Archive for the ‘Car Insurance’ Category

Direct Car Insurance Made Easy

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

Direct Car Insurance is the option of buying your car insurance directly from an authorized insurance company instead of going through insurance middlemen and independent agents.

To explain let us take this example. If you are sick with pain in your joints, there are two options you can choose from. You either go to a general practitioner and he would recommend certain medicines that would ease your pain. Or, you proceed directly to an orthopedic specialist, one who specializes in illnesses related to the bones of the human body. Chances are that the bone specialist would be able to diagnose the exact nature of your ailment and prescribe maybe some medicines or exercises that will at once have better effect on your condition. The general practitioner would probably have an idea about your actual condition but may not be in a position to accurately treat it.

Something similar happens when you choose a direct car insurance policy over an indirect car insurance policy.
One may argue that it is far easier to get quotes and information on car insurance policies from multiple indirect sources, as there are plenty in the car insurance market. It may also be a better idea as these indirect car insurers offer a wide variety of services in order to keep their car insurance policies better than the rest.

This is however not without its associated costs. Remember middlemen and independent agents and such indirect car insurers are in a business and not providing you the service out of charity. They obviously are looking for their profits. While on the look of it you may be offered multiple services at some good prices, you must never forget that you are paying a higher rate for the same. The independent car insurance agents are putting in their profits into the quote. The larger these independent car insurance companies are, the higher the hidden costs.

The direct car insurance agencies, on the other hand have their benefits. If you go at first to a direct car insurance company, you will directly be in touch with the car insurance provider itself. These direct car insurance providers are usually large companies which have in house services like emergency pick up vehicles, tie ups with official car service centers, legal advisors and such important services. What happens here is that these direct car insurance providers may not have to outsource their services to other car insurance agencies? Even if they do, they have clear and set procedures that are outlined. This removes the reasons for inordinate delays in providing emergency car services, settling claims and providing interim relief through rent a car services etc.

When you buy a policy from a direct car insurance agency you also save on costs. You can get cheaper car insurance with some very good facilities. Remember it is not the amount of services that you can get but whether those services can be used when you need them.

You may even be able to work out cheaper premiums for flexible periodic payments as well when you go to direct car insurance agencies. And to top it off you may even get some free extra covers along with your standard cover as well. These come in handy and end up saving you some money at a later stage. For example you may get free extended territorial cover or the direct car insurance agency may offer extended legal liability to family members. These would be specific to the district of residence of course.

There are some direct car insurance agencies that also offer you a better premium if you insure more than one car with them. This really gets you a good reduction in your associated costs and it always helps if there is just one direct car insurance agency that has to be co-coordinated with at all times.

There are quite a few car insurance companies which provide direct car insurance and you may need to shop around a little before you actually make your decision. This will also give you adequate knowledge about what the direct car insurance agencies are offering in the car insurance market. So remember, going in for direct car insurance is in the larger picture more beneficial to your pocket!

Scott is a consultant at Direct Car Insurance, a directory listing site with all your car insurance information needs. If you have any other car insurance questions please visit http://www.lespillets.com/Direct_Car_Insurance.html

Author: Scott Walker
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Car Insurance Tips to Remember

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

Lost your car? Well, provided your car has been insured, you can always get a reimbursement. That’s the good thing about car insurance. It means insurance against loss due to theft or traffic accidents. Getting car insurance would guarantee payment of expenses incurred when your vehicle is involved in accidents, or is subjected to vandalism or theft. It also ensures you are able to cover the costs of potential damages or injuries.

Zero percent car insurance

Car insurance dealers may often make announcements of zero percent auto financing, and you may be tempted to go for this great deal. It would be a dream to drive away a new car with zero percent financing. This means a $15,000 car may fetch you savings in thousands, versus five-year car insurance with interest. However, you should know that this 0% car financing is not available for everyone. Many people even make the mistake of buying a more expensive car with no cost car insurance, thinking there will be no interest that they have to pay. Unfortunately, this happening is very rare.

Zero percent car insurance takes credit report into consideration to qualify for this insurance financing, and the guidelines for credit are extremely demanding too. There would be so many conditions of eligibility along with this offer that eventually only a few can actually get a great deal with the dealers. It is seen that car insurance with an interest rate offers a much better deal. Most of the time, this zero percent car insurance is offered only on some select vehicles; mostly on slow vehicles as the dealer’s main aim is to get rid of the vehicles.

If you are a first time buyer, or you have a limited budget for your car, you should carefully investigate the different insurance policies available, as some might suit you better financially. So do some research, as it is possible to get cheap motor insurance as well as keep the premium on the policy very low.

Tips on car insurance

Some important tips to remember are:

o Higher excess: You can opt yourself to pay a higher excess in the event of an insurance claim.

o Do thorough research on the internet, as online car insurance is a lot cheaper.

o You get cheaper insurance if you get an approved immobilizer fitted in your car.

o Get an insurance broker, as he can help you pick the right insurance.

o If you are a student, you may gain some concession from the companies.

o You can also get a cheap car with a small engine, as the more costly the car is, the higher the premium will be.

o By building and protecting a ‘no claims’ bonus you will have a great impact on your insurance rates.

o If your car was very cheap, it may be cost-effective to have third-party, fire and theft insurance, instead of fully comprehensive cover.

o Never give your price first, and never take the first quote from an insurer.

o If you can, get your own copy of Credit Report and show it to the insurance companies, as they will charge you to get it for you during the approval process.

Visit the Car Insurance [http://www.guideto-car-insurance.info] guide for more information, and for related info go to Boat Insurance

Author: Stefan Rockhaus
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Lower Your Car Insurance Premiums

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Some Tips To Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs:

1. Get Multiple Quotes:

Find out what your State’s requirements with respect to car insurance are. Go to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners web site. Then choose your state’s website and click on it. You will the find complete information about the coverage you need.

Now visit different car insurance websites. Click on the get a quote links. Just key in your information and get quotes from at least 5 companies. Auto insurance premiums vary greatly from one insurance company to another.

If you fail to understand some part of the policy then get the insurance agent to explain it to you. Always read the fine print to understand what cover is entitled to you and most important what cover you are EXCLUDED from.

2. Save Insurance Premium Money On Older Cars:

If you own car that’s not worth much say less than two thousand dollars then drop the collision/comprehensive coverage clauses on your car insurance cover. If you car suffers extensive damage or is totaled then you will probably never recover much in damages and it is most likely that you will pay more in car insurance premiums for the extra cover.

Get you car valued for its fair market price either through a dealer or using the Kelley Blue Book. Then decide if you need the collision or comprehensive coverage for your older car.

Start putting away that extra premium amount you would have paid for the collision/comprehensive cover for the older car in a savings account. You will probably get a head start for that new car you are dreaming about!

3. Drop Duplicate Medical Coverage:

If you are already covered under other policies for medical insurance in case of accident and are already paying a hefty premium on that then you eliminate the duplicate medical coverage under your car insurance. But always ensure that you are medical insurance covers you adequately for any car accident related injuries. Only then ask for the dropping of this provision in your auto insurance policy.

4. Buy A Car With A Low Profile:

Safe, low profile cars qualify for lower premiums. A high profile car means more premiums. If auto insurance costs are high on your mind than choose a safe, reliable car.

5.Low Mileage Qualifies For A Discount:

The lesser you drive the car the lesser your auto insurance costs. So consider car pooling, using public transportation for long commutes to reduce your auto insurance premiums.

6. Safety Features Qualify For Discount

Do you know the more number of safety features in your car qualify for more discounts on your car insurance policy. Specifically, ask for these discounts if not mentioned in your quote.

Also, many companies offer discounts if you install safety features in your car like an active or passive auto anti-theft device in your car or if you etch the vehicle identification number in the corners of your windows. Park your car in a protected area. Always lock your car. Never leave packages or belongings in sight in your car. Avoid known high-risk parking areas.

7. Ask About The Other Discounts:

Always ask about the other discounts that you might be entitled to. For example having a 20 year accident free safety record could qualify you for a discount on your auto insurance policy so always ask.

8. Ask About Area Based Car Insurance:

If you are considering a move from a highly congested area to a rural area then your car insurance premiums may be considerably reduced based on the profile of the area you moving into.

9.Ask For Higher Deductibles:

Deductibles are the amount you pay before you make your claim. Higher deductibles on collision and comprehensive (fire and theft) coverage will substantially reduce your costs.

10. A Clean Credit History Can Reduce Car Premiums:

Most of the insurance companies will check your credit history before granting your application. A clean credit history and a reasonably clean driving record represent a smaller risk for the insurance company and you may well qualify for a preferred policy with lower premiums.

On the other hand those with bad credit histories may have problems in keeping up car insurance payments and keep policies in force, also they have higher claims to loss ratio so insurers will usually put them in higher premium bracket.

About The Author

Samuel Beatson Runs [http://www.tai-chi-kung-fu.com] and [http://www.cars.internets-business.com].

Author: Samuel Beatson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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How to Save Money On Car Insurance

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Are You Still Paying Too Much for Car Insurance?

Everyone who owns a car needs auto insurance. This article will give you some tips on lowering your auto insurance costs. You will find a checklist of items to ask your insurance agent that may qualify for discounts. Keep in mind that not all discounts can be applied with all insurance companies in all states.

1. Shop Around

Go to your favorite search engine and type in “free car insurance quotes online”. You’ll see a long list of insurance companies that you may even be familiar with. Visit at least five car insurance websites and look for a link to free quotes. You will then be asked basic information about yourself, your driving history, and your car’s make, model, and year. It just takes a couple of minutes, and shortly thereafter, they will email you a no obligation quote. Write down their website address, their toll free number, and customer service email address.

Each insurance company will ask you generally the same questions, and will give you options about how much coverage you will want. Find your current policy, if you have one, and take note of the coverage you currently have. Always provide the same information and ask for the same coverage at each company so you will be comparing apples to apples. Read the fine print and make sure nothing is excluded from the quote like Rental car coverage, towing, medical, etc…

For the purposes of the quote, the insurance company will not ask you your social security number, but keep in mind your actual cost maybe higher or lower depending on your credit history. If you’re not sure about some of the terminology or coverage, take notes so that you can ask the insurance company about them directly.

Once you have at least five quotes emailed to you, take the lowest two or three quotes and see if they are less than what you are paying now. Most likely at least one of them is much lower. At this point you will want to call them directly to get the most accurate quote by providing additional personal information. For additional discounts, here is a checklist of things you should ask about.

[ ] $500 deductible

[ ] $1,000 deductible

[ ] Paying monthly, semi-annually, or annually

[ ] More than 1 car

[ ] No Accidents in 3 Years

[ ] No Moving Violations in 3 Years

[ ] Driver Training Courses

[ ] Defensive Driving Courses

[ ] Anti-Theft Devices

[ ] Low Annual Mileage

[ ] Air Bags

[ ] Anti-Lock Brakes

[ ] Daytime Running Lights

[ ] Student Drivers with Good Grades

[ ] Auto and Homeowners Coverage with the Same Company

[ ] College Students away from Home

[ ] Long-Time Customer

[ ] Other Discounts

2. Saving Insurance Premium on cars you own outright.

If you own a clear title to your car, meaning there is no bank loan on it, then you may want to consider dropping the collision/comprehensive coverage. As a rule of thumb, if the cars value is less than $3000, it may not make sense for you to pay for this additional coverage. Over time, the cost of the additional insurance premium will exceed the value of the car. It’s pretty simple math.

Check the fair market value of your car either through Edmunds.com or even your local newspaper. See what other people are trying to get for the same car. Keep in mind your cars mileage, condition, and age. Has it been in an accident before? Does it have unusually high mileage in excess of 15,000 miles per year? Does it need new tires? You get the idea. Be realistic, because in the event that this car is in an accident and is damaged beyond repair, it is unlikely you will get the full value of the car.

3. Ask About Insurance Rates in Different Areas

Rates can vary widely even in the same state. Different locals have different accident rates, population, and crime. These all factor in to the final cost. If you are moving to a different area, ask about what the rates are for that town.

4. Ask About Getting Other Insurance Policies Together With Your Auto Insurance

Combining insurance policies with the same company can often give you additional discounts. If you own a home, ask about combining your homeowners insurance with your auto insurance. Also ask about other polices, such as life, health, and business insurance. Most insurance companies cover a wide range of policies and will give substantial discounts when you do business exclusively with them.

5. A Clean Credit History Can Reduce Car Premiums:

Having good credit can also lower your insurance costs. Many insurance companies will use credit information to price auto insurance policies. Drivers with good credit and a clean driving record may qualify as a “preferred” customer with lower risk and will be rewarded with lower premiums.

6. Low Mileage Discounts

Some companies offer discounts to drivers who drive a lower than average number of miles per year. If you car pool, take public transportation like the subway, or work from home, you will most likely drive few miles per year than the average driver.

7. Group Insurance

Some insurers offer discounts to drivers who work for certain companies or belong to professional associations, and alumni groups. Ask your employer, group or clubs that you belong to if they have any special arrangements with different insurance companies.

Using all of these tips can save you hundreds of dollars per year, especially when you have multiple cars and multiple drivers in the same household.

Robert Rogers is a writer in the Washington DC area and specializes in money saving techniques. For free online quotes on all types of insurance, visit Free Insurance Quotes Online

Author: Robert Rogers
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Cheap Car Insurance – 7 Tips To Reduce Your Car Insurance Costs

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

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.

So if you’re in the market for cheap car insurance there’s some ideas for you. Don’t just accept that car insurance is always prohibitively expensive, get out there and do something about it.

For a website totally devoted to Car Insurance visit Peter’s Website Car Insurance Answers and find out about Car Insurance as well as Cheap Car Insurance and more, including Online Car Insurance Quotes, UK Car Insurance, Car Insurance Rates and Car Insurance Quotes.

Author: Peter Crump
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Comparing Car Insurance in Australia – 7 Things to Think About

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

There’s a wide range of car insurance options in Australia, which is impressive for a country of its size. It’s easy to become overwhelmed given the number of companies offering “the best”, “the cheapest” or “the best and cheapest” car insurance, but there are 7 things you need to consider before you commit to one particular insurer:

1. What kind of insurance are you looking for?

Compulsory third party insurance – Known as Greenslip Insurance, this is the most basic form of car insurance for an Australian driver and is compulsory for Australian-registered cars. While it doesn’t cover damage to the policyholder’s car or cars and property of others, it does cover personal injuries of crash victims.

Third party property insurance – This pays for any damage you cause to another person’s car or property. However, it doesn’t cover the cost of repairs for your own vehicle. Third party fire or theft insurance, an extension of third party insurance, insures you against the loss of your car through theft or fire.

Comprehensive insurance policy – This combines all of the above. As such, if yours and another person’s car are damaged through your own negligence, your insurance policy will extend to cover repairs for both parties.

2. Can you buy the policy online?

An insurance company that allows you to sign up for car insurance online has a distinct edge over one that doesn’t. Online insurance policies, usually paid for by credit card, are more affordable due to the reduction of processing fees. It’s also very convenient for the buyer as it can be done at any hour or any day of the week. You’re also likely to make fewer mistakes on the application form because you can take your time in filling it out, and there is less or no pressure for you to complete as compared to completing one over the phone.

3. Do they offer a multi-policy deal?

Many insurance companies provide insurance for the home, travel and health in addition to car insurance. In many cases, insurance companies may offer a more favourable rate to customers who purchase more than one type of insurance from them.

4. What’s your demographic?

Did you know that the cost of car insurance premiums can vary based on where you live? Premiums can differ even further based on your address within the state itself as well. Varying intra-state car insurance premiums are mainly down to the risk an insurance company perceives you and your car to be.

Therefore, the higher the risk of your vehicle encountering an accident or being stolen, the higher the premiums you have to pay. For instance, residents of New South Wales, which has a high population density, pay the highest car insurance premiums of any state.

Age and gender too, are parameters that need to be considered when comparing car insurance. Young men are perceived to be more of an insurance risk, and this is reflected in their insurance premiums. Additionally, the owner of a newer, more expensive car is likely to pay higher insurance premiums based on the risk such a vehicle poses for the insurance company.

5. Have you tried asking for a discount from your existing provider?

Sometimes, people compare car insurance when they’re thinking of switching to another insurance company. In this case, a person has nothing to lose by asking their current insurer if they’re able to match or surpass a cheaper quote from another company. Revisiting the terms of your present car insurance policy may also allow negotiation of better terms for you; there may be discounted premiums for drivers above 25 years of age. Tailoring your car insurance policy to match your personal requirements can make it even more affordable.

6. Look beyond the bottom dollar

A cheap insurance quote is very attractive. However, when comparing quotes from different insurance companies, you need to ensure that the policies themselves are similar too to prevent comparing apples and oranges. By scrutinizing policies closely, you won’t wind up paying less but receiving inferior or limited insurance coverage from Insurer A, as opposed to paying Insurer B slightly more in return for more benefits and security.

One of the first things a person looks at when comparing car insurance is the premium paid. At first glance, a cheaper premium is certainly tempting. Having extra cash available is always welcome. Yet, is an annual difference of $200 really such a bargain if, in the event of a write off, the insurance company deems your car worth less than you expected?

You need to ensure that the bottom value an insurance company quotes for your car isn’t too far away from your car’s actual worth. If the terms of the policy are otherwise in your favour, obtaining an “agreed value” policy is your best bet so that replacing your car won’t be such a financial burden in the event of a write off and if the company undervalues it.

7. How does a point-for-point comparison of different policies add up?

There are sure to be similarities when you compare the basic policies of most major car insurers. A consumer needs to look at the cost of the policy and any extra benefits that particular insurer provides and ask about them if they’re not immediately obvious. For instance, comprehensive car insurance may entitle you to a hire car if your car needs repairs, until a claim is paid, or your car recovered (if it was stolen). Different insurers also have varying conditions pertaining to no-claim bonus and excess payable.

Different insurers offer different hire car periods that may also vary based on the premium you pay. Additionally, the time it takes to process a claim may take longer (months) than the period to which you’re entitled the hire car (days). Additionally, the maximum value insured for items inside the car that are damaged or stolen may vary between companies.

In the event car repairs are needed, most insurance companies have workshops authorized to carry out the necessary repairs. Some people, though, may be more comfortable appointing a mechanic of their own or who can finish the job more quickly. Aside from determining if this option is available to you, be sure to determine who bears the cost of transporting the car to the garage and if roadside assistance is provided.

These are just some of the things you need to consider when you’re making a car insurance comparison between different insurance providers. Comparing car insurance policies may not be such a chore when you consider that Australians are paying an excess of more than $3 billion in unneeded comprehensive car insurance coverage.

Author: Angela Yorke
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The Importance Of Car Insurance

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

If you have a car, then you would need car insurance. The best car insurance can protect your car from any inconvenience should a likely car accident occur. But you should also be careful of what kind of car insurance you have. There are a lot of them available out there but not all can give you that coverage that you might be looking for.

As most other types of insurance available to choose from, the same thing goes with insuring your own car. There are different types that you can choose from, depending on what your needs are. There are liability car insurance policies that cover for accidental bodily injury as well as property damage to others. There are also policies that cover only damages caused by collisions with other vehicles or objects. There are also comprehensive car insurance policies that cover for loss or damage to the insured vehicle caused by circumstances other than car accidents. This may include car damage or loss due to fire, hail, vandalism, or theft.

Another type of car insurance policy available for you covers for medical expenses for injuries caused by a car accident regardless of fault. There is also a type of car insurance policy called Personal Injury Protection (PIP) that covers an insured driver for injuries acquired from a car accident, regardless of fault. There are also car insurance policies that can cover a motorist from car damages in a car accident with a driver who doesn’t have liability insurance.

There is also a type of policy for covering car damages caused by a car accident caused by the other driver who has insufficient liability insurance. Fro rental cars, there is also a type of car insurance that will pay for damages caused by an accident on the road. These types of car insurance can also be found in combination to give you a variety of policies to choose from. Knowing what your exact needs are and being aware of the minimum car insurance requirement in the place where you live in can help you in being able to choose the best car insurance policy to cover your own vehicle.

There are useful tips available to help you look for a good car insurance policy that can help you keep your premium payments down to a minimum. In looking for good car insurance, you should also try looking for car insurance available for you online. You might be able to avail of discounts for car insurance policies purchased online. You can also try to limit your car’s mileage before you try to get an insurance quote for it. The lower the mileage, the lower the insurance quote. Try not to modify or customize your car as it might affect your car insurance coverage.

You can also try to restrict the number of drivers on your car insurance policy as it might increase your premium payments later on. If you want to avail of good but affordable car insurance, then you can choose to drive a cheap but dependable vehicle because such cars can have policies that can well cover for damages at a very affordable premium. These are just but a few tips for you in getting that car insurance the cheaper way. A car insurance policy can greatly benefit a regular driver like you. It is never to early too get one for your car. You may never be able to handle the regret if you realize its need a little too late.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides car insurance resources on [http://www.your-car-insurance.info]

Author: Robert Thatcher
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Are Car Insurance Costs Killing You?

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Car insurance is one of the most irritating of bills for the average family. It’s getting more and more expensive to insure your car just as it is getting more and more expensive to run your car.

With fuel costs escalating out of control car running costs are becoming a serious burden for the average family, especially families with more than one car. For this reason more and more people are looking for ways to control the costs associated with their family transport.

And whereas you can’t bring the price of gas down you can do something to reduce your car insurance costs.

Car insurance rates are a reflection of the perceived risk that the insurance company takes on when it insures you. If the company sees the risks as higher then the insurance premium will be higher. If they see the risks of insuring you as lower then this also will reflect in your car insurance premium.

So reducing your premium is all about doing things to demonstrate that the risk when insuring your car is low.

7 Tips To Reducing Car Insurance Costs.

1. A major factor for any car insurance company in assessing the insurance premium you pay comes down to the type of car you drive. Different types of car attract different levels of premium because, in particular, different types of car are driven by different types of people, who may have different types of risk profile.

Sports cars, for example, will usually show a higher rate of accidents than staid boring family cars.

And there are always certain types of cars which attract thieves more than others, and this is reflected in the premiums you pay to insure them.

Your insurance company can tell you which types of cars are cheaper or more expensive to insure, so before you buy a car make some enquiries about whether that type of car is a high insurance premium car.

2. Consider your deductible. This is the amount you pay first out of any claim, and the cost of your policy is directly related to the amount of your deductible. Higher deductible – lower premium. So consider carefully whether you could afford to pay a higher amount first from any accident and raise your deductible. If so, you will get lower premiums.

3. Safety and anti theft devices can reduce the insurance costs for a car. Talk to your insurance company and find out if there are any safety or anti theft devices that you can install to reduce your premium. Then consider installing them making sure that you notify your insurance company once you have done so. And why not ring up your company and make sure that they are aware of any safety and anti theft devices you already have, if they aren’t you may get a reduction.

4. Drive carefully. It may sound obvious but as insurance premiums are related to risk then your manner of driving is related to your insurance premiums. Safer driver equals lower premiums. It may not seem so at the time but those traffic violations or speeding fines reflect in your bill.

5. Don’t just pay your premium each time it comes around without investigating if you can do better. Car insurance rates vary all the time and so even if it was the best rate last year it may not be this year. Every year shop around to see if you can do better, you may be surprised.

6. Have a look at other insurance policies you have with other companies. Many insurers offer discounts for combining all your family insurance with their company. Find out who they are and get a quote on all your policies combined.

7. Always look online for a competitive quote. Most of the major players and brokers are represented online and it is extremely competitive. It is very easy to get an online quote, just go to Google and search for car insurance quote and start looking.

These are just a few of the things that you can do, there are plenty more. Educate yourself about your car insurance, find out all you can about it and be prepared to shop around once you know exactly what you do need, and what you don’t. You will find cheaper insurance.

Travis Waack has authored several articles on several topics. You can read more of his articles and research related insurance information at [http://insurance.online-001.com/insurance.html]

Author: Travis Waack
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Car Insurance Rates – Can You Lower Them?

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Car insurance rates are prohibitive nowadays. Many families really struggle to pay the car insurance bill each month. And car insurance rates vary all the time. So if car insurance cost is an issue for you, what can you do about it?

The car insurance industry is a massive industry. It is also a highly competitive one, and car insurance rates vary over time as car insurance companies compete for business. Car insurance rates are often highly fluid.

It is entirely possible to lower the cost of your auto insurance rates by altering your behaviour, and you can do this by having a better understanding of how the rates are assessed.

Car insurance rates are based on an assessment of risk. Whilst insurance companies vary their rates to compete with other insurance companies, they also vary their rates based on their assessment of the risk posed by a particular driver driving a particular car. They do this because there is no point in buying business with low car insurance rates and then insuring high risk drivers at these rates. This is a recipe for losing money.

So, if you lower your risk, you lower your car insurance. How do you
lower your risk? Well there’s a number of ways that your own driving and car behaviour can affect your car insurance rates.

Have a look at the car you drive. Is it suitable for your current needs? If not then would it be worthwhile to consider a change?

Different cars attract different auto insurance rates. Sports cars, high powered cars and cars at greater risk of theft attract higher rates. How long have you had your car and would it be wise to think about another one that would be cheaper to insure and more useful to you?

Are you a safe driver? Do you stick to the speed limit? Are you at risk of other driving offences? Many people do not think about some of the consequences of speeding tickets and driving offences until after they have seen their subsequent car insurance bill.

Your risk profile is a direct result of your driving record. A clean driving record and you will be rewarded by cheaper rates. A poor driving record and you will be penalised, usually for quite a while.

Are you willing to attend driver training courses? Many car insurance companies offer specific discounts for drivers who have attended a course. Why? Lower risk.

Are you willing to drive less? Could you car pool or use public transport to get to work? Car insurance companies look at the amount of driving their clients do when assessing their car insurance rates. Why? Lower risk. Less miles driven equals less risk. And you’ll save on other car costs too.

So if auto insurance costs are an issue for you and your family there are things you can do. These are just a few of those things, there are many more. Car insurance rates are not set in stone.

For a website totally devoted to Car Insurance visit Peter’s Website Car Insurance Answers and find out about Car Insurance as well as Cheap Car Insurance and more, including Online Car Insurance Quotes, UK Car Insurance, Car Insurance Rates and Car Insurance Quotes.

Author: Peter Crump
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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12 Tips to Get Cheap Car Insurance

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

In this article we list the best twelve tips to help save and reduce your car insurance premiums. Providers of car insurance provide a useful service but it doesn’t make any sense to pay any more than you really have to.

Of course car insurance is legally required in all countries. The consequences are severe if you have an accident without proper car and motor insurance and getting caught by the police without valid insurance is very bad, you might even be jailed or at the very least fined heavily.

The good news is that although car insurance premiums can be costly there are ways of bringing your premiums down without breaking the law.

Do be aware that you must not necessarily choose the lowest car insurance quote on price alone – so be careful to ensure the premium gives you the coverage you require otherwise the policy and premiums are a waste of money if when it comes to a claim you are not fully covered.

Please also do not be tempted to provide false information on your car insurance application in order to try reduce your premiums because the insurance company can invalidate your policy if you have lied or provided false information and you could become liable to costly counter-claims by the other party involved in a car accident.

Tip 1 – Shop Around

Spend a small amount of time researching the different car insurance companies and brokers – making a few phone calls and sending a few emails can save you literally hundreds in just one year.

Internet-only car insurance companies often have the lowest premiums because they have lower overheads compared to the bigger companies with large offices and workers.

Tip 2 – Compare The Market

The Internet now makes it easy because there are many price-comparison search websites that crunch your details and in seconds compares different deals to show you the lowest car insurance offers available. This will save you both time and money.

Tip 3 – Price Matching

The car insurance market is very competitive. Once you have a quote tell each company you have a better quote and often they will come up with an even better price because they want your business. They are luring you with a cheap quote on the basis that probably next year when you renew you won’t bother to make as much effort because you will assume they will again be the cheapest provider of car insurance the next year – not necessarily so!

Tip 4 – Increase Your Excess

The car insurance company will have a compulsory excess but you can add what is known as a voluntary excess in order to reduce your premiums. Don’t do this if you are not the best driver as then you will really have to pay out when you have an accident.

Tip 5 – Increase Your Car Security

Fitting an alarm or immobilizer to your vehicle will usually lower your premiums as your car insurance provider then has less chance of a claim being made. Not every company will take account of this measure so it is best to check with your current company first before spending large sums on security buy by and large insurers appreciate that you have made additional efforts to prevent your car being stolen. Additionally many insurers also offer lower premiums if you park your car in a garage or driveway.

Tip 6 – Accept Limited Mileage

Many drivers do not use their car much. If you work locally or just use your car to go shopping then your chances of having an accident compared to a person who works on the road or drives a long way to work each day is much less. Insurance companies make money if you don’t have accidents so if they believe you are a low risk they won’t mind offering you lower rates so if you fall into this category ask for a low mileage restriction in your policy.

Tip 7 – Buy a Cheaper and Smaller Car

If you want to drive down your motoring costs then buy a cheap car which is not highly powered – it will be much cheaper to insure every year and the chances are it will cost a lot less in running costs such as petrol and gas. Try buying a car that is commonplace so servicing and replacement parts are cheap. Avoid cars with modifications and extras that make them stand-out to car thieves.

Tip 8 – Take Third-Party Only

If your car has a high replacement value then fully comprehensive car insurance is essential in case of accidents but otherwise consider the calculated gamble of third-party only insurance if your car has a low value.

Tip 9 – Drive Slowly and Safely

Insurance companies love low risk drivers with a clean driving license as they rarely need to make a claim and so the insurance companies keep all of their premiums. Insurance companies do not like young high risk drivers as they are much more likely to have accidents through inexperience or showing off.

Driving slowly and with due care will help you build up your no-points bonus which will mark you out as a lower risk driver and will result in lower premiums and cheaper car insurance. Any convictions you get on your driving license all increase your car insurance premiums.

Older drivers are preferred by car insurance companies because they are proven to have fewer accidents, so if you fall into this category go to the specialist insurance companies that only offer policies to older drivers.

Tip 10 – Get Your Policies Under One Roof

As well as car and motor insurance you are surely bound to have other insurance policies i.e. home and house insurance. Try your current insurer as they should be wanting more of your business as it costs less to keep a current customer happy than find a new one.

Tip 11 – Pay Annually

Don’t be tempted to spread your payment because by paying your car insurance in one lump sum single payment you will save a lot of money. With monthly premiums an amount of interest is added to cover the extra administration so over the long-run it ends up costing you a lot more.

Tip 12 – Named Drivers

Sometimes putting another driver on your car insurance will reduce your premiums. This is mostly the case when the other driver is older and with a clean driving license. They may never even drive the car but by adding them it adds credibility to your application and the insurance company will assume for part of time they will be driving the vehicle.

This article has been exclusively written by the team at http://www.insurance-spain.com who aim to meet the needs of people (particularly expats) who are looking for various types of car insurance in Spain.

Copyright Insurance-Spain.com. Feel free to use this article online and in your email newsletters as long as you leave it intact and do not alter it in anyway. The byline and biography must remain in the article.

Author: Mark Eastwood
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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