Ask For Fewer Comparables

Many insurance adjusters just want to settle your claim as fast as possible. With that motivation, they will use what’s called “comparables” to assess the damage to your vehicle. A “comparable” is a vehicle similar to yours.

The adjuster uses as few as 2 and as many as 5 or 10 different vehicles when doing the analysis. An average of the the vehicles is taken, and this is how the adjuster determines the value of your vehicle. Problems crop up when a lot of the comparables are of low value.

Ask the adjuster how many comparables are included in his analysis. The adjuster needs to take an average of the value of at least two other vehicles. Ask the adjuster to use just the top five, or top two vehicles and average them together.

There’s a huge difference in valuation when the adjuster averages:

$10,000

$14,000

$2,000

$5,000

$3,500

versus:

$10,000

$14,000

In the first scenario, the average of the comperables would leave you with a valuation of just $6,900. This is what the adjuster would assume the value of your vehicle is. On the other hand, the second analysis leaves you with a value of $12,000 – a significant difference.

Another problem you might run into is when you have a classic car. Often, insurers don’t care about them. You might get low-balled on your 1980 Pontiac Trans Am or your ’70s Mustang. In these scenarios, it’s best to come to the adjuster with your own comparables or hire an independent adjuster.

Be Prepared To Negotiate

Adjusters can negotiate, but not all of them want to, and negotiating with them is not something you will learn to pass your driving theory test. In general, they have a $500 leeway – meaning, they can offer you $500 more than what their original assessment says. Even so, you don’t have to take the meager offering. If you push back hard enough, and can show the adjuster hard proof that your vehicle is worth more than his assessment, you might get more money. You’ll have to wait a bit longer while the adjuster gets approval from management, but it might be worth it.

Be Prepared For “Totaling”

Sometimes, a vehicle is a lost cause. Adjusters usually total a vehicle when damages exceed 50 percent its value. If damages are close to the 50 percent mark, you can usually ask the adjuster to just total it out. Why would you do this? Often, a car that’s been in an accident sells for less than it otherwise would. It’s called “diminished value.”

Tell the adjuster “there might be hidden damages here you didn’t find – like damage to the unibody frame or the rails.” In most cases, adjusters will work with you.

Gillian Kearney is an auto insurance consultant. Her articles mainly appear on car and driving blogs where she shares her tips online.

See It in Black and White
Many people are misdirected by mechanics who perform additional services in order to rack up costs, so be sure to get each part of the service in writing. It is very common that people’s bills are driven skyward with services that were not part of the initial agreement of service. The contract should include what exact jobs will be done and what the cost of the service will be. Mechanics are particularly prone to performing routine service jobs without the permission of the customer. The quote should be all-inclusive as well. Make sure that the figure you are given includes parts, labor, and any other potential hidden fees.

Keep a Level Head
Mechanics often rely on overselling the customers on services. In other words, they will convince you that you are in need of repairs that are not really necessary in order to increase their profits. Customers should be able to recognize this kind of pressure, and take control of the situation. The best repair shops present their customers with options rather than attempting to manipulate them into a position where they end up spending more money. The number one indicator of this situation is a company that presents a long list of problems with the vehicle when it was only brought in for an oil change or minor maintenance.
 
Make Things Routine
Some customers are not even sure when they need to visit the mechanic in the first place. It is a good idea to establish a schedule, and stick with it. In doing so, you will know exactly when you need to take the car in and exactly what should need to be done. The schedule can be set up according to the recommendations of the manufacturer or based on the opinion of a mechanic with whom you have already established trust.

Get the Message Across
The number one complaint from customers and mechanics relates to communication. Often, the problems occur when the mechanic or the customer is under the impression that one service needs to be performed while the other party is thinking something totally different. Not everyone excels at getting their ideas across clearly. This problem is compounded when it comes to using the terminology associated with car parts and automotive engineering. Do not leave the car under the care of the shop until you are comfortable that everyone is on the same page.

Explore the Problem Thoroughly
Another common hurdle involved in a visit to the mechanic is the unidentifiable engine noise. Explaining the noise and allowing the mechanic to guess the problem based on this description often leads to multiple visits to get things under control. Take the mechanic for a ride in the vehicle so that the mechanic can identify the sound and accurately diagnose the problem while in your presence.

Josh Nagle is a freelance automotive blogger. Along with writing about car repair, he also enjoys helping his readers use technology to buy new and used cars. He wrote this post on behalf of www.car-research.com a leader in car dealership software.

No Need to Stay in a Hotel
Everyone has been forced to stay in a less-than-pleasant hotel or motel room at some point. It is an unsettling feeling sleeping in a bed that thousands of other people have slept in before you. You can never be completely sure how often hotels wash their bedding. For people who are germ-phobic, an RV offers a sanctuary from the uncertainty of hotel cleanliness. You are in complete control of your own environment. You can sleep in a bed that only you have slept in. You also will not need to worry about noisy guests in the next room. Additionally, bringing the family pet is easy when traveling in an RV, enhancing the fun for all. No need to worry about finding a hotel that will accept your four-legged family member.

Bonding with Your Family
Most families live hectic lives. Work, school, sports practices, and other activities take away from the quality time that families need to share with each other. Going on a family vacation in an RV is an easy way to spend time together because you are spending time together, creating new memories and exploring new areas. Being away from the usual routines and interruptions of home allows family members to interact and relate to one another in a unique setting. In this type of environment it is easy to catch up on what your family has been up to. An RV provides an opportunity to bond that is difficult to match at home.

No More Need to Use Public Restrooms
One of the most unpleasant parts of taking a road trip vacation is the need to pull over and use public restrooms at restaurants or rest stops. Many of these restrooms are not the most sanitary places. There might even be times when you are driving on a desolate stretch of freeway with no exits for miles, possibly making for an uncomfortable period of the trip. With an RV, a clean, private, and hygienic bathroom is always with you, day or night.

Less to Set Up at Your Camp Site
After many hours spent driving to your destination, the last thing you want to do when you arrive is to unpack your gear and set up your camp site. With an RV, those annoying chores are a thing of the past. Obviously, an RV makes a tent obsolete. There are also many places to store your clothes, food, and other possessions in an RV, so everything can stay organized. The need to pack up your gear after your vacation is also eliminated.

No More Sleeping in a Tent
Mother Nature can be unforgiving, especially on occasions when you want the weather to be nice. Even if you are diligent in paying attention to the weather forecasts in the areas where you will be traveling, there will eventually be a time when the forecast will be wrong. On occasions like these, it is much more pleasant to be sleeping and living in the comfortable environment of an RV, as opposed to the cramped conditions afforded by a tent. An RV ensures you of having a comfortable vacation.

A Private Guestroom for Visitors
When company comes, the RV makes the perfect guest quarters. Visitors will have the added privacy of being in a separate location while being as close as your back yard. An RV will provide more amenities than the average guestroom, ensuring that your visitors will sleep in style. Offering guests the opportunity to stay in your RV during a visit will save them money on a hotel without you feeling the inconvenience and burden of having houseguests.

A recreational vehicle offers many benefits, both on the road and at home. The lasting memories created and the money saved during vacations make this an investment worth serious consideration.

Joan Mahone is a travel writer, RV enthusiast, and proud Texan. She is currently selecting between different Travel Trailers in Houston to find her next great road trip vehicle.

Load Capacity

If you check through the owner’s manual for your vehicle, it should give you the specifications for load capacity. There should be a section dedicated to trailers and towing. Never exceed the capacity that has been suggested by the manufacturer. In fact, if possible, try and keep the load around 20% below the maximum capacity. If your vehicle is overloaded then your car will not handle correctly and you will be putting your brakes under too much strain.

Tyre Condition

Before setting off, always check the condition of your tyres. If the tyres on your trailer are not up to standard then you are going to be putting yourself in danger. The tyres should have around 2mm of tread across at least ¾ of the tyre. The sidewalls of the tyres need to be in good condition to ensure that a puncture does not occur. Of course, check the air pressure for each tyre. Having an over inflated or under inflated tyre, could result in a blowout. Stopping a vehicle and trailer after a blowout without an accident can be extremely difficult.

Speed and Wind

When driving with a trailer, you should always keep well below the legal speed limit. This is particularly important during windy conditions. One large gust of wind could make the trailer sway.

The faster you are going, the bigger this sway is going to be. If a sway does occur, try not to react instantly. The instant reaction for most people is to hit the brakes and to turn away from the sway. In fact, when the sway returns to the central position, turning will cause it to sway even more in the opposite direction. Slowly release the throttle and keep the wheels straight in order to come to a safe stop.

Trailer Stability

If you purchase a trailer from a custom builder, they will build it to spec to suit your vehicle. This is going to mean that the stability of the trailer is at its optimum. If you buy a pre-made trailer, then get help and advice. You need to ensure that the frame of the trailer suits your vehicle. If it doesn’t then it is going to be incredibly unstable at high speeds and with high winds.

Conclusion

Driving with a trailer is as safe or as dangerous as the driver wants to make it. If you take some precautions when it comes to buying, setting up and driving with a trailer, then you are going to be able to reduce and control the sway that occurs. If you are carrying large loads on a regular basis, it is worth getting a custom built product from a company such as Arwald Trailer Manufactuers.

About the author:

Alex has been writing on the internet for around 6 years. During this time he has started a range of blogs relating to business and finance. Alongside this, he has gotten involved with a number of other blogs that focus on driving, business, eco-friendly issues and even the world wide economy.

One of only two drivers to win Formula One, IndyCar, NASCAR, and World Sportscar Championship races, Andretti is one of the most successful drivers of all time. He has had 109 career wins on major circuits, and he is the only person to have been named the United States Driver of the Year in three different decades (1960s, 1970s, and 1980s).

Jim Clark

Jim Clark won two world championships before his death in a 1968 Formula Two racing accident. He won the British Touring Car Championship in 1964 and the Indianapolis 500 in 1965. Like the other greats, Clark could win in many different cars, including Formula One, IndyCars, and sports cars.

Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

One of the winningest NASCAR drivers of all time, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. won 76 races during his career, including the 1998 Daytona 500 and seven NASCAR Winston Cup Championships. He was one of the first drivers inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Juan Manuel Fangio

Nicknamed El Maestro (“The Master”), Argentinian legend Juan Manuel Fangio is generally considered to be one of the greatest F1 drivers who ever lived. He won five Formula One World Drivers’ Championships and has the highest winning percentage in Formula One. After he retired from racing, he served as the president of Mercedes-Benz until his death in 1995.

A.J. Foyt

A.J. Foyt is the only driver who has won the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Daytona 500, and the Indianapolis 500.  He also won the International Race of Champions, an all-star racing series, in both 1976 and 1977. The Associated Press named him Co-Driver of the Century (along with Mario Andretti). Foyt is also admirable because he has survived three major crashes, all of which caused serious injuries.

Dan Gurney

Dan Gurney was the first driver to win Formula One, Indy Car, NASCAR, and Sports Cars races, a feat only two other drivers (Mario Andretti and Juan Pablo Montoya) have accomplished. Gurney also started the tradition of spraying champagne instead of drinking it after the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

Sébastian Loeb

With 78 victories, Sébastian Loeb is the most successful World Rally Championship driver in history. Loeb has also won the world championship nine times in a row (2004-2012). He is also the only World Rally Championship driver to have a clean sweep of all stages in a rally, which he did during the 2005 Tour de Corse.

Junior Johnson

One of NASCAR’s earliest stars, Junior Johnson won 50 NASCAR races during the 1950s and 1960s. Johnson also invented “drafting,” where cars run closely behind each other, which allows them to maintain higher speeds and use less gas than if a a single car was running by itself.

Tazio Nuvolari

Nicknamed, “The Flying Mantuan,” Tazio Nuvolari had early successes racing motorcycles, but he switched exclusively to cars in 1931. Nuvolari raced with Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and Maserati, and he won six European Grand Prix races during his career.

Ayrton Senna

Even though he died in 1994 at the age of 34, Ayrton Senna is generally considered to be one of the greatest Formula One drivers who ever lived. He won three Formula One world championships, and he is one of only four drivers to win at least three titles in a four-year span. Senna also holds the all-time record for Grand Prix wins in which he was leading throughout a race. He’s particularly notable for his outstanding performances in wet conditions, with twelve wins in twenty races.

Byline

Raymond Scully is a freelance writer who focuses on ATV and Quad gadgetry, car mechanics, car news, racing, motorcycling and other kindred subjects.

Education
Keeping the advanced technological aspect in mind, most auto mechanics are formalizing their education to keep them knowledgeable and competitive. There are a variety of ways to get one’s foot in the door; certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs abound. Of course, the more education and formal training one has, the easier it will be to become ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified. ASE certification helps tremendously when looking for work in an established shop or dealership.

Typically, people interested in becoming an auto mechanic will enroll in a program at a community college or begin taking classes while attending high school. Since so much technology is involved in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles these days, a post-secondary education is practically a requirement. Community colleges are one place to attain this education. Other avenues to a successful automotive career begin with technical schools or, rarely, car manufacturers and dealerships.

Certification
An associate degree program may be the fastest route to ASE certification. After taking classes for about two years, the student should have acquired all the knowledge necessary to pass the certification process. One can work as an auto mechanic without ASE certification, but it acts proof of education and ability. Two years of experience is required to take the test, making a college experience worth both time and money. Recertification happens every five years and helps auto mechanics remain proficient in their craft.

Respect
ASE certification helps transition an auto mechanic from regular to respected, but it takes more than just a piece of paper. The most respected auto mechanics not only have education and experience, they also have people skills. The world of auto technology is a customer-oriented world, and the better one is able to communicate and handle customer service aspects of the business, the more respected one will be both inside and outside of the shop. Unless one is self-employed or working in a small shop, there will be administrative personnel to handle most of the customer service needs. However, it pays to keep in mind that becoming an auto mechanic means making customer service a prominent feature of your career.

Most auto mechanics find their jobs to be highly satisfying. Troubleshooting and diagnostics are often cited as one of the favored aspects of the career. With a solid education and passion for cars, becoming an auto mechanic is a decision that remains rewarding throughout a person’s lifetime. Interest in technology and a desire to work with one’s hands as well as brains could push someone to top of the auto mechanic world.

This article was contributed by Vito Sanchez, an aspiring Mechanical Engineer who looks forward to combining his engineering knowledge with his passion for cars. He writes this on behalf of MatchCollege.com, your number one information source when looking for auto mechanic schools. Check out their website today to find the right program for you!

5. 1964 Aston Martin DB5

Image via Flickr by Motor75

Show up to your interview in a 1964 Aston Martin DB5, and you immediately have an advantage over every other applicant. Why? Because you drive the same car as James Bond. Keep a sharp wit and a mysterious demeanor to make everyone wonder whether you have lived the life of a secret agent.

Who wouldn’t want to hire you? Your interviewer might not even look at your application. She’ll be too busy asking what kind of weaponry your car has.

4. Terrafugia Transition

Image via Flickr by lotprocars

With the Terrafugia Transition, any commute becomes a breeze. This car transforms into a small airplane that you can actually fly. It not only shows that you’re willing to go the distance, but also that you’re an adventurous spirit who isn’t afraid to try something new. That’s exactly the kind of attitude that many companies want in their best employees.

3. A Mustang From the 1960s

Image via Flickr by Robert Couse-Baker

Driving a vintage Mustang shows that you appreciate excellent craftsmanship and cool aesthetics.

It also shows that you know how to get a great car for your money. A vintage Mustang doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Plus, they don’t have the complicated computers used in today’s cars. That means you can fix mechanical problems on your own.

A lot of companies will appreciate that you drive the kind of car that you self-service; not to mention, you’ll look really cool to your interviewers, no matter who they are.

2. Tesla Model S Sedan

Image via Flickr by terren in Virgina

If you drive to your interview in a Tesla Model S sedan, everyone will immediately make some positive assumptions. First, they’ll assume that you’re successful enough to spend $70,000 on a car. Second, they’ll assume that you’re willing to spend this money because you want to protect the environment while looking like the coolest person on the highway.

Tesla’s electric car technology goes light-years beyond that of other companies. It earned a nearly perfect score from Consumer Reports and practically every stock speculator believes that the company’s value will explode in the near future.

This Tesla says you’re successful, smart, and aware. And that’s the kind of Fisher Investments overview, for example, that will make you look like an excellent investment for the future. Good jobs tend to want people who fit that sort of profile, so this car as an excellent choice if you’re trying to create that sort of impression.

1. A Lotus Elite

Image via Flickr by cosmic_spanner

If the Lotus Elite doesn’t impress your interviewer, then you don’t want the job. It’s an attractive sports car that can churn out 542 horsepower.

It shows that you’re independent, willing to take risks, and capable of thinking quickly (you have to think fast while traveling at top speeds). Those are all assets that companies want from upper managers who still see the world as a giant shark tank where aggressive tactics win at the end of the day.

What other car do you think would help you stand out at a job interview? Remember that there are good ways and bad ways to stand out!

Quality

The quality of Ford cars can be considered second to none. Simply put, the company puts a lot of work into making all of its vehicles as good as possible. They are strong performers in every department including motor, suspension, and handling. But best of all is the fact that they are so durable. Fords have long been known as some of the most durable and reliable cars in the United States and people are starting to realize that this is true in the United Kingdom as well. They last for a long time and need relatively little maintenance.

Safety

Everybody wants a safe vehicle when they are looking for a new car and Ford offers up some of the safest vehicles around. Depending on the particular model that you buy, you are likely to see a car equipped with some of the most top-notch safety features around. In fact, Ford has, in several recent tests, received more 5 Star Crash Ratings than any other car company. What this means is that their cars – all of them, not just a particular model – stand up well in the event of accident and keep passengers safe and sound.

Financing

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons that you should look at a Ford as your next vehicle is that their financing options are so good. The company offers extremely flexible plans both in the United States and in the United Kingdom. Flexible lease terms and lower payment options are just two of the perks of Ford financing. And all this is not to even mention finding financing from your local Ford dealer. Visit this page for more information on Ford car finance.

There is no doubt about it that Ford cars are among some of the best vehicles on the road today. In addition to their superior quality, safety, and financing options, the company is stepping up their game in other areas as well. If you opt for a new model Ford, you are likely to find that it is equipped with extensive control system technology and environmentally friendly features as well. Fords simply should not be passed over as an option when you are looking at purchasing your next vehicle.

Neil Stelling has extensive experience as a used car salesman. He enjoys sharing his insights through blogging.

Whether you are fresh out of technical college or have been working in the trade for many years, joining the job hunt can be a daunting task. It’s always good to know how to present yourself in the best possible light when it comes to job hunting, so here are a few tips to help you to stand out from the crowd.

1. Think About Where You Stand

Take some time to step back and think objectively about your current skill set. What do you have to offer now and where would you like to be in 5 years? If you know which particular area of the industry interests you the most it can help to narrow your search, but don’t worry if you’re not sure yet. Knowing where your strengths lie will allow you to sell yourself in any application and will show your prospective employer that you have a good insight into your own talents.

2. CV Basics

First impressions really do count, so make sure your CV gives a positive representation of who you are and what you want to achieve.  There is absolutely no room for spelling mistakes or grammatical errors on your CV, so if you’re unsure ask someone to read through it for you. Try to keep it short (no more than 2 pages) and keep it professional throughout. Take the time to tweak your CV every time you send it off, making sure that it is relevant to the position and covers everything mentioned in the advert.

3. Shout About Your Experience

Make the most of any relevant experience that you have, whether it was paid, voluntary or part of your training. If you’re still in the early stages of your career and struggling to get a foot on the ladder, look out for any volunteering opportunities in your local area. Even if you’re not working on cars, taking up a voluntary position can prove other qualities such as team work, commitment and reliability that employers will be looking for too.

4. Use a Specialist Agency

General job sites don’t always have the most reliable search filters, so you might find yourself wading through pages and pages of irrelevant job adverts trying to pick out the vacancies that are of interest. A recruitment agency that specialises in automotive jobs will have contacts in the industry, and may even have access to jobs that aren’t available elsewhere. They can also offer you tailored advice based on industry experience, to help improve your applications.

5. Ask for Feedback

If you’ve applied for your dream job but haven’t heard anything back, don’t be afraid to pursue it. Get in touch and ask if they would mind talking you through why you weren’t successful, and ask for suggestions of what you could have done differently. Getting an idea of what employers are looking for will help you to figure out how to do better in the next application.

And Don’t Give Up!

Job hunting can take time, so it’s important not to be disheartened if a job doesn’t come up straight away. Set aside some time each week to look for jobs, hone your CV or get involved in something that will improve your chances. Follow these tips and your exciting new job could be just around the corner!

This article comes from Mane, who specialise in technical recruitment and provide candidates with the best selection of automotive jobs in the public and private sectors. Get in touch to add your CV to their books today.

What are the most important safety features in new cars today? Let’s evaluate 2013’s best and brightest examples of automotive assurance tech helping to keep everyone, from drivers to pedestrians, as safe as possible. We’ll look at rollover prevention, stereoscopic vision, and the most recent usage of infotainment systems for safer teen driving.

Rollover Prevention
Big changes are underway for preventing or mitigating rollover accidents. Electronic stability control systems and side-impact airbags are now mandatory in the U.S. Preparation mechanisms have also become widespread, with cars tightening seat belts and extending roll bars in anticipation of a collision to mitigate its severity.

The cutting-edge in rollover protection is “active” prevention systems, which work in concert with anti-lock braking and electronic stability control. Active anti-rollover mechanisms can quickly and selectively apply the brakes to different tires as needed if a rollover is imminent. You’ll find this kind of emergency intervention, for instance, in the latest VW Beetle.

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI convertible goes even further; the latest Bug has special roll bars that automatically pop up to cage your head and upper body if the vehicle flips. VW says it provides “effective protection for the occupants of all four seats within milliseconds.”

Stereoscopic Vision
For 2013, many new cars have one or more cameras installed to supplement drivers’ eyes and ears for added safety. These items can give a more accurate representation of hazards within the vehicle’s vicinity, so warnings are typically earlier and more targeted.

Having an extra set of eyes looking in every direction enables all kinds of auto-recognition capabilities. Comprehensive camera coverage allows the onboard computer to detect if the vehicle is veering out of its lane, if the speed limit is being left in the dust, or even if the driver has fallen asleep at the wheel.

In the 2013 S-Class, Mercedes-Benz debuts its new safety-plus-navigation “6-D Vision” technology—the most sophisticated camera-assisted functionality yet seen. According to the manufacturer, this system combines data gathered from a central 3-D camera with input from short- and long-range infrared and ultrasonic sensors, plus radar-based object detection on all sides.

The new S-Class proposes to help drivers intelligently navigate by traffic flow, with superlative potential to stop accidents before they occur.

Monitoring Capabilities
You may have heard of Event Data Recorders, or EDRs—the proverbial black box installed in almost all new passenger cars and trucks. Several automakers have recently expanded the simple transmission technology to make teen driving safer. Ford’s “MyKey” and Hyundai’s “BlueLink” systems are examples of this feature in action.

Hyundai’s 2013 Sonata, for example, has parent-friendly tracking as a standard feature. Parents can know in real-time where the car is or if passengers have their seat belts on. They can pre-set a speed limit for speeding alerts via text, and they’ll know when a traffic accident occurs.

While many teens will find it restrictive, this telematic integration could help reduce the kind of driving habits that lead to traffic accidents and fatalities. In other words, Mom and Dad can introduce quality control into the process of teaching kids how to drive, while keeping abreast of any vehicular misuse in their absence.

This article was written by Vito Sanchez, an aspiring Mechanical Engineer who looks forward to combining his passion for cars with his engineering knowledge. He writes this on behalf of the Garrison Law Firm, a law firm that specializes in cases involving Spinal Injuries. If you’re looking for the best representation in Phoenix, make sure to check them out!