Auto Insurance |
Auto insurance requirements vary from state to state, but the majority of auto owners are required to carry car insurance. As you start shopping for a car insurance quote, there are some things you need to keep in mind. Not all automobile insurance is created equal. Even when you' re comparing auto liability, you will find that there are lots of options. Differences in insurance plans will change the insurance rates. Typically, there's a rule of thumb when it comes to shopping for cheap insurance; the lowest rates have the highest deductibles. Should you go for the lowest insurance price or the lowest deductibles? It depends on your circumstances. If you know that you could come up with a thousand dollars or more in the event you did have to file a claim, there's nothing wrong with saving some money by choosing an insurance company with a lower insurance rate. |
Shop and Compare, But Low Insurance Rates Aren't Everything |
If you' re serious about saving money on your car insurance rate, one of the most important things you can do is to compare car rates. Shop online car insurance companies first. You can get insurance quotes that will give you a good idea of the insurance prices you can expect to pay. Remember that an online quote that's returned in five minutes may not be 100 percent accurate. Insurance companies have to know some specifics, including any citations on your driving record, to give accurate insurance quotes. Remember that you getting a auto insurance quote is more than a way for you to obey the requirements of the law in your state; it's a means of protection for one of your largest financial investments. With that in mind, discount insurance may not always be your best buy. If the insurance policy comes with the lowest rates but the insurance plan does not pay off when you need it, the automobile insurance is pretty much worthless. |
Ask Questions and Keep Records |
As you shop for the best insurance quote, keep in mind that there's more to consider than just the bottom line. One point is that your insurance company should be able to answer your questions about your insurance policy. Whether you' re looking for affordable car policies for your Texas auto, California auto, Florida auto, or car or truck insurance anywhere else in the nation, insurance companies should be able to tell you about minimum requirements for your insurance plan. Take advantage of the knowledge of your car insurance company. When you' re looking for excellent insurance rates, the only stupid questions are those that are not asked. Auto liability and full coverage are among the most basic differences available in a car insurance quote. Full coverage will pay for damages done to other cars and to property (fences, etc.) while a liability car insurance policy will not typically pay any damages done to your vehicle. If cheap insurance is what you' re after, liability is your answer. But not everyone is allowed to carry only liability. If you owe money on your car, your lender may require you to carry a comprehensive policy that will cover your car. Even if you' re searching for comprehensive coverage, you can find a affordable car insurance rate if you take time to do some shopping before you buy. |
Don't Forget, You're the Customer and Insurance Companies Want Your Business |
Though you may start and end your quest to compare car policies with online car agents, don't think that you have to give up quality service in order to get great insurance prices. Evaluate the service you get when you apply for an online quote. If the insurance rate is good but the service to get the insurance price was poor, do you really want to trust this company with this important service? One other thing you can do to get the best price on your auto insurance quote is to shop with companies that offer insurance specifically for your needs. Florida auto, California auto and Texas auto owners each have different needs. Those with tickets, those with squeaky clean records and those who have disabilities also have differing needs. You will find that companies who routinely write for these particular people will have the best rates. Ref: http://www.insurancequote4you.com/car-insurance.php |
Classic car owners are six times more likely to experience a breakdown (mechanical that is) than to file a claim. That's one of the reasons why Hagerty has created Hagerty Plus, but that's not the only reason. We actively work toward preserving the future of the collector car hobby.
4 ways we're protecting you and the collector car hobby
- Flatbed towing and roadside assistance
- Information resources
- Legislative advocacy
- Collectors Foundation
Pretty darn good, if we do say so ourselves. As fellow car collectors, we know first hand how unsettling it can be to see your prized Duesenberg dangling from a wrecker. Anyway, as we know we'd prefer a nice comfy flatbed for our baby, we thought you would, too. And that's just for starters. Check out the following benefits in our one-of-a-kind program:
- 24 hours, seven days a week
- Guaranteed safe flatbed towing
- Dispatch for lockouts, battery jumps and tire changes
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Access hundreds of articles by hobby experts on our Web site
- Learn more about restoration and maintenance
- Share advice and swap stories with other collectors
- Discover valuable tips on safety and protection
- Receive Hagerty's four times a year
- Get up-to-date info on vehicle valuation
- Learn buying and selling techniques
- Find out the latest trends in collecting
- Join our 225,000 collective voices across the United States!
- Battle issues on the local, state and national levels
- Help preserve the rights we currently enjoy
- Impact issues from emissions to scrappage laws
- Receive email updates on legislative action in your area
- This nonprofit fund supports scholarships for students majoring in automotive design, engineering, restoration, fabrication or preservation.
- The fund also supports hobby-related youth programs, libraries and museums.
- Your membership includes a $1 gift to the Collectors Foundation.
If this doesn't give you peace of mind when you're on the road-or even at home in your easy chair-we aren't sure what will. So, think of Hagerty Plus as the proverbial icing on the cake (or should we say the bonnet on your Jaguar, or the fins on your Chevy?) The fact is, Hagerty Plus is about the best thing to happen to your car since you finally decided to spring for heat in your garage.
We told you it was easy
Become part of the nation's largest collector car enthusiast community! To sign up call 1-800-922-4050 to talk with a customer service representative.
Check out Hagerty Plus FAQs and Membership Rules for more information.
Visit: http://www.hagerty.com/Auto/vehicle_hpn.aspx
How Did Your Vote Affect the Future of Driving?
November 5, 2008
Now that Election Day is over, and the next president has been decided, it's time to look ahead—what plan does President-elect Obama have for hybrid cars and alternative fuel sources for vehicles?
Even before the election, there were some things that both candidates agreed on. The movement towards plug-in hybrid vehicles has been recognized at the highest levels of government, as recently as October 2008.
A Bi-Partisan Agreement
On October 2, 2008, as part of the $700 million bailout legislation passed by the US Senate, a tax credit was included for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Both presidential candidates signed this legislation.
Obama plans to convert the entire White House fleet of cars to plug-in hybrids.
This credit works out to be a base $2,500 plus $417 for each kWh of battery pack capacity over 4kWh, to a maximum of $7,500 for "light duty vehicles"—the Chevrolet Volt's capacity is 16kWh, for example. The credit increases as the vehicle weight goes up. Many of the upcoming plug-in hybrids, such as the Volt and the similar vehicles announced by Chrysler and Nissan Motor Co. for 2010 and after should qualify for the tax credit. These tax credits have a "lifespan" based upon sales of qualifying vehicles.
This bill also extends existing tax credits for other alternative fuels and energy.
Obama's Plan
In 2007, Obama (along with other Senators) introduced a bill promoting the use and development of plug-in hybrids and other electric vehicles. He has called for 1 million hybrid cars to be on the road by 2015.
Obama's plans include increasing the fuel economy of vehicles by 4 percent each year.
He also intends to convert the entire White House fleet of cars to plug-in hybrids, and half of cars purchased by the federal government by 2012.
He also plans to allow for $4 billion in tax credits for retooling efforts and loan guarantees for domestic auto plants and parts manufacturers to allow them to concentrate on advanced technologies eventually allowing hybrid vehicles to achieve 150 miles per gallon.
In the short term, Obama hopes to give a flat $7000 tax credit for anyone purchasing a hybrid vehicle.
The Challenge for America
In the months ahead, President-elect Obama will begin preparing his cabinet and his priorities for 2009 and beyond. Energy issues were high profile while gas prices were sky-rocketing, but will this administration remain focused on this issue for the long-haul? Our challenge as a nation is hold our leaders accountable for their promises—especially when it comes to our environment. We look forward to the inauguration—and to matching reality to campaign promises.
Visit: http://www.insurance.com/article.aspx/How_Did_Your_Vote_Affect_the_Future_of_Driving/artid/646
8 Things You Should Know About Auto Insurance
September 17, 2004
How Knowing More Can Help You
Trying to understand auto insurance can be as tricky and confusing as trying to untie the Gordian knot. (We hear the knotty Gordian problem can be solved with a sword.) However, some "insider" knowledge can help you understand your options and what you can do to save money and get the most out of your auto insurance.
1) Some of the most helpful coverages are the cheapest.
Auto insurance may be expensive, but if you're already spending a lot, shouldn't you get a lot? Optional coverages such as gap coverage, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and comprehensive coverage can provide a lot of protection for a little price increase. Comprehensive coverage is usually the most expensive of these coverages, but is still usually about half the price of collision coverage and a third the price of liability coverage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is especially important, considering the benefits it offers and the number of uninsured drivers on the road, particularly during this period of economic hardship. Take a look at your coverage options. Paying a little more now may save you a lot in the future.
2) Many factors can affect your car insurance rate.
Auto insurance companies use many different criteria when evaluating an insurance application during a process called underwriting. Each car insurance company has many guidelines regarding which groups of drivers they want to accept and how much they will charge those groups they consider a greater risk. The guidelines are different for each company, meaning that two companies comparing the same driver can arrive at vastly different conclusions.
During the underwriting process, car insurance applicants are placed in a group based on how much money and how many claims the insurance company believes it may have to pay. Underwriting is done automatically by software behind the scenes. At this time, the insurance company will look at motor vehicle records to see how many accidents or tickets a driver has received. Many insurance companies also use an insurance history report to see if the driver has made any car insurance claims, and how much money was paid. Although accidents and violations can only affect the rates you receive for three years, many companies will look back five or more years when deciding if they want to offer you insurance. In addition, many auto insurance companies look at the credit history of the applicant. Although they use credit history to determine which group an applicant belongs to, they don't actually look at a credit report.
3) Insurance prices vary (a lot) by company.
You've probably seen commercials saying you can save money by switching to a certain car insurance company. How can so many companies make this claim? The reason is that "auto insurance is a highly competitive business and one of the most effective ways to reduce insurance costs is simply to shop around," according to Jeanne Salvatore, senior vice president of the Insurance Information Institute. "Drivers should look for an insurance company that will provide a good price along with excellent service."
Prices for the same policy from the same company, however, are set by law. They are approved by the state and can't be changed by an agent, so you can't get a better price for the same policy simply by going to a different agent or trying to negotiate the price. The best plan is to decide what coverages and options you need and comparison shop to get the best price.
4) If you let your policy lapse, you'll pay more in the long run.
Most insurance companies view drivers who are licensed but don't have insurance as risky or irresponsible. Because of this, if you let your policy lapse, you'll probably pay more when you go to buy car insurance. To avoid this, if you don't want to pay for insurance or are planning to let your policy expire because you want to switch companies, make sure to purchase car insurance before your current policy is cancelled.
5) Higher deductibles can lower your premium.
Insurance prices are based on how much money the insurance company believes it could have to pay. If you agree to pay for a larger portion of your own damages by raising your deductibles, your car insurance company automatically knows they won't have to pay as much for your claims. Because of this, they will usually give you a lower premium. If you decide to raise your deductibles to save money, be sure you can afford to pay the deductible if you have to make a claim.
6) Insurance discounts can make a difference.
Most insurance companies offer auto insurance discounts for things like a safe driving record, car safety features, anti-theft devices, electronic payments, payment in full, and more. Make sure you're getting rewarded for being a safe driver and for having a safe car by shopping around for car insurance that appreciates your record.
7) Coverage affects what you pay.
The majority of your car insurance premium generally goes toward the legally-required liability portion of your policy. It's typically not a good idea to reduce this portion in an attempt to save money, because you'll be responsible for any amount of damages above your policy limits. However, other coverages, although generally helpful, could be reduced or eliminated to lower your premium. If you have an older car that's not worth very much, or if you won't have a problem paying for a new car, collision and comprehensive coverages may not make economic sense. Talk to your car insurance company or agent about the best options for you.
8) The car you drive can affect your auto insurance rates.
The Highway Loss Data Institute compiles insurance accident statistics for most types of cars. Many insurance companies use data like this when setting prices on your insurance. For example, if the car you drive is very expensive to repair, the company is going to have to pay more if you get in an accident. Conversely, if the car you drive is extremely safe and protects occupants well, your insurance company will not have to pay as much if you're involved in a crash. If your model of car is generally less likely to be stolen, your car insurance company is less likely to have to pay to replace it. All of these car related factors can raise or lower the auto insurance quotes you receive, so it makes sense to keep insurance in mind when purchasing a car. Of course, since rates are based on much more than just the car you drive, your overall rate may be more or less than someone driving the same car.
Do you have any questions or comments? Please let us know.
Last updated October 17, 2008.
Visit: http://www.insurance.com/article.aspx/8_Things_You_Should_Know_About_Auto_Insurance/artid/138
