I want to add my nanny in my car insurance policy. Unfortunately, she does not have a clean driving record in Georgia. If we add her under our existing car insurance policy, our rates double. Is there a cheaper way to have her insured?

Liz

Atlanta, GA

Firstly, you need to ask yourself if adding her would be really necessary. Insurers in Georgia would be asking you if she lives in your house, and if she drives your car for thirty consecutive days at a time. If this is not the case, then you need not include her under your policy since your current one may well cover her if anything untoward happens while she’s behind the wheel.

Another thing to consider before adding her to your policy is her driving record. Since you stated that she does not have a clean driving record in Georgia–What could be her previous traffic citations? Was she involved in a car accident before where she was found at fault? Did she get speeding tickets or committed any other traffic violation? If she has a driver’s license, why doesn’t an insurer agree to cover her?

If car insurance companies think that she is a high-risk driver based on her driving record, then shouldn’t you be having second thoughts on taking the financial accountability for her car insurance? And would you really trust her to drive your kids to and from school if she doesn’t have a clean driving record?

Investigate first. Then if you really are bent on adding her to your car insurance policy, you can always shop around or ask for discounts from your car insurance provider.

I’m here in Atlanta, GA. The name is George. If my car gets stolen and then the yellow-bellied thief figures in an accident and runs away, is there a chance that the people affected by the accident chase after me and my auto insurance?

George

Atlanta, GA

Now, wouldn’t that be a colorful story. Of course, we know that it happens. Thief takes your car, figures in an accident or uses it for who knows what and leaves the car somewhere dented and without gas. If the bad guy figures in a car accident, hit another car, a fence, or worst, a pedestrian, you will not be held responsible for the damages. That’s the nice part. The bad part is you will have to pay for the repairs of your car from your own pocket. I don’t think it’s a good idea to hope that the dastardly evil doer’s insurance will cover it. I don’t even think the bad guy has insurance. But even if the thief is apprehended and has auto insurance, I don’t think his or her (to be gender sensitive here) auto insurance company will include cleaning up after the thief in his or her (again, sensitivity) insurance policy. Of course, you’ll have to prove that the car really was stolen in the first place. Make sure to inform the proper authorities when your car gets stolen and get a police report. That’s added footwork but you won’t regret it as it will cover your back.

If I have been in a car accident and it is the other party’s fault, Can I sue the other driver’s insurance company and my insurance company in Atlanta GA?

Halley

Atlanta, GA

Typically there are provisions in your auto insurance policy about your ability to request arbitration or sue. You need to read through your insurance policy, and check if there are any evaluation provisions or special limitations to sue your own insurance carrier in Atlanta.

It is not necessary to sue typically in order to be properly compensated. Many states enact laws to limit lawsuits related to auto accidents. For instance, no-fault laws are created to guarantee person’s insurance policies cover them regardless of fault in an accident.

Most auto insurance claims are settled without using a lawyer in Atlanta. Parties involved in an auto accident may face civil liability, criminal liability or both. The state usually starts a prosecution only if anyone is severely injured or killed, or if one of the motorist involved was clearly grossly negligent or driving while intoxicated or otherwise impaired at the time the accident happened.