Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Alabama Auto Insurance - Requirements and Tips to Reduce Your Rates
Alabama auto insurance is mandatory in Alabama. Insurance coverage shelters you from unanticipated contingencies and disbursals in an accident. Besides, Heart Of Dixie auto insurance is a legal demand for all Heart Of Dixie drivers.
What is the Compulsory Insurance Coverage?
Alabama auto insurance supplies mandatory coverage of bodily injury and property damage liabilities. Bodily injury liability is $20,000 for physical injuries per individual in an accident, $40,000 for all physical injuries to all people in an accident, and property damages coverage is $10,000 for an accident. Of course, these are minimum bounds and it is best to have got higher insurance bounds for better coverage in lawsuit of any accident.
Why make I need auto insurance?
Alabama auto insurance protects you from accidents and associated expenses, but you need it more than so to accede to the state law. Lack of minimum liability insurance is illegal and wrong.
What is cogent evidence of my auto insurance?
Insurance companies supply you insurance card listing all inside information like your vehicle make, theoretical account number and twelvemonth of purchase of vehicle, vehicle designation number, name of insurance company, name of insured, policy number with effective, and termination days of the month of policy. Sometimes there are other cogent evidences of your Heart Of Dixie auto insurance like insurance premium receipt, liability insurance policy, impermanent insurance card, certification of your insurance from your insurance company, transcript of rental understanding mentioning insurance coverage, etc.
Need I carry insurance proof?
Yes, you need to carry cogent evidence of your Heart Of Dixie auto insurance in your vehicle. You should be able to demo it to law enforcement officers when asked for. If you make not possess insurance proof, you are guilty of improper behavior and human face mulcts of $500. Repeated discourtesy enforces stringent mulcts and suspension of your license.
What make up one's minds my insurance premium?
Auto insurance companies hole insurance rates according to overall drive wonts of state drivers. It is an average of all necessary fees and exact insurance insurance premium depends on additional computations like your age, vehicle type, topographic point of residence, etc. You can get numerous quotes from different Heart Of Dixie auto insurance companies and take the most suitable insurance for your vehicle.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
The Great Value Of Accident Photographs
You were humming along on a bright and bright twenty-four hours when suddenly Fred Fuddle, a local fictional character from a nearby town, intoxicated as a rotter and zooming along in his pickup, flew through halt mark crashing into the right presence of your motor vehicle. You had no pick to avoid him. Now the clip have come up to settle down your claim for property damage and personal injuries. Lets talking about photos 1 of the rudiments that should have got been taking topographic point - - just as soon as possible - - after that impact had taken place.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF INJURIES: Photographs are often the best grounds you can bring forth to increase the value of your claim. If your accident causes bodily injuries that are seeable (such as bruises, deep cuts, swellings, lacerations, disruptions and/or achromatic and bluish marks) its crucial, to the ultimate settlement value of your case, that you have got photos taken of those just as soon as possible! Take them from 3 feet away and also as stopping point as you can so as to capture the earnestness of inheritor existence. When you manus those to Adjuster I. M. Smart from the Granite Insurance Company believe me when I state you hell gaze at them and blanch!
Question: "How makes Dan cognize this to be so"?
Answer: "Because for 38 old age Dan was there and felt that"!
PHOTOGRAPHS OF BOTH VEHICLES: You should take photos of the damages to your vehicle from respective different angles. If at all possible happen the motor vehicle that hit you and take photos of that damage also. When it come ups to proving the impact your organic structure was subjected to (and in many cases to turn out who was at fault) those photos could one twenty-four hours be deserving their weight in gold.
HOW TO return photographs OF THE ACCIDENT SCENE: The images of each accident scene should be taken from at least three different angles: Catch respective of a general view of the country from about 20 to 40 feet away; a couple more medium range shots from 10 to 15 feet away, and then some close up shots from 3 to 5 feet away. If its astatine all possible all three different distances should have got a common point or orientation. If, for example, youre snapping photos of a skid mark, it should be taken from an angle so as to clearly demo were that skid grade is, in relation to a landmark, like a street sign, a building, a fire hydrant, etc. Another exposure should then be taken with a near position - - one clearly identifying the skid grade in item - -and also, if possible, include this readily identifiable physical object or landmark (the street signs, buildings, etc.).
Because theyre such as cogent grounds you should blow up those photos of the skid marks, taken from 3 to 6 feet away, into 8X10 glossies. A sum of 12 to 15 photos of the accident scene and/or the skid Marks are not too many. When you manus transcripts of the 8X10 satin photographs of those skid Marks to the adjuster, to assist warrant he payment hell eventually make to you, it will absolutely increase the value of your claim.
"Why" you ask?
The reply to that 1 is, "Because it will state both adjustor Smart and his supervisor (who, in the end, will usually name the shots on how much your settlement dollars should be) that you cognize what youre doing and youre not the type of individual who can be taken advantage of".
A word OF CAUTION: The individual engaged in the undertaking of snapping photographs of your body, the accident scene, etc., should be careful to make certain theyre not undertaking this attempt with a casual, headlong or careless attitude - - one that be givens to go forth it up to do the photographic camera to do the thought for them. Rather, the photographer ought to carefully see the procedure the procedure slowly and seriously so that the photographs produced will bring forth the upper limit value.
If at all possible photographs should be taken of the exact location on the route where the impact occurred, and shots of all relevant gouge and/or chop up Marks on the surface, plus traffic signs, etc., arsenic applicable.
It cannot be emphasized enough that photographs of skid Marks are invaluable evidence, since they can often bespeak Fuddles velocity at the clip of impact and can be a enormous plus when it come ups to establishing fault.
A good pattern to follow is to do a little notational system on the dorsums of all photos, entering upon them a little account of what the photograph is showing, the day of the month it was taken and by whom.
Photographs of injuries, the accident scene and the route surface if done correctly - - is money in the bank !
Copyright (c)2004 By Daniel G. Baldyga
DISCLAIMER: The lone intent of this article "THE great value OF ACCIDENT PHOTOGRAPHS" is to assist people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga, Simon Peter Go nor ARTICLECITY.COM make any warrant of any sort whatsoever: NOR do they purport to engage in rendition any professional or legal service, NOR to replace for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. Where such as professional aid is desired it is the INDIVIDUALS duty to obtain said services.
All of the information necessary for you to deal with and manage the above issues are spelled out wiithin the table of contents of Dan Baldyga's 3rd "How To" Insurance Claim book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE claim (How To Measure And Settle Your Loss)found on the internet at http://www.caraccidentclaims.com Oregon http://www.autoaccodentclaims.com. This book also incorporates base (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). THE base formula will state you exactly how many dollars the "Pain and Suffering" you endured, because of your accident - - are worth!
Copyright (c) 2002 By Dan Baldyga. All Rights Reserved
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Car Loans for People with Bad Credit - Getting an Auto Loan after Bankruptcy
Getting credit after a bankruptcy is not easy. This includes credit for mortgages, vehicle loans, consumer loans, etc. Inch this circumstance, people who have got recently filed bankruptcy may choose to pay for everything in cash. While this may look to be a good solution to credit problems, if you need to purchase a new car, paying for the vehicle in cash may be impossible. In this case, you will need to obtain an auto loan.
Can You Get an Auto Loan after a Bankruptcy
A bankruptcy on your credit report warrants a credit application denial. As a rule, lenders make not desire to offer money to bad credit candidates. The chance that you will default on on the loan is high. Nonetheless, some creditors are willing to do an exclusion with auto loans. The vehicle secures the auto loan. If you make not pay back the auto loan, the lender can easily take back your vehicle.
Criteria for Obtaining an Auto Loan after Bankruptcy
If you are interested in receiving an auto loan after bankruptcy, be ready to pay a higher percentage rate. Moreover, lenders have got specific makings criteria's. For example, some lenders necessitate that people with a recent bankruptcy have got a minimum monthly income. This amount changes lender to lender.
In addition, a lender may necessitate you to have got the same abode and employment for at least six months. To obtain a car loan, you must also be at least 18-years-old, or have got a co-signer. Additional criteria's include not having a former repossession within the last year, and the bankruptcy must be discharged.
How to Better Your Chances of Getting an Auto Loan
Auto loans are great for people hoping to reconstruct their credit. After a bankruptcy, it is critical to open up new accounts. In improver to obtaining a car loan, you may see getting a secured or unsecured credit card. The interest rate you have on your auto loan may be a few percentage points higher. However, if you work towards improving your credit rating, you may have got the chance to refinance the auto loan. Refinancing for a lower rate may diminish your monthly payments.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Finding an Auto Loan with Bad Credit
Finding an auto loan online is easy regardless of you credit score. By simply completing a simple 1 page application 100s of online lenders who will vie for your loan business. There are certain guidelines you should follow which could assist you salvage money on a car loan even with poor credit. Careful planning, comparison shopping and continuity are necessary to happen the best deals.
Firstly you need cognize how much you can afford to pass on monthly car payments. Use one of the many online loan calculators to assist you with this. Then it's just a matter of shopping around to get the best interest rate. The internet have made it easy to shop around and compare rates because you can compare rates with 100s of lenders from one site. You can compare traditional lender such as as banks, credit unions, etc. The lower the interest rate the more than you will have got available to pass on your car. You will also have got got got to make up one's mind the term of the loan.
If you have just to good credit you should have no problem getting approved. If you have got bad credit you can happen lender who will work with people with poor credit. The downside is the loan will cost you more than as poor credit intends greater hazard for the lender and therefore a higher interest rate to you.
Most car dealerships are also happy to arrange finance for you. First, you take the vehicle you want, diagnostic test drive it and do the determination to purchase it. The bulk of car dealerships are honorable and will gladly assist you happen the best rate of interest and salvage money on a car loan. However be certain to check out the online lenders first the be certain you are getting the best deal from your auto dealer.
Car Loan Finder
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Bad Credit Automobile Loans - Tips on Finding a Good Lender
Much like the bad credit home loan market, the bad credit automobile loan market is a crowded and competitory arena. If you happen yourself in the place of needing a bad credit automobile loan usage cautiousness in selecting your lender. While most lenders dealing in the bad credit car loan sector are honest, there are those who skirt the law with predatory loan practices. Knowledge is the best defense against these dishonest loan agents.
Know more about your ain credit than the lenders do. Arm yourself with a recent credit report and FICO score. If a lender states he have different information about your credit than you do, inquire him for his sources. If at all possible deal with a financial establishment where you already have got got got a banking relationship. Many banks and credit unions will assist you apply for "second chance" programs. They cognize that when they assist their clients in the short tally they will reserve the business of those clients in the long run.
Be Careful With Who You Apply With - Be extremely cautious when responding to any solicitations from bad credit lenders no matter how those solicitations are received. Make not give any sensitive personal information to a lender until you have checked the company out with the Better Business Bureau. The best course of study of action is to originate contact with a lender yourself from a listing you have compiled through the Better Business Agency and personal references. Dont be abashed by the fact that you are having to inquire about a bad credit automobile loan. Many lenders do more than than than money off of their bad credit clients than off of their more credit worthy customers.
Find out the current interest rates - Interest rates fluctuate from twenty-four hours to day, so check them often. Depending upon the state of your credit you can anticipate to pay from as small as 2% above the average rate to as much as 17% above the average rate. Rates above this are in many cases illegal. Watch out for lenders who charge the legal rates but tack on an mixture of finance charges and prepayment penalties.
Research The Price of Your Car - When you have got narrowed down your car choices, research the value of the different models. The terms of a car being financed with a bad credit loan may be a small higher than the same car for a good credit loan, however, the difference should only be a few hundred dollars not a few thousand dollars. You can go trapped in loan if the dealer blow ups the terms to the point where the car is financed for more than it is worth. Just as you will store for your car, shop for your lender and allow all of them cognize that you are talking with more than than one company. If you believe a lender can make better, state your lawsuit and inquire for different terms.
Any reputable lender will set its proposals in authorship with all the spaces filled in. Further, you should always be allowed ample clip to read all of the loan documents. Walk away from any lender who forces you to subscribe something that you havent had clip to read.
There are via medias you will have got to do because you need to obtain a bad credit auto loan. These via medias dont include being taken advantage of by a predatory lender. Type A bad credit auto loan should be a stepping rock to reestablishing your credit not a trap that may ensue in further credit difficulties.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
How to Refinance Your Auto Loan Online
Refinancing your car loan may be a smart move if you received a high interest rate. A high interest rate is generally declarative of some credit problems. While obtaining A rate that's a few percentage points higher than current tendencies may not look like a large deal, it may cost you an improver $30 to $50 a month. To salvage money on your auto loan, better your credit, and then see refinancing for a lower rate.
What is a Refinance?
A refinance makes a new loan, which in bend replaces the existent loan. You may incur a prepayment punishment fee and a statute title transfer fee. Before agreeing to refinance, carefully weight the advantages and disadvantages. If the nest egg are marginal, refinancing may not be the best option.
When to Refinance?
The perfect clip to refinance your auto loan is when your credit score have got improved and when you have been paying on the existent loan for at least a year. After applying for a new auto loan, lenders will reexamine your credit. Your credit score is a large factor is deciding the interest rate. Good credit appliers are offered great rates, whereas bad credit appliers must pay higher fees. Before refinancing, check your credit report. If you credit score needs improving, set off refinancing until you decide credit issues.
How to Refinance Online?
When refinancing your existent auto loan, petition a quote from your current auto lender. Lenders desire to maintain you as a current customer. If you have got established a good payment history, your lender may be willing to refinance your loan, and relinquish some of the fees that accompany a refinance.
While your existent auto loan lender may offer you a great deal, it is wise to compare rates with other lenders. The best manner to have multiple offers from respective auto loan companies is to bespeak an online quote. Submitting a quote through an auto broker is quick and convenient. The answer clip varies; however, you can anticipate a response within one hr to 24 hours.
After your receive quotes, carefully compare the rates and fees of each lender. Choose the lender with the best deal. Submit an functionary application, and within a few years you will have paperwork to sign.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Low Interest Rate Car Loan - Put Your Good Credit to Work
If you are in the market for a new vehicle, you will desire to happen a low interest rate car loan. One of the first things to make before starting your search for a new car is to obtain a transcript of your credit report. You will desire to make certain you have got a good credit standing before applying for a new car loan.
One of the first things car dealers do after you fill up out an application it to run a credit check. It is not a pleasant experience to happen out that your credit is not as good as you thought or that you have got mistakes on your report when you are already at the car dealer. This tin be both awkward and noxious to your credit. You desire to seek to avoid having to travel from dealer to dealer to obtain a low interest rate car loan. Another tip to retrieve is that every clip a dealer runs a check on your credit, it can impact your credit rating. If you already have got a problem with your credit, you make not desire to additional lower your credit score, even if it is only by a few points. On the other hand, you can bespeak your personal credit report as often as you like without it having any consequence on your credit rating.
High Credit Score Low Risk
Having a high credit score evaluation is your best stake in obtaining a low interest rate car loan. Many consumers are lured into shopping for a new car by ads that promise very low interest rates, sometimes zero-percent financing. Unfortunately, not everyone measure ups for this low of a rate. Only clients with first-class or above average credit will be offered deals like these. This is why it is so of import to make clean up your credit report as much as possible before applying for a car loan.
Improve Your Credit Score
If you currently make not measure up for a low interest car rate loan there are stairway you can take to better your credit score rating. If the problem is simply an mistake on your credit report, you can reach the credit evaluation agency to have got the problem resolved. Even though it is their error, they will most often inquire for certification if necessary to endorse up your claim. For example, if you have got already paid off an account and your report shows the balance is $2,500, they will desire a transcript of the account being paid in full.
By paying your measures on time, you can also better your score and get a lower interest rate on a car loan. Even if you have got had late payments in the past, if your current records demo that you are making timely payments, lenders will see your record more favorably.
Your debt to income ratio is also an of import factor when trying to obtain a low interest rate car loan. You should seek to maintain your credit card bounds well below the upper limit amount allowed. Also, if you have got paid off accounts in the past, you should not fold the accounts out. Open accounts with a nothing balance will assist your debt to income ratio score.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Car Loan Financing - Finding a Good Lender
When buying a new vehicle, most people dont have got enough finances to pay cash and must obtain car loan financing. After deciding which type of car to buy, the adjacent of import measure is finding a good lender. While you may have got no problem qualifying for car loan financing, it is of import to shop around before deciding upon a lender. You can make this by either visiting local banks in your country or by researching car loan funding offers online.
If you have got good credit, you may even desire to make up one's mind upon a lender before visiting the car dealership. This manner you can get pre-approved for a set amount of cash. Once you have got got been preapproved, you cognize how much you have to spend. You wont be as tempted to look at cars that are out of your terms range. If dealers cognize you have got already been approved for a loan, they may be more than willing to negociate a deal. Since most salespeople work on commission, they will make their best to suit person who have already been approved for a loan.
Down Payment and Interest Rates
Your initial down payment will impact what type of car loan funding you receive. The greater your down payment, the lower rate of interest you can anticipate to be offered. Auto lenders will see you less of a hazard if you put more than in the vehicle upfront. It may be very alluring to apply for car loan funding while a dealership have a no money down offer, but you should be aware that the interest rate terms might be much higher.
Length of Payment Terms
Until recently the longest term for car loan funding was 60 months. Today dealers have got started to offer extended payments programs of seventy-two and eighty-four months. This have caused consumers to purchase more than expensive vehicles, cars that would generally be out of their terms range.
While you may daydream of purchasing a $40,000 dollar SUV, it is probably not a good thought unless you can pay for it within a five twelvemonth clip frame. Remember that once the guarantee time period is over, you are responsible for all repairs. People who finance their cars over a seven-year period often stop up owing more than on the car than it is actually worth.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Bad Credit Car Loans - 3 Tips on Getting a Reasonable Interest Rate
Obtaining a car loan with bad credit is achievable. The downside to purchasing a car with bad credit is that you may receive a high interest rate. On average, individuals with poor credit can expect to pay about 2 or 3 percentage points higher. Higher interest rates may increase you monthly payment by up to $150. Those who can afford to pay a higher monthly payment may be willing to purchase a car with a high rate. Nonetheless, there are ways to improve your chances of getting a reasonable interest rate.
Fix Your Credit Problems
Before approving a loan, lenders review credit reports to determine credit worthiness. Credit reports reveal a lot of information regarding your credit history. Do you pay your bills on time? Have you filed bankruptcy? How much debt do you have? Based on this information, lenders will approve or deny credit. If you have a low credit rating, try and improve your score before applying for a car loan. It takes time to improve your credit score, but it is worth the effort. Improving score involves paying bills on time, reducing credit card and consumer debt, etc. If you have recently filed bankruptcy, consider opening two or three new credit accounts to rebuild credit and establish a good payment history with creditors.
Save for a Down Payment
Having a down payment is a great way to negotiate a lower interest rate on a new car. The average down payment varies. However, a down payment of as little as $1000 can make a big difference. An interest rate reduction may save you thousands throughout the life of the loan. If you are hoping for a very low monthly payment, consider a large down payment. Not only will you get a low interest rate, but you are able to pay off the loan balance quicker.
Compare Fees and Rates
Many people receive auto financing through a dealership. However, it is smart to obtain at least three quotes. The best way to obtain multiple quotes for a car loan is to apply for a loan with an auto loan broker. Brokers are the convenient way to compare lenders. Simply complete an online information request form, and auto loan brokers will negotiate with several lenders to provide you the best financing. After you receive quotes from lenders, compare their rates, fees, and terms. Select the lender with the best financing option.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Auto Loan Financing - How to Pick a Lender?
For the most part, car buyers seek the lender that offers the best funding package. This includes sensible interest rates, terms, and fees. Those new to the human race of car purchasing may be unaware of their options. However, respective lenders are willing to offer you money for a car.
Dealership Financing
Most car buyers have funding through the car dealership. This method of funding have disadvantages and advantages. Some dealerships submit your information to assorted lenders looking to secure the best funding package. This is great for obtaining the best deal.
Moreover, some dealerships have got human relationships with bomber premier lenders. Bomber premier lenders specialise in high hazard loans. On the other hand, dealerships have got got a wont of increasing the interest rate in order to encouragements their profit.
Credit Unions and Banks
Car buyers also have the option of securing funding through their bank or credit union. In most cases, these financial establishments offer sensible rates for their current customers. Individuals who have got previously financed an automobile through their credit union or bank, and maintained a good payment history, can anticipate low rates. However, to obtain a loan through these establishments you must have got good credit.
Sub Prime Lenders
Purchasing a trade name new or used car with bad credit is not impossible. In fact, there are respective lenders eager to offer money to people with poor credit. However, the interest rate on these loans is very high. Nonetheless, these loans are perfect for people looking to re-establish their credit.
Sub premier lenders operate locally and online. Completing an online petition word form is ideal because the full procedure is quick and convenient. Within a few hours, lenders answer with a quote. Moreover, purchasing a car from a "buy here, wage here" dealership is a good manner to obtain a new vehicle, while improving your credit.
Online Auto Loan Brokers
Individuals with a good credit evaluation may also pick a lender by completing an online quote request. Auto loan brokers have got access to assorted lenders. A simple quote petition will generate offers from respective lenders. Applicants must carefully reexamine and compare rates offered by all lenders. Choose the lender that offers the best funding deal.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Buying A Car With A Bad Credit Record
People with a poor credit record are likely to have got as much need for a car as anybody with a good credit record. However, if they desire to purchase a car, that bad credit defect may do life hard for them.
Regardless of whether it is your ain fault or not, having a damaged credit record will impact the manner your application is received if you desire to purchase a car through a loan. However, it is still possible to get a car loan, even if your credit record is not perfect.
In fact, you will happen plentifulness of companies offering loans for any purpose, including car purchase, even for those people with bad credit. As you would expect, however, the worse your credit record is, the higher the interest rate is likely to be, and the fewer the options you are likely to have. Much will also depend on whether you have your ain home or not. With a home of your own, in which you have got a sufficient amount of equity, you stand up a opportunity of getting a secured loan to purchase a car. Such a loan would undoubtedly be cheaper than an unsecured or bad credit personal loan; however, your home would be at hazard should you default on the loan, so that is certainly something to take into account.
As always with any disbursement determination when your finances are not healthy, it do sense to seriously see whether you really need a new car now, while your credit record is bad, or if you can wait until it have been restored to normal. If the poor record is fairly recent, that tin be a spot of a long delay in the UK, though in some states of the United States that is less of a problem.
In trying to measure if you really make need that new car, you have got to take into account the fact that it is a depreciative asset; but then, that volition apply to your new car too. What is perhaps more than of import is the age of your current car and the likeliness of extra car care costs and repairs as clip travels on. This is a quandary most of have faced at one clip or another: make we get the car repaired, and maintain it going a few more than years, or make we cut our losings and sell now, or trade in. Keeping a car going when it have got seen much better years can be throwing good money after bad, so it may be that you make need a loan for a substitution car, regardless of your credit status.
Once you have made a determination to replace the car and to make so by getting a loan, then it is a good clip to work out your monthly budget to guarantee you are not going to steal behind with the payments again. seek to allow plentifulness of range for car maintenance, service and repair, as well as for fuel, route and vehicle taxes. To assist you get back your good credit evaluation over time, then it is deserving film editing back on your ain outlooks for a car; it may do sense to get something more modest and cheaper than you would ideally have got liked.
When it is clip to travel out and get the existent loan, to purchase the substitution car, just do certain you store around. It is so easy to make online, and you will have got many companies to take from. To maintain track, it is worthwhile printing out the relevant pages from the land sites on your shortlist. Then, take the inside information away from the personal computer and quietly travel through them and compare the options. You are more than likely to take a detached position if you near your determination that way, rather than just staying online and hitting the direct button impulsively.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
How Do I Lower My Auto Insurance Rates?
Since there are many factors that go into determining your auto insurance rates, there are many chances to lower your rates. If you change jobs and your drive to work changes or you stop working or you work from home, you should contact your insurance company. If you have a teen driver and they go to school over 100 miles away without a car then you should be able to get a discount. If you get married and are in your teens or twenties call your insurance company and see about combining your policies. Take defensive driving if your state allows it for a discount. See if increasing your comprehsive and collision deductibles will save you a lot of money. You need to compare what you're saving and how much more you will have to pay if you file a claim. For example, if you go from $500 to a $1000 deductible and it lowers your insurance $50 per 6 months then it saves you $100 a year. It will take you 5 years to break even from what you are saving compared to how much more you have to pay. Now, if it saves you $250 every six months then it would be more worth your while. See if combining your auto and home insurance polices will qualify for a multi policy discount with your current company. This could be a substantial discount. One of the biggest ways you could save $200-$500 or more a year is shopping around for insurance. The auto insurance industry is very competitive and this is great news for smart consumers like yourself. Shop for auto insurance quotes here and see how much you can save.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Auto Insurance: Reduce Costs But Maintain Protection
Auto insurance is a legal requirement in every US state and Canadian province. Costs are continuing to rise. How can you reduce some of these expenses and still get the best coverage?
First, get multiple quotes from the Internet and your neighborhood broker. You can shop for different types of quotes from a direct-sell insurance companies and offline and online brokers.
Auto insurance that is cheapest isnt always the smartest move. Ask yourself, is the company financially secure? Are they reputable and will they pay out if you have to make a claim.
The first piece of the policy is almost always liability insurance. If you only have minimum liability coverage and you injure someone, their attorney can go after your personal assets. Many insurers feel that minimum liability is a gamble. In fact, that is why it is often only a little more money for more protection.
Auto insurance varies on car types. Coverage for a sports car is very different from insuring the family sedan or mini-van.
If you are looking to buy a car, consider buying a car that "looks good" to insurance companies. For instance, insurance companies know what kinds of cars are prone to problems. They also know what kinds of cars are most often stolen. If you haven't purchased your car yet, find out what cars make this "good list" among auto insurers.
Consider how much coverage you really need to buy and the price each of these coverages will pay. Think about collision and comprehensive coverage, which is how much you will be reimbursed for the loss or destruction of your vehicle. Are you carrying $30,000 worth of collision coverage for a $12,000 vehicle?
If your car was totaled, would you be able to afford to replace it? If not, you will want comprehensive and collision coverage.
The decision to buy this coverage is usually based on the value of your car. Guidelines usually suggest that if your car is worth less than $2,000, it won't be worth it to buy comprehensive and collision.
If you own a $50,000 car though, it would most certainly be worth it to pay an extra $200 annually or so to insure that your car will be replaced if you get in a serious accident.
If youre driving a used car from 10 years ago, dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage can usually give big savings.
Run through various scenarios such as if I totaled someone else's car, will my insurance cover it? How much will I have to pay out of my own pocket?
Paying a higher deductible can also keep your policy costs down. Remember, the deductible is what you pay out of own pocket when making a claim.
Buying a low mileage car and insuring with a good driving record, will all help bring insurance rates down. Dont speed, dont drink and drive and youll save.
Single, young males under the age of 25 get the short end of the stick in this deal so if you fall into this category make up for this price increase by purchasing a more sensible vehicle. Consider delaying the purchase of that cherry red Mustang until after youre 26 and married.
Keep yourself adequately covered. You can get away with having the bare minimums required by each state to keep you in compliance with state laws, but that may not be enough to protect your assets if you have a major incident.
Insurance experts recommend that you review your insurance policy often and thoroughly.
Many insurance companies offer discounts for anti-theft devices and advanced driver-training courses.