Auto Insurance Reviews

Another issue Howard mentioned is that the limits of any uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage that you purchase cannot exceed the limits of your liability coverage. Such coverage, he said, can be valuable, as it will cover lost income if you're out of work for several months after being injured in a major accident.

Your driving habits may also be a consideration. If your past is filled with crumpled fenders, if you have a lead foot or a long commute on a treacherous winding road, then you should get more comprehensive coverage.

"Consumers should also be aware that they don't have to buy the package [of collision and comprehensive coverage]," Howard said. "If your vehicle is older, if you have a good driving record and if there is a low likelihood that it would be totaled in an accident, but a high likelihood of it being stolen, you could buy comprehensive but not collision." Seems like good advice for all of the 1989 Toyota Camry owners reading this article — this has been the most stolen car in the nation for several years (it's often stolen for parts). But we would expect that most of them on the road have well over 100,000 miles.

At this time, a rather sobering point needs to be interjected. Just having car insurance doesn't protect you from absolutely anything bad that might happen. First, the insurance company needs to back up the claims that they make in the fine details of the contract. TV ads show folksy adjustors at the scenes of natural disasters passing out claims checks like coupons for cocktail wieners at a supermarket. But, in case you haven't noticed, real life is a bit different from TV ads. If you have an accident, your car insurance company will take a close look at your claim before mailing you a check. And the check may be written for an amount much smaller than you had hoped. For this reason, you should be intimately familiar with the terms of your policy and call the company with any questions you might have.

Now that you have made several practical and philosophical decisions, it's time to start shopping. Begin by setting aside about an hour for this task. Bring all your records — your current insurance policy, your driver license number and your vehicle registration. Drink plenty of coffee. Have a phone at your elbow. And, of course, power up your computer.

Begin with the online services. If you go to InsWeb.com or other insurance quote sites, you can type in your information and get a list of comparative quotes. The form takes about 15 minutes to complete. If this bores you, just remind yourself that you are saving money and you can use that money to buy something nice for yourself. If the entire shopping process takes you two hours to complete, and you save $800, you're effectively earning $400 an hour.

A few things to keep in mind: (1) When you use quote sites, you may not get instant insurance quotes. Some companies may contact you later by e-mail, and some that are not "direct providers" may put you in touch with a local agent, who will then calculate a quote for you. (A "direct provider," like Geico, sells an insurance policy to you directly; other companies like State Farm sell insurance through local agents. We'll discuss the pros and cons of each later.) (2) It's not easy to get quotes from these sites in all states — if you live in New Jersey, for instance, you'll probably find it faster to pick up the phone, since most insurers currently don't provide online quotes for this state.

You can also try getting insurance quotes from some of the insurance companies listed on the Edmunds.com Web site — Geico, InsWeb, or Insurance.com. The forms will take about 10 minutes each to complete.

Of course, there are many other insurers that you can contact online. But remember, while you're researching companies, make notes in a separate computer file or on a piece of paper divided into categories. This will keep you from duplicating your efforts. When you visit the different online insurance sites you should take note of several things:

* Annual and monthly rates for the different types of coverage — make sure to keep the coverage limits the same so that you can make "apples-to-apples" comparisons

* An 800 number to call for questions you can't get answered online

* The insurance company's payment policy (When is your payment due? What happens if you're late in making a payment?)

* Discounts offered by the insurance company that pertain to you

* The insurance company's consumer complaint ratio from your state's department of insurance Web site (more on this below)

* The insurance company's A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings (more on this below)

Once you have exhausted your online options, it's time to work the phones. Those companies you haven't been able to get an online quote from should be contacted. Surprisingly, doing this process verbally can actually go faster than the online counterpart, providing you have all the information regarding your driver license and vehicle registration close at hand. When you get a quote, be sure to confirm the price. Also, ask them to fax or e-mail the quote to you as a record.

How to Shop for Car Insurance

The word shopping brings a feeling of immediate excitement to most people. But if you combine the word shopping with car insurance — as in "shopping for car insurance" — it produces the opposite effect. The thought of shopping for auto insurance makes the eyes glaze over and the heart rate drop to the pace of a slumbering couch potato.

Couch potato? Indeed. Doug Heller, a consumer advocate at The Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights (a California-based consumer advocacy group) and a recognized insurance issues specialist, told us that too often "people purchase insurance by calling the number on the screen."

But wait, this is important stuff! You want to be adequately covered if you get in an accident. And you certainly don't want to pay more for car insurance than you should. Maybe waiting for a solution to be beamed into your living room is not the best idea.

How can you stay awake while navigating through this murky subject? Just remember: There is money to be saved. How much? Hundreds, even thousands, per year. For example, one of the authors typed all of his insurance information into a comparative insurance service. The quotes (for very basic coverage on two old cars) ranged from $1,006 to $1,807 — a difference of $801 a year. If you're currently dumping thousands into your insurance company's coffers because of a couple of tickets, an accident or a questionable credit rating, shopping your policy against others may be well worth the effort.

Look at it this way — you can convert the money you save into the purchase of something you've lusted after for a long time. Hold that goal in your mind. Now, let's begin.

Before you can shop for something, you have to decide what you need. The first step in finding the right auto insurance for you is to figure out the amount of coverage you need. This varies from state to state. So take a moment to find out what coverage is required where you live. Make a list of the different types of coverage and then return for the next step. (You will find a list of each state's requirements and an explanation of the various types of insurance in "How Much Auto Insurance Do You Really Need?". Also, check out "Little-Known But Important Insurance Issues" as it has a glossary of basic insurance terminology.)

Now that you know what is required, you can decide what — if anything — you need in addition to that. Some people are quite cautious. They base their lives on worst-case scenarios. Insurance companies love these people. That's because insurance companies know what your chances are of being killed or maimed, and how likely it is for your car to be damaged or stolen. The information the insurance company has collected over previous decades is crunched into "actuarial tables" that give insurance adjustors a quick look at the probability of just about any occurrence.

It is important to keep in mind that the basis of insurance is a difference of opinion between you (the insured) and them (the insurance company). You believe you will, at some point, probably get in an auto accident. The car insurance company believes you probably won't. And the insurance company is willing to take your money to prove you wrong.

So how much auto insurance should you buy beyond your state's minimums?

"Look at your personal financial situation," Dennis Howard, director of the Insurance Consumer Advocate Network (I-CAN) and former insurance adjuster, advised. "If you have assets to protect — and that is all insurance is doing — get enough liability coverage." For instance, if you purchase $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage but have $100,000 in assets, attorneys could go after your treasures in the event of an accident in which you're at-fault and the other party's medical bills exceed $50,000.

Howard noted that his general recommendation for liability limits are $50,000 bodily injury liability for one person injured in an accident, $100,000 for all people injured in an accident and $25,000 property damage liability (that is, 50/100/25) given that half of the cars on the road are worth more than $20,000. Here again, though, let your financial situation be your guide. If you have no assets, don't buy excess coverage.

How to Choose the Right Insurance Company

If you've read our "10 Steps to Buying Insurance" article, you should have a pretty good idea of how much car insurance to buy and how to find a low-cost policy. But how do you make sure that the company you sign on with is going to be reliable? When we say "reliable," we're talking about how the insurer treats you, the customer. Most importantly, how will the company deal with you when you file a claim?

To help answer this question, we consulted two insurance experts: Dennis Howard, director of the Insurance Consumer Advocate Network (I-CAN) and a retired insurance adjuster, and Doug Heller, a consumer advocate at The Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights, a California-based consumer advocacy group. Both had several ideas for consumers determined to make sure their car insurance investment is directed toward a trustworthy company, one that will pay on time and in full.

1) Visit your state's department of insurance Web site. Although you may not be familiar with it, your state, and every state, has a department of insurance. Most departments have Web sites, and many publish "consumer complaint ratios" for all of the insurance companies that sell policies in their state. This ratio tells you how many complaints a car insurance company received per 1,000 claims filed.

Both experts recommended that consumers use complaint ratios to screen prospective insurers. "Just because they're a big name doesn't mean that they'll be a 'good neighbor' or that you'll be 'in their hands,'" Heller noted.

If you've done your homework, you should already have a list of car insurance companies with the lowest premium quotes. Now jot down the companies with the lowest (or best) complaint ratios. Then, compare your two lists — the companies that rank best on both lists merit your strongest consideration.

If you can't find complaint ratios for your state, Heller recommends examining the complaint ratios published by other states. Keep in mind that a single insurance company's practices can vary significantly from state to state — a subpar ratio in one state doesn't necessarily mean the situation is the same in your state. But watch for general trends. If an insurer is getting a lot of complaints in several other states, you probably don't want to get involved with this company. The I-CAN Web site provides links and contact information for every state's department of insurance.

Also note that insurance department Web sites often provide basic rate comparison surveys. These can give you a rough idea of which insurers might interest you on a financial basis without the hassle of typing in all your personal information (as you must when you use one of the online quote sites).

2) Find out which insurers body shops recommend. One of the best ways to identify reliable insurers, according to Howard, is to contact local body shops that you trust and ask for their recommendations. Body shop managers have a unique perspective to offer, since they regularly interact with insurance adjusters. They know which companies have the smoothest claim processes, which affects how quickly the work can be completed on a damaged vehicle. And they know which companies are pushing aftermarket parts, in lieu of genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, to cut costs.

3) Check the J.D. Power Ratings. J.D. Power and Associates collects data from individual policyholders nationwide and rates them according to coverage options, price, claims handling, satisfaction with company representatives and the overall experience. A quick visit to the J.D. Power Consumer Center will give you a feel for how the major carriers stack up. J.D. Power also publishes an annual survey of major auto insurers — Amica and Erie have finished at the top for the last three years. These are also companies that Howard recommends: "Erie is sold by independent agents, who are very knowledgeable about the product. I like their claims handling approach. Almost all other companies look at a claim and find a way to not pay it. Erie and Amica will look at it and try to find a way to cover it."

4) Consider insurers' financial strength ratings. As a final check, you can take a look at the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings. Both companies publish financial strength ratings for all insurance companies — these "measure" an insurance company's ability to pay out a claim (they have nothing to do with the way a company treats its customers).

For the general consumer, looking up these ratings is only a formality, since most of the well-known carriers are going to be a safe bet. Moreover, independent agents would be unlikely to recommend a company with dubious financial standing. Still, if you're considering a smaller, unfamiliar insurance carrier, you might consider this research time well spent. Insurance companies often provide this information on their Web sites, but if not, you can run a search at the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's sites.

The A.M. Best rating is expressed as a letter grade from A++ (the highest) to D. Some companies may be assigned ratings of E (indicating regulatory action regarding the company's solvency), F (in liquidation) and S (suspended). In any case, you should only work with companies that have at least a B+ rating.

The Standard & Poor's ratings range from AAA (the highest) to CC. Additionally, some companies receive ratings of R (under regulatory supervision) and NR, which means "not rated." The letter grades might be modified by a plus or minus mark. Consider only those companies that have at least a BBB rating.

5) Still confused? Consider working with an agent. It used to be that everyone purchased auto insurance from an agent, but now, car insurance companies like Esurance, Geico and others allow you to purchase insurance directly — over the phone from a customer service representative or online. Still, many of the major players have preserved their national networks of local agents — even if you use State Farm's or Allstate's Web site, you will still be assigned a local agent.

There are two kinds of agents:

a) the captive agent, who represents only one insurance company (major carriers like AAA, Allstate and State Farm sell policies through captive agents).

b) the independent agent, also known as a broker, who represents several insurance companies and therefore does not have a vested interest in selling you a policy from one particular company.

The main advantage in having your own agent is that this person has a vested interest in keeping you happy. Accordingly, he can become familiar with your situation and guide you toward a suitable policy. Howard favors the use of agents and advised, "Don't rule out direct providers, but my personal preference is to have an agent, preferably an independent agent, write your policy for you.... An independent agent would become aware of less advantageous conditions with one company [and help you move to another]. You can change carriers without changing your agent. I encourage consumers to develop a relationship with their agent."

The prospect of good working relations with an agent may help you to make a decision: When Heller purchased auto insurance for the first time, two insurers gave him similar quotes, but he went for the slightly higher one because the agent had been highly recommended by a friend. "You shouldn't go direct without always checking out other options," he said.

But, he cautioned, "Never feel pressured by a broker or an agent. Take the time to talk with an agent or a broker as well as do your online research. You may not need an agent — you may find a better deal with a company that operates direct."

Independent agents sometimes charge a fee for their services, but you may be able to negotiate that. You should agree upon any fee in writing before making a purchase. Look for agents who are certified by Independent Insurance Agents of America (Big "I") or Professional Insurance Agents (PIA).

Of course, we know you have better things to do with your time than think about car insurance. Realistically, most people won't be able to do everything on this list before choosing an insurance carrier. But if you feel that you've been burned during the claims process in the past, consider at least one or two of these suggestions — you'll thank yourself if you're ever involved in another accident.

10 Steps to Buying Auto Insurance

Introduction
The following simple steps will help you determine how much car insurance you need to carry. And it will also help you get the best coverage at the lowest price. If you are confused about any of the terms we use, be sure to review the glossary in "Little-Known but Important Insurance Issues."

Step 1: Starting Out
When it comes to auto insurance, you want to be adequately covered if you get in an accident but you don't want to pay any more than you have to. So how can you navigate your way through this murky subject?

Keep telling yourself there is money to be saved. How much? Hundreds, even thousands, per year. For example, one of our editors typed all of his insurance information into a comparative insurance service. The quotes (for very basic coverage on two old cars) ranged from $1,006 to $1,807 — a difference of $801 a year. If you're currently dumping thousands into your insurance company's coffers because of a couple of tickets, an accident or a questionable credit rating, shopping your policy against others may be well worth the effort.

Look at it this way — you can convert the money you save into the purchase of something you've desired for a long time. Hold that goal in your mind.

Step 2: How Much Coverage Do You Need?
To find the right auto insurance, start by figuring out the amount of coverage you need. This varies from state to state. So take a moment to find out what coverage is required where you live. Make a list of the different types of coverage and then return for the next step. (You will find a list of each state's requirements and an explanation of the various types of insurance in "How Much Auto Insurance Do You Really Need?" Also, check out "Little-Known but Important Insurance Issues" as it has a glossary of basic insurance terminology.)

Now that you know what is required, you can decide what you need in addition. Some people are quite cautious. They base their lives on worst-case scenarios. Insurance companies love these people. That's because insurance companies know what your chances are of being in an accident, and how likely it is for your car to be damaged or stolen. The information the insurance company has collected over previous decades is crunched into "actuarial tables" that give insurance adjustors a quick look at the probability of just about any occurrence.

So how much insurance should you buy beyond your state's minimum?

Experts recommend that if you have a lot of assets you should get enough liability coverage to protect them. For instance, if you purchase $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage but have $100,000 in assets, attorneys could go after your treasures in the event of an accident in which you're at fault and the other party's medical bills exceed $50,000.

General recommendations for liability limits are $50,000 bodily injury liability for one person injured in an accident, $100,000 for all people injured in an accident and $25,000 property damage liability (that is, 50/100/25) given that half of the cars on the road are worth more than $20,000. Here again, though, let your financial situation be your guide. If you have no assets, don't buy excess coverage.

Another issue to consider is that the limits of any uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage that you purchase cannot exceed the limits of your liability coverage. Such coverage, he said, can be valuable, as it will cover lost income if you're out of work for several months after being injured in a major accident.

Your driving habits may also be a consideration. If your past is filled with crumpled fenders, if you have a lead foot or a long commute on a treacherous winding road, then you should get more comprehensive coverage. Keep in mind that you don't have to buy collision and comprehensive coverage. If your vehicle is older, if you have a good driving record and if there is a low likelihood that it would be totaled in an accident, but a high likelihood of it being stolen, you could buy comprehensive but not collision.

Step 3: Review Your Driving Record and Current Insurance Policy
Before you begin shopping for insurance you should check the following: the status of your driving record, your current coverage and the premiums you are paying.

You should know how many tickets you have had recently. But time plays tricks and our memories repress painful incidents. If you can't remember how long that speeding ticket has been on your record, check with your state's DMV. If your record will soon improve, and the points you earned will finally disappear, wait until that happens before you get quotes. Nothing drives up the price of insurance like a bad driving record.

Also, you should contact your auto insurance company or pull out a recent bill. Jot down the amount of coverage you have and what you are paying for it. Take note of the yearly and monthly cost of your insurance since many of your quotes will be given both ways. Now you have a figure in mind to try to beat.

Step 4: Solicit Competitive Quotes
Now that you have made several practical and philosophical decisions, it's time to start shopping. Begin by setting aside about an hour for this task. Bring all your records — your current insurance policy, your driver license number and your vehicle registration. Drink plenty of coffee. Have a phone at your elbow. And, of course, power up your computer.

egin with the online services. If you go to online insurance quote sites, you can type in your information and get a list of comparative quotes. These forms take about 15 minutes to complete. If this bores you, just remind yourself how much you will be saving and that you can use the money to buy something nice for yourself. If the entire shopping process takes you two hours to complete and you save $800, you're effectively earning $400 an hour.

A few things to keep in mind: 1) When you use quote sites, you may not get instant quotes. Some companies may contact you later by e-mail, and some that are not "direct providers" may put you in touch with a local agent, who will then calculate a quote for you. (A "direct provider," like Geico, sells an insurance policy to you directly; other companies like State Farm sell insurance through local agents. We'll discuss the pros and cons of each later.) 2) It's not easy to get quotes from these sites in all states — if you live in New Jersey, for instance, you'll probably find it faster to pick up the phone, since most insurers in this state currently don't provide online quotes.

You can also try getting quotes from some of the insurance companies listed on the Edmunds.com Web site — Esurance, Geico or Progressive. These forms will take about 10 minutes each to complete.

Step 5: Record and Compare Quotes
While you're researching companies, make notes in a separate computer file or on a piece of paper divided into categories. This will keep you from duplicating your efforts. When you visit the different online insurance sites, you should take note of several things:

• Annual and monthly rates for the different types of coverage — make sure to keep the coverage limits the same so that you can make "apples-to-apples" comparisons
• An 800 number to call for questions you can't get answered online
• The insurance company's payment policy (When is your payment due? What happens if you're late in making a payment?)
• Discounts offered by the insurance company that pertain to you
• The insurance company's consumer complaint ratio from your state's department of insurance Web site (more on this later)
• The insurance company's A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings (more on this later)

Step 6: Work the Phones
Once you have exhausted your online options, it's time to work the phones. Those companies you haven't been able to get an online quote from should be contacted. At times, doing this process verbally can actually go faster than the online counterpart, providing you have all the information regarding your driver license and vehicle registration close at hand. When you get a quote, be sure to confirm the price. Also, ask them to fax or e-mail the quote to you as a record.

Step 7: Look for Discounts
While talking to the insurance companies' telephone salespeople, make sure you explore all options relating to discounts. Insurance companies give discounts for a good driving record, favorable credit score, safety equipment (for example, antilock brakes), certain occupations or professional affiliations and more. For more guidance in this area, check out "How to Save Money on Auto Insurance."

Step 8: Choosing the Right Insurance Company
You now have most of the information in front of you that you need to make a decision. However, there is something more to consider. You can clearly see which company is least expensive, but when you need them to cover a claim, what kind of job will they do? To put it another way, which is the most reliable insurance company?

Below, we offer a number of issues to guide your thinking and help you reach a decision:

1. Visit your state's department of insurance and check consumer complaint ratios and basic rate comparison surveys.
2. Get in touch with local body shops or dealerships you trust and ask which insurance companies they recommend.
3. Consider contacting an insurance agent for additional information about a particular company.
4. Check out the financial strength ratings for an insurance company by referring to the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings.
5. Look over J.D. Power and Associates' consumer satisfaction surveys reviewing auto insurance companies.

Step 9: Review the Policy Before You Sign
So, you've done your research, and you've decided on a company. Before you sign, though, read the policy. In addition to verifying that it contains the coverage you want, there are two clauses that you should look for in the contract:

1. Retain your right to sue. "Find out if you are giving up your right to go to court and will be forced into arbitration if there is a disagreement [between you and the insurance company]," one expert advised. "You're much better off if you don't give up this right…. It makes it easier for [insurers] to take advantage of you." If you find a clause to this effect, all isn't necessarily lost. "At least in theory, a contract is a mutual agreement, so you should be able to cross out that line in the policy," he said. If the company won't agree to the policy sans clause, then you should probably take your business elsewhere.



2. Avoid aftermarket parts requirements. If an insurance company has written in the policy that "new factory," "like kind and quality" or "aftermarket parts" may be used for body shop repairs, go to another company, one expert advised. If you own a relatively new car that you plan to keep for a while, you will probably be much happier if you spend a little more time researching companies on the front end rather than try to fight the company when you have a claim.

Step 10: Cancel Your Old Policy
After you lock in the insurance policy you want with the company you select, you have two more things to do. The first is to cancel coverage with your existing insurance company. Second, if your state requires you to carry proof of insurance, make sure you either have it in your wallet or the glove compartment of your car (some experts discourage this, however — if your car is stolen, the thief has everything he needs to prove the vehicle is his).

Now, there's one last thing to do: reward yourself for saving so much money on car insurance.

Checklist

Determine your state's insurance requirements.

Consider your own financial situation in relation to the required insurance and consider buying more to protect your assets.

Review the status of your driving record — do you have any outstanding tickets or points on your driver license?

Check your current coverage to find out how much in premiums you are paying.

Get competing quotes from an Internet insurance Web site such as insuranceforfuture.blogspot.com

Make follow-up phone calls to insurance companies to get additional information about coverage.

Inquire about discounts you might qualify for such as a multiple policy discount.

Evaluate the reliability of the insurance company you're considering by visiting your state's insurance Web site.

If you have chosen a new insurance company, remember to cancel your old policy

10 Steps to Buying Auto Insurance

ntroduction
The following simple steps will help you determine how much car insurance you need to carry. And it will also help you get the best coverage at the lowest price. If you are confused about any of the terms we use, be sure to review the glossary in "Little-Known but Important Insurance Issues."

Step 1: Starting Out
When it comes to auto insurance, you want to be adequately covered if you get in an accident but you don't want to pay any more than you have to. So how can you navigate your way through this murky subject?

Keep telling yourself there is money to be saved. How much? Hundreds, even thousands, per year. For example, one of our editors typed all of his insurance information into a comparative insurance service. The quotes (for very basic coverage on two old cars) ranged from $1,006 to $1,807 — a difference of $801 a year. If you're currently dumping thousands into your insurance company's coffers because of a couple of tickets, an accident or a questionable credit rating, shopping your policy against others may be well worth the effort.

Look at it this way — you can convert the money you save into the purchase of something you've desired for a long time. Hold that goal in your mind.

Step 2: How Much Coverage Do You Need?
To find the right auto insurance, start by figuring out the amount of coverage you need. This varies from state to state. So take a moment to find out what coverage is required where you live. Make a list of the different types of coverage and then return for the next step. (You will find a list of each state's requirements and an explanation of the various types of insurance in "How Much Auto Insurance Do You Really Need?" Also, check out "Little-Known but Important Insurance Issues" as it has a glossary of basic insurance terminology.)

Now that you know what is required, you can decide what you need in addition. Some people are quite cautious. They base their lives on worst-case scenarios. Insurance companies love these people. That's because insurance companies know what your chances are of being in an accident, and how likely it is for your car to be damaged or stolen. The information the insurance company has collected over previous decades is crunched into "actuarial tables" that give insurance adjustors a quick look at the probability of just about any occurrence.

So how much insurance should you buy beyond your state's minimum?

Experts recommend that if you have a lot of assets you should get enough liability coverage to protect them. For instance, if you purchase $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage but have $100,000 in assets, attorneys could go after your treasures in the event of an accident in which you're at fault and the other party's medical bills exceed $50,000.

General recommendations for liability limits are $50,000 bodily injury liability for one person injured in an accident, $100,000 for all people injured in an accident and $25,000 property damage liability (that is, 50/100/25) given that half of the cars on the road are worth more than $20,000. Here again, though, let your financial situation be your guide. If you have no assets, don't buy excess coverage.

Another issue to consider is that the limits of any uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage that you purchase cannot exceed the limits of your liability coverage. Such coverage, he said, can be valuable, as it will cover lost income if you're out of work for several months after being injured in a major accident.

Your driving habits may also be a consideration. If your past is filled with crumpled fenders, if you have a lead foot or a long commute on a treacherous winding road, then you should get more comprehensive coverage. Keep in mind that you don't have to buy collision and comprehensive coverage. If your vehicle is older, if you have a good driving record and if there is a low likelihood that it would be totaled in an accident, but a high likelihood of it being stolen, you could buy comprehensive but not collision.

Step 3: Review Your Driving Record and Current Insurance Policy
Before you begin shopping for insurance you should check the following: the status of your driving record, your current coverage and the premiums you are paying.

You should know how many tickets you have had recently. But time plays tricks and our memories repress painful incidents. If you can't remember how long that speeding ticket has been on your record, check with your state's DMV. If your record will soon improve, and the points you earned will finally disappear, wait until that happens before you get quotes. Nothing drives up the price of insurance like a bad driving record.

Also, you should contact your auto insurance company or pull out a recent bill. Jot down the amount of coverage you have and what you are paying for it. Take note of the yearly and monthly cost of your insurance since many of your quotes will be given both ways. Now you have a figure in mind to try to beat.

Step 4: Solicit Competitive Quotes
Now that you have made several practical and philosophical decisions, it's time to start shopping. Begin by setting aside about an hour for this task. Bring all your records — your current insurance policy, your driver license number and your vehicle registration. Drink plenty of coffee. Have a phone at your elbow. And, of course, power up your computer.

Begin with the online services. If you go to online insurance quote sites, you can type in your information and get a list of comparative quotes. These forms take about 15 minutes to complete. If this bores you, just remind yourself how much you will be saving and that you can use the money to buy something nice for yourself. If the entire shopping process takes you two hours to complete and you save $800, you're effectively earning $400 an hour.

A few things to keep in mind: 1) When you use quote sites, you may not get instant quotes. Some companies may contact you later by e-mail, and some that are not "direct providers" may put you in touch with a local agent, who will then calculate a quote for you. (A "direct provider," like Geico, sells an insurance policy to you directly; other companies like State Farm sell insurance through local agents. We'll discuss the pros and cons of each later.) 2) It's not easy to get quotes from these sites in all states — if you live in New Jersey, for instance, you'll probably find it faster to pick up the phone, since most insurers in this state currently don't provide online quotes.



Step 5: Record and Compare Quotes
While you're researching companies, make notes in a separate computer file or on a piece of paper divided into categories. This will keep you from duplicating your efforts. When you visit the different online insurance sites, you should take note of several things:

• Annual and monthly rates for the different types of coverage — make sure to keep the coverage limits the same so that you can make "apples-to-apples" comparisons
• An 800 number to call for questions you can't get answered online
• The insurance company's payment policy (When is your payment due? What happens if you're late in making a payment?)
• Discounts offered by the insurance company that pertain to you
• The insurance company's consumer complaint ratio from your state's department of insurance Web site (more on this later)
• The insurance company's A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings (more on this later)

Step 6: Work the Phones
Once you have exhausted your online options, it's time to work the phones. Those companies you haven't been able to get an online quote from should be contacted. At times, doing this process verbally can actually go faster than the online counterpart, providing you have all the information regarding your driver license and vehicle registration close at hand. When you get a quote, be sure to confirm the price. Also, ask them to fax or e-mail the quote to you as a record.

Step 7: Look for Discounts
While talking to the insurance companies' telephone salespeople, make sure you explore all options relating to discounts. Insurance companies give discounts for a good driving record, favorable credit score, safety equipment (for example, antilock brakes), certain occupations or professional affiliations and more. For more guidance in this area, check out "How to Save Money on Auto Insurance."

Step 8: Choosing the Right Insurance Company
You now have most of the information in front of you that you need to make a decision. However, there is something more to consider. You can clearly see which company is least expensive, but when you need them to cover a claim, what kind of job will they do? To put it another way, which is the most reliable insurance company?

Below, we offer a number of issues to guide your thinking and help you reach a decision:

1. Visit your state's department of insurance and check consumer complaint ratios and basic rate comparison surveys.
2. Get in touch with local body shops or dealerships you trust and ask which insurance companies they recommend.
3. Consider contacting an insurance agent for additional information about a particular company.
4. Check out the financial strength ratings for an insurance company by referring to the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings.
5. Look over J.D. Power and Associates' consumer satisfaction surveys reviewing auto insurance companies.

Step 9: Review the Policy Before You Sign
So, you've done your research, and you've decided on a company. Before you sign, though, read the policy. In addition to verifying that it contains the coverage you want, there are two clauses that you should look for in the contract:

1. Retain your right to sue. "Find out if you are giving up your right to go to court and will be forced into arbitration if there is a disagreement [between you and the insurance company]," one expert advised. "You're much better off if you don't give up this right…. It makes it easier for [insurers] to take advantage of you." If you find a clause to this effect, all isn't necessarily lost. "At least in theory, a contract is a mutual agreement, so you should be able to cross out that line in the policy," he said. If the company won't agree to the policy sans clause, then you should probably take your business elsewhere.



2. Avoid aftermarket parts requirements. If an insurance company has written in the policy that "new factory," "like kind and quality" or "aftermarket parts" may be used for body shop repairs, go to another company, one expert advised. If you own a relatively new car that you plan to keep for a while, you will probably be much happier if you spend a little more time researching companies on the front end rather than try to fight the company when you have a claim.

Step 10: Cancel Your Old Policy
After you lock in the insurance policy you want with the company you select, you have two more things to do. The first is to cancel coverage with your existing insurance company. Second, if your state requires you to carry proof of insurance, make sure you either have it in your wallet or the glove compartment of your car (some experts discourage this, however — if your car is stolen, the thief has everything he needs to prove the vehicle is his).

Now, there's one last thing to do: reward yourself for saving so much money on car insurance.

Checklist

• Determine your state's insurance requirements.
• Consider your own financial situation in relation to the required insurance and consider buying more to protect your assets.
• Review the status of your driving record — do you have any outstanding tickets or points on your driver license?
• Check your current coverage to find out how much in premiums you are paying.
• Get competing quotes from an Internet insurance Web site such as insuranceforfuture.blogspot.com
• Make follow-up phone calls to insurance companies to get additional information about coverage.
• Inquire about discounts you might qualify for such as a multiple policy discount.
• Evaluate the reliability of the insurance company you're considering by visiting your state's insurance Web site.
• If you have chosen a new insurance company, remember to cancel your old policy.

Auto Insurance Tips

When you really need it, you will be glad you took the time to purchase good car insurance. The purpose of the articles in this section is to prepare drivers with the right auto insurance policy before it is too late. Then, if trouble strikes, you and your family — and your family's finances — will be protected.

Everyone knows that car insurance can be expensive. However, in the Internet era, getting an online car insurance quote is fast and easy. With the resources and information we present here, it is easier than ever to compare auto insurance quotes. We will also tell you what differences exist between one auto insurance company and another. Basic coverage is described and comparative shopping strategies are clearly outlined. What about teenage drivers? We take a special look at shopping for car insurance for them. What if you have auto insurance but can't keep up with the expensive premiums? We might be able to show you how to continue getting the coverage you need while reducing your payments. And, finally, what about the mysterious type of insurance called "gap insurance"? This is a form of auto insurance that usually applies to leased cars. In some cases, however, a car buyer might also need gap insurance. We'll tell you when and how much to buy.

If you are on the fast track, and need car insurance now, we've boiled down all our information into the easy-to-read "10 Steps to Buying Auto Insurance." This series of short articles is followed by a checklist that will ensure that you won't overlook any important details as you get the best coverage available.

Why do you Need Auto Insurance?

As tempting as it may be to ditch out on or postpone purchasing auto insurance, you’d better think twice before doing so. In most states it’s required by law to always have insurance on the vehicle you drive or you’d better be able to provide proof you’ve got enough money to repair any damages if you’re in an accident. You’ll soon realize the benefits of paying a monthly fee to insure your vehicle will help you sleep better at night knowing you’re covered.

You may be an excellent driver and think I’ll never cause an accident. While your driving record may reflect your thinking, you cannot assume you’ll never cause an accident. There aren’t enough good drivers on the road to make up for all of the bad drivers. Although your intentions are good to assume you won’t be the cause of an accident, there’s always the possibility of causing an accident while trying to avoid another bad driver. If you swerve to avoid an unexpected object in the road or as a result from getting cut off and subsequently hit someone, you could be found at fault. Those types of circumstances are unpredictable and are reasons why you should never be without the safety of auto insurance.

More unpredictable situations include weather-related accidents. As much as you avoid driving in rainy or snowy conditions, there are times when you must. Roads become very slippery during rain and snow storms and despite careful maneuvering, you could still slip, spin, or slide into an object or another vehicle.

There’s also the possibility of being hit by an uninsured driver. Obviously you have the choice to sue the driver to get the monies needed to repair your vehicle and be compensated for any medical expenses or future medical expenses, but this will take time and money out of your pocket until you receive payment. Usually drivers are uninsured because they can’t afford insurance. If they can’t afford insurance, how will they afford to pay you for any damages? Obtaining uninsured motorist liability will get you coverage you need for this situation.

What if you’re on the other end of that story, and you’re the uninsured driver at fault for the accident? You could be the one getting sued to pay for damages you’ve incurred on another driver. You could be the one financially responsible for medical bills of another party. If you had auto insurance at this time, you wouldn’t have to pay for these expenses out of your own pocket.

Although illegal, hit-and-run accidents occur more frequently that you would think. If this were to happen to you, you would be stuck with the cost of repairing your vehicle. Any medical expenses you incur may be paid through your health insurance if you have it, but it would be more beneficial to have your auto insurance cover any medical expenses your health insurance doesn’t pay for. For example if your health insurance only covers 80% of the cost, and you’re responsible for 20%, a specific coverage on your auto insurance policy may be able to cover that amount. You may be tempted to forego fixing your vehicle to save money, but minor damage can lead to more damage such as rust issues and major damage can leave parts of your car lying on the road as you drive home.

The next time you’re on the road, take a good look around at the cars you pass. How much do you think those cars are worth? If you or a member of your family were responsible for wrecking one of those cars, how much would you have to pay, or be sued to pay, for repairs on that car? What if you were required to replace the car entirely because it was totaled?

Carrying adequate auto insurance takes the “what-ifs” out of your driving life. You no longer need to worry so much about what would happen to you financially if you were the victim of an accident or the person at-fault (again, despite your driving record). Going with an auto insurance company that you can rely on will provide peace of mind. There are many auto insurance companies to choose from, and you’re invited to shop around. Research the kinds of policies that are available to you and any family members you may add to your policy.

After you’ve done your research and know what coverages you want, get quotes from local companies. Ask each company what policies they offer, how much they are, minimum coverage amounts, what they recommend, and what their most popular coverages are. Review each company’s offers and carefully decide what you purchase. Keep in mind the state’s requirements may not be sufficient enough to financially protect you in an accident. Some state requirements are $15,000, which is not enough to replace most new cars on the road today.

The total cost of your policy may initially seem like more money than what you wanted to pay for auto insurance. You have the option to break this cost into more manageable monthly payments, which is sometimes easier to work into a budget. Here, it is important to remind yourself that the cost of your policy could be substantially cheaper than literally paying for the consequences of an accident.

Why do you need auto insurance? You need it to cover the times when you’ve tried to avoid an accident but just weren’t able to. You need it to cover the times you hit black ice and spin out, hitting the median. You need it to make sure you’re not going to have to pay for someone else’s mistake when they don’t have insurance, as well as you paying for your own mistake because you didn’t have insurance. You need auto insurance because it’s the law and you will be fined and possibly arrested if you do not carry it.

Shopping for Auto Insurance what Should you be Looking for?

You’ve seen the ads for different auto insurance companies, ranging from catchy tunes to talking animals. As creative as their approaches are, it’s more important to know how they handle claims and what is offered to each driver. In comparing auto insurance companies, some of these questions come to mind: is another company better than my current auto insurer? Are they cheaper? Do they offer more or better coverage options?

With so many companies willing, able, and almost begging to insure drivers, it’s easy to find an insurer to take you in, unless your driving history is shameful. A simple search on the Internet or in your phone book can give you prospects, as well as asking co-workers, extended family, or neighbors who they currently use, who they’ve used in the past and their experiences. Know what kind of protection you want in your policy as you do your research. If you’re unsure what to get, again ask people you trust what coverages they have and think about different accident situations you or any member on your policy could face.

Make a spreadsheet or list and site pros and cons for each company you research. Go online to their Websites or call each company and ask questions about available coverages and costs to include in your spreadsheet. You will most likely get a better, more thorough answer to your question if you call. Many companies will send you a free quote via email after you’ve given them information such as age, address, desired coverage, and accident and ticket history on their Website. Once your comparison is complete, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that is best for you.

While everyone wants to be happy with their auto insurer, everyone requires different terms to be met. Not all drivers are looking for the cheapest insurance, but to some drivers cost of the policy is the most important factor in choosing an insurer. Some are looking for additional coverage because their teen is now of driving age. Others are looking for friendlier representatives that are willing to go above and beyond to help. These are only some of the specifications policyholders want realized as they shop around for auto insurance. What are yours?

No one wants to pay more than somebody else for the same product, hence the obsession with finding the lowest rates. This is what drives the majority of auto insurance company comparisons. Lowest rates are almost always given to the best rated drivers who have the safest driving records. The older you are, the longer you’ve been driving, time between accidents or issued traffic tickets, the number of accidents or traffic tickets, the make, model and year of the vehicle you drive; these are all things that affect your rate. You can help your rate stay low by driving a non-sports vehicle that’s a few years old, and do your best to avoid traffic tickets and accidents. Don’t waste your time trying to speak with different representatives from the same company in attempt to lower the price. Each company has a set price and cannot lower it, according to the state.

Many auto insurers offer discounts for certain drivers. There are discounts available for teens who keep a certain grade point average, showing that a smart student can be a safer driver. Safety devices, such as an alarm or tracking device (low-jack) used in your car can provide a discount, as well as where your car is stored when it’s not in use. Paying for your policy in full instead of making monthly payments, or using automatic bill pay may lower your price. Meeting a safe driver “criteria” can reduce your policy price as well by checking how many traffic tickets and accidents you’ve had. Check with the companies to see what discounts are offered.

Choosing a company that has a Website will give you access to your policy any day, any time. This will allow you get estimates if you make changes to your policy, pay your bill, or make a claim online. You can also view the other coverages they offer that may be of worth to you. This convenience can alleviate some of the stress that comes from dealing with an auto insurance company, like getting placed on hold while you’re waiting for a representative to answer your questions.

Each state has a Department of Insurance. Most states publish a complaint ratio of all auto insurance companies within the state. This number is based on every 1,000 claims made. If your state doesn’t have this ratio, one idea would be to check another state’s and see what the ratios are for auto insurance companies that are also in your state.

A great company has great customer service. How are you treated by the company as a prospective (or current) customer? If a certain company was recommended to you by someone, how was that person treated by the insurer? Don’t be afraid to ask the representative questions about the coverage or the company, be it 10 questions or 100. You need to know the details before you start paying the company to insure you. You should always be treated with fairness and respect when speaking with any representative of the insurance company. They should know that you bring business to the company and as such you are a member of their team.

There are benefits to sticking with one company for a lengthy amount of time. Some auto insurance companies provide accident forgiveness for keeping a clean record over a certain period of time while you’re insured with them. Other companies may keep your rates low because you’ve been a loyal customer with a great driving record. Find out what companies offer this status by asking if there is any benefit to staying with them.

After you’ve asked your questions and have thoroughly done your research, you will be ready to make an informed decision. Make sure you meet as many of your requirements as possible so you don’t regret your decision later. Worst case scenario would be you aren’t satisfied with the company you choose, and you can always switch when your policy expires.

How do I use my Auto Insurance?

Now that you’ve chosen and purchased your auto insurance policy, you may be wondering how to use it. Hopefully, you will never need to use it, but considering the number of cell-phone-using, make-up-applying, texting, children-managing and new drivers there are on the road these days, chances are, you’ll be using it. Until then, be grateful you’re covered and continue paying for your policy.

Using your auto insurance is really only necessary when damage has been done to your vehicle. This can happen while your vehicle is moving or stationary and usually involves another moving or stationary vehicle or object. After the collision occurs and injuries are assessed and cared for, a traffic officer will request a few items. Along with your driver’s license and registration, you will need to provide your proof of auto insurance. Usually this is a card that is sent to you by your auto insurance company, stating that they agree to insure you for a marked period of time. In many states, failure to provide proof of insurance results in expensive consequences. To be safe, always carry this card in your glove compartment or other safe place within your vehicle.

Following the accident, it may be a good time to get any witness statements and their names and phone numbers for future reference for your auto insurance company and the police report. If you have any passengers that are physically able to gather this information for you, consider having them do so while you fill out the police report. It is also wise to call your auto insurance company and let them know all the information as well: the other driver’s name, license number, and their auto insurance company name, policy number, and the name of the policyholder. Your insurance company may request additional information and should provide friendly help to you during this stressful moment. With all that is going on, you may find it helpful to ask your auto insurance representative to remind you of the details of your policy and your options. Within a few days, both your insurer and the other driver’s insurer will receive a copy of the police report and fault will be decided.

Each auto insurance company may require you to do different things during the process of repairing your vehicle. If you are not at-fault for the accident, the other driver’s auto insurance should be financially responsible for your vehicle’s repairs. This can sometimes be frustrating as you are now at their mercy as far as timing goes and you may need to speak with them regularly to make sure your repairs are paid for. They may send you a check after an estimate is completed by one of their agents, or they may deal directly with one of their approved body shops.

If you are at-fault and are found financially responsible for the accident, the other driver involved was at-fault and not insured, or you were the only driver involved in the accident (collision with a pole or building), you will be required to “use” your auto insurance. Once your representative gets the initial information regarding the accident, there’s a possibility they will wait to receive the police report before instructing you on where to take your vehicle for repair. Be patient with their requests as they are doing things according to the company’s protocol.

Depending on your auto insurance company, it may be days or weeks before you can have your car repaired. After paying your deductible, either you’ll be told where to take your car or you’ll be permitted to choose your body shop. Some insurance companies will pay for a rental car if you need one during the time it takes to repair your vehicle, but often it’s only percentage of the total cost or an “up-to” amount.

As frustrating as these times can be, it’s a good idea to remember the importance of carrying auto insurance. You still may be required to pay for expenses (i.e. your deductible), but it will be comparably less than the cost of paying for the expenses without insurance.

If you have not experienced this before, place yourself in this situation and ask some questions: Would I be covered if an uninsured motorist damaged my vehicle? What would I be financially responsible for if I hit another person’s vehicle or a pedestrian? How would my medical bills get paid if I were injured in an accident that was my fault? How would they get paid if the accident were the other driver’s fault? What if I had to take a few weeks off from work or take a leave of absence? How would my bills get paid? If someone was killed due to an accident I caused, what would be covered and what would I have to pay for? These are the kinds of questions you want to ask and know the answers to before any accident occurs. If you discover any of your questions are not covered in your policy, it’s time to call your insurer and find out your options.

There are coverages offered to you to carry on your policy that are sometimes not required by the state but could help lower your final repair cost if in an accident. Comprehension and collision will protect you from theft or damage done to your car, in most cases when it was your fault. If you do not have health insurance, medical payment coverage can pay for any medical injuries as a result of an automobile accident. No-fault insurance (not available in all states) is a coverage that will cover accident-related expenses despite who was at-fault in an accident. Personal injury protection will also cover accident-related expense and is available in all states and required by some.

Everyone needs some form of insurance against damage done to their own vehicle or from damaging another person’s property/vehicle in order to be permitted to drive. Unfortunately it’s very unrealistic to think that you’ll never need auto insurance, and when you do need it, you’ll be comforted to know that everything is already in place for your benefit.

Five Important Auto Insurance Myths Exposed

(NC)-When it comes to auto insurance, many Canadians are not sure what's fact or fiction. To help you better understand auto insurance, RBC Insurance® debunks the top five auto insurance myths.


1. The colour of my car affects my insurance premium.

Many factors determine premiums including your vehicle's year, make, model, body type and engine size. The colour of your vehicle is not one of them.


2. If I use my car for work and have an accident, my employer's insurance will cover it.

Your employer may reimburse you for mileage, but your own insurance provides coverage in case of an accident. If you use your vehicle for work, you should be advising your agent or broker of this business use.


3. Parking tickets increase insurance premiums.

Parking tickets do not affect insurance premiums. But a license suspension from unpaid fines can affect your driving record, resulting in higher insurance premiums.


4. If my friend borrows my car and has an accident, their insurance will pay for damages.

If you lend your car, you lend your insurance. Any claims will be made under your policy, even if you were not involved in the accident.


5. Auto insurance companies can charge what they want.

Auto insurance is subject to significant regulatory requirements. Insurance companies must submit their automobile insurance rates to government agencies for approval.

Time to Review Your Auto Insurance Policy

As you work your way through tax season, it might also be a good idea to re-evaluate your auto insurance policy.

"The beginning of the year is a great time to get your financial house in order," says Wade Bontrager, vice president of Marketing for GMAC Insurance. "While you're already looking at your finances, it's easy to get out that auto insurance policy and make sure you're getting everything you can from it."

Bontrager says it is also worthwhile to review your policy when it comes time to renew. "While 43 percent of drivers report comparison-shopping when looking for an auto insurance policy, 33 percent of drivers don't even think about it -; they simply renew their existing policy and leave it at that."

Bontrager advises Americans to review their auto insurance policies when:

- Your insurance company has new offerings. Your insurance company might have introduced new, beneficial services. So, take advantage of them.

- You drive less. If high gas prices have lowered your annual driving mileage, some companies now offer a substantial low-mileage discount, such as the Low-Mileage Discount launched in 2008 by GMAC Insurance in collaboration with OnStar.

- You could save money. Make sure your coverage is at a sufficient level to protect your assets, but also research any discounts that you may qualify for, such as a multi-vehicle discount that saves you money when you insure more than one vehicle with the same company.

- You have a specialized vehicle. If you have a specialized vehicle, whether it's an RV or a commercial vehicle, a standard auto insurance policy will not provide the coverage you really need. Check with your auto insurer to see if they offer specialized policies. If not, consider switching to a company that does. If you move all of your auto insurance policies to one company, you may be eligible for a loyalty discount.

"It's so important that you fully research your policy," adds Bontrager. "For example, our customers are offered a series of concierge-style services, and we want everyone to know the extra value they are receiving free of charge."

Your Car Accident & How To Deal With Your Insurance Company On A Disputed Claim

Your Car Accident

When you disagree with your insurance company, about a claim, you have the following 7 options which you can proceed to do, without going to court.

1. If your agent is unable to solve your problem, get the name and phone number of your insurance companies Claims Department. More often than not it's an 800 number. Call The Consumer Complaint Department. Talk to them because they should be able to help you.
2. Don't hang up until you get the specific name of the person with whom you spoke. (Make a note of the person you talked with and hold onto that until you've finished and your dispute).
3. Send a covering letter (to that individual with whom you spoke) that contains all the documents you have to back up your position.
4. All insurance companies have either an "Appraisal Service" or "Arbitration Service" which have been created to settle differences and/or disputes. Your policy should explain these options.
5. If you've followed their rules for resolving your dispute, and you're still not satisfied, your own state's insurance department should be able to help you.
6. If, after hearing from your own insurance company's people (and you're confident you've not been handled properly) you should call 1-800-942-4242 which is a toll-free Consumer Information Service which is sponsored by the insurance industry.
7. Trained personnel are available to assist consumers who have complaints. THIS "HELP LINE" OPERATES ON EASTERN TIME, MONDAY THRU FRIDAY, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
8. ALSO: An "Independent Arbitrator", who allegedly has experience in insurance problems, can decide if what you've been told is fair.
9. You can get to them by calling THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION
   
10. MEDIATION: More often than not the Mediator does not have the authority to make a binding decision or issue an award to either party. The mediator only recommends a solution.

Mediation is a solid first step because it can negate the need for further expense on both sides. The first thing you should do is check the language in your auto insurance policy where it will spell out who will mediate (and/or arbitrate) a claim. You should submit a DEMAND FOR ARBITRATION FORM to whoever is listed in your policy. On that Demand for Arbitration Form you can specify whether you want "MEDIATION" or "ARBITRATION".

DEMAND FOR ARBITRATION FORMS are available from your state's Department Of Insurance, or you can print a copy of a Demand Form from the American Arbitration

Never Forget These 3 Very Crucial Facts

A. Mediation is much less expensive than Arbitration.
B. The Mediation Decisions are only considered to be advisory.
C. Arbitration Rulings are absolutely binding!

DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this article "YOUR CAR ACCIDENT & HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY ON A DISPUTED CLAIM" is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga, Vince Ciulla nor About.com make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever; NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any legal service; NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is THE INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBILITY to obtain said services.

Dan Baldyga's third and latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the Internet at http://www.caraccidentclaims.com or http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com. This book reveals "How To" successfully handle your motor vehicle accident claim so you won't be taken advantage of. It also goes into detail regarding BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). explains how to determine the value of the "Pain and Suffering" you endured - - because of your personal injury!

Insurance Scam Fraud Protection

If you become a victim of car insurance fraud, you pay. Not only will you pay higher premiums because you may acquire a costly claim, but, as with any car accident, you and your family could pay with your lives. It is important to learn more about fraud protection so you can protect yourself from others who may choose you to be a part of their next car insurance accident fraud scam.

Insurance fraud began when insurance first began. Incidents have been recorded as far back as ancient Greece. Ship scuttling was an insurance scam in ancient Greece where ships were purposely sunk. Later insurance fraud traveled to England then to America. When automobiles were introduced it opened a whole new arena for fraudulent insurance claims. Today, with modern technology, many fraudulent car accident claims do arise from sophisticated organized crime rings that can be hard to detect. Don't let this make you a victim of an insurance scam. Whether the insurance scam is from an organized crime ring or an individual, there are fraud protection steps you can take to help you be more aware and avoid being a scammer’s next victim.

First, it is important to know what types of insurance scams are used. There are many types of car insurance scams. Set-up car accidents can range from vehicles deliberately stopping in front of a driver to cause a rear-end car accident to drivers who pretend they are being helpful but intend to cause a car accident that will look like the innocent drivers fault. Scams can also involve people one would generally trust such as doctors and lawyers.

Educating yourself more about fraud protection against car insurance accident scams is the best way to avoid being someone's next victim. Here is a list of common scams to be aware of:

Staged Rear-End Car Accidents: A scam driver will quickly get in front of an innocent car and then slam on their brakes. This causes the innocent driver to rear-end the scam driver. Along with collecting money for vehicle damages, the scam driver will often fake medical injuries to collect even more.

Adding Damage: After an accident, either staged or not, the scam driver will go to another location and cause extensive damage to their vehicle and claim that the damage happened during the original accident.

Fake Helpers: Scam Helpers will wave an innocent driver into traffic, but then crash into the innocent driver. When it comes time to file the claim, the scam driver will deny waving anyone in. Other ways fake helpers try to scam people is by offering to help an innocent driver find a auto repair shop, doctor, or lawyer. In this case, everyone is in on the scam. The body shop charges you enormous rates, the doctor and lawyer also lie to collect more from your insurance.

Since these scams can happen at any time and place, it is important to be prepared. Awareness is the most important. Watch for drivers who may be following you or examining your driving habits. Also, make sure you leave plenty of room in front of you in order to stop. If an accident does happen, take notes on everything about the other car, the accident, and everybody that was in the other car. Keep a disposable camera in your car to record damage to both vehicles. Furthermore, use your judgment in driving, not others. Make sure you have enough room to get out and just let other cars pass instead of letting others "waive you in." And, when you talk to your insurance company, let them know if you felt something was suspicious.

Should You Shop Around for Auto Insurance

How do you know if what you are paying for your insurance is a good deal? What is a good deal? Is choosing the cheapest company the best way to go? Does buying from the most expensive company mean you are buying the best coverage? Generally, a good deal is a state of mind. As long as you are happy, with the amount of coverage, you have and how much you paid for it, then you got a good deal. For each person, the amount of coverage they need and what they can afford to spend is usually a different amount. You can use our Car Insurance Coverage Calculator to see some options, also we offer a simple quote form that will guide and explain the best coverage packages. We recommend ‘Superior’, but for some customers the ‘Standard’, ‘Basic’, or ‘Minimum Required’ package are better selections.

The main reason driver over pay on their insurance is because they do not shop around. CarInsurance.com offers an easy way to shop around. They compare the pricing of several auto insurance quotes. Knowing how much coverage you need will help you select the right insurance company. This is one of the best ways for consumers to maximize what they get for their insurance premiums.

Insurance is a highly competitive business. There are thousands of insurers offering policies to consumers. Each consumer's goal should be to find a financially solid company that offers a fair price along with superior customer service. How do you know which company can provide such a combination of both good pricing and customer service? One way is to talk to friends, relatives, and business associates. Ask people you know and respect what insurance company they use. Ask if they are pleased with how their company handles claims. Trust a licensed agent like CarInsurance.com because they are licensed in all states by every Insurance Department AND the companies they represent have certified them.

The insurance industry is highly regulated. It is important to do business with a company that is licensed by the state in which you live. Another factor of the strength a company has is its A.M. Best Company rating. You want to be comfortable knowing that in the event of a claim your company will be there for you. A.M. Best Company is the industry leader in providing ratings and financial information for insurance companies. A.M. Best ratings are recognized as the standard by which an insurers' financial strength is measured. CarInsurance.com offers the A.M. Best rating of each company once you complete your quote by simple clicking on the company logo.

How do you know what to expect from your insurance company? Your insurance company and its representatives should be able to answer your questions. They should be able to help you determine what coverage and limits you should carry based on your needs. They should handle any claims fairly, efficiently and quickly. You should feel comfortable with both the insurance company that you select and the insurance agent or company representative that you will be working with. Your insurance professional should take the time to understand your insurance needs and answer all of your questions to your satisfaction.

Another important point is that insurance companies target drivers and situations. They do this so they can specialize in certain types of risks. For example, some companies only have rates for drivers with accidents while another company only has rates for drivers without accidents. Through CarInsurance.com’s platform, we make competitors available to visitors, through the Online Insurance Marketplace™. The best rate last year is not the best rate this year. Each company designs its rates around the drivers they are targeting. Use CarInsurance.com to find your perfect match. You no longer have to go to each company to get a quote; you only need to come to CarInsurance.com for one-stop shopping. You need to shop around for car insurance so you Save Your Time AND Save Your Money!

Car Insurance Discounts

Trying to save money wherever you can is important to us all. Insurance should be no different. Do not assume that your agent knows everything about you and your vehicle. CarInsurance.com goes out of their way to find all the possible discounts that are available to each customer.

Drivers should take advantage of all discounts that many providers offer, that can significantly reduce the cost of car insurance. Understanding discounts and howthey can affect auto insurance premiums can help smart shoppers make better decisions about their coverage and possibly save themselves some money in the process.

Read below to identify possible discounts that could help you save on auto insurance this year. Other than discounts, there may be some otherways for you to save on your insurance premiums. We will go over several discounts that can help with your current situation.

First, there are discounts for Auto Safety features. Certain states will give you discounts for anti-lock breaks. Make sure you know if it is two or four wheel anti-lock break vehicle. Automatic seatbelts and airbags are frequently discounted on your insurance premiums. In most states, a defensive driver class discount may apply.If the principal driver usually 55 years old or older has completed an approved defensive driving class a discount could apply. Keep in mind that most states will only approve this class if it is voluntary meaning that it was not the result of a violation or infraction.

Some insurers will give you a discount for having multiple vehicles. In some cases, this will only apply if you have two or more drivers. If you have a clean driving record, meaning you do not have any tickets, accidents or suspensions in the last three years (some companies require five years) then you could be eligible for a safe driver's discount.

Many companies will reward you with staying with the same insurance company for many years without any accidents reported. They will offer you a renewal discount. It makes sense, you have carried insurance with acompany for several years, and have not had an accident, your insurance company likes you and wants to reward and keep your business. Some companies honor you with a discount if you had prior limits on your previous policy. They discount you because they understand you are a better risk.

Conversely, if you do decided to change insurers a proof of prior insurance discount may apply. Most insurers request at least 6 months of consecutive insurance from the previous insurer. If you are a full-time student who meets certain grade requirements and are unmarried and usually under 25 years of age (some states the age is 21) you could be eligible for a good student discount. If you own a home, including condominium, town home, or mobile home, which is used as a principal residence, a discount could apply. If you are a military personnel either currently active or retired from any branch of the US military a discount could apply. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, a discount could apply.

You could lower the cost of your insurance in other ways. For people who own older cars, it may not be necessary or cost-effective to protect them with collision and comprehensive coverage. By comparing the book value of your vehicle and the premium that the insurer has offered, you may find that it cost as much for the insurance as it does for the vehicle. If the car is worth less than $2,000, you will probably spend more insuring it than it is worth. The whole idea of driving an older car is to save money, so why not get what is coming to you.

In addition, keep in mind that the type of vehicle you buy could greatly affect your premium. A flashy red sports car is usually going to cost more to insure than a mid sized sedan. This is also true of vehicles that are on the list of most stolen. There are many ways that policyholders can save on their insurance. Knowing more about auto policies and premiums can help consumers take advantage of less obvious discounts while ensuring that they have the appropriate protection for their vehicles. The last way to save is to assume more risk. If you chose higher deductible on your Personal Injury Protection or Comprehensive and collision coverage will lower your premium as well. The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance company begins paying the rest.

Understanding how discounts affect your insurance rates is important to save you money.

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Customizing Your Vehicle and Car Insurance

You do no want to drive around in a “plain Jane” automobile that looks like every other car out on the road. What you want is a sporty car with fancy new parts replacing the factory ones that came on the vehicle when you bought it. Once you spend the money to customize your vehicle you need to make sure that your investment is covered by your auto insurance policy.

Customizing your vehicle can be a lot of fun. You can add on ground effects that make your car look lower or more aggressive. Next, you have put on a new back fin, wing, or spoiler. There are side skirts, front dams, new grills and many other parts that you can place on your vehicle to give it the look you want. After-market parts no doubt give vehicles a personality. It is fun to see a car that does not look like all the other cars on the road.

What did you get for your money? Beyond the look of the vehicle, beyond the new way it handles, beyond the new fat wheels and rims what do you have? You have an investment. Now what happens if the rims are stolen? Even worse, what happens if you are in an accident and the after market parts are damaged or even destroyed? How will you replace them, will insurance cover it?

The best time to find out what your auto insurance company will cover is before you start working on your vehicle. You might find out the insurance company will not cover the parts you are adding on or if you are modifying your engine they will not want to continue your current policy. Even if it seems tempting to hide what you are doing from your insurance company, that is never a good idea. If they find out what you have and it is against some clause in your policy you could be in trouble. You never want an insurance company to think you are trying to commit insurance fraud.

Insurance coverages for customized cars will vary from state to state and insurance company to insurance company. There are many variables involve such as: what type of vehicle you have, the changes you are making, your current policy and perhaps even your driving record. If your current insurance policy does cover your items, such as custom wheels or rims, likely you will have to do an endorsement on the policy and pay an additional premium.

You do not want to modify a car in a way in which it would be found unsafe. Keep this in mind while doing any work on it. If you do change the car and end up in an accident and the insurance company deems that the modification made the car unsafe it could be enough, depending on state laws, for them to not have to pay out on your claim.

What if your insurance company says no to the changes you are determined to make or have already made? You likely will not have to tear up your car and put it back to the factory look. Instead, you can shop around for an insurance company that will cover your customized car. CarInsurance.com has carriers that offer simple Custom Parts and Equipment coverage. It might mean you need to find an insurance company or broker that specializes in antique or specialty cars but if you want your vehicle and all of its parts to be properly be insured you will find the right insurance company with a policy for it.

For an insurance company to compensate a person for aftermarket or customized parts the insurer will need to know beforehand that those special items were on the vehicle. After the rims are stolen or the customized grill is totaled, it is too late to notify the insurance company of their existence in most cases. If you do not think they need to know about your specialty rims wait till the morning you walk out and they are gone and see if your insurance company, without the correct endorsement, will cover them - it will not likely go in your favor.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more thieves are going after customized parts. They have given up on breaking in the car to steal radios or compact disc players but instead go for the rims that are on the outside and sometimes easy to grab. You do not want to end up with your prized possession missing off your vehicle and not have them covered.

In short, if you are going to spend your hard-earned dollars, or possibly thousands of those, on customizing your vehicle make sure that the parts will be insured properly. The first step is to contact your auto insurance provider. Be upfront with what you have or what you want to do with your vehicle. Likely, the agent will have to look up their guidelines on the various parts and get back to you with a quote for what an endorsement for covering these items would cost.

This endorsement would apply to the comprehensive or collision portion of your insurance policy in most cases. If you are spending a lot of money on your vehicle, you should already have these coverages, which are beyond your state’s minimum liability coverage, on your vehicle. As you add new items to the vehicle, continue to let your insurer know so that they will not say they did not know about them and only pay for standard factory replacements if they are damaged or stolen.

Customizing a car can be a lot of fun and give you great joy. Do not let this pleasure be taken away by not covering your investments properly. Whether adding rims or an in-car entertainment system let your insurance company know so that you car covered if there is a loss of it in the future. Then you can ride around in style with confidence.