Home | About

Editor's Articles

Understanding California Auto Insurance

Posted by Editor in Wednesday, April 14th 2010

Automobile coverage in CA can become complex depending on a person’s specific needs and is often misunderstood by consumers which may leave them with the wrong type of policy and/or underinsured. The Golden State requires that motorists follow the Financial Responsibility law in order to register and operate a vehicle; what this means is that motorists must have compensation in place in the event that they cause injury or property damage to a third party while operating their automobile. Complying with the state’s Financial Responsibility law can be done in a few different ways; a vehicle owner can make a cash deposit of $35,000 with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), obtain a surety bond in the same amount from an insurer licensed to do business in the state or use the most common method of obtaining a California auto insurance policy from a licensed carrier. Californians who choose to purchase policies must obtain minimum limits of liability in the amount of $15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 for bodily injury to two or more people and $5,000 for property damage; motorists should be aware that this coverage does not cover any property damage or injuries that are sustained by the insured. Additional Info About CA Car Insurance A large number of individuals who choose to purchase an auto insurance policy often buy policies with the lowest limits that the state allows; this is usually because it is most likely the most affordable coverage since it offers the least protection. Unfortunately what many do not realize is that California has some of the lowest requirements in the nation and purchasing these low limits can leave motorists liable for the cost of injuries or damages that exceed what is covered by the policy. For example, if a motorist strikes a high end vehicle and causes damages in the amount of $12,500; if the minimum is carried for property damage then the insurer will only pay $5,000 toward the damage and the policyholder could be held responsible for the remaining $7,500. Many industry professionals and consumer guides suggest that motorists purchase policies with limits of $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 to help avoid facing financial hardships in the event that a third party is seriously injured or substantial property damage is caused by the policyholder. Although these limits may be much higher than what is required and can become expensive for some individuals, it may be wise to buy limits as high as can be afforded. In addition, motorists should be aware that the state requirements will not pay for injuries or damages sustained by the insured and additional coverage must be purchased to cover expenses if this were to occur. The California Department of Insurance Information Guide explains the optional types of coverage such comprehensive and collision which will help pay to repair or replace an insured’s vehicle.

Automobile coverage in CA can become complex depending on a person’s specific needs and is often misunderstood by consumers which may leave them with the wrong type of policy and/or underinsured. The Golden State requires that motorists follow the Financial Responsibility law in order to register and operate a vehicle; what this means is that motorists must have compensation in place in the event that they cause injury or property damage to a third party while operating their automobile.

Complying with the state’s Financial Responsibility law can be done in a few different ways; a vehicle owner can make a cash deposit of $35,000 with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), obtain a surety bond in the same amount from an insurer licensed to do business in the state or use the most common method of obtaining a California auto insurance policy from a licensed carrier. Californians who choose to purchase policies must obtain minimum limits of liability in the amount of $15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 for bodily injury to two or more people and $5,000 for property damage; motorists should be aware that this coverage does not cover any property damage or injuries that are sustained by the insured.

Additional Info About CA Car Insurance

A large number of individuals who choose to purchase an auto insurance policy often buy policies with the lowest limits that the state allows; this is usually because it is most likely the most affordable coverage since it offers the least protection. Unfortunately what many do not realize is that California has some of the lowest requirements in the nation and purchasing these low limits can leave motorists liable for the cost of injuries or damages that exceed what is covered by the policy. For example, if a motorist strikes a high end vehicle and causes damages in the amount of $12,500; if the minimum is carried for property damage then the insurer will only pay $5,000 toward the damage and the policyholder could be held responsible for the remaining $7,500.

Many industry professionals and consumer guides suggest that motorists purchase policies with limits of $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 to help avoid facing financial hardships in the event that a third party is seriously injured or substantial property damage is caused by the policyholder. Although these limits may be much higher than what is required and can become expensive for some individuals, it may be wise to buy limits as high as can be afforded. In addition, motorists should be aware that the state requirements will not pay for injuries or damages sustained by the insured and additional coverage must be purchased to cover expenses if this were to occur. The California Department of Insurance Information Guide explains the optional types of coverage such comprehensive and collision which will help pay to repair or replace an insured’s vehicle.

Obtain Insurance from a Top Rated Company

Posted by Editor in Tuesday, April 13th 2010

 

Insurance companies

Many consumers are under the impression that locating the best companies is done by finding insurers that offer the cheapest rates; while price is a very important aspect of getting coverage it is not the only thing that should be taken into consideration when shopping for a policy. Car insurance companies are made up of many factors all of which can be equally important and although the lowest rates for protection are preferred, it may be worth paying a little extra to ensure that you are covered by a quality carrier to avoid any aggravation in the future.

Consumer guides from both private parties and departments of the government as well as most industry professionals tend to agree that competitive pricing is only one of the items that make up top rated auto insurance companies and individuals should also consider a carrier’s financial stability and customer service just as important when it comes to finding the right policy provider. As a matter of fact, most government websites suggest that consumers take the time to make sure that an insurer is in good financial standing and has a decent complaint ratio before purchasing coverage in order to protect one’s self from getting insured with a carrier who may be in financial trouble or have poor customer support.

How to Find Top Rated Insurance Companies

Consumers nowadays have it fairly easy when it comes to locating a quality product and a quality insurer for that matter. With so many consumer watch groups and government publications that have developed over the years, individuals now have access to various helpful tips at their fingertips to utilize when shopping for auto insurance; after all, it is a very important product which should not be taken lightly when purchased.

In addition, thanks to the Internet, motorists can check a companies reputation with ease and in a fraction of the time it would have taken with the methods available in the not to distant past. As consumers set out to purchase automobile policies they usually start out in the same place and begin comparing rates; this should be the first step taken, but not the only one. Once quotes have been found that are of their liking they should check the financial strength of the companies offering them; this show the ability the company has to fulfill their obligations to their policyholders and although it may seem like it could take a bit of time it does not necessarily have to. There are several rating agencies that can be accessed online which provide consumers with an evaluation of the financial ratings of insurers free of charge and this can help from getting covered by a carrier in financial trouble.

The World Wide Web can also be used to check on company’s reputation and customer satisfaction level. One can easily and quickly ensure that a carrier’s customers are generally content with their business practice by visiting state websites such as the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation which offer the complaint ratios of insurers. Complaints are usually a result of poor customer service and unresolved issues and states keep track of this information for the benefit of residents. Looking into price, financial strength and customer service can help motorists obtain policies from a top rated quality company at a fair rate and may be worth the extra effort.

Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/companies/ratings/

Post to Twitter

Auto Warranty Tips: 3

Posted by Editor in Saturday, April 10th 2010

 

car-side-mirrorWhenever you are buying a brand new car, you need to understand that you are going to have your car covered under a new car warranty.  What that is going to cover is actually bump-to-bumper – however, that is only if you have that particular warranty.  What that means is that it covers everything minus the things that wear down, such as brakes and tires.

The powertain warranty is a little different though, as it covers everything that makes the car move, including the engine as well as the transmission.  So it does not cover things like scratches or things that might not be under the hood – so that is a choice that you will have to make.

An extended auto warranty typically can be purchased to prolong the coverage of the bump-to-bumper status.

Auto Warranty Tips: 3

Posted by Editor in Saturday, April 10th 2010

 

car-side-mirrorWhenever you are buying a brand new car, you need to understand that you are going to have your car covered under a new car warranty.  What that is going to cover is actually bump-to-bumper – however, that is only if you have that particular warranty.  What that means is that it covers everything minus the things that wear down, such as brakes and tires.

The powertain warranty is a little different though, as it covers everything that makes the car move, including the engine as well as the transmission.  So it does not cover things like scratches or things that might not be under the hood – so that is a choice that you will have to make.

An extended auto warranty typically can be purchased to prolong the coverage of the bump-to-bumper status.

Auto Warranty Tips: 2

Posted by Editor in Friday, April 09th 2010

 

20090325-ensurallphoto800Now that we have talked a little bit about the auto warranties out there, what is an auto warranty and what exactly does it do for you – how does it work?  That is what we are going to talk about.  Warranties will actually cover all of the repairs up to three years typically – or 36,000.  A lot of the warranties do go by mileage, so that is something that you will wan to make sure that you check out.

If you decide to buy an extended warranty though, it might be beneficial to you simply because that way, you can make sure that your repairs are covered for a longer period of time.  A lot of them are 10 years or 100,000 miles.  If you drive a lot though, that might not even be the best option for you.

In the next blog, we will talk about what the differences are between an extended warranty as well as a new car warranty.

Using Free Auto Insurance Quotes to Save Money

Posted by Editor in Wednesday, April 07th 2010

Automobile coverage can be obtained by consumers from a wide range of companies and in many states there may be well over a hundred to choose from; the price that each will charge in premiums can be a very different amount then what another company may charge which means that obtaining as many quotations as possible is the most effective method that motorists have when trying to locate the most affordable policy. Fortunately, the majority of insurers are willing to provide free car insurance quotes to any consumer who wishes to obtain one in hopes of gaining new business. While it may seem like a hassle and practically impossible to gather and compare rates from the large number of carriers available in any given area, it does not cost a cent to shop around, only takes some time which would be well spent if a cheap company is found. With the ability to get numerous quotations from various insurers at no cost, consumers should definitely use this advantage in order to save as much money as possible when purchasing new coverage and in many cases it does not have to take all that much time to get a quote from several providers. Where to Go for Free Car Insurance Quotes There are many ways that individuals can find out what insurers are going to charge in premiums for policies, but it comes down to the preference of the consumer and how they prefer to shop. While each method of can be equally effective, some can be more time consuming than others, but once again some individuals feel more comfortable doing things in a certain manner compared to others. A popular method which has been around as long as auto insurance has is to visit with agents; many individuals choose this way of shopping because they feel more comfortable being face to face with a person rather than on the telephone, although it can take quite a bit of time to visit several offices to get quotations to compare from. Just about every insurer and their representatives has a telephone and many individuals like to call around shop different companies by telephoning providers and obtaining a free rate quote to compare from; as a matter of fact, the California Department of Insurance requires that every insurer in the state have a toll free number and or a website where residents can obtain a cost estimate or be referred to somebody who can which brings up the next point. While calling insurers is certainly faster than hopping in a car and driving down to offices, the Internet offers an extremely fast and convenient way to gather and compare rates. There are several websites which provide visitors with the ability to obtain quotations from a variety of companies in one place so that consumers may not even have to visit more than one website to find the cheapest rates. Regardless of the method that a person chooses to use when shopping around for coverage they should keep in mind that getting quotes is absolutely free and does not require any sort of obligation; be sure to take time to compare as many as possible before purchasing a policy.

The rest is here:
Using Free Auto Insurance Quotes to Save Money

Getting Insurance with No Driver’s License

Posted by Editor in Tuesday, April 06th 2010

A large amount of consumers are under the belief that car insurance companies will not provide coverage for automobiles if they do not possess licensing to operate a vehicle; in many cases this is simply not necessarily true and those who are unlicensed may be able to get insured with certain companies willing to provide policies to these particular individuals. Consumers should be aware that there are many companies out there and each have different guidelines which they follow; in turn some insurers will cover individuals whether licensed or not. When applying for auto insurance without a drivers license be sure to address the issue with the agent before proceeding to save time. As mentioned, carriers have certain guidelines and some conditions may not fit an individual’s circumstance. For instance, an insurer may be willing to provide a policy, but will require the consumer to obtain a license within a certain time frame; in addition, for those who have an international license the same may apply or they may simply except that as valid licensing, although local authorities may not. Be sure to understand the circumstances under which coverage is being provided and abide by the agreement to avoid any sort of cancellation; also, if it is considered to be unlawful to drive, it is probably a good idea to do so until proper licensing has been obtained. Reasons Car Insurance May be Needed without a License To some it may not seem logical to purchase auto insurance without a license or they may question the need since licensing would be needed to drive, but there are many reasons why unlicensed drivers may need to obtain coverage. Most commonly, motorists who have had their license suspended will need to purchase a policy in order to have their licensing reinstated. Others may be migrating into the country and need coverage to operate a vehicle that they own as they go through the process of making the transition and getting licensed in the state; remember automobile coverage is needed and the last thing that a person that is new to the country would want to do is risk driving uninsured. There are a couple of other reasons that individuals may need to acquire policies while they are unlicensed; a large number of states have implemented systems in which insurers are required to notify the states vehicle governing authority if a vehicle’s coverage becomes inactive which will result in the suspension of the registration of the automobile. In these states, if a person owns a vehicle it has to be insured in order to be registered and if it becomes suspended fees can be incurred which a person who is trying get licensed may want to avoid. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles once a car’s registration is suspended due to lack of a policy, it can take up to three years to get the automobile re-registered or until proper coverage is obtained.

Original post:
Getting Insurance with No Driver’s License

Be Informed About Florida Auto Insurance

Posted by Editor in Friday, April 02nd 2010

Any individual who owns a vehicle that is self propelled and has four or more wheels must maintain proper coverage at all times if they wish to register and maintain registration for as long they have a valid Florida license plate. This also applies to part time and seasonal residents who reside in the state for only a certain period of time of the year. For example, if an individual utilizes Florida’s roadways for more than 90 days in a calendar year they must purchase a policy complying with the state’s laws and the 90 days do not have to be consecutive. All polices issued must be purchased from a Florida auto insurance company that is licensed in the state; if a motorist wishes to purchase coverage from a company’s representative such as an agent than this person must be licensed by the state as well. Before taking out a policy from an insurer or paying an agent for coverage it may be a good idea to contact the state department of insurance to ensure that this agent’s licensing status is in order and that the carrier they are representing is authorized to issue policies in FL. Mandatory FL Car Insurance The minimum coverage that can be purchased in Florida is $10,000 in property damage liability and $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP), higher limits can be purchased and some motorists are required to carry more which will be explained. Property damage liability will pay for damage that the policyholder causes to another person’s property with their automobile up to the limit stated on the policy. This will cover items such as another vehicle, a fence, telephone pole or building. Personal injury protection will pay for injuries sustained by the insured, passengers and family members resulting from a traffic accident regardless of fault up to the auto insurance policy limit; this will also pay for injuries suffered as a pedestrian or bicyclist if struck by an automobile. State law may require that certain drivers carry limits that exceed the minimums stated above. Motorists who are convicted of certain traffic violations or have been in an accident while uninsured may need to carry $10,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $20,000 per accident in addition to the $10,000 limit of property damage liability. According to the Florida Consumer Guide to Automobile Insurance those who have been convicted or plead no contest to driving under the influence have to can much more coverage; these individuals must carry liability with limits of $100,000 for bodily injury to one person, $300,000 for bodily injury per accident and $50,000  for property damage. Having to carry more coverage means higher rates in addition to surcharges that are applied by insurers for the violation; it may simply be easier to stay insured and refrain from driving under the influence to avoid these additional expenses.

Go here to see the original: 
Be Informed About Florida Auto Insurance

What You Didn’t Know about AAA: 3

Posted by Editor in Tuesday, March 30th 2010

6. Travel assistance: in addition to maps and other helpful pieces of travel information, AAA can offer a lot more help. They even have their own travel agency, offering help with passports and the like. 7. AAA also offers shopping discounts. A AAA membership card can get you a lot of discounts, in fact. This can apply to buying tickets for a show or to go to a theme park, it can apply to hotels, it can apply to museums… The possibilities are endless. So do not think you have to rely on AAA solely for automotive assistance. There is a veritable wealth of benefits attached to membership.

 

trouble-66. Travel assistance: in addition to maps and other helpful pieces of travel information, AAA can offer a lot more help. They even have their own travel agency, offering help with passports and the like.

7. AAA also offers shopping discounts. A AAA membership card can get you a lot of discounts, in fact.

This can apply to buying tickets for a show or to go to a theme park, it can apply to hotels, it can apply to museums…

The possibilities are endless.

So do not think you have to rely on AAA solely for automotive assistance. There is a veritable wealth of benefits attached to membership.

What You Didn’t Know about AAA: 2

Posted by Editor in Monday, March 29th 2010

3. To go back to auto service, it has to be mentioned that AAA offers total battery service. It has done so for over a decade. That does not refer solely to jumping your battery, but to diagnosing it, testing it, replacing it, and so on. 4. Medications: AAA actually offers a program specifically for saving on prescription medications. For name brand meds, you can save up to fifteen percent; for generic meds, you can save up to thirty five percent — and this goes for pet meds, too! 5. AAA can also help you remember when things need to be done. They offer service reminders for things like tire rotation, oil changes, and other types of car maintenance that it is a little too easy to forget.

trouble-53. To go back to auto service, it has to be mentioned that AAA offers total battery service. It has done so for over a decade. That does not refer solely to jumping your battery, but to diagnosing it, testing it, replacing it, and so on.

4. Medications: AAA actually offers a program specifically for saving on prescription medications. For name brand meds, you can save up to fifteen percent; for generic meds, you can save up to thirty five percent — and this goes for pet meds, too!

5. AAA can also help you remember when things need to be done. They offer service reminders for things like tire rotation, oil changes, and other types of car maintenance that it is a little too easy to forget.

Page 6 of 8« First...«45678»