International Driver’s License and Auto Insurance

Reader’s Question:

I’m from Tennessee. My friend from Italy borrowed and drove my car. He got involved in an accident which caused $1,200 damage to my car. When I submitted the claim, my agent asked for my friend’s international driver’s license. My friend is reluctant to give his driver’s license since he is worried that this will affect him in terms of denied auto insurance coverage in the future since he is planning to eventually work here. Would this really be the case?

Carl

Knoxville, TN

Before a foreign visitor can drive legally in the United States, he or she is required to get an International Driver’s License (IDP) from his or her home country before even setting foot in America. An IDP verifies that the foreigner has a valid driver’s license in his or her country of origin. This license then allows them to legally operate a motor vehicle on the public roads of the United States before they obtain their US license.

In your case, your auto insurance company in Tennessee may be demanding to see your friend’s international license to verify if he was legally permitted to drive in the United States. It is not probable that this claim will be attributed to him when he applies for a US driver’s license and car insurance coverage in the future. This particular claim is under your auto insurance policy, so his insurance rates in the future should not be affected.

It is unfortunate, though, that a claim this big will definitely mar your insurance record. This information will be used by auto insurance companies as a basis to raise your premiums. You may see an increase in your future auto insurance rates because of this particular claim even if the accident was your friend’s fault.

Cheap Auto Insurance Rates Tennessee

 

Reader’s Question:

I received a speeding ticket in VA but I am from Johnson City, Tennessee , what will happen next to my car insurance?

Robert

Johnson City, TN

 

Because you are from Tennessee, this out of state traffic violation may or may not put points onto your Tennessee license.

Tennessee dropped out of the Drivers License Compact (DLC) in 1997 but the state still share tickets violations back to your home state and other states can still share moving violations to the Tennessee Department of Safety. You will have to contact this state agency to verify if the Virginia speeding ticket is on your driving record.

If the speeding ticket appears your Johnson City, Tennessee driving record, your car insurance rates could be affected depending on your insurance carrier’s rating system. You may contact your insurance company to find out about their rating system or contact your state’s insurance regulator.

 

Memphis Auto Insurance Rates

Reader’s Question:

If I received a speeding ticket in Virginia, but I am licensed in Memphis Tennessee, will I receive points on my TN drivers license still?

Jane

Memphis, TN

Virginia is part of the Drivers License Compact (DLC) but Tennessee is not a member of DLC. Still, TN does acquire information from other states regarding moving violation convictions.

If the Virginia courts notify the Tennessee Department of Safety regarding the speeding citation, if you are convicted of it, then it will likely go on your TN driving record. According to the TN Department of Safety if you are convicted of an out of state ticket, such as speeding in VA, and their courts notify the TN DPS that the offense will go on your driving record and points will be assessed.