Top 5 Insurance Mistakes

Many times the only reason that people obtain insurance is because it is required. To obtain a home mortgage, the bank will require you to obtain homeowner's insurance. To drive in the United States, it is required to obtain some type of car insurance. Unfortunately, many see insurance as an unnecessary expense and do not pay much attention to the coverages they are obtaining or not obtaining. Below are 5 common insurance mistakes made by many.

1. Insuring a home for its market value and not the cost to rebuild. If the loan is higher than the cost to rebuild, then the bank will require you to insure the home up to the amount you owe. But if the market dips, like it has in recent years, the cost to rebuild will be higher than what you paid for the home. You need to have the home insured for at least the cost to rebuild or you could be left with a hefty bill to pay if your home burns down.

2. Only obtaining state-minimum liability limits on your car insurance. The state minimums will not sufficiently cover you if are involved in an accident involving significant damage. "I have never been in an accident and I don't plan on ever being in one," is a response I hear often. No one plans on being in an accident, but you cannot predict the future. State minimums will not be sufficient for many accidents.

3. Refusing to buy renter's insurance. I was counted among the many that felt renter's insurance was a waste of money, until I was robbed. Now I understand that renter's insurance provides peace of mind for a very minimal expense.

4. Lacking the understanding of what is covered. Most insureds do not take the time to read through the policies they have just purchased. To make sure you are insured correctly you need to actually read the policy and, if necessary, ask for clarification from your insurance agent.

5. Selecting insurance based on name recognition. Johnson Controls Inc. is a leading manufacturer of automotive interiors for cars and light-trucks and is worth 28 billion dollars, but have you heard of them? Many have not, but does that mean they are not excellent at what they do? Of course not. Just like Johnson Controls, there are many excellent insurance companies that you have not heard of, but that doesn't mean they are not excellent insurance companies. AM Best ratings, online reviews, and personal referrals are all excellent ways of researching an insurance company. I wouldn't recommend choosing an insurance company based on the entertainment value of their commercials.

Insurance protects you from financial ruin, if you are sufficiently covered. Don't make the five common mistakes above and you'll be well on your way to staying ahead of trouble. You may not like paying your insurance bill, but you'll be grateful you are properly covered if something does happen.

Top 10 Myths of Auto Liability Insurance

Let's address the top 10 myths of automobile liability insurance and how they relate to car accident claims. As a car accident attorney, I come across these issue quite frequently. This post is limited, however, to auto liability insurance and is not intended to address other types of insurance such as comprehensive and collision coverage. Let's take a simple auto accident as our example. Let's say you were involved in a car wreck where the other driver is at fault. The other driver gives you their insurance information. You contact the other driver's insurance company and report a claim for personal injury and car damage. This is called a third-party liability claim. You are a "third-party" because you are a stranger to the insurance policy between the other driver and their insurance company. It is a "liability" claim because you are claiming that the other driver is legally liable for the accident. Now that you understand the relationships between all the parties to the claim, here are my "Top 10 Myths" of liability insurance.
Myth #1. The insurance company is there to protect me. Wrong! Liability insurance is purchased by the policy-holder in order to protect the policy-holder against the injured person's claim. Since you are claiming that the other driver is liable for the accident, then the other driver's insurance company is there to protect the other driver against your claim. That why it is called "liability" insurance. It is purchased to insure and defend the other driver for their liability; not to protect the injured person.
Myth #2. I have to provide a recorded statement. You do not have to provide a recorded statement in a liability claim. As described in #1 above, the liability carrier is the other driver's insurance. Since they do not have any legal duties to you, you have no legal duties to them. The only reason the insurance company wants to take your recorded statement is because they want to use it against you in the future. If they are really interested in investigating the facts of the accident, they can just talk to you without recording the conversation. Don't let the insurance company tell you that you are required to give a recorded statement. You are not!
Myth #3. They have to provide a rental car. You are not entitled to rental car. However, they may decide to provide you with a rental if their insured's liability is fairly clear. They do this because they want to keep you happy. Otherwise, you might hire an car accident attorney which is something the insurance company always wants to avoid.
Myth #4. I have to use their repair shop. No. The Texas Insurance Code specifically provides that the insurance company cannot tell you where to get your car repaired and what parts to use. If you have trouble with the insurance company with these matters, the best thing to do is take your car to the body shop of your choice and give the shop manager the adjuster's contact information. Let the shop deal with the insurance company since they deal with these things on a daily basis.
Myth #5. I have to provide a medical authorization. Do not give the insurance company any authorization, especially a medical authorization. They normally send one to you with the typical claims paperwork and ask you to sign it. You are not required to do so. If you do, then you give the adjuster global permission to obtain any of your past medical records. It's just another ploy to dig up dirt on you. You are better off collecting your own medical records and bills that are related to the accident and sending them to the adjuster yourself.
Myth #6. I have to treat with their doctor. If you are injured in an accident, then it's your decision which doctor use. You are not required to go to the doctor recommended by the claims adjuster. You can go to the hospital, minor emergency clinic, family doctor, or any other doctor you choose to see.
Myth #7. The adjuster can close my claim. Sure they can close your claim. But, so what!?! Who cares!!! The only time limit applicable to your claim that is of any real consequence is the legal statute of limitations. In most personal injury cases, Texas law gives you two years to either settle your case or file a lawsuit. Don't let the insurance company pressure you into working on their time schedule. They want to pressure you to get the claim settled early before your medical bills get too high or distract you from hiring a lawyer.
Myth #8. They have to make a fair settlement offer. The insurance company has no duty to make any kind of settlement offer. However, there are two main factors that might (and I do mean "might") prompt an adjuster to try and settle your claim. First, insurance companies like to close claims in order to keep their workload and legal exposure at a manageable level. Second, if they don't try to settle, you might hire a lawyer. If you do, then the insurance company knows the claim may cost more to settle.
Myth #9. I can sue the insurance company directly. In an auto liability claim, it is the other driver that caused your injuries or damages. Therefore, your lawsuit is legally against the other driver. Some states do permit direct actions against the insurance company in a liability claim. But Texas law does not.
Myth #10. Getting a lawyer will hurt my claim. Of course not. Insurance companies would like you to believe that it would hurt your claim. They will tell you that a personal injury attorney will take a percentage of your settlement and you will end up with less. However, there are so many other factors that go into calculating attorneys fees than what the adjuster tells you. Besides, a lawyer is on your side fighting for your rights. The adjuster is on the other driver's side trying to defend against your claim. Who should you believe?

What to Know When Buying Your First Auto Insurance Policy

Insurance is one of our odd purchases. We buy it. Then afterward, we hope that what we bought is not a waste of money. Moreover, we hope we don't need to use it. But accidents do happen and when they do, be certain you are prepared for them. If you collide with somebody's car your auto insurance will cover the expenses, whether it's your fault or not. How much it can help you depends upon the options you choose in your insurance policy. Getting all the options is not necessary as you'll tend to spend more for your insurance if you do that. To get yourself the right auto insurance without overpaying, consider these factors:

Always put the safety of yourself and your family above anything else. Personal Injury or Personal Liability coverage should be given great importance when choosing an insurance package. When you are involved in an accident, the first thing that will get covered is your car insurance. If your car insurance doesn't cover the medical expenses, then your health insurance will.

Covers major accidents
What if your car gets in an accident that nearly destroys it? If it is the other driver's fault, his insurance will pay for the vehicle. However, don't rely on that alone. What if a natural calamity destroyed your vehicle? In that case, you need to have enough insurance coverage to either repair or replace your vehicle.

Deductible versus Premium
Your insurance's deductible is inversely proportional to the premium.
If your deductible goes up, then your premium goes down. If your premium goes up, then your deductible goes down. Deciding whether you want a lower deductible or a lower premium depends upon how much you want to pay to your insurance company.

Driving Experience
Insurance companies automatically recommend coverage for a particular driver. If you have a teen driver, it is better to have personal liability coverage with a lower deductible. Moreover, rates to cover teen drivers are automatically higher because of their lack of driving experience.

Where should I shop for car insurance?
If you don't have the time to research the best and cheapest car insurance rates in your area, you can use any number of comparison websites that check and compare car insurance deals.

How to choose your auto insurer
The first step in choosing the right auto insurer is choosing the right coverage. Once you have that, you need to look at the qualities of your auto insurer. These include:

Offering reliable and reasonable coverage
Some insurance companies have virtually similar rates and coverage due to state laws.However, most quote different prices for similar coverage. Check as many insurance companies as you can and inspect whether you are getting not only a reliable service but also a reasonable rate.

Covers your vehicle at all times
The worst part of a car insurance policy is the coverage is limited to a few situations. What could be more annoying than a denied insurance claim because the company claims it is not covered in their policy?

Basic Affordable Car Insurance - Does It Cover Your Needs?

The laws of the land require you to have auto insurance before you can take your vehicle out on the street. However, insurance payments can make quite a dent in your pocket, especially if you have taken out many different policies (multiple vehicles, home, life health etc.). It is quite common for people to search for the best car insurance quotes online in order to locate a company that offers affordable car insurance. As a matter of fact, you might be seriously tempted to take out a policy purely based upon its low cost.

If you have taken a bare bones insurance policy for your vehicle then you can certainly save quite a bit of money every year. Even so, it is very important for you to know exactly what benefits the policy gives you so that you are prepared for any eventuality involving your car. Keep in mind that the insurance laws can vary according to the state you live in and therefore should be purchased accordingly.

The most affordable car insurance policies obviously do not offer you any frills. They generally offer you only car liability insurance so that you have the ability to pay for damages caused by you to other people or their vehicles. Keep in mind that this type of insurance offers a limited amount of money to cover medical expenses or car repair expenses that you cause. In addition, it will not cover any expenses you have incurred as a result of the accident. In other words, you will have to pay your own medical bills as well as car repair costs if you have only the cheapest car insurance.

You do have to think long and hard about whether you need an enhanced level of auto insurance. After all, if you get into a very bad accident you will have huge bills to deal with. It is always best to prepare for any such eventuality even if you have to pay some money for it. The best thing to do is get the best car insurance quotes online, making a comparison of the different benefits offered by each one. This is also a good way to start negotiating with an insurer for a discount on rates offered to you in an initial quote. While it is too expensive to plan ahead for all your future needs in the event of an accident, you should certainly aim to reduce your risk.

Shopping for Car Insurance? Shop Wisely With These Tips

Many people believe auto insurance is downright confusing. The reality is that the more you understand about it the less perplexing it becomes, just like anything else in everyday life. The information shared in the following paragraphs ought to steer you in the right course toward saving on your premiums.

Retaining a clear driving record is the best vehicle insurance tip you may get. A vehicle crash will raise the rates quicker than just about everything in addition. When traveling, know about your limitations and weak spots and steer clear of any risky situations you can. By way of example, if you have problems with your sight during the night, steer clear of driving a vehicle after dusk.

Think about buying an insurance policy that covers a rental auto if needed on account of an accident. Should you not have a rental automobile provision within your insurance plan, you will need to pay money out of pocket for one when renting a car. Buy add-on rental car insurance this way may cost you another $20 every single day that the auto is in the shop.

Get automobile insurance tips from your community car maintenance shops. Automobile mechanics speak with insurance policy adjusters all the time. They can advise you on which carriers are simple to deal with and which are hard.

Don't jump at the very first low-cost estimate you see. The low-cost insurance you located may have gaps in coverage, but then again it could also be a gemstone in the rough. That's why should you do a proper analysis and authenticate the company's reputation, as well as the cost-to-coverage ratio.

Most states require liability insurance and vary as to coverage minimums so pay attention to your state regulations. You can expect to break state laws and encounter fiscal consequences if you have no insurance coverage and get into any sort of accident.

Carry out some research on your prospective insurance company's reputation. At times folks only concentrate on the price, but there is much more to consider when shopping for great insurance. Once you get cheap car insurance, you very often get first hand experience in the old adage of "getting the support you spend for." You usually discover later that the low price is at the cost of good service.

Discuss the way your miles influences your rates, and what to do about this with the insurance firm. There are numerous savings available like the discount for drivers that do not generate greater than 7,500 miles annually.

While you are shopping around for vehicle insurance policy, make sure you include residence damage accountability inside your coverage. In the event you don't, you might find you are spending far too much out of pocket for your damages when you have a crash. Combining your car and home insurance policies under the same carrier can also help you save a great deal of cash.

Tickets and points from mishaps will definitely reflect negatively upon your driving record requiring you to pay much more for your coverage. As soon as these negative marks expire form your driving record, your insurance premium will be reduced. As soon as these details are removed from your driving history, be sure to get new auto insurance estimates.

Aim for insurance coverage that is affordable and offers an adequate amount of financial security. Expecting the best in life while preparing for the worst will help you rest better at night.

New Driver? Insurance Tips for Lower Premiums

It's taken a while, but you finally passed your test! Yay! No more expensive driving lessons. I hate to break up the party, but if you have your own car, the overheads have only just started, and one of the biggest, as a new driver, is arranging car insurance.

Now insurance is always a pricey overhead but new drivers aren't exactly a good bet for insurance companies. I'm sure you're the best driver your instructor ever had the pleasure of teaching, but let's face it, he's probably passed out a fair few bad ones too. New drivers are generally young, impetuous, impatient and foolhardy. Insurers see an accident waiting to happen and statistically, new and young drivers are involved in more road accidents.

So it's no surprise that insurance premiums for new drivers are painfully high.

A Few Tips to Help New Drivers Reduce the Cost of Insurance

Black Box Policies

Do you believe you're a good driver? Inexperience doesn't necessarily equate to bad driving. If you're prepared to have your driving monitored there's an option which can prove to insurers that, even as a new driver, you're a better risk than the average. It's called a Black Box insurance policy.

A small device in your car monitors your driving behaviour and patterns; how fast you drive, how hard you brake; how often you break; do you drive during the day or at night? Do you drive on motorways or country lanes?. All this data, and more, paints a picture to the insurance company of what sort of driver you are.

A Black Box insurance policy (also called Telematics insurance) might go some way to lowering your premium if it shows you are a careful, low risk driver.

Advanced Driver Training

Pass Plus is a practical training course which aims to improve a new driver's ability in the first year of driving.

Going that extra mile can prove to an insurance company that you're committed to being a safe driver. If you finish Pass Plus training, you might be able to get a reduced premium on your insurance.

Have Your Own Insurance Policy

Isn't it far cheaper for a new driver to be added to mum and dad's insurance?

Only in the short-term. There are a couple of reasons why you should seriously consider taking out an insurance policy in your own name as soon as possible.

Firstly, whilst your car insurance is likely to be more expensive for that first year, the sooner you get it over with (without having any accidents!), the sooner you'll start to earn a no claims bonus in your own right. That's when the real savings will start to be made, with anything from a 10% to 30% discount typical after 12 months.

Secondly, if the car actually belongs to you and you are the main or only driver, you MUST take out your own insurance policy. Your parents cannot insure your car, with you as a named driver, if they are not the owners and/or the main drivers. Your insurance wold be invalid and you could be prosecuted.

Don't Drive Without Insurance

Even though car insurance is expensive for new drivers, don't neglect to arrange it altogether. The government is clamping down on the rising number of uninsured drivers on the UK's roads; you could risk prosecution, a fine, a criminal record and having your car taken away.

How to Find the Cheapest Insurance

Quite simply, leave it to those who know the insurance market inside out and have all the best deals at their fingertips. An insurance broker can find you the cheapest quotes in just a few minutes. This will save you a lot of time trawling websites and making phone calls.

A broker can also advise you about the type of cover that's best for your situation.

Affordable Car Insurance - 5 Tips To Minimize Your Expenses

One way of curtailing your overall expenses is to buy cheap car insurance. Even though you very well cannot avoid buying insurance for your vehicle you could still reduce the amount of premium you pay. One approach to getting cheap auto insurance is to cut down on your overall coverage. This is no doubt a risky approach since it exposes you to major expenditure in case you end up having an auto accident. Another approach is to ask and qualify for all possible discounts offered by insurers. Most people use a combination of both approaches to reduce the amount of premium they pay.

The following tips will help you minimize your insurance payments:

1. Most car insurance companies give a discount to people who drive less than a specific number of miles every year because of the assumption that they are less likely to have an accident; the limit varies according to the insurer. You should try to stay within this limit by using public transportation or carpooling whenever possible.

2. Take only as much insurance as you need. For instance, if you already have medical insurance then you do not need to take a car insurance policy that will pay your medical bills. Limit your policy to covering the cost of repairing a vehicle involved in a collision and also medical costs of other people involved in the accident caused by you.

3. Avoid filing minor claims with your insurance company. You can probably get them repaired for a small fee and will therefore be allowed to ask for a 'no-claim' bonus or discount.

4. On a related note, you should keep your deductable very high in order to reduce premiums. You'll have to pay out of your pocket for small expenses but you will at least get insurance cover for major accidents.

5. Do not pay for insurance cover that offers towing or a spare car. It is cheaper to get your car towed away if you ever need to do it. If you have another vehicle or easy access to public transportation or a shared ride then you will not even need the spare car.

As you can see, there are quite a few things that you can do in order to get cheap car insurance. It is definitely necessary to do some homework before you renew your auto insurance because you will save quite a bit of money this way without depriving yourself of the cover you need.

SR22 Insurance for Drunk Driving

If you are arrested and convicted of DUI, in numerous states your car insurance rates are more than likely going to increase for a minimum of three years and you will probably be learning at lot about something called SR22 insurance.

Whether your state calls it DUI, driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence, if you are convicted of any of those offenses, it is likely are your insurance rates will go up before you can drive again.

SR22 Insurance Laws Differ by State
The penalty regarding drunk driving varies from state to state, although in every state if you are convicted of driving impaired, your driving privileges will be suspended for a minimum of 30 days to a entire year, even for the first offense.

In a lot of states, to acquire your driver's license and privileges back, you will have to supply the licensing agency with an SR22 insurance form, which proves that you have motor vehicle liability insurance. Under SR22 insurance laws, the insurance company is mandatory to notify the licensing agency, typically the DMV, if the policy is terminated or cancelled.

It is Possible Your Premiums Could Triple
When you go to your car insurance representative to get an SR22 insurance form, your company will regard you as a high-risk driver and boost your insurance premiums. This is particularly true if you were formerly in a preferred class or had gotten safe-driver discounts.

If you are convicted of DUI, your car insurance premiums can double, and in a lot of states, could even triple. You might want to shop around; some companies specialize in high-risk policies.

SR22 Policies are Not Offered by All Insurance Companies
There are a few insurance companies that do not offer SR22 insurance policies. If you are convicted of DUI and your company does not offer SR22 insurance, the company will cancel or not renew your current policy. You will have to look for some other company that will offer SR22 insurance and when you do, it is a fact that your rates are going higher, because then you would also have a cancellation on your claims history.

A lot of states have laws that forbid insurance companies from canceling policies before the term expires, even if you are convicted of a DUI charge. You should check the laws in your state.

How Long Should Your Rates Go Up?
Again, laws differ from state to state, but normally a drunk driving conviction will affect your insurance status for at least three years in most states for a first offense. For ensuing convictions, the length of time is considerably longer.

Most states now have drunk driving laws that provide improved penalties for special circumstances, like if someone was hurt, if a minor was in the vehicle, if your blood alcohol concentration was above a certain level or if you were under the age of 21 at the time of your arrest.

For instance, in all 50 states, a blood alcohol concentration of.08 is the level considered legally impaired. But in 40 states, penalties for a DUI conviction are doubled if the driver registers a high BAC level (usually over .15 or .20).

Is it Possible to Avoid Increase Rates?
Increased rates for auto insurance only come into play if you want your driver's privileges restored. You can stay away from those extra costs by taking public transportation or even walking. Some states still permit the operation of mopeds without a license.

Even if you do not individually own a vehicle, but hope to have your driving privileges restored after a DUI conviction, you still have to provide an SR22 insurance form by buying a non-owner policy. In other words, you will have to purchase insurance for a car that you do not even own.

The best way to steer clear of increased insurance premiums is easy. If you are intoxicated then do not get behind the wheel. Get a taxi or a safe driver to take you where you need to go.

Why Auto Insurance Is Necessary

If you own a vehicle and you want to use it legally, you must have valid motor vehicle liability insurance. It means financial defense for your auto, motorcycle or truck in that case if you get involved in a traffic accident that results in human or material damage.

The regulations of automotive insurance are unique in every country. In the United States of America you have to meet the requirements of your own state.

Anyway, it's a common condition all around the world that vehicle owners have to buy insurance before they start to drive on public roads.

There are several items that can be insured in a support policy: your vehicle(s), you and your travellers, the other damaged vehicle and its passengers. You can also get clearing for renting an auto instead of yours and for towing your damaged auto to a repair shop.

The car insurance companies take into consideration several factors in order to determine each person's premium - they would like to have minimal risk in the case of each customer. The most important factors are the features of the driver such as age, gender, marital status, driving record and credit ratings. Besides these the car specialities (capacity, retail price) and the way of using the car (it matters how much and where you will use it) are also essential. Your monthly fee will depend on the degree of coverage that you choose.

You can extend your basic policy with cover for natural wear. It is not apply to damages which are results of collisions, made by vandals or natural forces. After the expiration of warranty this can be a really useful service.

The insurers monitor regularly the points of their policyholders. Every driver will get plus points, if they cause accidents or violate the traffic rules (such as driving through the red light, speeding). If you have more points, you mean bigger risk for the insurer and because of this your premium will be higher.

I would like to recommend a few simple tips that you should follow in order to avoid the increase of your premium:

· Drive safely and always wear the seatbelt! Don't violate the rules and don't get into accidents - a speeding ticket can increase your premium by 15%; if you get a ticket because of reckless driving or you drive under the influence your base rate can be bigger by 20% or more, after an accident up to 40%.

· You should report even your smallest accidents to your provider. If you don't do it, they may cancel your policy.

· Install an anti-theft device to your auto to help in the preventing of theft.

· If you take and pass a defensive driving course that is accredited, your rates can be cut by 10%.

Don't forget that your premium will be higher automatically if you have a flashy sport car.

Some companies have started to use an odometer-based insurance system. They follow up their policyholders' odometers. In this case the support will end when the odometer reaches the previously determined limit - it is on the ID card of the car which has been given by the company to the driver. But if you buy more distance, then the insurance will continue. This system is good because you don't have to predict the distance that you will drive in the coming year. And the police officers can easily check the validity of the insurance: they only compare the numbers on the card and on the odometer.

What You Should Know About Semi Insurance Policies

Many of us spend much of our time on the road, whether it is in our own car or public transportation. It is very important that all cars and other vehicles on the road be insured. This will ensure the safety of all the people who may be involved in an accident. There are various insurance plans that are offered to different kinds of vehicles. Moreover, there are different legislative policies regarding different types of vehicles. You are not allowed to drive an uninsured truck on the road, as it is against the law.

Smaller automobiles owned by individuals have an insurance policy for the individuals involved in the accident and the vehicle as well. However, larger automobiles, like trucks and buses, have a different insurance policy. Along with covering for the individuals and vehicles damaged in an accident, the semi insurance also covers the cargo in larger vehicles. Insurance companies also cover the damage a truck may suffer when it is parked somewhere and the driver is absent from the scene of the accident.

There are many things you will have to consider before settling on a specific insurance plan. The first thing is that you must be aware of scammers. Many insurance agents are affiliated with companies that want to sell the insurance plan at a higher rate or rob you of your money. Therefore, before you make any decision, you must thoroughly research the company you are planning to sign a contract with. You have to make sure that the company exists and is not a fraud.

Coverage:

You have to decide what kind of coverage you need for your truck. Then, you should compare your need with your budget. There are many insurance plans that offer different services under the same plan. Therefore, you must research each plan and the services they offer. You can search on the internet for all of the various services that each plan offers and correlate them with your needs.

Comparing Quotes:

One of the most important steps in finalizing a semi insurance plan for your truck is comparing quotes from different insurance companies. Before you settle on any insurance company, it is very wise to get quotes from all of them and try negotiating for lower rates. Once you have all of the quotes, you should compare them with each other to get the lowest possible rate for the insurance plan you would like for your truck.

Company Policy:

The one thing most people miss when signing a contract is to read the company policy in fine print. When we sit down to sign a deal, we usually do not bother to read the company's terms and conditions. However, you must carefully read all of the details of the semi insurance you are getting for your truck.

It is important to take time to research all aspects of the semi insurance plan you are getting for your truck to avoid any regrets later.

Crucial Steps in Saving Money

Since you started working you've enjoyed having an income, but it always seems as if you never have enough to pay or buy what you really want. There's no point in working yourself tired if you can't spend some of the money to have a good time or get what you've always wanted (Trip to Peru, Playstation 4, you name it).

That's why I thought it would be a good idea to make a list for people who are starting out (or need some ideas on saving money) to help them get what they've always wanted.

Buying a car

Fuel is getting expensive by the minute and it has a great influence on your finances. When buying a car you have to think of all the costs involved. Things to look out for are:

• Are the parts for this car expensive when I want to service it and have to buy new ones?
• Is this car fuel efficient and will it save me money in the long run?
• Is this car in such a condition that it will affect my car insurance premium?

Buying instead of renting a home or flat

Currently you're most likely paying a monthly fee for your home. The problem is that money is going into someone else's pocket and not your own. You are losing on an investment potential and you'll most likely start late with it like everyone else. Instead of paying your rent why not get your own home and pay the mortgage, this way you're making an investment and your investment will most likely increase in value.

Pay off your debts

There comes a time in your life when you have to take out a loan to help you financially. Loans are effective, but a word of advice, pay it back as soon as possible. Not just the monthly debit order, but as much as possible, if you pay the settlement fee you'll even be able to pay less since you won't be paying interest on the loan. Squeeze those Dollars, Franks, Euros or Rands and pay it back as soon as possible, otherwise you'll be paying almost double these days of what you loaned.

Open a savings account

Even if you put a small amount of money it will build up to a large amount which might help you out in the long run if you ever need money again. The best kind of savings account is the one where you can't get to your money (32 day release), which will keep you from withdrawing it and help you save.

Something as simple as car insurance, buy energy efficient appliances and walking more often can make a big difference in your finances.

Securing Auto Loans With Bad Credit: 3 Stages Of An Application

For almost every American, owning a vehicle is a hugely important thing. Whether requiring one for work or family reasons, or to simply have one to get around easily, an automobile is a necessity in modern life. But buying a car can be a challenge for bad credit borrowers. Thankfully, there are ways to get approval on an auto loan with bad credit.

The reality is that having low credit scores is not the chief concern for lenders. Far more important are the issues of affordability, employment status and having all of the necessary documentation in order. But securing loan approval is made easier if the applicant has everything ready before submitting their application.

Taking the time to organize things is well worth the effort, which is why we have put together a list of things to check on during the 3 different stages of the auto loan application process. From budgeting to filling out the application form, there are ways to increase the chances of getting the green light.

Before Submitting Your Application

There are a number of things that every applicant should do before submitting an application for an auto loan with bad credit. The first is to understand the state of their finances, and check their credit score. The reason is that the score will affect the interest rate to be charged.

It is possible to get an official copy of your credit report from one of the credit agencies. This details your credit history, revealing the score and how the score was calculated. But the score may be inaccurate, in which case a review can be ordered. Improving your score can mean better loan terms, as well as a better chance of securing loan approval.

Once this is done, set your budget for an auto loan that is affordable. Applying for a loan that is out of financial reach is pointless. Remember, the lenders use the debt-to-income ratio, which stipulates no more than 40% of excess income can be used for a repayments. So, apply that to your calculations.

Completing Your Application

There are a few inclusions in an application that can make a huge difference when seeking an auto loan with bad credit. Probably the key inclusion, however, is a cosigner - someone who is willing to act as a guarantor on the loan.

The advantage of a cosigner is that the risk factor is reduced dramatically. This is because repayments are effectively guaranteed to be made, with the cosigner promising to pay in the event the borrower is unable to. And with the risk gone, securing loan approval becomes little more than a formality.

Other key inclusions are the required documents, all of which should be in good order before submitting your auto loan application. These include employment certificates that prove your employment status, and bank statements and tax returns that confirm your income. Recent utility bills may also be needed to confirm your current address.

After Submitting Your Application

It is a good idea to apply for an auto loan with bad credit to more than one lender, and those that approve your application will offer certain terms. Be sure to read the terms carefully before deciding which one is the right one.

Look at things like interest rate, the size of the down payment (which is a recommendation, never a requirement), and the loan term etc. Never be afraid to negotiate with a lender either. Perhaps, a longer repayment term suits best since it lowers the size of the monthly repayments.

Remember, securing loan approval is important, but there are options that place the power in your hands. So, do not settle for the first auto loan offer that comes your way.

Finding The Best Car Insurance Company: How To Spot The Leaders Of The Pack

There is no shortage of insurance companies out there, certainly when it comes to insuring your car. The problem is that they all have various offers, premium structures, and insurance products designed to fit practically any situation. So, how can one tell which is the best car insurance company of the lot?

The good news is that there are indicators that should reveal whether the company being considered is as good as they seem. While charging low car insurance premiums is always important, it is not always the truest sign that the company will look after their customers properly. There are other factors to look at.

Of course, getting car insurance is a matter of law, a fact that many companies take advantage of by insisting on less than ideal terms. But with some careful analysis of the policies on offer, and a little bit of research, the best deal from the best company can be found. Here are 3 common giveaway signs.

1. Fast Accident Responses

Arguably the most revealing sign when trying to identify the best car insurance company to sign up to is the speed at which they respond to the needs of their customers after a car accident. Bad companies will make excuses and will delay in assessing a claim in an attempt to avoid paying out.

Take some time to check on the response record of a particular insurance company. This can be done by contacting one of the many consumer associations that exist, who should be aware of any complaints. The Better Business Bureau should also have complaints on file that should impact on their BBB rating - only A1 grade companies should be considered.

Remember, as attractive as low car insurance premiums may be, the willingness to react quickly in the interest of their customers is hugely important. Failure to do so means honoring the car insurance terms is less likely.

2. Access To Fast Repairs And Servicing

Even when a car is not written off in an accident, the best car insurance company will be the one that ensures its customers are looked after properly. In some cases, an insurance company will insist their responsibilities do not include organizing or paying for car repairs.

However, an insurance company needs to be something a driver can rely on. Drivers do not want to feel they have been abandoned, especially when the issue is down to money. So, it is worthwhile finding a company that is willing to go the extra mile for their customers.

As well as low car insurance premiums, they should be able to offer immediate response and fast car servicing. That way, even if the damage is not too serious, your car insurance policy will ensure a return to the road soon rather than later.

3. Flexibility In Policies

There is no point in an insurance company being rigid in their policies. This is because each person has unique circumstances, and differing needs to match them. The best car insurance company is going to offer a greater level of flexibility in order to reflect that.

For example, some insurance companies charge for coverage their customer knows they will never need, or flatly refuse to provide cover for what seems to be a logical expense in the event of an accident.

If the company refuses to listen to reasonable requests, then they show a distinct disrespect for customers.

The bottom line is that offering low car insurance premiums is not enough to qualify a company as being a leading option in the market. It is expected that they actually care for their customers too, providing ample and logical car insurance coverage, and having a willingness to bend with the needs they might have.

Frequently Asked Auto Insurance Questions Answered

If you are just beginning to look for auto insurance or you just want to understand your auto insurance a little better then you have come to right place.

Here are a list of Frequently asked auto insurance questions.

Does everyone have to carry auto insurance?

Yes. This is called financial responsibility and it is required for any licensed driver to legally drive. If you do not have a vehicle but you are licensed you should be able to get what is called a "non owned auto policy". This will cover you should you rent a vehicle or drive someone else's vehicle. You are required to carry at least your states minimum liability requirements

Can I get the same coverage and discounts with all insurance companies?

No. With the obvious exception of the types of coverage like Bodily Injury/Liability, Uninsured/Underinsured motorist, medical, Comprehensive and Collision deductible. These coverage are offered by all insurance companies. However their coverage may vary depending on your driving record or where you live. The same will apply for discounts. Not all companies will offer discounts for multiple policies, being a good student, Gap coverage (loan coverage), being married.

I got a quote and now that I am ready to start my policy the premium has changed, why?

There are many factors that go into your auto insurance rates. If your insurance agent did not run a motor vehicle report when you were first quoted then possibly a forgotten accident or citation may have now shown up. Keep in mind that when you are giving your driving history to your agent it is of the utmost importance to be accurate with your information. All accidents and minor citations will stay on your record for a minimum of 3 years. Major violations will now be on for 10 years, this includes DUI, DWI to name a few.

If you have moved your new zip code could also play a part in your new rating. If you have a young driver in your household they may show up and will need to be included or excluded depending on where they have insurance. But a young driver will increase premiums substantially.

Also bear in mind that if you have just given your agent the vehicle identification number for your car that may change the premium as well. There are numerous makes and models, so some may cost more for replacement parts which only your VIN will be able to pinpoint exactly what model you have.

If you have a new job and your commute is further, or if you just got a job your vehicle could go from pleasure use to commute.

Can anyone drive my car and still be covered by my policy?

In most cases, yes, as long as they have the permission or reasonable belief from the insured that they can use the vehicle. The insured is the person named on the insurance policy and their spouse if applicable.

There are some exclusions, so you would need to look at your particular insurance policy to make sure. Remember, everyone in your household must be listed on your insurance policy if they have a license. For example, if a girlfriend you live with uses your car, she may not be covered if you did not list her on your insurance policy. On the other hand, if you live separately, she could use your car with your permission and be covered.

My child is going to be licensed soon, do I need to add them to my policy?

Yes, as long as they are living in your household and will be driving your vehicles then they absolutely will need to be added. Most states will require that any person that is a licensed driver must carry insurance. So unless your teen has opted to acquire their own insurance policy then they will need to be added. If your child is a good student with a grade point average of 3.0 or B average you may be able to qualify for that discount but you will need to get a print out from your child counselor.

What kind of car will be cheap to insure?

Generally any car that does not require full coverage will be less expensive. But you want to make sure that if there is a loss and your car is totaled that you can afford to either loose the vehicle or replace it out of pocket. But ultimately your driving record will always play a huge factor in your premium.

Common Approaches to Finding Good Value Car Insurance

I have recently been shopping around trying to find the best policy for my motorcar, and I thought I'd share some of the tips that I've picked up along the way, in the hope it can help someone else save a bit of money.

The best place to start, when looking to get your car insurance premium down, is to shop around. Of course, it's obvious, but each company looks at every potential risk and puts their own multiplier onto it, which can mean wildly varying quote prices. There are plenty of comparison sites out there, so get signed up to Confused, Comparethemarket, Gocompare and any others worth trying. Each company uses actuaries to evaluate the risk multiplier for each situation, and of course they cannot be perfect.. so that's where you can take advantage, and get a better quote from one to the other.

One thing I've noticed, is that the comparison sites seem to take different levels of commission. For example, Confused always has a cheaper premium by around £10. I believe this is because the others take a larger cut. So, even though these comparison sites are checking the same companies.. they also can vary on price. Go and test this for yourselves, and you will see what I mean.

Another thing worth bearing in mind is the incentives that these various comparison sites offer you. At the time of writing, Confused are offering a whopping 1,000 nectar points to anyone who takes an insurance policy out with them. This doesn't make a huge deal of difference on a £900 insurance policy, but it does sweeten the deal a little bit.. especially when they are already the cheapest.. as they were for me.

Combine Vehicles onto one policy. Most insurers will give you an approximate 20% discount for adding multiple vehicles to your policy with them.. anything over 2. Think about your situation.. do you and your wife / husband have separate policies? Yes? Well then, you are throwing money away. This can even be extended to room mates / house sharers. As long as the vehicles are registered to the same address, there is usually no problem is sharing a policy.

Applying discounts you are eligible for can bring about significant savings. For example, you are deemed lower risk if you have a roadside recovery policy.. you may be a more conscientious road user I guess. There are discounts on offer for your job, where you live, where you keep the car over night, your education and many other variants. If you are serious about saving some money on your car insurance and bringing the cost of your policy down, then you have to look at these options within the quote forms.

Get lucky Sometimes you just get lucky with a quote. The more companies you try, the more likely it is to happen. It's not the most scientific of approaches... but it can work. Keep comparing! And good luck.

Car Insurance Cost Cutters - Top 5 Tips Revealed

Are you looking for reliable ways to cut your car insurance premiums without exposing yourself to too much risk? You'll be happy to know that it is very easy to reduce vehicle insurance if you take the trouble to discuss the issue with your insurer. The following tips are the most popular ones that vehicle owners use to save quite a bit of money:

1. Don't take comprehensive insurance because you might not end up using it at all. Most vehicle owners do very well with the basic insurance policy available because car accidents do not always happen (unless one is a really bad driver). Be sure to find out what the minimum insurance requirement is for your state before you take out a policy. A liability policy is generally the basic requirement for vehicle owners. It is a fact that insurance companies make a lot of money because most of their customers are over insured.

2. Make sure that you are not being billed for services. At the very least, you should be able to get these charges reduces if they cannot be written off entirely. The only way that you'll find out about these charges and fees is if you get a detailed breakup of the offer made to you. In fact, you should compare breakups of more than one offer in order to have a good idea about how they stand.

3. Maintain a good credit rating at all times. You'll be very surprised to learn that your credit score is sometimes taken into account when an insurance quote is offered.

4. Ask your insurer for a yearly policy instead of a 6-month one. Taking a 6-month policy is costly in the long term even though you pay less money in the short term. It is therefore better to budget for the annual payment which works out less on a monthly basis.

5. Be a tough negotiator with your insurance company representative. Be aware of the fact that the insurer has budgeted for a discount and will pocket the difference as profits if you do not ask for it.

Your insurance payments will become a lot easier to deal with as long as you put in the necessary effort to get a good offer from your insurer, without compromising on the quality of service you receive. It is very easy to get discounts on car insurance if you follow the tips given above.

6 Tips On How To Choose The Best Car Insurance Deal

There are many car owners in the world, but a fraction of them do not know the importance of having car insurance. Some of the benefits that are seen with having car insurance are that the insurance provider will offer help when accidents occur or anything that will result in vehicle or property damage. Particularly for your car then the following tips will be useful.

· You need to choose one of the best deals when looking for a vehicle insurance company. You can get many vehicle insurance companies these days, but your main aim is getting the best and most suitable one for you. For you to do this, draft a list of all the automotive insurance companies you can be able to find. Peruse through the profile of each company just to see their respective performances over the past few years.

· You can ask a friend or a colleague if they know the whereabouts of any of these company. By doing this, you can be sure that you may make the best decision. Let them tell you of facts concerning how to get the best insurance companies, how to get them and the way to go in getting them, and many others that can be of good help to you.

· Another best thing you can ever do when selecting the best insurance for your company is by checking the policies of the company. Know that every company has its own policies, which are related to medical payments, comprehensive, belongings damage liability, and other policies. Doing this will enable you decide on the kind of coverage that suits your requirements.

· Checking out for the claims processing of the different kinds of the companies can also assist you land on the best insurance company for your car that will answer your requirements. Every company has its own different claims processing. There are also some companies, which will take you a long time concerning their claim settlement processes.

· The kind of vehicle you own matters a lot when it comes to choosing the best auto insurance that suits you best. If you own an expensive vehicle, you might consider seeking for both comprehensive and collision coverage to gain peace of mind while on the road.

· You can also consider doing a research online concerning the best insurance companies found worldwide. You will get to know about whole life insurance quotes online and their whereabouts.

How to Get An Affordable Motorcycle Insurance

We are all aware of the great thrills of riding a bike, and how exhilarating it can be. It doesn't have to be a powerful motorcycle, such as a sport bike or a cruiser, you can have a lot of fun riding a small moped, too. But, when you own a bike, you have a lot of responsibilities, as well. The first thing you should do after you buy a bike, is purchase motorcycle insurance, which will protect you in case you get involved in an accident. Insurance costs are different for different types of motorcycles. Before you decide what bike to buy, you have to take into account the insurance costs for the type of bike you are interested in, as they can amount to a couple hundred dollars a month.

Apart from engine size, there are several other factors that affect insurance premiums, including your motorcycle's age, your driving record, whether you install safety devices on your bike or not, and so on.

If you don't want to pay $2,000 - $3,000 a year for insurance, you shouldn't get a bike that has a 1,500 cc or a 2,000 cc engine. Most sport bikes have engines that are at least 1,000 cc, and they are very powerful and fast. That's why it costs much more to insure a sports bike, than a moped or a scooter. However, there are bikes with powerful engines that are not that expensive to insure. For example, you can get a cruiser that has a 1,500 cc engine, with 150 horsepower, but you will get lower insurance rates for it than you would for a sports bike. This is because cruisers are considered to be very safe bikes, due to the fact they are large and stable, and they are not used for racing, ant that's exactly what sports bikes are used for.

The age of your motorcycle is another factor that insurance companies take into consideration. The older your motorcycle is, the lower rates you get, because if it gets stolen or damaged, your insurance company would have to pay less money to replace or repair it.

Also, if you have a good driving record, without any serious traffic violations, it will be easy to find cheap motorcycle insurance. If you have a lot of demerit points, your insurance company will consider you to be a high-risk driver, and your premiums will be higher. Apart from the above-mentioned factors, your credit score and your marital status affect motorcycle insurance rates, as well.

Safety On The Road For The Woman Trucker

So you are female and you want to do what so many bold and beautiful women do and that is break into a male dominated world such as the world of the semi-truck driver. This is no easy task but it makes an ordinary life so exciting! So what can you expect out of this life and how have other women dealt with this career pathway? You will find out a little about that and the practicalities such as insurance for semi truck and more.

A little history

You may think that women in trucking is a new thing but it is actually been going on since not long into the turn of the century. In 1927 Elizabeth Drennen was the very first woman to obtain a CDL license and begin long-haul trucking. She began in a small Chevy truck and was equipped with a revolver she carried for protection on the road. Women account for around 5% of the trucking industry in the US, which comes to about 170,000 of them actively out there.

A lot of safety

It is commendable that women have taken on a greater role in the area of trucking. However there are considerations as far as safety is concerned that we have to take and below are listed some safety tips for women in trucking. Also remember this when you are taking out insurance for semi truck.

Never advertise the fact that you are alone: You may be tough and you may be well-trained but you are still vulnerable and lighter than a male. There are people out there that are just looking for a woman alone to do some harm so be cognoscente of that fact and arm yourself make sure you are either carrying something such as mace or a knife. You may have a gun license but if you are going across country and are stopped or involved in any altercation by which you have to expose or discharge your weapon, you may find yourself having an issue with the law.

Do not use rest areas at night: This advice comes from a myriad of seasoned female truckers because this is when you are most vulnerable. Unless it is a rest stop that is open all night with security, you have to remember you are in the middle of nowhere and you are not going to find help quickly enough.

Don't use back roads: If you break down get tired or something unforeseen happens steer clear of the back roads. They are badly lit if at all and you have no idea who and what is out there in the night, whose property you are touching and what kind of people are in some of these small towns in the US. This is asking for issues if you have to get out and seek help. Stay on major highways and state roads and make sure you know how to use your radio. And make sure you are covered by insurance for a semi truck.

Car Insurance Savings - 6 Expert Tips You Never Knew

Saving money on car insurance is a very good way of reducing your annual expenses. You'll be happy to know that there are quite a few things you could do to reduce your payments to your insurer without having to go without insurance. These expert tips include:

- Ask for the least amount of insurance cover that the government requires you to have. Alternatively, you could get enough insurance to cover what you think your expenses might be in the event of an accident. If you know that you are a good driver then you can easily manage with less cover.

- Opt for a package that consists of a fairly high deductible. If you don't expect to have an accident because of a good driving history or a safe vehicle then you should avoid paying a big premium just for having the insurer pay a large proportion of the expenses incurred in an accident. Agree to shell out a large part of the expenses in case of an accident and you'll get insurance at a good discount.

- Reduce the number of modifications in your vehicle, except for the ones that make it safer. Any modifications done for cosmetic reasons will increase your risk in case of an accident and your premium will increase accordingly.

- Pay for safety modifications instead because they will decrease your premium. A special anti-theft alarm system is a good buy because it keeps your car safe and entitles you to the right kind of monetary help in case you have an accident.

- Try to qualify for every possible discount offered by the insurer. Some discounts are given on the basis of educational qualifications or grades (for teenage drivers) or memberships of certain associations. Discounts are even offered to people who take lessons in defensive driving.

- Deal with a single insurance company for all of your policies. This will enable you to get the best possible discount in each instance. Since most insurance companies offer vehicle, life, health and property insurances, it should be easy for you to do this.

These expert tips are extremely easy to follow and you shouldn't have a problem doing any or all of the above. You will be able to get the cheap car insurance you need without having to pay a great deal of money to your insurance company. These tips will ensure that you stay on the right side of the law and also that you get adequate protection in the event of a collision.

Logbook Loans for Instant Cash Against Your Vehicle

Logbook Loans are loans given against a vehicle registration book. The lender retains the original logbook or vehicle registration book against which he gives the loan. The lender can seize the vehicle anytime if the person who has taken the loan does not repay the loan. High interest rates and unfair practices are the negative features of this type of lending though customers get money within 15-20 minutes. The process involved is very simple, just with the vehicle registration book and income statement anyone can get a logbook loan. For those in need of urgent money and those with bad credit history usually approach logbook lenders.

Many private lenders are giving logbook loans. Many of those in need of money without proper income rely on them. Though the process involved is simple it may become a trap in many cases. Since this kind of loan does not require a court order to seize your vehicle, in case you do not pay regularly your vehicle can be easily seized by the lender without any legalities involved.

Some logbook lenders are conducting business with reasonable interest rates and some ethics though most are notorious. There's high competition in some parts of the world in logbook lending business which results in competitive interest rates and terms. Some lenders allow early repayment without any charges. Some allow weekly or monthly repayments. Some attract customers with no processing fee. Some even offer a free home delivery of payment check.

Another option lenders give is that interest is applicable only on the amount due. If payment done is more than the periodic installment, the rates are re-calculated to make sure the customer pays only for the balance amount. Some on emergency situations and genuine parties go a step further making things simpler for the client and rework on the payment schedule to help them get over the crisis.

The documentation involved is very little. The lenders basically require your vehicle registration book or logbook as security. You can still use the vehicle. Your ID proof and address proof, income proof or income statement and insurance details will be all that is required. Vehicle should be mortgage or loan free.

People depend on logbook loans when they are in urgent need or money and cannot prove their credibility. Usual mortgage loans and other bank loans take a long processing time. They'll demand a lot of documentation from clients who apply for loans. It is very difficult for self-employed people and tenants to get a loan. Logbook loans provide these people with instant money without any hassles. They can get money on their own vehicle and still use it.

Due to the increased demand and business in logbook loans many agents are there who help ordinary people get a loan easily. They work on commission basis. Logbook loans are so popular in some places that they have shops in almost every busy joint in most cities and towns. Some also offer franchise opportunities.

If you are an adult (18+ years old) and own a vehicle without any finance on it, you are eligible for logbook loans without any credit checks. Logbook loans are a boon to people who are not eligible for other type of loans provided they deal with good parties and repay the amount on-time.

How To Find Cheap Auto Insurance Worth Having

For any driver, whether they have bought a new car or are dissatisfied with a current insurance provider, there is always a reason to look out for the next great cheap auto insurance deal. The problem is that what might look like a great deal sometimes is not when examined more closely.

How can these traps be identified and avoided? And more importantly, how should a driver go about securing low insurance premiums that keep their overall costs down without losing out on adequate auto coverage?

Well, there are several points that anyone seeking auto insurance should pay careful attention to, including the type of car involved, the range of discounts available from the insurance provider, and some tricks to cutting the premium that little bit more.

Consider The Car In Question

It might seem beside the point, but in fact the type of car that a person drives can have a very real impact on the chances of securing cheap auto insurance. Of course, this seems obvious when comparing a sports car with a station wagon, but the comparison runs more deeply than that.

There are a variety of aspects to the car itself that impact on the premium that is paid. For example, the age of the car reflects the potential for breakdown and accidents, so the older the car the higher the potential cost of coverage. But securing low insurance premiums can also depend on your zip code, and its reputation for safety.

Frequency of use is another element, with the more time spent on the road, the more likely an accident is to occur. So, a car for working purposes will have a larger auto insurance premium, while one for personal or family use is usually cheaper.

Finding The Discounts On Offer

Competition amongst insurance companies is so strong that the range of discounts available to customers is extensive. However, the companies themselves often do not promote them; they leave it up to the drivers to claim the discounts and get cheap auto insurance that way.

For this reason, it is important that drivers investigate the premiums in every insurance quote, and then look beyond those details to learn what benefits there may be in the future. For example, securing low insurance premiums from one company may seem great, but another company may charge a slightly larger premium now but offer more significant savings after 12 months.

The range of discounts on offer covers almost every situation. For example, students can get lower auto insurance by having high grades; installing an extra anti-theft device increases security; even taking regular driving refresher courses will lead to lower premiums.

What To Do To Lower Coverage

With the discounts mentioned above, it is clear that drivers can do a lot themselves to ensure cheap auto insurance is within their reach. So, invest in a better anti-theft device, take driver refresher courses and do your utmost to avoid getting speeding and parking tickets.

However, some other things to do include maintaining a strong credit status financially. This can be of benefit because most insurance providers seek payments through regular direct installments. Having a good credit history means there is less risk of default, so securing low insurance premiums is easier.

Another thing to do is to cut and choose the elements of your coverage. For example, auto insurance claims for vehicles written off in a collision only match the value of the car but Collision Coverage and even Comprehensive Coverage can turn out to be too expensive if your car is old. So, work out what coverage is feasible.

Hartford Auto Insurance

Seniors who are in the market for auto insurance will find that they have a lot of opportunities available to them. Insurance companies are tailoring options for people who are past a certain age in order to make the plans work for everyone. Whether it is The Hartford auto insurance plan or a senior friendly plan offered from Allstate, the choices have been created with the need of seniors in mind. If you are a senior citizen who is looking for a new auto insurance plan, learn how to find a plan that is right for you.

Prior to Starting the Search

Understanding the unique needs of auto insurance as a senior is important before beginning your quest for a new plan. As people get older, lifestyles changes. Older drivers rely on a fixed income, are on the road less, and fear not being able to get their insurance renewed as time goes on. It is important to note that denying a person auto insurance strictly based on age is illegal. However, at some point the state may require you to take an exam before you can renew your license.

Lowering Your Rate in Advance

There are a few actions you can take before you look into insurance that can help you lower your rates in advance. You may qualify for a rate discount if you take a driving class that is a focused on defensive driving techniques. At best it will get you a discount, and at worst you had a refresher that most people would benefit from. Consider the features of your car to see if you can make any additions that insurance companies would look kindly on. Alarms, air bags, and anti-lock brakes are all discount worthy in the eyes of insurance companies.

Compare Available Rates

After you have done all you can, go ahead and start performing price comparison tasks. Look at all the insurance plans that you qualify for, and keep in mind that there are some created specifically for seniors. Allstate, Farmers and Liberty Mutual will work with you to determine which program is the best fit for your unique needs. Search with companies that compare a number of plans against each other. Whether you go with Farmers, Geico, or Hartford auto insurance, as long as you do your research and understand what you need, you should be able to find an insurance plan that is a good match for your needs.

How to Save Money on Car Insurance

"When driving, take things easy. The lives you save could be yours and mine." - Anna Santos

Purchasing a car may seem to be uncomplicated for some, but the truth is, it's quite not the case for most. It takes a lot of research and surveys online and offline before the actual purchase takes place to be able to meet the perfect match. Several factors like the brand, the model (make), the price, features, etc., are a few to mention. Having said that, one must not forget the "must-have" before enjoying the ride - car insurance. It is very vital for the sole purpose of protecting the car itself and its passengers (may vary according to the extent of the coverage). It is the automatic add-on expense whereby the vehicle should not inhabit the road without it.

While car insurance would mean additional expense, there are some practical tips to save money in terms of premium payments, as follows:

1. Compare prices and deals from one insurance provider to another.
2. Strategize premium discounts by paying in advance and in increments like every three months, six months, or yearly.
3. Combine car insurance purchase with another non-life coverage such as house, real estate, or other valuable properties, etc.
4. It is worth enrolling in a certified driving school that can provide a driving lessons (in-class and road) certificate. Even if you've been driving for a long time, most insurance companies recognize that the certificate is a proof that proper training is done that will then result in huge discounts because they are certain that you know the do's and don'ts while on the road.

An additional practical tip that most people do not know is saving a lot of money from not paying the premiums when the car is not in use for whatever personal reason such as vacation, etc., from a minimum of 45 days up to an indefinite maximum length of time (may vary from one insurance provider to another). Be sure to suspend the coverage until the time you assume the car will be in use again. It is very easy to request reinstatement of the coverage by calling or sending a letter to the provider to inform about the resumption date. But remember that you'll only enjoy the benefit of this strategy if the money spared goes to your savings or investments instead of being spent.

It is true that knowledge is power. Your advantage over the rest lies in your knowledge about something; that's why researching and asking really pays.

File Your Car Insurance Claim On Time

Drivers getting involved in any kind of road accident are shocked initially and it takes a moment or two for them to realise that they have actually bumped their car into somebody else's vehicle. And, one should not expect that immediately after the accident they would go to the insurance office and raise the claim.

On the contrary, if somebody takes the prompt action of reporting the incident to the police and then to the insurance office, he deserves to be applauded because that is the right sequence of doing the things in such kind of situation. But before doing that if somebody is injured, the victim should be taken to the hospital or as suitable. Now comes the question, at what time should you file for the car insurance claim.

Time to file car insurance claim

There can be so many consequences when the person gets involved in an accident. Sometimes, the person himself gets injured and he is unable to take any action. Sometimes his car is damaged at such a level that it takes time to estimate the repair cost and at other times there are so many legal formalities that there is merely no time left to contact motor car policy office to raise the claim. Insurers understand this, so they do not have stringent rules regarding the time frame. Since, car insurance policy is a contract and therefore it does have certain rules and regulations which also describe a reasonable time limit under which one should be able to raise the claim.

Understand your policy's terms and conditions

The time frame to raise the car policy claim varies from insurer to insurer. While buying the car insurance policy, one must read the documents carefully and understand each and every clause described in it. Even if you have acquired online car insurance, do not forget to read the fine print mentioned in the soft copy of your policy that mostly explains the exclusions and other vital elements relating to the contract. If you do not read it at the time of acquiring the policy, do take time to read it when you are thinking to raise the claim.

For insured's benefit

If you regularly pay your car policy premium on time, you may assume that you are in good books of your insurer. Of course, you will earn good name if you genuinely fulfil your responsibilities but it does not allow you to take unreasonably more time to file your car insurance claim.

It is always in the best interest of the insured to raise the claim as soon as possible. Though it does not have any extra benefits but it will also not cost you anything. However, if you file your claim at earliest possible time, your car insurer would be able to take less time in availing you the claim amount. Requirement of various other proof documents may come up while raising the claim. And you will easily be able to obtain that because it has not been long since you met with the accident. Added to this, you will not have to give explanations on being late comer to file for the claim.

Stay Safe on the Road, San Antonio

San Antonio is a fantastic city. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, SanAn is the seventh most populous city in the United States. It was the fastest growing of the top 10 largest cities in the United States from 2000-2010, and the population keeps climbing--for good reason!

Home to such famous attractions as the Alamo, the River Walk and the Tower of the Americas and host to great parks like Sea World and Fiesta Texas, it's no wonder the city is visited by approximately 26 million tourists per year. The popularity of this tourist destination helps keep its economy in blossom, meaning the river city is a fantastic place for entrepreneurs and passionate professionals. San Antonio is also the site of several prestigious colleges like UTSA, Trinity, Incarnate Word and St. Mary's, which means the population is vibrant, young and exciting.

But most of these tourists, college students and businesspeople have one thing in common: they are drivers. An intricate web of roads interconnects the busy pockets of the city, sprawling from A to B. These are nearly always busy with people hurrying from here to there. Unfortunately, more drivers means more potential accidents. Whether a simple fender-bender or a full-on car-totaling collision, wrecks are a hassle busy San Antonio drivers don't need.

In the aftermath of a wreck, a million worries flood the mind. Am I hurt? Are they hurt? Is my car totaled? Who's at fault? Can I afford this? If you have insurance, the answer to the last question is, "Yes." Unfortunately, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles estimates that 15-20 percent of Texas drivers are uninsured. Don't be part of this statistic! Driving uninsured in Texas can cost you big time.

A first conviction for driving without Texas car insurance ends in a fine ranging from $175 and $350, plus court costs. If you're a college student, even this sum is daunting. Between tuition and books, who has a few hundred bucks to spare? Subsequent convictions of driving uninsured mean fines ranging from $350 to $1,000, court costs, suspension of driving privileges for up to two years and impoundment of the vehicle at the owner's expense. After being convicted, a motorist must pay a $250 annual surcharge to keep his driver's license. This surcharge stays in effect for three years!

When we stay insured, we essentially put away emergency savings into a self-care fund for the accidents we just can't predict. When those inevitable disasters strike, we have a safety net, a cushion for the blow. Do yourself (and the drivers around you) the great favor of driving insured. Please, stay safe, SanAn.

What Is the Best Type of Gap Insurance for Bob, Freddy and Jimmy?

GAP Insurance is an acronym for Guaranteed Asset Protection Insurance. Gap Insurance is designed to protect you against financial worries, if your vehicle joins the estimated 600,000 vehicles written off in the UK each year. It in theory acts as a supplementary form of insurance and sits alongside your comprehensive insurer.

The three most popula Gap Insurance policy types are: Return to Invoice, Vehicle Replacement and Contract Hire/Finance Gap.

Every driver has different individual needs and that is why there are three different policy types made available to cater for those needs. Below are three examples of Bob, Freddy and Jimmy, all who were protected by one form of Gap Insurance.

• Bob purchases a Volkswagen Beetle for £20,000
• Three years later, it is written off as a result of a motoring accident
• Bob receives £10,000 from his comprehensive insurer, given that this was the market value of his Volkswagen Beetle at the time it was written off
• Bob now has a Shortfall/Gap of £10,000

What policy is best for Bob?

• Freddy purchases a Ford Focus for £10,000
• Three years later, Freddy awakes to find that it has been stolen
• Freddy receives £5,000 from his comprehensive insurer, given that this was the market value of his Volkswagen Beetle at the time it was written off
• Freddy now has a Shortfall/Gap of £5,000
• Freddy is later informed by the Ford dealership that the cost of his Ford Focus has increased by £2,500
• This means that Freddy now has a total Shortfall//Gap of £7,500

What policy is best for Freddy?

• Jimmy takes out a four year finance agreement in order to purchase a Vauxhall Corsa
• It involves set monthly payments of £200
• Two years later, it is written off as a result of a motoring accident
• Jimmy has already paid two years of the agreement, which totals £4,800
• This means that Jimmy may still be liable for the remaining two years of payments, which again totals £4,800
• Jimmy now has a Shortfall/Gap of £4,800

What policy is best for Jimmy?

The majority of UK drivers assume that their comprehensive insurance fully protects their vehicles. This is simply not true. As previously explained, 600,000 vehicles are written off each year in the UK. If this happens to your vehicle, you will only be paid the market value of your vehicle at the time it was written off. The average vehicle depreciate by up to 50%in the first three years. Again another fact UK drivers are simply not aware of.

Bob was protected by Return to Invoice (RTI) Gap Insurance. This means that Bob will be paid the outstanding £10,000 Shortfall/Gap and be returned to the invoice price he originally paid.

Freddy was protected by Vehicle Replacement Gap Insurance. This means that Freddy will be paid the outstanding £7,500 Shortfall/Gap, placing him in the position where he can purchase another Ford Focus if he wishes. The invoice price of a car can increase for a range of reasons, most notably if the car manufacturer introduced an upgraded version of the model.

Jimmy was protected by Contract Hire/Finance Gap Insurance. This means that Jimmy will be paid the remaining £4,800 and be allowed to walk away from the finance agreement a free man, without any financial liabilities.

Securing Cheap Car Insurance: Key Factors That Affect Insurance Costs

Every motorist wants to secure the lowest possible insurance cover, but the problem is how to do so without compromising the quality of the insurance coverage. But there are ways to secure cheap car insurance without necessarily affecting the extent of the protection provided.

The importance of securing low insurance premiumsrests on the fact that an automobile is not just an expensive item to buy, but to maintain and keep on the road too. Paying less for insurance is one way to keep the cost of having a car down, and ease the financial burden that can exist in other quarters.

But how can a motorist secure car insurance that is lower in cost and still excellent in coverage? Well, there are several things that can be done, from choosing your insurance company carefully to identifying the best discounts out there.

Choose Your Insurance Company Carefully

As is often the case with loans, many people think that the best deals are to be found with the largest companies. But the Internet has helped people realize that cheap car insurance - like low-cost loans - is available from some of the smaller insurance companies.

This is usually because the overheads smaller companies have to deal with are less so they can afford to offer better terms. What is more, since they are competing with major corporations, they must offer something better to attract customers. This means securing low insurance premiums is more likely when dealing with online companies.

However, the true value of their offers is reflected in the discounts available. A smaller insurance company is likely to offer larger premiums initially, but look at how their discount system can be of benefit. The car insurance can prove lower over 3 or 4 years.

Consider Policy Restrictions

Sometimes what seems like an excellent deal, turns out not to be. When it comes to getting cheap car insurance, the premium does not necessarily mean that the cost of maintaining and protecting your vehicle is lower. This is because a lower price brings with it certain restrictions that insurance companies say do not entitle the insured to a payout.

It is essential that the details of any insurance policy are examined, and any restrictions are considered carefully before deciding on the best insurance quote. It also means that securing low insurance premiums requires more than just looking at the overall price.

Elements to watch out for include what incidents are not covered by the policy, and how likely these incidents are to occur. For example, is it worth excluding theft from the car insurance policy to save $50 when the car is left at home, unguarded 3 or 4 days per week?

The Finer Details

There are a host of other smaller factors that need to be considered too, and which can help to secure a cheap car insurance policy. Some of the most obvious are the size and age of the vehicles in question, with older cars considered more likely to break down and potentially cause a traffic accident.

Another is your established driving record. Having a clean record immediately means the premium will be smaller, but securing low insurance premiums can also be helped by taking regular driving refresher courses, and avoiding getting a speeding or parking ticket.

Also, discounts are available to students with high grades, if the principal driver is female, and when extra security items are purchases, like an immobilizer for the steering wheel. When these factors are added, the car insurance premium can be adjusted downwards.

What Factors Define Your Auto Insurance Premiums?

In the modern over-saturated auto insurance market choosing the right auto insurance package could be very challenging. Some insurance carriers proudly offer the cheapest insurance packages, others try to overwhelm you with impressive array of services and features they offer. But it's not always the cheapest price nor the richest set of services that you should be concerned of - it's the ever moving right combination of best price AND the best coverage which you have to try to achieve.

Below are the main factors that will define your individual auto insurance premiums.

• Driver's Age.
Insurance rates for too young and too senior drivers are usually noticeably higher than for the average-age drivers. These two categories of drivers are considered to incur a higher risk of traffic accidents and therefore are more expensive for insurance providers.
• Driver's Gender
This factor would make the feminist movement very happy - male drivers usually pay higher insurance premiums than females! The reason - statistics shows that men are more likely to drive aggressively than females and hence they are more risky for insurers.
• The Age and Condition of Your Vehicle.
Brand new cars are more expensive to repair; this can drive the insurance package price up. Also, speedy sport cars are more accident-prone and therefore have higher insurance rates.
• Do You Legally Own the Car You Drive
If you drive your car regularly but don't legally own it - for example, the car you drive is from lease or the car was purchased by you but is not paid off yet - you might be requested to buy more than just liability coverage insurance. The more expensive package of Collision Coverage plus Comprehensive Coverage is often required in these cases.
• Average Miles You Drive Daily.
Cars used sparingly, say - only 5-10 miles a day - understandably introduce a lesser risk of traffic accidents and therefore are cheaper than the cars which make 150 miles every day.
• Deductible You are Willing to Pay.
A deductible is your co-pay in the case of an auto accident. The higher your deductible is - the more losses you are willing to share with the insurance company and the lower your insurance package price will be.
• Your Driving Record.
Drivers with no tickets or accidents always pay less.
• Years of Your Driving Experience.
The more driving experience you have - the better your chances are to get a low rate. But this is just a general rule. Many auto insurance carriers would ask a driver about the age when his first driver license was issued in the USA or Canada. For those auto insurance carriers only North American driving experience is counted. Note also, that if you moved to the USA from Great Britain, Japan or any other country with left-hand traffic (total of 76 countries, territories and dependencies) you will likely to pay a much higher premiums in USA.
• State of Your Residence.
You might be surprised but insurance rates for the same person and the same vehicle vary significantly from state to state. These differences reflect the increased risk and hence the increased operating cost for insurance companies. For example, insurance rates in hurricane- and tornado-prone areas are usually much higher than in regular places.
• Vehicle Safety Features.
Anti-theft protected vehicles decrease the risk of a loss. Also, cars with ABS, air bags, rear-view cameras and other safety gadgets are considered to be safer and therefore are cheaper for auto insurance carriers. That is the main factors which would affect ones auto insurance premiums in general.

Conclusion

Buying insurance policy for your vehicle could be a costly and challenging exercise. Age, gender, vehicle condition, average daily miles you drive, State where you live are the few factors that will define your monthly insurance premiums. Knowing that factors will help you to better understand insurance quotes coming from competing insurance carriers and will make you better prepared for making your purchase decision. Shop around and choose the best auto insurance package for you.

What Are the Main Reasons That I Need Car Insurance?

Why do you need car insurance?

Whether it is a bachelor's expensive car, the family automobile or an adolescent's hatchback people need insurance coverage. It actually is vitally important that we're protected in the instance of collision. When you are getting automobile insurance you aren't solely protecting yourself you're also safe guarding other people that could be inside your car. With the right insurance cover cost you will get every little thing covered and chill out, that's the reason a lot of people are checking out the internet to get a car insurance quote online.

If a car crash comes about, the most beneficial insurance policies include harm to you, your car, as well as any individuals which can happen to be a member of the incident Once you get a car insurance quote online you'll come to recognise that there are many varieties of policies that you could pick from. As an example, you could be shielded from accidental injury, fire and burglary. When you're getting your internet quote you'll be able to stipulate search phrases so you obtain a plan that fits your preferences whilst staying within your means.

When you finally get a car insurance quote online you'll certainly be met with a payment per month cost, best known as a premium. The monthly bills can be determined by various variables such as the kind of vehicle you wish to insure, how old you are, your gender plus your driving heritage (any criminal offenses etc.). An example of a large regular monthly insurance payment would be that of a 18 year old man getting insured on a Sports car.

The best way to obtain a quotation right now is just to go forward and find one online. It's rapid, it's easy and you'll find out right away the best prices for you personally.

This advisory report has to end by restating the importance of car insurance and just how important it is that you and your household are safe.

Mental comfort is often the key to a balanced lifestyle. That's what I believe. At the end of the day absolutely nothing is comparable to developing a suitable standard of certainty when talking about every one of the bigger issues in your lifestyle. Certainty in many aspects of our lives is necessary to have a well-balanced psychological perspective and first-rate auto insurance can definitely make a difference. Go ahead and get a car insurance quote online today and you will definitely not regret it. Best of luck and drive safely!

Auto Insurance - A Must Have During Wet Weather Season

With winter now behind us, as the weather begins to finally get warmer, more drivers may be encouraged to hit the road. With the likely threat of wet weather in the months ahead, the condition of the roads in the early spring may begin to affect driving. There are many aspects to improving safe driving that go beyond just having the right auto insurance plan. By paying attention to the road, and being aware of difficult driving conditions, motorists can keep themselves and their families safe when driving during the wet season.

1. Navigating wet roadways can be tricky

This is true, especially as the weather begins to warm up. If it has not rained in a while, use caution when driving. This is because the roads will almost certainly become more slippery. Difficult driving conditions don't necessarily require significant rain, as a light sprinkle after a dry spell can make the road difficult to navigate because oils and other residue will begin to reach the surface, reducing a car's ability to grip the road.

2. Always drive cautiously, keeping an eye out for hazards

Driving slow will prevent slipping and sliding because of the wet surface, and a driver may not be able to stop if they are going too fast, or traveling too close to the car in front of them. Paying attention, and knowing what the road offers will help a driver get to and from their destination safely, especially when driving on slick roads when it is extremely important to make good decisions.

3. Traffic poses many dangers

In difficult conditions, keeping an eye on the flow of traffic is very important. While drivers are taught to keep a safe distance from other cars at all times, it is important to follow this rule even more closely on wet roads. Not allowing enough space can greatly increase the chances of a crash.

4. Concerns about other drivers

While one driver may be paying attention to the conditions, as well as the traffic, not everyone does this at all times. It is important for those behind the wheel to ensure they are aware of what is going on around them. Doing this can prevent accidents. Make sure to be aware that other cars can hydroplane or lose control at any time.

5. Puddles can cause accidents as well

Water that collects on the roadway can make a car hydroplane and force the driver to lose control. If driving around the puddle is not possible, reduce speed in order to better maintain vehicle control.

One more way to improve the feeling of being safe on the road is getting the proper auto insurance coverage. This will certainly help when an accident does occur.