Automotive Insurance

Cheap Auto Insurance is Now Easier to Find Online

2010-08-17T18:26:00.001-07:00

August 17, 2010 - A new website recently surfaced aiming to put an end to the frustrations that customers experience when finding cheap auto insurance quotes through calling and other slow methods. The website is called CarInQuotes and it currently covers all areas of the United States so people have a common place to visit. The site keeps

tracks of the best auto insurance companies that are trustworthy and present better deals than others. With its vast selection, customers still have the freedom of choice and can choose which insurance company to stay with once they compared the other options.
Site promoter Xavier Burns highlights the importance of finding auto insurance online by saying, "The internet has created things much simpler for all of us. You will help save quite a great deal of time and money seeking the very same info on the web. All credible insurance coverage businesses have an on the net presence and are simply accessible. You can also download the insurance plan forms and make payments on the web."

The home page located at carinquotes.com immediately presents some form fields along with some links to help customers get started immediately. The site covers all major vehicle types ranging from ordinary cars to scooters and RVs. Interested searchers can get immediate access to cheap auto insurance links without the need of registration. There is also a link that shows some of the auto insurance companies that are included in the site's database. Familiar companies such as Allstate, AAA Insurance, and MetLife are in the list.

The website aims to be very simple and accessible so customers can get their car insurance quotes in the quickest time possible. Multiple quotes are obtainable no matter what type of vehicle is owned. Currently, CarInQuotes.com supports insurance quotes for scooters, motorcycles, RVs, and cars. It promises customers to get what they need by performing two steps. All of these companies are briefly described in this page. To guide customers towards the most affordable rates, visitors are asked to input the ZIP code so a smaller list is generated.

The different insurance companies are listed as a resulted and are coupled with their respective logos along with their best features and strengths. Results including their descriptions are displayed on the same page for comparison purposes. Each insurance company is also clickable leading to the official site of the company. It is also opened in a new window upon clicking so users can check out the other insurance companies in the list of results.

The site presents an alternative method in getting a larger list of insurance companies which involves users to access the drop-down box on the bottom portion of the website. This drop-down box contains all the US states so they can see a list of any affordable insurance companies within that state.

To learn more about auto insurance in general, visitors have free access to the news section also found below the home page as well as access to a collection of articles found in the "Articles" section. The information listed aims to help beginners that want to know why auto insurance is so important and experienced car owners that are not contented with their current auto insurance status.

CarInQuotes claims that finding the cheapest auto insurance quotes is going to save hundreds of dollars while allowing the best insurance companies to stay in the competition.

Hallmark Insurance To Acquire Nonstandard Auto Insurer

2010-08-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

August 17, 2010 - Fort Worth, Texas-based Hallmark Financial Services entered into an agreement for its unit Hallmark Insurance Co. to acquire nonstandard auto insurer State Auto National Insurance Co. from State Auto Financial Corp.

Fort Worth, Texas-based Hallmark Financial Services Inc. has entered into an agreement for its unit Hallmark Insurance Co. to acquire nonstandard auto insurer State Auto National Insurance Co. from State Auto Financial Corp.

According to an Aug. 9 news release, the purchase price for the acquisition will be $14 million in cash at closing plus an earnout of up to $2 million. Hallmark expects to fund the acquisition out of working capital.

The cash portion of the purchase price is subject to post-closing adjustment to the extent the statutory capital and surplus of State Auto National is greater or less than $10 million.

The earnout is payable quarterly in an amount equal to 2% of gross collected premiums on new or renewal personal lines insurance policies written by State Auto National agents during the three years following closing.

In connection with the closing, State Auto National will enter into reinsurance agreements with an affiliate of the seller. The affiliate will handle all claims and assume all liabilities arising under policies issued by State Auto National prior to the closing and during a transition period of up to six months after deal completion.

Columbus, Ohio-based State Auto National writes approximately $37 million in nonstandard automobile insurance coverage through independent agents in 21 states, approximately 80% of which is retained by State Auto Financial under its intercompany reinsurance pooling agreement with its parent, State Automobile Mutual Insurance Co.

Hallmark will not assume any staff, operating platforms or run-off exposure from State Auto Financial's existing operations, President and CEO Mark Morrison said in the release.

The deal should close later in 2010, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

Types of automobile insurance offer specific coverage for clients

2010-08-17T18:18:00.000-07:00

A lot of car owners these days find automobile insurance a mystery. The only thing they know is that they will be given a financial bolster if their car is damaged or when they are the one responsible for a particular car accident.

Of course, no one expects typical car owners to bring a supplementary list with their cars just to know the angles and dangles of a certain automobile insurance.

Moreover, it is expected that not all automobile insurance companies have given their clienteles a complete and supplementary orientation regarding the terms and the numerous terms in an automobile insurance. That is why this write up will be able to give more in-depth information about an automobile insurance.

Automobile insurance is a type of insurance that drivers and car owners with cars, trucks, motorcycles and other auto vehicles. The insurance offers safeguard for car owners who have lost money due to an involvement in traffic accidents.

Also, the automobile insurance also gives a financial cushion for a person who has a liability that could be imposed if he or she is responsible for the damages and loses of the victim in a particular vehicular accident. Most of the drivers know this basic information since this is the usual thing that automobile insurance companies tell their clienteles. However, they are still not aware of the types of coverage that a certain automobile insurance offers.

As aforementioned, there are different types of coverage that an automobile insurance offers and there are six of them. Each type is given to give car owners a choice of financial cushion for particular unfortunate events that involve their car and their health as well.

One type is the Bodily Injury Liability. Its coverage includes coverage for the injuries incurred during a car accident. It is applicable to the driver or the policyholders that have caused the damage.

Another type is the Collision coverage. It covers the costs of repairs and replacements for the driver or the policyholder’s damaged vehicle. However, this type of automobile insurance reduces the premiums in the insurance caused by deductibles. These deductibles range from around $100 to $1000. They are paid prior to the payment that the insurance company makes to the driver for the remainder of the coverage.

Medical payments or MedPay is another type of automobile insurance. It covers the medical bills of the drivers and his or passengers due to a vehicular accident. Another type is the Comprehensive coverage. It covers the losses or damages caused by natural disasters, theft, and other unexpected instances out of the policyholder’s control.

Auto theft numbers decreasing

2010-08-09T04:39:00.000-07:00

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner James Donelon said in July that motor vehicle theft rates are on the decline in Louisiana. According to the Department of Insurance, motor vehicle theft rates declined in 2009 over 2008 by 16.8 percent in four of Louisiana's largest metropolitan areas based on 2009 preliminary data from the FBI Uniform Crime Report.

"This is good news for everyone with comprehensive auto insurance since motor vehicle theft is one of several determining factors considered by insurance companies when developing auto insurance premiums," Donelon said. "The work of the Department of Insurance Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority is having positive results across the state."

Shreveport saw the largest drop, of more than 25 percent. In 2008, there were 859 reported auto thefts. In 2009, there were 641.

In Ouachita Parish, Maj. Jason Pleasant said there were 70 reported auto thefts between January and June 2009. Pleasant said there have been 42 so far in 2010.

West Monroe Maj. James Keys said police had no major vehicle theft problem.

"We had 33 in (all of ) 2009," Keys said. "So far, we've had 20."

While numbers for auto thefts in Monroe were not available, Det. Charles Roark did offer a reason for the drop.

"Cars are harder to steal these days," Roark said. "It's the way they're being made today."

Keys and Pleasant agreed with Roark.

"(Manufacturers) make them harder to steal," Pleasant said.

Donelon said LATIFPA has been active in educating consumers about vehicle theft and insurance fraud through a public awareness outreach campaign that began in 2007.

"This public awareness campaign and other aggressive efforts which include the mobilization of bait cars and license plate readers around the state have contributed to the recent reduction in motor vehicle theft and have raised awareness about insurance fraud, "Donelon said.

Louisiana's motor vehicle theft figures were lower in 2009 than in 2008 with 4,614 vehicles stolen in Louisiana's four major metropolitan statistical areas according to the 2009 Preliminary FBI Uniform Crime Report. A total of 5,547 vehicles were stolen in the same metropolitan statistical areas in 2008. Statewide preliminary numbers will be available from the FBI Uniform Crime Report in the upcoming months.

Donelon said other tools, together or in combination, can provide additional layers of protection from theft.

"Consider using visible and audible deterrents such as audible alarm systems, steering wheel locks and steering column collars," Donelon said. "You may also want to consider using immobilizers that stop thieves from hot wiring your vehicle such as fuel cut-off devices, kill switches or "smart keys" with computer chips that must be present to start the vehicle."

Donelon said if a thief is still successful, tracking systems that emit a signal to the police or a monitoring service when the vehicle is reported stolen can result in a faster recovery of the vehicle.

"These are only a few of the many ideas you can use to protect your vehicle," Donelon said. "Remember prevention starts with you and what vehicle theft preventing habits you practice regarding your vehicle."

Another avenue Louisiana has taken to fight insurance fraud was the creation of the Insurance Fraud Task Force in 2000, which includes representatives from the Department of Insurance, State Police Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft Unit, and the Louisiana Attorney General's Office. This task force has been working together to investigate insurance fraud reports with some resulting in arrests and prosecuting fraudulent insurance actions in the judicial system.

"Public vigilance goes a long way in combating insurance fraud," Donelon said.

The Insurance Fraud Section of the Louisiana Department of Insurance has recently expanded its online insurance fraud reporting tool by developing a more robust insurance fraud reporting form. Individuals may report suspected cases of fraud anonymously or choose to give their identity when reporting fraud.

If you believe you have been a victim of insurance fraud, or if you are aware of an instance of insurance fraud, it is important to report it. To report insurance fraud, visit the Department of Insurance Web site at www.ldi.state.la.us. Click on "Report Insurance Fraud" on the right side of the home page or call 800-259-5300 or 225-342-4956. To report vehicle theftm call Louisiana State Police at 225-925-3701.

Public insurance companies leads in customer satisfactio in Auto Insurance

2010-08-09T04:38:00.000-07:00

Public insurance companies outperform private companies in customer satisfaction with auto insurance providers in India, according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2010 India Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Index StudySM (AIS).

The study, now in its second year, examines auto insurance policyholder experiences with their primary insurers. Customer satisfaction is measured across six factors: interaction; claims; product/policy offerings; renewal/purchase process; billing and payment process; and premium/price for coverage offered. National Insurance ranks highest with a score of 831 on a 1,000-point scale, performing particularly well in all six factors.

Two public insurers—United India and New India Assurance—follow in the rankings, achieving scores of 823 and 806, respectively. Overall customer satisfaction with auto insurance providers averages 804 in 2010, and improves by 43 points from 2009.

“While satisfaction improves substantially overall, the rate of improvement for public insurers is higher than that of private insurers due to a substantial increase in satisfaction levels across factors, compared with 2009, and more so on the customer interaction with their insurer,” said Mohit Arora, executive director at J.D. Power Asia Pacific, Singapore. “Although public insurers outperform private insurance companies in all factors, private insurers have demonstrated more substantial improvement in the claims experience in 2010,than have public insurance companies.”

The industry-wide gains from 2010 are largely driven by notable improvement in various channels within the interaction factor, including independent agents and brokers; insurer branch offices and purchase dealers.

“With the recent opening of the market in 2009, auto insurance companies are making greater efforts to improve upon the customer experience in order to differentiate themselves from the competition,” said Arora.

“While insurance sales in India are still largely completed through the agent and broker channel, a shift in channel mix seems to be occurring due to provider network expansion and several OEM-insurer tie-ups.” The study also finds that consistent performance of key service practices has a notable positive effect on a customer’s propensity to consider the insurance provider for a renewal or a new purchase of an auto insurance policy, and that highly satisfied policyholders are also more likely to renew their policy with the same provider.

As a result, more than seven in 10 customers who are highly satisfied with their insurance provider say that they “definitely will” renew the auto insurance policy with the same provider. In comparison, only 43 percent of less-satisfied customers say the same.

The 2010 India Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Index Study is based on evaluations from 5,098 auto insurance customers who renewed or purchased an auto insurance policy between January 2009 and April 2010 and were between 2.5 and 3.5 years of vehicle ownership. The study includes 12 auto insurance companies (including eight private and four public providers) and was fielded from January 2010 to April 2010 in 20 cities across India.

Auto-theft: A $1.8 billion problem

2010-08-09T04:34:00.000-07:00

LOSSES due to auto-theft were $1.8 billion across the local insurance industry last year, according to figures released by the Insurance Association of Jamaica (IAJ). A thorn in the side of insurers, carjackings are also a major problem for Jamaican motorists, who as a result, face the daunting prospect of having to pay more for auto insurance.

An average of four auto-theft cases are reported to insurance companies each day, IAJ statistics reveal. Despite the number of claims falling by seven per cent to 1,262 in 2009, the average loss to the industry increased by 12 per cent.

" In Jamaica, theft of vehicles has been an increasing problem over the last few years," said Jamaica International Insurance Company (JIIC) managing director Andrew Levy.

"There was a significant change a couple of years ago when the thieves started stealing more expensive vehicles, so, although the claims numbers didn't rise (last year), the cost of it has increased significantly," he noted, adding "of course we've had some devaluation (in the currency) but theft is a very significant chunk of the yearly claims cost for the industry."

Levy told Sunday Finance that JIIC pays out some 20 claims of theft per month at an average of $1.5 million.

"You're talking about $20 million to $30 million a month for just one company," he emphasised.

And a big problem for insurance companies usually means a big problem for persons seeking insurance coverage. In this case, it's those seeking motor vehicle coverage in general, not just the victims of theft.

For the victims, it's bad enough that someone robs them of their main means of transportation, but to make matters worse, they'll end up paying higher premiums because of it. But, in general, motorists who own cars that are considered by auto insurance companies as being high risk for theft, pay higher policy rates as well. According to the IAJ, which aims to have a stolen vehicle database available on its website by next month, the Toyota Corolla (349 stolen vehicles reported), Nissan Sunny (110), Honda Civic (91) and Toyota Hiace (73) were the most frequently reported stolen vehicles in Jamaica last year, in that order.

"In Jamaica, Toyota and Nissan are by far (the most popular) vehicles on the road, therefore Toyota and Nissan are the vast majority of the vehicles that are stolen," noted Levy about a trend that Sunday Finance confirmed with the Stolen Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit in the Organised Crime Investigation Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

According to Levy, the theft component of the motor insurance premium is somewhere in the region of 10 to 15 per cent of the overall premium.

"If somebody could get a 10 to 15 per cent discount on their motor vehicle premium, they'll jump," he noted.

So, against this background, if you don't want to be digging too deep into your pockets for auto insurance, choose a car with low insurance rates and protect yourself against automobile theft. The latter can be achieved through installing anti-theft devices in your vehicles, such as an alarm; ensuring that the doors to your vehicles are always locked; and not parking your vehicles in "risky" neighbourhoods.

Based on Levy's assessment of how theft factors in motor vehicle insurance rates, these few pointers can save you a lot of money.

China mulls opening auto insurance market

2010-08-09T04:27:00.000-07:00

Aug. 6, 2010 (China Knowledge) - China is considering opening the compulsory automobile insurance market to foreign investors, sources reported, citing people familiar with the matter, as saying. Pursuant to the report, the China Insurance Regulatory Commission may allow foreign firms to offer mandatory liability insurance service to the Chinese customers.

Currently, foreign insurers are allowed to provide some optional car insurance products.

China opened its market to foreign insurers in 2004 upon its entry in World Trade Organization. At present, foreign insurers accounts for only 4% of the US$164 billion insurance market in China. The move will undoubtedly boost their business in the world’s biggest car market.

Foreign insurers' market share has risen by less than 2 percentage points from 2.3% in 2004. Only three out of 24 foreign life insurers made a profit in 2008, according to a report compiled by CIRC.

auto insurance auto insurance auto insurance auto insurance

Allstate: Auto insurance policyholders reducing coverage in recession

2009-01-30T03:46:00.000-08:00

source: www.chicagotribune.com

By Becky Yerak | Tribune reporter
January 30, 2009

To some extent, auto insurance is recession-resistant because drivers have to have coverage. But Allstate Corp. officials confirmed Thursday that the recession is causing its auto insurance policyholders to look for ways to reduce premiums.

"They are dropping collision [coverage], going to higher deductibles, going to lower limits," George Ruebenson, president of Allstate Protection, said during a conference call to discuss the company's fourth-quarter financial results.

A premium is the price an insurer charges for coverage. Collision coverage pays for the damage to a policyholder's car in an accident, while a deductible is the amount of the loss that's paid by the policyholder. A limit is the maximum amount of coverage paid for a particular loss.

"We're seeing a change from a lot of platinum sales at Your Choice Auto to more of value, where people take a lower-premium policy," Ruebenson said.

Allstate's Your Choice Auto program offers options for motorists depending on whether they care about cheap or comprehensive coverage. Platinum is the most comprehensive coverage.

The Northbrook-based company said that it is "disappointed" by efforts in 2008 to improve customer loyalty and disclosed that it has started to tie part of the company's 401(k) contributions to how effectively employees retain policyholders.

"Acquiring and retaining customers is vital to our success," Allstate Chief Executive Tom Wilson said during the conference call.

"I'm disappointed by the lack of significant improvement in 2008 on customer loyalty, and we're highly focused on improving that result in 2009."

Later in the call, Wilson explained that Allstate's 401(k) savings plan "is part incentive and part retirement" for Allstate workers.

Employees and agency owners "who don't treat our customers well and don't deliver customer loyalty will no longer be a part of the Allstate family," he said.

Allstate stock closed Thursday at $23.50, down 20.7 percent, a day its report that investment write-downs contributed to a $1.13 billion fourth-quarter loss.
auto insurance auto insurance auto insurance

Ford Ka 'could offer lower car insurance'

2009-01-30T03:33:00.000-08:00

source: www.yesinsurance.co.uk

29 January 2009

Ford's new Ka is grouped in some of the lowest car insurance groups and could therefore minimise expenditure for owners.

The manufacturer announced this week that the Studio model falls into category 1E and others in the range are 2E or 3E.

As the lowest band, 1E could help motorists to obtain the most economical car insurance prices.

Ford said these groupings reflected various safety features included in the Ka, such as reinforced steel door beams and integrated airbags and seating technology.

Martin Ward is a spokesperson for Cap, which calculates residual values of vehicles.

He said the Ka was "brilliant" and potentially ideal for consumers looking for economical measures in the current financial climate.

Mr Ward added: "It's a superb drive for such a small car."

Other options in Ford's range currently include the Fiesta Econetic, Mondeo, Galaxy, S-MAX, Kuga and Focus.

A new Focus RS is due to be launched this year.

Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.ukADNFCR-682-ID-18998632-ADNFCR
Auto Insurance

ODI reminds motorists not to drop insurance to save money

2009-01-30T03:25:00.000-08:00

source: www.portclintonnewsherald.com
January 29, 2009

In these tough economic times, many people may be tempted to reduce the amount of auto insurance coverage they have or drop their auto insurance altogether in order to save money.

Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson is urging Ohioans to carefully consider the risks of doing so before making a decision.

“If a person drives without auto insurance, they will be breaking the law,” said Director Hudson. “Also, many Ohioans think they can save money by purchasing only the bare minimum requirements. While minimum coverage does cost less, Ohioans need to realize that auto insurance minimum requirements don’t always provide adequate coverage in the event of an accident.”
Ohio law requires drivers who purchase automobile insurance to demonstrate Financial Responsibility to have at least $12,500 of Bodily Injury or Death Liability Coverage per person ($25,000 for two or more persons), as well as $7,500 of Property Damage Liability Coverage for any one accident. However, many times accidents result in damages that exceed those minimum coverage limits.

If the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits are exceeded, then the at-fault driver may be personally responsible to pay the difference not covered by the automobile insurance policy.

If the driver didn’t have the funds to pay for the damages, they could face legal action and long-term debts. If the driver’s child was driving a car that was underinsured and was in an accident, they too would be held responsible for any damages and could face significant debt. The driver and the driver’s family could end up paying for one accident for the rest of their life.
The department strongly encourages consumers to talk with their insurance agent to discuss the risks of only getting the bare minimum levels of insurance.

The Department’s Auto Insurance On-Line Toolkit, available at www.ohioinsurance.gov, provides guidance on auto insurance needs for different life stages, information on state minimum requirements and a list of frequently asked questions about auto insurance.
There are also links to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ web site.

Ohio drivers with questions concerning Financial Responsibility requirements are encouraged to call the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 614-752-7500 or visit the Bureau’s web site at www.bmv.ohio.gov.

Ohio insurance consumers with questions and concerns about their insurance can call the Department’s consumer hotline at 800-686-1526. Free information can also be obtained at www.ohioinsurance.gov.
Auto Insurance

Massachusetts Man Gets 9 Months for Insurance Fraud

2009-01-30T03:18:00.000-08:00

source: www.claimsjournal.com

January 29, 2009

A man authorities say participated in a series of staged auto accidents in Lawrence in an effort to defraud insurers has been sentenced to nine months in prison.

Leo Lopez was also also ordered Monday to pay nearly $56,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to 36 charges stemming from six staged accidents between January 2002 and March 2003.

Since a staged crash in 2003 in Lawrence killed a 65-year-old woman, the state has cracked down on auto insurance fraud, particularly in Lawrence, the epicenter of the problem.

Police Chief John Romero says prison time is an appropriate punishment.

He tells the Eagle-Tribune the success the city has had prosecuting auto insurance fraud cases since 2003 has resulted in an average decrease of $600 per car in insurance premiums.
___

Information from: Eagle Tribune
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Auto Insurance

North Dakota Moves to Double Auto Insurance Minimum Limits

2009-01-30T03:09:00.000-08:00

source: www.insurancejournal.com

By Dale Wetzel
January 29, 2009

North Dakota drivers' minimum required insurance coverage for accidents hasn't changed in 24 years and should be raised, the state House narrowly decided after debating whether motorists could afford the increase.

"We talk about wanting people to have higher and better insurance, higher coverage, and I agree,'' said Rep. Dan Ruby, R-Minot. "The reality is, though, do you want people to have the best, or none? Or do you want them to have some?''

Representatives voted 51-43 to approve legislation to double the minimum insurance coverages for injuries and property damage that North Dakota motorists must carry to drive legally.

The vote came despite a recommendation from the House Transportation Committee, of which Ruby is chairman, that the measure be defeated. The bill now goes to the North Dakota Senate.

North Dakota law now requires drivers to have $25,000 worth of insurance coverage for a person who's injured in an accident and $50,000 to cover everyone injured in a single accident. Drivers also need at least $25,000 worth of coverage for property damage from an accident.

The legislation raises the injury limits to $50,000 for an individual and $100,000 for everyone injured in a single accident. The property damage limit would increase from $25,000 to $50,000.

The existing limits were set in 1985. An inflation calculator operated by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows $25,000 in 1985 had the purchasing power of $49,355 in today's dollars.

The increased coverage "is not a burden on any driver. If you're going to drive a car, then you should have the proper protection,'' said Rep. Frank Wald, R-Dickinson. "The difference in cost for a 19-year-old is probably a couple of cases of beer every six months. If he or she can't afford that, they probably shouldn't have a driver's license.''

Rep. Chris Griffin, D-Larimore, said he also did not believe the increase would price coverage out of the reach of drivers. Uninsured drivers often are driving with suspended licenses, which has nothing to do with the cost of coverage, he said.

"If you're required to carry insurance under law, which you are, you should have to have somewhat adequate insurance,'' Griffin said. "I don't think these limits are excessive at all.''

Rep. Arlo Schmidt, D-Maddock, said the higher coverage would make insurance pricier for young people, who normally pay higher rates in any case.

"One of the biggest problems in North Dakota, is people without
insurance,'' Schmidt said. "When we analyze this, who are those
folks that aren't carrying any insurance? They were 19-year-olds
and young people that are poor. But if we raise the rates, are we
going to encourage those people to buy insurance, or are we going
to discourage them?''
___

The bill is HB1068.
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Auto Insurance

Know the 6 Types of Auto Insurance

2007-11-09T03:13:00.000-08:00

By james dalton

Car insurance is the most bought type of insurance in the United States of America. There are more cars than people in America and couple that with various States making car insurance mandatory; you have something that is in high demand. This need for insurance will always have people trying to get the best deals possible on the different types of car insurance available. To be informed, the article will examine the different types of car that exist on the consumer market.

Bodily Injury Liability is an insurance policy that covers drivers of another car. If you meet in accident and the other driver is injured then Bodily Injury Liability will cover the medical costs of in the case the other driver is injured in an accident. This mainly benefits policy holder as he does not have to worry about being sued.

The Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage is close to the bodily Injury liability mentioned above. The difference between the tow is the fact that the policy holder and associated passengers are covered in the case of an accident. This means they are entitled to have their medical bills, loss of wages and even death is covered.

Under Property Damage Liability car insurance policy, the insurance company will cover the cost of repairs to the other party’s car in the event of an accident. With this coverage the other individual’s damages will be paid for by the insurance company, while the policy holder would have to pay for his own damage from his own pocket.

The Collision insurance policy is one of the most common and cheapest auto insurance policies available. With collision the insurance company will pay for the damage or repairs if another driver crashes into you. This usually requires drivers to have a deductible and once the deductible is paid, the insurance company will pay for the rest.

Comprehensive coverage is another popular policy for motor vehicle owners. With comprehensive coverage the car is covered from a wide array of things. The car will be protected from fire, theft acts of God and collision with other vehicles. Policyholders need to pay a monthly deductible. Once this is paid in the event of an accident, the insurance company will cover the rest.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage will usually protect the policy holder in the event that someone with no or insufficient insurance crashes into his vehicle. It will also protect against hit and run drivers in the event of that type of accident.

The breakdown of the different types of car insurance policies available helps to make understanding motor vehicle insurance easier. You have looked at Bodily Injury Liability, Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Property Damage Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage. By investigating and understanding the different policies, we are able to see what differences and similarities they offer. This enables consumers to have insight and knowledge into the best car insurance for their car and the one that offers the best coverage options.

Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Beware! 9 Lies Auto Insurance Adjusters Might Tell You

2007-11-09T02:10:00.000-08:00

By David Williams

How can you tell if an insurance adjuster is lying? Answer: Look and see if his/her lips are moving!

Yes, I know that was a corny joke that may overstate the frequency of the problem to some degree. But, this fact can’t be disputed or denied: Insurance adjusters often lie to consumers, hoping their antics will cause them to become discouraged and accept a smaller settlement than they are rightfully owed. While it is true, mistakes occasionally happen and some adjusters pass untruths out of ignorance, many others are handsomely rewarded for routinely telling blatant and deliberate lies to claimants.

In this article you will learn nine of the most frequent lies auto insurance adjusters tell. Beneath each lie, you will learn the truth.

Lie #1 You must get your car repaired

Truth: It’s your car and no one can make you do something with it that you don’t want to do. If you choose not to repair damage that is covered by insurance, as a general rule, the insurer still owes you for the full value of necessary repairs that would be required to put your vehicle into its preloss condition. But, be forewarned. If you choose not to repair accident damage on your car, your insurance company would not be required to continue insuring the car for its full retail value. In fact, if you play hardball, your insurance company may decline to insure your car altogether forcing you to shop for other insurance coverage at a time when your driving record may be marked by an accident.

Lie #2 You must go to the insurer’s preferred shop

Truth: If you choose to have your car repaired, most state’s laws allow you to authorize work at the shop of your choice. However, if you encounter problems with a shop you selected, the insurance company will be quoting the old lyric, “I told you so,” and will be little help in procuring your satisfaction. If, on the other hand, you go to a shop selected by an insurer and get deceived, or don’t receive the level of repair you are entitled to, you will be in a much better position to negotiate with the insurer, especially if there is threat of a bad faith lawsuit against them.

Lie #3 You must turn the claim in to your own insurance company if we disagree

Truth: If you are the victim of someone else’s negligence and their insurer is trying to get you to settle for less than you are entitled, you might consider sending a demand for payment to the person that caused the damage. The fact that the negligent party bought lousy insurance coverage does not relieve them of the responsibility and obligation they have to indemnify you of damage they caused. Therefore, if the third-party insurance company doesn’t want to make full restitution to you on their policyholders’ behalf, you are under no obligation to deal with them. Simply insist on payment directly from the negligent party or pay your deductible and file a claim under your own insurance policy.

Lie #4 Repairs will restore your vehicle to its preloss condition

Truth: There are many factors that prevent a car or truck from being restored to its preloss condition. The same would be true for anything that is damaged and reconstructed. Think for a moment about a valuable vase that gets broken. Although the vase could be glued back together, even to the point that the damage is unrecognizable, it could never be as sound or as valuable as it previously was because there is a potential for failure after the accident and repair that didn’t previously exist. Likewise, during auto repairs it is economically impractical to test every component and part on a car to guarantee that it’s performance and durability are unaltered. In addition, many of the tests that would be required in making this determination are destructive by nature making them unfeasible to perform. What if the crash affected sealed electronics in your car’s dash or clutches in your car’s transmission causing premature failure of these expensive parts? What if your car’s metal becomes fatigued from being beaten, stretched, hammered, and welded on causing it to fold easier in a subsequent accident and causing late deployment of airbags? What if…

Lie #5 You Don’t need a lawyer

Truth: Insurers, oftentimes, do not take consumers, without legal representation, seriously. Let’s face it; where there is no threat of danger, there is little motive for action. As an example, you could enthusiastically warn me by shouting, “beware of the dog” until you lose your voice. But until you take the chain off or open the gate to the pen I probably wouldn’t run. In fact, I might not run even then if you have a terrier or a poodle. If however, you are saying “sic-um” to a ferocious pit bull, I’ll have a much different attitude. Insurers are no different. They pick and choose their fights. If they think you can mount a good defense against them, they will usually pay you everything you are owed. If they think you can’t afford a lawyer or a proper defense, they will most often bully you and stall your claim, sometimes forever. As in the analogy of the dog, when you unleash a lawyer that commands insurer’s respect, you will get action. But even then, don’t expect results quickly. Often, deals are made on the courthouse steps just prior to a trial. The months and sometimes years leading up to that point can be very frustrating for claimants.

Lie #6 Your car will be just as valuable after the accident and repairs as before

Truth: Most people are alike in that given the choice between two cars identical in every way with the exception being that one has been involved in an accident and the other has not, most would prefer the car with no damage history. This is true even if repairs to the car not chosen are of such good quality that you can’t tell it apart from the undamaged one. With the number of used car certification programs growing and damage disclosure to potential buyers a legal requirement in many states, the only way wrecked cars sell is if the price is cut low enough to offset the risk car shoppers take when purchasing damaged goods. The loss in market value a car suffers after being wrecked and repaired is known as diminished value (DV).

Lie #7 We don’t pay Diminished Value (DV)

Truth: In third-party claims, insurance companies are obligated to pay diminished value to claimants who prove the amount of their losses. Proving a loss is not difficult. It will, however, require that you have a post-repair inspection performed on your repaired vehicle - unless, of course, you want to take the insurer’s word for the amount you are owed. Since one of the biggest factors lessening the value of repaired cars and trucks is poor quality workmanship, it is easy to understand why it is impossible to determine the amount of diminished value without a detailed and thorough examination of the property following completion of the repairs by a body shop.

It is usually more difficult to collect diminished value under your own policy than it is in third-party cases where another person’s insurance is paying. The reason for this is that many consumers, unbeknownst to them, purchase insurance policies that have diminished value exclusions written in them. By virtue of being bound to this contract that they purchased, these consumers will be forced to forgo this portion of their claim. But, even in these cases, consumers that have purchased a post-repair inspection will often have proof that repairs failed to restore a vehicle to its preloss condition. Faced with this proof and the obligation to indemnify the policyholder, insurers are often forced to make a monetary concession - though rarely will they call it a diminished value payment.

Lie #8 You must go back to the same dishonest and/or slothful auto body shop for rerepairs

Truth: If you didn’t have to get your car repaired in the first place, why would you feel obligated to return a second, third or forth time to get the job done right? You don’t have to and you shouldn’t. You are under no more obligation to go back to an auto collision repair shop that butchered your car than you are to go back to a barber shop or beauty shop that butchered your haircut. Some courts have even taken the position that if you go back after knowing the limited capabilities of the shop or knowing that they might be less than honest, then you deserve whatever treatment you get the second time. You know the old saying, “Get me once, shame on you; Get me the second time, shame on ME!”

Lie #9 Insurance direct repair shops are the best places to get your car repaired

Truth: Direct repair shops (DRP) are not chosen for their ability to perform high quality work. Rather, insurers choose these shops to work with based on the amount of concessions and discounts they are willing to give them in exchange for referrals. In effect, DRP shops see insurers as their customers instead of vehicle owners. Given the choice, most will favor an insurer to keep work coming in the door, even if it means lying and cheating long-time customers.

There are many ways DRP shops favor insurers. As an example, many DRP agreements and contacts mandate that repair shop estimators overlook certain damages that would not be blatantly obvious to a consumer's untrained eye. In addition, it would not be uncommon for them to try to talk you into accepting an appearance allowance that represents an amount less than the actual cost of repairs to forgo repair of some damaged panels or parts. This would often be presented to you in such a way as to convince you they are doing you a favor.

Reality is, whether or not you get your car repaired, you are entitled to full value for the cost of repairs necessary to restore your property to its preloss condition. You shouldn’t settle for less!

This information is general in nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal or insurance advice. Readers are encouraged to consult specialists in these fields who have an understanding of legal and insurance issues on a local, state, and national level.

COPYRIGHT (c) 2007 David A. Williams - All Rights Reserved

Buying a Classic Car – Three Things to Help Ease the Experience

2007-11-09T02:02:00.000-08:00

By Robert Parker

Buying a new car, or even a late model used car, is a relatively simple process. You go to the dealer or lot knowing that you're buying a vehicle for daily use, and armed with a list of financing options, and features you cannot (or will not) live without. You might haggle a bit with the salesperson, just to be sure you're getting the best deal available, but in the end you'll walk out – or drive away – with pretty much exactly what you planned.

Purchasing a classic car is not quite as simple. Oh, there's still the list of features, and there are still financing options to consider (generally cash, check or charge), and there may even be some haggling, but before you do that, there are certain key factors that must be decided in advance. Let's discuss them.

Purpose
Before you look at any cars, make a list of why you're buying a classic vehicle. Are you going to drive it every day, or only once in a while? Will this be an investment, or mere transportation? Do you want something you can restore yourself, or do you want a car that has already been fixed up and tricked out? Do you plan to enter competition? If you do, bear in mind that you'll have to find a vehicle that is completely original, and you'll be spending more money for it, than for something you just want to drive on Sunday afternoons. It's important to address all these issues before you even narrow down your choices, because they may impact what you spend and where you look. If you have a specific model you're dying to have, great – try to focus on a specific year for that model (for example, the 1978 MG B). This will not only help your search for vehicles but it will also help you in your research.

Research
Once you've chosen your dream car (that 1978 MG B again), research it to death. Learn if there are any known issues, or recalls associated with the model in general. Were they resolved? If so, how? Many classic European cars had problems with their electrical systems, for example, so when you find one, be sure everything is in working order. You might also want to find a classic car club or owners group for the model you're in search of, and seek their advice. People who actually have experience with the same car you are looking for can be invaluable assets when shopping for an antique vehicle or vintage car.

Check it Out
You've determined the purpose of your classic car, and you've researched the model you really want, and finally you've identified a car you're willing to buy. Now what? Well, you should definitely run a vehicle history report on it, to assure yourself that it is not a stolen vehicle, and to find out how many owners it has had. You can do this online, for anywhere from $29 to $75 dollars, depending on the services you choose, and the depth of the search. You will need the VIN number for this. You should ALSO have a vehicle appraiser look at the car, not just to certify that you are paying a fair price, but to determine if there is evidence of an accident, or if the transmission or engine (or any number of other important components) are original or not. Replacement parts greatly affect the value of the car, but knowing the condition and having it gone over by an expert is equally important, and may save you money down the line.

Owning a classic car can be both fun and lucrative (if you resell, or enter competitions), so please keep this advice in mind whether you are looking for your first antique auto or if you have a garage full of vintage vehicles. One final piece of advice, though? Trust your gut. If at any time something feels wrong, stop any negotiations, and step away. No car is worth more than your own peace of mind.

Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Fleet Insurance Services Top Tips and Strategies To Help You Find Cheaper Commercial Insurance

2007-06-19T03:21:00.000-07:00

By Robert Mcleary

Your driver's age is considered with fleet insurance companies, drivers have to be over 25 with at least two years driving experience. But not to worry, you can insure your vehicles for any driver but your premium will probably be higher, you have to take the good and the bad.

Your drivers must obviously have a full UK driving license and be licensed for the vehicle they drive for your company. For instance, they must have a class one HGV license to driver 32-ton articulated vehicle. Most fleet insurance companies will allow any driver to driver any vehicle but if you employ older drivers with more experience, you could fall into a different category and be liable for a smaller premium cost.

If your company has a bad claims record, the terms of your policy can change and higher excess will be wanted from insurance companies. If one of your drivers has a bad claims record, the insurance company can ask for an increase for that driver. A poor claims record can mean stricter terms are applied and higher excesses.

Your cover can vary between your vehicles; let me explain… you can insure difference vehicles with difference cover, comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, or third-party only. You can increase or decrease your excess for certain vehicles to lower the cost of the premium. You may benefit from cheaper legal expenses if your vehicles are insured under one fleet insurance policy. Your vehicle windscreens can be covered for a much lower price under a fleet policy too.

Risk Management for your vehicles can be managed better if all your vehicles are insured on one policy. If you insure your vehicle with different insurance companies, then each company can take a different look to price your policy and this possibly will cost your company more cash. A fleet insurance policy will make sure all your vehicles are covered properly and reduce the risks for your business.

Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Auto Insurance Primer - What is auto insurance?

2007-06-15T03:19:00.000-07:00

By Car M

What is auto insurance? Auto insurance (or car insurance, motor insurance) is insurance consumers can purchase for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Its primary use is to provide protection against losses incurred. By buying auto insurance, depending on the type of coverage purchased, the consumer may be protected against:

* The cost of repairing the vehicle following an accident

* The cost of purchasing a new vehicle if it is stolen or damaged beyond economic repair

* Legal liability claims against the driver or owner of the vehicle following the vehicle causing damage or injury to a third party.

Liability insurance covers only the last point, while comprehensive insurance covers all three. Even comprehensive insurance, however, doesn't fully cover the risk associated with buying a new car. Due to the sharp decline in value immediately following purchase, there is generally a period in which the remaining car payments exceed the compensation the insurer will pay for a "totaled" (destroyed, or written-off) vehicle. So-called GAP insurance was established in the early 1980's to provide protection to consumers based upon buying and market trends. The escalating price of cars, extended term auto loans, and the increasing popularity of leasing gave birth to GAP protection. GAP waivers provide protection for consumers when a "gap" exists between the actual value of their vehicle and the amount of money owed to the bank or leasing company. In some countries including New Zealand and Australia market structures mean that people are more likely to buy a nearly new car than a new car so this is less of a problem.

In the United States, liability insurance covers claims against the policy holder and generally, any other operator of the insured's vehicle, provided they do not live at the same address as the policy holder and are not specifically excluded on the policy. In the case of those living at the same address, they must specifically be covered on the policy. Thus it is necessary for example, when a family member comes of driving age they must be added on to the policy. Liability insurance generally does not protect the policy holder if they operate any vehicles other than their own. When you drive a vehicle owned by another party, you are covered under that party's policy. Non-owners policies may be offered that would cover an insured on any vehicle they drive. This coverage is available only to those who do not own their own vehicle.

Generally, liability coverage does extend when you rent a car. However, in most cases only liability applies. Any additional coverage, such as comprehensive policies, i.e. "full coverage" may not apply. Full coverage premiums are based on, among other factors, the value of the insured's vehicle. This coverage may not apply to rental cars because the insurance company does not want to assume responsibility for a claim greater than the value of the insured's vehicle, assuming that a rental car may be worth more than the insured's vehicle. Some states, such as Minnesota, may require that it extend to rental cars. Most rental car companies offer insurance to cover damage to the rental vehicle. In some regions, the costs associated with not having access to the vehicle ("Loss of Use") is also covered.

Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance Premium

2007-06-12T03:16:00.000-07:00

By Car M

Many factors affect the premium you will pay for auto insurance. Each is a statistically based risk for a specific population. The higher the risk associated with a person, the more he or she is likely to pay for coverage. We have elaborated on some of the risk factors below, but there are numerous others, including driver's gender, miles driven per year, purpose for using the vehicle (commuting to work, using for work, leisure only), etc.

Factors you CANNOT easily change that affect your car insurance rates:

Age
Statistically, drivers under the age of 25 are at greater risk of being in an accident than those over age 25. Drivers between the ages of 50 and 65 generally have the safest records.

Gender
Women are statistically safer drivers.

Marital Status
A married person will pay less than a single person with an identical driving record. Factors you CAN change that affect your car insurance rates

Geography
Where you live makes a difference. Folks living in areas with little or no traffic are likely to spend less on insurance than those living in congested cities or suburbs because areas with a lot of traffic tend to see more accidents. Some neighborhoods also have a higher rate of vehicle thefts, which can result in a higher premium.

Driving Violations
Having an accident or moving violations on your record (speeding tickets, DWI, reckless driving, etc.) put you at a higher risk for accidents and will likely mean a higher premium. Some insurance companies will penalize you for your record for as many as five years from when the incident occurred. However, keep in mind, as your record improves, your premium will get lower.

Vehicle Type
El cheapo car will cost less to insure than that status symbol SUV sitting on 24" rims baby.

Accident Claims
A driving record that is clean and free of accidents will hold fare better for you than lots of tickets and/or accidents.

Credit Rating
Many insurance companies view having a poor, or even no credit history as suggestive of higher risk and thus, charge you a higher premium.

Occupation
Insurers have statistically found a correlation between your occupation and risk. For instance, a newspaper delivery person is most likely a higher risk than the personal banker sitting at their desk all day.

Other factors that help determine premiums:

. Driving distance to work
. Miles driven each year
. Years of driving experience
. Business use of the vehicle
. Whether or not you currently have auto insurance
. Theft protection devices (often results in discounts)
. Multiple cars and drivers (another opportunity for discounts)

What can I do right now to make sure I have the lowest premium?

Shop around and compare quotes from different insurers. They base their premiums on their claims experiences, which naturally differ. One company may see your area as a higher risk than others may. Another may charge more because of your occupation. Shopping at http://www.insurancehelp101.com makes it easier because you can quickly see multiple companies and their rates for your particular situation

Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

You Don’t Know And Car Insurance Companies Aren’t Telling

2007-05-09T03:25:00.000-07:00

By Tim Beachum

I almost crapped my pants when I found out that I was paying more in car insurance simply because of my occupation. Before you get all up in the air you may be in the lucky group of people that pay less for car insurance. When I first discovered this information I was flabbergasted to say the least.

I researched my information by reviewing the results of the Comparison Market’s 2006 Occupation Report. This report stated that your occupation can greatly impact your car insurance premium. Hold on to your seats because I haven’t even began to scratch the surface.

The Comparison Market also stated as an example that scientists, pilots, actors and a host of others pay the lowest insurance rates at an average of $935.76 per year. On the flip side of the coin we have job occupations such as attorneys, lawyers, judges, executives and business owners pay the highest insurance rates at an average of $1,383.63 per year.

That news made no since to me what-so-ever, but I had to get to the bottom of this. Mr. Roush, CEO of Comparison Market stated that attorneys, lawyers, judges etc… have extremely stressful jobs, which require them to spend more time in their cars and talk more frequently on their cell phones than the average driver.

Ok now we are getting somewhere. It’s all starting to make a little since to me. Now for the other group that I spoke of earlier, i.e. the scientist, pilots, actors and so forth. Their occupations are viewed as being very meticulous and detailed-oriented, which the powers that be feel lead to good driving habits.

For those of you in the know you already realize that receiving discounts on auto insurance is not a new concept. For years major insurance companies have been giving discounts to members of affinity groups, i.e. AARP, AAA, alumni groups and other associations.

Below I have listed the top 10 occupation that pay the least amount in premiums. Unfortunately I do not fall in this top 10 list.

1. Scientist
2. Retired individuals
3. Unemployed (I guess because they cannot afford gas… Just kidding)
4. Pilots and or Navigators
5. Disabled
6. Actor, Performers, and other types of Artist
7. Librarian/Historian
8. Farmer
9. Student
10. Public Official

Here is another little piece of irony for you. Number twelve on the lowest car insurance premium list was a bartender. That totally blew me away.

For more insider trade secrets, or to get your free car insurance quote, check out http://www.a1carinfo.com

Bio:
Tim Beachum is an author, speaker, success coach, actor, independent film producer, movie editor, and a successful Internet Marketer.

Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Privacy Policy for Automotive Insurance

2007-05-03T22:36:00.000-07:00

If you require any more information or have any questions about our privacy policy, please feel free to contact us by email at kedarah@hotmail.com.

At Automotive Insurance, the privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance to us. This privacy policy document outlines the types of personal information is received and collected by Automotive Insurance and how it is used.

Log Files
Like many other Web sites, Automotive Insurance makes use of log files. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol ( IP ) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.

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Automotive Insurance does use cookies to store information about visitors preferences, record user-specific information on which pages the user access or visit, customize Web page content based on visitors browser type or other information that the visitor sends via their browser.

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These third-party ad servers or ad networks use technology to the advertisements and links that appear on Automotive Insurance send directly to your browsers. They automatically receive your IP address when this occurs. Other technologies ( such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons ) may also be used by the third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertisements and / or to personalize the advertising content that you see.

Automotive Insurance has no access to or control over these cookies that are used by third-party advertisers.

You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. Automotive Insurance's privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.

If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers' respective websites.