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Thursday, April 26, 2007

 

How to Get Affordable Car Insurance in New Jersey

There is an Act in New Jersey, called the Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act, which allows New Jersey drivers the ability to buy basic car insurance policies in New Jersey, for cheaper than all of the other available car insurance policies in the state. In all honesty, there isn't much that will beat the most inexpensive car insurance policy plan available, however there are some things that you should know about the insurance plan which is being offered before you eliminate all of your other options.
The Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act is useful in that it allows all drivers to obtain inexpensive car insurance in New Jersey, because the policy that is offered is significantly cheaper than what you will pay for a standard automobile insurance policy. This basic car insurance policy includes $15,000 per person, for personal injury protection, and $250,000 for significant or permanent injuries. This plan also includes $5,000 of property damage per accident. Unfortunately, liability insurance for bodily injury is not included in this basic insurance policy, however, it is an option that can be added, to the tune of $10,000 per accident for the policyholder.
This basic car insurance policy also does not include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, nor does it include collision or comprehensive coverage. Collision and Comprehensive coverage are options which can be added on, but it depends on which form of the basic car insurance policy was issued to the policyholder.
Although this basic car insurance plan is the cheapest available, it offers very minimum coverage. This coverage is enough to get you by if you simply need a cheap insurance plan, but there are much better plans with better and more comprehensive features and even though these plans are more expensive, they are well worth taking a look at when you are considering all of your options. The basic car insurance is a quick and inexpensive fix for people who are currently driving without insurance, or who cannot get regular automobile insurance coverage because of their credit rating, or their driving record. However, this basic car insurance policy is not for everyone, because the coverage offered is not exactly desirable.
When it comes to choosing the right automobile insurance plan for your situation, it is absolutely imperative that you really shop around. Affordable car insurance in New Jersey can be easy to find, as long as you understand where to look, and how to properly compare quotes in order to ensure that you are receiving the best available policy. There are many different approaches that you can take when it comes to obtaining car insurance quotes, but the method which is generally quickest and the most effortless is simply to do a search online for car insurance companies with offices located in New Jersey. Most websites dedicated to car insurance will offer you the ability to obtain a free quote simply by inputting some information about yourself, your vehicle and your driving record.
Once this information is sent in, the insurance company will respond with a free automobile insurance quote. There is no limit to how many free car insurance quotes you can collect, so you should make a point to spend a great deal of time researching before you come to any conclusions. You should collect car insurance quotes from every local insurance provider that you can find, then sit down and really weigh your options before coming to any conclusions. Just because an insurance company offers you an extremely low quote, this does not mean it is the best available insurance for your situation. The basic car insurance policy offered by the Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act is proof of this, because even though the insurance quote seems great, the coverage is not really worth the price that you pay for it.
In addition to price, there are some other factors that you should consider when you begin to shop around for insurance providers. There are a large number of different insurance companies and agents available on the internet, each competing to give you the best possible quote for your automobile insurance. Many of these insurance companies have offices in various states, but they may not have a local office in New Jersey. What this means, is that if you ever have questions or concerns pertaining to your insurance policy, you will not have a local insurance provider to turn to in order to address these problems. This is one of the largest problems associated with doing your automobile insurance shopping on the internet. Before you choose an insurance provider, make sure that there is either a local office that you can visit when you have questions, or that there is a toll free 1-800 that you can call, with a friendly voice on the other end who will walk you through your concerns. Large insurance companies do not always have your best interest in mind, so make sure that you are opting for insurance coverage through a company that will continue to be helpful and easy to work with after you buy your insurance plan.
Something else that you need to keep in mind while shopping for insurance is that there are providers who will offer special discounts and rates if you ask for them. While you are weighing all of your options and considering all of your choices, ask the local agencies that you are considering if they offer any special rates or discounts. In an attempt to be competitive, and to make sure that you choose them as your insurance provider, most insurance companies will discount your rate, or offer you a special deal. You should also make sure that you are obtaining the right kind of insurance for your situation. For example, there are special insurance plans designated for young or new drivers in order to offer them discounted rates. Additionally, vehicles that are older than fifteen years may qualify for antique car insurance, which entails a discounted rate for cars which are appreciating in value rather than depreciating as a normal vehicle would.

 

How to Get Cheap Car Insurance for Lady Drivers!

Here's something you may not know! There is a very good chance that the car insurance rate you are paying right now is a direct result of your gender. Sometimes your gender will play a very significant role in the rate that you are quoted for car insurance. When it comes to car insurance rates, women drivers tend to pay cheaper premiums than men. This is because statistically speaking, women drivers tend to be more reliable drivers in general, who drive vehicles which a re safer, and who tend to file significantly less insurance claims. Not all women drivers are better than men when it comes to driving, but many car insurance companies are picking up on what the statistics are saying, and are adjusting their rates accordingly. This is a common practice for insurance companies both in the United States and in the United Kingdom as well. In fact, in the United Kingdom there are agencies which exist solely to find low cost insurance options for women drivers. Many of these agencies can be found simply by doing a basic search on the internet. Cheap car insurance for lady drivers is typically fairly easy to find, provided that you qualify for the insurance that you are applying for.
Car insurance companies have spent many years doing research on data pertaining to men and women drivers, and many of the findings have pointed directly toward the idea that women drivers are simply safer and more reliable drivers than men are. For example, women drivers do not appear to be involved in near as many accidents as men drivers are, and when they are involved in accidents the amount of damage involved is typically significantly less. This may be because they are more cautious in general, or it may have to do with the fact that they choose safer cars in general. Additionally, women drivers are much more likely to pass their driver's license exam on the first try, which is not nearly as typical for male drivers. This has nothing to do with the fact that one gender is more intelligent than the other, and is likely because women take the initiative to spend more time practicing and studying before the exam.
These statistics have led car insurance companies to re-evaluate the way that they offer car insurance premiums to female drivers. As a result, insurance providers are much more likely to offer cheaper car insurance premiums to women drivers than to men. So women are not being offered cheaper rates simply because they are women -- They are being offered these rates because the statistics show that it would not be a dangerous bet to offer a lower rate to a safer driver. It has nothing to do with the fact that car insurance companies tend to favor women, or because car insurance companies have been led to believe that gender has anything to do with actual driving skills. All it means is that the statistics have shown that women driver tends to be safer and much more cautious than a male driver, which makes them a safer bet when it comes to automobile insurance risk.
Though women drivers may get lower car insurance rates than men, they are still subjected to all of the exact same criteria when it comes to determining whether or not they will be approved for car insurance, and what quote will be offered to them. All of the following criteria play a part in determining whether or not you will qualify for cheap car insurance.
• The driving record and driving history of the policyholder, and anyone else that will be driving the vehicle.
• The location where the policyholder lives, and where the car will be parked.
• Details about the vehicle, including the make, model and year. Additionally, the vehicle will typically have to pass a safety inspection or at least appear to be in safe working order.
• The credit score and history for the policyholder. Credit history plays a part in whether or not car insurance is awarded in order to insure that insurance is only granted to responsible persons who can handle the monthly premium payments.
• The age and experience of the driver and the policyholder also play a part in the decision. On one hand, many young drivers can acquire special deals and discounts on their insurance policies because they are new to driving, but some insurance policies tend to charge more instead because new and inexperienced drivers are more prone to having accidents or incurring traffic violations which can negatively affect their premiums.
In order to make it easier to find cheap car insurance for lady drivers, it is necessary to practice all of the following:
• Safe driving habits.
• Driving vehicles which are known to be safe.
• Parking or storing vehicles in locations which are safe.
• Paying attention to their driving records and making improvements whenever it is possible.
• Paying attention to their credit scores and reports and making improvements whenever it is possible.
The statistics that have led car insurance companies to offer cheaper premiums to women drivers were never meant to be sexist or discriminatory, but they have done a lot to help women drivers secure car insurance premiums which are inexpensive. This does not mean that men cannot turn around and secure car insurance rates that are just as affordable, but it is generally a lot easier for a female to find the cheap rates than for a male to. Hopefully the rising costs of car insurance premiums will urge more male drivers to take up safe driving habits or to drive cars which are safer in general. If men drove as cautiously as women drivers do, their car insurance premiums would likely be just as inexpensive.

 

How to Get Cheap Antique and Classic Car Insurance

When it comes to vehicles, classic cars are absolutely at the top of the pyramid, with their amazing features setting them far apart from the rest of the crowd. Unfortunately, as is typical for anything that attracts attention, classic cars tend to attract a decent share of thieves and vandals. Additionally, because classic cars are rare and tend to be expensive, many large "major player" insurance companies and agents will not even offer insurance for them. But just because it can be mildly difficult to find the right kind of insurance for your classic car, that does not mean that you can simply drive around without any insurance. Many states require that your vehicle be insured, and you can face serious fines if you are caught driving without adequate insurance coverage.
Finding the right kind of insurance for your classic car is going to take a little bit of time, and a lot of research. Even more research will be involved if you are set out to find the cheapest available antique and classic car insurance available. There are car insurance companies out there which specialize in insurance options for antique and classic cars. Additionally, there are large automobile insurance companies which offer specialized insurance including antique and classic car insurance, but you will have to do a decent bit of searching in order to find them. A good place to start is with insurance companies like Hagerty, Leland west and Norwich Union which all specialize in antique and classic car insurance. It is important that you weigh a lot of different options, because the costs associated with antique and classic car insurance can vary wildly depending on which automobile insurance provider you go with. It is also important that you determine what each insurance company will value your classic car at, in order to make sure that you are going to be insured for the full value of your car. Traditional car insurance values the car at the cost to replace it, minus any depreciation that it has experienced. This is what sets antique and classic car insurance apart from traditional car insurance. With antique and classic car insurance, the value of your vehicle is typically an agreement made between you and the insurance provider. This way, you will not lose a serious investment in the event that your vehicle is ever totaled in an accident, or stolen and never recovered.
The absolute best option for you to pursue when it comes to automobile insurance for your classic car is called an agreed value policy. Before this type of policy is purchased, you are required to sit down with an agent with the insurance company in order to come to a concrete agreement for the value of your vehicle. If your vehicle is ever totaled or lost, this is the amount that will be paid by the insurance company. This is also the point where you will receive a quote for the monthly payment. Another thing that sets antique and classic car insurance apart from traditional car insurance is the fact that antique and classic car insurance premiums are typically significantly smaller than what you will pay for traditional car insurance. However, not just anyone can acquire antique and classic car insurance, so before applying you should make sure you qualify for all of the following criteria:
• Many antique and classic car insurance policies require that you meet a specific age limit. This is to insure that the driver(s) on the policy have adequate driving experience and are not in jeopardy of causing an accident. This makes it difficult for young and new drivers to acquire automobile insurance, even if they are driving an antique or classic vehicle.
• Many antique and classic car insurance policies have also imposed a minimum age limit for your vehicle, in order to determine whether or not it can be considered an antique car. The typical limit is fifteen years old, so if your vehicle is less than fifteen years old you may have difficulty securing antique car insurance for it.
• In order to qualify for classic car insurance, there are certain limits on how your classic car can be used. For example, you must have a garage or some other form of protective storage to park the vehicle in. Additionally, you cannot use your classic car for any business purposes. Finally, there is a limit on the number of miles that you can put on your vehicle every month or year. If you go over the mileage limit you can but your vehicle in danger of losing its protective insurance. Because of the imposed mileage limit, you must also be able to prove that you have another vehicle which is used for normal driving.
Antique and classic car insurance is by far the best option if the vehicle that you are driving can be considered a collectible. This form of insurance is designed to protect cars that appreciate in value over time rather than depreciating. Most insurance companies will allow you to insure your classic car traditionally if you cannot find adequate antique car insurance, but you should expect to pay more in monthly premiums, and to receive significantly less in a pay out settlement if your vehicle is ever totaled. What this means is that if you are driving an antique or classic car, and specialized insurance is available to you on a local level, you should absolutely take the offer in order to protect your vehicle inexpensively without losing out on the serious investment that went into your prized possession.

 

A Guide to Car Insurance in Southern California

Although it used to take quite a bit of energy and effort to find affordable automobile insurance in Southern California, these days it is significantly easier to find the insurance quotes you want without a lot of work. There are many services these days which exist to negotiate rate quotes and options with many different insurance companies, in order to deliver the information to you all at once. A single service can deliver several rate quotes from several different insurance companies, and all you have to do is fill out a single form with a limited amount of information about you, your driving record and your vehicle. California is known for having some of the highest available auto insurance rates in the entire country, so it can be difficult to find car insurance quotes in southern California that you are happy with, or that you feel are affordable. The following is a primer on finding inexpensive car insurance in southern California.
Minimum Coverage: Liability insurance is the only form of insurance which is required in order to license your vehicle. This insurance is what pays for the damage that is done to another vehicle or to property when you are at fault in a collision. This form of insurance also covers medical expenses incurred by other passengers in addition to compensating them for pain and suffering.
Liability Coverage: The minimum amount of liability insurance coverage that you can acquire in California is known as 15/30/5 which means that you need to have $15,000 worth of coverage for injuries to the other car and any one person, in addition to $30,000 worth of coverage for injuries sustained by all people in the other car, and $5,000 worth of coverage for any damage dealt to the other car or property. Increasing the amount of liability coverage that you have will help protect you in case a lawsuit is filed against you.
Collision Coverage: This is a form of optional coverage which pays for repairs for your vehicle. This coverage is good to have because it covers the damage done to your car regardless of who was at fault in the collision. This coverage is more useful if you drive a newer vehicle which is worth repairing rather than simply replacing.
Comprehensive Coverage: This is an optional form of overage which pays out for any form of damage that does not involve a collision, such as vandalism, theft, fire, and so on. This coverage is only useful if your car is new and worth repairing, otherwise you may simply want to replace your car and skip this type of coverage.
Personal Injury Coverage: This is another optional form of coverage, which pays for the medical bills incurred by you and/or your passengers when you are involved in an accident. If you already have medical insurance, it may be worth it to skip this coverage.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage pays for the medical expenses incurred by you and your passengers and the damage that is done to your vehicle if you are in an accident which is caused by a driver who is uninsured, underinsured, or who flees the scene of the crime. Because twenty five percent of drivers in California are driving without having a driver's license, this is a very good form of insurance coverage to have.
Finding cheap California automobile insurance online can be significantly easier than completing the process in person, because rates can vary wildly between different companies in California. The internet makes the process simply by allowing you to go to a single insurance comparison website which represents several different insurance companies. Filling out a single request for a quote with your personal information will connect you with quotes from several different insurance companies. Many of these websites also offer information sections, which contain tips on saving money and finding the right kind of car insurance for your situation.
Shop Around: The same policy options can have as much as a 300-percent price difference when offered by several different insurance providers throughout southern California. The best way to determine which rate is the best based on the provisions of the insurance policy is to shop around and to compare quotes from many different automobile insurance companies. You may also look to your current automobile insurance provider to see if you can negotiate a lower rate quote, because most insurance companies are willing to give discounts when it means keeping a customer who may otherwise go looking for cheaper insurance.
Lower Your Mileage: Did you know that if you cut your daily mileage down to less than forty miles per day, you can significantly cut down the amount that you are paying for your automobile insurance in southern California? You can save more than $100 per year simply by cutting down the amount of driving that you do every day.
Higher Deductibles Mean Lower Premiums: If you take on higher deductibles through your southern California automobile insurance, you can actually find that you will be paying lower monthly insurance premiums. You should make sure that you are putting away money in case an accident happens, so that you are not left unable to pay the deductible.
All in all, you should be looking for a well rounded policy which covers all of the things that you need for your individual situation, while still offering a monthly premium which is affordable enough for you to handle. Automobile insurance is a necessary part of driving, so make the extra effort to find the most affordable policy that you can, to protect yourself from paying too much out of pocket if an accident ever occurs.

 

Motorists Warned On Extra Charges In Insurance Small-Print

Motorists are being urged to be alert to a growing range of extra charges that could make car insurance policies far from the best deal months after drivers have bought them.
Analysts are predicting big rises in car insurance premiums this year due to a combination of an EU ruling on VAT, spiralling personal injury claims and accidents involving uninsured drivers.
In a bid to boost profits while keeping quotes competitive, insurers are cutting back on previously standard features of policies and cashing in on a range of post-purchase charges.
Moving house, changing your car or wanting to take a car abroad on holiday are often predictable events within the period of a car insurance policy. But few factor in the extra costs of such events at the time of buying.
As these charges vary widely between insurers, adding them to the headline quote can turn the cheapest policy into one that's not so competitive.
Policy amendment charges
Some insurers will charge up to £25 to make a change to the details on which a policy is based, on top of any additional premium that may be due for a new car or address.
The AA charges this top rate, while Churchill isn't much better, charging £21. However, Norwich Union stands out for making no admin charge for policy changes.
With 7.5 million used cars changing hands in 2005 and one in ten people moving home every year, charges for policy changes alone net insurers a substantial extra income.
Extra for driving in Europe cover
The number of free days of full cover for taking your car to the continent included in policies also varies widely between insurers.
Some, like Churchill and Elephant.co.uk, include a generous 90 days full cover free of charge. However, Admiral and easyMoney offer no free days at all, hitting customers with a further charge for anything more than basic Third Party cover if wanting to take their cars on holiday.
While others, like eSure and Direct Line, offer three days free - enough for a weekend away - taking a car on a two week break to Europe could cost their customers up to £50 extra.
Up to 4.5 million people will have faced these extra charges for taking their car abroad during 2005.
High cost of paying monthly
Insurers have also been criticised for hitting customers with high interest rates for paying monthly. The AA fares badly here again, charging customers an APR of 24.9% which is very high when compared with interest rates of competitive credit cards at typically around 15%. Kwik Fit is another poor performer, charging customers an APR of 16% for paying in installments.
While some insurers do have competitive APRs for paying monthly, in almost all cases it still makes more sense to pay for car insurance in one go on a special offer 0% interest credit card.
Paying the total off the card monthly, rather than arranging installments through the insurer, can save this big extra cost.
Courtesy car - standard or extra?
It also pays to study policy features such as whether a courtesy car is included free with a policy, and the size of the compulsory excess, to compare what your extra costs would be if the worst should happen.
A free courtesy car is becoming more rare as a standard feature, with insurers instead offering to 'guarantee' a courtesy car only in return for an additional fee when buying the policy.
If drivers exercise their right to choose a repairer that isn't approved by their insurer but which will provide a free courtesy car, insurers often charge a higher excess.
Excessive excess?
Costs like the compulsory excess that motorists are expected to pay towards a claim can vary by at least £140 between different insurers, even given the same personal circumstances.
Choosing an insurer with a high compulsory excess leaves little room to offer to pay an additional voluntary excess to help reduce the quote, without potentially being hit with a large bill in the event of an accident.
Most of us will have a good idea whether we're likely to move house, change cars, or take a car to Europe on holiday in the year ahead.
Considering likely extra charges when buying and factoring them into the quote will ensure the true annual cost of policies can be compared.

 

How To Purchase Only the Car Insurance You Need

Have you ever received your automobile insurance bill and found yourself wondering if you are paying for a lot of coverages that you do not need? There are so many different options, how does one know what is worthwhile and what is not? Some options that are offered are really duplications of other coverage that you may already have. My purpose in writing this is to help you sort through the options and help you to build a policy that covers your needs, without covering things that you do not need.
As a disclaimer I must state that I can only talk in terms of general concepts, and that you should query your insurance agent if you do not fully understand parts of what I am describing. Remember that your insurance agent makes more money if he sells you more policy, so he/she may not be completely objective.
OK let’s get started. The first thing to do if you can is to look into discounts for multiple policies. If you are a homeowner, insuring your home and cars with the same carrier can provide significant discounts. If you have multiple cars then insuring them all with the same carrier is usually cheaper, but not always.
First set of numbers to think about is liability, which is the portion of the insurance typically required by state law. This is the part of the insurance that pays others, not you. To figure out how much liability to need to cover, determine your net worth exclusive of residence and exclusive of things that you already own. Generally your liability should cover twice that amount up to $300,000.00, and if you need more than that then ask for a 1 million dollar umbrella policy which will cover your home and cars as well. On the lower side try to cover $50,000.00 if you can, and make note of minimums in state law. Typically there are three numbers, like 50/100/50. The first is how much would be paid to a single person, the second how much could be paid in total for one event, and the third is how much property damage (typically other people’s vehicles) that can be covered. It is safest to have that last number at $50,000.00, but you may be able to get away with $25,000.00. There are a lot of $50,000.00 and higher vehicles on the road, but most people who drive cars like that will have under-insured coverage.
Next numbers are collision and comprehensive. Collision pay for damage to your vehicle resulting from any collision and comprehensive pays for any damage to your vehicle not as the result of a collision (like a broken windshield). First thing to understand is that the maximum payout on either of these is the blue book value of your car, so as you car decreases in value there comes a point where the coverage no longer makes sense. If your car is worth less than $2000.00 then the payout you would potentially receive from the insurance company may not be worth the premiums. You would think that the premiums for these coverages tend downward because they are covering less value every year (for the same vehicle), but somehow it does not seem to work out that way. There are also deductibles, and generally the higher the deductible, the lower the premium. Check all the rates though, as we have found that sometimes a $250.00 deductible is only a few dollars more expensive than a $500.00 deductible. Many times auto body shops will cut you break on a little of your collision deductible, so we have never needed to go below $500.00 on that. We keep our comprehensive at $250.00 because typically no one helps with it.
Once you have liability, collision and comprehensive, you have the basics for an automobile policy that is just what you need. There are a lot of other coverages available, and there are several of them that you may not need, and some may not need any of them.
1. Uninsured/Under-insured motorists coverage. This is the worst coverage of all, having us pay for all the deadbeats who will not pay for themselves. You only need this coverage really if you are driving a vehicle that is worth a lot more than about $25,000.00. Generally if you are hit by an uninsured motorist, then your collision coverage would kick in and take care of it. If the accident is their fault and they will not cover your deductible, then you can take them to small claims court for that part. Please verify this part with your agent, but if collision will pay, then buying additional coverage that pays again is a duplication, and your insurance company will not pay you twice no matter how many duplicate coverages that you purchase. Try to ditch this coverage if you possibly can. If you have a more expensive vehicle then you do kind of need the coverage in the case of the under-insured motorist, since if they have insurance then their insurance will pay, but if there coverage is not enough then your collision will not come in to play to cover, and you would need under-insured coverage then. See if you can purchase it just for that one vehicle. Some states make you cover all if you cover one.
2. Towing coverage. The agents like to scare you with this one. “What will happen if you need towing?” they ask. Well what will happen is you *might* have to pay for it. In our experience we find that towing is often an included service of the body shop that will fix your car. We have never had towing coverage, and in all that time we have been towed about seven times, we only had to pay once, and it was about $60.00. Save you money on that premium.
3. Rental Car Coverage. Just say no. If you really have to have a rental car then go to a body shop that offers the $10.00 a day rental car. Sometimes they will give you the rental for free as part of the service. We see this one as a waste of premium dollars.
4. Medical insurance. If others are injured in an accident that is your fault then your liability coverage will cover that. The extra medical premium is typically to cover you if you get hurt in an auto accident. This is likely a duplicate coverage if you have health insurance, and remember this one only covers you when in a car, where health insurance always covers you (make sure your health insurance does not exclude accidents). For most this is a duplicate coverage and should be avoided.
5. PIP, Personal injury protection or “No Fault”. This one is a failed idea and is usually a duplicate coverage of something else. Take the state law required minimum or refuse this coverage outright. My agent does not even attempt to dissuade me when I outright refuse this one.
6. The most recent insurance invention. You may find a coverage offered that is not described here. Chances are 99% against that you would ever need some coverage that has been recently invented. You do not need identity theft coverage on you auto policy.
Reorganize your auto insurance according to what you have read, and you can go forward sure in the knowledge that you are spending your insurance dollars effectively.

 

How To Purchase Only the Car Insurance You Need

Have you ever received your automobile insurance bill and found yourself wondering if you are paying for a lot of coverages that you do not need? There are so many different options, how does one know what is worthwhile and what is not? Some options that are offered are really duplications of other coverage that you may already have. My purpose in writing this is to help you sort through the options and help you to build a policy that covers your needs, without covering things that you do not need.
As a disclaimer I must state that I can only talk in terms of general concepts, and that you should query your insurance agent if you do not fully understand parts of what I am describing. Remember that your insurance agent makes more money if he sells you more policy, so he/she may not be completely objective.
OK let’s get started. The first thing to do if you can is to look into discounts for multiple policies. If you are a homeowner, insuring your home and cars with the same carrier can provide significant discounts. If you have multiple cars then insuring them all with the same carrier is usually cheaper, but not always.
First set of numbers to think about is liability, which is the portion of the insurance typically required by state law. This is the part of the insurance that pays others, not you. To figure out how much liability to need to cover, determine your net worth exclusive of residence and exclusive of things that you already own. Generally your liability should cover twice that amount up to $300,000.00, and if you need more than that then ask for a 1 million dollar umbrella policy which will cover your home and cars as well. On the lower side try to cover $50,000.00 if you can, and make note of minimums in state law. Typically there are three numbers, like 50/100/50. The first is how much would be paid to a single person, the second how much could be paid in total for one event, and the third is how much property damage (typically other people’s vehicles) that can be covered. It is safest to have that last number at $50,000.00, but you may be able to get away with $25,000.00. There are a lot of $50,000.00 and higher vehicles on the road, but most people who drive cars like that will have under-insured coverage.
Next numbers are collision and comprehensive. Collision pay for damage to your vehicle resulting from any collision and comprehensive pays for any damage to your vehicle not as the result of a collision (like a broken windshield). First thing to understand is that the maximum payout on either of these is the blue book value of your car, so as you car decreases in value there comes a point where the coverage no longer makes sense. If your car is worth less than $2000.00 then the payout you would potentially receive from the insurance company may not be worth the premiums. You would think that the premiums for these coverages tend downward because they are covering less value every year (for the same vehicle), but somehow it does not seem to work out that way. There are also deductibles, and generally the higher the deductible, the lower the premium. Check all the rates though, as we have found that sometimes a $250.00 deductible is only a few dollars more expensive than a $500.00 deductible. Many times auto body shops will cut you break on a little of your collision deductible, so we have never needed to go below $500.00 on that. We keep our comprehensive at $250.00 because typically no one helps with it.
Once you have liability, collision and comprehensive, you have the basics for an automobile policy that is just what you need. There are a lot of other coverages available, and there are several of them that you may not need, and some may not need any of them.
1. Uninsured/Under-insured motorists coverage. This is the worst coverage of all, having us pay for all the deadbeats who will not pay for themselves. You only need this coverage really if you are driving a vehicle that is worth a lot more than about $25,000.00. Generally if you are hit by an uninsured motorist, then your collision coverage would kick in and take care of it. If the accident is their fault and they will not cover your deductible, then you can take them to small claims court for that part. Please verify this part with your agent, but if collision will pay, then buying additional coverage that pays again is a duplication, and your insurance company will not pay you twice no matter how many duplicate coverages that you purchase. Try to ditch this coverage if you possibly can. If you have a more expensive vehicle then you do kind of need the coverage in the case of the under-insured motorist, since if they have insurance then their insurance will pay, but if there coverage is not enough then your collision will not come in to play to cover, and you would need under-insured coverage then. See if you can purchase it just for that one vehicle. Some states make you cover all if you cover one.
2. Towing coverage. The agents like to scare you with this one. “What will happen if you need towing?” they ask. Well what will happen is you *might* have to pay for it. In our experience we find that towing is often an included service of the body shop that will fix your car. We have never had towing coverage, and in all that time we have been towed about seven times, we only had to pay once, and it was about $60.00. Save you money on that premium.
3. Rental Car Coverage. Just say no. If you really have to have a rental car then go to a body shop that offers the $10.00 a day rental car. Sometimes they will give you the rental for free as part of the service. We see this one as a waste of premium dollars.
4. Medical insurance. If others are injured in an accident that is your fault then your liability coverage will cover that. The extra medical premium is typically to cover you if you get hurt in an auto accident. This is likely a duplicate coverage if you have health insurance, and remember this one only covers you when in a car, where health insurance always covers you (make sure your health insurance does not exclude accidents). For most this is a duplicate coverage and should be avoided.
5. PIP, Personal injury protection or “No Fault”. This one is a failed idea and is usually a duplicate coverage of something else. Take the state law required minimum or refuse this coverage outright. My agent does not even attempt to dissuade me when I outright refuse this one.
6. The most recent insurance invention. You may find a coverage offered that is not described here. Chances are 99% against that you would ever need some coverage that has been recently invented. You do not need identity theft coverage on you auto policy.

 

Car Insurance - 5 Simple Ways to Get the Best Car Insurance Quotes

Have you checked insurance rates recently? They can be outside your budget, or comparatively affordable, depending on where you shop. Shopping for auto insurance quotes online, results in instant quote returns. You can find the best rates online by using the following guidelines.
1. Complete Information
Provide complete information for each quote you request. When you request an auto insurance quote be sure you have typed in complete information, with no typos or errors. Review each application at least twice for VIN and prior information details.
2. Vehicle Identification Number
Check the VIN for verification several times. On your Vehicle Registration Cards, Prior Insurance Cards, Title, and in the Windshield for accuracy. Having a wrong VIN results in a miss quoted insurance rate.
3. Zip Code
Be certain the location of parking is in the correct Zip Code. If you vehicle spends more time at the office than at home, you might want to use that Zip Code in order to receive the proper insurance rates. Where you park the vehicle does matter.
4. Ownership Information
Be sure you have the right spelling and names on your ownership. This is crucial to getting the right insurance quote for your vehicle. Birthdates and names are important, because they are included in driving records. If one owner drives a vehicle more than the other, be certain to provide this information as well.
5. Security Provisions
Do you take extra precautions in parking your vehicle to prevent vehicle theft? Be sure to explain those when you request an Insurance quote for your vehicle. The care you take may lower your insurance premiums significantly.
Are you looking for ways to decrease your insurance premiums?

 

Road Rage

Driving in the 21st century has changed dramatically compared to years before. Every year the amount of cars and trucks on the road increases by leaps and bounds. With the increase in new drivers come more accidents, more traffic, and finally more road rage.
It is almost a certainty that these things will continue to increase in the future, although we cannot stop it, we can however take certain measures to be well prepared. Traffic in the highways and streets have caused many to become violet and aggressive as they drive, otherwise known as road rage. Road rage can be seen in many different forms, here are some you should watch out for:
• Cutting your car off• Rude hand gestures• Profanity• Bumping your car• Hitting your window• Pursuing you home• Physical abuse
If you are an everyday driver it is not uncommon to witness any of these actions. In the event that you find yourself in the situation where someone is harassing you, either with their car or verbally, you should try your best to stay as far away as possible. Do not try to challenge them or fight back because you never know if they may have a weapon or might try to cause you harm. It is smart to take down their license plate number as well as the make and model of their vehicle and report it to the police. If they try to follow you do not drive home! Instead, drive to the nearest police station of fire station.

 

How To File An Auto Insurance Claim

If you find yourself having an accident, whether it is your fault or not, you still need to follow some guidelines to file your auto insurance claim. Before you even drive your car with a new insurance policy, you need to know what your auto insurance company expects from you in the case of an accident. If you do not understand anything, you need to question your agent to receive an explanation.
In minor accidents, some people worry about filing a claim because they do not want their car insurance rate to go up. The first thing to do in an accident is exchange your name and telephone number with the other party. If you live in a state, where auto insurance is mandatory, look at the cards and copy all information about the person and the insurance company. This information is very important when any accident occurs regardless of the damage.
You should always ask for witness’s names and telephone numbers to give to your car insurance company. This is vital if the other party questions any charges being made or charges being made against you. You need to file an accident report even if the other person says they will pay for your damages. Do not ever ask someone not file an auto insurance claim. The accident report is extremely important when you submit a car insurance claim.
The next step is to notify your car insurance company, give them all the details, and submit the accident report along with witness’s name and the other party’s information. The time is critical since a claim adjuster needs to verify who was at fault and what the next step is to take. If the accident is not your fault, you may file a report of damages to the other car insurance company and pay no deductible as if you use your auto insurance and pay the deductible.
Never sign a release form for anything until you are completely satisfied with all the repairs and medical bills if any. There may be other factors to determine when signing a release such as wages loss, mental state and rental car costs to name a few. The auto insurance company will try to get you to sign as quickly as possible, hold your ground.
When filing an auto insurance claim, consider bodily injuries, damages to your car, appraisal clause, which helps with any disputes, and any other things that may become known after an accident. Your insurance company should work with you when you have problems with the other car insurance company. Most of the time car insurance companies can work things out without needing any type of legal advice.

 

Auto Insurance Is Very Nice

Auto insurance is very necessary as it is not always the way you drive that causes accidents but there are a lot of reckless drivers on the road. Accidents happen in a flash and then you could sit with an enormous amount of damages that have to be paid. It is essential that all road users have insurance on their vehicles.
When you shop for insurance be very honest with the company when they ask questions. They do research and find all the questions asked to be necessary. The age of the main driver and any other family members who also drive the car occasionally. The type and age of the vehicle and whether or not it has ever been involved in an accident are some of the questions they will ask. You must tell them how far you drive to work in a day and if you have passengers with you. They want to know where the car will be parked during the daytime and at night. If it is kept in a locked garage or not is very important. It might be tedious to answer all these questions but they are there for a reason.
Everyone is always trying to get the cheapest insurance as most people feel this is not entirely necessary. It is far better to rather get your insurance from a reputable company so that if you need to claim from them after an accident you will not find that you were dealing with “fly by nights”.
If you want to save money on premiums you can decide to raise your deductible. If you do this your insurance rate will drop. It is better to do this then you will see a big saving over the years.
It is a good idea to insure your car with the same company where you have insured your home and all its contents. You get a reduced rate because you are giving them all your business.
There are various ways of getting a reduction on your insurance. By taking a specialized driving course or having special anti theft alarms installed in your car you could get a discount. If you are a safe driver who has not been involved in any sort of accident for a certain period of time you will qualify to get a no claim bonus from the insurance company your rates will also be reduced each year that you prove that you are a safe driver. These are ways of promoting safe driving. Students and teenagers should also be encouraged to drive safely and by watching careful parents they will learn to do so.

 

How To Save Big Bucks On Your Car Insurance So You Can Have More Money To Spend On Other Things

1. Keep your driving record clean.
If you have a good driving record, you’ll pay a lower premium. Here are some tips to help you drive more defensively:
* Always wear your seatbelt.
* Drive at or close to the speed limit.
* Never drink and drive.
* Avoid driving at night and in bad weather conditions, if possible.
* Use your horn to get pedestrians' attention.
* Use your horn and lights to get other drivers’ attention.
* Pay attention when you hear other drivers’ horns.
* Confirm with visual check and use your mirrors and directional signals for all lane changes.
* Use four-way flashers to warn drivers behind of slowed or blocked traffic to avoid being hit from behind.
* Watch out for big trucks, buses, and vehicles that make wide turns.
* Watch for cars that are pulling trailers.
* Watch out for drivers who stop or turn without signaling.
* Watch out for pedestrians in school zones or playgrounds.
* Watch for cars rushing through intersections at the end of a red light.
* Be careful of drivers who tailgate. If possible, pull over and let them pass.
* Be careful when approaching and leaving four-way stops and unmarked intersections.
* Look behind you before backing out of a parking place.
* Avoid using the cell phone while driving. If you must use it, then pull to the side of the road before doing so.
2. Choose the right vehicle.
When purchasing a vehicle, look for one with a good claims track record. Vehicles that are less likely to be stolen, or that have lower-than-average accident rates, will cost less to insure. Sport vehicles or luxury models tend to carry higher-than-average insurance premiums. Also, because four-door model vehicles are safer than those with two doors, the premiums are usually lower. To find out the top ten most stolen vehicles in America, visit CarInsuranceIQ.com.
3. Raise your deductibles.
You can save money substantially by taking on a little more of the risk yourself. Increasing your auto deductibles from $100 to $500 may save you 10 to 20%. Remember, the lower the deductibles, the higher your premium.
If your insurance company offers $1,000 deductible, then you may even consider raising your present deductible to this amount to save even more money. You then can deposit this amount into a savings account and use it as your own insurance fund. And if you don’t file any claims for several years, then you may have enough money from this savings account to pay for your own auto claims.
4. Cut coverages on older vehicles.
If you own an older vehicle, consider reducing the collision and comprehensive coverages. If the book value of your vehicle is very low, you may not even need collision or comprehensive coverages at all. Your vehicle may have depreciated so much in value that it’s not worth paying the extra premiums. Remember, the most your insurance company will pay is your vehicle’s book value, or “fair-market” value.
5. Keep your vehicle for as long as you can.
When you’ve put more than 100,000 miles on your vehicle, you pay lower premiums because its book value has decreased substantially.
6. Take a driver’s education course.
Some insurance companies offer discounts, from 5% to 10%, for drivers who have completed a defensive driving course from an authorized driving school. So if you, your spouse, or teenage driver has completed a driver’s educational course, ask your insurance company for a discount.
7. Buy more than one insurance policy from the same insurance company.
You may be entitled to a multi-vehicle discount if you buy more than one auto insurance policy from the same company. A multi-policy discount may also be available if you buy two or more different insurance policies from the same company, such car, home, and life policies.
8. Ask for all the discounts you’re entitled to.
Ask your insurance company to see if you qualify for any of these discounts:
* Anti-theft systems discount. If your vehicle is equipped with a car alarm, an ignition-disabling device, or other anti-theft systems, then you may get a discount because these devices make your vehicle more difficult to steal.
* Air bag discount.
* Anti-lock braking system discount.
* Automatic seatbelt discount.
* Good student and out-of-town discounts. If your teenage driving son or daughter gets good grades, a 3.0 average or better, ask your insurance company for a discount. Also, if your child is attending college more than 100 miles from home, you may be able to save on the “young-driver premium” if they don’t have a vehicle covered at school.
* Mature driver discount. If you’re between 50 and 65 years old, you may be entitled to a mature driver discount.
* Restricted mileage discount. If you drive less than 7,500 miles a year, you may get a restricted mileage discount.
* Carpool discounts. If you carpool, you may be entitled to a 5% to 10% discount.
* AARP membership and other age-related discounts.
* Profession-related discounts.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

 

The Three Aspects of Auto Insurance That You Must Consider Before Buying (Or Regret It Later)

Before you start shopping for your auto insurance quotes it can seem like a daunting prospect. So much choice, so many companies clamouring for your attention. So where do you start, and what three aspects MUST you consider before buying? Well, the first key is to realise that shopping for auto insurance is not just about price. There are several key components to consider before you put your money on the table and get your car properly covered.
Three aspects of auto insurance that you should examine separately are:
1/ Liability Insurance which helps you tide over various financial burdens in the event of any accident.
2/ Body coverage - This is a sub-category of liability insurance, and covers any claims by the other party for medical expenses in case of a car accident where you are found to be at fault.
2/ Property damage cover - This is a sub-category of liability insurance, and covers any claims of damage to vehicles, buildings, or other property caused by an accident where you are found to be at fault.
Typical minimums that you might get with these three components can vary a great deal based on two main criteria. These are the insurance company in question, and which state you are in. As different States have different rules as to the minimum requirements for cover. So, before you look at buying any auto insurance make sure that you question the different companies that you are considering (either on the telephone or email) about their respective cover in these different areas, and then assess which numbers make sense to you.
Auto insurance companies also offer optional coverage such as medical payments, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured and under-insured motorist’s bodily injury coverage. So ask about those options as well.
Auto Insurance Bodily Injury (BI) Liability and Property Damage (PD) coverage is Legally required in most states today. There are several types of auto insurance policies to choose from that will depend on the coverage you want and the coverage you can afford. You need to regularly review your auto insurance coverage to make sure that you are receiving the best insurance value for your money. But just be sure that you consider the three aspects in full, and question your prospective insurance provider about them BEFORE buying.

 

Auto Insurance Is Not Negotiable - Every Motorist Must Have It

Auto insurance is not negotiable, every motorist must have it. It is not enforced by law in all countries and states but it remains essential to have you never know when you will be involved in an accident. You can be as careful as you like but there are drivers on the roads who are bad drivers. It is a great loss if your car gets damaged or written off and you have no insurance to compensate you for the loss.
While you are shopping for insurance for your vehicle, check online as well as there are companies that do business online. The quotes and policy can be obtained online. Make sure that you complete the questionnaire correctly so that you will not be paying for coverage that you do not need.
Be very honest with the company you are dealing with when you answer their questions. The age of the main driver and any other family members, who drive the car, especially a teenager is important. They will want to know the type and age of the vehicle and whether or not it has ever been involved in an accident before. The distance you drive everyday and whether or not you have passengers with you are important factors that influence the premium you will be paying on your insurance.
There are certain rewards for safe drivers. Drivers who have not been involved in an accident for a certain period of time will qualify for a no claim bonus from the relevant insurance company. You could get a loyalty discount if you insure your car with the same company where you have insured your home and all its contents.

 

Insurance Quotes - Auto Insurance for New Auto Owners

Insurance is required in almost all 50 states, prior to licensing your vehicles. Insurance quotes online often mislead you as to the actual cost of insurance, and yet, online insurance offers the best quotes. There are ways of getting correct quotes, on your vehicles, online.
1) Know your vehicle
This may seem unnecessary, but know how to spell your vehicle model and make. Misspellings on vehicle insurance quotes attribute to many errors.
2) What year was that?
You can find the year your vehicle was built inside the driver’s door just below the latch. Be sure you check. Most titles are correct, but some are not, and it does make a difference.
3) Check that VIN
A VIN Number is a Vehicle Identification Number located just under the edge of the windshield, visible from outside the driver’s side, just in front of the door hinge. Write it down, check it two or three times, and verify it with the title.
4) Location is important
If you live on the outskirts of a major city, but rarely drive downtown, say so. Know if your vehicle will be garaged or not. Verify your zip code in the area where your vehicle is most often parked.
5) Mileage driven each year
How many miles do you drive every year? Where do you drive those miles? Those questions may be on the application, but if they aren’t you’ll want the information when you speak with the insurance agent

 

The REAL SECRET To Lower Auto Insurance Premiums

Have you ever discussed auto insurance with a friend, only to find out you pay substantially higher premiums? Everything being equal, it probably has nothing to do with they type of cars you drive or the zip code in which you live.
About 90% of all insurance companies now use "insurance credit scores".
When you call an insurance agent or insurance company for an auto insurance quote, the first step is to run your score. This determines what "tier" you are placed into. Some companies have up to 40 tiers. Once it has been established which credit tier you qualify for, other factors are then accounted for: your zip code, vehicles, driving record, and discounts.
Two neighbors could call around for an auto insurance quote and have the exact same vehicles, both with clean driving records, and qualify for the exact same discounts. The one with the better insurance score will pay less, some times alot less.
What determines this score varies from insurance company to insurance company. The best advice is to call your agent and find out what tier you are in. Find out what factors their company uses to determine good scores from bad.

 

Auto Insurance Quote

Looking for cheap auto insurance can be a real pain, especially if you are busy working and can't find the time to do research on different car insurance companies. But before you stress yourself out just remember that if you follow guidelines to looking for car insurance, then you will realize that it isn't as hard as it may seem.
Getting an auto insurance quote is one of the first and most important steps you need to take when shopping around for the right car insurance. Quotes are free, fast, and fairly easy to fill out. You must remember to include as much information as possible. Include such items as: age, marital status, make of car, location, and even where you park your car. Including these things could get you a much cheaper quote! This is because the information that you provide them helps them to better assess you as a driver and see how much of a risk you may or may not be.
It is really good to shop around for the best deal. It is ideal to shop at least five different providers before you make your decision, even if the first one sounds great. Also remember to have good credit along with a good driving record because they both play a large part in getting you cheaper rates as well

 

Classic Car Insurance Secrets - The Insider's Guide to Understanding Classic Car Insurance

If you have an antique or classic car then you know how lucky you are! Every time you look at it it makes you feel good, and makes you remember exactly what you achieved in order to be able to own it. There are only a couple of flies in the ointment. The first you have already overcome. That's finding, buying and probably restoring the car to its former glory (unfortunately many antique and classic cars are in 'antique and classic' shape when you find them!). The next biggest problem (other than finding the money to buy it in the first place), is classic car insurance. Because whilst you hope that all goes well, you have to be prepared for problems (even if you don't think they will happen).
Ok. So you have a problem. Namely that you need classic car insurance. You need it now. Where do you turn? Fortunately there is a step by step process to follow to get your classic car insured, safe and feeling comfortable. And thankfully, in these days of the internet, it need not put you in the poorhouse to achieve your goal of safely meandering the country lanes (or wherever you happen to find yourself), in your new pride and joy.
The first step is to do a search for classic car insurance online. You will find that most insurance companies will allow you to drive your classic car for around 5000 miles a year. And this is something worth bearing in mind when you approach insurance companies. You need to know how much you intend to drive the car, and realise that that will be a key factor (along with driving record, your age etc) in determining the amount of insurance premiums that you will have to pay. If you drive the car a lot, then expect your premiums to cost you much more.
The insurance companies tend to have a couple of different classifications as to what constitutes a 'classic car'. These tend to fall into the following three time periods.
1934 - 1970 - The car should typically be older than 15 years to be thought of in the 'classic car' mould. Though obviously, this is a matter of preference for the user ;) But as far as the classic car insurance company is concerned it is a good yardstick to bear in mind.
1903 - 1933 - These are referred to as 'Vintage or sometimes 'Antique' Classic Cars.
Prior to 1903 - These are called 'Veteran' Cars. They are typically very rare, and often one-offs, so expect the classic car insurance premiums on these to be somewhat steep.
The important thing to remember though is that there is less choice in the classic car insurance market. It is simply not offered by as many companies, there are more niche players, and so the classic car insurance quotes that you receive may well be less varied then you would get in the general auto insurance market

 

New Jersey Car Insurance - Why Now Is A Good Time To Shop

New Jersey car insurance options are finally getting better for people who live in the Garden State, according to a national insurance organization. That's good news and if you are a New Jersey driver, here's why now is a good time to see if you can save.
According to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, these are some of the changes that have made New Jersey car insurance better for consumers as a result of the 2003 New Jersey Automobile Insurance Competition and Choice Act. In a nutshell, this act was created to improve the auto insurance market in New Jersey by attracting more competition. Since then:
1) More car insurance companies have entered the New Jersey marketplace. This provides greater competition and thus an advantage for the car insurance buyer. A lot of these are major companies.
2) The reforms have provided more options to people living in urban areas for products and services. Again, this makes things more competitive and gives drivers the advantage when shopping for New Jersey car insurance quotes.
3) Car insurance rates in New Jersey have lowered and become more stable. What's more, there are more coverages available and more choices.
One of the best ways to save on car insurance is to comparison shop and now people in New Jersey can benefit even more from comparison shopping because rates can vary from one company to the next.
One of the easiest and fastest ways to do this is to go online. You can request quotes directly from each New Jersey car insurance company Web site. Just make sure to provide the same information about coverages and deductibles each time to get the most accurate comparison. You can also visit a comparison site that allows you to enter your information once and get several different quotes back.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

 

Auto Insurance Quote

Looking for cheap auto insurance can be a real pain, especially if you are busy working and can't find the time to do research on different car insurance companies. But before you stress yourself out just remember that if you follow guidelines to looking for car insurance, then you will realize that it isn't as hard as it may seem.
Getting an auto insurance quote is one of the first and most important steps you need to take when shopping around for the right car insurance. Quotes are free, fast, and fairly easy to fill out. You must remember to include as much information as possible. Include such items as: age, marital status, make of car, location, and even where you park your car. Including these things could get you a much cheaper quote! This is because the information that you provide them helps them to better assess you as a driver and see how much of a risk you may or may not be.
It is really good to shop around for the best deal. It is ideal to shop at least five different providers before you make your decision, even if the first one sounds great. Also remember to have good credit along with a good driving record because they both play a large part in getting you cheaper rates as well.

Monday, April 16, 2007

 

Classic Car Insurance

You can insure a classic, antique, collector, or custom car the same way you insure any other vehicle. However, many classic car owners end up regretting this decision if their vehicle is totaled. Why? Because when your classic car is declared a total loss by a standard auto insurance policy, you will receive the actual cash value of your vehicle, which in most cases will be quite low and won't leave a smile on your face.
There are far better auto insurance policy options for classic car owners; however, you often have to meet certain criteria to apply for them.
You must have a minimum number of years of driving experience You cannot use the car for business purposes You must prove that you have another car that you use regularlyYou cannot drive the vehicle over a set number of miles per year
The automobile must be a certain number of years old
If you meet these criteria, then you may be able to purchase classic car insurance. However, not every auto insurance carrier will insure classic cars. When you find a carrier that does, the cost is usually less than what you would pay for a 'normal' vehicle.
The preferred type of auto insurance policy for classic cars is an agreed value policy. Before you buy a policy of this nature, you must sit down with an agent and concur on a value that will be paid in the event that your vehicle is totaled. Your agent will also give you a quote for this type of policy. So, if you are in an accident and the damages to your classic car are less than the agreed value, your insurance provider will pay for the repairs. If the cost to repair your vehicle is greater than the agreed value, you will receive your preset agreed amount. This is without question the preferred auto insurance policy for a classic car.

 

Isn't It Time For You To Get Better Car Insurance Rates?

So many people today are having a little difficulty finding the resources for their financial obligations. Besides having credit debt, there may also be limited income. One of the ways that you can cut some corners for greater savings is to reduce your monthly car insurance costs. Oftentimes there are some extras that you may not need, or other ways to save. Here are some tips for you to be able to get your own better insurance rates.
Review Your Car Insurance Policy
Take out your present car insurance policy and look at the things that you are being given discounts for. Depending on your age and experience, you may be able to get discounts that are currently not yet listed. If you took driver's education classes, see if these are listed, as well as any security devices you have. Or, if you have recently been married, or have a second car, you can get discounts on these things, too.
Besides these, see what options you have. If you do not understand what they are for, talk to your insurance agent and ask questions. He or she will be glad to explain them to you.
Talk To Your Agent About Reducing Extras
While you are talking to your insurance agent, ask them what other things you may be able to do to get better insurance rates. They may suggest that you drop a couple of items that you do not really need. Also, if you have any grown children on your policy that now have their own cars and their own insurance, they do not need to be on your insurance.
Another thing that you can do is to see about reducing your deductible. This is the amount of money you pay first. The lower the deductible means the higher your monthly premiums are going to be. If your deductible is only about $250, then you are probably paying more than you should. Try raising it to either $500, or, even better - $1,000. Remember, though, that whatever your deductible amount is, that you will have to pay it before your auto insurance company will pay anything.
Something else that you may be able to do, if you are driving an older car, is to drop your comprehensive insurance. This covers the cost of your vehicle when you get in an accident. Chances are that if you are now paying for comprehensive insurance, and if your car is more than 10 years old, that you are paying the value of your car each year.
Get Comparison Quotes Online
If you still are not satisfied, then you can go online and get some car insurance quotes. The ideal way to do this is to go to an auto insurance brokerage Web site (more than one company) and get several quotes with one application. Go to at least two such Web sites and get about 7 or 8 different quote. By comparing them carefully, you may be able to come out with a better deal.

 

Discount Car Insurance - Are You Missing Out On Savings?

Are you already getting discount car insurance or are you looking for it? Check out this list of typical discounts for car insurance that can save you money, and make sure you're getting what you deserve.
Of course the best way to make sure you're getting low cost car insurance is to get comparison quotes. This is because car insurance rates can vary quite a bit from one company to the next. Then, you want to make sure you're taking advantage of all available discounts. In fact, that's one way to compare and find the best deal is to look at the coverages you're getting, the rate and the discounts.
Typical car insurance discounts are:
Multi-policy -- Discount for having another insurance policy with the same company. This is common when you have your home owner insurance and car insurance together.
Multi-vehicle -- Discount for insuring more than one vehicle.
Defensive Driving -- Discount for taking a defensive driving course.
Driver Training -- Discount for taking a driver training course, particularly for young drivers.
Anti-theft -- Discount for having certain types of anti-theft devices on your car.
Anti-lock Brakes -- Discount for having an Anti-lock Brake System in your vehicle.
Accident-free -- Discount for not having an accident for several years. We're starting to see this discount promoted more by car insurance companies.
Good Student -- Discount for teen drivers and young drivers for getting good school grades.
Low Mileage -- Discount for driving a lower number of miles than average.
Age -- Discount for drivers over age 50-55.
Keep in mind that some of these discounts may not be available where you live. Be sure to check with your current auto insurance company to make sure you are getting all of the discounts you can. If you're shopping for a car insurance quote, ask each agent or company that provides a quote about the discounts available.

 

Car Insurance

When you own a vehicle you must take out car insurance, or they will take you. That is the law has issued regulations that state in most areas that if you do not have minimal car insurance you have broken the law.
Rather than paying high court fees, impoundment fees, et cetera find car insurance to protect you and your investment.
How to find cheap car insurance:
You can gallop about around your town searching for cheap car insurance. Likely, however you will find a few resources offering you what they term cheap insurance. Your best bet is to use quote systems at the online insurance depots to find cheap insurance.
Risks:
Car insurance involves risks. That is when you apply for car insurance the lenders will examine your history. If you have a history of accidents, not wearing your seatbelts, et cetera the lenders may offer you car insurance, but will increase your interest rates, premiums and so on. In addition, lenders will calculate your age, gender, and other specifics when reviewing your application. You want to understand premiums, deductibles, interest, and other items when searching for car insurance to get the best rates.
Premiums:
Premiums is based on a percentage scale. Sometimes premiums add bonuses, rewards or payments based on certain percentages.
Deductibles:
Deductibles is the amount deducted from the agreed amount you will pay in the event your car needs repair due to accidents, vandalism, fire and so on. For instance, if you agree to pay $500 in deductibles, you will pay this amount toward damage. The provider will cover the rest. The more you agree to pay toward deductible, the lower your premium rates.
Interest rates:
Interest rates are calculated by your age, gender, driving history, and so on. If you are a high risk then the interest rates will increase. To reduce these high rates you may need to agree to a higher deductible and earn brownie points. Brownie points are points that you achieve by not breaking the law, driving safely and so on.
Your best bet is to go online and use the quote systems at the insurance sites to save money. These insurance sites will help you find a provider that gives you the best rates on interest, premiums and deductible options.
Using the quote systems, you can compare cost. The insurance sites will put you in contact with thousands of providers. You can compare the rates from each provider.
Some quote systems allow you to type in the amount you can afford. Once you provide a few details and submit your answers the insurance quoting system will begin to search for the best rates. In a few minutes the insurance quote system will provide you a list of providers, which you can begin comparing rates

 

Auto Insurance Comparison Shopping - Best Rates and Best Companies

Comparison shopping on the Internet has become a worldwide phenomenon. In just minutes you can compare products and prices in virtually any category. Here's how to go auto insurance comparison shopping and find the best rates and the best companies.
Auto Insurance Rate Comparisons
When it comes to auto insurance rate comparisons you need to get quotes from a variety of different companies to make sure you're getting the best rate. Single-company websites run by large insurance companies only give you their quotes, and even the ones that say they give you comparisons from other companies may only give you one or two quotes.
In order to get the best auto insurance rate for your situation you need to go to an insurance comparison website where you can get quotes from a number of different companies. These sites have you fill out a questionnaire where you can enter the deductibles and discounts you want so you'll get their cheapest rate.
The better sites have two features that will help you with your auto insurance rate comparisons: 1. An "Articles" or "Advice" section where you can get money-saving tips and other information on auto insurance. 2. A chat feature where you can ask an insurance expert questions about auto insurance. (See link below.)
Auto Insurance Company Comparisons
After you choose a company, you need to make sure they're reputable and will pay your auto insurance claims. My favorite sites to check up on auto insurance companies are:
* State insurance department websites - Every state has a website run by their insurance commissioner that lists agents and companies. Here you can find complaints filed against companies to see which ones have the fewest.
* Epinions.com website - This site has a product rating and review guide for everything under the sun, insurance companies included. Here you can get inside information - ratings and reviews - from actual company customers

 

Very Important That All Motorists Have Insurance

It is so important that all motorists have auto insurance. Most people are always looking for the cheapest insurance they can get and this causes them to jump from one insurance company to another. As most insurance companies are competing with each other they tend to discount their premiums or give the consumer added gimmicks when they take out a policy with them.
It is not always a good idea to run after the cheapest premium but it is better to stick to an established company that will still be there a couple of years from now. You would not like to find that the company you are insured with has vanished over night when you want to put in a claim for damages. If you do not claim from your policy for a certain amount of years you will be eligible for a no claim bonus.
If you do want to save money on premiums you can rather raise your deductibles. If you do this your insurance rate will drop and it will help you save quite a bit of money over the years. You could take specialized driving courses or have special anti theft alarms installed in your vehicle. When you car gets old there is no sense in keeping up insurance on a car that is not worth much so reduce the coverage. Try to rather not drive a car that is a high profile vehicle for thieves. It is very expensive to insure them. The less common cars are more likely to be stolen. These methods will also earn you a discount from the insurance company.

 

Quotes For Auto Insurance

1) Consider higher deductibles.When you file a claim, a deductible is the amount of money you pay before your insurance company pays for the rest of the damage. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums
2) Drop collision coverages on older cars.If you own a car that's worth less than $1,500 you'll probably pay more for the coverage than you would ever collect on a claim.
3) Take advantage of low-mileage discounts. Some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who put fewer than a predetermined number of miles on their vehicles each year.
4) Ask about discounts for antilock brakes, air bags and other safety features.
5) Comparison shop.Use consumer information provided by your state's insurance department.
6) Check your credit history and correct inaccuracies.
Many insurance companies use insurance credit scores in figuring rates. If your credit reports contain errors or inaccurate information, you may end up paying more for insurance than you need to.
7) Check on group insurance and corporate discounts.
8) You may be able to get a discount through trade or professional associations that you belong to, or through your employer's corporate benefits program.
9) Ask about other discounts.
a)good student discount.
b)multi line discount.
c) having no accidents in three years.
d) having antitheft devices installed.
OTHER SUPPLEMENT AUTO COVERAGE ARERental reimbursementCoverage for towing and labor chargesGap coverage
Car Insurance Quotes, Term Life Insurance Quotes,
Term Life Insurance and Health Insurance Quotes
the main thing for auto insurance is that the coverage that is provided into auto insurance should be understood to gain maximum benefit from the deal

 

Car Insurance Facts

Deciding for auto or car insurance is not an easy task in the United States. Not only understanding a few factors can change the money you spend in buying car insurance but also helps to get the best quotes and value for your money. Understanding the car insurance can be sometimes very tricky and absolutely confusing and that sometimes lets you take decisions where you end up spending more money and usually the insurance you buy actually doesn’t suit your needs.
That is why here we have tried to simplify the general insurance facts for you so that you can develop a good understanding of this dreaded but compulsive subject i.e. Car Insurance. Here are some very important facts which you should always consider before buying car insurance.
Appropriate Insurance Coverage is importantGenerally the half of insurance covers the liability factor that depends on how you are going to use the vehicle. The amount you pay decreases in case for ex. If you are commuting for home to office and vice versa for work and also if your driving record is clean without a speeding ticket. If your driving record is not clean you end up paying more money as insurance premium. The second half of insurance premium covers damage or loss to your vehicle along with comprehensive and collision coverage.
Shopping around paysShop for insurance ad always get more than none quote. There are in fact hundred of companies competing for insurance business from you and in many cases you can save hundred of dollars because of multiple quotes. So, shop around for quotes.
Find out insurance discountsMany companies in general offer discounts to the customers. You can avail the discount if you are buying more than one insurance policy viz. auto and home insurance. You can also get discounts on factors like air bags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and anti-theft devices.
Consider higher deductiblesYou could lower your insurance bill by increasing your deductible but before that just make sure you can pay the higher deductible if you file a claim.
Stacking coverage’s while you file Insurance claimStacking uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage’s means you can collect from more than one of your auto insurance policies. Most states prohibit this practice, but there are about 19 states that either allow stacking or don't address the issue either through legislation or litigation. Be sure to check your auto insurance contract to see if it's allowed. Probably you are likely pay a higher insurance premium if you have stacked coverage.
Car gives you benefitsInsurers depend on the model of car you buy, its sticker price, features which may reduce maintenance or accidents or theft. So consult your insurer while you finalize which car to buy.
Notify Insurer of ChangeIf you wish to terminate the insurance coverage notify the insurer of the same. In many states you get penalty for the number of days you go uninsured so notify your company the change in writing or through phone, terminate the insurance and change the company after that.
Go with your budgetIt is always recommended that you strictly follow your budget and choose the payment which fits into your budget. You can get monthly, quarterly, half yearly or yearly mode of payments and choose which suits your pocket.

 

Affordable New Jersey Car Insurance - Where to Get It

Looking for affordable New Jersey car insurance but don't want to waste a lot of time shopping for quotes? Here's a brief explanation of insurance coverages, how to save money on them, and how to get affordable insurance quickly and easily.
Minimum New Jersey Car Insurance
New Jersey requires you to have three types of car insurance coverage: liability , personal injury protection, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive and collision coverage are not required.
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage pays for the other party's bodily injury and property damage expenses when you cause an accident. It also covers your legal bills if you're sued.
If you don't have a lot of assets and you don't drive a lot, you may want to stick with the minimum liability coverage which is: $15,000 bodily injury liability coverage for one person, $30,000 bodily injury coverage for all injuries, and $5,000 property damage liability coverage. However, if you do have a lot of assets you'll want to get enough liability insurance to cover them in case you're sued.
Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection coverage pays for you and your passengers' medical bills if you have an accident in your car, someone else's car, or if you're walking. If you already have medical insurance then you only need to get the minimum amount of coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for your medical bills if you're injured by an uninsured driver, an underinsured driver, or a hit-and-run driver.
Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car caused by theft, natural disasters, fire, or vandalism. You can save money on this coverage by raising your deductible (the amount you're required to pay on a claim before your insurance kicks in).
Collision coverage pays for repairs to your car if you cause an accident. You can save money on this coverage by raising your deductible. Raising it from $200 to $500 will save you up to 30% on your premium.
Compare Rates the Easy Way
The only way to know if you're getting the best insurance rate for your situation is to compare rates from different companies, and the easiest way to do that is to go to an insurance comparison website. It only takes a few minutes, it's easy, and it's free.

 

The Three Aspects of Auto Insurance That You Must Consider Before Buying (Or Regret It Later)

Before you start shopping for your auto insurance quotes it can seem like a daunting prospect. So much choice, so many companies clamouring for your attention. So where do you start, and what three aspects MUST you consider before buying? Well, the first key is to realise that shopping for auto insurance is not just about price. There are several key components to consider before you put your money on the table and get your car properly covered.
Three aspects of auto insurance that you should examine separately are:
1/ Liability Insurance which helps you tide over various financial burdens in the event of any accident.
2/ Body coverage - This is a sub-category of liability insurance, and covers any claims by the other party for medical expenses in case of a car accident where you are found to be at fault.
2/ Property damage cover - This is a sub-category of liability insurance, and covers any claims of damage to vehicles, buildings, or other property caused by an accident where you are found to be at fault.
Typical minimums that you might get with these three components can vary a great deal based on two main criteria. These are the insurance company in question, and which state you are in. As different States have different rules as to the minimum requirements for cover. So, before you look at buying any auto insurance make sure that you question the different companies that you are considering (either on the telephone or email) about their respective cover in these different areas, and then assess which numbers make sense to you.
Auto insurance companies also offer optional coverage such as medical payments, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured and under-insured motorist’s bodily injury coverage. So ask about those options as well.
Auto Insurance Bodily Injury (BI) Liability and Property Damage (PD) coverage is Legally required in most states today. There are several types of auto insurance policies to choose from that will depend on the coverage you want and the coverage you can afford. You need to regularly review your auto insurance coverage to make sure that you are receiving the best insurance value for your money. But just be sure that you consider the three aspects in full, and question your prospective insurance provider about them BEFORE buying.

 

Auto Insurance Is Not Negotiable - Every Motorist Must Have It

Auto insurance is not negotiable, every motorist must have it. It is not enforced by law in all countries and states but it remains essential to have you never know when you will be involved in an accident. You can be as careful as you like but there are drivers on the roads who are bad drivers. It is a great loss if your car gets damaged or written off and you have no insurance to compensate you for the loss.
While you are shopping for insurance for your vehicle, check online as well as there are companies that do business online. The quotes and policy can be obtained online. Make sure that you complete the questionnaire correctly so that you will not be paying for coverage that you do not need.
Be very honest with the company you are dealing with when you answer their questions. The age of the main driver and any other family members, who drive the car, especially a teenager is important. They will want to know the type and age of the vehicle and whether or not it has ever been involved in an accident before. The distance you drive everyday and whether or not you have passengers with you are important factors that influence the premium you will be paying on your insurance.
There are certain rewards for safe drivers. Drivers who have not been involved in an accident for a certain period of time will qualify for a no claim bonus from the relevant insurance company. You could get a loyalty discount if you insure your car with the same company where you have insured your home and all its contents.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

 

Cheap No Fault Auto Insurance Quotes - Instant Rates Online

Are you trying to find cheap no fault auto insurance? I suggest taking a second and reading a little bit about how to find the best deals out there. Traditionally, people will call their local agent to get rates but now the Internet offers the ability to provide instant on screen quotes. I have provided some great facts on car insurance and important tips that should help you.
How do you know if you are getting a good deal on car insurance? Statistically, with a clean driving record you shouldn't pay much more than $650 for a six month policy. As you probably know, adding more drivers to your family policy can dramatically decrease your premiums. A person with 4 or more speeding tickets can expect to pay 20 to 30 percent more. Personally, having 4 people on my policy saved me more than 50% compared to what I was paying before. You will be surprised how much you can save by just looking around and getting quotes. If you've had the same carrier for more than 4 years, I can almost guarantee you will find someone cheaper, as rates have decreased in the past year. Make sure you can take advantage of the lower prices out there.
Finding insurance quotes online. I suggest taking the time to get numerous quotes, as your patience will save you lots of money. Looking at each policy carefully will be the smartest thing you can do. Most of the time when looking for quotes I suggest not providing your phone number or providing a number you don't mind being contacted at.

 

How To Find The Best Auto Insurance Companies

Shopping for auto insurance? Looking for the best auto insurance companies with the best rates? Here's how to find them.
Finding the Best Auto Insurance Companies
Finding an auto insurance company that will be there when you need them and will pay your claims on time is an important consideration when it comes to buying auto insurance.
A company's financial strength is a good indicator of their ability to pay claims, and there are two websites where you can go to check out their financial status:
Standard and Poors (standardandpoors.com) - This website provides profiles and financial strength ratings of more than 4,000 companies.
A. M. Best (ambest.com/ratings) - This website provides financial ratings and reports on the overall condition of insurance companies.
These websites are great if you want to know how solvent a company is and how credit worthy they are, but if you want the inside scoop on how well they pay their claims and how good their customer service is, I recommend going to the following websites:
Epinions (epinions.com)- This website provides ratings and reviews of various companies by their customers. Reviews range from, "Great agents all over the country." to "Buyer beware! Company is a fraud candidate for misrepresentation of their clients." If you want to find out how customers have been treated and what their claims experience has been, this is the place to go.
Your state's department of insurance website - Most state insurance departments maintain websites that have a consumer complaint department where you can find out how many claims have been filed against a particular company. If your state doesn't provide this information, you can go to California's website - www.insurance.ca.gov - to get it. Just click on "Consumers," then "Studies and Reports," then "Consumer Complaint Study" to see the complaints filed against a particular company.

 

How to Lower Your Teen's Auto Insurance Rate

Sooner or later, no matter how much you want to avoid it or how much you dread it, your teenager will learn to drive. Worse than that, they may even get a car. To top it all off, they will have to get insurance for that car. We all know that getting an auto insurance policy for a newly licensed teenaged driver is expensive.
Forming a partnership between you, your teen and the insurance company will help you to reduce your rates and maybe keep a few extra dollars in you pocket. Here are a few tips:
Maintain a clean driving record: Make sure that your teen is aware of the laws and restrictions in your state. Instill in your teen the importance of following the rules of the road. Just one traffic violation for a newly licensed driver may have you paying two to three times what you should pay. Until your teen can afford to pay for his own policy, he must keep a perfect driving record to protect your pocket.
Follow my lead: Are you setting a good example? Do you speed? Do you tailgate? Your teen is watching you. Make sure you show them how it should be done. Remember, your soon to be driving pre-teen is watching you too.
Maintain Good Grades: Students who maintain an average of B or above may earn up to a 25% discount on insurance rates.
Drivers Education: Many insurance companies offer lower rates to teenagers that have completed qualified driver's education courses. Before you spend money on a course, check with your insurance carrier to find out which schools they accept.
Safety: When looking for a car, keep in mind that insurance companies like safety features. The safer the car, the lower the rate. The faster and newer the car, the higher the rate. Do a little homework before buying your teen a car. Be aware of the theft or vandalism rate for the car you're buying. The more likely it is to be stolen or vandalized, the higher your premiums.
Alcohol and Drugs: Under aged drinking is illegal. Your insurance company may void your policy as a result of an illegal action.
Watch your teen in action: Drive with your teen from time to time. See if they are still the safe driver they were when they first got their license, or have they developed a few bad habits. Be a passenger and observe. Compliment them if they're doing a good job, or diplomatically point out potential problems.
Talk to your agent: Your insurance agent can help you to determine whether or not it is cheaper to put your teen on your policy. If you drive an expensive car, your rates may increase dramatically by adding your teen. It might be cheaper to get a separate policy, depending on the type of cars in your household. Your agent can offer advice on the best way to insure your teen's car.
Shop: Get a couple of quotes and compare.

 

Banned Driver Car Insurance Quotes

There can be many reasons why a driver could get banned and disqualified from driving. We will look at some of the more common and then explore ways in which you can reduce the car or motor insurance premiums you pay.
Drink or Drunk Driving - Coded DR10 in the license. Usually this will result in a driver being banned for a minimum of 12 months or 18 months. If the driver has had previous convictions the the length of the disqualification can be increased.
Totting Up - Coded TT99 on the driving license. This conviction is normally given when a driver has more than 12 points on their license. Obviously car insurance premiums rise with this conviction.
Speeding - SP30 is the most common speeding conviction, generally car insurance companies don't load premiums for this motoring conviction on the first offence. However if there are multiple occurences then quotation prices will be higher. If normally get 3 points for a speeding fixed penalty but can get more depending on the severity of the offence. Drivers can be banned in extreme cases, or when driving license points exceed 12.
Traffic Light Offences - TS10 is the most common which is failing to stop at a red light. A fixed penalty for this driving conviction would give 3 points and a £60 fine. However each case is evaluated on its and if the case goes to court larger fines and points or even a ban can result. Obviously if a TS10 takes you above 12 penalty points this will result in a driving ban.

 

Cheap Car Insurance Quotes - How to Find Them Online

When was the last time you changed car insurance companies? If you're like most people, it's been many years. We tend to choose an insurance company and then stay with it forever. But as with purchasing any product, you need to shop around if you want to find the cheapest car insurance quote. Here's how to do it the easy way.
Decide What You Want
Fortunately, the Internet makes it easy to find cheap car insurance quotes. However, before you start completing forms and comparing quotes, you should first:
* Decide what coverage limits you want. Most states have minimum limits you need to meet. You can go to your state’s Department of Insurance website to find out what the limits are in your state.
* Decide if you want comprehensive and collision coverage. Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car after an accident, while comprehensive coverage pays if your car falls victim to a natural disaster, vandalism, or theft. However, both cover only up to the Blue Book value of your car. If your car is over five years old, you may want to drop these coverages altogether.
* If you want comprehensive and collision coverage, decide what deductible you want. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium.
* Think about what discounts you might qualify for. Does your vehicle have an anti-theft device? Can you put your home insurance with the same company so you get a multi-policy discount?
Shop for Quotes
Once you've decided what coverage limits and deductibles you want and what discounts you qualify for, it's time to begin shopping for insurance. Yes, you could pick up the phone and call your local agent. However, by using the Internet, you will get more cheap car insurance quotes in far less time.
While you can go directly to insurance company websites and get quotes for individual companies, you will get more quotes by going to a “comparison shopping” website. These websites let you type in your vehicle, driver, and other insurance data and get quick quotes. Some even have a chat feature where you can talk with an insurance expert online (see link below).

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