DUI and Auto Insurance Washington WA
Reader’s Question:
I got a DUI citation here in Washington. What do I need to do next?
Kevin
Seattle, WA
As in all states in America, Washington requires all its residents who operate a motor vehicle in public roads to have financial responsibility over accidents they cause. Having an auto insurance coverage is the most typical way of showing financial responsibility.
Also, every time you get a traffic citation, you are required to show proof of coverage. If you have been cited for DUI, then you need to obtain SR22. SR22 is not a type of insurance coverage. It is a proof that you have car insurance coverage based on the financial responsibility laws in your state.
Here in Washington, SR22 is filed by the insurance company to the Department of Motor Vehicles to show that a particular individual has auto insurance coverage. Filing this form is usually required following a traffic citation where the motorist involved failed to show proof of financial responsibility.
Instances that require SR22 may be for reinstatement of your license following a DUI offense, causing an accident without auto coverage, or a subsequent incident of leaving a child in a running vehicle unattended. If the Washington government mandates that you carry SR22, then you are normally required to maintain this for three years. Normally, after being cited for a DUI offense, your driver’s license will be cancelled. In order to have it reinstated, the State of Washington will then require you to file future proof of financial responsibility, also known as SR22.
Tags: DMV, DUI, DUI insurance, sr22 car insurance, SR22 Form
Totaled Car Replacement Washington WA
Reader’s Question:
My car got totaled here in Washington. Will my insurance company replace it with the same car?
Colbert
Seattle, WA
Generally, the laws of your state and your insurer’s guidelines will determine if your totaled car will be replaced by the exact type and model, or if you will only be paid the amount of the actual cash value of your car.
A car insurance policy does not necessarily mean that your car will automatically be replaced by the same model. Most insurance companies there in Washington will pay you the amount of the actual cash value of your car. This amount is usually based on how much your car is worth at the time of the accident, although car insurance companies vary greatly in their ways of determining the actual cash value of a car. If you don’t agree with the amount the car insurance company is offering you, then you can try to discuss with your insurer that your car is worth more than what they’re offering. You may want to contact car dealers, so you can have a good estimate of how much your car is really worth before you got into the accident.
Keep in mind that in filing your car insurance claims, your insurance provider has certain options regarding the settlement of your totaled car. The insurance company can replace your car, or repair the damages your car sustained, or pay you in cash. But no matter what the insurance company decides to do, make sure that you get what you’re entitled to. Call your local agent and have him explain to you the details, or search online about the laws of your state regarding this matter.
Tags: auto insurance claims, Car Insurance Company, car insurance law
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