Showing posts with label auto car insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label auto car insurance. Show all posts

How to Find Cheap Car Insurance

Thursday, July 30, 2009

auto insurance
With the rising costs of fuel and just about every other good or service we purchase, many of us are looking for cheap car insurance. When it comes to cheap car insurance most of us are clueless as to how to go about getting a low cost car insurance policy. There are many factors that influence your car insurance costs drastically.
For example, did you know that the type of car you drive will influence the cheap car insurance you're looking for? Or did you know that using anti theft devices will help reduce your over all car insurance costs? A good driving record will allow you to get cheap car insurance?
The deductible is the amount you pay first out of any claim for an accident. The car insurance policy's cost is directly related to your deductible. A lot of people, especially those with a good driving record, who have had their insurance policy for a long time, have never considered varying their deductible. If you have a clean driving record and are prepared for the risk of paying a larger amount in the event of a claim you can save money by increasing your deductible.
Many times you can get cheap car insurance by combining policies with you existing insurance company. For example if you have a home owners insurance policy contact them and ask for discounts for switching your car insurance to them. If you don't own a home perhaps you have renters insurance or life insurance, contact these companies about the savings you could get by switching your car insurance over to them. Most insurance companies are very accommodating to these requests.
It also pays to shop online for your cheap car insurance; many of the big companies offer a comparison of their coverage versus other companies. As you are requesting cheap car insurance quote online be sure to be completely truthful in answering the questionnaire. Additionally, you should know when you get your online quote you will need to follow up with actual paper work.
Whatever your motivation, with a little work you too can find the cheap car insurance you're looking for.
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Understanding Your Auto Insurance Claim

Friday, July 17, 2009

auto insurance
You will most likely need to deal with one or more adjusters who will determine the insurance salvage. Follow these simple tips to make sure you have taken all the necessary steps to collect the correct information and follow the correct procedure.
Do your self a favor and prepare in advance. Know the laws and the reporting requirements of the state you live in and drive in. Always carry an accident package in your car. It should contain paper, pen, and accident reporting form which are available online free from the DMV.
If an accident occurs remain calm and stop your car. If there are injuries do what you can to make the person or persons comfortable. Call the EMT to treat any injured parties and call the police.
If you smell gas or if the car is on fire clear all persons away from the area. Do not move seriously injured people unless it is a threat to their lives to leave them where they are.
If the accident is minor and there is only property damage and no injuries, put your hazard lights on and drive both vehicles to a safe location at the side of the road. Set up flare or reflective triangles in the rear and side of the cars to ensure other motorists are aware of your location.
Both drivers need exchange car insurance information. You also need to exchange the names of the drivers, all passengers in the vehicle, and any witnesses. As well as names you should obtain complete addresses and telephone numbers.
Next you will need to contact your insurance company and if you feel you need to contact a lawyer now is the time to do so.
Your car insurance company will need to collect all pertinent information. They will need the year, make, model, and license plate number of the other car. They will also need the drivers name, address, telephone number, date of birth, and his or her driver’s license number as well as the issuing state.
If the other drive is not insured obtain as much information as you can then notify the police. Both the police and the insurance company will want the full names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses.
If the police attend the accident scene request a business card from the attending officer that gives his full name and how you might reach him.
If you have a digital camera handy take plenty of photos. These days many people have a digital camera built right into their cell phone which is very convenient.
As soon as you are able, write down all details pertaining to the accident. Information such as weather conditions, pavement conditions, visibility and lightening could all become very important in determining who was at fault.
You also need to record the estimated speed of both vehicles. As well do a sketch of the accident scene marking the direction each driver was traveling. Make notes of things such as stop signs, traffic lights, other vehicles on the roadway, and any obstacles.
You should also record all damage to the car and any other property as well as all body injuries no matter how minor they appear.
Whatever you do, do not discuss who is at fault with the other driver. Insurance companies recommend you do not engage in conversation about fault. Give the police officer an account of the accident but in privacy away from the other driver.
Remember no one can force you to give details of the accident or admit blame. You always have the right to consult a lawyer before answering any questions.
Let’s hope you never have to file an insurance claim. But if you are well prepared should an accident occur you will be much more likely to record the necessary information to ensure that your claim proceeds smoothly.
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Understanding Your Auto Insurance

Thursday, July 16, 2009

auto insurance
Reading auto insurance policies can be like trying to decipher advanced calculus. It's really not that difficult if you understand a few basic terms. Collision, Comprehensive, Bodily Injury Liability and Property Injury Liability are the main terms you need to fully understand.
You'll appreciate Collision Coverage in the event you need repairs or replacements if your vehicle collides with another vehicle or property. The higher the deductible you elect, the lower your premiums will cost you. If you're at fault for something, well of course it would still be an accident, as I doubt you'd plan to run into that guard rail, but how much would you be able to afford to pay out of pocket for repairs? $250? $500? $1,000? Just like medical insurance, you'd have to pay that deductible amount first and then the insurance company would pay for the remaining charges for the repair.
Another term to become intimately familiar with is Comprehensive Coverage. This is the coverage that pays for damage caused from falling objects, fire, certain natural disasters, theft and vandalism. Deductibles work the same way as with Collision; the more out of pocket costs to you, the less your insurance premium.
In addition to knowing how much Collision and Comprehensive coverage you have, you'll want to know about your liability coverage. Let's say you rear-end another driver. Or your foot slips off the brake onto the gas pedal and you plow down a mailbox. Your liability coverage will kick in and pay for the damages that you caused with your insured vehicle. You liability coverage will, or could, include bodily injury (people) and property damage.
You don't want to go without Bodily Injury Coverage. If you were at fault in an accident and others involved needed to go to the hospital and/or lost wages from missing work, those costs would come out of your pocket if you are not insured with Bodily Injury Coverage. It doesn't take a genius to know how quickly those amounts can add up. This type of coverage can also help you in the event the other party takes legal action against you. Many states require you to carry Bodily Injury Coverage.
The other part of liability includes Property Damage coverage. Can you imagine how much it might cost should you accidentally drive into the side of someone's home? You wouldn't want to be caught without property damage insurance should you need to pay for repairs to another vehicle, building or anything else you might hit. As with Bodily Injury coverage, Property Damage coverage also helps protect you in the event of a related lawsuit.
Every policy will have its limits and various degrees of coverage. It's important that you understand the basics of what you are paying for and why it is necessary. No one plans for an accident, be prepared!
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How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance on the Internet

Thursday, July 9, 2009

auto insurance
If you have a connection to the Internet and a computer you can easily find cheap auto insurance. With more and more businesses turning to the Internet to service their customers and increase sales, it's no wonder you see an insurance man on every virtual corner.
Not only are most of the major companies online today they now provide insurance quotes and the ability to buy your policy right from their websites. This makes your search for cheap auto insurance a lot easier.
Another benefit to buying your insurance online is the pricing. Competition in the insurance industry is fierce and online companies often offer a discount for purchasing online.
The easiest way to zero in on a company who offers cheap auto insurance is to get quotes from more than one company and compare their offers. Esurance.com and Insurance.com are two great places to get quotes from multiple companies.
If you prefer to look for cheap auto insurance from individual insurance companies search for "cheap auto insurance" at Google.com and you'll find over 36 million results to choose from.
Millions of people search in the Internet everyday for cheap auto insurance. The insurance companies know this and every one of them claims to be the one to offer you the cheapest auto insurance. Buyer beware. There can be a huge difference in premium from one insurance company to another.
Things to look for when searching for cheap auto insurance:
Discounts available for a good driving record
Teen Driver Policy - Is it cheaper to have your teen driver on a policy designated to a specific car rather than the family car?
Multiple car discounts
Multiple policy discounts (auto, home, life)
Are senior discounts offered?
Are you covered when you drive someone elses car?
Will you be dropped from your insurance if you are involved in an accident?
Do they pay for a loaner if your vehicle is out of commission as a result of an accident?
What is the cost of 100% comprehensive coverage? - Things that happen to your vehicle other than being involved in an accident. ie. broken windshield.
Searching for cheap auto insurance is not an exact science. Some things will be more important to you than others based on your circumstances. Whatever your circumstances are, ask the questions based on your needs.
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How To Deal With Your Auto Insurance Company

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

auto insuranceDisputes, especially when it comes to settling insurance claims, are not new scenarios. In fact, they take place every day. Just what causes these disputes? Well, one of the obvious reasons is most policy holders think that they deserve to be paid a larger settlement than what they receive. Second, claims are slow to process. And third, claims are denied.
There are various ways to deal with your auto insurance company. First, is the aggressive approach, which I am not encouraging since I am a peace-loving individual, and believe that everything should be settled in a peaceful and civilized manner. There are actually several peaceful options which a policyholder may undertake depending on the degree of insurance dispute.
For cases wherein your insurance agent is unable to solve your problem, it is advised to get the name and then the phone number of your insurance company’s claims department. Afterwards, call the consumer complaint department and never hesitate to tell them your problem because they may be able to help you. And don’t forget to get the name of the person whom you talked with in the consumer complaint department.
The next step is to send all documents to the consumer complaint department to back up your complaints. Send it to the person whom you talked with in the consumer complaint department. But be sure not to send the original copies of your documents. Have your documents photocopied because you need the original copies in case you have to take the matter to court.
Another option that you have is to ask for reassessment of your claims from the appraisal service or the arbitration service of your insurance company. If the result still has not satisfied you there is always your own state’s insurance department that may be able to help you.
However, if you still feel that you have not been given a satisfying solution to your insurance problem you may call 1-800-942-4242 which is a toll free consumer information service that is sponsored by the insurance industry. They have trained personnel that are available to assist and answer queries relating to various auto insurance complaints. They are available Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Nevertheless, if you still feel that after you have applied all the above-mentioned options and yet you feel that you have not been given the appropriate solution you want, you can always take the matter to court. You can hire a lawyer, preferably one who is an expert in handling auto insurance cases.
There are many qualified lawyers out there who may be able to help you. According to studies, insurance claims have a much better chance of being settled if it is done with the assistance of an auto insurance expert lawyer. This is because your auto insurance lawyer knows every miniscule detail there is to know regarding auto insurance claims. Protect your rights; hire an auto insurance lawyer to help you.
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Free Online Car Insurance Quote – Make It Easy By Being Prepared

Saturday, July 4, 2009

auto insuranceYou can shop all day and night online for car insurance or you can be prepared and save time. Online car insurance quotes are as complete and accurate as the information that you provide. The best way to shop online is by giving the insurance company the detailed info that they need to give you the best possible rate.
The Vehicle Identification Number – You must enter this number online to receive the proper rate. The Vehicle identification number on a vehicle will indicate the safety features on your automobile and that will give you discounts. Air bags, seat belts, and anti-lock breaks are valuable discounts. Rates are higher without these discounts. Have your vehicle identification number available.
Drivers License Number – You are going to have your driving record investigated sooner or later and so you might as well get it done at the beginning so that you will have an accurate rate based on your driving record.
Prior Insurance – If you are comparison shopping then you will need to have your prior insurance policy available. Prior insurance discounts are huge but you have to prove that you have a policy by entering your present insurance company effective date and policy number.
Usage – it is important that you have a good understanding on how you use your vehicles. How far one way to work? Is your car used for pleasure? How many miles per year do you drive on each vehicle?
Discount Tips – Insurance companies will give discounts for a variety of reasons. There are retirement discounts for seniors. Young drivers receive discounts for drivers training education as well as good student discounts by some companies. Multi-policy discounts when both auto and home insurance are with the same company.
Online shopping is so much easier when you have all this information available. Be prepared and you will save valuable time and money.
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Cheap Auto Insurance - A Practical Solution for Reducing Car Expenses

Saturday, June 20, 2009

auto insuranceIn today’s world auto insurance is a necessity for any one with a car. I believe you will agree with me when saying that having a car is an expense on its own. Not to mention the Fuel prices these days. So what actually can be done to cut costs from your car payments? One of the easiest, quickest, safest and cost efficient ways to save money is getting cheap auto insurance rates. Some will say that their insurance payments are relatively low. That may be true but keep in mind that over 35% of auto insurance policy holders are overpaying their insurance and don’t even know about it.
The competition among insurance companies these days is huge due to a simple fact; the amount of cars in the world is constantly growing, meaning more insurance is needed. Some people insure 2 or even 3 cars through the same insurance company and aren’t aware that if they demand an additional discount they will easily get it and even if they don’t, no worries, there are lots of other reliable companies that will give them a better rate.
There are plenty of ways of saving hundreds of dollars from your annual premium. The first step is getting a quote. Filling out a quote should be done correctly and the cheapest and fastest way to get free quotes is online. Correct comparison is the key to great rates and it’s needless to say you should compare quotes from at least 3 different companies (the more the better). There are organizations which provide unbiased services helping you compare 1000 of bids from different auto insurance companies with filling out just one form. These systems can come in handy and save hours of quote comparison.
Ways To Save


The following are a few tested strategies you can apply for saving $300 - $500 from your premium. The more tips you apply the more you can save, believe it or not saving couldn’t be easier.
  • Raise your deductibles
  • Reduce coverage on older cars
  • Compare male and female as main drivers
  • If you haven’t had an accident – negotiate a discount
  • Take a defensive driving course and let the insurance company know that you have
  • Install anti theft devices
  • Ask for a discount if you have more than one type of insurance from the same company
  • Check for low mileage discounts
All in all it is important to understand that there are more than enough ways to save money, all you need to do is get started and it doesn’t require much effort or time. If you take a close look at what your payments are all about you will see that you could cut costs daily if you just give it a bit of time and correct calculation.
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Carrying Car Insurance Is A Smart Choice

Friday, June 19, 2009

auto insuranceCarrying car insurance is a crucial decision for anyone on the roads today. With so many drivers on cell phones, eating fast food and even watching TV while at the wheel, it isn’t unusual to find yourself in a “fender bender” or serious wreck. Having car insurance can make such an ordeal a lot less stressful for you and your family.
Car insurance, in plain English, protects you and your family financially if you ever have an accident in your car. You have a contractual agreement with your car insurance company. If you pay the premium you agree to in a timely manner, the car insurance company will cover your losses in the event of an accident.
Car insurance is typically made up of these three specific types of coverage: property coverage, liability coverage and medical coverage.
1. Any damage which occurs to your car in an accident will be covered by property coverage. Property coverage will also be used if your car is stolen.
2. Anything you are legally responsible for, such as when other are injured or their property is damaged in an accident determined to be your fault, will be covered by liability coverage.
3. Any payments needed for injuries, rehabilitation due to injuries, lost wages and funeral expenses will be covered by medical coverage.
Most states require that you carry car insurance in order to drive a vehicle of any type. At the time you received your driver’s license and when you renew your license plate for your car, showing proof of car insurance is a common practice. There are rare instances when car insurance is not required. However, in those rare instances, it is the law that you must be able to pay for any losses to others you might cause in an accident!
If there is ever a time you don’t carry car insurance, you will be taking a big risk. If an accident should occur, and you are determined to be at fault, you could find yourself responsible for the full cost of replacing your car, paying any medical bills, and any expenses that add up if you happen to cause harm or damage to someone else, their car or their property!
Car insurance is something you need to put into your budget every year. When you get a car insurance policy, it will normally cover you and your vehicle for 6 months to a year. You will find that your car insurance company will remind you whenever you need to renew your policy or if a premium payment is due.
Car insurance prices vary, just like any other services, from pretty inexpensive to extremely expensive. Remember that you normally get what you pay for, though. If you purchase an inexpensive car insurance policy, it probably won’t cover everything if you ever did get into an accident. The companies that offer cheap car insurance usually have high deductibles, too.
A great place to start your search for car insurance options is on the internet. Doing a simple keyword search under “car insurance” will pull up tons of information for you to browse and study at your leisure. Several car insurance companies even have the option for you to get free online quotes! What could be easier than that?
Just like other services out there, not all car insurance plans will fit your specific wants or needs. If you find a good car insurance company, they will work with you to create a plan that is right for you and your family. With older model cars that you don’t drive much, you may want a simple, inexpensive plan. With several cars and a large family including a newly licensed teen, you may want a family plan with as much coverage as you can afford to protect you in the event of any possible accident. Do your research and know what car insurance options are available to you so you can create and maintain a car insurance plan that is right and will work for you and your family.
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Car Insurance Tips to Remember

Thursday, June 18, 2009

auto insuranceLost your car? Well, provided your car has been insured, you can always get a reimbursement. That's the good thing about car insurance. It means insurance against loss due to theft or traffic accidents. Getting car insurance would guarantee payment of expenses incurred when your vehicle is involved in accidents, or is subjected to vandalism or theft. It also ensures you are able to cover the costs of potential damages or injuries.
Zero percent car insurance
Car insurance dealers may often make announcements of zero percent auto financing, and you may be tempted to go for this great deal. It would be a dream to drive away a new car with zero percent financing. This means a $15,000 car may fetch you savings in thousands, versus five-year car insurance with interest. However, you should know that this 0% car financing is not available for everyone. Many people even make the mistake of buying a more expensive car with no cost car insurance, thinking there will be no interest that they have to pay. Unfortunately, this happening is very rare.
Zero percent car insurance takes credit report into consideration to qualify for this insurance financing, and the guidelines for credit are extremely demanding too. There would be so many conditions of eligibility along with this offer that eventually only a few can actually get a great deal with the dealers. It is seen that car insurance with an interest rate offers a much better deal. Most of the time, this zero percent car insurance is offered only on some select vehicles; mostly on slow vehicles as the dealer's main aim is to get rid of the vehicles.
If you are a first time buyer, or you have a limited budget for your car, you should carefully investigate the different insurance policies available, as some might suit you better financially. So do some research, as it is possible to get cheap motor insurance as well as keep the premium on the policy very low.
Tips on car insurance
Some important tips to remember are:
• Higher excess: You can opt yourself to pay a higher excess in the event of an insurance claim.• Do thorough research on the internet, as online car insurance is a lot cheaper.• You get cheaper insurance if you get an approved immobilizer fitted in your car.• Get an insurance broker, as he can help you pick the right insurance.• If you are a student, you may gain some concession from the companies.• You can also get a cheap car with a small engine, as the more costly the car is, the higher the premium will be.• By building and protecting a 'no claims' bonus you will have a great impact on your insurance rates.• If your car was very cheap, it may be cost-effective to have third-party, fire and theft insurance, instead of fully comprehensive cover. • Never give your price first, and never take the first quote from an insurer.• If you can, get your own copy of Credit Report and show it to the insurance companies, as they will charge you to get it for you during the approval process.
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Car Insurance Legal Expense Cover : The Policy Essential

Thursday, June 11, 2009

auto insuranceLike many people buying car insurance, you shop around and buy online. You’ve found a really good, cost-efficient deal. So when it comes to the final checkout, do you choose to tick Yes or No in that Legal Expenses Cover box? It will add a little more to the total, and it’s not an absolute requirement, so you may be tempted to leave it out. Not least because it’s definitely not the most well-known part of insurance! It is, however, something we think you really should consider adding if it’s not in the policy as standard. And here’s an example of why:
Earlier in the year Jake, one of our freelance writers, was involved in a car accident. His Golf Mark I is his pride and joy, and he’s spent many happy weekends working on it. So naturally, he wanted total insurance coverage for every eventuality – even legal expenses.
This certainly proved to be the right decision after the accident. The car was hit from the rear, so some of the vehicle damage could be fixed. The insurance company worked fast to deal with the claim. Unfortunately, Jake also suffered a broken wrist and some whiplash. If he hadn’t taken legal expenses cover, the bill for a solicitor to pursue his compensation claim would have been solely his responsibility. Fortunately, since he had the cover, Jake was able to get his compensation quickly. Working as a freelance writer, Jake doesn’t have the safety net of employer sick pay. Lost hours mean lost money. Jake was out of work for a month – and a month’s wages. With legal expenses cover, however, Jake was able to claim for loss of earnings and will receive compensation for them any day now.
The total cost of this peace of mind and earnings security? An extra £2 a month on his premium, surely a worthwhile investment for anyone’s money!
Fully comprehensive car insurance ensures that your vehicle is well taken care of, but how about the driver? Jake’s accident was not his fault, but he had to spend a month off work. Without legal expenses cover, the cost of getting compensation would have fallen to him. With it, he was as well protected as his beloved car, and didn’t have to worry about being able to afford to make a claim.
Take another example of a typical accident: you are unharmed, but your car has to wait in the repair shop for two weeks while parts come in. Without replacement car hire as part of your insurance deal, you will have to rely on public transport – not the reason you bought your own vehicle! With legal expense cover, you can use a hire car and know that your trouble and inconvenience will be compensated.
All you need to do when you claim on your legal expenses policy is to provide the accident details in the same way you normally would – all the paperwork will be taken care of for you. It’s possible that you may need to speak to your solicitor, or appear in the stand in the event of the case going to court, but you won’t ever have to pay any legal fees.
And the cost is low, sometimes even free. Admiral include it as standard. Most insurers do make a charge, but it averages around £20 a year – for example, More Than charge £17.85, and Budget add an extra £24. Consider the legal battles that have resulted from accident claims in the past – especially those where serious injuries and claims were involved. Compensation – and costs – can run into millions. No-one can doubt that in cases like these, legal expenses cover is a worthwhile addition to any policy.
So next time you buy car insurance, make sure your policy includes legal expenses cover. Take it as an extra if it’s not part of the standard package. You’ll barely notice the extra cost, but you’ll certainly be aware of the benefits if you ever need it.
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Car Insurance Explained

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

auto insuranceFinding the right policy and the cheapest insurance cover can be a tricky process; drivers use the Internet, by telephone, read magazines, watch TV advertisement to get information on savings and offers on car insurance.
Owning and driving a car means taking on many risks to yourself and others. When a traffic accident happens, damage, injuries, loss or all of these factors may be inflicted upon you and others. Damage and loss of your property may also occur. Fire, theft, vandalism and natural disasters are other possible risks.
Car Insurance protects motorists and drivers against liability in the event of accidents they may cause. It can also provide cover for the motorist's own vehicle.
Many different types of cover are available, ranging from third party cover which protects individuals against liability should they injure a third party or cause damage to a third party's property, but does not provide any cover for the individual's own vehicle or property, through to comprehensive cover, which can offer protection for accidental damage, theft, fire damage as well as liability towards third parties. The minimum legal requirement for car insurance to drive in the UK is Third Party Only.
Here are 5 steps to follow to find the cheapest deal:
STEP ONE: EXCESS Voluntary excess – the easiest way to cut your insurance premiums is to accept a higher voluntary excess. An insurer's standard excess may be £100; but if you meet the first £250 of any claim, you'll see a reduction in your premium. This is simply because you are more of the risk so you get a discount by your insurance company. This however is a gamble, insurer should be aware that they may have to meet the cost of a broken window after an attempted theft, then a bill for repairing bodywork damage after a car park crunch.
STEP TWO: SECURITY One way to get cheaper insurance premiums is to fit a security device. Many insurers advise insurer’s to use Thatcham rated security equipment, usually minimum of an alarm. If you are living in a high-risk which may be known for car crime it would be useful to fit an extra security such as steering lock. This will save you money when your insurance renewal is due and gives you extra peace of mind.
STEP THREE: NAMED DRIVERS Adding a named driver to your policy can increase or reduce your premiums depending upon the named drivers age, sex and driving record. When adding a young driver will increase your premiums, particularly with a limited or poor driving record. However, adding a driver over 30 years old with a long and clean driving record can cut premiums, particularly if the named driver is a female.
STEP FOUR: ANNUAL MILEAGE If your annual mileage is, 5,000 miles or less, ask insurers if they offer discounts for agreed mileage restrictions, as some insurance companies do give discounts for restricted mileage. However many insurers won't offer this option as standard but will agree a discount if you ask.
STEP 5 - SHOP AROUND FOR GOOD RATES The biggest potential savings come from shopping around. This has been made much easier with the explosion of the internet. There can be massive differences between the lowest and highest car insurance quotes for exactly the same car and driver(s).
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Car Insurance Basics

Monday, June 8, 2009

auto insuranceCar insurance is basically insurance that drivers can purchase for any kind of vehicle in order to protect against losses sustained in traffic accidents. Auto insurance policies are, in reality, a bundle of different coverages. This insurance will usually cover the insured party, the insured motor vehicle, and any third parties involved. Different policies will identify the situations in which each of these entities is covered.
Below are the specific coverages involved when you purchase car insurance.
- Liability Insurance: Liability coverage is the most basic and foundational coverage in car insurance policies and is required in most states. This coverage ensures that if you are the one at fault in an accident, your liability insurance will pay for the physical injury and property damage expenses of any third parties involved. This coverage includes legal bills. Remember that third parties can sue you for “pain and suffering” damages. Minimum insurance may not sufficiently cover you in more extreme cases, which is why many people recommend that drivers purchase more than the state minimum required. Liability coverage limits are usually conveyed with three numbers. For example, liability limits of 20/50/10 indicate that there is coverage of $20,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $10,000 in property damage coverage per accident.
- Collision Coverage: In the case that you are in an accident, collision insurance will pay for the repairs that your vehicle requires. Collision coverage is usually the most expensive coverage that you will have to pay for. Insurance companies will declare a vehicle “totaled” or a “write-off” if the replacement would be cheaper than the repairs needed.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This coverage will pay for any damages to an automobile that were not caused by an accident. Qualifying damages include damages arising from carjackings, vandalism, natural disasters, and hitting an animal.
- MedPay, PIP, and No-Fault Coverages: MedPay will pay for the medical expenses of you and anyone else in your car after an accident, regardless of whose fault the accident was. PIP (Personal Injury Protection) and “no-fault” coverages are other forms of medical payment protection. They are broader than MedPay and may be required in certain states. These expanded coverages cover child care and lost wages.
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists Coverages: UM (Uninsured Motorists) coverage will pay for injuries you have sustained if you are involved in a hit-and-run by a driver who does not have auto insurance, and is mandatory in many states. UIM (Underinsured Motorists) coverage will pay for you if the driver who hit you creates more damage than their liability insurance can cover.
- Supplemental Coverages: Rental reimbursement is an add-on that will cover rented vehicles in case of damage or theft. Auto replacement coverage ensures that your automobile will be fully repaired for replaced even if the costs are more than its depreciated value. Coverage for towing and labor covers you in case of an auto failure on the road where towing is necessary. These supplemental coverages are usually offered as separate items or included in larger policies.
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Car Insurance: Types of Insurance You Need to Understand

Saturday, June 6, 2009

auto insuranceWith all this traveling in and out, back and forth around the maze that is the United States infrastructure, its easy to understand why auto insurance is required in order to own an operate a car. For car buyers, an effort needs to be made on the part of insurance companies to provide information on the different types of auto insurance available. These include bodily injury and liability, collision, comprehensive, full glace, liability, medical coverage, personal injury protection, and underinsured or uninsured motorist.
Liability insurance coverage is imperative to have as a driver. This insurance covers any injuries or damages to property that may occur during an accident. Two types of liability include bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance.
Medical insurance is different in that it focuses on the driver and passengers of the car. This will cover any medical treatment for the driver and the passengers. In addition, the medical insurance may or may not offer disability insurance and pain and suffering compensation.
Uninsured or under-insured drivers insurance will pay any costs that you or your passengers may experience if an accident should occur with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured.
Collision insurance deals with the cost of damage caused by a collision to your car that may affect the book value. Comprehensive deals more with damage caused by vandalism, natural disasters, theft or other kinds of damage.
There are several other types of car insurance. These include glass replacement insurance, towing insurance etc. These types of insurance are often not required and are not popular as they are often costly.
Now that you know what types of car insurance are out there, the next step is to find a credible insurance agent. The first place to investigate this is through family and friends. Referrals will help you sort those agents that you want to investigate further. You will want to speak with several different agents before you make your final decisions. Ask any and all questions you may have. That is what the agent is there for.
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Car Insurance - How can you lower your premiums?

Thursday, June 4, 2009

auto insuranceMany factors influence the premium for your Motor insurance policy. Your insurer will have asked you many questions whilst producing your quote - some of which will affect your premium and some will not. Below we discuss the key variables that are within the policyholder's control.
Consolidating policies
By insuring a number of vehicles with the same insurer, or by trying to take out home and life insurance through your car insurer, you may be able to secure a ‘bulk buy’ discount.
Location
A big influence on the cost of your car insurance is where you live. The chance of your car being broken into or stolen is a key concern for the insurer. More urban areas traditionally facing greater risk of theft and therefore tend to be more expensive than countryside locations.
Excess
By agreeing to pay a greater excess on each claim you can reduce your car insurance premiums. This is because you are reducing the liability of the insurer and therefore in return they are able to offer you a lower premium.
Your Vehicle
The cheaper and slower your vehicle the lower your premiums are likely to be. If you are looking to buy a new vehicle make sure you fully consider the cost of insurance – you may be able to buy the car but can you afford to run it?
Mileage
You can control your insurance premiums by restricting your annual mileage. However, be aware that if you exceed the restricted number of miles you'll then become uninsured!
Parking
Where you park your vehicle overnight is also very important to the insurers. If it is kept in a locked garage, you should be offered a lower premium than if you leave it unattended in the street.
Security
Security devices that prevent or hinder theft may also reduce your premium. Common examples include alarms and immobilisers, however, be aware that as we improve the quality of our security devices the thieves just become better at bypassing them.
No Claims Discount
Save up your no claims discount by avoiding making small claims upon your policy. After a set number of years, 4 or 5 typically, you'll often be offered the option to pay an additional small premium to protect your no claims bonus. This can prove very helpful if you subsequently end up having an accident.
Advanced driving skills
By taking an advanced driving course you may also be able to reduce your premiums. The Institute for Advanced Motorists and the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents each offer membership which provides you with discounts for both the cost of driving courses and your car insurance premiums. Two key variables NOT within the policyholder's control.
Your Sex.
Women are statistically less likely to have an accident and, if they do, it's less likely to be serious. Because of these statistics women benefit from lower premiums. It is also worth noting that if you represent one half of a couple you should consider having the female as the primary driver with the male as the second driver.
Your Age
The older you are, the less likely you are to make a claim. As a result insurance companies charge lower premiums for more mature drivers.
One final piece of advice.
A large percentage of car insurance is now sold on the Internet. That's because it's convenient and cheap. Many insurers now give a further 10%-15% discount if you buy online.
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Car Insurance : What Is Liability And Collision Insurance?

Monday, June 1, 2009

auto insurance
You know full well that it’s the law, but you’ve been driving around without car insurance for a while now. Why? Car insurance is of supreme importance to any driver, no matter how good you think you are. Accidents happen, plain and simple, and you need to be protected in case it does. Not all car insurance is the same, though, and you may be a little confused as to the concepts.
The first term you need to know is liability car insurance. This covers you from claims arising from an accident where there’s bodily damage or damage to property. Generally, there are three main sections of any liability car insurance policy: bodily injury liability coverage, liability coverage for damage to property, and uninsured coverage. The first type of coverage protects you in the case of an accident, for which you are at fault, and others have been injured. Your liability car insurance company will pay any legitimate claims for medical expenses or lost wages. If you’ve run into someone’s wall, or the side of their house, you’ll need liability insurance for property damage, which will pay for repairs. In the instance where you are not necessarily at fault and the other driver does not have liability car insurance, you are protected by uninsured, or under-insured, motorist coverage.
Liability car insurance is not the same as collision car insurance. As you can see, nothing was mentioned about fixing your car in the above description. That’s because it’s not covered under a simple liability car insurance policy. You’ll need collision car insurance, unless you’re willing to pay out of your own pocket. Collision car insurance covers repairs to your car in the case of, you guessed it, a collision with another object. If you’re one of those people who gets their kicks by running over poor, defenseless animals, this coverage isn’t for you. You’ll need comprehensive car insurance to fix that cracked headlight.
Generally, you can choose you’re deductible rate, i.e., the amount that your car insurance company will pay out to repair your car. Typically, the higher the deductible, the lower the car insurance premium. You will definitely need collision car insurance if you are leasing a vehicle, if you own a fairly new car or if you are making payments to a finance company. Owners of much older cars may want to skip this form of car insurance altogether. If your car is totaled, the car insurance company will pay you that market value of your car, minus the value of your deductible. If you are able to absorb the cost of replacing your car yourself, you may want to forgo this.
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Car Insurance : Protect Your Second Life!

Sunday, May 31, 2009

auto insuranceAuto insurance in general, which includes car insurance is an insurance consumers can purchase for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. It’s mainly meant to provide protection against losses incurred as a result of car accidents and also thefts of vehicle. It also includes losses arising due to natural calamities. To have your car insured is mandatory by law. When you insure you get a "policy" which is based on a variety of factors including the type of car you drive, as well as what kind of insurance you want, as these policies are actually a package of different types of insurance coverage. They can be classified as:
· Liability - This coverage pays for accidental physical injury of the body and damage to others’ property. Injury damages include medical expenses, pain or suffering and lost wages. Property damage includes damages to the automobile. This coverage also pays for defense and court costs. State laws fix how much liability coverage you must purchase, but you can also get more coverage if you wish.
· Collision - This insurance pays for damages to your vehicle caused by collision with another vehicle or object.
· Comprehensive - This coverage pays for losses or damages to the insured vehicle that doesn't occur in an auto accident. The possible types of damages comprehensive insurance covers include loss caused by fire, wind, hail, flood, vandalism or theft.
· Medical Coverage - Pays medical expenses regardless of whose fault it was as long as the expenses are caused by an auto accident.
· PIP - Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - This coverage pays medical expenses for the insured driver, regardless of whose fault it was, for treatment due to injuries arising in an auto accident.
· Uninsured Motorist - Pays for your car's damages when an auto accident is caused by another driver who doesn't have liability insurance.
· Underinsured Motorist – Pays for your car's damages when an auto accident is caused by someone who has insufficient liability insurance to settle all your claims.
· Rental Reimbursement - This type of insurance will pay for a rental car if your rented car is damaged due to an auto accident. Often this coverage has a daily allowance to be paid for at the time of renting a car.
Certain insurance policies club together a number of these types of coverage. Depending on the laws that exist in your state you have to choose the insurance you want for your car. Even though the state may not require extensive insurance, extra coverage may be worth the expense as it is possible that you may be straddled with thousands of dollars because of an auto accident.
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Car Insurance : Be assured for a safe drive

Friday, May 29, 2009

auto insuranceShopping for car insurance is the only way to save on the car insurance. Car Insurance is the perfect solution for your problem on car theft, accidents etc. People are quite dependent on their vehicles and losing a vehicle by an accident or theft will be a financial loss. Moreover it will affect our day to day activities like office, school, doctor's appointment etc.
Benefits of Car Insurance Policy
Some insurance policies offer number of standard benefits, while other benefits are available as optional covers in return for an extra premium. Some of the more common Car insurance policy benefits are:• Windscreen• Driving other cars• Medical expenses• Personal effects• New car benefits• Lock replacement
Many auto insurance agencies offers you benefits like less premium, 70% discount on first-rate service (if our recommended garages have not repaired your car), free car servicing (if your car has been repaired by one of our recommended garages). They also provide you additional services like breakdown assistance and motoring protection at minimal price. A car insurance agency controls your car insurance policy from beginning to end.
Nowadays it’s easy to buy your auto insurance online. Online auto insurance is the best option if you want to save your money and time.
Additional Car Insurance policy services include
• Motoring protection This service pays for personal injuries that you have sustained from the accident and also we pay for injuries that others might have sustained. This service also covers for any kind of property loss. This service also handles any legal technicalities.• Breakdown assistanceThis services provides assistance incase your car breakdown and more often than not at a worst possible time. Complete details of these services are available when you get your car insurance quote or renew your policy online.
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Auto Insurance Rate

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

auto insuranceAfter so many experts have warned us that the cost of car insurance is on the rise, what's happened? It's fallen! It's mostly down to the growing impact of shopping online.
In the second half of 2005 the average car insurance premium fell from £470.17 to £462.15. But it's the silver surfers who've benefited most. During the last six months of last year, drivers over the age of 65 have seen their average premium fall by 4.5% from £342 to £347. What is most surprising are the huge differences in premiums between providers. Differences of 40% between the most expensive and the cheapest are common.
It seems that most motorists are not aware of this as every year, half of them automatically renew their insurance with their existing insurer. A further 19% only bother to get one competitive quotation.
And readers will be surprised who sells the expensive policies. A recent survey in “Which”, the consumer magazine, shows that Norwich Union - the UK's biggest insurer - failed to come top in any of the 36 driver categories surveyed. Direct Line, another well-known name, only managed one top spot.
This is down to the marketing strategies of the big brand names. They have been building up their client base with low prices and heavy advertising and then gradually increase prices. They are clearly relying on apathy and brand loyalty to keep their clients. And with 50% automatically renewing, it works!
But if you decide to shop around, be careful. A low price isn't everything. Some policies have mouth-wateringly low prices but skimp elsewhere.
For example, when your car is being repaired, do you want a courtesy car? Some policies only pay £100 or so for stolen audio equipment. Is that enough? Do you want to insure your personal belongings whilst they're in your car? And crucially, some comprehensive policies won't provide third party cover if you to drive another person's car - even with their permission!
Before you decide, it's wise to consider all these aspects.
But going back to price, if you think prices are cheapest on the Internet, you're right! Internet quotations are normally 5% - 10% cheaper than telephone quotes.
When Internet shopping, most people look for the cheapest quote and then read the details about the cheapest policy to check out that they provide the cover that's needed. You can hunt for the best deals by searching under “car insurance” but some of the discount insurance sites are more easily found if you type in “discount car insurance” or “cheap car insurance”.
But please remember, when renewal time comes around go shopping again. Don't automatically renew! It's so easy on the Internet as I found this year. My previous insurer quoted me £945 and I eventually bought it for £702. A saving of £243 for 30 minutes work.
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The Car Insurance: Involved In An Accident With An Uninsured Driver?

Saturday, May 23, 2009

auto insuranceUninsured drivers are ten times more likely to drink and drive and three times more likely to be convicted of driving without due care and attention. They also cause one accident every six months. In fact one in twenty motorists regularly drive without insurance. It's therefore not perhaps surprising that, one in ten of all motorists have been involved in accidents with uninsured drivers. The question is what to do if you're involved in an accident with one?
At the time of the accident you're unlikely to realise that the other driver is uninsured so you'll have to react in the normal way. Take a note of the other car's make, model and registration number. Also note the other driver's name and address – but whether he'll give you his correct details is perhaps unlikely! Nevertheless, always record what the other driver says. Unless you have this information you'll have no leg to stand on when it comes to getting some of your money back.
Also take notes about the damage to the other car and the accident scene. Remember to note road markings, road signs, light and weather conditions and whether the other car had its lights on – in fact as much detail as possible. Then if you're lucky enough to have an independent witness get their full contact details. And if you happen to have a camera in the car, take lots of pictures - and try and get one with the other driver clearly in the picture. The police might like that one!
If your policy is comprehensive, your insurer pay for your car to be repaired but you could lose your no claims discount unless you've paid to protect it. But then there's the issue of your excess payment – that's the first part of the repair cost you have to pay for. You'll have to pay that unless you're lucky enough to have a policy that waives the excess payment if you're hit by an uninsured driver.
For those of you with third party car insurance, you're in for a hard time. Your insurer won't pay for your repairs and, as the other driver is uninsured, you're not going to get any money off him unless you can trace him and succeed in a court action. Even then there's no guarantee that he'll pay up! Your only guaranteed solution is to make a compensation claim to the Motor Insurers' Bureau - but you'll still have to pay the first £300 of the claim.
The Motor Insurers' Bureau insists that have the other drivers' car registration number and you must first report the accident to the police. Always ask the police for a copy of their accident report as the Bureau's likely to ask to see it.
At the moment The UK' Law is being amended to crackdown on uninsured drivers. Not before time. Anyone keeping, not just driving, an uninsured vehicle now faces a fixed £100 fine and can also have their car seized and crushed. Currently the average fine for driving without insurance is just £170 and that's hardly a punishment when car insurance costs many times more. Losing the car plus a fine of £100 is much more realistic. Let's hope that the courts fully implement the crushing sanction!
A police spokesman said recently, “ Uninsured drivers are often guilty of many other driving related offences, such as having no driving licence or MOT certificate. We're doing everything in our power to get these dangerous and illegal drivers off our roads”.
We say, go to it blues and two's!
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Buy Car Insurance Online : A Few Tips To Get You Started

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

auto insuranceThere is a large shopping mall online for car insurance. You can buy car insurance online if you understand the process. You have to accurately report your rating information to an online car insurance quoting website. Your accuracy is critical because the data that you give will determine the rate. Truthful and detailed rating information is a must if you are seriously considering buying car insurance online. The process will educate you about your own insurance and will give you confidence to shop online in the future.
Here’s what you need…
1. Driver License – Every resident relative in the household will have to be rated on the policy. You will need the driver’s license number for every individual that will be rated on the policy.
2. Insurance Declarations Page – This page is mailed to you every time your policy renews. It contains all of the insurance information that you will need to enter on the online quoting website.
3. Car Registration Card – The registration card will provide the vehicle identification number. Every vehicle gets its rate from the vehicle registration number. It will indicate the air bags, anti-lock brakes, and any other safety features. These features give you discounts.
4. Property Insurance Policy – The best rates on car insurance are usually multi-policy rated. You might as well get a rate on your homeowner policy and compare and get the multi-policy discount.
Online Shopping for car insurance requires you to provide all the necessary information. The nice thing about online shopping is that you can do it at home and at your convenience. The quotes are usually sent to competing companies and when you receive the quote you will also have the option to e-mail the agent. Agents are doing business online all of the time and they also find it to be a convenient way to do business.
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