Wednesday, 13 January 2010

How To Reduce Your Car Insurance Excess

It seems that the world is now such, that everyone is wondering how they can save money and/or lower their bills. The total cost of owning a car is actually comparable to that of owning a home with the now skyrocketing payments, heavy fuel costs, and the overall high Car Insurance premiums that we pay. As far as saving money on insurance premiums goes, there are a number of things that can be done. You can refinance your car loan to obtain a lower interest rate; purchasing a vehicle with better mileage will save on gas costs, among several other options that will save you money on your Auto Insurance premiums. Looking around for the best quote is the most important first step to lower insurance costs for your vehicle.

You can hire an insurance broker who will do all the research for you; however, you can equally easily shop on your own and could even save money by avoiding broker fees. The deductible is the amount that you are expected to pay out of your own pocket in the event that there is a claim on your policy. By maintaining a very low deductible, your premium rate is higher, and if you increase your deductible then you will see the premiums go down.

The type of car you drive can also determine what kind of premium you pay with your Auto Insurance policy. If your vehicle is in the high risk category for theft or if you have been involved in multiple accidents it could dramatically increase your rates. Obviously, also, the value of your car will impact the rates as well; whether it is a sports car or a family sedan. Your previous driving record is another very important factor to the calculation of your premium costs. The insurance company will look at everything from the amount of speeding tickets you've received to the amount of time you've been driving for. Any violations major or minor will increase your premium. Any security or safety features your vehicle may be equipped with will do a great deal to lower your insurance premiums due to the generous discounts you will receive from the companies. Features such as anti theft devices, airbags, or safety locks can create big discounts on your policy. Speaking to your insurance agent to find out what sort of discounts are offered for which features, and then subsequently having them installed to receive the discounts is a good idea.

Do not blindly renew your policy just because the company sent you the bill. Take time to look over the policy for any changes that can be made, and simultaneously shop around with other companies for better rates. Combining multiple policies with one company can usually save you a lot of money, at times these savings could be up to hundreds of dollars.

If you have mortgage insurance or boat insurance you can use the same company to insure all of your possessions and receive hefty discounts. Saving on car insurance can be done in many ways. If you shop around and find out the required information needed about your driving record and your car you will be able to make the basic changes that will save you hundreds.

Tuesday, 12 January 2010

Factors Determining Auto Insurance Rates

There are many factors, which affect the auto insurance rates. Various non-controllable as well as controllable conditions like age, sex, martial status etc. are taken into consideration while calculating the premium of the policy. A study shows that married and middle-aged people, driving station wagons are less likely to run into accidents than teenagers with flashy vehicles. According to a survey, youngsters and elderly persons are more accident-prone as compared to middle-aged people. It is also found that women drive more safely as compared to men.

Factors affecting auto insurance quote rates


  • Personal information - Personal information like past driving history, occupation, credit score, type of vehicle and accident claims play an important role while calculating insurance premium rates.


  • Geographical location - Geographical location is another important factor that determines auto insurance rates. Online auto insurance rate is usually lower in areas where the chances of a vehicle colliding are less. For example - Auto Insurance rates are less in Indiana and Wisconsin as compared to other places.


  • Driving violations - Auto insurance policy rates usually increases, if past record indicates driving offense like speeding tickets, traffic violation etc.


  • Vehicle type - While calculating premium, information like value of your vehicle, its weight, age, and size are also taken into consideration. Auto Insurance rates are usually high for luxury vehicles like Rolls Royce, Ferrari etc.


  • Credit ratings - Credit ratings also play very important role while considering auto insurance premium rate. Poorer the credit rates, higher the charges.

  • Other factors which are considered while calculated premium are
    • Previous accident claims
    • Occupation
    • Driving experience
    • Miles driven yearly
    • Used for business or personal purpose
    • Current auto coverage
    • Distance to work
  • Motorhome Insurance Top Tips

    Choosing your motorhome insurance can be difficult because there are many factors to consider that don't apply to your family car. A motorhome contains many more personal belongings than you would normally pack into your car, for one thing. Then there are the removable appliances to think about. Before you decide on an insurance policy for your motorhome, why not make a checklist to be sure the insurance you buy covers the needs you have.

    Ask yourself a few questions and make some calculations. What is the value of the clothes, linens, cutlery, dishes and other essential items that you will be carrying with you? You will be surprised by just how substantial the amount can be. Don't forget the "little things?like electric razors, hair dryers etc.

    Now think about all your removal appliances. Don't leave out the TV and stereo. Some motorhomes are even fitted with satellite dishes, GPS devices and other electronic devices that may be in housings. Add to this your g as bottles, outdoor and indoor lighting fixtures, microwave oven and even your gas hob. You may be staggered by their combined value.

    Compare the cost of replacing these with the coverage yourt motorhome insurance company offers. Will you get a third of the cost back in case your vehicle is stolen or stripped by thieves? What sounds like a generous allowance from one insurance company will probably not even touch the real value of everything that you carry in your motorhome.

    Next, think about the your motorhome itself. If it is reasonably new, will you get "new for old?replacement if the vehicle is stolen and not recovered? Are you covered if you decide to make a trip outside of the UK without first notifying your motorhome insurance company? Are you covered for an extended stay on the continent? What about windscreen damage? Can you get that replaced wherever you may be and still get the cost reimbursed to you?

    Once you've thought about everything, you ca n then choose your motorhome insurance company wisely. You will probably find that Club Care Insurance offers the best comprehensive insurance for the best price that you can possibly get. Check their website for all the information you need to make an intelligent decision about insurance for your motorhome.

    Monday, 11 January 2010

    Practice safe driving

    Here are a few safety tips that a driver can keep in mind to ensure a safe drive.

    Clear Vision

    If you experience difficulty in reading road signs clearly or identifying lane lines, it is better to have your vision checked. If you already wear glasses, get your eyes tested at periodic intervals to ensure the right power for your glasses.

    Glare from headlights

    While driving at night, if you are troubled by the glare from the headlights of oncoming vehicles, try changing the way you sit. Make sure you sit high enough so that you can see at least 10 feet ahead of you. Use a cushion if your car seats cannot be raised. Also, adjusting the rear-view mirror helps.

    Look before you reach

    Scan far down the road continuously so that you can anticipate potential problems such as a stranded animal or an uprooted tree in the middle of the road. Plan your actions before you reach the roadblock.

    Keep your spouse or friend awake

    If you are travelling with your spouse or friend, try and get them to stay awake, especially during night driving. But make sure you do not get distracted in conversation. An alert co-passenger can also serve as an additional pair of eyes.

    Clean all your car parts

    Keep your windshield, mirrors and headlights clean, and ensure that your headlight aim is in sharp focus when your car is inspected.

    Staying Alert

    When driving late at night or early in the morning, maintaining adequate levels of alertness throughout the journey can be a real challenge. Even veterans admit to dozing off in the middle of a long drive. In such a situation, it is always advisable to halt the vehicle for a while, step out, take a short walk, and do some stretching exercises to regain vigour. Continue the drive only after overcoming the sense of drowsiness.