Tag Archives: Premiums

Life Insurance Conundrums

  By John | April 28, 2010 - 3:00 am | Low Cost Car Insurance
6 Comments

Life insurance is a mix of terminology and incomprehensible phrases. What do the phrases, term life, whole life and universal life mean?

Life Insurance Sales

Getting the best life insurance is important! But it’s hard to understand what the different words and phrases mean, but now there are answers on the internet to help you. Information and life insurance quoting sites such as ours can let you learn on your own. On a site like this, you can check the market for the lowest life insurance quotes and learn the difference between all these types.

What Type of Life Insurance Should I Buy?

If you have dependants you should have term life insurance and perhaps disability insurance. Life insurance is used to replace the income that you no longer can provide if you’re not around. Disability replaces that income if you are here but can’t work.

How Much Life Insurance Should I Buy?

You should buy sufficient life insurance so that, if invested at the current low term interest rate say 5%, the investment will return sufficient capital to replace your income. And remember that is to replace your income after taxes.

What About The Different Types Of Life Insurance?

There is term life insurance that works like your house or car insurance; you pay it every year. Again, there is no cash back on any of these policies. Whole life insurance is up to 5 times as expensive, as to some extent you are prepaying premiums. And universal life insurance means that you need make an investment on top of your term life premium.

When all is said and done, unless you have a large estate which requires a different approach, you are best to switch to the most cost effective type of policy which is term life insurance.

Ivon T. Hughes
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/life-insurance-conundrums-82161.html

When it Comes to Auto Insurance, Being Street Smart Helps

  By John | April 28, 2010 - 3:00 am | Auto Insurance
15 Comments

Plenty of us believe that we have adequate amount of car insurance coverage, regularly renewing our policies as they come due without giving much though to what our insurance provides. It only is when we’re in an accident or make the decision to switch to another carrier do we acquaint ourselves with what we have, with the former yielding unpleasant surprises for some drivers.

For one thing, liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist coverage, deductibles, and other language makes it difficult for some drivers to figure out what coverage they have. Include the limits of your coverage, $100K, $300K, $50K and how that coverage works and most of us have no clear understanding of what insurance coverage we have.

Frank N. Darras, who is known as America’s top insurance lawyer, offers some practical advice about insurance, “Make sure you are covered for any accident that could put you and yours in the poor house. Raise your limits on all the coverage you can afford and lower your premiums by raising your deductibles. If your car is older, why carry a low deductible on comprehensive insurance which pays for fire, wind, hail and glass breakage?”

Darras says, “Carriers also look at your age, driving record and the make and model of your car. Where you live plays an important role in determining premium. If you live in a nice neighborhood, there generally is less congestion, which means fewer accidents and probably not as many thefts. Most carriers want a three year history of how many tickets you have had and the accidents you have been in as part of the premium equation. The kind of work you do also factors into the premium equation. Do boring safe work and you will pay lower premiums.” “Finally, a high credit score can lower your premiums. Carriers believe the more responsible you are about staying current on your bills will translate into responsible driving.”

Darras offers these money saving tips:

– If you get a ticket, fight them or go to traffic school so they don’t stay on your record and cause your premiums to go through the roof

– Cover your teenagers on your policy so they are not the primary driver on an expensive car. By covering your kids on your policy you can take advantage of your insurance carrier’s multi-car discount as well

– If you get in a minor accident and damage is less than $500, see if you can pay the other driver outside your insurance to prevent your rates from skyrocketing

– At renewal time, check your premiums against the market, make sure you are receiving all of your discounts, like the good student and customer loyalty discounts

– Pay your bills on time if you can, credit scores count big in the premium mix

– Timely premium payments will also lower your underwriting risks and future rates

– Boost your uninsured motorist coverage. For about $100 more a year, you can have uninsured motorist coverage of at least $100,000. Remember, uninsured motorist coverage is protecting you if the other driver has none. When was the last time you went to the emergency room and were out of work for a month when your losses weren’t more than 25,000?

– If your car is older than 5 years, drop the comprehensive coverage, if it is older than 12 years, drop the collision

“Always keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment. If you are in an accident, make sure you take photos before any vehicles are moved. Minutes after the accident, the story will change, so make sure you have pictures,” says Darras.

Clearly, in these days of financial pressures, following advice shared by Darras and others can save you a lot of money. Auto insurance isn’t a water cooler topic but it is a conversation that needs to be started especially as we begin a new year.

Matthew C. Keegan
http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/when-it-comes-to-auto-insurance-being-street-smart-helps-704943.html

How is the health care overhaul different from auto insurance?

  By John | March 29, 2010 - 9:26 pm | Auto Insurance
8 Comments

I’m not well versed in the world of politics, but I just read that there are 13 states that are going to sue because they claim it is unconstitutional for the government to mandate that we have health care. How can they require us to keep auto insurance then? Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to not have auto insurance; I don’t see how that’s different than health insurance.
ah, good point, Chicagok – haha.

purely a political statement. Federal social law trumps states rights. Isn’t the right glad they didn’t push tort reform through so that they can clog up the court system with these frivolous lawsuits?

EDIT: To the person above: Problem with people like you who don’t want insurance is that when you do use the health system, people who have insurance, like me, end up paying for your services with higher premiums and fees. Why should I have to pay for your poor choices?

EDIT: To Ali. Your fearful speculation about premiums is unfounded as there is no indication in the legislation that says they will go up [although conservative talk radio has beaten that into you head pretty well]. But I know for a fact that a $500 a night stay in a semi-private room [the room only] is overinflated so that the uninsured are cared for.

Save Money on your Car Insurance Today

  By John | March 16, 2010 - 8:19 pm | Low Cost Car Insurance
6 Comments

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

Direct Auto Insurance Agents

  By John | March 14, 2010 - 5:36 am | Auto Insurance
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Have auto insurance? Happy? If that last question gave you pause, call Direct Auto Insurance Agents. With over 420 offices across thirteen states and a different way of calculating rates, they’ll save you money while saving you time with their unmatched service. Got questions? Call and get a human on the phone who will provides you with answers, advice and estimates!
Visit us http://www.yellowpages.com/info-17656128/Direct-Auto-Insurance?from=youtb

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Secrets Of Cheaper Car Insurance

  By John | March 8, 2010 - 2:51 pm | Low Cost Car Insurance
3 Comments

Wouldn’t you love to get your car insurance at bargain rates? There are a number of proven ways to cut your premiums and, whilst most of them are no secret, many of us neglect to put them into practice. You just have to know what to do and where to go and your premiums could tumble.

Cutting the cost of your car insurance is more important than ever these days. According to the AA’s British Insurance Premium Index, the average annual comprehensive motor insurance premium is running about £822 annually. That’s it’s highest rate ever. But you can cut your car insurance premium in half if you shop around carefully and pay attention to a few little factors that can raise or lower your car insurance costs.

1. Shop around.

Shopping around is the key to getting the best possible rate on your car insurance. Whether you’re buying cover for the first time or renewing your existing policy, you should check insurance comparison sites to find the best possible deals. Ask for quotes from a number of different insurance providers – but be sure that you check the same options with each provider so that you are comparing like with like.

2. Get quotes from an insurance broker.

Insurance brokers represent many different insurers, so when you work through a broker, you can check prices from a range of insurers at the same time. Do keep in mind, though, that your insurance broker has an agenda as well – and will only tell you about the insurance providers that he or she represents.

3. Buy directly from the insurer.

When you cut out the middleman, you’ll save because there’s one less cut to be taken out of the pie. One way to benefit from both the variety offered by an insurance broker is to check quotes through a broker and then get a direct quote from the insurer’s web site.

4. Check multiple quotes through an insurance comparison site.

There are two kinds of insurance comparison sites. One is a broker site, where many insurers are represented and the web site owner gets a commission for each referral to an insurance company. The other type is the independent price comparison search engine which offers honest comparisons and reviews. You can apply for quotes online both through the broker site and at the insurer’s own web site and decide which offers you the best deal.

5. Get quotes for no-frills and internet-only car insurance

If you want comprehensive car insurance but are not bothered about all of the optional extras included in many policies, you could save money with simple, no-frills cover. These offer all the comprehensive cover basics to keep you on the road but cut out some of the options many drivers never use to save you money. You could also cut your premiums by using internet-only insurers who keep their overheads low by only selling and administering their policies online. They claim that these savings are passed onto the customer in lower premiums. Again, the key is to shop around and confirm these claims for yourself.

6. Buy your insurance online – but not before double-checking your quote on the phone or in person.

Buying online will typically save you 10% to 20% on your premium, but it’s not a hard and fast rule. Be sure to check with the insurer directly as well though.

Shopping around can really pay off but, keep in mind that there are other things you can do to cut your premiums as well. The top five tips for reducing your car insurance premium in addition to shopping around for the best deal are:

1. Reduce the number of miles you drive annually.
2. Add your partner to your policy.
3. Avoid making claims for small accidents.
4. Pay for your insurance annually.
5. Take an advanced driving course.

Simon Christopher
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/secrets-of-cheaper-car-insurance-326052.html

What Is The Average Cost Of Car Insurance?

  By John | February 20, 2010 - 5:21 pm | Low Cost Car Insurance
3 Comments

How much do the majority of people shell out for auto insurance? That is a hard question to answer. It is based for the most part on where you reside, instead of on the type of auto you own, as many believe.

City dwellers or people in urban areas need to spend more than those who reside in the country. There will be a greater chance of an accident if there is more traffic on the road.

Insurers use many factors to determine premiums including how old the driver is, but their main concern is the probability of actually having to pay a claim.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners put together a report stating the typical cost of auto insurance dropped by 1 overall.Seven percent in 2006. Recent reports cite the ten states with the highest premium costs as well as the ten least expensive states to live relative to the cost of auto insurance. There is definitely a considerable difference between the low and high.

In DC, the typical expense is $1,164 each year. The average in North Dakota is $530, which is less than 50%. States with the lowest insurance rates are Iowa, South Dakota, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and North Dakota – so keep that in mind when you’re moving. You can obtain a comprehensive car insurance policy at an average annual rate of less than $600 a year in all of these states.

The average cost of homeowner’s is higher in North Carolina, because of frequent hurricane damage along the coast,but, just as a point of interest. How much more things cost in a specific area is just one of the things to mull over before making a move.

Nevada, Delaware, Florida, New York and New Jersey are some of the states that have the most expensive rates. Costs in these states run more than $1000 annually. The amount you’ll could vary a lot if you live only a few miles apart. The state average rate is driven up by cities with higher rates

Just two years ago, people residing in Detroit could expect to pay over five thousand dollars a year for auto insurance. However, the median amount statewide was under $1000. Michigan is big in size, possessing a lot of rural regions. If you live out in the countryside your premiums will be lower than in a populated area such as Detroit.

Which businesses sell the majority of auto insurances? Knowing what companies provide the most insurance in the United States might be interesting for you. The trio of largest insurance companies are State Farm, Allstate and Progressive with AFLAC running close behind. If you go on the internet you can do a comparison of the rates charged by the top three insurance companies with very little effort.

Ian Wright
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/what-is-the-average-cost-of-car-insurance–803560.html

What Is Gap Insurance?

  By John | January 4, 2010 - 6:15 pm | Low Cost Car Insurance
8 Comments

Before a person decided to purchase a new vehicle, they need to check with their insurance company about gap insurance because it might already be included in the auto premium. If is not, this will be something that you can purchase for a decent cost.

There are some insurers that do not offer this type of insurance at all. If this is the case, you should try to find a company that offers gap insurance before you decide to purchase it through the dealer.

Gap insurance is the insurance that will pay for the difference between what you would owe on an automobile and what the insurance company is going to say it is worth. This insurance is a must for someone who may be considering purchasing a new vehicle since a new vehicle will depreciate in value as soon as it is moved from the dealer’s lot. You will appreciate this insurance if you are ever in an accident and still owe money on your car.

Usually gap insurance is built into a lease for any of the leased cars that a consumer may decide to use. Do not just assume that it is. Make sure that you are asking questions and finding out the information that you need to make sure that you are covered incase that you are ever involved in an accident. You have to make sure that you are protected.

The premiums are usually low for gap insurance. This is not going to be something that you are going to spend a lot of money on. For new purchases, it can be automatically added into your monthly car payment. This is hardly noticeable and it will allow you to have the protection that will make you feel secure each time you decide to drive your car.

Geoff Spencer
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/what-is-gap-insurance-82759.html

What You Must Know About Motor Trade Insurance

  By John | December 29, 2009 - 1:56 am | Low Cost Car Insurance
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Motor trade insurance makes sure that your car, your employees and most of all you, are covered when the situation demands. According to an HSE Statistic report, during 2006 and 2007, employees were affected by 28,267 grave injuries in the workplace. In this scenario, it becomes a must for you to obtain a motor trade insurance policy to remain safe. Motor Trade Insurance policies are very important for you if you are in the automobile industry. If you a mechanic, car dealer, garage or dealership, you need to obtain a motor trade insurance now! This is because you never know when you will encounter a major financial loss, which can come to you in the form of a hurricane, a road accident or a car that is stolen.

Although motor trade insurance cannot thwart such situations, it is also meant to help you in this scenario and guarantee you security during such happenings. Motor trade insurance protects your assets that you toil to attain, and which are imperative to run your business smoothly.

Motor trade insurance is ideal for those who are involved in the auto industry, as well as for those people who are between the age of 21 to 70 years. To get insurance, you need to present truthful information about yourself. If you provide false or incorrect information, you may get disqualify for your motor trade insurance policy. If you need detailed guidance, insurance brokers can guide you with all the aspects of motor trade insurance. They can help you understand the requirements and prerequisites when you apply for motor trade insurance.

You should consider various motor trade insurance quotes before making your decision. You should also read all the policy documents so that you can understand all its aspects regarding the terms and conditions and the coverage.

The perfect motor trade insurance plan is the one that has low premiums and maximum coverage, which will include all aspects of your business. It should also fulfil the fundamental requirements – and your budget. Normally, it is hard to find a cost effective motor trade insurance plan, however it is not impossible to get one if you conduct good research. The best thing to help you get an economical motor trade insurance policy is to engage an insurance broker who can help you all the way.

Some people may think that it is pointless expenditure to involve an agent as they can obtain a motor trade insurance policy themselves. However, the idea of involving a broker is to save you time and energy, which you could spend on finding the best motor trade insurance. Brokers also have endless resources and contacts to help you find an affordable and effective motor insurance policy. They can break down the insurance plan on your behalf and help you understand all the details of the policy. They will also present you with numerous motor trade insurance quotations, and you can evaluate them and make the right and most appropriate decision. Good Luck!

Eric Token
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/what-you-must-know-about-motor-trade-insurance-755685.html

Why can’t I get a decent car insurance premium?

  By John | December 18, 2009 - 10:05 pm | Low Cost Car Insurance
13 Comments

I am a 27 year old male with no points on my licence, its been six years since any kind of accident, I have never been pulled over and given a ticket in my life. It seems that no matter what kind of car or what location Im in I can not get a good car insuarance rate. At one point I was paying over $4000 a year. I recently did an inquiry to see what it would cost to insure a 99 toyota tercell with an alarm, various anti-theft devices and in a state that is known for having lower cost insurance, plus it would only be for work and less than 10,000 miles a year in driving. I was quoted $209 a month! Other than one accident 6 years ago, I have a spotless driving record, why are my insurance costs so crazy?
Thanks for all the help everyone, but I forgot to mention that the $209 is just for liability with a $2000 deductible. This is with many different Ins companies. I think I am just unlucky.

have you kept continuous coverage, if not, that can raise your premiums. Also, I heard somewhere that insurance rates don’t drop for a guy until 30. Sorry!

Austin Auto Insurance – How to Get the Best Deal

  By John | November 25, 2009 - 6:23 pm | Low Cost Car Insurance
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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

How Can Car Insurance Discounts Help Reduce Your Bills?

  By John | November 9, 2009 - 10:43 pm | Low Cost Car Insurance
2 Comments

Everyone wants to get the cheapest car insurance available dont they? The cost of running a car now is becoming scary, with the price of gas as it is, and its certainly no fund when the car insurance bill arrives to make it worse. What are some things you can do to reduce your car insurance costs?

There are quite a few things, but Id like to look at car insurance discounts. It is not well known but car insurance companies offer all sorts of discounts to car insurance policy holders. These discounts help reduce the cost of the policy and therefore reduce your car insurance costs.

Although these discounts exist the car insurance companies dont immediately offer them to you however, and to get them you often need to ask. It is estimated that the insurance companies take millions of dollars in premiums each year which they would not if policy holders got all the discounts they were entitled to.

So here are a few ideas for you about discounts. Remember always to ask if you qualify for these, they vary from area to area and company to company.

No claims or renewal discount. Probably the most well known of all, a discount for having a clean insurance claims record. Over time, up to a certain point, your percentage discount will increase for a clean record.

Anti theft devices. Each year the car insurance companies pay out hundreds of millions of dollars for claims related to auto theft. Anything which reduces the risk that your car will be stolen will reduce their risk that they will need to pay a theft claim. So if you have an anti theft device this may well result in reduced premiums, if you ask about it.

Advanced driver training. A more skilled driver also results in reduced risk of accident. So if you have undertaken an advanced driver training course then this may well reduce your premiums, especially if you are young.

Often with things like advanced driver training and anti theft devices the reduction in premium can, over time, pay for the extra costs involved in getting these things.

Multi policy discount. The insurance companies want more business, and so if you have an auto insurance policy with them, and have a home insurance policy as well, you may well qualify for a discount on both by holding them at the same company.

Multi vehicle discount. Exactly the same as above. Hold policies for more than one vehicle at the same company and you may well get a discount.

Low mileage discount. If your vehicle only drives 5000 miles a year that reduces the risk to the auto insurance company. If you do few miles then let them know and see if you are entitled to a discount.

Thats just a few but Im sure you get the idea. The car insurance companies will reward things which reduce their risk or increase their business with discounts. But you often need to ask, they dont always volunteer them.

So when your next renewal comes remember to ask about discounts.

Peter Crump
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/how-can-car-insurance-discounts-help-reduce-your-bills-50507.html

Auto Insurance in Maryland

  By John | November 4, 2009 - 7:57 am | Auto Insurance
3 Comments

When you decide to buy auto insurance in Maryland that agent will demand from you such information to estimate your features of risk. The history of movement for the last three years, records about your infringements is required to the auto insurance agent, type of the car which you wish insure, details, model, age. As a result auto insurance agent appoints the norm based on your characteristics. If in your report is available though one accident that the auto insurance agent will carry you to high group of risk and you will pay the high premium. Your sort and age too influence reception of norms of auto insurance. As is known men and have youth of more accidents. Norms decrease for auto insurance with increase in your age.

Married people have lower norms of auto insurance and pay it is less. If your year run very high you get in high group of risk and will pay the greater premium.

Norms are certain by habits of movement within the limits of staff. The minimum of the responsibility for a physical injury makes 20 000 $ for the person, 40 000 $ if has suffered more than two person and 15 000 $ for damages of a personal property. Before buying auto insurance in staff it is important to know what norms are required under the law in this state.

Scope of auto insurance demands some types of protection. The law of staff demands that each driver had a minimum level of protection. Many drivers buy more than a minimum level that charges connected with repair, medical charges, charges on litigations as a result of accident defray all. They pay higher premiums, but are assured that will receive worthy indemnification at accident. Auto insurance in maryland of a civil liability protects you in case of accident. Two types are included in this scope liability: protection from a physical injury and the responsibility for damage of the property.

Eden Ali
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/auto-insurance-in-maryland-192383.html