Kimberly Olson

AAA Insurance Expert and Contributing Writer
Photo of AAA Via Magazine Contributor Kimberly Olson

Kimberly Olson is an experienced technical writer with a focus on insurance-related subjects.

Education

Kimberly has a B.A. in political science from the University of North Texas and a graduate of the Stanford Professional Publishing Course.

Experience

Kimberly has more than 20 years of experience as a writer and editor. She worked in custom publishing, including at Time Inc., for many years before striking out on her own as a freelancer. She’s been an insurance expert with AAA since 2001. She has grown up surrounded by people who love cars and learned about auto maintenance from her dad who restored a ‘63 Jaguar XKE. Her dream car is a vintage Triumph TR3.

She has written for publications including Diablo magazine, Entrepreneur, Health, and San Francisco Magazine, as well as for clients like the American Cancer Society, the John Muir Foundation, and the State of California.

Highlights

  • 10+ years as a writer and insurance guru with AAA.
  • Specialty focus in auto, homeowners, and life insurance.
  • Grew up around cars and learned how to maintain them.

Articles by Kimberly Olson

a car with winter tires on drives on snow and ice

Wondering if your tires are safe for winter driving? Learn how to assess the tread.

Two cars in the background after an accident with two people filling out an insurance claim

Need to file an insurance claim? Learn how the process works.

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Learn what it means when an insurance company touts their rating.

Picture of the back of a yellow classic care with a Just Married sign

Just married the love of your life? See how it affects your insurance rates.

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Learn the ins and outs of insurance underwriting.

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Get the inside scoop on what you pay your insurance company—and when.

A man takes his California Real ID out of his wallet

Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID to fly. Here’s how to get one.

A compilation of original equipment manufacturer or OEM parts in the shape of a car

If you find yourself in an accident, it's important to know that not all replacement parts are the same.

A home with solar panels and solar hot water heating on the roof.

Understand the disadvantages and advantages of adding solar panels to your home.

father and daughter in jeans, t-shirts-and baseball hats wash the exterior of the family car

Learn the best way to clean and detail your car with these helpful tips.

A speeding car passes another car on the left with partially cloudy blue skies

Find out what could be causing your car insurance premium to increase.

Close up view of a person in yellow rain boots walking through a flooded home

How to assess damage and begin flood cleanup to your house and damaged car.

Father and his daughter on a laptop going through the AAA Teen Smart driving program

Learn more about the Teen Smart driving program and how you can save on auto insurance for your teen through AAA.

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Are electric cars more expensive to insure? Learn more about getting car insurance for your EV and what coverage options to consider.

 A dad and his teen driver practice parking with orange cones

Find out how much it costs to get car insurance for your 16-18 year old driver and get tips on how to lower your rates.