Choosing The Right Homeowner’s Insurance

As a homeowner, you are required by law to carry homeowner’s insurance. Unfortunately, many people do not carry the right homeowner’s insurance or the correct coverage amount. When buying a new home, most people are anxious to get the buying process over with to quickly, get settled in. Because of this, sometimes only minimum insurance is purchased, just enough to cover the minimum requirement. However, this coverage amount is never modified so when disaster strikes, the homeowner quickly discovers the coverage was not enough.

The most important thing you can do for you, your family, and your property when buying a home is to conduct in-depth research, and then work with a qualified insurance representative to ensure you never find yourself in this type of disastrous situation. Start by working with a reputable company. Remember, the size of the company is not what matters. Instead, you want a company that understands homeowner’s insurance and one that can guide you to the right type and amount of coverage.

If you know someone that is happy with their homeowner’s insurance, you might set up a meeting with that company to see if they can help with your needs. Otherwise, check the local Better Business Bureau, asking for and checking referrals. In addition, make sure the company is financially stable, one that guarantees its services, and a company that offers outstanding customer service to efficiently handle any questions or claims.

The right representative will help you locate and maintain appropriate insurance. However, for the company or agent to understand the insurance industry as well as your specific needs, proper training, knowledge, responsiveness, patience, and service are mandatory. As mentioned, availability is another important factor when choosing an insurance representative. When a crisis strikes, being able to get in touch with the representative in a timely manner helps resolve the issue while building a relationship of trust and confidence in the representative’s abilities.

Then, your homeowner’s insurance should be affordable. Obviously, you want to purchase the requirement but also the amount of insurance that would ensure coverage of your home and personal belongings in case of disaster. A good insurance representative would work with you to ensure that you are not paying for something you do not need while also making sure you have coverage where you do need it. The process of choosing the right insurance coverage is an important one so look for a company or agent with whom you can freely discuss your needs.

Just keep in mind that you will find a number of different insurance packages sold each providing different focus. When you shop around for the ideal policy, you want to make sure your policy covers fire, windstorm, tornados, hail, smoke damage, vandalism, and any other damage to your belongings or home. Additionally, if you live in a flood or earthquake zone, while coverage may not be a part of the standard policy, it might be something you can add on, providing additional protection for your home.

Cheap Car Insurance For Students - Is There Such A Thing?

Cheap car insurance is out there

My college days were laced with phone calls from the motor vehicle department reminding me of my many speeding tickets and moving violations. Although they never revoked my license I don’t think a driving record can get much worse without losing your license altogether. A driving record like that along with being younger than 25 years of age and you are looking at some very expensive insurance rates. At one time I had fifteen tickets on my record. Cheap car insurance was not the question. Getting at all was the issue. Many companies would not even insure me. Those that did would not touch me for less than $600 per month. To make a long story short I did end up with insurance that was affordable. Even with tickets from my state and 3 surrounding states.

What to watch out for

Before running out and getting quotes from all over the internet there are some things to know. I was able to find insurance for about $136 per month while having that driving record. I also forgot to say that I had one accident claim on record also. I was able to find very affordable insurance. The difference is the coverage. I did have to give some things up. Many companies are very different in what they offer. It could range from free vehicle towing to very high deductibles. Be sure to compare not only the quoted rate but the coverage also. And remember, in three years most states will clear your driving record and when you hit the age of 25 your rates improve dramatically.

Please see our recommended source for all insurance quotes. We have done the research so you don't have to.

EzQuoteGuide.com connects you to multiple brokers so you can find the cheapest insurance rates.

Cheap Car Insurance Company - A Little Help To Make Your Rates A Little Cheaper

Is there really such a thing as a cheap car insurance company? Cheap and car insurance don’t seem to be soul mates of compatibility. Insurance has a lot of responsibility and a lot of expense. I’m not sure that cheap can ever happen unless the whole world stopped having accidents. Reasonably priced might be your best alternative description when looking for low cost car insurance. A lot of people consider car insurance a necessary evil until they have to use it and then the attitude begins to change. Insurance is one of the most humanitarian legal agreements you will ever purchase. We are really all collectively covering each others assets. That is the purpose of insurance. It is society protecting itself from itself. Alright, that was our little mental health talk about insurance. How do we get the lowest rate?

Cost Savings Ideas

1. Buy Multiple Policies – Auto and Homeowner policy combinations always give you discounts. Auto and renter policies do the same.

2. Buy Higher Deductibles – low deductibles are a thing of the past. High deductible insurance is now known as self-insuring. Higher deductibles of $500 or more make a lot of sense because the savings year in and year out will save the insured thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the policy.

3. Take limited Tort – If you are in a state that has tort options then you can discount your overall policy 20% or more by choosing limited tort. The tort option is your right to sue for pain and suffering. This is additional money awarded you for the inconvenience of the accident. You may have lost three months work. The suffering and time spent on rehabilitation are what this option is all about. Limited Tort allows you to sue for a limited amount of injury and suffering. These limits are state specific. Contact your agent or insurance company for definition of full tort and limited tort.

4. Non-Stacked Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage – Stacked coverage will add up. Every car that you own is multiplied by the base limit. Buy non-stacked and save money. Make sure that your base amount is adequate.

Carrying Car Insurance Is A Smart Choice

Carrying car insurance is a crucial decision for anyone on the roads today. With so many drivers on cell phones, eating fast food and even watching TV while at the wheel, it isn’t unusual to find yourself in a “fender bender” or serious wreck. Having car insurance can make such an ordeal a lot less stressful for you and your family.

Car insurance, in plain English, protects you and your family financially if you ever have an accident in your car. You have a contractual agreement with your car insurance company. If you pay the premium you agree to in a timely manner, the car insurance company will cover your losses in the event of an accident.

Car insurance is typically made up of these three specific types of coverage: property coverage, liability coverage and medical coverage.

1. Any damage which occurs to your car in an accident will be covered by property coverage. Property coverage will also be used if your car is stolen.

2. Anything you are legally responsible for, such as when other are injured or their property is damaged in an accident determined to be your fault, will be covered by liability coverage.

3. Any payments needed for injuries, rehabilitation due to injuries, lost wages and funeral expenses will be covered by medical coverage.

Most states require that you carry car insurance in order to drive a vehicle of any type. At the time you received your driver’s license and when you renew your license plate for your car, showing proof of car insurance is a common practice. There are rare instances when car insurance is not required. However, in those rare instances, it is the law that you must be able to pay for any losses to others you might cause in an accident!

If there is ever a time you don’t carry car insurance, you will be taking a big risk. If an accident should occur, and you are determined to be at fault, you could find yourself responsible for the full cost of replacing your car, paying any medical bills, and any expenses that add up if you happen to cause harm or damage to someone else, their car or their property!

Car insurance is something you need to put into your budget every year. When you get a car insurance policy, it will normally cover you and your vehicle for 6 months to a year. You will find that your car insurance company will remind you whenever you need to renew your policy or if a premium payment is due.

Car insurance prices vary, just like any other services, from pretty inexpensive to extremely expensive. Remember that you normally get what you pay for, though. If you purchase an inexpensive car insurance policy, it probably won’t cover everything if you ever did get into an accident. The companies that offer cheap car insurance usually have high deductibles, too.

A great place to start your search for car insurance options is on the internet. Doing a simple keyword search under “car insurance” will pull up tons of information for you to browse and study at your leisure. Several car insurance companies even have the option for you to get free online quotes! What could be easier than that?

Just like other services out there, not all car insurance plans will fit your specific wants or needs. If you find a good car insurance company, they will work with you to create a plan that is right for you and your family. With older model cars that you don’t drive much, you may want a simple, inexpensive plan. With several cars and a large family including a newly licensed teen, you may want a family plan with as much coverage as you can afford to protect you in the event of any possible accident. Do your research and know what car insurance options are available to you so you can create and maintain a car insurance plan that is right and will work for you and your family.

Car Insurance Top Tips

The car insurance industry has got really competitive in the last few years, so prices haven't really changed much. There are now over 100 car insurers to choose from, so there are some very good deals out there for those who are prepared to shop around. 23% of motorists still choose to insure with the same company as the year before, but they could undoubtedly save money if they did check out some other companies.

Motorists could be forgiven for not getting other quotes, it used to be a very laborious exercise involving long waits while getting routed through the call centre, and boring repetition of facts to sales advisors. Now, thanks to the internet, it's all a lot more simple. Car insurers also offer extra discounts to people who buy online.

However, you need to consider the quality of the policy, not just the price:

• Check that your low quotation is not due to an extremely high excess.

• Check that you will get a courtesy car if your car needs to be taken in for repairs.

• Check that legal insurance cover is included, if you want it, and automatic windscreen replacement.

• Find out if there is an accident help line in case of an emergency.

It's a good idea to ring the insurer direct to talk through the policy in detail before signing up online.

Money saving tips – recommended!

You can get a quote with over 40 car insurers if you input your details into a good car insurance broker's website. You'll only need to give your details once. Call the insurer with the quotation to check exactly what is and isn't covered.

If you have a garage, then you'll save by keeping your car there overnight. You'll also make savings if you can keep your car on a driveway. This is because there is more chance your car being broken into or vandalised if it's kept on the road.

Give your insurer an accurate picture of how many miles you do each year – you will save if you travel less.

Some occupations, like being a landlord, journalist or professional footballer (if only) attract higher premiums. You can save money if you work in finance or the civil service.

Get married! Men under 30 pay more if they're not married – it's just the excuse your girlfriend is looking for!

Under 25's pay more, but you can get lower premiums if can put a driver over the age of 25 with a good driving record on your policy as a named driver. That person must be under 60 though, as premiums rise again at that age.

Agreeing to higher excess (the average cost is £100) will help lower your premiums.

If your car is not of a high value, you could get third party cover and make quite a saving compared to fully comprehensive insurance.

Pay as you go insurance is a new option for 18-21 year olds. It's a recent development introduced by Norwich Union, in which you pay a unit cost per mile. The cost per mile is more between 11pm and 6am. You pay an initial fee of £199 to have a Global Positioning System fitted to your car, and then it transmits details of your mileage direct to Norwich Union. They send you a monthly invoice and you pay for the miles you've done!

Taking Pass Plus lessons to improve your driving abilities could save you around a third on your premiums. They cost £15 - £30 an hour and cover driving at night, in busy rush hour jams and fast motorway driving. You can find out more at www.passplus.org.uk . You can also improve your driving skills and make insurance savings with the Institute of Advanced Motorists ( www.iam.org.uk ).

Find out the insurance group of a car before you make the purchase. There are twenty insurance groups – the slower and less desirable the car (to criminals) then the lower the rating. You could make considerable savings by choosing a car in a lower insurance group.

If you want a high spec or performance car then you can expect to pay a lot more on your insurance. They're a lot more likely to be stolen or involved in an accident. Making the sensible choice might be a bit boring, but it will be a lot cheaper.

Watch your speed. Most insurance companies will let you get away with a single fixed penalty fine but if you repeat the offence then your premiums will rocket.

Protect your no claims discount as soon as you can (usually after four years). It costs a bit extra but it's well worth it.

Satellite navigation in your car will lower your premiums. Insurers have found that people concentrate more on their driving and less on trying to find their way, which means less chance of having an accident.

It's a good idea to have an engine immobiliser or alarm fitted not just because it could help you keep hold of your car, it will also make you a saving of 5-8%.

If there's two or more cars in the household, get them on the same policy to get a good discount.

Car Insurance Rates - Finding Them Cheap

Probably the most important thing when you're looking for cheap car insurance is to shop around. You need to look at competing products, and let the companies that you're dealing with know that you are looking around as well. Many companies do have flexibility with the packages they are prepared to offer you, and this goes double if you go to an insurance broker, who makes their livelihood by making deals between private citizens and insurance companies.

There are some factors that can work in your favor when it comes to getting reduced costs for your car insurance. Are you female? Are you over 25? Are you in good health? Do you have a completely clear driving record? All of these things can work in your favor. The less of a risk you can prove yourself to be, then the chances are better that you can get lower premiums.

Other ways that you can get reductions on your car insurance are to package your car insure with house, contents and or life insurance. Having all your insurance together means that you might be able to get one relatively low premium, rather than having to pay separate premiums for each insurance need.

You can also look for reward deals. Some companies will drop their premiums for you if you've been with them for a certain amount of time without having an automobile altercation and needing to draw on your insurance to cover it. These can really work out to be much cheaper over time.

Another thing you can do to save yourself some money is limited insurance, meaning that you insure the car only for yourself, or perhaps for you and your partner. This will get reduced rates versus insurance that covers anyone driving your car, or insurance that covers your wild young teenagers driving your car.

The best way to get cheap car insurance though, is simply to be a safe driver.

Car Insurance Quote - Things To Know To Get Very Cheap Car Insurance And Quotes

Auto insurance premiums vary widely from state to state and even within states. The same person may find swings of as much as $700 on the cost of an annual policy. Insurance agents are not legally bound to tell a perspective customer about discounts which may apply to his/her insurance. There are, however, things the consumer can do which may lower the price paid for auto insurance.

Higher deductibles

The single quickest and easiest way to lower your insurance premium is to raise your premium. Having a $1000 or even a $1500 deductible can lower premiums 15 to 20 percent. If you decide to go this route, consider putting the money saved the first year into an account earmarked to pay the deductible should you have any accident.

Investigate auto records

Your driving record may be unblemished but the record of the car model you own can also have an affect on your premiums. Insurance copies compile extensive reports on the way cars respond in accidents and how popular certain cars are with thieves. Cars with poor crash test ratings and cars that are frequently stolen cost more to insure. When buying a new car use an auto buyer’s guide to compare crash test and theft rankings.

Use the same insurance company

If you have more than one vehicle insure all of them with the same company. Almost all insurance companies offer multi-car discounts. Many companies offer further discounts if you use any other products they offer such as homeowners insurance and life insurance.

Getting many quotes and comparing them is the best way to check pricing, coverage and save money.

And, don’t forget, the best way to lower your car insurance premium is to drive safely.

Please see our recommended sources for insurance quotes from multiple providers. We have done the research so you don't have to.

Car Insurance Online Purchase - Some Benefits Of The Internet

Is it possible to purchase car insurance online? Most folks are used to purchasing their car insurance by leafing through a telephone book and calling local insurance agencies. When you call a local agency they usually request a copy of your current coverage in order to give you an accurate comparison as well as advice . This same process can happen with online quoting as well. The online quoting system will require you to post all pertinent insurance information to give you an accurate quote. You do more of the work but you are better informed when you complete the process.

Car Insurance Information Needed for Online Quoting

1. Expiration Date – The expiration date is critical because it proves that your insurance has not expired and that will qualify you for a preferred rate with most companies. If your insurance has expired then you may be underwritten into a substandard carrier and those rates are higher.

2. Driver Information – All resident relatives that have a driver’s license need to be rated on the policy. You will need to enter the name, date of birth, and driver’s license number.

3. Driving Record – Accidents and violations need to be disclosed to pre-qualify you for the insurance. This needs to be accurate because insurance companies will find out about your driving record anyway. They check motor vehicle reports from your state as well as your prior carrier.

4. Vehicle Information – You will have to list each vehicle on the policy. You will need the vehicle identification number for each vehicle. That number will give the insurance company the pertinent information that it needs to discount the vehicle for air bags, anti-lock brakes and other safety features.

5. Current Coverage – Use your declarations page to list all of the coverage that you currently have on all vehicles. This will include liability limits, first party benefits and physical damage limits.

Car Insurance Legal Expense Cover – The Policy Essential

Like many people buying car insurance, you shop around and buy online. You’ve found a really good, cost-efficient deal. So when it comes to the final checkout, do you choose to tick Yes or No in that Legal Expenses Cover box? It will add a little more to the total, and it’s not an absolute requirement, so you may be tempted to leave it out. Not least because it’s definitely not the most well-known part of insurance! It is, however, something we think you really should consider adding if it’s not in the policy as standard. And here’s an example of why:

Earlier in the year Jake, one of our freelance writers, was involved in a car accident. His Golf Mark I is his pride and joy, and he’s spent many happy weekends working on it. So naturally, he wanted total insurance coverage for every eventuality – even legal expenses.

This certainly proved to be the right decision after the accident. The car was hit from the rear, so some of the vehicle damage could be fixed. The insurance company worked fast to deal with the claim. Unfortunately, Jake also suffered a broken wrist and some whiplash. If he hadn’t taken legal expenses cover, the bill for a solicitor to pursue his compensation claim would have been solely his responsibility. Fortunately, since he had the cover, Jake was able to get his compensation quickly. Working as a freelance writer, Jake doesn’t have the safety net of employer sick pay. Lost hours mean lost money. Jake was out of work for a month – and a month’s wages. With legal expenses cover, however, Jake was able to claim for loss of earnings and will receive compensation for them any day now.

The total cost of this peace of mind and earnings security? An extra £2 a month on his premium, surely a worthwhile investment for anyone’s money!

Fully comprehensive car insurance ensures that your vehicle is well taken care of, but how about the driver? Jake’s accident was not his fault, but he had to spend a month off work. Without legal expenses cover, the cost of getting compensation would have fallen to him. With it, he was as well protected as his beloved car, and didn’t have to worry about being able to afford to make a claim.

Take another example of a typical accident: you are unharmed, but your car has to wait in the repair shop for two weeks while parts come in. Without replacement car hire as part of your insurance deal, you will have to rely on public transport – not the reason you bought your own vehicle! With legal expense cover, you can use a hire car and know that your trouble and inconvenience will be compensated.

All you need to do when you claim on your legal expenses policy is to provide the accident details in the same way you normally would – all the paperwork will be taken care of for you. It’s possible that you may need to speak to your solicitor, or appear in the stand in the event of the case going to court, but you won’t ever have to pay any legal fees.

And the cost is low, sometimes even free. Admiral include it as standard. Most insurers do make a charge, but it averages around £20 a year – for example, More Than charge £17.85, and Budget add an extra £24. Consider the legal battles that have resulted from accident claims in the past – especially those where serious injuries and claims were involved. Compensation – and costs – can run into millions. No-one can doubt that in cases like these, legal expenses cover is a worthwhile addition to any policy.

So next time you buy car insurance, make sure your policy includes legal expenses cover. Take it as an extra if it’s not part of the standard package. You’ll barely notice the extra cost, but you’ll certainly be aware of the benefits if you ever need it.

Car Insurance How Can I Lower My Premiums?

During the last few years, the average car insurance premium has virtually been at a stand still. The reason is price competition. There are now over 100 car insurance companies fighting for your business and competition is fierce. There are always bargains to be found as companies cut their premiums to attract motorists in the hope you'll remain loyal and stick with them in following years. Indeed, every year, 23% of us renew our motor insurance with our existing insurer.

But in recent years the Internet has created a revolution in the marketing of car insurance. It makes shopping around so easy without the need to make loads of phone calls and without spending time threading yourself through the automated phone systems beloved by so many call centres.

But you'd be wise to remember that the lowest premium is not always the best. For example, some insurers have recently pushed up the level of claims excess they want you to pay as this helps them provide you with a much lower quote. You should also check out whether a courtesy car is provided if your car is in for repair. You might also feel you want legal insurance cover and automatic windscreen replacement. An accident helpline can also very useful in the middle of an emergency! You'll need to phone the broker or insurance company you're thinking of dealing with in order to check out these points.

17 Top Tips

for cheaper car insurance

Get your online quotes through car insurance brokers. Their computer systems will search for the best quotes from 40 or more car insurers and save you lots of time. When you've got their cheapest quote, phone them to discuss the relative merits of the cheapest quotes they found.

Garage your car at night. Insurance companies know that a car left on the road at night is much more vulnerable to theft and damage. If you don't have a garage, if possible keep it on your drive.

Update the estimate of your mileage each year. If you've moved home or changed your job you may have shorter commuting journeys. If so, your premiums should be less.

Your premium can be influenced by your job. Landlords, journalists, and professional footballers to name but a few, all pay more! Go for a job that's a bit more boring! Accountants and civil servants pay less!

Getting married could save money on your car insurance, particularly if you're male and under 30.

If you're under 25, add an older experienced driver with a good riving record onto your policy as a named driver. But don't let him be too old! – premiums start rising again after age 60!

Consider paying a higher accident excess. The average excess is about £100. If you are prepared to increase you claims excess, your premium will fall significantly.

If you have cheap or old car, consider buying just 3 rd Party cover. Get quotes for 3 rd Party and comprehensive insurance and weigh up the savings.

Are you aged between 18 and 21? Then consider pay as you go insurance. Norwich Union has recently introduced the first pay as you go insurance policy, which charges you exactly for the miles you drive. It also charges more for the miles you drive between 11 and 6 at night. The system works through a Global Positioning System which is fitted to your car for a one off fee of £199. The GPS black box tells Norwich Union how many miles the car's been driven and they send you an monthly invoice.

A new driver? Spruce up your driving technique by taking some more driving lessons. New drivers can slash their insurance costs by as much as 35% by taking Pass Plus lessons. These give you extra training for driving in rush hour traffic, motorway driving and night driving. Lessons cost between £15 and £30 per hour. (www.passplus.org.uk). You can also reduce your premium if you've taken a course with the Institute of Advanced Motorists (www.iam.org.uk).

Buying a new car? Then check out the insurance group before you buy. Cars fall into one of 20 insurance groups with 1 being the cheapest and 20 the most expensive. If the proposed insurance premium is too high, chose a car that's in a lower group.

High spec and performance cars attract thieves and are more expensive to repair - so they always cost more to insure. Consider something with a little less voroom!

It's hard we know, but try hard not to speed! Most insurance companies will ignore one fixed penalty fine but get more and your premium will rise.

Got 4 or more years no claims discount? Pay the extra get the discount protected.

Fit a satellite navigation system. Some insurance companies have noticed that sat nav cuts the accident rate by letting drivers concentrate on the road. Insurers will soon be giving discounts if you have it fitted.

Get a engine immobiliser or alarm fitted. It could save you between 5-8%.

Got more than one car in the home? Some insurers will give a discount for insuring them all in one policy.

Car insurance for lady drivers

Car insurance companies prefer lady drivers to their gentlemen counterparts because they are considered as much less risky drivers. It is not that the accident rates of ladies are low. They face as many accidents as males do. However, the damage caused by them is not as much in most of the cases. So, their claims after the accident are also less. That is why on an average women’s car insurance premiums tend to be 30% lower than that of the male counterparts having same demographic profile.

They drive at speeds lower than men. Hence, accidents caused by lady drivers are not serious. So, even if they might claim as often as males do yet, in all they claim less amounts, giving insurers lesser premiums. Since the male drivers drive at higher speeds so even if they crash on their own, the loss is high. In case, the accident involves two vehicles in high damage state, it becomes an insurance company’s nightmare. 

A lady is regarded to be a better risk right from the age of 17. There are many premium discounts available for a young lady driver, like pass plus certificate. It is a series of extra lessons that a young lady driver learns following their test. It can gain you a discount of around 30% for the first year.

Some car insurance companies specialise in auto insurance for women drivers. Literally, these companies try to insure women drivers only. They don’t even encourage getting a lady insured with her husband under combined policy. Because they can’t give too much discount, as they have to think about her husband’s high risk factors as well. So, they would prefer woman with woman. It means providing less risk in total, meaning lower premiums in total. That really clicks for them.   

So, the calculation is simple - the lower premiums might mean that they don't make much profit. However, if they can get as many women as possible, then the volume of business can go high. Look out these companies if you are a woman. Lady car insurance quote includes legal cover as well. It helps you to claim back your excess from the third party in the event of a non-fault claim. You can further lower your premium by parking your car overnight in the garage, by getting extra driving license course, and maintaining a good driving record.

Car Insurance FAQs

<b>Can I insure a modified or classic car; who will offer insurance cover?</b>

Yes, you can insure a modified car but because your car is a specialist car, not all auto insurance companies might be willing to provide coverage for it since it requires high price replacement parts and also skilled labor if the car is involved in an accident. Thus, you have to take a special car insurance that is designed especially for modified and classic cars.

<b>How can I cut down my car insurance premium? </b>

If you wish to cut down on your car insurance premium you must take care of a few things. Park your car overnight in the garage rather than leaving it on the drive. Fit insurance approved anti-theft devices; consider Third Party Fire and Theft for older cars. Find out discounts offered by the insurance provider when requesting quotes. Young drivers (under 25), who are often charged extremely high premiums, should have an extra driving course certificate.

<b>What is 'excess'?</b>

It is the amount you have to pay when you make a claim for the loss or damage to your car. It can be voluntary or compulsory. If someone else causes the accident you may be able to reclaim the excess through the legal cover, which can be taken out with your car insurance policy. Otherwise you lose the excess. Voluntary excess is the amount you agree to pay to the company. It offers premium discounts. Compulsory excess is generally imposed to young drivers. Because their risk factors are high and the companies don’t want to insure them. So, in order to insure, they have to surrender with this payment.

<b>What is legal cover?</b>

It provides expertise and assistance required to recover uninsured losses such as medical costs, loss of earnings and excess payments where the fault was not yours. It is available as an optional with most car insurance policies.

<b>Can an insurance company cancel my auto policy?</b>

Yes, you auto insurance policy may stand canceled if you fail to pay the premium or if your consumer's license has been suspended or revoked during the term of an auto policy. Also, if there is a fraud or serious misrepresentation when completing the insurance application, if the you are convicted to a crime, or if changes are made to the property that increase the risk of loss then the company may cancel your insurance policy.

Car Insurance, Save On Premiums!

Everyone has to agree to an excess of some kind when getting a car insurance policy – it's the way the system works. Basically it means that if you have an accident and your car needs to be repaired, you will have to pay a set amount towards the bill. If the accident is your fault, you lose the money. If the accident is not your fault, the third party insurer reimburses you for the excess payment. If your car is written off, then your insurance company will deduct your excess from the settlement payment.

Things aren't always that simple however, unfortunately there are a number of drivers on British roads that don't have any insurance, so the question is, what happens with your claim if you have an accident with an uninsured driver?

The 1988 Road Traffic Act, section 143 clearly states that all drivers on the UK roads must have insurance for the vehicle that they are driving. The point of the insurance is that if you have an accident and it is your fault, you have the means to cover the cost of the damage incurred by way of your insurance policy. It's a sad fact that a significant minority of drivers choose not to bother with insurance, disregarding UK law and saving themselves hundreds of pounds a year as a consequence. Someone has to pay for these drivers though, and it's the people that do have insurance that foot the bill!

The Department of Transport estimates that as many as 5% of drivers are not insured on the vehicle which they are driving. Statistics also show that uninsured drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident. It's a growing trend and is proving very difficult to eradicate.

If you have an accident, you are not at fault, and the third party is not insured, then you will be reimbursed by the Motor Insurers' Bureau. Who funds them? The car insurance industry! That's where some of your inflated premiums end up. You will also find that you'll have to pay the agreed excess yourself, there will be no-one able to refund that for you.

Here's the low-down on the basics about ‘excess':

Compulsory Excess – this is the amount that the insurance company regards as the minimum amount that you must pay towards the cost of damages . This is agreed at the outset and depends on a few details you're your age and your driving record. For example, if you are older and have a clean driving record, you could only have to pay a minimum of £50. Those with a more chequered driving history, or those that have not been driving for very long, could feasibly have to agree to pay £500. The average for most drivers is £100 .

Voluntary Excess – this is the amount over and above the minimum ‘compulsory' amount set by the insurer that you are prepared to pay. This is an opportunity to lower your premiums, because if you can agree to a high excess, then the insurance company knows it won't have to pay out as much if you need to make a claim. It's one of the few sure fire ways of saving a few pounds on a car insurance policy, but you may not be offered the choice, it depends on individual insurers.

The garage won't give my repaired car back until I give them a cheque for the excess – is this what usually happens?

This is completely normal, and you will have to pay and then get the money back from the third party insurer. Always give the car a good once over to ensure that the repairs have been satisfactorily completed. You also need to keep the receipt to get the excess back from the insurer, and just in case they dispute the charges, get a copy of the repair schedule so the insurer can see exactly what work was completed on your vehicle.

Car Insurance: Types of Insurance You Need to Understand

With all this traveling in and out, back and forth around the maze that is the United States infrastructure, its easy to understand why auto insurance is required in order to own an operate a car. For car buyers, an effort needs to be made on the part of insurance companies to provide information on the different types of auto insurance available. These include bodily injury and liability, collision, comprehensive, full glace, liability, medical coverage, personal injury protection, and underinsured or uninsured motorist.

Liability insurance coverage is imperative to have as a driver. This insurance covers any injuries or damages to property that may occur during an accident. Two types of liability include bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance.

Medical insurance is different in that it focuses on the driver and passengers of the car. This will cover any medical treatment for the driver and the passengers. In addition, the medical insurance may or may not offer disability insurance and pain and suffering compensation.

Uninsured or under-insured drivers insurance will pay any costs that you or your passengers may experience if an accident should occur with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured.

Collision insurance deals with the cost of damage caused by a collision to your car that may affect the book value. Comprehensive deals more with damage caused by vandalism, natural disasters, theft or other kinds of damage.

There are several other types of car insurance. These include glass replacement insurance, towing insurance etc. These types of insurance are often not required and are not popular as they are often costly.

Now that you know what types of car insurance are out there, the next step is to find a credible insurance agent. The first place to investigate this is through family and friends. Referrals will help you sort those agents that you want to investigate further. You will want to speak with several different agents before you make your final decisions. Ask any and all questions you may have. That is what the agent is there for.

Car Insurance - How can you lower your premiums?

Many factors influence the premium for your Motor insurance policy. Your insurer will have asked you many questions whilst producing your quote - some of which will affect your premium and some will not. Below we discuss the key variables that are within the policyholder's control.

Consolidating policies

By insuring a number of vehicles with the same insurer, or by trying to take out home and life insurance through your car insurer, you may be able to secure a ‘bulk buy’ discount.

Location

A big influence on the cost of your car insurance is where you live. The chance of your car being broken into or stolen is a key concern for the insurer. More urban areas traditionally facing greater risk of theft and therefore tend to be more expensive than countryside locations.

Excess

By agreeing to pay a greater excess on each claim you can reduce your car insurance premiums. This is because you are reducing the liability of the insurer and therefore in return they are able to offer you a lower premium.

Your Vehicle

The cheaper and slower your vehicle the lower your premiums are likely to be. If you are looking to buy a new vehicle make sure you fully consider the cost of insurance – you may be able to buy the car but can you afford to run it?

Mileage

You can control your insurance premiums by restricting your annual mileage. However, be aware that if you exceed the restricted number of miles you'll then become uninsured!

Parking

Where you park your vehicle overnight is also very important to the insurers. If it is kept in a locked garage, you should be offered a lower premium than if you leave it unattended in the street.

Security

Security devices that prevent or hinder theft may also reduce your premium. Common examples include alarms and immobilisers, however, be aware that as we improve the quality of our security devices the thieves just become better at bypassing them.

No Claims Discount

Save up your no claims discount by avoiding making small claims upon your policy. After a set number of years, 4 or 5 typically, you'll often be offered the option to pay an additional small premium to protect your no claims bonus. This can prove very helpful if you subsequently end up having an accident.

Advanced driving skills

By taking an advanced driving course you may also be able to reduce your premiums. The Institute for Advanced Motorists and the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents each offer membership which provides you with discounts for both the cost of driving courses and your car insurance premiums. Two key variables NOT within the policyholder's control.

Your Sex.

Women are statistically less likely to have an accident and, if they do, it's less likely to be serious. Because of these statistics women benefit from lower premiums. It is also worth noting that if you represent one half of a couple you should consider having the female as the primary driver with the male as the second driver.

Your Age

The older you are, the less likely you are to make a claim. As a result insurance companies charge lower premiums for more mature drivers.

One final piece of advice.

A large percentage of car insurance is now sold on the Internet. That's because it's convenient and cheap. Many insurers now give a further 10%-15% discount if you buy online.

Car Insurance, Essential Information About Excess Payments

An excess payment is the fixed contribution you must pay each time your car is repaired through your car insurance policy. Normally the payment is made directly to the accident repair garage when you collect the car. If your car is declared to be a write off, your insurance company will deduct the excess agreed on the policy from the settlement payment it makes to you.

If the accident was the other drivers fault, and this is accepted by the third party's insurer, you'll be able to reclaim your excess payment from the other person's insurance company. But what if the other driver is uninsured?

All motorists know that it's a legal requirement (under Section 143 of the 1988 Road Traffic Act) to have insurance for any damage they cause to third parties. But still many drive without insurance. An estimate of the incidence of uninsured driving in the UK is hard to come by and, for the obvious reasons, those drivers involved in breaking the law have every reason to keep quiet about it.

Calculations from the Department of Transport suggest that in the UK around 5% of vehicles are being driven without valid insurance. This group of people not only impose costs on honest motorists in the form of higher premiums, but their presence on our roads also represents a serious risk to other road users. Consequently, uninsured driving is increasingly being regarded as a major social problem.

But driving without insurance is not a victimless crime. If you have an accident with an uninsured driver and the accident wasn't your fault, the repair costs will be paid for by the Motor Insurers' Bureau that's funded in its entirety by the industry, or by your insurer. Therefore, if you're involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver you'll eventually get you car repaired but you'll still have to pay the excess and there'll be no one to reclaim your excess from.

What is a Compulsory Excess?

A compulsory excess is the minimum excess payment your insurer will accept on your insurance policy. Minimum excesses do vary according to your personal details and driving record and by insurance company. Today the average excess is around £100, but younger drivers could be faced with excesses of up to £500 - whilst more mature, experienced drivers with a good driving record, could be offered an excess of just £50.

So what is a Voluntary Excess?
In order to reduce your insurance premium, you may offer to pay a higher excess than the compulsory excess demanded by your insurance company. Your voluntary excess is the extra amount over and above the compulsory excess that you agree to pay in the event of a claim on the policy. As a bigger excess reduces the financial risk carried by your insurer, your insurer I able to offer you a significantly lower premium.

The garage has repaired my car but it won't release the car too me until I pay the policy excess to them. Is this right?

Yes, that is normal practice. But make sure you inspect the car when you collect it. Satisfy yourself that the repair is perfect. Then make sure you keep their receipt for your excess payment as you will need this if you're reclaiming against a third party's insurance. And just in case there's a dispute, it's a good idea to make sure the repair garage gives you a repair schedule. This will list all the repairs that were made to you car.

Car Insurance. Uninsured Cars To Be Crushed

Are you one of the one in twenty motorists who regularly drive without insurance? You'd better watch out - your car could be heading for the crusher and shipped off to the world's biggest scrap smelter in China!

New powers now allow the police to seize, impound and crush any car found on the road without insurance. A pilot scheme was introduced in Durham last spring. Since then, police have impounded more than 1,200 cars. Of those around half have been crushed into cubes and packed off for smelting.

Operation Takeaway as the pilot scheme was known, has been such a big success, that police forces throughout the UK are enthusiastically polishing up their tow trucks. The scheme is now supported by a new national police database that's supported by the insurance industry. It enables the police to check the insurance status of every car in the UK whilst they're sitting in their patrol car.

Now if you're caught red handed without car insurance you're forced to hand your keys to the police at the roadside. There are no exceptions - this applies to everyone; it doesn't matter if it's just a forgetful mistake or conscious driving without insurance.

Then you'll have to get your skates on! You've just 14 days to produce a valid insurance policy to the police and collect your car. And other costs mount up. Before you can collect your car, you have to pay the cost of kerbside recovery (around £105) and the cost of secure storage - and that could easily amount to £15 a day. So, if you leave collecting your car to the 14th day, you could be in for a bill for £315.

And if you don't reclaim your car, off to the crusher it goes!

During the pilot scheme, the cost of crushing the cars was partly funded by Direct Line. They have estimated that Operation Takeaway prevented up to 2,000 accidents. And many of the cars impounded by the police were found to be un-roadworthy.

A police spokesman said, “ Uninsured drivers are often guilty of many other offences. Such as having neither driving licence nor MOT certificate. We are doing everything in our power to get these dangerous and illegal drivers off our roads”.

Indeed, uninsured drivers are much greater problem than many of us would expect. The Department of Transport recently reported that 1 in 20 motorists regularly drive without insurance. Furthermore, research from the Association of British Insurers discovered that uninsured drivers are amongst the most dangerous on the roads. On average they cause one accident every six months and are three times more likely to be convicted of driving without due care and attention.

And who pays for those uninsured accidents? We do! The average car insurance premium is loaded by £30 to cover the cost of damage caused by uninsured motorists. Across the UK that adds up to an extra £500 million paid out each year by the law-abiding motorists!

But that's not the end of our financial pain. If an uninsured vehicle collides into your car, it's still recorded as a “fault claim” on your policy. This means you'll have to pay the excess when your car is repaired and unless you've got Claims Protection on your policy, your no-claims bonus will take a knocking. Over a two-year period, the reduction in your no claims bonus could easily cost £275 in higher premiums.

The move to take cars off the road and crush them has been warmly welcomed by the Association of British Insurers. The ABI has long criticised the leniency of punishment handed out by the courts to uninsured motorists but they still want tougher penalties. Offenders are typically fined just £150 to £200 - with time to pay - and this is much less than the average car insurance premium. Surely this cannot be true justice!

Car Insurance. Surf The Net For A Better Deal

Is it coming round to the time to renew your car insurance? Do you, like 23% of car owners, just accept the quote and stay with your insurer? Does it matter that the premium is 5 or 10 per cent more expensive than last years? Maybe it’s just not worth the hassle of all those phone calls to goodness knows where, thumbing through the yellow pages or wearing out your shoe-leather down town. In addition to this, Insurance companies offer the best rates to new customers, in order to gain their custom. Existing clients generally stay with them anyway.

What about the internet? It really is worth giving it a try. Do you know that, if you shop around you could, on average, save around £55, plus the extra online discount? It is estimated that more than 2.25 million car owners purchase their car insurance on line now. The internet is speedy and simple to use and internet sales are generally growing amazingly fast.

Car insurers really want your business; they will be extremely competitive with pricing in order to win you over. There are around 100 of them in the UK and due to the strong competition in the industry; prices have held level for the past year or so. You can go to the individual insurers websites, comparison websites or use one that recommends specific insurers for different types of driver, whether they be the in the young, higher risk category or the experienced old driver with years of proven safe driving behind them. You will receive instant results and an unbelievable amount of advice and information. You’ll be asked to fill in your relevant details, for example the number of years you’ve been driving, whether there are any convictions, number of years of “no claims” for your discount. All easily answered and your no claims details should be on your renewal notice.

Apart from the straightforward individual car insurance, new categories of insurance are coming on to the market. There are pay as you go options and multi-car policies. These used to be difficult to obtain unless you were in the car-trade. It certainly seems to be time to re-assess what’s available in the car insurance line and get yourself up to date on what’s on offer. A short time browsing the internet will get you thinking along the right lines.

A word of warning though; The AA’s Ian Crowder says “If we don’t start to see modest price increases, then there could well be an unpleasant and sudden price hike. This will not be good for the industry’s reputation or out customers.” Insurers are beginning to show signs that they may not be able to continue to hold down prices for very much longer. Claims are accelerating. The average cost of accidental damage repair has risen, costing an additional 5% per year, despite the fact that there are fewer accidents. Claims for personal injury are rising fast and the cost of settling these is rising at around 12% per annum.

Don’t give your insurer the chance to use this as an excuse for a rising premium, get on line and get sorted!

Car Insurance. Premiums Driven Down By The Internet.

After so many experts have warned us that the cost of car insurance is on the rise, what's happened? It's fallen! It's mostly down to the growing impact of shopping online.

In the second half of 2005 the average car insurance premium fell from £470.17 to £462.15. But it's the silver surfers who've benefited most. During the last six months of last year, drivers over the age of 65 have seen their average premium fall by 4.5% from £342 to £347. What is most surprising are the huge differences in premiums between providers. Differences of 40% between the most expensive and the cheapest are common.

It seems that most motorists are not aware of this as every year, half of them automatically renew their insurance with their existing insurer. A further 19% only bother to get one competitive quotation.

And readers will be surprised who sells the expensive policies. A recent survey in “Which”, the consumer magazine, shows that Norwich Union - the UK's biggest insurer - failed to come top in any of the 36 driver categories surveyed. Direct Line, another well-known name, only managed one top spot.

This is down to the marketing strategies of the big brand names. They have been building up their client base with low prices and heavy advertising and then gradually increase prices. They are clearly relying on apathy and brand loyalty to keep their clients. And with 50% automatically renewing, it works!

But if you decide to shop around, be careful. A low price isn't everything. Some policies have mouth-wateringly low prices but skimp elsewhere.

For example, when your car is being repaired, do you want a courtesy car? Some policies only pay £100 or so for stolen audio equipment. Is that enough? Do you want to insure your personal belongings whilst they're in your car? And crucially, some comprehensive policies won't provide third party cover if you to drive another person's car - even with their permission!

Before you decide, it's wise to consider all these aspects.

But going back to price, if you think prices are cheapest on the Internet, you're right! Internet quotations are normally 5% - 10% cheaper than telephone quotes.

When Internet shopping, most people look for the cheapest quote and then read the details about the cheapest policy to check out that they provide the cover that's needed. You can hunt for the best deals by searching under “car insurance” but some of the discount insurance sites are more easily found if you type in “discount car insurance” or “cheap car insurance”.

But please remember, when renewal time comes around go shopping again. Don't automatically renew! It's so easy on the Internet as I found this year. My previous insurer quoted me £945 and I eventually bought it for £702. A saving of £243 for 30 minutes work.

Car Insurance. It's Getting Increasingly Expensive When You're Elderly.

There were 550 serious accidents last year where the driver was over aged 70 and where driver was either killed or badly hurt, reports the Institute of Advanced Motoring . That statistic represents 8% of the national total of 7,035 similar accidents. That means that the over 70's's have more, very serious accidents per mile than any other sector of the population. This view is supported by the Association of British Insurers whose research shows that drivers aged over 70 are 13% more likely claim on their insurance than the drivers aged between 40 and 50.

As the number of elderly drivers will double during the next ten years, this represents a problem for elderly drivers and their families - not to mention the insurance industry, police and indeed all of the emergency services!

You can probably predict the response from the insurance industry. Many insurance companies already reckon that drivers over 80 are as high a risk as the under 25's - and charge premiums to match! Some are even progressively loading premiums once the driver reaches 60. Then at 70, you'll find that many insurance simply refuse to offer cover. Norwich Union and Esure won't quote after 70 and by the time the driver reaches 80, the field narrows to specialised insurers who insure elderly drivers. Help the Aged and Age Concern both market policies that have no upper maximum age. Cornhill only accepts new policyholders up to 84 but if you've been insured by them for a few years, there's no upper age limit. RIAS and Saga are also pleased to consider older drivers.

As the price of car insurance is based on historical claims experience, a 75 year old male driver can expect to pay at least 33% more than if he were aged 50. By the time the driver reaches 80 the premiums hit boy racer levels! So if you're in your early 50's keep smiling at the lowest premiums you'll ever experience – they won't last forever!

And the fairer sex fare even worse. Whilst younger women are renowned for their safe driving, they become more accident-prone as they get older. Whereas male drivers improve with age. (Where have we heard that before!) As a result, elderly women drivers pay the highest rates for car insurance.

It's a biological fact that eyesight and reaction times worsen as age creeps on. And with traffic becoming heavier and road networks ever more complex, elderly drivers can more easily become disorientated and confused. Even a fraction of a second's delay can make the difference between an accident and a near miss. Insurers are reacting by insisting that more elderly drivers take a medical before agreeing to provide insurance. The best advice is to build up a no claims record and as soon as possible and buy No Claims Protection. This protection cost a bit more but it's well worth the money. Then make sure you pay for any small bumps yourself.

But there are some simple steps that older drivers, and indeed all drivers, can take to reduce the likelihood of them having an accident and thereby making themselves more insurable. It's often more about those little things and being alert to likely problems. For example, car parks are a breeding ground for small accidents. Knowing that take more care. Before you get back into your car, walk round it to see how much room you've got. Then edge out carefully making sure that other drivers in the car park aren't driving into the area you're moving into. Then, if advancing years has stiffened you neck and all-round visibility is a bit more difficult, take special care at junctions and when reversing. Remember to move you head and swivel your shoulders - that way you'll increase your sweep of vision.

Many of the policies for older motorists contain special provisions designed to assist them. On Saga's policy for example, ex company car drivers can use any no claims record they'd built up and if a couple are insured and the main driver decides to quit driving, then the spouse can take over the no claims record. Other policies also provide full insurance cover for anyone who takes over driving in an emergency. Cornhill will even payout £250 if the DVLA stops you from driving for health isues associated with age.

In moves to diminish the numbers of accidents involving the elderly, the UK Government is investigating the issue of deteriorating health amongst elderly drivers. It seems to be considering the idea of obligatory health checks for elderly motorists. At the same time some local councils are introducing initiatives of their own. Torbay council has launched a scheme to encourage families and GP's to take more responsibility for encouraging elderly drivers who are not really fit drive, to give up. A road safety spokesperson for Torbay council said, ”The problem is that the elderly can't always see themselves when it's really time to give up driving so those closest to them must take responsibility for that.”

In the meantime, a survey carried out by the Institute of Advanced Motorists confirms that older motorists are aware that they represent an increased accident risk. Seven out of ten older drivers surveyed said they would like to take a refresher course for motorway driving skills and six out of ten wanted to improve their performance at junctions and on unlit roads. In response to these issues, the Institute has extended its advanced tests to older non-members to encourage them to improve and build up confidence. The tests also help spot any serious problems that should encourage the driver pack up driving.