CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Auto Insurance Myths Debunked

Car colour affects your premium. False. It doesn't matter if your car is blue, red, silver, white, or black, your rate for that make and model will be the same.

2-doors cost more to insure than 4-doors

Not true. Insurers look at the price of the car, repair costs, theft frequency and its previous claims history when determining the rate-not the number of doors.

Parking tickets will affect your insurance rate

Parking tickets do not count against your insurance, but unpaid fines might affect your ability to renew your driver's licence, or worse - result in a licence suspension, which will affect your rate.

Getting a speeding ticket means your rates will go up

It depends. Your first minor speeding ticket (typically anything under 45 km/h over the limit) will probably not affect your insurance rate. But get two or three and you'll likely pay more. Any faster, like a major speeding ticket or racing and your rates go up for sure.

It doesn't matter which insurer you have coverage with, you'll pay the same rate

No way. A simple visit to compare instant online auto insurance quotes are shows that auto insurance rates can vary considerably between insurers.

Drivers who don't shop around may be doing themselves a disservice, and ultimately paying a lot more than they have to for their coverage.

Make sure you shop around for auto insurance quotes to make sure you are getting the coverage you need at the best available price.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Discount Auto Insurance Found by Comparing Local Car Insurers

The TV ads are true. You may be paying to much for your car insurance. And do not make the mistake of assuming that your present company is cutting you the best deal out of loyalty. Insuring cars is a very competitive business these days, and some companies offer discounts that you may not be taking advantage of. Since these discounts can range from 10% to 30%, and can also be cumulative, you may be able to slash your bill in half by doing a bit of research. If your present household premium is $200 a month, then you could be saving $1200 a year by taking a little time to check around.

For instance, some insurers offer a 15% discount for taking approved defensive driving or driver's education courses. This discount really helps younger drivers, and it also helps drivers who have had a ticket or accident recently. Younger drivers who keep up a B grade average can also earn a discount from some insurers. The companies will use the high GPA as evidence of a student's responsibility level in place of a driving history.

I have also seen 30% discounts for safety features or anti-theft devices. Insurers are very interested in minimizing claims activity, so anything that keeps you, and your car, safer will be likely to lower your premium rates. If you purchased a car with safety features or anti-theft devices, or if you added some of these features later, make sure that your insurer knows about them.

And some cars are just cheaper to insure than other cars. Your intuition may tell you that newer, and more expensive cars will cost more to insure than older or cheaper cars. This may be true sometimes. But the newer car may be considered safer by insurers. If the insurer's claims history demonstrates that a certain vehicle tends to cause larger bills, then they will charge more to cover that car. Of course, high horsepower sports cars will usually cost more to insure than a sedate family car. And some people think that large SUV vehicles will always be safer than smaller cars, but an insurer may feel that those larger cars also cause larger claims.

Multiple policy discounts are a very popular way to save money. If you have more than one vehicle, or also need to insure a home, look into insurers who want to encourage consumers to place all of their business under one roof.

Of course, age, zip code, and driving history affect premiums. In fact, many of the big car insurers also take credit history into account these days. They believe that people with poor credit have demonstrated that they are also poorer car insurance risks. But every company has its own formula for calculating rates. You need to find the insurer who will give you a break for the things you do to make yourself a safer driver, and who will forgive a few things you may not have much control over.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Can Certain Driving Practices Help You Save Money On Your Auto Insurance?

You left your home too late and are now rushing to get to an appointment. Or perhaps traffic was backed up and now that it's freeing up a bit, you want to make up for lost time.

But before you put the pedal to the metal, did you know that speeding is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes? There are approximately 6 million police-reported car accidents every year in America--that's one accident every five seconds. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding reduces a driver's ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation.

Do you recognize any of these other seemingly harmless driving behaviors?

• Swerving or missing an exit while talking on a cell phone?

• Applying lipstick or mascara while driving?

• Driving while reading a newspaper or your text messages?

• Encroaching on the bumper of the car in front of you?

Whether you're 16 or 60, responsible driving should be everyone's priority. Additionally, safe driving practices may help you save money on your auto insurance because insurance companies base premiums, in part, on driving records. It pays to find out if your insurer will give discounts for being accident-free. A few habits that may help you become a safer driver include:

• Signaling when changing lanes;

• Slowing down and using caution when driving in bad weather;

• Maintaining a two-second rule when following other vehicles;

• Asking someone else to take over the wheel when you're tired, upset or have consumed alcohol.

Some insurance companies will also give discounts if you've taken a defensive driving class or if you are a student and meet certain requirements such as achieving good grades. Others offer rewards for safe driving where discounts can be earned toward the next renewal premium.

To see whether the rates you are paying reflect your driving record, contact your local insurance agent or visit www.allstate.com to learn more.

Safe driving practices may help you save money on your auto insurance because insurance companies base premiums, in part, on driving records.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Liability Auto Insurance

So, you're finally ready for that sweet ride you've been dreaming of since junior high, but then some buzz kill reminds you that maybe you better look at how much insurance is going to cost you. Yow! How did they get that number? When researching the most affordable liability auto insurance rate, it helps to know what statistical components most insurance companies take into consideration. Since the insurance business is based on intelligent hedging, several commonalities show up regularly in auto premium calculations. They include:

* Driving record. You play; you pay. Your personal driving statistics are perhaps the most important component of your premium. Speeding or other moving violations count against you, but accidents will drag you down the furthest, causing not only damage to your car or yourself, but also bringing the onset of raised premiums or even dropped coverage.
* Age of driver. Car insurance for the young driver is notoriously more expensive, but premiums drop dramatically for drivers over the age of 25 with good driving records.
* Gender. Here's where the gender gap still lives, hiding behind statistics that say men under the age of 30 tend to be involved in more accidents.
* Car. One of the bigger drawbacks to having a sweet little sports convertible is that the insurance on them tends to be much higher than on the good ol' practical sedan. This is not a direct penalty for being cute-but indirectly it is. Such cars are more often theft targets, cost more to repair and are involved in more costly accidents. On the other hand, driving a safer, more reliable vehicle is one of the quickest ways to lower your premium.
* Lifestyle. No, it doesn't seem fair, but people who are married, or married with children, statistically have lower incidences of accidents, and therefore pay lower premiums. Likewise, if you live two miles from your workplace and don't use your car very often for travel, your premium could be negotiated down. On the other hand, if you reside in a statistically high crime rated area or city, your premium may shoot up.
* Credit history. Believe it or not, your bill-paying history is also factored into many premium calculations. Insurance companies tend to overlook a lack of credit history, but they do not look kindly upon people with poor credit, because statistically these people also file more accident claims.
* Additional coverage. If you're going for liability-only insurance, this is obviously going to be less costly than premiums including features like collision coverage. On the other hand, one accident may wipe you out financially if you only have liability insurance.

A handful of states are revising their laws to void the inclusion of some of the factors you may have found questionable in the above list. Massachusetts, for example, passed a law effective April 2008, which disallows for consideration of occupation, income, education, credit information, marital status, gender, and age (except for drivers over 65).

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Tips To Ensure Your ATV Is Properly Covered

When it comes to your all-terrain vehicle (ATV), it pays to keep your feet on the ground when it comes to insuring it. You may think it's covered by your homeowners policy, but are you really protected? Your "toy" wasn't cheap, and lacking the right type of insurance coverage could lead to a sticky financial situation.

"Owners should think of ATVs the same way they think of motorcycles," said Rick Stern, product manager, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies.

"You'd never consider getting on a motorcycle without the proper insurance, and you shouldn't ride an ATV without the right coverage either."

If you're not sure what to do about your ATV insurance needs, here are a few things to consider:

Your homeowners policy might not be enough. Most likely, your homeowners policy only covers your ATV if trouble occurs on your property. Anywhere else and you'll be exposed. Look for an affordable ATV insurance policy that offers coverage no matter where you are. Trail riders should be aware that many states require ATV insurance for vehicles operated on state-owned land.

What about theft? ATVs are portable and can be easy targets for thieves. You should consider ATV insurance that provides coverage for things such as theft, fire and vandalism-just like the kind you can get for a motorcycle. Theft, fire and vandalism are covered by Comprehensive coverage, an optional physical damage coverage.

Consider uninsured and underinsured coverage. You never know what can happen in the great outdoors. This relatively inexpensive coverage protects you if another rider causes damage to you and he or she lacks adequate coverage.

Keep your rates low. You can do a number of things to save money on your ATV insurance, including maintaining a clean driving record, staying free of claims or choosing a less "sporty" ATV. In addition, most insurers offer a discount if you insure more than one vehicle on your policy, or have more than one policy with the company. This could mean additional savings on your car, motorcycle, boat or RV insurance.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Bodily Injury and Property Damage on Auto Insurance

Understanding insurance can often be like trying to learn a foreign language. Many find it confusing and intimidating.

Fortunately, there's help. Here is a quick reference designed to help you understand some of the most common kinds of coverages. The reference was put together by The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies.

Liability covers bodily injury and property damage (BI/PD). This covers your legal liability, up to the dollar limits you select, for damages caused to others in a covered vehicle accident. In most states today, liability insurance is mandatory.

Under BI/PD, your insurance company pays for damages to an injured person and for property damage that you are legally obligated to pay as a result of an accident. If your policy covers you in the event you're sued after an accident, your insurance company will pay for a lawyer to defend you.

Liability limits generally appear as three numbers, for example, 25/50/25 or 100/300/100. The first number refers to the maximum amount, in thousands, that your insurance company is obligated to pay for bodily injury per person. The second number is the maximum that would be paid out for bodily injury per claim and the third number represents the maximum amount your insurance company is obligated to pay for property damage you cause.

Collision. When you buy collision coverage, your insurance company pays for damages if your vehicle collides with another vehicle or object. Collision coverage involves a deductible amount you select when you purchase your policy. This amount is what you are required to pay before your insurance company starts picking up the tab. Remember, the deductible amount is the amount you need to pay in the event of a claim.

Comprehensive covers damage caused by events other than a car collision-such as fire, theft, vandalism, hail or flood. It also covers damage caused by your vehicle colliding with an animal. And if your car is stolen, it will cover the cost of a rental, subject to a daily limit. Like collision coverage, a deductible usually applies.

Medical Coverage. Depending on the state in which you live, you may have available to you Medical Payments coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. While these both work differently, they provide coverage for medical care provided to you as a result of a car accident.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Auto Insurance Components

Cheap auto insurance can end up costing you a lot more than you bargained for if you purchased discount car insurance without the coverage you really needed in the first place. Before you compare auto insurance quotes and buy insurance online, you should first know the basic types of insurance coverage available and then select the coverage that best suits your needs. We are here to help you make the right choices.

Before you start searching for auto insurance discounts and getting auto insurance, learn about both the basic and optional insurance coverage available. Do you need auto liability insurance and/or bodily injury liability protection? Should you purchase optional gap auto insurance? And what is the difference between comprehensive auto coverage and full coverage auto insurance? You'll find all the answers right here.

When you buy car insurance online, don't just compare auto insurance quotes, take a close look at the insurance coverage that comes with each insurance policy.

Auto insurance coverage is packaged into a number of different components. When considering discount car insurance, the first thing to do is determine what your state's minimum auto insurance requirements are. Each state is different, so visit our State-by State Insurance Guide to find out your state's requirements.

You purchase car insurance for two reasons:1) to protect yourself (and your family) in the event of an auto accident and you suffer a loss to your person or property; and, 2) to protect yourself (and your family) from losses suffered by others in the event of an auto accident.


Here are the basic types of auto insurance coverage and their components:

Listed below are the different components of a basic auto insurance policy, as well as several types of optional insurance coverage :

1. Auto Liability Insurance
2. Bodily Injury Liability Protection
3. Collision Coverage
4. Comprehensive Auto Coverage
5. Full Coverage Auto Insurance
6. Personal Injury Protection
7. Property Damage Liability
8. Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Protection
9. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
10. Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage
11. Towing Reimbursement Coverage

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Auto Insurance Terminology

As anyone who has shopped for auto insurance - or filed an auto insurance claim - knows, car insurance agents and companies use terminology all their own. Below is a list of definitions to give you the expertise to close the gap: auto insurance comparisons and dealing with claims doesn't have to feel like negotiating in a foreign language!

Actual cash value: The market value of your car as it stands today.

Anti-theft device: A device that deters thieves or burglars from stealing your car. Some insurance companies offer a discount if you have one in your car.

Assigned risk insurance: In states requiring insurance coverage for its drivers, it's a law that requires insurance companies to accept a certain number of high-risk drivers onto their policies. Such policies can be pricey, but they do exist.

Auto replacement coverage: Supplement that allows for your entire vehicle to be completely repaired or replaced, regardless of cost to the insurance company.

Bodily injury liability coverage: Covers another party's personal injuries if you caused a crash.

Binder: Temporary auto insurance that protects you until your new policy comes into force.

Betterment: Parts damaged in an accident may be replaced with parts in better condition than the car already had; the driver may be asked to pay the difference in cost.

Collision coverage: Pays for damage to, or replacement of your car in the event of an accident; sometimes required by car lenders.

Comprehensive insurance: Covers events not covered by collision insurance, for example, natural disasters, theft, and vandalism.

Deductible: The amount you pay for an incident before your insurance policy kicks in. The higher the deductible, the lower the rate.

Gap car insurance: Covers the difference between what you still owe on your car and its actual cash value as totaled in a wreck.

Good driver plan: An incentive offered by some insurance companies for maintaining a good driving record over a designated time period.

Lien: A claim on property as security for an owed debt.

Liability insurance: Covers losses to people and property damaged by your found negligence; is a required minimum in many states.

Passive restraint system: A safety system, such as an airbag or seatbelts, that works on its own to protect drivers and passengers from bodily injury. Some insurance companies give discounts for their presence in the car.

No-fault auto insurance: In some states, this type of policy replaces liability insurance. It covers damages to your own party or automobile, regardless of who was at fault. It allows for more expedient accident-related health care. In some states (i.e., where it's not the basic requirement) it's referred to as Personal Injury Protection. Sometimes no-fault insurance comes with a limit to claims (as part of a limit on torts claims).

SR-22 auto insurance: Also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or CFR, it's that card you carry in your car verifying that you are covered by the state's minimal insurance requirement. Some states let you know whether or not you have an acceptable amount of automotive insurance.

Total loss: When the cost of repairing a damaged automobile exceeds its actual cash value.

Uninsured motorist coverage: Covers you when the other party in an accident doesn't have liability insurance coverage to pay for damages to your car or body.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Auto Insurance Discounts and Their Policy

Auto insurance discounts are offered for various reasons and situations. While it is true that many insurance companies are forced to cut their prices due to stifling competition, the rate of their premiums are far from being just a product of guesswork.
Finding Auto Insurance Discounts

It would seem that finding car insurance discounts is very easy. The abundance of offers would most probably tire out an individual and make him choose out of expediency or confusion instead of careful consideration. However, one should never choose a policy simply based on potential auto insurance discounts; one should not only look at the amount, but also at the policy's coverage and conditions.

Car insurance discounts could be considered as rewards for people who possess certain characteristics, qualifications, or attainments which make them ‘fit behind the wheel. Insurance companies also favor certain types of cars, and are also conscious of how it will be used.

Personal Considerations

Those who have unblemished driving records could easily qualify for auto insurance discounts. Premiums are based on the degree of risk that an insurance company takes when accepting and insuring a client. Hence, it is only logical for these firms to offer lower rates to those whom they believe are very meticulous or conscious when it comes to their safety.

Car insurance discounts are also readily given to those who successfully complete a defensive driving program. Those who often use public transportation or participate in carpool programs will also be favorably looked upon by insurance firms.

Age is also a factor in auto insurance discounts. Students under the age of 25 who have good scholastic records could easily qualify for lower premium rates. Car insurance discounts are also available for those who are already past the age of 55 and are already retired.

Auto Insurance Discounts

Auto insurance companies offer favorable rates to persons whose cars are in good driving condition. Some firms prefer certain types or models of vehicles since they are already proven to be safer than the others. Lower rates are also given to those who own cars that are equipped with certain safety equipment or features, such as airbags, anti-theft systems, and anti-lock braking systems.
Policy-Related Cuts

Some companies provide auto insurance discounts when the policy is combined with another one, such as home insurance. Rate cuts are also given to those who have several cars and insure all of them with one company.

Auto insurance companies are very aggressive in marketing their products. It is therefore important for one to devote time and effort in carefully scrutinizing each offer in order to acquire the best deal.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Affordable Business Auto Insurance

If you're shopping for affordable auto insurance and looking to save money, there are many variables to consider. The price of auto insurance varies depending on the car you drive, your driving record, and the insurance company you choose. This guide has information to help you choose the best auto insurance policy for your goals.
If you're wanting Affordable Business Auto Insurance, You Need To Shop Around

It's easy to shop around and get price quotes from various companies now that most of this information is online. the Insurance Information Institute suggests drivers get at least three price quotes. You can get an online auto insurance quote from an insurance Web site or call them directly. Sometimes, your state insurance department has charts to compare auto insurance. Be sure to compare quotes from different types of insurance companies. For example, some companies sell policies through their own agents, while others sell through independent agents who offer policies from various insurance companies. Sometimes policies are sold directly online or by phone. Depending on the sales method, prices may vary.

Remember, though, you shouldn't shop by price alone. Make sure the company as a whole satisfies you. Do they answer your questions and handle claims effectively and fairly? Talk with friends, family, and co-workers, or check consumer magazines. State insurance departments also provide consumer complaint ratios for various companies.
Ask for Higher Deductible To Reduce The Cost of Your Business Auto Insurance

A higher deductible can lower the price of your auto insurance considerably. According to www.iii.org, "Increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision coverage and comprehensive coverage premium by 15 to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more." These are substantial savings; however, you need the deductible on hand in case something happens to your vehicle.
Compare Insurance Costs Before Buying Car

The price of auto insurance depends greatly on the type of car you drive. Factors include the sticker price, costs for repair, overall safety record and the likelihood of theft. Often insurers offer discounts to drivers who take measures to reduce the risk of injuries or theft.
Purchase Home and Auto Insurance from Same Provider

If you buy two or more types of insurance from one insurer, you will often receive a multi-policy discount. You may also pay a lower price if you insure more than one vehicle with the same insurance company. Often, long-time customers are offered reduced premiums.
Take Advantage of Low-mileage and Safe-driver Discounts

Some motorists receive a low-mileage discount from their insurers for driving a lower than average number of miles per year. These discounts also often apply to drivers who carpool. And, if you're a safe driver, and you have not had any accidents or moving violations in a number of years, many companies will reward you with a safe-driver discount. If you've recently taken a defensive driving course, you may also receive a price reduction.

To save money on, business auto insurance is something to ask about. You may be eligible for insurance through your employer, or through professional or business groups and other associations you are involved in. You should also closely monitor your credit rating because your credit may affect the price you pay for insurance. No matter what, always shop around and compare prices. This is the most effective way to save money on auto insurance!

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : When filling out the form for your car insurance quote online

The fastest and easiest way to obtain a cheap car insurance quote is to go online, which is also much more convenient since consumers can gain access to numerous insurance companies, brokers or carriers through their websites at any given time and place.

The online car insurance quote that you receive is a result of computations and estimations based on the information and details given by you. This also includes your online application queries. The cheap car insurance online quotes are only approximations of the actual cost of the insurance policy, so be ready to meet more in-depth interviews and fill out more comprehensive questionnaires before you can get an actual policy. However, most online insurance quotes providers offer template application questionnaires that you can fill out for exploration purposes on rough figures.

To get your own online quote for a cheap car insurance policy from the insurance carriers and brokers who offer them, you need to visit the website of your chosen insurance company, and fill out the template form provided there. The online quote will depend on the information that you give out on the form, so make sure that you do not commit any errors that can adversely affect the online car insurance quote, and be honest about the details. This is important if you want to receive a cheap online car insurance quote, and the most accurate approximations of the policy you?re looking for.

When filling out the form for your car insurance quote online, in addition to the necessary personal information such as name, address and contact numbers (which are not always compulsory), you will also need to give information that can significantly influence the cost and coverage of the insurance policy. For example, information regarding your age, gender and marital status can have some bearing on the cost of the premium you will need to pay for the car insurance. This is because insurance companies are well aware of the fact that single and young drivers are more likely to indulge in reckless driving, disregard for traffic rules etc, thereby being more prone to road accidents. Statistics also imply that a large percentage of road accidents in the United States are caused by teenage drunk drivers. Consequently, insurance providers almost always set a higher price on their auto insurance products for them. So if you have teenagers in your household, it?s a good idea to insure them on safer, less powerful automobiles in order to receive a cheap car insurance online quote.

The model and age/era of the car that you plan to insure will also have a substantial influence on the cost of premium on the car insurance. Insurance companies will want to know if the vehicle is still insurable or not, so if it is, make sure to mention it on the application form for the car insurance online quote. Also remember that since very expensive automobiles such as sports cars, in comparison to conventional automobiles, require more thorough and extensive repairs after collision, they are also more likely to cost you more on insurance.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : The nature of the repairs an insurance company

Given the numerous hazards inherent in driving on our roads today, it makes sense that there are many different types of insurance coverage offered to motorists.

When deciding which insurance plan is best suited for your needs, it helps to know the basic details common to most policies.

There are essentially two categories of insurance coverage: collision and comprehensive.

Collision insurance is oriented towards protecting you from any physical damage that might occur to your vehicle if you are involved in a collision while you are driving. These policies can cover anything from impact with a stationary objects, like a light pole or guardrail, to an accident involving one or more vehicles.

Very often, a collision policy will also cover any vehicle you are driving, even if you are not the owner. With this type of coverage, the insurance company will pay for any repairs that are necessary for your vehicle.

A notable exception to most collision policies is that they may not cover any damage caused by an encounter with an animal, such as a deer or moose.

The same exception is of course made if the damage occurs while the driver is intoxicated or committing a felony while driving.

The nature of the repairs an insurance company is willing to pay for under a collision policy is often directly tied in with the value of the car. For older cars, insurance companies sometimes insist on used or third party body panels or replacement parts, due to their lower cost.

They may even require the policy holder to pay the difference if they wish to use dealer components. The cost of collision insurance versus the cost of repairing an older vehicle lead many to drop this type of coverage after a vehicle has reached a certain age.

Comprehensive coverage can be thought of as a safety net that takes care of the many unpredictable events that can occur during the course of vehicle ownership. Comprehensive policies insure owners against theft, (either of the vehicle or the contents of the vehicle), fire and vandalism.

In some cases comprehensive insurance also covers damage from flooding, although this is not usually included in basic policies. These policies can often be found protecting vehicles which are in storage or undergoing restoration and do not see road use.

Comprehensive insurance can take care of safety-related issues such as windshield repair – in fact, for most drivers a replacement windshield can be fitted to their vehicle at no cost to them should it become cracked or scratched directly in their line of sight.

The previously mentioned animal impacts are counter-intuitively included under comprehensive coverage, as are ‘freak’ accidents such as damage cause by falling trees or weather-driven projectiles.

The majority of drivers carry both these types of insurance, with varying coverage levels.

If your car is financed, then you will most likely be obligated to carry an insurance policy that protects the full value of your vehicle from the most common, foreseeable types of perils.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Consider Auto Insurance Rates When You Buy A Car

This isn?t old news, but the type of car you buy effects your auto insurance rates. The more expensive or high-performance your car is, the higher your premiums will be. Why? It?s because the cost to repair a luxury or sports car is often significantly more than it is to repair an economy car. It?s a matter of mathematics. Less expensive automobiles are not as costly to repair if they?re involved in an accident. For some higher-end cars and trucks, just to replace a side-view mirror could cost a few hundred dollars.

How Rates are Set

Car insurance companies refer to the Insurance Services Office (ISO) when establishing coverage costs. The ISO is a reporting group for the insurance industry that publishes a statistical manual that rates vehicles based on the manufacturers suggested selling price, its loss history (if the car is not brand new), and in some cases the vehicles safety liability and theft level. The ISO establishes a number between 3 and 27 for each vehicle. The number assigned symbolizes the comprehensive and collision cost/coverage of that vehicle. The higher the number, the more costly it is to cover that vehicle.

Now let?s look at a few examples. If you have a car that is considered an economy car, yet the specific make and model you have has a high theft rate (i.e. it is stolen more often than other cars on the road), the number the ISO establishes for the car might be high. For sports cars, the ISO number is normally high because the faster the car, the more prone it is to traffic accidents; and in many cases, the cost to repair high-performance vehicles is significantly more than other vehicles. Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are also weighed as high-liability vehicles. That?s because studies have shown that SUVs cause more damage in an auto accident than a standard economy or sedan model. In this case, some auto insurance providers increase the liability premiums for high-performance cars and SUVs.

Before You Buy, Research

If you want to keep your insurance from skyrocketing, it?s a good idea to do some research before you hit the dealerships. For starters, ask your existing car insurance company for an estimate on a few makes and models you?re thinking about test driving. The quotes you get back will give you an idea of how much it will cost to insure those makes and models. Having those quotes in hand will also help you keep your spending under control by reminding you that you also need to consider insurance rates when estimating how much you can afford on a new car.

Your age, where you live, and your driving record all play a factor in the cost of your auto insurance. Of course, the ultimate factor is the type of car you drive. The difference between insuring a four-door economy car will be significantly less than insuring a high-priced sports car. So, if you?re shopping for a new car, remember to keep your future auto insurance premiums in mind. It will help you make a more informed and affordable choice.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Classic Car Insurance Quotes Online-find The Right Firm For Your Classic Car

You're looking for classic car insurance quotes online? The truth is, it's generally much more difficult to get classic car insurance than regular insurance, because of several different difficulties. First of all, classic cars are much harder to value than a regular car.

The money you get for a classic car in the event of an accident or a theft is generally the value you agree upon with the insurance company. Also, a classic car is much more likely to be targeted by car thieves, which puts a much higher risk level on the classic car insurance company.

With that said, it certainly is possible to find class car insurance quotes online. Here are some tips to help you find the best one before you get started.

The most crucial part of finding the best classic car insurance company for your auto is to look around and be patient. There are certainly numerous companies nowadays that will offer insurance for your classic cars, but all firms are not created equal.

Keep in mind, many of the big name insurance companies will not even deal in the classic car insurance arena, because of the high risk involved. Therefore, you usually will have to focus on companies that focus exclusively on the classic car insurance area.

Keep this in mind when looking: very likely, you will have to match up with certain criteria before you can obtain classic car insurance. Here are some of the most common: you very often need to be at least 25 years of age, have at least 10 years of driving experience, and a great driving record.

Due to the high risk of the cars involved, many of the companies are quite choosy about who they select to insure. If you don?t match one company's criteria, however, don't lose hope. Keep looking, and you will almost certainly find a company you can obtain insurance with, albeit at a higher price.

The best place to start looking is the internet for classic car insurance quotes. Trying to call each company can be somewhat of a hassle, and the internet can instantly provide you with literally hundreds of results at the click of a button.

One final tip: when searching for classic car insurance quotes online, always try to find a company that has many years of experience dealing in the classic car insurance arena. Don?t go with some fly by night company you?ve never heard of before.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Cheap Car Insurance Quotes Online Can Be Compared

Car insurances are quite tricky, if they have not been researched. Anyone who buys a car will have to do some research for these quotes before deciding which one to buy. Cheap car insurances quotes online will save the users a lot of time, and they may benefit from these online quotes. They will be able to save a lot of money too, as they will get the best quotes without being biased.

Various benefits will be available too with the insurance quotes if they have been gotten for cheap. These will offer services to cover all the areas that are required. It can cover the situation, as long as the users have explored all the ways of buying the cheap insurance. The consumers will have to get coverage for those situations that will not be their fault, and must always ensure they get the right scheme.

Sometimes there will be extras included with certain schemes, and it will vary from company to company. Getting cheap car insurance quotes online will be very easy and also will save time. Rates can be compared easily with all the companies, and consumers need not go anywhere to get this done. Once these quotes are given, they may also compare the rates of other companies.

By doing so, they are likely to get all the best deals for the cheap car insurance quotes online. They save money, and will also get it done with hardly any effort. Consumers also need to be aware how exactly they need to make a claim with what they get. All trusted companies can be found through these quotes, and they will be experienced with the services.

Not only quality can be gotten, the best benefits will be available from these cheap car insurance quotes online options. The insurances can also be bought online, and this will be the easiest way for anyone.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Car Insurance Discounts Made Easy

Automobile owner you have to get car insurance. However, getting car insurance isn't exactly cheap; it’s downright expensive. Still we are all looking for a cheap car insurance policy.

What is the best way to find cheap car insurance? Do your homework, research car insurance companies online, compare different insurance carriers and policies. Make sure to get the coverage you need, it may cost more, but will save you in the long run.

There are many ways to insure that the automotive policy you do get has been given all the discounts that are available to you.

Obey The Law

Car insurance companies can give you discounts for a number of reasons. One thing that you have to remember is that being a law-abiding citizen really does pay off. If you have a clean driving record where tickets and accidents for the last three to five years are concerned, you may be eligible for a discount.

Safety Devices

Being cautious also pays off. If your car has an air bag installed, an alarm, etched windows or other safety devices, then the car insurance company should give you a discount.

Loyalty Discount

Being loyal also pays off. Insurance companies usually offer a diverse selection of insurance policies. A single company might offer a lot of types of insurance like car insurance, house insurance and health insurance. If you use more than one of a company’s services, say car insurance and house insurance, you might just get a discount on one of the two or if you're really lucky, both. The same goes with owning multiple cars and getting insurance from the same company.

Military and Student Discounts

Soldiers get discounts whenever they get shipped overseas. If the car would be in storage for a number of years, then you will get a discount for the whole duration. Some discounts for soldiers might even get as high as 25% annually.

Students who maintain a B or better average may be eligible for a auto insurance discount. Students who go away to college and leave their car home can also get a break on the cost of their car insurance.

Auto Education Classes

Some towns offer safe driving courses, and if you have taken a certified course you may be able to get a discount on your auto policy. Check with your insurance agent to find out.

Remember that there are a lot of ways to get discounts for your car insurance. All you have to do is to know exactly what these are. Ask your insurance agent about what policy discounts are available. Who knows how many you will be able to apply to your auto policy and you could save yourself some money.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : How To Get Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes?

Almost all the 50 states in US have made it mandatory for the vehicles to get at least a basic auto insurance coverage. However, the final choice of getting either a basic cover or a comprehensive insurance cover (including the liabilities, medical injuries etc.) rests with the consumer.

People who get their vehicles financed must ensure that the final package comes with an auto insurance coverage. A comprehensive cover, though expensive, can take a lot of stress out of the modern day driving routines. If you are ready to and can afford that sort of expenditure, there are various ways in which you can obtain economical auto insurance quotes.

You must not act in haste while shopping for an auto insurance policy and must approach different companies to get the best deal for your vehicle. There are many who?ll offer you cheap insurance rates based on your driving habits and the condition of your vehicle and you must gather as many quotes as you can to do a comprehensive comparative analysis. The great surge in auto insurance providers in the market has made it possible for the consumers to pick out best options for their auto insurance needs.

A large number of auto insurance companies have set up virtual offices on internet, making it possible for everyone to get auto insurance quotes within minutes. This way one has direct control over the different parameters of auto insurance and can try their different combinations to see the effect on the overall coverage details immediately. For instance, you can increase your excess by $500 and see the effect on your monthly premiums instantly. This is a powerful tool that allows the customers to choose best- suited policies for their vehicles.

Before you venture out to obtain insurance quotes from other companies, you must first contact your existing insurance company and find out the options available with them. A lot of companies sell policies in the form of packages comprising of combined plans covering health, automobiles, homes etc. They usually give good discounts to their existing customers and offer attractive additional concessions if one buys multiple plans. In fact you can save up to 35%-40% of your insurance just by purchasing home and health insurance from the same company. You can also avail such offers on purchases of insurance policies for more than one vehicle.

In case you are in the good books of law enforcers and have rarely violated traffic rules, you stand a good chance to qualify for some of the most attractive auto insurance offers. Insurance companies will also offer you reduced rates if you have taken some sort of defensive driving or safe driving courses.

Another easy means to obtain cheap auto insurance quotes is by carefully selecting your vehicle and fitting it with high-quality security devices. You can easily get safety gadgets like alarms, hood locks, steering wheel locks and ignition kill switches installed from your nearest automobile equipments shop. Such devices are good deterrents for the prying eyes of anti social elements and will also earn you handsome discounts on your auto insurance premiums.

There are several cheap auto insurance options available in the market and multiple ways to obtain them. Follow these tips to make your task of getting the best auto insurance policy much easier.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Car Under Book Value

Cars are not a great investment. That is what my financier friend tells me all the time. Though it may just be an excuse for him having an old, grungy car there is some truth to it. New cars depreciate the moment you drive them off the lot. Nothing you can do to stop or change that. But if you are looking for a new vehicle there are ways to save money and buy a used car for under book value and at least make you feel like you have received a good investment for your money.

Auction, the word can scare some. In America we are not used to the type of bartering that is common place all over the world. One place where we can take part in a bartering system is at an auction. Instead of staying away from an auction you should learn to enjoy it and learn how to benefit from it. Vehicle auctions specifically are what I am talking about here.

Vehicle auctions take place nearly every week someplace. There are different rules associated with different auctions so before just showing up make sure you do not need certain credentials. Some auctions require you to have a dealer’s license and if you do not you might not even get in the door to look at what cars are even available.

Repossessed vehicles are a second kind of auction that you may find. There are government auctions, local city police and sheriff auctions that allow you to bid on repossessed vehicles.These are for the general public in most occasions.You may be able to find a car that is in good shape with few miles but that the owner was unable to pay their fines on so was taken. Others are taken for driving without a license and unable to come get their car. These cars are most likely in good running order. But always be sure to take a look at the vehicle you plan to bid on and not bid blindly.

Other kind of auctions includes cities, counties and schools that sell off vehicles they no longer need. These types of vehicles might have high mileage but because of being a fleet vehicle have been well maintained. These cars have had their scheduled tune ups and have been washed and kept looking good. The interior as well is usually in good condition since it was used for work purposes and not family or rough conditions.

So if you want a way to get a good investment for way under book value remember to try out auctions. Of course do not go into it blindly. Learn the auction lingo, know what book value is on the car you are interested in and stand firm on how much you want to bid up to. It is best to go to an auction or two to just watch and take in the action before bidding. Remember you are getting such a good deal because there is not a warranty or guarantee for the car in most instances. If you do your research before you go though you can come out of the auction with a nice used vehicle for an amazing deal.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Automobile Insurance Coverage Bodily Injury

Whatever reason you are shopping for auto insurance, rather it includes the purchase of a vehicle or it is time to renew your existing policy, the decision is not one to be taken lightly.

With questions as what coverage to add, what it all means, what are you agreeing to, etc. can often appear as if it was developed by some alien planet, there are reasons for each specific coverage offered.

Two very important factors to be considered when deciding on bodily injury automobile insurance coverage are, it may be required by law and it protects you financially.

In simple terms, bodily injury coverage provides expenses associated with injury or death to other people due to an accident in which you are involved.

In addition, it offers legal defense in the case of a law suit being filed. It also covers passengers in your vehicle; however, what it does not cover, is your vehicle or anyone named in your policy as a driver.

Not just covering the expense of the injury itself, bodily injury coverage contains provisions for loss of income and pain and suffering as well.

Mandatory in most states, the amount required is also state mandated. While some states do not require the coverage, they do require the ability to provide financial responsibility.

Should you be involved in an at fault accident where death or injury is a result, the inability to provide financial aid can result in a state imposed SR 22. If placed on your report, you would be required to maintain this coverage for three years, and the cost far outweighs any amount having the protection in the first place would have cost you.

Your insurance agent, who is well trained in the otherwise alien language, is your best option for determining the amount of coverage you will need. Important factors to consider are the financial results if you are under insured and the ability to tap into your personal finances in the case of a judgement.

While the coverage is provided in increments of $100,000’s, there are two portions to the actual provision. While the first portion covers the amount per person, the second portion covers the maximum paid per accident.

Taking into account all personal assets, including real estate, your coverage should be equal to your net worth. Again, your insurance agent has guides and formulas to assist in determining the amount that best protects you.

The cost associated with adding bodily injury to your policy takes into account many factors when assessing the amount you will pay annually. With the location of your residence being a primary factor, age, marital status and driving record are also used in the calculation. One thing to consider in having a bodily injury endorsement is to consider full coverage insurance.

While the state board of insurance can provide information on the requirements of the coverage required for your state, it is not a sound financial decision to go without this protection.

As lawsuits continue to increase where auto accidents are concerned, having bodily injury coverage on your automobile insurance policy just makes sense.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Do We Need Tort Reform For Auto Safety?

Europe has significant safety features for automobiles that are either standard or optional equipment for their vehicles. These features have not been introduced here in the US. Why?

Could a lack of tort reform be the culprit? It boggles the mind. This was a topic of discussion at an April 21, 2004, meeting of Advocates for Auto and Highway Safety.

What is tort reform and why does it affect car insurance? Tort reform is used by its advocates to describe a change in the United States civil justice system that will limit tort litigation and damages. By doing so, it will reduce litigation’s adverse effects on the economy.

Michael Sanders is the global director for automotive safety for DuPont Performance Materials. Some of the new technologically advanced safety features he told the board about were side curtain airbags, laminated glass, radar-based rear obstacle detection, rear view camera systems, anti-trap technology for windows, an advanced rear seat belt reminder, and pretension seatbelts. Many of these features are standard or optional equipment in Europe. The significance of this is that the market penetration of these features in Europe is deep while they have had relatively no impression here at home.

What is keeping these potentially important safety features out of the grasp of American drivers? You may be surprised to learn that the group believes our litigious society, the contingency fee system, and our court system are reasons such safety equipment is not available in the US and why most of the suppliers are in Europe. What can be done to solve the problem? Unfortunately, it will require more regulation. This seems to be a never-ending spiral of deeper and deeper red tape in order to simplify and safeguard our driving risks. An example of this is to have carefully drawn regulatory standards so that consumers cannot sue auto companies for failure to use such equipment in the past. The group felt that availability of such equipment as standard equipment (OEM) on U.S. cars is probably dependent on tort reform.

We may see a change in this arena.

The U.S. Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 shifts many large class-action lawsuits involving parties from state to federal courts. This may or may not be a good thing. Erasing the needless burden of state litigation with more bureaucratic federal litigation may subvert the constitution’s intent. This Act removes many class action lawsuits from the jurisdiction of state courts. Business groups had lobbied for the legislation, arguing that class-action lawsuits enriched trial lawyers.

The Act accomplished two key goals of tort reform advocates:

1. Reduces the likelihood that out-of-state defendants will be subject to what proponents deem are excessive verdicts, by reducing settlements that may occur in plaintiff-friendly local venues.
2. Enacts procedures for the review of coupon settlements, to reduce attorney's fees that are deemed “excessive” relative to the benefits actually afforded class members.

The Act gives federal courts sole jurisdiction to certain class actions in which the amount in controversy exceeds $5 million, and in which any of the members of a class of plaintiffs is a citizen of a state different from any defendant, unless at least two-thirds or more of the members of all proposed plaintiff classes in the aggregate and the primary defendants are citizens of the state in which the action was originally filed.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : 7 Tips To Reduce Your Car Insurance Costs

With the cost of car insurance becoming more and more of an issue for the average American family, there are increasing numbers of people looking for cheap car insurance. But although it is possible to find cheap car insurance, the question remains, is it worth buying?

Everyone knows that car insurance companies are not all equal. Cheap car insurance is wonderful when paying the bill, but make a mistake on the company you select and you could find that the cheap car insurance policy that you found may turn into a nightmare. Cheap car insurance may not turn out to be so attractive when making a claim.

So if you have found a discount car insurance broker don't just take the cheapest quote that you get. You need to find out a little about the insurance company that is offering the cheap car insurance rates.

And there's ways to reduce the cost of your car insurance even with the best of companies. Here are some tips for those looking for cheap car insurance to help reduce the cost of car insurance without compromising other things.

7 Cheap Car Insurance Tips

1. Look at your deductible amount. This is the amount that you pay first out of any claim. The cost of your policy is directly related to this amount. Many people, particularly those who have had their insurance policy for a long time, have never considered whether they ought to vary their deductible. If you have a good driving record and are prepared to increase the risk of paying a larger amount in the event of a (hopefully unlikely) claim you can save money by increasing your deductible.

2. Have a look at the type of car you drive. Certain types of cars attract higher car insurance rates. Cars such as sports cars and also certain makes and models that are prime theft candidates cost more to insure. If you are buying a car then find out which makes and models these are before you buy.

3. Drive carefully. Although it sounds a little trite to say it, your car insurance cost is a factor of your risk profile. You won't get cheap car insurance if you have had 3 speeding fines and 2 accidents in the last year. These things are all taken into account and you should take care with how you drive. It all adds up onto your bill. There are big safe driver discounts available.

4. Considering installing safety and anti theft devices in your car. Again these affect your risk profile. If you have a car that is safer and less at risk of theft it should be cheaper to insure. And if you have a car with certain safety devices now check that your insurance company is aware of these, if not tell them.

5. Look at your policy when it comes to renewal time, don't just pay. There are some things that you can vary in your policy that will affect the cost. Often there are some things there which duplicate other insurance that you may have that can be eliminated. Be critical, look carefully and ask questions about all these before you renew your policy.

6. Have a look at who your other insurers are. Many insurers offer a discount for multiple policies. If you insure your house with a certain company then ring them up and find out if they do car insurance. Get a quote from them. Find out what discounts they offer.

7. Find a good online discount car insurance broker before renewing. The internet is a fabulous resource. Use it. There are all sorts of discount insurance brokers online where you can get fast quotes from a wide range of companies. Don't just settle for the same company you always use. Car insurance rates vary all the time. Always get comparable quotes before renewing any policy.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Insurance that Covers any Driver that Drives your Car

Looking for auto insurance that covers any drivers?

Get car insurance quotes online for policy to cover other drivers rather than just you. Any driver you would like covered on your cars would have to fit the coverage eligibility and each company has its own rules and regulations on covering persons not included in the policy. In order to be sure, review carefully the details on “drivers covered” before allowing others to drive.

In general, anyone residing at your home address who will be driving your vehicles would have to be listed and included in order for auto insurance coverage to apply. Be cautious about the “excluded drivers” section which will specify anyone who it will definitely not cover. By signing the exclusion agreement, you are agreeing that those listed persons are not covered under any circumstance.

It is best to add anyone who will likely drive your cars in order to be sure; however, some companies will provide limited coverage for anyone who:

* does not reside in your household
* does not have regular access to your vehicles
* does not own the vehicle or is listed in the registration title
* is not using the cars for work place related purposes

If you’re unsure or have a special circumstance, you may want to speak to an agent to check and make sure that the policies will be covering anyone who drives.

Adding a driver to a car insurance policy:

Policyholders can contact their carrier to add drivers who will be driving their automobiles. The process should be quite simple. First you will need to gather basic information such as date of birth, and any history of convictions and accidents such as convicted drunk drivers.

High risk drivers may generate a higher rate because they may be considered more likely to be involved in an accident. Young, teen or 1st time new drivers with a learners permit may also cause high premiums and may impact not just the vehicle they will be driving but all on the policy. Although there are some benefits to adding multiple autos to a policy such as multi car discounts, you should weigh out the difference in price savings by quoting the addition of the driver to your current policy vs. buying a whole new policy for them.

Quotes are free at OnlineAutoInsurance.com and with one simple process, you may get the rates of multiple leading carriers to complete a premium comparison. Since there are such wide ranges of drivers such as those with expired driver’s license, elderly drivers or even the occasional imperfect driver with bad credit or no license at all, it is important to realize that there are companies out there that specialize in the high risk categories and can offer very reasonable rates.

Does auto insurance cover the car or driver?

When a driver purchases a policy, the liability portion will follow them to which ever vehicle they drive as long as it falls within the coverage guidelines. Other protection plans covering the vehicle itself such as comprehensive and collision will only cover the car specified in the policy and will not transfer to other cars.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : How to get Proof Car Insurance

Use the Internet to get proof of car insurance online. The steps are as follows:

1. Compare quotes from up to 12 recognizable companies such as Progressive and GMAC.
2. Buy policy online to print evidence of coverage for demonstration purposes.

To compare auto insurance quotes, visitors must simply enter their zip code and fill out a simple form. To buy a policy online, sign an electronic application and pay with a credit card.

Having proof of insurance is practically synonymous with owning a car. If it’s not insured, you shouldn’t be driving it. Most states mandate that consumers, if planning on operating a motor vehicle, must maintain some type of coverage on the vehicle in order to be able to drive the vehicle legally on the road or be able to register it and receive the license plate tags.

Getting proof of insurance is easier now than it has ever been since consumers may now get their policies online. Getting coverage online is easy because it only requires four easy steps. First, a consumer may go to OnlineAutoInsurance.com to compare quotes from various top leading companies and see which quote is the best fit. Once a consumer is settled on what they want to pay based on the quotes received, the consumer than may choose the desired company. After selecting a company, an initial payment is required in order to successfully secure the policy. Once payment has been made, a proof of insurance card may be printed as evidence of liability coverage.

Buying an auto insurance policy online and printing evidence of insurance.

Buying online auto insurance is simple and only requires a few simple actions. Many people purchase products and services online because it is easy and convenient. Many motorists are also purchasing their policies online because of the ability to complete the pre-requisites instantly such as research and comparisons of the companies available. There is no need to scrounge through ads or the yellow pages and there is no need to step out of the house. The procedure simply requires a few more steps past the quotation process to sign electronic signatures, pay and print the proof.

The proof of insurance card is is similar to the one mailed to consumers by the carriers. The purpose of this printed document is to satisfy legal requirements and to carry it in case you need to refer to the policy information in the event of an accident. Since some states mandate motorists to maintain protection on their vehicle, it may also be checked by police officers. This type of coverage document (also known as “Evidence of Financial Responsibility”) may also be required by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for certain vehicle related procedures such as applying for a license or renewal of vehicle registrations.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Which Insurance Should I Buy if I Buy Rental Car Insurance?

Car rental companies want you to rent their cars, but they are rightfully concerned that their vehicles be returned just as they were rented, except for the miles that are put on them of course. If you are in an accident while driving a rental car and do not have the right coverages to pay for the accident, or for the company's loss of use of the vehicle while it is being repaired, then be prepared to pay for these items yourself and the cost is likely to be a lot.

Now what car insurance should you buy when you are renting a car? It depends. We would like this to be a simple one or two paragraph answer, but it is not quite so easy for this question since there are a lot of factors involved in deciding about insurance for a rental car.

If you own your own auto, your state requires you have at least a minimum of liability coverage to comply with state law and to allow you to provide financial responsibility toward other drivers. If your auto is financed, your bank, credit union, or finance company will require you to carry comprehensive and collision coverage, also known as A physical damage insurance.

Your policy should have information regarding whether or not your coverage will apply to a rental car. A simple call to your agent is the easiest solution. Most policies include coverage to extend to rental cars. If not, or you cannot find the information on your written policy documents than call your insurance company so one of their agents can inform you of what your policy provides. This is important for you to know for future reference.

Most policies extend coverage to at least the value of the car on the policy. Therefore, if you have a $10,000 car then you would have at least that amount of coverage toward your damaged rental car. You should also ask your insurance provider if it makes a difference if you are renting the car for personal or business reasons. Sometimes if it is a business trip, your coverages may not be extended as if they would be for just a personal vacation trip where you rent a car.

If you do not have coverage from your personal auto insurance or if you do not own a car so thus have no car insurance to apply to a rental car then you will need to get insurance to cover the rental car. If you must buy car insurance for your rental car, it is expensive, costing $9 to $20 per day or more. Especially if you are a frequent renter due to business trips, this can add up to a lot of money fast. Having your own insurance policy on your vehicle that covers rental cars is an ideal way to go. However, you may not own a car, so then what are your options?

For liability insurance purposes to cover a rental car, you can purchase from most car insurance companies a non-owners liability policy. Before you buy that type of policy, make sure that it will cover any rental vehicle you might need to rent. Policy terms vary so check with the insurance carrier when buying your non-owners policy about this rental car issue specifically.

The cost for this type insurance coverage varies greatly depending on your driving record, but if you don't have violations and some driving experience it costs somewhere in the neighborhood of $200 to $300 per year, and can be well worth it if you are a frequent renter and have no car of your own to place regular insurance upon. Most of these policies do not cover business use of a rental car so if that is a factor you will want to know about as well. In addition, these policies do not cover the actual damage to the rental car. This type of policy only provides liability coverages so just the damage you may cause others is covered and not the rental car itself.

Rental car companies want you to rent cars from them but also want to know you will return the car in the same condition it left in except of course for the miles put on during the rental period. A rental car company may check your Motor Vehicle Record and your credit history, but this is not typical. They may however contact your insurance company, if you do have coverage, to confirm with them that the rental car is covered.

If you are renting a car, the insurance issue is not something that you would want to leave “hanging”. You definitely want to have this nailed down with your insurance company before you arrive at the rental car agency to pick up your car. A typical vehicle you are renting can cost from $11,000 to $30,000, so the company renting the vehicle will want their car protected.

Some credit card companies will cover you for the physical damage part of the car rental if you use their card to pay for the rental. Check with your credit card company about this possibility too. There may be certain exclusions to when your credit cards coverage would be in force so make certain you are aware of all the aspects of your credit cards coverage before renting a car and just assuming your credit card will pay out for an accident.

In some cases, it is much better to take the (unfortunately) more expensive daily insurance coverage of the rental company and let it be their responsibility if you have an accident. The consequences are very high if you can't pay for any damage done to the other driver, or to the rental vehicle. Here are some types of insurance that rental car agencies offer.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), in states that allow it, is an optional coverage that rental car companies normally offer for around $10 to $15 a day. It is called collision damage coverage however it is more of a guarantee that the rental company will pay for damages to your rented vehicle that it may sustain. If you decline the waiver, you accept responsibility for any damages.

CDW does not pay for bodily injuries or damages to you or your personal property. If you do not buy CDW coverage or are not covered by your personal auto insurance policy, you could be liable for the full value of the car. Be sure to read the exclusions of any CDW contact you sign with a rental car company.

Some CDWAYs exclude coverage under certain circumstances. For example, coverage may be invalid if you damage the car when driving it in a negligent manner, on unpaved roads, or out of the state in which you rented the vehicle. Some companies void their CDW coverage if a driver drinks alcohol or if a non-authorized driver operates the car.

In addition to CDW coverage rental car companies offer many other optional coverages such as personal accident insurance (PAI) which pays a death benefit and portion of your medical expenses if you are in an accident. If you have health insurance or other coverages that take care of this then it likely would not be needed for a rental car.

To find out what insurance options are available to you from the rental company you plan to use trying check with their website. Usually if you are using a national chain, they will list online what your base rate includes as well as what optional coverages are available. You then should speak with your own insurer to see if any coverage is extended to you from your personal auto insurance policy. With all of the knowledge you should be able to determine what insurance coverages a rental car company offers is right for your situation.

Sometimes the best solution is to buy insurance from the rental car agency so that you are not left personally responsible for damages to the rental car or to others you may damage when you are at-fault in an accident.

If you are unable to pay, under normal circumstances the rental car company will get a legal judgment and a lien against you, so it is messy to have this happen. It can foul up your credit rating and driving history for quite some time, as well as cost you thousands of dollars. Remember the rental car company will likely not only want their vehicle repaired but want paid for the loss of service for the time that vehicle was being repaired instead of rented out and making them money.

If you rent a car and do not have the right coverages for an accident, it can cause you a lot of grief and financial heartache. Driving without insurance can only lead to a negative result and there are more serious consequences when the car you are driving is not even your own, so make sure you have coverage whether driving a rental or your own vehicle.

For what it is worth, as an agent I have never purchased the rental car coverage that is offered to me by the rental car company. My policy extends coverage to rental cars up to my liability limits and the physical damage. A simple call or review of your auto policy can save you time and money at the rental car counter.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Types of Auto Insurance Coverage Explained

A question you might ask yourself is: why must we carry auto insurance? Hopefully one answer you should hear is to protect yourself and your car. For those same reasons the government also requires you to have car insurance.

Each state requires you to carry at least the minimum requirements. Every state has different limits and deductible requiremetns. Our sites explains every requirement and handles it all when you are quoting and purchasing through our site.

There are many different types of auto insurance coverage to choose from, depending on what you want covered and what you can afford. Where should you get started?

First you should ask yourself if you have enough coverage in case of an incident occurring. Besides the minimum requirement coverage previously mentioned, there is another type of coverage that is very important, bodily injury.

Bodily injury coverage is not required by the state of Florida until you get into an auto accident. This would cover you if you were at fault in an accident and the person in the other vehicle suffered injuries exceeding their personal injury coverage. If you did not have this coverage the other party has the right to sue and the state may place a financial responsibility on your motor vehicle report, which you would have to carry for 3 years. That financial responsibility is called an SR22.

Uninsured motorist is another coverage you may want to consider. Uninsured motorist covers you if the other party was at fault and you were injured (exceeding your personal injury coverage) and they did not have bodily injury coverage. You may use this coverage to cover the difference of your injuries.

There are two more very important types of coverage that you might want to explore they are: comprehensive and collision.

Comprehensive coverage would cover your vehicle in the event of fire, theft, vandalism, hail storm damage or any natural causes minus the deductible you agreed upon when purchasing your insurance.

Collision coverage would cover physical damage to your vehicle, if you were at fault in the accident, minus the deductible. The insurance company would pay the actual cash value of your vehicle. If your vehicle is financed comprehensive and collision coverage are possibly are required by your lending institution.

Extra medical payment coverage can also be provided if you are interested and the list goes on. All types of coverage are important but the reality of it is, what we can afford? Keep in mind your life and your family is very important so having insurance should be one of your main priorities.

With the web easily accessible you have a vast amount of knowledge at your fingertips to help you choose the best coverage for you and your lifestyle. Life is too short, get good advice and get the right insurance coverage for you and your family.

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CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Understanding How Your Credit History May Affect Your Car Insurance Coverage

Many personal auto insurance companies consider your credit information when determining how much premium to charge for your insurance. So if you are calling around for new insurance, keep in mind that many insurers are looking at your credit history. I hope that we will be able to let you know why and how they do this.
The reason that some insurance companies use credit information is because there is a direct correlation between consumer's credit history behaviors and expected claims that may occur. Therefore, they feel that people with better credit behavior are less likely to have severe insurance losses.

The companies that do use credit scoring will still use other factors in determining your premium. They will also use your age, driving history, type of vehicle, where you live in determining how much you should pay for your insurance. Therefore, if you have not established a credit history yet, the companies that use credit history may not be best for you. They may not allow you to be eligible for certain discounts, which could result in higher premiums.

Is it fair for an insurance company even look at my credit information without my permission? The answer is yes. The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act says "Reasonable procedures. It is the purpose of this title to require that consumer reporting agencies adopt reasonable procedures for meeting the needs of commerce for consumer credit, personnel, insurance, and other information in a manner which is fair and equitable to the consumer, with regard to the confidentiality, accuracy, relevancy, and proper utilization of such information in accordance with the requirements of this title."

If you feel that your credit history is better then the insurer can find, make sure the insurer has your correct name, address, social security number, and date of birth.

Some insurance companies will look directly at your actual credit reports when determining your rate, however most will use what is called an "insurance credit score." An insurance credit score is developed by using statistical techniques and methods to predict the likelihood a consumer will have a higher than anticipated loss. These are similar to what lenders use to predict the reliability of an applicant repaying a loan.

Insurance companies use many factors in determining your credit score. Here are some examples of those factors:

* Public records: bankruptcy, collections, foreclosures, liens, charge-offs, etc.
* Past payment history: the number and frequency of late payments and the days between the due date and late payment date.
* Length of credit history: the amount of time you have been in the credit system.
* Inquiries for credit: the number of times you have recently applied for new credit, including mortgage loans, utility accounts, and credit card accounts.
* Number of open lines of credit: the number of credit cards, whether you use them or not.
* Type of credit in use: major credit cards, store credit cards, finance company loans, etc.
* Unused credit: how much you owe compared to how much credit is available to you.

Your insurance credit score may differ from company to company, as they will use different factors in determining your premium. Notice that we call it an insurance credit score. This means that it encompasses many factors including credit.

Since each insurance company uses different techniques to determine your credit score it is hard to tell you what a good credit score is. Usually a good credit score will result in lower premiums.

Your agent or company is not obligated to tell you your credit score. In fact, they might not even know what it is. All they usually know is that your credit score qualifies you for a specific rate or policy. Some companies also offer better rates under each qualifying tier.

If you feel that there is incorrect information on your credit report, you should tell the credit bureau. If you report an error, the credit bureau must investigate the error and get back to you within 30 days. You can ask the credit bureau to send a notice of the correction to any creditor or insurer that has checked your file in the past six months. Once the errors are corrected, it is a good idea to get a new copy of your credit report several months later to make sure the wrong information has not been reported again.

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