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.
Showing posts with label vehicle insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vehicle insurance. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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.
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