Why does my insurance cost more than my agent said it would?
Determining your premium depends on many factors, including where you live, the kind of car you drive, how much you drive, how much coverage you want, your driving record, and your age.
If an error is made in reporting any of these facts, your rates won't be quoted correctly. Auto insurance misquotes can happen when your application information differs from actual driving record.
Companies ask states' motor-vehicle divisions to verify the records of drivers they insure. If you told your insurance agent you have a perfect driving record, and you don't, your insurance company will charge higher premiums than your agent quotes.
To avoid misquotes, provide accurate information about your driving record and any other facts affecting the cost of insurance, such as the make of your car or how far you commute to work. Verify all information before signing the application.
How does my driving record affect my insurance premium?
The premium you pay is a direct reflection of your driving record for the past three years. Insurance companies order driving records from the Montana DMV and from other states where you've been licensed. Statistics show that drivers with tickets and accidents are more likely to have accidents than drivers with clean records.
Why is it harder to get insurance if drivers in my household have bad driving records?
Many companies won't insure you if you live with a relative who has a poor driving record. If your teenager has a poor driving record, you may have trouble getting a preferred rate because he or she is defined as an "insured" under your policy.
Some companies will exclude this person by name from the insurance policy. Many companies won't insure anyone in the family unless every driver in the household meets their requirements.
What do insurance companies consider when they decide to non-renew policies?
Insurance companies evaluate the risks associated with each policyholder to determine if you are a "good risk" or if your policy should be non-renewed. Some of the areas insurance companies review:
Claims. Do you file claims frequently or for large amounts?
Driving record. Do you have a bad driving record (speeding, DUI, etc.)?
Credit history. Do you have bad credit? Have you filed for bankruptcy?
My car was ‘totaled." Why didn't my policy pay what I think my car was worth?
Most auto insurance policies pay the actual cash value (ACV) of a vehicle totaled in an accident. The ACV is equal to the market value of an auto immediately before the accident.
Insurers must use a fair and reasonable method to determine the value of your car. They also must tell you in writing how they determined the value if you request it.
Tell the insurance company what you believe makes your car worth more than the insurer is willing to pay you. It may come down to negotiations between you and the insurance company. But remember, an insurance company won't compensate you for your car's sentimental value.
The insurance commissioner has no authority to determine the value of a vehicle.
What happens if my loan was more than my insurance company says my car was worth?
Sometimes the value of a car is less than the balance on your car loan. There can be several reasons for this. Interest rate changes may have increased the amount of your loan. Rebates may not have applied to the purchase price, or poor maintenance of the auto may have reduced its value. The insurance company bases its payments on the actual cash value (ACV) of the car, not the amount of your loan.
Why didn't I get a notice that my insurance policy was canceled?
Your company must send you notice at least 10 days in advance of canceling your policy for nonpayment.
If you have an address change, it’s your responsibility to tell your insurance company. They are only required to send notice to the last address they have on record. Also, keep track of your payments.
What's the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage from fire, theft, explosion, glass breakage, animal collision, and other incidents not covered by collision coverage. Collision is usually defined as colliding with another object or overturning.
Most auto policies have lower deductibles for comprehensive coverage than for collision coverage. If you have an older car that may cost more to repair than it's worth, consider the following to save money:
Raise your deductibles.
Drop your collision or comprehensive coverage.
Drop both your collision and comprehensive coverage.
What are the required liability limits in the state of Montana?
$25,000 per person bodily injury;
$50,000 per accident bodily injury;
$10,000 property damage
What if I do not want to buy uninsured motorist coverage?
Unless you sign a form stating you do not want Uninsured Motorist coverage, your agent is require by law to provide it to you.
Why is my insurance company rating for my teenager who has a license but does not drive my car(s)?
There is no way for the company to know if your teenager is going to drive your vehicles or not. If a teenager is a licensed member of your household, the company is entitled to rate for him or her.
Can the insurance commissioner’s office determine the value of my car?
No. Neither the Insurance Commissioner, nor the employees designated by the Commissioner to assist Montana consumers, has the legal authority to determine the value of a vehicle. You must be licensed in the state of Montana to adjust claims. Adjusters determine the value of vehicle. The compliance specialists assisting Montana consumers are not licensed adjusters.
