November and December Dedicated To No-Fault Car Insurance

For the last two months of 2009, focus in certain states fall on personal injury protection coverage which, during the course of the year, has become the target of fraud and abuse by deceitful clinics and medical practitioners who bill for very expensive and unnecessary medical and check-up procedures.

For those who are not familiar, the words “no-fault car insurance” are used in states to refer to a car insurance program that makes it possible for policyholders to receive reimbursements and to recover monetary losses from their own insurance provider, regardless of which party caused the accident. Today, there are 12 states and Puerto Rico that have no-fault car insurance laws. Five states have verbal thresholds: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, and New York. The remaining seven states have monetary thresholds: Utah, Hawaii, North Dakota, Kansas, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Kentucky. Of all these 12, three follow a “choice” no-fault law, meaning they can opt to reject the lawsuit threshold and keep the right to take legal action for any auto-related damages. These three states are Kentucky, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Under current no-fault laws, motorists may file legal action for grave damages and for hurt and distress only if the situation satisfies certain criteria. The criteria, known as a threshold, refer to the harshness or level of damage of the injury. The severity of the damage may be described in verbal terms (verbal threshold) or in monetary amounts, the dollar amounts corresponding to medical expenses (monetary threshold).

According to industry experts, the number of fraud cases regarding no fault insurance has risen to a tremendous level and needs urgent attention. In New York, the personal injury protection insurance claims costs were estimated to be $8,748, and amount that is second highest in the US. Insurance providers in New York say that part of the cause of their problem is the legislation made during the end of 2004 ruling that the time estimated for filing claims need to me cut to a minimum. According the these companies, lessening the time needed to filing claims leads to less time taken to inspect and analyze each claim, thus giving opportunities for fraud. For 2009, claims costs went up an astonishing 56% and investigations regarding fraudulent claims have tripled in number.

On the other hand, in Minnesota, a study conducted by the Insurance Research Council reveals that the state had more than 500 insurance claims for personal injury protection. Bulk of the costs of which, roughly 58%, were bills from chiropractors, and only 11% and 19% respectively represent physical therapists and physicians’ bills. While much of Minnesota’s data doesn’t necessary lead to fraud, it still shows an astounding number of increases in claims that provide room for investigation.

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Uninsured Drivers Pose Risk

The alarm for uninsured motorist is on as some states remain lenient about letting their motorists drive freely without the need to purchase car insurance policy first. According to a recent study conducted by the Insurance Research Council, one out of every seven US drivers go and ride freely without being insured first.

Reports from the Insurance Information Institute show that drivers who do not have car insurance pose a great of threat once they get on the road – when an uninsured motorist causes a road accident and he isn’t capable of paying the damages, the injured party would have to carry the burden. According to the organization, the way to eliminate the problem on uninsured drivers is to first find out how many they are and who they are.

Insurance Industry Committee on Motor Vehicle Administration former chair Loren McGlade says that if the uninsured drivers are not identified, there is no way to solve the problem s that they cause. According to McGlade, states today techniques like random sampling and requiring insurance providers to provide copies of their business books and customer databases.

On the other hand, insurance companies say that the problem is rooted by the lack of understand regarding the importance of being an insured driver. Added to this is the fact that the unemployment rate is starting to increase also forms part of the problem’s cost. According to experts, car owners today will choose to save up on cash rather than spending a lot of money on policy papers because of the challenges caused by the economy. Another study of the Insurance Information Institute shows that around 17% are willing to scarify not buying car insurance if it means having enough cash until the next payday.

The Department of Transportation says that they have already begun looking for ways to lessen the number of insured drivers. According to reports, the Department is laying down plans of making car insurance mandatory in all the US states and is making sure that state authorities punish those who do not follow.

Former Chair McGlade said that insurance premiums should be strictly regulated by each state. Private companies who take advantage by setting high prices are one cause why motorists think twice about being insured. Experts say that when car owners do not enough to pay for policies, they may begin to be blinded by price and deliberately exchange it for money. McGlade responds to this by saying that if these drivers are made to understand the real risk they are creating by not buying insurance, they will all think twice about not being insured.

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Protection Still Possible Even without Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage

For certain states in the US, such as New York, getting concerned about uninsured drivers remains to be an option. New York and other states that still rules for uninsured and underinsured driver coverage to be optional, there are still ways to get protected from inadequately protected motorists.

According a recent research conducted by the Insurance Information Institute, out of every seven motorists in the United States does not have enough protection from auto insurance; and even though it’s only 1 out of 7, those with inadequately protection can greatly cause repercussions for insured motorists.

Reports say that Insurance companies claim that most of their policyholders do not bother to think much about the underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage portion part when they check their auto insurance policy; they only bother to do so when the time comes when there is an actual victim. According to Insurance Information Institute consumer spokesperson and senior vice president Jeanne M. Salvatore, drivers only care about underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage when they themselves are the victims or they run into someone who unfortunately has very little insurance coverage or no car insurance at all.

Unknown to a number of motorists, the coverage for uninsured motorists can compensate the insured driver, a member of his family, or a selected motorist for bodily damages that can come as a result of an uninsured motorist or a hit-and-run driver. On the other hand, the coverage for underinsured motorists comes to the rescue when the driver who caused the accident has not enough insurance coverage to pay you for overall loss. Underinsured motorist coverage also protects drivers in the unfortunate even that they are hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian.

The Insurance Research Council study conducted during the first quarter of 2009 shows that approximately 14% of all motorists in the US are uninsured, with considerable variations among each state. Mississippi (28%), New Mexico (29%), and Alabama (24%) are Included in the list of states with the highest percentage of uninsured motorists. Meanwhile, among the stats that has the smallest number of uninsured drivers are Massachusetts (1%), New York and North Dakota (both 1%), and Maine (4%).

For motorists who do not want to purchase uninsured and underinsured driver coverage, there are other means to receive protection. For states that follow the No-fault insurance laws (all in all there are 12 states and Puerto Rico that follow the no-fault system) victims can get benefits from their own insurance providers regardless if the other party has insurance coverage.

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Things You Need To Know About Modified Car Insurance

Automobile modification is a type of hobby where people modify certain parts of the car to upgrade its performance and make it look more stylish. The auto modification industry is becoming larger than ever owing to the ever-growing number of auto modification hobbyists. However, to some individuals, auto modification is more than just a hobby. They consider it their own unique culture and lifestyle. People have their cars modified in different ways, depending on their intention, income, and individual lifestyle. These auto modification aficionados spend serious cash to “trick out” or “soup up” their precious rides with modifications that sometimes amount to thousands of dollars.

Needless to say, this type of hobby or lifestyle does not come cheap. However, this fact does nothing to stop a lot of people from spending a great deal of time and money for auto modification. It brings them a sense of great pleasure and accomplishment to customize their vehicles, even though they know that the more they modify their car, the more it will cost them if they encounter an auto accident. Every auto modification enthusiast should know the basic facts about modified car insurance, which differs from ordinary car insurance.

Only a handful of auto insurance companies are willing to offer coverage to modified vehicles. Finding coverage for your modified car is not too easy, even at higher rates. A provider can consider giving coverage to cars with a modified body as well as cars with customized video and audio systems.

Cars with modified engines, however, can be a problem to most auto insurance providers. This is because a modified engine accelerates a car’s speed, making it more tempting for a lot of drivers to speed up. This fact can pose a problem when obtaining modified car insurance. You have a lesser chance of getting an insurance policy if your car’s engine is all “souped up.”

Apart from these important factors, auto insurance providers also consider the driver’s risk level when giving modified car insurance. Factors that determine the risk level include the driver’s gender, location, income, credit score, and driving record.

Insurance companies classify modified cars into two types: “show cars” and “street cars.” It is easier to obtain modified car insurance for show cars, since show cars have lower risk level. On the other hand, “street cars” have a very high risk level since a street car has a greater chance of an auto collision.

It might be a bit difficult for modified car aficionados to find a company willing to provide modified auto insurance coverage with affordable rates, but it is possible.

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Basic Facts About Auto Insurance For Seniors

One of the most affordable types of insurance policies in the market is auto insurance for seniors. Senior citizens, with their years of experience behind the wheel, are considered the most careful and most efficient drivers, thus the reason behind low rates given to this kind of insurance.

Some people say they get freedom and sense of accomplishment from driving their own car. However, it takes a lot of effort to perform all the tasks needed to drive effectively, a primary reason why most seniors decide to quit driving sooner rather than later. Auto insurance is very important for drivers both young and old. That is why when making a decision in choosing the right auto insurance for seniors, it is essential to be well informed of the different existing insurance polices for a better perspective regarding options and rates.

Those who fall in the age group of 50 to 75 are qualified for an assortment of special bargains when it comes to insurance policies. Since older people do not drive as much as their younger counterparts, those who can drive 10,000 miles per year are eligible to get discounts and special offers. For those seniors who go to the countryside to settle down, they will not be driving as much as they would if they live in the city. They are perfect candidates to get rebates in premiums since the chances of accidents happening in rural areas are lower compared to accidents happening in the city. The best option for people in this situation is to have their vehicles insured on their existing provider to avail of special discounts offered to seniors.

According to statistics, those aged 50 to 75 are the most responsible drivers; hence they generally are enabled to get the lowest rates when getting auto insurance for seniors. On the other hand, rates for those aged 75 and above are some of the highest since statistics show that they are prone to have fatal accidents during daytime.

One way of getting low rates in auto insurance for seniors is by maintaining a good driving record. Based on your good driving record, insurance providers will feel more secure and confident to give you the best deal since you are not putting their company’s name at risk. However, if in case you have made a violation a year prior to changing your insurance policy, try to make up for it by making your current record clean. In that case, you will be amazed at the discounts you will be entitled to get.

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Learn More About Used Car Insurance

Many people actually think there is huge difference between getting insurance for new cars and used cars. The truth is that the difference between new and used car insurance is very slight. The basic fundamentals are very much alike, but the details differ.

One major difference among the two is that auto insurance companies charge less for used car insurance. This is due to the fact that a company loses less money if a used vehicle gets damaged in an auto collision or gets stolen, compared to a newer one. This means that a policy holder pays less since a company can charge lesser for collision and other accident coverage.

If you are a used vehicle owner, you might consider requesting to have higher deductibles to get lower rates. Because the price of a brand new automobile is higher than a used one, it normally has lower deductibles. Most car owners can save on the rates for a used vehicle. However, they have a higher possibility of paying more once they manage a claim.

The car owner’s driving history is one of the most important assets in this case. This affects both new and used vehicles. Most car insurance companies also examine a car’s history and present condition before giving an insurance quote. A “dirty” driving record will obviously lead you to pay higher rates. Thus, it is definitely smarter to try to have a clean driving record before deciding to shop around for vehicle insurance or policy.

Most vehicle insurance companies also consider another essential factor: the location where you drive and park your vehicle. If you make trips to suburbs and smaller towns, your used car has a lower possibility of getting in an auto accident, compared to driving in busy roads. Likewise, if you park your automobile in areas with high rates of car theft, companies would definitely think twice before they give you a quote.

Lastly, the type of your car greatly affects your used car insurance rates. Therefore, if your used vehicle has high performance features, an insurance provider will most likely give you a higher premium rate, since the risk of car theft increases. It would be wiser to buy a protected family car that was previously owned by a responsible car owner. Insurance companies will feel confident and secure to provide coverage for your used car if it was properly maintained.

Having your used vehicle insured is not difficult at all. You just need to learn about vital factors and requirements before you decide to buy a used car insurance policy.

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What You Should Know About Car Insurance for Women

Whether you believe in double standards or not, women gain greater edge when it comes to availing car insurance. Before men could dispute this issue, statistics dictate that women are more careful drivers and only make smaller claims, not to mention claims on miniscule bumps and a few scratches. Women are found to be less likely to figure in a car mishap, they are the ones who drive more carefully, and cover lesser distances. These factors, too, give women the advantage of paying lower premiums. However, paying lower cost is not equated with cheap prices. One does not mean the other. Before you get car insurance for women, here are some important factors to keep in mind.

It pays to window shop. Unlike mall shopping, you may find window shopping for car insurance not as thrilling. However, paying more attention to this will yield more benefits for you in the long run. You can ask agents from different companies for quotes on the kind of policy or coverage you will need. You can either call or check them online and give their representatives a detailed account of your personal circumstances. Compare the quotes and benefits included once you receive them and make your assessment on which deal is the most reasonable. Moreover, talk to independent agents. Independent agents are carriers of several insurance companies. They have the knowledge and expertise to advise you on the best coverage when it comes to car insurance for women. Through agents like these, it is possible to gain unbiased perspectives on which coverage you should apply for.

Take advantage of deductibles. Consider getting additional insurance features such as comprehensive insurance and third-party liability insurance with your car insurance for women. When you include different features in your coverage, you will reduce the overall cost of your premium and you can get more savings.

Avail of all discounts. Don’t you get thrilled on discounted purchases? Most women would. The same is true for purchasing car insurance for women. Certain variables such as setting up an alarm system in your car, taking driver safety lessons, driving shorter distances, putting locks on the steering wheel and on the doors of your car will help reduce your premium costs dramatically. These signals the insurer that you are a mature driver and you would do everything possible to prevent any risks covered by the insurance from happening. You already have the advantage of being a woman and availing discounts will not only make you happy, but your insurer as well.

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Getting Instant Car Insurance Guide

In this fast-paced world that we live in, everything seems instant. Car insurance is not an exception to this fact. These days, you do not have to wait for a follow up call from a representative or carrier; you can get instant car insurance in just a matter of minutes after choosing a quote. Getting one will provide you with immediate protection and spare you from unnecessary efforts of making follow up calls whenever you need to file claims. If you want to get instant car insurance, here are some suggestions:

Check the quotes of the product online. You can enter the keywords “instant car insurance” and sort through results provided by a search engine. Make sure that you pick out a website that offers such features and not just free quotes. These Internet sites provide online forms which you can fill out with pertinent information about yourself as well as your driving history. You can register for free in these websites by entering your personal data on the online form and it will only take a few minutes to an hour to get results. Wait for the results and check if the company will immediately process your request. Otherwise, do not bother getting a quote from them.

Solicit quotes. Do not simply settle on the first site you can find. The Internet is home to thousands of insurance providers offering instant car insurance online. Compare premium costs and benefits from each carrier and check which package fits best for your needs. These companies are competing for bigger market share of online consumers and you can find that premium quotes from each company are relatively close. However, the difference lies in the benefits enclosed in these package plans so carefully read the details as you select the right coverage for you.

Check a company’s reputation. Before you finally settle with a provider for your coverage, conduct due diligence or background check on the company. A lot of scheming people lurk behind seemingly reputable websites, so employ discretion. Research on the company registration, website certification, and contact information of an insurance provider you are considering. Search forums on the topic and check if the name of the company you are transacting with comes up. You can also check if this company is rated by Better Business Bureau (BBB). BBB is an independent firm that provides consumers with ratings of different businesses as far as their reputation and services are concerned. If your research would show that the insurance provider is reputable and reliable, you can proceed with your transaction and avail of their plan.

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Pay-as-you-drive Insurance Plans Inching Closer in the State of California

Recent developments in California signal changes in the insurance landscape of the State. California Insurance Commissioner, Steve Poizner, recently released policies that in effect permit monitoring and verification of miles used for pay-as-you-drive insurance plans.

The system of pay-as-you drive insurance plans is similar to pre-paid mobile phones, where policyholders pay premium based on the number of miles travelled, as in the case of phone subscribers, they only pay for minutes consumed. In effect, the lesser one drives, the lesser he pays; the more one drives the more premium he pays. This type of plan is very democratic and highly practical.

Environmental groups hope that pay-as-you drive insurance plans would encourage people to be more responsible with their driving habits, ultimately creating a scenario where drivers would choose to walk or take public transport rather than pay for high premium fees.

MileMeter, a company operating out of Texas, is the first company to step forward and offer pay-as-you-drive plans that are initially valid for six months. This is the first time that a company would be branching out of their Texas headquarters.

This company is targeting specific segments of the market, in particular, motorists who are paying high premiums or people who are enrolled on affordable, but bare and inadequate insurance plans.

Pay-as-you-drive plans are not new to this state, as some coverage plans are partly based on amount of miles driven; however, insurance companies are prohibited from verifying the mileage of policyholders. This makes the system prone and open to abuse as well as tampering.

Studies conducted by research institutions revealed that if all drivers nationwide would be enrolled on plans based on miles, there would be a significant drop in gas consumption and driving hours. Furthermore, research also found that drivers on these types of plans can stand to benefit savings of up to $270 per car.

However, not all Californians are in favour of this recent measure. Some people find regulation to be intrusive and these individuals do not savour the idea of having someone track their movements.

Other respondents see the regulatory policy as an attempt of the state to control citizens. They added that State government clearly wants to dictate the behaviour of Californians by implementing measures designed to compel citizens to limit or curtail movements and activities, which to them is an indirect infringement to one’s freedom.

More enthusiastic groups lauded the move and expressed relief that the regulation would now recognize people who drive their cars less in the form of lower premiums, while those who drive around a lot would have to shell out more for premiums.

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Economic Downturn Increases Risk

Surviving family and friends do not only deal with emotional stress, but also financial distress. Things turn up a notch higher in these difficult business conditions where people forego a lot of conveniences because of tight finances.

Just recently a massive traffic accident occurred in Louisiana that resulted in the deaths of five people. The lone survivor of the accident, an elderly woman broke both her legs. She lost her son, grandchildren, and daughter who all perished in the mishap. The elderly is still confined in a hospital undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.Incidents like these remind people how important insurance coverage is and how crucial a role it plays in contingencies.

Insurance experts advise people to assess their risk profile first to give them an idea on what kinds of insurance plans might be of good use to them and what would suit them best. Now more than ever, the recession has made people less particular of insurance products that would best suit them. Today’s driver seems to be more concerned on what are the cheapest plans available.

Research reveals that a mere 20% of adult drivers have insurance. What compounds the problem is that 30% percent of the total insured population have inadequate insurance. A small percentage of people who can afford coverage these days prefer really basic almost strip down bare insurance plans. However, such types of insurance do not provide adequate protection to policyholders, and are not of much use in major events.

Two industry insiders were asked if the current economic weakness had a direct impact to their business. The two executives from Farmers denied of any financial struggles inside their company. They added that Farmers had invested in secure government instruments beforehand and so when the recession got into full swing, the company did not panic since they had enough buffer resources to stay afloat. Farmers is currently, and still remains as, one of the top employers in Hillsboro, Oregon employing thousands of locals.

Since people are penny-pinching because of the uninspiring economic condition and opting for cheap insurance plans, they are effectively putting themselves to greater risks when they are on the road. Nevertheless it is comforting to know that some forward looking insurance companies have made wide investments in the past that are serving them well today. For people who are on the lookout for an insurance company today, it is reassuring to know that there are still strong insurance companies out there which are financially stable, secure and thriving even in today’s severe economic condition.

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The Ideal Car Insurer

Every driver has wondered who the ideal insurer is, the one with the best prices and least hassles, the insurer with the best commercials and the hottest spokesperson. Who is the best insurer to purchase insurance from? Whether or not a driver is willing to admit it, there has been at least once where they have thought this. These thoughts can come from viewing a recent commercial, hearing what a neighbor is paying for their policy, or seeing the problems arising from the insurer of a family member because of their accident. In addition to these, the economy has got everyone wondering if there is another way they can cut back on daily life expenditures and the auto insurance bill is one expense many people have considered trying to cut back. So really, who is the ideal insurer?

Instead of beating around the bush we’ll come out and tell you the bottom line is, the ideal insurer is the company who will fit the ideals of the driver. Sorry there isn’t one company to name, but we know that one motorist may feel one insurance company is superior while another motorist could completely disagree and find another insurance company as the best. To find the “best” insurer for your needs, you first need to assess your automobile insurance needs.

What Are Your Car Insurance Needs?
When evaluating needs for your car insurance policy, start at the beginning with what is required by law. Each state has their own requirements that must be met by each motorist. When you know what types of coverage and how many dollars must be purchased, think about whether or not that dollar amount will protect you and your assets in the even you cause an accident. The state requirements may not be enough protection for you and your circumstances. Perhaps considering a higher amount would be something you need.

Medical options are available for purchasing on an auto insurance policy. There are different types and amounts, but the majority of them pay for the medical expenses that are related to an accident, regardless of who caused the accident. Some medical coverage options will pay for funeral expenses or lost wages. If you had to miss work due to accident related injuries, would you be able to pay your bills? Could you afford funeral costs? Healthcare coverage purchased through other means may be combined with these medical options on the policy, so be careful of duplicate coverage if you can’t afford much.

In addition to medical coverage and liabilities, insurers offer other realms of options too. For instance, what would happen if your car were totaled? Could you afford to purchase another vehicle? With comprehension and collision coverage the insurer would repay you the cash value of your car’s worth if it were totaled or stolen. A vandalized car is also covered here. Weather related accidents such as hail storms or wind damage can be covered on a vehicle that is not stored in a garage. Think about how you would pay for any type of damage done to your vehicle, especially if the vehicle is your only source of transportation and vital to maintaining your way of life. After assessing your insurance needs, see which insurers offer the type of insurance that would benefit you most.

Strengths And Weaknesses of Insurer
When needs have been met, look into the strengths and weaknesses of different insurers. Three things to look at within each insurer is their price, how they handle their customer service, and their financial stability. Each of these aspects will tell a motorist how the company runs and whether or not they want to be part of it as a customer. Knowing what you need in an insurance policy will lead to finding out how much it costs. Can you afford your ideal policy? How close to full coverage can you purchase without breaking your budget? Each insurer will charge different amounts for the same coverage options. Using our quote comparison tool can help any driver locate the cheapest price for the coverage they want. All any motorist needs to do is enter their zip code, answer questions about the driver, vehicle, and coverage, and they’ll be given a list of quotes for policies. See which company offers the lowest price for the most coverage.

Customer service entails a number of things, including how the customer is treated on the phone when they contact the insurer, how easy the insurer’s website can be read and looked through, how claims are handled, the convenience of payment, etc. Auto insurance can be hard to deal with and understand, and having an insurer whose representatives are patient and knowledgeable take the stress out of most situations. Anyone can find out about an insurer’s customer service reputation by asking around or searching for reviews on the Internet. It’s easier to make a choice when you’ve spoken with a number of people instead of just a couple.

Finally, don’t forget about an insurance company’s financial stability. The stronger their finances are, the more able they are to pay out claims as promised in the policy contract. Wouldn’t it be terrible to be in a situation where you have been in an accident, filed a claim, paid the deductible, but there is no money in site from the insurer? After many calls you finally realize they do not have the money to payout as promised. This situation has happened and can be avoided when the policyholder knows the insurer’s financial strength. There are sites on the Internet that list different insurer’s strength and show whether or not they are vulnerable to failure.

What does your ideal insurer provide? Is it a national chain that offers low prices or a smaller, local company providing excellent customer service? Each motorist knows what will make them satisfied with their insurer, and they should do what they can to research who will be their ideal match. The best auto insurance policy is the one that gives you the most coverage for the least price. OnlineAutoInsurance.com can help you find that policy today.

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Defining Proof of Insurance

Proof of insurance is a popular term used to refer to a physical form of proof a driver has of their insurance coverage. This proof is usually in the form of a small card, around the size of 3.5 inches by 5 inches (although the size can vary with each insurer). This card should be kept in the vehicle which has the insurance coverage. Most drivers will keep this card in their glove compartment for easy access, but some will keep it in their wallet with their license knowing whenever they drive they will have it with them. It used to be that a driver didn’t need to have this proof of insurance card with them at all times, but now most traffic officers will request to see this card in addition to the license and vehicle registration during traffic stops or at the scene of an accident. Any driver failing to provide their proof of insurance will find themselves having to pay the consequences.

Where To Get Your Proof
To get a proof of insurance card, a driver must first purchase a policy. After a policy has been purchased, the insurer will send the driver or new policyholder their proof of insurance card. For some drivers, waiting for the card to come through the mail isn’t soon enough because they need to drive immediately. These drivers and any other driver who does not want to wait for their proof should know that on OnlineAutoInsurance.com has a way to provide drivers with instant proof of insurance when they purchase their policy from our site. This purchase can be made by using the quote comparison tool we have and offer to the public for free and then buying one of the policies from the list of quotes.

To use the quote comparison tool, begin with entering the driver’s local zip code in the appropriate box found on our homepage. A new page will open containing a list of questions revolving around the driver, their vehicle, and the insurance coverage they would like to purchase. It is helpful to have the basic information of each of these categories close by to minimize the time spent answering the questions. Such information includes the driver’s age, address, and driving history, the vehicle’s VIN, mileage, make, model and year, and the coverage types and amounts needed. Once this information is entered in, the applicant will be given a list of quotes to look at that are provided by various insurers throughout the area. The driver can compare the quote prices and the companies before making their decision, if one is made at all. There is no limit to how many times a driver can use this tool and there is no obligation to make any purchase. However, any driver who is looking to get proof of insurance immediately should know this is one of the fastest ways of doing so. Purchasing the best policy from the quote page will enable most users to print their proof of insurance card from their home computer once the policy has been electronically signed and paid for.

Penalties Of No Proof
Occasionally there are a few officers who will let it slide when you forget to put a new proof of insurance card in your vehicle and you don’t have that card to show them. But this is very rare. More often than not, the driver who is without a proof of insurance card will be fined or given a ticket. This can occur whether or not the driver actually does have auto insurance. Some officers do have the ability to check on a motorist’s insurance and can verify whether or not the driver is lying about having coverage. Certain states have all of this information listed in a database that can be checked by officers during traffic stops. It is illegal in every state to drive without any claimed financial responsibility and police officers are cracking down on those without it. Car insurance is a popular form of financial responsibility. It’s best to always be honest with an officer about insurance coverage and to carry the proof of insurance card in the vehicle at all times to prevent a tougher situation. An officer who discovers a driver with no proof of insurance and no insurance will suspend their license and their vehicle’s registration.

Reasons Immediate Proof Is Needed
Proof of coverage is needed any time the driver is pulled over for a traffic stop or when the driver is involved in an accident (regardless of who is at fault). Proof of insurance shows the other driver in the accident you do have insurance and they can write down your insurance information from the card if you do not have all of that information memorized. The officer at the scene of the accident will also want to write down that information on the accident report. At traffic stops, the police officer will want to verify that you are legally driving by having an insurance policy for the vehicle being driven.

At any time a driver is found driving a vehicle that is not insured, their driver’s license and the vehicle’s registration will be suspended. In order to lift the suspension off the license and registration the driver must show proof of insurance to a court in addition to paying fines. The time it takes for the driver to purchase insurance and get their proof card will affect the length of time for them to start driving legally again. This is why our quote comparison tool is so beneficial to all drivers; we can get you a policy in minutes and in some cases allow those drivers to print their proof of insurance card immediately. This can shorten the suspension period dramatically.

All drivers should remember two things when they drive: their license and their proof of auto insurance card. As long as a motorist has these things with adequate coverage on their car insurance policy, they are following the state law. If you need help finding great coverage, turn to our quote comparison tool to get the best prices and quick proof cards.

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Health Insurance

For many of us, our health insurance benefits are the most important employee benefit. This may be especially true considering an estimated 47 million Americans -- many of them working Americans -- lack basic health insurance according to an August 2007 report published by the U.S. Census.

Before you have a medical emergency, it's important to know how to understand the basics of your health insurance benefits. Some of the basic features include:

Premiums. You want to know how much your monthly insurance premium is and whether your employer pays a part of it. Monthly premiums can easily reach $100 for single persons and two or three times that amount for families.

Employers often obtain health insurance for their employees with a group policy. By spreading the risk among more insureds, group insurance plans are often able to obtain more affordable premiums.

Deductibles. A deductible is the amount you pay the physician before your insurer pays its share of your medical bill. Generally, the larger your deductible is, the smaller your premium. You may wish to consider increasing your deductible in exchange for a lower premium. Higher deductibles are a common way for insurers to make insureds share in the cost of health care.

Copayments. A copayment is the amount you pay when you visit a doctor. Like a deductible, a copayment is a means of sharing the costs of health care to discourage excessive use of benefits. Copayments are often in the range of $5 to $25 -- not too much but high enough to discourage frivolous use of your benefits.

Out-of-pocket expenses. Out-of-pocket expenses are the costs you have to pay, in total, before an insurer pays for any remaining amounts. Amounts you pay as deductibles are included in your out-of-pocket expenses, which are kept as a running total. Most health insurance plans also have a yearly maximum for out-of-pocket expenses that you have to pay. Once you have reached your maximum for the period, you're usually done paying for that period.

Coverage of services. When it comes to the coverage of medical services, some employer-sponsored health plans are simply more generous than others in the scope of services that they cover. You should be aware of any procedures or medical disorders that your health insurance plan does and does not cover.

Ancillary care. A good health insurance plan pays for visits to a doctor. However, a more comprehensive plan also provides benefits coverage for such ancillary care as pharmacy and vision. Dental insurance is often offered as a separate benefit but it may also be included in a comprehensive health insurance plan as a policy rider.

Health insurers often contract with a network of doctors to provide health care for insureds. These networks are often managed care networks, which include health maintenance organizations (HMOs). HMOs focus on providing preventive care by encouraging early diagnosis (when treatment is cheaper). HMOs actively use copayments, deductibles and out-of-pocket expense caps to manage health care costs.

With managed care, you select a doctor from a roster of physicians in your area. This physician is called your primary care physician. You use your primary care physician as a gateway for your health care, obtaining a referral from him or her to obtain specialized medical care. This gateway approach is another way that managed-care networks seek to control health care inflation, which has easily outpaced general inflation over the past decade.
Health care critics argue that the gateway process penalizes consumers by slowing down the time it takes to receive timely health care for specialized needs. In spite of these criticisms, HMOs and other managed-care networks have become the dominant system for providing health care in the U.S.

Another type of health care insurance is fee-for-service health care. Fee-for-service care is more expensive than HMOs since it is a pay-for-what-you-get insurance system. Fee-for-service health care plans use a network of physicians called preferred provider organizations (PPOs). An advantage of fee-for-service health insurance is that you have more latitude in choosing a doctor.

A major issue in health care today is declining reimbursement rates, particularly with respect to Medicare reimbursements. Health insurers often use a contracted reimbursement system to pay physicians and rely on a similar system to be reimbursed by Medicare. For example, an insurer might reimburse a doctor or hospital $10,000 for a kidney dialysis, or $5,000 for a birth given by Caesarean section. However, if Medicare is reimbursing at lower rates, the health insurer eats the difference and is forced to increase insurance rates.

When you receive health insurance, you often have an open-enrollment period. Open enrollment is generally a once-a-year period that lets you modify your insurance coverage. If you give birth to a child or have a change in your marital status, you are allowed another opportunity to modify your health insurance coverage.

If you and a spouse have your own health insurance plans with the other spouse as a beneficiary, you should see how each spouse's plan affects the other. Health insurers use coordination of benefits to determine which insurer pays for which services and to prevent from paying twice for the same procedure or visit.

If you anticipate paying health care costs each year that your employer does not reimburse, you may wish to set up a health care reimbursement account. These accounts let you make before-tax contributions to fund the account during the year, potentially saving you hundreds or thousands of dollars in taxes. Health care reimbursement accounts are also called cafeteria or Section 125 plans after the section of tax code that governs their use.

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Avoid losing your health care coverage

Follow these three steps to make sure you have health insurance when you need it most.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Thousands of Americans have found themselves with a cancelled health insurance policy or a denied claim, just when they need it most.

In California for example, insurers paid out about $19 million in fines for dropping policyholders, and the attorney general is investigating reports that insurers are denying claims at rates close to 40%.

Follow these tips to avoid any lapse in your coverage.

1. Know the process. Rescission is a term used when an insurance company cancels a policyholder's coverage on grounds that the company was misled on your application. For example, forgotting to mention that you were hospitalized for chest pains could be grounds for cancelling your coverage, should you later develop a heart condition and make claims to your insurance company.

Health Net, an insurer in California, was recently fined $1 million because employees there were offered bonuses if they found a reason to cancel policies. Generally insurance companies have two years to go back and find discrepancies in your insurance application according to Amir Mostafaie of eHealthInsurance.com.

2. Appeal the cancellation. There are steps you can take if your policy has been cancelled. First, find out why you've been dropped. Get in touch with your insurance company. Next, call your state health insurance department and describe your situation. The folks there can act as intermediaries between you and the insurance company.

But if you don't seem to be getting anywhere, simply apply with a different carrier. Your relationship with the insurance company is already sullied, so go with a different company.

And when you fill out these applications, it's natural to forget some dates, or the names of doctors. You can always make a note at the bottom saying the dates were estimated, according to eHealthinsurance.com.

3. Appeal denied claims. If your claim is denied, make sure you find out what the appeals process is. Every plan should have a clear appeals process that you must follow. And don't delay. Sometimes you only have 60 days to start the process. Make sure you collect any paperwork you already have, such as bills, physician information or physician referrals, and keep a log of every telephone call you make.

If your attempts to deal with the insurance company informally are not successful, you will have to file a formal appeal. You'll probably have to submit an appeal in writing.

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Open Wide: A Dental Exam on Health Reform

When the 5-year-old boy opened wide for dentist Lindsey Robinson in April, she found cavities in the back corners of his mouth. But his parents, who had no insurance, didn't bring him back for fillings.
The boy returned in September with a toothache. Untreated, one cavity ''got into the nerve and developed an abscess,'' says Robinson, who practices in Grass Valley, Calif. She had to remove the tooth. "The parents felt horrible putting it off,'' she says.

This recession has led many adults to postpone trips to the dentist, both for themselves and their children. "In tough economic times, you're concerned about your job and your expenses,'' says Bill Prentice, director of the American Dental Association's Washington office. "People are putting off dental care. Patients aren't coming back for checkups as they should.''

During the ferocious debate on health reform, meanwhile, dental care has largely been shunted to the sidelines. It's treated as separate -- and unequal-- to general medical care, says Oral Health America, an advocacy and education organization that has called for dental coverage for all Americans.

The American Dental Association has also pushed for inclusion of dental care in reform legislation. In addition, the group seeks better pay for dentists who treat patients covered by Medicaid, the government insurance program for the poor and disabled. Currently, many state Medicaid programs don't cover dentists' costs of seeing these patients.

California, mired in a budget crisis, has even removed dental coverage for adults on Medicaid, Robinson notes.

Dental care represents about 5% of overall health care spending. But the out-of-pocket expenses can add up, especially for the more than 100 million Americans who have no dental coverage -- more than twice the number who lack health insurance. Kids without dental insurance are much more likely to have no regular dental care than those with coverage. And untreated tooth decay in children can cause pain, difficulty concentrating on learning, loss of school days, and difficulty in eating and sleeping. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of children, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Untreated tooth problems afflict millions of adults as well. Adult dental procedures typically are much less expensive than those in general medical care, but some still can run into the thousands of dollars, which leads many to forgo treatment. In 2005, 25 million adults did not receive dental care because they couldn't afford it, according to a report by Delta Dental Plans Association.

Families who have private dental insurance generally get at least some coverage for cleanings, fillings and X-rays, as well as twice-a-year checkups.

People without coverage can get short-term relief with lower-cost care at a community health center, a county health department, or a clinic at a dental school.General dentists in private practice averaged $206,000 in income in 2007, according to the American Dental Association, though the group says the economic downturn has squeezed that pay.

Robinson, a pediatric dentist, works in a rural area in Northern California where the recession has struck hard. Like other dentists, Robinson says she's flexible on payments if a family can't immediately pay the entire cost of a visit. "I'm certainly willing to work with people,'' Robinson says.

About 20% of her pediatric patients have no coverage at all, she says.

"There are so many kids with giant holes in their mouth,'' she says. ''They have advanced disease. Many need a great deal of treatment.''

Robinson sees the reform debate in Washington as vitally important as millions more Americans may gain health insurance. Preventive dental care and treatment should be covered for those newly insured people, she says.
Like other oral health advocates, she wants to put teeth in health care reform. "It's important that dentistry has a seat at the table,'' Robinson says.

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A Good Argument for Not Buying Health Insurance

This post is really targeted to the self-employed and non-insured among you. (You lucky still-employed workers with health benefits, you're excused for now.) I just want to offer this interesting op-ed piece by Chicago-based health care writer J. Duncan Moore, Jr. as food for thought, because he gives good reasons for why it's not worth having health insurance -- and how it's possible to profit without it.
I have individual coverage by Anthem Blue Cross, who, without any notice, just upped my monthly premium 21 percent. To afford the payments, I moved from a $2,500 deductible to a $5,000 deductible last year. A month after that move, Blue Cross upped my premium 15 percent. My "who needs this crap" attitude was stoked after reading Moore's point of view.

After losing his job and seeing his $447-a-month COBRA coverage about to expire, Moore decided not to get an individual plan. His reasoning: he's a healthy person who eats right, sleeps enough and has no family history of major diseases. So, Moore decides, "Why shouldn't I create my own network and find providers who would give me a discount for paying cash?" Putting his plan into practice, he went to his doctor for a checkup. His visit was billed at $100 but discounted to $65, and routine cholesterol tests were marked down from $195 to $110. "I wrote two checks on the spot. There was no paperwork, no correspondence, no phone calls, no arguing about deductibles or co-pays, for me or for the doctor's office. And the doctor got his money immediately."

This is where he tips into a part of U.S. health care that is changing and needs to change: patients knowing the price of medical treatments upfront. " Most doctors don't like to cite a price in advance, but as the U.S. health system moves toward asking patients to pay a greater share of the bill, doctors are going to have to become more responsive to their patients' cost sensitivities."

I wish I had known that earlier. When my doctor told me I needed to do the standard blood work for cholesterol levels, STDs, etc., I went to the lab without a second thought. How much could a couple of pricks of my thumbs to put traces of my blood into five vials really cost? Turns out it cost $1,400. My Blue Cross plan covered a little under $300 of it. The lab is obviously used to this kind of sticker-shock from patients because it immediately offered me a monthly installment plan. The $1,100 I owe is split into 12-month payments of $90.95. How much could I have saved if I had asked the cost beforehand and whether it was negotiable?

My friend who is experiencing a strange gastrointestinal condition isn't going to have sticker shock. She needs a MRI but instead of going immediately with her doctor's choice, she's calling hospitals all over the Bay Area to find out what they charge and whether they offer discounts. One interesting note: She discovered the hospitals charge different rates based on what health care plan a person has -- one hospital receptionist told her she would be charged more if she had Aetna instead of Blue Cross. Unfortunately, the receptionist clammed up when my friend asked by how much.

Moore's reasoning for not having health insurance may not make sense for everyone, and woe to him if he's ever hit by a car or falls off a ladder. But, as he puts it, "Even if I bought a policy, there are no guarantees that the insurance company would pay, that it wouldn't try to weasel out of the obligation." He cites a guy who was pre-approved for pricey back surgery by his health plan -- which immediately back-peddled when they got the $148,000 bill. Only a newspaper article about it and public outrage got them to pay.

To me, Moore's reasoning about skipping health insurance the way it's structured right now for individuals makes sense. Regardless of how you feel about Obama's attempts to change U.S. health care (I must admit I favor a government option). But no matter how health care changes, one thing is for sure: we patients need to be as consumer-savvy and price-conscious when we're in the doctor's office or hospital as we are at the grocery store and shopping mall.

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Car insurance fraud rises in bad economy

Just as foreclosures and deed in lieu transactions are rising, an increasing number of Americans are also abandoning luxury cars they can no longer afford.

But some people are adding a creative twist: Instead of simply abandoning the car or handing the keys back to the lender, they're dumping them in ditches and then reporting them stolen hoping to collect a fat insurance settlement. Insurance claims are on the rise and the Wall Street Journal reports (subscription required) that "Authorities report a growing number of cars dumped in the Great Lakes, burned along remote New Jersey roadsides and driven into canals in California.

The phenomenon is acute in Las Vegas, where sharp declines in tourism and construction have left thousands of workers unemployed and broke."

If you're considering doing something like this, here's the best advice: Don't. Sure, there's a reasonably good chance that you'll get away with it but if you get caught you will probably end up in the slammer. Even if you don't get caught, you're participating in a scam that jacks up insurance costs for everyone else.

Another form of car insurance fraud that's also on the rise -- and can more directly victimize innocent bystanders -- is the "staged accident." Check out the video below.

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What to Expect in a Car Insurance Policy

All drivers should know they are supposed to have a car insurance policy (or other form of financial responsibility), but many who are new to driving or are about to start driving may not be very familiar with what a policy entails. Perhaps it would help new drivers feel more at ease to purchase a policy if they knew what to expect before the actual purchase. No matter what a person is going through, it is easier to deal with when they know what’s ahead instead of trying to do something for the first time in the dark.

The Declarations Page
The declarations page is the part of the car insurance policy that contains all of the information about the policy purchased, including who purchased it, what vehicles are listed, etc. This page is an easy reference page for the policyholder and they can refer to it to refresh their memory of what they’ve purchased or when they’ve been in an accident and need to know what’s covered.

Names – the declarations page contains the names of the policyholder, the members, and the name of the insurance company. Also listed with the names are the person’s contact information, such as residential address and phone number. These names are listed so there is no confusion about who is and isn’t on the policy.

Policy Number – the policy number is listed on the declarations page. This number is what each customer of that insurer is referred as first, since there are some people with duplicate names. To easily file a policyholder’s information and refer to them quickly, the insurer assigns a number (which can be mixed with letters). Policyholders will need this number whenever they contact the insurer by phone or on the website.

Policy Period and Term – these listed dates are the length of the policy and the dates the policy is effective. Most insurers will automatically renew the policy when the term ends, but not always. Any accident related damages that occur outside of these starting to finishing dates will not be covered under the policy.

Vehicle Description – also on the declarations page is a description of each vehicle that is insured on the policy. The make, model, and year are in this section of the page, as well as the VIN number and age of the car is usually also present in this section. The garaged address is also listed in this section or underneath. It shows the address of where the vehicle is stored when not in use. There is usually a discount given for vehicles that are in a stored and locked facility, and the address of this location is needed. It does not have to be the same as the residential address.

Coverage and Premium – In this section is listed the coverage options that have been purchased, the amounts purchased, the deductible, and the cost of the premium. This part is what is most confusing to policyholders. First, know what liabilities are and then the names of the optional coverage that is offered by the insurer. Once a driver knows these definitions they will be able to read through this section easier and with better understanding.

Endorsements – endorsements listed on a declarations page are the other options that have been purchased and added to the policy. Not everyone adds endorsements, but they should be looked at to get an idea of what is offered by the insurer.

Signature – this is where the policyholder signs to acknowledge the agreement of purchase between the insurer and him or herself. Without this signature and date, the policy is not valid. When purchasing a policy online, the insured often uses an electronic signature by typing in their initials, full name, clicking a box, or other way deemed appropriate by the insurer.

In addition to the declarations page, insurers will usually include explanations or terms of what each coverage purchased are that have been purchased. Each insurer’s terms may vary from one another.

Buy A Policy
Now that a driver will know what to expect within a policy after they purchase one, they can start looking for a policy to purchase. The best way to start is by using our quote comparison tool, which will get any driver a list of quotes from local insurance companies to provide coverage for their vehicle. Enter the local zip code in the appropriate box on our website and answer the questions that follow to get your quotes. The questions will regard the driver, the vehicle, and the coverage wanted. You’ve already gone through what is on the declarations page and the information wanted during the questionnaire is very similar. If you have that information readily available before you start it will make answering the questions (and the whole process) go much quicker. When the questions have been answered, the insurers will take that information and decide what it will cost to provide you with their coverage. Look through the list and see which company will offer the lowest price. You can conduct a further research of the companies or you can purchase the policy right there online with a credit card. There are no fees to use our comparison tool or any obligation to buy.

Purchasing a policy online also helps minimize paper clutter, which is a bonus for anyone who is working on “green” methods. Everything is read through online and signed electronically. There is always an option to have the policy sent via mail or fax, but it becomes one more thing to clutter the home office or have to file away. You can almost always download the policy and save it to your computer for easy reference. The proof of insurance card can be printed from the home computer and stored in the vehicle immediately. The less paper going into your home means less paper going out as waste.

Having a car insurance policy is required by most states, and understanding how they work and what they look like may entice more drivers to abide by the law and purchase a policy. Not every driver feels they can afford a great policy, so start with our quote comparison tool to see what a basic limited liability policy would cost. Then look into what discounts you could be eligible to receive to lower the cost further. For more ideas on how to save on car insurance, read through our other articles. We aim to help drivers find the lowest price for their coverage.

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Learning About Auto Insurance Helps You Save

Learning about auto insurance is what makes the difference between over-spending on a policy and saving money in every way possible. The more you know, the more you can save. That’s why we’ve put together a frequently asked question page on our site in addition to this article (and many others). No matter what your question is on insuring a vehicle, we have an answer that should save you money.

• What happens if I cancel my policy?
When a driver cancels their policy, they are canceling their coverage to be protected financially by an insurer in the event of an accident. Cancellation can happen either by the policyholder or by the insurer. If they policyholder is moving out of the state or wants to switch to another car insurance company they should cancel their policy, but only when another policy by another company is in place. The starting date of the new policy should be the same date as the cancellation of the old policy. This does mean one day of double coverage, but this is better than not having insurance coverage for even just a few hours. If something were to happen during those few hours of no coverage, the owner of the vehicle would have to pay for any damage that could occur.

Drivers who cancel their policies can be reported to the state’s Department of Transportation by the insurer, which is sometimes required by law. Each state has a different way of keeping track of every driver and knowing whether or not they have coverage. The new insurer would need to contact the state and let them know of the new policy in effect.

• Do I need a driver’s license to buy car insurance?
The answer to this question depends on whether or not you own a vehicle. Because you do not have a driver’s license, you should never operate a vehicle. Having a driver’s license means the state has approved you to drive, and without one, you cannot legally drive. If you own a vehicle and it is registered, you will need insurance. In most states you cannot register a vehicle without proof of insurance first. Perhaps you own the vehicle but allow a close friend or family member to drive it. This is when you would need insurance on the vehicle. Different types of insurance will cover different scenarios. Some types will only cover the other party involved in the accident and will not pay for damages done to your vehicle. There are coverage options that will only pay for the other party’s bodily injuries and not the people who were in your car at the time of the accident. Even if you do not have a driver’s license but you own a vehicle that is driven by other people, you need insurance. If you do not have a driver’s license (which means you do not drive) or a vehicle, you may be able to purchase medical coverage on an auto insurance policy to help pay for any injuries you may sustain as a passenger in someone else’s car.

• Must I purchase auto insurance?
In most cases, yes. However, each state has their own requirements about what can be thought of as a form of financial responsibility. In some states, instead of purchasing an auto insurance policy, the driver may turn over some $30,000 to the state department, which recognizes this money (whatever the state’s minimum amount may be) as that driver’s financial responsibility. This financial responsibility shows that the driver can pay for any damages they cause while driving. Not every driver can hand over tens of thousands of dollars (or another suitable form) for their financial responsibility, so they purchase auto insurance instead. If a driver believes they have the capability to give money to the state and not purchase a policy, they can contact their state’s Department of Transportation and follow their guidelines.

People who do not have a driver’s license do not always need to purchase a policy, nor does anyone who does not own a vehicle. Someone who drives other people’s vehicles but does not own their own can (and probably should) purchase their own policy, just in case they happen to damage one of those cars. Then they would have a way to pay for those damages without having to reach into their own pockets.

• Is rental car insurance part of my credit card program?
A lot has changed over the last few years regarding credit cards and their programs. At one point, a driver who paid for their rental car with their credit card got rental car insurance through their credit card company. This is not always the case now. Contact your credit card company and find out whether or not they still continue this tradition. If not, know that the rental car company will offer you insurance for the vehicle while you have it, but it is quite expensive. Feel free to contact them and get the price ahead of time. Then, you can contact your current auto insurance provider and ask how much they would charge you to add rental car insurance to your policy. You may find that your insurer doesn’t offer this option at all, or they offer it at a much discounted price compared to the rental car company’s policy. It’s worth calling around and comparing prices to see where you can save money.

• I’m a high risk driver. Can I save on car insurance somehow?
Depending on why you’re a high risk driver, there is a possibility you can save a little now and save more later. High risk drivers are usually placed in this category because either they are new drivers or they have a driving record full of tickets and/or accidents. Compare quotes for a policy from many local insurers by using our quote comparison tool. Some companies cater to high risk drivers because they know other companies find them too risky. Utilize every discount you can possibly be eligible for, and work towards those you are not eligible for yet (like the good driver discount).

For more auto insurance questions, search through our other articles on various topics regarding auto insurance. OnlineAutoInsurance.com strives to help every driver save on their car’s coverage.

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Insurance Quotes without Personal Information Online

If you’re looking to purchase a new vehicle or insure a car that you already own, browsing around for auto insurance quotes can be a tricky thing. These days, it’s hard to trust websites with your information and that’s why your best bet would be to avoid sites that ask for too much information. What’s too much information? Well, applying for auto protection, you’ll come across legitimate websites that ask you for appropriate info that can allow them to better assess you as a customer. The vehicle insurance company will need to know your name, date of birth, zip code, type of car and a phone number where you can be reached. Other sites that require you to enter more information, such as a driver’s license number and social security number could very well be scammers. You don’t really know who you can trust.

Checking Out Insurance Companies

Auto insurers check you out, so why not check out the vehicle protection agencies you are looking to get an estimated premium from? As you’re browsing around the different websites, if you feel that they are asking for too much information, simply take down the information about the company and do research on them. If they don’t provide a number or address, you should definitely be weary. The Better Business Bureau, also known as the BBB, is a great place to start. They have a website where you can look up companies by their names and locations. There you will find out if they are registered members of the Better Business Bureau and/or if they have a complaint file. If you do happen to find one, check to see what type of complaints the car insurance company you’re looking up has and whether they have been resolved or not.

Another great way to check out vehicle coverage providers is to look them up on Google. There are various websites, like RipOffReport.com, that allow consumers to complain about various entities. You can look on those websites or you can simply type in terms like “auto protection carrier’s name” rip-off, “car insurer’s name” complaints or “vehicle insurance provider‘s name” scam. Likely you will be able to find some listings on the first page that relate to those keywords. If not, the car coverage carrier may be legitimate. Still check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have any files, good or bad, on the insurance provider. Give the insurance companies a call as well. Speaking with them over the phone will give a better idea of who they are. Look up the company to see how long they’ve been in business, this will allow you to know if they are a fly-by-night car insurer or if they are reputable.

Searching for Car Protection Rates Without Personal Information

Looking for auto insurance rates is quite simple with the use of the internet and home computer. You can begin by searching around for insurance comparison websites that will match you up with various insurers and allow you to compare them side-by-side. When you’re looking through the premiums, make sure to look at all of the coverage that’s offered to ensure that you’re getting all the benefits you need for your situation. You want to make sure that you’re getting a good deal for the price you’re paying. If you feel like you don’t need that much coverage, you can easily lower the liability limits and increase the deductibles. This will also cause your insurance quote to drop down a bit.

As you are searching through the comparison site, make sure that you are not getting caught up in a scam to steal your information. Don’t reveal more than your name, birth date, car info and zip code (quotes are checked by location).

Buying Car Premiums Without Personal Information

At OnlineAutoInsurance.com, you will receive a quote based on the information you’ve given us. In order to adjust the car insurance rate you get, you can mess around with the deductibles and liability limits. The higher your deductibles, the lower your rates and the lower your liability limits, the lower your insurance quote becomes. Just keep in mind though, the deductibles you choose, you are required to pay upfront and out of your own pocket. It is very important that you look over the contract of your auto insurance policy to see exactly what you’re getting. If there is anything that you don’t understand, you can speak with one of our representatives to ask questions or clarify anything you see on the contract.

It is important that you check with your state vehicle insurance regulations to ensure that you’re buying enough to legally drive around. Each state has minimum requirements for body and damage liabilities. You should be able to find the website for your state’s auto coverage requirements online. They offer this information freely to the public.

We believe in building trust with our clients, so we don’t make them feel uneasy about dealing with us.

Getting insurance quotes without personal information requirements is very simple when you have access to the web. Simply browse through the car coverage providers that are out there to see what type of coverage you can find. The useful web tools that allow you to obtain auto coverage prices is very handy if you use them accurately. See how much your coverage quote will be by using the useful tool today.

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High Risk Automobile Insurance

Finding the right automobile insurance company that will give you a good rate for your high risk status may seem like it’s impossible, but this isn’t the case. Sure, your rate may be higher than those who are considered safe drivers, but it doesn’t mean you should give up trying. In some cases, it is possible to change your high risk status by taking certain measures, but in other cases, it isn’t as simple.

What is High Risk?

When you’re in this category, it’s because you’re considered a bad driver. Now, there are various reasons why you could’ve gotten this title. According to your driving record, your history shows that you’ve either made bad decisions, gotten into bad situations or are losing your motor skills. Those that have made bad decisions include those who have gotten a DWI/DUI. Drinking while driving is one of the riskiest and worst decisions you could make. Those that have one or more DUIs are likely to have the highest of all rates. In most cases, their down deposits are in the high hundreds, possibly in the thousands and total policy amounts are in the thousands for sure. The danger these motorists pose is very grave.

Getting into a car intoxicated can lead to a fatal accident and auto coverage providers don’t want to be responsible for the expenses associated with it. So if you have a history of getting a DWI or were involved in an accident where you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, likely it could happen again. A lot of people constantly drive while drunk or under the influence of drugs, so it’s mostly not a one time thing. With this being known, a lot of insurers are not going to want to insure you. They charge more to offer your car protection, so that they can secure themselves from all of the money you may cost them later on.

Then there are those who are constantly pulled over by the authorities because they are breaking laws of the road. If you are known for getting citations, then it is likely you will have higher policy rates than the average driver. In the eyes of the vehicle coverage company, you are a dangerous driver. When you are speeding, not wearing your seatbelt and running red lights, you are that much closer to getting into an accident and if you’re involved in an accident without wearing a seat belt, you could get thrown from the vehicle, which will cost more for medical bills. All of this is adding up in their eyes and you will have to pay the price upfront with a high deposit and monthly payments.

New drivers, such as teens and others who’ve recently gotten their driver’s license are also consider risky motorists. Teens are known for being in a lot of accidents, so they are known as risks. Taking driving courses can help make you less of a danger on the road; plus, when auto insurers see that you’ve taken classes that improve your driving ability, they look at it like you’re gaining experience.

Last, folks that are 65 and older are known as dangerous drivers because their vision and hearing are becoming impaired. Then there’s the fact that the senior citizens’ mobility loses control, along with their reaction time and coordination. It’s unfortunate that some people grow older and have to go through the body’s process of slowing down, but it happens at some point or another. This is why the elderly are required by state to be tested regularly for eyesight and hearing. Some are even required to retake their driving test. Taking driving courses too can help to lower premium quotations.

Finding Affordable Quotes

At OnlineAutoInsurance.com you will have access to our special web toll that you can use to find quotations from various car insurers around the country. See what type of prices you can find for the coverage you need. In order to get the lowest rate possible, you’ll need to raise the deductibles as high as possible and set your liability limits as low as possible; this will help to conjure up a lower premium rate. You can also search around for discounts that you are qualified for — if you’re a student that makes good grades (B average or higher), then you may be able to get a cheaper policy quote. Having a good driving record would have given you the biggest discount of all because that’s what vehicle protection providers are looking for the most.

Your States Coverage Requirements

Make sure to check with your state to see what type of coverage you are required to have in order to legally drive around. You should also find out whether or not the car protection is only applicable for your state or if you’re able to receive benefits if involved in a collision during out-of-state travels. You can find information on mandated coverage for your state easily accessible on the internet.

Buying Enough Coverage

It is also important that you secure your financial stability by purchasing a sufficient amount of automobile coverage. For instance, getting into an accident that isn’t your fault could still cost you if you aren’t equipped with underinsured and uninsured motorists protection. Having this on your coverage will ensure you get paid for expenses for damage and bodily injuries, even if the other driver is unable to. It costs more to add on, but not by much and it’s great to have.

If you’re looking for high risk automobile insurance you can get your auto coverage protection rates from OnlineAutoInsurance.com. Here you will find an easy to use web tool you can use to get estimations for your auto insurance policies. Make sure to browse around to see if you can find something that is more affordable.

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Low Prices for Teen Insurance

If you have already begun the search for auto insurance for a teenager, there is a good chance you’ve discovered how outrageous the price can be. These high prices are mostly due to the insurance companies deciding that offering insurance to the teenager will impose a very high risk to their company. Why not continue your search knowing you will find better results using Online Auto Insurance? We have already provided our assistance to many other drivers, including teenagers, and are known to save people their hard earned money.

Getting low prices for a teenager’s insurance policy will take effort on the teen’s part, so you’d better make sure they are on board with the idea. When rules and expectations have been explained, there is little room for a teen’s excuses if they forget or fall short. If they are unfamiliar with these tips on getting auto insurance for cheaper prices, there is less chance of the policyholder saving money.

1. Have the teenager help search for policies and prices.
The best way to learn about any topic is to do the research yourself, right? It’s a good argument that a teen who learns what to look for in a policy and the price will be able to find the cheapest policy offered. This skill can be used throughout their life, and they won’t need to try to understand and learn about car insurance when they go live on their own. The best way to keep a teenager’s interest is by completing a task in the shortest amount of time possible. Is it contradicting to think looking for and finding the cheapest auto insurance policy can be done quickly? When drivers use OnlineAutoInsurance.com there is no contradiction to that statement. We know how to find cheap policies fast.

Have the teenager go to our homepage and enter in their zip code in the appropriate box. A new page will open, and this page will contain a list of questions that will need to be answered. We would advise the teen to sit with the policyholder or guardian (or have them close by) to help answer the questions accurately. It’s very possible a teenager wouldn’t know the VIN of the vehicle or the year of it, and the parent or guardian can help answer these types of questions. What about a teenager who doesn’t have their license yet, but is working on their permit? These drivers can also get quotes because we don’t require drivers to enter in a driver’s license number. There are also questions about desired coverage for the policy. These terms may be new to the teenager and it would be helpful for the parent to explain what they each mean.

When all of the questions have been answered, the driver will be given a list of quotes from local companies who are willing to offer their coverage. The prices are listed in a manner so it is easy to see who is offering the lowest price. There is an option to purchase the policy right then online with a credit card, but there is no obligation to purchase a policy to get the quotes.

2. To save money, keep the teenager on the parent or guardian’s policy.
This suggestion may be already known, but whenever a new driver is added to an existing policy, that driver’s rates are cheaper than having that driver start their own policy. This is also true for adults who get married; putting the two spouses onto one policy will save them money compared to each paying for their own. For a teenager to be able to be added to an existing policy, they must live in the same house and be an immediate family member or under their guardianship. It is not always possible for a person to be added to an existing policy just because they share the same residential address. By using the quote comparison tool mentioned in suggestion 1, the parent or policyholder may want to stick with their original insurer because their insurer is willing to offer a lower rate to add the teenager to the policy if they stick with them.

3. After finding a cheap policy, get to know the insurer’s discounts and use them.
No matter which insurer you decide to use, it is very possible they offer a variety of discounts that can be used by policyholders to help them lower their rates. There are a number of them which apply to the majority of drivers, but very few that may go towards a teenager. Even if they don’t apply to your teenager, find out what they would need to do to be able to become eligible. They can work on whatever needs to be taken care of so that when the time comes for them to become eligible, they can grab that discount and already be saving (like with the good driver discount). The good student discount is another discount that every teenager should work on before they become of driving age. Just about everyone knows you can’t bring your grades up from a D to a B or A in just a week. It takes at least a semester or two to do that, so teens should be wise in their studies early on to help save on future auto insurance costs.

4. The teenager’s mode of transportation will greatly affect their coverage cost.
An insurance friendly vehicle is one that will be inexpensive to insure but at the same time provide safety to your kid. Insurance friendly has a wide meaning; it can be an older car with so little cash value that comprehension and collision is not needed, or it can be a modest car where having full coverage isn’t as expensive as full coverage on an expensive sports car or SUV. It’s also possible to purchase the bare minimum for the teen for the few times they drive your car but still expect them to take public modes of transportation such as the bus to school and work instead of giving them their own car.

Most teenagers have been looking forward to getting their license and that independence in their life. Purchasing the proper car insurance for teenagers is important so they have the coverage they need but at the same time the policyholder is saving money. Parents of teenagers count on OnlineAutoInsurance.com to help them find great ways to save money on their teen’s insurance needs.

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Affordable Car Insurance Online

Finding affordable vehicle insurance doesn’t have to be a difficult task, nor time consuming. With the quick tools that are available on comparison websites, you’ll have a list of car protection quotations in no time. The most important thing for you at this moment is finding something that fits within your budget. Be sure to also make sure that the coverage you decide to purchase offers enough protection for you to legally drive in your state. You can check the internet to find out what the regulations are in your state as well. It is important that you watch out for scams when you’re browsing through the internet because there are plenty out there. Make sure that the car protection provider you’re looking into is legitimate. Avoid giving out too much information, such as your driver’s license or social security number, to companies you don’t know.

Finding Cheap Vehicle Protection Providers

If you have access to a home computer and the internet, you have all the resources you need to find low-cost auto insurer quotes. Before you begin looking for car coverage companies, you should figure out what your priorities are. What is affordable to you? Are you looking for the lowest price possible for your premiums or are you looking to get more benefits for a cheaper rate? Keep your answer in mind as you’re looking around at the different vehicle insurers. As you begin entering your requirements into the auto coverage comparison website, have a pen and paper handy. You can play around a little bit with the body and damage liabilities, and the deductibles. First, you can try raising your deductibles and keeping your liabilities somewhat high and see what the car protection rates are like; then lower the liabilities and keep the deductibles high — this will likely give you the lowest possible coverage quote possible.

Then you can add more coverage and keep the deductibles high, etc, etc. Just keep trying different things until you are satisfied. Sooner or later you will have enough coverage that pleases you (and the state) and that is easy on your pockets. At OnlineAutoInsurance.com, you will have access to all the top affordable automobile insurance providers. You can even speak with a representative online to help you figure things out and answer any questions you may have. It’s a simple tool to use and easy to follow, so you shouldn’t have any problems with working it.

Where to Look for Car Coverage Rates Online

At OnlineAutoInsurance.com, you’re given access to a secure website that uses an easy tool for obtaining listings of various automobile coverage providers and their quotes. Simply compare them and see which offers the best rates for the coverage you need. You can give us a call or talk to us online if you need any help with the process. Everything is easy to find and see on the site, so you won’t get lost or confused. But just incase, we are always here to help you. When searching for the best deal, you want to ensure that you know exactly what you’re looking for, so you can know when you’ve found a great deal.

Determining What Policy to Purchase

Depending on your home situation and the vehicle you own, will help to determine what type of policy to purchase. Are you self-employed? Own a delivery business or use the vehicle for other business purposes? Maybe you’re a single person who doesn’t really drive too often or even use public transportation every now and then. There are two types of policies you can purchase, a commercial one or a personal one. If you’ll be using the automobile you’re insuring for business purposes, you will likely need to purchase affordable commercial insurance. Then if you do use it for business, but not so often. Personal vehicle coverage should be efficient enough.

The more you use your vehicle, the more coverage you’re going to need to make sure that you’re financially secured. You don’t want to be driving out-of-town or out of the state for business and get into an accident only to find out you’re not covered because you’re out of the insurance coverage area. If you do a lot of traveling out of the state, you want to make sure that the cheap car protection policy provider you choose offers coverage out-of-state and within the states you’re likely to travel to. There are various vehicle policy companies that will allow policyholders to travel anywhere in the U.S. and still have their coverage.

If you have a low income household, then finding a policy that’s within your budget is necessary. Get just enough coverage that is legal within your state, so that you won’t have to worry about getting penalized for being underinsured and you never want to driver uninsured because you could get slapped with all sorts of fines, have your car and tag impounded and have your driver’s license suspended. Apply for all the discounts you can, such as for having good grades (for students), good driving record or other discounts that may be available. Make sure to ask to see if you qualify for any.

Cheap Automobile Protection for Multiple Cars

If you’ll be insuring more than one vehicle, check to see which of the car coverage companies offer discounts for multiple cars. If you already have insurance on your current vehicle, consider placing your new vehicle on that policy. But if you believe that it will be cheaper to find another coverage provider, then you can use the site to find your best option. Maybe you can find one that offers a great enough discount that makes it affordable to you. When adding on multiple drivers, be weary of their driving track record because it can cause your premium to rise.

Finding affordable car insurance is simple when you use our web tool. OnlineAutoInsurance.com will do all of the work for you by finding different automobile coverage providers for you to compare. All you have to do is use your wisest judgment in selecting the best policy for your vehicle.

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Best Rated Auto Insurance Online

Are you looking for the best rated auto insurance and providers? Getting the benefits and services you deserve is very important when browsing around for the top automobile protection agency around. You want to get the top coverage, which will only be offered from he leading insurers on the market. The best way you can find a good a policy that suits your needs is to use a comparison website that will allow you to search through the providers. During this process, you should be looking for great coverage for a great price. Get the best deal possible from top insurers like Geico, Unitrin and General Direct.

Finding Quality Car Coverage Companies

When you’re browsing the net for car protection providers, you’ll need to use a comparison website to make the process faster and easier. Looking at each company individually takes time, so it would be a whole lot better if you used a website that did all of this for you. At OnlineAutoInsurance.com, you are offered an easy to use tool that is used to match you with various insurers around the country. Once you see who offers the lowest rates for the protection you’re looking for, you can begin comparing the providers to one another. Look into their history and record to see how reputable they are. Do you they have a file with the Better Business Bureau? Maybe they’re a member, but if not, they could still have a positive or negative file with the BBB. At OnlineAutoInsurance.com, you will get a profile of the auto insurer in order to help you make a better decision.

Getting the lowest rate is only a part of the finding policies for your automobile. You need to know what it is that you’re looking for, so that you can find something that will protect you financially if you’re ever involved in a vehicle collision. Picking out the right insurance provider is simple when you use OnlineAutoInsurance.com. We provide you with the best car protection companies for you, so that you can see them side-by-side and compare them yourselves. The web tool for obtaining a quotation is simple and has easy to follow steps. We don’t require you to input your personal information like with some of the websites out there. You should be careful when dealing with such sites because they could be scammers looking to steal your identity. If you don’t feel comfortable inputting that information right then, then don’t. Wait until you’re ready to buy the premium before you release it. Your social security and driver’s license number will need to be provided before you can purchase a policy because it is used to determine your deposit and monthly payments, but this can be given directly to the insurance agency of your choice.

Getting Top Protection for Your Vehicle

One of the items at the top of your priority list should be finding vehicle protection that is sufficient enough to allow you to legally drive and have enough benefits to secure you financially. For starters, you should check with your state to see what the requirements are for your to drive around without getting penalized. Every state has its own minimum liability limits and coverage that are required, so ensure that before you buy an insurance policy that you will be okay if pulled over by authorities. You also want to make sure that you will be covered if involved in a vehicle accident. There is a possibility that the other driver isn’t insured or underinsured, leaving you to pay for your own damages and injuries. In the case of the underinsured motorist, you could end up waiting years before you even receive money for your expenses.

With underinsured and uninsured motorist protection, your insurance provider will pay you upfront and will then wait for the other motorist to pay them. This type of protection is great to have, so that you won’t be stuck paying for your own expenses when it should be the other driver’s responsibility.

Next, you may want to look into getting comprehensive and/or collision insurance, which could also save you lots of money and give you the best protection possible. With comprehensive benefits on your policy, your car will be protected from natural disasters, such as floods, storms, hail, hurricanes and fires. In some instances, it will also protect your vehicle from falling objects. With collision coverage, you will have enough benefits to pay for the expenses caused by the other vehicle, so if you’re ever at fault in a collision, you can get the expenses paid to get your vehicle back on the road. If it is totaled, you will get paid the difference between the actual value of your automobile and the amount you still owe on your policy. Adding rental benefits could also be of great use to you if something happens to your auto.

Buying a Policy for Your Automobile

Once you’ve used the web tool on OnlineAutoInsurance.com, you will have the option of choosing between the insurers matched and presented to you. In this situation, you need to make sure that the premium you’ve chosen is the best deal and is from a top reputable company. Do your research about the insurer’s agency that you choose, to see if they’ve been around long enough to trust them. Those that are new could be fly-by-night insurance agencies, so you might want to trust getting a policy with a provider that’s been around a while. You can also look over reviews their customers have provided — this could be on their website (watch out for fake and biased reviews) or on another site.

When you’re looking through the policy quotations, make sure that you get all of the benefits you need. It’s not always wise to go with the cheapest of the bunch because likely you’re not protected in lots of scenarios. You could lose your car, be unable to pay for repairs or get stuck paying for injuries and damages out of your own pocket.

If you need help finding the best rated auto insurance, use OnlineAutoInsurance.com to help you browse and compare the providers selected for you. From there, you should be able to purchase a premium that fits within your budget range.

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