Auto Insurance

Discount Car Insurance Brokers - Get Amazing Comparisons

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 09:18:00 +0000

To get the cheapest possible quote for your car insurance, your best bet is an online discount car insurance broker. A broker does not deal with one specific car insurance company, but rather searches through every available company to find you the best possible quote. When you contact a discount car insurance broker online, you just supply the information about the make and model of the car, your age and driving record to get the discount quotes you need.

When you contact a discount car insurance broker, you can get as many as 20 free online car insurance quotes at the same time. When you submit the necessary information to the broker, he/she sends it out to all the insurance companies he/she deals with. Each of these comes back with a quote as to how much they would charge for your car insurance needs.

When you submit the information, make sure you specify the coverage you need to have with the policy. The price you get in a free online car insurance quote depends on the coverage you request. This way you know that each quote you get from the discount car insurance broker is for the same type of policy and that you are comparing the prices of the same thing.

Once you receive all the quotes, then you can sit back and compare them. The best thing about going through a discount car insurance broker for car insurance is that you have a chance at getting a cheaper insurance rate from a company in another city that you would probably never contact on your own. Once you decide which one you want to select, the broker will make the necessary arrangements and take care of getting the policy printed for you.

You do not have to pay a discount car insurance broker for his/her services yourself over and above the cost of the car insurance. This cost is already included in the free online car insurance quote you receive and the insurance company pays the discount car insurance broker a commission for making the sale. Using this type of service for your car insurance is almost like one-stop shopping. A broker takes all the guesswork out of getting the best possible deal.

However don’t assume that once you have your quote from a discount car insurance broker this is all there is to car insurance. Make sure you insure with a good company.

Need A Car Insurance Comparison? Don't Have Time?

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:17:00 +0000

If you decide not to do a car insurance comparison and simply renew your insurance at the same rate, you could be paying away needless amounts of your hard-earned money. By doing a car insurance comparison, you could get a cheaper rate than what you are presently paying.

A car insurance comparison rate is quite easy to do from home on your computer. This way you don’t have to spend time during the day contacting the various insurance companies during their business hours. You can sit down at any time of the night and do the car insurance comparison yourself by requesting free quotes from the various online car insurance companies.

Most of the online insurance sites will return a free quote as to the rate they charge for your insurance needs within 24 hours. It is best to request at least three quotes so you can do a car insurance comparison when you get them. If you print them off, then you can sit back with your coffee and do a car insurance comparison of the rates. Take your time and make sure you are actually doing a comparison of the same types of coverage.

Another way you can get the car insurance comparison you need without spending too much time on the computer is to contact an online car insurance broker. Using a broker takes all the work out of car insurance comparison. Rates vary from company to company and some of them give discounts for certain things.

You may find when doing a car insurance comparison that some companies give a discount if you are over age 50. Others might have a discount if you have a perfect driving record and still others may offer a discount if you work in a certain industry or if you do not drive your car to work. It does pay to shop around for a car insurance comparison rate.

The type of car you have will affect the quote you get with a car insurance comparison rate. A sports car will cost you more in insurance, as will city driving as opposed to all rural driving where there is less traffic and therefore less chance of having an accident. There are some companies that will give you a break if you have had accidents in the past. If you have several vehicles, you need to do a car insurance comparison to find a company that will give you a lower rate when you insure all the vehicles under the same policy. Shop around and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the company and its system of rates that it charges. Although some people say knowledge can be dangerous, it will save you money when it comes to getting car insurance.

Do a car insurance comparison, you may be surprised.

Avoiding The Potholes Of Car Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:16:00 +0000

Car Insurance is an issue that we all of face in our lives. Do we insure our car or not?
For example, what type of policy should you get? What should you look out for when signing on the dotted line? Car insurance can be a minefield if you do not investigate and take time out to research and evaluate the many types of insurance on offer in today's market.
Some of the main questions you need to ask yourself include do you want car insurance in the first place or are you willing to let luck prevail? Do you want comprehensive cover? Do you want to be covered just for fire and theft or do you want third party property damage insurance?
There is a significant difference in each of these policies and they vary from company to company. Basically comprehensive cover is full cover of your car and the other person's car (or the traffic light you demolished).
Third Party Fire and theft insurance is the next step down and then you have third party cover. Third party protects you for damage to some else's car but not yours.
After working out what type of insurance you want, ask yourself do you want to insure the car at an agreed value or current market value of the car? This is very important to consider. If your car is a special model with lots of modifications, you might consider the agreed value option because it allows you to include added extras.
The majority of people go for the market value option but it is important to read the fine print. This option has a catch. The insurance company pays out the amount the car is worth at the time of the accident. Hence the amount could be different to the market value originally spelled out in the policy when you signed up because of depreciation.
Once you have worked out what type of cover you want you start getting down to the smaller, more tedious options.
Some of the main ones you need to consider include:

(i) How much is the excess?

(ii) Do you want to choose the repairer?

(iii) Do you want loan vehicles if your car is stolen?

(iv) Do you want the policy to cover the car for business use?

(v) What drivers are covered?

(vi) Is it repaired using only genuine spare parts?

(vii) Is there a limit on towing fees?

(viii) Does it cover damaged property and personal belongings inside the car?

(ix) Does it Cover taxi fares?
RAC's Assistant General Manager for Insurance Services, Sam Mola believes it is very important for people to research and investigate all options before taking out car insurance.
"People need to watch out and make sure they are signing up for cover that suits their needs. You need to review the benefits provided and then make an informed decision," he said.
"People need to make sure they are familiar with the cover provided by the policy and not just compare policies on price. They need to make sure the company can provide the appropriate claims service when a claim is made. For example the company should provide a high quality of repairs for a minimum amount of fuss. People need to consider the reputation of the organization. Cheaper does not always mean better."
The Australian Insurance Council's Group General Manager for Western Australia and the Northern Territory Daryl Cameron said in 85 per cent of cases policies are bought on price alone, which can be dangerous for people who do not read their policies extremely carefully. He also said if you are not honest with your potential insurer they may refuse to pay out if the time comes.
"It is vital that all known information regarding the vehicle or any intended driver is fully disclosed to the insurer when taking out a policy or when one is up for renewal. If anything changes that may effect your policy you must tell the insurer; It is extremely important, remember you have a duty of disclosure," Mr Cameron said.
"If you smash into the back of a Mercedes, and you forgot to tell your insurance company about your dangerous driving conviction, they may refuse to pay out despite the fact you are covered by them. So be careful otherwise you may have to foot the bill yourself," he warned.
So be careful, take your time and watch out for the traps that catch many unsuspecting motorists. It is important that you understand what you are getting into and ask as many questions as you can. Remember there is no harm in asking and it could save you a lot of money in the long run.
Here are 10 points to remember when considering car insurance

Research, investigate and take your time when looking for car insurance.
Get something that suits your needs not the insurance companies.
Answer the question, market value or agreed value cover?
Make sure you understand and know exactly what you are covered for.
What is excluded from the policy?
What is the excess when making a claim?
Remember cheapest it not always the best.
Tell your insurer about anything that happens to you that may affect your policy, for example driving convictions. Don't take short cuts.
Work out a payment method that suits you.
For an 'At Fault' claim can you protect your no claim bonus?

Do An Auto Insurance Comparison And Benefit From The Savings

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:04:00 +0000

It is very important to do an auto insurance comparison when you need insurance for your vehicle. Even if you are happy with the quote you get from your regular auto insurance company, it helps to shop around just to make sure you are getting the lowest possible rate. It is not hard to do an auto insurance comparison when you do an online search. There are many sites that will give your side-by-side quotes from at least three insurance companies and often you can get as many as six quotes.

You can get as many quotes as you want to compare one auto insurance quote to another. All you have to do to get an auto insurance comparison is fill in the online form to request a free quote for the coverage your want. On thing that you have to make sure of when doing an auto insurance comparison is that you are comparing quotes for the same type of coverage.

The price is not the only factor to look at when you do an auto insurance comparison. You really have to look at how long this company has been in business. When you compare an auto insurance quote you may find that newer companies are offering much lower quotes just to get your business. While this may be great, it is very likely that the rates will go up the following year, leaving you scrambling for another insurance company with a cheaper rate.

If you don’t have any traffic violations or convictions you won’t have any difficulty getting a good price when you compare auto insurance quotes. If you have had several accidents, then you may have to do an extensive auto insurance comparison to find one with a price that suits your budget. This is because your record of accidents puts you in a bad risk category and that drives up the rate.

Experts advise that you should always ask for free quotes on auto insurance from different insurance agents well in advance of the expiration date of your present insurance. This gives you plenty of time to do an auto insurance comparison and to contact the company to ask about any discounts that may apply to you, such as a military discount. Then when you have done your auto insurance comparison you are better informed when you sit down and actually pay for the policy. You know what specifics to ask questions about and some of them may surprise the agent you deal with.

Do an auto insurance comparison, you may be surprised.

Ever Wondered What An Auto Insurance Claim Adjuster Does?

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:03:00 +0000

An auto insurance claim adjuster works for the insurance company with whom you purchase a policy. Some insurance companies use independent adjusters so that they get an unbiased report. When you have an accident and make a claim on your insurance, the company will send out an adjuster to access the damages and come up with an amount of money that will be needed to complete the repairs. The auto insurance claim adjuster has to contact the garages to get an estimate of what the parts and labor will cost.

When you report a claim for an accident to your auto insurance, they will contact the appropriate adjuster. The auto insurance adjuster assigned to your case will contact you to get the details on where he/she can assess the vehicle. Then you will receive a report from the insurance company regarding the assessment the auto insurance claim adjuster submits. If the damages exceed the value of the vehicle, it will be “written off”.

The amount you get on your auto insurance policy depends on the policy itself. If the auto insurance claim adjuster determines that the vehicle is written off, the insurance will pay you the book value of the vehicle. This could be more or less than what the car is worth. With some auto insurance policies, you can pay extra to have a clause included stating that if the vehicle is written off within the first two years, you get the full amount that you paid for the automobile.

There is a certain process that an auto insurance claim adjuster has to use to come up with the amount the insurance company will pay. You will usually get two quotes – one that will see the car getting repaired at a top of the line garage and another if you take a cash settlement on the claim and get the work done yourself. The auto insurance adjuster knows that many people have friends who can do the work cheaper and often take the money.

Once you decide how you want to proceed, the insurance company will issue a check. If you are paying on the vehicle, the check will be made out jointly to you and the lender. Otherwise the check comes directly to you. The job of the auto insurance adjuster is only to access the damages, Any dispute you have regarding the report made by the auto insurance claim adjuster has to be done through the insurance company. Keep this in mind because the adjuster is only an ordinary person like yourself trying to make a living.

An auto insurance claim adjuster doesn’t have an easy job.

Discount Auto Insurance - Keep Your Hard-Earned Money

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:58:00 +0000

Finding discount auto insurance is so easy when you do an online search. There are many insurance companies that do offer this option for many customers who want to search through several different companies to get the best possible quotes. With many of these sites, all you have to do is select the type of discount auto insurance you need, fill in a short form and receive quotes from as many as six different online insurance companies.

An online automobile insurance quote saves you time and money. You no longer have to spend time using the telephone trying to get discount auto insurance or take time off from work to visit each of the automobile insurance company offices. You can do an online search at any time of the day or night and receive an instant quote in your inbox. Depending on the site, you may have to wait up to 24 hours for the quote or longer if you submit the quote request on a weekend.

When you look for discount auto insurance there are many types of discounts that you can avail yourself of. For example, many of the online automobile insurance quotes provide a discount if you are over the age of 50. Discount auto insurance is readily available if you have not had an accident in the last six years and have not had any traffic violations.

You do need to be truthful when answering the questions for an online automobile insurance quote. If you are switching to another auto insurance company, even though you submit the information online, the discount auto insurance quote you get won’t come into effect until you also submit supporting documents, such as a driving record and a record from your former auto insurance. If you haven’t been truthful, it could result in your automobile insurance being cancelled or having to pay a higher rate.

Another thing you have to be careful about when searching for an online automobile insurance quote is that the site is secure. You wouldn’t want your information to become public information just because you are looking to save money on discount auto insurance. This could be a lot more costly than the insurance if someone steals your identity.

Discount auto insurance is around, but not easy to find. And it’s not available to everyone.

Check Out The Variety of Auto Insurance Texas Style

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:55:00 +0000

They say everything is bigger and better in Texas, and this is true when you look at the wide variety of different auto insurance companies offering auto insurance. Texas drivers have to consider four main options when they choose an auto insurance company. These include:

· The price of the insurance is the bottom line

· How long this particular car insurance company has been in business

· The customer service that you get from the company

· The comfort level you feel when dealing with the auto insurance representative

For auto insurance, Texas drivers are now turning to the Internet to get the lowest possible quotes.

Getting car insurances quotes in Texas is as close as your computer. There are many online companies selling auto insurance and Texas is no different. Check out the different types of coverage that each of these offers and request free quotes from at least three of the online companies for car insurance.

With at least three car insurance quotes, you can sit back in the comfort of your Texas home and compare the rates of each one. You have to make sure that each quote has the same type of coverage so that you are comparing apples and apples, not apples and oranges. Check out the quotes to see whether or not the auto insurance Texas company gives an age discount or if one charges more than another for drivers under 25.

Some online sites will actually compare the car insurance rates from several auto insurance Texas companies for you so that you can see at a glance which one would be best suited for your needs. This way you actually get the car insurance quotes without having to wait for three or four emails to come in and print off the quotes in order to do the comparison.

Use the Internet to your advantage. It is not just for chatting to friends or playing games. When you start looking for auto insurance in Texas, thumbing through the telephone directory for your city is an exhausting chore. Take the work out of getting a suitable quote that will save you money by searching online.

Auto insurance Texas style. Check everything out properly.

5 Strategies To Reduce Your Car Insurance Premiums

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 13:54:00 +0000

Your latest car insurance bill has arrived and it is not a pretty site. In fact, it is downright ugly! What can you do? Must you remain hostage to the ever spiraling rate increases foisted upon you when your policy renews? In a word, no. Let’s examine five strategies you can practice today to help reduce your car insurance premiums immediately.

1. Shop For A New Policy. Even with “loyalty discounts” in place, many consumers will find that a competing company will offer significant savings over your current plan. This especially holds true if your state recently opened up the market to invite more competition in.

2. Change Your Coverage. If your vehicle is old, you many want to consider dropping collision coverage. Your comprehensive coverage may also be due for reexamination. Finally, make sure that there aren’t duplicate costs included such as towing insurance if already offered through your automobile club.

3. Family Status. You may be paying more for your insurance if your policy shows that you are single when, in fact, you were recently married. Rates are generally lowered for married folks as well as those over a certain age.

4. Up Your Deductible. You can realize instant savings by raising the deductible you are willing to pay. Maybe you don’t need a $200 collision deductible when $500 is sufficient.

5. Get Security Discounts. If you park your car in a locked garage and/or have an alarm system installed make sure that your insurer is aware of this as your premium will be adjusted downward.

In many cases you can also save on car insurance by bundling it with your homeowners insurance. Finally, talk with your broker to see whatever other measures you can take to realize additional savings.

Cheap Car Insurance - 7 Tips To Reduce Your Car Insurance Costs

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:52:00 +0000

With the cost of car insurance becoming more and more of an issue for the average American family, there are increasing numbers of people looking for cheap car insurance. But although it is possible to find cheap car insurance, the question remains, is it worth buying?

Everyone knows that car insurance companies are not all equal. Cheap car insurance is wonderful when paying the bill, but make a mistake on the company you select and you could find that the cheap car insurance policy that you found may turn into a nightmare. Cheap car insurance may not turn out to be so attractive when making a claim.

So if you have found a discount car insurance broker don’t just take the cheapest quote that you get. You need to find out a little about the insurance company that is offering the cheap car insurance rates.

And there’s ways to reduce the cost of your car insurance even with the best of companies. Here are some tips for those looking for cheap car insurance to help reduce the cost of car insurance without compromising other things.

7 Cheap Car Insurance Tips

1. Look at your deductible amount. This is the amount that you pay first out of any claim. The cost of your policy is directly related to this amount. Many people, particularly those who have had their insurance policy for a long time, have never considered whether they ought to vary their deductible. If you have a good driving record and are prepared to increase the risk of paying a larger amount in the event of a (hopefully unlikely) claim you can save money by increasing your deductible.

2. Have a look at the type of car you drive. Certain types of cars attract higher car insurance rates. Cars such as sports cars and also certain makes and models that are prime theft candidates cost more to insure. If you are buying a car then find out which makes and models these are before you buy.

3. Drive carefully. Although it sounds a little trite to say it, your car insurance cost is a factor of your risk profile. You won’t get cheap car insurance if you have had 3 speeding fines and 2 accidents in the last year. These things are all taken into account and you should take care with how you drive. It all adds up onto your bill. There are big safe driver discounts available.

4. Considering installing safety and anti theft devices in your car. Again these affect your risk profile. If you have a car that is safer and less at risk of theft it should be cheaper to insure. And if you have a car with certain safety devices now check that your insurance company is aware of these, if not tell them.

5. Look at your policy when it comes to renewal time, don’t just pay. There are some things that you can vary in your policy that will affect the cost. Often there are some things there which duplicate other insurance that you may have that can be eliminated. Be critical, look carefully and ask questions about all these before you renew your policy.

6. Have a look at who your other insurers are. Many insurers offer a discount for multiple policies. If you insure your house with a certain company then ring them up and find out if they do car insurance. Get a quote from them. Find out what discounts they offer.

7. Find a good online discount car insurance broker before renewing. The internet is a fabulous resource. Use it. There are all sorts of discount insurance brokers online where you can get fast quotes from a wide range of companies. Don’t just settle for the same company you always use. Car insurance rates vary all the time. Always get comparable quotes before renewing any policy.

So if you’re in the market for cheap car insurance there’s some ideas for you. Don’t just accept that car insurance is always prohibitively expensive, get out there and do something about it.

10 Ways To Save On Car Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 13:47:00 +0000

For most people car insurance is a the single largest insurance expense after health insurance. Rates are high and are forever climbing, at least it seems that way. You can save money on your car insurance premiums by following these easy to implement steps.

1. Shop Around. Yes, it pays to shop and compare. Regulatory changes at the state level may have encouraged new companies to jump into the market, thereby increasing competition and reducing rates for consumers.

2. Raise Your Deductible. A $200 deductible sounds wise until you learn that the cost for having a deductible at this threshold can drive your rates through the roof. Consider a deductible as high as $1000 to save on premiums. You can always fix minor mishaps on your own.

3. Drop Collision. If your automobile is worth less than two or three thousand dollars, consider dropping collision altogether. Sure, you will get nothing from your insurer if your car is totaled, but the savings you realize by dropping collision can be used as a down payment for your next car.

4. Look For Discounts. If your car has certain safety features, make sure that your insurer is aware of this. Older cars, for the most part, do not have air bags but if you have a model that has airbags, you will save money on your insurance.

5. Business Deduction. If you drive your car for business, a portion of your insurance costs may be deductible. Conversely, your rates may be increased if your insurer knows that you use your car more for business than pleasure.

6. Combine Policies. Purchase your homeowners, auto, and life insurance policies from the same broker and you may save on your premiums. Some insurance companies reward policyholders if they “one-stop” purchase all of their insurance needs through one company.

7. Consider Before You Buy. The Porsche Boxster may be your ideal car, but it could also sharply raise your insurance rates. Maybe a less sporty model would be ideal.

8. Driver’s Ed Course. You may have taken a driver’s education course and your insurance company has not factored that in when determining your premium. Let them know that you are a safe driver!

9. Deleted Points. If you had moving violations that were reported to your insurance company, make sure that your insurer adjusts your premium downward if several years have gone by since the occurrence. You could be paying a premium higher than you deserve.

10. Check Your Policy. If the insurer has the wrong address, town or zip code on your policy you could find yourself paying more than you should.

Reducing your car insurance costs should not be an impossible feat. By following these steps you should realize some savings the next time your policy comes up for review.

Car Insurance Monitoring for Discounted Insurance Rates - Privacy Devouring Monster Eating Us One Bi

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:46:00 +0000

For a price, would you let car insurer along for the ride? -
asks a USA Today technology story by Kevin Maney. It seems
that Progressive Insurance and IBM have worked out a scheme to
pay drivers to be safer - by monitoring their every move in
their own cars, and how fast they make that move, and where
they park, and what time they drive.

The program is being tested in Minnesota and in the U.K. in a
privacy busting program that rewards drivers for keeping under
the maximum speed limits and driving during safer times of
day. It's an interesting twist that is compared here to a
shopper reward card that monitors what you buy, although it
doesn't give you lower prices if you buy healthy food - which
seems like the best analogy. (But it does let the food chains
know how often you shop and how much you spend on what types
of food, and alcohol, and cigarettes and trashy tabloids.)

Drivers must attach an electronic monitor to their cars that
downloads information which is generated and stored there in
diagnostic chips included in most newer model vehicles. As they
drive, it stores current driving behavior - and location - and
driving times and at the end of the defined time, drivers take
the unit into the house, attach a USB cable and download that
information into their computer and transmit it to
Progressive.

But the insurance discount program does have an interesting
twist in the Minnesota test. Apparently drivers who see from
their downloaded information (or just know they drove badly at
times) that they exceeded maximum speed limits, drove during
expensive times (2am when bars close is most expensive, after
11pm is next) can choose NOT to send that information to
Progressive and pay the normal undiscounted insurance rate.

It appears to have the true benefit of making drivers become
more cautious and drive within limits of the law during safe
hours. There is nothing wrong with this for those willing to
give up the information. This allows those willing to be
monitored the choice to send the information to their insurer
and get a discount or NOT send it to pay normal rates. It's
worth considering.

I'm among those who continues to use supermarket loyalty
cards, even though I despise the fact that they can see my
purchase history and note my travel habits. The savings are
just too great to pass up. (I used a false name to set the
card up, but quickly noted that they tied together my debit
card name and loyalty card purchases, thus gaining that
information that I had denied them with the false name - now I
use cash.) You certainly can't do the same with the insurance
driving discounts. Information must be accurate to properly
insure and discount the policy.

The UK program is more invasive and offers far less choice.
Drivers must always download the information from the car
module to gain insurance discounts and the British company
monitors more information from those UK drivers.

The US version may have some merit if choice remains a part of
the equation upon full rollout to American drivers who want
that ten percent discount on auto insurance policies in
exchange for giving up the privacy of their driving habits.

The disturbing part of this, again, as always, is the possible
merging of multiple databases to form near perfect
surveillance pictures of us with each new development. Our
supermarket discounts show that big database what we eat,
what else we buy at the grocery, the insurance information
defines our travels and schedule, our credit and debit card
use defines our spending, travel and lifestyles, while
multiple other databases from airline security info to phone
records can be merged at any time to form near perfect
pictures of our lives for anyone that wants to access it.

Once a national ID (driver licenses will soon carry mandatory
magnetic information and will serve as a defacto national ID),
we can be fully monitored, tracked, analyzed and digitized to
form a truly invasive database of numbers and bits of
information about each of us.

The sources of data about each of us are growing daily. The
concern is the loss or abuse of that data through commercial
and/or governmental negligence and/or criminal intent. The
methods to access that data are growing as the sources
proliferate.

Privacy is something we give up in small bits for small
benefits, like cheaper produce using supermarket loyalty cards
and insurance discounts using car monitors hooked up to our
insurance carrier. We need laws to control and safegaurd each
of those databases and stop any merging of those multiple
sources of data into the ultimate Big Brother database.

I want my car insurance reduced and I'm willing to consider
this newest scheme if I have choice of whether to send my info
to my insurer. I will send it when I've been good and won't
when I have been less good. But I don't want it merged with my
other sources of data or shared among commercial interests who
may see fit to sell it to each other.

It gets more interesting daily. Who is in control of this
privacy devouring data monster?

Auto Insurance Primer

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:44:00 +0000

What is auto insurance? Auto insurance (or car insurance, motor insurance) is insurance consumers can purchase for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Its primary use is to provide protection against losses incurred. By buying auto insurance, depending on the type of coverage purchased, the consumer may be protected against:

* The cost of repairing the vehicle following an accident

* The cost of purchasing a new vehicle if it is stolen or damaged beyond economic repair

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

Liability insurance covers only the last point, while comprehensive insurance covers all three. Even comprehensive insurance, however, doesn't fully cover the risk associated with buying a new car. Due to the sharp decline in value immediately following purchase, there is generally a period in which the remaining car payments exceed the compensation the insurer will pay for a "totaled" (destroyed, or written-off) vehicle. So-called GAP insurance was established in the early 1980's to provide protection to consumers based upon buying and market trends. The escalating price of cars, extended term auto loans, and the increasing popularity of leasing gave birth to GAP protection. GAP waivers provide protection for consumers when a "gap" exists between the actual value of their vehicle and the amount of money owed to the bank or leasing company. In some countries including New Zealand and Australia market structures mean that people are more likely to buy a nearly new car than a new car so this is less of a problem.

In the United States, liability insurance covers claims against the policy holder and generally, any other operator of the insured's vehicle, provided they do not live at the same address as the policy holder and are not specifically excluded on the policy. In the case of those living at the same address, they must specifically be covered on the policy. Thus it is necessary for example, when a family member comes of driving age they must be added on to the policy. Liability insurance generally does not protect the policy holder if they operate any vehicles other than their own. When you drive a vehicle owned by another party, you are covered under that party's policy. Non-owners policies may be offered that would cover an insured on any vehicle they drive. This coverage is available only to those who do not own their own vehicle.

Generally, liability coverage does extend when you rent a car. However, in most cases only liability applies. Any additional coverage, such as comprehensive policies, i.e. "full coverage" may not apply. Full coverage premiums are based on, among other factors, the value of the insured's vehicle. This coverage may not apply to rental cars because the insurance company does not want to assume responsibility for a claim greater than the value of the insured's vehicle, assuming that a rental car may be worth more than the insured's vehicle. Some states, such as Minnesota, may require that it extend to rental cars. Most rental car companies offer insurance to cover damage to the rental vehicle. In some regions, the costs associated with not having access to the vehicle ("Loss of Use") is also covered.

10 Ways to Lower Your Auto Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:43:00 +0000

Nowadays, auto insurance is really expensive. A typical insurance policy can cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars a year. And the insurance rates you pay are hugely dependent on the insurance company or agent, your age, your car type, your driving record, and even the area you reside in!

You should never go without auto insurance though, despite the costs. Almost all the states require you to protect yourself with a minimum amount of liability coverage. Naturally, the bare minimum is not adequate enough for the average car owner. And as you add in additional coverage for your car, you realize that you will be paying a fairly large sum annually.

So, understanding auto insurance can actually help you to decide on a suitable insurance policy that won't vacuum clean your wallet! Here, we have gathered 10 of the best tips for lowering your auto insurance, by as much as 40%!

Always compare insurance policies. There are states which regulate auto insurance rates, but the insurance premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars for the exact same coverage. It is definitely worthwhile to shop around. The first thing you can do is to check with your state insurance department. They often provide information about the coverage you need, as well as sample rates from the biggest companies. You can also ask your friends or look up the yellow pages. Checking consumer guides and asking insurance agents can pay off as well. You can easily find out the price range for your insurance policy, as well as discover the lowest prices in town.

However, you should not be shopping based on price along. The insurance company should provide good service at the best price. Excellent personal service is available as well, and they provide added conveniences, although they cost a fair bit more. Ask the company how you can lower your costs, and also check their financial ratings. The rule of thumb is always to get three price quotes from three different companies, and pick the one with the best value.

It can also be a good idea to increase your deductibles. When you file a claim, the deductible is the amount you pay before the insurance company pays for the rest of the damage. A higher deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage can lead to a much lower premium. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $400 can reduce your premiums by up to 25%. However, you must ensure that you have the financial resources to handle the largest deductible when the time comes.

Remove certain types of coverage from your policy. Almost all the states require liability coverage for your car, but the rest of the coverage is probably dispensable. However, you do not want to be underinsured if you're in an accident, so it isn't advisable to remove all of your additional coverage. Optional coverage includes medical payments, uninsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive coverage.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage for older cars. If you drive an older car that's worth less than $2,000, it's probably more cost-effective to drop collision and comprehensive coverage since you'll probably pay more for the coverage than you'll collect for a claim. You can find out the worth of your car by asking auto dealers and banks.

Make sure your credit report looks good. Car insurance companies often look at your credit history as there is a correlation between the risk to the company and your credit history. If you pay your bills on time and maintain a good credit history, you can enjoy lower insurance rates.

Drive less. Insurance companies often offer low-mileage discounts to motorists who drive less than a predetermined number of miles each year. You can use public transportation more often, car-pool with friends, and take the train or a plane instead of driving to another state. And you'll save on more than your coverage as you'll need to spend less on gasoline (of which prices are incredibly high).

Maintain a clean driving record. The company will give you a price break and you can save on your insurance policy after a specified period of a clean driving record. This means that you have no accidents, no serious driving violations etc, during this period of time. The simplest and surefire way to qualify for this discount is to drive carefully and defensively all the time.

Choose a low-profile car. Insurance rates vary among difference models of vehicles. Generally, sports cars and high-performance cars tend to cost more to insure, mainly because they represent more risk of theft and the drivers are often the people who drive more recklessly. Newer cars will cost more to repair or replace than older ones, so naturally they can more to insure. Low-risk vehicles include station wagons and sedans.

Ask about safety and security discounts. The insurance companies sometimes offer discounts on your insurance if your car is equipped with the following: anti-lock brakes, air bags, automatic seat belts, car alarms, tracking systems. These reduce the injury risk to you, as well as the chances of your car being vandalized or stolen.

Finally, ask about other discounts. You may receive a discount if you buy more than one type of insurance from the same company or if you insure multiple cars under the same policy or company. You may also receive discounts for taking a defensive driving course, staying with the same company for a few years, being a driver over 50, good-student discounts, and being an AAA member. If you already have adequate health insurance, you can also eliminate paying for duplicate medical coverage, thus lowering your personal injury protection costs by a substantial amount.

Who Sets Auto Insurance Rates?

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 09:06:00 +0000

Auto Insurance rates are a complicated business. Have you ever wondered who sets your auto insurance rates and how the rates are actually derived?
Many factors determine how much you will pay. Most of these are common sense and you probably already know but let’s go over them just in case.
The very first thing that occurs is that the insurance company determines all its costs for the previous year. This includes all claims, the cost of operations, and what ever costs they incur. They then take those costs and divide them among all the drivers insured with them. This sets a base line for them but it doesn’t mean that’s what you will pay.
Your driving record plays a major role in how much your premiums will be and whether you earn a discount. The better your driving record the lower your total cost to insure your auto is going to be. Your driving record includes auto accidents and speeding tickets. If you haven’t insured a vehicle for a few years they will also penalize you. This sounds crazy but it’s because they have no way of following up on your driving habits so they consider you a bad risk.
What coverage you purchase will be reflected on your premiums. Deductibles are a good way to save money. Check with your insurance company and find out what effect raising and lowering your deductibles does to your policy. Remember to never take a deductible that is more than you are willing or able to pay in the event of a claim. Your insurance company will not divvy up their share until you do.
Age is also a determining factor. Studies have shown that younger drivers are involved in more accidents then older drivers. Some of this is due to their lack of experience. Most insurance companies charge you more until you reach the age of 25. Although some will offer some discounting for every year you drive accident free and without driving infractions.
The type of vehicle you drive and how far you drive affect your rates. That fabulous sports car you’ve been eyeing could cost you a bundle. You should check rates on any vehicle before you purchase to make sure you are willing to pay the rates.
Some cars get better discounts than others because they more safety devices such as anti theft immobilizers. Some cars also rate list because thieves don’t like them and so they don’t steel them.
Your insurance company also charges you more if you drive lots. The less you drive the cheaper your premiums will be. Most insurance companies use an average of 10,000 miles in a year. If you exceed this you can expect your premiums to go up.
Where you live also affects your rates. Big city drivers will pay a lot more than some one lives in a rural area or small village. That’s because cities have more thefts, more accidents, and more trouble over all.
Follow this information to help save on premiums. Don’t forget to shop on line. Rates can vary dramatically from one company to another. With a few clicks of the mouse you can have several quotes and get low cost insurance.

Tips For Lowering Your Auto Insurance Quote

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:04:00 +0000

Do you have many claims? If so, you should do all you can to reduce them or even endeavor to file no claims at all. Why do I bring this issue up in an article about lowering your auto insurance quote? Because the number of claims is the single factor that to the highest degree influences the cost of your insurance premium. Let me give you an example: Let's say you have 5 years of no claim. Most companies will then give you an unbelievable discount of your premium, some of them even 75%! It goes without saying that this is the most powerful way to get cheap insurance.
How can an insurance company do this? Look at an insurance company as a big box of money dropped in by people who gets security in return. What the company does is simply to reallocate the money that is left when the payments for damages are deducted.
People that have many damages and file many claims, must pay a higher premium and thus get a higher car insurance quote.But a safe driver that avoid claims, is rewarded with a lower one. Fair enough?
If you are new to insurance - or even if you have had insurrances for some years, but feel you lack knowledge about it. - I'll advice you to learn the basic auto insurance terminology, before you start to shop around. It can help you, not only to get a low cost insurance but also to make the correct coverage decisions for you. Let's do a little test: Do you need PIP coverage? What does PD coverage mean? What is BI coverage?
Do not accept the first quote you get
If you ask an insurance company for a quote, you can be almost hundred percent sure you'll get a better one from at least one other company. Comprehensive marketing research the recent years has shown that prices for a new six-month policy with comparable coverage can vary greatly between different companies. And we are talking about spreads in rates of at least $500
So, equipped with this knowledge both you and I know that it pays to do a little legwork and shop around for car insurance.
Most insurance companies have a form of questions you must provide answers to in order to get an understanding of your security situation. It is really astonshing, how much the criterias for determining the price can vary between companies. What one company may consider a high risk factor another company may view as a minor risk. So why not take a little time to compare rates for a number of different companies?
The first thing you should do before you start this comparison is to go through your insurance coverages and keep your auto insurance policy on hand. Then go online and start to shop around. The internet is probably the most comprehensive, fastest and easiest way to find a decent vehicle insurance quote.
And what's even more incredible, many insurance companies now offer some great discounts for buying the policy over the web - a discount that come in addition to the no-claim discount described above.
How is this possible? To handle an insurance sale in general cost money for the companies. However, a sale on the internet will cost less money than selling it over the counter. They do not have to involve human resources if you purchase it online. Thus the companies save money on your internet purchase, and a part of this saving is passed on to you as a discount, a significant discount if you buy from the right company.

Finding a Discount Car Insurance Broker

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:02:00 +0000

Discount car insurance broker

Times past finding a discount insurance broker was important and offered you access to many different outlets for your needs. Today that’s no longer the case as finding a discount insurance broker doesn't really provide you with any benefits or advantages as it once did.

A simple matter of typing in what you're looking for into the search box on the internet will give you access to anything you need with numerous options and plenty of details.

At one time companies didn't have access to the buying public like they enjoy today. So, they used to contract agents and brokers who had been around a long time with a large base of customers. That system was used for years. The public wasn't necessarily best served that way as only those who did business with that agent or was fortunate to find him were able to take advantage of the best rates.

That’s all changed now as any of us can access all the different companies simply by going shopping on the internet. The best rates of the companies are presented to you and you simply pick the best buy for you. Really extremely simple compared too not many years ago.

Once you selected the company you fill out the application online, make a down payment with your credit card, check or paypal and you're finished. Pretty niffty I'd say. By the way that's good for we consumers as it's made the carriers much more competitive as well. So forget finding a discount car insurance broker because you have one right there in front of you on your keyboard.

Hidden Ways to Cut Car Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:59:00 +0000

Consumers are countering rising gasoline prices and other vehicle operating costs by capitalizing on lower auto insurance rates, according to leading insurers.
Auto policy costs and regulations vary significantly from state to state, but there are a number of areas that consumers are able to control and adjust to optimize prices and quality. Answer Financial (www.answerfinancial.com) has 10 tips for keeping your rates down:
Check Credit Rating. In all states except California and Georgia, an individual’s credit rating is a key factor that affects auto insurances rates. Good credit will be interpreted by insurers as less risky. Thus, it’s important for consumers to order copies of their credit report from all major credit agencies to ensure accuracy and to correct any inaccurate derogatory points, such as late or missed payments, maxed-out credit lines, bankruptcy, foreclosure, etc.
Check Motor Vehicle Report. Like credit reports, state driving records may include inaccurate data on personal driving records, which are strongly considered when issuing respective individual and family auto rates. In addition, tickets, traffic school credit, and accident fault are sometimes not accurately reflected in state data, costing consumers hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Drivers should report errors to both their state motor vehicle department as well as their insurance carrier.
Double-Check Accident Reports. Local law enforcement and insurance accident reports occasionally include mistakes that will result in a higher rate. Accident reports are separate from motor vehicle records. Accident reports affect insurers’ decisions and rates on a cumulative basis particularly if the driver has tickets or accidents down the road.
Never Let Coverage Lapse and Review Deductibles. Maintaining coverage without lapse makes a significant difference in rates. Separately, while deductible amounts initially save drivers in the event of a quick claim, they cost consumers more in the long run due to higher premiums. Drivers almost always save on premiums with higher deductibles of $500 or $1,000.
Look for Package Rates. In addition to multiple-vehicle discounts, consumers often save substantially by packaging all their insurance policies including auto, home, and personal liability together with one company.
Don’t Miss Good-Student and Mature-Driver Discounts. Most consumers know that safe drivers are rewarded by insurers, but it’s important to make sure your policy gives you a good driver discount. Most insurers lower rates for mature drivers (55 years and over) and for students who carry a 3.0 grade point average or better. Some carriers give more credit for these points than others, so shop around.
Take a Driving Safety Course. Many insurers will cut rates for drivers who take an approved driving safety course. Make sure that you’ve registered for a course recognized by your carrier, which will not only cut your rates but likely save in ticket fines and reduce your risk of bodily injury on the road.
Don’t Forget Car Pool Credit. Many auto carriers drop premiums if you car pool to the office, especially if you drive more than 10 miles roundtrip. In addition, you’ll save considerably on the rising prices at the pump and lend a hand to Mother Nature.
Check Rates Before Buying a New Car. Insurance rates vary considerably from car to car. Often expensive vehicles can add $50 - $100 per month in premiums. The type of vehicle, engine size (you’ll pay for that turbo), parts costs and safety tests are all factored into insurance premiums. Sport cars and SUVs generally are more expensive to insure. Buyers often do not realize the big rate differences until after they drive off the lot.
Take Credit for Safety/Security Features. Drivers should make sure they are receiving lower rates for safety features such as air bags and anti-lock brakes. Devices that deter theft, such as alarm systems or devices that disable or track vehicles (such as LoJack), may also qualify for discounts. Some companies even waive deductibles if the car has been damaged when it was stolen but is recovered using a tracking device.

Don't Just Accept Your Car Insurance Renewal Quote

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:29:00 +0000

UK car insurance companies make substantial profits every year because a large number of existing customers just accept the renewal quote from their car insurance provider and don't bother to compare premiums.

Many people assume that because their first years premium was competitive they will continue to get good value for money from the same insurer. In fact, as an existing customer renewing your car insurance policy, you could be paying for discounts your insurance company offers to attract new customers.
This is a common way for UK car insurance companies to get new customers onto their books.

Become a New Customer Again

A simple way to ensure you don't pay more than a new customer for exactly the same cover is to become a new customer again.

Instead of just accepting your renewal premium, get a quote from your current insurer as a new customer. This will expose any discount given by your insurer to new customers which you will be paying for if you renew as an existing policyholder.

Call the insurers advertised phone number or get a quote from their website, but don't use the contact details from your renewal pack as this will result in policyholder rates.

Shop Around

Armed with the best quote from your current insurer compare it against at least ten other car insurance companies. The internet makes this far less hassle than it used to be and you can now get multiple quotes from major insurers using comparitive car insurance sites such as Moneysupermarket and Screentrade.

Cheap Car Insurance Premiums in 5 Easy Steps

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:27:00 +0000

Although car insurance is compulsory, it's not necessary to pay more than you have to. A few simple steps combined with some time surfing for competitive car insurance rates really can save you hundreds.

Step 1 - Cut the Insurer's Risk

The easiest way to cut your car insurance premiums is to reduce the insurer's risk and accept a higher voluntary excess. An insurer's standard excess may be £100 but if you meet the first £250 of any claim, you'll see a reduction in your premium. This is because you're taking on more of the risk so you get a discount. But it's a gamble, be aware that you might have to meet the cost of a broken window after an attempted theft, then a bill for repairing bodywork damage after a car park crunch.

Step 2 - Security

Fitting security devices can also result in cheaper car insurance premiums. All major insurers insist on Thatcham rated security equipment, usually a minimum of an alarm. If you live in a high-risk area for car crime, it makes sense to fit extra security. It saves you money when your insurance renewal is due and gives you extra peace of mind.

Step 3 - Annual Mileage

If your annual mileage is 5,000 miles or less, ask insurer's if they offer discounts for agreed mileage restrictions.

Step 4 - Named Drivers

Adding a named driver to your policy can increase or reduce your premiums depending upon the named drivers age, sex and driving record. Adding a young driver will certainly increase your premiums, particularly with a limited or poor driving record. However, adding a driver over 30 years old with a long and clean driving record can cut premiums, particularly if the named driver is female!

Step 5 - Shop Around

The biggest car insurance savings come from shopping around. This has been made much easier with the explosion of the internet. There can be massive differences between the lowest and highest car insurance quotes for exactly the same car and driver(s). Start off using good comparative online car insurance quote sites like Moneysupermarket and Screentrade, take their best quotes and go direct to the cheapest car insurance companies for more specific quotations.

Compare Car Insurance Companies Before You Commit

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:17:00 +0000

If you want to save money on your car insurance, compare insurance companies before you sign up for an annual premium. Car insurance premiums can differ as much as 300% between carriers for the same coverage. Comparing quotes is the only way to find the best deal. Fortunately, online insurance sites have made this easy.
Compare the Same Service
Insurance companies may shout that they have the lowest prices, but that may only apply for “no accident” drivers with high deductibles. To have a realistic idea about prices, compare the same deductible and coverage amount with several different insurance companies. Free online insurance sites can easily do this for you with side by side comparisons.
Supply Your Personal Information
Giving information about your marital status, zip code, and driving history can be intimidating, but they are all factors that influence insurance rates. It is best to give out this information to make sure you get each discount that you qualify for.
Read the Details
A car insurance company with the lowest price may not be the best value. Read the details to see what coverage is included. Determine if they require you to use their shops for repairs or if you can request a shop you trust. Also, check to see if your rates will jump up if you are in an accident. The details can cost you quality and money in the long run.
Ask about Discounts
Not all car insurance companies offer the same discounts, so it is best to ask. Discounts for safety features such as automatic seatbelts, airbags, and daytime running headlights are common. Less common discounts are deductions for kids at college over a 100 miles away from home or taking a certified defensive driving class.
Check Rates Yearly
Once you sign up with a car insurance company, you don’t have to stay with them forever. Make it a practice to compare insurance rates annually before signing up for another yearlong premium. This is also a good opportunity to update changes in your personal status and vehicle information which could result in lower insurance costs.

Car Insurance Quotes Online - Why You Should Use the Internet to Find a New Insurance Company

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:16:00 +0000

Before the internet, you picked a neighborhood car insurance agent, and you stayed with the insurance company for years. Now car and truck drivers are finding reasons to shop online for their car insurance company. Saving hundreds off their premiums from the convenience of their home are just a couple of reasons.
Lower Premium Quotes
Saving money is the biggest reason drivers are turning online to find car insurance quotes. By comparing the same service from several different insurance companies on one website, drivers can quickly find low cost quotes. The internet is also pushing insurance companies to be more competitive with their prices.
Convenience
Instead of taking the time to see an insurance agent or being hassled over the phone, drivers are saving time by clicking their way to lower insurance quotes. Unlike a neighborhood agent, internet insurances can give you a quote any time day or night. And you have the added bonus of not being bothered by pesky agents.
Finding the Right Company
There is not one cheap or best insurance company. Some insurance companies give better deals for “no accident” drivers, while others offer a competitive premium for families with teen drivers. As your location, material status, and vehicles change, you should also check to see that you are getting the best deal. The internet makes this an easy task.
Falling Prices
While you may have chosen a competitive car insurance company five years ago, they may be high priced in comparison with today’s insurance companies. Since 2001, insurance premiums have been falling, so it pays to check online to see if you can reduce your car insurance costs.
Before You Buy a Car
Before purchasing a car or truck, many people are turning to the internet not to check out vehicle features but to research insurance prices. Cars and trucks that are accident prone, often stolen, or don’t have the latest safety features can costs hundreds more a year in insurance costs. While few neighborhood agents will give you a list of quotes for several different car and truck models, online insurance sites will.
Finding Information
Online insurance sites offer more than just insurance quotes, they also have helpful information. Many sites will list discounts, the safest cars and trucks, ways to reduce your premiums, and more. You can use this information to apply for new discounts or help you plan the purchase of your next vehicle.

Vehicle Insurance Online is a Convenient Way to Get Insurance Cheap

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:15:00 +0000

Online comparison shopping is a convenient way to get cheap insurance for your auto. For the last few years, insurance companies have been dropping their premiums annually because of lower accident rates and increased competition. So, with a few clicks of the mouse, you can save hundreds of dollars a year on your vehicle insurance.
Compare at One Site
Once you have gathered information about your car, driving record, and personal information, you can enter the information once at an insurance comparison site and get instant quotes from several different companies. These sites give you side by side comparison of the same coverage plan from several different vehicle insurance companies for free.
Check Around
It is also a good idea to go to a couple of insurance comparison websites to find the best deals. The same insurance company may offer different rates at different websites.
Look at the Deductible
Another way to get a cheaper quote is to change the coverage plan by raising the deductible or reducing coverage. Both options can save you hundreds a year, but you need to have the financial resources for such a risk.
Receive Information Online
Once you find a price and plan that interests you, you can select it to receive more information from that insurance company online or through the mail. After an insurance agent has time to look over your information, they may be able to offer you an even lower quote.
Check Any Time
Besides comparing quotes from vehicle insurance companies, you can also apply for insurance online at any time that is convenient for you. You can start your application, stop for a snack, and finish it later on. If you prefer, you can also schedule to talk to someone over the phone or at an office.
Check Often
A yearly check of vehicle insurance rates is a good practice. Increased safety features in cars and aging baby boomers have resulted in a drop in accident rates. With increased competition, insurance companies have been pressured to reduce their rates and pass the savings on to you. This is a trend likely to continue for some time.
With online convenience, you can quickly compare insurance quotes and know you are not paying too much for your vehicle insurance.

Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes - Tips For Getting The Lowest Rate

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:14:00 +0000

Finding auto insurance quotes online is easy, but finding the cheapest auto insurance rates can be more of a challenge. To get the lowest quotes, follow these tips to help you find ways to trim possibly hundreds off your auto insurance quotes.
1. Give them details – If you don’t provide information about your zip code, marital status, car’s safety features, and annual commuting miles, by default insurance companies will quote you a higher auto insurance rate. Provide as much detail as possible to make sure you get each discount that you qualify for.
2. Shop around – Auto insurance rates can vary as much as 300% between companies for the same coverage. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by comparing prices between companies. Don’t forget to check out your current insurance company, they may have lower rates for new customers that you may be able to negotiate for yourself.
3. Raise your deductible – Higher deductibles equal lower insurance premiums. For example, increasing your deductible from $250 to $500, can save you a hundred dollars or more on your annual premium. However, plan on having additional financial resources to cover the deductible in case of an accident.
4. Cut the miles you drive – For drivers who travel on average 40 miles or less a day, they qualify for a low mileage discount with most insurance companies. Consider carpooling or taking public transit a couple of days a week to reduce your car’s mileage to qualify for the discount. By flying or taking a train for vacations instead of driving, you can further reduce the miles on your car.
5. Switch drivers – For married couples, compare insurance quotes between the male as the main driver and the female as the main driver. You may get a lower quote if the female is insured on a truck and the male is insured on the minivan. Teens should also be insured on safer cars such as the family sedan, rather than a sports car.
6. Add an anti-theft device – By installing car alarms or a tracking system in your car, you will get a discount from auto insurance companies. Since anti-theft devices reduce the risk of your car being stolen, insurance companies pass on the savings to you. A certified defensive-driving class can also reduce your premium for three years with most insurance companies.

Car Insurance Online - Benefits of Applying for Auto Insurance Online

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 09:10:00 +0000

Drivers are applying for auto insurance online not just for the convenience of comparing quotes, but also to find the best insurance rate. The benefits also include discovering new discounts and not being locked into a long term relationship with an insurance company.
Comparing Quotes
Before the internet, getting real quotes from auto insurance companies was difficult. But, now with a few clicks of a mouse, you can get instant access to insurance quotes based on the coverage you choose. Online insurance sites also allow you to look at the details of each plan, so you can compare the quality of coverage as well as the price.
Finding Discounts
You can reduce your auto insurance premiums by hundreds a year by finding and qualifying for discounts. For instance, installing an alarm system in your vehicle or taking a certified defensive driving course can reduce your premiums with some insurance companies. You can find additional discounts through online auto insurance sites.
Saving Time
By applying for insurance over the internet, you don’t have to schedule your life around keeping an appointment with an agent. You can fill out the forms in the middle of the night, stop, and come back the next day to finish. Online insurance sites will mail the final paperwork for your signature, and you will finish the process without having to miss a day of work.
Changing Insurance Companies
Applying online for auto insurance makes it very easy to change insurance companies. In the past, a driver stayed with one company even if they didn’t have the best rates. With online auto insurance companies, you can regularly check to be sure that you are getting a low rate. If you find a better quote, then you can quickly switch to the better auto insurance company.
Research Before You Buy
Insurance rates can vary widely between vehicles, and you can find out the cost before you purchase. By researching insurance rates for different makes and models, you can make an informed choice. Also find discounts for safety features and vehicle options, and add those to your vehicle package to ensure the lowest insurance rate.

Car Insurance Gearing up to Drive Down Costs

noreply@blogger.com (Vipul Mistry) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 11:58:00 +0000

For once finances seem to be going in favour of the UK motorist, with Esure announcing plans to double its share of the UK's car insurance market - a move which is likely to spark a price war, other internet-only direct insurers passing on to consumers savings based on their low overheads, and specialist insurers offering reduced rates for their particular target markets. A trial pay-as-you-go scheme from Norwich Union is also creating a lot of interest for money conscious motorists.

The pay-as-you-go scheme uses a small box costing an initial £199 which is fitted in the driver’s boot, to record when and for how long a driver actually uses their car. The box stays in contact with a satellite which is sent regular updates of the journey data stored on the box, tracking the vehicle and then delivering the information to the insurer. The driver is then charged based upon how far at what time they used their vehicle.

“We got a statement”, said one member of the trial, "which showed what mileage we had done, and on what days of the week, as well as if we had been driving in the evenings or peak hours."

For low mileage users, this system could present significant reductions in premiums, for higher mileage drivers searching about for the best deals at renewal time is an absolute must.

Unfortunately, last year five million motorists failed to shop around, missing out on an average premium saving of £180. Shopping around becomes especially important for anyone coming to the end of a free insurance offer on a dealership car and should not simply take the quote offered by the manufacturer's insurer, as significant savings can be made by shopping around. Comparisons sites such as Moneynet enable consumers to quickly look at hundreds of insurance providers in one go, making it easy to find the best deals that are available, and they often have their own extra discounts which are provided through their own sites.

While the government tries to work out new ways to extract more money from motorists, the competitiveness of the insurance industry is thankfully helping to drive down the cost of insurance premiums, making it one of the few rays of hope for UK drivers.