Please, only compare insurance rates within each state!
In all 50 states (and even our “territory’s”) – what is covered under liability, under comp (compressive) or collision, etc. as well as minimum limits for each - varys, as well as factors as what’s sueable and so forth also effects prices, in each state.
In most states, it is not worth the money to pay extra for comp or collision for a vehicle over 15 years old – in most cases. Some cases, the lender (if applicable), a person’s job may require it, or a person might just want to have it for peace of mind.
If in an accident (in most cases), the car will be totaled out because of new parts availability.
Also, as the car gets older, how a vehicle is optioned becomes less of a factor on the ACV (Actual Cash Value). KBB (Kelly Blue Book or KBB.com) “trade in value/what's my vehicle worth” is one way to get an idea on ACV – but in most cases, the insurance company will give you a better figure than what KBB gives. With that said, it generally will NOT be what it takes to get an equivalent replacement. What I tell people is when trying to determine ACV is to hope for the best but plan on the worse.
Another thing to remember – especially if travailing out of state: your auto insurance changes just as soon as you cross the state line – to whatever that states insurance rules/regulations are. I would say that of the 50 states, DC and other territories – there are more differences in insurance rules/laws in each state – than similarities.
What I’m trying to say that if you are an auto insurance expert in one state then you can toss all that knowledge out the window just as soon as you cross the state line/or into another country.
I do happen to know this, because I’m an auto insurance claims adjuster – who happens to be licensed (as a property/auto claims adjuster) currently in all 50 states and Puerto Rico (but not in DC or other territories/or country’s). It is not easy to be licensed in my own state (Oklahoma) – but to do so for the other states, with all the differences – gives me a headache just talking about it.
At least my company pays for my continued training and license fees and so forth (about $3,500 (US), a year) and they also pay for me to keep up with my ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications, as well.
BudW
Note: ASE dropped my Master Machinist title off the report (below), when they discontinued that section. I still have the Master Machinist arm patches and is proud to show ‘em off, along with the others.
Also, I worked in an auto parts store, back in the ‘80’s for a spell. That store closed, and I have no records of employment to show to ASE now – even though documentation was given to them back in the ‘80’s. I’ve never worked in an auto body shop, before – other than doing my own body work (which I don’t like to do).
