Archive for June, 2009

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Tips for Utilizing Roadside Assistance

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

Before purchasing online car insurance, you need to assess you and your families’ needs so that you select options that will keep you financially and physically safe.

One of the options that you have available to you as an add-on to your online auto insurance policy is roadside assistance. While some may view roadside assistance as an unnecessary extra, most people find themselves in at least one situation that would require roadside assistance some time in their life.

What Is Roadside Assistance?
The most fundamental form or roadside assistance will allow you, with one phone call, to get help were you to run out of gas or break down on the side or the road for whatever reason. With roadside assistance, you could have access to help such as roadside repairs (changing a flat tire, transporting a gallon of gas to you, refastening a loose wire in your engine) or towing to a station within a specified distance, free of charge. Depending on how much you travel by car, having this kind of assistance at your disposal can be quite a stress-reliever as well as save you substantial money in the long run.

Tips When Stranded Roadside
Whether your car is reliable or not, chances are there will come a time that you will be stranded on the side of the road. In this case, if you opted for carrying roadside assistance when choosing an online auto insurance policy it will take a lot of the stress and possible expense off of your shoulders. However, you should still be aware of and take the proper safety precautions when stranded roadside.

• First and foremost, prepare for the worst. Taking proper precautionary measure before you take a road trip will save you a lot of stress and keep you protected in the case of breakdown.
-    Pack your car with an emergency kit
-    Know basic car repair (how to check change a tire, check a car battery and fluids)

• If you are in a remote area when your car breaks down, stay with your vehicle – especially in extreme weather. An automobile is easier to find than a single, solitary person.

• Conserve water. This is especially important if you are in a desert or hot area. Also, remain in the shade. If there is no shade available, get under your car. In extremely hot areas, hiking even a few miles without water could kill you and the water in your car’s radiator is not safe to drink. It is mixed with ethylene glycol, which is toxic when consumed.

• If you are in a cold climate, and you are running the car’s motor, be sure that the exhaust is not coming into the car. Clear any debris or snow away from your car’s tailpipe. Keep your ears open. If your car engine is making more noise than usual, your exhaust may have a leak in it, which increases the risk of toxic gases seeping into the vehicle and poisoning you.

• Make yourself visible to rescuers. You can do this by opening the hood of your vehicle, sweeping the snow off of your car or waving both arms overhead when a plane passes.

• If someone stops and offers you help, try to find a group of people, or a family, who can help you, and steer clear of single men.

No matter where you are stranded, what kind of online auto insurance policy you have at your back, or how well you have prepared for any roadside mishap, there is no substitute for keeping your cool. Call 911 if there is an emergency. If you do not have a cell phone, make a sign that instructs passersby to call 911 for you.

To find affordable online car insurance, CarInsuranceQuotes.com can help. You can peruse our site, any time of day or night, to find the cheapest online auto insurance policy that will suit you and your families needs. We’ll find you an assortment of quotes in a few minutes; from established insurance companies you recognize and trust.

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Easy Steps to Filing an Auto Insurance Claim

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

In the past, filing an auto insurance claim was a long, tedious process filled with mountains of paperwork and grilling interviews with auto insurance agents. Today, thanks to the advent of online auto insurance and other technology, filing an auto insurance claim is an easy, hassle-free process.  If you are ever need to file an auto insurance claim, here are the quick and easy steps:

•    Cost Comparison: Before filing an auto insurance claim, determine if it is cost-effective to do so. If the size of your deductible is more than the actual repairs to the vehicle, then it makes no sense to file a claim, as you will not be recouping any of the costs. If the cost of repairs is slightly more than the deductible, do not file a claim, as it will simply be a blemish on your record and likely increase your premium. However, if the cost of damage is considerably more than your deductible, file an insurance claim as soon as possible.
•    Submit the Claim Immediately: After determining if it is cost-effective to file an insurance claim, call your auto insurance company or fill out the claim online. The online auto insurance company will begin the necessary proceedings right away. This will help protect you financially and legally, with the online auto insurance company working on your behalf. Filing a claim is easy, and depending on which online auto insurance company you use, the process will vary. However as we mentioned, many claims can now be done online or via a phone call. An agent will likely start investigating the claim within twenty-four hours, and may visit you in person to see the extent of the damages.
•    Guard Yourself: If the accident is with another party, be prepared for a visit or a call from the other person’s insurance company. They will want to get your version of events. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may want to consult an attorney before speaking with the other insurance company. When you do speak with them, give just the facts and do not divulge any unnecessary information. Also, keep a record of exactly what you tell them, or record the call.
•  Repairing the Vehicle: Once your claim is approved, an insurance adjuster may visit you to see the extent of the damages, if they have not already done so. They may also want to see bids from repair shops. Some companies have pre-approved service centers that must perform the work, but many companies allow you to get the repairs done at the mechanic of your choice. Again, this depends on which online auto insurance company you are using.

When looking for online car insurance, you may want to inquire about the claims process with the company. Also research their customer service records and see how past consumers feel about their claims process. This will give you a good sense of the company, its credibility, and its willingness to assist its customers. You can find many reputable, nationwide online auto insurance companies at CarInsuranceQuotes.com.

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Understanding Car Rental Insurance

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

Car rental insurance is something few people think about getting. Understanding car rental insurance is important so that you will not waste money buying coverage you do not need. You also want to be sure that you do not end up with no rental insurance when you do need it.

In most cases, your own insurance will already cover anything that rental insurance can cover. But if you do not carry your own theft or collision coverage, or if you do not own your own car, you may need to buy rental insurance from the rental car company.

Before buying rental insurance from the rental company, check with your own insurance and with the credit card company for the card you will use to rent the vehicle. Some credit companies offer car rental insurance as a free benefit to card users. Be sure to find out exactly what kind of coverage you have by calling the toll-free number that is on the back of the card.

Make sure the credit card company gives you rental insurance coverage for damage to the vehicle you rent and towing charges, if you do not have your own towing coverage. When you have more than one card, call each to find out which offers the best rental insurance.

When you rent your car, the rental agent will ask you if you want Loss Damage Waiver car rental insurance coverage. This does more than waive a deductible should someone else hit your rental car, or if it is stolen. It also may cover administrative fees, loss of use for the rental company and towing charges. This coverage can be useful in a bad accident, but generally is not necessary. If you already have collision coverage, most of these charges will be covered by that policy.

Hopefully, you have ample liability coverage on your personal auto policy. Rental companies are required to carry liability insurance, but only to certain state minimums. This car rental insurance is rarely enough to cover damage to another car in a severe accident. Be sure you have adequate limits on your own policy.

In most cases, medical bills will be covered by your own car insurance. If not, this is an important rental insurance coverage to purchase. In some states you are required to carry coverage for medical bills at a certain minimum on your personal policy. Check with your agent to be sure this coverage is in place. If so, you will not need to purchase car rental insurance from the rental agent.

There are many ways to obtain coverage for certain losses that may happen while you’re renting. Make sure you know what your insurance covers prior to buying car rental insurance from the rental counter.

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Desperate Car Owners Resorting to Fraud

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

When people buy car insurance, it’s usually because they hope never to use it. In fact, walking out of your home or office to find an empty space where your car once stood is a nightmare shared by many vehicle owners. Most of us try to keep our vehicles safe by parking them in well-lighted areas and locking them, using car insurance only as a backup.

But as the economy has continued to exacerbate, some people are using their car insurance policies as paychecks. Car insurance fraud occurs when people claim their vehicles have been stolen in order to collect the money from their car insurance policies. According to law enforcement officials, it is not uncommon to see cars set on fire, pushed off cliffs, sunk in bodies of water, and even buried in the ground.

Law enforcement officials have reported more and more incidents of car insurance fraud as the economy plunges. Desperate, those who commit car insurance fraud often feel like they have no other way out of pressing financial obligations.

If you’re hurting for cash, you might be tempted to commit car insurance fraud. After all, desperate times call for desperate measures. But there are a few reasons why car insurance fraud ends up being a losing game–for all involved. First, car insurance fraud is a crime, and, if convicted, you may be sentenced to a term in jail, as well as a fine. Second, car insurance fraud results in higher car insurance premiums for other car insurance customers. So, if you’ve noticed car insurance quotes rising, you might have car insurance fraud to thank. While these reasons for refraining from committing car insurance fraud are certainly legitimate, it’s also important to think about the cars that end up being destroyed as a result of these schemes. These are cars that people could be driving, and by committing car insurance fraud, individuals increase the number of cars that have to be manufactured.

But this doesn’t mean you have to settle for being broke! One option always available to you is changing car insurance companies, and with many web sites offering car insurance quotes, switching companies is now easier than ever. In fact, CarInsuranceQuotes.com can provide you with comparative, free quotes with just an easy click. You may find that you will save enough money by switching car insurance companies to pay your bills more comfortably. You can also try to deal with your car loan company, asking them to give you a lower rate or help you make your payments more manageable. Regardless, there are many ways out of debt, but car insurance fraud is a way in–a way into more trouble.

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Insurance for Recreational Vehicles

Friday, June 12th, 2009

When you’re shopping for online auto insurance, you may also want to look for some cheap online insurance quotes for your recreational vehicle, whether it’s an ATV, snowmobile, or dune buggy. Insuring recreational vehicles is a little different than insuring your street car. Here are the main considerations to keep in mind when you’re shopping around for cheap online insurance quotes:

Types of insurance: Remember, your car insurance policy will not typically cover your recreational vehicle, so you need to obtain separate coverage. Some of the types of coverage you may want to get are: collision (this will cover damage to your vehicle caused by impacts from other recreational vehicles, rocks, and other objects); comprehensive (this will cover your costs if the vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire); bodily injury (if you cause an accident, this type of coverage will cover the other person’s medical expenses); uninsured motorist (this is a very important type to have since many ATV riders are uninsured or underinsured).

Discounts: Like when you’re shopping for online auto insurance, there are ways to get discounts on the premiums you will have to pay to insure your recreational vehicle. You can often get a cut on rates if you’re a member of certain riding associations. If you have numerous recreational vehicles you need to insure, you may get a discount. Finally, taking some safety courses can help you get cheap online insurance quotes, lower your premiums, and keep you safer while you’re exploring the forests and riding trails.

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Helmets and Motorcycle Insurance: What you Should Know

Friday, June 12th, 2009

Most sites that provide auto insurance online will also be able to tell you how much it will cost to insure your motorcycle. In general, you can expect to receive the most competitive quotes from companies that also provide cheap car insurance quotes. When it comes to motorcycles, one of the most confusing issues is how helmet use can affect your coverage and the premiums you will have to pay. Here are some points to keep in mind:

If you receive a ticket for not wearing a helmet, your premiums may go up: Just as not wearing a seatbelt can make getting cheap car insurance quotes difficult, not wearing a helmet in states where it is required by law can cause your motorcycle premiums to rise.

If you don’t plan to wear a helmet, you’ll likely need extra coverage: When you’re shopping for auto insurance online, it’s not likely that you’ll be asked whether you plan to wear a seatbelt. That’s because most states require all drivers to wear them. This is not true of helmets, however. In many parts of the U.S., it’s the driver’s choice. If you live in one of these states and plan to drive without a helmet, you’ll likely need to carry extra medical coverage because you’re at a higher risk of serious injuries.

Always follow the laws of the state you are in: If your state requires you to wear a helmet and you’re in a state where helmets are optional, you’ll still be covered if you decide not to wear one and get into an accident. If you’re insured in a helmet-optional state, you still have to obey local helmet laws if you travel elsewhere. Of course, regardless of local legislation, wearing a helmet is always a smart idea.

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Night Blindness and Driving

Friday, June 12th, 2009

Night blindness is a common condition that is characterized by a reduced ability to see at night or in environments with reduced light. If you’re shopping for car insurance online, you probably won’t be asked if you have night blindness, and the condition won’t affect your ability to obtain affordable insurance quotes online. However, those who have night blindness are at a much greater risk of being in an auto accident during the nighttime hours, so it’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms so they can be addressed. You may have night blindness if:

•    You find your vision is generally poorer at night
•    You have trouble readjusting to the darkness after passing oncoming cars
•    Your vision is blurred in semi or total darkness
•    You see a blinding glare or halo around streetlights and oncoming headlights
•    You have trouble seeing stars on nights that are clear
•    You find street signs are harder to read at night

The good news is that in many cases the root causes of night blindness can be addressed. If you experience any of these symptoms while driving at night, make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. He or she may be able to prescribe eyeglasses or perform surgery to solve the problem. Remember, car accidents will affect your ability to obtain cheap car insurance online and get affordable insurance quotes online. Therefore, if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to avoid driving at night whenever possible until they have been addressed.

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Seatbelts and Car Insurance

Friday, June 12th, 2009

It’s been proven time and again that seatbelts save lives, but some people still refuse to wear these important safety devices. People may say that seatbelts are uncomfortable, that they wrinkle their clothes, or that they don’t want to be pinned inside the car if they happen to go off the road and land in a lake. None of these excuses are acceptable. If safety and protection aren’t adequate reasons to wear a seatbelt, however, perhaps affordable car insurance is.

When you call a provider or broker to obtain an auto insurance quote, they will ask about your driving record and any infractions. Many people mistakenly believe that only past claims, speeding tickets, or DUI’s will cause auto insurance rates to go up, but that’s not the case. If you have been ticketed for not wearing a seatbelt, it’s quite possible that you’ll have to pay more to insure your vehicle. Insurance providers know that seatbelts prevent serious injuries, so those who choose not to wear them are considered a higher risk. Saving on your auto insurance is just one more reason to buckle up.

The types of seatbelts you have in your vehicle can also help you obtain more affordable car insurance. Specifically, your auto insurance premiums will usually be lower if you have an automatic seatbelt system in your vehicle. These systems can consist of automatic shoulder belts and manual lap belts or automatic shoulder and lap belts. If you have this type of system in your car, be sure to mention this when you are shopping around for auto insurance.

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Rental Vehicles: To Insure or Not to Insure

Friday, June 12th, 2009

Every year, countless people head to other parts of the country and the world to get away from it all. In many instances, vacationers decide to rent a car to get around while they’re away. The issue of whether it is necessary to purchase car insurance for rental vehicles is a confusing one for many people. Here are a few points to keep in mind.

If you’re already covered, it’s usually not necessary to purchase rental insurance. If you have car insurance already, the coverage you have on your own vehicle will simply be switched over to your rental during your vacation. Many rental companies will try to sell you liability insurance and personal accident insurance, but these are types of coverage that would be included in your existing car insurance policy. In addition, certain credit card companies such as American Express offer rental car insurance as part of their services, depending on the type of card you have.

The collision damage waiver shifts liability to the insurance company. Although quite expensive, this type of coverage may be worth considering. If you are in a collision, the costs are assumed by the rental company, not your insurance provider. This can increase the likelihood that you will be able to secure cheap insurance quotes in the future.

Your best bet is to plan ahead. You don’t want to get caught without adequate coverage, but you shouldn’t get stuck paying for duplicate coverage either. The best strategy is to contact your car insurance provider before your trip to find out exactly what types of coverage you have and what you should consider purchasing. Taking the time to do this will protect you and help you get cheap insurance quotes in the future because it will ensure you are complying with all standards and regulations.

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Car Insurance Quotes: What Factors are Out of My Control?

Friday, June 12th, 2009

Money is tight for a lot of people these days, so obtaining cheap auto insurance quotes is a priority for many. While some of the variables online car insurance companies use to calculate car insurance premiums are under your control, others are not. The following can influence the amount you will have to pay for insurance coverage. Unfortunately, they’re also largely out of your control.

Your age: How old you are is one thing that can prevent you from getting the cheap auto insurance quotes you want. Virtually every online car insurance form will ask for your current age. If you’re under 25 or over 65, your premium will likely be higher than those not in these age brackets.

Your gender: Obviously, your gender isn’t something you can choose, but it will likely affect how much you have to pay for car insurance. In general, males, and in particular younger males, will have to pay higher premiums than females of the same age.

Your marital status: If you’ve tied the knot, your premiums will generally be lower than those of your single counterparts.

Where you live: While it’s true that you can choose where you live, it’s unlikely you’re going to uproot your entire family just so you can pay less for car insurance. City dwellers can, in general, expect to pay more to insure their vehicles. There are several reasons for this. Since there are more cars on the road, the chances of an accident occurring are higher. Also, thefts are more frequent in urban areas.

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