Avoiding The Potholes Of Car Insurance

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

(i) How much is the excess?

(ii) Do you want to choose the repairer?

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

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

(v) What drivers are covered?

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

(vii) Is there a limit on towing fees?

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

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

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

Check Out The Variety of Auto Insurance Texas Style

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

· The price of the insurance is the bottom line

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

· The customer service that you get from the company

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

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

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

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

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

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

Auto insurance Texas style. Check everything out properly.

5 Strategies To Reduce Your Car Insurance Premiums

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 Ways To Save On Car Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Auto Insurance Primer

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

* The cost of repairing the vehicle following an accident

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

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

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

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

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

10 Ways to Lower Your Auto Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who Sets Auto Insurance Rates?

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

Finding a Discount Car Insurance Broker

Discount car insurance broker

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

A simple matter of typing in what you're looking for into the search box on the internet will give you access to anything you need with numerous options and plenty of details.
 
At one time companies didn't have access to the buying public like they enjoy today. So, they used to contract agents and brokers who had been around a long time with a large base of customers. That system was used for years. The public wasn't necessarily best served that way as only those who did business with that agent or was fortunate to find him were able to take advantage of the best rates.

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

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

Don't Just Accept Your Car Insurance Renewal Quote

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

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

Become a New Customer Again

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

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

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

Shop Around

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

Cheap Car Insurance Premiums in 5 Easy Steps

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

Step 1 - Cut the Insurer's Risk

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

Step 2 - Security

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

Step 3 - Annual Mileage

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

Step 4 - Named Drivers

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

Step 5 - Shop Around

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

Compare Car Insurance Companies Before You Commit

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

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

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

Vehicle Insurance Online is a Convenient Way to Get Insurance Cheap

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

Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes - Tips For Getting The Lowest Rate

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

Car Insurance Online - Benefits of Applying for Auto Insurance Online

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

Car Insurance Gearing up to Drive Down Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Six Ways to Cut the Cost of Your Auto Insurance

Is your auto insurance bill $12000 a year or even higher? It's not unusual for auto insurance to cost this much these days. But it doesn't necessarily have to cost this much. There are ways to reduce these costs. It might take a bit of work but it is possible to cut that insurance bill by a substantial amount.

Tip #1: Get at least three price quotes. You can call companies to get quotes or get them directly via the Internet. You can also call your state insurance department, as it may be able to provide you with a comparison of prices charged by the major carriers in your state. Also, get price quotes from different kinds of insurance companies. Some sell through their own agents. Others sell through independent agents who often represent several different companies. Other companies have no agents and sell direct to the consumer via the phone or Internet.

Tip #2: Check insurance costs before buying that next car. Did you know that insurance premiums are based on the car's cost, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of its being stolen? You can often get a discount from insurers if the car you are buying has a great safety record or if it's designed to reduce the risk of death.

Tip #3: See what you could save with higher deductibles. Higher deductibles can lower your insurance costs substantially. For example, if you increase your deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage from, say, $300 to $500, you could reduce your costs by as much as 15 to 30 percent. Move up to a $1,000 deductible and you might save 40 percent or more.

Tip #4: Reduce the coverage on older cars. If you have one or more older cars, consider dropping the collision coverage entirely. If your car is worth ten times the premium, buying collision coverage just may not be worth it. You can find out what your car is worth by contacting your bank's auto loan department or you can look it up online at www.kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book).

Tip #5:Buy your auto insurance from the same company that has your homeowners insurance. All the major insurers offer both homeowners and auto insurance and will give you a nice discount if you buy both types of policies from them. You may also qualify for a discount if you insure several vehicles with the same company. Some companies even offer discounts for long-time customers.

Tip #6: Keep a good credit record. Auto insurance companies are using credit information more and more often to price their policies. Make sure you maintain a good credit history by paying bills on time, and by keeping your credit card balances as low as possible. Also, be sure to check your credit record regularly. That way, if errors occur, you can quickly correct them – to keep your credit record clean and accurate.

Auto Insurance Information Online - Compulsory Auto Insurance

In 47 of the 50 United States, it is illegal to take a car onto the road without auto insurance. Compulsory insurance laws protect the public from the expenses of injuries and property damage resulting from a car accident. The states that require auto insurance set minimum amounts of coverage that guarantee that medical costs and property damage caused by the insured in case an accident is judged to be the fault of the insured. Another name for compulsory insurance is liability insurance.

If you carry compulsory insurance and are judged to be at fault in an auto accident, your car insurance company will pay the medical bills and lost work time and other damages for the other driver and passengers in both his car and yours that are not immediate blood relatives. The minimum compulsory insurance varies from state to state, but your insurance agent will be able to tell you what minimum amount you must carry in order to drive you car on the public roads.

Besides personal injury insurance, you are also required in most states to carry property damage policies to repair or replace any damage caused by your car. Again, the amount varies from one state to another.

There are good reasons for carrying more than the minimum amount of compulsory insurance. If the damages exceed your coverage, for instance, you'll be liable for anything that your insurance company doesn't pay. More importantly, there are many gaps in compulsory insurance company.

1. You aren't covered for theft or a fire that's not related to an auto accident.

2. You won't recover the entire amount of the cost to repair damage to your car caused by an uninsured vehicle.

3. If you were judged to be at fault in the auto accident, there is no coverage for your injuries or damages.

4. Even if you're not at fault, there's no coverage for other expenses related to your auto accident like towing.

Most insurance agents recommend that you carry a greater amount of insurance and coverage other than what's strictly required by your state. Often referred to as 'comprehensive' coverage, it will include:

Personal Injury Protection, which will pay medical expenses and reasonable work and living expenses for lost job time due to an accident, no matter who was at fault.

Travel, towing and glass replacement that results from causes other than an auto accident.

Usually, if you take out a loan to purchase your car, the bank will require that you purchase and maintain comprehensive insurance on your vehicle until your loan is paid off.

Do You Pay Too Much For Your Automobile Insurance

It is amazing how many people just receive their insurance renewal when it is sent out each year and pay it off without a second thought!

But, at the back of their mind, is this niggling feeling of discontent about the amount they are paying. Unfortunately many feel there is nothing they can do about it, they are literally being held to ransom by the insurance companies.

If you drive then you need insurance, that is for sure. So what can you do if you feel you are being overcharged or you would just like to check that you are being charged a fair price?

The Internet has revolutionized the possibilities for finding more choice for things like car insurance. It is now possible to browse from the comfort of your own home and use some of the many sites available to help you select an insurance policy that is right for you and get the best price in the process.

For many the Internet is still somewhat a mystery, but most people can find a friendly person to help them on line. To get the best deal for you insurance it is vital to get on the web and search the many discount insurance providers that now exist.

Traditionally insurance was sold by agents who only dealt with one insurer, thus you had no choice when you renewed your policy. If you stayed with the same agent then you stayed with the same insurer and so had no chance of getting a better price.

Now on line there exist many discount brokers who deal with many different insurance companies, they offer you the chance to view all the different prices which are offered to you and your vehicle. You can also choose from many different options for the type of insurance and extra features you can get with your policy.

This choice is fantastic news for car owners and many people are still shocked when they realize just how easy it is to save hundreds even thousands each year on their premium.

The discount brokers are able to offer such a good deal because many only exist as an on line operation, thus no local office to run and less staff.

If you want to make your renewal cheaper this year then start today, get on line and search for a discount broker who services your county. There are many available so shop around until you find the very best price. You could save yourself enough cash to have a nice holiday or even buy a special gift for a loved one.

The Car Insurance Calculation Explained

Different companies will apply different factors to the way they finally arrive at a price for your Car Insurance. Generally speaking though the concept is the same. This involves collecting various bits of information from you and feeding it through a computer system which adds or takes away money depending on the answers you give.

The value put on these answers is decided by the individual Car Insurance company.

For example, some Car Insurance companies may believe that having a speeding conviction increases your chance of having a personal injury accident in the future - therefore they may add money to your price if you have such a conviction.

Similarly, some Car Insurance companies may decide that because you have a lot of No Claims Bonus Years then you are less likely to claim - therefore they may discount your price. All in all there are around 30 different factors that may affect your final premium. Now you can see why you get such a difference in the price of your Car Insurance by going to various companies. Each company will have it's own view of what they believe should be assigned to each answer you give. The Car Insurance quote you get through the Accept Direct website will look at lots of different Car Insurance prices from lots of companies.

That way you can get the best possible price for your profile.