicle here in the US and want to continue to have it registered then you will be required to continue car insurance on the vehicle. If you will be putting the vehicle in storage or putting it somewhere else where it will not be required to have registration on it then you can take off the car insurance and turn in your license plates.

Since state laws vary, if you are leaving a vehicle behind when you leave the US check with the Department of Motor Vehicles of the state where the car is registered to see what they require of you as the car owner with regards to car insurance.

Reader’s Question:

How does the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) points affect your driving privileges and your car insurance rates? I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Harry

Milwaukee, WI

DMV points are assigned in most states for traffic violations. The state laws determine the point values. In the states that put points on your driving record and/or against your driving license, it can definitely affect your driving privilege and car insurance rate. Typically, if you accumulate too many points your license will be suspended or revoked.

If you accumulate 12 or more demerit points in a 12 month period in Wisconsin this will result suspension of your driving privilege. To verify what you states laws are contact your Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV).

As for insurance rates, how they are determined varies from insurance carriers to insurance carriers. Some insurance providers might consider the amount of points or the severity of your infractions as part of the variables they use to decide car insurance rates. You can verify with your state’s insurance regulatory body to check how your insurance providers does their rating system since they much be filed with this entity.

Reader’s Question:

How will I be able to find out if a person has car insurance if I have their VIN number and license number? Can I get Information from the DMV?

Bill

Fresno, CA

State laws varies regarding private and public information however if you need to know if an individual has car insurance you first should contact your local DMV to check if you as a private citizen can obtain this information. The Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) should then be able to inform you if you can get this information from them or another state agency.

If you have been hit by a car and you have managed to obtain their VIN number and license plate number, perhaps this information was correct while their name and number was not, then you would also want to contact the law enforcement officer to make a report. It is no individuals legal right to no if another person is insured unless there is cause for the information.

In California you can make a request the insurance information by contacting the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Financial Responsibility Unit and submitting a form.