Reader’s Question:

I never let my car insurance policy here in Nevada lapse because that’s the only way I know I can keep it low. Can you give me some other ways on how to lower my car insurance rates?

Hadley

Reno, NV

Aside from not letting your car insurance policy in Nevada lapses, here are some other ways on how to lover your car insurance rates:

1. Make sure that your vehicle is fully equipped with security devices such as daytime running lights, alarms, anti-lock brakes and other safety features. If you have these things on your vehicle, inform your car insurance carrier about this so that you can get a discount for it.

2. The mode of payment you choose can be a factor on how much you pay for your car insurance. You can have lower car insurance if you opt to have Electronic Funds Transfer or EFT. This method will allow your bank to credit your insurer with your payment automatically.

3. Reduce the amount of time that you spend in driving because the lesser the time you are on the road, the lower the risk you have on car insurance companies. Remember that lower risk drivers have lower payment on their car insurance. If you spend less on driving, you will have lower chances of getting involved in traffic accidents.

4. You should obtain and compare car insurance quotes from a minimum of three comparison quotes Websites. This process will not take too much of your time as you only have to give your personal information once every Website and you will receive several car insurance quotes from them.

Reader’s Question:

Why is car insurance for college student relatively higher here in Nevada? I noticed that my husband’s car insurance is cheaper compared to my college son’s car insurance. What are the reasons behind this?

Margie

Las Vegas, NV

Car insurance for college student Nevada is really expensive. Car insurance companies in NV charge high rates for college students because they are considered as high-risk policy holders. College students are perceived as inexperienced and irresponsible drivers. This is backed by statistics showing that more college students get in trouble driving their own cars compared to drivers over 25 years of age. It is not to understand why car insurance companies charge high rates to young drivers then.

Another reason why car insurance for college student Nevada is pricey is because young drivers do not have a proven driving record. Since they have only been driving for a couple of years, they cannot guarantee their insurers that they are good and defensive drivers behind the wheel. Insurers then will rate them as high risk drivers.

Finally, car insurance for college student Nevada is higher because young drivers usually love driving sports cars. If your son registered a sports car for his vehicle insurance, then don’t be surprised why he was charged with high insurance rates. Sports cars are usually involved in traffic accidents, and are considered high risk vehicle by most insurers in Nevada.

Reader’s Question:

I was involved in an accident here in Nevada, and my car was declared totaled by my auto insurance company. They want to pay off my car but we cannot agree on a price. What should I do?

Bonnie

Reno, NV

The first thing to do is to check out the website of the Nevada Department of Insurance. Here, you will find a list of your rights as a policyholder. Since all states control car insurance companies to an extent to protect your rights as to avoid getting cheated when you file for a claim, you should be able to get ample information on the website regarding just settlement of insurance claims.

Next thing to do is to check your appraisal provision. This allows you to get an independent assessment on the damage to your car. Once the independent assessment and that of your insurer is available, a third party or umpire jointly chosen by your independent appraiser and car insurer will step in to decide if the insurer and independent appraiser cannot agree on the car’s value. You will have to pay for the independent appraiser’s fees, though. You also have to shoulder a part of the umpire’s fees. But if you really feel you are being shortchanged by your insurance provider, paying extra may prove to be worth it.

If you still do not agree to the price set by the two parties, talk to a senior adjuster in the car insurance company. You can ask help from the state insurance commissioner, too. Another option is to take your case to arbitration, or you may even file a lawsuit.