Question 1

What types of auto insurance does VKOVR offer?

Accepted Answer

VKOVR offers the full range of auto insurance coverage types: liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments (MedPay), personal injury protection (PIP), gap insurance, roadside assistance, and rental reimbursement. We work with multiple top-rated carriers to match each driver with the right combination.

Question 2

How do I choose between liability and full coverage auto insurance?

Accepted Answer

Use the 10% test: if your annual collision and comprehensive premium plus your deductible exceeds 10% of your vehicle's market value, liability-only may make financial sense. Full coverage is recommended — and often required by lenders — for financed or leased vehicles and any vehicle worth more than $8,000.

Question 3

What discounts are available for auto insurance?

Accepted Answer

Common auto insurance discounts include: multi-policy bundle (home + auto), multi-vehicle, good student, defensive driving course completion, telematics/usage-based programs, good driver/clean record, anti-theft device, and loyalty discounts. VKOVR identifies every discount you qualify for across all our carrier partners.

Question 4

How does my state affect my auto insurance costs?

Accepted Answer

State minimum requirements, no-fault vs. tort laws, uninsured driver rates, local weather risks, population density, and state insurance regulations all influence pricing. States like Michigan, Louisiana, and Florida have some of the highest average premiums in the country. VKOVR provides state-specific coverage guidance for all 50 states.

Question 5

Can I switch auto insurance carriers mid-policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can switch auto insurance carriers at any time — even before your current policy expires. Your insurer will typically issue a prorated refund for any unused premium. VKOVR coordinates the start and end dates of your new and old policies to ensure there are no gaps in coverage during the transition.

Question 6

What is the difference between MedPay and PIP?

Accepted Answer

Medical payments (MedPay) covers your medical bills after an accident regardless of fault, up to the policy limit. Personal injury protection (PIP) is broader — it also covers lost wages and other accident-related expenses beyond medical bills. PIP is required in no-fault states and available as optional coverage in others.

Question 7

What does roadside assistance cover?

Accepted Answer

Standard roadside assistance includes towing to the nearest repair facility, lockout service, flat tire change, battery jump-start, emergency fuel delivery, and winching/extraction. Coverage limits vary by carrier and plan level.

Question 8

What is an SR-22?

Accepted Answer

An SR-22 is not an insurance policy — it is a form your insurance carrier files with your state's DMV certifying that you carry the minimum required liability coverage. It is required after certain driving violations as a condition of license reinstatement.

Question 9

What makes a driver high-risk?

Accepted Answer

Insurers classify drivers as high-risk based on: DUI/DWI convictions, multiple at-fault accidents, serious traffic violations, a lapse in coverage, being a new driver with no history, or a poor credit score in states where credit is used in rating.

Question 10

Should I add my teen to my existing policy or get them a separate policy?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, adding a teen to a parent's existing policy is cheaper because it leverages existing discounts and multi-vehicle rates. A separate policy may make sense if the teen owns a vehicle titled solely in their name.

Question 11

What is uninsured motorist coverage?

Accepted Answer

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your medical expenses and property damage when you are hit by a driver who has no insurance. Without UM, you would need to sue the uninsured driver personally — often a fruitless effort.

Question 12

What does comprehensive insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive covers vehicle damage from non-collision events: theft, fire, weather (hail, floods, tornadoes), vandalism, animal strikes, falling objects, and glass breakage.

Question 13

What does collision insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle from collisions with another car, a stationary object, or road hazards. It pays regardless of fault. It does not cover theft, weather damage, or damage to the other party.

Question 14

What does full coverage auto insurance include?

Accepted Answer

Full coverage typically refers to a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Liability covers others you injure or damage, collision covers your vehicle after a crash, and comprehensive covers non-crash losses like theft, weather, and fire.

Question 15

What is auto liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Auto liability insurance pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others when you are at fault in an accident. It covers the other party — not your own vehicle or injuries. Most states require a minimum amount of liability coverage to legally drive.

Question 16

How much car insurance do I need?

Accepted Answer

At minimum, you need your state's required liability limits. But minimums often leave your assets exposed. Carry liability limits at least equal to your net worth, and add collision and comprehensive if you have a loan, lease, or a vehicle worth protecting.

Question 17

What should I do immediately after an auto accident?

Accepted Answer

Stay at the scene, ensure everyone is safe, call 911 if there are injuries, exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, document the scene with photos, and notify your insurance carrier. Do not admit fault at the scene. VKOVR's claims team can guide you through the process from the moment of the incident.

Question 18

Is insurance roadside assistance the same as AAA?

Accepted Answer

They provide similar services at different price points. AAA costs $60–$170/year. Insurance roadside assistance typically costs $5–$15/year per vehicle — often providing comparable service for common incidents at a fraction of the cost.

Question 19

Who needs an SR-22?

Accepted Answer

You may need an SR-22 if you were convicted of DUI/DWI, caught driving without insurance, had your license suspended or revoked, or accumulated too many violations in a short period. Your state's DMV notifies you directly.

Question 20

How long does high-risk status last?

Accepted Answer

Most traffic violations stay on your record for 3–5 years. DUI convictions may remain for 5–10 years in some states. At-fault accidents typically affect rates for 3–5 years. VKOVR tracks your record and alerts you as violations age off.

Question 21

How much does teen driver insurance cost?

Accepted Answer

Adding a 16-year-old to a family policy typically increases the premium by $1,000–$2,500 per year depending on the state, vehicle, and coverage levels. Discounts like good student, driver training, and telematics can meaningfully offset the cost.

Question 22

What is the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?

Accepted Answer

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are not enough to cover your full damages.

Question 23

What is the difference between comprehensive and collision insurance?

Accepted Answer

Collision covers damage from crashing into something. Comprehensive covers damage from events you cannot control: theft, weather, fire, animals, and vandalism.

Question 24

Is collision insurance required?

Accepted Answer

States do not require collision coverage by law. However, if you have a car loan or lease, your lender contractually requires it. Dropping collision on a financed vehicle without notifying your lender violates your loan agreement.

Question 25

Is full coverage required by law?

Accepted Answer

States only require liability insurance. However, if you have a car loan or lease, your lender contractually requires full coverage — collision and comprehensive — with specific deductible limits. Dropping coverage on a financed vehicle can result in expensive force-placed insurance.

Question 26

What is the difference between bodily injury and property damage liability?

Accepted Answer

Bodily injury liability (BI) pays for the other person's medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees. Property damage liability (PD) covers damage to their vehicle or property. Both are included in most liability policies with separate limits.

Question 27

What factors affect my car insurance premium?

Accepted Answer

Your driving record, age, vehicle make and model, ZIP code, annual mileage, credit score (in most states), coverage limits, and deductible level all affect your car insurance premium. VKOVR identifies the carriers that weigh the most favorable factors for your profile.

Question 28

Does using roadside assistance affect my insurance premium?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Roadside assistance dispatches are typically not counted as insurance claims and do not affect your driving record or premium. Some carriers have soft limits on the number of roadside calls per policy period.

Question 29

How do I get an SR-22 filed?

Accepted Answer

Purchase an auto insurance policy from a carrier that accepts SR-22 filings in your state, inform them of your SR-22 requirement, and the carrier electronically files the certificate with your state's DMV — typically within 24–48 hours.

Question 30

Can high-risk drivers get affordable insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it costs more than standard insurance, but comparison shopping across non-standard carriers produces significant savings. VKOVR compares multiple non-standard carriers simultaneously to find the most competitive rate.

Question 31

What is the good student discount for teen drivers?

Accepted Answer

Most carriers offer a good student discount for full-time students under 25 who maintain a B average (3.0 GPA) or higher. The discount typically ranges from 5–25% depending on the carrier.

Question 32

Is uninsured motorist coverage required?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 22 states plus Washington D.C. require some form of UM coverage. The remaining states offer it as optional. VKOVR identifies your state's specific requirements and recommends limits that match your real-world exposure.

Question 33

Is comprehensive insurance required?

Accepted Answer

States do not require comprehensive coverage. However, if you have an auto loan or lease, your lender contractually requires it. Dropping it without notifying your lender can result in force-placed insurance at much higher cost.

Question 34

How does a collision insurance deductible work?

Accepted Answer

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest. If your car sustains $4,000 in damage and your deductible is $500, you pay $500 and insurance pays $3,500. Higher deductibles lower your annual premium.

Question 35

How much does full coverage cost?

Accepted Answer

Full coverage typically costs two to three times more than liability-only. The exact amount depends on your vehicle value, deductible, location, driving record, and carrier. VKOVR identifies the most competitively priced full coverage across multiple carriers for your profile.

Question 36

How much liability insurance should I carry?

Accepted Answer

A common recommendation is to carry at least 100/300/100 — $100K per person, $300K per accident, $100K property damage. State minimums are a legal floor but frequently fall short of real-world accident costs. Consider umbrella coverage if you have significant assets.

Question 37

Is it cheaper to insure a new car or an older car?

Accepted Answer

Newer cars typically cost more to insure because they are more expensive to repair or replace. However, modern safety features can qualify you for discounts. Older vehicles may not need collision or comprehensive coverage if the vehicle value is low.

Question 38

What is the towing distance limit for roadside assistance?

Accepted Answer

Standard insurance roadside assistance typically covers towing to the nearest qualified repair facility within 15–50 miles. Enhanced plans may cover longer distances. VKOVR helps you evaluate the right plan for your driving patterns.

Question 39

How long do I need to maintain an SR-22?

Accepted Answer

Most states require 2–3 years of continuous SR-22 coverage. DUI offenses often require 3–5 years. Any lapse in coverage can restart the period. VKOVR tracks your SR-22 timeline and ensures you maintain coverage through completion.

Question 40

Do I need an SR-22 if I am a high-risk driver?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically. SR-22 requirements are triggered by specific events: DUI, driving without insurance, license suspension. Your state's DMV notifies you directly if an SR-22 is required.

Question 41

What coverage does a teen driver actually need?

Accepted Answer

At minimum, a teen needs liability coverage meeting state requirements. Higher liability limits are strongly recommended given elevated accident risk. Collision and comprehensive are required if the teen drives a financed vehicle.

Question 42

What is stacked vs. unstacked UM coverage?

Accepted Answer

Stacked UM/UIM multiplies your limits across multiple vehicles on your policy. If you have two vehicles each with a $100,000 UM limit, stacked coverage provides $200,000 of protection per accident. Not all states allow stacking.

Question 43

How does the comprehensive deductible work?

Accepted Answer

Your deductible is the amount you pay before insurance covers the rest. A $500 deductible on a $3,000 hail claim means you pay $500 and insurance pays $2,500. Higher deductibles lower your annual premium.

Question 44

What is the difference between collision and comprehensive insurance?

Accepted Answer

Collision covers damage from crashing into something — another car, an object, or a road hazard. Comprehensive covers non-collision losses: theft, fire, weather, vandalism, and animal strikes.

Question 45

When should I drop full coverage?

Accepted Answer

Consider dropping full coverage when your annual premium plus deductible approaches your vehicle's actual cash value — a common threshold is 10% of the vehicle's market value per year. Always check with your lender first if the vehicle is financed.

Question 46

What are split limits vs. combined single limit?

Accepted Answer

Split limits set separate caps for per-person bodily injury, total accident bodily injury, and property damage. Combined single limit (CSL) uses one total dollar amount that covers all liability in a single accident, offering more flexibility in how coverage is allocated.

Question 47

Can I insure multiple cars under one policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A multi-vehicle policy is almost always cheaper per vehicle than separate policies. VKOVR recommends multi-car coverage for households with two or more vehicles and ensures the multi-vehicle discount is applied at every eligible carrier.

Question 48

Can I use roadside assistance for any vehicle on my policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If multiple vehicles are listed on your policy with roadside assistance, each vehicle is covered separately. Coverage typically follows the vehicle, not the driver.

Question 49

How much does SR-22 insurance cost?

Accepted Answer

The SR-22 filing itself is a small administrative fee ($15–$50). The larger cost is the higher premiums associated with the high-risk status that triggered the SR-22 requirement. Comparison shopping across multiple carriers — which VKOVR does — can save hundreds of dollars annually.

Question 50

What is a non-standard carrier?

Accepted Answer

Non-standard carriers specialize in insuring drivers who do not qualify for standard market insurance. They charge higher premiums to reflect elevated risk but provide the coverage needed to satisfy state requirements.

Question 51

Can a teen driver qualify for a telematics discount?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Telematics programs that monitor driving behavior can generate discounts of 10–30% for safe drivers. These programs are particularly beneficial for teens building a driving record — good behaviors are rewarded immediately.

Question 52

Does UM coverage pay for hit-and-run accidents?

Accepted Answer

In most states, uninsured motorist bodily injury covers hit-and-run accidents where you suffer injuries and the driver cannot be identified. UMPD coverage for property damage from hit-and-run is more state-dependent.

Question 53

Does comprehensive insurance cover a cracked windshield?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rock chips and windshield cracks are covered under comprehensive. Many carriers offer zero-deductible glass repairs for windshield-only damage. VKOVR identifies carriers with favorable glass claim policies.

Question 54

When should I drop collision insurance?

Accepted Answer

Consider dropping collision when your annual premium plus deductible exceeds 10% of your vehicle's market value. Always check with your lender first — dropping collision on a financed vehicle can violate your loan agreement.

Question 55

What deductible should I choose for full coverage?

Accepted Answer

Higher deductibles lower your premium but increase out-of-pocket costs after a claim. The optimal choice depends on your emergency fund and claim likelihood. VKOVR advisors model the break-even analysis for common deductible levels.

Question 56

Does liability insurance cover my own injuries?

Accepted Answer

No. Liability covers the other party when you are at fault. Your own medical bills are covered by medical payments (MedPay), personal injury protection (PIP), or your health insurance.

Question 57

Can I switch my car insurance mid-policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can switch carriers at any time, even before your current policy expires. VKOVR coordinates the start and end dates of your policies to ensure zero coverage gaps during the transition.

Question 58

Is roadside assistance available 24/7?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All roadside assistance programs operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year — including holidays. Response times vary by location and service availability.

Question 59

What is an FR-44 and how is it different from SR-22?

Accepted Answer

An FR-44 is required in Florida and Virginia for DUI/DWI-related offenses. Unlike SR-22, an FR-44 requires higher liability limits — typically double the state minimums. The filing and maintenance process is similar to SR-22.

Question 60

Can I switch carriers with high-risk status?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Switching carriers as a high-risk driver is possible and often beneficial — rates vary widely across non-standard carriers. If you have an SR-22, the new carrier files a new SR-22 and your old carrier files an SR-26 cancellation. VKOVR coordinates the transition to ensure no gaps.

Question 61

How does graduated licensing affect insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most states have graduated licensing programs that restrict when and where teens can drive. Insurance carriers take these restrictions into account. VKOVR identifies carriers that offer favorable rates for teens in graduated licensing programs.

Question 62

How does a UM claim work?

Accepted Answer

You file a UM claim with your own insurance company, not against the uninsured driver's policy. Your insurer steps in as if they were the at-fault driver's insurer and compensates you for covered losses.

Question 63

Does comprehensive cover flood damage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Standard comprehensive coverage includes flood damage to your vehicle. However, it only covers your car — flood damage to your home or belongings requires a separate homeowner's or flood insurance policy.

Question 64

Does collision insurance cover a total loss?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your vehicle is declared a total loss, your insurer pays the actual cash value minus your deductible. If you owe more on your loan than the ACV, gap insurance covers the difference.

Auto Insurance FAQ

Auto Insurance FAQ

Still Have Questions?