tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45973125141848369832024-03-12T17:35:05.523-07:00Auto insuranceLower your auto insurance rates. Online car insurance quotes from Progressive Auto Insurance. Car Insurance Premium Calculator. he largest UK insurance company offering instant online Car, Home, Life, Health, and Travel insurance, Lifetime Mortgage, Mortgage protection and more. We help you in the pursuit of cheap car insurance and find the most appropriate car insurance.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597312514184836983.post-47927056254238000852009-01-01T05:29:00.000-08:002009-01-01T05:30:05.461-08:008 Things You Should Know About Auto Insurance<span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#000080;">By: <a href="http://www.reprint-content.com/profile/Lara-Newcomb/19489">Lara Newcomb</a><br /><br /></span></span><p class="articletext" id="article">Dealing with the ins and outs of auto insurance can be as tricky and confusing as trying to untie the Gordian knot. Although we can`t help you with the knotty Gordian problem, the following recommendations could help you figure out some of the more complicated points of auto insurance.<br /><br />1) Determine appropriate coverage.<br />Help control the price you pay, just ask American Insurance Association executive Dave Snyder. For example, Snyder notes that half of your auto insurance bill covers liability and "that has to do with how you are going to use the vehicle, such as for commuting to work and your driving record. If you`ve got a clean driving record, you figure to pay less for insurance than you would if you had a speeding ticket on your record. You can control the other half of your premium which covers damage or loss to your vehicle, comprehensive and collision coverage."<br /><br />2) Shop around for insurance.<br />"In most states," Snyder reports, "there are hundreds of insurers competing for business, so it`s possible to save hundreds of dollars by obtaining quotes from different auto insurance providers." Picking up on Snyder`s theme is his AIA colleague, Nicole Mahrt. Mahrt urges you to work with your insurance provider to get more than one quote. "It pays you to shop around, especially if you feel you`ve been paying too much."<br /><br />3) Look for insurance discounts.<br />"Many insurers will give you a discount if you buy two or more types of insurance from them, for example auto and home insurance," confirms John Marchioni, senior vice president of Personal Lines for Selective Insurance, in Branchville, N.J. More cost-saving suggestions from Marchioni: "Ask about discounts for air bags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and anti-theft devices."<br /><br />4) Consider taking a higher deductible.<br />"You could lower your insurance bill by increasing your deductible," Mahrt says. "But just make sure you can pay the higher deductible if you file a claim."<br /><br />5) Look into "stacking" coverages if you file an insurance claim.<br />Insurance trade group officer Daniel Kummer explains that stacking uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages means "you can collect from more than one of your auto insurance policies. Most states prohibit this practice, but there are about 19 states that either allow stacking or don't address the issue either through legislation or litigation," according to Kummer, director of personal insurance for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. "Be sure to check your auto insurance contract to see if it's allowed. "Be advised that you`ll likely pay a higher insurance premium if you have stacked coverage. "It could be 10% to 30% more depending on the litigious nature of the state in which you reside," says Kummer.<br /><br />6) Check with your insurance provider BEFORE buying a car.<br />"Your premium is based in part on the car`s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its safety record and the likelihood of theft," answers Selective`s John Marchioni. Remember to avoid shopping by price alone. "You want an agent and a company that answer your questions and handle claims fairly and efficiently," emphasizes Marchioni, senior vice president of Personal Lines for Selective Insurance.<br /><br />7) Notify your auto insurance company as soon as you change companies.<br />"Be sure to cancel your old policy," suggests PCI`s Dan Kummer. "Do it the same day, but don`t cancel your old policy until you`ve lined up a new contract. That`s important because some states like New York will fine you for the number of days you go without insurance." One last thought from Kummer on the subject: "Most auto insurers specify in your contract that you can terminate your policy any time you want by informing your company in writing about the date you wish that coverage be terminated or you can do that over the phone.<br /><br />8) Pick the insurance payment option that best fits your budget.<br />"Generally, most companies will give you the ability to pay over time, but that comes at a price," says Kummer. "Your payment could increase a few dollars each time you pay by installment. Insurers can accept payments monthly, quarterly, or every six months, what ever is most convenient for you. Remember, though, that the more you break down your payments, the more the cost adds up."</p> <p class="articletext"> </p> <!-- google_ad_section_end--> <br /> About the Author:<br /><p class="articletext"> <a href="http://www.testeachersonline.com/" target="_blank">Series 63</a> Exam Information & Overview - www.testeachersonline.com</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597312514184836983.post-91272613490491627272009-01-01T05:27:00.000-08:002009-01-01T05:28:49.376-08:00What Does Liability Mean on Your Car Insurance?<a id="KonaLink0" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.content4reprint.com/finance/insurance/what-does-liability-mean-on-your-car-insurance.htm#"><span style="color: orange ! important; font-family: Verdana,serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 12px; position: static;color:orange;" ><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: 1px solid orange; color: orange ! important; font-family: Verdana,serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 12px; position: static; background-color: transparent;">Liability </span><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: 1px solid orange; color: orange ! important; font-family: Verdana,serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 12px; position: static; background-color: transparent;">insurance</span></span><span style="position: relative;" id="preLoadWrap0"><div style="position: absolute; z-index: 4000; top: -32px; left: -18px; display: none;" id="preLoadLayer0"><img style="border: 0px none ;" src="http://kona.kontera.com/javascript/lib/imgs/grey_loader.gif" /></div></span></a> is very important and most state auto insurance laws require that an individual maintain at least liability <a id="KonaLink1" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.content4reprint.com/finance/insurance/what-does-liability-mean-on-your-car-insurance.htm#"><span style="color: orange ! important; font-family: Verdana,serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 12px; position: static;color:orange;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: orange ! important; font-family: Verdana,serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 12px; position: static;">insurance</span></span></a> on their automobile. What it does is protect you against costs that are associated with the damage and injury of another in an automobile accident in which you may be deemed at fault.<br /><br />There are two parts to the policy. There is property damage liability and bodily injury liability. It is pretty easy to guess that property damage liability is going to protect you against any cost and damage that is associated with damaging another person's physical property and that bodily injury liability is going to protect you against the personal injury inflicted on someone else as a result of the accident.<br /><br />Usually, there are some numbers that a person may see on their policy. These numbers usually look like this: 50/100/25. Now what this means is that the policy is split up into three different amounts each policy can be different depending on what the individual chose when they opened the policy. In this case, 50/100/25 means that the insurance will pay for the bodily injury of an individual in an amount up to $50,000, will pay for the bodily injury costs on everyone in a vehicle in an amount up to $100,000, and will pay property damage costs up to $25,000.<br /><br />Every vehicle requires its own level of liability insurance depending on what state you are located in. It is important to know what your state's <a id="KonaLink2" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.content4reprint.com/finance/insurance/what-does-liability-mean-on-your-car-insurance.htm#"><span style="color: orange ! important; font-family: Verdana,serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 12px; position: static;color:orange;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: orange ! important; font-family: Verdana,serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 12px; position: static;">auto </span><span class="kLink" style="color: orange ! important; font-family: Verdana,serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 12px; position: static;">insurance</span></span></a> requirements are so that you have an idea of what you would have to pay in your insurance premium.<br /><br />The cost<br /><br />Liability insurance is cheaper than full coverage insurance that also includes damages from theft, natural disaster, and vandalism. Liability only covers costs associated with an accident so that you do not lose your hard earned assets in a lawsuit. There are have been cases in which a person has been sued for more that what they have in coverage, but the liability insurance does lessen the blow. However, a person can pay for different levels of liability insurance to ensure that they will not be "taken for everything they've got." Not having enough insurance can still have a heavy impact on a persons life when an accident occurs.<br /><br />No one intends on hurting another and they usually do not purposely engage in an auto accident because there is so much trouble involved, including the possible loss of the vehicle. That is why it is important to carefully assess how much insurance you think you will need. Liability is rather affordable. Some states have a minimum requirement of 20/40/10, but you could carry something such as a 50/100/50 if you think you need it. The cost is still not going to be much.<br /><br />Just remember<br /><br />Don't forget that if you set your limits too low you could be setting yourself up for financial disaster even though you have car insurance. This is to be considered carefully. It is easy to make the decision to save <a id="KonaLink3" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.content4reprint.com/finance/insurance/what-does-liability-mean-on-your-car-insurance.htm#"><span style="color: orange ! important; font-family: Verdana,serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 12px; position: static;color:orange;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: orange ! important; font-family: Verdana,serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 12px; position: static;">money</span></span></a> by paying the lowest premium possible, but paying the lowest premium possible could later result in the loss of your assets. It is also important to remember that liability just covers bodily injury and property damage. If a tree falls on your home during a wind storm, it is then time to assess your options.<br /><br />However, liability insurance will protect you from those nasty lawsuits that may come your way as a result of an accident. That in itself makes it more than worth the money because you have the peace of mind that most or all your assets are protected.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597312514184836983.post-41026684688668287262008-04-08T17:55:00.000-07:002008-04-08T17:58:21.467-07:00Insurance: Auto Insurance Centre<span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica,arial;font-size:100%;" > by Nicholas Tan<br /><b><a href="http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/feedback.cfm?articleid=304306">Send Feedback</a></b> to Nicholas Tan<br /> More Details about <a href="http://www.free-article-info.com/" target="resourcewindow">insurance</a> here.<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana,helvetica,arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;" > Are you looking for a great way to compare auto insurance companies and the rates available to you? Then you need to check out the Auto Insurance Center at free-article-info.com/auto-insurance/auto-insurance/index.php. There are wonderful articles to read as well regarding various auto insurance topics. Find out how to keep your auto insurance rates low and the consequences of driving without vehicle insurance. </span><p><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;" > The terminology surrounding auto insurance can be quite confusing at times. Auto Insurance Center offers a great section that explains all the terms in very simple language. This really helps to take the complexity out of deciphering the various terms involved with auto insurance quotes and policies. </span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;" > Hopefully, you will never be involved in an auto accident, but should it happen, do you know what to do? Go through the check list provided on the site to find out what items you need to carry in your vehicle for such incidents as well as the information you need to collect and share. Also find out the process for reporting the accident to the authorities and to your insurance agent. </span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;" > Auto Insurance Center allows you the convenience of entering all your information and then getting several great insurance quotes. This is the perfect way to find out who can offer you the very best deal on auto insurance without having to spend hours on the phone compiling the information yourself. They feature insurance quotes for every state so you are sure to find the valuable information you need. </span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;" > If you don't find everything you need at Auto Insurance Center, you can contact them by phone or email. They offer a very friendly and knowledgeable customer service team that can assist you with any questions or concerns. In addition to auto insurance, you will find information on renters insurance, health insurance, and life insurance. </span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;" > The Auto Insurance Center offers consumers a great one stop resource for all of their auto insurance needs. The site offers quotes that allow you to compare prices, information on getting the best rates, and wonderful articles to help you stay on top of the events taking place in the world of auto insurance. All of this information is free to use, so take the confusion out of your auto insurance needs and start using Auto Insurance Center.</span></p></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597312514184836983.post-17222414020805538392008-04-08T17:54:00.000-07:002008-04-08T17:55:46.897-07:00More auto insurance sales to happen via net<div class="Normal" style="text-align: justify;"> <img src="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/photo.cms?msid=2799549" relhposition="2" leftvalue="-999998" relvposition="2" topvalue="-999999" disttop="0" distbottom="0" distleft="15" distright="9" wftype="0" wfside="1" alt="/photo.cms?msid=2799549" title="/photo.cms?msid=2799549" align="left" border="0" /> </div> <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> MUMBAI: Following liberalisation, <a id="KonaLink0" target="_new" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Specials/Auto/More_auto_insurance_sales_to_happen_via_net/articleshow/2799529.cms#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13.3333px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: 1px solid blue; color: blue ! important; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13.3333px; position: static; padding-bottom: 1px; background-color: transparent;">buying </span><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: 1px solid blue; color: blue ! important; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13.3333px; position: static; padding-bottom: 1px; background-color: transparent;">auto </span><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: 1px solid blue; color: blue ! important; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13.3333px; position: static; padding-bottom: 1px; background-color: transparent;">insurance</span></span></a> may get a lot similar to buying airline tickets. In a couple of years, a significant share of auto insurance sales is likely to take place through the internet. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> In case of airlines, there are web-based aggregators such as makemytrip.com or cleartrip.com who obtain quotes from a host of airlines and offer a platform for flyers to get the best deal. Similar on-line intermediaries are likely to help buyers do comparison-shopping for </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">auto insurance. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> According to K N Bhandari, chief executive, General Insurance Council — an association of non-life insurance companies, the industry is in favour of healthy price competition and companies are open to providing quotes to such intermediaries. Already dealers for new cars are providing such aggregator service by offering quotes from a host of companies for new car buyers. This is possible because the dealer has floated multiple entities — each of which has a corporate agency relationship with one insurance company. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> But so far this aggregator facility has been available only for new car owners as dealers do not see insurance as a core area. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Another reason why aggregators have not come forward is that IRDA regulations require that any entity offering products of multiple companies should have a broking license. This means that the intermediary has to fulfill all conditions -- including setting up a new entity with a minimum capital of Rs 50 lakh. But given that <a id="KonaLink1" target="_new" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Specials/Auto/More_auto_insurance_sales_to_happen_via_net/articleshow/2799529.cms#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13.3333px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13.3333px; position: static;">auto</span></span></a> accounts for more than 50% of the non-life industry premium, insurance companies are confident that brokers will start looking at the retail segment. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> The good news for insurance buyers is that following the removal of price controls, the reaction of players has been to grab as much market share as possible. This has prompted companies to bring down rates across the board. Motor insurance rates, which were ruling at around 3% of the insured value of the car, are down to 2%. “Outside India the lowest rates are around 5% of the car value. Even in neighbouring Pakistan, motor insurance rates are around 5% of the <a id="KonaLink2" target="_new" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Specials/Auto/More_auto_insurance_sales_to_happen_via_net/articleshow/2799529.cms#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13.3333px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13.3333px; position: static;">car value</span></span></a>” says Bhandari. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> To ensure that there is some discipline in the market, the IRDA has said that insurers cannot cancel old tariff governed policies and replace them with new policies. This would mean that for car-owners new products would start becoming available gradually over a 12-month period depending on their date of renewal. But <a id="KonaLink3" target="_new" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Specials/Auto/More_auto_insurance_sales_to_happen_via_net/articleshow/2799529.cms#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13.3333px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13.3333px; position: static;">insurers</span></span></a> feel that these rates are unsustainable. With the latest cars are being launched in India, even small repairs are expected to result in large claims forcing insurers to start looking at their bottom line. They are therefore intensifying their risk-based pricing approach.<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597312514184836983.post-26252220749771512442008-04-08T17:51:00.000-07:002008-04-08T17:54:05.519-07:00A Rewards Plan for Auto Insurance<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 13px 0px 0px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Times New Roman,Times,Serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17px; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">Allstate Hopes Discounts<br />Will Attract New Customers<br />As Premium Increases Slow<br /><br /></div> <span id="byl" style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">By <b>JENNIFER SARANOW</b><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"><b>Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL<br /><br /></b></span></span><p class="times">Taking a cue from the credit-card industry, <b>Allstate</b> Corp. unveiled auto-insurance plans that give such perks as "free accidents" and discounts on deductibles or premiums to customers who pay 7% to 15% more in premiums or pay electronically.</p> <p class="times">Allstate's rewards are divvied up much like the different levels of cards offered by American Express Co., and other credit-card issuers at one time, with gold, platinum and value plans. For customers willing to pay an additional 15% in premiums, the platinum protection plan, for instance, offers a 5% credit toward the next six-month policy for every six months of accident-free driving.</p><p class="times">Both the platinum and gold protection plans also allow customers a certain number of accidents before their premiums rise and include an immediate $100 reduction on a collision-coverage deductible.</p> <p class="times">Previously, Allstate automatically gave accident waivers just to customers in some states who had been accident-free for five years, similar to what other insurers do.</p> <reprintsdisclaimer></reprintsdisclaimer><p class="times">The new policies, marketed as "Your Choice Auto," are available in Oregon, Utah and Tennessee. This month, Allstate plans to start offering the policies in Texas and Arizona, and in 75% of the country by year's end. The company plans to roll out similar products for its homeowners business.</p><p class="times">Like most auto policies, the plans offer basic liability coverage and allow customers to buy additional coverage, such as collision, based on their needs, with safe-driving and other discounts sometimes automatically offered. And as with traditional policies, the coverage and the deductible amount, along with other variables such as car type, determine customers' premiums, and whether they qualify for special rates or discounts.</p> <p class="times">But with Allstate's tiered plans, drivers can pay for discounts or rewards that they, not the insurer, picked out for themselves. Customers also can pick packages of protection beyond a standard package.</p> <p class="times">Allstate's new take on auto insurance comes as attracting customers is becoming more difficult. Increases in auto-insurance premiums have slowed amid a host of factors during the past couple of years, including a declining number of accidents and a crackdown on insurance fraud. According to the Insurance Information Institute, auto-insurance premiums will increase 1.5% this year, down from 2.8% last year. As a result, customers are less likely to switch providers in search of lower premiums, forcing the companies to look for ways other than price to differentiate themselves.</p> <p class="times">Allstate hopes to lure customers by encouraging them to consider more than just price and deductibles. The idea of the rewards plans is to give policyholders not just a choice of coverage options, but also a choice of discounts. The company expects the plans to boost its policy-renewal rate, which currently is about 90.7%.</p> <p class="times">Consumer advocates, however, warn that along with increasing customer choice, Allstate may be increasing customer confusion. "The more confusing it gets, the more likely it is people will be thrown into plans that are more expensive without knowing they have other options," says J. Robert Hunter, director of insurance at the Consumer Federation of America.</p> <p class="times">Each new protection plan comes with the coverage choices of Allstate's standard insurance policy, including liability. The company's average six-month auto premium is about $450. Customers of the gold plan, which is available for an extra 7% in premiums, or $31.50 on average, get one free accident over three years. (Allstate's accident surcharges to premiums typically last three years and are imposed when customers are at fault.) Platinum customers, who would pay an additional 15% or $67.50 on average, would receive perks such as unlimited accidents, among others.</p> <p class="times">Both platinum and gold customers can pay an additional 2%, or $9 on average, for coverage that would replace a new car that was totaled. The value plan adds nothing to a premium but requires customers to have their premiums automatically deducted from a checking or savings account in order to get 5% off their premiums.</p> <p class="times">There are caveats to the perks. Certain types of accidents, such as those that occur when the policyholder is drunk, wouldn't be waived.</p> <p class="times">Tom Wischmeyer, who has had a couple of "fender benders" in the past 15 years, signed up for the gold protection plan earlier this year because he felt it was more comprehensive and cost-effective. "The way I look at it, if there's an accident, your rates don't go up and if there's not an accident, your costs come down," says the 60-year-old retiree in West Linn, Ore.</p> <p class="times">Anita Sally, an Allstate agent in Bartlett, Tenn., says her sales of the Your Choice products are up 20% to 30% over sales of Allstate's standard product. She says those that buy into it tend to be younger drivers ages 18 to 20, single people and individuals who have caused accidents in the past five years. "Those particular individuals buy into it really quick," she says.</p> <p class="times">When deciding whether to opt for the new policies, consumers might want to look at their likelihood of being in an accident. Drivers age 24 and under tend to be involved in the most accidents, according to the National Safety Council. Allstate says the average driver has an accident every 10 years.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597312514184836983.post-19818804118988674302008-04-08T17:48:00.000-07:002008-04-08T17:51:27.535-07:00Mexican auto insurance: What you need to know<b>By GEOFF HILL</b>, Bajabound.com<br /><br />As the Baja real estate market grows at a frenetic pace, the number of Americans driving south of the border is increasing as well. Whether you are driving down to Baja for business or pleasure, it is important to buy auto insurance for your trip across the border. The following Q&A examines some of the most common issues regarding Mexican auto insurance.<br /><br /><div class="StoryBody"><b>My U.S. auto insurance provider covers me 50 miles into Mexico, so why do I need to buy Mexican auto insurance for a short trip across the border?</b> This question addresses one of the most common misconceptions about taking a car into Mexico. Some U.S. insurance companies provide coverage a short distance across the border, but only for physical damage and theft. Liability coverage from U.S. insurance companies is simply not recognized by the authorities in Mexico. If you are found to be at fault in an accident you will have to pay for damages to the other vehicle(s) on the spot. However, having a Mexican auto insurance policy would provide the necessary "proof of financial responsibility" and pay for damages to third parties in this situation.</div> <div class="StoryBody"><b><br />How are Mexican auto insurance claims settled?</b> The way claims are settled really depends upon the Mexican insurance underwriter you buy the policy from. We recommend buying a policy from an underwriter who settles claims in U.S. dollars and who will allow you to get your car repaired here in the United States. Otherwise you may have to leave your car in Mexico to get repaired, or take a settlement based upon Mexican repair rates, which will only cover a fraction of the cost to get it fixed by your preferred body shop at home.</div> <div class="StoryBody"><b><br />Do Mexican auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance or legal aid?</b> Once again, the services included are dependent upon who is underwriting the policy. Some underwriters include roadside assistance and legal aid as standard features, while others sell it at an additional cost. Regardless, it is highly recommended to have both included in your policy.</div> <div class="StoryBody"><b><br />How and where can I buy Mexican auto insurance?</b> The easiest way to buy Mexican auto insurance is online. Coverage is available from one day up to one year and it takes less than 10 minutes to buy and print out a policy. Buying online also allows you to choose a policy with features that best suit your insurance needs.</div> <div class="StoryBody"><b><br />I take my car to Baja for business purposes; do I need a different type of policy?</b> Yes. It is important to buy a "business use" policy when you are driving in Mexico for work purposes. Some underwriters apply a surcharge, while others sell business use policies for the same rate as a standard "tourist use" policy.</div> <div class="StoryBody"><i>Hill is vice president of business development for Bajabound.com, an online Mexican auto insurance provider based in downtown San Diego.</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597312514184836983.post-21469575823184696452008-04-08T17:46:00.000-07:002008-04-08T17:48:05.977-07:00Auto Insurance Quick guide: How Rates are Calculated<span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#000080;">By: <a href="http://www.a1-optimization.com/articles/profile/K.-Phillips/3197">K. Phillips</a><br /><br /></span></span><b>How Do Car Insurance Companies Calculate the Rates They Charge?</b><br /><br />Depending on your jurisdiction, the insurance premium you pay, can be either set by the government or determined by individual <a name="0969808321" id="amzn_cl_link_0" target="_blank" href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/0969808321?ie=UTF8&tag=a1articdirec-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=0969808321&adid=03dce85f-293b-41d0-b498-be34ec346752">insurance companies</a>, based on a framework of regulations that are set by the government.<br /><br />Figuring out the insurance premium that an individual companies will charge you, is a bit like putting different pieces of a puzzle together, because car insurance companies combine a number of different elements to arrive at your individual premium. The interesting part of it is that they all have a slightly different way of looking at things, and this produces a variation in prices between companies.<br /><br />The following is a brief explanation of how the different elements may affect your final insurance rate:<br /><br /><b>What kind of car do you drive?</b><br /><br />Car insurance companies have two basic methods of establishing premiums for your automobile. They use the relative claims experience of the makes and models of automobiles to establish your insurance premium. This means that they will check into the repair costs, the rate of injury, and the likelihood that the particular car may be stolen, to establish their risk and then price it accordingly. The current value of your vehicle is another factor, and insurance companies use a variety of methods to establish the current fair market value of your vehicle.<br /><br /><b>How is your vehicle used? </b><br /><br />It stands to reason, the more you use your auto, the higher the odds that you'll of be involved in an automobile accident at some time. So, all other factors being equal, people who don't do much driving tend to pay much lower premiums than than those that have a long commute to work, or do extensive amounts of driving for other reasons. Also of major importance, is who is using the vehicle.<br />Your <a name="079238394X" id="amzn_cl_link_1" target="_blank" href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/079238394X?ie=UTF8&tag=a1articdirec-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=079238394X&adid=bca6c132-d779-4c15-b2ca-d946ca391e02">automobile insurance</a> premium costs will also likely be higher if you have inexperienced drivers in your family or a number of different drivers using the car.<br /><br /><b><a name="0152956050" id="amzn_cl_link_5" target="_blank" href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/0152956050?ie=UTF8&tag=a1articdirec-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=0152956050&adid=da9763d0-f426-4a0b-8f5d-5e76617e1be6">Where do you live</a>? </b><br /><br />Car insurance rates are generally higher in metropolitan areas. Cities with their considerably higher density of traffic and people, mean that there is a higher likelihood of accidents, theft or vandalism claims.<br /><br /><b>What's your driving record? </b><br /><br />Your driving record is based on the number of years you've been licensed to drive, your previous insurance experience, and the number of at-fault accidents (usually up to the last 6 years but sometimes even longer.) If you drive safely and defensively to avoid convictions and at-fault accidents, your premium will be lower than if you've had a conviction or accident. In a nutshell, the better your driving record, the lower your insurance rates.<br /><br /><b>What optional coverage limits and deductibles do you choose? </b><br /><br />When you purchase your automobile insurance, you can select some of the coverage limits and deductibles.<br /><br />Most states require the purchase of at least a minimum amount of coverage for <a name="1841135526" id="amzn_cl_link_2" target="_blank" href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/1841135526?ie=UTF8&tag=a1articdirec-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=1841135526&adid=b6830c2c-898d-43dc-b84d-f21f688e03b0">Third Party Liability</a>. If you choose a higher coverage limit, you can expect to pay a correspondingly higher premium. If you select a lower deductible, you'll also pay a higher premium. Why? Because in both examples, you're asking the insurance company to assume more financial risk if you're involved in an accident or claim. If you select a lower limit of coverage or a higher deductible, you can reduce your premium costs, but you also shift more of the financial burden of liability and repairs onto yourself.<br /><br />You could decide not to purchase optional coverage, and this is one way to save on your insurance premium costs. For example, if you have an older automobile, you might want to consider not purchasing collision or comprehensive coverage if the automobile is not worth the additional premium cost.<br /><br /><b>Interestingly,</b> most insurers have a slightly different take on all of this data, and this is what leads to the wide differences between quotes that one sometimes sees for essentially the same insurance.<br /><br />Whatever your <a name="B000F3ISU6" id="amzn_cl_link_3" target="_blank" href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/B000F3ISU6?ie=UTF8&tag=a1articdirec-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=B000F3ISU6&adid=49dac346-dd66-439e-93de-05ab9b65d3fb">auto insurance</a> requirements are, be sure to get several comparison <a href="http://www.kanetix.com/auto-insurance" target="_blank">auto insurance quotes </a> through <b><i>kanetix</i></b> before you buy your policy. You'll be glad you did.<br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />The above description/explanation is intended as a guideline only, and is not to be interpreted as a recommendation to buy or sell any insurance products, or to provide legal or financial advice of any kind. Also, Kanetix Ltd. does not warrant or assume any <a name="B0008EPHW4" id="amzn_cl_link_4" target="_blank" href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/B0008EPHW4?ie=UTF8&tag=a1articdirec-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=B0008EPHW4&adid=0b38dd03-3507-4ae6-a742-87bee9c806dd">legal liability</a> or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed. <p class="" articletext=""><a href="http://www.a1-optimization.com/articles">Article Source</a>: http://www.a1-optimization.com/articles</p> <p class="articletext"> </p> <p class="articletext"> You may be able to reproduce and republish our article content if you ask Kanetix Ltd for permission -<a href="http://www.kanetix.com/us_ask_questions" target="_blank">click here to ask for permission</a>. You may use our RSS feed with an active link to our site. <a href="http://www.kanetix.com/rss_general" target="_blank">Click here to get our RSS feed</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597312514184836983.post-63855169729976855652008-04-08T17:44:00.000-07:002008-04-08T17:46:02.913-07:00Benefits of getting auto insurance online<span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#000080;">By: <a href="http://www.a1-optimization.com/articles/profile/James/189">James</a><br /><br /></span></span>Throughout the world if you want to drive your vehicle you have to get it insured. Having vehicle insurance means that driving is safe and at the same time affordable. It’s very stressful not to have insurance. Having a good <a name="0890437084" id="amzn_cl_link_0" target="_blank" href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/0890437084?ie=UTF8&tag=a1articdirec-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=0890437084&adid=536721d1-e918-4572-ac81-a4b40e5ea0e5">insurance policy</a> puts your mind at ease as you drive. It’s the basic duty of a vehicle owner to consider auto insurance seriously, because every time when you are behind the wheel you are running a risk.<br /><br />Presently it’s possible for you to get <a name="B00098BESK" id="amzn_cl_link_1" target="_blank" href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/B00098BESK?ie=UTF8&tag=a1articdirec-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=B00098BESK&adid=36d73f1e-64f9-4c74-aaf3-9b5ca9a10a72">auto insurance</a> online, the internet offers you much options and convenience. You can even sit in the comfort of your home and apply for insurance. The following article throws light on the various benefits of getting auto insurance online.<br /><br />Simple online tools<br /><br />The simple online tools make getting online insurance very easy. The host of help online will help you to select the right type of insurance for you even though you know nothing about <a href="http://www.a1-optimization.com/articles/Article/Benefits-of-getting-auto-insurance-online/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.knowautoinsurance.com" target="_blank">auto insurance</a>. The information the internet provides makes it simple to find the best suited insurance coverage.<br /><br />Online forms<br /><br />These forms are very easy to fill, this also helps in prompt and accurate elimination of errors and you can get a printed copy for your proof. This also helps you to save your valuable time. Moreover getting insurance online makes sure that you are accessing to the correct forms.<br /><br />Uncomplicated claim processes<br /><br />Today almost all companies dealing with insurance will allow their customers to make their claims online. This can be considered as a great advantage as it reduces your botheration in relation to the claims, along with saving of your time. This is treated as a major plus point as many people are of the opinion that getting insurance claims is <a name="B000972Y8U" id="amzn_cl_link_2" target="_blank" href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/B000972Y8U?ie=UTF8&tag=a1articdirec-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384049&creativeASIN=B000972Y8U&adid=7081d004-6f85-4368-b6f3-271867de6125">a daunting task</a>.<br /><br />Ease and confidentiality<br /><br />Making use of the internet for getting the best suited auto insurance is not a demanding task. It’s very simple and you can even enjoy the comfort of your room for selecting the best auto insurance.<br /><br />Reserves<br /><br />After finding the insurance you want the next step is to point and click in order to get the best deals on cheap auto insurance online. As there are many providers to choose from you can be sure of getting the cheap and best prices.<br /><br />Quick quotes<br /><br />The online insurance application helps you to get fast quotes, they also provide you with an opportunity to compare several insurance policies by price and by coverage. This provides you with a chance of selecting the right type of insurance from the right company.<br /><br />The above article tells you about the several benefits that you can enjoy if you are buying auto insurance online.<br /><br />About the Author<br /><br />http://www.knowautoinsurance is a site specially dedicated to information regarding <a href="http://www.a1-optimization.com/articles/Article/Benefits-of-getting-auto-insurance-online/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.knowautoinsurance.com%E2%80%9D" target="_blank">cheap auto insurane</a>. It provides valuable ideas in relation to insurance resources and design tips. <p class="" articletext=""><a href="http://www.a1-optimization.com/articles">Article Source</a>: http://www.a1-optimization.com/articles</p> <p class="articletext"> </p> <p class="articletext"> About the Author <a href="http://www.knowautoinsurance/" target="_blank">www.knowautoinsurance</a> is a site specially dedicated to information regarding <a href="http://www.knowautoinsurance.com/" target="_blank">www.knowautoinsurance.com</a>”>cheap auto insurane. It provides valuable ideas in relation to insurance resources and design tips.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4597312514184836983.post-79114653114067607122008-04-08T17:42:00.000-07:002008-04-08T17:43:54.205-07:00Florida Hurricane Season Demands Smart Auto Insurance<table border="2" cellpadding="5" width="435"> <tbody><tr><td><span style="font-size:+1;"><b> Florida Hurricane Season Demands Smart Auto Insurance<br />Copyright © 2006, Erin Shaughnessy </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <table background="/images/backing2.png" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="435"><tbody><tr><td> <!-- BEGIN ARTICLE BODY --> <pre>Does your car insurance policy cover hurricane damage? If you<br />are living in the state of Florida, or another high-risk region,<br />be sure to purchase a comprehensive policy to cover damages in<br />the event of a storm.<br /><br />Automobile damages resulting from Hurricane Wilma have resulted<br />in more Florida insurance claims than either Hurricane Katrina or<br />Hurricane Rita. Vehicle damage can range from scratches and<br />dents to shattered windshields, and sometimes the complete<br />wreckage of an automobile. Windborne debris and fallen trees may<br />be responsible for most storm-related claims. More complicated<br />claims arise when drivers collide at intersections without<br />working traffic signals due to power outages.<br /><br />State Farm and Progressive are the two largest auto insurance<br />providers in the state of Florida. One week after Hurricane<br />Wilma hit Florida, State Farm had received over eighty-seven-<br />thousand claims, almost thirty-five-thousand of which were for<br />automobile damage. Progressive Insurance reported that it<br />received more automobile insurance claims related to Hurricane<br />Wilma than for any other hurricane last year.<br /><br />Not all cars have insurance coverage for hurricane damage. The<br />policy holder has to have purchased the 'comprehensive' policy in<br />order to be insured for damage to their vehicle resulting from a<br />hurricane. While homeowners must purchase a separate policy to<br />cover flood damage, auto insurance includes flooding in the<br />comprehensive policy.<br /><br />One problem for hurricane related automobile damage is the high<br />volume of claims occurring at one time. Body shops can be<br />inundated with damaged vehicles and policy holders may experience<br />a delay in getting their cars repaired and returned. Adjusters<br />typically check on the most severe claims first. Larger auto<br />insurance carriers, such as State Farm, can call on insurance<br />claim adjusters from other states to share the burden of visiting<br />damaged vehicles. Due to general hurricane damage to hard-hit<br />areas, insurance company representatives may have trouble gaining<br />access. Even if access is not a problem, adjusters can still<br />face heavy traffic and long lines at gas stations, just as<br />residents do following a hurricane. It is important for<br />insurance company representatives to survey damaged vehicles<br />quickly, as policy holders are often encouraged to refrain from<br />having their automobiles repaired until the adjuster has visited.<br /><br />Following Hurricane Wilma, about 225,000 automobile claims were<br />filed in the state of Florida. According to the Florida Office<br />of Insurance Regulation, there were approximately 180,000 claims<br />filed by Floridians in 2004 for damage to vehicles resulting from<br />Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne.<br /><br />According to Insurance Services Office Inc., (ISO), property and<br />casualty insurers would pay approximately $6.1 billion to policy<br />holders in the state of Florida for losses from Hurricane Wilma.<br />The ISO Property Claim Services unit asserted, in a November 28,<br />2005 press release, that ninety percent of the catastrophe losses<br />from twenty-two events resulted from three hurricanes. The year<br />to date catastrophe losses could be as much as $50.3 billion,<br />according to the ISO Property Claim Services unit. Hurricanes<br />Katrina, Rita, and Wilma were responsible for $45.2 billion of<br />catastrophe losses. ISO Property Claim Services expected to<br />receive approximately 750,000 claims relating to damage of<br />personal and commercial property, automobiles, boats and yachts.<br /><br />In a press release dated January 26, 2006, Insurance Services<br />Office, Inc. revealed that United States property and casualty<br />insurers would pay a record breaking $56.8 billion to homeowners<br />and businesses for property losses in 2005. The actual amount of<br />property damage insurers will pay exceeded the estimated amount<br />by $6.5 billion. This number breaks the previous record, of<br />2004, when $27.3 billion was paid by insurers for catastrophe<br />claims.<br /><br />Ninety-three percent, or $52.7 billion, of the insured losses for<br />2005 were accounted for by Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, Rita,<br />Ophelia, and Dennis. ISO also reported that over eighty percent<br />of these claims came from policy holders in just five states;<br />Louisiana ($27.2 billion), Mississippi ($12.2 billion), Florida<br />($9.9 billion), Texas ($2.9 billion), and Alabama ($1.5 billion).<br /><br /></pre> <!--- END ARTICLE BODY ---> </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /> <i>Writer's Resource Box:</i><br /> <!-- BEGIN RESOURCE BOX --> <pre><b>Erin Shaughnessy is a freelance writer of political and<br />consumer advocacy articles. She is a contributor to<br />SmartAutoInsurance.com and has most recently covered <br /><a href="http://www.smartautoinsurance.com/florida-auto-insurance.html">Florida auto insurance</a> topics related to Hurricane<br />damage.</b></pre>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1