USAgencies

Alabama’s urban and rural southern appeal has made it a desirable location for people looking to relocate. By being aware of Alabama’s insurance and driving laws you’ll be able to enjoy its unique appeal — and save yourself from unnecessary problems.

According to the Alabama Liability Insurance Law (32-7A), you must have car insurance that meets the law’s minimum requirements. These are as follows:

•    $25,000 for injury/death to one person
•    $50,000 for injury/death to more than one person
•    $25,000 for damage to property

Starting in early 2013, Alabama license plate issuers and law enforcement verify liability insurance in real-time, using the State of Alabama’s Online Insurance Verification System. Owners of vehicles who are unable to get their insurance verified through the online system are required to provide proof of insurance to license plate officials.

If you are caught driving without insurance, you’ll potentially be facing fines and a license suspension. The most common proof of coverage is with a valid insurance card, consisting of the policy holder’s name, effective date, the insurer’s National Association of Insurance Commissioners number, the vehicle identity number, and the policy number.

To find out more about Alabama insurance requirements you can go to the Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles or talk with local insurers to get information about the varied policies and coverage options. Alabama’s Uninsured Motorist Statute requires insurers to provide you with uninsured coverage on every policy. So, if you happen to have an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, there’s no need to worry. Should an uninsured or underinsured driver collide with your car, your policy will automatically cover the damages and injuries.

If, for some reason, you have trouble purchasing car insurance, a Motor Vehicle Liability Bond or a Certificate of Cash Bond can be obtained as proof of financial responsibility. For either of these bonds, you’ll need to fill out an application and bring your vehicle’s Alabama certificate of title and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

When selecting car insurance, choose a plan that not only meets your needs but also one that’s budget-friendly. Companies vary in rates for similar plans – a good reason to do your homework by comparison shopping. Three quotes should give you a fairly good idea of what you may end up paying for car insurance.

Consider some of these possible savings tips to keep your rates down:

• Bundle your insurance coverages (home, car, boat, etc.)
• Insure multiple cars on one plan
• Good grades (high school and college students with a B average or higher qualify for a discount)
• Complete an approved defensive driving course
• Maintain a clean driving record
• Have a car that passes vehicle safety inspections

Some drivers also decide to raise their deductibles to save a bit more money overall. Higher deductibles normally result in lower monthly payments. Older cars on which you can fix minor damage, while letting your insurer take care of the more expensive issues, may be the way to go.

If you’ve recently moved to or plan to move to Alabama, be advised that you have 30 days to get your Alabama driver’s license. To obtain your new license, you’ll have to visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety office and bring a copy of your valid out-of-state driver’s license, birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of new address. If all of your information is in order and accepted, the eye vision exam and written test will be waived. Furthermore, you’ll have 30 days to register your vehicle, at which time you‘ll need to:

• Have a county licensing official inspect the vehicle.
• Provide proof of current car insurance

After you’ve met these two requirements, a licensing official will collect fees and issue you a license plate. There is no emission test required in the state of Alabama.

While driving on Alabama‘s roadways, you must be aware of the state’s unique driving laws. Alabama has strict laws regarding cell phone use. Text messaging is forbidden for everyone. No exceptions. If you’re 16 or 17 with an intermediate driver’s license, you can’t talk on your cell phone. Additionally, Alabama is a partner of the “Click It or Ticket” program, so your seatbelt must be worn at all times.

As in most states, Alabama adheres to very strict and serious driving under the influence (DUI) laws. Get caught with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 percent, and you’ll face large fines, a jail sentence of up to a year, and license suspension. Multiple offenses result in increased penalties. Underage drivers stopped with a BAC as low as 0.02 will be issued a DUI by Alabama police officers.

Whether you live in Alabama or just passing through…it pays to make sure you’re getting the best rate on your car insurance. USAgencies can help you with that. We have live agents available to answer your car insurance questions and to give you a free, no-obligation car insurance quote. You can even begin coverage today. Call today (800) 420-3712. You can also request a car insurance quote online.