Moving violations, parking tickets, at-fault accidents, or driving under the influence, are assigned a certain point value. When you are found guilty of one of these infractions, the appropriate number of points is added to your driving record. The more points you have, the worse your record. Each insurance company has its own method of evaluating applicants, so the points on your driving record may or may not have a direct impact on the rates you pay for auto insurance.

A point system is simply the assignment of "points" or values to each infraction. Then, the rating system of the insurance company evaluates the "points" instead of each infraction. For example, a company may use this type of system:

Because each insurance company has a different (complex) rating algorithm there is no set dollar amount or rating point comparison that can be given. If you want to find the specifics for your insurance company, their rates are filed with the state's department of insurance. You can request a copy of those rating factors and how they affect the companies' specific rates. It is very complex and not for the faint of heart.

Typically, you can expect the company rating algorithm to try to put an insurance point value on each infraction (regardless of the state driving record point system). Based upon that point value a different rating factor is use to either raise or lower the rate. Again, it is different for every company. Some companies rating algorithms are much more complex and some are simple.

One major violation can increase your rate by 26%. Then, most rating systems gradually lower the impact each year.

In most cases your auto insurance provider will pay you for the actual cash value of your vehicle. Actual cash value equates to the replacement cost of your vehicle minus depreciation.

If you have comprehensive & collision coverage (comp and collision), your insurance company will write you a check for actual cash value, less your deductible.

If you owe more on your loan or lease than your vehicle is worth, then you should consider GAP insurance. Without GAP insurance, you will be responsible for any remaining balance on your loan.

The best way to save money on car insurance is to shop around for the cheapest rate.

GAP insurance protects the value of your newer vehicle when you have a loan or lease. If an accident happens, GAP insurance pays the difference between the value of your car and the remaining balance on your loan or lease. Often newer vehicles lose value quickly.  GAP insurance protects you from absorbing the difference if a loss should occur.

The amount between your insurance deductible and the loss from this financial shortfall is the “gap” you can be left owing. Typically a new car is worth approximately 30 percent less in 3 months than the day it was purchased.

In order to protect yourself from owing thousands you will want to purchase GAP insurance. Most of the carriers Ally Car Insurance lists offer GAP insurance.

If you think you may need GAP insurance, use our free quote form and enter your information to get a free quote that include GAP insurance. It will be listed as Loan/Lease Gap coverage as you fill out your quote.

SR-22 is proof that you have certain types of insurance. Each state has their own SR-22 requirements. SR-22 is a form which must be filed by the insurance company to the state government stating that auto liability insurance is in effect for a particular individual.

Typically an SR-22 is required when insurance is provided to an individual who was in an accident or was convicted of a traffic offense, such as a DUI, and was unable to show financial responsibility.  A judge may order an SR-22 for other reasons.

For a FREE car insurance quote enter your state here. On the second step, select Progressive and we will ask all the necessary questions to determine eligibility and get you a policy for individuals who are required to submit an SR-22.

The definition of a rebuilt car title will differ depending upon the state you live in and laws specific to that state. A general definition (used by CarFax and others that report a vehicle's history) for a rebuilt title is a branded titled placed upon a rebuilt or reconstructed vehicle, which previously was a salvage vehicle but has now been repaired and restored to operation.

These vehicles are often severely damaged before they are rebuilt and refurbished parts are typically used during reconstruction. In most states, an inspection of the vehicle is required before the vehicle is allowed to return to the road.

So basically a rebuilt title means the car was in a serious accident or one in which the insurance company declared the car a total loss but then the vehicle was purchased and rebuilt or repaired and was once again found to be street worthy.

Before purchasing a rebuilt item, it is generally recommended to have it thoroughly checked out by your own mechanic. You also should check to see if the car can be insured since many insurance companies underwriting rules do not allow them to write policies for cars with salvage or rebuilt (branded) titles.

If you do get full coverage on a vehicle with a rebuilt title remember that since the car has been previously totaled out and has a branded title you should expect to get paid less if the car is in another total loss situation since the car is not worth as much as a vehicle with a clear title.

While it can be hard to get insurance for a car with a rebuilt title AllyCarInsurance.com can offer an insurance policy on salvage and rebuilt titles through our carrier, Progressive.

All you have to do is enter your state here and get a quote. On the second step, select Progressive and we will ask all the necessary questions to determine eligibility and get you a policy for your vehicle that has a rebuilt title.