Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Assured Best Auto Insurance Quotes

 the leading auto insurance resource company offers assured best quotes from different insurance providers in the country. The company has developed a technology to offer unbiased and cheap auto insurance quotes to customers looking for a quote on a new or a pre-owned vehicle. It is also easy to compare different insurance policies at AutoQuoteNow.com. Various parameters are compared when offering the cheapest car insurance to customers. The company has adopted latest technology which sets it apart from other companies which provide free auto insurance quotes. The vastly improved database of vehicle insurance companies and their products gives AutoQuoteNow.com an advantage over competition. Other factors that set apart AutoQuoteNow.com, are updated auto insurance quotes, professional service and a team of experts who are fully equipped to answer any queries on auto insurance.
AutoQuoteNow.com is not only known for providing free insurance quotes. The company has a vast repository of information on auto information which helps customers to understand the various aspects of auto insurance policies before they finally take up the policy. Auto Insurance is offered by many different companies. However, customers need to understand the different Terms and Conditions that come along with each product. Once a customer signs a particular product it is difficult to come out of it as there are penalty clauses attached to all products. At AutoQuoteNow.com, the technology is designed in a way that helps the customer to decide the best policies after visiting the Terms & Conditions.
Customers do not have much time to go through the long list of products offered by the auto insurance companies. Our customer interface is user friendly and gives the cheapest car insurance policies from auto insurance companies quickly. Customers can then decide the best policies to choose for their vehicles.team of experts and market research associates are continuously looking out for the best products available for customers. Every product before being hosted on the database is checked out for the liability coverage, collision coverage, personal Injury protection and a host of other factors. Our in depth research helps us to offer the best free insurance quotes to our customers. Thousands of customers have benefited from our offerings and we are here to serve many thousands more. With our technology infrastructure and research we are sure to satisfy the needs of our customers.


Source

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Florida Car Insurance Quotes Online

Many of the Florida car insurance companies are cutting their auto rates.  It looks as though the United States economy isn’t coming back quick enough for most households.  Now, more than ever, Floridian families are looking to reduce their expenses.  Getting a new Florida car insurance quote could help in reducing that bottom line up to $800 per year for many individuals.  Have you reviewed your car insurance policy lately?  Just know that the large insurance carriers are competing for your policy.  Get a free quote today from Edge Auto Insurance and get the lowest rate on the World Wide Web.

During these trying economic times, consultants at our firm would like you to understand how to save money without reducing your coverage.  If you are with a current company for several years you may not be able to take advantage of the rate decreases other companies are offering.  “Have you been with the same company for several years?  If that is the case you are probably paying too much for car insurance.   Most likely you are not eligible for their recent rate reductions,” noted Agnew, of Edge Auto Insurance.

FLORIDA CAR INSURANCE QUOTES

Many individuals are lead to believe that if they have their homeowners and car insurance with the same company, that they will be saving more money on policies.  We would like you to understand that is no more than marketing gimmick some captive carriers use.  In most instances you will get a better deal if you go shop your car insurance separate from your home insurance.  Many Floridians already know that most of the homeowners companies have discontinued writing business in the state.  This really only leaves a few carriers that will offer you auto and homeowners as a package.  Make sure you do your research on our Website and get the rate you deserve.

“Most of the companies offering Florida auto insurance quotes in the state make up for that so called multi-line discount by offering other substantial discounts including multi-car, high prior liability limits, continuous insurance rewards, accident and violation free discounts, residency rewards, paperless discounts, and discounts for simply being a homeowner,” said Agnew.

Our online brokerage is only associated with the most credible auto insurance companies in Florida. Our firm realizes that each of our clients will have different car insurance needs. Therefore, we make every attempt to ensure that all of our clients are able select from the widest range of products possible, Agnew said.  Use the Internet and price transparency to research your next car insurance policy.

LEARN ABOUT EDGE AUTO

To learn more about Edge Auto Insurance, please visit our Web Portal at, www.edgeautoinsurance.com, there you will be able to get quotes, compare carriers, and apply online for the best priced auto policy on the Web.  If you come across questions regarding proper coverage limits for Florida, you can call into our toll free number.   One of our consultants will be able to give you precise, usable, and accurate information regarding all of your inquiries.  Lastly, “we offer a full range of insurance and financial solutions for our clients,” Agnew noted.   Be sure to ask us what other products we can help you save you big premium dollars with.



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Sunday, November 15, 2009

Premium Index Shows Latest Car Insurance Trends

U.S. annual auto insurance premiums averaged $1,674 in September 2009! Get a quote for car insurance and compare your rate to the CarInsurance.com Premium Index (CPI). CPI reports the lowest annual car insurance rates customers received when they compare quotes at CarInsurance.com. CPI includes trends and tools that assist drivers to find the best rate. Getting a car insurance quote is the only way to compare and save.

Many websites offer the ability to compare car insurance rates. CarInsurance.com is a name you can trust. They offer tools and resources that help you make an informed decision before you buy auto insurance. CarInsurance.com gives consumers the information and resources they need to make informed auto insurance decisions. The only way to save is to get a free car insurance quote and see what the insurance marketplace has to offer. You could go from site to site to compare rates, but that would be a big waste of your time. CarInsurance.com is easy to use and their goal is to show you how much you can save on your car insurance. The rates are accurate since they come directly from the insurance companies. If you review each state, you can see that compared to the national average, some states are less expensive to live in. For example, last month Arizona's average car insurance rates were 2% lower than the national average. Arkansas's insurance rates were 34% lower than the national average. Michigan was 20% higher and Pennsylvania was 27% higher than the national average.


Source

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

ASSURED BEST AUTO INSURANCE QUOTES

the leading auto insurance resource company offers assured best quotes from different insurance providers in the country. The company has developed a technology to offer unbiased and cheap auto insurance quotes to customers looking for a quote on a new or a pre-owned vehicle. It is also easy to compare different insurance policies at AutoQuoteNow.com. Various parameters are compared when offering the cheapest car insurance to customers. The company has adopted latest technology which sets it apart from other companies which provide free auto insurance quotes. The vastly improved database of vehicle insurance companies and their products gives AutoQuoteNow.com an advantage over competition. Other factors that set apart AutoQuoteNow.com, are updated auto insurance quotes, professional service and a team of experts who are fully equipped to answer any queries on auto insurance.
AutoQuoteNow.com is not only known for providing free insurance quotes. The company has a vast repository of information on auto information which helps customers to understand the various aspects of auto insurance policies before they finally take up the policy. Auto Insurance is offered by many different companies. However, customers need to understand the different Terms and Conditions that come along with each product. Once a customer signs a particular product it is difficult to come out of it as there are penalty clauses attached to all products. At AutoQuoteNow.com, the technology is designed in a way that helps the customer to decide the best policies after visiting the Terms & Conditions.
Customers do not have much time to go through the long list of products offered by the auto insurance companies. Our customer interface is user friendly and gives the cheapest car insurance policies from auto insurance companies quickly. Customers can then decide the best policies to choose for their vehicles.
AutoQuoteNow.com, team of experts and market research associates are continuously looking out for the best products available for customers. Every product before being hosted on the database is checked out for the liability coverage, collision coverage, personal Injury protection and a host of other factors. Our in depth research helps us to offer the best free insurance quotes to our customers. Thousands of customers have benefited from our offerings and we are here to serve many thousands more. With our technology infrastructure and research we are sure to satisfy the needs of our customers.


Source

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Alert Drivers Act Could Result In Cheap Insurance Quotes

Pushing its way through Senate is The Alert Drivers Act (“Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting by Driver’s Act”), a bill which may bear potential positive effects on insurance for cars that are driven safely. The act will require all states to ban texting on cell phones and all other mobile communication devices. Currently, 14 states have a texting ban in place, while 11 states have modified plans. Washington, for example, has recently enacted the RCW 46 61 668, which makes texting while driving a secondary offense.

If the Alert Driver’s Act is passed, states must then adopt these guidelines or forfeit 25% of highway financing. States would be given two years to comply with these guidelines before the government considers pulling financing.

When Senator Chuck Schumer introduced the act, he felt that it would encounter few problems when being reviewed by Senate. Citing a study by Car and Driver Magazine, which found that texting while driving is more dangerous than drunk driving, Schumer believes that it would be irresponsible to let this bill slip through their fingers.

Manufacturers are equipping cars with more handheld devices than ever, a fact which is contributing to the increasing rate of driver distractions. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers using cell phone are four times more likely to be involved in a car crash that is serious enough to injure themselves and their passengers. 80% of all car accidents and 65% of near-misses are due occur, in part, to driver distraction, the most popular form of which is mobile phone usage (both texting and calling).

 A driver’s history is one of the biggest determining factors of their insurance premiums. Drivers who abide safety laws are automatically at a greater advantage, as their driving records are free of any misdemeanors that could drive up car insurance costs. With an increased focused on cell phone usage, adhering to regulations outlined in the proposed Alert Drivers Act could result in more affordable insurance for cars that are driven safely.


Source

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The Price of Car Insurance for Teen Drivers

Parents of soon to be sixteen year olds worry about their child learning how to drive and being safe on the road, but they become even more worrisome about their own wallets when they begin to realize how much it’s going to cost to insure their new driver. It’s no secret that drivers who are 16 get charged a high rate to have insurance on themselves and their vehicle. They haven’t had adequate time to prove to their insurer that they can in fact drive with caution, and with all of the statistics stating they will most likely be involved in accident there’s no room for the new driver (or the parents) to argue. The best thing for parents to do is instead of wasting time worrying about how to pay for the policy, search for a cheaper policy or company instead. It doesn’t have to be a poor quality company by any means, but other companies may offer a cheaper rate for the same policy your current insurer offers now.

Parents might ask themselves, how do we go about finding better or cheaper rates for our teen driver? The answer is simple; stop here at Online Auto Insurance. We can provide any driver with a list of quotes from quality companies in a side by side comparison method, which makes it very easy for anyone to find the cheapest company for their new driver. With an easy process of answering a few questions, you will save time in the quest for the best price on 16 year old drivers insurance. A parent could spend time in the evenings gathering information about other insurers, such as the prices they offer and where they are located. However, many insurers are closed in the evenings, which prevents a problem in gathering their data. We offer our services seven days a week, 24 hours a day. We’re never closed, and we’re always here ready to help insured and uninsured drivers find auto insurance.

In searching for the lowest price on teen insurance, there is some information that is needed by the insurer, or in our method’s case, information that will be needed by us. One benefit here is that the applicant will only need to answer the list of questions once and they will still be given a list of quotes from a number of companies. Without using our system, people will be asking and answering the same questions over and over again as they speak with different insurers. The questions we will be asking applicants are based on the driver and vehicle needing to be insured. These will include the driver’s name, age, address, driving history, and gender. The vehicle information that’s needed is the mileage, where it’s driven, and the make, model and year. In some cases the VIN may be needed as well. After this information is given, there will be a choice about the coverage that is desired by the driver. The applicant can choose the type and the amount wanted.

When the questions have been answered, the applicant will be given access to a listing of quotes and the insurers that are providing them. When the person has finished reviewing the prices and companies, they will have the opportunity to purchase the policy they find most fitting to their situation, but they are in no way obligated to purchase anything.

At this point, parents have a few options when looking at getting the best price to insure their teenager. Obviously they can use our quote comparison tool to find which price is lowest but they can also utilize some other benefits offered by the insurer in the form of discounts. Almost every car insurance company will offer discounts to their policyholders and members. For a teen driver, there is a possibility they could be eligible for the good student discount, as well as any discounts relating to the vehicle they are driving. The good student discount is offered to students who have somewhere around a B or a B+ average in school. Each insurer will give the specific details about the grades that need to be earned, but students who can prove they earn the required grade point average by sending in a copy of their report card each quarter or semester will be rewarded with lower rates. There may stipulations about how long the teen has had their license before qualifying.

Another way to keep the price of the 16 year old’s car insurance low is by giving them a safe car to drive. Certain safety features in vehicles will not only provide the teen with more abilities to be safe, but they will also help get lower rates for the entire policy. Check with your insurer about what features invoke savings.

The third suggestion to get lower rates for your teen is to keep them on the same policy as everyone else in the house. By keeping all drivers on the same policy, insurers give cheaper overall rates as compared to having all drivers on their own separate policy. In addition to this idea, looking for discounts for the policyholder and other members who are not teens will keep the overall price of the policy low. Look into their driving histories and how they can be cleaned up or kept error free.

Discussing the importance of safe driving and setting boundaries with your teen driver can help keep their rates low in an indirect way. When they know the consequences that will come from their parents and the insurance company (a premium hike) if they are involved in a traffic ticket or accident may help them really pay attention to the road and avoid these mishaps. Help them by setting rules about when and where the car can be driven. Give curfews and maximum monthly or weekly mileage amounts for the teen to follow, and be sure they know the punishment for breaking rules. Parents can also demand the teen driver to help pay for their own insurance, either partially or in full, which will help keep the rate lower for the parent’s wallet.

Teenagers are excited to drive and gain this new responsibility, but it’s important they understand the rules so their premium price stays low.

Source

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

10 Top Tips for Cutting the Cost of Car Insurance

It is possible to drive down the cost of your car insurance considerably by following a few simple steps– here are our top 10.

1. Shop around
This is the first thing you should do with any type of insurance nowadays, when the internet makes it so easy to compare car insurance quotes from different providers. No longer is it necessary or financially sensible to just accept your renewal or take the first quote you’re given.

This doesn’t always mean looking for the cheapest cover, but instead finding a policy that will suit your requirements precisely, at a price that will suit your budget. It’s free to get quotes from car insurance providers so you’ve nothing to lose in comparing as many as you can until you find the right one for you.

2. Buy online
Another great thing the internet has brought to those needing to find cheap car insurance is the ability to buy online. As well as making the whole process a lot easier for you, as you can arrange your insurance from the comfort of your desktop, buying online is also preferable to your insurer – it means less paperwork and hassle for them.

For this reason many car insurers offer significant discounts just for purchasing your policy online, so next time your car is up for renewal, opt for the online route.

3. Increase your voluntary excess
If you increase the amount you are willing to pay towards a claim before your insurer pays out, this can significantly reduce your car insurance premium. For example if you agreed to pay £100 in the event of a claim instead of £50, your insurer will charge you much less for your premiums.

However this must be balanced against the fact that if an accident or theft does happen and you need to make a claim, you’ll be faced with having to pay out more than if you had opted for a lower excess. You’ll also need to take into account any additional excess some insurers apply to claims if you’re a younger driver.

4. Make your car secure
The more secure your car is, the more your insurer will see you as low-risk and therefore charge you less for insurance. So wherever possible it can really pay to make your car as safe and secure as possible. It's well worth installing an immobiliser and alarm system (preferably Thatcham-approved as not all security systems are accepted by insurers). This will lessen the risk of your car being stolen and so will reduce your insurance premium.

5. Park it safely
Continuing in the same vein, where you park your car can make a significant difference to how safe your car is and therefore how much you’re charged for insurance. If your car is usually left parked at the side of a kerb, for example, it will be more vulnerable to theft and vandalism than if it was securely locked up in your garage.

Although this is not always possible depending on where you live, if you do have the means to stow your car away in a safer place, it’s a good idea to do so – your premiums will be less and your wallet will thank you for it.

6. Cut down your mileage
Again, although this is not always a realistic option if you are required to drive long miles for whatever reason, if you cut down the amount you drive you should see a reduction in your insurance cost.

The less you drive your car, the less vulnerable it is to breaking down, accidents, and so on – so your insurer will see you as lower-risk and charge you lower premiums. Make sure to declare on your policy exactly how much you do drive, and be careful not to over-estimate (although it’s advisable not to under-estimate either – always be truthful).

7. Name another driver
This will particularly apply if you are a younger driver. Insurance premiums can be especially high if you are a young, inexperienced driver, even higher if you happen to be male on top of that (risk statistics show that young male drivers are the demographic most likely to make the more expensive claims). So to help deal with this cost, name another driver on your policy.

This could be a parent who also uses your car, or another older driver. Having a more experienced person named on your insurance will make you a lower-risk customer and so will reduce your premiums. Also, if you drive an additional car, make sure to declare this on your policy – spreading your risk across more than one vehicle can reduce the cost of cover.

However it’s not advisable to get your parent insured as the main driver to save money if you’re a young driver, because if your insurer discovers that you are in fact the main driver it’s very likely they won’t pay out in the event of a claim.

8. Seek out a low-band car
If you are looking to buy a new car, it’s certainly worth bearing in mind how much it’s going to cost you to insure. Some cars are classified in lower insurance bands than others, so when choosing your new set of wheels it may be a good idea to enquire after its band before you buy.

Your car dealer or vendor should be able to tell you how costly your car is going to be to insure, so make sure you look into this and go for a car that won’t cost the earth to cover.

9. Get qualified
Of course your passed driving test proves you are qualified to drive, but there are additional tests available that will make you even more of an expert on the roads. The more qualified you are to drive, the more your insurer will see you as a trustworthy driver and will cut your premiums accordingly.

So if you want to become a better, safer driver and cut the cost of your car insurance in the meantime, it may be worth taking an advanced driving test such as the Pass Plus course – this can be especially beneficial for younger drivers.

10. Steer clear of modifications to your vehicle
If you want to bring the cost of your policy down further, avoid making modifications to your car. As well as making it a more obvious and attractive target to thieves and vandals, modified cars are also seen as more likely to be involved in an accident.


Source

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Auto Insurance – 5 New Ways To Save Money On Car Insurance

Here are five ways to save in the new online economy:

Shop Online with Several Auto Insurance Companies
Auto insurance companies use a lot of the same ranking factors to set premiums costs, but each one is different. Some companies are great if your driving record is prefect. Others are best for drivers with tickets or accidents. A site like QuoteWizard.com can help you compare auto insurance rates and find the right provider for you.
Find a Smaller, Specialized Insurance Company that Fits Your Needs
Lately, the national, big-name underwriters have shifted their higher-risk coverage into small subsidiary brands. Also, most states have smaller, local insurers that specialize in writing higher-risk auto insurance polices. Their rates are far more competitive that the national brands if your driving record is less than perfect. When you shop around for auto insurance in your area, you'll get an idea of what smaller, local options are available.
Consider an Online-Only Auto Insurance Company
It started with online-only savings accounts. Banks realized that by offering consumers a savings account that was handled completely online the bank could save dramatically on overhead costs. This savings was passed on to consumers by way of higher interest rates. Online savings accounts typically yield about ten times more than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. Currently, new auto insurance companies are beginning to follow suit. By eliminating the costs associated with operating storefronts, online auto insurance companies are able to offer significantly cheaper premiums to consumers that don't mind conducting their insurance business over the internet and on the telephone.
Purchase Less Auto Insurance
If the sagging economy has you scrimping to save money, you might want to reduce your auto insurance levels. It's risky to only purchase your state's minimum auto insurance liability coverage, but dropping parts of your policy that you don't need can save you money. If your car has lost significant value since you purchased your policy, consider eliminating comprehensive and collision coverage.
Check Insurance Rates Every 6 Months
Now that it's so simple to find the best auto insurance rates online, you should make a point of getting a fresh set of quotes about every six months. Gone are the days of signing off on another year of the same overpriced coverage just for simplicity's sake. Major life changes like moving, purchasing or selling a car, getting married, or paying off your home are also excellent checkpoints.

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Monday, August 17, 2009

Consumers warned over belongings in care homes

Consumers have been warned to be careful about belongings that are in care homes, as they may not be automatically insured against theft, loss, and damage. The report claims that many elderly people that have moved into care homes and taken their belongings with them may actually have no protection against such eventualities because the insurance cover may not extend to covering belongings in care homes.
An official from Bupa said that it was important for residents to find appropriate insurance cover if necessary in the event that their belongings were not covered. He said: ‘It’s the responsibility of individual residents, as stated in our terms and conditions. However, if we are responsible for an item being lost or damaged, we will reimburse the cost.’
He added: ‘In addition, we provide our residents with secure facilities such as a lockable drawer in their rooms.’
According to recent reports most care homes do provide a safe and secure storage area or safe for residents, in which valuable such as expensive jewellery and the like can be stored. Consumers are advised that there may be stand alone cover available such as that used to protect the belongings of students who live in shared college accommodation, which is something that a number of providers offer.
However, officials have said that consumers should be aware that it can be difficult to find one of these stand alone policies at an affordable price, as many insurance firms are too worried about the risk of theft given that care homes provide so many communal areas, making it more likely that theft could occur.

Source

Monday, August 3, 2009

Finding Cheaper UK Car Insurance Quotes

When its time for you to look for a car insurance quote, the internet option is usually the best choice for cheap car insurance quotes. This is the reason we created this website so you can compare the car insurance market faster with a better chance of finding money saving car insurance policies for you and all your friends.
Using a free comparison website like this saves you loads of time and probably money as you consider the quotes offered to you by the car insurance comparison search engine given to you to use as you like.
Car insurance is becoming more expensive every year so saving just £50 is worth 5 minutes of you time because that’s all you need when you compare car insurance online.
We will also give you some tips and advice about car insurer and the policies they offer you. Most policies are standard, these policies are…
Third Party
This cover is very standard and it’s needed by law to drive on UK highways. Third party is the cheapest form of car insurance in the UK.
Third Party Fire and Theft
Just like third party, this cover also protects your car form fire damage and theft.
Compressive
The daddy of all car insurance policies. This level of car insurance protects you and your car from loss, damage and theft. This cover can include breakdown cover as standard.
You can be sure of one this one this site, you will be able to compare the best car insurance quotes from Britain’s best car insurers. Most of the important insurers are listed on our car insurance comparison quoting engine when you use it.
The system will bring back all the quotes on one screen so you can choose the best one and the best price from all the best insurers and as you know, for free.

Source

Monday, July 20, 2009

Car Insurance In Colorado, Five Free quotes

With myriad auto insurers vying for your business, it's difficult to know where to turn. You want non-biased information about which Colorado car insurance is right for you, and you want it from a company you can trust.
We understand and have “partnered with InsureMe” we have been helping Coloradoans shop for auto insurance since 1993, and we want to add you to our long list of satisfied consumers. So provide us with some information, and we'll get you up to five free quotes for car insurance in Colorado.
Fill out our form and get rollin' today!
What You Need
In July 2003, Colorado switched from a no-fault insurance system to a tort system.
Previously, medical expenses resulting from an accident were covered no matter who was at fault, causing premiums to be much higher. But currently, the negligent person foots the bill for injuries and damages, making it even more important than ever to protect yourself with adequate Colorado auto insurance.
Below are the main types of personal Colorado auto insurance available.
  • Bodily Injury Liability: This provides coverage for bodily injury you cause to another while driving. Minimums of 25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident are mandatory in Colorado.
  • Property Damage Liability: This provides coverage for damage you cause to someone's property while driving and has a minimum of $15,000 per accident in Colorado.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage protects you and the occupants of your vehicle should you or they sustain an injury when another party with insufficient or no insurance is at fault. This type of Colorado auto insurance is optional. However, 34 percent of Colorado drivers are uninsured. In most cases refusing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage saves you a negligible amount compared to the protection it offers in the event of an accident.
  • Medical Payments: Under the tort system, medical payment coverage provides benefits for you and injured passengers in your vehicle regardless of fault. Insurers aren't required to offer this coverage, but those who do usually have limits between $5,000 and $25,000 per accident.
  • Collision: Regardless who is at fault, this type of Colorado auto insurance covers damage to your car caused by collision with another vehicle.
  • Comprehensive: If your car is damaged through theft, fire, vandalism, hail, falling objects or collision with an animal, comprehensive coverage pays to repair the physical damage to your vehicle.
Colorado Auto Insurance Rating
How much you pay in premiums is determined by several factors. Some, like gender and age, are beyond your control, but others you may be able to adjust to favorable rating.
  • Amount and Type: The lower your payout limits and less inclusive your coverage, the less you pay in Colorado auto insurance premiums.
  • Driving record:  A clean driving record results in lower premiums.
  • Age, sex and marital status: Although it doesn't seem fair, statistics prove certain demographical segments have more accidents and violations, which cause those groups to have higher premiums. For example, young, single male drivers usually pay the most.
  • Location: Common sense tells us the more people, the more accidents. So those residing in metropolitan areas pay more for Colorado auto insurance than those in rural ones.
  • Your ride: Because some cars cost less to fix, individuals with those cars generally pay less for Colorado auto insurance.
  • How much you use it: This one is simple: drive less = pay less.
  • Credit history: A good credit history may favorably affect your premium rate.
Bargain Shopping
The following are a few ways to become a "better risk" for insurance companies and consequently receive lower premium ratings.
  • Multiple Vehicles: The more the merrier! If you insure more than one car with the same Colorado insurance company, they usually offer a discount. It is less risky for insurers to underwrite an individual with whom they have a previous relationship.
  • Good Student: Good grades will not only get you into college, but may reduce your insurance to boot. To insurance companies, responsible students = responsible drivers.
  • Safety First: Insurers often offer discounts for safety devices such as air bags, anti-lock brakes and automatic seatbelts, as well as anti-theft devices that prevent theft or vandalism. 
Source

Monday, July 6, 2009

10 ways to slash that car insurance premium

So here are my tried and tested tips to get the best cover for the least cash!

1. Shop, shop, shop around!

While this used to mean giving up half a day and arming myself with the Yellow Pages and a phone, life is so much easier with the internet.
Plug your details into an online comparison tool and you can apply for quotes from twenty or thirty insurers at once - now that really does save time. And as the AA reckons shopping around can shave £225 off the average comprehensive policy, it could save you a fair bit of money, too.

2. So what do you do?

You may not realise this, but your specific job title can make all the difference to an insurance quote. For example, the job description "lawyer" can often attract a higher premium than "solicitor".
If you can think of a few, alternative job titles that still describe what you do, give each one a try and see if they affect the price of your quote.

3. Add an additional driver

Another way to reduce premiums, particularly for younger drivers is to name a parent/older driver on the policy - this can shave 15% off the price. But try and avoid taking out an "any driver" policy - they can be shockingly expensive.
Additionally, make sure you mention whether you also drive another car, as this tends to make your premium cheaper.

4. Keep your car safe

Insurers give lower quotes to lower risk drivers, so you need to reassure them that you look after your vehicle.
Keeping it in a locked garage/on a driveway is obviously preferable to roadside parking, and having an alarm/immobiliser/tracking device will help too, so make sure you mention if you have them.
If you live in a particularly crime-ridden area it could even be cost-effective to rent a garage to reduce that premium.

5. Protect that no-claims discount/bonus

You earn one year's no-claims discount for every claim-free motoring year you build up. And the effect is impressive - just one year's no-claims discount can reduce your premium by 30%, and 2-year's worth can be worth a 40% saving.
This typically continues until you achieve the magical 5 years' no-claims discount - which equates to a whopping 65% off your premium.
But once you've reached that milestone consider protecting your no-claims discount. This will increase your premiums slightly but will mean that, should you need to claim, you'll be able to do so at least once before losing that hard-earned discount.

6. Get the right cover for your needs

Don't apply for cover on auto-pilot - assess your current needs. You may have bought your car brand new, but if it's now getting on a bit is fully comprehensive cover still worth the extra, or would third party, fire and theft fit the bill?
If you barely drive your car anymore, would you be better off selling it and joining a car club? Alternatively, drivers who do very few miles could save with a pay as you drive policy.

7. Pick your excess...

And another way to slash that premium is to voluntarily increase your excess (the amount you will pay, should you need to claim).

8. A personal loan, Sir, at 30%APR?

If you fancy taking out a loan for a few hundred quid at a rip-off rate, you've come to the right place. While insurers offer us the chance to pay our premium in monthly instalments over a year, they don't do so for free.
Read the small print carefully and you'll see that most charge for the privilege - and an APR of 30% is not uncommon. That's almost twice as much as it costs to borrow on a typical credit card! Ouch...
Check with your insurer about monthly payments and if he charges, pay upfront. If you don't have enough money in savings and are sensible, a 0% card for new purchases can help you spread the cost.
And forewarned is forearmed - open a dedicated savings account for next year's car insurance premium and start stashing £20 away a month - and this time next year you'll have £240+ to cover that bill.

9. Get qualified

Insurers love qualifications - take a Pass Plus advanced driving course and not only will you become a more proficient and confident driver, but you could find your insurer will shave 30% off your premium, which can be a great option to help younger drivers.
The course does cost between £150 to £200, but the good news is that many local councils support the scheme and offer bursaries to individuals to cover up to 50% of the fees.

10.  Haggle

And finally, once you've got your cheapest quote, call your existing insurer and see if he will beat it to keep your business. Or see what you can get thrown in for free (legal cover etc.).  Go on; try your hand at haggling - it won't do any harm and could save you a few more quid - better in your pocket than theirs!
So there you have it, 10 ways to slash that car insurance premium. Give them a go and see how much you could save.

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