by Levi Quinn
Balancing a budget can be difficult. Every penny you save on routine bills like electricity and car expenses can be put to better use somewhere else. You work hard for your money and you'd like to save as much as possible. Everyone likes to save money, so we've compiled a few tips to help you squeeze your auto insurance policy for all it's worth.
Balancing a budget can be difficult. Every penny you save on routine bills like electricity and car expenses can be put to better use somewhere else. You work hard for your money and you'd like to save as much as possible. Everyone likes to save money, so we've compiled a few tips to help you squeeze your auto insurance policy for all it's worth.
Comparison Shop
Comparing rates from several companies can get you the best possible deal on your car insurance. Online quote services are quick and easy, and they do the hard work for you. Comparing prices at regular intervals, like every six months, ensures that you are getting the best price for the coverage you need. It also forces you to review your policy so you can determine if your coverage is still adequate for your needs. There's no sense in paying for too much auto insurance.
Raise Your Deductible
By raising your deductible from $200 to $500, you can save up to 30% off your monthly premiums. If you have an accident, you'll have to pay a few hundred dollars more out of pocket, but if you bank the savings every month, you should have a nice nest egg to use should you need a quick $500 for your deductible.
Check For Discounts From Your Provider
Discounts are pretty much standard for all insurance companies. While details vary from company to company, some types of discounts are commonly offered by most insurers. Insurance companies offer discounts to policy holders that insure multiple vehicles, buy life, homeowner's or renter's insurance along with their auto insurance, and those who have fewer accidents and moving violations. Drivers over 50, those who take safety courses and owners of cars with safety equipment like daytime running lights, airbags and anti-lock brakes all can receive discounts on monthly premiums. It's important to talk with your insurer to make sure you're taking advantage of all discounts that you qualify for.
Take Advantage Of Low Mileage Discounts
Drivers who stick close to home can get a low mileage discount from the insurance company. Ask your agent if your daily commute meets the restrictions for your policy.
Shop Wisely For A New Car
Purchasing a new car that has a theft deterrent system, or one that is inexpensive to repair and is not often targeted by car thieves will lower your monthly car insurance. Do your homework before shopping and check in with your insurance agent before making your final decision. Finding out that the candy apple red convertible will cost you more in insurance per month than the loan payment, may make you change your mind about taking it home.
Be Realistic About Older Vehicles
If you own an older vehicle that is worth $2,000 or less, carrying full coverage insurance is probably not a smart financial decision. You would be further ahead to drop the extra insurance and save the difference in premiums in a bank account in case your vehicle becomes damaged or stolen. Let your money collect interest in your bank account, not your insurance company's.
An informed consumer can shave a few dollars, maybe even a few hundred dollars off of their car insurance premiums. Armed with these tips, you can make sure your hard earned money is working for you.
Sleeping With Your Car Keys
by Chris Rowlands
Are you putting yourself at risk from a "vamoose" burglar? Incidents of car theft using the owner's keys, stolen from the house, are on the increase.
You may laugh at the title of this article but in fact this is a very serious issue. “Vamoose” burglaries (whereby a burglar breaks into your house and grabs your car keys) are on the increase. Many of us retire to bed in the evening blissfully unaware of how easy we could be making the thieves job.
Many of these incidents are not planned burglaries but opportunist thefts, made all the easier by the car keys effectively being handed to the thieves on a plate.
A common mistake people make is to leave their keys on a table by the door or somewhere similarly easy for the burglar to spot. This then allows the thief, with the greatest of ease to hook your keys through the letterbox.
Obviously you should be covered under your motor insurance policy for theft of your car, but it is, to say the least, rather an inconvenience. To be honest, not a nice experience all round.
“What can I do to prevent this from happening?” you ask. Well that my dear reader is simple; take your car keys to bed with you. It really is as simple as that. The majority of opportunist thieves will only enter the bottom floor of the house and grab what they can in a matter of seconds. If they get a method of transport thrown into the bargain, well, all the better.
Don’t forget to check with the supplier of your car insurance if the location of your car is covered. For example; if you have informed your insurers that your car will be garaged, when in fact it will be parked on a road, this may null and void the policy. Something as small as that can make all the difference.
There are of course other things you can do to make your house and car more secure, here are just a few examples: Install a steering wheel lock on your car, park in a well lit area/install a flood light, add extra window and door bolts, install an alarm as a visual deterrent in both the car and the house and apply some general common sense to the situation.
Are you putting yourself at risk from a "vamoose" burglar? Incidents of car theft using the owner's keys, stolen from the house, are on the increase.
You may laugh at the title of this article but in fact this is a very serious issue. “Vamoose” burglaries (whereby a burglar breaks into your house and grabs your car keys) are on the increase. Many of us retire to bed in the evening blissfully unaware of how easy we could be making the thieves job.
Many of these incidents are not planned burglaries but opportunist thefts, made all the easier by the car keys effectively being handed to the thieves on a plate.
A common mistake people make is to leave their keys on a table by the door or somewhere similarly easy for the burglar to spot. This then allows the thief, with the greatest of ease to hook your keys through the letterbox.
Obviously you should be covered under your motor insurance policy for theft of your car, but it is, to say the least, rather an inconvenience. To be honest, not a nice experience all round.
“What can I do to prevent this from happening?” you ask. Well that my dear reader is simple; take your car keys to bed with you. It really is as simple as that. The majority of opportunist thieves will only enter the bottom floor of the house and grab what they can in a matter of seconds. If they get a method of transport thrown into the bargain, well, all the better.
Don’t forget to check with the supplier of your car insurance if the location of your car is covered. For example; if you have informed your insurers that your car will be garaged, when in fact it will be parked on a road, this may null and void the policy. Something as small as that can make all the difference.
There are of course other things you can do to make your house and car more secure, here are just a few examples: Install a steering wheel lock on your car, park in a well lit area/install a flood light, add extra window and door bolts, install an alarm as a visual deterrent in both the car and the house and apply some general common sense to the situation.
10 Factors That Can Raise Or Lower Auto Insurance Rates
by Barry Allen
Auto Insurance premiums are never computed on a flat rate. The premium payable by each individual varies and is dependant on several variables. There are several factors that are used by auto insurers to determine the premium payable for auto insurance coverage.
Auto Insurance premiums are never computed on a flat rate. The premium payable by each individual varies and is dependant on several variables. There are several factors that are used by auto insurers to determine the premium payable for auto insurance coverage.
The rate of vehicle insurance is arrived at after taking into consideration the following:
1. Your age. Generally younger drivers are considered to be high risk and so the insurance rates are higher. Similarly older drivers too pay higher auto insurance premiums as with advancing age eyesight and coordination may become problems that affect driving.
2. The make of your car. Most insurance companies tabulate auto insurance rates based on the make of the vehicle. Compact cars and sedans have lower rates while sports models, exotic cars, and SUVs are assigned high rates of premium.
3. Gender is a factor too. Females get lower rates of auto insurance while males pay higher auto insurance premiums. Male drivers are consider high risk individuals as compared to females. According to statistics more accidents are caused by men than women drivers.
4. Financial stability. Auto owners with great credit scores and credit reports generally pay lower premiums than those with bad credit scores and reports. If you are considered to be a dependable individual then insurance companies offer lower premium rates.
5. Driving records have a say in premiums payable. If a driver has a clean driving record for three consecutive years then auto insurance providers will happily extend policies with lower premiums.
6. Where you stay. Those who live in the city pay more than individuals who live in the country or suburbs. Areas with lower crime rates and less congestion attract lower auto insurance premium rates. So if you live far from the maddening crowd then you will benefit by paying much lower premiums.
7. How many insurance policies you hold. If you approach for auto insurance the same insurance company that has you covered for life, health, hone and so on then you would automatically be eligible for great discounts on premiums payable for an auto insurance policy. Since the company already knows you and you have established credibility with them you will receive better rates as the insurers know what amount of risk you represent.
8. The condition of the car will be considered before offering a policy. The make, how old the vehicle is, its maintenance, and so on. A car in prime condition will get better premium rates than a rattletrap.
9. The distance traveled per year. If you restrict the number of miles traveled then you will be able to get auto insurance at lower rates. To do this you need to walk, use public transport, and car pool. Similarly a car used only for personal purposes will warrant lower premium than one used for business travel.
10. Whether or not you are eco-friendly. If you care for the environment and drive a non polluting vehicle then the auto insurance premiums will be lower. Auto insurers weigh the pros and cons of several factors before offering a viable premium rate. As a vehicle owner you can make an effort to lower your premium payable by keeping in mind all the factors that will affect your auto insurance premium. Most important always compare quotes from different auto insurers before deciding on a policy.
Auto Insurance premiums are never computed on a flat rate. The premium payable by each individual varies and is dependant on several variables. There are several factors that are used by auto insurers to determine the premium payable for auto insurance coverage.
Auto Insurance premiums are never computed on a flat rate. The premium payable by each individual varies and is dependant on several variables. There are several factors that are used by auto insurers to determine the premium payable for auto insurance coverage.
The rate of vehicle insurance is arrived at after taking into consideration the following:
1. Your age. Generally younger drivers are considered to be high risk and so the insurance rates are higher. Similarly older drivers too pay higher auto insurance premiums as with advancing age eyesight and coordination may become problems that affect driving.
2. The make of your car. Most insurance companies tabulate auto insurance rates based on the make of the vehicle. Compact cars and sedans have lower rates while sports models, exotic cars, and SUVs are assigned high rates of premium.
3. Gender is a factor too. Females get lower rates of auto insurance while males pay higher auto insurance premiums. Male drivers are consider high risk individuals as compared to females. According to statistics more accidents are caused by men than women drivers.
4. Financial stability. Auto owners with great credit scores and credit reports generally pay lower premiums than those with bad credit scores and reports. If you are considered to be a dependable individual then insurance companies offer lower premium rates.
5. Driving records have a say in premiums payable. If a driver has a clean driving record for three consecutive years then auto insurance providers will happily extend policies with lower premiums.
6. Where you stay. Those who live in the city pay more than individuals who live in the country or suburbs. Areas with lower crime rates and less congestion attract lower auto insurance premium rates. So if you live far from the maddening crowd then you will benefit by paying much lower premiums.
7. How many insurance policies you hold. If you approach for auto insurance the same insurance company that has you covered for life, health, hone and so on then you would automatically be eligible for great discounts on premiums payable for an auto insurance policy. Since the company already knows you and you have established credibility with them you will receive better rates as the insurers know what amount of risk you represent.
8. The condition of the car will be considered before offering a policy. The make, how old the vehicle is, its maintenance, and so on. A car in prime condition will get better premium rates than a rattletrap.
9. The distance traveled per year. If you restrict the number of miles traveled then you will be able to get auto insurance at lower rates. To do this you need to walk, use public transport, and car pool. Similarly a car used only for personal purposes will warrant lower premium than one used for business travel.
10. Whether or not you are eco-friendly. If you care for the environment and drive a non polluting vehicle then the auto insurance premiums will be lower. Auto insurers weigh the pros and cons of several factors before offering a viable premium rate. As a vehicle owner you can make an effort to lower your premium payable by keeping in mind all the factors that will affect your auto insurance premium. Most important always compare quotes from different auto insurers before deciding on a policy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
