Archive for June, 2009

Why Check Auto Insurance Providers First

Kate Hudgens asked:


Checking the past performance of an auto insurance company first would prove to be very useful for you if you are someone who is already considering availing of an insurance coverage. This is true since it is not a secret for most of us that there are already a lot of reports in our times that indicate that there are a lot of people that are not very much satisfied with the services that some companies provide. To avoid being in a situation like this, one of the things that you should consider is to check the quarterly reports that are being submitted by all the insurance companies.

Now these reports are publicly accessible so you shouldn’t have any hesitations why you should not view them. Through that document, you will be able to see any company’s rating and financial standing. Of course, knowing which ones rank higher is vital for you if you want to get the best auto insurance offer. Most of the time, the rates that these services offer is much more expensive than the other ones but that is really better than getting a cheap insurance that wouldn’t be able to assist you that much when you encounter accidents.

Check with those auto insurance providers that have been around for a long time and you will most likely come across lesser risks. This is just logical since most insurance companies wouldn’t last long if they are not able to give satisfactory service to the general public.



Maria Palma asked:


Buying auto insurance after you’ve been charged with a DUI can seem like a daunting task. Many auto insurance companies will not cover because you’ve now become a greater risk and if you do find an auto insurance company that will cover you, they’ll charge higher premiums. Many first-time drunk driving offenders think that this kind of system isn’t fair, however if you currently have auto insurance, which in most states it’s illegal if you don’t, there’s the slight chance that your auto insurance rates may not go up at all. Many auto insurance companies look at your driving record every few years. However, if or when they do find out, these companies could raise your premiums or even cancel your auto insurance.

There are quite a few things auto insurance companies look at when deciding to give you an auto policy. The majority of auto insurance companies look over your driving history while there are other auto insurance companies that will check your credit report to see if you are responsible and financially stable. Other companies will also look at your claims history reporting to see how many accidents you’ve had in the past. All of these factors are combined to produce an “insurance score”, much the same way credit bureaus come up with a credit score.

An SR-22 is a Department of Motor Vehicles form that you fill out to show proof of car insurance. This SR-22 is a requirement for those who have been arrested or convicted for drunk driving and want to get a restricted license. An SR-22 also notifies the DMV that the car insurance company has given you a minimum liability coverage for your vehicle.

When shopping around for car insurance, you should get several rate quotes from various companies before making a decision on buying car insurance. Your drunk driving defense lawyer can probably recommend a few insurance companies that can help you with your SR-22 filing and offer a decent rate.



Christopher Cooney asked:


eople are wondering whether or not general auto insurance is going to be enough for their needs. They want to make sure they get insurance for a low cost. However, you need to consider whether or not the basic insurance is going to be enough for you if you have to make a claim. Here is a closer look at general auto insurance and what will be enough for your car insurance needs.

If you only purchase general auto insurance, meaning that you go with the minimum cover that the law requires you to have, then if you only have a small accident, it may be enough cover for you. Of course on the other hand, if you totally demolish your vehicle, then it may not be enough. There are some cases when having more than the minimum auto insurance can be important.

Patricia Woloch asked:


Trucks are involved in thousands of accidents each year, and the type of accidents involving trucks (semi-trucks, vans, dump trucks, fire trucks, and tractor trailers) can be very serious due to the size of the vehicles involved and the potential danger of what the truck may be carrying. As a result of the tremendous size and weight of these vehicles, collisions that involve trucks often cause serious injuries and fatalities to people in smaller passenger vehicles. Another significant difference between an auto accident and an accident involving a semi-truck or a tractor trailer is that the truck is usually owned by a company, either large or small.

The government has created more laws to make trucking safer and to reduce the risk of accidents, and trucking companies have increased safety procedures, training, and awareness for their trucking staff; however, due to the growing number of trucks on the road, the number of truck accidents has increased.

People involved in a truck accident could be eligible for compensation, and there are now many lawyers who are experienced in dealing with truck accident claims.

If you or a loved one is involved in an accident involving a truck, you should obtain the following information as soon as safely possible after the accident:

• A copy of the police report, including the report number and the name of the investigating officer(s)

• License plate number of all vehicles involved

• Any company names or identification information on the cab and trailer

• Driver information including name, driver’s license number, and insurance information

• Insurance information for the truck and trailer owner

• Length of skid marks if visible

• The condition of the truck’s tires

• Road conditions at the time of the accident

• Names and contact information of any witnesses

• Names and contact information of anyone taking pictures or questioning witnesses/participants

In addition to gathering the above information:

• Take photographs of all vehicles involved and of the scene of the accident (if possible)

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible

• Obtain a copy of your medical examination report

• Contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible

You should also be aware of what not to do if involved in a truck accident:

• Do not make statements without first discussing the situation with an attorney. If asked to give a statement to police, only state specific facts. Do not state opinions or accept responsibility for the accident

• Do not sign anything other than the police report (after thoroughly reading it)

Federal laws that govern the trucking industry are different than automobile laws, and these differences drastically change the way an accident is handled. You need someone on your side that understands the complexity of trucking law and is prepared to fight to get you the compensation you deserve.



Auto Insurance Pre-Requisites

Mark Robinson asked:


Prior to making any investment in any type of auto insurance policy, you must be confident that you have weighed all other options considerably well. You definitely wouldn’t want ending up paying for something you never wanted.

The easiest medium to get extensive options for your auto insurance needs is internet as you will discover a wide variety of options with prices ranging from economical to skyrocketing. Good auto insurance never comes cheap, so you’ll have to spend enough time on every option available.

The complications in auto insurance calculations are inevitably going to make your task even difficult. There are several factors that come into play during calculations, such as the area you reside in, what car-theft prevention devices you have installed, the make and year of your car etc. You can avail interesting discounts if you have good tracking and security systems (steering wheel disablers, car alarms, auto lock mechanisms etc.) installed in your car, however, they’ll vary from company to company.

While many states have made it mandatory for vehicle owners to have auto insurance, it is not a trend followed in all of US. In those mandatory states, if one is found involved in a road accident, and without auto insurance, his/her license is suspended without any questions asked. Well, there is a good reason behind the state’s imposition of such strict insurance laws. Expensive car repairs can have a drastic affect on your psyche and compromises made on the repair parts can further lead to more accidents and chronic injuries, that doesn’t reflect well on any government’s report card.

In case you are a first timer and are under 25 years of age, you will have to pay higher premium in comparison to anyone with a previous insurance record. At the time of obtaining quotes for the auto insurance policies, you will be asked to decide on the excess or the deductible amount. This amount is the sum you’ll have to pay the insurance company prior to them honoring your claim. The deductible amount and the premium amount are normally inversely proportional to each other.

It is best to have one single auto insurance policy for all the vehicles in home, even if under the names of different owners. Having a single insurance policy will save you a lot of money in comparison to having them individually for your spouse and children.

Many people fall prey to the loyalty myth and fail to realize the benefits of switching between different auto insurance companies, over a period of time. If you have had an auto insurance policy for a long time now, you stand a good chance to get a highly competitive quote from a competitor insurance company.

If the massive number of 1.2 million cars stolen in the year 2005 is any indication, you must act in hurry and get an auto insurance policy for your vehicle. In the reports submitted by the NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau), it was observed that the most likely targets of car thieves were places in Las Vegas, Sacramento and Phoenix. The good news is that auto insurance premiums are on a downward trend and as per III (Insurance Information Institute), the average annual premium works out in between 800-900 USD. So go ahead and get your dear vehicle insured right away!



NDIMELE IKECUKWU PHELIM asked:


Vintage automobiles are not very common, they are old and expensive cars. You have to be ready for the financial duties attached to owning one, if you want to own it. The restoration and refurbishment of vintage cars now is big business; It will cost a true fortune to the owners of vintage cars whenever there is need for repairs and maintenance. The parts used for replacements are also rare and expensive. It takes a lot of time to restore vintage cars and they are good auction materials.

A point to note here is that though vintage cars are seemingly expensive, their insurance cover rates are relatively low. The reason for this is that most owners of vintage automobiles reserve their cars for very special events thereby placing the car in the low mileage class with insurance companies.

When you also consider what it will mean for a vintage car to be stolen or destroyed, getting a complete comprehensive vintage vehicle insurance deal becomes mandatory.

The cover contract policy for vintage vehicles do not play to the terms of the normal and regular automobile’s policies. Because of the low mileage, rates are reduced. Note that if the vintage car is a very rare type with a high end engine and expensive body parts, you may end up paying high premium for an ideal cover deal.

A comforting fact about vintage automobiles is that they are not targets of normal car thieves. This is true because of the ease with which they are identified thus making them easily recovered by security operatives. Another fact is that reselling them is very difficult. Buyers are not readily available and they will ask proper questions about the car before paying for it.

Looking For Where To Get Trusted Rates and Professional Auto Insurance Consultation For Your Vintage Car Online? Click Here: auto insurance companies / auto insurance quotes



Thom Kingsley asked:


The factors that determine your RV insurance rates often go undisclosed, leaving insurance buyers in the dark and making decisions about prices that don’t seem to add up. This article illustrates the key factors that determine your RV insurance rate and offers suggestions for saving as much money as possible when you purchase coverage.

1) Storage Location – by State and by Zip Code

If you store your RV in Florida during hurricane season, there’s a higher potential for wind and flood damage than if you store it in Arkansas. In certain states and zip codes, crimes are more likely to occur. Your decision on where to store your RV when it’s not in use affects your overall insurance rate. Talk to your RV insurance agent to determine if it could pay you to store it in a zip code – or state – away from your current location. Your RV may need to be registered in the state where you store it though, so be sure to discuss this factor with your agent.

2) Type of Use – Full-Timer vs. Recreational

If you plan to live in your RV full-time, you need an insurance policy that works like a floating home-owners policy that follows you everywhere you go. If you’re a weekend warrior, you can get different coverage that won’t cost you as much. Be honest when you’re signing up for your policy though – saving a little money can end up costing you thousands if your claims adjuster thinks you’ve fudged the truth during your application.

3) Membership with RV Association

In addition to a number of perks such as reduced rates at RV parks, your membership at the RV association of your choice could earn you a discount on your insurance rates. This is likely something that’s mentioned in the brochures or on the website of your selected RV association. Be sure to mention any memberships when you’re talking with your RV insurance sales rep.

4) Discount for Multiple Policies with a Company

Mention your current insurance companies when talking with your insurance agent, as you may be eligible for a multiple-policy discount. Be prepared on your call by gathering the names of your current insurance providers beforehand.

5) Deductible Options – a Higher Deductible Equals Lower Rates

This one’s obvious, but it’s something people often agonize over when they’re discussing options with an agent. Make sure you know what your out-of-pocket-expense tolerance is before you start discussing this factor. Knowing what you can afford will save you the agony of having to make a snap decision that could have a big affect on your future financial situation. If you have a small fund set aside and collecting interest for damages, you could well save a little chunk on your insurance costs.

6) Type of Unit

For some insurance companies, a class A motor home is more expensive than a class C to insure. If insurance price is of no concern to you, don’t worry about this factor; however, if you’re looking to keep your fixed costs as low as possible, you might do some advance research to make sure you’re getting the cheapest-to-insure RV possible.

7) Previous RV Ownership

Do you have any previous RV driving experience? Your insurance agent will likely ask you about your past RV driving history, but if not be sure to let them know how long you’ve been an RVer as you may be eligible for discounts.

8) Age

There are some perks that come with growing older – one of them is lower RV insurance rates. Check with your agent to see if there are any discounts you’ve earned through the sheer virtue of the duration of your life’s experience.

9) Driving History

RV insurance companies look at your driving history in non-RV vehicles. They have to start somewhere. If your record is relatively clear of accidents and claims that were your fault, then you could be looking at a decent-sized discount.

10) Insurance Claims History

If you have a long history of opening insurance accounts and soon after filing a claim, your new RV agency is going to see you as a risk. Your history is likely to be a strong factor in your final insurance rate. Be sure to minimize the number of claims you’re making – insurance companies pay an independent agency that tracks an individual’s claims and protects them much the way credit ratings protect credit companies.

11) Home Ownership Discounts

Owning a home can affect your RV insurance costs too – it shows insurance companies that you’re likely not a full-timer, and displays your level of responsibility. If you’re curious about your savings on this, just ask your agent while you’re on the phone.

12) Marital Status

Insurance companies believe your marital status affects how safely you drive, and the likelihood that you’ll make a claim. You may feel differently when you’re lost and arguing with your beloved about missed turns in the middle of a windstorm. Either way, your status does affect your insurance rates.

13) Your Credit Rating

Finally, your RV insurance company believes that the manner in which you treat your credit could be a strong indicator of how you’re going to treat your RV. If you’ve got good credit, you’re likely to see a small decrease in your insurance rates. If you’re curious about the size of the decrease, be sure to check with your insurance agent.



G. M. White asked:


It is very important for Texas business owners to understand car insurance from a commercial perspective. Many small business owners and artisan contractors often assume that their vehicle can be properly covered under their commercial insurance policy. This is rarely the case. Simply having a business car insurance policy may not be enough. It is necessary as well for the business insurance insurer to be thoroughly informed as to the specifics of the risks the car will be exposed to, in order for the policy to both reflect the use of the vehicle and to cover it appropriately. TAHI makes it easy for the business owner to describe clearly the usage of the vehicle. We have worked with contractors from all industries over the past 25 years and are familiar with almost every business model in Texas. Getting a good, clear understanding of the way the vehicle is used and the industry it is used in helps us take advantage of classification opportunities that give the owner the very best business car insurance rates and coverage.

It is never a good idea to use personal auto insurance for a business car, truck, or van. Any vehicle used in business should be registered in the name of that LLC, corporation, or partnership. Registering the vehicle and insuring it under the business name allows the carrier to properly assess the exposure the business itself is subject to when the vehicle is used. Business car insurance can then be written that will cover the company and the automobile against these risks. It is crucial to understand exposure and how it impacts policy coverage in general.

Many business car insurance holders assume they are covered on their policy where ever their car travels. This is not necessarily true. Most commercial autos are used in a specific manner during the course of business operations. Driving a commercial vehicle for personal reasons, or taking it to a location(s) not pertaining to the nature of the business and the vehicle’s intended use, can result in liability losses of the automobile is involved in an accident. This is a tricky call to make at times, and requires the assistance of a business car insurance agent who thoroughly knows insurance laws and can weigh the vehicle’s use against the coverages enumerated in the policy itself. If the policy needs amending or replacing, TAHI can do so to make certain that gaps in coverage are eliminated and liability is reduced as much as possible.

Another common coverage question we are frequently asked is the question of “Who is covered on a business car insurance policy? Can employees use their personal automobiles in my business?” The answer to this is again a variable based upon the type of business, type of license the driver holds, and the vehicle itself. It is not as cut and dry as the laws pertaining to personal auto insurance, which allows any licensed driver not excluded by name to be insured under the policy. In order to determine driver eligibility, it will probably be necessary to include “Drive Other Car” and “Employers’ Non-Ownership” coverages in the policy. Call us today for free information on these options.



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