Reader’s Question:

I have a car insurance policy. Do I need to reimburse the car insurance company for the medical payments?

Shelley

Boise, ID

Insurance carriers differ on their rules and guidelines however medical insurance on car insurance policies usually only pays in excess of what your primary or personal medical insurance does not pay.

If your primary medical insurance paid and you were also reimbursed by your car insurance company for the same medical bill you might owe them money back. However if the car insurance medical coverage did what it is intended to do, pay the excess that your primary medical insurance did not cover, you should be fine. If you need more information concerning your specific policy you may speak your insurance provider.

Reader’s Question:

I am a new driver and only have a learners permit and I am trying to obtain car insurance. Is it possible for me to get auto insurance if I only have a learner’s permit?

Robbie

Billings, MT

Yes, it is possible to get an insurance policy with a learner’s permit with certain insurance providers.

Typically, you will either need a drivers license or be able to obtain one within 30-45 days. The insurance providers will probably make you obtain a regular driver’s license within 30 days of your policy’s inception date depending on your age,. Plus, if you only have a learner’s permit, the insurance providers may require you take out the insurance policy with a motorist on it who has a regular operator’s license.

If your parents already have an insurance policy, you should check if you can be added to their policy for coverage.

Reader’s Question:

I am moving to San Jose, California and I would like to know if car insurance is cheaper there than in New Jersey? What is the point system like in California?

Allan

San Jose, CA

This will depend on different factors if your insurance rates will be cheaper in California than in New Jersey. On the average though California car insurance can be more cheaper than NJ auto insurance.

The average insurance rate in 2003 for a California motorist was $950 while in New Jersey the average was $1,365. That year the national average was $914.

The insurance coverages for California and New Jersey are a quiet different. While liability limits are both set at 15/30/5, personal injury insurance (PIP) is an optional coverage in CA and NJ requires $15,000 worth of PIP to be purchased