Is A Higher Auto Insurance Rate For Men Twenty Five And Below Discrimination?

What makes a man below 25 so attractive? Is it the angst to make it big in life? Is it the youthful charm? Is it the fashion sense? Or… is it that shimmering blue car he got?
To have a car is an advantage. You get to travel with not much hassle compared to having to commute. For young men especially that below 25, owning one is a symbol of masculinity. They often use it as a magnet for the opposite sex.
Beneath these fine points, one disadvantage these young men suffer in having a car is: THEY HAVE TO PAY HIGHER AUTO INSURANCE RATE. As the rationale of this policy tells, younger men are at high risks compared to older ones. That is why they have to pay for higher rates.
Some understand and realize this point but for many, they think it is a form of “discrimination”.
The word discrimination is defined as-treatment or consideration based on class or category rather than individual merit; partiality or prejudice: racial discrimination; discrimination against foreigners.
Most young men who claim that indeed there is discrimination feels that though they are at high risks, why must charges be different? It is like charging one person according to gender, race or age which is a form of discrimination.
There is a difference between legal discrimination and the one which is defined by the dictionary. Legal discrimination often pertains to justified discrimination. Discriminating auto insurance rates through age is not true to all states. In some places like California, they categorize them through driving experience. Charges are higher to those who have been driving for less than 9-10 years than those who have been driving more than 10 years to fifty years. For those who are 80 years old or more or the senior citizens have to pay more because they are also at high risks.
In the United States of America, principles which are not prohibited by laws are considered to be permitted. This makes charging bigger rates of auto insurance to men below 25 neither legally discriminatory nor illegal.
Complaints like auto insurance must be based in the drivers’ records whether he drives well or not and not by age. Complainants think that it is unjust to charge everybody for the mistake of half. The basis of charging higher to men 25 and below is the psychological aspect, at this age they become playful, very adventurous, risk-takers and they drink a lot!
DISCRIMINATION strikes you when you only let somebody do so.

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Will Your Auto Insurance Weather The Storm?

Severe storms can cause enormous property damage to your home. They can also do the same thing to your car. With storms getting worse, what can you do? Take a look at your insurance policy. "Too often, people don't notice they lack certain types of coverage until they try to make a claim," says Ron Berry, senior vice president of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.
In fact, the number of reported claims for vehicle losses due to severe storms nearly doubled in the first five years of this century, according to ISO's Property Claim Services (PCS) unit, the recognized authority on insured property losses from catastrophes in the United States.
Fortunately, the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), a nonprofit organization, says comprehensive coverage will reimburse you for loss due to fire, falling objects, storms, vandalism, animals and floods.
Comprehensive insurance usually has a $100 to $300 deductible, though you may want a higher one to lower your premium. Comprehensive insurance will reimburse you if your windshield is cracked or shattered.
"But, even if you have comprehensive coverage, it is not always guaranteed to meet your individual needs," says Carolyn Gorman, vice president of the I.I.I. "For example, you may be surprised to discover that after a storm your auto insurance does not automatically cover the cost of a replacement rental car while your car is in the repair shop or you wait for authorization for a new car."
She added that an individual could pay as much as $1,000 to rent a replacement car. "Rental reimbursement coverage, which is only a couple of dollars a month, covers the cost of a rental car while your car is being repaired or you are waiting for authorization for a new car. Renting a car for one day can cost more than one full year's coverage for rental reimbursement," Gorman said.
If your car is ever damaged in a storm:
• Know what your insurance covers. Don't wait to find out it doesn't include comprehensive or won't cover emergency roadside assistance or a rental car.
• Report damage as soon as possible. If your car is not drivable, your agent or claims center may be able to save you time and money by having it towed directly to the repair facility and providing you with a replacement rental car.
• Know your deductible and any other additional charges before authorizing work. Expect your insurance adjuster, claims representative or repair facility appraiser to review the damage with you and explain the process, including the use of original or generic auto parts.

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Understanding Your Auto Insurance Claim

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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Getting Discounts From Your Auto Insurance Company

Let’s face it an auto insurance company is a business that is created to make a profit and if we are not careful we might end up paying super high premium rates when we could have paid much lower premiums if we only did some research.
Here is a list that I hope will help car owners in lowering their premium rates:
• Safety devices against car thieves
Who would ever think that theft devices are valuable not only in guarding your car against thieves, but also in lowering your premium? Theft devices come in various types. Some are automatic while some need to be manually operated. All these theft devices provide extra premium discounts. In some states window sketching may also be a source of additional premium discounts.
• Multiple car discount
Let us say that you have two cars (for the sake of the illustration) that you want to insure with an auto insurance company. Usually you have to pay separate premiums but did you know that you could actually save a great deal on the premium that you will be paying for your second car? How? Consult your insurance agent to help you.
• Choose Yearly Renewable Auto Insurance Policies
Purchasing a yearly auto insurance policy will provide you with greater savings since the premium rate is fixed for one year compared to buying a six-month policy which changes rates every six months. If you purchase a six-month policy the premium you paid on your first semi-annual premium will not be the same as your second annual premium payment. So instead of saving, you tend to pay more for the same amount of benefits.
• Comprehensive storage coverage
The comprehensive storage coverage is ideal if you are thinking of storing your car for a period of time. It is a great savings idea to keep only the comprehensive coverage during the time you store your car since other coverage will not be required. A car in the garage is unlikely to get into a collision thus it will not require liability coverage.
• Mileage
The mileage that your car travels everyday has a significant effect on the premium rate that you are to pay since the mileage will determine the particular class in which your car belongs. Each class has a different premium rate.
• Organization affiliation
There are many auto insurance companies that offer a discount for being affiliated with certain organizations. These organizations may range from credit unions, college sororities and fraternities, or just having a certain credit card may also earn you a considerable discount on your premium. To be sure, call your service center and ask them for a list of the organization affiliations that they accredit, the same goes with the credit cards.
• Defensive driving course
Some auto insurance companies provide considerable discounts simply by attending defensive driving courses. For more details just check with your state insurance commissioner or you insurance company to see if you qualify and also to inquire on their accredited driving centers.

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Finding cheap online auto insurance

Automobile car insurance is something that we all need and should command careful consideration. When in the market for auto insurance coverage, and with so many car insurance companies to choose from, it can be a bit confusing when trying to decide on the best and most affordable coverage for your vehicle. With the convenience of the internet, finding all the information required to get the best deals and rates can easily be accomplished online. Finding a reputable auto car insurance company is a job within itself, and like buying a home, it is imperative you clearly understand what you are getting. When in search of cheaper car insurance rates you should take into account all the factors that can affect your car insurance premiums. So before you sign on the dotted line, read the fine print of Automobile Insurance Policy to insure you are getting the necessary coverage to protect yourself. It happens time and time again, when the car owner gets into an accident or fender bender, the coverage they thought they were paying for is not part of their policy which can lead to out-of-pocket expenses. Get several car insurance quotesSome key factors when shopping for cheap car insurance is to first make sure you get at least three or four quotes since the price you pay for your car insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars. Finding cheaper insurance rates depends on your previous driving records, to include any type of infraction such as speeding, seat belt and auto accidents. Age, gender and the type of car you are seeking auto insurance coverage on including the age of the vehicle, will clearly be critical factors in determining your annual car premiums.It is equally important to find a car insurance company that can answer any questions you may have and how quickly they handle claims fairly and efficiently. Once you decide on a quote you are satisfied with, before agreeing to anything check with your state insurance department about the company’s history. Finding out the financial well-being of an insurable institution and the number ratio of consumer complaints, could avoid headaches or any future regrets. Learn the facts about car insuranceSome other ways of saving money is to ask your insurance broker or agent for a higher deductible. The deductive is the amount of money you pay before the insurance company pays out on your claim. The purpose of requesting a higher deductible can lower your auto rates substantially. When you increase the deductible from $500 to $1,000 you can potentially save you over 40% on your car insurance rates simply because the insurance company will pay out less for your claim. However, if you know that you can not pay out the higher deductible should something happen to your car in the instance of an accident, and then it is best to remain at a lower deductible.When figuring out the appropriate insurance coverage for your car, take into account the age of the car. This could also influence your auto premium, for example you may want to consider excluding the collision or comprehensive coverage on an older car. It is not cost saving to yourself when you continue to pay full coverage on a car worth less than amount you pay for your insurance coverage. If the car has a market value of $2,000 or less, you would not want to pay more in premiums since you will never get back what you are paying out. You can easily find out the current market value of your car in order to find out what coverage you will require from a number of valued sources such as banks, auto dealerships, or go online and use the search term, “finding the value of your vehicle”. As the saying goes, an educated consumer is a smart consumer, the more you understand prior to purchasing auto insurance, you will be able to make an informed and valued decision.

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Compare Your Auto Insurance Quote Between Multiple Carriers In Your State

Compare your free auto insurance quote between multiple carriers in your state. An easy way to obtain these cheap auto insurance quotes is by going to a broker-style website and requesting a quote. I got an auto insurance quote really fast and secure. Follow this link to a site for a free auto insurance quote. Or click here for an auto insurance quote today. Click here to get a free auto insurance quote. *Complete each field below to receive a free auto insurance quote. We are your best source for auto insurance quote comparison. Quick and easy way to get you auto insurance quote FREE. After you receive your auto insurance quote, get a free no-obligation quote for homeowners or renters insurance. click to apply for an affordable auto insurance quote today! Get an auto insurance quote and save today. Fill out a request and get an auto insurance, health Insurance, or life insurance quote today. Requesting a higher deductible will help you get a cheap auto insurance quote.
We will also tell you what differences exist between one auto insurance company and another. You agree to pay the premium and the auto insurance company agrees to pay your losses as defined in your auto insurance policy. It is a contract between you and the auto insurance company. Go to the NYS Insurance Department web site to read more information about auto insurance and see a list of insurance company codes. Learn what AIG affiliated auto insurance company is in your state. Responsiveness & AvailabilityIt's critical that your auto insurance company responds when you really need assistance.
Auto insurance deductiblesOn my way to a company authorized seminar, a deer hit my car, causing considerable damage. SR-22A form which must be filed by the insurance company stating that auto liability insurance is in effect for a particular individual. Each auto insurance company weighs the factors differently to come up with a cost so it's critical to compare auto insurance companies. Tell your old company in writing that you are canceling your auto policy and have obtained new insurance. You might think that your auto insurance rate would be pretty much the same no matter which company you choose. You should check to see if the damage is covered by your auto insurance company. But while we're all pretty much stuck with auto insurance, you needn't be stuck with a lame auto insurance company.
Visit Answer Financial for car insurance, home insurance, life insurance, health insurance, auto insurance, vehicle insurance, boat insurance, renters insurance and more. Get car insurance rate comparisons, and buy your auto insurance policy instantly. Car Search - used cars, new cars, car insurance, used cars, new cars, new trucks, automotive classifieds new car prices and new car reviews. If you drive a car, you probably already have auto insurance, but may not be paying for it yourself. Collision insurance covers damages to your car from an automobile accident, regardless of who is at fault. If you lease a car, you still need auto insurance. If you already own a car and are paying auto insurance for it, then some things might be covered by your own insurance policy. If you already own a car and are paying auto insurance, then check with your policy to see what is transferrable.
The purpose of the articles in this section is to prepare drivers with the right auto insurance policy before it is too late. Public policy In many countries it is compulsory to purchase auto insurance before driving on public roads. Today, auto insurance is the most widely purchased of all property-casualty insurance, yet few drivers are familiar with the details of their particular policy. For changes to your AIG auto insurance policy or to ask customer service a question, call 1-800-241-1188. By taking one of these courses, you may be eligible for discounts on your auto insurance policy. After you have bought an auto insurance policy, you can service your policy online or through a customer service representative. The College's auto insurance policy may not respond to cover unauthorized drivers. A major reason why drivers overpay on their auto insurance policy is because they are not educated and don't look for auto insurance advice.
Whatever your need - travel plans, automobile purchasing, obtaining insurance or financial help, AAA is at your service! Thanks very much e have had USAA auto insurance in the past (for ~4 years) and were quite pleased with their service and prices. Insweb is the largest auto insurance quoting service on the Internet. Unitrin Direct is dedicated to simplifying auto insurance with the right balance of competitive rates, proven stability, friendly and reliable service, and innovative processes. Amica's low prices and award-winning service give you a better deal for auto insurance. Today, we're still providing America's educators with quality auto insurance and professional, personal service.

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Car Insurance - How can you lower your premiums?

Many 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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Budget Car Insurance : Car Insurance Buying Tips

Car insurance is an integral part of the insurance budget. There are a lot of variables that cause the rates to increase or decrease. Some of these variables cannot be controlled by the insured but there are some things the insurance buyer can do to keep their policy reasonable without losing a lot in protection.
What Are Your Assets? – Do you own a home? Do you have several vehicles? Do you own a business? Do you rent an apartment? Your strength in assets is a factor when selecting your liability limits. If you accidentally injure or kill someone in an automobile accident and you carry low liability limits on your car policy then your assets are next in line to be used to pay for the damages.
The Age of the Vehicles – Newer vehicles usually require physical damage coverage by the lender. Older vehicles with a lot of miles sometimes do not warrant physical damage. Physical damage rates can be adjusted up or down based on the deductible you choose.
The Age of The Drivers – Adult rates, senior adult rates, and rates for young drivers make a huge difference in the overall rate. Young drivers on vehicles with physical damage coverage can be very costly.
What are the Discounts? – There are a number of discounts on car policies. The multi-policy discount is given by insurance companies for purchasing both auto and home insurance. Retirement discounts are available to the senior adult. Young drivers receive discounts for drivers training education. Some companies give good student discounts for young student drivers that maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
Full Tort or Limited Tort – Many states have a discount for selecting a limited tort option. Tort is your right to sue for pain and suffering damages over and above the basic liability settlement. This varies from state to state.
This is the overall picture what insurance companies use to determine your individual rate. You have a choice when it comes to liability, physical damage, and tort options. Ask plenty of questions about these three areas when purchasing car insurance.

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The Auto Insurance Guide- Get your Auto Insurance Policy

Auto insurance provides complete protection against losses happened as a result of vehicle accidents. Normally it includes car insurance and motor insurance. The customers purchase this insurance policy just to reduce the risk incurred due to accidents of cars, trucks and other vehicles. People can also secure their vehicles against theft, fire damage or accident damage.
Auto insurance policy may cover insured party, insured vehicle as well as third party that are involved in the accident. Sometimes policy is valid for certain circumstances. Different policies are available for the customers and they can purchase anyone as per their requirements. Coverage levels can vary for each auto insurance policy. Insurance is one of the essential things to secure you, your family as well as your vehicle. You’ve to just pay a certain amount of premium for a fixed period of time and then the insurer agrees to pay you for any kind of damages or loss of your vehicle. Cost of an insurance policy totally depends on the coverage because your policy covers more only if you pay more. Auto insurance is expensive because it is the best way to secure you and your automobile. Main types of auto insurance are as follows:Fully Comprehensive auto insurance policyThird party (fire & theft)Third party insuranceSpecialized car insurance People mostly purchase fully comprehensive auto insurance policy as it covers all types of cases like theft, accident and other damage. It is an expensive policy but whenever you go to buy this one you should try to get 100% security for your vehicle. Third party insurance is cheapest than others and it offers coverage only if you’re at fault and hit other party. It is the best option in case you owned an old vehicle. Specialized car insurance is for the 25 years old vehicles. These vehicles require special services so these are categorized as classic. An individual can choose the best as per his/her requirements. But whenever you go to purchase these policies you’ve to be sure about the source from where you’re going to buy the insurance policy. You should first make you budget means how much you can afford to pay for auto insurance policy premium. After deciding your budget, make a decision on amount of coverage that you want for each accident. You should tell your requirements to different insurance companies and agents. You should discuss your problems with the companies. Then choose the best among them means select that company which is ready to give more coverage. You can also search on Internet for the best service providers.

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Auto Insurance - which one you must have?

Auto insurance is often a sticky subject. Everyone feels like they’re paying too much to insure their car, and wants to know how to get their premiums down. It’s an industry that really lacks an effective way to make price comparisons, leading many people to switch every few years the way they do with credit cards or phone providers.
When you understand the factors that go into deciding the price you pay for auto insurance, however, you should find it much easier to read the market and use it to your advantage. This article should give you a basic grounding, but whole books have been written on the subject – it’s up to you how much you want to learn.
The most basic thing you need to understand is that insurance companies don’t decide premiums based on how much they like you, or how much they think you can afford. Insurance is based on one thing, and one thing alone: risk. Every time the insurance company has to pay out for an accident, they keep a record of the amount, and every other factor they can find – the make, age and model of the car, the age and gender of the driver, where they live, how long they have had a license, and so on. There are hundreds of factors.
From this, the insurance companies can build up what is called a ‘risk profile’. This allows them to work out the risk that they will have to pay out to any given person, and how much they would be likely to have to pay, based entirely on past experience. This is why a newly-qualified male driver in his twenties driving a sporty car has to pay so much to get insured – the statistics show that this group is by far the most likely to have an accident.
Once you understand this system, you can use it to your advantage. Obviously you can’t change who you are, but you can change your car. The make, model and age of your car are three quite important factors in your risk profile, and they’re all open to you to change. It is not difficult to use online insurance quotation tools to find out which cars are pricey in insurance terms, and which ones are cheaper, and use this to help you make buying decisions.

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Auto Insurance - If You Want To Know All There Is To Know

Cheap Car Insurance
When it comes to owning a car, there are a few things that go along with the luxury. Drivers must pay for gas to get them where they need to go, pay for any repairs that may occur, and must be insured. While the occasional driver will drive five miles out of their way to get the best gas price in town, many drivers forget that they should shop around for cheap car insurance as well. There are several ways to end up with the best deal when it comes to cheap car insurance. You must do a little research however, and reach out for the best bargain around, because it will not likely reach out to you.
Minimum Coverage
If you are looking for extremely cheap car insurance, your best bet is to go with a company that offers minimum coverage. Each state requires a certain minimum amount of auto coverage in which all drivers must be covered under. While some of the more established insurance companies will not offer these low coverage options, there are other companies that specialize in minimum coverage policies. You won’t be getting all of the perks that come with a heftier insurance plan, but your quest for cheap car insurance will be complete.
Combination Offers
If you own a home or a life insurance policy, you may be able to get cheap car insurance by combining the policies under one insurance company. Many insurance agents will offer you a nice discount when you insure your vehicle, home, and life with their company. Sometimes you will only be required to have two of the three, while other times you will be required to purchase all three to get a discount of any type. Make sure that it is worth your while to merge all of your plans however. Never switch a policy unless you are sure the rates are more competitive and the discount will be worth your while.
Annual Quotes
The biggest mistake most drivers make is not requesting new auto insurance quotes each year. While you may not think much can happen in a year, many companies change their annual rates drastically. You may be able to secure a lower rate this year with a company that offered you a higher rate last year. These rates usually change due to the increase in your age. However, sometimes they are simply due to a company’s policies changing and becoming more competitive. So, about two months after your birthday each year, make a few calls to be sure you are getting the cheap car insurance you long for.
As you can see, when you use these simple insurance tips, you can guarantee you will always be getting the best cheap car insurance plan available. Consider signing up for a minimum coverage plan to save a few dollars. Remember that if your vehicle has a lien on it, you may not qualify for minimum coverage. Ask your insurance agent about any combination offers you may be eligible for. Lastly, be sure to call annually to get new auto insurance quotes from several companies in your area. When you are attentive to the possibilities, you will find that getting cheap car insurance is not as difficult as it seems.

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Auto Insurance Explaination

Auto insurance can be confusing for most consumers; there are so many different types of insurance and it can be difficult to determine the type of coverage you’re required to carry versus the types of coverage that you really should carry in order to protect yourself but that are not required.
When considering how much car insurance you should have, it is best to do some research and find out what type of insurance is required by the state in which you reside. Not all states require the same levels of insurance. Some states require more types of coverage than others and states also vary in terms of the amount of coverage that is required. So, be sure you know exactly what the minimums are in the state where you live.
You should also understand what is covered by the different types of insurance in order to understand whether you need insurance coverage above and beyond the minimum required by your state of residence.
Bodily injury liability covers injuries that you cause to someone else while driving your vehicle. Generally the rule of thumb for this type of coverage is to purchase more than is required by your state minimums in order to protect your private assets from a law suit in the event that you injure someone.
Medical payments or personal injury protection, commonly known as PIP covers the treatment of injuries for the driver and the passengers of the vehicle. Depending on the level of coverage, this type of policy will compensate lost wages as well as medical payments.
Collision covers any damage that occurs to your vehicle in the event of an accident, even if it is your fault. Of course, a deductible will apply. Your lender will generally require this type of coverage while you still owe on the vehicle.
Comprehensive coverage is for the loss of your vehicle due to damage by something other than a collision such as theft, fire, natural disaster, vandalism, etc. Again, your lender will probably require this coverage for a financed vehicle. Once your loan is paid off, it’s up to you whether you want to continue carrying comprehensive and collision coverage.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can come in handy in the event that you are either involved in a hit and run or if you are hit by someone who does not have insurance or who is underinsured.
When considering how much insurance to take out, start with the amount that is required at a minimum by your state and then consider whether you’re required to take out any additional coverage due to lender requirements. Remember that while we all hope we won’t have a need for insurance, in the event that we do, it can be a financial lifesaver.
Finally, don’t forget to consider your options regarding deductibles. Raising your deductible can help you lower your premiums and that can make taking out additional insurance coverage more affordable. Just be sure you can reasonably afford the deductible in the event you need to use it.

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Tips on what to do following a car accident

Hopefully you will never be involved in an auto accident or need to file an insurance claim. Even the most careful and skilled drivers, however, can easily find themselves in the middle of a crash. Would you know what to do? Knowledge of what to do after the car accident can help make the insurance claims process easier and smoother so that you are back on the road faster.If you are in an auto accident:
1. Try to stay calm, stop your vehicle and check for injuries. The life and health of you, your passengers and the other people involved in the accident is far more important than the vehicle itself.
2. If required, call the police and let them know of the accident, your location, how many people are involved, whether there are injuries and the types of injuries.
3. You may wish to take reasonable steps to protect yourself, and your vehicle, from further damage. Where possible and if legal, move the autos to the side of the road and turn on your hazards as soon as it is safe. If you have flares, you may wish to use them to warn oncoming traffic and to prevent additional crashes.
4. Taking lots of notes is a good practice, like:
• the date, time and location of the accident • how the accident occurred – sometimes a drawing is worth a thousand words and can help enhance what you’ve noted • the type and location of damage to your car • the type and location of damage to the other cars or property involved • the names, addresses and contact information of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident • driver’s license numbers and all the information on the licenses • insurance identifications including the name of the insurance company and policy number • the names, addresses and contact information of witnesses • the names and badge numbers of police officers or other first response personnel
(Being able to take notes is important so keep a pen and pad in your glove compartment, just in case.)
5. You may wish to ask the police officer when and where you can get a copy of the accident report. There’s a good chance you’ll need it when you submit your insurance claim to your insurer.
6. It’s usually a good idea to call your insurance company right away and report the accident because the sooner they know about the crash the quicker they can start working to resolve your insurance claim. As well, they’ll be able to explain the next steps, like where to have the car towed if necessary and arrange for an adjuster to come out and appraise the damage before any repair work is done.
7. There are a couple of don’ts you might want to consider like don’t discuss the financial limits of your auto insurance policy and avoid discussing the responsibility for the accident or circumstances of the accident with anyone other than the police or a representative of your insurance company.
Auto accidents take a significant toll on everyone involved. But, if you stay calm, make safety your priority and follow the above tips, you will get through the ordeal of being in an accident and submitting an insurance claim.

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The Ways To Save On Car Insurance

For most people car insurance is a the single largest insurance expense after health insurance. Rates are high and are forever climbing, at least it seems that way. You can save money on your car insurance premiums by following these easy to implement steps.
1. Shop Around. Yes, it pays to shop and compare. Regulatory changes at the state level may have encouraged new companies to jump into the market, thereby increasing competition and reducing rates for consumers.
2. Raise Your Deductible. A $200 deductible sounds wise until you learn that the cost for having a deductible at this threshold can drive your rates through the roof. Consider a deductible as high as $1000 to save on premiums. You can always fix minor mishaps on your own.
3. Drop Collision. If your automobile is worth less than two or three thousand dollars, consider dropping collision altogether. Sure, you will get nothing from your insurer if your car is totaled, but the savings you realize by dropping collision can be used as a down payment for your next car.
4. Look For Discounts. If your car has certain safety features, make sure that your insurer is aware of this. Older cars, for the most part, do not have air bags but if you have a model that has airbags, you will save money on your insurance.
5. Business Deduction. If you drive your car for business, a portion of your insurance costs may be deductible. Conversely, your rates may be increased if your insurer knows that you use your car more for business than pleasure.
6. Combine Policies. Purchase your homeowners, auto, and life insurance policies from the same broker and you may save on your premiums. Some insurance companies reward policyholders if they “one-stop” purchase all of their insurance needs through one company.
7. Consider Before You Buy. The Porsche Boxster may be your ideal car, but it could also sharply raise your insurance rates. Maybe a less sporty model would be ideal.
8. Driver’s Ed Course. You may have taken a driver’s education course and your insurance company has not factored that in when determining your premium. Let them know that you are a safe driver!
9. Deleted Points. If you had moving violations that were reported to your insurance company, make sure that your insurer adjusts your premium downward if several years have gone by since the occurrence. You could be paying a premium higher than you deserve.
10. Check Your Policy. If the insurer has the wrong address, town or zip code on your policy you could find yourself paying more than you should.
Reducing your car insurance costs should not be an impossible feat. By following these steps you should realize some savings the next time your policy comes up for review.

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