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Four Ways To Get Cheap Auto Insurance

The following are four different ways you can get cheap auto insurance. It is possible to save hundreds of dollars on your auto insurance though most people don’t bother because it is easier to stay with their current auto insurer. If you are looking to completely change your insurer then you should shop around to get the bets possible insurance for the lowest price. You can look for any discounts that you may be eligible for, you can increase the amount of your deductible or you can decrease the coverage you have on an older car.

To compare which auto insurance is the least expensive you will need to shop around and compare different companies. Purchasing inexpensive auto insurance does not mean you should be getting bad insurance or auto insurance that is similar to having no insurance at all.

It is good to know how long it takes for a claim to be processed and when you can expect to receive payment. You want to choose cheap auto insurance but you still want to have a good insurance policy. You should not get a cheap insurance policy if it is bad insurance no matter how inexpensive the cost.

If you don’t want to change auto insurers then you can look for discounts. Many auto insurance companies will offer discounts for low mileage drivers or cars that have extra anti-theft protection and safety features. You may be able to decrease your insurance by installing an alarm. Good drivers will also automatically get lower insurance because they have a good driving history. If you do have some strike against your driving record you can decrease them by taking a defensive driving course.

If you have never had any car accidents or tickets then you may want to increase your deductible. The only time you pay a deductible is when an accident occurs. A higher deductible will dramatically decrease your insurance premium each year and the money you save can be quite substantial.

Older cars may not need to have as much coverage as newer cars because their value is much less. You need to compare the value of your car with the cost of having full comprehensive or collision insurance. If the cost of insurance is the same or more then the value of your car it may be a good idea to reduce the coverage on your car.

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Posted by Joseph Welusz on June 29th, 2009 No Comments

The Search For Cheap Auto Insurance

The economy’s tough, right now. Therefore, it only makes sense to take the steps necessary in finding good and cheap auto insurance. After all, if the right one is found from a reputable agency, the chances of saving hundreds a year are fairly high. As always, though, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Before buying any insurance policy, it’s always a good idea to check on whether the company extending the policy is licensed for operations in the state in which the policy will be in effect. Sometimes, inadvertently, they’re not. This is more because insurance agents have many companies they sell policies for, and once-in-a-while a non-authorized company can slip between the cracks.

Also, always check the company’s rating on services they provide. This can be done through the local better business bureau or similar rating agencies. Some insurance companies and the agencies that sell policies for them might charitably be described as “fly by night.” And it would be a shame to find this out after an auto accident or after paying out hundreds of dollars in start-up fees.

Take a minute to go online and find one of several good insurance locator websites. In them, all the services needed from the policy can be filled in and then the results can be checked and an insurance company investigated further. Chances are, at least four or five companies will come back with policy offers.

What surprises many insurance shoppers are the spread in rate costs between the different companies offering the insurance. It’d seem only logical that they be close, but each company evaluates risk differently. So, what might be a high risk factor at one could be a lower risk factor at another.

If a nice price on a solid policy is found, it’s a good idea to get the quote in writing before putting down any money. Also, make sure the proper amount of insurance is being delivered. Some states have minimum requirements that can’t be avoided. And make sure of when coverage begins, because some policies have waiting periods of a day or more.

The search for cheap auto insurance always picks up in intensity when times are a little challenging. One way where costs can be cut is by finding an auto policy that seeks to save money where it can. And that’s fine, as long the policy that results extends the proper coverage and delivers good policy service.

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Posted by Joseph Welusz on May 6th, 2009 No Comments

Discount Auto Insurance - Is It Right For You

Today’s household budgets are strained by many factors. Rising costs for food, clothing and gasoline cause the household budget to appear to shrink as each day goes past. The consumer is constantly looking for fresh methods to stretch their budget without going without necessities. One attractive area to save money in the annual household budget appears to be insurance costs. Advertisements on television make the availability of discount auto insurance a method of saving. The question is, is discount auto insurance obtained on line worth the monetary savings?

There are three basic types of auto insurance, Liability, Collision and Comprehensive. These three types are defined as follows. Liability is coverage for damage done by your vehicle. Collision is coverage for damage done to your vehicle. Comprehensive is coverage for fire and theft damage. If you lease or have your vehicle financed, either through a bank or finance company, the bank or finance company will require you to have all three, which is considered “full coverage”. If you own your vehicle outright, most states will require you to carry liability insurance only. However if your vehicle is involved in an accident you may have to carry the burden of repairing your vehicle if you do not have full coverage. There are numerous other types of coverage that are available to the insurance purchaser.

The traditional method of purchasing auto insurance was either through a local agent or broker. The difference between an agent and a broker is that the agent works directly for a specific insurance company. A broker can represent several companies in the coverage that they offer. These agents and brokers are paid by the insurance companies for the policies that they write and renew. In many cases discounts can be obtained from these agents and brokers for combining policies with a specific company. An example of this is the combination of insurance for the home and for the auto. The agent or broker works to develop the best policy for the individual. A relationship is formed which insures that the insurance company will pay the agent or broker when the policy is renewed with the agent or broker.

If a customer was dissatisfied with either their coverage or their broker, a long and involved process needed to be undertaken to make a change. Multiple telephone calls with repetitive questions and answers needed to be made to various insurance agents. This process was both time consuming and in many cases caused frustration for the consumer. It was often difficult for the consumer to compare the coverage offered by the different companies.

The growth of the Internet in the late 20th century provided insurance companies a medium to both attract new business and reduce costs. The insurance companies provided a vehicle by which the consumer could get quotes on line. This provided a greater market base for the insurance companies and allowed the insurance companies to offer discount auto insurance rates. This reduction in rates often reflected the cost savings of not having to pay commissions to agents or brokers. Another factor in the discount auto insurance rate was that the insurer could have a larger base of people from which to collect premiums, which allowed lower rates to be offered.

Prior to purchasing any insurance on line the customer must compare the policies rather than just the cost of the policies. The policies must be compared, including the “fine print”, to determine if both the company offering the policy and the policy itself fit the purchaser. This in itself can be a daunting task for the consumer who is not fully versed in all aspects of automobile insurance.

Auto insurance is quite simply another product that is sold on the open market. A multitude of prices and options are often available for what on the surface appears to be the same product. There are consumers who will purchase the lowest priced product simply because it is the lowest price. There are other consumers who will purchase a product simply because of the name recognition of the supplier of the product. Name recognition is an important factor. The reliable brand name often means a quality product that is combined with quality customer service. Maytag washing machines are an example of a reliable brand name. Maytag washing machines seldom require service yet, when they do, the Maytag service is known to be prompt and efficient. The purchasing of a brand name auto insurance, even at a discount rate may be higher than that obtained from other companies. However the brand name insures reliability and prompt efficient customer service when an accident and resulting claim occurs.

Discount auto insurance is a viable alternative when budgets are strained. Everyone desires to save money and insurance costs appear to be an avenue in which to cut costs. When purchasing discount auto insurance, the consumer must be able to accurately compare and evaluate all facets of the insurance and know what the policies cover and what they don’t. The company that the insurance is purchased from should be checked with the Better Business Bureau for their performance and any complaints that may have been lodged against them. If any doubt exists in the mind of the consumer, perhaps the best alternative is to consult a local insurance agent or broker and inquire about rates that they can provide. It is entirely possible that those rates are competitive with discount rates available on line. This provides the consumer the peace of mind that a professional has been consulted and both the policy and the insurance company fit the consumers’ needs.

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Posted by Joseph Welusz on March 27th, 2009 No Comments

Discount Auto Insurance - Based On Driving Factors

by Joseph Welusz

Discount auto insurance is now available by the number of miles you drive. It is starting to spread across the country. This idea has been around for a long time but now insurance carriers are starting to implement the program. The next time you are getting auto insurance quotes see if it is available.

The program first started on the west coast as a pilot discount auto insurance program and it was recently approved for New Jersey through Progressive insurance. There is only one other company that I am aware of that offers auto insurance quotes this way; and that is GMAC Insurance who only offer it to people that have Onstar in there vehicles.

Progressive insurance will have a devise attached to you automobile to track the speed you drive, breaking habits and mileage. GMAC’s Onstar has a GPS tracking system and I’m not sure of how they measure your driving habits. This is what causes some concerns.

Many government officials and non-profit organizations have questions about the tracking measure that will be used. Some feel by adding one of these devises to your car you could be giving up some constitutional freedoms. The other concern is that it will not benefit people that live in rural areas because they need to drive further than the average city dweller daily.

The discount on your auto insurance could be as much as 9% over people that don’t participate in the program. My concern is how much can your premium be increased if your driving habits to fit what the insurance company has set as normal. Also how does the insurance company determine what is the correct breaking pressure?

A concern of mine is if this program is picked by all the main insurance carriers in the future if you don’t part take in the program will your premiums automatically increase. I understand the insurance company’s point of view of offering lower rates to more responsible drivers that do not drive that far but years down the road how will this affect all of us?

This program was put in place in New Jersey on August 8th of 2008. Let’s wait to see how long it will take to be rolled out in all the states. It will also be interesting to see if other insurance companies put together a similar program.

I believe every individual should be able to decide if they want to participate in a program like this. You know how you drive and how far you travel daily. I am totally open to the underlying thought but I am a tad cynical about how they might monitor my driving habits and how this will affect us in the future.

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Posted by Joseph Welusz on October 23rd, 2008 No Comments

Discount Auto Insurance-Agents Can Help

by Joseph Welusz

Discount auto insurance is relative to the price you are willing to spend for a specific amount of coverage. You need to understand that buying the lowest policy you might be doing more harm than good to yourself.

It important to look more at the coverages that are offered and the price changes between them if you truly want to get what I would consider discount auto insurance. One of the simplest ways to do this is by talking to an insurance agent. The agent will be able to see how much you would be required to pay at different levels of liability coverage.

When dealing with agents you should know that there are two types. Independent agents, who can provide policies for multiple companies. Or captive agents who only provide policy for one company. An Allstate agent would be an example of a captive agent. Both have there advantages and disadvantages.

If you decide to talk to an agent make sure you ask what auto insurance discounts are available. If you don’t already know, most agents work off of commission. They might not always add on all the available discounts if not asked. After you ask for all the discounts ask if there are an additional discounts available just to make sure.

Another way to get low cost auto insurance is to raise your collision deductible. The general public carries a $500 deductible. If you raise this to $1000 or even $750 you will most like be able to save $100 or more. It’s not advised to raise you comprehensive deductible though because it makes up only a small portion of your total premium.

You can also save money by comparison shopping between companies. Rates can vary between companies just like they do between coverages. Every company will have there own rating scale, some offer price breaks for having lower limits some for higher limits not to mention the other 200 factors they put into coming up with your rate. Therefor, each company has created there own price niching system that we can all take advantage of.

There are a lot of commercials on TV telling you how much you can save on your insurance. It might become confusing as to which company to go to, too get the best rates, since they all tell you that the average consumer that switches to them will save hundreds of dollars. This is true. What they don’t tell you, is that they all have there own niches to offer better rates for different people.

It has become very simple to go online to compare insurance prices. You need to be careful though because some of the insurance corporations are having your state minimum coverage limits set as the defaults in there quote forms online. Make sure that before you purchase the policy you can speak with representative from the company providing the rates to discuss your options. Then you can use some of the tips from this article.

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Posted by Joseph Welusz on October 19th, 2008 No Comments

Discount Auto Insurance Time Saver

by Joseph Welusz

You can locate just about anything on the web days, including discount auto insurance. Here you will see how to get cheap auto insurance from well established companies swiftly and easily.

Compare Online Auto Insurance Quotes

The smartest way to get an inexpensive automobile insurance policy is to compare prices, and the simplest way to do this is to shop on the web.

All the well known companies - Allstate, Nationwide, Liberty Mutual - own websites where you can get an online quote. But it can take all day visiting site after site, filling out form after form and speaking to agents, trying to find who has the cheapest auto insurance quote for you.

Today, there is a better way. There is www.QuoteMatcher.com where you can find all the companies your are looking for under one roof. All you need to do is spend a couple of minutes filling out a simple online questionnaire and you’ll receive a multiple quotes from top tier companies and agents.

Listen to me, this is the simplest way to locate discount auto insurance. It’s easy, free of charge and quick with no obligation to buy!

In The End

A couple of minutes spent looking for discount auto insurance online can save you hundreds or more on your auto insurance rates. Give it a try today and see how much you wind up saving.

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Posted by Joseph Welusz on October 5th, 2008 No Comments

When Trying To Get Cheap Auto Insurance Is Extra PIP Needed?

by Joseph Welusz

What is Extra PIP coverage? When trying to get cheap auto insurance is it needed? You should first understand what you PIP coverage are; PIP is and acronym meaning Personal Injury Protection. It is the coverage available though your auto insurance policy that covers your medical bills if you are hurt when you are at fault in an accident.

Okay that’s easy enough to understand. I get medical coverage under my insurance policy if I’m injured in an automobile accident.

What does Extra Personal Injury Protection cover? It may seem a little confusing because actually it doesn’t cover the costs of any medical bills at all. What it does do is provide coverage from your auto insurance policy for expenses that are caused from you being hurt in an auto accident.

There are four coverage’s that make up your additional personal injury protection; Income Continuation, Essential Services, Death Benefit and Funeral Expenses. Let take a closer look to see what is really covered under each so when it becomes time to get free auto insurance quotes you will have a better understanding of the coverage’s included.

Income Continuation establishes a set monitory award to you if you are unable to work. The coverage is available in different increments from $100 to $700 per week. You are also able to select if you want the coverage available for 2 years or up until the age of 65. The payments of this coverage are only available if your short term disability is under 60% of your regular pay or the benefits from your state have expired.

Essential Services is a coverage that pays for services you can no longer perform because you are hurt. This would include things like cutting your grass or shovel snow in the winter. There are only two daily limit options $12 or $20 per day and total benefit range is $4,380 to $14,600 depending on the coverage you select.

Death Benefits are paid in the event that you die due to an automobile accident. The benefit will pay out from $5,200 to $10,000 depending on the option you choose.

Funeral Expenses are also included if you pass away due to an automobile accident. The payout benefit is either $1,000 or $2,000 again dependent on your selection.

There are 17 Extra PIP options available combining different limits of the above coverage’s. Extra PIP coverage may not be available in each state. When you get your next discount auto insurance quote if PIP is available choose the option that is the best fit for you

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Posted by Joseph Welusz on September 13th, 2008 No Comments

Discount Auto Insurance With Extra PIP?

by Joseph Welusz

What’s Extra PIP coverage? When you are trying to get cheap auto insurance do you need it? You first need to know what you PIP stands for; the acronym PIP means Personal Injury Protection. In your auto insurance policy it’s the coverage that pays your medical costs if you become injured in an accident you caused.

Ok that was simple enough to understand. Medical coverage is provided under my auto insurance if I am hurt in an auto accident.

What does Extra Personal Injury Protection cover? It may seem a little confusing because actually it doesn’t cover the costs of any medical bills at all. What it does do is provide coverage from your auto insurance policy for expenses that are caused from you being hurt in an auto accident.

Four coverage’s make up your Extra PIP; Income Continuation, Essential Services, Death Benefit and Funeral Expenses. Let look closer so when you decide to get free auto insurance quotes you will be able understand the coverage’s included.

Income Continuation pays a selected benefit amount of money per week if you are unable to work. Coverage ranges from $100 to $700 per week. The coverage is either available up until the age of 65 or for two years. This coverage is offer if your short term disability is under 60% of your regular pay or your benefits from the state ended.

Essential Services will cover you for services you can no longer perform because you are injured. Things like cutting your grass or cleaning your gutters in the fall would be covered under this option. There are daily and total limit options ranging from $12 to $20 per day for a total benefit from $4,380 to $14,600 depending on the coverage’s you choose.

Death Benefits are available in case you pass away due to a car accident. This benefit will pay either $5,200 or $10,000 pending which option you select.

Funeral Expenses are paid in the event that you pass away due to an auto accident. This benefit will pay either $1,000 or $2,000 depending on the option you decide on.

There are 17 Extra PIP options available combining different limits of the above coverage’s. Extra PIP coverage may not be available in each state. When you get your next discount auto insurance quote if PIP is available choose the option that is the best fit for you

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Posted by Joseph Welusz on September 11th, 2008 No Comments

Discount Auto Insurance By Zip Code

by Joseph Welusz

Does your zip code impact your auto insurance premiums? Getting a clear understanding of the effect of your zip code will help you make better decisions when buying a home. You will find out how saving a few hundred on a new home might actually cost you more on your auto insurance over the course of a few years.

Here are a few examples.

Your new home’s location will largely determine your automobile mileage in a number of ways. If you live far from the places you frequently go to you will accumulate higher mileage. Take your place of employment for example: If your home is 20 miles from your place of employment and you drive there five days a week, you’ll accumulate four times as much mileage as your neighbor whose office is just 5 miles away.

Is there access to standard public transit where you are moving to? Using public transit will definitely help you lower down your auto insurance rate.

Does your place of residence have a high crime rate? This will determine your auto insurance rates to a high extent. Your area’s crime rate affects your risk of vandalism and theft.

If you are deciding to move to new home in a different area, take some time out to do these calculate. The little bit of money you save on your new home might be totally negated by the rate increase you incurred on auto insurance premium.

Also, take some time to do thorough comparison shopping to locate insurers who offer better rates for the area you are moving to. Different insurance company’s rates may vary drastically.

Remember when you’re shopping for a new place to live; get multiple auto insurance quotes to compare auto insurance for the different areas you are interested in. If your new area adds $200 to your annual auto insurance costs, you’ll pay an extra $4,000 over the course of 20 years!

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Posted by Joseph Welusz on September 4th, 2008 No Comments

Benefits of Free Insurance Quotes

by Joseph Welusz

Free insurance quotes are available online from wide source of websites. Not that long ago you had to pay for a quotation, but not now. Actually, if any company tries to charge you for an online quote, you shouldn’t even consider getting a quote from them.

What should you be looking for in a free insurance quote? A lower price of course, but that will depend on your individual circumstances. You’ll certainly want a quick response, hopefully within minutes, although most quotes are usually provided within 48 hours. You may receive your response instantly online, by email, or by an agent or company representative that contacts you by telephone.

Remember a free online quote is just a quote. The online quote form is not generally thorough enough to include all of the factors that will decide the ultimate price of the insurance policy. Although, there are direct companies now where you can purchase your policy directly, after receiving your free insurance quote.

Your final insurance policy should be decided from a short list of the cheapest free insurance quotes you received with your desired amount of coverage. At this time you reach the point where you need to pick up the telephone and talk to the companies providing the quotes you are interested in. Speak to all the insurance companies on your short-list to verify the final costs and determine if there are any other discounts available to you.

The whole point of getting free insurance quotes is that you can compare the insurance rates being offered by a lot of different companies. The best way to do this is to use an online comparison site like http://www.QuoteMatcher.com, and perhaps an insurance company rating site like AM Best. You will then have a good mix of quotes to choose from and know how financially stable the companies providing the quotes are.

Free insurance quotes online are here to stay today and in the future. People now are more computer savvy than they ever were before and they realize getting quotes online are usually much quicker than telephone quotes.

However, no matter how you decide to get a free insurance quote. Remember the more quotes you get the better chance you have at saving money.

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Posted by Joseph Welusz on August 13th, 2008 No Comments