Archive for the ‘Insurance Articles’ Category

Cheap SR22 Insurance in Georgia

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

Cheap SR22 Insurance in GA

GA SR22 Requirements
The State of Georgia prohibits a driver to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. There are stricter laws for drivers of commercial vehicles and also for drivers under the age of 21. Georgia also has a law that prohibits an open alcoholic container in the vehicle that contains any amount of alcohol called the Open Container Law. This law also applies to containers with broken seals, or containers which have partially been emptied. The fine for violating the Open Container law is $200.

In Georgia penalties for a first time DUI are as follows:

  • 10 days to 1 year in jail
  • $300 to $1,000 fine
  • License suspension for up to 1 year
  • Community service for 40 hours minimum
  • A license reinstatement fee of $210

Subsequent DUI convictions cause the penalties to increase.

The SR22 may be required by the State of Georgia for a DUI offense. There are a number of other reasons the state might require you to file an SR22 as well.

The minimum required liability insurance coverage is as follows:

  • $25,000 for Bodily Injury Liability per person
  • $50,000 for Bodily Injury Liability for two or more persons
  • $25,000 for Property Damage Liability for damage to property of others

The information contained in the above article is intended as informational and does not constitute legal or insurance advice.  Insurance requirements in the state of Georgia are subject to change.  Visit the Georgia Department of Insurance at http://www.gainsurance.org/  or the Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division at http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov/   for current information. 

Have you had a DUI, DWI, or other driving offense that required form SR 22 insurance filing or are you getting car insurance for the first time? Serenity Insurance can help – we offer car insurance in 47 states for both preferred and high risk drivers. Call us toll free today at 1-800-774-0520 or use our car insurance quote form.




Cheap SR22 Insurance in Wisconsin

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

Cheap SR22 Insurance in WI

WI SR22 Requirements
In the State of Wisconsin it is against the law for a driver to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Wisconsin has lower BAC limits for drivers of commercial vehicles (.04) and a Zero Tolerance for drivers under the age of 21 (or .02 BAC) In Wisconsin a DUI is called Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). The OWI law in Wisconsin includes alcohol, or drugs or both, and any other intoxicants.

Penalties for a first time OWI offense in the state of Wisconsin are as follows:

  • A fine from $150 to $300
  • License suspension for 6 to 9 months
  • Occupational license possible
  • Fines from $250 to $1000
  • A special form, SR-22, required from the DOT to be filed with the insurance
  • Alcohol Assessment

An alcohol or drug assessment is an interview between the driver and an Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse assessor (AODA). The assessor will identify the driver’s alcohol or drug use. As part of the assessment, a safety plan will be developed for the driver.

If a driver is convicted of an OWI offense the driver is required to contact an approved assessment facility in their county within 72 hours of conviction.

The SR-22 shows the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) that you have at least the state minimum coverage for liability insurance. Most insurance companies mail the SR22 to WisDOT or file the SR22 with the DOT electronically. Insurance with the SR22 must be filed for 3 years.

Drivers must also obtain a certificate of proof of financial responsibility form from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). The minimum required liability insurance coverage is as follows:

  • $25,000 for Bodily Injury Liability per person injured in one accident
  • $50,000 for Bodily Injury Liability per accident – two or more people injured
  • $10,00 for Property Damage Liability for property coverage per accident
  • $25,000/$50,000 for Uninsured Motorist Coverage, bodily injury

The information contained in the above article is intended as informational and does not constitute legal or insurance advice.  Insurance requirements in the state of Wisconsin are subject to change.  Visit the State of Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance at http://oci.wi.gov/ or the Department of Transportation at http://www.dot.state.wi.us/ for current information.

Have you had a DUI, DWI, or other driving offense that required form SR 22 insurance filing or are you getting car insurance for the first time? Serenity Insurance can help – we offer car insurance in 47 states for both preferred and high risk drivers. Call us toll free today at 1-800-774-0520 or use our car insurance quote form.




Cheap SR22 Insurance in Colorado

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

Cheap SR22 Insurance in CO

CO SR-22 Requirements
Drunk driving laws in the State of Colorado are similar to other DUI laws in the United States. However, Colorado also has a Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) law that makes it illegal to drive a vehicle with a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level that is lower than most states. The DWAI law starts at 0.05 percent BAC whereas most states start with a 0.08 percent BAC. The Colorado DUI law prohibits a person from driving when they have a concentration of 0.08 percent or more alcohol in their blood system.

Penalties for a first time Drunk Driving conviction are as follows:

  • 5 days to 1 year in jail
  • Fines from $600 to $1000
  • License suspension for 9 months to 1 year
  • License points – 12
  • Public service from 48 to 96 hours
  • Jail may be suspended in lieu of a certified Alcohol Treatment Program

Penalties for a first time Driving While Ability Impaired conviction are as follows:

  • Jail from 48 hours to 180 days
  • Fines from $200 to $500
  • License suspension – none
  • License points – 8
  • Public service from 24 to 48 hours

Once convicted of a DUI or DWAI the courts may require you to carry an SR22 in order to get your license back following suspension. The SR-22 is a document that is filed with the state showing that you have at least the minimum liability insurance coverage on your Colorado car inaurance policy to drive a vehicle on state roads or highways. The SR22 is not separate insurance, but is filed as proof of financial responsibility. Not all insurance carriers offer the SR-22.

The minimum Colorado car insurance liability coverage for private passenger vehicles registered in Colorado is as follows:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability to one person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury liability to more than one person
  • $15,000 for property damage liability

The information contained in the above article is intended as informational and does not constitute legal or insurance advice.  Insurance requirements in Colorado are subject to change.  Visit Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles for more information.

Have you had a DUI or other driving offense that required SR22 and/or are you getting car insurance for the first time? Serenity Insurance can help – we offer car insurance in 47 states for both preferred and high risk drivers. Call us toll free today at 1-800-774-0520 or use our car insurance quote form.




Cheap SR22 Insurance in Kansas

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

Cheap SR22 Insurance in KS

KS SR22 Requirements
The State of Kansas drunk driving laws make it illegal for a driver to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Kansas has lower BAC limits for drivers of commercial vehicles of .04 or higher and .02 or higher for drivers under the age of 21. It is also illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs. If there is a child under the age of 14 in the vehicle at the time of a DUI arrest, the punishment will be extended by an additional month of jail time.

In Kansas the first drunk driving conviction carries the following penalties:

  • Jail for 48 hours minimum or community service for 100 hours
  • A fine from $500 to $1,000
  • Suspension of your license for 30 days
  • License restriction for 330 days following the suspension
  • Vehicle impound up to 1 year possible
  • Court ordered treatment program is possible

Subsequent DUI convictions cause the penalties to increase. A fourth DUI conviction is charged as a felony offense and carries a jail term of 1 year and a fine of up to $2,500.

Kansas has an implied consent law which means that you have given your consent to be tested to determine the alcohol or drug content of your blood, breath or urine if stopped by an officer and he suspects that you are driving while intoxicated. You do not have a constitutional right to refuse the test nor do you have the right to have an attorney present for the test. Refusal to submit to the test will result in your driver’s license being suspended for a period of 1 year.

Conviction of driving under the influence (DUI), an accumulation of violations, refusal to test, at fault accidents or driving without insurance will result in you having to file an SR22. The SR22 is proof of financial responsibility and is required by the DMV. The SR22 is filed by your insurance company when you purchase your liability insurance policy and you inform them that you need the filing. It is a way for the state to monitor the fact that the driver has purchased the required liability policy.

Kansas state law requires drivers to have liability insurance on their vehicle with at least the state minimum required coverage. The minimum required insurance is as follows:

  • $25,000 for Bodily Injury Liability per person
  • $50,000 for Bodily Injury Liability per accident
  • $10,000 for Property Damage Liability for damage to property
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required
  • $25,000 per person for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

The information contained in the above article is intended as informational and does not constitute legal or insurance advice.  Insurance requirements in the state of Kansas are subject to change.  Visit the Kansas Insurance Department at http://www.ksinsurance.org/ or the Kansas Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division at http://www.ksrevenue.org/vehicle.htm for current information.

Have you had a DUI, DWI, or other driving offense that required form SR 22 insurance filing or are you getting car insurance for the first time? Serenity Insurance can help – we offer car insurance in 47 states for both preferred and high risk drivers. Call us toll free today at 1-800-774-0520 or use our car insurance quote form.




Renters with Insurance are prepared for the Worst

Monday, November 7th, 2011

Insurance for Renters Eases Replacement Costs

Most renters mistakenly think that their landlord’s insurance will replace their belongings if a fire or other catastrophe occurs. It doesn’t! The landlord’s insurance protects his property, not the renter’s personal belongings.

Two out of three renters could lose big bucks because they are not adequately protected. To replace just the basics of an apartment or small house could cost over $1,350 based on the lowest priced items at a popular discount department store.

A 2006 Insurance Research Council poll found that 96 percent of homeowners had homeowners insurance while only 43 percent of renters had renters insurance. Renting is a viable choice in the current real estate market so consumers should treat rental insurance like homeowners insurance and cover their belongings.

In Oregon you can now get a combo policy to protect you, your auto and your worldly possessions. Are you hoping for the best or prepared for the worst? Call your Oregon insurance representative for Unitrin Specialty’s Auto Policy with Renters Coverage.

The Unitrin family of insurance companies serves clients in markets across the United States. More than 6 million policyholders have their basic insurance and financial needs met by a nationwide network of career agents and independent agents and brokers.  As one of America’s leading financial services providers, the Unitrin family specializes in property, casualty, life, health and accident insurance.

Are you getting car insurance for the first time or have an insurance requirement for SR-22 filing? Serenity Insurance can help – we offer affordable auto insurance in 47 states for both preferred and high risk drivers. Call us toll free today at 1-800-774-0520 or use our car insurance quote form.




Cheap SR22 Insurance in Connecticut

Friday, November 4th, 2011

Cheap SR22 Insurance in CT

CT SR22 Requirements
An SR22 certificate can be required by the state of Connecticut when a driver fails to provide proof of insurance, commits a criminal offense while driving, causes an accident, fails to meet filing requirements as determined by the DMV, or for driving while intoxicated. If convicted for any of these violations, the driver will have his license suspended until SR22 insurance is obtained and the driver will be required to carry SR22 insurance for a period of three (3) years. The SR22 certificate will be filed with the auto insurance policy at the DMV.

In the state of Connecticut it is illegal to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. There are lower limits for drivers of commercial vehicles and also for drivers under the age of 21. BAC laws specify the following BAC percentages:

  • All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher
  • Drivers under the age of 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher
  • Drivers of commercial vehicles with a BAC of .04 or higher

Conviction for a first-time DUI in Connecticut is quite expensive and will result in a fine of at least $500 and a minimum jail sentence. The penalties for a DUI in Connecticut are as follows:

  • 48 hours in jail, up to 6 months
  • Community service of 100 hours if the jail time is suspended
  • A fine from $500 up to $1,000
  • License suspension for 1 year
  • Vehicle towed and impounded for 48 hours at owner’s expense
  • Must complete a Substance Abuse Treatment Program

Subsequent DUI convictions cause the penalties to increase.

Connecticut has an implied consent law which means that you have given your consent to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath or urine if stopped by an officer and he suspects that you are driving under the influence. If you refuse to submit to the test the penalties are similar to a drunk driving conviction.

The minimum required liability insurance coverage is as follows:

  • $20,000 for Bodily Injury Liability per person
  • $40,000 for Bodily Injury Liability for two or more persons per accident
  • $10,000 for Property Damage Liability

The Connecticut Mandatory Insurance Reporting Law protects all Connecticut citizens by requiring the insurance companies to report records of uninsured vehicles. Through a process of matching active Connecticut car insurance and registration records, vehicles in violation are reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Drivers must carry proof of insurance and present it to any law enforcement officer if they stop you for any statutory violation. When requested to provide proof of insurance, a declaration page or a valid permanent ID card identifying the vehicle in question are the only acceptable forms of verification.

The information contained in the above article is intended as informational and does not constitute legal or insurance advice.  Insurance requirements in the state of Connecticut are subject to change.  Visit the Connecticut Insurance Department at http://www.ct.gov/cid/site/default.asp  or the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles at http://www.ct.gov/dmv/site/default.asp  for current information.

Have you had a DUI, DWI, or other driving offense that required form SR 22 insurance filing or are you getting car insurance for the first time? Serenity Insurance can help – we offer car insurance in 47 states for both preferred and high risk drivers. Call us toll free today at 1-800-774-0520 or use our car insurance quote form.




Cheap SR22 Insurance in Virginia

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

Cheap SR22 Insurance in VA

VA SR22 Requirements
In the State of Virginia, there are two types of Financial Responsibility Certification, the SR22 and the FR44.

An SR22 Certificate is required for the following convictions:

1. Unsatisfied judgments

2. Suspension of a driver’s license as a result of a conviction for the following:• Any crime which is punishable as a felony under the motor vehicle laws of any felony committed while using a motor vehicle.

  • If a driver is involved in an accident resulting in the injury or death of another person and the driver fails to stop and indentify himself at the scene of the accident.
  • Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter as a result of driving a motor vehicle.
  • Operating a vehicle for hire for a second time with a license.
  • Perjury or making a false statement to the DMV regarding the registration of a vehicle or making a false statement on a driver’s license application.

3. Uninsured motor vehicle suspension

4. Failure to provide proof of insurance when asked by the DMV

5. Falsifying insurance certification

The SR22 insurance requirements are the same as the state minimum liability limits.

VA FR22 Requirements
In the State of Virginia it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. A DUI includes alcohol, or drugs or both, and any other intoxicants that would impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle. A DUI arrest triggers an immediate 7-day suspension of the driver’s license.

Penalties for a first time DUI conviction are as follows:

  • 5 days in jail minimum if there is a passenger under 18 in the vehicle
  • 5 days in jail if the BAC is .15 to .20
  • 10 days in jail if the BAC is above .20
  • A fine of $250 minimum
  • Add an additional $500 to $1000 if there is a passenger under 18 in the vehicle
  • License suspension of 1 year
  • Ignition Interlock Device is required if BAC is .15 or above
  • Complete Alcohol Safety Action Program required

However a DUI is not the only violation that can cause a driver to be required to have FR44 Financial Responsibility Certification. Any of the following convictions will require the driver to obtain an FR44 Certificate:

  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicants
  • Maiming while under the influence
  • Driving while the driver’s license has been forfeited for a conviction
  • Violation of federal or state law similar to the above

The FR44 liability limits are double what the SR22 limits are:

  • $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person injured in an accident
  • $100,000 for injury or death of two or more persons in an accident
  • $40,00 for damage to property

The State of Virginia requires all registered motor vehicle owners to prove financial responsibility by having liability insurance or enough money to pay for losses that result from an accident. Financial responsibility can be met in one of three ways:

1. The owner can purchase liability insurance coverage with the following liability limits:- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident

  • $50,000 for injury or death of two or more persons in an accident
  • $20,00 for damage to propertyThese limits are the Virginia state minimums but drivers can have higher limits and additional coverage, such as physical damage for their vehicle, personal injury protection, and coverage for uninsured motorists. Having additional coverage could protect you and your assets in case you are in a serious accident.

2. The owner can show proof of a Surety Bond that has been executed by depositing cash or some other form of security with the DMV.

3. The owner can pay the $500 annual Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee.

The information contained in the above article is intended as informational and does not constitute legal or insurance advice.  Insurance requirements in the State of Virginia are subject to change.  If you have questions or want more information visit the Virginia Bureau of Insurance at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/division/boi/index.htm or the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles at http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/vehicles/insurance.asp.

Have you had a DUI, DWI, or other driving offense that required form SR 22 insurance filing or are you getting car insurance for the first time? Serenity Insurance can help – we offer car insurance in 47 states for both preferred and high risk drivers. Call us toll free today at 1-800-774-0520 or use our car insurance quote form.




GMAC Announces SmartDrive Rental Coverage

Monday, October 31st, 2011

Worry-Free Rental Coverage from GMAC

Let’s face it nobody wants to deal with what comes after a car accident. Is there anything more inconvenient than being stuck without a car? And who wants to deal with getting a rental car?

Let GMAC Insurance get you out of this situation with SmartDrive!  Here’s what you get:

  • A Customer Service Representative who makes the reservation for you.
  • A rental car up to full-size, not the ultra sub-compact or the small daily allowance that other insurance companies might provide.
  • Rental coverage up to 45 days with no cost limit.
  • Direct billing – we pay the rental car company directly. It’s that simple!
  • Shuttle service – we can even arrange to have the rental car company pick you up and give you a lift to the rental car office.

With SmartDrive, you file the claim, and we’ll take care of the rest. Talk to your insurance agent or broker and add SmartDrive today!

GMAC Insurance is a leading provider of auto insurance coverage. GMAC Insurance offers affordable, competitive rates and superior benefits to its customers. Products offered by GMAC Insurance include Personal Auto Insurance, Commercial Vehicle Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance and RV Insurance. Contact an independent agent or broker, like Serenity Insurance, to get a quote for the policy you need.

Are you getting car insurance for the first time or have an insurance requirement for SR-22 filing? Serenity Insurance can help – we offer affordable auto insurance in 47 states for both preferred and high risk drivers. Call us toll free today at 1-800-774-0520 or use our car insurance quote form.




Cheap SR22 Insurance in Arizona

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

Cheap SR22 Insurance in AZ

AZ SR-22 Requirements
It is unlawful in the State of Arizona for a driver to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. In addition, the BAC level for a commercial driver is .04 and for drivers who are under the age of 21 it is zero.

The SR22 form is certification of future proof of financial responsibility. Failure to maintain proof of future financial responsibility for the required length of time may result in a loss of your driving privilege and/or vehicle registration. You may obtain an SR22 from any insurance company that is licensed to conduct business in the state of Arizona.  The SR22 form is filed with the state of Arizona and is tied to your Arizona car insurance policy.

Penalties for a first drunk driving conviction are:

  • Jail – minimum 24 hours; up to 10 days
  • License Suspension – 90-360 days
  • DUI Fine $250
  • DUI Surcharge $200
  • Probation Surcharge $10
  • Extra DUI Assessment $500
  • Prison Construction Assessment $500
  • Court may also require installation of an Ignition Interlock Device at convicted DUI offender’s expense

Arizona requires the following minimum liability insurance coverage:

  • $15,000 bodily injury liability for one person
  • $30,000 for two or more persons
  • $10,000 property damage liability

The information contained in the above article is intended as informational and does not constitute legal or insurance advice.  Insurance requirements in the state of Arizona are subject to change.  Visit the Arizona State Office of the Insurance Commissioner at http://www.insurance.AZ.gov/ or http://www.id.state.az.us/consumerautofaq.html for current information.

Have you had a DUI, DWI, or other driving offense that required form SR 22 insurance filing or are you getting car insurance for the first time? Serenity Insurance can help – we offer car insurance in 47 states for both preferred and high risk drivers. Call us toll free today at 1-800-774-0520 or use our car insurance quote form.




Cheap SR22 Insurance in Michigan

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Cheap SR22 Insurance in MI

MI SR22 Requirements
In Michigan driving under the influence is called an OWI, Operating While Intoxicated. Some still call it a DUI or DWI but the legal term is Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). There is also a violation called Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI).

OWVI means that it was clear to the law enforcement officer that you were unable to operate a vehicle. There is no minimum blood alcohol level to qualify for this charge.

An OWI is more precise and serious because a blood alcohol level of .08 is the measurement to prove that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Penalties for a first-time OWI and OWVI are slightly different. The penalties for an OWI are as follows:

  • Up to 93 days in jail
  • Fine from $100 to $500
  • $1,000 Driver Responsibility Fee paid to the Secretary of State for 2 years
  • License suspension up to 6 months
  • 6 points are added to your license

Other possibilities for an OWI are:

  • Community service for up to 360 hours
  • Installation of an interlock device
  • Vehicle immobilization

Penalties for a first time conviction for an OWVI are slightly different:

  • $300 fine
  • 93 days in jail
  • $500 Driver Responsibility Fee paid to the Secretary of State for 2 years
  • 360 hours of community service
  • 90 days of driving restriction
  • 4 points added to your license

Subsequent DUI convictions cause the penalties to increase. An SR-22 filing may be required by the state to prove that you have the proper insurance coverage.

In Michigan if you refuse to take a breath test to determine your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) and are later convicted of an OWI, then your driver’s license will be suspended for up to 1 year.

The minimum required residual liability for a Michigan car insurance policy is as follows:

  • $20,000 for injury to a person
  • $40,000 per accident if several people are injured
  • $10,000 for property damage

The information contained in the above article is intended as informational and does not constitute legal or insurance advice.  Insurance requirements in the state of Michigan are subject to change.  Visit the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth at http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-154-10555—,00.html for insurance information or the Michigan Department of State for motor vehicle information at http://www.michigan.gov/sos for current information.

Have you had a DUI, DWI, or other driving offense that required form SR 22 insurance filing or are you getting car insurance for the first time? Serenity Insurance can help – we offer car insurance in 47 states for both preferred and high risk drivers. Call us toll free today at 1-800-774-0520 or use our car insurance quote form.




Call Us Today for SR22 Insurance and Cheap Car Insurance Rates 1-800-774-0520