Car Insurance Best Rates

Most consumers do not bother reading the terms in their insurance policy - they simply call around for lowest insurance quotes and purchase the lowest bid. In the long run, this isn't always the best approach, and won't always save the most money. However, let me assure you, car insurance best rates are achievable. Saving money on car insurance requires a combination of techniques that improve your insurability, decrease the rate of insurance for your vehicles, and provide you with a unique advantage when it comes to purchasing car insurance.This article will outline seven techniques that will ensure that you receive the lowest possible car insurance rates.#1 - Choosing the Best Insurer
Cost is certainly one factor when considering car insurance, but your insurer selection should be weighted more heavily on reliability. You could easily call a number of insurance companies, ask for quotes, and simply select the lowest bidder. However, even if the lowest cost insurer saves you hundreds of dollars a year in premium payments, that savings does you no good if you find yourself in an accident, needing car repairs or medical attention, with an unreliable and unresponsive insurance company. A good company is crucial. It's not just about car insurance best rates.#2 - Customize Your Policy
Before you begin calling around, it's important that you determine the level of insurance coverage you need. Not everyone's insurance needs are the same. Some families own two or three very expensive vehicles, while other families own only older used cars. Some people are members of AAA, while others are not. The specific terms of a policy should be determined by your life situation and the value of the items being insured.#3 - How to Become Highly Insurable
Whether you've already purchased car insurance, or you are getting ready to start looking, one of the best things you can do to obtain the lowest possible rates is to improve those things that car insurance companies look at when they calculate your insurance premium. There are several things you can do in the short term to improve your insurability standing, and there are also things you can do over the long term to improve it as well. This section will describe four major elements of this technique to save money on your car insurance.#4 - Reduce Your Car's Insurance Rate
Another extremely effective technique to obtain the lowest possible insurance rate is to improve those things about your car which car insurance companies value the most when they calculate your insurance premium. There are several things that you can do before buying a car that will dramatically decrease your insurance premium. If you've already bought a car, however, and are looking for ways to decrease your existing insurance costs, there are still methods you can use that will substantially cut your premium costs.#5 - Gaming the System
In addition to all of the techniques already listed in this article, there are also additional ways that you can use the insurance industries rating rules and premium calculation system in ways that will reduce your costs. Again, use the industry's rules to get car insurance best rates.#6 - Constantly Update Your Policy
One of the most important things that you can do to keep your insurance premium at a minimum is to always remember to update your insurance provider of any changes in your life that can reduce your insurance costs. Forgetting to do this can be very costly.#7 - Deciding on Liability Only
There comes a point in the life of a car when the decision needs to be made whether or not it is worthwhile to maintain collision and comprehensive insurance coverage.Getting Rock Bottom Insurance Rates
If you carefully follow each of the sections outlined in this guide, you are guaranteed to receive the lowest possible insurance rates for anyone within your calculated risk bracket. No one should ever overpay for car insurance - especially given the fact that there are so many insurers in the industry competing for your business.Most people overpay for car insurance out of sheer laziness. However the consumer that understands how car insurance works, and is clever enough to take advantage of all of its loopholes, will save significantly on their premium in the long run.Before you step foot into another insurance office, or visit another insurance website, make sure to print this guide and follow it carefully in order to ensure that you get the best insurance deal possible. Remember, car insurance best rates are achievable.

In This Economy, These 2 Car Insurance Coverages Are More Important Than Ever

From more than 25 years of experience as a car accident lawyer, I have seen that, no matter what other car insurance coverages you choose, there are two that you absolutely must have. And they are even more critical now, in today's economy.I know, car insurance coverages can be confusing. And, probably because you don't really understand it, shopping for car insurance is one of your least favorite things. Well, I agree that this topic is boring and confusing and absolutely no fun to think about. But ignore it you shouldn't.Let me see if I can help.First, a quick refresher - Car Insurance 101. These are the main insurance coverages, and what they do for you...Liability- Pays what you owe because of injuries and property damage you cause.Uninsured Motorists (UM)- Pays you if you are injured by a driver who does not have insurance.Underinsured Motorists (UIM)- Pays you if you are injured by a driver with too little insurance to fully compensate you for your injuries.Personal Injury Protection (PIP)- This is the primary coverage in no-fault insurance states (there are 12 of those). It pays you your medical bills and loss of income after a car accident. In some states with fault insurance systems, it is offered as an optional coverage.Medical Payments (Med-Pay)- Pays you for medical bills incurred as a result of a car accident.Collision- Pays to repair your car if it is damaged in a collision with another car or an object.Comprehensive- Pays to repair your car if it is damaged as a result of specified causes other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism or accidental glass breakage.Towing- Pays you for the cost of towing your vehicle when it is disabled.Rental Reimbursement- Pays the cost of a temporary rental car while your car is being repaired.So, which 2 are absolutely essential?Liability InsuranceThe first is liability. If you cause a car accident, this coverage pays others that you harm. If you don't have this insurance, you have to pay for the harm that you cause out of your own pocket.This means that if you are daydreaming for a moment or briefly look at the dials on your car radio and don't see that the car in front of you has stopped...and you ram into it...you are responsible for paying for the damage that you caused. You have to pay to repair that car and you have to compensate anyone who is injured.That's why you have liability insurance, so you won't have to pay what could be a very large amount yourself. Up to your policy limit, your insurance company will pay for damage that you do and harms that you cause.This is a no-brainer, right? After all, isn't liability insurance required in every state?Almost. Forty-eight states require you to have liability insurance. (To find out which states do not require liability insurance, read to the end of this article.)So, don't be tempted, as many have been during the current economic problems, to cancel your car insurance and take your chances. It's not a good gamble.Not only should you keep your liability insurance coverage, but you should make sure that you have enough coverage.You want to make sure that any harm you cause is fully paid for, don't you? If you seriously harm another human being, don't you want to make sure that they are fully compensated? Isn't that simply the right thing to do? And, of course, this coverage protects you against having to pay a potentially large court judgment yourself.How much liability insurance you need varies depending on your circumstances. The state minimums are entirely too low. If you can afford it, I think you should have at least $100,000 of personal injury liability coverage and $50,000 of property damage liability insurance (this pays for cars and other property that you damage).Discuss the "how much" issue with an insurance agent you trust.Uninsured Motorists and Underinsured Motorists CoverageIf you are in a car accident that someone else causes, uninsured motorists coverage and its cousin, underinsured motorists coverage, could save you from a disaster.Remember, uninsured motorists is the coverage that pays you if someone without insurance harms you or your family, or damages your property. This includes hit-and-run drivers.Are you wondering why uninsured motorists coverage is so important if all drivers (except in those two as-of-yet unidentified states) are required to have liability insurance?It's because, even though the law of almost every state requires liability insurance, many drivers simply don't have it.According to an Insurance Research Council study, as of 2004, nearly 15% of all drivers on the road were uninsured. And in some states, including Mississippi, California and Arizona, roughly a quarter of drivers weren't insured!To make matters worse, it is estimated that several hundred thousand drivers have dropped their insurance in the past year as the jobless rate has climbed and the economy has tanked.In about half the states, uninsured motorists coverage is required. Even if it isn't, my advice is...get it!And get as much uninsured motorists coverage as you can afford. In many states you will be limited by the amount of liability insurance you have. That is, you will be able to purchase as much uninsured motorists coverage as you have liability coverage, but no more.In some states, uninsured motorists coverage also serves as underinsured motorists coverage. In other states, they are separate coverages. Underinsured motorists covers you if you or your family are harmed by someone who has insurance but doesn't have enough of it.For example, if someone causes an accident and your losses total $100,000 yet the driver who caused the accident only has $15,000 of liability insurance...and no assets of his own to pay you...you are out of luck unless you have underinsured motorists coverage. If you have this coverage, it pays what the other driver can't...up to your policy limit, of course.According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, adding uninsured and underinsured motorists coverages to your policy will raise your insurance premium by about 7 - 9%. Based on my experience, this is a small price to pay for this coverage which can save the day if you are clobbered by a financially irresponsible driver.In today's economy, with more and more drivers canceling or stripping their car insurance coverages to the minimum, it is critically important that you have uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage on your car insurance policy.I hope this makes car insurance coverages a little more clear.Oh...the answer to the question is that only New Hampshire and Wisconsin do not require car insurance. Instead, they require drivers to show proof of their financial ability to pay damages for liability.

Guide to Evaluating Budget Car Insurance

These days, Internet shopping makes it easy to find budget car insurance coverage for your needs. However, it helps to know what you're getting in car insurance even when you want to save a buck, which of course you do.First of all, if you drive an older car and you don't have any payments on that car, you don't need two types of insurance: collision insurance or comprehensive insurance. You do need liability insurance no matter what type of car you drive. Laws vary from state to state as to the amount of liability insurance you need to have, but if you're on the road, you do absolutely have to have liability insurance. It should be noted that liability insurance does not cover you or your vehicle in any way. It simply guarantees that you are responsible for the other party's car and/or injuries up to a certain amount, if you are deemed at fault in an accident. Budget car insurance can also include simple liability insurance, as well as two other types of insurance, comprehensive and collision insurance.If your car is newer and/or you still owe payments on that car, then you'll want to have both comprehensive and collision insurance. This is because the premiums you pay also include the insurance company's replacement of your car in the event you're in an accident.For the best kind of budget car insurance, of course you want to pay as little as possible for the coverage you need, whether it's just simple liability insurance or it includes comprehensive and/or collision insurance as well. So first, determine whether your car is old enough and not worth the cost of having it covered with comprehensive and collision insurance. Collision insurance covers your car's damage in the event you're in an accident, whether or not it's determined you're at fault. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car if it happens when you're not driving, such as if your car is vandalized when it's parked or if a tree limb falls on it, for example.Collision and comprehensive coverage become unnecessary when your car is old enough that its replacement value is not worth your insurance premiums. In that case, you're better off putting the extra money you save on premiums in a savings account or some other place where it's going to earn interest and then buy a new car with that money if your old one is in an accident and is no longer operable.However, if your car is new enough that collision and comprehensive coverage make the extra premiums worth your while because replacement cost is more than the premiums you pay, then you should indeed carry comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. You can get budget car insurance for these types of coverage, too.Once you have determined what type of insurance you need, go search for budget car insurance. Depending on your driving record, your age, any accidents you've had, any previous insurance claims you had, and so on, you'll qualify within a certain risk category. Within that risk category, though, quotes can vary wildly depending on the company and the underwriters' assessment of you. Therefore, it's best to shop around for the lowest cost insurance with the greatest coverage depending on what you need.Remember that budget car insurance can be had no matter the type of coverage you need or your driving record; it's true that if your driving record is less than perfect or if you're within a certain age and/or gender category, you may pay more than someone else will regardless. The area you live in also helps determine the amount of insurance you pay. Nonetheless, you should be able to get the best rate possible with budget car insurance by doing some homework and assessing competing quotes. Choose the lowest quote with the highest coverage in it. Make sure you also research insurance companies to make sure they have good records and handle claims promptly and fairly. If you do this, though, it should be easy to find budget car insurance for your needs.One last word of advice is that you should shop around both online and offline. There is budget car insurance available from some very reliable and reputable companies online, but just because you got it online does not guarantee that it will be the best of cheapest. Shop around, both online and offline, make sure you are comparing apples to apples for coverage and deductibles, and then you can determine which is most cost effective for you.

Best Advice to Help You Save on Car Insurance

You can save good money on your car insurance. What's important, you can do it in such a way that the terms of insurance and the amount of a probable collision or comprehensive coverage are not affected at all. In most cases it's the sum an insurance company wants to earn on its clients. Anyway, every consumer has the right to get a discount for this service and to spent money on you, your family, entertainments, purchasing some goods or upgrading of the same car.Nobody likes to overpay 10-20% and even more for this or that staff. Just think what you could buy for this 20%!Here are some hints to help you cut down expenses on car insurance:1. Already at the time of buying a car familiarize with the list of most frequently-stolen cars available on the web. Insurance companies take into consideration such statistics. Don't purchase such a "dainty for thieves" and an insurance policy won't be a luxury for you.2. Analyze the market before making choice. Compare prices and terms of different companies (for example, various online services give possibility to compare insurance rates of the nation's top insurance companies.) It's better to deal with direct agents who sell insurance directly to the consumers then with middlemen. The latter may charge their fees up to 15 % of the total cost. When you single out several most appropriate variants make sure those companies have a good reputation. You might also want to check with your state's department of insurance to find out if a particular company has a high number of consumer complaints.3. The model of your car can affect the expenses. No insurer will tell you that, unless you ask. The auto insurance companies have a special rating system for every car make and model. Most use a system which starts with the cost of the vehicle and then factors in safety and theft data. Cars are given a rating from 1 to 27, and the higher the number, the higher your premium. Look up your car's relative risk with MSN Money's comparison tool. If you're buying a new car, ask your insurance company about the difference in premiums for cars you're considering. Search online for the latest top 10 lists on the most expensive cars to insure, and the least.4. Your credit report can affect whether a company wants to ensure you and on what terms. The fact is if you pay your bills in time they consider you to be a stable and responsible person. If you have some problems with it just wait a month and try to solve them before applying to an insurance company. Most insurers use something called an "insurance score" to assess your risk as a driver, and an insurance score places a heavier weighting on bill-paying consistency of a consumer.5. Increasing your deductible can cut your premium. Deductible refers to the amount a car owner shares with the insurance company while making a claim. And since insurance is meant to cover the big stuff you can't handle comfortably on your own (not the small things), having a higher deductible can make a lot of sense. In general, increasing your deductible from, say, $200 to $500 could reduce your premium by 15% to 30%.6. The age and good driving experience can also cut down the cost of a policy. If several people have a legal permission to drive your car, your premium will be calculated on the basis of the youngest and most inexperienced driver.7. If you are a safe driver, i.e. haven't experienced traffic accidents, driving violations, drunk-driving convictions, etc. that will cause your insurance premiums to fall. If you do in fact have any of these, make sure to take care of them and hire an attorney if needed to get them off of your driving record.8. If you don't mind your car being repaired at the service station, pointed by the insurance company, it will decrease the price of insurance too. But there is a great chance that you will need to stand in a long queue to have your car repaired.9. Sometimes insurance companies offer various discounts, for example when you change from a rival company, or prolong a contract with your insurer. Discounts are also available for "safe" drivers and for those who insure two or more objects (two cars, a house and a car, etc.)10. One more variant which helps you to save on car insurance is to order a policy online. Insurance companies save much money on staff and office apartment providing such services, therefore are able to grant substantial discounts.11. Installation of security and safety devices like car-alarm, tracking system, anti-lock brakes, automatic seat belts and airbags in your car serve dual purposes. They make your car less prone to theft and attract discounts from auto insurance companies.12. Members of the American Automobile Association (AAA) save millions annually on their auto insurance as a group just by giving their membership information when buying their auto insurance. There are many other established professional associations you may be a part of and can enjoy discounts on your insurance plans.13. Marriage can lower your car insurance rates. Married people are considered safer and more stable because of their new commitment and responsibilities, and this can translate into discounts. As a couple, you may qualify for reduced car insurance rates with the same coverage. You could also earn a multiple car discount if you combine both your cars on the same policy.

How to Find the Best Auto Insurance For a Classic Car - Tips For Finding Cheap Antique Car Insurance

How can one find the best auto insurance for a classic car? Is it even possible to find cheap antique car insurance? Classics cars can be well worth the sometimes pricey cost of upkeep and storage - there is no need to have to pay more for insurance coverage than necessary. Read on to learn some of the things that you should know before you purchase a classic car auto insurance policy.Who hasn't turned their head while driving down the road to get a better look at a classic or collectible car? We're enamored with the lines of the car as well as its pristine condition. But the detailed attention in maintaining a classic car's flawless appearance and operation is not only to draw admiring looks, it is also necessary in order to keep up the market value of the car. For this reason, along with others, specialized classic auto insurance policies were developed to meet the needs of classic and collectible car owners.Another reason (a very important reason), for insuring your vehicle as a classic or collectible is the greatly reduced cost of classic car insurance relative to standard auto insurance. Standard auto insurance can cost as much as 200%-300% more than classic auto insurance. So, what is the biggest factor that causes such a great disparity in price between classic auto insurance and standard car insurance? Generally, collector vehicles are driven on a limited basis (the garage is where they are usually found). As a result, the risk of accident and loss to collector vehicles is considerably lower than the risk involved in vehicles that are regularly driven.DOES YOUR VEHICLE QUALIFY?The following is a list of classifications for collectible cars.Antique cars - 25 years or older
Custom cars - 1949 to present
Classic cars - 20-24 years old
Collectible cars - 15-19 years old
Exotic cars - less than 15
Street rods - Pre-1949This is the standard listing for those cars that are considered eligible for classic car auto insurance, but certain cars may be accepted at the discretion of the insurer. Sometimes, classic car insurers will customize an insurance policy for a particular vehicle.WHAT ARE THE RESTRICTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH COLLECTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE?To keep collector auto insurance rates low, certain usage limitations are placed on the insured vehicle.Cannot be used for everyday use. This rules out using it to drive to work, run errands, or go out for that bite to eat. Under a classic car insurance policy, car usage should be limited to driving to and from car shows and the occasional parade.Cannot be driven more than 2,500 miles per year. 2,500 is a fairly standard number among insurance companies that offer classic coverage, but there are some insurance companies that have mileage plans that allow up to 5,000 or 6,000 miles per year. This increased mileage limit was put in place to accommodate those drivers who like to take their cars to distant car shows. Of course the premiums are greater.Must be kept in a locked garage. A locked enclosed trailer will also do, but a carport will not meet the grade even if you live in a gated community with a security guard. (The weather is also an enemy of the classic car). Some policies might stipulate that a car cannot be left unattended in a parking lot. This means leaving your car in a motel or hotel parking lot might present a problem.WHAT CONSIDERATIONS SHOULD BE KEPT IN MIND WHEN CHOOSING CLASSIC AUTO INSURANCE?Does the company offer Agreed Value Coverage or Stated Value Coverage?Agreed value lets the classic car owner and the insurance agent set a value for the auto that does not necessarily reflect the market value for that car. Usually, the insurance agent will have to do a thorough inspection of the car both inside and out and will require photos of the vehicle.What are the usage and mileage restrictions?Find the policy that best suits your plans for using the car. Why pay for a plan that covers mileage for 5,000 when you know that you won't even come close to using the 2,000 miles available in a cheaper policy.Can you choose your own repair shop?The Mom and Pop shop down the road might do a good job on your regular car and offer the lowest repair bid in town, but do you really want them working on your classic "baby"?What company underwrites the policy and what is the rating for that company? You want to be sure that the underwriter has a good track record and is going to be able to fulfill all of their obligations even if for some reason there is a larger than normal influx of insurance claims.Are there any discount programs available?A good insurance company should always inform you of any discounts that are available to you, but it doesn't hurt to ask.Does your insurance offer insurance for classic or modified cars that are under construction?Some companies will monitor the progress that is being made on your vehicle while it is in the garage for repairs and modifications and allow you to adjust the value of the car as the project continues. Also, this type of insurance covers damages to your auto in case of a catastrophic occurrence such as a fire, or the hydraulic lift fails, or the tool cart falls on your car (with a little imagination the possibilities are endless.)WHY CAN'T I JUST ADD MY COLLECTOR CAR TO THE FAMILY AUTO INSURANCE POLICY? You can, but it could be a costly mistake. If repairs are needed you may be forced to accept the lowest repair bid, or if the car is badly damaged, the insurance company could opt to have it totaled. And although a discount is usually given for cars combined under one policy, that discount still may not provide the savings available if the car was insured under a classic auto insurance policy.Finally, make sure your insurance company has a good understanding of classic cars. In the event that your car is totaled, you want to be able to work with a knowledgeable representative and receive the full value for your car.COMPARE CHEAP CLASSIC CAR AUTO INSURANCE QUOTES ONLINEBe sure that you shop around and compare car insurance rates from multiple companies before you decide to purchase. The more you shop the more you may save.

Antique Car Insurance Advice

How To Obtain Car Insurance For An Antique CarMany people choose to restore and show antique cars as a hobby. But even these cars need some type of insurance to protect against accidental damage. This is why many people search for car insurance for an antique car. There are many companies available that provide car insurance for an antique car, with many companies specializing in antique car insurance. By having a wide variety of car insurance companies to choose from, the consumer has the ability to choose the right type of insurance for their needs.Car Insurance CompaniesMany commercial car insurance companies can also provide car insurance for an antique car. Also called collector car insurance, these policies are tailored to the car you are attempting to insure. A car insurance representative will take all of your information and discuss different policy options with you to ensure that you are obtaining the coverage that you need. They will also help you decide which types of coverage are within your target budget and which deductible and limit levels you will need.Purchasing car insurance for an antique car through a commercial car insurance company will give the policy holder peace of mind, knowing that the company that they have chosen to do business with is an established company with a good reputation. The policy hold may also have their everyday use cars insured with the same company. The security of having an established company provide car insurance for an antique car is well worth the premium that they will charge you to provide insurance for your antique car.Independent Insurance CompaniesThere are also many independent insurance companies available to purchase car insurance for an antique car. These companies tend to specialize in antique car insurance and will not insure any other types of cars. Some of these independent insurance companies will only insure a particular type of antique car, so if the car you are attempting to insure is a rare one, if may be difficult to find an insurance provider that will insure it. When choosing an independent insurance company to provide car insurance for an antique car, be sure that the company is a reputable one. You do not want to find that after months of paying the insurance premiums that the company will not or is unable to pay your insurance claim.Finding car insurance for an antique car can be a lengthy and frustrating process, but the benefits of having insurance for the car far outweighs the initial hassle of finding the insurance. Many antique cars are worth many thousands of dollars and that is a big loss if the car is ever stolen or totaled. Having car insurance for an antique car may be the most valuable insurance that you ever purchase.

How to Get Cheap Antique and Classic Car Insurance

When it comes to vehicles, classic cars are absolutely at the top of the pyramid, with their amazing features setting them far apart from the rest of the crowd. Unfortunately, as is typical for anything that attracts attention, classic cars tend to attract a decent share of thieves and vandals. Additionally, because classic cars are rare and tend to be expensive, many large "major player" insurance companies and agents will not even offer insurance for them. But just because it can be mildly difficult to find the right kind of insurance for your classic car, that does not mean that you can simply drive around without any insurance. Many states require that your vehicle be insured, and you can face serious fines if you are caught driving without adequate insurance coverage.Finding the right kind of insurance for your classic car is going to take a little bit of time, and a lot of research. Even more research will be involved if you are set out to find the cheapest available antique and classic car insurance available. There are car insurance companies out there which specialize in insurance options for antique and classic cars. Additionally, there are large automobile insurance companies which offer specialized insurance including antique and classic car insurance, but you will have to do a decent bit of searching in order to find them. A good place to start is with insurance companies like Hagerty, Leland west and Norwich Union which all specialize in antique and classic car insurance. It is important that you weigh a lot of different options, because the costs associated with antique and classic car insurance can vary wildly depending on which automobile insurance provider you go with. It is also important that you determine what each insurance company will value your classic car at, in order to make sure that you are going to be insured for the full value of your car. Traditional car insurance values the car at the cost to replace it, minus any depreciation that it has experienced. This is what sets antique and classic car insurance apart from traditional car insurance. With antique and classic car insurance, the value of your vehicle is typically an agreement made between you and the insurance provider. This way, you will not lose a serious investment in the event that your vehicle is ever totaled in an accident, or stolen and never recovered.The absolute best option for you to pursue when it comes to automobile insurance for your classic car is called an agreed value policy. Before this type of policy is purchased, you are required to sit down with an agent with the insurance company in order to come to a concrete agreement for the value of your vehicle. If your vehicle is ever totaled or lost, this is the amount that will be paid by the insurance company. This is also the point where you will receive a quote for the monthly payment. Another thing that sets antique and classic car insurance apart from traditional car insurance is the fact that antique and classic car insurance premiums are typically significantly smaller than what you will pay for traditional car insurance. However, not just anyone can acquire antique and classic car insurance, so before applying you should make sure you qualify for all of the following criteria:o Many antique and classic car insurance policies require that you meet a specific age limit. This is to insure that the driver(s) on the policy have adequate driving experience and are not in jeopardy of causing an accident. This makes it difficult for young and new drivers to acquire automobile insurance, even if they are driving an antique or classic vehicle.o Many antique and classic car insurance policies have also imposed a minimum age limit for your vehicle, in order to determine whether or not it can be considered an antique car. The typical limit is fifteen years old, so if your vehicle is less than fifteen years old you may have difficulty securing antique car insurance for it.o In order to qualify for classic car insurance, there are certain limits on how your classic car can be used. For example, you must have a garage or some other form of protective storage to park the vehicle in. Additionally, you cannot use your classic car for any business purposes. Finally, there is a limit on the number of miles that you can put on your vehicle every month or year. If you go over the mileage limit you can but your vehicle in danger of losing its protective insurance. Because of the imposed mileage limit, you must also be able to prove that you have another vehicle which is used for normal driving.Antique and classic car insurance is by far the best option if the vehicle that you are driving can be considered a collectible. This form of insurance is designed to protect cars that appreciate in value over time rather than depreciating. Most insurance companies will allow you to insure your classic car traditionally if you cannot find adequate antique car insurance, but you should expect to pay more in monthly premiums, and to receive significantly less in a pay out settlement if your vehicle is ever totaled. What this means is that if you are driving an antique or classic car, and specialized insurance is available to you on a local level, you should absolutely take the offer in order to protect your vehicle inexpensively without losing out on the serious investment that went into your prized possession.

How to Get Affordable Car Insurance in New Jersey

There is an Act in New Jersey, called the Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act, which allows New Jersey drivers the ability to buy basic car insurance policies in New Jersey, for cheaper than all of the other available car insurance policies in the state. In all honesty, there isn't much that will beat the most inexpensive car insurance policy plan available, however there are some things that you should know about the insurance plan which is being offered before you eliminate all of your other options.The Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act is useful in that it allows all drivers to obtain inexpensive car insurance in New Jersey, because the policy that is offered is significantly cheaper than what you will pay for a standard automobile insurance policy. This basic car insurance policy includes $15,000 per person, for personal injury protection, and $250,000 for significant or permanent injuries. This plan also includes $5,000 of property damage per accident. Unfortunately, liability insurance for bodily injury is not included in this basic insurance policy, however, it is an option that can be added, to the tune of $10,000 per accident for the policyholder.This basic car insurance policy also does not include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, nor does it include collision or comprehensive coverage. Collision and Comprehensive coverage are options which can be added on, but it depends on which form of the basic car insurance policy was issued to the policyholder.Although this basic car insurance plan is the cheapest available, it offers very minimum coverage. This coverage is enough to get you by if you simply need a cheap insurance plan, but there are much better plans with better and more comprehensive features and even though these plans are more expensive, they are well worth taking a look at when you are considering all of your options. The basic car insurance is a quick and inexpensive fix for people who are currently driving without insurance, or who cannot get regular automobile insurance coverage because of their credit rating, or their driving record. However, this basic car insurance policy is not for everyone, because the coverage offered is not exactly desirable.When it comes to choosing the right automobile insurance plan for your situation, it is absolutely imperative that you really shop around. Affordable car insurance in New Jersey can be easy to find, as long as you understand where to look, and how to properly compare quotes in order to ensure that you are receiving the best available policy. There are many different approaches that you can take when it comes to obtaining car insurance quotes, but the method which is generally quickest and the most effortless is simply to do a search online for car insurance companies with offices located in New Jersey. Most websites dedicated to car insurance will offer you the ability to obtain a free quote simply by inputting some information about yourself, your vehicle and your driving record.Once this information is sent in, the insurance company will respond with a free automobile insurance quote. There is no limit to how many free car insurance quotes you can collect, so you should make a point to spend a great deal of time researching before you come to any conclusions. You should collect car insurance quotes from every local insurance provider that you can find, then sit down and really weigh your options before coming to any conclusions. Just because an insurance company offers you an extremely low quote, this does not mean it is the best available insurance for your situation. The basic car insurance policy offered by the Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act is proof of this, because even though the insurance quote seems great, the coverage is not really worth the price that you pay for it.In addition to price, there are some other factors that you should consider when you begin to shop around for insurance providers. There are a large number of different insurance companies and agents available on the internet, each competing to give you the best possible quote for your automobile insurance. Many of these insurance companies have offices in various states, but they may not have a local office in New Jersey. What this means, is that if you ever have questions or concerns pertaining to your insurance policy, you will not have a local insurance provider to turn to in order to address these problems. This is one of the largest problems associated with doing your automobile insurance shopping on the internet. Before you choose an insurance provider, make sure that there is either a local office that you can visit when you have questions, or that there is a toll free 1-800 that you can call, with a friendly voice on the other end who will walk you through your concerns. Large insurance companies do not always have your best interest in mind, so make sure that you are opting for insurance coverage through a company that will continue to be helpful and easy to work with after you buy your insurance plan.Something else that you need to keep in mind while shopping for insurance is that there are providers who will offer special discounts and rates if you ask for them. While you are weighing all of your options and considering all of your choices, ask the local agencies that you are considering if they offer any special rates or discounts. In an attempt to be competitive, and to make sure that you choose them as your insurance provider, most insurance companies will discount your rate, or offer you a special deal. You should also make sure that you are obtaining the right kind of insurance for your situation. For example, there are special insurance plans designated for young or new drivers in order to offer them discounted rates. Additionally, vehicles that are older than fifteen years may qualify for antique car insurance, which entails a discounted rate for cars which are appreciating in value rather than depreciating as a normal vehicle would.

Understanding The Minefield of Car Insurance

Looking for a car, be it a brand new model or a pre-loved car with one or more previous owners, you do compare the many features of the vehicle. Yet when insuring your car, many times this is the last thing you would think of doing. Yes, you make sure you ask what is the cost of insuring the particular car you are about to buy. The savings on premiums offered for low-cost policies could also influence you.Yet, you could be paying more in the long term.When You Are LiableHow these low cost insurance policies work is, that they have low liability limits, some could be as low as $25,000, this could mean if you are involved in an accident and are liable then you could be responsible for paying for the other person, the hospital and medical expenses, loss of income and other damages. $25.000 doesn't go far these days so the amount over and above you would be personally responsible for.Always make sure you have enough cover with your car insurance policy. Read your policy carefully and when you are not understanding something or are not sure, get advice from someone who does know.Choosing Your Insurance Agent or Insurance Sales Representatives.Choosing an insurance agent has its advantages. Assessing your needs is part of what the insurance agent will do and will also look into your risk profile so they have a good understanding of your insurance requirements and your car insurance coverage.Don't get an insurance agent and an insurance sales representative confused. An insurance representative works for a particular insurance company, so they will be recommending that insurance company's policies. Whereas an insurance agent works independently and will source out the best car insurance policy from all the insurance companies, the one that will best fit your needs.There are a some things you will want to discuss with your insurance agent for your car insurance and these are:
What you feel about asset protection and insurance

What you expect if you need to make a claim

Your assets and your net worth
Your Car Needs Replacing After An AccidentThis is an important area of car insurance. Many car insurance policies pay for total losses on the cash value of your car and not the replacement cost. Depending on the age of your car, you could be at a loss of quite some dollars, as you will have to come up with the difference if you wish to have the same car.The age of your vehicle will determine the outcome of this clause in your car insurance policy. Many car insurance companies will cover full replacement if you car is bought brand new. They will do this for a specified time and then you should make sure you have a full understanding of what happens after that time. Often companies will do the full replacement for a year, there will also be special offers for special car promos.If you see that teensy, weensy print at the bottom of an advert "Conditions Apply", make sure you determine exactly what the 'conditions' are.The insurance policies that pay, after total loss during the first twelve months, the total purchase price plus all costs, will each year after, lock in the car valuation as set by the industry's standard 'retail' Blue Book.Look After The Little thingsYou can find what is covered or not covered with your low-cost car insurance policy by reading the fine print. When you first sign your policy, these items may not seem so important. Many things with any insurance policy seem fine until you need to make a claim. This is where the so called savings will be eaten away. The savings of the low premiums you have been enjoying when you need to claim because of an accident, the costs start to come in.If you are saving on your car insurance policy premiums, you may find you are required to use a certain repairer as nominated by your car insurance company, you will need to comply or pay for them yourself. Other policies may cost you more in premiums but could have a clause that enables you to have your own repairer without any penalty as far as the cost to you goes.There is an area often overlooked with car insurance policies and that is your personal items that are in your car at the time of an accident. These items will also need to be replaced if your car is a total write-off.How To Choose Your Car Insurance Coverage?Take a look at the declaration page of your policy to find out your coverage. If you are unsure what it all means, then ask advice from an independent insurance agent, this is the one that doesn't work for any car insurance company and will have your needs as his client, as the first priority.
It is the legal responsibility of the independent insurance agent to provide the proper coverage for their clients.For you to understand an insurance policy be it a car insurance policy or a house contents insurance policy is very important, so make sure you get everything explained to you.

Reasons To Change Your Car Insurance Company

1. Paying too much for Car Insurance, its time to seek change.2. When you must think of a new car insurance company.Auto insurance is not a luxury but a necessity. And in order to get the maximum advantage experts recommend that you should shop around for auto insurance every 2-3 years. As policies change and newer players enter the market there are so many new attractive auto insurance schemes that you could benefit from. You should consider changing your auto insurance when:o You are availing a huge mortgage to buy property and the bank or institution offers you a lower interest rate on home and auto insurance through their tie -ups.o You have moved to another state where the auto insurance rules are different and you will make a saving by transferring your insurance to a new car insurance company. Or when your old car insurance company does not offer service in your new state.o You want to cut costs and are trying to run your life on a budget. Shop around online for competitive auto insurance rates and change the car insurance company to one who offers the best deal.o You have purchased a new car and the dealer is offering free insurance for three years. New cars have lower insurance rates so it is best for you to do a comparative study and find a car insurance company that offers a great deal. Car insurance rates vary greatly between car brands and types; find out which car insurance company offers the maximum coverage for the lowest rate.o You are getting married and now will have two cars. Think about cancelling your individual car insurance policies and getting a joint one for both cars. Similarly if your family is growing and you have many cars used by adults as well as kids, ask auto insurance companies about group insurance schemes that will cover all the cars and drivers in your home. Most companies offer great discounted rates for combining car insurance policies.o You are retired and now a senior citizen. Car insurance companies offer discounts to those who are 55 and above. There are a great many discounts available for a car that has a good insurance claim record, a car that is not driven every day, and a car that is single driver driven and well maintained.o You are eligible for coverage through your new job. Many large companies have facilities like auto insurance schemes at premium rates lower than the market. If you are working in such a firm then you must consider cancelling your old policy and taking a new one with the car insurance company chosen by your workplace.o When the rates being paid by you are high and your car insurance company shows no inclination to offer you a competitive rate. If you are paying too much for car insurance its time you changed your car insurance company to one that is offering you great facilities and rates.Whatever the reason to change your car insurance company, the World Wide Web has sites where you can compare offers as well as quotes. Sites like LowerMyBills.com give quote comparisons in a click. So, read all you can about car insurance and the companies and determine which car insurance company offer will suit you best.

Cheap Los Angeles Car Insurance

Cheap car insurance protects the car and takes care of all the relevant expenses in the event of a car accident. Car owners must choose a suitable car insurance that offers them desirable coverage. There are various kinds of car insurance available to car owners, and it may be a daunting experience to select the right insurance. There are policies such as comprehensive car insurance policies and liability car insurance policies that differ in the extent of coverage offered. Insurance provides financial security to car owners in the event of a fatal accident. The rules and regulations regarding auto insurance may vary from state to state. In most states, it is mandatory for all car owners to have car insurance. In Los Angeles, the premium for the insurance of a car may vary greatly depending on the insurer. It is advisable to look out for quotes from different insurance companies to obtain cheap car insurance.The minimum coverage requirements may vary from state to state. The minimum limit of insurance for California is 15/30/5. This means California requires a minimum coverage up to $30,000 for all persons injured in an accident, subject to a limit of $15,000 for one individual, and $5,000 coverage for property damage.Generally, the insurer examines the driving record of a car owner. If the car owner has a good driving record, he is eligible for some discounts in the premiums. Many car insurance companies offer loyalty discounts to car owners renew their insurance policies with the company repeatedly.Many insurance companies offer free quotes over the Internet. Car owners can utilize the services of discount car insurance brokers, to find cheap and reliable car insurance. There are several insurance companies that offer extremely cheap car insurances. The car owners must however verify the credibility of such companies. Car owners must compare and contrast all the quotes before choosing an insurance company.In Los Angeles, the cost of car insurance depends on the make and model of the car. Generally, car insurance for a sports car is costlier than other cars.

Direct Car Insurance Made Easy

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!

Easiest Car Insurance Free Quotes

Imagine this! You are walking down the market place checking out the variety of rates for a box of apples. You scout the market on foot, personally checking with all vendors who have apple carts on display. The entire process takes you roughly about an hour as the market is spread out over a large area. You pass by those that quote a high rate and mentally check those that offer the sum that's nearest to what you can pay. At the end of the exercise you zoom in to the vendor who offers the best quote for the best quality as well. And then you pick your lot. Something similar happens when you shop around for the best free quote in car insurance.Let us first understand what insurance is. Answer: Insurance is basically an agreement you make with an insurance company to secure yourself or your belongings in case of any eventuality. The insurance is payable in cash, the amount which is pre-decided between the insurance company and the insured. The insured pays a premium to the insurance company regularly towards this insurance cover.Car insurance is insuring the car that you or your family/ employees would drive. All car insurance companies provide quotes for your cars on request and you can get free quotes by spending some time looking around yourself. Unlike going about the car insurance market on foot as described, there are easier ways to obtain some good free quotes.Obtaining free quotes for your car insurance is something like this. All vehicles by law are required to have insurance. If your car is not insured you cannot drive it. Therefore you need to get a car insurance done at the earliest.Now, how do you go about getting your quotes?In today's internet savvy generation, car insurance quotes can be obtained free over the net. You can also find loads of information about numerous car insurance companies that operate in your district and those car insurance companies, which offer the best and free quotes as well. This helps cut any costs that may be associated in obtaining car insurance quotes from several car insurance agencies.Let's assume you need a car insurance free quote today. What do you do? Simple, as a first step you log on to the net and run a search for car insurance free quote in your district. This will throw up several web links. You have to click on them to read and understand what the car insurance agencies offer, their free quote requirements, their policy and procedures and such information.When you are scouting around for the relevant car insurance free quote information you will need some specific information regarding your car. To start with you need to provide your personal contact information which would include name, contact numbers, email address, car driving license number and since when you have it etc.Then you will need to fill in details about your car like the any current car insurance policies you are holding and their term. This section will probe your car history (any accidents, tickets or violations), the car make and model (4 Wheel drive or sedan), your specific use of the car (to work/ cross-country), and details like if the car has airbags, security alarm system etc etc.You will also need to clearly mention in your quote requirements what is the coverage amount you need like a full cover or liability only. Also required by the car insurance companies is the bodily limit injury amount you are seeking. Once you submit these details related to car insurance, your quote will be on its way.All you need to do is await a number of free quotes from several car insurance companies. Once you have shopped around among the best car insurance companies in your district to get the best free quote, select one. You have to try to get the maximum car insurance benefits for your free quote. If you find that you are not happy with the rates in the free quotes that the first lot of car insurance companies have sent you, there are ways to get even better free quotes.Free quotes depend on the information you put in on the car insurance websites. You can reduce the premium amounts mentioned in the free quotes drastically if you do any of the following and mention the same in your free quote request. You park your car inside a garage. This eliminates damage and theft. You set a 'break in warning alarm system in your car. You alone drive your car instead of several persons. You don't have a history of self-caused accidents or violations. You don't need a car hire clause when your car is taken by the insurance agency for any repairs and many such important points.So you see, you can get fantastic free quotes from reputed car insurance agencies for your car without moving out of your home.

How to Buy Classic Car Insurance

Collector Car Insurance and Classic Car InsuranceIf you are fortunate enough to own a classic car - or any collectible automobile - then you want to ensure that your luck does not run out because of having inadequate insurance coverage. Call it covering your butt - or covering your "asset" - but by all means, call one of the major providers such as American Collectors, Haggerty, or Parish Heacock insurance companies and let them put you in the driver's seat in terms of professional protection of your cherished automotive investment.How to Kick the Tires on Classic Car InsuranceThe whole idea of insurance is that it needs to do what you expect of it in an emergency, when the rubber really hits the road. And classic car insurance is as different from conventional auto insurance as, well, a classic car is from your run of the mill generic vehicle.When you buy a classic car insurance policy, you are essentially purchasing protection for those times when - God forbid and knock on wood it doesn't happen - disaster strikes in the form of a fire, a collision, or an act of theft or vandalism. Just as we now have modern airbags to save us in the event of a crash, we also have collector's car insurance, to protect us with adequate moneybags when calamity throws a wrench in the works.The time you invest in choosing the right classic car insurance coverage is well worth the value and peace of mind that a quality collector's insurance policy delivers for owners of classic motor cars.The Nuts and Bolts of Classic Car Insurance CoverageCollector car insurance is not the same as the insurance you buy for normal coverage of your daily transportation. Collector car insurance, or classic car insurance, is made especially for the needs of the car collector. And while ordinary insurance does offer some protection, no matter what you drive, it can leave you high and dry in the event of a loss that it not effectively covered by the terms of the insurance contract.For example, you may have a garage-kept Cadillac Sedan DeVille with swooping fins your grandparents bought for $7,000 brand new back in the 1960s. But dealers have offered you three times that much, and you saw another one sell at an auto show for $35,000. If you don't have special collector car insurance or classic car insurance, and the car is totaled, you will be lucky to get $7,000 for it. With depreciation calculated in, the insurance statisticians may decide that it is worth only half that much, or less, and you could wind up with two or three grand in exchange for your dream machine.Stipulations or requirements normally encountered while shopping for collector car insurance or classic car insurance:
A decent driving record.
At least 10 years driving experience
No teen drivers on the policy or drivers with poor driving records
Secure and out of the weather garage
Proof that you have another car for daily transportation
Collector vehicle insurance is sometimes limited by the age of your car, and if your car is too young it may not qualify for a particular policy.
Limited mileage. You probably don't want to drive your creampuff car all the time, and your insurance company doesn't want you to either. Mileage limits have increased recently, though, so if you can live with 250 miles a month you're probably okay.
Coverage with collector car insurance or classic car insurance: Three kinds of value are important to understand when buying your policy. 1) Actual cash value: This is what you usually get with ordinary insurance, and is based on replacement cost minus depreciation.2) Stated value:The insurance company pays up to the stated value of the car, but may not guarantee the full stated value. And deductibles of up to $1,000 usually apply.3) Agreed value:In most jurisdictions, those who provide collector car insurance or classic car insurance are allowed to insure for a value that you and your insurer agree upon. And for most autos, there is no deductible. If your $100,000 vintage Rolls get trashed, you get a check for 100 grand, plain and simple - which is exactly why collectors use special classic car insurance coverage.Do a periodic review of your coverage limits, because classic car prices are rising. What you insured your cherry classic for ten years ago may be a fraction of what it's worth today. And if you are restoring a vehicle, ask your agent to give you appropriate insurance. There is no need to pay extra based on mileage statistics, if your car is up on blocks with no engine inside it. And as the car's value increases thanks to your hard work of restoring it, you should raise the coverage to keep up with the added value of the restoration.Keep all your receipts and paperwork - for everything from parts and labor to expenses incurred to take it to a classic car show - so that you can document the total investment your collector's car represents. And take photos and keep them updated, for the same reason. And Last But Not Least: Special Savings OpportunitiesAs long as you meet the criteria in terms of how you use and take care of the car, you can usually buy a policy.Traditional insurers will either refuse coverage, offer only a replacement value based on the nuts and bolts (minus heavy depreciation) of the car, or will charge you a prohibitive amount for the premium. But many collectors find that special collector's coverage saves them money - as much as half - while insuring them for higher limits, sometime three or four times what a traditional company gave them.Yes, it's possible to get collector's insurance coverage for full market value for your car, and save up to 50 percent off of the premium you'd pay with ordinary insurance. That makes classic car insurance a must-have for any serious car buff.Below is information about three of the most reputable and dependable collectors and classic car insurance companies in the USA (All information listed below subject to change, please contact the insurance companies listed to be sure.):Hagerty Insurance P.O. Box 1303 Traverse City, MI 49685-1303Email: auto@hagerty.com Toll Free: 800-922-4050Qualifications:Similar to the others listed below, but please contact Haggerty for details.American Collectors Insurance P.O. Box 8343 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Email: info@americancollectors.com Toll Free: (800) 360-2277 Qualifications (subject to change or regional laws so check with the company for specific up-to-date information).
At least 15 years old
Garage-kept
Driven on a limited, pleasure-only basis (up to 5,000 annual miles - available in most states)
You may also qualify by:
Having at least 10 years driving experience
Having a good driving record
Having at least one "regular" vehicle for every licensed driver in the household You may request a policy application either directly from American Collectors Insurance or through your local insurance agent (rates are the same either way).
Parish Heacock Classic Car Insurance P.O. Box 24807 Lakeland, FL 33802-4807 Email: info@parishheacock.com Toll free: (800) 678-5173 Qualifications (subject to change or regional laws so check with the company for specific up-to-date information).
Each household member of driving age must have at least 10 years driving experience or be excluded.
Each household member must have a regular use vehicle less than 15 years old that is insured with liability limits equal to or higher than the limits being applied for on the collectible vehicle.
All licensed members of household and any other drivers of the vehicle must be listed on the application.
Maximum of two accidents or violations in the household, maximum of one per licensed household member in past 3 years. No major violations permitted in past 5 years.
A Driver Health Questionnaire must be completed for all drivers over 70 years old.
Auto must be stored in a locked permanent garage facility when not driven.
Auto may not be used for commuting to or from work or school, used for business purposes or as a substitute for another auto.
Autos not covered while on a racetrack or when being used for: racing, speed, driver's education, or timed events.
Must display pride of ownership: well maintained, in restored or well-preserved condition.
Vehicles under restoration must be stored at residence or a restoration shop, with a target date for completion. Agreed value coverage is not available on cars under restoration. Eligibility subject to company review.
Replica Vehicles and Pro Street vehicles are subject to company review.
Trucks and Jeeps must be over 25 years old, and not be used for towing, hauling, off-road or utility use.
Generally do not require appraisals, but may ask for one if vehicle value is difficult to determine.

How To Get Even With Your Car Insurance Company In 10 Easy Steps - Part 2

In Part 1, we detailed the first five strategies on how to cut your car insurance costs. In Part 2, we show you the second five.STEP 6 - Review, Change or Cancel No Fault & PIP (Personal Injury Protection)No-Fault Coverage, and it's Twin - PIP - started out as great idea's. Your premiums were actually going to be lowered. Then, your State Politicians got involved (at the urging of Insurance Lobbyists, of course) and mucked it up.You see, no-fault insurance coverage was originally intended to have each individual's losses, covered by their own car insurance company - no matter who was at fault.Today, in many States, car insurance companies are making a ton of money on no-fault because the insurance companies convinced State law-makers to make "modifications."Today, because of the these changes, car insurance companies have actually used the no-fault laws to reduce payments on a claim made by a customer, instead of reducing car insurance premiums as it was supposed to do.So, premiums keep going up-and-up and insurance companies end up paying less for claims - Someone's getting rich on that deal....and it's not you.And to make matters worse, some States (with really, really talented Insurance Lobbyist's) also require an additional premium be paid on top of the no-fault premium. This beauty is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP).PIP is a "wide-blanket" of coverage and can provide Collision Coverage, Hospitalization, Social Security Disability, Workers Comp, Personal Disability Insurance & Life Insurance.The problem with PIP and what it covers is....You already gave most, if not all, of these coverage's anyway, don't you? So, you're paying twice!So, you need to do a couple of things:Google "minimum levels of required auto insurance" to see if No-Fault Insurance and/or PIP Is required in your State;Then, check your policy. If it's not required by your State to have No-Fault/PIP Coverage and it's on your policy - cancel it. If No-Fault/PIP is required by your State....take the absolute minimum. Here's how.If you must have No-Fault/PIP, ask for and get a deductible from your car insurance company.STEP 7 - Cancel Medical Coverage.Medical Coverage, on most car insurance policies, is a promise to pay "reasonable" medical expenses for anyone who is riding in your car should you have an accident...as well as anyone in your car should it get hit by someone else.Cancel it. You don't need it.Why is that you say? Well, medical coverage as part of your car insurance policy is a duplicate of your own:- Medical Plan; - Any Life Insurance Coverage you might have, as well as; - The Liability Sections of almost every car insurance policy written in the U.S.Think of it this way....Do you have a Health/Medical/Hospitalization Plan through work or an Association you belong to?Then why are you paying premiums for Medical/Hospitalization Coverage on your Car Insurance Policy?Here's what's going to happen when you tell the car insurance company or Agent that you "Don't want the Hospitalization/Medical Coverage." You're going to hear very slick "scare tactics" to help change your mind.The insurance company employee will say "Well, if you're in an accident, and it's your fault, who's going to cover the medical bills for any injured passengers in your car?"Here's your answer. Your family is already covered by your Health/Hospitalization Plan. If anybody else is in the car and they're injured - they're covered by your Bodily Injury Liability coverage that you're already paying for....and their own Health/Hospitalization Plan.So go ahead - save some more money and get rid of this coverage.STEP 8 - Cancel Death, Dismemberment & Loss of Sight.Do you have any of these coverage's on your existing car insurance policy? If so - cancel them.And if you're a first time car insurance buyer or, just looking at getting several car insurance quotes, don't let anyone talk you into them!Why?Because, these coverage's are an absolute waste of money. Most of these optional coverage's are simply "glorified" life insurance policies with ridiculous provisions and horribly overpriced premiums. If you need life insurance, make it a separate Insurance Policy.STEP 9 - Cancel The ExtrasDo you have "Roadside Assistance" or "Rental Car Reimbursement" on your policy? If so, cancel them.And again, if you're a first time insurance buyer or getting a few car insurance quotes, don't bother with these coverage's.Why? Because they're severely overpriced, are rarely ever used, and limit what you can and cannot do.For instance, some rental car reimbursement" coverage is almost $100 a year for each vehicle on your policy. So if you have two cars, you'll spend almost $2,000 on rental car coverage in the next 10 years - and likely never even use it.And roadside assistance? The piece-of-mind it offers gets trampled by the premiums the car insurance companies want for this coverage. Roadside assistance is a good idea. But use AAA for a cheaper solution.STEP 10 - Terminate Comprehensive & Collision Coverage On Older Cars.If you have an older car - by that I mean one that's worth less than $2,000 wholesale (the amount a car dealer would give you if you were trading it in) cancel any Comprehensive and Collision Coverage you have or decline that option when getting a car insurance quote.Here's why. If an 8 year-old car and a brand new car have identical damage, the cost to repair both will be identical as well, even though the 8 year-old car is worth next-to-nothing.You see the cost of a bumper and fender are the same - whether it's for a brand new car, or one that is 8 years-old. That's why your premiums don't go down as the value of the car goes down. Your payments remain almost the same, year-after-year-after-year.But, the bottom drops-out of what you'll be able to collect on that older car. For instance, if your car is "totaled", your insurance company will only pay you the wholesale value of your car.So, let's say your car is worth $1,000, but the total damage is more than $4,000, the insurance company is only going to give you a check for $1,000....minus your deductible, of course.So you might end up getting $500 back. Sounds like a lousy deal....but that's how it works.So, the rule-of-thumb is this - cancel your comp & collision coverage when your vehicles value is less than $2,000....or you'll be throwing your money away.Okay - you've jotted down some notes and are ready to make some changes to your car insurance policy. So pick up the phone and start slashing your premiums!

An Independent Look at Rental Car Insurance

When you step up to the Rental Car Counter the Rental Agent is going to ask you if you want to purchase insurance for the rental vehicle. If you say no they will ask you to initial next to each coverage that you decline. The decisions that you make in these few moments could have a dramatic impact on your financial situation. Deciding if you need to purchase the auto insurance offered at the Rental Car counter before you arrive can keep you from incurring a serious financial loss or wasting your money on insurance that you already have or do not need. One of the questions that we are asked most as auto insurance agents is "Do I need to purchase the auto insurance offered at the rental car counter when I rent a car?" The answer to this question is maybe. You may be able to provide coverage for the rental car using insurance policies you already own or you may decide you need to purchase additional protection. In this article we are going to give you the information that you need to make these crucial decisions.When You Rent A Car There Are Several Ways To Secure Coverage For It Without Having To Purchase Coverage At The Rental Car Counter.Transfer Coverage From Your Existing Auto Insurance Policy - If you are going to be renting a car and you have an existing auto insurance policy you should take your insurance I.D. card with you when you rent the car. The car rental company may require it and it can save you a lot of time and aggravation if you are pulled over by the police in your rental vehicle. The coverage and deductibles on your own auto insurance policy will automatically transfer to cars that you rent as long as you are not using the rental car for business purposes or renting in another country. You should check the declarations page of your personal auto insurance policy to find out if you currently carry Property Damage Liability, Comprehensive and Collision coverage. Make note of your Property Damage Liability limit and your Comprehensive and Collision Deductible. If you are renting a car in another country you should definitely consider purchasing coverage at the rental counter as most personal auto insurance policies only cover their owners in the country where the policy was written.Damages to your rental car will be covered by the Property Damage Liability portion of your personal auto insurance policy if you are renting the car for pleasure use. However, if you were involved in an accident that is covered by your auto insurance policy and your car is in the shop being repaired. Damages to the replacement car that you rent will be covered by the Comprehensive and Collision coverage portion of your personal auto insurance policy. That means that you will have to pay the deductible for these coverages if you damage the rental car.Use Coverage Provided By Your Credit Card - Most major credit cards advertise rental car insurance as one of the benefits of owning their card. The truth is that the coverage that these cards provide usually only pays after your personal auto insurance policy limits have been exhausted and only if you used their card to pay for the entire price of the rental. The level of protection with credit cards seems to change on a daily basis so we recommend calling your credit card company to determine your exact level of protection for rental cars. When you talk to the credit card representative ask them for information about Liability, Comprehensive and Collision coverage for rental cars. It is best to get this in writing as it is not unheard of to get several different answers from the same credit card company. You should also ask if there are any exclusions. Many credit cards exclude coverage for luxury or exotic car rentals.Purchase A Non-owned Auto Insurance Policy - If you rent cars frequently but you do not have your own auto insurance policy you can save yourself a lot of money by purchasing a "Non-Owned Auto" Liability policy. This policy provides you with the same type of protection as the Excess Liability coverage offered at the rental car counter. These types of policies usually cost around $300 a year and will cover you when you are driving any private passenger automobile. This policy only provides protection for Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability. It will not pay for damages to your rental car so you will still need to purchase the Collision Damage Waiver or use one of the coverage methods we discussed earlier.If you are unable to secure coverage by using any of the methods listed in the previous chapter you should seriously consider purchasing coverage at the Rental Car Counter. It can be hard to get an honest advice about these coverages from the rental car agent because they are paid a commission every time they sell it to you. Don't worry; we have provided you with all of the help you need below.Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - This protection is also called the loss damage waiver (LDW) by some rental car companies. It is often referred to as insurance but this is incorrect. It is actually a waiver of responsibility. When you purchase this protection the rental car company waives your responsibility for damages or theft of the rental car. If something were to happen to the car you would simply file a quick claim form when you returned the car and the rental car company would pay to repair or replace it. The price for this protection usually ranges from $15 to $25 depending on where you are renting.
Caution: This coverage may become void if you cause an accident while breaking the law. This includes excessive speeding, driving off road or driving while intoxicated so be careful when you are driving a rental car or any car for that matter.If you carry a minimum limit such as $10,000 for Property Damage Liability coverage you may want to consider purchasing the Collision Damage Waiver because this low limit may not be enough to pay for repairing or replacing the rental car. Remember you could also be held responsible for damages to other peoples car's or property if you are involved in accident and found to be at fault and Rental car companies will charge you for loss of rental income for the car that you damaged. These are all important factors that should be considered when deciding if you should purchase the Collision Damage Waiver.Another advantage to this coverage is that there is no deductible. This can come in handy if you were involved in an accident that is covered by your auto insurance policy and you are renting a replacement car while your car is in the shop being repaired. You see in this scenario any damages to the rental car would be covered by your Comprehensive or Collision coverage which means that you would have to pay the deductible.Excess Liability - Car rental companies are required by law in most states to provide a minimum amount of liability protection for renters of their vehicles but this is rarely enough to protect your interests if you seriously injure someone in an accident. The liability portion of your personal auto insurance policy will transfer to your rental car so you have adequate limits of bodily injury and property damage liability on your personal auto insurance policy we would not recommend purchasing this coverage. This coverage would only pay after your personal auto insurance policy limits are exhausted. This price for this protection is around $10 to $13 dollars per day for 1 million dollars worth of excess protection.Personal Accident Insurance - If you or your passengers are injured in an accident or as a pedestrian this coverage will pay for your medical expenses and ambulance fees if needed. If you live in a "no fault" state, have health insurance or carry medical expenses coverage you probably already have this protection and do not need to buy it from the car rental company. Check your auto insurance and health insurance policy to find out for sure. A claim for this type of loss on your personal auto policy will not cause an increase in price so if it is covered on another policy there is really no benefit to buying it from the car rental company. The price of this protection usually runs from $2 to $5 a day depending on where you rent.Personal Effects Coverage - This is coverage for theft of you or your passenger's personal items such as cameras, camcorders or Laptop computers. This protection may also be provided on your homeowners or renters policy if you have one so you may not need to buy it from the rental car company. However, homeowners or renters deductibles are usually $500 or higher and all of your articles may not be covered. Check the declarations page of your policy for your deductible and the exclusions section to find out if the items you are taking with you are covered.One of the benefits of purchasing this coverage from the rental car company is that you usually do not have to pay a deductible. You simply file a claim when you return the rental car and you are reimbursed for the theft of your items. You will usually need to prove ownership of the items that you claim were stolen by providing the rental car company with receipts or other proofs of ownership. You should also ask the rental agent if any exclusions apply to this coverage prior to purchasing it. The price for this protection is $2 to $5 dollars a day.It is better make all of your rental car insurance decisions before you step up to the rental counter. Nobody should be forced to make snap decisions on issues of this much importance and now you don't have to. We hope that you have found the help that you needed in this handbook. I love to get feedback on this article so please send your questions or comments to info@theautoinsurancebuyersguide.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

The Importance Of Car Insurance

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.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Insurance

Car insurance is required by all licensed drivers but many of them don't know how to find the best rates available. Being complacent and purchasing car insurance without carefully investigating your options or maintaining the same car insurance for the remainder of your life could mean that you are paying too much for your car insurance. Comparison shopping, ensuring that you are receiving all the discounts you qualify for and maintaining a clean driving record are just a few of the money saving tips that can save you a fortune on car insurance.Comparison shopping for car insurance, even after you are already insured, cannot be underestimated. It is critical that you investigate all of your options before choosing an insurance provider to ensure that you are getting the best possible rate on your car insurance. There are so many factors considered in car insurance policies such as where you live, your driving record, your age and the type of car you drive just to name a few. With all of these factors to consider, it is very possible that you will find that there is a car insurance provider who will offer you a considerably lower rate than other providers.Even after you have secured insurance for your car, it is wise to periodically check the rates that other providers will offer you. Car insurance as well as your circumstances are perpetually changing and you may find that the provider who is willing to offer you the best car insurance rate varies periodically. Many car insurance providers offer a host of discounts to their clients who qualify for these discounts. These discounts can relate to your driving record, safety features of your car, your age or other factors.These discounts can result in a tremendous cost savings on your car insurance policy but while many insurance providers offer these discounts, they don't always advertise them. This means that you may have to do research to determine what type of discounts you may qualify to receive. Carefully, review your car insurance policy to determine which discounts you are already receiving and then contact your car insurance provider to inquire about other discounts that may be available. For example if your driving record is devoid of accidents or tickets, you may qualify for a good driver discount.Also, if your car has certain safety features such as daytime running lights, you may also qualify for car insurance discounts. Your age can also qualify you for certain car insurance discounts. Some insurance providers also offer discounts to those who insure their house with the same company as they insure their car. Taking advantage of this type of discount can save you money on both your car and home insurance. Being aware of the discounts that are available and ensuring that you are receiving these discounts, can save you a great deal of money on your car insurance.Finally, maintaining a clean driving record is very important to receiving the best available car insurance rate. While it is true that each car insurance provider is unique in the factors that contribute to lower rates, the one factor that is consistent among all providers of car insurance is that a clean driving record is critical to your rate. Although accidents are sometimes unavoidable, it is imperative that you adhere to all traffic regulations and that you drive safely at all times. This will reduce the number of traffic violations that you incur as well as the number of accidents that you cause. Following these tips will help you to maintain a clean driving record that will keep the cost of your car insurance low.Many drivers lament paying their monthly car insurance bill because they feel as though the insurance isn't necessary. Although car insurance is a financial burden that seems superfluous, it does pay off if you are ever in a serious car accident that has significant financial ramifications. For this reason, you should never consider allowing your car insurance to lapse and it is recommended that you search diligently to find the best available rate on your car insurance.

New Jersey Car Insurance - What Do You Need To Know About It?

When purchasing New Jersey car insurance there are many decisions you will have to make. You need to understand what kind of car insurance coverage you need and how much you can afford to pay. New Jersey car insurance will have no trouble meeting your needs but you, yourself, must know what you need in insurance for New Jersey driving before you purchase. Just keep in mind that there are many options for Nj insurance available with all the different companies selling insurance.When purchasing NJ car insurance, there are some things the agent is bound by law to inform you. For New Jersey car insurance you have three coverage choices called "Insurance Scenarios". The car insurance agent this will let you know how each choice may affect your policy and what you pay for benefits if you happen to have an accident. He/She should tell you that you can cancel your car insurance anytime you want, for example, if you find better car insurance with another car insurance company.You can also change the insurance coverage and policy limits for your car at any time, even if you are not close to your car insurance renewal. If you select options when you purchase New Jersey car insurance then it may pay off when you're ready to cancel there may be a refund if you cancel early. All New Jersey car insurance companies must give you back the refund within thirty days from the day you cancel your Nj car insurance.New Jersey car insurance is divided into different coverages, but this is based on the type of claim that will be paid out to you or others. One is personal injury protection - this protects you or others depending on who is in the car at the time of an accident, and will pay the medical coverage regardless of which driver is at fault. Then there is liability car insurance that pays for damages incurred when you are at fault in an accident. This also covers any legal help that you will need if you are being sued. Within liability car insurance, there are also two types of coverage - bodily injury and property damage. Most New Jersey car insurance companies carry the same policies. These insurance policies pay for anyone that is hurt or die as the result of the accident you caused. You may think the cost of car insurance is high when you take out a policy in New Jersey, but it's nothing compared to what an accident would cost you if you didn't have any NJ insurance on your car.Here are a few things for you to think about when buying car insurance in New Jersey.

Car Insurance Rates - Can You Lower Them?

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.