It’s important to compare insurance auto quotes to get the best deal available. With the infinite options to test drive the current market from the convenience of home with the endless supply of online auto insurance companies vying for your attention, the process may seem a bit overwhelming. Although the process of comparing insurance quotes is relatively simple, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Getting Started to Compare Insurance Quotes

Before firing up your computer and breaking out the keyboard, there are a few things you need to have handy when matching insurance quotes. The most essential piece of information you need to be familiar with is the state laws regarding licensed motorists in the state in which you reside.

In addition to brushing up on your legal responsibilities, there a c couple of other things you’ll need including:

1. Vehicle Make
2. Vehicle Model
3. Year of Manufacture
4. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
5. Any outstanding loan information.

Comparing Insurance Quotes Locally

Once you have all of the essential information together, it’s often best to begin your search locally. Thanks to the advances in technology, nowadays many smaller companies are representing a fierce online global presence. Consider advising Google or Yahoo to find local providers, or consult the almost obsolete local telephone directory for more options. Select at least 5 establishments to get an average baseline when you compare insurance quotes. If you talk to a live person, be sure to jot down the representative’s name and telephone number for future reference.

Comparing Insurance Quotes Nationally

Thanks to the same technological advances, it’s becoming routine practice to match insurance quotes from national providers. A simple search yields numerous results in which you can narrow down to the top five. Online insurance companies allow you to plug in some basic information and within a couple of minutes generate a free quote. Other virtual providers may ask for a valid telephone number in which a representative gives you a personal call to review your quote information.

Why Do I Keep Getting Quotes?

When you compare insurance companies online, don’t be surprised if you get a wide range of different quotes. Why? Each individual insurance company has its own formula to calculate individual quotes.
Factors such as age, state of residency, previous claim’s history, prior driving record and where your vehicle is garaged influences personal quotes when comparing insurance coverage. Also companies are always changing their rates, so a quote you receive today may be different next week.

When comparing insurance quotes, keep in mind that certain situations usually affect your auto insurance coverage. These may include:

1. Milestone birthdays
2. Buying a new car
3. Purchasing a new home
4. Changes in credit score
5. Marriage
6. Having children.

It’s always practical to compare insurance rates to obtain the most savings without sacrificing coverage!

Links Related to Comparing Insurance Quotes

For further info on this topic, visit our partner site on Compare Car Insurance. In addition, do not forget to check out these as well:

http://www.insurance.com/auto-insurance/car-insurance-comparison-quotes.aspx
http://www.carinsurancequote.net/

mycar|Compare Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Uncategorized| 09 12th, 2012|Comments Off

Despite the myth that car insurance is more expensive for older drivers between the ages of 50 and 70 years old, however, there are many ways in which senior citizens can take advantage of discounts that may be applied to lower insurance policy premiums.   Depending on state laws, terms of how individual insurance providers calculate risks, and advances in technology, the following tips can prove to be advantageous for lowering premiums for older drivers.

Clean Driving Record

Many insurance companies consider older drivers to be more experienced than teenagers just getting behind the wheel, while others consider senior citizens as high risk drivers.  Regardless of age, however, having a spotless driving record is the best way to save on car insurance. Typically, any points incurred from traffic infractions remain on a driving record for three years.  While some accidents can’t be avoided, consciously deciding to be a safe driver at any age offers numerous benefits.

Reduction in Miles Driven

Upon retirement, many senior citizens find themselves driving less miles each year than they once did while working.  Insurance providers consider drivers travelling fewer miles annually to be less likely involved in an accident, and consequently filing a claim.  For senior citizens requesting car insurance discounts, be sure to inform the agent of the fact as well as whether or not you’re driving back and forth to work.  Also remember to maintenance your vehicle regularly, especially if it’s not used frequently.

Avoid Over-Insuring Vehicles

It’s important to have adequate car insurance.  In fact, it’s legally mandatory to purchase at least liability coverage in the event you’re involved in an accident; however, it’s just as important not to over-insure your vehicle.  If the vehicle is an older model and paid for in full, consider the depreciation value of the vehicle when opting for car insurance.  For example in such cases, you may want to discuss your insurance agent about cancelling Physical Damage auto insurance coverage.

Vehicle Safety Equipment

Thanks to advances in technology, many newer vehicles come equipped with safety equipment which car insurance providers find striking enough to offer discounts to senior citizens opting to purchase newer models.  One such equipment feature is a GPS (Global Positioning Systems) unit which can assist in providing navigational directions on unfamiliar routes.  Another appealing safety feature is OnStar.  The service provides roadside assistance, stolen vehicle tracking and an automatic crash response.

For additional car insurance discounts for senior citizens, consider purchasing a vehicle included on The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety annual list.  Not only does the decision to purchase a safe vehicle result in savings, but it could potentially save lives in the event of an accident.
There are other available car insurance discounts for senior citizens.  Contact your agent or senior advocacy programs such as AARP for additional ways to save on auto insurance coverage.

Car Insurance Reference:

http://www.carinsurance.com/discounts-for-senior-drivers.aspx

mycar|Auto Finance, Insurance Quotes| 08 29th, 2012|Comments Off

If you’ve recently been involved with a collision caused by a darting deer, you’re not alone. Car insurance companies are seeing a significant increase in the number of claims being filed due to vehicle-deer collisions. Between the years 2008-2010 State Farm reported 2.3 million deer- vehicle related collisions. Most accidents are more likely to occur during mating season which happens between the months of October and December.

A growing deer population combined with the encroachment of urban residences into the animal’s natural habitat is to blame for the rise in accidents. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute each year collisions involving deer and vehicles total more than 1.6 million. Over the past five years motorists throughout the United States have driven less miles by 2%, however, the total of collisions involving deer has risen 20%. So, if you’re included in the statistics, will your car insurance policy cover the damage?

Repairing the damage to your vehicle usually isn’t cheap. An individual average car insurance claim to repair damages is $3,100, with annual damages totaling $3.6 million. Not only do the accidents result in vehicle property damage, but are also responsible for 200 deaths and thousands of injuries.

Which Car Insurance Policies Won’t Cover Vehicle-Deer Collisions

Unless you specifically ask your car insurance agent which policies cover deer-vehicle collisions or read your current policy with a magnifying glass, then you may erroneously assume that you’re covered. However, not all auto insurance policies are the same.

As attractive as the monthly premiums appear for liability car insurance, it’s important to know exactly what coverage you have before an accident occurs. If you only carry a liability-only policy, then expect to pay any vehicle property damages out of your own pocket. In addition to being responsible le for covering your vehicle cost, there’s also a chance you’ll be responsible for paying for any medical expenses related to the mishap.

A common misnomer is that a collision car insurance policy will cover vehicle-deer collisions; however, if you read your policy carefully you’ll discover insurance companies don’t define such mishaps as a collision. If you swap dents with another vehicle or back over your neighbor’s mailbox collision coverage pays for damages. Unfortunately, however, if you collide with a deer, a collision policy isn’t very helpful in covering repairing damages to your vehicle.

Collision Car Insurance: The Safest Bet

To ensure that you’re safely covered for damages occurred in the event of a collision with a deer, you should consider opting for comprehensive car insurance coverage. It’s also known as “Other Than Collision.” While the collision portion of the policy won’t pay for damages, comprehensive coverage protects drivers from numerous “other than collision” scenarios.
If you have questions about your current car insurance coverage, and if you’re protected in the event of a deer or any other wildlife colliding into your vehicle, contact your insurance agent.

Car Insurance References:

http://www.thetruthaboutinsurance.com/deer-vehicle-collisions-total-more-than-1-6-million-per-year/

http://www.thetruthaboutinsurance.com/deer-insurance/

http://compare-insurance-car.com

admin|Car Accident, Car Insurance| 07 21st, 2012|Comments Off

For those of us that depend on the privilege of driving for transportation, purchasing a liability policy from your insurance company is a must. Actually, it’s a legal requirement in order to operate a motor vehicle in the most of the 50 states. While you may be able to afford more comprehensive coverage from your insurance provider, however, others may be limited in available options.

What’s Liability Coverage?

Consider liability coverage as the basic level of protection offered by an insurance company to protect other parties involved in an accident in which you caused. There are two basic types of liability coverage: bodily injury and property damage coverage. Assuming that you are responsible for an accident makes you the at-fault driver, which means your insurance company is liable for paying certain damages incurred to the injured party. Bodily injury covers the following damages from your insurance company:

Property damage is also included in liability coverage from your insurance company. Property damage liability covers damages to the other person’s vehicle, property, or any belongings damages in the event of the accident in which you were at fault.

Property damage does not cover the costs to repair your own vehicle. Instead, it’s necessary to purchase such policies as comprehensive coverage and physical damage coverage from your insurance company. For motorists with an outstanding loan on vehicles, physical damage coverage is usually a requirement.

What Liability Insurance Doesn’t Cover?

Before purchasing a liability policy from an insurance company, it’s important to understand what’s not covered. Physical damage to your car such as body repairs or costs for replacing a totaled vehicle are not covered by your insurance company. Any medical expenses that you incur due to an accident are also not covered.

It’s also important to keep in mind that if the other party also carries liability-only coverage, chances are each will be responsible for their own bodily injury and property damages.
When to Consider Liability-Only Coverage?

If you’re considering liability-only coverage from your insurance company, there are a couple things to keep in mind.

• Value of your vehicle – If your car is an older model with a lot of miles, chances are the value of the vehicles has significantly decreased; therefore, liability-only may be a cost-saving option.

• Personal budget – Obviously, it’s important to purchase coverage that you can actually afford from an insurance company. Missing payments and lapses in coverage are a sure way to loose whatever coverage you do have.

For some, liability-only is the most practical coverage as it’s an affordable option to meet the required state motorists’ regulations. If you have questions about whether or not liability is the right choice for you, contact your agent or a reputable insurance company for more information.

Related Links to Insurance Company Liability Coverage:

-Basics of Liability Car Insurance

-Different options for auto insurance coverage

admin|Insurance Company, Insurance Quotes| 05 19th, 2012|Comments Off

If you don’t have a perfect driving record, then you’re probably already familiar with high risk car insurance.  Also commonly referred to as non-standard coverage, high risk auto insurance covers drivers with a potential higher risk of filing an above-average amount of accident claims. High risk drivers can also expect to pay higher vehicle insurance premiums as compared to other drivers.

There are several conditions and circumstances in which insurers determine drivers to be considered a higher risk than other drivers.  In most states high risk drivers must also abide by specific state Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) guidelines in order to maintain driving privileges.

Are You a High Risk Driver?

Car insurance companies automatically classify you as a high risk driver if you find yourself in one of the following scenarios:

• 70 years of age or older
• 20 years of age or younger
• Have a history of repeated traffic accidents or moving violations
• Driver’s license were revoked or suspended
• Being at fault for an accident while driving uninsured
• Charged with a DWI or DUI
• Other serious traffic violation(s) requiring SR-22 Insurance.

What’s SR-22 Auto Insurance?

The term SR-22 Insurance is somewhat of a misnomer.  In reality, it’s simply a term that is associated with high risk auto insurance policies that require drivers to complete a SR-22 form.   A SR-22 filing is a paper or electronic certification verifying to the state that as a high risk driver, you have a car insurance policy which covers the state’s minimum limits of liability.

Contingent upon the state and seriousness of the violation, however, typically SR-22 filings are required for three years.  Upon cancellation of the policy before the SR-22 cessation date, your car insurance provider is required to file a SR-26 form alerting the state you’re no longer an insured driver.

Filing a SR-22 Insurance Form

In most states the SR-22 certification of financial responsibility is required to be submitted to the state’s DMV following an accident in which you were involved with no coverage or a significant number of driving violations.  If you’re required to complete and submit a SR-22 form, you will receive notification from the state’s DMV.

While the majority of states have strict vehicle insurance policies, the following states don’t require filing a SR-22 form:

•    Delaware
•    Kentucky
•    Minnesota
•    New Mexico
•    New York
•    North Carolina
•    Oklahoma
•    Pennsylvania

For drivers residing in states that do require a SR-22 filing, your car insurance provider is typically responsible for submitting the appropriate certification paperwork to your state’s DMV to verify your policy coverage.  Upon receiving the SR-22 form, DMV restores driving privileges; however, if your car insurance lapses or cancelled during the required period of a SR-22 filing, insurers are legally required to notify DMV in which license may be suspended or revoked again.
Ask your local agent if you have any questions or concerns about high risk car insurance or contact your state’s DMV for more information on SR-22 car insurance.

References for High Risk Car Insurance and SR-22:

http://www.carinsurancerates.com/high-risk-auto-insurance.html
http://www.thegeneral.com/car-insurance/basics/high-risk/

admin|Compare Insurance, Insurance Coverage| 04 14th, 2012|Comments Off

Many drivers don’t realize the importance of a car insurance identification card until the misfortune event of being involved in an accident, especially in fender benders in which they are at fault.  It’s also possible when being pulled over during a traffic stop to show proof of vehicle registration and car insurance coverage.  Also, it’s mandatory before leaving the scene of an accident to provide some form of verification that you’re properly insured to both the state police and any other parties involved.
An auto insurance card is simply some form of documentation from your insurance company verifying the basic details of your current coverage.   Usually, the ID documents are small enough to fit into your wallet; however, it’s recommended to store the ID safely in your vehicle’s glove box.  It’s important to keep the ID in the correct vehicle, using the VIN to correctly identify which ID card belongs in which vehicle.

Upon purchasing auto insurance, your agent will provide you with an insurance ID card for each vehicle covered on your policy.  Generally agents provide a temporary card, and then mail a permanent ID along with your policy within a few days of buying insurance coverage.  Other insurers, however, don’t provide policyholders with instant temporary ID.  In such situations until you receive the proper documentation, keep your insurer’s name and contact information in the insured vehicle in case of an accident. Fortunately, some states are opting to rely on an electronic- database tracking system to verify current insurance coverage.

What’s listed on an ID Card?

Although various companies handle the distribution and the specific information that’s included on car insurance ID cards, the following are basic details that are printed on most ID cards:

•    Name of the car insurance company
•    Name of insurance agency in which coverage was purchased
•    Date insurance went into effect
•    Date insurance expires
•    Policy number
•    Named insured covered by the policy (it’s possible for additional drivers to also be listed)
•    Make, model, and year of the vehicle covered
•    VIN number of vehicle covered.

It’s important to keep in mind that your car insurance ID card may not list every driver included on the policy.  For example if you give your friend permission to drive your car to work, the friend would be covered; however, your car insurance policy is considered secondary to your friend’s coverage.

If you have additional questions about obtaining a car insurance ID card, contact your agent or insurer for more information.

admin|Car Insurance, Insurance Basics| 03 22nd, 2012|Comments Off

3 Biggest Car Insurance Myths

With the seemingly infinite number of competing insurance coverage providers vying to win over new customers while retaining loyal policyholders, there’s a lot of confusion between fact and fiction. Although word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, dissatisfied or confused customers may share unreliable information to family, friends, or co-workers when offering advice on insurance coverage. The following are three common myths regarding vehicle insurance coverage:

Red Car vs. White Car

We’ve all heard that red vehicles cost more to insure, but is that exactly true?

Fiction: The color of a vehicle, specifically cheery red, doesn’t cost any more in order to purchase insurance coverage.

Fact: The make, model, and year in which the vehicle was manufactured are considered factors when calculating premiums.

Perhaps the myth evolved from the fact that while red vehicles don’t hike up premiums, a red sports car is a different story. Insurance companies tend to look at sports car with higher premiums in mind due to the fact they are often more expensive to repair and involved in more accidents.

Popular Insurance Coverage Providers are the Best

Just because your favorite actor is promoting an insurance coverage provider, that’s not really a good incentive to purchase a policy.

Fiction: A well-known personality representing a company wouldn’t mislead customers about car insurance coverage.

Fact: Actually, it simply means the insurance company has enough money to pay a popular figure to be a spokesperson for their company and repeat whatever is on the script.

The only way to really determine a company’s performance is do some independent investigation. The first place to begin is the Better Business Bureau. Online insurer rating agencies are also a great tool to educate customers when opting to purchase insurance coverage including:

•    A.M. Best
•    Fitch Ratings
•    Moody’s Investor Service
•    Standard & Poor’s

Lawsuits Can’t Exceed the Amount of Policy Limits

Think you can’t be sued for unlimited amounts of money if you’re responsible for damages incurred in an accident? Think again!

Fiction: Many policy holders believe that their insurance coverage acts as an umbrella in the unfortunate event of a lawsuit, protecting at-fault drivers from being sued for amounts exceeding policy limits.

Fact: The true is policy holders can theoretically be sued for any amount to recover damages received in accident, often awarded by a jury. For additional protection against potential substantial lawsuits, opt for a personal umbrella policy or higher liability insurance coverage.

While there are numerous myths swirling around insurance coverage it’s always important to direct any questions or discuss concerns with your local agent.

References:

http://www.thetruthaboutinsurance.com/top-10-auto-insurance-myths/

admin|Compare Insurance, Insurance Coverage| 03 6th, 2012|Comments Off

When it comes to purchasing big ticket items, it’s always a good idea to shop around before making a final buying decision. It’s equally as important to compare insurance companies before buying your first policy or renewing your existing coverage on your vehicle. Although many policy holders don’t realize that annual insurance premiums are in fact a big ticket necessity that must be paid, or else forego the privilege of driving. So, what should you keep in mind while preparing to compare insurance quotes for your car?

Plan to spend some time devoted to the task of comparing insurance companies. Although many companies provide online quotes that calculate results within minutes, others may take a little longer sending a reply to an inquiry via e-mail or a phone call. While there’s no set industry standard in comparing auto insurance for a vehicle, it’s a recommendation to receive a minimum of five quotes from various insurance companies.

Comparing Insurance as a New Driver

If you’re looking to compare and save on insurance quotes as a first-time customer, ask the agent if you’re eligible for any discounts or special promotions on car insurance. Remember factors such as the make, model, and year your car was manufactured into your rates. When comparing insurance companies, also be prepared for your driving record to be subject for review.  Any serious infractions usually cause premiums to be more expensive. Rates also vary according to age and geographical location.

Comparing Insurance Rates as a Current Policy Holder

For existing policy holders considering changing providers, an optimal time to compare insurance premiums is a couple of weeks before the renewal date of your current auto coverage. Be sure to allow enough time to do your homework on matching insurance quotes and purchase the new insurance policy before your existing auto coverage expires. It’s essential that you don’t allow your current insurance coverage to lapse, especially in the event you’re responsible for an accident.

Also, if you have existing car insurance coverage and plan to compare auto rate, if you find a cheaper deal, read the small print in your current policy of insurance to see if you’ll be required to pay a cancellation fee. While you have the right to cancel your policy anytime you want, insurance companies have the right to apply a short rate cancellation provision. The fees may add up to 10% of your annual premium, and be applied while comparing companies and decide to switch coverage within 6 months of purchasing the policy. For those that pay their premiums on an annual base, the insurance company is responsible for refunding the amount of the unused policies, minus any applicable cancellation fees.

Although the task of comparing insurance quotes requires some time, the effort is well-worth navigating the labyrinth of premiums and policies!

Related Links to Compare Insurance Companies:

-http://www.comparecarinsuranceonline.com/

-http://www.esurance.com/

admin|Compare Insurance, Insurance Company, Insurance Tips| 02 16th, 2012|Comments Off

Being a resident of California if you own a car, then according to the California auto insurance laws you’re required to carry a suitable auto insurance policy. When you’ll shop for a suitable policy you must search online to look for affordable auto insurance quotes. If your driving records are not that impressive, then you must purchase a high risk auto insurance policy. According to your state laws, your policy must consist of the state specified minimum coverage for injuries as well as property damage. While you’ll drive your car, you must carry the proof of insurance and have a proper vehicle registration. Try to get acquainted with the auto insurance laws that will help you protect your rights.

Does your policy consist of minimum liability coverage required by your state?

The Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law of California requires every owner of a motor vehicle must be financially responsible for their actions. The minimum liability insurance you’re required to purchase are 15/30/5. That means, if you meet with an accident for which you were found to be legally liable, you’re required to pay $15,000 for injury of one person or $30,000 for all persons in an accident and $5,000 for any property damage. According to the insurance laws of this state, you must carry the statutory limits of minimum liability coverage else you may be charged sever penalties.

Are you carrying the proof of insurance?

As per the laws of your state, you must carry a proper proof of insurance while you’re driving. It’s because, any time a traffic police can ask you to show the poof of your auto insurance. However, your state laws also allow you to get your vehicle self insured. In order to do so, you must carry a letter authorized by the California departments of motor vehicles (DMV).

Are you ready to shoulder financial responsibility?

Other than purchasing the minimum liability insurance coverage, you’re also required to provide financial responsibility if you meet with an accident. This law has been implemented to remove all the uninsured vehicles from the roads of the state. You have to obtain a surety bond or a certificate of self insurance from DMV for $35000 so as to meet the legal requirements under this law.

Thus, while you’ll purchase the liability coverage, you must try to invest more amount. It’s because, if you meet with a major accident, then the benefits that you’ll receive after a claim may not be sufficient to cover your entire damages.

admin|Car Insurance, Insurance Coverage, Insurance Tips| 02 1st, 2012|Comments Off

Although you may be a safe and responsible driver, accidents do happen that can negatively affect your Car Insurance Coverage.   Depending on the traffic violation and state laws, the consequences are often felt in higher premiums or even potentially cancelling your car insurance coverage altogether.  While non-moving violations such as a parking ticket usually don’t affect coverage, several minor moving offenses occurred within a considerable short amount of time can prove as detrimental as one serious violation.

Understanding How Points Impact Car insurance coverage

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) applies a point system to reflect any incurred driver infractions. Car insurance coverage and premiums are based on your driving record, and any traffic violations on record.  Obviously the more points you have on your record, the more you can expect to pay for car insurance coverage.

The point system varies among states and car insurance coverage providers when calculating points incurred from traffic offenses.  In general, however, major infractions carry the maximum amount of points that go against your driving record.  For example, a DUI may carry up to 12 points, whereas a speeding ticket may only rack up 2 points.  Insurance providers typically review your driving record about twice a year or whenever your policy is up for renewal.  Traffic violations remain on your driving record for 3 years, although the duration also varies according to state laws.

Also depending on the state and infraction, it may be possible to attend a defensive driving course to erase points from your record, as well as prevent your car insurance coverage rates from dramatically increasing.  If you accumulate a specific number of points within a certain time frame, don’t be surprised if you find your license suspended.

Tickets Sure to Catch Your Insurer’s Attention

Due to various state motor vehicle laws, there’s nothing set in stone regarding what does or doesn’t affect car insurance coverage, however, the following tickets are almost always a guaranteed to negatively impact your vehicle insurance coverage:

1. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
2. Responsible for an accident
3. Reckless driving
4. Racing
5. Intentionally fleeing the police
6. Leaving the scene of an accident
7. Driving with a suspended or revoked license
8. Speeding  (assuming it’s your first in 3 years)
9. Driving illegally on a one-way street or wrong side of the freeway
10. Driving without insurance.

Tickets that Incur Less Points

While the tickets listed above carry the most points that go against your auto insurance coverage rates, the following infractions have a lesser impact on premiums:

1. First speeding ticket
2. Driving with an expired or restricted license
3. Expired vehicle registration
4. Driving in a HOV lane
5. Failure to wear seatbelt
6. Failure to secure a load on your vehicle
7. Broken tail light or cracked windshield
8. Loud exhaust/muffler
9. Littering while moving.

It’s always a good idea to check with your car insurance coverage provider to review your driving record periodically or if you have questions or concerns.

Related Articles on Car Insurance Coverage:

-Car insurance coverage definitions
-Department of Motor vehicle and auto insurance
-How tickets affect your car insurance coverage

admin|Insurance Basics, Insurance Coverage, Insurance Tips| 01 30th, 2012|Comments Off