Reader’s Question:

I am wondering what is the penalty for a tourist caught driving without a license? Should an attorney be contacted for a court hearing scheduled?

Dan

Chicago, IL

If you are a visitor or a tourist to the US and found to be driving without a license the penalty will differ depending on what state the violation happened. States have vary on types of penalties for this type of violation. If you are a tourist just visiting the United States it is likely that the penalty would include a fine. Before you contact a lawyer you can contact the court or other entity listed on the ticket to find out what the possible penalties could be. After receiving that information you might choose the best course of action is to acquire legal counsel.

As a foreign tourist coming to the United States., one needs a valid driver’s license from their home country to operate on the roadways. Usually it is helpful to also get an international driver’s license or permit.

Tags: automobile, Driving without License

Reader’s Question:

If you get caught by the law enforcement officer for driving without insurance, does that go toward your criminal record?

Richie

Dallas, TX

When you are cited for a traffic violation and you are unable to show proof of insurance to a law enforcement officer, usually the penalties range from suspension of your license and possibly even fines. This type of infraction is typically added to your driving record and it usually remains on your driving record between 7-10 years depending on your state law.

But, some states consider serious moving violations to be a criminal offense as well. Cases where in DUI leads to a fatality, or even death, reckless driving in states can be considered a criminal violation. So if get involved in a more serious infraction and you do not have an auto insurance, it could be considered a criminal offense. Criminal violations usually incur more severe penalties and these infractions remain on your criminal record permanently.

You may be able to contact your state DMV to get more information about about moving violations and the penalties you may receive for driving without insurance. If you are looking for an affordable auto insurance, you may begin by getting free quotes here by placing your zip code above this page.

Reader’s Question:

Does your auto insurance rates go up once you reach the age of 65?

Rob

Chicago, IL

No, insurance rates do not necessarily increase once you reach age 65. It will depend upon insurance company guidelines and state laws if auto insurance rates will be raised after a motorist turns a certain age.

Some insurance carriers offer lower rates to those between 50 and 65 years of age,because this group has lower accident rates. After the age 65 rates do start to rise again though and those over age 70 may have difficulty looking for an insurance company to accept them as a new policyholder since accidents for this age group tend to go up.

There are car insurance companies though that give senior driver discounts for drivers of a certain age with clean history or discounts to seniors who attend an approved driving course.

Reader’s Question:

What is the difference between car insurance premiums and car insurance rates ?

Monica

Hartford, CT

The terms premiums and rates are virtually interchangeable.

A meaning of “rate” is a fix amount of premium to be charged per unit of insurance. Some agents use car insurance rate to refer to the amount you will be charged and premium as the amount you have agreed or paid. For instance, they will say this is your “insurance rate” and when you pay that is your “insurance premium.’

The meaning of “premium” is consideration paid for a contract of auto insurance. Another meaning is the price of insurance an insured individual pays for a specified risk for a specified period of time.

Your insurance provider may speak of your rate or your premium or even your premium rate.

Either term is referring to the amount you will pay for your auto insurance coverage for the specified period time listed on your policy, normally a six or twelve month interval.

Reader’s Question:

I received a parking ticket in Kentucky and I want to know if this affect insurance rates?

Jim

Louisville, KY

A parking ticket may or may not affect your car insurance rates and this depends on how your specific insurance provider assigns points to such violations. There are insurance providers that will not raise rates because of a single parking ticket but if there are multiple ones or unpaid tickets that lead to a driver’s license suspension your insurance rates would likely be affected.

You should speak with your insurance carrier rating system with your insurance broker or you can contact your state’s insurance regulatory body and find out about your company’s insurance rates that are filed with them.

Reader’s Question:

I was driving my friend’s car and got into a minor accident. Will this increase my friend and my own insurance rates?

Leo

Joliet, IL

Insurance providers determine your rate by looking at different factors or risk factor for a motorist or a car.

Yes, your insurance rates will be affected by this minor accident; insurance providers use your driving record as a risk factor for calculating your insurance rates.

Yes, your friend’s insurance rates can be affected IF their insurance provider had to pay a claim for this accident; insurance companies use claims history (or claims paid) as a risk factor for determining car insurance rates.

If either rate is affected, you should shop for new car insurance. There are insurers that do not use these items as the risk factors. The only way to find these insurance companies is to shop for car insurance.

Reader’s Question:

My son was required to carry an sr22. what is an sr22 and why is it more expensive to have?

Holly

Thank you for asking Holly.

Certain states require sr22 form as proof of financial responsibility by the court or under state law for individuals convicted of a certain traffic infractions. The SR-22 form is filed by the insurance provider to show to the state that the individual who has this insurance policy has car liability insurance in active.

SR-22s guidelines varies in different state so your son will need to get information what the requirements are for in your state. The Department of Motor Vehicles may be able to assist you regarding this. An SR22 is a form that shows you have the necessary liability coverages that complies with the state laws.

Some people thinks the SR22 is more expensive than the previous insurance rate. Actually it is more because the amount of insurance policy they need is more than what they are used to carrying.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Can I just have an sr22 and not purchase an insurance in my car?

Reena

Thank you for asking Reena.

Most states mandates vehicle owners to purchase a minimum liability coverage of bodily injury and property damage insurance before they can legally operate their vehicles in public roads. The financial responsibility law vary in different states. Those people who got involved in a car accident will be mandated to provide proof of financial responsibility or sr22 up to certain minimum liability insurance limits. Almost all drivers acquire car liability insurance to be able to comply with the financial responsibility law.

If you do not have a car you can purchase a non-owners liability SR22 policy, otherwise, you can make an SR22 filing in conjunction with your present or new car insurance policy.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Does one person with an sr22 affects the insurance rate of all the drivers in the household?

Richard

Thank you for asking Richard.

If one individual in the household is mandated to acquire and maintain an sr22, this should not affect the insurance rate and policies of other drivers within the household.

The insurance policies and rate of these other drivers will need to reflect that driver with which is required to carry an sr22 and exclude the driver. If those insurance policies will not exclude the driver and is included in the coverage then those insurance policies and rates could be affected.

If the driver does not have an SR22 on any policy, then the policy in the household will need an SR22 or financial responsibility certificate for the driver.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

If I have an sr22, will that cover motorcycle as well?

Indigo

Thank you for asking Indigo.

Since you have a non-owners SR-22 then you don’t need to have coverage on the motorcycle. You should be able to meet the other motorcycle insurance requirements like:

a. should wear a helmet and;
b. should be 21 years old or older

A policy for motorcycle will need to be separate from your SR22 car insurance policy. In addition to that if you have a lien holder on the bike they may require that you hold comprehensive and collision coverage.

Goodluck!

MariCAR