Indiana Auto Insurance
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, which is equivalent to the Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV in most other states, has set in place certain minimum insurance requirements that all drivers must abide by in order to avoid hefty fines and possible suspension of their licenses or vehicle tags. These requirements are at least $25,000 in bodily injury insurance for injuries sustained by one person in an accident, $50,000 in bodily injury insurance for injuries sustained by more than one person in an accident and $10,000 in property damage coverage.
If you have been driving for a while, then you probably already realize just how low and inadequate these minimum auto insurance requirements are. Unfortunately, many new or young drivers do not and simply opt for a policy to simply meet these minimum requirements. This is all well and good until an accident occurs, and the driver realizes that he or she does not possess protection that is anywhere near adequate.
To avoid such an ugly surprise, you’ll want to go above and beyond the minimum insurance requirements whenever possible. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles strongly recommends that those with the financial means to do so take out at least $100,000 more in each insurance category and seriously consider a full coverage car insurance policy which includes liability, collision and comprehensive insurance.
Average Car Insurance Rates
As a driver, you’ve probably wondered if you are paying more than, about the same, or less than what most of the population of Indiana pays for car insurance. Short of shopping around and comparing rates thoroughly – which you still should do – a good way to determine this is by knowing the average car insurance rates in your area. For the entire state of Indiana, the average insurance premium per year is approximately $1010. This is much lower than the average national rate of $1440, and rates have been steadily decreasing, making Indiana one of the more affordable states in which to insure your vehicle.
You should still always compare multiple car insurance quotes from different companies; even if you think you are satisfied with your current provider or are paying below the average rate. The reason is because different companies offer different rates to different people, and you’ll want to check frequently to make sure you couldn’t be getting a better deal (meaning lower rates or better coverage) elsewhere.
Indiana Teen Driver Laws
If you are a teenager or a new driver of an older age in Indiana, it is important that you know the rules that pertain to your situation. As an inexperienced driver, you can expect to pay more for your automobile insurance than those who have been driving longer; that’s simply an unfortunate fact. However, if you get caught breaking a new driver or teen driver rule, you can expect your rates to go up even higher.
The rules are actually quite simple to follow, and for most people, it’s just a matter of knowing what they are. In the state of Indiana, teenagers, meaning those below the age of eighteen, must obtain a permit before they can obtain an official driver’s license. In order to obtain a permit in the state, you must be fifteen and a half years old to the date. You will then be required to keep your learner’s permit for a period of six months before you can test for an official driver’s license.
As a permit holder or a driver who is learning, it is required that you complete at least 50 hours of practice time, of which at least ten hours should be at night. Also note that in order to acquire your license, you must be at least 16 and a half years old to the date, or if you have not taken a driver’s education course, at least 16 years old and nine months to the date.
When you first get your license, no matter what you age, it will be considered a “restricted license” for a period of 180 days. During this time, you are not legally allowed to drive between 10 pm and 5 am on weekdays, excluding Friday; between 11 pm and 5 am on Sunday through Friday; and between 1 am and 5 am on Saturday. You also may not carry any additional passengers until your restriction period is over.
How to find cheap auto insurance in Indiana?
Whether you need teen car insurance or good driver coverage there are many Indiana car insurance companies to choose from. Drivers will want to avoid purchasing any insurance based solely on the cost of premiums however. A good auto insurance policy is made up of much more than the cost including the provider’s reputation, levels of coverage, types of coverage and more. While the cheapest car insurance quotes may seem attractive you really need to find a combination of coverage and cost to secure the best auto insurance coverage for you and your family. Start your Indiana car insurance comparison search today by entering your ZIP code above.
