Indiana Car Insurance

Indiana Auto Insurance Requirements

In the state of Indiana, all drivers are required to have the ability to pay for the costs of an accident if they are found to be at fault. This is called a Financial Responsibility Law, and drivers can prove their ability to pay either by filing a bond or obtaining a certificate of self-insurance. The easiest way to prove financial responsibility for Indiana drivers is by obtaining and carrying liability insurance under the minimum requirements that are recommended by the state. Minimum liability requirements for Indiana are $25,000 per person injured and up to $50,000 per accident. The minimum liability for property damage in Indiana is $10,000. Driving without insurance in Indiana can result in a 90-day license suspension as well as a $150 reinstatement fee for the first offense, and a 90-day license suspension and $250 reinstatement fee for the second offense. A third offense holds the same 90-day license suspension and a $300 reinstatement fee will be assessed. If an Indiana resident is in violation twice in one year, they will lose their license for a one-year period.

Indiana requires drivers to include uninsured and underinsured coverage on their liability policy in the amounts of $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Policy holders have the option to reject uninsured and underinsured coverage if they make a written rejection request in writing. Policy holders are also allowed to exclude certain household members from their Indiana car insurance policies, and if that particular household member is caught driving the insured vehicle or has any type of accident, the insurance company is not liable to pay for any resulting damages. Indiana is considered a Tort state, and this means that there are no limitations on lawsuits, and it also means that when accidents occur between two or more vehicles, the person found to be at fault is responsible for all costs.

Insurance Companies and Ratings

There are many insurance companies in Indiana that can help drivers obtain Indiana cheap car insurance, and they can also provide them with free Indiana car insurance quotes. Indiana residents can also compare Indiana car insurance ratings online in order to choose the company that will suit them best. There are various factors that are considered when an Indiana resident is looking to purchase insurance. The insurance company is legally allowed to obtain credit information, and this can be used to determine rates. Other factors that are considered are age, sex, insurance claims history, driving record, driver training, marital status, and the make and model of the automobile. In Indiana, Travelers Insurance has a 5-star rating in customer satisfaction, and a 4.57 star rating on financial strength, which is the ability to meet their financial obligations. Geico Insurance currently holds a 5-star rating in Indiana for customer satisfaction and a 4.88 out of five stars for financial strength. Comparing Indiana auto insurance ratings and reading customer reviews is always helpful when deciding on a policy. Other reliable and affordable Indiana based auto insurance agencies include The General, Indiana Farm Bureau, and United Auto Insurance.

Seat Belt Usage

The state of Indiana requires all drivers and passengers to wear a seatbelt when they are in a moving vehicle. Seat belts save lives, and if a driver is in an accident, and it is found that they were not wearing a seatbelt at the time, it can have an impact on their insurance claim. Indiana's seat belt usage is currently at 92.6 %, which is a very positive percentage. Indiana's goal is for 100% seat belt usage in the years to come. Indiana drivers and passengers who are 16 years of age or older can be fined $25 if they are not wearing a seatbelt. Indiana also enforces the Click It Or Ticket Law. The Indiana Buckle Up Bug program is a program designed to promote safety restraint use for children.

Roads and Road Conditions

Indiana is one of the states that has all four seasons, and road conditions can vary depending on the time of year. Road construction can also cause unsafe roads and driving conditions. The Indiana Department of Transportation is responsible for reporting all adverse road conditions due to construction, traffic, and weather issues. Pavement conditions are reported during the winter months as well. They offer a 800 number that gives up to date road information, and Indiana residents can also view the Traffic Wise web page through the department's website to learn about road conditions and closures. This allows drivers to plan their trips accordingly.

Thefts

Indiana has a high number of auto thefts per year, and this is actually a pattern that is rising in many states. Currently, Indiana is at 21,866 automobile thefts, and the most stolen automobile in Indiana is the 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass. The rise in auto theft in Indiana may also start to have an effect on insurance premiums if the numbers do not lower considerably. The top ten most stolen cars are listed below:

1. 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass

2. 1989 Chevrolet Full Size 1500 Pickup

3. 1993 Ford Taurus

4. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier

5. 1991 Chevrolet Caprice

6. 2004 Pontiac Grand Am

7. 1997 Ford F 150 Series

8. 1991 Chevrolet Blazer

9. 1990 Buick LeSabre

10. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix

There are certain precautions that vehicle owners can take in order to add extra protection to their vehicle. There are anti theft devices, GPS tracking devices, and immobilization devices that can be installed. GPS tracking devices have allowed a large number of vehicle recoveries over years, and immobilization devices, also known as kill switches, completely disable the vehicle. Car thieves also tend to walk away from any car that has a visible alarm system.

The Importance Of Indiana Auto Insurance

The rules and regulations regarding auto insurance in Indiana should be taken seriously by all state residents who plan on operating a vehicle. Fines and license suspensions can negatively affect driving records, and this can lead to higher insurance premiums. There are professional insurance agents who can assist residents with finding cheap Indiana auto insurance plans that will work within their budgets. Liability insurance is affordable and easy to obtain, and it is a much better option than taking the risk of driving without insurance. By doing a little research and reading reviews of auto insurance companies in Indiana, vehicle owners will be able to find a suitable policy that meets their needs.

http://www.in.gov/idoi/