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Getting Low Auto Insurance Rates – Cheap Car Insurance Policies

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:22:01 +0000

First of all, avoid being in an accident. Having a clean accident-free driving record is a big plus for negotiating lower rates from your auto insurance company. That you are a good driver makes the risk level for the insurance company to be relatively low thereby giving you more power to make certain demands especially on lower rate considerations.

Also having a clean driving record will make you top choice and a better client to the insurance companies around.

You should endeavor to understand some of the value added services that auto insurance companies provide. Most times, these services help you save both time and money. A good insurance company will surely love to have smiling customers and one of the greatest means for achieving this is to increase service value while maintaining price points or even lowering the overall price.

You can save more if you have multiple policies running on the same account. For example you can have a life insurance policy, home renters insurance and your auto insurance policy all being active in the same account. This will normally prompt for a lower rate negotiation.

Insurance companies will cross check on some of your personal behaviors and habits. If you have a record of getting drunk on alcohol or excessive speeding with friends and over loading vehicles, then your record is that of a high risk for the insurance companies. Having a non-destructive record will surely give you more points for lower rates. The first step for you to get your lower rates is to get free auto insurance quotes from trusted agents online.

Where To Start?

By: Iyke Phelim

5 Common Myths About Auto Insurance Companies

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 07:04:17 +0000

Comparing auto insurance companies can be a little confusing, especially when you already have a false sense of what to expect. You might have some preconceived ideas about what car insurance is and how it works based on bits and pieces of information from friends, co-workers, relatives, television, etc. Let’s explore five common myths about auto insurance to ease your mind.

Myth #1: Car insurance rates are determined the same way by every auto insurance company.

This idea leaves the impression that all auto insurance companies think and operate alike, which is certainly not true. Each insurance agency determines rates based on a number of risk factors that affect their company the most. The risk factors vary based on what types of drivers the company normally accommodates. Some car insurance companies cater to high-risk drivers, such as drivers with a poor driving record or a history of DUI. Others cater to middle-aged, married consumers or young drivers. As you can see, auto insurance companies determine rates differently based on their own criteria.

Myth #2: Car insurance rates are not affected by my credit score.

Unfortunately, auto insurance companies can and will perform a credit check to find out how you fare in the financial realm. With many insurers, a better credit score means lower rates. Your credit score may be checked when you purchase new insurance, transfer your policy to another agency, and when it’s time to renew your policy.

Myth #3: If an accident occurs while someone else is driving my vehicle, their car insurance will automatically cover the accident.

No matter who’s driving your car, your insurer will have to pay if the accident is deemed their fault or in some cases, “no fault.” The driver’s own insurance might, however, act as back-up coverage and cover any excess needs should they arise. Remember, it’s your car and your responsibility no matter who’s driving.

Myth #4: The type of car I own does not affect my car insurance.

It would be nice if you could own that beautiful sports car you’ve always dreamed of without it affecting your insurance rates, but this usually isn’t the case. Many auto insurance companies do take into consideration what type of car you own, especially when insuring drivers under the age of 25. Sports cars usually render a much higher insurance rate because these cars tend to prompt “show-off” feats and/or speeding. So, buy your teenager a nice sedan for starters!

Myth #5: The government sets car insurance rates so there’s no need to shop around.

This is false. The state government regulates auto insurance companies and their rates to ensure fairness for companies and consumers; however, the government does not set the rates. Your rates are determined by the insurer based on your credit score, age, where you live, the type of car you drive, marital status, and other factors.

As you can see, there’s no reason to settle for one company’s rates without comparing auto insurance companies. You can compare insurers easily using online resources to find out which companies offer the best coverage at a premium you can afford.

By: Chris Robertson

Cheap Car Insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada

admin — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:57:09 +0000

Living in Las Vegas, Nevada would be a dream come true for many people. To be able to walk down the strip each night soaking up the ambiance and excitement seems like a wonderful way of life. Although the day to day routine in Las Vegas may be different than in other cities, there are some things that are the same regardless of where you live. One of these things is car insurance. Trying to find cheap car insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada is something most residents strive for.

Although comprehensive and collision coverage are optional for drivers in Las Vegas, liability coverage is mandatory. This means that everyone, regardless of what their driving history is or what vehicle they drive, must have at minimum some liability coverage. Although this is certainly satisfactory and acceptable to many drivers, others need more substantial coverage.

There are certain discounts that are available to residents of Las Vegas that can help them enjoy a cheaper car insurance rate. Many insurance agents don’t ask about these discounts so it’s important for individuals to be aware of them, so they can question their agent about how they apply to their rate.

One discount applies to homes where several people drive. Often when two people marry each will continue to use their own auto insurance company. They likely have never considered that by combining their vehicles into one policy they could actually enjoy a substantial savings. It’s a good idea when one policy is up for renewal to ask about the added cost of the other vehicle. To do this you’ll need to know the make and model of car that your spouse drives as well as their recent driving record. The same is true of parents who have children who drive. Adding the child to the policy may be costly depending on their age, but it can also prove beneficial in many cases.

By: Deborah Mills

San Antonio Auto Insurance – How to Find the Cheapest San Antonio Car Insurance Rates

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:10:13 +0000

You are a resident of San Antonio that just purchased a car for yourself and now have to deal with the whole insurance issue – or maybe you have had your vehicle for a while now but your 6 month San Antonio car insurance policy renewal is coming up and you need to shop around for the best rate. Finding cheap San Antonio car insurance is certainly possible. All it takes is just a little bit of research and a little bit of know how and you can be well on your way to finding the cheapest San Antonio auto insurance policy around.

With an estimated population of 1,214,725, San Antonio is easily one of the biggest cities in Texas and one of the most traffic congested cities in the state. Maybe one of the most incredible things about this great city is that the population growth in the last few years has been that of 5.5 percent (as revealed by the United States Census Bureau) and this in turn has altered the rates of automobile insurance in the state.

It can be a little uncomfortable for a first time driver to go through the whole insurance process, especially because it can be a little confusing for them to figure out which insurance company is the right one. The most important thing to understand about automobile insurance in the state of Texas is that all cars, regardless of whether they are in working condition should be covered. The state of Texas also has minimum requirements for insurance coverage and each driver should be aware of what they are even though the auto insurance company will never cover you for less than the minimum standards.

San Antonio, like any other big city in the United States will have higher premiums than any other rural part or less populated city in the state of Texas. It is precisely because of this that a customer must be aware and informed about every possible insurance company before deciding to sign an agreement with one.

One thing you can do if you are willing to spend some time searching (which by the way might turn out to be better because the more time to shop the better the rate you will find) is to go out and visit your local San Antonio automobile insurance agencies. If you choose this method however, you will only be able to focus on a certain amount of insurance companies (maybe about 5 or 6).

The good thing about this plan is that you will have face to face contact with those agencies that you end up choosing and they will take you way more seriously. It is important to remind the customer not to go along with the first insurance offer that it’s given to them by a company. The best thing to do is to go out and search for a lower price because if there is a company with a lower rate and offering a better service you will definitely want to take their offer.

A great thing to work with in this face to face situations, are the travel agents in the respective companies. They are definitely that golden key that can bring you low-cost San Antonio automobile insurance. Most agents will go above and beyond to promote their company thus lowering rates as much as they can in order to please their customer so they sign with them. Use this to your advantage and try to get deals that you wouldn’t get otherwise.

The key to finding affordable automobile insurance in San Antonio is to be patient. In a big city there can be hundreds of car insurance companies ready to offer their services and rates to anyone that appears in their front door. Purchasing insurance in like searching for a car, you must be patient and research everything about the company and services.

By: James J. Robinson

Auto Insurance Theft Coverage – Your Car Insurance Policy’s Theft Coverage and Your Rights

admin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:02:41 +0000

Many American are unfortunately becoming aware of the increasing problem of auto theft, vandalism and how it affects your insurance rates. Every 27 seconds a car is stolen. It is estimated that at least 1 million cars will be stolen this year alone. Auto theft affects your insurance premiums so much so that there are instances where individuals living in certain locations are unable to even secure a regular auto insurance policy because of the risk of vehicle theft.

It’s bad enough that someone would vandalize or steal your car. To make matters worse, you will be the one who ends up paying increased policy rates. You should also know that if you own a car that is considered by auto insurance companies as being high risk for theft, you could pay higher rates as well.

What kind of theft coverage does most standard auto insurance policies cover anyway?

Comprehensive Coverage

Automobile theft is covered by your automobile insurance policy’s comprehensive coverage. If you are paying for comprehensive insurance coverage, you are paying rates determined by the likelihood of your car being stolen. Your auto insurance company will also review the car theft rates in your area, and whether your car’s make and model is frequently targeted by thieves.

Protect Yourself From Automobile Theft

In order to protect your car from thieves, and your wallet from rising auto insurance premiums, take immediate action to discourage theft. Some of the methods you use to thwart thieves could also result in discounts on your auto insurance policy that can further reduce your monthly payments. For starters, install an anti-theft device or alarm on your car. If you are in the market for a new car, ask the dealership to include this feature with your purchase. Check with your insurance company about a possible discount for having an alarm system.

Lock Your Doors

Always lock your car doors whenever you enter or exit your car. Don’t let the fact that you just need to make a quick run in and out of some place keep you from doing this. Also, never leave your car running with the keys inside of the ignition. Engaging in either of these acts can cost you your car. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to take off with your car.

Keep Items In Your Car Hidden From Sight

Avoid leaving items like your purse, packages, or envelopes in plain view. Once inside your car, a thief has immediate access not only to your vehicle, but anything else of value such as credit cards, cell phones or important documents. Consider tinting your windows to keep thieves from seeing what’s inside. Anyone looking to steal items from inside of a parked car in a parking lot would have to get very close against the window to be able to see what’s inside. That would look very suspicious.

Choose A Car With Low Auto Insurance Rates

If you plan to purchase a new car and are interested in getting the best rates, consider doing some research to find out which cars are most likely to be targeted by thieves. When you are ready to buy your car, avoid the cars on your list. Remember, auto insurance companies consider many different factors when calculating your rate. It’s important to shop around to make sure you get the best automotive deals available.

By: Robert McKnight

Inexpensive Car Insurance – Tricks From the Pro’s

admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:23:34 +0000

Finding inexpensive car insurance is not nearly as difficult as you may have been led to believe. Everywhere you look, there are people complaining about the cost of auto coverage; however, unless you actually search for inexpensive car insurance for yourself, you cannot say for sure whether you are getting the best rates. Take a look at these recommendations for industry insiders on how to get great rates on your auto insurance policy.

Shop Around

There are some insider tips for getting inexpensive car insurance. For example, you should always compare quotes from a third-party website so that you can see the rates from multiple companies. While a company sponsored website can be very useful, it’s certainly not a source of unbiased data. A consumer rate quote tool can be your springboard to finding the best rates.

Reduce Your Rates

After you get your car insurance quotes, you should then consider things that could decrease your premiums. For example, you can lower your rates considerably by increasing your deductible. The deductible is the amount of money that you pay out of pocket when an accident occurs. This amount can be zero dollars if you don’t mind paying a larger premium, and can be up to $2,000. Just remember to keep the deductible in a range that is affordable for you.

Find Discounts

Another way to ensure that you get the least expensive car insurance is to make sure that you get all of the discounts available to you. These discounts will vary between auto insurance companies and the state that you live in, so if you have narrowed down your choices for an auto insurance company, then visit their individual sites and find out what discounts they offer. Make sure you go back to the third party site where you got your rate quote, so that you can take advantage of that low price you received.

By: James J. Robinson

Tips On How To You Can Get Better Auto Insurance Rates

admin — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 06:58:47 +0000

Getting better rates on your auto insurance is something that many people would like to do. So many are paying a lot of money, too much money – and doing it unnecessarily. By following a few simple steps, you could reduce your annual auto insurance costs, and save some money for those other projects you would like to do. Here are five steps that will enable you to reduce your costs.

1. Compare Car Insurance Quotes

This is one of the easiest things to do, because you can do it at any time of day, just by going online. You will want to find an insurance Web site that will allow you to get several quotes from different companies with just one application. When you do this, go to at least two different Web sites and get several quotes from both.

Before you get that new car insurance policy, however, you may want to do a little research to discover some things about the company – if you are not familiar with that name. You might check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are many complaints about them not paying for accidents, etc.

2. Read About Car Insurance

In order to really understand what you may be able to do without, in the way of options, you should have a good understanding of what the options cover. Greater savings will come from a greater understanding of what your needs really are. For instance, if you have a brand new car, you may not need the towing option for at least a year or two. You may also be able to do without car rental, too.

3. Increase Your Deductible

This is one thing that can give you a noticeable reduction. By increasing the amount of money that you pay in each accident, you put the insurance company at less of a risk. They like this, and will lower your rates to reflect the amount that you increase your part. Be sure, though, that if you have an accident tomorrow that you can afford to pay the deductible. You will be required to pay it before the auto insurance company will pay their part.

4. Get Less Coverage

Instead of buying the most coverage you can, it is a good idea to get the recommended amount. Also, if your car is more than 10 years old, you should probably drop the comprehensive part of your auto insurance. After 10 years, you may be paying more for your comprehensive than the car is worth. Save this money instead, and apply it to getting another, newer car.

5. Add Security Features To Your Car

If you live in a more urban area, or in an area where there is car theft, you can lower your car insurance rates by adding some security features to your car. These usually result in a discount with each new feature you have. This includes steering wheel locks, auto alarms, and satellite tracking systems.

Besides these things, you may want to talk to your car insurance agent to see if driving classes will also lower your rates. Having multiple cars insured by the same company, and staying away from cars that are the most likely to be stolen, or sporty, will reduce your rates, too.

By: Joseph Kenny

Isn’t It Time For You To Get Better Car Insurance Rates?

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:52:44 +0000

So many people today are having a little difficulty finding the resources for their financial obligations. Besides having credit debt, there may also be limited income. One of the ways that you can cut some corners for greater savings is to reduce your monthly car insurance costs. Oftentimes there are some extras that you may not need, or other ways to save. Here are some tips for you to be able to get your own better insurance rates.

Review Your Car Insurance Policy

Take out your present car insurance policy and look at the things that you are being given discounts for. Depending on your age and experience, you may be able to get discounts that are currently not yet listed. If you took driver’s education classes, see if these are listed, as well as any security devices you have. Or, if you have recently been married, or have a second car, you can get discounts on these things, too.

Besides these, see what options you have. If you do not understand what they are for, talk to your insurance agent and ask questions. He or she will be glad to explain them to you.

Talk To Your Agent About Reducing Extras

While you are talking to your insurance agent, ask them what other things you may be able to do to get better insurance rates. They may suggest that you drop a couple of items that you do not really need. Also, if you have any grown children on your policy that now have their own cars and their own insurance, they do not need to be on your insurance.

Another thing that you can do is to see about reducing your deductible. This is the amount of money you pay first. The lower the deductible means the higher your monthly premiums are going to be. If your deductible is only about $250, then you are probably paying more than you should. Try raising it to either $500, or, even better – $1,000. Remember, though, that whatever your deductible amount is, that you will have to pay it before your auto insurance company will pay anything.

Something else that you may be able to do, if you are driving an older car, is to drop your comprehensive insurance. This covers the cost of your vehicle when you get in an accident. Chances are that if you are now paying for comprehensive insurance, and if your car is more than 10 years old, that you are paying the value of your car each year.

Get Comparison Quotes Online

If you still are not satisfied, then you can go online and get some car insurance quotes. The ideal way to do this is to go to an auto insurance brokerage Web site (more than one company) and get several quotes with one application. Go to at least two such Web sites and get about 7 or 8 different quote. By comparing them carefully, you may be able to come out with a better deal.

By: Joseph Kenny

Auto Insurance Company Rankings – How Does Your Car Insurance Company Rank?

admin — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:10:31 +0000

Why is it important to search out auto insurance company rankings? How does your car insurance company rank? When you are buying car insurance, you want to make sure that you are getting your coverage from a company with a high ranking in the following areas:

Multiple Coverage Options

Reasonable Rates

Satisfactory Handling of Claims

Good Customer Service

Overall Customer Satisfaction

J.D. Power and Associates Ratings

To learn more about insurance company rankings, visit the J.D. Power Consumer Center online. You will find information about the major insurance companies listed here, including the results of a survey conducted on an annual basis.

State Department of Insurance

Each state sets regulations for insurance companies, and the Department of Insurance web site for your state can provide you with information about the insurers who provide car insurance. Check the appropriate one for your state to find out whether you can access information about consumer complaints for your state. You are looking for the number of complaints that a particular company received per thousand claims it received from clients.

You can also get information about car insurance companies by looking at the Department of Insurance web site for other states. A company with a poor record for resolving customer issues in another location will likely have issues in your state as well.

Don’t Make a Decision on Name Recognition Alone

Simply because a particular insurance company is well known, that doesn’t necessarily mean it offers great customer service. As a conscientious consumer, you need to do your own research before you make a good decision about which company to buy your coverage from.

A company that offers low rates may not be such a bargain if you have a very difficult time reaching someone from the company to answer questions or deal with a concern. You also want to be sure to choose a company that will handle any claims made against your policy promptly and fairly.

Making the Right Choice

Part of the process, when choosing a car insurance company, is to get quotes from a number of different companies. This is a great place to start, and once you have this important information, you can start to rank the companies yourself.

Compile a list of the companies that can offer you the best rates for your coverage. Then make a list with the names of the companies that have the best record as far as avoiding customer complaints is concerned. Compare both lists.

Any company that appears on both of them is one that you will want to follow up on. Even if you are currently happy with the coverage you currently have in place, it will be worth your while to go through this exercise. That way, you will know how your insurance company rates. If you don’t like what you find out, then you can take the appropriate action to purchase new car insurance and find a new company to deal with.

Either way, it is recommended that all auto insurance policy holders compare rates from multiple companies at least once every 6 months to make sure that their rates are competitive and their coverage is sufficient. After all, a few minutes spent in research can result in hundreds or even thousands of dollars of savings!

By: James J. Robinson