It’s probably time for me to replace my very old car with a new one but I’m still concerned with my car insurance. Does the type of vehicle that I will purchase matter in determining my car insurance rates here in New Jersey?

Gaël

Toms River, NJ

The type of car that you drive is one of the factors that determine the cost of your car insurance in New Jersey. Part of the formula of your insurance cost is the make and model of your car because car insurance companies relate it to the expenses they would have to shell out in an accident or if your car is stolen. When a new vehicle model is introduced, car insurance organizations make a comparison on the probable costs for that vehicle to insure against other car makes and models. While experience builds up for that vehicle, its rating could go up or down and it can influence your premiums for collision and comprehensive coverage.

Based on the vehicle ratings, sports cars and sport utility vehicles (SUV) are just two types of vehicles that perhaps cost more to insure in terms of auto liability coverage. Some car insurance companies evaluate an SUV in another way which is based on the vehicle’s account of causing further damage to other cars during an accident. So if you are purchasing a new car, you must research on its crash test rating and make sure that the car has low insurance losses in real crashes to help you save on your car insurance rates. Aside from the type of vehicle that you drive, other factors include your driving history, credit score, your location, insurance claims history, age, sex, the type of coverage and how much coverage you buy.

What happens if I don’t inform my auto insurance company that I am canceling my policy with them? I don’t want to deal with them anymore since they raised my premiums after my DWI arrest here in New Jersey.

Jalon

Toms River, NJ

There are two significant things that you have to know if you do not inform your auto insurance company of your decision to terminate your policy after they increased your rate when you were arrested for DWI in Toms River, New Jersey, even if it is at the end of your policy period. The first thing is that the auto insurance company would send you a bill for your next premium payment. Second is that when they don’t hear from you, the auto insurance company would formally cancel your policy because you failed to pay your premiums on time – and that will go on your credit report.

If your auto insurance policy would be cancelled, it could haunt your insurance future. Cancellation would be a red flag for insurance companies looking at prospective customers. If an insurance company sees on your claims history that you have recently been cancelled, even if your credit rating is good, that could be the basis for denying your coverage or charging you a steep rate as a risky applicant. So make sure that you cancel your policy properly by informing your insurer and I am sure that you are looking for an auto insurance company now that would give you coverage so try to get an online rate quote available from this website.

I have just been charged with DUI here in New Jersey. I know that what I did was illegal that’s why my lawyer is doing everything to help me get out of this. But he didn’t assure me that I’m not gonna pay some fines; and that’s alright. I’m really worried about what will happen if I will be convicted. Aside from the penalties, what are the possible effects of DUI conviction in my life?

Jasper

Edison, NJ

If you will be convicted for DUI, aside from the penalties involved on a New Jersey DUI conviction, one of the most immediate consequences you will face involves your car insurance provider. Your insurance company might just cancel you and they will send you a notice stating why you’ve been canceled. Then, you would have to find another insurance company while having a cancellation on your claims history and a DUI on your driving record. If your insurance company keeps you, you would have a raise on your premium rates. You would also have to file a proof of insurance or what is called the SR22 form. You have to carry the SR22 for three years.

Another aspect in your life that would be affected if you will be convicted for New Jersey DUI is your employment. There is no way around it if an employer would want to check your driving record or conduct a background check in general. Most likely, if this happens and if you are applying for a new job, the chances of getting hired by a company who would do a background check are very slim.