Posts Tagged ‘Auto Insurance Policy’
Do you realize how much you are at risk financially if you wreck your car or it gets stolen? Your auto insurance policy might not provide all the financial protection you need, if the value of your car is less than the balance of your auto loan. Gap coverage is designed to cover the difference between the value of your car when it was lost and the balance of your car loan.
This is also called Negative Equity. Having to continue to pay off your car loan every month, when you don’t even have your car anymore is probably not what you had in mind when you bought it.
Let’s say you lost your car in a hurricane or other disaster, one year after you purchased your car: Now let’s say you still owe $20,000 on your auto loan and your deductible is $500. Let’s also say your car was worth $15,000 at the time you lost it. The insurance company pays you $14,500. Then your Negative Equity or Gap is $5,500.
Gap Protection isn’t really insurance, it’s a Debt Cancellation Agreement. You could call it a waiver of the part of your auto loan contract that requires you to pay the difference between the value of your car and the amount still owed on your car loan. There are a few states that do consider Gap Protection a form of insurance, but most states do not.
Is Gap Protection for you? Talk to the person considering your auto loan. Car buyers who are putting little or no money down on a car may need Gap Protection. If you are transferring the balance of previous car loans into the current car loan or taking out an extended car loan like a 60 month loan you may need the extra protection. Any car buyer who will owe more than their car is worth needs Gap Protection.
You have to take figure out the expected depreciation on the car you are buying and the rate of equity accumulation through your auto loan. This will help you figure how big a gap you’ll have and for how long.
Some lenders or leasing companies include the coverage in the agreement for the their own protection. This is common in lease contracts. The decision to buy gap coverage is easy. Deciding who to buy it from is much more difficult.
You can get Gap Coverage for your car loan from your Credit Union or another lender, online sellers of gap protection, or your auto insurance company. Each option is different, so read on before you decide on an option.
On the Internet, it’s easy to explore these options. You can do a search for the information there or go to your favorite search engine like google or yahoo and use the keywords “gap protection” or “auto loan gap coverage”. Make sure that you check out any company you find on the web before you give them your credit card information. You don’t want to end up with a provider that won’t be there to help you cover the gap in your car loan if something happens.
Your Auto Insurance Carrier: Not all insurance companies carry gap protection for your car loan. Check with your agent. Check to see if they already included gap protection in your car loan and how much coverage they gave you. You may need more than they offer. The cost of gap protection is relative to the value of your car. The more expensive the car, the more it will cost, and the more coverage you need.
Also, very important to keep in mind. Your insurance company or other provider will continue to bill you for gap protection every month. It’s up to you to calculate and decide when you no longer need it. In other words you need to know when you will be out of the hole. You need to know when there is no longer a gap between the value of your car and the amount you owe on your car loan.
The Automobile Dealer or whoever gave you your car loan is another source for buying gap protection. This is done at the time you get your car loan so bring it up right away if you choose this option. Some lenders may let you purchase it later, but it’s best if you buy it when getting your loan. As soon as you drive the car off the lot, it becomes a used car.
The cost is normally a one-time charge, typically the same set price for all customers buying the same coverage. Buyers may roll the fee into the total loan amount and include it in the monthly loan payments. Dealerships usually do not have the best rate for gap protection. You may want to choose another option. The average price for gap protection through auto dealers is about $500. You may be able to get the same protection for your car loan through your credit union or bank for as low as $250.
Make sure your gap protection also covers the deductible. Look for other features such as automobile replacement or money towards a new car in the event something happens. So don’t let just price be your guide when choosing who to buy gap protection from.
Greg Lucas
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/do-i-need-gap-protection-for-my-car-loan–106498.html
The auto insurance policy that you have purchased is useful only if you are familiar with the auto insurance claims. Filing an auto insurance claim is essential to cover the financial loses caused by accident, theft, vandalism, etc. People who are completely familiar with the auto insurance claims can deal with such situations in a better way. Here are some points that are essential to be considered while filing an auto insurance claim:
Find out the level of damage or injuries and call the police: Determine the extent of damage done to your car and see if anyone needs medical attention. It is recommended to call the police directly even if it is a minor accident as you would need a police report while filing the auto insurance claim.
Get information of the other driver involved in the accident: It is very important to get license plate number, contact information, vehicle identification number, and auto insurance information of the other person involved in the accident. Also give the same information of yours to the other driver. You can obtain the information like vehicle identification number, insurers’ telephone numbers, etc. from your insurance identification card.
Look for witnesses and get their contact information: If there are any witnesses to the accident, try to obtain the names and phone numbers of those who are interested in telling what they saw. Your insurance company may ask for witness statements and they can prove to be very helpful to your auto insurance claim.
Inform your insurance agent about the accident: Inform your insurance agent about the accident as soon as possible. If possible, call your agent when you are with police as the police officer can provide more accurate information to your insurance company. This step can help you in saving additional time and hassles when you file your auto insurance claim later on.
File under another party’s insurance provider: If the accident did not happen because of your mistake, you can ask either your insurance company or other driver’s insurance company to recover the damage done to your car.
To get auto insurance quotes from the top insurance companies of your area, log on to http://www.2insure4less.com. Here you get free insurance information and low auto insurance quotes from best insurance providers.
Tom Evens
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/filing-auto-insurance-claims-727920.html
Balancing a budget can be difficult. Every penny you save on routine bills like electricity and car expenses can be put to better use somewhere else. You work hard for your money and you’d like to save as much as possible. Everyone likes to save money, so we’ve compiled a few tips to help you squeeze your auto insurance policy for all it’s worth.
Comparison Shop
Comparing rates from several companies can get you the best possible deal on your car insurance. Online quote services are quick and easy, and they do the hard work for you. Comparing prices at regular intervals, like every six months, ensures that you are getting the best price for the coverage you need. It also forces you to review your policy so you can determine if your coverage is still adequate for your needs. There’s no sense in paying for too much auto insurance.
Raise Your Deductible
By raising your deductible from $200 to $500, you can save up to 30% off your monthly premiums. If you have an accident, you’ll have to pay a few hundred dollars more out of pocket, but if you bank the savings every month, you should have a nice nest egg to use should you need a quick $500 for your deductible.
Check For Discounts From Your Provider
Discounts are pretty much standard for all insurance companies. While details vary from company to company, some types of discounts are commonly offered by most insurers. Insurance companies offer discounts to policy holders that insure multiple vehicles, buy life, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance along with their auto insurance, and those who have fewer accidents and moving violations. Drivers over 50, those who take safety courses and owners of cars with safety equipment like daytime running lights, airbags and anti-lock brakes all can receive discounts on monthly premiums. It’s important to talk with your insurer to make sure you’re taking advantage of all discounts that you qualify for.
Take Advantage Of Low Mileage Discounts
Drivers who stick close to home can get a low mileage discount from the insurance company. Ask your agent if your daily commute meets the restrictions for your policy.
Shop Wisely For A New Car
Purchasing a new car that has a theft deterrent system, or one that is inexpensive to repair and is not often targeted by car thieves will lower your monthly car insurance. Do your homework before shopping and check in with your insurance agent before making your final decision. Finding out that the candy apple red convertible will cost you more in insurance per month than the loan payment, may make you change your mind about taking it home.
Be Realistic About Older Vehicles
If you own an older vehicle that is worth $2,000 or less, carrying full coverage insurance is probably not a smart financial decision. You would be further ahead to drop the extra insurance and save the difference in premiums in a bank account in case your vehicle becomes damaged or stolen. Let your money collect interest in your bank account, not your insurance company’s.
An informed consumer can shave a few dollars, maybe even a few hundred dollars off of their car insurance premiums. Armed with these tips, you can make sure your hard earned money is working for you.
Levi Quinn
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/save-money-on-your-car-insurance-today-157894.html
Family auto insurance is a blanket term for auto insurance that protects all members of your family. If you have teenagers in your family, you know how much your insurance can increase when you add a teen driver. When you add young drivers to your family insurance policy, it becomes more important than ever to find the best rate.
Keeping Your Rate Low
To help keep the rate on your family auto insurance as low as possible, follow these tips:
* Enroll your son or daughter in a driver’s education course and in a defensive driving class. Insurance companies usually offer discounts for teen drivers who have completed these types of classes.
* Encourage good grades. Most insurance companies offer discounts to good students, meaning students with a B or better average.
* Consider getting your son or daughter a separate policy rather than adding him or her to your policy. If your child drives an older car and never drives your car, this step could save you money.
* Avoid buying your child a sporty new car or a sports utility vehicle. Opt for a safe and sturdy older model vehicle to save money on your insurance.
You also need to notify your insurance company if your child leaves home for college. Your family auto insurance policy usually covers a car that your child takes to college, as long as the parent is the registered owner. But depending on where the college is, your insurance rates could increase or decrease.
If your child is going to college in another state, you also need to make sure that your insurance coverage meets the minimum insurance requirements in that state.
The Internet Can Help
As you search for the best rate on family auto insurance, be sure to check out insurance comparison websites. On these sites you can get fast and accurate quotes from multiple A-rated insurance companies.
The best auto insurance comparison websites also offer answers to your family auto insurance questions by allowing you to talk online or by phone with insurance professionals. (See link below.)
Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com or click on the following link to get family auto insurance quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more insurance tips in their Articles section.
ryan@thesatellitetvguide.com
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/family-auto-insurance-how-to-get-the-best-rate-177087.html
Utah auto insurance is required to drive legally in the state, but getting insurance can be a daunting task. On the other hand there are people out there to help; their called car insurance agents. Contact a local agent can help a great deal when you are ready to get a Utah auto insurance quote or just want to find out information on your current policy. Be smart about your Utah car insurance policy, for instance stay away from high risk vehicles, and always carry the state minimum liability automobile insurance, if you want to save some money.
Insurance and insruance terminology can be difficult to understand, so understanding what it means to have the minimum requirements is the first step to understanding whether you should increase the minimum standards for your Utah auto insruance policy or not. The minimum Utah car insurance liability in the state, which covers any one you injure; your passenger or yourself, only covers up to $25,000 for injury or death per person with a total of $50,000 being paid for any accident or collision that you’re found at fault. Minimum liability insurance for property damage is only $15,000; this means that should you damage someone’s home in an accident this provision will cover up to $15,000 to repair the damages. It is expensive and a hassle to be involved in an accident, so make your coverages measures up to what you need. Being underinsured can be a worst case scenario, so make sure you request the right coverages when getting an auto insurance quote in Utah.
The Consumer has several options to try to reduce the cost of your Utah auto insurance policy to lower the premium and have a cheap car insurance. Some examples that would reduce the cost of your Utah automobile policy would be stay away from high-performance vehicles, sport cars, and high theft vehicles. You might also want to pay for damages to small accidents so your rates wouldn’t go up. The more times you have your insurance company involve in minimal accidents like a small collision or comprehensive claim, the higher your rates will go up. So before reporting in a claim of a little accident, thoroughly check the damage done to your vehicle and decide if you can afford to pay out of pocket yourself. So while carrying insurance is mandatory, you can see there are several ways you can avoid increasing the average Utah automobile insurance rate.
Getting Utah auto insurance in this state doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task, because with insurance everyone needs it; but nobody wants to pay for it. Determining the right amount of auto insurance coverage you need for your vehicle can be a great thing because now you have the best coverage for when accidents happen. Accidents do happen, believe it!
Thoran
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/utah-auto-insurance-741631.html
I have an auto insurance policy with my spouse. He was in an accident and filed a claim. He is not planning to buy another car and is going to use public transport. If I drop him from my policy, will my rates still go up because of his claim even though I was not involved in the accident? If I go with a different insurance company only for myself, will they also quote higher rates because of the claim?
the claim follows the person not the policy you should be ok however if you live with your husband the law might require him to be on your policy as a second driver on your car
Austin auto insurance is an important part of your daily life. It may not seem like more than another monthly payment, but you are putting that policy to use every time you get behind the wheel. Not having car insurance in can cost much more than a yearly premium if you have an accident or get caught driving without it.
A good policy doesn’t necessarily mean the cheapest policy, but you shouldn’t have to pay more than you can afford for auto insurance. When shopping for quotes through an Austin insurance company, there are some things you can do to get the lowest payments possible.
The first thing to look at when shopping for car insurance is what kind of vehicle you own. An new, expensive and/or sporty car will probably cost more to insure. If your vehicle is on the list of highly stolen cars, expect to pay a higher premium. Your Austin TX insurance agent will be able to tell you if your car is on that list. Also, an older vehicle that has a value of only a few thousand dollars can be inexpensive to insure because you can carry liability only, rather than paying for full coverage.
One thing you shouldn’t do when shopping for auto insurance is to get a policy that leaves you underinsured. Medical costs are getting higher each year, which means if you have an accident you may end up having to pay for what your cheap policy doesn’t cover. Find an Austin insurance company that will work with you to find the best coverage for your needs. If your premiums are still too high, consider driving a different vehicle that requires a lower priced policy.
Combine policies for a discount on your premiums if you have auto insurance coverage with the same company that carries your home and/or health insurance. Most Austin TX insurance companies offer discounts for multiple policies. Another way to get a discount on your Austin auto insurance policy is to have a clean driving record. Accidents and traffic violations can mean higher payments.
Buy from a reputable auto insurance company. Some insurance companies may offer lower monthly payments, but in the event of an accident you may find yourself with very little customer service and a much higher renewal premium.
Shop around for a combination of low rates, quality coverage and good customer service. Not every auto insurance company can offer all three of these important factors. When it comes to insurance in Austin, getting the best coverage comes down to contacting an insurance agent that is willing to work for you to get the coverage you need and a policy you can afford.
Visit the Austin State Farm Agent Bridgette Hearne website at http://www.bridgettehearne.com to get Austin auto insurance information or a rate quote.
Scott Hearne
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/austin-auto-insurance-how-to-get-the-best-deal-736079.html
I’ve heard that "performance" modifications can void an auto insurance policy. Is this true? If so, what is considered a void worthy mod?
I know that my coverage will only replace the parts to stock. Also, I’m planning on the following: CAI, headers & exhaust, short shifter, big breaks, ECU programing. When my shocks are due to be replaced i’ll probably take the opportunity to ride lower.
anything that may potentially endanger the driver, the vehicle or the vehicles around you, things like installing nitrous oxide tanks, a turbo, sometimes removing ABS brakes
thing as changing brakes, tuning and recalibrating the suspension are normally ok, read your auto-insurance contract before making any modifications
Can you resume your auto insurance policy one it was canceled? ok it was canceled 5 months ago I wasn’t using the car so I didn’t need insurance at a moment. Now I am planning on using the car again. Can I just call them and ask them to send me a monthly fee and get insurance resumed or do I need to go to insurance place and talk to Insurance sales agent and pay $200 finders fee again? I don’t want to pay those fees again. Is there a way to resume my insurance without those extra fees. I am a California resident.
You will have to start a new policy with a new application. You should call around and get another agent. The $200 finders fee is excessive. Our agency used to charge a fee of $20 for new assigned risk policies ONLY because of the large amount of paperwork, low commission and high cancellation rate. We would never charge that on any other policy. Pick up the phone book & call other agents. Call someone that has a list of companies they represent under their name. When you call ask if they charge a finders fee. If they do, call someone else. I was under the impression that "finders" fees are limited. Call the CA Dept of Insurance to find out if they are limited in CA.
You won’t be able to avoid a new application but you certainly should be able to avoid a finders fee. Sounds like maybe you had a broker that doesn’t represent any companies. Agents get paid on commission from the companies they have an agency agreement with, they don’t need to charge insureds additional fees.
10pts to best answer. Question about auto insurance policies?
I just earned my drivers liscence. My father is dreading the cost of adding another driver to the family auto insurance policy. What are some discounts that many insurance companies offer that might help save my dad some money when the premium is due?
Depends on the company and the state that you live in. Auto insurance is regulated by each state so it can differ from state to state. Try this site to find the best auto insurance
http://saveautoinsurances.blogspot.com/
Here you can get quotes from different auto insurance companies in your area, its the best way to find an affordable auto insurance with a reliable company.
Some companies might offer:
-Good student discount (if you have a B or better average, so 3.0 or higher)
-Driver Training discount (if you got your drivers license through an ‘on the road’ driver training course and got a certificate stating you completed the course
-Some companies offer a book to be completed to make you designate driving goals to make you aware of your driving skills.
If there are 3 cars in the house and 3 drivers in the house, you will probably have to be put as a primary operator of a car, BUT if threre are 2 cars in the house and 3 drivers in the house you could probably be rated as an occational operator of the vehicle.
Are you paying too much for your auto insurance? If you believe you are paying too much for your current auto insurance coverage then the following suggestions may help you save money:
- Shop around
Sure, you’ve read this tip everywhere but it’s true. Only by shopping around for auto insurance coverage and getting quotes on premiums from several insurance companies will you be able to know for certain you are getting your car insurance coverage at the best available rate.
When shopping for your auto insurance policy, remember to compare more than insurance rates. Ask about how insurance claims are approved and processed, and how quickly they’re paid. Look into each insurers’ financial stability (there are independent rating services that can help you with this.) Remember, during times of stress like after an accident you will be dealing with the insurance company and you’ll want to make sure you’ll be helped when you need it most.
- Select a higher insurance deductible
When you file a claim, a deductible is the amount you pay first before your insurer pays the remaining balance. Often people select lower deductibles, so when they have to submit a claim, their out-of-pocket expenses are minimal. But the truth is, the higher your collision and comprehensive deductibles the lower your auto insurance premium. The savings by increasing your deductible to say $1,000 from $250 are significant—you can save hundreds of dollars off your insurance premium.
Of course, the flipside is that if you should have to submit an insurance claim you are responsible for paying the deductible. So select the maximum deductible you can afford to pay—the higher the better because the difference in your car insurance premiums will mean more cash in your pocket.
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Remove or reduce coverage on older vehicles
If your car is getting up there in age, you may want to think about dropping the collision or comprehensive coverage (or both) on your policy. You need to think about this one though – it’s not always a clear-cut decision. You need to weigh the cost of the two coverages with the value of your car and your chosen deductibles. For example, if you had a 10-year-old car that’s worth about $1000, and your deductible was $1000, the coverage is not actually going to help you. -
Ask about discounts
Most insurance companies offer discounts. While the availability of discounts will vary depending on your insurer, where you live and whether you meet eligibility, make sure to ask if there are any discounts you can take advantage of. The following is a list of a few of the more common discounts (if available in your state, each insurer will have different eligibility requirements):
• Multi-vehicle discount – available if you insure multiple vehicles with the same insurer
• Multi-line discount – available if you insure your home and auto with the same insurer
• Good driver discount – if you have not had an accident or ticket in a long time
• Good student discount – if you’re a student with good grades, usually about a B average
• Safe driver discount – if you’ve taken and passed an accredited driver safety course
• Anti-theft discount – if your vehicle has certain anti-theft devices installed
• Safe vehicle discount – if your vehicle has certain extra safety features
• Retiree discount – if you’ve reached a certain age, usually 50 or 55
• Low mileage discount – if your vehicle is not driven often
• Occupational discount – if you work in a certain field or hold a certain degree
• Auto club discount – if you are a member of an auto club, like AAA
• Association discount – if you belong to certain associations, like your alma mater
• Away-at-school discount – if your child is attending school out of town
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Choose a car that costs less to insure
If you’re purchasing a new car and have narrowed it down to two or three options, compare the auto insurance rates of each to see if there is a notable difference in the cost to insure. Remember, insurance rates are more for vehicles with high theft rates and repair costs. If there is a significant difference in cost to insure your first choice car, you may have to reconsider. -
Drive safely
OK, this one is obvious but true. Driver’s with no accidents, tickets or insurance claims almost always pay less for their auto insurance coverage. Your driving record is an influential factor in determining your insurance rate. Tickets and at-fault accidents affect your insurance rates for years. With a less than perfect driving record, you can find yourself paying a lot of extra insurance premium over the years.
Jennifer
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/save-money-on-your-auto-insurance-moneysaving-car-insurance-tips-31375.html
Did you know you should get auto insurance quotes each year?
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