Progressive Commercial Auto Releases Insurance Claims Data; Pinpoints When Most Crashes Occur

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Progressive Commercial Auto, part of The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, which ranks third in the nation for commercial auto insurance based on premiums written and sells commercial auto insurance to small businesses over the phone and through independent insurance agents and brokers, recently reviewed claims data from crashes that occurred between September 2005 and August 2006 involving commercial vehicles it insures. The study looked at “light local”

vehicles, that is, vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 16,000 pounds and trucks, or vehicles with a GVWR of more than 16,000 pounds.

Light local vehicles insured on a commercial policy would include passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, vans and minivans, etc., and trucks would include tractor trailers, dump and tow trucks, flatbeds, etc.

Findings include:

Fridays Not Good—But It Depends on What You Drive:

• Most crashes involving light local vehicles happened on Fridays while the least number of crashes happened on Tuesdays and Mondays (Saturdays and Sundays were excluded from the study), but…
• Crashes involving heavier trucks happened most often on Thursdays and least often on Mondays and Fridays!

January Winter Blues = Fewer Crashes:

• In the study period, December 2005 had the highest rate of accidents involving light local vehicles insured by Progressive Commercial Auto; the month with the second highest was November 2005. The months with the lowest rate of accidents were January and April 2006. The difference between highest and lowest? The likelihood of light local vehicles being involved in a crash was 17 percent greater in December 2005 than in January 2006.
• June 2006 had the highest rate of accidents involving trucks, which was 29 percent greater than the month with the lowest, January 2006.

Trucks Start Earlier, Finish Earlier:

• Not surprisingly, about 66 percent of all crashes involving light local and heavier trucks happened during traditional work hours, though most of the crashes involving heavier trucks happened between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. and those involving light local vehicles started one hour later – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Light local vehicles were involved in most crashes between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. while heavier trucks were involved in most of their crashes between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“Our claims data simply show when crashes happen, not why; but, when accidents do happen, business owners need reassurance that they won’t experience major business interruption,” said Bill Kampf, general manager, Progressive Commercial Auto. “We want customers to know that insurance is more than just shopping around for the lowest rate – it’s also about service. Our combination of competitive rates, specialized coverages and claims handling provide the protection and fast, accurate estimates that ensure drivers get back on the road, and back to work, as quickly as possible.”

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, ranks third in the nation for commercial and personal auto insurance based on premiums written and provides drivers with competitive rates and 24/7 in-person and online service. The products and services of the Progressive Direct Group of Insurance Companies are marketed directly to consumers by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE and online at www.progressivedirect.com through the Progressive Direct^® brand. The products and services of the Drive Group of Progressive Insurance Companies are offered by more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies and online at www.driveinsurance.com through the Drive^® Insurance from Progressive brand. The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based holding company, are publicly traded at (NYSE:PGR). More information can be found at www.progressive.com.

Bill Kampf, general manager, Progressive Commercial Auto, is available for interview.

Locating Cheap Auto Insurance Premiums

Paying too much for your auto insurance? By taking a few minutes to get some free price quotes you may be amazed at the savings you will receive. Prices from company to company can vary greatly which means it pays to shop around for the cheap auto insurance you are wanting.

Whether you receive car insurance quotes from phoning companies directly or browsing their web sites it makes no difference. However, it is often much quicker to find many free auto cheap insurance quotes online.

Before actually committing to a particular automobile insurance company it is wise to lay out your needs first. Motor car insurance is there to protect you and your family from possible financial ruin. It is to cover your costs in case of a catastrophic occurrence. It is not only there to pay for the repair or replacement of your car, but for any medical or hospital bills that may become necessary.

There are many things to consider before taking out an auto cheap insurance policy. One thing to think about is the amount of your deductible. A higher deductible can save you a little on your premiums, but it may end up costing you more if you are actually involved in an accident that is your fault. No fault car insurance can increase your premiums, but it sure is great to have if an uninsured runs into your automobile. Most auto insurance companies offer discounts for features that will reduce the risk of injuries or theft. Daytime running lights or anti-theft devices can often lower your premiums due to the fact that they will decrease the likelihood of you filing a claim.

Many people decide to drop the collision or comprehensive coverage if they own a car that is not worth very much money. Why pay higher premiums for a car that is not worth very much? So choosing to insure for liability only is certainly a way to lower the coverage costs. Insuring for just liability has the potential to save you a lot of money, but if you are involved in an accident with someone that is uninsured you will probably end up paying your repair bills out of your own pocket.

Once you have decided if you want full coverage or just liability and have also considered your other insurance factors it’s time to get some free auto insurance quotes. You want a company that is financially stable which can be checked by using a rating company. One of the better known rating companies is Standard and Poor’s. There are also many magazines available that can help you find some financially strong insurers.

The internet is the easiest method of getting fast and free quotes, but there are other places to search as well. Many companies sell their own insurance through their own agents while other agents can get quotes from several different insurance companies, allowing you the opportunity to go with the lower priced ones. It is often wise to ask acquaintances about their insurance. Price alone should not be the sole deciding factor when insuring your auto. Dependability, honesty, 24-hour claims service and other factors should also be weighed.

A wise thing to do is to contact your state insurance department. They can provide information about the companies you are investigating. If there are consumer complaints about a particular insurer chances are they can tell you.

Another item that should be thought about is the possibility of saving money by insuring both your auto and your home through the same company. Most insurance companies will give you lower rates if you insure more things with them.

If you want to keep your costs the cheapest possible there are many other factors in determining what your coverage will end up costing you. Some of these include the quality of your credit rating, how many miles you drive each year (lower mileage can mean cheaper premiums) and whether or not you work for a company that will allow you to get their group discount. Some professionals such as doctors or chiropractors get discounts. Belonging to certain types of businesses or associations can also possibly qualify you for auto cheap insurance coverage. One of the biggest factors is your driving history. Have you been in other accidents lately?

These are all factors that should be investigated before committing to a particular company. Write down all of your questions and concerns and then you can begin with the free quotes. Call several insurance agents that are in your area and get some free quotes online. You can save on your premiums by doing just a little homework.

About the Author:

Larry Johnson has been conducting business on the internet for the past 2 years. He writes articles about auto cheap insurance and many other business topics. He also manages several web sites about cheap auto insurance. Please visit My Auto Cheap Insurance.

Read more articles by: Larry A. Johnson

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Drivers Should Compare Auto Insurance Rates During Life Events

Insurance.com, the nation's largest online auto insurance agency, reports that the best time for drivers to compare auto insurance rates is during major life events such as getting married or purchasing a new home.

When couples get married they not only start a new life together, they also merge their assets together. However, one item that many couples neglect to combine is their auto insurance. "Many insurance companies offer discounts for insuring multiple cars," stated Dave Rosh, CEO of Insurance.com. "By taking advantage of this opportunity, Newlyweds can potentially save hundreds of dollars off their annual auto insurance premiums by shopping around and comparing prices.

Another life event that can impact a driver's auto insurance policy is moving or purchasing a new home in a different zip code. For instance, if a driver lives in rural community with little crime and traffic congestion, their premium will generally be lower than if they lived in an urban area where their car would more likely be involved in an accident.

Drivers that compare auto insurance rates when making a change to their coverage ensure that they receive the most competitive rate. To assist drivers, Insurance.com offers an auto comparison module. Here drivers are able to compare auto insurance rates for up to 12 insurance providers, helping them save time and money on their auto insurance.

"Our goal is to make comparison-shopping and switching policies as easy as possibly for drivers," says Rosh. "Our auto comparison module does just that."

About Insurance.com

Insurance.com (www.insurance.com) is an online marketplace that allows consumers to receive comparative car insurance quotes from top companies and purchase insurance products through the site. The site also provides quotes for life, health, home and specialty lines of insurance.

Insurance.com is owned and operated by ComparisonMarket, Inc., which enables financial institutions, affinity groups and online marketplaces to offer their customers real choice and savings opportunities on car insurance. Working with top insurance providers, ComparisonMarket provides instant, accurate comparative rate quoting and purchasing via the Internet or over the phone. ComparisonMarket is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

     CONTACT:
  Dave Roush, CEO
  Insurance.com
  440-715-0075
  droush@insurance.com 

This press release distributed by PRWEB (http://www.prwebdirect.com/), a service of eMediaWire.

Auto Insurance 101

Auto insurance, as the term suggests, is insurance that you can purchase for your vehicle (cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, etc.). It provides protection against losses incurred as a result of vehicle accidents. While the product seems simple, there are many different types of auto insurance policies available for purchase. Depending on the policy that you choose, your coverage levels and types will vary. Broadly speaking, these are the types of auto insurance programs on the market today:

Coverage:

• ‘Comprehensive coverage’ (Comp) – This kind of insurance insures your vehicle against the cost of purchasing a new vehicle if it is stolen or destroyed in a fire.

• ‘Collision coverage’ (Coll) – This kind of insurance insures your vehicle against the cost of repairing the vehicle following an accident or the cost of purchasing a new vehicle if it is damaged in an accident beyond economic repair.

Protection:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - This insures against the cost of medical expenses and lost wages related to the use, ownership or maintenance of a motor vehicle. This insurance is mandatory in some U.S. states.

• Medical Payments (MP) - insures against the cost of medical expenses for bodily injury sustained in an accident beyond any expenses that may be covered by PIP.

• Legal liability claims against the driver or owner of the vehicle following the vehicle causing damage or injury to a third party.

While ‘Liability insurance’ covers only legal liability, ‘comprehensive insurance’ covers PIP, MP, as well as legal liability. In the United States, liability insurance covers claims against the policyholder and any other operator of the insured’s vehicle. If, however, any other operators live at the same address, they must specifically be covered on the policy. For rented vehicles, most rental car companies offer insurance to cover damage to the rental vehicle.

While comprehensive insurance covers most aspects of damage which can affect the car itself or the driver, there is one risk associated with buying a new car is not covered even by comprehensive insurance – once the car is bought, there is a sharp decline in its value. During this period (immediately after a car is bought), in which the remaining car payments exceed the value of the vehicle and thus the compensation the insurer will pay for a ‘totaled’ (destroyed, or written-off) vehicle, customers may consider purchasing ‘GAP insurance’. GAP insurance was established in the early 1980's to provide protection to consumers based on buying and market trends.

About the Author:

Chris Tolamalu is interested in auto insurance. See http://www.autoinsurancelowdown.com for more information.

Read more articles by: Chris Tolamalu

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Travelers of New Jersey Offers 10 Percent Discount on Auto Insurance for Hybrid Drivers

Insurance Discount Matches New Jersey Turnpike HOV Perk for Hybrids

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- New Jersey hybrid owners can now take advantage of a 10 percent discount* on auto insurance offered by Travelers of New Jersey, the company announced today. The discount comes on the heels of Governor Jon S. Corzine's announcement last spring that the New Jersey Turnpike Authority will allow hybrid vehicles to travel in the Turnpike's High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. This follows the introduction this year of a federal tax credit for the purchase of "advanced vehicle technologies" of between $250 and $3,400.

"With the added bonus of driving solo in the HOV lane of the turnpike, it is apparent New Jersey is taking noticeable measures to extend the popularity of hybrid vehicles throughout the state," said Phyllis Forsyth, president of Travelers of New Jersey. "We salute this spirit of forward-looking innovation and will continue to develop products and services that evolve to fit the changing needs of our New Jersey customers."

Earlier this year, Travelers became the first auto insurance company to offer a discount to hybrid drivers on a national level and has been steadily rolling out the discount state by state. So far the company has made the discount available in 39 states, most recently New York, Maryland, Florida, Kentucky and Washington.

"Our preliminary research indicates that hybrid owners tend to fall into the preferred insured category, and at Travelers, lower risk drivers are rewarded with lower premiums," said Greg Toczydlowski, senior vice president of product management for Travelers Personal Insurance. "And considering the growth potential of the hybrid marketplace, we want to be well positioned to meet its needs."

To give hybrid owners -- and those considering purchasing a hybrid car -- a central place for information and entertainment related to hybrid driving, Travelers created http://www.hybridtravelers.com. Visitors can get up-to-date information on federal and state tax benefits and other perks for hybrid drivers, as well as access an agent locator, obtain policy information and get an insurance quote. The site also features the Early Adopt-o-meter, which ranks a visitor's penchant for embracing new technologies, and a place where enthusiasts can share their stories as "hybrid travelers."

The discount for hybrid drivers is the latest in a long series of firsts for the company that wrote the first automobile insurance policy in 1897. Other firsts include the first policy covering electronic data processing liability in 1961, the first policy to protect individuals using personal computers for online banking in 1997, and the first insurance company to offer consumers protection against identity fraud in 1999.

About Travelers

Travelers believes that life and business are inherently dynamic and that the best way to serve agents and policyholders is to provide insurance that helps them stay in-synch with their lives. For more information on being in-synch, visit http://www.travelers.com.

Travelers is a business of The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: STA - News), a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through agents and brokers. The company's diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in both the personal and commercial settings, including automobile, homeowners, construction, small business, oil and gas, ocean marine, financial and professional services, global technology and public sector services. St. Paul Travelers is ranked 85 in the Fortune 500, with 2005 revenues of $24.4 billion and total assets of $113.2 billion. The company has approximately 32,000 employees.

Travelers of New Jersey policies are underwritten solely by First Trenton Indemnity Company and Travelers Auto Insurance Co. of New Jersey, which are licensed to write business only in New Jersey. For more information, visit http://www.travelersnj.com.

* A discount of up to 10% applies only to certain coverages. The discount

may not be available in all states and is subject to individual

eligibility.

Source: http://www.travelersnj.com

17 Handy Tips to follow when choosing your Car Insurance

It is an obvious fact that most new and young drivers are on a limited budget when it comes to car insurance so with this in mind this article has summarised 17 handy tips which you should try to consider when trying to find a low cost motor insurance policy.

1. Do some research – Try to find insurance company's that specialize in policies for your age, gender, car and occupation. Ask around, people who have the same occupation or car as you could give you valuable information on what insurance will suit you best, and whether the policy they are using is good or bad. Shopping around is probably the best tip you will find and is very inportant if you want to find the best quote.

2. NEVER take the first quote – The first quote you get on your car is most likely to be quite high. Insurance companies known that until you have received a few quotes you will not know a realistic one that will suit you. So never take the first quote you receive no matter how good the deal seems.

3. Phone around – When you have a few companies that have caught your attention phone up the companies or car insurance brokers (3rd parties who are simply giving you a quote and not actually 'underwriting' your policy) see what quotes they are giving and if they can give any better.

4. Have awareness – Those companies who have all this money to spend on advertising probably are not giving the cheapest policies to customers, but the large amount of money could mean a lot more coverage is available.

5. Play companies off against each other – Do some research and make detailed notes about all the aspects of each quote you receive, then play the companies off against each other. There isn't much point in lying as most the insurance companies are very aware of the real cost of a car insurance quote. The phone operatives have the ability to negotiate on the price of their quotes and all of them would rather drop the cost than lose good business to a competitor.

6. Mileage – Consider how much mileage you are roughly going to do, less mileage means less time on the road which reduces the chances of accidents. A limited mileage policy is a very good way to get better car insurance quotes.

7. No Lying – LYING! will invalidate your policy, and most companies record telephone calls to cover themselves against litigation. State all modifications on your car and if someone else is likely to use your auto-mobile and whether you will use it for business.

8. Drive more carefully – Not having accidents is very hard to escape but by joining the Pass Plus scheme or by taking an advanced drivers' course, discount offers can reach up to 35% from some of the major insurers.

9. Protect your no-claims bonus - This may increase the premium by a few pounds, but this fades into insignificance against the potential loss of a 60% discount on a premium of several hundred pounds. But the definition of a protected no-claims bonus can vary widely between insurers. Though accidents caused by another driver will normally have no impact on such a bonus, those caused by the insured could.

10. Garage – If you store your car in a garage, then your car is a lot less likely to get stolen or damaged, so a good way to bring down the cost is to store your car in a garage but remember lying is a criminal offence and would cause you a lot of trouble.

11. Buy online – A lot of insurance companies offer discounts for people who buy online.

12. Voluntary Excess - If you agree to accept a voluntary excess (the amount you agree to pay in the event of an accident), you can reduce your premium.

13. Don’t automatically buy comprehensive - If your car has a low value you can save a third off your premium by insuring your car for Third Party Fire and Theft.

14. Named drivers - Adding a named older driver to your car insurance policy, i.e. your parents, can save you 10% on your premium. Likewise, avoid having younger named drivers on your policy.

15. Pay your premium in one go - It is often cheaper to pay your years car insurance in one lump sum rather than in monthly installments. Most insurers charge interest of around 15% APR (some up to 30%) to allow you to pay your premium in monthly installments.

16. Pass Plus - The pass plus examination is for new and young car drivers who have passed their practical test. It is an intensive training course that helps improve new and young drivers abilities on the road. The pass plus allows you to get up to a discount of up 35% on your car insurance. Taking the Pass Plus will cost around £100 but given the high cost of new driver car insurance you should save more than this on your car insurance premium. Ask your driving instructor for details.

17. Work traveling – If you do not use your car to travel to work then you might be getting coverage you do not need.

For more information about driving schools, motor car insurance, the pracitcal driving test and the highway code visit DRIVINGwise.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tommy_Connolly

How To Get A Cheaper Auto Insurance For Teenagers

Lower auto insurance for teenagers nowadays is had to find. This is not a form age discrimination, but rather a cautious step taken by insurance companies to keep themselves in business.

Insurance companies look at auto insurance for teenagers differently. Most teenagers don't have driving records. So insurance companies just make sure they give themselves a cushion and charge high premiums on auto insurance for teenagers.

Following this article may give you some ideas on how to get a lower auto insurance.

Tip # 1 to get a cheaper auto insurance for teenagers

The cheapest way for a teenager to get a low auto insurance rates is by simply adding them to an existing auto insurance policy. So by all means find a way to achieve this. Although there are always limitation to this strategy but be sure to talk to your auto insurance agent and find ways on how to make it work.

Tip #2 to get a cheaper auto insurance for teenagers

Be a good student. This might sound far off but there's a logic behind the madness. Good students with grade "A" and active in school associations are considered to have less tendency to be mad max behind the wheel. This might sound unfair but I'm not the one making the rules. So if you can try to have good grades or at least join some school clubs to be a little trustworthy to the eyes of insurance companies.

Tip #3 to get a cheaper auto insurance for teenagers

If possible try to make choices that would result to closer distance between work, school and home. This would reduce your exposure to the road and might give you a chip when negotiating for that cheaper auto insurance.

Getting that cheaper auto insurance for teenagers may a little bit tricky. But by following those simple tips, it may gain you a little edge. Sometimes that's all it takes that bag that elusive cheaper auto insurance for teenagers.

About the Author

For More Auto Insurance Tips That You Sould Know About Before Buying Any Auto Insurance To Avoid Regrets. Then visit http://Auto-Insurance-Guide.useful-tips.com

Written By Jed Baguio. Freelance Online Researcher.
Auto Insurance For Teenagers

Car Insurance For High-Risk Drivers

If you are classified as a high-risk driver, finding car insurance can be quite a hassle. Some insurance companies will deny insurance to high-risk drivers, while others just choose to charge extremely high premiums. No matter which insurance company you choose, you will most likely end up with a high rate. However, every insurance company is different, so it is important to shop around for the best rates available.

There are many different factors that can contribute to a high-risk driver classification. However, your driving record is the most important factor in determining your risk status. If you have been involved in several accidents over the course of a year or within two to three years, these incidents will negatively affect your record even if they were not your fault. Being involved in any accident can deem you a reckless driver with a penchant for getting into dangerous situations. Also, if you have received multiple speeding tickets, you are also increasing your risk of getting into car accidents. You may be labeled a high-risk driver just by the number of speeding tickets you have received.

There are also several personal factors that contributed to the high-risk label. Unfortunately, many of these factors are beyond your control. Men are typically deemed a higher risk than women, and those who live in the city are considered higher risk than those who live in the country. If you are a city dweller, you will probably pay higher car insurance premiums than if you live in the suburbs or in a rural area. Also, drivers with newer cars are charged higher premiums than those with older automobiles.

Unfortunately, even your credit history can affect your car insurance rating. Those with low credit ratings are usually charged higher premiums than those with better credit scores. Whether or not you have been covered by car insurance continuously is also a factor. If there are gaps in your coverage, they will assume that you have had periods of uninsured driving. Because driving without insurance is very unsafe and also very illegal, insurance companies take this into consideration when considering your rate.

Though it can take several years of clean driving to erase the high-risk driver label, it can still be done. Three years is the industry standard for reassessing a driver’s safety standing. If you have a clean record for a three-year period, you can work your way back to the benefits of lower premiums. However, three years’ worth of high premiums can really add up over time. If you are a high-risk driver, there are still ways to lower your insurance payments. With a little research, you can reduce your payments by a fair amount.

There are many car insurance companies that offer free quotes online. Rather than meeting with salespeople or playing phone tag with agents, Internet sites will give you a quote in minutes. This makes comparison-shopping easier than ever. There are even websites that will find a list of quotes for you. Sites like Netquote.com allow you to enter all of your information one time rather than repeating the process for every insurance company you investigate. Netquote will generate a list of rates organized in an easy to read fashion. This process may take a few days, but the results are typically worth it.

Working toward a clean driving record is the best way to ensure that you will get the best car insurance rates. Avoid congested areas whenever possible, and be sure to slow down in reduced speed zones. Be aware of your surroundings and never speed, and you will be on your way to a successful reduction in your rates.

About the Author:

http://www.filinsurance.com is the internet's most comprehensive insurance marketplace for your specific needs. With the expert, Sintilia Miecevole, who has many years of experience, this outstanding site http://www.filinsurance.com provides competitive rates from auto, life, homeowners, health, and more, just for you! Log in and enjoy!

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20 Tips To Cheaper Car Insurance

Car insurance premiums rise year after year, Although your car insurance premium largely depends on your Car, Age and discount there are a few steps you can take to help stop the rise or even reduce your premium.

1. Buy from the internet.
Most companies offer a discount for online applications as this is automated process and costs them a lot less to process your application, you can usually see discounts of 5%-10%.Click here to get a instant online insurance quote.

2. Shop around.
All insurance companies use different formulas to calculate your insurance premium by adding or detracting money after each question the ask you.By shopping around you could find big savings on your insurance premium.

3. Buy extra products.
Most insurance companies also do other insurance products ie"Building's and content's insurance".Most insurance companies will give extra discounts for purchasing more than one product,by doing this you could save a fair amount on all your insurance premiums.

4. Pay your insurance premium in one go.
By paying your insurance premium in full you can avoid paying costly interest charges that would be added if you paid your insurance premium by instalments.Some insurance companies may charge as much as 15% APR on instalments.You may even receive a discount for paying in full.If you can not afford to pay in full check out what rate a small loan would be you may still save some money.Fill out a online loan application.

5. Increase your voluntary excess.
Your excess is the amount paid by you in the event of a claim,by increasing this your insurance company should reduce your premium.

6. Lower your annual mileage.
Lowering your annual mileage can reduce your premium,most insurance companies will quote you for around 12,000 miles a year.Try and work out how many mile's you will do if it's likely to be less you may get a discount.Be honest about this as your insurance company may ask to see old MOT'S and service history to verify your mileage in the event of a accident.

7. Have a Alarm,Immobiliser or Tracker fitted.
Theft of and from your vehicle play a major role in the calculation of your insurance premium.Having a alarm or immobiliser fitted will give you a small discount to your premium and having a tracker fitted could make you quite a saving.

8. Take the advanced driving test.
Passing your advanced driving test will show your insurance company that you have extra skill when driving and are less likely to be involved in a accident.

9. Don't inflate the value of your car.
Adding extra value to your car when you apply for your insurance quote will do nothing for you apart from increase you premium.In the event your car is stolen or written off you will only be paid the market value of your car at the time of your accident.

10.Look after your credit rating.
Insurance companies are now looking at your credit score as part of the calculation for your insurance premium.Maintaining a good credit rating could avoid unnecessary additions to your premium.

11. Insure your car Third Party Only.
Third party only is the minimum cover you are required to have by law it's also the cheapest.If your vehicle is of a low value then you could consider this type of cover.You need to remember that with this type of cover if you was to have a accident that any damage to your vehicle would not be covered for repair.

12. Keep a clean licence
Insurance companies take driving convictions very seriously and can dramatically increase your car insurance premium,by maintaining a clean licence proves to the insurance you are a safe and careful driver.

13. Remove any unnecessary drivers.
If you have a young driver on your insurance policy that no longer use's the vehicle you should remove them as this will reduce your premium.

14. Young driver's add a older driver.
Some insurance companies will reduce young drivers premiums if they have a older named driver on the insurance.

15. Build up your no-claims discount
One of the biggest factors affecting your car insurance premium is the number of years no-claim's discount.You could receive up to 75% discount for around 5 years of no claims.The more years you can stay claim free the safer driver your insurance company will see you as.

16. Protect your no-claims discount.
Although this will increase your insurance premium if you have a lot of years of no-claims you may want to protect this as a small claim may increase your premium by up to 75%.

17. Buy a lower insurance group car.
A very important factor to your insurance premium is what car you drive.Most insurance companies adopt the Association Of British Insurance Group Rating.This rates vehicle's from 1 - 20 generally speaking the higher the group the higher the premium.By buying a car with a lower group rating can lower your premium especially for young or inexperienced drivers.

18. Join a car club.
If your vehicle is a classic or specialist consider joining a club related to your car most clubs offer insurance schemes which have very good premium rates.

19. Put your spouse as a named driver.
Some insurance companies offer discounts when you add a spouse as a named driver as opposed to unmarried couples,they see marriage as a sign of stability and associate stability with safe driving and there for give you a discount.

20. Take pass plus.
If you are a new driver consider taking your pass plus.some insurance companies could give you as much as a 25% discount and when you have just passed your test and have no no-claims this could make a considerable saving.

About the Author:

Article by http://www.thevirtualgarage.co.uk The free autotrader uk alternative

Read more articles by: Kev Higgins

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Home, auto insurance rates to decline

Drivers and homeowners in California are poised to gain rate reductions from two major insurers, Safeco Corp. and 21st Century Insurance Co.

Safeco, the state's eighth-largest homeowners insurance carrier, plans to chop by 20 percent its rates to insure houses, state insurance officials revealed Wednesday. The average yearly reduction for Safeco's 189,000 homeowners insurance customers in California would be $190, according to the Department of Insurance.

21st Century, the fifth-largest auto insurer in California, with 740,000 auto policyholders, plans to reduce auto insurance rates by 5 percent statewide -- and by 12 percent in Los Angeles. A statewide average savings was not immediately available for 21st Century, although Los Angeles drivers would save an average of $219 a year.

What's more, 21st Century also plans to jettison its use of zip codes as a major factor in setting rates for customers. The company will base its decisions primarily on the driving records of motorists, insurance officials said.

These are the latest companies to announce rate reductions. Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi has pressed both automobile and house insurers to cut premiums.

"We started out this year saying that auto insurance rates would go down when we ended zip code redlining," Garamendi said. "We also said the insurance industry was ripping off consumers with the percentage of their premiums going to pay claims dropping to an all-time low."

He noted that for a time, automobile and house insurers had fought against rate cuts. But lately, some insurers have capitulated to demands for lower rates.

"They have thrown in the towel," Garamendi said. "We are seeing rates going down all over California, both for auto and home insurance."

The insurance market in California is competitive, and rates are in line, said Nicole Mahrt of the American Insurance Association.

"Every company needs to manage their book of business and do what is right so they are solvent and are around to pay claims in the future," Mahrt said. "California has a healthy, competitive market that offers a variety of choices."

State Farm, USAA, the Automobile Club of Southern California and Chubb Group are among the companies that have filed for lower auto insurance rates the past several weeks. State Farm and USAA had filed proposals for rate cuts in homeowners' insurance, but Allstate filed for a rate increase. Garamendi said he would closely scrutinize Allstate's request for higher rates.

An official with Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights believes the insurance industry has not gone far enough to ease the squeeze on policyholders.

"Rates are so excessive that there is a question about whether rates should be lower than what these companies are submitting voluntarily," said Harvey Rosenfield, founder of the taxpayers and consumer group.

Rosenfield believes skyrocketing gasoline prices have prompted motorists to drive less, which should have reduced the number of accidents and claims that auto insurers have had to pay out. Plus, he suggested that homeowners' insurance carriers pay in claims about 30 cents for every $1 in premiums they harvest.

"The same kind of greed that we have seen for auto insurance is behind the increases the last several years in homeowners insurance," Rosenfield said.

Mahrt said insurers set premium levels on a case-by-case basis and have not unfairly siphoned off money from consumers.

"When companies can give their customers a reduction, they go ahead and do that," Mahrt said. "If a company needs to make sure they are charging enough in premiums to cover their losses, they have to take steps to do that."

At a meeting in August with the Times editorial board, Garamendi predicted auto and house insurance companies would be reducing rates. Wednesday's revelations about 21st Century and Safeco prompted Garamendi to declare more are coming.

"These decisions will force other insurers to follow suit," Garamendi said.

Source: www.contracostatimes.com

How To Change Auto Insurance Companies

Changing Auto Insurance Companies May be Easier Than you Think!

There are many reasons why you may choose to change your auto insurance coverage to another company. Perhaps you’ve found another company that offers you the same amount of coverage for considerably less money. You might have changed jobs and are eligible for a group discount through another insurer, or maybe you’re unhappy with the service that your present company provides. With the growth of the internet and quote comparison sites, investigating your options has never been easier!

Why change to a new Auto insurance carrier?

You need to regularly review your auto insurance coverage to make sure that you are receiving the best insurance value for your money. You will discover that it pays to shop around. In some states, premiums for identical policies vary widely among different auto insurance companies. The reasons for this price variation can be very complicated, but they boil down to a company's claims experience with policyholders in a coverage group (e.g. people of similar age, number of accidents, type of vehicle). For example, if a large number of people in a coverage group files claims during a given year, their rates will likely rise. When this happens, better discounts and lower overall premiums may be available at other insurance companies. When you decide to switch your auto insurance to another company, you’ll find that it's fairly easy to do so.

How to cancel your old Auto Insurance policy

Generally, all you need to do to cancel your auto insurance policy is to inform your insurance company in writing, specifying the date you want the policy canceled. In some states, the new agent must notify the previous agent of the policy change. Some auto insurance companies ask the policyholder send back the actual printed policy. The insurance company will send a cancellation request form that will need to be signed and returned. Examine the form carefully to make sure that all information regarding the policy is correct. If the form is not received within two weeks of sending the letter, call the agent or company immediately to check on the status of the cancellation. Don't just walk away from the old policy without formally canceling it. Each state requires that auto Insurance policies be cancelled with notice, thus the insurance company might assume one wished to continue the coverage, and it might eventually terminate the policy for failure to pay premiums and report the lack of coverage to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. This can hurt your credit rating and ability to get a new policy.

Be sure to get a new Auto Insurance policy first

Always have a new policy in place before canceling the old auto insurance coverage. Otherwise you might have a gap in protection for a day or more! Most states require all drivers to carry a minimum level of auto insurance and most insurance companies require policyholders to present proof of new coverage before they will cancel an active policy. The new company will be able to time the beginning of the new policy to coincide with the cancellation of the prior coverage.

When to Change Auto Insurance policies

At Renewal

Renewal is a convenient time to change auto insurance policies, as you don’t have to wait for a refund from your current carrier. A renewal notice will be sent to you approximately 30 days before a new policy begins, depending on the regulations in your state. Should you decide to switch companies, you’ll need to have a new policy by the time the current policy renews. Though a company might say there is 10-30 days to get your payment in before a policy terminates, you do not have coverage until the carrier receives the payment. If you have an accident during this time period you most likely will have no coverage since the premium wasn’t paid!

Anytime:

All Auto insurance policies contain a provision allowing you to cancel your policy with proper notice at any time. In a few states auto insurance companies “short rate” the policy that means one pays a penalty for canceling before the policy renews. Most insurance companies pro-rate their policies so there is no penalty. The advantage of switching before the renewal date can save you a lot of money. For example if you have a policy that runs from Jan 15th to Aug 15th and you have an accident or ticket that will be over 36 months on March 15th. By switching Auto insurance companies on March 16th, you get a discount for having a clean driving record. Your current carrier won’t apply this discount until the policy renews on August 15th! This can save you Hundreds of dollars immediately!

How long does it take to change Auto insurance?

When you change auto insurance companies, the new agent or insurer can generally change carriers while you wait! Generally they’ll just need a copy of your current declaration page, driver’s license and down payment to get the policy issued.

So why not get started today and Get Free Auto Insurance Quotes from Top Companies

About the Author:

Matt McWilliams is one of the co-founders of HometownQuotes.Com, an online insurance quotes web site. He is considered an expert in the field of online insurance shopping and finding new ways to help consumers save money on their insurance. For more information visit http://www.hometownquotes.com

Read more articles by: Matt McWilliams

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Shopping For Car Insurance: Easy And Risk-Free

We have all experienced recent trends in the rising costs of car insurance. There doesn't seem to be much anyone can do about the overall expense, but there are some things you can do to ensure you get the best value for your insurance dollar. Shopping for car insurance online is a great way to compare cost to value. You can do this risk-free and without any obligation. There are many websites offering tons of information at no cost to the consumer. Keep in mind that whatever insurance you are looking for, whether it is simply auto liability or high-end full coverage, there are always going to be plenty of options to choose from. When making comparisons, be sure you are comparing identical coverage, terms and policies.

One thing that is important to understand is that car insurance companies can't offer the same rates on the exact same policy to everyone. They have to use an insurance rating system. This system takes many different factors into consideration before quoting a price. Some of the factors considered are age, gender, driving record, place of residence, the type, safety rating and options of the vehicle you are insuring, the distance you typically drive and anti-theft and emergency devices. Some agencies even consider grades for students and what, if any, drivers training they may have had. At least most of these factors should show up in the form of a question when applying for car insurance online. If any are omitted, it might be wise to question a low-cost quote that is generically generated in just a few minutes. If the car insurance premium sounds low for the type of insurance you are seeking, make sure they have considered all the above factors into their calculations before making any type of commitment.

Getting the lowest cost insurance for you and your vehicle might sound like a good idea, but is it? Generally speaking, the lowest cost car insurance will have the highest deductibles. Let's say you save $250 a year by going with a policy that has a $1000 deductible versus a policy with no deductible. This means you are wagering $1000 every time you drive your vehicle for the next four years that you won't be involved in an accident. Ah! You say you are a very safe driver? Even the safest of drivers have been involved in accidents, and what about everyone else on the road?

As an intelligent and informed consumer, you know that often what seems like a money-saving opportunity can quickly turn into a costly financial nightmare. Proper care must be taken when shopping for car insurance online. All too often a low online quote will fall by the wayside because of the omission of one or more important factors. Remember that you are the customer, and unless your questions are completely answered to your satisfaction, you, your vehicle and your wallet may be at risk.

About the Author

By PA Davis sponsored by http://www.insurancequote4you.com/car/ who offers insurance quotes as well as helpful information on car insurance: http://www.insurancequote4you.com/car/ .

Source: www.goarticles.com

Auto Insurance - FAQs

Cancellation

Q. Can an insurance company cancel my auto policy?

A. Yes. If an auto policy is involved, they can cancel if the consumer fails to pay the premium or if the consumer's license has been suspended or revoked during the term of the policy. If a homeowner's policy is involved, they can cancel if the consumer fails to pay the premium, if there is a fraud or serious misrepresentation when completing the insurance application, if the consumer is convicted of a crime, or if changes are made to the property that increase the risk of loss.

Q. Does the company have to refund my premium on the auto policy if I can cancel the contract?

A. Yes. However you may receive less than the unearned premium because the company may charge the consumer for processing the cancellation or setting up the original policy.

Claims

Q. I contacted my company about a loss to determine if it was covered under the policy. I never collected a penny from the insurer. Can they record this as a claim?

A. Yes, all claims made are considered part of the consumer's claims experience.

Coverage

Q. I've had an accident with an uninsured motorist. What do I do?

A. Contact your state's Department of Revenue. The Department of Revenue enforces the financial responsibility (mandatory liability) laws in your state. They will investigate and, if necessary, enforce the statute. Also, if you were injured, report the loss under your uninsured motorist coverage with your company.

Q. What does uninsured motorist coverage cover?

A. Uninsured motorist coverage applies to bodily injury only. It will protect you from hit-and-run drivers and cover injuries sustained while in your car or as a pedestrian when hit by an uninsured driver. It does not cover damage to your vehicle.

Q. Can other people drive my car and still be covered?

A. Generally, anyone who has permission to drive your vehicle is covered. All people who regularly use your car should be listed on your policy. You should check with your insurance company for specific details.

Q. Why should I list all household members even when they don't drive my car?

A. All family residents of your household of driving age must be listed to protect both you and your insurance carrier. Exclusions are available in some states for family members who do not require coverage.

Q. Who is considered to be a "Family Member?"

A. Typically, family members include any immediate or extended family member of driving age. This Includes parents, children, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, foster children, in-laws & step family members. There may be some variations in this list among different carriers.

Q. Which household members do not require coverage?

A. Household residents that do not need to be listed include: Non-family household residents who do not drive the vehicle. Immediate dormitory roommates who are non-family and do not drive the vehicle Additional residents of a military barracks need not be listed as drivers.

Q. Does my policy provide coverage when I rent a car?

A. Today, most companies will provide rental car coverage only if you are renting a car on vacation. Call your insurance company to find out what rental coverage you have under your policy.

Q. What is a "Deductible?"

A. A deductible is the amount of each claim you agree to pay on collision or comprehensive coverage. Your insurer will pay the difference between the claim amount and the deductible. For example, if your claim is $2000 and your deductible is $500, your insurer will pay $1500 and you will pay $500.

History

Q. Can the driving/accident records of my child/spouse have an impact on my ability to buy auto insurance?

A. Yes, the driving record of any licensed driver in your household will affect the decision of the insurance company to insure your vehicle(s). It can cause you to be turned down for insurance coverage or to pay high-risk insurance premiums.

Q. Can the company refuse to renew my auto policy for claim frequency?

A. Yes, even for one claim. The dollar amount of the claim is irrelevant. An insurer must give you 30 days notice and the specific reason for their refusal to renew (e.g., two claims and specify the dates).

Q. What if I forget to list something on my driving record?

A. Your quotes are based on information you provide. All driving and claims records are verified before a policy is issued. Any omitted information would be noted at that time and the insurance premium would be adjusted to reflect your actual driving record.

Misc.

Q. Can a finance company take out insurance on my car and charge me for it?

A. Yes, if under the terms of your loan, you agree to provide comprehensive and collision insurance, and you fail to do so. The lending institution can obtain a policy to protect its interest. These policies typically do not offer liability insurance coverage to meet the state's financial responsibility (mandatory liability) laws.

Q. What is actual cash value (ACV) vs. replacement cost coverage?

A. All auto policies are written for ACV. Because of the generally large availability of used vehicles, auto settlement values are determined by similar vehicles available in the market. Homeowners can endorse their policy to change their ACV to replacement cost coverage. ACV is based on the cost to replace with a new comparable item, less depreciation based on the age of the lost or damaged item. Replacement cost equals a new item's cost without depreciation.

Rates

Q. What affects my individual auto insurance rates?

A. A number of factors can affect the cost of your automobile insurance. Age, make and model of car, driving record, purpose the car serves, where you keep and drive your car, and your credit rating all affect insurance rates.

Q. How are auto insurance rates determined?

A. Insurance companies use statistical history to determine current rates. Rates are based on the amount needed to pay all claims and company business expenses.

Q. Why do insurance rates vary so much?

A. You might think that your auto insurance rate would be pretty much the same no matter which company you choose. But your auto insurance rates can vary widely - even hundreds of dollars -- primarily because of:

Varying claims experience - Auto insurance is priced to cover the costs of accidents that may happen in the future. Of course, companies cannot see into the future, so to do this, they use information about their past claims experience. Since each company has had different claims experiences with the groups of people they insure, the rates charged customers by different companies vary.

Varying costs of doing business - Each company's cost of doing business (how much they pay to sell and service policies), along with their financial goals, is different, resulting in different prices being charged to consumers.

Auto insurance companies price policies to cover the amount they'll need to cover:

• Accidents that have occurred;
• Claims salaries, building leases, and other claims-related costs; and
• Non-claims expenses such as customer service salaries, advertising and the price of selling policies.

Source: www.wtnh.com

Inductis releases a white paper on ‘Emerging Trends in Auto Insurance Pricing’

Inductis, a global management consulting and analytics services firm serving Fortune 500 clients in the US has released a White Paper on ‘Emerging Trends in Auto Insurance Pricing’.

The paper written by Mr. Arnab Dey, a Principal, Ritesh Aggarwal, a Lead Project Manager at Inductis, and Frank Cacchione, Associate Partner, Inductis and CEO, TNC Management Group, addresses the fact that to remain competitive, insurers must constantly improve the assessments of their true levels of risk and price policyholders accordingly.

“Traditionally, the U.S. auto insurance industry relied on loss ratio models, used limited external data, had a compartmentalized model structure and used variables that were difficult to obtain accurately. Today, led by a few insurers, the industry is headed towards pure premium modeling at individual coverage level using extensive external data and variables that can be verified”, says Mr. Dey.

The industry is headed towards pure premium modeling at individual coverage level using extensive external data and variables that can be verified. These companies are also improving their data collection process so that they have access to richer information to make better pricing decisions.

“The industry also needs to focus on more accurately allocating non-loss related expenses such as acquisition expenses into the pricing structure as opposed to traditional fixed load methods”, says Mr. Aggarwal.

The paper discusses the five key levers that companies need to master to effectively leverage the power of data and analysis in order to drive profitable growth through improved pricing: Data Preparation, Modeling Approach, Model Structure, Use of External Data, and Allocation of Other Expenses.

“While the industry continues to face challenges such as regulatory restrictions on use of certain variables, difference across states and data integration across the organization, companies that embrace these new techniques while managing the market challenges will emerge winners in the next few years at the expense of those who continue to rely on outdated methods that can lead to further erosion of market share and adverse risk selection”, adds Mr. Cacchione.

The paper emphasizes on the fact that as the industry evolves and better uses the tools at its disposal, companies that quickly adopt these advanced analytical methods will emerge winners over the coming years.

The Ups And Downs Of Auto Financing

Problems in auto financing usually occur when the contract is prepared in the finance and insurance office, called "F&I" room. So when your deal goes wrong, chances are it's about something that occurred only at the time when negotiations are almost over. This is because the F&I room is where you, the car buyer, can see much of the potential savings regarding your auto loan go up in smoke. So you see just how important this so-called F&I room is?

Downer #1: Ignoring the F&I Room

Now, the thing with car buyers is that they rather have this not-so appealing tendency to focus on the car they want to buy, and just ignore the F&I room as nothing but tedious paperwork. It's not very appealing because it is, after all, your money being held in negotiation here and if you don't pay attention to it, there's a chance you'll lose a big chunk of it.

Upper #1: Focus on Financing

While it's true that the whole point of car buying is to own that new car you've been eyeing, it's not wise to ignore the financing aspect of it as well. The two must necessarily go hand in hand or in you're in for a tough spot with a bad investment on a car loan. Don't view the financing part as paperwork that should be completed as quickly as possible so you could drive away in your new car. Don't make the same mistake other car buyers are making. Be aware of how vital the F&I experience is to car buying.

Downer #2: Inflated Interest Rates

Top on the list of the things you must do involving auto financing is to have the deal agreed upon by you and the salesman be put in writing in a binding contract. Often involved at this part of the procedure is to determine monthly auto loan payments based on an interest rate. Now, as you well know, the interest rate varies from car buyer to car buyer. Your credit is only one of the factors and if the interest rate a car buyer qualifies for is inflated, then the dealership can make extra profit off your loan. That's merely one of the pitfalls in auto financing.

Upper #2: Get Independent Auto Financing

Fortunately for you, there are solutions to that particular problem. One way to do it is to obtain independent auto financing BEFORE going to the dealership. When you have the approved auto financing option on hand, you can then proceed with the deal as a "cash buyer" so to speak since you already have the cash in hand from the loan and you are merely buying the car from the dealer with that money. No other relation exists between you and the dealer aside from that of a seller and a buyer. No such thing as a debtor and a loan creditor.

Another advantage to this particular solution is that you can negotiate with the car dealer only upon the price of the car. You don't have to worry about getting approved for financing with him since you already have that, thanks to your conscientiousness and foresight. Car salesmen prefer customers to be "monthly payment" buyers as this makes it easier for them to obscure the total cost of the vehicle, to the detriment of your savings. So wizen up and take that independent auto financing option available.

Downer #3: I Don't Know My Credit Rating

Now, that's a very common statement car buyers make. They know their blood pressure level. Heck, they even know their blood count. But credit rating? Only a tiny smidgen of the population knows that. Yet, it cannot be stressed far enough that knowing your own credit rating could very well mean the difference between a good investment and a bad one.

Many car buyers don't know their credit status when they apply for an auto loan. I don't know if they're just lazy or simply don't know that determining the kind of interest rate you get depends largely on your credit score. I'm praying for the former because that can be cured. The latter just answers itself. Therefore, it's critical to obtain your credit report before shopping for a car so you will know exactly where you stand when it comes to your auto financing options.

Upper #3: Where to Get Credit Report

The solution to not knowing your credit rating is to get a copy of your credit report. And where can you get that copy? There are a number of sites that offer it for a minimal fee. These sites are:

* http://Equifax.com

* http://Experian.com

* http://TransUnion.com

Order a copy of your credit report from the above sites and look for items that may stand in the way of you getting a good rate. In case of any errors, correct them promptly and make sure that all your lines of credit are in good standing. Also, while you're at it, watch out for any signs of identity theft as this crime has become rampant these days, and then contact the credit bureaus for help on this particular issue.

Downer #4: The Last Temptation of Mr. Car Buyer

Granted you are a really conscientious buyer and so far you've managed to avoid many of the pitfalls and downers we've outlined above. You made it. You have an approved auto financing program from an independent auto financing company and are now on your way to the dealership. Nothing can possibly go wrong now.

Ah, but how wrong you are. Because once you get to the dealership, the smooth-talking salesman will try to egg you into overspending.

Upper #4: Set a Price Range

Having a budget is the sensible thing to do. If you set a sensible price range for yourself, then you have less reason to go beyond that range and succumb to the temptation of overspending. If you're really firm on that budget, no amount of sales talk can sway you.

Creating a budget for a car is easy once you have some idea on what financing options are available to you and the price of the car that you want. Remember that the dealer's offer is often marked up - that is, it is a percentage higher than the real price set by the car maker. One good tip is to make sure that your monthly car payments and related expenses do not exceed about 20 percent of your monthly net income.

Downer #5: Discounted Financing vs. Rebate

Here's the dilemma to car buying: Many dealers offer a choice between discounted financing or a rebate, but not both. Discounted financing means that you get zero-percent financing while rebate means that you get a certain amount of cash some time after purchase. The common error many car buyers make is that the zero-percent loan will deliver the most savings. But will it really?

Upper #5: Get the Cash Rebate

In most cases, it's better to get the cash rebate and apply it against the purchase price of the vehicle. If you already have a pre-approved car loan, then that's even better since you have positively no need of additional financing from your dealer. Just use your car loan to finance the car and let the rebate handle some of the charges.

About the Author

Discover the best time to shop for a car, how to avoid dealership scam, when to walk away from a transaction, differences between guarantee and warranty and much more on the authors free website at: http://www.how-to-buy-a-used-car-website.com

Source: www.goarticles.com

How to Save on your Insurance Premiums

There is no doubt about the fact that insurance premiums are on the rise. They have risen so high, in fact; that many people simply feel they can't afford them. Of course, considering the fact that insurance is generally required for your home and vehicle if you are still paying on a loan for these items, you can really find yourself in a Catch 22 situation. The good news is that will a little work there are a few techniques you can use to actually lower the cost of your insurance premiums.

In terms of your homeowners insurance, always try to shop around whenever possible to get the best deal. Provide all the pertinent information including a description of your home, the type of basic as well as additional coverage you need and find out what is available in terms of rates for different companies.

Another way to save on your homeowners insurance is to make sure that you keep your home in tip top shape, thereby reducing the need for losses and claims. You can do this by replacing any wiring that is old and informing your insurance company, insuring your roof is in good condition and using anti-theft and safety devices on your home.

In addition, discounts may be available if your home is newly constructed as well as if you install a monitored security system. This type of discount can amount up to 15% in some cases. Some carriers also offer what is known as a loyalty discount for customers who have been with them for several years.

By raising your deductible, you can also usually reduce your premiums. Even a $250 jump in your deductible could cut your premium by as much as 15%. Raise it even more and you could be looking at a 25% savings on your deductible.

By combining your auto and home insurance and purchasing it from the same company you also could be able to obtain anywhere from a 5-15% discount. Between the two policies that could amount to major savings.

Don't forget to look at your insurance policies and determine exactly how much you need. It's quite possible that you could be over-insured and may not need as much insurance as you think.

One factor many people are not aware of is that their land is typically included in the market value of their home, the often used to determine the amount of your homeowner's policy. In reality, the value of your land should not be included in your insurance policy except under very special circumstances. If you can cut it, do so and you'll save on the premiums.

Try to avoid small incidental claims whenever possible because they can drive up both the cost of your home insurance premiums as well as car insurance premiums. If it is a small loss and you can do without having it repaired for awhile or pay for it on your own without filing a claim on your insurance policy, then do it. The more claims you file, no matter how small, can often increase your premium amounts.

About the Author

Joe Kenny writes for the UK Loans Store where you will can compare loans and offer more information on secured loans and other loan topics available on site.
Visit Today: http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk

source: www.goarticles.com

Getting Car Insurance For Your Antique Collectors Car

Getting car insurance for your antique collector's car is not the same as buying insurance for your everyday car. The insurance for collector's cars is different than other auto insurance. Every antique car collector should know a few things about antique car insurance.

First, your state is going to have specific laws as to how old your car has to be to qualify for antique car insurance. The age is usually at least fifteen years. Also, in order to qualify for antique car insurance you must have another car that you use as your regular car, and a garage to park your antique in.

Collector's policies are important because of the different types of coverage offered. Traditional car insurance pays the actual cash value of the vehicle. Actual cash value is the cost of replacing the car minus the cost of depreciation. This is a poor choice for antique car owners, because it does not incorporate the appreciation of a collector's item.

Another form of traditional car insurance covers the stated value of the car. In this type of coverage, the insurance company pays what the car is stated to be worth.

Antique car insurance is a specialty insurance that pays the agreed value of the car. This way the owner will receive the full value of the car as a collector's item. And, antique car insurance usually costs less than traditional car insurance. It's a win-win situation for the car collector! A little education can save the antique car owner a lot of money and frustration when purchasing car insurance for their collectible.

Please see our recommended insurance provider below for the lowest rate insurance on the internet. They not only offer low rate quotes but allow you to combine insurances for better rates and coverages.

About the Author

Affordable Car Insurance Home Insurance Car Insurance

Source: www.goarticles.com

Five Great Reasons to Shop Around For Auto Insurance

(ARA) - Shopping around is the number one way of saving money on insurance. Are you sure you're getting the best deal possible with your current insurance company? Many people find it easy to stay with the same company for years, but fail to realize they have the potential to save hundreds of dollars each year by comparing quotes from multiple companies. You should shop around at least twice a year to see if you are getting the best deal possible. Below are five other great reasons to shop around:

You've just moved.

Moving is always a stressful time; lots of money to be spent, information to update, packing and moving trucks to arrange, etc. However, in this expensive period of your life, there is at least one thing you can do to cut some expenses - shop around for auto insurance rates. Are you paying too much for your auto insurance? Your new address makes this the perfect time to find out, as rates can change when you move, and you have to update your policy anyway. Why might your rates change at your new address? Because rates in various locations differ. For example, auto insurance rates in rural communities are almost always lower than those in large urban centers. Accidents tend to happen much more frequently in big cities, due to the number of cars on the road (aka: traffic).

You may be moving to a new state, and your current auto insurance company may not be a licensed insurance provider in that state, or if they are, the rates they offer may be much higher. Certain states have higher insurance rates than others due to the percentage of claims filed. States like New Jersey, Washington D.C., New York and Massachusetts typically have the highest average insurance rates.

It can also cost more to settle claims in certain areas, and this can add to the cost of your insurance premiums. Expensive cars cost more to repair or replace, and wealthy urban communities will sometimes have higher average insurance rates. Regardless of whether you're moving to a new state or just across town, now is the perfect time to compare multiple rates and find the lowest one. Rates can differ by hundreds of dollars from company to company.

You've bought a new car.

There are a lot of things to consider when you are thinking of buying a new car: what kind you want to get, what monthly payments you can afford, what features are the most important to you, etc. But one thing most people don't think of is to check the new car's insurance rates. Or, if you are deciding between several different makes and models, to compare insurance rates for each. InsWeb's www.insweb.com quick and easy online marketplace is the perfect place to do this. You can easily check rates for your potential new vehicle(s), and you can save your information so you can activate a policy quickly if you decide to purchase. Most dealerships need proof of insurance on the car before they let you drive it off the lot.

Insurance rates differ greatly between cars. If the car is safe and performs well in crash tests, is not frequently stolen, and/or has certain safety or anti-theft features, it will generally cost less to insure. If the car is flashier, has a history of being frequently stolen, or is more expensive to repair, you can bet your insurance rates will be higher.

You've just gotten married.

It's an exciting time in your life, and not when you might want to think about things like insurance. However, after shelling out all that money for your wedding and/or honeymoon, why not find out if you can save some money by combining your auto insurance policies? Most insurance companies offer discounts when you insure more than one car on the same policy. It's a good idea to shop around and compare quotes and see who can offer you and your new spouse the best deal.

This can also apply to anyone you are adding to your policy. If you have a child who just got his or her driver's license, are adding a live-in parent to your policy, etc., it's a good idea to shop around and see which company will offer you the best rates for your multiple driver policy.

You've just retired, changed occupation, etc.

Retirement is often a good time to re-examine your auto insurance policy. Many auto insurance companies offer discounts to drivers 55 and older. Also consider whether you have other discounts that are now applicable, such as a student with good grades on your policy, a car that is rarely driven (which could mean a low mileage discount), or if you or another driver on your policy have changed occupations to something such as a engineer, scientist, mathematician, teacher, or member of the military. Many companies offer discounts to people in these professions. Discounts differ from company to company, so be sure to shop around and find out who can offer you the lowest rates for your personal situation.

You just think your rates are too high.

Ever been chatting with a friend or colleague about auto insurance rates and realized that they paid way less than you? While rates can differ from consumer to consumer based on numerous factors, you very well may be paying too much for your auto insurance. What's the only way to find out? By shopping around and comparing rates. What's the quickest way to do all this shopping at once? By utilizing InsWeb's easy-to-use online marketplace.

Copyright © 2005, ARA Content

Source: www.wellsvilledaily.com

Knowing A Wheelchair: How To Make The Best Choice

When buying a wheelchair the first thing to do is use an experienced therapist that will help you pick the right wheelchair. You should use a reputable recommended wheelchair vendor who will know the wheelchairs that they are selling. The cost of the wheelchair can be important as if it is not deemed "medically necessary" than the costs may not be covered by insurance.

The obvious thing you must look at when buying a wheelchair is if it fits you. Aspects that need to be looked into are the length and width of the wheelchair and how much it weighs. If a person has a wheelchair the use of it is important in aspects such as who will be the person pushing or lifting the chair. The chair has to fit the needs of the environment they will be used for such as in town, a big city, schools and jobs. To get to many of these places traveling with the wheelchair is a necessity.

How will the person using the chair be traveling around, by bus, car, public transportation? It is important to find out whether the user needs a collapsible wheelchair for transportation issues. With the person transferring the user they need to know if they will need tie-downs or ramps on the vehicle to transfer the person around.

The most important physical aspect of the wheelchair is the frame. The user needs to find out if the wheelchair is lightweight so it can pushed and lifted or more sturdy for a user who can be active. The user needs to see if the attachments which can be used often with wheelchairs will be supported.

Some of these items include ventilators, suction machine, oxygen tank, or communication device. How sturdy the frame is and if it has room for these attachments are important as some attachments such as an oxygen tank might be vital to the user's health.

About the Author

wheelchair-answers.com gives advice on wheelchairs, wheelchair lifts and power wheelchairs

Source: www.goarticles.com

Car Insurance Quotes Online: get Free Price Comparisons Quickly And Easily

You can't make predictions when and where an accident might occur, but you can make plans for your protection in case of such an event. Shopping online for free car insurance quotes will enable you to gather the information you need quickly and easily in order to determine the best choice for you and your family's needs.

The main protection against potential hazards to you and your family is insurance - an agreement in which an insurer, in exchange for money paid in advance and/or on a regular time-table by an individual, agrees to assume the risk for loss causing economic or other general hardship. The principle in the assumption of the risk is the distribution of that risk by the insurance companies to you, the policy holder. With enough people paying reasonable premiums, a large amount of money can be generated to cover occasional losses occurring to a few of those very people. Obtaining quotes online allows you to find these reasonable premiums instantly and, oftentimes, for free.

Once you have made your choice based on your comparisons of instant online quotes, your new insurance company will prepare a contract or policy which lists the amounts and types of benefits and reimbursement to you. Car insurance specifically protects against various types of loss in relation to the operation of your car, including damages to your vehicle and/or personal injury liabilities.

TYPES OF CAR INSURANCE AVAILABLE:

Bodily Injury Liability Insurance: This type of insurance provides coverage against the risk of bodily injury and/or death to both pedestrians as well as for the occupants of other vehicles which occur from the negligence of the insured driver. (Negligence is defined as the failure to do something that a reasonable person would do or doing something which a reasonable person would not do. Negligence is considered "the absence of care.") Monetary damages are limited by the amount of insurance purchased. Insurance companies are also responsible for providing legal defense for the policy holder in case of any civil lawsuit.

Property Damage Liability Insurance: This insurance will provide protection against those bringing claims against the policy holder for property damage involving, i.e., a car or roadside fence. However, those with claims must prove the driver was at fault.

Collision Insurance: This provides against losses occurring to the policy holder's car which have been caused by accidental collisions with another object on or a part of the road. The liability for this is limited to the insured's car.

Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage provides against the complete loss of the policy holder's car or partial damage due to such events as theft, vandalism, flood, hail, lightning, windstorm, fire, or riot. However, the insurance company has limited liability based on the cash value of the car at the time of the loss.

Medical Payment Insurance: This kind of insurance will pay medical and possibly even funeral expenses which are the result of bodily injuries to anyone in the insured's car at the time an accident occurs. Some states will pay all medical bills for all family members involved in an accident either riding in another person's car or struck in their own car.

Uninsured-Motorist Insurance: This will provide protection against an uninsured motorist when that person causes an accident and has no bodily injury liability insurance to cover the damages. This provides protection not only for the insured, but also for all the insured's family in the same household as well as other occupants of the policy holder's car. Uninsured-Motorist Insurance also protects those who are injured by a hit-and-run driver, but provides no reimbursement for property damages.

No-Fault Insurance: This will allow a policy holder to collect damages as well as medical expenses from his own insurance company regardless of who caused the accident. The principle behind No-Fault Insurance is an effort to cut down on fraudulent claims as well as to eliminate expensive litigation in the determination of negligence.

In order to avoid potential legal problems, you should thoroughly review all information you have found online and in subsequent insurance purchases made. Make sure you understand all clauses in your contract. The general rule about insurance policies is that vague clauses are usually interpreted in favor of the insured. The best path in online car insurance is choosing both broad and general coverage which are restricted by few exceptions and exclusion clauses which limit the insurer's payment obligations. Always consult an attorney or independent party for clarification. It is also important to remember that all insurance practices vary from state to state, with some statutes addressing legal residents of a state as well as those just traveling through. Please consult your insurance agent for advice when traveling out of your home state.

About the Author

Buy Affordable Auto Insurance Home Owner Insurance Quote Cheap Car Insurance Insurance

source: www.goarticles.com

5 ways to get auto insurance discounts

Just when you thought you'd taken advantage of every discount and shrunk your auto insurance premium to its tiniest, auto insurers are offering more ways to make your bill smaller than ever, and all you have to do is be yourself.

Almost every insurance company gives you a discount if you've had no accidents or tickets in the last three to five years, or if you buy a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy with the same company (multi-line discount), insure more than one car on your auto insurance policy (multi-vehicle discount) or own a car that is equipped with air bags. But some companies also will reward you for your profession, for your age and for using the Internet.

That college degree is worth something

21st Century Group (formerly 20th Century) has found that drivers with degrees in engineering are lower risks than other drivers. If you have a bachelor's degree in any number of engineering or science-related fields -- biochemistry, mathematics or mechanical engineering, for example -- you can get a discount on your auto insurance premium if you buy from them.

21st Century sells auto insurance in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, and offers the "engineering and scientist" discount in all of those states. If you're a scientist or an engineer with a good driving record, you can save between 10% and 30% on the company's base rate, according to Ric Hill, vice president of corporate relations.

A base rate is the average amount of claims paid plus the insurance company's claims-processing fee. For example, if the company's base rate is $400, you could save between $40 and $120.

"Our company's founder saw that educators, scientists, and engineers have lots of characteristics that seem to show that they're the best drivers," says Hill. "Engineers, for example, being accustomed to dealing with fine details, are somewhat meticulous, which means they take good care of their automobiles." 21st Century found that the same holds true for teachers and other scientists.

Teachers deserve a break

Horace Mann Insurance (which sells auto insurance in every state except Hawaii and New Jersey) offers discounts to teachers who belong to state education associations or the National Education Association (NEA). Horace Mann's discounts start at 8% and are based on some assumptions the company made about teachers: They have a stable occupation, stable employment, and they understand they are under scrutiny by the community.

The discounts are available through Horace Mann or one of its two subsidiaries -- Allegiance Insurance or Teachers Insurance. In addition to Hawaii and New Jersey and New York, the discounts are not available in Georgia, Mississippi, Texas and Washington D.C.

The discount program for teachers who are state association or NEA members started about 15 years ago. Although the auto insurance discounts aren't enough to cover annual association dues, Horace Mann estimates the average household (two cars) and the average insurance discount will pay for about 50% of an association's average dues.

21st Century also offers teachers a break on auto insurance premiums, but only if you're certified by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, or if you are a full-time college or university professor. Savings for this program range from 10% to 30% of the company's base rate.

Save all you can save in the Army

GEICO offers a 2% to 15% discount to active and retired members of the military. The military discount is available in all states except Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas.

Another benefit of buying your auto insurance with GEICO if you're in the military is your ability to drop all coverages except comprehensive if you're shipped overseas. "Most armed service personnel will put their vehicles in storage and we allow them to drop their liability and other coverages while they're out of the country," says Richard Kidd, a retired sergeant major of the Army and assistant vice president for military services at GEICO. Additionally, if Uncle Sam sends you to a country in which the government offers hostile-fire pay, GEICO will knock 25% off your comprehensive bill while your car's in storage.

Drive toward the discounts in your golden years

Remember when a nickel was worth a dime? If so, you're probably eligible for some deep discounts on your auto insurance. The Hartford's AARP Auto Insurance Program offers AARP members the chance to chop their auto insurance bills by as much as 45%.

The AARP program offers drivers a 20% to 25% discount for insuring multiple cars on one policy, a 10% discount for holding both a homeowners and auto insurance policy with The Hartford and 5% savings for staying with the company for more than five years and not having any violations on your driving record.

The Hartford also guarantees that drivers who buy auto insurance through the AARP program will never have their policies canceled except for nonpayment of premium, DUI conviction or loss of license.

Have Internet, can save

Web surfers who want to purchase insurance online can benefit from discounts offered by companies such as Unitrin Direct.

Unitrin will shave $50 off your auto insurance premium if you purchase a policy directly from its Web site. In addition, Unitrin also will give a 10% discount to four-year college graduates under the age of 30. Both discounts are only available in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Because of cutthroat competition in the auto insurance market, all you have to do is sniff around a little bit for good deals like these. And although you might not be a professor, teacher, engineer or geologist, you can still save on your auto premiums by being a good driver, having good grades or insuring more than one car.

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Authorities get tough on auto insurance fraud

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Investigators across the country are trying new tactics to crack down on the old problem of auto insurance fraud.

The tools to combat the crime from health insurance fraud mills in New York to "swoop and squat" schemes in California include wiretaps, undercover agents and prosecutors who view auto fraud as organized crime.

In 2001, New York Gov. George Pataki appointed state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer as special counsel to investigate the fraud that has helped drive up New Yorkers' auto insurance premiums to second highest in the nation, trailing only New Jersey.

New York Deputy Attorney General Peter Pope, who oversees 100 lawyers and 100 investigators statewide as the head of the office's criminal division, said that going after street-level perpetrators isn't enough.

Instead, he's taken an organized crime approach, using wiretaps, undercover agents and investigative grand juries to nab doctors, lawyers and the "silent owners" of medical fraud mills that bilk the insurance industry out of $25 billion to $30 billion a year.

In many cases, syndicates running fraud operations have been charged under New York's Organized Crime Control Act, which is used to go after larger criminal enterprises. Perpetrators are often charged with enterprise corruption, a major felony calling for longer and mandatory prison time. A conviction can carry a sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

The New York law is patterned after the 1970 federal racketeering statute, known as RICO, to combat organized crime including the Mafia and gangs in several states.

Frank Scafidi of the National Insurance Crime Bureau said fraud causes higher rates for everyone, though he and others say there are no reliable estimates of how much it adds to the average consumer's bill.

The yearly cost is "enough that it's really hurting everyone's wallet," said Howard Goldblatt of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud.

In March, an Albany, N.Y., boxer and his family were charged with running a ring that staged minor car crashes and made false insurance claims. Frank Houghtaling, his brother, sister-in-law, father, wife and another woman were named in a sealed indictment after a two-year investigation, prosecutors said. Authorities alleged the 30 to 40 incidents typically involved unwitting drivers of other vehicles in fender benders. The charges are still pending court action.

In New York City in March 2004, 11 people and seven companies were charged in connection with a scheme that prosecutors said defrauded insurance carriers out of $1 million. Doctors, lawyers and others were accused of soliciting accident victims to be treated at IK Medical, a clinic run by Dr. Irina Kimyagarova. The indictment alleged that the clinic was controlled by Emil Izrailov and Robert Shimunov, two silent owners who had no medical training.

Once patients came to the clinic, they received a wide range of unnecessary treatments, including physical therapy, acupuncture, psychotherapy and dental care, according to the indictment. The case is scheduled for trial this month.

"You don't really make an impact until you make a jump into clinics and the silent owners," Pope said, referring to the scam organizers who set up bogus corporations and hire doctors to run them. Under New York law, only doctors are allowed to run medical clinics.

Traditionally, prosecutors focused on the people claiming false accidents and the "steerers" who recruited them to take part in the fraud.

The shift in tactics led to the arrests of "those higher up the ladder," Spitzer's office said in a report released in July.

In California, police are trying to educate the public about potential fraud schemes.

In one common scam, called the "swoop and squat," a motorist is driving along at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of him. Another car will then begin to tailgate the unsuspecting driver while another vehicle will pull up alongside, honking and swerving to draw attention. Just as the unwitting driver is distracted, the car in front slams on the brakes, causing a rear-end collision.

The hit car is usually filled with people who then claim injuries, said Rich Halberg of the Sacramento, Calif., office of Allstate Insurance.

"Consumer awareness is really important," he said, noting that California has about $1 billion in auto insurance fraud annually.

source: www.freep.com

Eleven Money-Saving Auto Insurance Tips For Senior Drivers

Like all drivers, senior citizens (or as I like to call them “seasoned citizens”) want to get the best rates on their auto insurance policies. What they may not be aware of is that older drivers may present a higher risk than other drivers, usually leading to higher auto insurance rates.

Following a few simple tips and taking these measures will ensure that you are getting the lowest rates possible on your auto insurance policy.

1. Avoid more Accidents, Pay Close Attention at Intersections. Auto accidents involving seniors often occur at intersections. Make sure to look ahead if you plan to quickly change lanes after an intersection. Pay attention to protected left turn lanes with their own arrows, and always keep your tires pointed straight ahead when stopped, so that a rear-end accident doesn't push you into oncoming traffic.

2. Follow the flow of traffic, Drive at the at or near the speed limit. Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding, especially when entering or exiting interstates or freeways. It can also trigger dangerous "road rage" in less patient drivers. You don’t have to be Mario Andretti, but keeping to the right and following the flow of traffic is the safest bet.

3. Many violations include failure to yield right-of-way, improper turning or incorrect lane changes, so keep current on the traffic laws relating to new traffic designs.

4. Sit high enough in your seat so that you can see at least 10 feet in front of your car, advises the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If your car seat does not adjust to allow this, add a cushion. This will make it easier to see pedestrians and bike riders, and reduce problems from oncoming headlight glare at night.

5. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses when driving at night. For many older drivers, night vision is reduced, so safety dictates not driving at twilight or after dark.

6. Make sure you learn how to operate a New Car. Things like Anti-lock brakes, for example operate differently in slippery situations. If you have never driven a car with anti-lock brakes, sure to get training on proper use.

7. Senior drivers can refresh their skills and knowledge -- and get a discount on auto insurance in many states -- by taking a refresher driving course, such as the eight-hour "55 Alive" course offered by AARP. More than two-thirds of states mandate auto insurance policy discounts for such courses, and many insurance companies offer the discounts voluntarily.

8. Look for cars with rear-view mirrors that automatically dim and filter out headlight glare.

9. Air bag technology has become more advanced, with sensors that deploy air bags based on the weight of the occupant, reducing air-bag-related injuries. Some new cars also have side air bags in the seats or door frame that offer better protection.

10. Consider fit and comfort in your new car. Seat belts that comfortably fit over your shoulder and low on your lap will keep you safer. Automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes require less physical effort.

11. Last but definitely not least, Check to see which companies offer specific ‘Senior Discounts’ While shopping around for the best auto insurance rates is important, which insurance company you choose might depend on how they treat senior drivers. You'll get their best rates if you're healthy and drive a safe, modern vehicle.

About the Author:

Matt McWilliams is one of the co-founders of HometownQuotes.Com, an online insurance quotes web site. He is originally from Pinebluff, NC and attended Middle Tennessee State University in 2002. He is considered an expert in the field of online insurance shopping and finding new ways to help consumers save money on their insurance. For more information visit http://www.hometownquotes.com.

Read more articles by: Matt McWilliams

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Do You Understand Your Auto Insurance Policy?

By Abbey Wagner, InsWeb

While everyone that drives in this country has to have some form of auto insurance by law, many do not understand the basics of their policies. While we don't all have to be auto insurance experts, it is important to at least comprehend the major bricks that build our auto insurance policies.

There are five parts of a typical auto insurance contract (the titles of these sections may differ slightly from insurer to insurer, but they all address basically the same points):

Declarations. This part of your policy is unique to you; it contains the personal facts for drivers in your household such as name and address, make and model of your vehicle(s), vehicle identification number(s), policy number and policy duration. It also contains the basic type of coverage you purchased and your policy limits and deductibles. Tip: Make sure your information is accurate; your claim may be denied if you provide inaccurate information to your insurer.

Coverage Parts/Insuring Agreement. This section outlines the coverage options and coverage limits that you purchased, such as liability, medical, collision and comprehensive. This section basically outlines what your insurance company promises to provide in return for your payment, based on the coverages and coverage limits you selected.

Exclusions. This section simply details what is not covered by highlighting your policy's limitations. Combined with the section above, this ensures that you know exactly what will be covered when you make a claim. It also shows you some possible deficiencies that you might want to correct down the line.

Conditions. This is where the legal responsibilities of both the insured and the insurer are listed, including premium payment obligations, steps to filing a claim, and procedures for resolving disagreements.

Definitions. This section defines terms and outlines the rights of the policyholder and the insurance company. This section is often referred to as the "fine print."

Now, let's define some general coverages. For more definitions, please refer to the various auto insurance glossaries listed in our auto learning center.

Collision Coverage. This covers loss to your own auto caused by its collision with another vehicle or object. If you cause an accident, collision coverage will pay to repair your vehicle, and is normally the most expensive part of an auto insurance policy. You must choose a deductible, which is the amount you, the insured, must pay before the insurance company pays the remainder of each covered loss. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium costs. However, keep in mind that this is the amount you must pay (generally to the repair shop) if your vehicle is damaged, so deciding on your deductible, which directly affects your premium, can be a bit of a balancing act.

Comprehensive Coverage. This covers damage to your vehicle caused by an event other than a collision or overturn. Examples include fire, theft, vandalism, and falling objects. This also comes with a deductible you select, which is how much you will pay before the insurance company pays the remainder.

Liability. The official definition of liability from the InsWeb glossary is: "That portion of the insurance contract which pays and renders service on behalf of an insured for a covered loss arising out of the insured's responsibility to others imposed by law or assumed by contract." In simpler terms, if you are at fault in an accident, liability insurance will pay to cover injuries and property damage costs caused to others in the accident (including your legal defense costs, if applicable). Bodily injury coverage pays for things like medical costs and lost salary to others; while property damage pays for repairs to other people's property you damaged in the accident (other than your own car). Liability coverage (which is the state mandated part of your policy) is the basic building block of any auto policy, and minimum liability limits vary from state to state.

Below are some common extra coverage items that are available to you:

Medical Payments
This pays you and your passengers for medical and funeral expenses incurred in an auto accident, regardless of fault. It will also cover injuries sustained by you while you're operating someone else's car (with their permission), in addition to injuries you or your family members incur when you are pedestrians.

Personal Injury Protection
This is the name usually given to no-fault benefits in states that have enacted mandatory or optional no-fault auto insurance laws. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) usually includes benefits for medical expenses, loss of income from work, essential services, accidental death, funeral expenses, and survivor benefits.

No-Fault Insurance
Many states have enacted auto accident compensation laws permitting auto accident victims to collect directly from their own insurance companies for medical and hospital expenses regardless of who was at fault in the accident. Although there are many legal variations of no-fault insurance, most states still allow people to sue the negligent party if the amount of damages exceeds a certain state-determined threshold.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage:

Uninsured Motorists Bodily Injury
Uninsured Motorists Bodily Injury (UMBI) covers you for all sums (up to your policy limits) if an accident occurs with an uninsured or hit-and-run motorist who is determined to be legally at fault.

Underinsured Motorists Bodily Injury
Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury covers you for all sums (up to your policy limits) if an accident occurs with a motorist who is underinsured (i.e., they carry bodily injury limits less than your UMBI limits and less than the amount of the injuries).

Uninsured Motorists Property Damage
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) Liability coverage pays for property damages caused by uninsured drivers.

There are also other extra items, such as rental reimbursement and towing and labor charges in case of a breakdown. As mentioned above, please visit the InsWeb Auto Insurance Glossary for further definitions.

Remember to keep yourself adequately covered; while having the bare minimums required by each state may keep you in compliance with state laws, they may not be enough to protect your assets if you have a major incident. Insurance experts recommend that you review your insurance policy often and thoroughly.

source: www.wtnh.com

Low-Cost Auto Insurance Does Not Always Mean Inferior Quality!

When shopping for low-cost auto insurance, don’t automatically assume the less expensive insurance is necessarily inferior insurance. Robust marketplace competition inevitably results in lower costs, better product quality and improved customer service. Insurance companies aren’t willing to throw their money away on a losing deal; on the contrary: They’re betting against all odds that you probably won’t have an accident, even as you’re figuring you probably will. And the insurance companies will even accept your money just to prove their point.

Cheaper prices on car insurance do not automatically mean lesser quality on the services purchased. But some people get hung up on the zeroes behind the dollar sign – figuring the more money they shell out, the better deal they’re getting. Some companies even take advantage of these particular consumers by actually selling inferior products for much higher prices to make it appear that their products are more valuable. Remember, name recognition does not necessarily equate the best service.

Value, however, is the key, especially in car insurance. While the consumer wants to be sufficiently covered in the event of an accident, no one wants to pay more than necessary. Customers demand lower prices and companies hear those demands. And like all companies in a free market, insurance companies have to compete in order to stay in business. Low-cost car insurance is oftentimes purely a product of marketplace competition.

Other factors play into lower pricing. Sometimes the reason cheaper car insurance is available on, well, cheaper cars is because those cars actually have a smaller risk of loss or damage by the very fact that they’re cheap. Lesser value reduces the insurance company’s overall risk. By transferring that risk to enough people paying low premiums, insurers are betting that will make up for the relatively small number of major accidents per year.

The first thing to do while comparing the cost of car insurance premiums is to find out exactly what is required by law in your state. Once you know what is required you can then decide what options you may want to add, if any. Start with your finances. If you have a lot of assets which can be potentially “attached” by lawsuit, make sure you get more than the minimum liability listed – enough to cover your possessions, including your house, if you’re found at fault because of an accident and the injured’s medical bills exceed basic liability. If you don’t have significant assets, don’t buy extra coverage.

Think about your personal driving habits. If you tend to speed, get into fender-benders, or roll through red lights, your chances of accidents increase exponentially. If you own an older model car but have a good driving record, you might not need collision insurance, however you might want to purchase comprehensive insurance, especially if the car is one that is on the Top Ten Stolen Cars List. Also check on the reliability of the insurance company by researching your state’s Department of Insurance website and local Better Business Bureau for consumer complaint ratios. You can also check out local body shops and car dealerships to see which companies they prefer working with – but make sure it’s not a “partnership”.

The bottom line is buy car insurance at the best price that will adequately cover your driving needs. You don’t want to end up with a fantastic price on insurance but not be able to get your car fixed or replaced after an accident.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Newberry

10 Ways to Lower the Cost of Driving

From saving gas to lowering the cost of routine maintenance, a few simple habits keep costs in check.

For most Americans, driving is a necessity of life. But as budgets tighten and fuel prices fluctuate, many people are looking for ways to trim the price of driving. When buying a car, opting for a used vehicle can cut the cost of ownership from the very first day. The price is normally thousands less than for the same car new. In addition, a lower price means less sales tax, less money to finance the purchase, and a lower premium on any collision and comprehensive insurance. To get the best fuel economy, choosing a four-cylinder engine rather than a V6, or a V6 rather than a V8, is usually the way to go. Likewise, small, light cars tend to be more miserly with fuel than are larger vehicles. To compare specific models, go to the Environmental Protection Agency's web site at www.fueleconomy.gov. Once you've bought a vehicle, you can still go farther for less money if you follow a few common-sense practices. To aid your efforts, keep a notebook in the car, and for a few months write down everything you spend on driving--fuel, maintenance, tolls, and parking. Knowing where the money goes is the best guide to finding significant places to save. Here are some other tips.

NO LOITERING

Think of it this way: while idling, your car is getting zero miles per gallon (mpg). Don't let the engine run at idle for any longer than necessary. After starting the car in the morning, begin driving right away; don't let it sit and "warm up" for several minutes. An engine actually warms up faster while driving. With most gasoline engines, it's more efficient to turn off the engine rather than idle for 30 seconds or longer. Think about going into a fast-food restaurant rather than waiting in a long line for the drive-through window.

EASY DOES IT

Driving smoothly and steadily makes the best use of your fuel. If you can, avoid hard acceleration or braking. When you move out from a standstill, bring the car up to speed briskly but not abruptly. You want to get up to cruising speed without straining, and then stay there. Once up to speed, maintain a steady pace in top gear. Varying your speed a lot wastes fuel. According to the EPA, the most fuel-efficient speeds are between about 25 and 60 mph. Smooth acceleration, cornering, and braking not only save fuel, but extend the life of the engine, transmission, and brakes.

DON'T BE A DRAG

At highway speeds, over 50 percent of engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag. Try not to add to the drag by carrying things on top of your vehicle. A loaded roof rack can decrease a car's fuel economy by 5 percent. Even driving with empty ski racks wastes gas. In addition, if you have air conditioning, don't ride with your windows open on the highway; this also disturbs the outside airflow and creates extra drag.

STAY WARM

An engine runs most inefficiently when it's cold. It not only uses more fuel during this period, but also creates the dirtiest emissions and suffers the most wear. Avoid lots of short, separate trips--and unnecessary cold starts--by combining as many errands as possible into one trip.

GETTING REGULAR

If your car specifies regular fuel, don't buy premium in the mistaken belief that your engine will run better. Using premium fuel in those circumstances is like buying bigger sneakers in the hope they'll help you run faster. Most cars are designed to run just fine on regular gasoline. Furthermore, many cars that recommend premium fuel also run well on regular. You can check with your dealership as to whether your engine is designed to handle either grade. If so, try a tankful or two of regular. If you see no difference in mileage or engine performance, stick with it.

BUY BARGIN FUEL AND OIL

Off-brand gasoline is most often identical to what is sold at franchised gas stations. Shop for the cheapest. Likewise, look for promotional sales at quick-lube shops. Just make sure the shop uses the correct service-grade and viscosity oil for your car. Following your car's recommended oil-change intervals is sufficient, which for most cars driven under normal conditions is 7,500 miles. While oil companies and lube shops may recommend changing oil every 3,000 miles, this can be an unnecessary expense. You can change the oil yourself-typically for $10 or so for oil and a filter. But since a commercial oil change routinely costs $20 or so, you have to weigh whether the savings is worth the time and effort, plus the hassle of safely disposing of your used oil.

STAY TUNED

The EPA mileage that's posted on new-car window stickers is based on a well-tuned and properly maintained vehicle. Running a car in subpar condition can lower that figure dramatically. A poorly tuned engine can cut gas mileage by 10 to 20 percent. Modern electronically controlled engines don't need the frequent and extensive tune-ups of older cars, but they still need regular maintenance and suffer component failures. A clogged air filter alone can cause up to a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption. Be sure to follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, and act promptly if you sense any unusual sounds, smells, or vibration. . Dealership service departments tend to have the most up-to-date tools, equipment, and experience with your car, so they're the places to go if the problem is a real puzzle. But any good mechanic can perform routine service and repair, and independent shops or service stations are often cheaper than using the service department at a dealership.

ROUTINE ISN'T ALWAYS THE SAME

Before you have routine maintenance performed on your vehicle, call around for the best price. Even different dealerships of the same brand can charge varying amounts for the same service interval. Routine maintenance can also be done by independent shops, which are generally less expensive than dealerships. Just keep good records in case you later have a warranty claim. Check in your owner's manual to make sure that the price includes all necessary service, but doesn't add in unnecessary extras. If you're handy, you can also do simple maintenance yourself; just keep all receipts as proof of what parts or fluids were used and when.

WATCH THE TIRES

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires require more energy to roll, which not only wastes fuel but wears the tires faster. According to the EPA, one tire that's underinflated by only two psi will result in a 1 percent increase in fuel consumption. Underinflated tires can also build up excess heat, which can lead to tire failure. Check tire pressures monthly when the tires are cold. The recommended tire pressures are found on a label inside the car--usually in a doorjamb or inside the glove-box lid.

SHOP FOR INSURANCE

Some insurers charge twice as much as others for the same customer and car. Using the Internet or the Yellow Pages, shop around for the best insurance-rate quotes you can find. You should carry ample liability insurance, but you don't need to splurge much on collision and comprehensive if your car is getting on in years. Once collision and comprehensive premiums reach 10 percent of the car's book value, consider dropping them. Also raise your deductibles to the highest limit you are comfortable with: say $500 or $1,000. Recheck the insurance market for competitive rates every year or two.

source: www.consumerreports.org

Where to Look for Cheap Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is important when owning a car. This will really help save the person a lot of money to pay for repairs or hospital bills in the event that one gets into an accident.

Is there really such as thing as cheap auto insurance? The answer is no. Though the rates in the market are competitive, there are two things that the person must do.

The first is to find out that does not have excessive coverage and a high deductible. The second is to make sure one has a clean driving record since this could make the rates for auto insurance higher.

The person can make the smart choice by doing the following;

1. The first will be going down to the DMV office and making sure that all the violations in the passed have been ironed out. If the person doest have time t visit or call, perhaps calling on a firm to do this can make the job easier.

2. Since some auto insurance coverage is too much to handle, the person can find out the basic package by checking with the state's auto insurance department. This will give the person an idea on the essentials needed.

3. Many people think that the best people to ask for auto insurance are the agencies. This isn't true because these firms will never tell the real deal. It will be better to talk with insurance agents and visiting certain websites since the person can print this and make a comparison.

4. Another way to save on auto insurance will be to look for discounts. The car comes with safety devices and those that are not yet there can be purchased at the auto shop. Some of these include anti-theft devices and automatic seatbelts.

5. To avoid paying for unnecessary things on the auto insurance, the person should ask the firm if filing a claim will increase the present rate of premiums and under what circumstances does it cancel. This will give the individual an idea whether to keep a certain plan or find another.

6. When the person has a list of insurers in mind, a little research should be done. This can be done by talking to people who avail of the packages offered and the repair shops that repaired the damaged vehicles.

The person can also check on the rates given by the state's auto insurance department whether it is in good standing to make sure one will be able to process a claim.

7.The most important thing before signing on the dotted line is reading the contract. Should there be anything unclear, it will be a good time to raise those questions. This should not have surprise and arbitration clauses which protects the insurer from being sued if the claims are not paid.

8. Lastly, the auto insurance policy should be kept in a safe place such as a safe or in a deposit box in the bank. A copy should be left in the glove compartment of the car together with the car registration.

The person get information on auto insurance easily from an agent or from the company website. This should be studied to be able to get an cheap package that can be considered good value for money.

For more pratical tips and information on Auto Insurance, visit us at AutoInsurance.InfoRevealed.info.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

How To Lower The Cost Of Your Auto Insurance

Buying auto insurance is an important part of your overall financial planning. The auto insurance premium rate varies depending on the company and the type of policy coverage you choose to have. Here are some guidelines to lower the cost.

Shop Around- Compare the costs by shopping around at least four to five insurance companies and comparing the quotes. Take the help of your friends, relatives and yellow pages. Your insurance company should offer fair price and posses excellent service records. Check the financial ratings of the company as it indicates the strength and stability of the company.

Ask for higher deductibles- Deductible is the amount of money that you pay before making any claim for an accident. The collision and comprehensive coverage are sold with the deductibles. Higher the deductibles lower will be the premium rate. Increasing the deductible from $200 to $500 may reduce the cost by 15 to 30 percent.

Drop collision and comprehensive Coverage on older cars- If your car is worth less than 10 times your premium inthe current market, consider dropping the collision and comprehensive coverage.

Buy auto coverage from your existing insurer- Buy insurance coverage from your existing carrier. This may help you to reduce the cost. Sometimes low rates are available for the longtime customers.

Avoid double health coverage- If you think that you have enough health insurance, and then avoid health coverage with your auto policy. This will help you to reduce the cost.

Maintain a good credit record- Insurers are using the credit history while determining the price of insurance. Statistically, the lower your credit score, the more you are likely to file claims. A person with a good credit score is more likely to settle the accident without the support of the company. Try to maintain a good credit record.

Discounts with low profile car- Cars that are expensive to repair or attractive to thieves will have a higher rate. Consider buying a low profile or average car as it your insurer might come up with discounts for such a car.

Take advantage of the low mileage discount: Obtain some discount on premiums by driving less than the national average mileage recorded per year.

Consult about group discount- Sometimes you can get some discounts on group plans provided by your employer, or a business groups, or other associations. Find out whether such a plan is available.

Seek Car Safety discount- Some insurers offer discount if you keep your car equipped with air bag, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, automatic seat belts. Take advantage of this.

About the Author:

Sekhar Saha - Contributing writer: http://www.ampminsure.org/ Visit http://www.ampminsure.org/about76.html to discuss this article.

Read more articles by: Evan Trump

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