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All Auto Insurance is not created equal!
Contrary to what you may have heard all auto insurance is not created equal. A quick search on the net will quickly reveal different rates, different policies, and different terms, so how is one to sort through all the clutter.
Well the first thing you may want to do is visit the all auto insurance center which is a resource center that explains auto insurance in detail. You can also search the net and visit plenty of other good sites to better understand your coverage.
There are many things that affect your insurance rates. Your driving record, how many tickets you’ve had in the past, where you live, how much you drive, what type of car you have, what type of coverage you buy, and where you buy your insurance company.
Many people have reported saving up to 40% by purchasing auto insurance online. The most important thing to remember when shopping online is to purchase your insurance from a reputable insurance company. You can always check the rating of the insurance company you are planning to deal with.
You should always get at least 5 or 6 quotes so you can compare thoroughly. When comparing make sure you are comparing same policies. If not it would rather be like comparing Victoria Secrets lingerie to Walmart lingerie. Not a fair comparison!
You will need to be able to provide the company you are asking for a quote from with information relating to your driving record. There is no point in fibbing. Because the auto insurance company will validate all information you provide. If you lie your rates will go up or the insurance company may cancel your policy.
All auto insurance is not created equal for many reasons.
Companies use a formula to determine rates. We won’t get into the details of the formula but basically they calculate out the number of drivers they cover, the costs for the previous year including operating, accident, and liability claims, then they do some math and come out with their rates. Much is determined by the amount of payouts they’ve had.
We mentioned earlier about purchasing from an insurance company that is rated well. If you save a bundle of money but the insurance company you purchased your policy from has a tendency not to honor and pay out on claims but rather weasels their way out. Then the savings aren’t worth anything. Or if the insurance company is a fly by night operation here today and gone tomorrow, they’ll be gone with your money and you won’t have insurance. No savings in that scenario! So make sure to check!
Unless of course you recognize the insurance company.
Companies like Geico, Allstate, Hartford, State Farm, Progressive, and of course several other big companies can be found online.
Most companies offer online quotes which is very handy. No more sitting on the telephone waiting to speak to an agent. No more driving half way across the city to get rates then driving half way around the city to get another rate then…. Okay I’m sure you get the picture! It’s tiring just thinking about it. It’s so much easier just to pull up a chair and put your mouse to work.
Hopefully we’ve brought to your attention that all auto insurance is not created equal. We thought we’d mention it again just incase So shop around and save money!
Car Insurance Online Quotes - No Fuss
There are many ways to shop for car insurance but getting car insurance online quotes has got to be one of the easiest ways to shop for it. A car insurance online quote has many advantages such as you have access to multiple companies and you have the final say in how many car insurance quotes you get. This is a terrific way to really see what your options are and the money you can save with the best prices.
For example you can find deductibles ranging from $100.00 to $1000.00 or more so an online quote will give you an idea of car insurance prices and how they suit you, and all this with the click of your mouse. Getting a car insurance online quote is a fantastic way to check out car insurance prices. Just keep in mind that if you save on the prices of the premiums, you will be paying more out of your pocket if the need arises if you have saved on the quote by taking a higher deductible.
Car insurance online quotes are broken down according to your needs. These are still generally combined into one policy and finding a company that will do this shouldn’t be a problem when looking for car insurance policies online. You can cut down on the time you will be searching by knowing where to look and what to look for. A good company will get you out of jams and be there when you need them. They will give you car insurance prices without making you feel like your bothering them by asking.
There are a few things to watch out for when shopping for online quotes. The company websites that you visit should have no trouble in quoting a price, but they vary greatly. The best advice is to get quotes from at least three online car insurance companies. You have to make sure that the company that gives you a car insurance online quote is financially stable so you know they will be around when you need them. Be careful when you’re shopping for car insurance.
Become informed about the insurance industry before you get into buying insurance. If you’re well informed you will know what you need in insurance and it is less likely that you will be taken advantage of.
Car insurance online quotes are a good way of comparing prices, but you need to know a little more about insurance other than just the price.
Save Money On Auto Insurance For Your Teen Son
Your son has just obtained his license and with that a new found sense of freedom. Now you ask how to get cheap auto insurance for my son ? Car insurances can vary dramatically in price so read on to learn how to buy car insurance that is affordable for your teen drivers.
Because teens lack driving experience insurers consider them a high risk to insure and thus the premiums assigned are much higher than an adults insurance rates would be. There are a few things you can do to help reduce the rates you pay for your teen drivers.
First you need to stress to them how important it is for them to keep a clean driving record. That means driving safely - no speeding tickets, no traffic violations, and no accidents. Over a period of time there safe driving will be rewarded with lower premiums.
You can also reduce their rates by purchasing insurance with a higher deductible. The higher the deductible is the lower the premium is.
If you are going to be purchasing a vehicle for your teen choose a vehicle that is built well with extra safety features, and do not choose a vehicle that falls into a sports class or higher risk rating class. Be sure to check the class the vehicle falls into.
The graduated licensing laws have come into effect in most states in the USA and some provinces in Canada. The rules will vary from one location to another but the basic underlying philosophy is to restrict new drivers by limiting what their license will allow them to do.
They may be issued a full auto license such as a class 5 but there is usually a letter designation behind it to indicate they are a new driver. These new drivers have nighttime driving restrictions, vehicle occupant restrictions, and a 0 alcohol tolerance restriction to name just a few. They will also be required to take an additional test after a specific period of time to remove them from the new driver programmer.
But you're still wondering where to get cheap auto insurance for my son? Teenage drivers can dramatically reduce the cost of insurance by purchasing a stand alone policy from an agency that specializes in providing teen insurance. A stand alone policy means they are not added as an additional driver on your insurance but rather carry their own insurance.
These insurance companies reduce their risk for insuring teens by placing certain concessions on the driving habits of them.
They may require driving school, no driving after dark, or various other restrictions which allow them to keep the premiums lower for teen drivers.
The statistics for teen drivers aren't good. A 16 year old driver is 10 times more likely to get into an accident than an adult between the ages of 30 and 59, so you can see why insurance companies are hesitant to provide good rates.
The best thing you can do for your teenager and his or her insurance rates is to teach responsibility and make them accountable. Make them earn your trust for the use of the car, and make them accountable to pay at least a portion of their insurance premiums. They can do this by working a part time job which also breeds maturity, so it's a win-win all the way.
You and your teenager are thrilled with the new found freedom for both of you. So now you need to do your homework and research teen insurance rates so you can get them on the road.
What are you waiting for?
Auto Insurance Fraud - how to know if you are a victim
Auto insurance fraud is dramatically on the increase. Non-profit sites like the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud report that auto insurance fraud costs in the region of $12.3 billion or more each year. What's more it is a very lucrative business for the criminals.
But how is this type of fraud generally perpetrated and how can you tell if it has happened to you?
Auto insurance fraud often comes in several guises the more common ones being these:
STAGED ACCIDENTS
An accident is staged in which the drivers of two or more vehicles intentionally collide with you. Normally a driver will pull up in front of you by temporarily slamming on their brakes and their accomplice will run into the back of you.
They then make it look like it was your fault.
FAKE HELPERS
Scam Helpers will wave an innocent driver into traffic, but then an accomplice will deliberately crash into the driver. Again the innocent driver appears to be at fault.
AUTO REPAIR SHOPS
Auto insurance fraud is increasingly being committed by auto repair shops. They scam insurance companies in several ways.
They may bill for work not actually performed on the car, they may over quote on the work, charging more for it than they should, claim for property stolen from your vehicle that actually did not exist in the first place or deliberately cause further damage to your car for which they bill the insurance company.
OTHER SCAMS
Several other auto insurance scams have recently been reported
including:
* Falsely reporting a car as stolen * Fake hit-and-run claims * Destroying a vehicle by setting it on fire
Being aware of these scams and frauds can help you to avoid them and ensure you are not considered to be part of the fraud by the insurance company if they suspect a fraud has taken place.
Trying to prove your innocence in some cases may be hard to do.
Now you are aware of some of the more common auto insurance frauds you know what to look out for and can potentially avoid them.
How To Save On Your Auto Insurance
Let your fingers do the walking... Remember that Yellow Pages Ad Campaign? Excellent advice if you're shopping for auto insurance. Shop around and do it yearly. Don't just keep paying the invoice over and over without comparison shopping. Below are a few suggestions to help you get the best deal available on your automobile insurance policy.
Insurance agents really have a lot of leeway. They can price match and they can offer many discounts. There are also many decisions you can make about your policy that will save you a bundle. For example, if you change your deductible on your collision from a $50 deductible to a $1000 deductible, you're inline for a huge premium savings. If you don't think you could come up with $1000 out of pocket, then change it to a $500 deductible; you'll still save a sizable amount on your annual premium payment.
You can also get more of a savings if you change your comprehensive deductible. Many people needlessly carry full coverage on their older vehicle. They originally purchased the vehicle new, paid for full coverage and to this day, continue to pay the same high rate. Their ten year old vehicle may be worth $1000 or less, yet they continue to pay $250-$450 every six months (total $500 to $900 dollars a year) to keep full coverage on their old vehicle.
However, if they have an accident and totaled their vehicle, the insurance company will only pay them the wholesale value of the vehicle. The amount they would receive could be $1000 or less. A vehicle that old just needs the insurance that protects the other person in case of an accident.
Another method to save more on your insurance is by combining your vehicles and other insurance together to get you additional savings. All insurance companies offer a multi-car discount (if yours doesn't, it's time to switch companies). Further, many will discount more if you have your homeowners or renters policy with them.
There are a few other discounts that you may not be taking advantage of. It seems obvious, but make sure you are getting the correct rate for your age. There are discounts for various ages than can save you lots of money. Check with your agent on this one. Also alarm systems on your vehicle are usually good for a discount. Additionally, anti-lock brakes and air bags can also help lower your premiums.
Don't just keep paying the invoice when it comes in. Your insurance bill should be an automatic trigger for you to make a few phone calls to see if you can save even more money on your auto insurance premiums.
New Jersey Car Insurance - What Do You Need To Know About It?
When purchasing New Jersey car insurance there are many decisions you will have to make. You need to understand what kind of car insurance coverage you need and how much you can afford to pay. New Jersey car insurance will have no trouble meeting your needs but you, yourself, must know what you need in insurance for New Jersey driving before you purchase. Just keep in mind that there are many options for Nj insurance available with all the different companies selling insurance.
When purchasing NJ car insurance, there are some things the agent is bound by law to inform you. For New Jersey car insurance you have three coverage choices called “Insurance Scenarios”. The car insurance agent this will let you know how each choice may affect your policy and what you pay for benefits if you happen to have an accident. He/She should tell you that you can cancel your car insurance anytime you want, for example, if you find better car insurance with another car insurance company.
You can also change the insurance coverage and policy limits for your car at any time, even if you are not close to your car insurance renewal. If you select options when you purchase New Jersey car insurance then it may pay off when you’re ready to cancel there may be a refund if you cancel early. All New Jersey car insurance companies must give you back the refund within thirty days from the day you cancel your Nj car insurance.
New Jersey car insurance is divided into different coverages, but this is based on the type of claim that will be paid out to you or others. One is personal injury protection - this protects you or others depending on who is in the car at the time of an accident, and will pay the medical coverage regardless of which driver is at fault. Then there is liability car insurance that pays for damages incurred when you are at fault in an accident.
This also covers any legal help that you will need if you are being sued. Within liability car insurance, there are also two types of coverage - bodily injury and property damage. Most New Jersey car insurance companies carry the same policies. These insurance policies pay for anyone that is hurt or die as the result of the accident you caused. You may think the cost of car insurance is high when you take out a policy in New Jersey, but it’s nothing compared to what an accident would cost you if you didn’t have any NJ insurance on your car.
Here are a few things for you to think about when buying car insurance in New Jersey.
Safest vehicles to insure - Small car category
Allow me a short analogy here to start...
Solenopsis, a member of the ants family, build piles of sand or soil that can be more than a couple of feet on top of the soil and can create a deep burrow way underneath, and they are known for their dogged determination and hot temper. Their enemies know at once that these small creatures are, in reality, dangerous and can be difficult to defeat.
When the makers of small cars finished building their latest models, they may have the little but deadly creatures on their mind because their products were designed in congruence to the little insect's capability to be powerful and ferocious in spite of its size. In today's contemporary society, the makers of small cars have overdone it by enabling it to be included in the list of safest cars on the road. Notwithstanding its size, these small cars are capable of getting through the traffic with swift motion, dependable driving management, and safe travel.
Basically, most small cars have front-wheel drive. This, in turn, provide better grip than rear-wheel drive especially when the road is too slippery to handle.
On Consumer Report's 25 safest cars on the road, the Volkswagen series tops the list in the small cars category. The VW Golf TDI was ranked #1 with the Volkswagen Jetta next in line.
These safe small cars can be dubbed as small but despite their size, they offer optimum car performance.
In general, these small cars are built with security tools that are aimed to give you a flexible drive and allow you to respond quickly to anything you may encounter on the road. They are also equipped with safety features like dual airbags, seatbelts, ABS, and side-door impact beams. Newer features you'll see on the latest Volkswagens are side-impact air bags. These are built for front-seat passengers. These side-impact air bags support the torso.
Then, they also have the safety belts. The belts found on these small cars have regulating upper anchor designed for the shoulder belts. This design is intended to make the protect you whenever a car crash happens.
These safety belts in Volkswagens have seatbelt pretensioners.
These are the ones that are responsible to pull back the belt to absorb a flop in the course of a frontal impact.
Plus, it has the LATCH system or the Lower Anchors and Tethers for children system. This facilitates the child-seat installation because the inaptness of the safety belt with the child seat is reduced. They also have additional safety features like ESC or the electronic stability control, tire pressure monitors, daytime running lights, occupant-sensing air bag systems, and tire pressure monitors.
The drawback is that small cars are not physically applicable to any towing services. Plus, they are not meant to carry a lot of cargo because it lacks space. Though, there are small cars that are equipped with lockable fold-down rear seatback that offers additional space for more loads.
On the other hand, small cars like these remarkable Volkswagens are not only recognized as safe cars but also cost-effective in terms of gasoline consumption. This is because they have small, yet powerful, four-cylinder engines. Because of these and other safety features present, any owner will be proud to own a small car, whether it is a hatchback, sporty car, or a sedan.
Additionally, small car owners will also be very satisfied with their auto insurance policies. This is because most auto insurance companies consider the type of the car being used when calculating premium rates.
And because these Volkswagen are included in the list of safest cars, they will most likely reap lower auto insurance rates.
Though, these premium rates may change if the your insurance company finds out that your driving history is less than perfect, in that case any vehicle is going to be expensive to insure with a few tickets and accidents.
So, if you are thinking to get your child, who is in college, a car this year, then these small but safe cars may be the right fit. Not only are they safe and dependable, but they are also built for the younger drivers and those who drives and travels often like students.
Copyright 2005 by RSN
Insurance and Brad Intlehouse.
This article may be used freely in ezines, newsletters, websites, to offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long as no changes are made and the byline, copyright, active links and this resource box is included.
Tips To Avoid Car Insurance Premium Increases & Becoming Assigned Risk
Below are some tips to reduce your auto insurance bill, prevent substantial premium increases and avoid becoming assigned risk.
Claim Reports: You know about credit reports, you should also know about claim reports. C.L.U.E.® (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange), is a claim report service provided by ChoicePoint, Inc. ChoicePoint, Inc. states on their web site "C.L.U.E. is a claim history information exchange that enables insurance companies to access prior claim information in the underwriting and rating process. C.L.U.E. Personal Property reports contain up to five years of personal property claims matching the search criteria submitted by the inquiring insurance company. Data provided in C.L.U.E. reports includes policy information such as name, date of birth and policy number, and claim information such as date of loss, type of loss and amounts paid."
Tip: C.L.U.E. reports contain information on claims history by a residence address. Just like credit reports, a C.L.U.E. report may have errors. It is advisable to obtain a copy of your C.L.U.E. report at ChoiceTrust.com to check your report for errors.
Credit reports: Insurance companies are now looking at credit reports to determine future premiums. They have determined that people with better credit scores have fewer claims.
Consequently, if you have a poor credit report you may find yourself paying more for car insurance.
Tip: Always make at least the minimum payment for your bills on time, particularly your insurance bill.
Glass Coverage: Most auto insurance salespeople recommend "full"
glass coverage for an additional premium, when you purchase collision coverage for your car. They remind you how much it costs to replace all your windows if broken by a vandal. What they do not tell you, and it is unlikely that they would even know (I would only trust the answer from an underwriter, not a sales representative), is whether your insurance company will use a previous glass claim to increase your future premium and whether they will report your glass claims to C.L.U.E.
Some insurance companies will report glass claims to C.L.U.E.
and then use these claims to raise your premium or even worse, cancel your car insurance policy making you assigned risk with a substantial premium increase. Allstate notified me that after four claims in less than five years, they terminated my auto insurance policy and then offered to sell me coverage in their Indemnity Company with a shocking premium increase. These claims consisted of two claims for a broken windshield, one for a stolen and recovered car and one accident.
I had a sports car and had to endure a total premium increase over a period of four years of approximately $12,000 and remain claim free before I became eligible for coverage outside of the assigned risk pool. I wrote a letter to the president of Allstate complaining that they should not have considered my glass claims when canceling my car insurance because the glass claims were made under a separate part of the policy for which I paid a separate and additional premium. Allstate responded in a letter stating "Although this claim activity does not indicate that you were directly at fault in each loss, the frequency and severity of the above losses was not within our range of acceptability. After careful review, I regret to inform you that we cannot reverse our original decision regarding the above policy. We have however continued to offer coverage in our Indemnity Company."
Tip: Check with the underwriting department of your insurance company to see if they will consider glass claims when assessing premiums or if they report glass claims to C.L.U.E. If yes, do not make a glass claim. The two windshields which Allstate provided me with were aftermarket windshields which would have cost me less than $300 each. During the last 30 years of my driving history, I have experienced two broken front windshields, one broken rear windshield and two broken side windows. While the financial risk of totaling a car can be substantial, the financial risk of replacing a windshield is comparatively insignificant. It does not make sense to file a glass claim if it will increase your premium. You may even want to decline this coverage altogether and save the premium.
Tip for leased vehicles: Some lease agreements require that the car be returned with an OEM windshield. If you lease a car and replace a front windshield using your "full" glass coverage, insist that the insurance company provide you with an OEM windshield from the manufacturer. If you pay for the windshield yourself, check your lease agreement carefully to see if you must use an OEM windshield from the manufacturer or if you can use an aftermarket windshield. Some people with leased cars who have replaced a windshield with an aftermarket windshield are shocked, when they return their car, to find that the leasing company is charging them $800 for a new OEM windshield, even though the aftermarket windshield is in perfect condition.
Car Rental & Towing Coverage: While it may be a good idea to have this coverage, it is not always a good idea to use it. Some people have realized that this coverage is not just available when an accident has occurred. For instance, some people have used the car rental coverage when their car was in a repair shop or the towing coverage when their car broke down on the road. As with glass coverage, using this coverage may be the same as filing a claim.
Tip: Check with the underwriting department of your insurance company to see if they will consider rental or towing claims when assessing premiums or if they report these claims to C.L.U.E. If yes, do not use car rental or towing coverage unless you have had an accident, in which case it will be part of the accident claim. If you are concerned about towing costs when your car breaks down, you can buy one of the roadside assistance memberships such as the one available from AAA which provides additional benefits not provided by your automobile insurance policy.
Having the Right Amount of Auto Insurance Coverage
Maybe you have auto insurance coverage now but do you ever wonder if it's enough if you are unfortunate enough to get into a car accident? Some people carry a combination of auto insurance coverages because carrying too little coverage can cause you to be paying for the rest of your life under certain circumstances. Of course everyone has to have basic liability coverage, which is usually worth up to $50,000.00 for any single personal injury.
This goes as high as $100,000.00 for everyone involved and even though it might seem like a lot, this is not a lot of money given a nasty accident where medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering is involved.
With auto insurance the more coverage you purchase the cheaper it gets. This means that your cost goes up a little on your auto insurance coverage while your protection goes up proportionately more. This will pay off big time in the case of an auto accident and insurance settlement. It is the safety umbrella that you will need to avoid worry and stress from a stressful situation to begin with.
There are accidents that are serious enough to cost as high as a million dollars or more in a settlement, depending on the circumstances. Depending on your auto accident and insurance settlement, without the proper auto insurance coverage you could end up in a situation where you will be paying out money for the rest of your life.
If you can't afford to get the full package on auto insurance coverage, it is better to take out $300,00.00 to $500,000.00 in personal injury liability and go a little less on property damage. Insurance coverage for property damage from an accident won't be as expensive as personal injury can be. So when you're purchasing coverage for your auto, keep in mind the extra money you pay now could pay off big time in the future.
Another auto insurance coverage that you will find extremely important is uninsured and under insured policies. This type of coverage will protect you from those that are driving illegally without auto accident and insurance settlement insurance. This is extremely important if an insurance settlement is paid out.
It is like buying more protection for yourself, as the other driver that hits you without coverage will have nothing to help you over your accident. Even though it may seem as if you are paying for the mistakes of another, it is worth it in the end.
Make sure you get enough auto insurance coverage, don't skimp.
There's No Problem Getting Texas Auto Insurance in Texas
Everything is big in Texas and so it is with Texas auto insurance. You will have a tough time driving in Texas if your car is uninsured. You’ll have to have Texas auto insurance to be able to obtain or renew a licence or licence plates for your vehicle and your vehicle must be inspected. Always have proof of insurance and your driver’s licence with you at all times.
This is the first thing you will be asked for if you’re stopped for any reason.
If you are just moving to Texas from out of the state you have to obtain a vehicle identification certificate from the inspection station. Then you need to get your vehicle inspected and have the technician fill out the forms. If you’re already a resident of Texas you have to have an inspection done on your car at least once every year. This also verifies that you have the required Texas auto insurance in place because you must have proof of auto insurance to get these things done, such as inspection of your horn, wipers, mirrors, seatbelts, brakes, lights and window tinting.
Texas auto insurance mid cities is no different than the rest of the state. You have to obtain the same things that are required elsewhere. You have to register your vehicle in the county you’re living in. You can transfer your title from the previous state you lived in and then get it registered in Texas. There is an application that must be filled out and submitted along with vehicle identification and to do this you must have Texas auto insurance. Fees for this are based on the year and model of your car.
After paying the title and registration fee you’ll be issued two licence plates for the front and back of your vehicle. They will also include a validation sticker to be placed on your windshield. Now you have your Texas auto insurance along with your plates and registration and you are all set to head down the road without worry. Of course the main thing is you do have automobile insurance in Texas just in case you meet that unexpected accident that we all dread. It is good to know you have enough Texas auto insurance to cover it.
Texas auto insurance, make sure you have it.
Discount Auto Insurance
Whether you are looking for car insurance in Canada, the USA, or somewhere else, finding discount auto insurance can save you plenty of money. The first thing you need to do is get auto insurance online quotes.
Finding discount auto insurance is actually quite simple if you use the online tools that are available to you. There are many insurance companies that will offer you online insurance quotes and then allow you to purchase your insurance right from your computer chair.
What you want to be sure to do is get plenty of quotes. You also need to makes sure you are comparing like coverage. Read all the hidden clauses and get all the details to make sure you are comparing the same coverage. We recommend getting at least 10 quotes.
Buying online insurance can save you both time and money. No more wasted time sitting on hold on the telephone, or driving around town from one insurance company to another, then waiting to see an agent. Now you can accomplish all of this with a few clicks of the mouse.
You can also save up to 40% by shopping online. The insurance industry is very competitive and with the advent of online insurance purchasing it has become even more competitive.
On sites you may still have to wait up to 24 hours to get the quote back but that’s not too bad at all. Remember to be truthful on the quote applications.
Insurance companies will validate the information you supply so if you tell little white lies and get a better rate, they’ll take it away from your later or worse yet cancel your insurance.
There are many different ways to get a discount. A clean driving record, no tickets, no accident, your age, drivers over 50 often get an extra discount.
The type of coverage you choose can also earn you a bigger discount. For example the higher your deductible the bigger the discount. Different types of vehicles will also earn bigger discounts. The more safety features your vehicle has the more of a discount it will earn. Also the less driving you do the more discount you will earn.
There are many things to consider when buying insurance, all affect your rates. You should decide what coverage you need and how much of it you require before requesting quotes. That way you’ll be asking each insurance company for the same coverage.
Some states and provinces require minimum coverages, such as with liability insurance. Be sure you know and understand what coverage is required by law and make sure you include these coverages in your request for quotes.
You should also make sure you choose reputable insurance companies to deal with. Great savings are only a good deal if in the event of an accident your insurance company very quickly handles the claim. Companies that drag claims out and prolong paying are no deal!
So whether your insurance is due or coming due shortly, now is a good time to start checking rates and seeing what type of discounts you can get. So the question is are you ready to save some money?
No-Fault Insurance Explained
If you're fortunate, or depending on how you look at it, unfortunate to live in one of the twelve states that are under a non-fault auto insurance system, you can cause an accident, yet your insurance company won't pay for the other parties' damages.
If you live in a No-fault state (DC, FL, HI, KS, KY, MA, MI, MN, NJ, NY, ND, PA, UT) that means you live in a state that both requires drivers to carry insurance for their own protection and places limitations on their ability to sue other drivers for damages. Your auto insurance company will pay for your damages (up to your policy limits), regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Any other drivers involved will be covered by their auto insurance policies. Since all are required to carry insurance, in theory, there should be no uninsured motorists in those states. Stop laughing; the term "in theory" was used!
These states opted for the no fault insurance system because it guarantees every driver immediate medical treatment in the event of an accident. Further, it's intended to reduce the legal and administrative fees associated with insurance claims. Again, in theory, this should equate to lower premiums. Unfortunately, often times the liability issues that still remain will actually drive premium costs up.
However, because no state is pure no fault, drivers can always be held financially responsible for the cost of injuries they cause in certain circumstances - that's the loop hole. Some states allow injured parties to sue if their injuries meet certain standard for severity, while others allow it when total costs reach a certain dollar level.
Below is a classic case of a no-fault situation. Neighbor lived in a four-plex apartment building. It had a 4-stall garage along with a 4-stall wide driveway. Because the driveway was so wide it was second nature for the tenants to pull out of their parking spots and turn around in the driveway instead of backing into the street.
One Sunday afternoon, one of the tenants decided to go visit a friend. She got into her car and began backing out of the driveway in her normal manner. When all of a sudden she felt a bump and heard a scream. At first she thought she ran over her cat who would occasionally escape. She opened her car door and found half of a body. Scared half out of her mind, she shut the car off and ran into the house and immediately called 911.
The driver was too scared to go outside at that point. As far as she knew, the half body, belonging to one of her neighbors, was still under the car and the driver was certain the injuries were serious. Her left rear wheel had crossed her body from her thigh on one side on the diagonal to above her pelvic region. The driver later learned that some strong man from across the street came over and picked up the car so she could get out from underneath.
The neighbor announced that she was feeling fine and didn't want to go to the hospital. But the police and ambulance didn't feel the same way so they took her the four blocks to the hospital.
Turns out the neighbor was sunbathing behind her car and somehow the driver didn't see her when she walked to her car. She ended up with no broken bones, no internal injuries; just a tire track from her right thigh across to her left stomach.
The driver felt absolutely terrible, accepted full responsibility, wanted to do everything and more to make it up to her. The next day, the driver phoned the insurance company to explain to them what had happened. They asked her two questions.
#1 Does she drive? (yes) and #2 Does she own a car? (yes). The insurance company informed the driver that due to No Fault insurance the neighbor's own car insurance would have to cover the medical costs. The driver was clearly at fault, yet the driver's insurance wouldn't cover the damages even though it was her fault.
The driver went as far as to tell the neighbor to sue her since it was her fault and she felt totally responsible. The neighbor merely responded, "It was just an accident." The lesson here - next time lay on the grass, instead of the drive way to sunbathe and risk the doggy doo.
Interesting No-Fault system, wouldn't you say?
An Introduction to RV Insurance
Insurance coverage for recreational vehicles (RVs) can be a complicated issue. RVs combine many aspects of regular traveling vehicles with aspects of a home. There are several issues that need to be considered when purchasing RV insurance. First, all conventional car insurance issues must be covered. Second, it is a good idea to insure items inside the RV as well. Other issues arise for people who live predominantly in their RV and do not have a permanent residence anywhere else.
The definition of an RV is somewhat loose. An RV is traditionally viewed as a motor home, but many travel trailers, fifth wheels, and tour buses are considered RVs as well.
Since RVs are motor vehicles, they must be covered for conventional car insurance issues such as liability, collision, and uninsured or underinsured motorists. It is a legal requirement to have liability insurance, which covers all damages and bodily harm that is caused by the insured RV motorist. This protects people who the RV owner may collide with, and guarantees that they will receive compensation.
Collision insurance covers any damage done to the RV when a collision occurs. This includes situations in which the RV collides with an object or an object collides with the RV. It is a good idea for RV owners to purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage as well. This type of coverage protects the RV owner from having to pay for any damages caused by another vehicle driven by someone who does not have enough insurance to cover the damages.
RVs usually include appliances; it is a good idea, though it is not legally required, to insure these as well. The main difference between RV insurance and standard car insurance is that RV insurance policies can cover appliances and personal items in the RV. Plumbing, electrical problems, and other issues can be covered by RV insurance policies. Other items in the RV
-- like TVs, stereos, or furniture -- can also be insured. This is similar to homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Usually, people must ask for coverage of internal items because the law does not require it.
People who live in their RV full time and do not have a permanent residence have additional options. Many insurance companies offer full time coverage specifically designed for people who live in their RV. These types of policies often provide total vehicle and home insurance for the RV.
It is important for RV owners to purchase appropriate coverage for their vehicle. Many RV owners foolishly purchase the bare minimum of coverage, and then have to pay out of pocket for costly repairs on appliances and other items inside the RV.
How To Lower Auto Insurance Costs
It seems these days that it costs more and more to keep your car. With most new cars in the $22,000 + range, the monthly payments can be high. The cost of gas is now over $3.00 a gallon for regular and we're in a time where a lot of people drive long distances to get into work. Then, there's the cost of car insurance. Fortunately, you can buy a cheaper car, live closer to work, and by doing your homework, you can save money on car insurance.
The first and easiest way to shop around for car insurance is over the internet. Most insurance companies have sites where you can easily plug in your personal information such as type of car, area you live, past driving record, etc. and you can get an instant quote. Some insurance companies even brag that they will give you quotes from three different companies at one time, even if their quote is not the lowest.
To reduce your insurance the first thing you can do is consider lowering your deductible. If you increase your deductible from $500 to $1000 you can save a great deal on your collision and comprehensive coverage. $500 more out of your pocket in case of an accident might seem like a lot, but consider the number of years you'll accrue the savings while accident free. Also, if you pay for AAA you won't need to have towing coverage under your auto insurance.
There are several things you can look for when you purchase your car that might help reduce the insurance costs. Does your car have an alarm system? Lo jack? Anti lock brakes? Air bags?
Daytime running lights?
Try to keep your yearly mileage low, this helps lower the cost.
Also, if you have a student driver what types of grades is he or she getting? Students with higher grades generally pay less. If you haven't had an accident in more than three years this can be very good news for you. Even better is no traffic ticket and no points on your license. Most insurance companies will reward you for this with lower premiums.
Do you carry homeowners with the same company? This can get you a discount. If you live in an extended family situation is anyone else insured by the same company? This could mean another discount for you.
When your policy comes in the mail don't toss it in the drawer, go over your policy, make sure that you understand how they calculate your cost for the policy. It doesn't hurt to shop around for better rates. All it takes is a quick phone call.
When you do this make sure you have your policy renewal in front of you so you'll know exactly what your coverage amounts are.
Most importantly, drive safely!
Why Bother With Farmers Auto Insurance?
Farmers auto insurance is a very large insurance company that offers all types of coverage including car insurance. The insurance policies cover many things concerning insurance on vehicles. There are many different types of auto insurance coverage such as collision, comprehensive, deductible and a wide variety that goes on and on. Farmers auto insurance company covers it all concerning vehicles.
When you have collision coverage it basically covers damage to your vehicle that is caused by hitting another vehicle or an object. This means that you will be reimbursed by Farmers car insurance the amount needed to repair or replace your damaged vehicle. This Farmers auto insurance coverage is standard when you lease a vehicle or you are paying off a loan on it.
If you have a collision and it is your fault, then property damage covers your Farmers auto insurance liability for the damage caused to someone else’s property. A car, house or fence or anything that would be considered as someone else’s property and is covered under this section of the Farmers car insurance.
Comprehensive coverage with Farmers auto insurance usually covers things like fire, falling objects, riots, storms, earthquakes, floods, collisions with animals or other natural occurrences. This usually includes a deductible that is also required if you lease your vehicle or owe money on it. A deductible with Farmers car insurance requires that you pay a portion of the damages. For example, in the case of a fender bender that cost $1100.00, you would have to pay a certain amount of this cost yourself.
Farmers auto insurance also offers uninsured motorist coverage.
This car insurance protects you, members of your family and your passengers. If you have an accident with someone who has no auto insurance or someone that is under insured Farmers car insurance protects you and them, if there is an injury.
The same would apply if it is a hit and run driver. This insurance also applies to you or members of your household if you are the victim of a pedestrian accident. This car insurance will pay medical cost, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you are in an accident you have enough worries about trying to recover, so let the insurance company worry about paying the bills.
Farmers auto insurance covers a lot of different liabilities, but you need to make sure that you know which ones you need and want before you take out your policy.
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