Multi-Car Insurance

If you have two or more cars in your household it could be possible to save money with multi-car insurance. While web doesn't currently offer a comparison of multi-car policies we still want to make our customers aware of all the car insurance options available. So, just what is multiple car insurance and how does it work?

How does multi-car insurance work?
Multi-car insurance allows you to insure more than one vehicle with a single policy. With some providers you may be able to insure as many as five vehicles as long as all of the vehicles are registered to the same address. This means that you could potentially insure cars on the same policy for you, your spouse, your children, or even a friend, as long as you live in the same household.

In theory a multi-car insurance policy can help you save money. This is because you are effectively bringing more business to the insurer and simplifying the bills - just as a broadband provider might reward you with savings if you tie in a phone or TV deal, multi-car insurance applies the same theory to vehicles. It's almost like buying insurance in bulk.It doesn't always work out cheaper than buying policies individually however, so it's worth investigating both options.

Read More..

Score a bonus offer with your car insurer

That offer a discount for purchasing car insurance online. However there are other companies that have started offering more. RateCity shows you some of the perks currently available.

Times are a-changing, so much so that even purchasing car insurance is no longer a dull experience. Gone are the days of buying your car insurance and then not thinking about it till you have an accident or you need to renew it. As new players from a range of sectors other than just insurance companies join the car insurance market, some are offering perks to entice customers to take up their product and service. Not only does this differentiate them from competitors but it also means that you as a customer get more for your buck! Here are some examples.

Coles Car Insurance
At the end of July the retail giant Coles expanded their business to offer car insurance nationwide. As part of their offering, customers who purchase Coles Car Insurance can triple their 4 cents per litre fuel voucher once a month for a year. In addition, if customers who take out comprehensive car insurance are involved in a car accident, their groceries in the car will be insured. You can also earn Flybuys points when you purchase a policy.

Virgin Money
Another new player in the market is Virgin Money. They are offering new customers who buy comprehensive cover online a free extra month of insurance cover, so they get 13 months for the price of 12. They are also offering their current Virgin mobile phone users a bonus $50 worth of mobile phone credit when they sign up for Virgin Car insurance.

AAMI
These guys have taken a different approach by offering their customers discount shopping. Their 'always on sale' section on their website offers customers up to 70 percent off select items each month. For example currently they are advertising a Wi-Fi Internet radio unit with an RRP of $199 for $171.

Budget Direct
Budget Direct is not shy with promoting a competitive edge and have included as part of their policy that you pay less with them or they will send you $50.

Real Insurance
These guys are offering money back to customers that take out comprehensive car insurance with them for three years in a row, at which point they will give you back 10 percent of all premiums you paid during that time if you don't make a claim. They also will repeat this every three years.

As other car insurance companies join the market and more offers are being promoted, what does this mean for the future of car insurance? Will we start to see more perks become available to new customers? Let's hope so! And in the mean time if you are in the market for comprehensive car insurance, compare car insurance quotes online to find a lower premium and perks to save you more.

Read More..

It costs more to insure your car in Sydney than Melbourne

RateCity's study on Melbourne comprehensive car insurance premiums could encourage you to compare now before you renew your next policy.

When it comes to comprehensive car insurance, almost everyone could be charged a different price. The amount we pay can be determined by our age, the type of car we drive, our driving history and where we live. But the insurance company we decide to trust with our policy is another variable. So when it comes to finding the right provider, does it really pay to compare online?

RateCity recently put the spotlight on Melbourne, as part of its bi-annual review on comprehensive car insurance, which showed that Melbourne drivers could be paying $1000 more on average for their comprehensive car insurance.

The average cost for Melbourne drivers in the study was $960, which is $174 less than Sydney's average cost of comprehensive car insurance ($1134) for the same driver profile across four different suburbs.
The Melbourne study compared 26 car insurance companies across four different suburbs in Melbourne (Doncaster, Seddon, Meadow Heights and Caulfield) with the following results:

Meadow Heights paid the highest premium overall with an average cost of $1082.72. It also included the biggest gap between the lowest and highest cost of cover of almost $1500 or 71 percent difference.
Drivers in Doncaster paid the lowest for their comprehensive car insurance, at an average of $906.04. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive premiums was $800.10.
The cheapest premiums were all from online-based businesses including Bingle, Budget Direct, Youi and The Buzz.
The most expensive quotes were from some of the biggest players in the market including AON, Suncorp, CGU and St George Bank.
"It is hard to understand how the difference in price for the identical driver profile with the same address can have such varying degrees of car insurance quotes," RateCity CEO Damian Smith said.
"But what this means is that there is a lot of money to be saved by most drivers and the easiest way to get the best deals is by shopping around and comparing car insurance online."
Smith said features and services may vary between insurance providers so make sure you read the product disclosure statements carefully before signing up.

"There are obviously many other features besides price that drivers should think about, and we encourage drivers to look closely at all aspects of an insurer's offering," Smith said.

So whether you live in Melbourne or Sydney or any other part of Australia, there is a lot of money you can potentially save by comparing car insurance online.

Read More..

Drivers comparing car insurance online beat rising premiums

Car insurance premiums are expected to rise in 2010 as a result of insurers compensating for lost profits in 2009. However, as new competitors enter the market, Australians who shop around for car insurance will be sure to find better offers.

Major insurance providers such as Suncorp-Metway and Insurance Australia Group took a beating to their earnings last year after successive payouts for natural disasters claims, resulting from bushfires and heavy storms.

With three-quarters of the market share between them, these losses are sure to be felt by customers, who are expected to see car insurance premiums rise by 5 percent in 2010.

However, many competitors have fixed their eyes on Australia’s car insurance market, with Virgin Money entering the fray last year. And from the United States, Progressive Direct Insurance Co. is planning to launch its online motor vehicle insurance business to tap into the growing trend of Australians who compare their car insurance and other personal finances on the internet.

By focusing on the online market, competitors avoid the costs of directly competing against the insurance giants, meaning that savings made can be passed on to consumers in the form of cheaper rates.

More and more people in Australia are using the internet to shop for car insurance, with 68 percent of customers applying online and 75 percent searching for car insurance online, a Google survey found. As this trend continues, we will likely see more drivers purchasing and managing their policies over the net as well. Experts also believe that Australia’s disposition to compare car insurance online will attract many more foreign competitors in the future.

A recent study by RateCity showed that many drivers can save up to $800 on their comprehensive car insurance by switching to the most affordable providers. This means that if consumers stay vigilant for offers from competitors trying to break into the market, the savings made could go well into the thousands of dollars.

By joining the thousands already applying for car insurance online, Australian drivers can also take advantage of hundreds of special discounts offered to customers who sign up over the net, adding to the savings made in their yearly insurance costs.

The insurance giants are standing their ground in the market, but wise shoppers can always find the cheapest deals by conducting a quick quote online. By searching for new offers and comparing prices across all the competitors, you can drive knowing that you have the best cover for your vehicle. By Jack Han

Read More..

Why compare car insurance?

The importance of car insurance but equally know how important it is to make sure you don’t end up over-paying for it. Comparing car insurance has never been easier and helps you to find great deals available on the market today, all from the comfort of your own home, saving you both time and money at no extra cost.

All you need to do is click to get a quote, fill in a few details about yourself and you could be comparing over 400 car insurance prices from top providers in minutes.

Whether you’re looking for car insurance, home insurance, life insurance or insurance for your pets, you could save money. Also compare rates and deals on a range of other products from home utilities to credit cards.

Read More..

Car Insurance For New Drivers

Regardless of your age, buying car insurance for the first time is likely to be pretty expensive. For young motorists in particular it's not uncommon for a new driver insurance policy to cost more than the car itself.

We all know that driving without cover is against the law. But just because you don't have a choice in the matter doesn't mean you can't take steps to find the cheapest new driver car insurance possible.

What To Look For In A New Driver Insurance Policy

Price - as a new driver, car insurance won't be cheap but with over 100 companies to choose from it pays to shop around using our comparison tool to track down the most competitive prices when buying your first policy.

Suitable protection - cost is a factor but making sure your policy provides adequate security is just as important. Don't scrimp on cover that could prove invaluable should you need to make a claim.

An insurer you can trust - in the event of a claim, having confidence in your insurer to provide a friendly and efficient service is important. You can find more information on potential insurers by using our reviews and forums.

How To Select The Right Level Of Cover

When buying car insurance for a new driver it's well worth taking time to assess the policy options available to you. Making the right choices can provide peace of mind in knowing you are properly insured. Consider the following:

Cover type - there are three options to choose from; third party only, third party, fire & theft and fully comprehensive. Each will provide different levels of protection so it is important to choose the right one.

Policy features - before committing to buy it's essential to look past the price and ensure the policy offers all the features you need. If features such as a courtesy car or protected no claims are important to you make sure your policy includes them.

Optional extras - adding features such as breakdown cover and legal cover will provide additional protection but at an increased cost. Decide whether or not you need each of these before you buy.

How To Find Cheap Car Insurance For New Drivers

One of the easiest ways to find low cost cover is to use to compare new driver car insurance quotes from dozens of companies to find the best prices available. Other steps you can take include:
* Driving a car with a smaller engine as these are generally cheaper to insure.
* Agreeing with your insurer to limit your mileage and improving security by parking safely and fitting an alarm/immobiliser system if you vehicle doesn't have one.
* Building up and protecting your no claims bonus to make finding cheaper insurance easier in the future.

Read More..

Auto Car Insurance – Overview

Auto Car Insurance is needed both for new car and used car. It gives us protection for auto car ownership. Most of car dealers offer auto car insurance in every cars they sale. In US, you buy with higher price if you don’t cover our car with insurance.

How to Choose
The problem is how to choose the right Auto Car Insurance for you. Insurance is long term business, it’s a commitment business. First you have to do is research about track record of the insurance company. New auto car insurance company usually back up with other related company such as investment or car manufacturer company. You pay insurance at least for 1 year, so the company must be exist for 1 year toward.

Insurance rate
Auto car insurance companies have different rate base on type of insurance we choose. Drivers history may affect the rate of insurance. Find on the net from auto car insurance website, fill the form, and ask for auto insurance quotation. After you get some insurance quote, compare the rate between provider and choose the best rate.

Customer review
After get best rates from several auto car insurance provider, find customer review about that insurance product. Read from article, blog, of forum to find review about insurance quote that you already get. Check about claim procedures, ask about their experience.

Services
You have to consider services of insurance companies. Some of them have good services but others are not. Good insurance company provide total solution for their customer. Emergency roadside assistance is one of services that you put on your list. Some also offer to change car when you get accident and you car must be repaired at workshop.

Auto car insurance will give protection for your valuable asset, make sure you choose the right one and easily claim when your car get accident or stolen.By: Ryan T & Jack Array

Read More..

Top tips for getting a cheaper car insurance quote

Fit an alarm
Fit an approved alarm and immobiliser, such as a Thatcham 1 or Thatcham 2. All improvements to security should help to lower your car insurance costs. Some insurers could even insist on sophisticated tracking devices before they will insure expensive cars.

Change your excess
Change the excess you are prepared to pay on any claim to reduce the premium. With voluntary excess the more you are willing to cover yourself in the event of an accident the lower your premium.

Check your mileage
Check your mileage to make sure you are not paying extra for miles you are not covering in your car. If, for example, you change jobs and have a shorter commute to work you could be saving money. Try and work out how many miles you will genuinely cover - but don't get it wrong as inaccuracy could jeopardise your claim.

Minimise your optional extras
Only select to have a courtesy car or legal expenses if you really need them, as they may increase your premium. The less your motor insurance company has to provide in the event of an accident, the lower your costs.

Be careful where you park
Keep your car parked in a locked garage overnight if you can - this can help reduce the premium. More than 50% of vehicle thefts occur during the night so if your car is safely locked away it makes sense that your insurance costs will be reduced as a consequence. If you don't have access to a garage, then parking on a driveway is generally considered a lower risk than parking on the road. It's less likely that vandalism, theft or accidental damage will occur when you're off the highway.

Pass Plus
If you're a new driver looking to get your first car and car insurance we'd highly recommend that you take your Pass Plus in order to reduce your premiums. The Pass Plus certificate can only be obtained within the first year of passing your practical driving test.

You'll be taking 6 lessons where you'll become competent in the following areas:

* Driving in town
* Driving out of town
* Driving in all Weathers
* Driving at night
* Driving on a dual carriageway
* Driving on a motorway

There is no test to take at the end of the course. When your instructor is satisfied with your performance you will receive a certificate from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

This certificate you will earn you large discounts with a whole host of insurance companies participating in the Pass Plus scheme.

Read More..

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.

Read More..

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.

Read More..

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.

Read More..

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.

Read More..

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.

Read More..

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.

Read More..

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.

Read More..

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.

Read More..

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.

Read More..

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.

Read More..

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.

Read More..

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.

Read More..