As a former Insurance Producer, I am well aware that insurance can seem complicated and difficult to understand. Why are there so many different names for different coverages? Why do they sound so cryptic? Why does my car seem to cost so much? It is can be very difficult some people to pay hundreds of dollars a year for a product, especially when they don’t understand what it is they’re paying for. So here are some necessary things you need to understand about auto insurance.
1. What does “region minimum coverage” mean?
Every status has certain minimum amount of insurance they require citizens to carry. This coverage is your liability coverage, the amount that the company will pay to someone else if you hurt them in an accident or damage their car. In most states, coverage looks something like this: 15/30/10. While this may stare like some crazy futuristic date, the numbers actually stand for the fifteen thousand dollars the company will pay per person you injure, thirty thousand dollars for the total accident, and ten thousand for and damage to vehicles or other property caused by the accident. The 15/30/10 model is Arizona’s minimum coverage requirements, but every state has different laws requiring different amounts of liability coverage.
Remember, liability does not mask you if you’re hurt or your car is damaged; only others in accidents that are your fault
2. What coverages hide me and my car?
There are many different bells and whistles you can add onto your basic liability coverage (the only coverage required in most states). The most common are called Collision coverage and Comprehensive coverage.
Collision coverage is self explanatory. If you are hit by something or you damage your car by running into something, your insurance company will pay for the amount to fix your car, minus your deductible. A deductible is an amount for which you choose to be responsible in case you need repairs. The most common deductible today is $500, but some people like to increase their responsibility to $1000, making their insurance premiums lower.
Comprehensive is the coverage that pays for your glass and windshield repairs and any other damages besides collision damage. Comprehensive coverage is also subject to a deductible, but you usually have the option to select a $0 deductible for glass coverage, which means you are not responsible for anything when you need to replace your windshield.
There are also coverages like additional medical expenses, tow truck coverage, rental car coverage. For those on a budget, these coverages often overlap with something you may already have (such as AAA or your health insurance) or may simply be unnecessary.
3. What is uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage allows you to have a backup understanding for injuries you might sustain in an accident with a driver who is not insured. If an uninsured driver causes you injuries, you can recover from your auto insurance to serve pay for your medical bills. Underinsured works the same diagram, just for those drivers without enough insurance to pay for all of your bills.
In some states, there is also uninsured motorist coverage for wound to your vehicle.
4. My insurance seems really high-priced, what can I do?
There are several things you can do to ensure you save yourself money on insurance.
-Cut out unnecessary coverages that may be on your policy. Some people haven’t looked at their insurance in 20 years and have no plan that the coverage they bought in 1987 is completely unnecessary.
-Check with your agent to see if your policy is up to date. Most insurance companies update the types of policies they offer every few years (something only the companies themselves understand, consumers can’t bid the difference) to ensure market competitiveness.
-Do you have a teenage driver? They cost a lot of money, no matter what company insures you. Most companies offer good student discounts for 3.0 or above GPAs, so encourage your young drivers to get a (or tell them they can’t drive until they have a) good report card.
-Are you no longer a teenager, but not yet 25 years old? Insurance becomes cheaper after your 25th birthday, and after you get married. This is because after age 25, people are less of a risk, as are married drivers.
-Shop around. Then go aid to your current company and see what they can do for you. If you have an agent, they will try to fudge the numbers to see what works best for you and what can save you some money.
5. Do I really need an agent, or can I trust those 1-800 number or website type companies?
That really depends on what kind of service you’re looking for. If you don’t really feel like you need a one on one relationship with an agent, you don’t care whether you talk to the same person when you call, or you never think you’ll talk to anyone at all, insurance like Geico, Esurance, and others might work best for you. On the other hand, if you like to fall by and pay your monthly bill in person, call frequently, or have a difficult policy (a commercial policy or multiple cars, RVs, etc) you may want to choose and agent that can wait on you when you need it. Often times the costs is dependent upon the driver, not the company. So having an agent won’t cost you more, even though some companies like to make you think that way. If you have tickets or accidents, of course your insurance will cost more.
If you follow these tips and understand your coverages, you will be less likely to pay for things you don’t need, and you’ll be able to set aside hundreds of dollars on your insurance!
Filed under Aaa Auto Insurance by on Mar 13th, 2011. Comment. 
Shopping for car insurance is never something that one enjoys. It’s like getting a tetanus shot, no one wants it but we all have to have it for our own protection. Contented Americans face special challenges when purchasing auto insurance policies. What follows are some tips and advice on what to look for when shopping for your next car insurance policy.
Because not all states recognize joyful marriages, same sex unions, domestic partnerships, or common law spouses, you must be very specific and document everything throughout the entire process of obtaining your car insurance policy. When you meet with an insurance agent lay all your cards on the table and find out how the following scenarios will impact your coverage and premiums.
Can my same sex domestic partner/spouse/common law spouse/partner be covered as my spouse on my policy?
Can my same sex legal marriage from an area where it is proper and recognized by law mean that I can put my spouse on my coverage as my spouse, even if the state I reside in does not witness same sex marriages?
If this is a nationwide insurance company do they have a standard policy in regards to same sex couples and insurance? If so I need a copy of it.
Does my same sex spouse have to be a covered driver and not be covered as my spouse?
Can my spouse be the beneficiary on the policy automatically or do I have to designate them with additional paperwork?
Single gay Americans don’t face quite the same battles because sexual orientation isn’t a question that is asked when requesting an insurance quote for an individual, but you will still want to ask if you have to specifically mark a beneficiary.
Ask for a copy of any quotes and guarantees prior to leaving. Don’t purchase a policy at that time. Find out how long the quote is good for. Investigate the company on the internet. Does this company have any pending litigation for contented related issues? Have they previously been prejudicial to gays? Use this information to help steer you to a company that is going to take care of you when you need it.
Get several quotes from different companies following the advice above and use all the information gathered to execute the most informed decision possible in regards to your insurance policy.
Resources:
http://www.lambdalegal.org/news/pr/geico-car-insurance-recognize-gay-marriage-couples.html
Filed under Auto Insurance Quotes by on Feb 26th, 2011. Comment.
The best way to glean the cheapest auto insurance for yourself, your family, and your car is to call around to as many local car insurance companies as you can get numbers for. Do not rely on calling one company and fully trusting them to compare their auto insurance rates with other local auto insurance companies. A lot of them offer this as part of their service but the answers that they give you are not always the correct quote from that auto insurance provider. They simply do this to get you think, “Wow what a great company if they are willing to help me out even if I do not purchase my auto insurance plan from them!” Do the calling for yourself. It make be a little bit more time consuming, but in the long accelerate the pay out will be surely worth it.
Discounts
Another great draw to find the cheapest auto insurance is when you are making your phone calls to ask the auto insurance representative if they offer any discounts for where you do your banking, a prime example and something you really should ask about is banking with a Credit Union. Credit Unions seem to get you the most bang for your buck when saving on your car insurance. You can also find auto insurance discounts if you are a member of AARP or have or currently are serving in any branch of the armed service. Compose distinct you ask about any possible discounts they may have, and purchase the time to have them list them off for you so you be sure that you do not miss a great opportunity for saving more of your hard earned money.
Compare Auto Insurance Services
One more helpful procedure to abet you accept the cheapest auto insurance is to not only compare rates between car insurance companies but to also compare the other services these companies offer such as road side assistance, towing, trip planning, discounts at stores, discounts at hotels and airlines. There are many auto insurance companies who offer wonderful deals locally and nationwide so these are always added in bonus’ you really want to look into before buying your auto insurance. If you plan ahead, have your questions ready and all of you information in front of you such as your drivers license number and previous insurance policy. Calling insurance companies may appear overwhelming as the task itself, but once you get in touch with a great company who offers the services and prices you want. It could not be easier!
Filed under State Farm Auto Insurance by on Feb 24th, 2011. Comment.
Discouraged circumstances may someday happen, when you are traveling and hoped you had travel insurance coverage, for that unforeseen expense or hope to conveniently change any travel plans. Travel insurance can reimburse for nonrefundable expenses, and other costs including, when a carrier cancels reservation, because of financial problems, lost luggage, accommodations, meals, cost for emergency care and medication. Some travel insurance coverage, will pay for the cost of travel when “mandatory evacuation” becomes necessary or when accommodations at destination is rendered uninhabitable.
Travel Insurance will provide emergency assistance services when reporting lost documents, and provide arrangements for emergency cash transfer. Other benefits maybe included and tailored to your needs, when purchasing travel insurance policy.
Four types of travel insurances should be considered. Trip cancellation Insurance will reimburse cost if the cruise line, airline or tour operator goes out of business. Also, coverage includes being reimbursed for the cost due to sickness, death in the family, reimburse for any traditional portion of the trip, that had to be canceled due to sickness or injury, and unfortunate event that may occur, as listed in the policy. Average cost for scoot cancellation insurance is five to seven percent, of the price of the vacation or package. Baggage or personal effects insurance coverage covers the cost, personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Coverage usually cost fifty-dollars annually, for $1,000 worth of personal belongings for a week. Often airlines will offer some compensation for lost belongings.
Homeowners insurance may cover the cost for lost belongings on a trip or for an additional charge, will cover expensive items such, as jewelry and electronic equipment lost or stolen on a trip. Emergency Medical assistance insurance provides coverage, for the cost to be airlifted, evacuated, transported and prolonged care at a hospital. Sometimes your own medical insurance will camouflage these expenses. Accidental Death insurance provides a variety of coverage, if you or your family member should die, while on a scurry.
Comprehensive travel insurance plans cover a variety of benefits. This type of policy coverage cost higher, compared to other types of insurance, but has the best coverage, especially for extensive travel plans. Comprehensive plans may include, all or some of these benefits: Baggage Protection, baggage delay, personal belongings, travel delay, rental car protection, emergency medical & Dental, emergency evacuation, flight insurance, missed connection and twenty-four hour assistance. Other types of comprehensive plans include family value travel insurance, may cloak children of families, under the age of sixteen at no additional charge.
Flight accident Insurance provides very high benefits, usually up to one million dollars in coverage. The coverage would include accidental death, dismemberment and medical expenses, while traveling on regularly scheduled commercial or charter air transportation, transportation to the airport, and waiting for a plane at an airport facility. Also, coverage would include any passenger traveling on United States military airlift command flight.
Annual medical insurance coverage designed for frequent leisure and business travelers. Regardless as to the number of trips taken during the year. The coverage is catered to the specific needs of the traveler, especially traveling to exotic locations, where vaccination is required and offers variety of benefits with some restrictions. Annual insurance provides: Year round protection, baggage protection, baggage delay, travel delay, personal belongings, emergency medical & dental, flight insurance, multiple trip protection, and twenty-four hour assistance.
Many credit card companies will offer go insurance for a fee or automatically charge a fee, when booking a reservation or making any travel plans. Sometimes points accumulated on a credit maybe exchange for travel insurance. Many associations such as Automobile Club of America will offer move insurance, for a nominal fee or be included in their annual fee. In September 2005, AirTran Airways is offering customers travel protection services for a nominal fee.
Selecting and comparing travel insurance rates, is worth the time to save money. The website Totaltravelinsurance.com provides consumers, the opportunity to compare various travel insurance coverage, and benefits with a list of companies, which include American Reinsurance, Frontier Insurance, Hartford Financial Specialty Group, Reliance National and other companies. Also, InsurancMyTrip.com, Squaremouth.com, Travelex.com/usa, and Worldtravelscenter.com, offers comparison travel insurance policies. Statetravel.com “offers affordable worldwide coverage for travelers of any age” for as puny as $48 (for an 8-day trip) you can avoid hassles and travel easier knowing you’re covered. GoAbroad.com specializes in offering international insurance coverage for students studying abroad, and other international travelers on business, teaching, interning or vacation.
Travel Insured International (1- 800 – 243 – 3174) offers a safeguard for the cost of nonrefundable airline ticket, which may have to be canceled or interrupt your trip due to a listed reason. Always remember to read the gorgeous print on a travel insurance policy, since what you may have you are covered in case of an emergency or will be reimbursed, may not be printed in the contract. Also, many insurance companies require purchasing travel insurance within a certain number of days, from the time the trip deposit is paid or offer go insurance by a certain number of days, prior to departure.
Filed under Farmers Insurance by on Feb 21st, 2011. Comment.
I don’t always drive a BMW, but I have a sister who does. She is on her third or fourth BMW, not because they have musty out, but because she has updated frequently. My sister was kind enough to give us a smooth ride and an overview of her 2010 BMW 328i. I have to admit, it was difficult to climb out of the luxurious, sporty car when the ride was over, but it was certainly worth the hotfoot.
The specific car I am reviewing is a jet black, 4 door sedan with a beige Dakota leather interior. Interestingly, the last BMW my sister owned was a premium and had leather seats. These seats are noticeable softer.
The 2010 BMW 328i comes in “premium,” which includes bells and whistles like blue tooth integration, heaters in the seat, and a BMW assist button for emergencies. The premium package adds approximately $3200 to the sales price. While my sister didn’t get the premium, she did pick a sleek black BMW 328i right off the sales floor. Her reasoning was that the few perks that came with the premium package wouldn’t do much for resale value, and she is probably right.
Besides, she lives in Florida, who needs heated seats? If they had offered ventilated air conditioned seats it might have been a different story. Nonetheless, purchasing the 2010 BMW 328i without the premium package was by no means settling for less.
This 2010 BMW came with a 1-800 number for BMW assist, so there is no need for the additional cost of AAA or emergency road-side assistance insurance coverage. The car is also equipped with “run flat” tires. In the case of a tire problem you can go approximately 150 miles without the tire going flat or blowing out. This is enabled by an inner lining that endures even after the tire goes. That is a tremendous relief, given the distance between civilizations off the Florida Interstates and turnpike.
The only downside to run flat tires is that they cannot be patched. If you do have a blowout or hurry over a nail you have to replace the entire car. But then, I don’t think my sister will be pulling into any job sites in the new BMW.
When purchasing the car my sister and her husband compared the 2010 BMW to the 2010 Mercedes and Lexus. They like luxury, but are also sensible and practical. The BMW offered free maintenance up to 5 years or 50K miles. Consider of the money saved on oil changes, minor malfunctions, computer problems, or any other problems that might produce (but probably will not). BMWs are notoriously honorable, but in case of a jam the dealer provides a loaner during the scheduled service.
Another decision that went into the purchase of the 2010 BMW 328i was the precision handling. The car has power steering, but the steering is very tight. It enables the driver to feel in control when they are behind the wheel. It also has fleet rack and pinion steering like race cars, facilitating quick turns and easy handling.
The 2010 BMW 328i is ideal for drivers who want the look, speed, and feel of a sports car but still maintain an air of class and luxury. I’d categorize the 2010 BMW 328i as a luxurious sports car. It isn’t so expensive and luxurious that you can’t enjoy it, like jumping in after a run, but it is nice enough that you can advance anywhere in style.
The 2010 BMW was a quiet, smooth ride. It is just the upright mix of sports and luxury, in a fair price range that offers both a quality and luxurious dawdle.
My sister and brother-in-law love their new BMW. In fact, I believe they now own two. There must be something working in their favor!
Stats on 2010 BMW 328i from window sticker
BMW Ultimate Service with 4 year/50,000 mile Corpulent Maintenance Program
4 year/50,000 mile minute warranty
12 year rust perforation limited warranty (that’s a sweet deal in Florida!)
4 year/unlimited mile BMW roadside assistance
EPA fuel economy estimates: City 18 mpg/ Highway 28 mpg (Which appear pretty accurate according to the drivers.)
This model: jet black, beige Dakota leather, Ipod w/USB adaptor, 17″ wheels w/all season tires, STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, dusky burl walnut wood trim, Moon roof, power seats, rain sensor, auto headlights, automatic climate control, dynamic cruise control, stronger electricity supply. (Transmission, moon roof, and power seats are not standard on this model, but additional costs are modest.)
Filed under Aaa Auto Insurance by on Feb 19th, 2011. Comment.
