Need Help About Auto Insurance

[bsayan]

hello all,

I an 32, live in California and i am originally from india. I got the US driving license few days back. I have been driving in india for the last 13 yrs, but I don't have the Indian driver's License with me right now.

I have a couple of questions:

1. When I tell them that I have been driving for the last 13 yrs and I have got my first driver's license 13 yrs ago, will they ask for the proof?

2. I have bought an used car, KBB price is ~ $3000. DO I need to take the Collision and Comprehensive?

Thanks for your help.

S

 

[djs]

The answer to question1 will depend on the company. I have several companies that will write an international license and provide driving time credit for international licenses. Usually it is not required to see the license.

At the same time, you should be getting a CA drivers license if you are staying here. CA provides a limited window of time to do this, but this doesn't really affect the ability to get insurance.

Without a driving history from the equivalent of your other countries DMV, you will not receive the good driver discount until you have at least 18 months of driving time in the US (with a US license). This will make your rates a little higher than normal.

Question 2: This is up to you. I probably would not take comp/collision coverage but would take UMPD (uninsured motorist property damage). This would cover you in the event an uninsured motorist hits you and causes damage. It does not cover you if you are at fault for the accident.

Dan

 

[Insurance-Guy]

hello all,

I an 32, live in California and i am originally from india. I got the US driving license few days back. I have been driving in india for the last 13 yrs, but I don't have the Indian driver's License with me right now.

I have a couple of questions:

1. When I tell them that I have been driving for the last 13 yrs and I have got my first driver's license 13 yrs ago, will they ask for the proof?

2. I have bought an used car, KBB price is ~ $3000. DO I need to take the Collision and Comprehensive?

Thanks for your help.

S

1-They will more than likely ask how long you have had a US Drivers License. So answer it honestly.

2- I wouldn't have full coverage on it...but it is up to you. See how much it cost and then make up your mind. But just because KBB says it is worth 3,000 doesn't mean that is what you will get in the event of a claim. Plus you also will have your deductible.

 

[gebins]

The question is always how long have been licensed in the US. Canadians usually get a pass aswell. After 2 years being licensed in the US you should not be surcharged any more. The younger you are, the worse the surcharge.

I would probably not have full coverage on this car. Insurance is all about the transfer of risk. If you can afford to buy a new car or choose to save money by not having full coverage, then you accept the risk.

 

[NCAgent]

Now, just to clarify, the comp and collision is NOT required of you, this is something you are looking to get on your own? i.e. you aren't financing this car or anything, you bought it outright? I would be inclined to say you bought it but I see people in NC putting 1k down and buying the rest on payments. If you are paying the car off, comp and collision is usually (if not always in your state) required by the leinholder.

Definitely answer honestly on the driving experience. Accept any rate-ups for the first couple of years. Otherwise there is a fraud concern and the insurance company has the right to deny a claim on fraud depending on the circumstances, not worth a discount IMO.

 

[Guest]

1. if you call the right people there are companies that can max out driving experience w/ proof of international license to avoid losing the good driver discount. pm me if you would like more information.

2. this is a personal preference just keep in mind if you purchase comp/collision for this vehicle with a 1000/1000 deductible any loss must exceed 1/3 the value of the car. i personally would not but again its preference.

 

[matthew111]

they will ask only for valid US licence.
regarding the coverage it's on you what are your requirements. But as all said I also not prefer C&C coverage

 

[Todd Payne]

Some companies won't give you credit for being licensed in another country until you have been licensed in the US for 18 months, but there are some who will just count your total licensing experience.

You may not need comp and/or collision on the vehicle since the value is relatively low, but check the rate and if it is cheap enough it might be worth it. If the vehicle is stolen or in an accident and is a total loss, can you afford to replace it easily?

 

[Jas123]

Hey my dad is also from India. He is living in America now. He just made his insured his car over in LA. They never ask him about Indian driving license.

 

[AutoInsuranceExperts]

Not 100% sure on your first question, may vary by state.

On your second question: many folks have touched on this & I agree with most. I would strongly suggest at least UMPD or Uninsured Motorist Property Damage coverage for you car. Most companies offer UMPD coverage up to $3,500 for your car.

Remember, California is one of the largest economies on the planet, and just statistically speaking, there are many uninsured drivers driving around. If you are in an accident with one of them and it wasn't your fault, this is a great way to protect yourself, and it is a fairly inexpensive coverage.

Good luck!