Monthly Archives: February 2009

Car Ins

Posted by author on February 9, 2009 Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

I’m quite confused what coverages to include in my car ins urance, can you help me out?

David

San Antonio TX

Deciding on what coverages to include in your car ins urance can be quite confusing especially when you are not aware of how each type of coverage will protect you in case of an accident. For starters, every car ins urance policy should have a liability coverage as it is mandated by law. In Texas, the liability insurance minimum is for $50,000 for all bodily injuries. Make sure that you have at least a liability coverage as you could get fined for up to $350 for the first offense. Liability car ins urance protects you from liabilities if you injure a person or damage a structure or property when driving.

However, other types of liabilities need also protection. For example, it will help if you have a collision/comprehensive insurance coverage as it protects you from other forms of liabilities when you get into an accident. Comprehensive also protects you from other forms of damages that are not related to accidents like theft, vandalism, weather-related damages and others. If you want to be free from worries from all sorts of liabilities and money is not an object, then, it is better for you to be fully protected. To be able to get the best deals, you must solicit quotes from a lot of insurers and compare before finally deciding on one.

Senior Car Insurance

Posted by author on February 9, 2009 Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

My dad is 65 and he’s renewing his car insurance. How can he get a lower car insurance policy despite his advanced age? Many thanks.

Owen

Colorado Springs, CO

Elderly individuals are considered more high risks compared to their younger counterparts. However, your dad still has a good chance of getting a cheaper car insurance policy as long as he remembers some of these tips.

One of the best ways to increase the chances of senior citizens in getting cheaper senior car insurance is to refresh their driving skills and knowledge by enrolling in a refresher course for older drivers. One of these is the 55 Alive course. Most states in the US require vehicle insurance companies to provide discounts to those who avail of this course, so your father can get lower insurance premium rates for his senior car insurance.

Your father should also see to it that his car is fit and comfortable for him while driving. Installing seat belts that are comfortably fit for him is a good idea. His vehicle should also have automatic transmission, power brakes, and power steering so that he does not have to exert too much effort in driving. This way, companies offering senior car insurance can give him discounts because his car is safe enough for him to drive.

Car Ins

Posted by author on February 9, 2009 Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

I got an insurance policy. The insurance firm sent me a bunch of documents that I haven’t even read. Are these important?

Jordan

Memphis, TN

Car ins urance is a vital tool needed by any drivers. Having one assures the driver that in any case of accident, he/she is protected. Unfortunately, although many people have car insurances, they don’t pay much attention to what their insurance policies. This shouldn’t be the case, as a driver you should know what your insurance can do for you.

There are various aspects that people should understand about their car ins urance. Here are some of the terms indicated in a vehicle insurance policy.

Coverage

Coverage is simply the benefits included in you car ins urance policies. These could be the medical benefit, liability benefit, collision protection, personal injury benefit and many more. Coverage varies depending on what kind of car insurance you have.

Exclusions

Exclusions are certain conditions when your car insurance companies wouldn’t pay your claims if you got on an accident in such under such circumstances. Example of this is being on an accident while you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This could also be written in your policy fine print as “terms and condition”.

Many people don’t spend enough time understanding their car insurance policies which shouldn’t be the case. It is both your right and responsibility to understand you insurances as this are a vital part of being a driver.

Car Ins

Posted by author on February 7, 2009 Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

Will I be able to save on my car ins here in North Carolina if I go to another company? What other things do you suggest that I can do to get lower car ins?

Olson

Durham, NC

Car ins companies would like to get your business and you might be able to get better premium on your car ins if you make a decision to switch. Do not wait until the last moment to begin your search; you must begin your search a few months before the expiration of your policy.

If you could manage to pay for higher deductible, do so as this is one other way to save money on your car ins in North Carolina. You have to take into account this matter very gently prior to agreeing for any deductible because the amount will come from your own pocket before the car ins provider pays the rest up to the limits of your policy.

You also have to keep an excellent driving record in case you want to maintain your car ins payment low. Your car ins company would consider your driving history when trying to find out your risk. There are some things that you don’t have control over, such as your age, but you could drive cautiously whenever you get behind the wheel.

One other way to keep you car ins payment low is to keep away from drinking and driving. You may feel that you could drive, but the blood or breath test result may say otherwise. The costs of making a terrible decision to drive after drinking would prove very costly for many years. Being able to have low cost car ins would be close to impossible after a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) conviction.

Car Ins

Posted by author on February 6, 2009 Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

I plan to buy my own car, but I am told to get car ins first. Since the car itself will cost me, is there a way for me to get free car ins?

Gatsby

Birmingham, AL

All the States in the Union require some form of liability car ins before they allow you to drive a car. Liability insurance is a form of obligation and proof that you, as driver and car owner, would be able to pay in case you or your car is involved in an accident. The liability insurance requirements for Alabama are bodily injury and property damage liability with a 20/40/10 limit. The numbers mean that when your insurance pays for body injury there is a maximum of $20,000 per person or up to $40, 000 for all injuries. There is also a $10,000 limit for property damage for the same accident. You are advised to extend your insurance coverage to protect yourself also.

I know it is very appealing to have free car ins. However, no such thing exists. Some car manufacturers are considering the matter. But to get the idea off the ground would require tremendous amount of resources. For example, would free car ins mean car manufacturers choose customers who could buy their cars? Would that entail more flexible car ins and a more stringent process of buying cars? The most car manufacturers can offer is to give you free benefits such as free gas, extended warranty for parts and repairs, or discounts when you pay it in full.

Senior Car Insurance

Posted by author on February 6, 2009 Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

I am a senior driver. I admit that being a senior driver has so many disadvantages and one of them is getting higher car insurance rates. I need help on how to get lower car insurance rates for a senior driver like me. I would greatly appreciate any information that you can give about senior car insurance. Thank you so much in advance!

Ronald

Edison, NJ

Hello there Ronald. That’s what exactly my grandpa’s problem before. He had been complaining about the high car insurance premium that he is paying just because he’s a senior driver. Honestly, in my opinion, you cannot really blame the auto insurance companies for that. I mean, let’s face it, scientifically speaking as we grow older, our motor skills and coordination (that we all need in driving by the way) also decreases. And auto insurance companies know that. Insuring a senior driver poses higher risk than insuring younger drivers.

However, the great news is that Ronald, there’s still hope to lower your car insurance rates. One thing that I’ve learned from my grandpa is that there are senior car insurance discounts available. In fact, senior car insurance discount is mandated in over 2/3 of the states. From what I know, there are driving education courses offered by auto insurance companies that you need to complete. Once completed, you may be eligible for a discount. But just to make sure if this is being offered by your car insurance company, I suggest you contact your auto insurance agent about that as soon as possible.

Always drive carefully and I’m wishing you good health!

DUI Insurance

Posted by author on February 5, 2009 Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

What is DUI insurance? Who needs it?

Jonathan

Bismarck, ND

DUI insurance is simply an auto insurance policy that is specifically designed to cater to people who are convicted of DUI (drinking under the influence) offense. Having convicted of such offense usually results in the cancellation of an existing auto insurance policy or nonrenewal of your policy. Also, being convicted of DUI automatically labels you as a high-risk driver.

However, there are still car insurance companies who are willing to insure a person with a DUI conviction and will offer you DUI insurance. But bear in mind that this kind of auto insurance is very pricey. In fact, if you will compare it from an ordinary auto insurance policy the price difference can be as high as 200% or even 300%.

If you are caught drinking while driving, your license will be suspended or revoked. Once you are convicted of DUI, you will be required to file proof that you have an existing auto insurance coverage in the form of SR22. For your license to be unsuspended, your own car insurance company needs to file the SR22 form to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Usually, you will be asked to carry SR22 form for a period of three years.

You may be wondering on how long auto insurance companies will charge you with DUI insurance. That depends on your state’s law and auto insurance company’s guidelines. But from what I know, as long as the DUI conviction is still on your driving record, it will still affect your auto insurance rates even if you switch to another auto insurance company.

Find Cheapest Car Insurance

Posted by author on February 5, 2009 Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

How do I find cheapest car insurance?

Miguel

Gilbert, AZ

Hello Miguel! One effective way on how you can find cheapest car insurance is to shop around. Ask for several auto insurance quotes from different carriers and learn to compare what they offer. So, the next big question is how do you shop around?

First, let me just tell you the information you will need for you to get auto insurance price quotations. In most cases, auto insurance companies will ask for:

  • The description of your car, including the make, model and year;
  • Your car usage, if its for commuting, business, pleasure, work etc;
  • Your license number;
  • How many drivers are there in your household;
  • The auto insurance coverage that you need and the limits you would like to have

There are three ways on how you can get auto insurance policy:

  1. Direct Marketing: These marketers sell car insurance policy through the Internet, letter, or by phone.
  2. Independent Agents: These kinds of agents usually represent several companies. If you chose to get car insurance from them, make sure to ask on how many auto insurance companies they represent;
  3. Exclusive Agents: As opposed to independent agents, these kinds of agent only represent one company.

To find cheapest car insurance, I would highly recommend using the Internet. It gives you so many choices for auto insurance quotes. From there, you can compare prices and get the best deal that you can find.

Car Accident Insurance

Posted by author on February 5, 2009 Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

What are the things that I need to know about car accident insurance? What will I do when my car is involved in an accident? How do I deal with my car accident insurance company?

Phillip

New York, New York

To avoid getting the situation worse here are some of the things you need to know.

• When your car is hit, immediately report the incident to your car accident insurance company and confirm if your policy is still active at the time of the accident even if it was or was not your fault. Knowing that it’s not insured, this could lead to problems in the future.

• If at the time of the accident the laws of the state discover that you were not insured, they will suspend your license even if you were not at-fault.

• Your vehicle is not covered by the liability coverage if you are found liable for the accident in which the other vehicle is damaged, occupant’s medical injuries are only included.

• Full coverage does not entirely mean its literal meaning. There are still limitations and it best to discuss this with your insurance agent to explain the policy to you.

• If physical damages are included in your policy, you may have to pay a deductible if and when the other part has no insurance or if the accident was your fault.

• You are responsible in contacting your carrier to file a claim, getting the other party’s pertinent information such as plate number, insurance company name and number and driver’s license number. You also have the right to choose your own repair facility.

• Most car accident insurance only offers the least medical coverage for their consumers.

• You are allowed to negotiate and appraise the value of your car during total car loss. And in the event of total loss, owing an amount larger than the worth of the loaned vehicle may leave you in greater debt. Consider GAP coverage, it will help you pay the remainder of the loan balance.

• In an accident, it is important to prove that it was not your fault otherwise the police may report where a fault cannot be proven and accident damages may have to be equally spread by both parties and you may have to pay for the damages.

Car Insurance New Driver

Posted by author on February 4, 2009 Comments Off

Reader’s Question:

I am a new driver. I’m having difficulty getting what I should know about car insurance. I guess, I’m just overwhelmed with too much information I see on the Internet. Can you help me with my car insurance new driver?

Kala

Minneapolis, MN

Being a new driver often involves confusion and I totally understand what you feel. When I was doing my research on how to get car insurance new driver, I was too overwhelmed with so much stuff about car insurance. It was an information overload I must say! Just remember these things and you’re good to go.

First, your driving history affects your car insurance rates. Since you are a new driver, then this is the best time to give all your efforts to maintain your driving record at its best level. Avoid getting into any kinds of traffic violations or accidents. The more violations you have, the higher your car insurance rates will be.

Second, enroll in a driver’s education program. Being a new driver means your driving skills is still not that good. Enrolling in driving classes will surely improve your driving skills and you may even get a discount from your car insurance company;

Third, if you are still studying then by all means study hard and get a 2.0 average or better. There’s what you call a good student discount offers by car insurance companies, who knows, you may qualify for one.

Fourth, if you are fond of exercising then try stretch those muscles, burn those fats, and walk instead of driving whenever you can. Decreasing your driving miles may qualify you to get low mileage discount.

For more information about car insurance new driver, you can always ask you car insurance agent.