How do you lower car insurance costs for young people?

My 18-year-old son’s car insurance is going through the roof. It just jumped from $270 to $321/ month. He’s a college student living in Tampa, FL (40 miles from home address in Largo, fL), makes good grades, took driver’s ed in high school, has been driving 2 years and never had a ticket. It’s a new car (Mazda 3) that’s titled to my husband, but all 3 of us are on the policy. My husband and I are on a separate policy for our cars. Anyone have any suggestions on how to bring this number down?

My husband had 2 back-to-back accidents last year that were found to be the other driver’s fault and was paid 100% by the other driver’s insurance (including our deductible). Also, we had a claim on my son’s old car when someone hit it while it was legally parked on the street, and then ran. I had a quote of $261 from Traveler’s until they questioned these claims, then they bumped it to $331/ month. I guess they count against us, even though they weren’t our fault?

the best bet is to ask your insurance company – different companies offer differnt reductions. some offer discount for students based on grades or gpa , and others may dicsount if he takes a defensive driving course again. those should offer some smaller discounts.

however since his rate is so high – i would recomend shopping around for new insurance and getting free qotes. but be sure to tell them your full driving history when they quote you as the rate will change once they look up your driving record and see anything you didnt mention.

Learn More About Auto Insurance Facts

With so many choices currently available in the auto insurance market, it can be quite difficult to know which products to choose. Understanding some basic facts about the insurance market can help you to make informed decisions. Following are five facts that you need to know about the auto insurance market.

1) Premium Plan – Is it worthwhile? It is now possible to purchase a deluxe insurance package that includes new car replacement and accident forgiveness among other services. You will pay heavily for these add-ons, so be sure that you understand exactly what you are getting. You may be able to get similar benefits without purchasing the premium insurance.

2) Shared Market versus Nonstandard Market – Drivers with below average driving records should shop extremely carefully for auto insurance. Shared market insurance companies are regular insurance companies that share the risk of poor drivers. Consequently, their rates are rather high. A new entrant to the auto insurance business is the Nonstandard market. This market consists of a series of specialty companies that exist solely to insure nonstandard drivers and competition keeps their rates somewhat lower.

3) Most and Least Expensive Cities in America for Auto Insurance in 2006 – The least expensive city in America was Roanoke, VA. There the average annual premium was only $912. The most expensive was Detroit, with an average of over $5,800. While you cannot plan a move based on insurance prices, knowing the insurance market as well as other cost of living concerns can help you decide between two comparable cities.

4) Downtown is the most expensive – As you may already know, auto insurance rates are always higher in cities than they are in small towns and suburbs. What you may not know, however, is that even within a city your zip code matters. Simply choosing a home in a more residential portion of the city rather than downtown may save you hundreds of dollars.

5) Purchasing auto insurance is a numbers game – It is entirely possible that you will pay for auto insurance for years and never need to use the policy. However, it is equally possible that you will need your insurance as soon as you drive off the lot. You cannot predict all things that could theoretically happen to your vehicle. Hence the necessity of playing the numbers game. Look over your budget and think through what would happen if you had an accident. Also determine how much you can realistically spend each month. Then shop around to get the best insurance for the money you can afford to spend. Be sure to consider varying deductibles.

There are so many options available in today’s auto insurance market that it would be quite time consuming if not utterly impossible to make the “perfect” choice. However, understanding the market and the variables over which you have control will assist you in making a smart decision. Take the time to consider your options and you will find auto insurance that works well for you.

Levi Quinn
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/learn-more-about-auto-insurance-facts-121374.html

How do I know if my auto insurance company is frauding my?

My auto insurance company has been charging me fees, rate increases (originally I was told it would be a decrease!), and a whole other mess with the DMV. I have not had any tickets, accidents, or claims. No one has been able to satisfactorily explain to me why this is happening. How do I now if I have a case with the insurance commission/and or a small claims lawsuit?
My main problem is not the rate increase. The insurance company received my payment on time. But, they did not POST it until a few days later. sometime in this period of a few days, the DMV audited the insurance companies system and decided this was a lapse I guess. I had to give the DMV 500.00 or lose my registration. This was 6 months ago. It took us 4 months to get the insurance agent to tell us what really happend (they are good at the runaround game). They said that they had sent the paperwork to the DMV and that we should be getting our check in 30 days as the insurance compay was at fault. This month my insurace is 100.00 more and I called the DMV and they recieved the paperwork, but not a follow up call they were supposed to get. Since I called them, I personally was able to give the OK to send the packet to the refund department. My insurance company says that the extra 100.00 is for "reinstatement of coverage", coverage I never lost in the first place.

you can visit the company’s official website from where you can know about the insurance procedure / rates etc.

usually the vehicle is insured on the depriciated price and if the same company is continued every year, then they give the no claim bonuses.

There is a unique number called the "Cover Note" number from which you can trakc down your insurance details from the company.

Wish u luck Buddy!!!!

Minimizing your Car Insurance

Decision! Decision! Decision! We all make them! Every aspect of our live requires a sound decision-making for it is a keystone of a successful life. And decision-making, I believe, is like sending a text message. It takes time! You must think really hard and consider all alternatives before making a move. Like in thinking how to lower your car insurance, you need to be wise and take more time in considering these fifteen ways to attain your goal.

Comparing things really counts. By shopping around, you can get a better list of quality materials and the prices to compare. Insurance companies arrive at a price for your car insurance by adding or discounting money after each answer you give to the questions they ask you. Each company has each own rules to what they consider should increase or decrease your premium.

Your choice of a vehicle also takes into account. Thousands of different cars on the road were divided into groups and most companies had adopted the ABI (Association of British Insurers) group rating, which splits up vehicles into twenty different groups. So the higher the group rating for your vehicle, the higher your premium will be. Another thing is, to get a better idea of how high the risk is. Some companies combine your driving experience with the vehicle group. Thus, young driver should consider buying a lower group car if they want to lower their insurance cost.

A Third Party Only insurance policy is the minimum amount of cover legally required, so you should consider opting for this type of policy especially if your vehicle is of low value. In the unfortunate event of having an accident, any damage to a third party vehicle will be covered, but any damage to your vehicle is not. So logically, if you vehicle is of little value, you may not be too concerned because it may not be worth paying extra for Fully Comprehensive policy in these circumstances.

Another way is to buy on the web. By purchasing your insurance over the web, you are not requiring telesales agent time and incurring free-phone costs, thus, saving the company expense. This is the reason why many insurance providers now offer some good discounts for buying the policy over the internet. If you got prices through telephone, you can check it again over their web site and you may be surprised at how much cheaper it will be.

Next, maintain a good credit rating. As part of the over-all calculation of your car insurance premium, many insurance companies are adopting credit scoring techniques. So, by keeping a good credit history, you may avoid additional premium that companies add to your price for having a bad credit score.

You will be asked how much voluntary excess you want to have during the quotation process. Insurance companies will generally include a compulsory excess amount on the policy, but will give the opportunity to increase this if you wish. Having a higher voluntary excess can lower your premium. However, in the event of claim, you will have to pay a higher amount yourself, up to the total amount of excess on your policy.

During the insurance quotation process, the value of the vehicle is being asked and people often state an amount that is unrealistic and above the real value of the car. They do this because they believe that this is what they will get back from the insurance company in the event of a claim. But you should be realistic about the value of your car because the company will only pay out the worth of the car at the time of the claim and not what you stated for the quote. In fact, by giving unrealistic value, you can increase your car insurance premium, as this is often a factor affecting your final price.

Keep a clean driving record. Sounds easier than done, isn’t it? But you can really avoid being penalized by increases in your car insurance premium by having few or preferably no driving convictions. Insurance company take very seriously all driving convictions and it is usually an important part of their rating process. Getting caught with a driving conviction could increase the cost of your insurance, so it really pays to be a safe driver.

The same as the above, the biggest factor affecting the cost of your car insurance premium is how many number No Claims Bonus Year you have. Generally, Full no Claim Bonus is considered by most companies within five years or more and this can give you huge discounts which is in some cases, raised up to 75%. Avoiding potential road accident claims can continually build up your number of claim free year. Every additional No Claim Bonus year you get, the lower your car insurance cost will be. To protect your No Claim Bonus, some companies give the client option of paying a bit more on the premium.

Your annual travel expenses per mile can also affect your car insurance premium. The more miles you do, the higher your premium is likely to be. Quotation system and telephone agents will often suggest an amount of miles for you. Try and work out how many miles you will genuinely do because it may be lesser than the amount suggested. But it doesn’t mean that you will not be honest in answering this and other questions.

Remove unnecessary named drivers because additional drivers on your policy usually mean a higher premium. By only naming drivers on the policy that will definitely drive the car, you can lower the final cost. If you find that an unnamed driver needs to drive the vehicle, most companies allow you to temporarily add a new driver for a small cost.

Although taking an advance driving test is not compulsory, it has an advantage. Aside from the fact that it can improve your driving skills, it can also help you lower you car insurance premium. Because advanced test shows commitment to safe driving and it lowers the chance of having a monitoring accident. Some companies look favorably on people who have taken this.

Next, improve your security. Most of the companies take into consideration for having a better security of your vehicle. An alarm and immobilizer will usually attract a discount, and a tracker device installed can give you a bigger reduction. Some companies may insist on having such devices installed on more expensive and desirable cars before they even consider offering you a price.

Instead of paying your premium by installment, pay it in one time. This will let you avoid being charged with additional interest. The interest charges may be quite significant, so if your finances allow, have some good amount of money to pay for the whole. Some companies may even give you a discount for doing this.

And the last and most dramatic way of lowering your premium is to get married. A number of insurance companies offer lower premiums when your named drives are insured and spouse as opposed to two unmarried drivers. Companies believe that this shows an element of stability which is the hallmark of safer drivers. Insurance companies will give discounts on this basis.

Yes, your decision could really affect things in your life, so as lowering your car insurance. A question like, “Would I prefer to be a safe driver or not?”, may actually affect your premium. But bear in mind that you should also value life more than anything else. Like throwing a pebble in the pond, it creates ripples once it touches the surface of the water, thus, affecting everything.

Roxel Pudol
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/minimizing-your-car-insurance-90140.html

How to Get Cheap Student Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is one of the biggest expenses students face, right up there with tuition and books. In fact, students can pay anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 a year for auto insurance, depending on such factors as their …

* Age

* Gender

* Driving record

* Garage location

Fortunately, students can get cheap auto insurance. How? Read on to find out!

Be a Girl

Okay, you don’t have much control over this, but it’s a fact that insurance costs less for women under age 25 than for men under age 25. Men are statistically more prone to having accidents and therefore their insurance rates are higher.

Live Clean and Drive Safely

Do not drink or take drugs and then drive. A DWI or DUI will drive your insurance premium up dramatically, and keep your rate high for years to come. Also, keep your driving record clean by obeying speed limits and other driving laws.

Keep Up Your Grades

Most insurance companies offer discounts to students who maintain a B average or better. You’ll need to show your insurance agent proof of your grades to get this discount.

Buy a Sensible Car

Your dream car may be a Mustang, a Firebird, or a Camaro, but you’ll pay a lot more for your insurance with these types of “muscle” cars. Opt for a car that’s less expensive to repair and is less tempting for thieves. Also avoid cars with high horsepower, as insurance rates are higher on these cars.

Walk or Bicycle at School

If you can manage without a car while you’re at college, leave your car at home. You can adjust your policy so you’ll still be covered when you’re at home for vacations.

Increase Your Deductible

By increasing your deductible – the amount you pay toward a claim before your insurance company pays – you can save up to 40% on your car insurance premium.

Shop Around

Make sure you’re getting the best price on car insurance by doing some comparison shopping. Go to an insurance comparison website and enter your vehicle, driver, and insurance information. You’ll then receive auto insurance quotes from multiple A-rated companies and you can choose the one with the cheapest rate.

The best comparison sites offer tips on how to save money on your insurance, and even have an insurance expert on call so you can get answers to your insurance questions online or by phone. (See link below.)

Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com or click on the following link to get cheap student auto insurance quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more auto insurance tips in their Articles section.

ryan@thesatellitetvguide.com
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/how-to-get-cheap-student-auto-insurance-182575.html

Is it true that the older the car, the lower the insurance cost?

My dad has a car that is 4 years old, it is a subaru outback, with 200,000+miles on it (not a typo, he drives it all over the eastern coast). Now would the subarus insurance cost(total) be lower than if i bought my own used car?

It is not true. The insurance companies use a number of formulas to calculate cost and it is not unlikely that an older "risky" model would have a higher insurance cost than a newer "safer" model. You will also quickly find that they do not like to share this information. Years ago, insurance symbols were included in the NADA books. They quit listing it after the insurance companies stopped sharing this information.

The best way to check is to just call your Agent and ask about the different cars you are considering. You might also find the info below of interest.

http://www.iihs.org/brochures/ictl/ictl.html

Low Car insurance for Young Female Drivers- Know The Guidelines

A lot of people say that car insurance is especially important for ladies and if the lady is young, even more so. However, be it popular saying or anything else, insurance companies nowadays have developed insurance policies especially for women. A couple of years back, it wouldn’t have featured as a prominent option, but thankfully it is now and it is also made very easy and affordable.

The best part about car insurance for young female drivers is that it is so much more cost effective. Up to the age of forty five, most companies offer really low levels of premiums. The reason why they are cheaper is because; it has been observed via research that, by and large, women are safer drivers than men. Most of the dangerous driving incidents are reportedly caused by men. It will be incorrect to say that women are not responsible for on-road accidents however, their severities are much less.

A couple of things can help to get low car insurance for young female drivers. It is advisable to settle for a car that has a small engine. Always opt for independent covers. Also, check for additional security features. Cutting down on frills like alloy wheels etc, can help to keep the premium low. Make an estimate of how much you are likely to drive and opt for an insurance cover that is meant for low mileage.

There are many companies out there which offer competitive options in terms of car insurance for young female drivers. Some of them offer exciting deals like free family legal protection, free home emergency cover and optional pest cover. Some of these offer useful features like breakdown cover insurance. This allows for round the time, on road assistance, should the car break down. Young drivers may not always be able to make an upfront payment hence companies tailor make their policies around this. Easy installments or monthly installments make life easier for young drivers.

There are still others that go a step further and cater to all the requirements that a lady may be looking for. Some car insurance for young female drivers can be quickly obtained online and their cover payments are spread over twelve months. Apart from covering no claims discount, third party fire and theft, they also offer windscreen insurance.

Just as you would for any other financial deals, remember to check multiple options and compare prices before zeroing in on a particular deal.

Robert Linley
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/low-car-insurance-for-young-female-drivers-know-the-guidelines-1247856.html

Competing Car Insurance Quotes amp Auto Insurance Rates Get Free Auto Insurance Quotes Online

http://www.buycar-insuranceonline.blogspot.com
To save money auto insurance is a quite simple way to save a lot of money.
You can get a quick quote online they often give you competing prices.

http://www.cheapcarinsurance-quotation.info

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When will the Insurance Lobby force us to have Medical insurance like the did Auto insurance?

Forced auto insurance, seat belt laws, helmet laws, child safety seats, laws and regulations, all brought upon us by insurance companies who use government regulation to maximize their profits.
Isn’t it only a matter of time before they get their friends in Washington to make Health Insurance Mandatory?
Or is that the republican plan for reform?

Reagan warned of obama and his kind, and I’m not referring to his race, He is a socialist, and health care is his door opener.

Please forward this video to all who question the "acting" president’s agenda!!!!!

What’s a low cost yet good car insurance co in California(northern)?

I have a gas hog and I am trying to lower my bills since
the economy slump and I am trying to find if my car insurance
is high and if I should switch and to who I pay every six months
681.00.Thanks in advance.

Hi! I used to run a Body shop in Northern California (Alameda & Contra Costa County) and I always found the same insurance companies easy to work with from a reapair point of view, were State Farm, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Geico and Farmers. Insurance holds true to the "You get what you pay for" I always found the hardest Insurance company to deal with was Allstate (never wanting to replace your car parts with new ones, only used and aftermarket – that never fit). Hope this helps!

How to Get Low Rate Car Insurance

It is always a great experience to purchase a new car. The thrill of driving it home for the first time is overwhelming. However, once you get it home it is time to start thinking about how you are going to protect it. You may think it is hard to find a low rate car insurance policy that provides you with the right protection, but it is not, and this article is going to tell you how.

Below are the factors that are going to affect how much your auto insurance will go up or down.

1. Your past record is the first thing that will affect you. The insurance companies look into your past driving to see how many traffic violations and accidents you have been involved in. You will be able to get a discounted car insurance rate if you have a low number of traffic violations and accidents.

2. Unfortunately, your age and gender are a factor in the cost of car insurance. The insurance company takes a look at how likely the person is to get involved in an accident. Those drivers that have experience will pay less for car insurance than those who are just starting to drive and women will pay less than men.

3. Although it does not involve your driving in anyway, your credit history will be checked by insurance companies. If you have a clean credit history then you will be able to bargain for a low cost car insurance. However, if you are a person with poor credit history you will be hurt when it comes to getting a good deal on your insurance.

4. One of the best things that you can do to get a discount on your insurance is to take a defensive driving course. Most insurance companies offer a discount for those who have completed a driving course because it shows that you are looking to be a safe driver on the road which will help prevent accidents.

5. The best way for your car to become eligible for a discount is if it has been installed with a anti-theft device. If your car has an alarm installed in it you are less likely to have your car stolen. Also, if your car has safety features such as anti-lock brakes and airbags you are likely to get cheaper insurance.

6. If you insure multiple cars under the same plan you can get a multi-car discount. It is not uncommon that you can insure two cars for the price of one under a multi-car plan. It is important that you ask the insurance company if they offer this type of discount because not all the companies do.

These are just some of the many things that you can do to get a low rate car insurance plan. Some of these variables are out of your control and some are easy enough to do that it is a wonder why most people do not take advantage of them. No matter what the case, you can be on your way to saving big money by following this article.

Michael Hunter
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/how-to-get-low-rate-car-insurance-445592.html

Save money on your auto insurance: Money-saving car insurance tips

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:

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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

Low Cost Car Insurance – There Are Ways To Get It

We have all heard the saying about no pain and no gain. That can also be true when it comes to finding low cost car insurance. The average insurance buyer avoids most of the responsibility when it comes to purchasing car insurance. They rely heavily on the insurance professional or the insurance company. Sometimes that approach works out fine but there is a decided advantage to the buyer who is better informed when shopping for car insurance. Here are some of the things that you need to consider when shopping for car insurance.

Do I want an Agent? – The agency system has been around a long time. The value of a good insurance professional is very high to a lot of people. They like having someone to counsel them on insurance. They don’t like dealing over the telephone or the internet.

Insurance Company – Once you decide on whether you want an agent or not then you can narrow down the field of insurance companies. You might want to select some familiar national names along with an independent agency.

All in One – There is a good chance that you will find lower cost car insurance by combining all of your insurance with one company. The multiple policy discounts along with the convenience makes it worth you time to compare your auto, home and even your life insurance.

Insurance Coverage – The shopping experience is a good time to get creative and ask a lot of questions about discounts and vehicle types. Question the need for coverage and buy what is most important to you.

Self Insuring – The days of low deductibles are slowly vanishing. Low deductibles are expensive and not worth the out of pocket expense. Higher deductibles means you are self-insuring for the first $500 to $1000 on collision and or comprehensive. This will save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the policy.

Please see our recommended source for insurance quotes of all types. It is a site dedicated to quotes and is powered by Insure Me. Insure Me is the leading internet insurance quote provider. They are a broker of many insurance companies to give you the lowest rates.

Greg Haehl
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/low-cost-car-insurance-there-are-ways-to-get-it-14633.html