How to Get Cheap Car Insurance

By Brad Huntington

In addition to being required by most states, a vast majority of people cannot afford to not have auto insurance. If your car were totaled tomorrow, would you be able to pay off your existing loan (if you have an outstanding loan balance) and replace your automobile?

For most people, this would be a crippling blow. Just because you need auto insurance, doesn't mean you have to pay an arm and a leg for it. The main goal is to pay the lowest premiums possible for the coverage you desire. But be careful! If you get a rate quote that is too good to be true, then it probably is. Make sure that any car insurance company that you select has good ratings as you want to make sure that they will be there when you actually need them.

Most insurance companies look at several factors when determining the premiums that you will pay. Among them are gender (men usually pay more), age (younger people usually pay more), marital status (single people usually pay more), vehicle classification (sports cars can have higher insurance rates than family sedans) and distances driven (the more you drive, the higher likelihood of an accident and the higher your rates). Below is a list of several things that you can do to help alleviate the sting of writing those premium checks to your auto insurance company.

• Shop Insurance Rates - Not all insurance companies are created equal. If you shop around, you'll find that their quotes aren't equal either. As a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to get quotes from at least three insurance companies before you sign up for a policy. In 2004, Progressive Insurance conducted a study of more than 100,000 consumers in the United States. Their findings were that the rates for the exact same coverage can vary by more than $500 for a six month coverage period.



• Ask About Discounts - Make sure you get all of the discounts on your auto insurance policy as you are allowed. For example, if you have multiple policies with the same insurance company (i.e., car insurance and homeowners insurance), you are normally entitled to a discount. You can also oftentimes get discounts if you have completed defensive driving classes, are a member of a particular association (your college, a professional organization or even your employer), are a good student or have been a good (loyal) customer for longer than a year. The bottom line, ask your insurance agent for all the discounts that you might be entitled to.




• Raise your Deductible - When you get in an accident, you must normally first pay some set deductible before the insurance company kicks in and covers the rest. The higher your deductible, the less the insurance company will have to pay if you get into an accident. By raising your deductible, you can lower your annual insurance premiums.




• Improve Your Credit Score - While you may not see the correlation here, insurance companies like to insure people with good credit. If you have credit problems, your automobile insurance premiums are likely higher than someone with good credit. If you are getting ready to shop for a new policy, it might be a good idea to first have your credit report pulled to see if there are any ways that you can improve your credit score before applying.




• Drive Safely - Perhaps one of the easiest things for most people to do to lower than car insurance is to simply get in the habit of driving safely. If you have a lot of speeding tickets and accidents, you are going to pay more for insurance than someone who has no tickets or accidents. You'll find that insurance companies are quick to raise your annual premiums when you get nabbed for speeding or are the cause of a traffic accident.

For more information, visit the following site below: Click Here: Cheap Car Insurance

Don't Pay the Price For Bad Habits

By Alex Gregory

A little bit of preparation can go a long way in avoiding a car insurance claim as new research reveals that millions of motoring repairs are self-inflicted.

Research from a car insurance company revealed that millions of drivers are racking up costly repair bills or expensive insurance claims because of their own poor habits - the study found that more than three quarters of motorists (78 per cent) fail to keep up with regular maintenance such as checking tyre pressures.

Younger drives in particular are likely to face whopping repair bills. A sizeable 43 per cent admit to driving with one hand on the gear stick while another third confess to riding the clutch, which is not only dangerous but can quickly cause wear and tear - the typical cost of replacing a clutch is around £800.

Over 55s by contrast have much better habits. A third check their tyre pressures at least once a week while almost three quarters declared that they replace their oil at least once a year - in sharp contrast to just a quarter of 18- to 24-year-olds.

Unfortunately, faulty driving and maintenance habits can lead directly to parts failing and unnecessary wear and tear. Cutting out bad habits could make the roads safer and by reducing accidents it could cut out unnecessary car insurance claims.

Motorists are also warned to drive safely, particularly over the winter months. Remember to leave extra stopping distances between your car and the vehicle in front in case the roads are icy and skidding occurs.

It's vital to ward off extra bills with the economy slumping so car insurance claims for small problems should be avoided, particularly if you have a high excess to pay anyway, as this will force up premiums. If you're involved in an accident and your premiums rise, compare car insurance online and find a cheaper policy elsewhere.

Parents of Teen Drivers - Protect Yourself From a Lawsuit in Case Your Teen Causes an Accident

By Tom Wiecek

The worst just happened.

Well, almost the worst. You get a call from your child who was driving without you. "Uh...hello mom. I was just in an accident."

Fortunately, your child was able to call you but you must ask "Are you okay?"

Then you wonder about the others that are possibly involved.

"Was anyone riding with you?"

"Was anyone hurt?"

"What about the other driver and anyone in their car?"

Your emotions go through the roof and you realize that this could be the worst phone call you could ever get. The good news is your child is okay. The bad news is that someone else is not. And it's a result of your child's negligence.

Let's pray you never get this call or a call from someone else that tells you your child's been in an accident.

So, what happens if you do get a call like this? What if there are serious injuries or damage to property? Are you protected? To be more specific - Are you protected for a lawsuit? A lawsuit that could cost you everything you have worked so hard for?

It's impossible for you or me to put a value on someone's life. And, if someone is paralyzed or even killed in a car accident, how can you repay that person's family or provide for their care if they survive?

Here's what will happen. You will pay. The courts will decide how much and over time, you will pay- unless you are protected adequately by good insurance.

I hate to be so blunt, but this is serious and it's something you must consider- especially, now that you have an inexperienced driver in your household.

So, how can you make sure you are protected?

First, find an insurance agent that specializes in protecting families with teen drivers. A family insurance specialist understands the special needs required to protect you in case your teen causes an accident.

Second, ask this agent to conduct a 21 point review on your car and home insurance. Why should this be done on both policies? Because you will also need the most important policy every parent with a teen driver should have, an umbrella policy. This special policy provides additional liability coverage for the major event... a big lawsuit that can leave you devastated. Just as the name implies, this policy provides an "umbrella" of coverage over your other policies including your home.

Once you have had a 21 point protection review completed, you will likely discover that you are underinsured. Don't be surprised. The majority of families with teen drivers are underinsured and usually never find out until something happens. That's understandable since so many parents trust an agent that doesn't specialize in protecting families with teen drivers. Now that you know you could be left exposed to a serious lawsuit, you have no excuse for getting the right protection. Here's a true story of someone that knew they should be protected and didn't take action...

A long time client called my office to add their 16 year old daughter to their car insurance. We recommended making some changes, most importantly, increasing their liability coverage. He had a limit of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence. This means that if he or someone in his household was found liable for an accident, the most an insurance company would pay is $100,000 per person for personal injury and $300,000 for everyone injured in the accident.

Well, he refused to accept our recommendations after a strong urging. We even had him sign off on this. Within the first year, his daughter lost control of her vehicle while driving down the highway with 2 friends in her small SUV. Her girlfriend in the back seat, who was not wearing her seatbelt, was thrown from the vehicle as it rolled 3 times across oncoming traffic.

Fortunately, she survived but spent over 3 weeks in the hospital with serious and permanent injuries. As you can guess, my client didn't have enough coverage to pay for the lawsuit that followed. I'll never forget the day he told me "Nothing will ever happen. My daughter is responsible and a good driver." Now he is paying for this incident and will be for a very long time.

If he took my advice by increasing his liability limits and purchasing an umbrella, his financial future would have been protected.

Tom Wiecek is the President of the Society of Family Insurance Specialists. This is a national organization of insurance agents that focuses on educating families on how they can best protected and provides quality insurance coverage from some of the nation's top insurance companies. To find a Family Insurance Specialist that can help you get the right protection for your family visit http://www.teendriverinsurance.com

Parked Vehicle Accidents - What Insurance Will Cover When Your Car is Damaged

By Mike Fluke

Michigan's No-Fault Law has specific information related to damage to parked vehicles. If you damage a parked car or if your own car is damaged, any repair payments fall under "property damage" of the insurance policy of whatever vehicle hit the parked car. Also, by law, a car rental is included while repairs are being done.

In a perfect world, the individual who is driving and hits a vehicle will stop to identify him/herself and provide insurance information. In this case, the owner of the parked vehicle should file a property damage claim with the other person's insurance carrier for repairs to be done as well as for rental coverage.

Often, however, there are people that do not stop and admit they hit a vehicle, which results in a "parked hit and run" scenario. If there is no way to ID the suspect driver/vehicle, the owner of the parked car, unfortunately, will have to claim the damage on their own insurance. If collision insurance coverage is on the policy, the damages will be repaired. However, only if one has Rental Reimbursement coverage will rental be offered.

Additionally, if the person who hits a vehicle doesn't cooperate, insurers will repair a customer's vehicle (once again, if collision coverage is on the policy) and subrogate against the other insurance carrier for any damage costs and rental if rental reimbursement is carried. If this is not on the policy, the owner of the parked vehicle can do a rental on their own and subrogate for the expense of this as well.

Founded in 1990, Affordable Insurance Service Agency, LLC. is a leader in providing quality protection for hundreds of individuals, families, and businesses throughout Michigan and Wisconsin. Providing superior customer service and low rates along with our ability to understand our customer's coverage needs drives the success of our agency. Check us out on the web at http://www.myaffordable.com or stop in and see us at 1205 10th Avenue Menominee, MI 49858 Phone: 906-864-5000 Toll-Free: 888-363-5853

Affordable Auto Insurance - 5 Tips For Finding a Car Insurance Policy That Fits Your Budget

By Laura Caldwell

Are you looking for an affordable auto insurance policy but you don't know where to start? Here are some tips for finding a car insurance policy that will fit into your budget but still provide you with the coverage that you need.

1. Find out your state's minimum requirements: Every state has different laws regarding the amount of auto insurance that drivers residing in the state must have on their policy. Find out what your state's minimum requirements are and from there decide if you need more coverage or if the minimum will be sufficient for your situation. If your car is old and has a low value, the minimum coverage required may be enough for you. If your car is a newer car, you may want to add things like collision and comprehensive coverage.

2. Find out what determines your car insurance rates: When shopping for an affordable car insurance policy, you will want to know how the insurance companies are determining your rates and see what you can do to make your rates lower. Companies look at things like age, driving record, vehicle, claims history, credit score, and gender to determine your rate. Maintaining a high credit score and driving safe can help you find a more affordable car insurance policy.

3. Find out what discounts insurance companies can offer you: Many auto insurance companies offer discounts for meeting various requirements. Some of these include a good student, safe driver, senior citizen, etc. Some companies offer discounts for low mileage and/or for taking a course in defensive driving. Do some research and see what different insurance providers can offer you in terms of discounts and if you would be able to meet the requirements and save money on your policy.

4. Find out if you can bundle insurance policies: Many insurance companies will give a discount to people who have more than one type of insurance policy with them. If you already have a homeowners insurance policy or some other type of policy, find out if you could purchase auto insurance through the same company and receive a discount.

5. Find out what different companies can offer you: When looking for an affordable car insurance policy it is important to shop around.

Compare quotes from at least five different companies before you decide, to make sure you are getting the best car insurance policy for your budget.

The Boom in the Green Car Insurance Market

By Eric Token

Recent research has found that Green Car Insurance policies cost almost 100 per cent more than the regular insurance covers. Price comparison websites on the Internet warn drivers who want to go green that clearing of their carbon emissions is going to cost them more.

Thus, although going for "green" insurance options is admirable, car owners and drivers are advised to weigh the pros and cons before finalising their car insurance policies. They should clearly judge whether a Green Car Insurance policy would be a good idea for them.

The insurance industry can soon experience a boom in the sector of Green Car Insurance. Many car insurance providers have introduced exclusive packages that target the "green" section of customers, or the "green market". This market consists of car owners and drivers who want to have "environment-friendly" insurance policies for their vehicles.

The majority of the "green" insurance providers design carbon-offsetting schemes. Such a scheme can intend to contribute a percentage of the insurance premium to projects dedicated to carbon offsetting. Generally, Green Car Insurance companies offset the overall carbon emissions of a vehicle.

Carbon offsetting schemes may vary from one insurance provider to another. For some, it could mean the planting of trees or promoting recycling, or being involved in other environment friendly projects. Others may decide to get every form of energy they need solely from renewable sources, or reduce their consumption of paper, cones and water cups. Many green car insurance companies contribute a certain percentage of their annual profits to environment friendly causes. Some offer "green" incentives like recycling a car if it has almost become scrap, and using recycled motor parts, wherever possible, for repairs and replacements.

Some car insurance providers offer lower premiums to owners of green cars. This is due to a common notion among insurers that owners and drivers of green cars are more responsible towards environment and hence are lesser risks to the insurer.

Should you go for Green Car Insurance policies?

A Green Car Insurance policy is an ideal opportunity to contribute towards environmental causes. But, it goes without saying, that these policies are costlier.

Instead of going for a Green Car Insurance policy, you can choose the cheapest car insurance option that will do just enough to provide your car with the cover you want for it. Then you can contribute the money you save on your insurance premium to a green cause that pertains to your ideals. This will bring more satisfaction to you as you get to choose where the money goes and how it gets used. But only a disciplined individual with a lot of restraint can use his saving for environmental causes.

Motorists can take care of the environment in various ways. But they often remain oblivious of the pathetic realities of the environment and thus fail to do their bit. Opting for a Green Car Insurance policy is a simple act that will only require them to pay some extra cash towards the upkeep of the planet earth. But as long as Green Car Insurance policies remain just an option, the objective will be only partially served.

eGreen Insurance provide green car insurance policies that have a substantial role in keeping our environment clean and green.

How to Get the Lowest Car Insurance Rates Possible

By Jon Arnold

Car insurance companies are for profit institutions, so they are always going to give you the highest car insurance rate that you are willing to pay. However, this is a very competitive market which is good news for the consumer, since insurance companies also need to attract and maintain customers, so they will also give you the lowest car insurance rate wherever possible to ensure a strong, active client base. While that may sound like a contradiction, that is just the way capitalism works. If you take the time to understand how insurance companies work, you can realize significant savings.

First, it is important to car insurance companies to minimize the risk factors, so you need to familiarize yourself with what they consider as risk factors.

The number one risk indicator is a poor driving record. Unfortunately, if you drive a lot, you put your exposure to getting speeding tickets and other moving traffic violations out there. When you get a ticket, it is best to try to do whatever is necessary to keep the points off your record, as it is these points that insurance companies use to consider a car insurance rate that would make it worth their insuring you.

The best way to do keep those points off your record is, of course, to obey all traffic laws at all times. But accidents happen, speed limits change, the performance level of your vehicle may make it easier to get up to and beyond your intended speed. And, let's face it, in most cities, police officers have to write tickets to generate revenue for the city and to keep their jobs. An affordable way to combat the inevitability of getting moving traffic violations is to get a legal insurance plan which will send an attorney to court anywhere in the country for you and fight to keep the points off your record and, consequently, your car insurance rates from sky rocketing. This is not as expensive as you may think.

There are also certain vehicles that are inherently high risk in the eyes of the insurance companies and others that are inherently lower risk. When choosing a vehicle, take these factors into consideration before making your final suggestion. Your insurance agent will be helpful in helping you determine which vehicles are associated with lower car insurance rates. A car considered to be a sports car like a Mitsubishi Eclipse will typically have a much higher car insurance rate than a Chevy Impala.

You can also lower your insurance by combining other insurances with the same carrier or by taking advantage of multi-car discounts for everyone in your family. For instance, you might save an additional percentage off your policy if you insure your life, your home, and your car with the same carrier.

There are also discounts offered for students who passed a driver's training course, people who have maintained loyalty to a company without any claims, people who have minimal travel time, and for married couples with children.

No matter what your rate, there may be a better one out there for you from a competing insurer, so it is wise to compare car insurance rates with different companies at least once per year. There are several online companies that can assist you with this. You might find that you can save way more than 15% by switching to someone else!

For more insights and additional information about getting the best Car Insurance Rate as well as getting a free no-obligation online car insurance quote, please visit our web site at http://www.tips-for-car-insurance.com

Choosing Your Pennsylvania Car Insurance

By Barry H Brenner

The state of Pennsylvania has car insurance regulations that are different from most states. When you purchase your Pennsylvania car insurance, you'll have two options, as follows:

• No fault - or limited tort system insurance - Under this system, you assume that each party will pay their own expenses in the event of an accident - regardless of which driver is at fault. If you choose this type of Pennsylvania car insurance, you'll minimize your right to sue the party at fault in the event of an accident.



• Tort System - Under the tort system, one party is deemed to be at fault, and the at fault party can be sued by the victim. Under the tort system, if you are the victim, you can sue the party at fault for your direct expenses, such as medical bills, etc. In addition, you can sue for indirect expenses, like pain and suffering.

When making your decision about whether to choose no fault insurance or tort insurance, keep the following things in mind:

• Under the no fault system, your premiums will be lower.



• Under the no fault system, may still be able to sue for direct expenses, such as medical bills in the event of an accident where you've sustained serious injury, particularly if your medical expenses exceed the limits of your insurance.

In addition to making the choices listed above, there is Pennsylvania car insurance that every driver must carry, including liability and medical benefits coverage. Pennsylvania liability minimums are 15/30/5. You must also purchase medical benefits coverage of at least $5000. This coverage pays for your medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.

If you're new to the state of Pennsylvania, it's wise to talk to your insurance agent before you purchase your insurance. Your agent can help you understand the ins and outs of both the tort system and the no fault system, and help you choose which option is best for you.

Once you've made the decision on your basic coverage, you may also elect to add optional coverage such as collision and comprehensive insurance. Collision coverage pays for repairs or replacement to your vehicle in the event that you are responsible for an accident. Comprehensive coverage insures your vehicle against damage not sustained in an accident, such as damage from fire, vandalism, theft, wind or hail. Do your homework and get your car insurance quotes Pennsylvania on an annual basis.

Choosing car insurance in a new state can be confusing, and Pennsylvania's car insurance rules are even more confusing than most. But, if you take the time to understand the coverage requirements and all the available options, you're sure to end up with a policy that's just right for you.

For tips on saving money on your Pennsylvania car insurance, visit http://www.cheapcarinsurancequotetips.com/ Barry Brenner is a licensed car insurance agent specializing in low cost insurance.

How Drinking Affects Your Car Insurance

By Alex Gregory

We all know about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, but did you know it could seriously hurt your car insurance premiums too? According to research by a comparison website, motorists found driving, or even attempting to drive, while under the influence of alcohol could face a hike in their car insurance premiums of as much as 82 per cent - or even find that they are deemed uninsurable.

The driving penalty, DR10, is heavily punished by certain insurers. Both Kwik-Fit and Budget continue to provide cover for drivers with a previous driving conviction, but will increase premiums by 82 per cent on average, typically seeing annual costs rise from £290 to £528.

Indeed several insurers, including providers such as Halifax and Sheila's Wheels, will not even return quotes for drivers with a previous drink-driving conviction. The likes of More Than and LV= meanwhile, will not insure a driver if they have had a driving ban in the last five years. So not only could drinking and driving cause your car insurance premiums to rise, but one offense could even make it illegal for you to drive altogether if you are unable to find an insurer to cover you.

Despite this however, many motorists persist with their drinking - a recent ROSPA survey reported that 44 per cent of drivers admitted to driving after drinking alcohol.

The clear message to drivers is to not drink. However, if you feel you can't resist the urge, particularly over the festive season, then consider paying for a hotel to stay somewhere overnight or sharing a lift with someone who doesn't drink and can act as a designated driver.

If you have been convicted of drink-driving in the past then finding cheap car insurance will not be easy. The key is to gather quotes from as many providers as possible to ensure you're getting the best deal available to you - this can be done quickly with a car insurance comparison website.

Consider Insurance When You Buy a New Car

By Alex Gregory

Motorists in the UK are putting their finances first according to research by a comparison website. More than three quarters (77 per cent) say the financial climate will influence their purchase of a new car.

Of course it's not just the retail price of a car that motorists should be considering. They should also be paying close attention to the long term costs to help them budget going forward - including vehicle excise duty, fuel consumption and car insurance.

In the case of car insurance, choosing the right type of vehicle is vital to keep premiums down. Generally speaking car buyers should target small, conventional cars with economical engines to satisfy the insurance companies.

This is because larger, high-performance cars tend to be driven at high speeds. They are also involved in a higher proportion of accidents and when those accidents do occur they tend to be more costly for the insurer because the damage to the vehicle is greater and personal injury claims are often necessary.

Look for a vehicle with limited modifications too. Added extras such as alloy wheels and tinted windows can attract attention from thieves, while any modifications to the engine and performance of the car give the insurer the idea that you're planning to drive it at enhanced speeds.

In addition, car buyers should look at the security features of the vehicle they are buying. Does it already include a car alarm, and is it an insurer approved system? Does it have an immobiliser? Is it small enough to fit into your garage to be parked overnight?

Unfortunately, going green will not always equate to car insurance savings. Even though green car drivers tend to be more economical and drive safely, many hybrid and electric cars have unusual parts and are more difficult to repair making them higher to insure.

If you want cheap car insurance for a new vehicle it's important to shop around. Gather car insurance quotes from a comparison website on various vehicles that interest you so you have a clear indication of the price you'll ultimately pay.