Auto insurance » Insurer

DUI Auto Insurance – Don’t Drink and Drive!

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:48:45 +0000

Driving under the influence in the USA is a serious offense which carries dire consequences on your DUI auto insurance. It is therefore very wise to reconsider that thought of driving a car even after a ‘small’ drink. Getting auto insurance after a DUI offense can be very difficult. Keep in mind that conviction of the offense could also mean arrest.

On finding out about your offense (and it is not possible to hide as most states require the offender to get an S-R22 form from their insurers), the first thing that could happen is that your auto insurance policy maybe canceled outright. If your insurance company retains you, then your premiums rates will be raised and you are listed as a ‘high-risk’ driver. In the event of a cancellation, you now have to look for another insurer who would willing to take you on. Chances are that they will be some of the less-famed companies, but be sure they will still give you auto insurance at higher rates.

You will go to the added expense of hiring an experienced DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) lawyer to handle your case in court. He or she may help minimize the effects of your conviction, but the impact on your auto insurance record and on your driver’s record will stay with you for a long time. The court could even suspend your driver’s license for quite a while. Did you know that your conviction can also affect the premiums on your life insurance?

According to drunk driving statistics, an alcohol-related fatality takes place every half-hour in the US. Don’t kill yourself and endanger the lives of others. And stay on the right side of your DUI auto insurance. Don’t drink and drive !

By: Maria Mbura

Inexpensive Auto Insurance May Yield Awful Insurance

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:27:08 +0000

If you are searching for inexpensive auto insurance, certain guidelines should be kept in mind and with whom you are dealing with. Many insurance companies have belligerent marketing campaigns to instigate the customer to buy their products. Insurance brokers or agents will persuade the customer so that they are able to sell various inexpensive insurance policies. The agent may tell that you can save 20% in car insurance, but they might not convey the hidden aspects of the policy when one make a claim.

Insurance policies are very restraining contracts. The customer has to be aware of the various coverage’s, deductibles and limits. The most awful thing that might happen is when the policy holder meets with an accident and has insufficient insurance coverage. The customer has to know the general policy requirements, definitions and most importantly one must have a xerox copy of the policy for future use. The customer should thoroughly read all the necessary information before signing the auto insurance.

Most auto insurance companies and their agents have never settled or adjusted an accident claim. They will be aware of all the procedures but they might not be familiar with what your policy covers and does cover in detail, and even if they convey the message that everything is covered but in reality it might not be true. Many accident claims are declined or not dealt accordingly because the insurance company does not consider their agent told something to bind coverage, it is the policy holder who has to confirm what exactly the agent said. The insurance company will try to prove their view point.

The customer has to be very cautious of who the insurer is. Many independent brokers work for various car insurance companies and can give the inexpensive quote. However you need to find out that which insurance company you are dealing with. There are several companies who should not be in this business. Do not completely believe on what the broker conveys to you. Always try to discuss each and every minute detail with your friends and acquaintances.

Everybody wants inexpensive insurance but the only way to secure it is by comparing every quote. Always try to ascertain yourself with every minute detail and term. The customer has to be fully aware of its needs and desires before opting to buy it. The buyer has to know that if he or she carries Personal Accident Protection (PAP) coverage. In this coverage all the medicals bills will be covered in an accident.

These are some of the guidelines that should be kept in mind before opting to buy inexpensive auto insurance.

By: Caroline Barnes

Auto Insurance Savings: Tips for Lowering Your Premium

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:20:13 +0000

It’s not exactly cheap to drive and maintain a car these days. As gas prices waver up and down and salaries fail to keep pace with inflation, it seems we’re all looking for ways to cut costs.

For those of us who drive, auto insurance is a necessary requirement enforced by law. Though we hate paying what we sometimes feel are outrageous premiums, the financial protection we gain from those policies is a trade-off we just can’t live without.

Just ask anyone who’s been involved in an accident lately.

But there is good news. As this mobile society struggles to keep up with increasing costs, auto insurance premiums have finally begun a downward trend.

According to one reliable source, the average auto insurance premium fell almost 2 percent last year, to an average of just over $2,300 per household.

That may not sound like much, but it translates to an average savings of $60 a year.

If you weren’t one of the lucky ones who got a pleasant surprise when your auto insurance policy renewed this year, don’t despair. You can still save money on your premium by following a few simple steps:
Comparison Shop. If you have a good driving record and/or buy a safer car, your premium should go down. Plus, with some companies now charging lower rates, increased competition means better auto insurance rates for you! Take advantage of online marketing services like InsureMe.com to find the best auto insurance rates from competing insurers.
Find out what your insurance will cost before you buy that new car. Auto insurance companies typically charge more for cars that are expensive to repair or don’t fare well in accidents. So before you drive off that lot, make sure your new car is considered safe, and relatively cheap and easy to repair by your insurer. This will help minimize risk…for both of you!
Ask your insurer for discounts. These cost-savers can lower your insurance premiums more than you might think:
Combining two or more cars on one auto insurance policy Buying a car with airbags or other safety equipment Installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle Completing a driver’s education course Insuring your home and auto with the same insurer Applying for a mature driver discount (for those between 50 and 65) Getting good grades (for students under 25)
Take the highest deductible you can afford. Your deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket, in case of a claim, before your insurance company starts paying its share. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium—it’s as simple as that. Just be sure you’re able to absorb a larger portion of your loss in case of an accident.
Improve your driving record. The more tickets and accidents you have, the more your auto insurance costs. So drive cautiously, improve your motor vehicle record, and inform your auto insurance company of the change. They’ll reclassify you as a safer driver, and lower your auto insurance rates in the process!
Consider dropping comprehensive and/or collision coverage if you drive an older car. Physical damage coverages like these reimburse you for damages to your own car. But if the vehicle you drive is several years old—or worth less than $1,000—it may not be worth much anyway. Dropping such unnecessary coverage can really save you money.
Review your policy regularly, and keep your coverage updated. Your auto insurance rates may fluctuate due to:
Adding or removing a driver from your auto insurance policy Replacing an older vehicle with a newer one Adding or removing a vehicle from your policy Increasing or decreasing the number of miles you drive annually
Talk to your insurer if you encounter any of these situations. Under the right circumstances, you’ll reduce the impact on your wallet—and walk away a few dollars richer!

If you’re looking for ways to counter prices at the pumps—and everywhere else, for that matter—take these tips to heart.

By: Penny Hagerman

California Auto Insurance Laws – CA Car Insurance Laws That You Need to Know

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:51:46 +0000

What are some of the California auto insurance laws that CA residents need to know? California is a tort law state for auto insurance, which basically means you can sue the other party if you are injured in a car accident. There are several other car insurance laws that consumers in the Golden State should be aware of before looking for car insurance.

In California, the law requires you to carry at least liability coverage in the limits of 15/30/5, which means:

$15,000 bodily injury coverage per person hurt in a car accident

$30,000 bodily injury coverage per accident in total

$5,000 coverage for property damage liability

This coverage is to protect others in case of an accident where you are deemed to be at fault. However, the minimum limits are very low and are unlikely to be sufficient to cover the expenses of a serious car accident. In this case you could be personally sued for the excess. For this reason it makes sense to carry higher limits of liability coverage.

There is a California which law requires insurers to give the lowest price to the consumer that he or she is eligible for. All companies operating in the state must have a toll-free number and/or a web site with quote capabilities available to consumers in order to meet the requirements of this law.

CA car insurance laws state that when you purchase liability coverage the insurer must offer you uninsured motorist coverage. If you decide against it, you must actually sign a form stating that you have declined this coverage.

Now that you are fully aware of the California auto insurance laws that you need to know, you are ready to start shopping for California car insurance. You can get started quickly and easily by using an online quote tool. In no time, you’ll be comparing a variety of quotes from top CA insurers.

By: James J. Robinson

Auto Insurance Cost In Florida

admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:17:09 +0000

As gas prices approach four dollars a gallon, many personal auto insurance policyholders find themselves in a particularly painful kind of trap: most states require citizens to maintain auto insurance. For example, Florida requires drivers to carry at least $10,000 of Florida auto insurance simply to maintain their license. As gas prices eat into family budgets, it can seem impossible to keep gas in your vehicles and auto insurance on your vehicles.

And it’s not just personal auto insurance customers; commercial auto insurance policyholders feel the same crunch. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, firms with fewer than twenty employees can spend up to 45% more per employee to meet federal and state regulations. Some of those regulations, of course, set the minimal required amount of commercial auto insurance. In light of this information, what can personal and commercial auto insurance customers do to soften the blow?

First, drive safely-and let your insurance company know it. If you’ve been free of moving violations and accidents for the last three years, check to see if your auto insurance policy carries a safe driver discount.

Once you’re focused on driving safely, consider raising the deductible on your auto insurance policies. Although this means you’ll have to pay more in the event of an accident, doubling the deductible on your policy can save you 10% or more on your monthly premiums.

Next, check into moving your auto and homeowner’s insurance to the same provider. Many insurers offer discounts up to 10% for policyholders with multiple policies.

Finally, many auto insurance consumers aren’t aware that insurance companies have begun using credit scores as one factor in setting premiums; if your credit situation is better now than it was when you first acquired your auto insurance policy, make sure your insurer is aware of that fact, or shop your policy around for competitive rates.

By: Cory Waldron

Updating Auto Insurance Policy is a No-Brainer

admin — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 22:49:13 +0000

While an auto insurance policy is the most important possession a driver occupies, it’s astonishing how many forget to renew their policy annually. In fact, many drivers wait years before they finally decide to update the coverage on their vehicle. Don’t fall into that category – call your auto insurance agent today and discuss any amendments you want made on your auto insurance policy.

Rejuvenate Your Auto Insurance

If you’re not convinced that updating you insurance policy is in your best interest, here are some reasons to convince you otherwise:

1. Coverage gaps. Your policy might be full of coverage loopholes, gaps in your policy that seem to show themselves at the worst times. By talking to your agent, you can avoid being a victim of gaps.
2. Old coverage. Everything changes over time. Your auto insurance policy is no exception. Annually reviewing your terms, limits and coverage may result in you saving money on your premium. If you own an older car, chances are you don’t need as much comprehensive coverage as you currently have. Why not look into updating your coverage and possibly saving you hundreds of dollars a year?
3. Changes in economy. In the midst of a failing economy, more and more drivers are opting to drop their car insurance altogether. Not a good idea – uninsured drivers are 10 times more likely to get into an accident. If you get uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage added to your auto insurance policy, you can be protected against the uninsured.
4. Wrong fit. When reviewing your policy, you may realize that your current insurer is costing you too much. It may be time to consider another insurance company. Shop around for car insurance quotes by going on-line. After filling out a short form, your inbox will be flooded with a wide array of quotes from multiple insurance agents.
5. Change in driving. Just because you bought your auto insurance policy five years ago doesn’t mean you are the same driver now. You might not even drive as much anymore. It’s in your best interest to update your insurance policy to reflect this significant change. Many insurers offer a considerable discount for low-mileage drivers.
6. Better discounts. If your insurance company is offering new deals or discounts, don’t hesitate to ask about them. You may be able to get additional coverage on your auto insurance policy for a lower rate, depending on what kind of discount is being offered.
7. Riders. Although adding riders to a policy can add up, they are necessary if you want to protect something in your car, such as a new stereo system. If this is the case, you should consider purchasing a rider, which is an amendment to your auto insurance policy that either adds or deletes coverage. Check with your agent about getting an car insurance quote so you have an idea about what effect a rider will have on your premium.

Stop wasting time and update your policy today! You can be confident that you’re getting the most convenient coverage at an affordable price.

By: Tom Lustina