Archive for July 2012

Getting Auto Insurance For Top Stolen Cars

Getting auto insurance in general can be a difficult task if you are looking for premium rates you can afford. However, industry experts say that it is more difficult to get auto insurance for top stolen cars in the country because they are likely targets for car theft compared to other cars. What should you do if your car is on the list of the top stolen cars? Before enumerating what you can do to either get an insurance policy for your vehicle or to get a lower premium to insure it, here is a rundown of the top stolen cars in the country today.

The 1995 Honda Civic is one of the most popular cars among car thieves according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Another report from the NICB listed the 1997 Ford F-150, the Nissan Sentra (1994), the 1991 Honda Accord, the Acura Integra (1994), the 1989 Toyota Camry, the 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 and Dodge's 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup.

If you have any of these cars, insurance experts say that you should install anti-theft devices on them. This includes warning devices, immobilizing devices, and tracking devices. An immobilizing device is very important for cars or vehicles like the ones in the list because for one, if car thieves try to drive away with your vehicle, the vehicle's fuel will be cut off. Most immobilizing devices also have smart keys that prevent the car from starting or being driven. Tracking devices are also a great addition to such vehicles because it will allow law enforcement to track it down and recover it when it is stolen. If these devices are installed, your insurer will be more willing to provide you with a good rate for your premium or in some cases will be more willing to have you purchase a car insurance plan from their company because your car or vehicle is now protected from car theft.

It is important to note that even if car theft occurrences in the country has gone down according to the NICB, insurers want to protect their profit and as much as possible lower all expenses hence those who drive cars that are susceptible to theft are usually turned down or are charged very high auto insurance rates . It is also a good idea for you to check out auto insurance packages from a comparison website to get a good price.

Getting Cheap Auto Insurance on the Fastest Cars of 2012

Cheap auto insurance is easy to find if your car is a car equipped with safety features and the newest technology. However, getting cheap auto insurance for very fast cars can be rather difficult because for one, the speed that such cars could reach will make your insurer hold on to his seat as if he is watching your car in a racing track. Here are the fastest cars of 2012 and why so many drivers just cannot help but buy them even if they are usually expensive to insure.

However, there are those fast cars that have relatively low car insurance rates. This includes the Chevrolet Corvette GS. This two-door convertible has a mean annual insurance premium f approximately $2, 000 according to our research and when you factor in how fast the acceleration is i.e. zero to 60 mph at a 4 second rate, then the average premium you would be paying is $500 per second or a little less.

The Mercedes SL65 AMG is another powerful car with almost the same acceleration rate as that of the two-door convertible from Chevy and according to industry experts, the yearly premium costs usually go from $750 to $800 which is relatively inexpensive compared to insuring other fast cars.

Let's admit however that insurers do not really like insuring people who choose fast cars because insurance companies factor in premium rates on perceived risks i.e. paying out damage claims and injury claims, etc and when one comes to think of it, driving a fast car entails one getting into an accident quite frequently especially if the driver is too adventurous. However, since there are now so many fast cars available in the market, there is no more need for you to pay top dollar to get insurance unless of course you choose fast cars that also fall under the luxury car category such as a corvette, or a Porsche.

For those planning to get a fast car, another good choice is the Camaro SS. Yep, this car sure looks great but it's not as fast as the first two mentioned in this article. However, getting one is a good choice because it would be easier for you to get cheap auto insurance for it. If you are driving a fast car and want cheap auto insurance, it is advised that you get more information from a reputable insurer.

Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates

Insurance companies use many risk factors to establish insurance premiums. These are used to determine the level of risk you pose to the company. As the risk increases, so too will your costs. Each insurance provider has its own set of factors used to calculate car insurance rates. However, there are several common factors that most providers take into consideration.

Driver Age

Younger drivers are more likely to be in accidents than those who are at least 25 years old. More experienced drivers, typically between 50 and 65 years, tend to be the safest drivers. So, all other factors begin equal, younger drivers will pay higher premiums.

Driver Gender

Female drivers tend to get lower rates because they are statistically less likely to cause an accident. Industry-wide, females are viewed to be the safer gender behind the wheel of car and pose less risk to insurance companies.

Geography

Location is a major factor when it comes to auto insurance rates. Where you live and work is important if you are looking to save money. If you live or work in a dangerous neighborhood, you will probably pay higher rates. Typical weather for your community is also taken into consideration. Living in an area that sees frequent snowfalls which adversely impact driving conditions can increase your rates.

Type of Vehicle

Certain vehicles are safer than others. And specific cars have high theft rates. Both of these realities are factored into your rate calculation. Some insurance providers may give drivers of domestic vehicles lower premiums. This is simply because domestic cars cost less to repair than imports. If you have to file a claim, your insurance company wants to pay out as little as possible.

Credit Score

Drivers may not be aware that insurance companies use credit scores when setting premiums. The underlying belief is that if you have a high credit score, you are responsible. You will be more likely to be a safe driver and less likely to submit a claim.

Driving Record

A history of safe driving can significantly reduce your rates. Driving records are the major factor that car insurance companies look at when calculating your premiums. Any type of ticket or accident can cause your rates to be higher.

There are many more factors that go into your car insurance rate. These are some of the more common ones that have significant influence on your premiums.

Insurance quotes depend on the car model you're trying to insure

Of all the things people consider when comparing car insurance quotes, one factor always seems to escape their attention. Surprisingly, since this factor is really important when calculating insurance costs, and it's actually the first thing your insurer will ask about when getting quotes. Yes, we're talking about cars. Most drivers don't even consider their car as a flexible option for optimizing insurance costs. However, if you really want to get affordable car insurance quotes, you'll have to take a closer look at your car, since it may be not the best one to search for affordable insurance with.

First of all, let's understand why insurers are so picky when it comes to different makes and models, and don't offer the same quotes for all cars depending solely on the amount of coverage you buy. However, if you have owned more than one or two cars, you know the difference, and insurers know it too. Each car features a unique mix of different factors involved, which insurers are very sensitive about, such as car safety, road performance, security measures, theft rates, repair costs, and others. Even the same car make can have two slightly different models that will have completely different car insurance quotes because the safety or theft rates are higher with one of them.

So what should a driver look for in a car if he wants to get a ride that won't cost him a fortune to insure? As mentioned in the previous passage, you'll need to locate car models that have the optimal balance of all the factors that matter to insurers. First of all, it has to be really safe, so that the passengers and the driver won't get seriously injured during an accident. It has to be secure and with low theft rates, otherwise the insurers will charge you just for the risk that your car can be easily stolen. It has to be easily repaired without the need to purchase expensive spare parts, or your repair bills will require you to get more coverage in the first place.

Naturally, each car model has its strengths and weaknesses when analyzing these factors. So you'll have to shop around really good in order to find a suitable car. You can start with the medium segment, as it usually features the optimal models in terms of insurance. Yet, as said, it all strongly depends on the particular model, and the difference in car insurance quotes can be rather drastic even in the same segment.

Cheap Car Insurance for Teen Drivers

It may seem challenging to get insurance for your teenager, but it is not impossible. You should expect to pay more for your teen's insurance since that age group has the highest rates in general. However, there are ways to get cheap car insurance for young drivers when you consider the factors you and your teen have control over.

Type of Vehicle

Teenagers typically want a brand new, not to mention cool, car. But the type of car they drive plays a big part in the amount of money they will be required to pay for coverage. You can get your teen driver a vehicle with a high safety rating to score lower insurance rates. The more safety features the vehicle has, the lower your rates will be. If you are adding your teen to your current policy for the family vehicle, you can expect an increase of about $800.

Driver Education Classes

Rate reductions are given to teen drivers who successfully complete driver training programs. Not all states require driver education for teens to get their driver's license. However, insurance companies are willing to reward teens who finish such classes because they are more likely to drive safely as a result. These classes can help teens learn to drive defensively and safely for different road conditions.

Academic Excellence

Teens that excel in school may be eligible to receive "good student" discounts. Most major insurance companies offer this particular discount, making the assumption that teens with good grades are more responsible and will be involved in fewer accidents and other moving violations. The exact grade point average (GPA) needed as well as the discount amount varies by insurance provider.

Driving Record

Maintaining a clean driving history may result in cheap auto insurance after a year or two. This is something teen drivers should strive for. Insurance companies begin with the assumption that your teen driver is a high-risk driver. Fortunately, it is possible to prove them wrong by driving safely, avoiding speeding tickets, and not getting involved in accidents. This is a surefire way to get cheap car insurance.

Commonly Filed Auto Insurance Claims

People file auto insurance claims everyday. These claims can range from a minor windshield repair to a vehicle being totaled. Understanding the most common claims can save you money when shopping for auto insurance, as you will want to make sure you are covered for these types of incidents. Below you will find the top 5 reasons people file auto insurance claims.

Fender Benders

Fender benders are definitely the most common reason a person would file an auto insurance claim. These types of wrecks sometimes happen in parking lots and other times when we are distracted and cannot react quickly enough. These types of incidents are unlikely to cause serious injury, however the damage can quickly get expensive due to crumple zones. A crumple zone on a car absorbs some of the force of an accident, but afterwards can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars to fix.

Windshield Repair

Windshield repairs are quite common but are usually optional on your policy, meaning they will cost you extra. Windshields are easy to crack by no fault of your own. Rocks flung by other cars or ice build up can crack your windshield. These can cost a couple of hundred dollars to replace.

Brakes or Mechanical Repairs

A brake system failing cannot only be extremely dangerous, but also pricy. If you are on the highway when your brakes go out, it could result in a major accident. In this case, you are stuck with not only the brake repairs, but also the damages to yourself or others and involved vehicles. It is important to get mechanical repair coverage if your policy offers it.

Rear-end Damage

Rear end collisions are very common. While these types of incidents are usually the fault of the rear ender, they can still serious injure you and leave you with high medical bills. Choosing a high bodily injury policy can save you hundreds of dollars in these situations.

Vandalism

Even in the "nice parts" of town there is vandalism, so nobody is safe. Many things can be stolen from a vehicle such as emblems, GPS systems, headlights, and any other valuables in your car. Not only would you have to replace these items, but you might have to replace windows that were knocked out, or for other damages your car incurred. For this reason, you should always choose to be covered for theft and vandalism when you pick your auto insurance policy.

Follow these simple tips to save on classic car insurance

Nobody wants to buy insurance. But when you have significant money invested in classic cars, you go out of your way to make sure they are insured. Fortunately, you no longer have to break bank to do so. You can now get cheap car insurance for classic cars. Following are tips you can use to get the lowest insurance rates while maintaining quality coverage for your investment.

Stick With Liability Insurance

Just because your car is a classic does not mean it has any value other than sentimental. If this is the case, insurance companies may not be willing to insure it beyond the state required minimum amount. However, if your classic is actually a collector car, you have more options available to you. Unless you are independently wealthy, you probably want more than liability insurance to protect your car. But if you do have the financial resources, you can settle for liability and take care of any damages yourself.

Consider a Collision and Comprehensive Policy

The purpose of this is to make sure you have an opportunity to recoup some of the value of the classic car if it is damaged. Medical expenses will not be covered. And you are unlikely to receive the real value of your classic car. Rather, you will get the depreciated cash value if you file a claim. Determine what the maximum per vehicle and per accident coverage you can get on your car. Do not pay for more than is reasonable.

Ask For a Specialized car insurance olicy

There are two main types of special insurance for classic cars: a stated-value policy and an agreed-value policy. With a stated-value policy, the owner establishes the car's value. This particular type of insurance allows owners to buy only the coverage amount they can afford. It is possible this amount is much less than the car is worth. An agreed-value policy involves negotiation between the owner and insurance agent. You both agree on the car's value at the time you purchase a policy. If your car is totaled or stolen, that is the maximum amount you can claim.

A benefit of classic cars is that they do not pose the same type of risk as your average car. They are not driven much so the likelihood of a classic car being involved in an accident is very low. This makes it much easier to get cheap car insurance.

When you know the facts about cheap flights, you are better prepared to find them

When seeking cheap flights, there are some basic facts to keep in mind. These facts can help you get the lowest ticket prices available from major airlines.

Fact #1: It is Necessary to Be Aware of Peak Travel Times

Mid-week days are always the best days to fly unless a major holiday falls during that time. Weekend travel is the most expensive as are holidays. You may have a good sense of when peak times are in your own country. But if you plan to fly internationally, you should know that peak travel times vary by country. For example, you may think that traveling to London during the fall is a safe bet. However, many London families travel during school breaks which can make for a hectic experience if you are traveling at the same time. In addition, you will be paying more for your airfare.

Fact #2: There are Differences between Scheduled Flights and Charter Flights

When you search for affordable airfare, you will most likely be reviewing scheduled flights offered by the major airlines. These are the flights that travel agents access to help book your flight. However, if your airfare is part of a vacation or tour package deal, you may be on a charter flight. These flights are often used to take passengers to popular destinations. Peak seasons are when charter flights operate. When charter flights are not full, individuals can still get a seat. However, you may pay more as those seats tend to be sold at a profit by travel agents and consolidators who purchase seats in bulk.

Fact #3: It is Possible to Find Low Rates Online

It has never been easier to locate great deals on airfare on the Internet. There are plenty of online resources to help with your search. It is a good idea to compare offers from multiple airlines to makes sure you get the best deal possible. Using an aggregator site that allows you to search for deals from all of the major airlines is always smart. But after you compare deals and have identified the best ones, visit those airlines' websites to see if you can get an even better deal. Often airlines post last minute deals on their websites that the aggregators do not have access to immediately.

These are just several facts to keep in mind when looking for cheap flights. There is always an opportunity to get affordable airfare, but you can also end up paying too much for a ticket if you do not have an understanding of how the industry works. It just takes a bit of research to find the best cheap flights to your destination.

Getting Discounts from Car Rental Companies

You can easily save money at car rental companies by taking advantage of discounts. Most rental companies offer discounts for one reason or another. The challenge is to know about available discounts so you can make sure you get those you are eligible to receive. Following are specific ways you can get car rental discounts.

Redeem Rental Coupons

There are several places you can get rental coupons including from online coupon sites as well as certain rental sites, coupon books, and travel magazines. Typical coupons include free day car rentals and discount coupons. Cash discounts can range from $10 to $100 off a rental that meets certain eligibility requirements.

Present a Discount Code

If you are a member of travel associations such as AAA, you may be eligible for rental discounts. Your membership will include discount codes you can use to get lower rental rates. Certain business memberships also provide rental discounts. Most rental companies allow renters to use discount codes along with rental coupons which can help drivers save significant money.

Look For Online Deals

Just about all rental agencies advertise online. You have probably seen these ads yourself. Companies use online ads to drive web traffic to their website. Most ads also include toll-free telephone numbers that people can call to make reservations. You can check a rental agency's website to see if they have posted special offers. Sites that book car rentals may also have deals for renters. Online travel agencies and consolidators are a great resource for drivers looking for car rental discounts.

Become a Frequent Renter Program Member

Members get access to special offers and discounts that result in extra savings. Depending on the program, members may be able to also use coupons to get even lower rental rates. Many programs offer free rental days and substantial discounts to members on a regular basis.

Ask for a Business Discount

 

Corporations often get discounts because of the volume of business they give to the rental agency. Large companies may have corporate accounts at multiple rental agencies so check a head of time before making a reservation.

Check Out Credit Card Discounts

Depending on the credit card you are using, you may be able to get rental discounts you can use at car rental companies. Rewards credit cards can be a good source for discounts. The more points you earn, the larger the discount you may be able to get. You need to have this information in hand before you go to car rental companies.

Cheap Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers

Have you recently been involved in a car accident? Were you at fault? If so, you have experienced the inevitable increase in auto insurance premiums. And if you have multiple accidents or speeding tickets on your driving record, you can expect even higher rates. You still have several options when it comes to getting cheap car insurance.

Improve Driving Record

This will take time but you should make a concerted effort to clean up your driving record. It will require you to be accident-free for a specific period of time. You also need to avoid getting tickets for speeding and other moving violations. Generally, it takes three years for tickets to be removed from your driving record. At that time, you will find that your rates drop, often significantly.

Avoid Filing Claims

Insurance companies also consider claim histories when rating drivers. Customers who frequently file claims pose a higher risk to insurance providers. As a result, they will have higher rates to cover potential losses to the company. Although the most common reason drivers file claims is because of accidents, there are other ways your car can be damaged. Limit the number of claims you submit to only the most expensive and you may be surprised by your lower rates.

Compare Quotes from Multiple Companies

You always have the opportunity to compare rates by getting quotes from different insurance companies. You can do this either by contacting individual insurance providers or by using an aggregator site that provides a one-stop comparison shopping experience for customers by presenting various insurance quotes from several companies at the same time.

It is possible that even as a high-risk driver you will be able to find a good policy with lower premiums simply by shopping around. Each insurance company has its own set of factors it uses to set rates. You may find that you are eligible for certain discounts from one provider that another does not offer at all. By researching all of your options, you will be able to get cheap car insurance that provides the coverage you need.

 

Things that determine car insurance quotes

To a person who's buying their first insurance policy the market and its mechanics may look like total chaos. There are so many factors involved and so many little details that require your attention, no wonder that the first intention when dealing with such an abundance of information is to get the first policy and just forget about it until renewal date comes. Of course, this is a sure way to end up overpaying for your insurance, and that's the last thing you want to do if your budget is limited due to recession. Fact is that you can optimize your costs by comparing car insurance quotes from different providers. And in order to do that correctly you have to know what actually affects the quotes. Fortunately, it's not that complicated to learn, but it will definitely help you determine your prospects when buying insurance. So here are the most important things when it comes to calculating your car insurance quotes:

Amount and type of coverage

This is the most important aspect of car insurance that has a very profound impact on how much you'll be charged by the company. The only part of the policy that is actually mandatory is the third party liability coverage. All other coverage types are purchased additionally and are not mandatory. Having a lot of coverage on your hands is good because it ensures that you have enough money to cover any type of accident. However, the more coverage you include the costlier the policy becomes. So there's a direct relation between the amount of coverage and the rates the company will offer. This can vary to a degree, but the rule is the same with all providers.

Age and sex

The demographic group you make part of also has a tremendous impact on the level of car insurance quotes you'll receive from different companies. This results from the statistical data all insurance companies compile about their customers and claims. Young drivers usually get the highestquotes because they produce the most accidents due to lack of driving experience. Senior drivers aged over 65 also get higher rates because they often have health problems that make it hard for them to react in traffic properly. Women get lower quotes than men because they have proven to be safer drivers with fewer accidents in average.

Place of residence

The place where your car is registered in is important as well. People living in large urban areas typically pay more for insurance than their rural peers from small towns. This is caused by the difference in traffic and the risk of accident. Places with constant heavy traffic tend to produce more insurance claims, thus if you're mainly driving in such areas your car insurance quotes will be higher.

Car being insured

Don't forget about the car in question because it will significantly affect the range of car insuranc quotes you'll get from different insurers. Small cars can be expensive to insure since they produce more claims and tend to take more damage in general. Sports and muscle cars provoke risky driving and end up in more serious accidents thus the higher rates. Large trucks, minivans and SUVs deliver more damage during collision, so they also can deliver increased rates. Medium-sized and family cars tend to be the safest and cheapest to insure. Luxury cars and collectibles may often require special or exclusive insurance options that are rarely affordable.

Car rental services can be cheaper with these tips

People rent cars for a variety of reasons. And when they do, cheap car rental is the preferred choice. It is possible to have a good rental experience even when you do not pay high prices for your rental. Finding affordable rentals just requires a bit of patience and flexibility on your part.

Consider Smaller Agencies

Of course the rental agency at the airport is more convenient. But it will also be more expensive. There are other options you can consider including smaller rental companies that are nearby. You may have to pay for a short taxi drive to the agency but that cost is minimal compared to the savings you earn.

Understand you probably will not have as large a selection of rental vehicles from which to choose. You will, however, receive more personalized attention than you would receive from a larger company. Always watch out for possible hidden fees with any company you use, including smaller ones.

Join Clubs

There are multiple membership clubs you can join that offer rental discounts to members. It is not uncommon for members to receive up to 15% off rental rates and other services. Examples of travel clubs and other groups that offer such discounts are AAA, AARP, and Costco.

Conduct online research to see which memberships offer the best benefits. There are many websites that provide information on various membership programs so you do not have to visit each separate site. Make sure the benefits outweigh membership fees or dues.

Look for Package Deals

By combining your car rental with hotel accommodations and airline bookings, you may be able to cut costs significantly. You can get package deals through travel agents, vacation organizers, and major travel-related web sites. Package deals are not for everyone but they can provide significant cost savings.

If you have not already booked your flight, consider looking for a package deal that includes cheap car rental. You can easily find packages deals online. And you will have more money to spend on your vacation once you reach your destination.

Use Online Booking Sites

Using online booking sites is one of the easiest ways for picking cheap car rental services. You can use online aggregator or booking sites to reserve a rental car. You get to choose the rental company you want use as well as type of vehicle. Or you can simply request quotes from competing rental agencies. This allows you to view all options before selecting the cheap car rental company that is right for you.