May 9, 2007

Discover The Art Of Shopping For Car Insurance

by Jon Arnold

We all need car insurance but it is probably not the type of thing that we take the time to shop for very often. But if we do take the time to shop around for car insurance, which we absolutely should do every now and then like every couple of years, we just want to make sure that we are still getting the best possible quote and not overpaying. There is always a new car insurance company coming around the bend who just might be offering a more competitive quote.

When you shop around for car insurance, be very cautious if you think you have discovered a better quote. You do not need to be an expert in insurance terminology to find out that you are not comparing apples to apples. For example, if everything looks the same on two policies, look again. Oh yes, one has a $300 deductible and the other one has a $1200 deductible. That is a major difference.

Should you shop for car insurance online? Absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt. But again, be careful. There are no guarantees that just because you found it online means that it is a competitive quote. You need to examine the fine print very carefully, because many times your local insurance agent can do better than what you see there. Although there are many considerations, one of the primary considerations is your driving record, and if you have had good luck with no tickets and no accidents in many years, then you should be a very good shape for getting an aggressive quote, either online or from your local insurance agent.

If your driving record is less than stellar, however, the car insurance rates are going to go up, sometimes into the stratosphere. If you have had several tickets or a couple of accidents on your driving record, even if you were not at fault in the accidents, then getting a good deal on car insurance is relative, because all the rates that are quoted to you are going to be higher than what you would like to pay.

Car insurance is just something that you need to have. Most states require it, and the ones that do not, well, they probably will in the very near future. So just plan on it, and be sure to figure that in with your monthly car payment, because the two payments are joined at the hip.

There are many factors that go into pricing car insurance, and one of the main ones is the type of car you want to insure. It does not require a rocket science degree to figure that the cost of insuring a late model Lincoln Town Car is going to be much more than a late model Kia. The overall value of the car is taken into consideration as well as the cost of repairing the car if it gets into an accident. In the same way, a cars crash safety test records indicate how safe the driver is in an accident, and the cost of the car plus the cost of medical bills play into computing insurance costs also.

Shop around for your car insurance and make sure you are getting the best deal. Also take the time to shop online, but do not assume that is your best deal. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples when you are comparing the policies from two different companies. The time spent will save you big bucks.

Jon is a computer engineer who maintains web sites on a variety of topics based on his knowledge and experience. You can read more about Car Insurance at his web site Get Your Best Deal On Car Insurance


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May 1, 2007

Every Driver Should Know Their Auto Insurance Facts

by Levi Quinn

While it is difficult to make your way through the maze of available auto insurance products, understanding the market can help. The insurance market is extremely complicated but presented here are five major facts that can help in your insurance decisions.

1) Premium Plan - Is it worthwhile? Many auto insurance companies now advertise deluxe packages that include such add-ons as “accident forgiveness” and “new car replacement.” These plans do indeed offer top notch services above and beyond standard insurance policies, but at a much higher price. Make sure you understand exactly what you are paying for and whether the benefit is worth the cost in your unique situation.

2) Shared Market versus Nonstandard Market - If your driving record is below average you will have to search for alternatives to standard auto insurance. Every jurisdiction offers what is known as a shared market, in which poor drivers are able to get car insurance from regular insurance companies. Naturally prices are much higher in this market than in the standard auto insurance market, as there is much more risk to the insurance companies. However, there is now a third option. The nonstandard market consists of a number of specialty companies whose only business is insuring nonstandard drivers. Look for a nonstandard as opposed to a shared or assigned risk company and you may save hundreds of dollars.

3) Most and Least Expensive Cities in America for Auto Insurance in 2006 - The most expensive city was Detroit, with an average annual premium of over $5,800. The least expensive was Roanoke, VA. There annual premiums averaged only $912. You may not be able to plan a move based solely around insurance rates but if you are trying to decide between two cities, auto insurance rates along with other cost of living concerns may help you choose.

4) Downtown is the most expensive - Many Americans are well aware that car insurance rates rise dramatically in large cities as compared to suburbs and small towns. It is not as well known, however, that even within the city limits zip code makes a great difference. Deciding to live in a more residential part of the city rather than downtown could net a significant savings on auto insurance rates.

5) Purchasing auto insurance is a numbers game - It is impossible to predict everything that could possibly happen to your vehicle. It is possible that you may pay for insurance for many years and never use your policy. It is equally possible that you will need to make a claim almost as soon as you drive off the lot. Therefore, it is crucial that you weigh the costs versus benefits of varying levels of coverage and deductibles. Consider what will happen if you have an accident and how much money you can afford to pay out of pocket. Also consider how much money you have available each month to pay your premium. Shop around in order to get the best possible insurance for the money you can afford to pay and be sure to consider various deductible amounts as well.

There are so many options available in today’s auto insurance market that it would be quite time consuming if not utterly impossible to make the “perfect” choice. However, understanding the market and the variables over which you have control will assist you in making a smart decision. Take the time to consider your options and you will find auto insurance that works well for you.

Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. For money-saving tips and important information about no fault auto insurance, visit AutoInsuranceRatesDirect.com today.


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April 29, 2007

Car Insurance Myths Continue To Thrive

by Charlie Essmeier

If consumers better understood car insurance, they might be better protected and save a lot of money, as well. Automobile insurance is not something that most people ponder regularly, and because of this, many insurance myths persist. For a lot of people, car insurance is considered only when buying a new car.

Listed below are a few things that people frequently do not understand about auto insurance:

Myth: You don’t need any more protection than state law requires.

Fact: You ought to consider buying more coverage than the required minimum in most states in order to avoid a potential lawsuit. The minimum amount of liability insurance may not cover you if you cause an accident with a luxury car or if you cause extensive bodily harm to someone in a wreck.

Myth: Smaller deductibles are better, so you don’t have to ‘pay out’ should an accident occur.

Fact: It makes much more sense to go with the highest deductible you can afford to pay, as you will save a great deal of cash on your insurance premiums. Many people will pay quite a bit of money in premiums in order to have small deductibles. Don’t pay higher premiums so that you might have a small deductible; it isn’t worth it. The majority of people rarely have wrecks, so they do not often have to file a claim. Insurance is not designed to pay for every nickel and dime expense; it is intended to cover large costs that would place a strain on your finances.

Myth: The government sets rates, so there is no reason to shop around for the lowest price.

Fact: The Federal government has no influence as to how pricing is determined. The states do have some say in how insurance pricing works in a given state, but the figures are only guidelines. Individuals can receive savings by shopping around for the best price, and smart shoppers will do so.

Myth: The color of a car can affect the price of the premium.

Fact: This myth has persisted for decades; the classic rumor is that red cars are more expensive to protect because the color is ’sporty.’ This is not true; the color of a car has no bearing on the price you must pay to protect it.

Myth: Less expensive vehicles cost more to cover than luxury models.

Fact: The costs of insurance are determined by a number of factors, like how much the vehicle will cost to repair and the likelihood of the car being stolen. The primary factor is not the price; it’s this - what is the chance that a particular car will cost the insurance company money due to a payout? The cost of the vehicle is largely unrelated to the cost of covering it.

It’s well worth your time to know the difference between insurance myths and facts. Staying informed about car insurance can not only protect you, but it can also save some money.

©Copyright 2007 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including LemonLawHelp.net, a site devoted to information regarding lemon laws for automobiles and Car-Insurance-Help.net, a site about car insurance


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April 27, 2007

How To Choose Between Universal Life And Term Life Insurance?

by Jimmy Wild

Choosing between universal life and term life insurance can be one of the most confusing, yet consequential, challenges a person can face during his or her lifetime. The wrong policy might leave a family without the financial benefit it really needs following the death of a loved one or can burden the family with excessive, unnecessary coverage at a hefty cost to their fiscal well-being. It is possible, however, for the consumer to avoid such costly mistakes by doing a little bit of research and planning on his or her own. Only then can a responsible choice be made.

Before a choice is made between universal and term life insurance, the consumer should determine whether or not he or she actually needs life insurance. Basically, if the consumer?™s death would cause a financial burden for his or her family, then life insurance is a must. Examples of the types of financial burdens to be concerned about are: funeral costs, college tuition, left-behind credit debts, tax debts and mortgages. Generally, for a single person with no children or dependents, life insurance is completely optional. Once the decision to purchase life insurance has been made, then the consumer must determine which type of policy is the right one for them. A referred, reputable agent can help a potential policyholder wade through the benefits and costs of multiple policy types.

Universal Life Insurance

A universal life insurance policy, also referred to as a ?œcash value??policy, is for the consumer whose financial planning considerations extend far into the future. This type of policy, of course, will pay any necessary death benefits, but it also provides the policyholder with an additional financial advantage - a tax-deferred savings account. Although one must generally hold the policy for at least 15 years in order to see any return from the savings account, it does provide the policyholder with a stable long-term investment that can be cashed out or borrowed against, if necessary. Many financial experts recognize the investment benefits of a universal life policy as sound, while others argue that there are better investment options available to the educated consumer.

The coverage amounts provided by a universal life policy remain consistent throughout the years, as do the premium rates. These premium rates tend to be higher than other policies (the agent commissions and fees have much to do with this), but under some plans, the rates drop as the policyholder ages and might even disappear completely. There are no renewals to deal with unless the policy is allowed to lapse.

Responsibility is what makes a person. So we felt it our responsibility to elaborate more on health insurance so that not only us, but everyone knew more about it!

Term Life Insurance

A term life insurance policy is one of the most flexible and economical types of life insurance coverage available. This type of policy is for someone who seeks basic coverage for a pre-determined period of time and is not looking to combine this coverage with a savings account - those who choose term coverage often have investments elsewhere. The lack of an accompanying savings account means that the premiums for this type of coverage are relatively low but it also means that there is no return on any of the money paid into the policy over the years.

The premium rates for a term life policy are dependent upon the policy chosen. Policies can usually be purchased for periods of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years and may be renewable. Apart from the low rates, the variety of term periods available is one of the most attractive aspects of the term life policy and offers a lot of flexibility to the policyholder. For example, if a couple has a child entering college and wants to ensure that his or her tuition will be paid for in case of their deaths; they can purchase a term life policy that would cover that child?™s college years. There would be no reason to purchase a lifetime policy for a short-term need. Policyholders can also choose term policies with increasing or decreasing coverage.

Reading all this about health insurance is sure to help you get a better understanding of health insurance. So make full use of the information we have provided here.

Keep your mind open to anything when reading about health insurance. Opinions may differ, but it is the base of health insurance that is important.

One of the disadvantages of a term life policy, however, is the inconsistency of its rates. While the premium rates do start out very low, they usually increase as the policyholder ages. Additionally, if the policyholder wants to renew after the initial term is complete, the fees associated with the renewal (because of age health, etc.) may be prohibitive.

To read more articles about life insurance: www.articlevillage.com/life-insurance
Jimmy is the publisher of Article Village Directory. You can submit articles, or find free content on articlevillage.com


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April 23, 2007

Used Cars Need Insurance Too

by Jake Newberry

Automobile insurance is a tough aspect of life that many people would rather do without. They would rather do without auto insurance right up until the moment that their insurance covers the costs, or a large percentage of the cost, when they get into an accident. Insurance is designed to prevent against losses incurred as a result of traffic accidents, so it does its part to save the insurance holder and the accident victim a whole lot of strife. In the end, you will be glad you have automobile insurance.

Car insurance is one of those facts of life we would rather not discuss, but is just plain necessary. There are many kinds of coverages offered by car insurance companies. We are always looking for smart ways to save on our auto insurance each year. I have found that buying used cars is the smart way to buy a vehicle. One of the best reasons for buying a used car is to save a good amount of money on car insurance coverage.

If you drive a used car it is very possible that you are paying less money for car insurance. An insurance company bases much of your insurance rate on the value of the car, and the fact of the matter is, a used car is less valuable and therefore carries a lower premium with insurance companies. Some drivers of used cars choose not to carry comprehensive car insurance to save some money. They can do this because the overall value of their car is less than a brand new car, and fixing minor damage while the car was stationary is less devastating than a crash. However, collision insurance is a must for all drivers on the road.

Looking for cheaper rates many drivers are turning toward online insurance carriers. In fact, finding a rate online can be painless, reliable, and save money all at once. The accessibility of online insurance is convenient; being able to file a claim at any time of day helps with peace of mind after an accident. Online insurance companies take into account factors like: the type of car you drive, where you live, your driving record, and estimated driving habits; and they create a guaranteed rate right their on the spot and show you different options for coverage.

Along with looking online for automobile insurance, there are other things you can do to get low car insurance rates to come your way. The top tip that most experts offer is to shop around. Look online, offline and everywhere in between for the best low car insurance rates. Another idea is to make sure that all of the vehicles you will be insuring are located on the same policy. This is a good idea because it enables you to save up to or around ten percent per car through ‘multi-vehicle’ discounts. An idea along these lines that some companies also offer is the ‘multi-line’ insurance, meaning that if you insure your home and your car with the same company, you will end up with a discount on both pieces.

There are many opportunities to save money on your automobile insurance if you look in the right places. You can choose a higher deductible, for example, and save a good amount of money on your car insurance through that route. You can also drop collision altogether if you have an older car, enabling you to cut some fiscal corners and bring down your overall rate. The best option for saving money on your automobile insurance is, however, to not end up using it by driving safely.

Jake Newberry sells for NuStar Motors, a used cars Sacramento dealer, which specializes in lifted 4×4 trucks and fast cars such as used Mustangs, Cameros, and Honda V-techs.


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April 21, 2007

Finding cheap auto insurance quotes

by John Buckle

How to find cheap auto insurance quotes

If you think you’re paying too much for your existing auto insurance, put the internet to work and with a little effort it’s easy to find cheap auto insurance quotes that can save you money right now, here’s how…

Compare quotes

Only by shopping round for competitive insurance quotes can you find cheap auto insurance quotes. Most people don’t bother or compare just 2 quotes with little thought to the factors insurance companies base their prices on.

Cheap auto insurance quotes aren’t necessarily the best, it’s more involved than comparing the bottom line. The manner in which insurance claims are processed and approved is an important consideration as is the speed that claims are settled.

The manner in which an insurer deals with you both verbally and in writing is important, they should be easy to contact, courteous and willing to help. Remember that following an accident you are likely to be in a state of stress and the last thing you’ll need is a company you can’t contact and doesn’t take a personal interest in resolving your case.

Deductibles can save you money…

A higher insurance deductible equates to cheaper auto insurance quotes, when a claim is filed you will be responsible for the first $X’s, the deductible, and the insurance company pays the balance. The choice you have to make is between a lower deductible with a higher premium but less out of pocket expenses if a claim is made or a higher deductible with a lower premium but higher costs to meet if a claim is made. It’s a choice that only you can make but if you want a cheap auto insurance quote increasing your deductible from $200’s to $1,200’s will give you significant savings on your insurance premium, but there are risks…

Choose the highest deductible you can afford should the worst happen and enjoy the savings from your reduced premiums.

So select the maximum you can to pay—the higher the better because the difference in your car insurance premiums will mean more cash in your pocket.

Ask for a discount

Another favorite saying from my Grandmother was ‘If you don’t ask