Tacoma Social Justice

20 Tips To Cheaper Car Insurance.

July 29th, 2010

Kev Higgnis
450

Car insurance premiums rise year after year,Although your car insurance premium largely depends on your Car, Age and discount there are a few steps you can take to help stop the rise or even reduce your premium.
1. Buy from the internet.Most companies offer a discount for online applications as this is automated process and costs them a lot less to process your application, you can usually see discounts of 5%-10%.Click here to get a instant online insurance quote
2. Shop around.All insurance companies use different formulas to calculate your insurance premium by adding or detracting money after each question the ask you.By shopping around you could find big savings on your insurance premium.
3. Buy extra products.Most insurance companies also do other insurance products ie”Building’s and content’s insurance”.Most insurance companies will give extra discounts for purchasing more than one product,by doing this you could save a fair amount on all your insurance premiums.
4. Pay your insurance premium in one go.By paying your insurance premium in full you can avoid paying costly interest charges that would be added if you paid your insurance premium by instalments.Some insurance companies may charge as much as 15% APR on instalments.You may even receive a discount for paying in full.If you can not afford to pay in full check out what rate a small loan would be you may still save some money.Fill out a online loan application.
5. Increase your voluntary excess.Your excess is the amount paid by you in the event of a claim,by increasing this your insurance company should reduce your premium.
6. Lower your annual mileage.Lowering your annual mileage can reduce your premium,most insurance companies will quote you for around 12,000 miles a year.Try and work out how many mile’s you will do if it’s likely to be less you may get a discount.Be honest about this as your insurance company may ask to see old MOT’S and service history to verify your mileage in the event of a accident.
7. Have a Alarm,Immobiliser or Tracker fitted.Theft of and from your vehicle play a major role in the calculation of your insurance premium.Having a alarm or immobiliser fitted will give you a small discount to your premium and having a tracker fitted could make you quite a saving.
8. Take the advanced driving test.Passing your advanced driving test will show your insurance company that you have extra skill when driving and are less likely to be involved in a accident.
9. Don’t inflate the value of your car.Adding extra value to your car when you apply for your insurance quote will do nothing for you apart from increase you premium.In the event your car is stolen or written off you will only be paid the market value of your car at the time of your accident.
10.Look after your credit rating.Insurance companies are now looking at your credit score as part of the calculation for your insurance premium.Maintaining a good credit rating could avoid unnecessary additions to your premium.
11. Insure your car Third Party Only.Third party only is the minimum cover you are required to have by law it’s also the cheapest.If your vehicle is of a low value then you could consider this type of cover.You need to remember that with this type of cover if you was to have a accident that any damage to your vehicle would not be covered for repair.
12. Keep a clean licenceInsurance companies take driving convictions very seriously and can dramatically increase your car insurance premium,by maintaining a clean licence proves to the insurance you are a safe and careful driver.
13. Remove any unnecessary drivers.If you have a young driver on your insurance policy that no longer use’s the vehicle you should remove them as this will reduce your premium.
14. Young driver’s add a older driver.Some insurance companies will reduce young drivers premiums if they have a older named driver on the insurance.
15. Build up your no-claims discountOne of the biggest factors affecting your car insurance premium is the number of years no-claim’s discount.You could receive up to 75% discount for around 5 years of no claims.The more years you can stay claim free the safer driver your insurance company will see you as.
16. Protect your no-claims discount.Although this will increase your insurance premium if you have a lot of years of no-claims you may want to protect this as a small claim may increase your premium by up to 75%.
17. Buy a lower insurance group car.A very important factor to your insurance premium is what car you drive.Most insurance companies adopt the Association Of British Insurance Group Rating.This rates vehicle’s from 1 – 20 generally speaking the higher the group the higher the premium.By buying a car with a lower group rating can lower your premium especially for young or inexperienced drivers.
18. Join a car club.If your vehicle is a classic or specialist consider joining a club related to your car most clubs offer insurance schemes which have very good premium rates.
19. Put your spouse as a named driver.Some insurance companies offer discounts when you add a spouse as a named driver as opposed to unmarried couples,they see marriage as a sign of stability and associate stability with safe driving and there for give you a discount.
20. Take pass plus.If you are a new driver consider taking your pass plus.some insurance companies could give you as much as a 25% discount and when you have just passed your test and have no no-claims this could make a considerable saving.

Lowering Your Auto Insurance Costs

July 29th, 2010

Michael A Silva
1421

It is very important to understand that prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Getting at least three price quotes will serve you well. You can either call companies directly or access information over the web. State insurance departments are also a good source of prices and options available.
The main reasons for buying insurance are to protect you and your family financially and provide peace of mind. Finding a company that is financially stable is very important. You can check the financial well being of insurance companies using rating companies such as A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. You might also try some of the more popular consumer magazines.
You should also get quotes from different types of insurance companies. Some sell through their own in house agents and others through independent agents who offer policies from several insurance companies. There are also insurance companies that sell directly to consumers over the phone or via the Internet.
Be careful that you don’t shop price alone. Asking friends and relatives for their recommendations is a smart thing to do. Contact your state insurance department and find out whether they provide information on consumer complaints by company. Make sure and choose an agent or company representative that takes the time to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of theft so make sure to check into insurance costs before you buy a new or used car. Ask about discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. Things such as daytime running lights and anti-theft devices for example. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety can provide you with information that will help you decide what car to buy.
You might be able to lower your costs substantially by requesting higher deductibles. Increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by up to to 30 percent. Before choosing a higher deductible, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.
Dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars that are worth less than 10 times the premium is definitely something to consider. You can research the value online at Kelley’s Blue Book.
Many insurers will give you a discount if you buy two or more types of insurance from them or if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company.
Establishing and maintaining a solid credit rating can help cut your insurance costs. Insurers are increasingly using credit information to price auto insurance policies. Check your credit record regularly and correct any errors promptly so that your record remains accurate.
Some companies offer low mileage discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles a year.
There are also companies that offer reduced rates to drivers who get insurance through a group plan from their employers. You may also qualify if you belong to a professional, business, alumni or other groups and associations.
If you have not had any accidents or moving violations for a number of years you may also qualify for a discount. Taking a defensive driving or drivers education course may also qualify you for a lower rate.

Motorcycle Insurance

July 28th, 2010

Steve Dimeck
642

These days, simply being careful while out and about with your bike and using safety gear is not the only protection you need! Motorcycles have a far higher rate of accidents per unit distance than cars. This is due to the exposed rider and the fact that many automobile drivers fail to see these smaller vehicles in the traffic stream.
Also, as the law and lawsuit trials become more and more “complicated,” you might even end up paying for the guy who was talking on his sell phone while driving, failed to see you and pushed you in the ditch. Of course, he had a good lawyer. And you, … well, your brand new bike is bits and pieces, not to even mention being hurt from the fall.
So, you either cough up few thousand dollars for the medical bills and fixing your bike, or contact your insurance to take care of the bill. Your motorcycle is a major investment, one that is certainly worth protecting. Making a smart insurance decision is crucial for your protection and protection of your motorcycle.
However, choosing the right insurance policy for you is much more like choosing the right bike. You want it to fit your lifestyle, but at the same time you want it to fit your budget.
And, better coverage does not necessarily mean paying more for your insurance. Based on your motorcycle, driving history, and location, instead of getting the best rate from one company, you’ll need to contact more insurance companies and get their best rates for your coverage. And the key to finding which coverage is best for you involves learning about all of the available options.
Although most US states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, other types of coverage are usually optional. Always ask your insurance representative about which laws apply in your state or city.
Let’s look at the different options.
Liability coverage
In many countries, liability insurance is a mandatory form of insurance since you’re at risk of being sued by the injured party being involved in the accident. Most US states require motorcyclists to carry a minimum amount of liability in case of third party injuries, however insurance experts recommend purchasing as much as three times the minimum in these times of expensive litigation. Liability coverage protects you if you (or another person driving your car with your permission) injure or kill someone or damage property. Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you may cause to other people involved in an accident, up to the limit of liability you select. It doesn’t cover you or your motorcycle. But it gives you a protection from a lawsuit. Also, find out if your coverage includes Guest Passenger Liability, which provides protection in the event that a passenger is injured on the motorcycle. It depends on the laws of your state and the company issuing the policy.
Collision coverage
While the liability coverage is required by law, in many cases collision coverage is optional. Why, you might ask? Collision coverage is the one that pays for the damage to your motorcycle, not the other guy’s, and it’s optional? We’ll let the lawmakers protect “the other guy” while you need a collision coverage to pay for the damage to your motorcycle when you collide with another vehicle or object. It covers the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle, regardless of who is at fault. You select a deductible, and once the deductible is met, the insurance company pays for the remaining damage. Collision insurance usually covers the book value of the motorcycle before the loss occurred – factory parts. If you get fancy and add anything extra-like nifty chrome accessories, a custom paint job – additional coverage will be required for compensation.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays (less the deductible) for damages caused by circumstances other than accident, such as vandalism, fire or theft. And again, it covers only the book value of the motorcycle.
Uninsured motorist coverage
If the knucklehead who hit your bike is uninsured, this insurance will cover damages you incur that the “at-fault” party is legally liable for, such as medical treatment and lost wages. Despite laws requiring insurance in practically every state, a lot of people are still driving without even basic liability coverage. The uninsured motorist section of your policy protects you if you or your passenger is hurt by “one of those” people. If your uninsured motorist coverage includes property damage, then your motorcycle would also be covered under the same circumstances ?covering for damage to your motorcycle caused by someone who does not have insurance. Check with your insurance to see if property damage is included or needs to be purchased separately.
Underinsured motorist coverage
Underinsured motorist coverage is similar to the uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage reimburses you if the person who hit you doesn’t have enough insurance to cover for all of your damages. If your injury expenses exceed the “at-fault” person’s liability limits, you can use Underinsured Motorists Coverage to pay for the amount not covered by the person’s insurance. Underinsured Motorists coverage is designed to cover the gap between the other person’s liability limits and the amount of your injury expenses. The trick is that in order for this coverage to kick in, the other driver has to be declared at fault. In most states, when blame is in doubt or the amount payable is contested, you and your insurer have to submit your differences to arbitration.
Medical payments coverage
Medical Payments coverage pays the cost of necessary medical care you receive as a result of a motorcycle accident and can be used regardless of who is at fault. This coverage often is limited. Check with your insurance company for the specific dollar amount and the number of years that they will cover after the accident. In some states, medical payments coverage only applies after other medical insurance is exhausted.
Custom parts and equipment
This coverage is an addition to your Comprehensive or Collision coverage. When you have custom parts and equipment on your motorcycle, you can purchase this Additional coverage to cover equipment, up to a dollar amount defined by the insurance company. Ask your insurance for the specific custom parts and details that they are willing to cover. Recommendation: retain photos of the motorcycle and all the receipts for your custom parts and equipment.
Roadside assistance
Roadside Assistance coverage provides towing to the nearest qualified repair facility and necessary labor at the place of disablement when your motorcycle is disabled due to reasons defined by the insurance company. Roadside Assistance is sometimes included with your Comprehensive coverage at no charge. Ask your insurance agent. If not, in most cases the Roadside Assistance coverage can be purchased at a nominal fee.
Many factors can play a role in determining what your insurance costs will be, such as your age, your driving record, where you live and the type of motorcycle you own. Unless you’re high risk, there are ways to keep your costs down so you won’t have to pay very high rates. Many companies offer discounts from 10 to 15 percent on motorcycle insurance for graduates of training courses.
In many northern states, riders may save money by buying a “lay-up” policy. With a lay-up policy, all coverage except comprehensive is suspended during winter months.

Motorcycle Shipping.

July 27th, 2010

Peter Lenkefi
307

Is motorcycle shipping any different to car shipping?
There are quite a few main differences between car shipping and motorcycle shipping. While a car has a reliable handbrake and four wheels for extra stability a motorcycle is quite different by design and has only two wheels with nothing to keep the bike stationery apart from the stand. You might think that motorcycle shipping would be cheaper than car shipping because of the difference in size of vehicles but this is rarely the case. The closed carriers that are often used should be specially designed to carry motorcycles and this will mean that there will either be palettes specially designed for the purpose of motorcycle shipping or there will be specially fitted tracks that serve the same purpose. What this means is that a motorcycle basically takes up the same room as a car when it needs to be shipped anywhere.
How expensive is motorcycle shipping?
This is dependant on two main factors. How far you are travelling and what services the company you intend to use has to offer. There are a variety of different services that a shipping company can offer you and you would be better using a specialist motorcycle shipper than a car shipper that offers motorcycle shipping as an extra service.
The further you are travelling and the more services you require the higher the price is likely to be, but you will receive a discount from the right company if you are transporting more than one motorbike so do shop around and check any quotes you receive carefully.
Is motorcycle shipping safe?
A reputable specialist motorcycle shipping company will know exactly what they are doing with your bike. Many companies employ motorbike enthusiasts and owners to drive the carriers so you can be sure that the driver knows how much your motorbike means to you. This isn’t to say there isn’t the occasional accident, it’s only to be expected when transporting vehicles across long distance.
A good shipping company will include some insurance with your quote and will try their utmost to ensure that nothing does go wrong. While the Insurance will cover you for scratches and careless damage by the shipping company it is unlikely to cover for ‘acts of god?like the ship sinking or damage due to rough waters. If you’re especially worried about this, either because of the time of year, the expected weather or simply because you are transporting your pride and joy you can buy extra Insurance that covers for virtually any eventuality and your shipping company should be able to offer you a little advice on the relevant policies.

How To Get The Best Auto Insurance Deals

July 26th, 2010

Dr. Drew Henry
873

Ever wonder what it takes to get the best auto insurance deals? Simple. Shop around and do it yearly. Don’t just keep paying the invoice over and over without comparison shopping. Here are a few suggestions to help you get the best deal available on your automobile insurance policy.
There are also many decisions you can make about your policy that will save you a bundle. As an example, if you change your deductible on your collision from a $50 deductible to a $500-$1000 deductible, you’re inline for a huge premium savings. If you don’t think you could come up with $1000 out of pocket, you can change it to a $500 deductible.
You can also get more of a savings if you change your comprehensive deductible. Many people needlessly carry full coverage on their older vehicle. They originally purchased the vehicle new, paid for full coverage and to this day, continue to pay the same high rate. Don’t make the same mistake: talk with your insurance company and see if there’s a better rate for older automobiles.
Here’s another great trick: combine your vehicles and other insurance together to get you additional savings. All insurance companies offer a multi-car discount (if yours doesn’t, it’s time to switch companies). Further, many will discount more if you have your homeowners or renters policy with them.
Often times, there are also other discounts that you may not be taking advantage of. It seems obvious, but make sure you are getting the correct rate for your age. There are discounts for various ages than can save you lots of money. Check with your agent on this one. Also alarm systems on your vehicle are usually good for a discount. Additionally, anti-lock brakes and air bags can also help lower your premiums.
Never just keep paying the invoice when it comes in. By following some of the above tips and tricks, you’ll be saving a lot of money on your auto insurance bills.

The Eye Witness To Your Getting Creamed

July 25th, 2010

Dan Baldyga
76

Thirty four years ago, in a book I wrote and was published, entitled, How To Settle Your Own Insurance Claim, I stated: “An eye witness can make or break your case. If you’ve been able to keep your wits about you the first thing you should do, immediately after impact has occurred, is to find somebody who observed it. After having spotted such a person, don’t be bashful. Go right over to them and ask if they saw the accident ? If they did, jot down their name, address and telephone number. Should they drive away before you can zero in on them, make note of their motor vehicle’s registration number so you can later obtain their name through the department of motor vehicle office.?
What I wrote, over thirty years ago, remains true today. (As a matter of fact, when it comes to insurance claims, little has changed over he past sixty years)! Companies like Rock Solid Insurance Corporation are still raising rates into the stratosphere while crying in their suds about all the money claims are costing them and those employed by them are still taking advantage of every motor vehicle accident victim they can sink their claws into.
A WITNESS CAN BE CRUCIAL: When you’ve been smashed into one of the most important sources of help – - when it comes to digging up information and assembling a record of the accident – - is the eye witness to that impact, with their accounts and recollections as to what happened. Try to secure a detailed written statement (or tape recorded or maybe even a video statement) from them. That “witness person?could be a passenger in your own or other vehicles, pedestrians, onlookers and bystanders at the scene of the accident, and/or driver’s of other motor vehicle’s who were not directly involve in the accident.
UTILIZING THE WITNESS: How do you actually go about the task of securing the relevant witnesses, testimonies and cooperation? To begin with, know this: It’s important that you get to a witness first – - before that a fast talking adjuster corners them and uses his expertise to twist the facts. By moving quickly you stand a good chance of getting the witness committed to your account of the events and/or to come down on your side of the case. If they do that’s money in the bank!
You should contact each witness of the accident (identified from the list of persons you compiled at the time of the accident – - or perhaps even discovered in the police report) and talk to them about what they saw, or know, concerning the accident. The ideal procedure is to get them to write out, in detail, what they observed, in their own words. If they’re not willing (or able) to do this, then write their statement yourself (or merely jot down on a pad) what each witness tells you, then have them sign and date it. Try to capture their recollections, impressions and observations of what happened.
Upon completing the interview of each witness, and taking his (or her) statement, ask that individual to read it. When they’re finished have them sign and date it, with their home address and phone number included. (If the statement is more than one page have them initial and date the bottom of each page, then ask them to apply their full and complete signature at the very end.)
You should make a copy of what they signed and send it to them. That’s so they’ll know exactly what they told you – - if, later on down the road, when the adjuster try’s to hustle and con them into stating something differently – - they’ll be able to stick to their guns because they’ll have written proof to show that adjuster exactly what they told you.
LOCATING A MISSING WITNESS: You may be unable to directly contact or locate the whereabouts of a witness whose name, home address or phone number you have obtained. (The witness may have moved). Here are two helpful steps you can take to locate a witness:
1. Send a “Certified?or “Registered?letter to that witness, addressed to his (or her) last known address with the “Return Receipt Requested?plus the “Address Only?box checked off. This way, if you receive back from the post office the return receipt signed by the witness, or executed by the post office, you should find, fully entered therein, the current address of the witness.
2. If you have their full name and address and you’re comfortable surfing through cyber-space there are dozens of ways to locate a person via your computer. Should you not be wise to the ways of the internet find somebody to help you who is.
IN SUMMARY: I spent most of my life investigating motor vehicle accidents. First as I worked my way through college as a Private Investigator, specifically assigned to motor vehicle accidents, next as a Special Investigator in the United States Navy, covering major military motor vehicle accidents in the mid-west, and then, after my naval daze, over thirty years as a Claims Adjuster, Supervisor, Manager and Trial Assistant. I know, from personal experience, a witness to a motor vehicle accident can be invaluable when it comes to making your case. Witnesses may be able to describe things in an accident that confirm what you know happened, thus backing up your side of the story. They may also provide you with information you were not aware of, which indicates how the other operator was at fault. A witness may have heard a verbal remark that someone other than you was at fault. Even a witness, who did not actually see your motor vehicle get crashed into, may have observed you, soon after impact, and confirm the pain and discomfort you were experiencing. A signed statement handed to Adjuster Hard-Nose, taken from somebody who did not know you personally, detailing the suffering you were enduring at the scene, right after you were bashed into, is even more money in the bank!
On that same subject of “Pain and Suffering?the adjuster might try to convince you that what a witness says is less important if what is being stated is coming from a friend or relative. Don’t you believe it! There are hundreds of thousands of motor vehicle insurance accident claims on record that prove this contention to be false. If a friend or relative actually saw the accident and what they observed proves you’re not at fault in any way, shape, manner or form (and/or can detail how much physical discomfort you displayed at the scene after impact) their value as a witness (on either issue) is worth its weight in gold. How much the “Pain and Suffering” you endured is worth can be discovered via THE BASE FORMULA contained within my latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) found at either http://www.caraccidentclaims.com or http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com.
Copyright (c) 2004 By Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved
DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this article THE EYEWITNESS TO YOUR GETTING CREAMED is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga nor ARTICLECITY.Com make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever; NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any professional or legal service; NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster. or claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is the INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBILITY to obtain said services.

Car Insurance Discounts

July 24th, 2010

Tim Register
266

Trying to save money wherever you can is important to us all. Insurance should be no different. Do not assume that your agent knows everything about you and your vehicle. CarInsurance.com goes out of their way to find all the possible discounts that are available to each customer.
Drivers should take advantage of all discounts that many providers offer, that can significantly reduce the cost of car insurance. Understanding discounts and how they can affect auto insurance premiums can help smart shoppers make better decisions about their coverage and possibly save themselves some money in the process.
Read below to identify possible discounts that could help you save on auto insurance this year. Other than discounts, there may be some other ways for you to save on your insurance premiums. We will go over several discounts that can help with your current situation.
First, there are discounts for Auto Safety features. Certain states will give you discounts for anti-lock breaks. Make sure you know if it is two or four wheel anti-lock break vehicle. Automatic seatbelts and airbags are frequently discounted on your insurance premiums. In most states, a defensive driver class discount may apply. If the principal driver usually 55 years old or older has completed an approved defensive driving class a discount could apply. Keep in mind that most states will only approve this class if it is voluntary meaning that it was not the result of a violation or infraction.
Some insurers will give you a discount for having multiple vehicles. In some cases, this will only apply if you have two or more drivers. If you have a clean driving record, meaning you do not have any tickets, accidents or suspensions in the last three years (some companies require five years) then you could be eligible for a safe driver’s discount.
Many companies will reward you with staying with the same insurance company for many years without any accidents reported. They will offer you a renewal discount. It makes sense, you have carried insurance with a company for several years, and have not had an accident, your insurance company likes you and wants to reward and keep your business. Some companies honor you with a discount if you had prior limits on your previous policy. They discount you because they understand you are a better risk.
Conversely, if you do decided to change insurers a proof of prior insurance discount may apply. Most insurers request at least 6 months of consecutive insurance from the previous insurer. If you are a full-time student who meets certain grade requirements and are unmarried and usually under 25 years of age (some states the age is 21) you could be eligible for a good student discount. If you own a home, including condominium, town home, or mobile home, which is used as a principal residence, a discount could apply. Military personnel either currently active or retired from any branch of the US military a discount could apply. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, a discount could apply.
You could lower the cost of your insurance in other ways.
For people who own older cars, it may not be necessary or cost-effective to protect them with collision and comprehensive coverage. By comparing the book value of your vehicle and the premium that the insurer has offered, you may find that it cost as much for the insurance as it does for the vehicle. If the car is worth less than $2,000, you will probably spend more insuring it than it is worth. The whole idea of driving an older car is to save money, so why not get what is coming to you.
In addition, keep in mind that the type of vehicle you buy could greatly affect your premium. A flashy red sports car is usually going to cost more to insure than a mid sized sedan. This is also true of vehicles that are on the list of most stolen. There are many ways that policyholders can save on their insurance. Knowing more about auto policies and premiums can help consumers take advantage of less obvious discounts while ensuring that they have the appropriate protection for their vehicles. The last way to save is to assume more risk. If you chose higher deductible on your Personal Injury Protection or Comprehensive and collision coverage will lower your premium as well. The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance company begins paying the rest.
Understanding how discounts affect your insurance rates is important to save you money.
Visit http://www.carinsurance.com For Discount Car Insurance

The Safest Luxury Cars to Insure

July 23rd, 2010

Brad Intlehouse
444

Considering the exorbitant prices of most luxury cars, it’s a veritable godsend for many cash-strapped consumers when genius car manufacturers have invented cars worth their sticker prices.
Thus it strips off the word luxury, bearing the meaning that it holds up to its name because of its price and nothing else.
Today, prominent car manufacturers like BMW and AUDI had been ravishing the limelight after they received recognition from Consumer Reports on its latest models.
The cars were among the safest cars on the road.
BMW 330i’s general safety features that placed it on the top of the list are panic button alarm, side guard door beams, and child-safety door locks.
It is also equipped with driver airbags, a passenger air bag cutoff switch or sensor, a passenger airbag, front side airbag, and side head curtain airbags. The second row side airbag is optional.
For added protection, the BMW 330i is equipped with anti- theft prevention features. These features are the selective locking or unlocking feature, the locking fuel filler door or cap, valet lockout, and the vehicle anti-lockout device.
It is equipped with a stability control that effectively protects the driver from any swerving or uncontrolled motion.
Moreover, because of the many incidences wherein sudden inflation of airbags had caused accidents, mostly children, BMW 330i airbags are endowed with smart dual-thresholds, sensor, and dual-stage deployment that curb any airbags inflation that were uncalled for.
On the other hand, the Audi A4 luxury car also speaks of genuine craftsmanship.
The safety break features enable the Audi A4 to safeguard its occupants in the event that an accident happens or whenever the road becomes slippery.
A dual-stage and dual-threshold airbag supplemental restraints with occupant sensors were also provided.
It also has a new system of seat belts management and usability that features a safer way of employing seat belts while on the road.
Plus, it has child-friendly safety features like LATCH or the lower anchorage and tethers for children system situated at the rear seats, and child safety rear door locks.
With all these safety features, no wonder they were among the safest cars on the road. This is not just mere recognition for most buyers but also a way of saving more money when getting insurance.
It is because most auto insurance companies charge lower premium rates to drivers who drive safe cars. There are also auto insurance companies that offer additional anti-theft or vehicle tracking discounts.
Moreover, cars, like the ones mentioned, who performed well on car crash tests will keep you safe in an accident and as a side benefit most likely get you lower auto insurance premiums.

Ten Tips On How To Get The Best Deal On Car Insurance

July 22nd, 2010

Joseph Ducat
609

With the high cost of gasoline nowadays, most new drivers think twice of getting car insurance.
Driving without any car insurance is a very big risk. Most drivers might think that car insurance is way too expensive, but in the long run it may save you a lot of money.
Take for instance this example, if you are in a car accident it may cost you thrice the amount you might have paid for a car insurance to cover for hospitalization and for buying yet another car. Plus without car insurance you will be paying police fines as well as paying for suspended licenses.
A total of 47 states require some kind of insurance for your car. It would be wise to know the basic law covering car insurance. Here are ten tips you can refer to on how you can get the best deal on car insurance.
1. Know the different types of car insurance policy
The first thing to know in buying car insurance is to understand the different policies they offer. Choose a policy or policies that would best suit your needs.
Liability – This policy covers physical injuries and damages to property. This includes paying for hospitalization and other medical expenses. Damage to property includes vehicles and other tangible property that might have been damaged during the accident. Liability also includes expenses for court proceedings if the vehicular accident requires one.
Collision ?This policy covers any damages if your vehicle is crashed to another vehicle, lamp posts, house or any another objects.
Comprehensive ?This policy covers damages caused by natural disaster like flood, storm, hail or wind. This also includes damages by theft or vandalism.
Medical Coverage ?Medical expenses are covered by this policy not considering if the cause is a vehicular accident or not.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) ?A personal insurance of the driver. This policy covers for medical expenses and treatment caused by an auto incident.
Uninsured Motorist ?If by chance you are hit by an uninsured driver, this policy covers the damages done to your vehicle.
Underinsured Motorist ?This policy will cover the remaining cost for repairing your damaged car if ever the incident is caused by an insured driver with inadequate liability insurance.
Rental Reimbursement ?In case of a damaged car due to a vehicular accident, this policy will give a daily allowance for rental fee.
2. Know your credit rating:
In most states, credit rating has always been the number one factor affecting car insurance rates. Be sure you have a copy of you credit report and check its accuracy and immediately contest any erroneous information.
3. Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
You can get a copy of your Motor Vehicle Report in your respective Department of Driver Services or Department of Public Safety in your state. A three year record may cost you 5$ and a seven year record would cost you 7$. Like credit reports, verify that all information are correct.
4. Accident Reports
You can get a copy of your Motor Vehicle Accident Report from the local police department. It may take around six weeks before you can receive the detailed report. You might need to pay a higher car insurance rate if you have reported accidents within the last eighteen months.
5. Scout for a good insurance package
There are some insurance companies that are offering multi-vehicle discounts. You would get a lower rate if you have two or more vehicles that you want to get insured. Also, you can get a good deal from one company that packages all their insurance policies, including home and health insurance.
6. Check out various discounts
Most insurance company offers a discount to drivers over 55 years of age. It always pays to be a good student; you can get a student discount if you have a3.0 point average or higher.
7. Obtain a Driving Safety Certificate
It is common for car insurance companies to give certain discounts to those who finish a safety driving course with a very good standing.
8. Check the model of your car
Insurance rates can be different from vehicle to vehicle. A fancy car will obviously have a higher rate than an older model.
9. Take advantage of added features
Be sure you are receiving lower rates for safety and security features like antilock brakes and air bags.
10. How much are you willing to pay
Choose the option where you can handle the down payment and the monthly paying scheme. Compare other insurances?prices before purchasing one. You can try calling a toll- free number (1-888-588-5111) where you can ask for car insurance assistance and compare rates.
Having car insurance is like driving trouble-free. But, as always, being a responsible driver exceeds all effort in having a hassle-free life on the road. Never drink when you’re driving. Have a big respect for your life and that of others. Go get your car insured and be safe on the road!

Saving money on auto insurance

July 21st, 2010

William Berg
715

Auto insurance can dig deep holes in your pockets and you can save substantial amounts of money each year by choosing the right auto insurance. Taking the time to check out different car insurance companies and comparing their quotes can be a very good investment. You can often save several hundred dollars by choosing a licensed low-price car insurance company instead of some of the more expensive insurance companies. Today, the Internet has made it easier than ever before to rapidly gather information about insurance coverage and insurance rates from a multitude of insurance companies. Some sites will even collect the information for you and display easy-to-read spread sheets where all vital factors can be easily weighed against each other.
You can usually lower your car insurance rate further by installing an air bag, since the medical part of your car insurance will be cheaper. The car insurance company knows that you are less likely to sustain sever injuries in a car equipped with air bags. Some car insurance companies will offer you an even lower insurance rate if you install air bags not only for the driver but for the passengers as well. The same risk analysis will make your insurance rate drop when you install an anti-theft system, if you have a car insurance policy that covers theft.
Many insurance companies will offer discounts for certain groups, such a mature drivers, multi car families and militaries. Members of the National Guard and the Reserves are usually offered the same discount as militaries. Mature drivers receive a discount since they are statistically less accident prone than younger drivers. If you have a young driver in your family, you can however lower your insurance cost with some insurance companies by showing that the young driver has completed a driver’s education program. Such insurance companies will usually also offer discounts for mature drivers that have completed a course in defense driving. If you are a multi-car family you should always bring this up when you negotiate your insurance rate with the insurance company and ask how large the discount will be if you insure all your cars with the company. Sometimes the car insurance rate can be decreased even further by insuring your car with your home insurance company or health insurance company. It is common for insurance companies to offer a wide range of different insurance policies.
If you have been fortunate and skilled enough to stay accident free for many years, you should find out how different car insurance companies will award you for this. The discount for accident free drivers can vary significantly between different car insurance companies and you can therefore save substantial amounts of money by shopping around. A five year long period that has been free of accidents is usually long enough to make you qualified for some type of discount. With some car insurance companies you will be offered a “surcharge waiver? With a surcharge waiver, you will not loose your discount even if you are involved in one accident.