10 ways to lower your auto-insurance

Post by Mei Ling Lin

In the tough economy, people want to save money in any way that they can. One of expensive expense in the life, is the insurance include the life insurance, health insurance, home insurance and auto insurance. In those insurances, the home and auto-insurance is one that people need to pay all of the fees by themselves, unlike the life or health insurance that employers may help to pay part of the fees. Here have ten ways to help you to lower your auto-insurance.
1. Raise your deductibles, the more deductibles you have, the less premiums you going to pay. However, when you raise the deductible, then you need to be driver safer.
2. Compare quotes from different insurers, because each insurance company may have different rate of the auto-insurance customers.
3. Drive fewer miles, the less you drive, then less risk of collision and the less you file vehicle insurance claim.
4. Maintain good credit, if your credit score is lower, then you may view as the high-risk customers and need to pay the high-rate insurance
5. Stay a safe driver, mean to lower the risks of collision, then you need to avoid lane hogging, be aware of the conditions, don’t tailgate, prepare you journey, and stay clam.
6. Keep a clean driving record
7. Combine your auto and home insurance, you may get more discount on your rate if you use the same insurance company to insure your home and car.
8. Pick the right coverages, the more coverage you pick, the more premiums that you going to pay, but if you get the less coverage, and then you are taking the risk to pay more money out of your package if you have a claim or at-fault in a collision.
9. Choose your car carefully, because the model of car that you drive would affect you premiums
10. Take advantage of discounts, because discount can help you to lower your premiums

source #1 #2 #3

Steps To Choose A Right Auto Insurance Company

Post by Mei Ling Lin

You may know the steps or ways that can assist you to buy an automobile in a good price. Right now, you need to learn how to select a right insurance company to purchase your auto insurance. Because many insurance companies, which may promote well but have the worst services that you don’t know about. There have some steps that can help you to find a good insurer or agent.

1.Visit state’s department of insurance web site, because the State department of insurance would have name list of all insurance companies and their sell policies in the state.
2.Find out which insurers body shops recommend, because they know which company can provide the best service with low cost.
3.Check the J.D. Power Ratings
4.Consider insurers’ financial strength ratings
5.If you still confused, then consider working with an agent
6.Visit local agents’ offices, ask for a rate quote and gauge responses
7.Ask about “claims-free” discounts for time a policy is in force without a chargeable claim
8.Ask about a “multiline” discount if you buy more than one line of insurance
9.Ask about office hours and after-hours assistance
10.As k for company rating and financial information
11.Determine if the company has agents and claims offices in other states if you travel extensively
12.Ask friends and acquaintances about the company

source #1 #2 #3

Saving Money on Auto Insurance

By: Dan Hughes

Swoop and Squat, a Dangerous Form of Car Insurance Fraud

By Michael Collins

Insurance Fraud is a major problem in today's society. People will often hear stories about people burning down their houses or even killing spouses in order to collect insurance money. However, there is another form of insurance fraud that is not as common or as well-known: the Swoop and Squat, a form of auto insurance fraud.

AllState Insurance has publicized this type of fraud in commercials to help customers avoid becoming victims. Their website defines the swoop and squat as "Two vehicles work as a team to set up an accident. One vehicle pulls in front of an innocent driver and the other alongside, blocking the victim in. The lead car stops short, causing the victim to rear-end him. The car that pulled up alongside serves as a block and prevents the victim from avoiding a collision." So, the fraudsters essentially create a "controlled accident" that minimizes the risk to themselves, but will still get them a lot of money from the insurance companies, as well as causing the victim's insurance rates to go up.

Cities like Los Angeles and Miami have been known as hotbeds of swoop and squat rings. In addition, vehicles that are heavily insured, like tractor-trailers or expensive cars, are commonly targeted. If the fraudsters claim bodily harm (often faked), along with the damage to the car, they can make much more money with their scheme. Many rings have been known to involve corrupt doctors and lawyers, in order to verify injuries and get the cases through the court system.

This type of fraud is often difficult for drivers to avoid if confronted. However, insurance companies believe that the best ways to avoid becoming a victim are refrain from tailgating other cars, and to call the police as soon as an accident takes place.

References:
http://www.allstate.com/About/fraud.aspx
http://www.buy-and-sell-car-secrets.com/swoop-and-squat.html
https://www.nicb.org/cps/rde/xbcr/nicb.../13734_StagedFraud_Eng.pdf
http://www.justnews.com/news/18888799/detail.html

How You Can Save on Car Insurance

Posted By Michael Collins

Before you compare rates, check out these money-saving tips for your car insurance.

1. Earn a low mileage discount. If you work from home, carpool or use public transportation, look for companies with discounts for low mileage, pay-as-you-go, or carpooling. And, tell your current insurance company if you're driving less these days; rates may be lower if you drive less than 10,000 miles each year.

2. Increase your deductibles. You may save 10 percent or more on your comprehensive and collision premiums if you increase your deductible from $250 to $500. And, if you car is really old, it may be time to drop comp and collision coverage completely—but only if you're willing to pay for repairs yourself.

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What is No-Fault Car Insurance?

By Michael W. Collins

It is common to see advertisements for car insurance everywhere. Whenever I watch television, I am bombarded by ads for Geico, AllState, and the like. However, in some states, including my home state of Massachusetts, we have what is known as "no-fault" car insurance.

The basic idea of no-fault car insurance is to avoid determining fault and dealing with the court system. This is done with the belief that settlements will be reached more quickly and that it will result in lower costs for all parties involved. "no-fault coverage is usually limited. It usually only pays for medical bills and lost income up to the limits of your policy. Pain and suffering and any expenses over the policy limits aren't covered."1

Despite lower overall costs when there is an incident, no-fault car insurance does not cover property damage. This may lead to lawsuits in order to cover the costs of repairs or replacement. Also, because fault is not determined in incidents, insurance quotes may be initially higher for policyholders.

No-fault insurance has many critics and supporters. Supporters tend to highlight how this type of insurance results in quicker settlement and does not place blame. Critics, however, believe that it de-emphasizes personal responsibility and essentially penalizes safe drivers by forcing them to pay higher fees than they would otherwise have to.

References:
1- http://insurance.lawyers.com/No-Fault-Auto-Insurance.html
http://www.insureme.com/content/rsrc/auto/auto-insurance-no-fault/
http://insurance.freeadvice.com/insurance_help.php/102_170_579.htm

Gov. Gregoire signs bill to increase unemployment insurance benefits

Posted By SooYeon(Pia),Shin

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Gov. Chris Gregoire Monday signed House Bill 1906, which will give Washingtonians receiving unemployment insurance an additional $45 a week in benefits, coming at the same time the federal government is increasing benefits by $25 a week.

Along with an increase in benefits, the legislation expands the program that allows employers to reduce workers' hours by up to 50 percent while workers receive partial unemployment benefits. The goal is to keep people working and help employers retain their skilled work force until times get better.

In addition, the bill expands eligibility requirements for unemployment insurance claimants attending school or training. The bill extends the deadline for participants to enter the program, and expands eligibility beyond dislocated workers to include disabled workers, low-wage earners, military and Washington National Guard members who were honorably discharged within the previous year, and current members of the National Guard.

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9 Ways to Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs

Posted by: Madeleine Brooks

1. Ask for higher deductibles

Request higher deductibles on collision and comprehensive (fire and theft) coverage and lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15 percent to 30 percent.

2. Drop collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars

It may not be cost effective to have collision or comprehensive coverage on cars worth less than $1,000 because any claim you make would not substantially exceed annual cost and deductible amounts. Auto dealers and banks can tell you your car’s worth.

3. Buy a “low profile” car

Before you buy, check insurance costs because fast and expensive cars that cost more to repair and are a favorite target for thieves have much higher insurance costs.

4. Take advantage of low mileage discounts

Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a limited number of miles a year.

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Buying Car Insurance

by Shu Zheng

If you are a person with a bad driving skill, it may be the right thing for you to have – auto insurance. When it comes to buying car insurance, there are some factors influencing your rate. Such factors include your age, gender, record of prior claims, year of vehicle, and coverage type. The following will help you determine how much car insurance you need to carry and how to save money on the coverage.

Step 1: Keep in mind the amount of money you want to save for insurance.

Step 2: Figure out how much coverage do you need. General recommendation for liability limits are $50,000 bodily injury liability for one person injured in an accident, $100,000 for all people injured, and $25,000 property damaged liability. However, you available assets and driving habits may also need to be taken for consideration.

Step 3: Review your driving record and current insurance policy.

Step 4: Go to some online insurance quote sites, input your information and get a list of comparative quote.

Step 5: Research insurance companies, record and compare quotes.

Step 6: Phone contact those companies that you couldn’t search online for quote, and confirm price.

Step 7: Look for discount. Some of the discounts you might qualify for include low-risk occupation, professional organizations, combined coverage, discount for safety features, more risk assumed by driver, and discounts for senior citizens. Make sure you get all the discounts you qualify for.

Step 8: Choose the right company. You can visit your state’s department of insurance or get in touch with local body shops, and make sure to check out the financial strength ratings for an insurance company.

Step 9: Verify if the policy contains the coverage you want. Two clauses you should pay attention are retain your right to sue and avoid aftermarket parts requirement.

Step 10: Cancel coverage with your existing insurance company.

Sources:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-10-Factors-Affecting-Your-Auto-Insurance-Premiums&id=363878
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/insurance/articles/44858/article.html
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/insurance/articles/89618/article.html

Economy forcing more to drive uninsured

By Jen Lynch

The economic downturn has left most wallets feeling lighter. People are cutting back on expenses they feel aren't 'necessary', and many are beginning to let their car insurance lapse because the premiums are simply too high. But motor vehicle accidents happen every day, and many times it's not even your fault. The percentage of uninsured motorists is expected to rise from 13.8 in 2007 to 16.1 in 2010, based on current unemployment rates. Choosing to go uninsured on the highway is a very dangerous gamble, especially if you're having financial problems.

According to the Insurance Research Council, one in six drivers in the U.S. do not have auto insurance. In 2007, the five states with the highest uninsured driver estimates were New Mexico (29 percent), Mississippi (28 percent), Alabama (26 percent), Oklahoma (24 percent), and Florida (23 percent). The higher the percentage means that if you get into an accident, there is a stronger chance that it will be with an uninsured driver. This means that you would receive no coverage for injuries except for what your own insurance covers.

Ten states have a 'no pay, no play legislation', where uninsured drivers can only collect for property damage and medical expenses, but courts will not allow them to collect non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, which usually increases the claim considerably. Although some states do not require uninsured motorist coverage, it seems like a good time to look into getting it in your policy, especially with more and more people driving uninsured.

How do you protect yourself from the increase in uninsured drivers?

- Include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in your policy. 

- Look into your home state's accident and insurance policies and legislation. Find out if you're covered when it's not your fault!

- Your UM coverage should take care of medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured in an accident with an uninsured driver.

- To avoid becoming an uninsured driver, call your insurance company and find out if there are any available discounts, or look into increasing your deductible.

Full Articles

The Number of Uninsured Drivers Rises During Tough Economy

Uninsured Drivers Expected To Increase In Bad Economy
Uninsured drivers increase in downturn

Injury Board Article

Factors That Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates

Posted by: Lauren Cappelli, Group 1A

Auto insurance rates vary depending on various characteristics of the holder and their automobile. Some of these characteristics include the age of the holder, where they live, the type of vehicle they drive and how they use their vehicle.

Age has a big influence on the cost of auto insurance. Insurance companies feel that certain age brackets hold a greater risk when it comes to driving an automobile, therefore increasing the rates. “Traditionally, males under 25 years of age represent the highest risk, while married, middle-aged, non-smoking mothers represent the lowest” (MSN Autos).

The place in which the holder lives also has an influence on the premium they will pay. Generally the more urban the area the holder lives in, the higher the rates. This is due to the increased number of cars and the higher occurrence of accidents. The amount of thefts in an area affects the premium as well.

The type of vehicle that the holder drives is also a factor that affects the premium paid. The model, color, and cost of repair are three big factors that play a role in the price of the insurance (insure.com). Traditionally sporty, luxury cars will result in higher premiums.

Lastly, how the vehicle is used is another determinant in the cost of a premium. The more miles driven, the greater the chance that an accident will occur therefore increasing the risk. An increased risk results in a higher premium.

Shopping for Auto Insurance. MSN Autos

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/InsureYourCar/ShoppingForAutoInsurance.aspx


Which Cars Cost More (Less) to Insure. Insure.com

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/InsureYourCar/which-cars-cost-more-or-less-to-insure.aspx

No Just Crash Protection, but Prevention

By Matt Nauman

Mercury News

Posted by Shu Zheng

A car that can brake itself to avoid a fender-bender during the morning commute might seem far into the future.

Except it goes on sale in March.

That's when City Safety, a low-speed collision-avoidance technology becomes available on the new 2010 Volvo XC60, a crossover utility.

City Safety is just one of several new technologies designed to prevent car crashes and save lives. Auto sales are at a nearly two-decade low, but the pace of safety innovations continues unabated. Whereas air bags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control were the standard for a safe car until very recently, automakers continue to raise the stakes.

Radar, lasers and cameras work with computers and sophisticated software to do tasks unheard of just a few years ago. They tell you if you're falling asleep at the wheel, or if a car is in your blind spot. If you drift from your lane, they warn you, and in some instances, nudge you back into your lane. And modern cruise control doesn't just keep a steady speed, but can help your car keep a steady distance with the car in front of you.

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