7/31/2007

More Costs to Plan for When Purchasing a Property

by Melanie
Apart form the Stamp Duties, legal fees and various searches that you may need to do, there are yet more costs to factor in to your budget when purchasing a property. This may seem like bad news, yet they are there for your protection and could save you much more money down the track.

Two of these are building and pest inspections. Many contracts are signed with an added clause about these two inspections. You don't want to go to all the trouble and expense of purchasing your dream property only to discover that it is riddled with termites, or structurally unsound. Much better to pay for the advice of specialists to assure you that all is well - or not, as the case may be. At least if you find out that it's not, you'll have a legal way of cancelling the contract.

A property Valuation by an independent party will also give you peace of mind that you have not paid more than the fair market value for your property. The bank will probably do one before they approve the loan, but that is not usually made available to the purchaser.

Last but not least is the cost of your mortgage insurance. This may not apply to you, but if you have less than 80% of the purchase price, the bank will want to be insured just in case the worst happens and you can't pay the loan. Hopefully, this won't happen to you.

goarticles.com

7/29/2007

Benefits Of Online Car Insurance

by Darryl Cocks
With the explosion of popularity in using the internet to find you a car insurance quote, it's becoming easier to find not only the right cover for you, but also save you money into the bargain too.

Insurance companies have realised that they can no longer count on their high street brokers or insurance representatives to bring in business, and this has led to them setting up dedicated online insurance businesses to try and offer you the best deal. This means that there's never been a better time for insuring your car - all you need do is know where to look.

One of the main reasons people now arrange their car insurance online is the savings they get, and this is particularly true of you're part of a more specialised group of drivers. For instance, if you're a lady driver (who insurance companies tend to prefer over male drivers, particularly younger drivers, due to them being viewed less an insurance risk), then there are many companies who have deals just for you.

For the more traditional types of car insurance, such as fully comprehensive and third party fire and theft, getting your car insured online offers a great choice of insurers to choose from, ensuring that you get the best possible deal for you, as well as the correct cover.

The best thing about insuring online is you don't feel rushed in the way you might if you went to an actual insurance broker on the high street, or spoke to someone over the telephone. You can choose your insurance cover at your own pace, and input information that's specific to you, to get you the cover that's right for you.

Large Companies, Big Savings

If you go to an Internet search engine, such as Google, and type in "online car insurance", you'll be greeted with a whole host of names of major auto insurance companies, all have online options now, with the knowledge that many people prefer this method of insuring their cars now.

The wonderful thing about this is that you can still have the type of cover you've always had with the more "traditional method", but since you now have the power to change web pages with just the click of a mouse, these companies need to attract you and keep you with them. This has led to some incredible insurance cover deals being made available, as well as easy payments and a full online customer support team for your every question. If you're still unsure of using the Internet to find insurance for your car, consider the pros against the cons:

Pros · Larger choice · No "middle man" broker, so more savings · Relaxed method of making sure you have proper cover · No sales pitch

Cons · Can take a while to go through all choices

So as you can see, there really is no reason for you not to look online the next time your car insurance is due for renewal.

www.webguideon.com/car-insurance

7/28/2007

Cheap Car Insurance : Picking A Good Insurance Company Will Work better

by Allan Elvin
Driving contains several of safety measures which requires its presence every time one drives. Lacking the concentration and concern take one to meet accident on road. The accident could be minor and even in some case very severe. And having an insurance keeps people out of any financial crisis if they meet an accident while driving. Having a cheap car insurance acts in same way what a pill does when you meet a health problem.

Motor insurance is soothing in the sense that it pays you some sort of compensation when you meet an accident on road. As the increased number of vehicles in UK have made accident a minute matter to happen, government has made it legal to have a car insurance even before you take out your car on road. Such traffic rules may be a hassle to many, but it is meant for the safety measure and standard of common people.

To avail a car insurance, first you will have to look for a insurance company offering several benefits at competitive price. In UK, there are several reputed insurance companies like Lloyds TSB, Direct Line, Norwich Union, Churchill car ins, The AA Car Ins, Elephant Car ins, RAC Car Insurance, etc. All of them have abundance of insurance offer giving you several benefits. Available at competitive rate, such Cheap Car Insurance are lucrative deal to avail.

The coverage amount of the motor insurance depends upon several factors like age of the insurer, car model, its engine size, etc. If you are of young age, insurer will put you at higher risk, and will charge you high premium on the cheap car insurance. The premium amount you need to pay, and the compensation amount you will be paid depends upon the model of your car. You are required to give all information to your insurer about the car you own.

look4insurances.co.uk

7/26/2007

How To Save Money On Your Car Insurance.

By: T. O Donnell
Tip 1: Give the car insurance company all details that they require. Details regarding your annual mileage, your car's safety features and installed equipment, zip code, marital status and your driving record would be needed to ascertain all the discounts you may qualify for. This will help the company give you the best quote possible. In the absence of these details, the insurance company will quote their highest price. This is just to cover themselves, so you can't wave it in their face later, if it turns out you're not an optimum risk.

Tip 2: To cover your car according to your needs, you may get insurance quotes that could vary up to 300%, meaning if one company quotes £1000, another may quote £3000 for the same car and the same coverage. Just by comparing quotes from various companies, you could end up saving hundreds of bucks annually. Even your old car insurance company may be offering lower rates to new customers. You can negotiate the same deal for yourself.

Tip 3: If there's anyway to reduce your annual mileage, do it. Most companies have discounts for cars that do less than 40 miles a day on an average. Travelling by train or flying for vacations can also help reduce miles on your car. This will cut a lot of precious dollars off your insurance quote.

Tip 4: Switching drivers could be a good option. A few more quid could be shaved off the insurance quote, if a female driver drives a truck or a male driver drives a minivan. Teenage drivers need to be insured on a family car or a sedan instead of a sports car. Ultimately the insurance company looks at the risk of covering your car. The lesser the risk, the lesser is the car insurance quote.

Tip 5: Bump up your 'excess'. In the UK you are at liberty to increase the amount you'll pay in the event of a claim, before the insurance company stumps up. If the minimum they ask for is £100, but you volunteer £500, your premiums can be lower.

Tip 6: Get 'third party fire and theft' on older cars. Old Bessy is not worth getting 'fully comp' on. Three years of fully comprehensive may be worth more than the car itself!

Tip 7: Buy a mediocre car. A smart car is a thief magnet, and is usually more powerful. Drivers are likely to drive more recklessly in a sports car. Some are expensive to repair. These factors cause the premium to be higher.

Do your research before you buy. Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Premiums are based in part on the car's price, repair costs, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of it being stolen.

ttinsurance.co.uk

7/25/2007

8 Easy Routes to Cheaper Car Insurance

By: Nicholas Hunt
Car insurance is one of the most expensive costs involved in driving a car, and it's not something you can avoid - a minimum level of insurance is required by law. That doesn't mean you have to blindly pay whatever your insurer quotes though, as there are several simple things you can do to reduce the cost of your premiums.

1) Shop around and buy online: Figures show that many people simply renew their current policies without shopping around. The internet makes it easy to compare prices from different insurers, so why not take advantage of this? Plus, you'll usually get a discount of 10% or more just for buying your policy online.

2) Policy type: do you really need a comprehensive policy with all the extras? Going for a third party fire & theft policy can reduce your premiums hugely, and is definitely worth considering if your car isn't an expensive model.

3) No claims discounts: Nearly all policies feature a discount that increases for every year you don't make a claim. The higher the discount available, the more you could save. Also look at insurers offering a 'no claims bonus for life' feature, where your current discount level can be fixed forever, even if you have to make a claim somewhere down the line.

4) Excess: The excess on a policy is the amount of a claim you have to pay before the insurer pays the rest. Choosing to have a higher than standard excess level will usually mean lower premiums.

5) Security: Fitting your vehicle with an alarm, immobiliser, or other security devices can lead to premium reductions. Parking you car off-road, for example on a driveway or in a garage, will also mean a cheaper policy.

6) Pay annually: Many insurers charge you interest for the privilege of paying in monthly installments. Pay annually if you can afford it to avoid this, or look for one of the companies who don't charge extra for monthly payment.

7) Mileage: The more mileage you run up every year, the more your insurance will cost. Even if you can't reduce your mileage, make sure you're not overestimating how much you actually do drive, and give your insurer an accurate figure.

8) Drivers: The more drivers you have on your policy, the more it will cost. Reduce the number of people insured to drive your car to the minimum possible, and try to get the policy in the name of a driver with the lowest risk profile. For example, if a car is driven by both a man and a woman, insuring it in the woman's name will often result in a cheaper quote.

1stop-finance.co.uk

7/24/2007

Car Insurance: Protect Your Assets

by: Millard Hiner
We all need to make the important decision about which car insurance we'll choose for our car. These days, not only do we need to find appropriate insurance for the vehicle we drive, but it is also required by law in almost every country. As a result, you need to make sure you keep the expiry date of your car insurance in mind.

Now, when it comes to car insurance, the other important matter is selecting an appropriate and reliable company that provides car insurance. In some countries, there are only state-owned automobile insurance companies that are allowed to offer car insurance (http://www.carinsurance-4.info/) to customers whereas in several other countries in the world, there are lots of insurance companies in the private sector too dealing in automobile insurance.

With this in mind, it is essential you choose a reliable company that offers competitive premiums for its auto policy. You'll also want to make sure the company is fair and effective if you should need to make a claim for accidental repairs, or any other insurance claims that may arise. It is at times such as these that you'll need to depend on your insurance company, which is why choosing wisely is so important.

Cheap auto insurance (http://www.carinsurance-4.info/) is something of a gamble. On one hand, the expense of car insurance is considerable and a factor that cannot be ignored. A company that can provide low rates and high levels of customer service may be an excellent selection. However, if the company does not do a good job of following up on policyholders' claims, cheap auto insurance (http://www.carinsurance-4.info/) may do nothing more than illustrate the adage that you get what you pay for.

Another key feature of an automobile insurance policy is the online insurance (http://www.re-greatfalls.com/grtflls/36711-car-insurancecheap-auto.php) availability or lack of it. This feature is the most important for professionals, especially if their jobs include lots of travelling assignments. In such cases, access to online insurance becomes very convenient so that the customers can get extensions of their policies and make premium payments online, saving much time.

Life insurance is meant to protect our assets and, perhaps more importantly, our piece of mind in case of disaster. The knowledge that there is a large financial company looking out for you in times of trouble provides a sense of security at a time that is naturally highly emotionally fraught. If you can choose the right life insurance policy, then you can relax knowing that emergencies will be taken care of.

7/23/2007

Insurance Quotes Are the Best Way to Go

by Kathryn Lang
When it was time to get car insurance for my first car there were no insurance quotes to compare; there was nothing to think about. It was my parents' policy and they went with the company they had used for years.

After getting married, there were still no insurance quotes to look at. When I took my husband's last name, the insurance company came with it. Because of the relationship established with the local agent, we use the same company for all of out insurance needs.

Was this the best way to go about getting insurance? It worked out for us, but getting insurance quotes is always the best route to go - especially starting out. It could be that the company that works for you didn't work for your parents. Most likely, the needs that you have today will be completely different from those of your parents (both then and now) and your unique requirements could require a unique insurance company.

Getting insurance quotes is easier than you might think; the trick comes with deciding just what you will put the highest value on - savings or availability. There are numerous online sites that will not only give you insurance quotes but will compare them to other insurance companies. This is easier (and more efficient) than calling numerous companies because it ensures that you will have the same information (discounts, deductibles, etc.) on all of the quotes.

Be prepared to give out some personal information. In order to give accurate insurance quotes, most companies will want to check the driving history of the person that is to be covered. If giving out personal information (even though it is perfectly secure) is not your thing, then you might want to stick with your local insurance agent.

If it is time to insure a car, a home, a boat (or any toy imaginable), take the time to get insurance quotes instead of relying on the same old same old.

fairinvestment.co.uk/

7/22/2007

Car Insurance Agents: Finalising The Policy

by Millard Hiner
Yet even if the legislator has left the decision to each individual car owner, it is not an excuse to careful research on the subject.Year on year, we witness rapidly growing intensity of advertising by car insurance agents. Not without a reason - though of course the boost is to a huge extent a result of car insurance becoming obligatory in many locations.

Car insurance agents warn about the ramifications of not carrying insurance. Many car insurance quotes after an accident will increase, especially if you own an older or larger car. However, it does pay to carry insurance on your vehicle. Imagine the shock of the discovery of the theft of your uninsured car, or being involved in an accident when not carrying insurance. This can have many long lasting after effects on the ability to obtain insurance.

The initial step after deciding that you need insurance coverage for your vehicle is to contact car insurance agents. From their input and from your information gathering, you can study the options that will be available to your policy and whether they meet your individual requirements. You should not forget to consider the premium over the life of the policy as well as the ingredients in the coverage. Having studied these factors, you can decide on what type of coverage will satisfy your need and what types of coverage can be ignored.

Then some comparison shopping might take place to find the most competitive offers, with the internet as a good resource of reading material on those issues. There are many services of both insurance providers and independent institutions that describe meaning of legal and technical terms or even providing detailed step by step instructions of how to obtain a particular insurance.

Even a purchase of car insurance on line is possible, and it is a convenient option for those of us putting in long working hours or unwilling to travel from agent to agent. With such option, you cen either effect the payment by a credit card or bank transfer or receive a visit from a sales representative who will inspect your car and collect the fee.

Once a final decision has been made to purchase an insurance policy, it is very important to remember the date when your insurance coverage ends in the next year. Better to note it down in your yearly planner book or PDA, so that you will be able to remember to renew your policy or able to look for a fresh competitive policy in advance. Better option would be to renew the existing policy, because the car insurance agent might call you to remind in advance, take care of the paper work involved and may offer you a loyalty discount.

gooarticles.com

7/21/2007

Car Insurance And Its Importance For You

by Millard Hiner
If you intend to drive a car, you must buy car insurance to protect yourself and others financially in case of an accident. This is the requirement throughout the United States and in most other countries. If you allow your car insurance to expire, you may face legal repercussions, especially if you are involved in an accident. Do not let this happen.

There are lots of insurance companies in the private sector that deal in automobile insurance whereas in some countries, there are only state-owned automobile insurance companies that are allowed to offer car insurance to customers. So when it comes to car insurance, the other important matter is selecting an appropriate and reliable company that provides car insurance.

Under such conditions, it also becomes very important to choose a dependable company that charges most competitive insurance premiums for auto policy covers and at the same time is very fair and efficient when it comes to making claims in case of accidental repairs or such other insurance claims in respect of your car. It is here that reliability of an automobile insurance company becomes very crucial, and thus the need to be choosy on this matter.

Cheap auto insurance is something of a gamble. On one hand, the expense of car insurance is considerable and a factor that cannot be ignored. A company that can provide low rates and high levels of customer service may be an excellent selection. However, if the company does not do a good job of following up on policyholders' claims, cheap auto insurance may do nothing more than illustrate the adage that you get what you pay for.

Another key feature of an automobile insurance policy is the online insurance availability or lack of it. This feature is the most important for professionals, especially if their jobs include lots of travelling assignments. In such cases, access to online insurance becomes very convenient so that the customers can get extensions of their policies and make premium payments online, saving much time.

Summing up, one can say that in today's fast-paced busy posession of life insurance can provide some means of mental peace and safety. The awareness that somewhere someone can reach out and help you in times of crisis can be a great relief and source of confidence. Also, this may motivate us more to go on carrying our duties without worrying about such unsettling matters to much. So why not go for an insurance policy cover and just relax?

goarticles.com

7/19/2007

Where To Go For Cheap Mortgage Protection

by Simon Burgess
Mortgage payment protection can be a valuable asset to have in your corner if you should become unable to work due to having an accident, becoming unemployed or suffering from a prolonged illness. The cover is designed to pay out for usually around 12 months (with some policies it is 24 months) and will make sure that you can manage to carry on making the mortgage repayments. It can mean the difference between you losing the roof over your head and not having to worry. However when it comes to getting the best deal on the insurance you have to know where to buy, so how can you get cheap mortgage protection?

The cheapest mortgage protection premiums can normally be found by shopping around and buying the cover independently. This means don't be fooled into thinking that just because you got a good deal on your mortgage with your lender, that they will give you the best deal on your mortgage payment protection policy too. AS the media regularly highlights, the majority of high street banks and lenders charge way over the odds when it comes to mortgage payment protection policies. The only way to get a get cheap quote without compromising in the quality of the product is by shopping around and buying from a standalone policy provider.

A standalone provider is someone who is not tied to a particular lender, so they can provide an often better quality policy at a lower price. Not many people are aware that they do have the right to go independently when it comes to taking out mortgage payment protection and as such just take the policy offered at the time of getting the mortgage. This - as ongoing research from various organisations keeps proving - is without a doubt the most expensive way to purchase your policy and there is no way that you are going to get cheap mortgage protection when bought this way

britishinsurance.com

Cheap Mortgage Insurance Online

by Simon Burgess
When it comes to taking out cheap mortgage insurance then the best way to get a quality policy is to go with an independent provider. As a rule of thumb, an independent provider can help you to make huge savings on the amount of premium that you are asked to pay while providing you with good advice in the process. However, when it comes to cheap mortgage insurance not all policies are of the same quality, so you need to ensure that you fully understand the terms and conditions of cover.

Depending on where you buy it, some mortgage payment protection insurance providers charge ridiculous premiums for the pleasure of having the safety net that this invaluable insurance can provide. As the media continually highlights, among the worst organisations to purchase your policy from are the high street banks and lenders who have been known to mis-sell policies by putting the consumer last and profits first.

Another big problem when it comes to taking out your mortgage policy is that providers would like you to believe that the cover has to be taken alongside your mortgage. This is not true and if you want the best savings on your premium then shopping around and going independently is the only way to do so.

Mortgage payment protection insurance is taken out to make sure that if you become unable to work through having an accident, long term sickness or through unemployment then at least you won't be struggling to find the money needed to carry on paying your mortgage repayments every month. Taking out a policy from a standalone provider means it doesn't cost you the earth while giving you the safety net and comfort of knowing that if the worst came to the worst then you would at least still have a roof over your head.

Another great benefit that you get by going with a standalone provider to get cheap mortgage insurance is that along with being sold the correct policy for your needs because of their experience, you will also be able to get great advice. Cheap mortgage insurance can be found but it is only by going with an independent provider and not with the high street lender that you are able to get the not only the best deal but also the best advice available.

britishinsurance.com/

7/18/2007

Volvo Wins Car Security Award

by Glady Reign
The Swedish brand known for safe cars is now slowly claiming stake to the title of being the producer of the most secure vehicles. Volvo Cars recently took home an award for the Personal Car Communicator. The device was commended at the recently concluded British Insurance Car Security Awards.

The Personal Car Communicator (PCC) is a device developed by Volvo to strengthen the security of their select vehicles which comes equipped with the PCC. The device is a remote control which can be used to open or lock car doors. That capability though is not the reason why Volvo was commended at the awarding event.

The PCC has a unique capability to determine if a car door is locked or unlocked even without the driver approaching the car. From as far away as 100 meters, a driver can learn if his Volvo's door is locked or not. Another unique capability of the PCC is that it can sense if someone is inside the vehicle. Using a heartbeat sensor, the PCC can warn a driver if an intruder is waiting in his or her car.

Another innovative feature of the PCC is that through it, one can turn on the car's lights including the lights inside the car. For these innovations, the PCC was given an innovation award at the British Insurance Car Security Awards hosted by Thatcham The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre. The PCC is used on the Volvo wheel bearing -equipped Volvo S80.

After receiving the award, Volvo managing director Stuart Kerr has this to say: "Personal security is one of the cornerstones of the Volvo safety profile and we are delighted that the Personal Car Communicator has been recognized as an important technology to help further reduce vehicle crime."

Citroen also received an award at the BICSA. Its overt and covert markings on its vehicles make it easy for a victim of vehicle theft to identify a recovered vehicle. This can be used by law enforcement agencies without the need for third party service providers.

The innovation made to make vehicles of today more secure was commended by the Thatcham chief executive Peter Roberts during his speech at the awarding ceremony. "Manufacturers are continuing to keep ahead of the criminal fraternity - committing resources to the development of highly sophisticated systems to keep cars secure," says Roberts. "Many car thieves are just having to give up thanks to the industry's continued quest to drive down car crime."

During the awarding ceremony, the Citroen C3 Exclusive was named given the "Supermini" security award. The Citroen C4 Exclusive was named the most secure small family car. With these awards, Citroen continues its vehicle security effort. In four years, the French car manufacturer has already taken ten BICSA citations. The Citroen C4 Picasso also won the distinction of being the most secure compact MPV. The Citroen C6 was named the most secure executive car.

Topping the family car segment in terms of security is the Peugeot 407 Executive. The Lexus IS was named the most secure compact executive car. The Ford S-Max bagged the security award in the large MPV class. Other winners are the Nissan X-Trail and the Mercedes-Benz S Class. The X-Trail topped the compact 4x4 segment while the S Class took the top honors for the luxury car class.


goarticles.com

7/17/2007

Easy Tips for Choosing Trustworthy Insurance Companies.

By: T. O Donnell
There are hundreds of insurance companies offering thousands of products. Choosing the right ones is challenging. Here are some things you should consider:

Reputation of Company - Pick a company that offers high standards of service and quality, while having a strong reputation and financial stability. In the US, check your state insurance department to find out more about the companies, and their reputation.

Availability and Communication - Choose insurance companies that are available for you when you need them the most. Think about what's important to you. Is it a national company with local representation, or is their online presence as strong as their offline presence? Check their Internet presence. Erase doubts.

Service - Check the insurance company's customer service and support. Call up the insurance companies' toll-free numbers and ask them questions pertaining to your issues related to different insurance policies. Make sure you select a company with knowledgeable representatives, who are specially trained to answer all your questions related to coverage. They should also be able to respond to your claims efficiently and quickly.

Product Choice - When choosing an insurance company for your insurance coverage, you should opt for a carrier that offers a wide range of coverage options suitable for most of your needs and requirements.

Price - Remember, that for any insurance policy you get coverage based on the premium you pay. Also, some insurance companies will tell you that your insurance can come down to a certain price and not lower than that. Don't waste money paying for insurance coverage for possessions that you don't need, or, get less protection just to get a lower premium cost.

If you are buying a home on mortgage, then your mortgage company may suggest homeowners' insurance companies that they work with, but this should not mean that you have to use this company for your insurance needs. Take your time to decide the insurance company that meets your expectations and offers you the best coverage at reasonable rates, so that you do not have to regret your choice.

Insurance providers even give free online quotes, so you don't have to visit every insurance company's or agent's office in your locality. Just click on 'Get a Quote' and relax. If you buy insurance online, you can get discounts from 10% - 25% depending on the policy.

Whether you are looking to purchase a new policy or renew your existing policy, all you need to do is connect to the Internet and browse your way to a new policy - with the click of a mouse!


T. O' Donnell www.ttinsurance.co.uk is a licenced credit broker based in London, UK.

7/15/2007

Why Is Your Car Insurance So Expensive?

By: Nicholas Hunt
Although these days it's pretty easy to arrange your car insurance online, comparing quotes at the click of a button and paying by credit card for instant cover, one ever present difficulty still remains: the high cost of insurance policies. The fact that having car insurance in place is both a legal requirement and a sensible idea doesn't detract from the annoyance of having to pay what seems to be an exorbitant sum, and most of us would jump at the chance of reducing the bill.

To do this we need to know what factors insurance companies use when deciding how much our premiums will be.

Perhaps the most important influence on the level of your premium is your own history as a driver. If you've a history of having accidents, then naturally you're a higher risk to the insurer and so they'll charge you more. Worse, if you've been convicted of a motoring offence such as speeding or driving while under the influence, then your insurance will cost you even more - especially if your licence was withdrawn.

On the plus side, a history containing no black marks such as accidents will result in cheaper insurance as you build up a 'no claims' discount over the years.

The next most important factor is what kind of car you're trying to insure. Naturally, more expensive cars will cost more to replace, and so the insurance will cost you more too. This isn't the whole story though, as other features such as engine size, the availability of cheap spares, and the difficulty of repair will have an influence too. Finally, some models of car are well known for being easier to break into or steal than others - the insurance companies are well aware of this and will adjust their quotes accordingly.

How you use your car will also affect the price you pay for cover. If you rarely drive and have a low annual mileage, then your premiums can be cut as you're on the road for less time, and therefore have less chance of needing to make a claim. City drivers may also have to pay more compared to those who drive in quieter areas.

Where you keep your car is important too - if you have a secure parking area, preferably one that keeps your vehicle out of sight and under cover, then your risk is lowered, as will be your premiums. Cars that are regularly parked at the roadside are at a higher risk of being stolen or involved in collisions, and so will be more expensive to insure.

One final point to cover is that of how attractive your car is to thieves, and not just in the obvious way of how desirable your vehicle is! An expensive car with a good security system including an alarm and window etching etcetera will be more of a hassle for criminals to profit from, and so is less likely to be stolen than a cheaper car with little or no security. Also, a car featuring plenty of gadgets such as an expensive audio system or satellite navigation will attract greater interest from potential thieves.

So as we can see, even though car insurance is an expensive business, it's not always as simple as it seems, and by looking at what insurers want in a 'perfect' customer, you may be able to drive down your premiums.


Nicholas has been writing on financial issues including car insurance for several years. Visit his site for more insurance tips and tricks, including how to get cheaper insurance for female drivers.

http://insurance-care.blogspot.com

7/14/2007

Tips To Reduce Your Car Insurance Rates

By: Jon Arnold
When you are out looking at a new or used car, you always look at the price and mentally calculate whether or not you can afford the payments. But one of the things that you need to also factor in is the cost of car insurance for that vehicle. Now more than ever before, car insurance rates are playing a major factor in determining how much it will cost you to drive that car every month.

One of the big questions in the minds of most consumers is whether or not "cheap" car insurance is worth it. In an ideal situation, you will never have to use it anyway, since you are not planning on getting into an accident, having your car stolen, having the car catch on fire, or having someone steal the tires and bumpers off of it. But we do not live in an ideal world and you cannot anticipate what MIGHT happen, so the car insurance companies need to play a part in how much money you put out to drive that car.

Does "cheap" car insurance really cover you? You need to take the time to read all that fine print and make that determination. It is all spelled out, and must be spelled out by law, but many people do not take the time to read all that fine print, and only discover that they are not covered when they need to file a claim. For example, if a tree branch falls on your car and totals it, if you did not read the fine print, you did not realize that your car is not covered if the tree is an OAK tree. For a pine tree or an elm tree, you would have been covered, but not with an oak tree.

While that may seem like a silly example, it is not all that far from the truth when you look at some of the exclusions that are in "cheap" car insurance policies. That is not to say that all cheap car insurance policies contain absurd exclusions in coverage, but you don't know that until you take the time to read the fine print of the policy, which must outline exactly what is and is not covered. If you do not take the time to read that, or even worse, simply take the insurance agent's word for it, shame on you.

Like with anything else, you need to make sure you are comparing apples to apples so you know who REALLY has the best price. If one policy is significantly cheaper than another policy, be a detective and search to find out why. You are likely to find that the cheaper policy does not include theft coverage, or that the deductible is $1000 instead of $250, or a huge variety of other items.

To keep your car insurance as low as possible, make sure you are comparing apples to apples, but also keep the following tips in mind:

1. Consider the car itself. Different cars have different rates and it is not just based on the value of the vehicle. Some vehicles are more in demand for car thieves, some are easier to steal, some have a really poor crash safety rating, etc. If you are in love with three different cars, factor in the different cost of insurance for each.

2. Consider the deductible. Your premiums will be different for a $100 deductible versus $250 or $500 or $1000. Also note that you can usually have different deductible amounts for different things, like $250 deductible on collision but $100 deductible on theft. You can reduce your premiums by raising your deductible.

3. Consider getting a car with anti-theft and/or safety devices in it, or if it is not equipped that way, consider having those things installed. But before you do, find out how much they will reduce your car insurance premiums, because with some policies, the devices may not make any appreciable difference.

And the overall best way to keep your car insurance premiums as low as possible is to take care of your car and drive carefully. Always lock your car, and drive carefully by observing posted speed limits and road signs. A moving violation ticket gets reported to the car insurance company, who is likely to raise your rates as a result.
tips-for-car-insurance.com

7/13/2007

Student Car Insurance

by David Thomson
If you are going away to college or university then it's important of course that you are able to travel back home to see friends and family. However younger people are well known for being targeted for high car insurance premiums, which can make freedom of travelling very hard.
Saving money it what it's all about and there are many ways in which you can make savings when it comes to student car insurance. To start with you should give some serious consideration over what type of car you should be buying, it will cost you much less if you buy a smaller car with a small engine, than it will should you choose to buy a flashy sports car which has more power.
However when it comes to student car insurance then perhaps the biggest savings can be made if you take the time to shop around for your car insurance. However this doesn't mean that you have to spend hours going all over town, by far the best way is by using the internet. There are many online insurers who only trade online and this is where you can make the biggest savings on student car insurance. Comparing quotes is quick, easy and essential if you want to get the cheapest insurance. You can also use a specialist broker who will do the legwork for you!
There are many specialist sites which cater especially for the younger driver and students, if you look around some even offer discounts and incentives to buy from them. Of course you should know which type of car insurance you are looking for and usually third party is the best choice when it comes to student car insurance.
If you choose to go fully comprehensive then the premiums for students can be sky high, but again if this is what you need then make several comparisons before choosing which one to go with.
Other ways you can keep the cost of your student car insurance down are to install security devices on your car, such as wheel and steering locks and have your windows security etched with your registration. Where you keep your car can also affect the cost of your insurance and if you are keeping it on campus with security then be sure to mention this in your application.
If you have only just passed your driving test then consider going for an extended and advanced driving course, the number one reason why young drivers are penalised is through lack of experience. If you take and pass an advanced course this could knock your premiums down considerably.
Above all when shopping for student car insurance make sure that you compare like for like policies, this means that if a policy seems particularly cheap it might not include what similar policies that are more expensive cover and this should be taken into account.
article source goarticles.com

7/11/2007

Why buying car insurance online is the answer for women

by Katrina Eadie
With modern life being as it is, every lady's life is packed full to the brim with juggling work, home and play. It seems that more hours of our days are being taken up with our jobs, chores around the home and other responsibilities. As a result, we end up having very little time to unwind with our friends and family and enjoy some time out from the rush.
However, there is one major development that can make our lives easier and help us to reclaim some of the time we've spent on the not-so-fun activities: the internet. This marvellous technological advancement has revolutionised many aspects of everyday living, from doing the weekly shop to buying car insurance.
Ah yes, car insurance. The majority of ladies use a car to get about and those who do are required by law to purchase a motor insurance policy once a year. In years gone by, busy women would have had to spend hours ringing around the car insurance companies who had done multi-million pound TV advertising campaigns to get their name out there.
Now, ladies can just type "car insurance for women" into Google or one of the other search engines and they will be presented with loads of companies offering cheap car insurance quotes for ladies. There are even some websites which offer women car insurance price comparisons so details need to be input just once in order to find the best deal.
It is so much less frustrating for women to search for the cheapest car insurance deal online than over the phone. There is no annoying hold music, no more repeating details over and over again on the phone to bored call centre staff and, if that isn't enough of a bonus, online car insurance quotes are often substantially cheaper.
The reason for this price difference is that web-based motor insurance companies generally have lower running costs than those who have to shell out for hundreds of call centre staff and pass much of these savings along to their customers. Also, advertising car insurance online is much cheaper than through offline media such as TV, radio and magazines. As a result, ladies are often offered 10% discounts for purchasing a car insurance policy online rather than over the phone.
Another factor which has also brought down the cost of car insurance for women is the fact that the last few years have also seen an emergence of companies which only provide insurance for female drivers.
The reason these firms choose to offer women's car insurance and turn down men's business is that ladies are proven to be a lower insurance risk and make cheaper claims on their policies. If a motor insurance company doesn't insure men, it doesn't have to make such costly payouts and it can then afford to provide cheaper car insurance for women.
A further advantage for ladies who get car insurance online is that it can be done at any time of the day whereas call centres usually have limited opening hours. This means that you can chase down women's car insurance quotes on the net whenever you have a spare few minutes, whether in the morning before heading off to work or while you are waiting for a late night snack to finish cooking.
So, the next time your women's car insurance is up for renewal, flick on your computer and have a quick scour around the internet. You are bound to find it is a quicker, cheaper and much less exasperating experience than using the phone, leaving you with more time, more patience and more money for getting on with life.
http://www.goarticles.com/

7/08/2007

Car Insurance Guide Is Key In Scary Situation

by Millard Hiner
Imagine you arre driving on a busy freeway, and suddenly the car in front of you swerves just to miss a large couch in the middle of the street. There are cars around you and minimum time to react, your only choice is to say a prayer and plow directly into your seat. When the whole accident is over and your car is being moved to the automotive shop, what are you going to do first?
If you're like most people, you make that all-important call to your car insurance company, using the number prominently displayed on the front cover of the car insurance guide rescued from the glove compartment before your car was whisked away.
Having adequate car insurance is very important these days, as there are more cars on the road now a days than at any other point in history. As the days go by, the automobiles are getting bigger and meaner and their costs are reaching the sky. This should prompt us to consider the financial backing to pay for damages associated with not only our cars, but also the cars that we could damage through our own fault.
Need to get insurance? It has never been easier, in this day and age, to get a quote for car insurance. Speak directly with an insurance agent on the phone, get a car insurance quote online, go into the local insurance agency. You will find that there are as many types of benefits, coverages, and costs as there are ways to find the best coverage! When you decide on the right agency for you, the car insurance guide they send you will detail the coverage specifics and other helpful information.
There are many factors to consider when chosing the correct car insurance. You can lower your premiums by chosing a higher deductible. How? If you are an above average driver who doesn't drive much, you have that option! If you are one who doesn't have a lot of extra cash to pay a high deductible in the event of an accident, you might want to pay a higher premium, which would lower your deductible.
It's important that you keep your car insurance guide with you all the time. Although you hope never to have an accident, it's wise to take a responsible attitude to driving, and be prepared to respond appropriately if an accident does occur.
article source http://www.goarticles.com

7/02/2007

How to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Maine

by Brian Stevens
Car insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars from one company to the next. By taking a little time to shop around, you can find cheap car insurance in Maine with a top company

Visit an Insurance Comparison Website
Cheap car insurance in Maine is easy to find if you begin your search on the Internet. Go to an insurance comparison website for some quick, easy, and accurate comparison shopping. An insurance comparison website lets you type in your insurance information, including;
* Type of vehicle you own, including make, model, VIN number, and security features.
* Driver information, such as your age and driving experience.
* Insurance amounts and deductibles you want.
You then receive fast quotes from a variety of companies, which you can compare so you're sure you're getting the cheapest rate on your Maine car insurance.

Talk With Insurance Professionals
As an added benefit, the best insurance comparison websites let you talk online or by phone with insurance professionals so you can get answers to your insurance questions as you fill out your form. (See link below)
For example, you might want to know:
* Where you can find your car's VIN number. * What amounts to choose for your coverage and your deductibles.
* What discounts you qualify for.

Cheap Quotes With Reliable Companies
Of course, price shouldn't be your only concern when you buy car insurance. In addition to finding a cheap quote, you want a stable and reliable insurance company.
Fortunately, all the quotes you get from the top insurance comparison websites are from A-rated companies, which means they're financially strong. So by shopping for car insurance with them you can be assured you're getting a cheap insurance quote with an excellent company.
Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com or click on the following link to get Maine car insurance quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more auto insurance tips in their Articles section.