15th February 2010

Car Insurance — Do I Need Special Coverage to Allow A Friend to Use My Car?

In general, car insurance applies to the car first, and then to the driver. Most insurance policies are flexible enough that you can allow a (personally uninsured) friend or relative to drive your car, so long as their driving is not on a regular or continuous basis, and it won’t affect the insurance coverage. When you give permission, whether express or implied, to someone not on your policy to use your car, all of your coverages extend to that individual. In the event of an accident, your insurance coverage kicks in. To find the best policy and the best rates, you may want to review discount auto insurance.

However, that being said, if you plan to continue allowing your friend or relative to drive your car regularly, you should consider adding them to your insurance policy as an “eligible” or “occasional” driver. Failure to do so, and in the event of an accident, your claim may be denied if the insurance investigator finds out that this is a “regular” thing happening. One thing to bear in mind is that insurance companies may place exclusions on who can or can’t drive your car, e.g. drivers under the age of 25. This is something you should be aware of before you hand the keys to your babysitter.

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12th February 2010

Teen Driver — Ooooh, What You Did … I’m telling your Mom!

You’ve no doubt heard (or perhaps uttered) those same words before. Tattletaling may not be a “nice” thing to do, but it can be an invaluable tool to learn that your child is not exactly the innocent angel you thought he was. While it probably takes a lot of self control not to roll your eyes up into your head when you’re informed that your teenager said a “bad” word or showed someone a rude gesture, you’ll nonetheless likely offer the standard parental response, “Thanks for telling me, I’ll talk to him about it later.” Meanwhile, what you’re really thinking is “Oh, give me a freaking break and get over it” because you’ve got other (more important) things to worry about than your kid insulting someone.

But what if one of those “more important things to worry about” concerns your teenager – your newly licensed teenager – who was seen driving inappropriately? Wouldn’t you want someone to tattle on him? Sure you would. That nosy old biddy from down the street has probably got your phone number on her speed dial. But your teenager probably drives with the utmost care as he approaches the house, and unless Biddy is following him around in her electric scooter, who is left to tattle when he’s out and about and out of sight of the homestead?

Everyone! That is, if you’ve got a “how’d you like my driving?” bumper sticker on your car. You’ve seen them on 18-wheelers, but now they make them specifically for new teenage drivers. Brilliant, isn’t it? Sure, your teen will be mortified and complain vociferously about how you don’t trust him, but you hold your ground and insist that that bumper sticker be displayed prominently. You do need to know that he’s driving with care. And, besides, what’s the point of becoming a parent if you can’t embarrass your child now and again.  But you will come out on top by ensuring you have the best car insurance for teenagers.

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12th February 2010

Auto Insurance – Save by Comparing

Comparing optionsIn order for motorists to obtain the most affordable rates for automobile coverage it is very important that they comparison shop. As a matter of fact, when it comes to auto insurance, just about every consumer guide, industry professional and government website will suggest that consumers should take the time to compare quotes from multiple companies in order to find a competitively priced policy from a reputable insurer. The reason for the importance of obtaining and comparing rates from various insurers is due to the fact that with so many providers out there to choose from, each may charge a significantly different amount for coverage.

Pricing varies due to many reasons, but a major factor is the driver; while one company may view an applicant as profitable another may see them as a higher risk for a potential loss. Much of this is based on the prior experience and profit or loss that they have had with similar types of drivers; for instance, if an insurer has suffered significant losses with young motorists they may raise their prices for future applicants in that age group. Another reason that prices may vary for a driver with each provider is the company’s targeted clientele; there are many insurers that target motorists who fall in the “preferred or “standard” market which are drivers that have few or no tickets and accidents and will charge high rates to motorists who have multiple violations and accidents. On the other hand, some companies specialize in the “non-standard” market and are willing to accepted an elevated risk at a cheaper rate than other insurers. Whether you are a driver with a clean record or have a few mishaps, a car insurance comparison of rates and companies can help find the most affordable policy.

Compare Car Insurance Online - Save Time

Practically every insurer in the industry has developed a website that individuals can access in order to obtain rates, manage their existing policies or just browse around and get information. In fact, the California Department of Insurance makes it mandatory that companies maintain a toll-free number and/or a website that will provide a way for consumers to obtain quotations. More and more carriers and agencies are expanding their business online due to the growing number of web surfers and people who prefer completing auto insurance comparisons via the Internet as opposed to calling around or applying in person.

The Internet provides customers with an easy and effective way to gather and compare quotations. Visiting individual company websites to find an affordable policy may seem time consuming since the person would need to input their information over and over on each site, but it is still a lot faster than calling or visiting insurers. An easier and faster way to find cheap rates is to visit a comparison website. These sites allow their visitors to input their info once and upon submission they will receive multiple quotes from various insurers to choose from. This process can be done in a matter of minutes, is free of charge and requires no obligation to buy. If a person finds what they are looking for, depending on a state’s laws, they may even be able to purchase the policy and become instantly insured; this can save a significant amount of time and help get drivers on the road quickly.

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11th February 2010

Benefits of Shopping Online for Auto Insurance

Shopping onlineUtilizing the Internet to satisfy consumers’ needs has quickly grown in popularity and is expected to continue to do so. Whether a person is doing their personal banking, paying bills or even ordering a pizza, the chances are it can probably be done on a website. The major reason for this is the convenience that it provides and the car insurance industry is no different. Why would anyone want to pick up a telephone and haggle with an agent if they don’t have to or why would  a person want to have to get into their automobile in the freezing winter months to drive down to offices to get a policy? Well thanks to the World Wide Web, these tasks can be eliminated.

Anyone who is a regular web surfer will quickly realize that online auto insurance quotes are abundant. This is because coverage providers have quickly made their products and services available on the Internet due to the growing popularity in shopping online. Comparing the quotes of as many carriers as possible is a great way to find the best prices and the World Wide Web has only increased the odds and made it much easier to do just that. Where it used to take hours to call various agents and offices or even visit them to get quotes, it can be done in a fraction of the time on websites without having to negotiate with a salesman.

Advantages the Internet Gives Online Insurance Shoppers

Aside from the time it can save and the ability to get quotes from companies without having to deal with pushy sales tactics, the Internet can also provide many additional benefits to consumers. Rarely do motorists check on the company that is offering the best rate to them, but a little bit of research can go a long way. How many individuals actually check on an auto insurance provider’s financial standing or customer service? Many will just take an agent’s word for it or not even ask at all. If a person did want to check on these things, how would they go about it and where would they start? Well thanks to the Internet, checking up on a carrier can be done quickly and easily.

Individuals can check the financial standing of an insurer by simply visiting the website of one of the various rating agencies that evaluate and rate a company based on how financially sound they are; it may be in one’s best interest to do so because this will show a carrier’s ability to fulfill their obligations to policyholders. If a company is poorly rated it may be a good idea to steer clear from obtaining a policy from them. Individuals can also check on a company’s complaint ratio which is usually an indication of their customer servicing. Most states will list the complaint ratios of companies online such as the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance to help residents get an idea of the customer satisfaction level. Consumers can benefit by using the Internet to compare rates and check on a company’s reputation and ensure that they will receive a good deal from a quality insurer.

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10th February 2010

Get the Cheapest Auto Insurance Coverage

Cheapest priceDepending on a person’s particular criteria the cost of auto insurance can become quite expensive; rates are based on a driver’s record, age, gender, place of residence, type of vehicle and coverage desired. For certain individuals the price of a policy can be unaffordable if not properly shopped for. An example would be a 16 year old male with a new vehicle in an urban area; young males pay more than any other motorists that have similar driving records (tickets and accidents), also newer automobiles will likely need Comprehensive and Collision and urban areas usually have higher rates due to the amount of vehicles on the road and increased risk of a loss. Therefore, an individual such as this would need to find the cheapest policy as possible in order to have the ability to afford and maintain coverage.

Finding affordable policies is best achieved with a little bit of legwork. Dependent on the state in which an individual resides there can be hundreds of companies that are licensed and authorized to do business and issue coverage. Locating cheap car insurance will come down to taking the time to compare as many rates from carriers as possible. While it may be impossible to get a quote from every company, the more that are obtained will increase the chances of getting the best deal possible. When shopping for affordable rates a person’s approach is very important as well; individuals should be aware of the options that they have when purchasing a policy to help avoid overpaying for coverage.

Many motorists will qualify for a discount which can save themselves a substantial amount on premiums; one should make themselves aware of the available discounts that they may be able to receive and be sure to address them before buying policies. In addition, when shopping for a policy one should make sure that they are obtaining the right coverage and make sure that they do not end up paying for options that they may not need. A common mistake that consumers make is to have Comprehensive and Collision on a vehicle which may not need it; industry professionals often suggest dropping protection for physical damage when a vehicle’s value becomes insignificant because the cost of covering it and the deductible may add to more than what the automobile is worth. One should be careful when choosing the right coverage and should not sacrifice necessary protection to shave a few dollars off of their premiums.

Keeping Car Insurance as Cheap as Possible

In addition to finding the cheapest rates for coverage, it can be just as important for individuals to know how and keep the auto insurance as low as possible. The best way for motorists to keep the cost of policies affordable is to practice safe driving at all times. Being convicted of tickets and violations will not only cost the driver the amount of the citation, but it can impact their rates for 3 to 5 years following the conviction; being convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can raise rates even more. Additionally, causing a traffic accident can also raise premiums and multiple accidents may cause a driver to be dropped by their carrier and finding it difficult to get insured. Therefore, practicing safe driving is extremely crucial in keeping the cost of a policy down staying insured.

Adding a new vehicle or deleting an automobile and adding another can also affect premiums; fortunately consumers usually have a choice of what type of vehicle they will be purchasing. Automobiles equipped with safety features and have a high safety rating will most likely be cheaper to insure and sports cars will often be more expensive to cover. It may also be wise to compare quotes for different types of vehicles before purchasing one to ensure that the cost will be affordable; in some cases, the price of a policy can vary on certain models even if they are in the same price range. According to a consumer guide titled “9 Ways To Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs” it states that premiums are based on sticker price, the amount it would cost to repair it and the likelihood of theft; individuals who are considering purchasing vehicles needing Comprehensive and Collision should definitely get quotes on the automobile before buying it because some are much more expensive to repair than others. Although some factors of premiums cannot be controlled by motorists there are some that can be; by properly shopping and understanding what affects the prices of policies, consumers may be able to get cheap rates.

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9th February 2010

Find Out How Much Car Insurance Costs

Auto insurance price tagWith every driver being unique and each being viewed differently by coverage providers, finding out the cost of an automobile policy comes down to doing a little bit of research and shopping around. It is very likely that there is one company that will charge a particular applicant a much different rate than another; therefore obtaining multiple quotes from various insurers is a consumer’s best bet to finding out the cost of coverage for a specific individual. It is also important for the motorist to determine what type of protection is needed as well, this will help ensure that they are locating rates for the proper policy and avoid may help from becoming improperly insured and lacking the right protection.

The first step to finding out how much is car insurance is to understand the different types of coverage and determining what is needed. The level of protection desired or necessary can have a substantial impact on the price of a premium. Individuals should choose carefully and even contact an agent or professional if needed to fully understand the options available and which would be beneficial and which may not. In many cases motorists are either over-insured or lack an important coverage; being underinsured can be just as bad as overpaying for policies. Once the necessary protection has been determined, individuals should go ahead and locate as many quotes as possible based on the same amount of coverage which will give them an idea of the cost they can expect to pay for a policy.

Where to Find the Cost of Auto Insurance

There are many ways that consumers can go about finding the rates of the various carriers that are licensed and authorized to issue policies and conduct business in their particular area. The way that a person shops for car insurance is dependent on preference. Some consumers may prefer the more traditional method of sitting with an independent agent and going over the various options and putting together the right package that fits their needs. Other motorists may prefer to deal with brokers because of their flexibility; unlike agents who work for a particular insurer, brokers have the ability to provide quotes from multiple companies to help customers locate the carrier that can offer the desired protection and offer the best rate which gives motorists a bit more of a variety or maybe save them from having to visit multiple offices.

A very popular way that consumers have chosen to shop is online; in recent years practically every insurer has become available to potential customers on the Internet. Motorists have two options when shopping online, they can either visit the individual websites of insurers that they are interested in or they can use the services of a comparison website. Regardless of the method chosen when comparing rates on the Internet, many individuals have come to utilize the World Wide Web due to convenience. Having the ability to access rates on websites gives consumers a very fast way to compare quotes without having to pick up a telephone or step foot out of the house. Many states have also recognized the wide usage of the Internet and provide guides on their websites to help residents get the proper coverage. The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner provides residents with quotes based on examples. Although these are not actual quotations they can give Georgians an idea of they can expect to pay based on the category that they fall in.

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9th February 2010

Car Insurance — What To Do If the Check for Your Premium is not in the Mail

Life has a tendency to catch up with everyone occasionally.  If you’re lucky, when that happens, the consequences will be minimal and you can go on about your business.  But what happens when you get caught with your pants down, so to speak?  Maybe your car insurance payment was due and you found the bill tucked in among your dry cleaning receipts, and only noticed it because you ran out of clean shirts.  Oops!

Your insurance company may be required by the state to notify you of a pending cancellation to your policy.  But then again, they may not.  The ramifications for non-payment of insurance, beside the obvious, of course, may be a fine from the state motor vehicle authority for failure to have car insurance (even if only for a single day!), an increase in your insurance premiums for allowing your insurance coverage to lapse (even if only for a single day!) or even denial of insurance. 

State laws and insurance company rules and regulations differ, so there may or may not be a grace period between the date a payment is due and the date a policy is cancelled.  One thing is for sure, as soon as you’re aware of your mistake, you better get on the phone to your insurance  company, with credit card number or check book in hand. Be prepared to call around for auto insurance quotes.

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8th February 2010

Inclement Weather and Teenage Drivers: Rain

Kids have a way of always finding a puddle to splash in, have you noticed? Sure, you gave them the “puddle warning” before they headed out the door en route to school, but invariably, they always came home with soaking wet pants, soggy socks and shoes, and a nose dripping with who-knows-what virus that heralded the start of another cold. You always figured they’d outgrow it. You did, didn’t you?

If your teenager is about to become a driver, you better pull that warning back out of mothballs. Finding every puddle on the road is not as fun as when we were six or seven, and it can be downright dangerous – much, much worse than a runny nose. Teaching your teenager the rights and wrongs (or dos and don’ts) of driving in rain is vitally important.

Right/Do:

  • Make sure a cell phone is fully charged and available (for use when parked, only).
  • Make sure the gas tank is filled, or money/credit card available.
  • Know where the windshield wiper, headlight and defogger switches are located on the dashboard.
  • Make it a rule: If the wipers are on, turn on headlights, as well – not only do you get better visibility, but oncoming drivers may not be able to see you otherwise.
  • Avoid puddles if you can do so safely – you never know how deep the pothole is beneath it; if you can’t do it safely, go through it slowly.
  • Brake earlier than you think you need to.
  • Ensure you have great car insurance for teenagers.

Wrong/Don’t:

  • Don’t speed; reduce your speed by 5-10 mph, or as road conditions demand.
  • Don’t use cruise control; you need to be in full control of the car.
  • Don’t slam on your brakes; on an oil-slicked surface, it will only exacerbate the problem. It’s better to ease off the gas and gently tap the brakes.
  • Don’t ever drive across a flooded roadway; believe it or not, even a 1-ton vehicle can be carried away by only a few inches of water.

Finally, in extreme rain conditions, slow down, pull the car off the road to the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights and wait out the storm. Then (and only then) call your parents and let them know you’re safely stopped, ‘cause they’re doing what all parents do when the weather gets really bad and their baby is out in the storm: Worrying.

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8th February 2010

North Carolina Auto Insurance – What to Know

Welcome to North CarolinaThe Tar Heel State began registering vehicles on July 1, 1909 and in 1957 adopted the compulsory insurance law which is commonly referred to as Financial Responsibility. This law requires that all automobiles registered in the state must be covered by a liability policy at all times in order to maintain registration; NC became one of the first states to adopt these laws. Policies must be issued by a company that is licensed and authorized to do business in the state and coverage must be maintained continuously; companies are required by law to notify the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if a new policy has been issued or an existing policy has been cancelled.

According to North Carolina auto insurance laws, when the DMV is notified of a lapse or cancellation in coverage by an insurer they are required to send the motorist a Form FS 5-7 which will need to be responded to within 10 days of the date of the form. If a lapse has been falsely reported the individual will need to provide the correct information on the form and return it to the DMV. If an individual has had a break in coverage, they must “re-certify” by providing valid policy information and pay an assessed civil penalty within 10 days of the notice. As of July 1, 2008, the fees for a lapse is based on how many times an individual has had a lapse in the past three years; the fee for a first offense is $50, $100 for the second and $150 for subsequent lapses.

Failure to respond to the FS 5-7 can result in the individual losing their license plate for a period of 30 days which will then need to be restored following the 30 days. Individuals who need to restore their license plates will need to obtain a Form FS-1 from their insurer or agent to prove that they are currently insured, pay a restoration fee, and the assessed civil penalty; if a plate pickup order is issued there will be an additional $50 service fee.

Required NC Car Insurance

The state requires that all motorists maintain the minimum limits of liability at all times and these laws are very strictly enforced. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation the current minimum requirements are $30,000 for bodily injury caused to one person, $60,000 for bodily injury to two or more people and $25,000 for property damage resulting from a traffic accident; this is commonly abbreviated as 30/60/25. Although this is the minimum required, it is often suggested that motorists purchase higher limits; many consumer guides and industry professionals recommend that consumers consider purchasing limits of 100/300/50 for more extensive protection which may help prevent financial hardship if a policyholder causes injuries or damages in excess to the minimum limits.

In addition to liability coverage, motorists are required to carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM). Previously the limits purchased had to match the the limits of liability, but as of February 1, 2010 residents have the option to lower the amount of coverage to the to meet the minimum liability requirements. This type of coverage will provide protection to the insured, family members and anyone occupying the covered vehicle if they are struck by a driver that does not carry a policy or has inadequate coverage; this also covers being victims of a hit and run. In addition, this will also provide compensation for damage sustained by the property of the insured. If a vehicle is struck by a hit and run driver it should be reported promptly to the police as soon as it has been discovered and especially if occupying the automobile at the time of the collision.

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7th February 2010

Military Auto Insurance

There’s about 1.5 million men and women currently serving our nation in the Armed Forces. Whether that be via the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard, the fact remains that they are putting their lives on the line each an every day.

Military discounts are very small way for individuals and businesses to show their appreciation for all that the members of the Military are willing to sacrifice to protect the people at home and abroad. The Military lifestyle is certainly a unique one, and military families must deal with hectic scenarios that other families would never encounter.

If you’re a member of the Military, I’m sure you’re already fully aware of the vast Military discounts, and other benefits that are offered. If you’re unsure that a business offers a Military discount, chances are, most places will be more than happy to accommodate your request. Plus, it can never hurt to ask.

I’m Actively Serving in the Military, Am I eligible for Car Insurance Discounts?

Absolutely. Although the size of the discount varies from company to company, it’s safe to say that all major auto insurance providers offer some sort of discount for those serving. Although the discount varies, expect to save a minimum of 15% off your premium.

Some auto insurance providers, like USAA and Geico, have special military programs that are fine-tuned to meet the specific needs of the Military. These companies have departments fully dedicated to handling claims from their customers in the Military, which often results in rapid response times, and ultimately better customer service.

Veterans and members of the Reserves are also eligible for the same discounts, but it doesn’t stop here. These discounts can also be extended to cover the other drivers in your family, which as you know, can be crucial when you aren’t always home to deal with issues yourself.

How Can I Claim My Military Auto Insurance Discounts?

Finding the best coverage and the most affordable rate on car insurance is easy for everyone. Although, not everybody gets an additional 15% off. That’s not to say you can’t save in other ways. There are many occupations, like teachers and engineers, that are eligible for special auto insurance discounts as well.

Start by entering your zip code in the field at the top of this page. You’ll be asked a few questions about yourself and your driving record. To claim your military discounts, simply enter your basic Military credentials, and your discount will be automatically factored into your insurance quote.

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Military Auto Insurance

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