Saturday, 25 April 2009

Determining Higher Deductibles on Your Vehicle Insurance Coverage

You may feel as if you have no choice but to pay costly automotive insurance premiums forever, but there are actually some excellent techniques which will help you save a lot of money on your automotive insurance policy. One of the most effective ways is to bring up your deductible. This reduces the amount of premiums you pay regularly. Think about it, the only time you'll have to spend for a deductible is when you file a claim which does not happen every month does it?
Just make sure you don't make your deductible too expensive , or you might end up not being able to afford to file an automotive insurance claim once you do need it. Here's some other relevant tips to lower your automotive insurance expenses:

Shop for Rates Online

Use one of the many automotive insurance portals and websites to get free and instant access to the latest rates and offers in the market. This is an excellent way to compare providers and maximize your chances of acquiring the most affordable automotive insurance policy.

Aim To Be a Safer and More Responsible Driver

Speeding tickets, violations, and accidents have an unavoidable impact on your automotive insurance rates, via your driving history. So aim for a great driving record. Also, completing defensive driving classes will also entitle you qualify you for defensive driving discounts on your policy.

Add Aftermarket Security and Safety Devices

This is another great way to get some much needed discounts. Installing additional safety and security devices minimizes serious injuries for all passengers in the event of a accident. Reducing your automobile's liability to car theft will also lead to reduced risks and therefore less expensive premiums.

Reduce Your Total Mileage Every Year

Most automotive insurance companies now give Low-Mileage discounts to those who drive less than 15,000 miles each year. Discounts may also be granted for people who drive short-commutes to and from work.

Take Good Care of Your Credit Score

Your credit record also influences on your premiums. Having a great credit score is seen as a trait of a responsible, low-risk driver which will result in less expensive automotive insurance premiums.
Need help finding Liability Car Insurance. Compare free auto insurance quotes here today: Liability Auto Insurance

Cheap Auto Insurance - How You Can Find the Best Discounts Online

In truth, looking for cheap auto insurance quotes and even insurance quotes of other kinds has been made very easy to do through the internet. It is an enormous relief that you don't have to call insurance offices any more and subject yourself to all that pressure from commission sales people. Being able to choose for yourself is always a good thing.
The internet has put the power of information into the customers' hands. And that has made getting quotes online almost a pleasure.
And now that the power is in the hands of the auto insurance buyer, it is far easier to get the information you need in order to make an informed decision about your insurance policy needs. The customer is now in charge of the buying process.
But even in these times of open access to the insurance marketplace, the customer still needs to know what information to provide to the online insurance quote site. Actually, most times, and on most sites the information needed to arrange for an auto insurance quote is pretty self-explanatory, but a word of caution is in order.
When you are quote shopping online and you click onto a website which is asking for your particular information about your car and your driving details, it's a really good idea to tell the exact truth, and not fudge the answers. In fact, it is possible that you could be cheating yourself out of a discount if you try and be less than truthful.
For instance, these are some important questions the auto insurance quotes sites might ask.
- They might want to know how far you drive to and from work each day and how many days a week you do this.
- They usually want to know if any of the people who are going to be driving this car are smokers.
- Often if you let the insurance company know that you will be using this car for carpooling, you will be able to grab a discount.
- And, for sure, you will need to provide the make, model and year of your automobile. The insurance company will also want to know the VIN number of your vehicle, so it doesn't do any good to try and pretend your car is older than it really is.
- More times than not, they will want to know if you have more than one vehicle, so you can get a multi car discount or just as important if you have any other insurance policy needs they could supply. And that can be the source of another great discount.
After everything is said and done, there are a lot of ways to get discounted auto insurance quotes when you are shopping for insurance online. Just make sure you have your information lined up so you can give great discount giving accurate answers when its time to fill in those auto insurance quotes forms.

Guide For First Time Auto Insurance Buyers

If you have just bought a new car , you have to make sure that you have the proper insurance for it. You don't have to accept the proposal of the car dealer. Be smart enough and obtain coverage that fits your needs and budget.
In the past, you need to visit independent brick and mortar agencies or speak with the agents or brokers to get insured. Now, you can finish the entire process online by visiting several Websites that offer discounts .
The first thing that you have to do is to make a decision on the amount of coverage that you need. This can be based upon on several factors such as your income, properties, make and model of your car , etc. You can determine how much coverage you need by working with a skilled agent or broker.
Next, you should visit comparison quotes Websites that offer policies from more than a few companies . Scrutinize what these companies offer and find out their prices. Together with the premiums, look at the features and benefits that they can offer.
Do everything you can to be familiar with the policy that you are considering get. Study the exclusions and limitations of the policy; who will be covered; the period of the coverage, how you can file a claim; the price of the policy; and the amount of coverage.
You also need to check if the company offers reasonable premiums and that the policy obviously states when you have to make changes. Occurrences like marriage or divorce, changing automobiles and moving home, you have to speak with the company to notify them about the changes in your status.
Always be alongside of changes in the law and the latest offerings in the insurance industry. Always check on the current shape of the business and get a policy from a company that offers the best deal.
Need help with a Car Insurance Claim. Compare free auto insurance quotes here today: Auto Insurance Claims

Understand California Car Insurance Requirements

Car insurance is something you must have in California if you want to drive. It is the law. That being said, what exactly are the insurance requirements you have to meet? In this article, we discuss that very thing.
California is a cause state when it comes to car insurance issues. Simply put, this means that a party in an accident must be assigned the responsibility for the accident. The cause can be partitioned, but that is less common. Regardless, the party that is assigned responsibility for causing the accident is on the hook for the cost of repairs and so is their insurance company.
If you are going to drive in California, you need to have insurance to cover any damage you are found to have caused. There are two sets of insurance coverage you must have under the law of the state. The first is bodily injury liability insurance. The second is property damage liability coverage. Let's take a closer look.

Bodily Injury Insurance

Under California law, you must maintain $15,000/$30,000 coverage for bodily injury. As the name suggests, this insurance covers any liability assigned to you for bodily injury to another person. If you drive through a stop sign, hit another car and the other driver is hospitalized, your bodily injury policy will cover their bills. The insurance will cover up to $15,000 of the bills for each event, but no more than $30,000 a year regardless of the total number of accidents you cause.

Property Damage Liability

Under California law, you must maintain $5,000 in property damage liability. This insurance is used to repair any damage you cause to another vehicle. This is not a very high number, so you might want to select a bigger figure to cover you in case you run into a car worth more than $5,000.

At this point, you might be wondering how you buy all this insurance? Most of us just buy one policy and don't really know how it works. Don't worry too much. Under California Law, the insurance companies must bundle these together and sell them as one policy. Put another way, you have this coverage even if you don't know it!
The traffic in California is absolutely insane in many areas. Accidents are common. Make sure you are in compliance with California law so you don't run into problems with the authorities.

Factors That Impact Your Automobile Insurance Premium

These days consumers want more effective ways to save hard-earned dollars on their expenses. Your vehicle insurance bills are no exception to this. Knowing the factors that determines your vehicle insurance rates and premiums will give you a bigger chance of managing your insurance bills, and can save you hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars every year.

Your Age, Gender, And Where You Live

Senior drivers are less capable of avoiding automobile accidents, due to the effects of aging. Teenagers have the biggest risk of all. Males are also statistically shown to get caught up in more collisions, and if you live in a metropolitan area, you're more likely to get caught up a collision.

Driving History

A person's driving record is one of the most important factors that automobile insurance companies refer to when determining and assigning risk ratings and premiums. Those who have had a good driving record within the past three to five years can anticipate getting the most affordable vehicle insurance rates possible.

Car Insurance Claims History

The number of times you file an vehicle insurance claim (either with your current or old provider) says much about the amount of risks you're exposing yourself to. Consequently the provider would categorize you as a high-risk if you are frequently filing claims, even for the most minute of accidents. Choose when to file a claim carefully.

The Type of Car You Drive

The make and model, the actual market value, and the popularity of the automobile you own will have a huge impact on your premiums. The latest models are more liable to automobile theft and may be very expensive to repair or replace.

Your Credit Record

Credit history is now used by vehicle insurance carriers as a determining factor as to how "risky" a certain driver is. Those who have low credit scores have also been shown to file more vehicle insurance claims, and are therefore viewed as high-risk customers.

Any Discounts You're Eligible to Get

Discounts also affect your final vehicle insurance premiums, albeit in a good way. Always find out about the sort of discounts you're qualified to get to maximize your savings.

Need help finding Local Car Insurance. Compare free auto insurance quotes here today: Local Auto Insurance

Friday, 24 April 2009

How to Pick Out the Best Auto Insurance Company

With the availability of a numerous auto insurance companies, it becomes very difficult indeed to select a policy that fits both our costs and budget. Apart from various policies, both the local and national companies compete to offer the best services. Hence you must be smart enough to research properly, gather information regarding each company before you purchase a policy. You must ensure that the company must be able to meet any future claims at any situation along with quality service.
It is so uncomfortable to imagine in an accident. Similarly, you must determine the expectations on your auto carriers at such situations. At the situation, it is impossible to choosing between what your carrier can provide; hence it is best to know of that entire processes well before in hand. If you had already met an accident, you can know all dealings, but if not, it is hard. If you are able to understand what each package provides and the limits of each one, you can avoid the stress instead of worrying about future. Only by experiencing one, you can know better, and choose the best suitable one.
List all your requirements that the carrier must meet in such cases. The two top things in the list must be customer reviews and the ability to pay for claim. You can compare all the companies either comparing your current one and others for switching or before purchasing a policy. The best thing is to do is to go through online reviews. These reviews by the existing customers give a more honest opinion than visiting the company directly. Besides reviews, ratings are also available online. Anonymous surveys gather the customer's opinions and experiences and rate companies accordingly. jdpower.com is one of the sites which rates companies based on the overall experience, pricing, policy offerings, customer servicing and billing and payment. They rate by using five stars (max). A company with five stars indicates the best one. Likewise, you can predict your experience.
Another way to classify the carriers is to look into their financial stability. It is a measure of the company's ability to pay out any claims. It could be terrible if your carrier cannot pay for your claim when you are in need of it. Sites like ambest.com, standardandpoors.com, weissratings.com, bbb.org, etc rate companies based on their financial stability. By visiting one of these sites, you can gain more insight of the companies and this helps in your comparison.
A.M. Best (ambest.com) provides "an objective role in the insurance industry towards the prevention and exposure of insurer insolvency." Their evaluation is the best and the customers can rest in peace while shopping for a policy. They place companies in two categories namely Secure (A++ to B+) and Vulnerable (B through S). Standard and Poor's (http://www.standardandpoors.com/) has been "reviewing the financial strength of insurance companies since 1971. It is one of the world's largest insurance rating organizations." They have analyzed over 3000 companies worldwide. Their reports are free. Their ratings based on creditworthiness start with AAA (best) and goes down.
Weiss Ratings (weissratings.com) "records the financial safety of about 2,400 U.S. property and casualty insurance companies." They rank companies totally unbiased. Their system is simple with ratings A (Excellent) to E (Very Weak). Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) available in each state keeps the claims filed against companies rendering poor services. These filings are accessible online or you can call consumers who filed to check. In bbb.org, enter your zip code and search by company to look for filings against them and also know if the company is accredited under BBB.
Though inaccessible by all, the Department of Insurance of most states records and files all complaints against the insurance companies. Anyone with a negative experience can report against the certain company which will be filed. You can call the Department directly to enquire about the company or visit their site or search as "Texas Department of Insurance Complaints" ensuring your home state name.
In addition to this research, you can speak to trusted people and enquire yourself their opinions, experiences and recommendations. By gathering information from several people, you can come to a conclusion yourself. Due to the availability of many auto insurance companies, you need to take time in selecting the best one. Though time-consuming, it is worth the time.

Tips For Saving on Auto Insurance

Paying for auto insurance is not what most people love doing, but it's something we all need to do. While different states have different minimum requirements when it comes to auto insurance, about every state require car drivers to have some sort of auto insurance coverage, it's the law.
Auto insurance is expensive, and its price will continue increasing, that's why I've writing this simple guide containing some tips on how to save on auto insurance.

The Car You Drive

The make, model and year of you car is probably the most important factor when it comes to the cost of your car insurance. The best way to start saving money is by using a car that is cheaper to insure! The rule is simple, the newer and more expensive your car is, the more expensive your insurance will be.

Auto Insurance Discounts

As you may already know there are many factors that insurance companies look at when giving you a car insurance quote, but what you may not know is that most insurance providers offer different types of discounts, see if you qualify for any of these and take advantage of it. Here's a list of some of them:

Good Driver - You may qualify for a good driver discount if you haven't had any accidents or traffic tickets in the past 3 to 5 years, don't expect this to apply to you automatically, if you haven't had accidents or tickets in the past 3 to 5 years ask for it!

Safe Vehicle - If your car has an alarm, anti-theft system, airbags, ABS, automatic seat belts or other safety features, you may be able to save some money.

Military - Military personnel can easily obtain car insurance discounts.

Low Mileage - Do you live near work? if you drive short distances to work you can get a discount from your insurance provider, it's easy, the less you drive the less likely you are to be involved in an accident.

Age - Older drivers pay less, as simple as that.

Multiple Vehicles - Having multiple vehicles under the same insurance policy can save you money.

Multi-Policy Discounts - A good way to save on insurance is to cover all you insurance needs under the same provider, that includes life insurance, home insurance and of course auto insurance.

Student Discounts - College graduates can obtain good discounts from most insurance companies.

Your Credit Score

Having a good credit history will not only get you low interest credit cards or loans, but it will also help you to save money on auto insurance.

Shop Around

Another great way of saving on auto insurance is by shopping around, there are many websites out there that allow you to see multiple car insurance quotes instantly, once you find the one that best fits you go can apply right there. By doing this, you may end up saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year in auto insurance.

Online Comparison of Auto Insurance Quotes

Almost everyone can get their needed coverage in auto insurance policy at better rates and lower premiums by shopping around. Especially when you do a bit of research online, you can get what you want easily, quickly, safely and comfortably. There are many online auto insurance sites which helps you to compare quotes from many reputable companies for your requirements. The sites take up the responsibility of researching and providing you the best ones. They come up with only those packages offered by the reputable companies providing good customer service and also at the best available rates.
Auto insurance is mandatory in all states in the US. It costs you high if you break the rules like hefty fines, loss of driving license, etc and in case of an accident it may cost you your savings, home, retirement, etc and also can get sued by the other driver. Obtaining auto insurance will make you feel free-at-ease and gives you peace of mind. This feeling is priceless, but you need to pay a reasonable cost to get the needed coverage and hence the feeling.
The quotes differ from company to company for the same coverage. Some may charge high but not provide you the best coverage. You need to compare the quotes of numerous carriers side by side to get the best deal. Recent studies indicate a difference of nearly $500 between the auto insurance carriers. Owing to a number of companies offering different coverage at different rates, you must be careful in selecting the company and the coverage at your affordable rates. This can be done by researching online. You do a lot of research before buying things like refrigerators, cars, television, etc. It is good to do the same in case of auto insurance.
The carriers are similarly different in their servicing and offerings and also the discounts offered by the companies depending upon your lifestyle. It is not required to get anxious over this. There are people who feel this task so daunting filled with dangers and pitfalls. This is where the online services are helpful. The sites are easily accessible at any time. You can shop leisurely without any hassle and sweat.
You must have heard of the expression "comparing apples to oranges?" This is one of the commonest mistakes done while comparing. Though you get quotes from different companies, they are all not for the same coverage. This hence is a difficult situation. You need to be aware of the coverage offered and compare "apples to apples" and "oranges to oranges" meaning that the comparison must be between the same type of coverage to pick the best company out of a lot. But the online form filled in the site assures that all carriers offer the quotes for the same coverage.
So it makes clear that you will lose nothing and in fact save money. It is not required to pay higher for auto insurance when it is available at lower rates. Hence the choice becomes yours. Just do a side by side comparison of the quotes online. You can compare rates, coverage offered and required by you, company services, etc. By doing so, you will obtain an affordable policy with the required coverage easily. There is no compulsion at any stage. You can decide on your own. You just need to provide the basic information alone to get the quotes. It is hence a win-win situation. Irrespective of all your drawbacks, you can find policies with better rates online.

Efficient Comparison of Auto Insurance Rates

It is really important to purchase auto insurance policy which fits in both our budget and requirements. But how? Are there any steps to obtain the best rates? What should people know before obtaining the quotes? Which are the best companies? What coverage is suitable for you? Numerous such questions can arise. In reality, you have some easy steps to be taken for comparing and choosing the policy.

Auto Insurance requirement is mandatory

Auto insurance has been made compulsory requirement in most states. Each state specifies the minimum coverage needed. If you are caught uninsured, you need to pay a hefty fine and sometimes lose your license. In case of accidents, this will be more damaging. It could cost you your entire savings, home, retirement when another driver sues you. You must hence compare the rates to purchase the best one.

Use Online Services for Comparison

Best way to ensure that you are being offered the proper coverage is to obtain a greater range of quotes. You can start shopping around when it is time to renew your policy. In spite of no incidents, your current carrier raises the rates at least a little. If you feel it is only a little, it may add up to high amount at the end of the year. Be friendly with your carrier so that you can enquire any raises in your rates. A minimum of five quotes can be obtained from most sites which you can compare based on coverage and price.

Offer Honest Information

It is required for you to answer the questions honestly. This enables in obtaining an accurate quote. If it is otherwise, the company may get to know at any one circumstance. If you are too anxious about identity theft or uncomfortable to disclose your personal information, you can just get quotes without it. Only some basic information is needed and you can easily get a minimum of five quotes in a few minutes.

Determine Your Eligibility for Discounts

You must be aware of all the discounts being offered by companies. You can avail a discount by combining two insurances with a single carrier. You can save money by choosing renters insurance along which many people easily qualify for. Other discounts are discounts for senior citizens, safe drivers, good school grades, driving safe cars, installing safety devices like alarm system, etc. You can inquire the possible ones and determine the one you qualify for.

Select a Trustworthy Auto Insurance Company

Select sites which deal with reputable companies and obtain quotes from those sites so that you can feel free-at-ease. Auto insurance companies are ranked based on their financial stability. Companies having excellent financial practices have the ability to pay out the claims when needed. Choose the sites which work with above 'B' rated companies.

Be Careful

You must not only look for the cheapest policy but also for the adequate coverage needed. It would be really terrible to find out that you do not have the required coverage at the time of accident. Generally an additional coverage is better at all times. It is not possible to get a low cost policy with all others from cars to gas prices rising in prices. In addition, customer service should be looked into. You would be required to pay even for a good quality customer service. Choose the companies which really provide the kind of service. You need to look for a company which will be loyal to you and protects you and your assets. You need to know if the company prefers local repair services or aftermarket parts installation. This is done to drive down the costs of the company but in reality it does not save you money. You need to research about the services of the company at the time of the accident in specific. Only if they provide up to your expectations, it is worth the deal.
Finally, you need to make this comparison regularly to ensure that you are being provided the best one at cheaper available rates (at least every 2-3 years or before renewal). This is helpful since some companies offer lower rates initially and increase on gradually.

Shop Around For the Right Auto Insurance Quote

When it comes to an auto insurance quote you cannot ever get too many. You do not want to discover after you have an accident that you chose the wrong company for your needs so be smart when it comes to looking for the right insurance quote.
Just as you comparison shop when you buy groceries and big ticket items, the same must be said for your car insurance. Shop around! Get one quote and then take the time to get another and another. You are well advised to get at least three auto insurance quotes.
There are plenty of insurance companies that will allow you to compare quotes online which means you don't have to do the legwork but can instead just put your fingers to work typing!
If you get in touch with your state insurance department either by phone or by looking them up online, they should be able to provide you with some insurance quotes for a selection of different companies.
Another important point when it comes to looking for affordable quotes is that you should get quotes from a variety of different kinds of insurance companies. In other words, not all companies are the same and you should be aware of this.
For example, some insurance companies sell through agents who are employed by them while others go through independent agents who deal with policies from a selection of different companies.
Some insurance companies sell to their consumers over the telephone and/or by way of the Internet whereas others require that prospective consumers visit them in person. Be aware when searching for quotes that the price may be related to the method that is used to sell insurance.
Price is not the only important part of an auto insurance quote. You want to be able to communicate with the company in an efficient manner and you want honest and reliable service. You also want to know that when you have a question it will be answered in a prompt and professional way. In the same way, you want evidence that the company handles claims in a fair manner.
When it comes to finding the right auto insurance, ask around. Word of mouth is an excellent way to start your search for an auto insurance quote that will be most appealing to you. Talk to loved ones, friends, work colleagues, neighbors and your state insurance department (as previously mentioned).
The state insurance department should be able to provide you with consumer complaint ratios of different insurance companies. Another excellent source to find auto insurance is consumer magazines. If you are concerned about the financial viability of the insurance companies you are looking at then take the time to research them through independent rating companies.

Thursday, 23 April 2009

Focus on Your Car Insurance When Cutting Your Expenses

To say it has been a rough year for most people is a minor understatement. The name of the game these days is to cut expenses wherever you can. One place most people do not look, but should, is their car insurance. You can make a few changes that will really drive down the price.
Insurance is a subject much like taxes. You don't really want to deal with it, but you know you have to. I own life insurance, but honestly don't really understand how it works other than to know it will pay out money when I die to the person I designated. Other than that, I just send in a check every month and hope for the best.
Most people view car insurance the same way. They ask for "full coverage" and then go for the lowest quote they get. What most people don't understand is car insurance is actually a collection of different insurance coverages. You don't need all of them. The ones you do need do not really require all the coverage you might be paying for. If you can get things under control, you can slash your car insurance premiums and give yourself some serious budgetary relief.
The first issue to consider is the coverage you have. You need liability insurance because this covers you for third party claims. Put more specifically, this covers you for the repairs to other cars and medical claims if you cause an accident. Whatever you do, make sure you maintain liability coverage.
What about comprehensive coverage? Well, you might need this, but you might not. Comprehensive coverage takes care of the cost of replacing or repairing your car. You need it if you drive a new or old car. The question is how much coverage do you need? If you are driving a 5 year old Honda with a blue book value of $6,000, you probably don't need $50,000 in comprehensive coverage. Cut the coverage down to $10,000 and your premiums will drop.
Car insurance comes with coverage for medical bills should you be involved in an accident. Millions of Americans don't have health insurance, but what if you do? There is little reason to pay for medical coverage on your car insurance if you already have independent health insurance. If this is the case, cancel the medical coverage on your car insurance and save big bucks.
The final step with your expense cutting has to do with your deductible. The deductible is the amount you are responsible to pay before your car insurance kicks in. Most people have it set at $250. You should raise the deductible to $1,000. Your premiums will plummet because it is far less likely the insurance company will have to pay any claims. To avoid problems, make sure to save up and set aside $1,000 for any repairs.
You can slice car insurance premiums by 20 to 30 percent with these simple steps. In some cases, the discount will be even more. That is some serious money and we can all use every buck we can find these days.

Affordable Auto Insurance - Why Getting Quotes Online is Your Best Choice!

Long ago, men would walk from one car insurance company to another in search of the best deal. We no longer have to go across town just to get a price. Using the internet, millions of people compare car insurance prices while drinking their morning coffee. Auto insurance quotes are yours, for free!
Internet shopping is a great way for you to compare one company's discounts with another. Find out how much you can save when bundling a house and or a second vehicle into your plan, or what your reward will be for having an accident-free year.
Know that your auto insurance company will use your driving record, gender, and credit score to determine your premium. Some companies may even factor in your occupation. It is statistically proven that those in certain occupations (like teaching and engineering) have less collisions.
If your record has more than a few blemishes, expect to pay higher rates. Your auto insurance company is taking a risk by insuring you. After a year or two of responsible driving, your company should cut you a break (If they don't, ask them to.).
The great part about internet shopping is that you can compare quotes at any time. Know where the deals are. If you are a loyal, accident-free customer, your auto insurance company may likely match a discount from a competitor to get you to stay.
Shopping for car insurance online is not only fast and easy, it is free! Who wants to pay more than they have to for car insurance? Join millions of Americans in finding the best rates for car insurance.
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Cheap Auto Insurance Online - Cutting Down the Rates You Pay

Considering the fact that car insurance can be costly and the year has not been so easy financially, it becomes important to find ways of making some savings whenever possible.
It will be wise for you to shop around online for the right policy and provider. There are many auto insurance providers online and searching for them is not stressful. You can do this in the comfort of your home.
Visit as many providers as possible and ask for their auto cover quotes. You will gather different quotes and this will enable you to compare their rates and choose a deal that is favorable with your income.
Read the contract paper very well. This will make you understand the deal you are buying; for instance, there is no point buying medical bill coverage with your car insurance if you already have active health insurance coverage.
You can raise your deductibles. This is the amount you are prepared to put down on your own in case of any happenstance; the higher the deductible the lower the premium. If you opt out for a higher deductible, you will be bringing down your premium thereby saving some hundred of dollars. You have to make sure that you can cope with the amount you have chosen as your deductible. Some companies have specific amounts fixed as deductibles; check this amount and how it will affect your budget.
Leading car cover companies are always ready to do business. They will gladly give you discounts and free professional consultation services just to make you a happy customer.
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Auto Insurance - You Cannot Venture Out Onto the Public Road Without It

In many countries and in all states of the United States insuring your vehicle is compulsory and you must have auto insurance before you can keep or use a car on the public streets.
Auto insurance is a type of insurance policy that is purchased to provide you with protection against a range of unfortunate events related to the ownership and use of a car and it gives you cover especially if you are involved in an accident causing damage and injury.
Many people dislike the fact that auto insurance is mandatory but this is necessary for the protection of third parties and is also something which anyone who has ever had a road traffic accident will be very glad that they were required to purchase before venturing out onto the highway.
Automobile accidents can be highly expensive when you take into account the cost of repairing your own car or that of the other driver in an accident. All The Same, the true value of auto insurance is seen when you or somebody else is injured as a result of a road traffic accident. The price of medical treatment today could literally bankrupt you without auto insurance and even a quite simple accident could leave you with a bill that you might otherwise never pay off.
In may cases auto insurers also operate a no-fault system which ensures that costs are paid according to how fault is apportioned. This means, in effect, that your insurance company will meet the costs regardless of who is to blame and will then sort out recovery when needed with the insurance company of any other party involved. However, you must be careful when arranging auto insurance as there is generally a limit stipulated within the contract to the insurance company's liability.
You must also bear in mind that there are different forms of auto insurance providing you with different degrees of cover. You can, for example, select to insure yourself just against claims from third parties to keep your premiums low or could choose comprehensive auto insurance which will give you cover for just about anything you can think of.
With huge competition in the marketplace nowadays it is still possible to buy cheap auto insurance so why not request a free auto insurance quote today.

Can Car Insurance Protect You Against Road Rage?

With 58 per cent of motorists claiming to have fallen victim to road rage in the past year, could car insurance be their saving grace?
Research from Sainsbury's Bank estimates that 2.4million motorists have either fallen victim to car jacking or know someone who has, while warning that most car insurance policies will not protect drivers who fall victim.
According to the research, men are the most likely to be involved in an incident with those aged 18-24 the most vulnerable. Those most likely to fall victim to road rage are also the most likely to be the perpetrators too, however, those aged over 65 are the least likely to be victims or the cause of a road rage incident.
Typical driving behaviour that leads to road rage includes tailgating; pulling out at junctions at inappropriate times; changing lanes without indicating; driving too slowly; fast lane hogging; and anti-social behaviour such as throwing litter out of a window. The results of road rage can be devastating and can potentially leave victims both mentally and physically scarred.
Despite the surge in cases of road rage, car insurance providers are doing little to counteract its emergence. The majority will not offer any cover against these incidents so it's important to shop around if you want to be protected. Of the few insurers that do offer protection, some even offer counselling services as well as a financial package.
As well as ensuring they have suitable car insurance in place, drivers are also urged to monitor their own behaviour to stay calm behind the wheel. To keep you in the right frame of mind, ensure your seating is set to a comfortable position; work out your route in advance and listen for traffic news; turn off your mobile phone; give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination; and count to 10 before reacting to somebody else's poor driving.
If you feel your car insurance cover is insufficient then compare car insurance rates and policy features online with a comparison website.

Cover All Eventualities - Get Car Liability Insurance

Finding car liability insurance is so much easier nowadays, and all you have to do to make a great start is search on the internet. At the end of the day, if you are driving any vehicle, then you always have to have the right car insurance cover just in case the worst came to the worst.
Because of this it is always a good idea to get the cheapest car insurance you can find that meets your requirements. But searching on the internet is not enough; you also have to make a comparison of any/all prices, coverage, small print, etc. This is important because you don't want to end up with a policy that does not cover you adequately in the event that the worst comes to the worst and you have an accident. You also don't want to find yourself in a situation where an injured party in the other vehicle decides to sue you for damages, injury, etc.
The trouble with many people today, especially the younger drivers, is the fact that they think they are the best drivers in the world and because of this do not require car liability insurance. This is quite obviously not only the wrong attitude to have, but consideration has to be given to other drivers on the road - you really can't control what they do and they might cause an accident that you become involved in.
Each driver should have enough coverage on their policy so that any medical bills or damage that may arise from an accident is covered. The cost of the policy will pale into insignificance should the need ever arise for you to avail of the insurance. And bear this in mind - if you are ever renting a car, or purchasing one through finance, then it is obligatory for you to have car liability insurance.
To summarize then, although it is vitally important for you to have insurance for your vehicle, it is also important to find a cheap option that fits in with your requirements. The best way to do this is by using comparison sites on the internet and comparing all quotes you receive from these to come to your final decision. Perhaps the most important thing of all to remember is to have adequate coverage to cover all eventualities.
If you want to learn more about car liability insurance, or help in looking for it, or if you are trying to find out information on car insurance quotes and need advice, click on one of the links and visit our site for more information.

Cheap Car Insurance - Finding Cheaper Rates

Once an individual understands what their needs for coverage are, they can take the next and probably most important step in locating cheaper rates. This is completing rate comparisons. By obtaining multiple quotations, it betters the chances of finding a premium that one can fit in their budget. However, it is tough for an individual to consider the above factors by him/herself and assess their own risk. Fortunately, there are organizations which provide free assistance to people searching for the cheapest rates from reliable companies.
These organizations operate through their websites and offer customized assistance to people looking for affordable policies. The advantage of these websites is that consumers simply need to enter their zip code and answer a few questions, which requires only basic information to get multiple quotes from a diverse range of insurers. (driver's license and social security numbers do not need to be provided.) Basically, the internet speeds up car insurance comparisons and many consider this to be the easiest and most effective method to ensure that one is receiving cheaper quotations from various reputable carriers.
When applying for prices, consumers need to make sure that they address any discounts that they feel that they may be entitled to. The most common are applied to those who maintain a good driving record, a "B" average while attending school (good student discount.) as well as others such as those who are married tend to pay less, and also those with a "clean credit" history. Different companies offer different discount. It is for that very reason that it is imperative that the consumer take the time to compare multiple rates from several insurers.
In order for consumers to locate an affordable rate for a premium, it is vital that they understand their particular situation and complete a comparison of prices and insurers. They should also be sure to take advantage of any discounts that may apply to them.Completing car insurance comparisons online is a free and quick way for individuals to understand which price range they may fall in and requires no obligation to buy.

Affordable Car Insurance - Instant Quotes

Does anyone have the time these days to go around to insurance companies looking for quotes? I should think not. It would actually be a very time wasting and in fact a generally wasteful venture. All around you abound quick access to insurance companies.
There are so much advantages in getting your auto insurance coverage online that I can't imagine myself taking all that time to move from office to office getting quotes.
Usually in shopping for affordable auto insurance, the more insurers you get to, the more likely you are to get better deals. This holds true for any type of shopping.
How many insurance companies can you get to in a day if you were to physically visit insurance companies to get these quotes? I can safely say that the number of insurers you can get to in a day is the number of insurers that some quotes comparison sites would give you quotes from in minutes. In fact, some might give you more.
The truth you have to be aware of is that there is no insurance company worth its salts that doesn't have a website. When you visit comparison sites, you get access to the major insurance companies too.
The interesting about this is that you don't have to use them. So you can get them, decide you don't like them and simply dump them.
If you really are serious about getting affordable auto insurance coverage, then you must get and compare quotes. Make this much more easier by going to comparison sites. Be sure to visit between 4 and 5 for best results.

Car Insurance Quotes - Get a Free Quote With No Obligation

It is a common practice for consumers to ensure that they are getting value for money while purchasing anything under the sky. From clothes to automobiles to industrial products, people try to find as many prices as possible in order to compare and find the best deal. Automobile coverage is no different, and since it is a necessity in life (in order to abide by the law) and not a luxury, it would be quite wise to shop around for the most suitable and affordable rates.
Luckily, there are companies available online which offer cost and obligation free quotations in their area. In fact, many of these websites that do not charge for providing prices for premiums, they also provide valuable information which can help individuals understand more about the coverage that is available to them so that they may make a more educated decision when looking to purchase a new policy. This information may include details about the different options to choose from, who would benefit from them, how to lower premiums and which discounts can be taken advantage of.
These helpful sites will provide multiple quotations from several reliable providers at no cost. This gives the individual the ability to compare as many rates as they would like before deciding to purchase from a particular company. Because these auto insurance quotes are provided free of charge and with zero obligation, consumers can also compare rates for different coverage options. They can receive pricing for basic liability policies from various insurers and compare them with "full coverage" prices. This may prove to be valuable, since they may be able to locate more protection at a good rate.
By taking advantage useful tools as online auto insurance quote finders, consumers can save valuable time and money since it can become much harder to for them to locate pricing to compare from on their own. This process may include having to contact numerous companies to locate a reasonable rate and maybe would have overlooked or forgotten about an insurer that the website could have provided. Nevertheless, comparing rates is the most efficient way to ensure that an individual is getting the best deal and this can all be done free of cost and without obligation.
Individuals that take advantage of the services available on the internet and obtain as many free car insurance quotes can help themselves to ensure that they have found the most affordable policy available to them. This is a valuable resource that should not be overlooked.

Buy Auto Insurance Online - Getting Insured Made Easy

Auto insurance can basically be described as a service that protects the beneficiary from huge financial burdens that may occur in the future. In order to acquire such protection, one needs to pay a certain amount of money called a premium which is determined by an insurer based on the risk factors of the insured. In other words, one pays to be protected in the event that they incur certain types of losses in the future. Therefore, when one decides to buy automobile coverage, they should make sure that they shop for policies in the same manner that they would for any other consumer product. Making sure to compare prices, features, and reputation of the entity providing the product. Since not all types of coverage will fit everybody's need or budget, comparing them is at one's best interest in order to determine the best product for their particular interest.
In the recent past, consumers would visit offices of carriers in an attempt to obtain pricing and negotiate terms of a policy. However it can become very time consuming for somebody to visit one insurer's office to another's for the purpose of collecting rates and details needed to complete a comparison in order to locate the best deal. In today's fast paced life not many people have enough time to visit various offices in order to find and buy an affordable policy.

Buying Auto Insurance Online

Luckily, there has been a new way to acquire policies in a manner that is fast, efficient and hassle free. Many insurers and websites are available for individuals to utilize in order to locate prices for premiums and to also buy auto insurance online. One can get several quotes from quality providers within a matter of minutes while sitting in the comfort of their bedroom, office or anywhere else. One can get quotations from several insurers at anytime of day or night from anywhere. One need not to remain present during office hours to get rates and purchase coverage, which means there is no time constraint and is one major benefit of purchasing policies on the internet. Another benefit to having the ability to purchase coverage online is the time frame. Once a policy is purchased, the individual can obtain proof almost instantly by having it e-mailed to them. This means that they can be on the road in no time.
Not only can potential customers receive quotes from multiple carriers within minutes, but obtaining pricing will not cost them a cent. It is absolutely free and requires no obligation for a consumer to inquire about pricing for premiums. There are many websites that are available to provide such services, and in recent years the method of purchasing car policies by way of the internet has grown dramatically. The basic reason behind this is the effectiveness and convenience that it provides to consumers and can also help them save some hard earned cash.
Consumers who choose to buy auto insurance online will find it easy to locate auto insurance quotes and reliable insurers to pick from. This will not only help save money but also valuable time and can be done from any location at any hour.

Wednesday, 22 April 2009

Car Insurance Rates Vary For Each Insurance Company

When shopping around for auto insurance, you might want to do a little research, and try not to listen to snappy television commercials and cartoon mascots. The budget insurance companies that inundate the airwaves may guarantee lower prices, but their coverage might not be as inclusive as the traditional companies.

Budget insurance companies offer basic coverage, and serve the needs many frugal consumers. However, making insurance claims may be more difficult than you expect. There is a reason that certain companies can offer low-ball rates: they typically make up for it with lack of coverage. Filing claims with them can be exhausting marathons filled with red-tape. While every insurance company has its troubles, those that pitch you a price far below industry standards, will likely have lower standards of their own.

Its best to shop around among companies and not always go for the cheapest rate. Several factors should be included in your decision making:
  • Examine the various deductibles and how they affect your premium. Many companies will have very low premiums, but their deductibles may be unrealistic for your budget. Choose a deductible that will fit with your finances.
  • Research the company history and any consumer complaints. There are several resources available to check the customer service records of the various insurance companies. While all companies will have complaints, beware of those with excessive, or repeated complaints.
  • Uncover all discounts that you may be eligible. Larger companies tend to offer more discounts than smaller, and each year there are new discounts to be discovered.
  • If you are a driver with a not-so-clean record, you may want to find out the companies “forgiveness period” which is the time (typically years) that it takes for violations and other accidents to be wiped from your record and lower your premium.So, when shopping around for car insurance, it is best not to skimp. Two old adages ring very true: “You get what you pay for”; and “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Comparison Shopping is Forcing Car Insurance Companies to Cut Rates

Car insurance marketing tells us that we can lower our auto insurance rates with minimal effort: "Just fifteen minutes can save you a ton on your car insurance," the saying goes. Here at carinsurancerates.com, our mantra has been that you can save a lot of money by spending a little time, or a lot more money by spending a little more time - the choice is yours. But we’ve also said that you’re never going to save on your car insurance unless you try. Well, it turns out that we may have been wrong.

Car Insurance Companies Are Competing For You

The internet changed the old car insurance paradigm, in which you (the consumer) had little power or information, and they (the insurance agent) had lots of both. Now, with web sites like carinsurancerates.com, every customer who walks through an insurance agent’s door is a potential car insurance expert, which means that agents have to take customers more seriously. What’s more, consumers are no longer limited by geographic constraints and the nationwide competition among car insurance vendors has pushed prices down even further.

The traditional "big boys" like State Farm are falling behind, and thus, they are cutting rates in order to hopefully (from their perspective) discourage people from shopping around and getting even lower rates. Chances are that the other major players in the car insurance world will follow suit, as Progressive’s CEO recently commented, "We need to make sure that we don’t lose customers to competitors at a price we would be comfortable with."
So Should You Just Sit Back and Wait to Save?
Maybe if you’re Donald Trump, you can afford to sit back and wait to save, (then again, according to Rosie O’Donnel, maybe "The Donald" could use the extra money!), but pretty much everyone else needs to realize why the car insurance companies are lowering their rates - in order to discourage you from doing comparison shopping! They know you can save even more money by shopping around online, so they’re trying to bribe you not to do it. Don’t fall for their tricks! It’s great if State Farm cuts your rates by 10 percent, but if you can save 20 percent while simultaneously increasing your coverage, isn’t that worth fifteen minutes of your time? I think so.
The cost of car insurance, like most other products and services, will go up over time. The internet has introduced deflationary pressures that have driven down the costs to consumers, but they can only fall so far before they have to start coming up again with general inflation. After all, cars still get damaged and repairs aren’t getting any cheaper. Worst of all, health care costs are embedded in car insurance premiums, since car insurance covers bodily injury damages and medical bills. Therefore, it is unwise to sit around and wait for your savings to come to you - you need to grab your savings while you can. With our free quote system, carinsurancerates.com is the best place to start!

Should You Be Told if Your Bad Credit Affects Your Car Insurance Rates?

Recently, there has been growing debate over whether or not car insurance companies should be able to base people's car insurance rates on their credit. There are good arguments on both sides of the debate. The "yes" people say that basing car insurance rates on credit allows car insurance companies to more accurately predict risk, and thus makes rates lower for everyone. The "no" people say that bad credit does not make someone a bad driver, and even if many people with bad credit are bad drivers, then that doesn't mean that good drivers with credit problems should be punished. After all, they have enough trouble paying higher interest rates and climbing out of debt - their problems should not be compounded by higher car insurance rates.

But even the people on the "yes" side would have to agree that you should be notified if your bad credit results in higher car insurance rates. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) says that people have the legal right to be notified when they are declined for credit, employment, or insurance, on the basis of their credit history. But the Act is unclear on whether or not car insurance companies have to notify you if your bad credit results in higher rates. Several state attorneys general say that this is a bogus loophole that needs to be closed.
Arkansas and Oregon Lead the Way
The attorneys general of Arkansas and Oregon have both filed suits against a leading car insurance company for failing to disclose "adverse actions" taken against customers based on their credit. Five other states have joined them in seeking national clarification on the matter. But this begs the question, "Why would car insurance companies not tell you that your credit was impacting your rates?"
The answer is simple: Every car insurance company treats its customers' credit differently. A study by Consumer Reports showed a nearly forty percent difference between how two car insurance companies viewed the same bad-credit customer. And that's two car insurance companies that actually use credit reports - some don't. In that case, you could save up to forty-seven percent on your car insurance rates!
Don't Wait for the Courts - Find Out and Shop Around
The wheels of justice move slowly, and it may be awhile before a definitive ruling about informing people how credit impacts their car insurance rates becomes law. The good news is that you don't have to wait. First, ask your car insurance company whether or not they use your credit file to determine the rates you pay. If they say yes, then ask if you are being "rated" adversely. Ask for their answer in writing. If they say that they don't use consumer credit files, then ask for that statement in writing. If they refuse to provide you documentation or, worse yet, say "I don't know," then you definitely need to shop around. Chances are you can save quite a bit. In fact, it never hurts to shop around, so regardless of their answer, you might want to spend a little time at carinsurancerates.com looking for a better deal. What do you have to lose but the high monthly premiums?

Full Coverage vs Liability - Which Is Better

At the opposite ends of the car insurance spectrum are full coverage and liability only. In reality, there are many steps in between these polar opposites and there are even multiple levels of full coverage and liability only. However, car insurance can best be understood by first fully comprehending the differences between these two extremes.

Liability Only Car Insurance

Car insurance is regulated at the state level, and therefore, each state has its own guidelines concerning the minimum car insurance coverages that are required. One thing that is for certain, though, is that all states have laws regarding the minimum amount of liability coverage you must have in order to legally drive your vehicle. But what is liability coverage? It is insurance that covers damage you cause to other people (outside of your car) and their property.
State minimums are expressed in three parts. For example, Colorado's legal minimums are 25/50/15. The first number refers to the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for injuries sustained by a single individual, per accident; the second number refers to the maximum amount your insurer will pay for all injuries in a single accident; and the third number is the maximum amount your insurer will pay for property damage, per accident. So for Colorado, this translates into $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per victim; $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident; and $15,000 of property damage coverage per accident.
Keep in mind that these are the state minimums - it may be wise to carry coverage in excess of them. Keeping with the Colorado example, if you were in an accident that caused $100,000 in bodily injury damages to another motorist, your insurance would only cover the first $25,000. For the other $75,000 the injured motorist could come after you! This may or may not apply in so-called "no-fault" states, of which there are 12.

Full Coverage Car Insurance

What is known as "full coverage" is actually two forms of coverage on top of liability - comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. A motorist can elect to have comprehensive coverage without collision, but not collision without comprehensive. A car insurance policy with liability and comprehensive coverage would be something in between the legal minimum and "full coverage."
Comprehensive coverage is sometimes referred to as "other-than-collision" coverage, or OTC. Obviously, it covers damages to your vehicle that arise from something other than a collision. Examples include theft, fire, weather damage, etc., but the insurance companies confuse the issue by including accidents with animals as part of comprehensive coverage, rather than collision. The logic behind this is that comprehensive is designed to cover things that are less likely to be your fault.
Collision coverage is an optional add-on to comprehensive - although it isn't optional if you still owe money on your car! Finance companies require borrowers to carry full car insurance coverage on their vehicles.

Getting Something for Your Money - That's the Name of the Game

Too many people look at insurance as an annoying expense. In reality, it is an investment - a financial product - and it should be viewed as such. Whether you want liability only, full coverage, or something in between, you need to make sure you are not paying more than you have to for the coverage you need. The best way to ensure you're getting a good value is by comparison shopping online. In many cases, customers are able to save money while simultaneously increasing their coverage.

Premiums Increase After At Fault and No Fault Accident

You were sitting at a red light and someone rear-ended you. It wasn’t your fault, so why the heck did your insurance premiums go up? Chances are you’re insurance company is penalizing you for an accident or traffic violation that may have happened months or years ago.
If you have a spotless driving record, it is highly unlikely that your premiums will increase after an accident that wasn’t your fault. However, if you have just one related traffic violation, or fender bender prior to this no-fault accident, then you will probably see an increase in your rates. The length of time varies from company to company. So, if you were an accident that was your fault two or three years before this no-fault accident, the insurance company might consider you “accident-prone” and increase your rates. The length of time between accidents varies from company to company.
Keep in mind that “fault” is determined by the authorities. You may feel that you were not at fault in an accident, or that the other driver was a maniac. But, the authorities make that decision, and the party that is ticketed during the incident is considered to be at fault.
Insurance companies base their premiums on risk-factor. So, even if someone rear-ends you at a stoplight when you were minding your own business, if you’ve had a speeding ticket or other violation prior to this accident, you might be deemed an at-risk driver. Each insurance company has different policies and standards, but they look at your overall propensity towards accidents.
Some companies will forgive past accidents after a certain period of time has passed. This can be as little as two years, or as much as five years, but again, it varies from company to company. If you go without a speeding ticket or other traffic violation for many years, chances are that you premium will decrease.
The number of accidents you are in directly affects your premium. You could be in six no-fault accidents, and your company would still raise your rates. They feel that even though the authorities determined these accidents not to be your fault, that you must have something wrong with your driving to be having so many crashes. Are you cursed, or just accident-prone? Insurance fraud also plays a small factor in this equation. Many people “stage” accidents to reap settlements from insurance companies. A high number of no-fault accidents might raise a red-flag with an insurance company.
If you have any concerns about an increase in premiums, contact your insurance agent to discuss the problem. If you are unsatisfied with the response, you can file a complaint with state agencies to investigate the problem. But remember, if you have had several accidents in the past, this is likely the reason for your increase in rates.

AIG sells US auto insurance unit for $1.9 bln

NEW YORK (AFP) — American International Group, the insurance giant surviving on US government aid, said Thursday it had sold its US auto insurance business to Zurich Financial Services for 1.9 billion dollars.
AIG said in a statement that Swiss-based Zurich had agreed to buy 21st Century Insurance Group, the units comprising AIG's US personal auto insurance business.
ZFS unit Farmers Group will acquire 21st Century by paying AIG 1.5 billion dollars in cash and 400 million dollars in euro-denominated capital notes backed by ZFS's main operating unit, Zurich Insurance Company.
Farmers Group also will assume 21st Century's outstanding debt of 100 million dollars, AIG said.
The Wilmington, Delaware-based 21st Century includes the former AIG Direct business and Agency Auto business. The company operates in 49 states and the capital city of Washington.
In 2008, 21st Century reported total premiums of 3.6 billion dollars, including 2.7 billion dollars in direct sales and 900 million dollars through independent agents.
The transaction excludes AIG's Private Client Group, which provides property and casualty insurance to wealthy clients, AIG said.
The deal is "subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, including approvals by appropriate regulatory authorities," the bailed-out US insurer said.
The government has pumped 180 billion dollars into AIG to keep it afloat, the largest single recipient of federal bailout money, giving the US Treasury effective control of what had been the world's largest insurer.

Reviews of Car Insurance Companies and Brokers

We have compiled a list of car insurance companies who provide personal car insurance, commercial, and military policies. These are some of the largest companies in the U.S. and we will be adding more companies to the list for smaller insurance brokers.
AAA Insurance Company
AARP Insurance Company
AIG Insurance Company
Allstate Insurance Company
American Family Insurance Company
Auto Owners Insurance Company
Farmers Insurance Company
Farm Bureau Insurance Company
Grange Insurance Company
The Hartford Insurance Company
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
Metlife Insurance Company
Mercury Insurance Company
Nationwide Insurance Company
Progressive Insurance Company
Safeco Insurance Company
State Auto Insurance Company
State Farm Insurance Company
Travelers Insurance Company
USAA Insurance Company