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Posts Tagged ‘Own Car’

How To Slash Your Car Insurance Costs Up To 54 In 10 Easy Steps – Part 2

February 14th, 2010 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

In Part 1, we detailed the first five strategies on how to cut your car insurance costs. In Part 2, we show you the second five.

STEP 6 – Review, Change or Cancel No Fault & PIP (Personal Injury Protection)

No-Fault Coverage, and it’s Twin – PIP – started out as great idea’s. Your premiums were actually going to be lowered. Then, your State Politicians got involved (at the urging of Insurance Lobbyists, of course) and mucked it up.

You see, no-fault insurance coverage was originally intended to have each individual’s losses, covered by their own car insurance company – no matter who was at fault.

Today, in many States, car insurance companies are making a ton of money on no-fault because the insurance companies convinced State law-makers to make “modifications.”

Today, because of the these changes, car insurance companies have actually used the no-fault laws to reduce payments on a claim made by a customer, instead of reducing car insurance premiums as it was supposed to do.

So, premiums keep going up-and-up and insurance companies end up paying less for claims – Someone’s getting rich on that deal….and it’s not you.

And to make matters worse, some States (with really, really talented Insurance Lobbyist’s) also require an additional premium be paid on top of the no-fault premium. This beauty is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

PIP is a “wide-blanket” of coverage and can provide Collision Coverage, Hospitalization, Social Security Disability, Workers Comp, Personal Disability Insurance & Life Insurance.

The problem with PIP and what it covers is….

You already gave most, if not all, of these coverage’s anyway, don’t you? So, you’re paying twice!

So, you need to do a couple of things:

Google “minimum levels of required auto insurance” to see if No-Fault Insurance and/or PIP Is required in your State;

Then, check your policy. If it’s not required by your State to have No-Fault/PIP Coverage and it’s on your policy – cancel it. If No-Fault/PIP is required by your State….take the absolute minimum. Here’s how.

If you must have No-Fault/PIP, ask for and get a deductible from your car insurance company.

STEP 7 – Cancel Medical Coverage

Medical Coverage, on most car insurance policies, is a promise to pay “reasonable” medical expenses for anyone who is riding in your car should you have an accident…as well as anyone in your car should it get hit by someone else.

Cancel it. You don’t need it.

Why is that you say? Well, medical coverage as part of your car insurance policy is a duplicate of your own:

- Medical Plan; – Any Life Insurance Coverage you might have, as well as; – The Liability Sections of almost every car insurance policy written in the U.S.

Think of it this way….Do you have a Health/Medical/Hospitalization Plan thru work or an Association you belong to?

Then why are you paying premiums for Medical/Hospitalization Coverage on your Car Insurance Policy?

Here’s what’s going to happen when you tell the car insurance company or Agent that you “Don’t want the Hospitalization/Medical Coverage.” You’re going to hear very slick “scare tactics” to help change your mind.

The insurance company employee will say “Well, if you’re in an accident, and it’s your fault, who’s going to cover the medical bills for any injured passengers in your car?”

Here’s your answer. Your family is already covered by your Health/Hospitalization Plan. If anybody else is in the car and they’re injured – they’re covered by your Bodily Injury Liability coverage that you’re already paying for….and their own Health/Hospitalization Plan.

So go ahead – save some more money and get rid of this coverage.

STEP 8 – Cancel Death, Dismemberment & Loss of Sight

Do you have any of these coverage’s on your existing car insurance policy? If so – cancel them.

And if you’re a first time car insurance buyer or, just looking at getting several car insurance quotes, don’t let anyone talk you into them!

Why?

Because, these coverage’s are an absolute waste of money. Most of these optional coverage’s are simply “glorified” life insurance policies with ridiculous provisions and horribly overpriced premiums. If you need life insurance, make it a separate Insurance Policy.

STEP 9 – Cancel The Extras

Do you have “Roadside Assistance” or “Rental Car Reimbursement” on your policy? If so, cancel them.

And again, if you’re a first time insurance buyer or getting a few car insurance quotes, don’t bother with these coverage’s.

Why? Because they’re severely overpriced, are rarely ever used, and limit what you can and cannot do.

For instance, some rental car reimbursement” coverage is almost %100 a year for each vehicle on your policy. So if you have two cars, you’ll spend almost %2,000 on rental car coverage in the next 10 years – and likely never even use it.

And roadside assistance? The piece-of-mind it offers gets trampled by the premiums the car insurance companies want for this coverage. Roadside assistance is a good idea. But use AAA for a cheaper solution.

STEP 10 – Terminate Comprehensive & Collision Coverage On Older Cars.

If you have an older car – by that I mean one that’s worth less than %2,000 wholesale (the amount a car dealer would give you if you were trading it in) cancel any Comprehensive and Collision Coverage you have or decline that option when getting a car insurance quote.

Here’s why. If an 8 year-old car and a brand new car have identical damage, the cost to repair both will be identical as well, even though the 8 year-old car is worth next-to-nothing.

You see the cost of a bumper and fender are the same – whether it’s for a brand new car, or one that is 8 years-old. That’s why your premiums don’t go down as the value of the car goes down. Your payments remain almost the same, year-after-year-after-year.

But, the bottom drops-out of what you’ll be able to collect on that older car. For instance, if your car is “totaled”, your insurance company will only pay you the wholesale value of your car.

So, let’s say your car is worth %1,000, but the total damage is more than %4,000, the insurance company is only going to give you a check for %1,000….minus your deductible, of course.

So you might end up getting %500 back. Sounds like a lousy deal….but that’s how it works.

So, the rule-of-thumb is this – cancel your comp & collision coverage when your vehicles value is less than %2,000….or you’ll be throwing your money away.

Okay – you’ve jotted down some notes and are ready to make some changes to your car insurance policy. So pick up the phone and start slashing your premiums!

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Cheap Car Insurance For The Young

December 26th, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

Young drivers have one hurdle in the world of car insurance they won?t be able to jump until they?re older ? that hurdle is called ?age.? Car insurance companies are known to give younger drivers higher premiums because younger drivers, as a whole, aren?t as experienced at driving as are older drivers. Young drivers are considered a risk to insure.

Nevertheless, young drivers, like all drivers, need car insurance in order to legally drive. Ideally, young drivers would like to obtain cheap car insurance. Perhaps the easiest way for a young driver to obtain cheap car insurance is to be added to, or remain on, his parents? car insurance policy.

Check out these tips about adding your young driver to your current car insurance policy:

? Your premiums might increase, but you may also get a discount for having multi-drivers on your policy.

? If your young driver has his own car, you may get another discount for having multi-vehicles on your policy.

? If your young driver has taken and successfully completed a driver education course, your current car insurance company will most likely offer a discount; if he hasn?t taken one, get him enrolled. They may also offer a ?good student? discount depending on his grades.

? Use this as a learning tool for young driver ? lesson: responsibility. Encourage your young driver to get a job to pay for his portion of the car insurance premium. If circumstances won?t allow him to work, make him a list of chores to do around the house to ?pay off? his part of the bill. Not only will he be learning the value of a dollar, but you?ll be getting some extra help, too!

Keeping your young driver on your car insurance policy will help him get cheap car insurance as well as learn responsibility. It will help you get discounts, as well as your car washed once a week ? for free!

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How To Get Affordable Car Insurance In Arkansas

December 2nd, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

Whatever you do, do not drive in the state of Arkansas without car insurance. If you are caught the penalties are so severe that you might not be able to afford to drive again for up to three years.

Instead, let?s look for ways to reduce your car insurance premium to the point that you can actually afford to pay it and you can drive the roads of Arkansas without having to worry every time you see a police car.

Let?s start with you. It?s up to you to drive safely and to obey all traffic laws all the time. If you get a traffic ticket or a speeding ticket or if you are convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or convicted of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) you can kiss those lows insurance rates good-bye for three years ? or even longer.

Don?t drive a fancy muscle car or a fast sports car. It might make you feel good to drive the biggest, fanciest, most expensive car on the block ? that is until it?s time for you to pay your car insurance month after month after month.

Drivers who are under 25 should stay in school and get good grades. If you can maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average you can qualify for a Good Student Discount that can save you anywhere from 5 to 15%PRCTG% on your insurance month in and month out.

Older drivers should check with their insurance agent about the possibility of taking a special driver?s refresher course. Not all insurance companies offer this course, but if you qualify for the course and you pass it, the savings on your premium each month can be substantial.

Don?t insure worthless cars. Check the Kelly Blue Book to see if your car still has any value. If it doesn?t then there?s really no point in paying for collision or comprehensive coverage since the most your insurance company will give you for your car is the Kelly Blue Book value.

Now sit down and go over your finances very carefully. What you have to determine now is how much you can afford to pay for the repair of your own car if you should have a claim. The more you are willing to pay ? in other words, the higher your insurance deductible ? then the less your insurance company will charge you each month in premiums.

O.K. Now you?ve taken the steps you can toward lowering your car insurance bill so it?s time to get online and see what you can find when running comparisons between different car insurance companies. Pick 3 comparison websites and fill out the forms on all three. In this way you will be certain to get comparisons on all of the car insurance companies in Arkansas.

That?s how you get affordable car insurance in Arkansas. All that?s left now is for you to pick the policy that right for you at the very best price you will find anywhere.

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Cheap Car Insurance Quotes Need Careful Consideration

November 16th, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

While saving money on car insurance is on everyone?s minds when getting cheap car insurance quotes you do have to give them some very careful consideration. It is essential that you check the small print of a policy and understand the terms and conditions as well as the exclusions within a policy to make sure that you have adequate cover.

An online specialist broker in car insurance can not only search around on your behalf for quality cheap car insurance quotes but they will also offer information and FAQs on car insurance so that you can learn all you need to know about the various types.

There are basically three different types of car insurance – comprehensive car insurance, third party fire and theft, and third party only. Comprehensive car insurance gives the most cover and protects your car against fire, theft and damage regardless of who is at fault if there should be an accident. If you buy a brand new car or a used car that is over a set amount then you may have no other option but to take fully comprehensive insurance.

Third party fire and theft will cover your car against fire and theft but it will not cover you against damage caused by an accident which was your fault, though it will pay any third party costs. Third party only will pay out for damage to others property but will not for repairs to or replacement of your own car if you are in an accident.

Along with the three basic types of car insurance there are also add-ons such as breakdown cover which can give total peace of mind but of course boosts up the cost of your cheap car insurance quotes. A specialist broker website will be able to find you the cheap car insurance quotes but you do have to give them some serious consideration and read the small print and exclusions within a policy.

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How To Find The Best Rates On Car Insurance In Tennessee

November 6th, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

If you?re looking to find the best rates on car insurance in Tennessee, you?ll need to shop around. It sounds simple, but it?s a tried and true way of getting low auto insurance quotes in Tennessee. Begin by talking with current policyholders. Next, set out to get your own car insurance quotes. Then, do some research on the insurance companies in which you?re interested. Finally, sign the dotted line!

Talk with other car insurance policyholders.

There?s undoubtedly someone in your circle of family, friends, neighbors and coworkers who has a car insurance policy. Ask around. Find out who?s satisfied with their cheap auto insurance rates and why. Also find out who?s unsatisfied and why. Word-of-mouth is the most honest form of advertisement. Satisfied customers will want to brag about the best rates on car insurance in Tennessee, while unsatisfied customers will want to warn you ? and prevent the company from doing any more business!

Get a free auto insurance quote.

Consider the companies your friends have suggested and get online. There are countless websites out there claiming to provide the best rates on car insurance in Tennessee. Take one up on its offer, and compare the different auto insurance companies and policies.

Investigate the car insurance companies in Tennessee.

Once you?ve found some low auto insurance quotes in Tennessee that seem promising, it?s time to research the companies providing the coverage. First, check the financial rating of each insurer by using an independent research company. Then, visit the Better Business Bureau online to check up on complaints filed and how they were handled. Finally, contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance to find out if the insurance company is licensed to sell auto insurance in the state.

Seal the deal!

The final step is self-explanatory: Contact the insurance company, speak with a representative about any questions and turn your low auto insurance quote in Tennessee into an insurance policy!

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Does Your Car Insurance Cover You For Driving Abroad

October 26th, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

By law, British motor insurers must cover your car for the minimum cover required by the law in other European countries, or the minimum cover required by UK law, whichever is greater.

In most cases, this means that no matter where you are driving your car, you’ll have at least Third Party coverage. There are special conditions that may apply however, and you’d do best to check with your individual insurer to find out about limits or conditions on your policy. These are some of the most common limits and conditions found on UK policies regarding driving your own car abroad.

No cover for damage to your own vehicle

While you may have cover for collision damages when driving at home, many insurers will only cover damage to other vehicles if you are driving abroad. You can extend your policy to cover damages to your car from fire, theft and collision while abroad by talking with your insurance company or broker.

No breakdown cover abroad

Even if you extend your car insurance to cover you while driving your car overseas, you won’t be covered if your car should breakdown on the side of the road. Your insurer may be able to provide international breakdown cover, though you may get a better price on breakdown cover if you buy it in conjunction with your holiday insurance or even through your home insurer.

Advance notification required

Some car insurance companies require you to notify them in advance if you will be taking your car abroad with you. If you fail to give them notice and are involved in an accident, you may be left with only third party cover. Check your policy to find out how much advance notice your insurer requires in order to extend your policy to cover you when driving your car abroad.

Time limits on motor insurance abroad

Some higher end motor insurance policies allow you full coverage overseas for up to a stated length of time – generally 30 to 90 days – at no extra charge. They still require advance notice to extend your coverage, but as long as your overseas visits are less than the stated amount of time, you won’t be charged an extra premium. Be sure to check for any limitations on your policy while overseas. In most cases, only repairs will be covered. You’ll have to make other arrangements for transportation, car hire and other accommodations.

** Tips for Taking Your Car Abroad **

1. Check to find out how much cover your current motor insurance provides if you are traveling abroad.

2. Arrange for a Green Card through your insurer. The Green Card is an easy way to provide proof of insurance cover in most European countries.

3. Get separate breakdown cover. Most motor insurance policies do not provide any breakdown cover in foreign countries. If you carry separate breakdown cover at home, however, check that policy. Some may cover you for short trips abroad at no additional cost.

4. Ask your insurer for a European accident statement form and keep it with you. Most will provide one free of charge. It’s a handy way to jot down details of an accident while they are still fresh in your mind.

5. Because foreign cars are an attractive target for thieves, take precautions to make it difficult to steal your car. Always lock the doors, and keep motor insurance and vehicle ownership papers on your person rather than in your car.

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How To Get Cheap Car Insurance In Michigan

October 25th, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

Finding cheap car insurance in Michigan isn?t similar to conducting brain surgery, though at times it may feel like it. You just have to know what you need, what you could use, and what is out there being offered to you.

Purchase Michigan?s minimum car insurance requirements. Michigan requires three kinds of car insurance coverage: personal injury protection (PIP), bodily and property damage (BI/PD) and property protection insurance (PPI). None of these kinds of car insurance coverage protect against damage and theft, though; for those kinds of protection, you must purchase comprehensive and collision car insurance policies.

Purchase a multi-line policy. A multi-line policy means you have more than one kind of insurance policy from the same insurance company. For example, some people purchase both their health insurance policies and their life insurance policies from the same insurance company. Talk with one of your current insurance companies about the different kinds of insurance they offer. You may end up purchasing a cheap car insurance policy from your homeowner insurance company, or vice versa.

Consider a multi-car policy. A multi-car policy ? when you have added more than one car to your current car insurance policy ? provides a discount on your car insurance in Michigan. This doesn?t mean you should run out and purchase a new car to get a multi-car policy; however, if your spouse or teenager has his or her own car and insurance policy, join up and get a discount.

Ask about other special discounts. Other special discounts include those intended for good drivers, good students, senior citizen discounts, and discounts based on the location in which you live as well as the car you drive and its safety features. Some car insurance companies in Michigan offer discounts specific to their insurance company. For example, one Michigan car insurance company may offer discounts to drivers who drive for a certain period of time with no accidents or traffic infractions.

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