A friend of mine had a vehicle accident and thank goodness he didn’t suffer that many injuries. Will his insurer here in Los Angeles increase his vehicle insurance rate because of that single accident? If his vehicle is totaled, how will his insurer pay him?

Lina

Los Angeles, CA

You failed to mention whether or not your friend’s accident was his fault because the basis of the increase of his vehicle insurance rate would depend on that. However, should he file a vehicle insurance claim, there’s no universal law that says the vehicle insurance rate would increase right away. But a number of vehicle insurance carriers would keep a file of a collision claim on the policyholder’s insurance history and increase the vehicle insurance rate.

For insurance claims that are chargeable or regarded as at-fault accident, the increase on the vehicle insurance rate would remain for about three years after the policyholder filed the claim. In the event that the accident was completely the fault of the other driver, there is no reason for a vehicle insurance rate to increase. That would be the same thing that insurance agents will tell you – the vehicle insurance rate won’t go up if you are not the one who caused the accident.

In case that his vehicle is totaled, its value would be based on the Kelley Blue Book that gives depreciated value of used as well as new vehicles. He can get in touch with his vehicle insurance company in Los Angeles to determine the value of his vehicle for insurance purposes.

Is it true that going to Driver’s Ed. Will give me discounts on my car insurance? If so, what kind of classes should I look for here in Los Angeles, California?

Raymond

Los Angeles, CA

Yes, Accredited defensive driving schools and institutions can definitely qualify you for some discounts towards your auto insurance rates there in Los Angeles, California. Now the amount and duration of the discount you get will vary between states but the aim is generally the same. The safer the driver you become, the less the chance of you filing for an insurance claim and the less expensive for the insurance company to provide you further auto insurance coverage, thus the savings are passed on to you.

Defensive Driving Courses or Lessons can usually be taken with your State Department Of Motor vehicles but then again there are a lot of local accredited schools in your area that you can choose as well. These courses are offered to the general public, without any virtual limitations on the students age. Once you get your certification, call up your insurance provider so they can process applying the discount immediately.

You should still get in touch with your insurance provider before you undergo such classes though. Each Insurance provider will have their own rules or policy on how and when you will be receiving the additional discounts on your car insurance premiums. You should get at least three years worth of discount with most auto insurance companies. Some can add the discount immediately while others might insist adding it at the end of your insurance term so get the details first to know what you will be expecting after taking the said classes.

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