It is well known that the death toll on U.S. roads exceeds the loss of life in all our wars combined. The first cause of death for Americans ages 5 to 34 is traffic accidents. Using common driver safety knowledge and using a seatbelt could have saved many of these lives. Sports teams, schools, camps, public service groups and parents often use large vans to carry large groups to various events. So, it is with good reason that van drivers are now beginning to insist their passengers buckle up.

A van driver is considering more than driver safety when demanding the use of seatbelts. They must also do this to meet legal and car insurance requirements. Not wearing a seatbelt is illegal in every state in the U.S. except for New Hampshire. In 30 states, plus the District of Columbia, not wearing a seatbelt is a primary offense. This means that a police officer can pull a vehicle over for that reason alone. Thus the van owner and driver are in a very bad position with the law and their car insurance company if there is an accident involving unrestrained passengers. The lack of driver safety precautions would be a strong negative in any negotiation or legal proceeding, and car insurance rates in these cases will surely rise.

Yet another compelling reason for a van driver to be preoccupied with seat belt use is a safety issue specific to vans. A fully loaded 15-passenger van has a tendency to roll over. According to a May 2009 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study, “15-passenger vans with 10 or more occupants had a rollover rate in single vehicle crashes that is nearly three times the rate of those that had fewer than five occupants. NHTSA recommends that drivers insist all occupants wear safety belts at all times; that drivers of 15-passenger vans are trained and experienced; tires are checked at least once a week … and no loads are placed on the roof of the vehicle.” NHTSA figures indicate that about 80 percent of the occupants killed in van rollovers in the past five years were not belted at the time of the crash.

Unfortunately, some passengers who would automatically buckle up in cars are unwilling to do so in vans. This puts the van driver in the awkward position of having to insist they do so. A British study of 2,000 van insurance customers found that 68 percent of van drivers needed to request their passengers to fasten their seat belts and that 21 percent of the passengers refused.

Regardless of how safe you feel while riding in a large van, wearing your seatbelt is a necessary precaution to prevent you from becoming another statistic.

According to the New York State Insurance Department’s 2009 report on consumer complaints, one out of every eight grievances claimed against a car insurance company settled in favor of the consumer. Out of 7,237 claims evaluated by the department, only 948 resulted in findings penalizing the insurers. Customers generally complain about company behaviors, such as delays in payment of no fault claims or failures to renew policies. In more than one fourth of the cases evaluated, the insurance department concluded that it did not have sufficient data to reach a decision.

The insurance department ranks insurance companies based on a ratio calculated by comparing the dollar value of upheld complaints to the amount that the company’s clients paid in car insurance premiums. The ratios are calculated over a two-year span, taking into account the fact that it sometimes takes time for the department to process a complaint. Grievances initiated during a particular calendar year may not be resolved until the following year. On average, insurance companies are faced with ten cents worth of complaints for every million dollars they pay in car insurance premiums, although ratios vary considerably. Each upheld complaint correlated with approximately $9.7 million worth of premiums. Some companies — such as Adirondack Insurance Exchange and Amica Mutual Group — had no complaints at all, while Long Island Insurance Company, the firm with the highest ratio, had $12.19 in complaints per million dollars in premiums This is nearly 25 times the amount of Countrywide, the company with the second highest ratio, for whom $.45 in complaints were upheld for every million dollars worth of premiums. These ratings are available to consumers to reference when making decisions about choosing insurance carriers. New York is a highly competitive insurance marketplace, so such statistics, which provide some gauge of customer satisfaction, can be useful to prospective clients when shopping for car insurance carriers.

The department also publishes an Annual Consumer Guide to Automobile Insurance, which contains a broader range of data. Consumers should bear in mind that these statistics reflect only complaints made by customers carrying insurance on passenger cars, so commercial car insurance customers do not figure into the equation. In addition, the available numbers tell us about complaints that have been taken as far as the level of the State Insurance Department. Many issues are resolved in arbitration, or directly between companies and clients.

The complaint ratio provided by the state’s insurance department is just one set of numbers that should be considered by consumers when choosing an insurance company. Potential customers should also consider their personal experience with a company, as well as any reports they may have heard from acquaintances.

According to Kanetix, a major Canadian car insurance marketplace website, the cost of Ontario car insurance quotes has fallen by about 2.8 percent in the last year. Before Ontario drivers begin celebrating, though, they should be aware that in this case, the reasons for the decrease are a bit more complex than a simple decrease in insurance costs. Changes in consumer habits and people looking to save more money on car insurance have likely driven the drop in car insurance rates, rather than more forgiving or competitive insurance companies.

One of the possible reasons for the decrease is the high level of unemployment in the Ontario area for younger drivers. Younger drivers, especially males, tend to have higher car insurance premiums, as they’re one of the most risky groups for insurance companies to insure. Incidences of accidents tend to be high among this group of drivers. The unemployment rate may indicate that young drivers are simply unable to afford cars and car insurance. Their driving less leads to less accidents, and therefore car insurance claims, resulting in the overall drop in car insurance rates. Unfortunately, this also means less drivers on the road — a bad thing for car insurers. This means they’re insuring less vehicles and taking in less money overall.

Drivers are also taking advantage of various options to lower the premiums on their existing policies. For instance, older cars tend to cost less to insure as their value goes down. Ontario drivers are holding onto their cars for longer, and taking advantage of optional discounts. They’re also lowering the amount of car insurance coverage they pay for. The average cost of car insurance therefore goes down, but so does the amount of coverage being provided by an auto insurer. This doesn’t do much for drivers, though it does show that the insurance companies have taken a hit during the current recession. Car insurance companies handle losses in revenue several different ways, but generally tend to offer lowered, more competitive car insurance quotes to customers. Though this hasn’t showed up in the current numbers, it may be possible a ways down the road.

Even though the current insurance decrease may be misleading, drivers can often negotiate lower premiums by speaking with their car insurance representatives. By doing comparison shopping online beforehand and pointing out a good driving record to insurance reps, Ontario consumers can often cut huge percentages off of monthly payments. Ultimately, it’s down to the individual driver to get lower rates, but the current decrease does show that insurance companies may be more open to negotiation of car insurance quotes, and to keeping premiums low for safe drivers around Ontario and around the country.

If you’re moving to the United States or even just visiting, you may have wondered whether it’s possible to transfer your driving record and how you can continue to drive once you’re in the United States. The good news is that driving records can be transferred relatively easily. However, if you’re staying in the U.S. for longer than a year, you’ll want to get a driver’s license from the state that you’re a living and driving in for the period of time you’re here.

An International Driver’s Permit, or IDP, translates the information from your driving record into ten languages, allowing drivers to travel freely and drive in foreign countries. Many countries accept IDPs as temporary licenses. Luckily, the United States is one of these countries. The IDP must be issued by your country of origin, not the United States government, and is considered supplemental to a U.S. driving license. The laws vary depending on the state you’re driving in, but IDPs are always accepted and can often be used while you get a U.S. driver’s license (or if you’re not going to be in the state for very long).

In the United States, it’s necessary to have proof of car insurance to drive, and a good driving record does not exempt you from this stipulation. Car insurance rates and requirements vary by location, so it’s wise for foreign visitors to contact a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to discuss car insurance requirements. Many car insurance companies have special rates for foreign visitors, and a temporary car insurance policy can be purchased and implemented very quickly to allow you to freely drive in the United States without any trouble. They will often need your IDP or a translated version of your driving record to use when estimating what your car insurance rate will be. It’s a good idea to contact your current car insurer, if you have one, to discuss travel plans and see if they offer international rates.

The most important thing when traveling to any country is to get your driving record translated as soon as possible, and to obtain an International Driver’s Permit from your country of residence before traveling. This way, you can avoid long wait times at a DMV and make sure that you’re driving legally as soon as you arrive. Contact the DMV of the state you’re going to be driving in, as well as your nation’s driving bureau, to make sure that your driving records are transferred quickly and correctly, and don’t forget to look into obtaining the necessary insurance, too. With a bit of planning, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting around during your visit or residency.

Many individuals ask if it is possible to obtain full car insurance coverage if the vehicle has a salvage title. The answer lies within determining the laws and regulations that exist in the state you live. Every state is different and contacting your local title office or DMV will give answers to all your car insurance coverage questions, especially concerning an automobile that has a salvage title.

Most states however, have laws in place that clearly state a vehicle is deemed unlawful to operate on a highway until the owner has had it repaired and inspected by the state highway patrol office. Many times this will apply to a car with a salvage title. Once you have had your car inspected, the highway patrol office will give you the necessary documents you will need to show the DMV that indeed it has passed the requirements. When all this has been processed and taken care of, you will be able to insure and operate the vehicle. If you opt for acquiring full car insurance, the car’s value may be shown as a lesser value. Address any concerns you have on this matter with your car insurance company when you apply for coverage.

If you are the owner of any vehicle that has a salvage title, then you can assume the automobile has been modified and meets state specifics regarding salvage title vehicles. It is now in your hands to obtain sufficient car insurance coverage. You should not have any difficulty in finding a company that will place an insurance policy on the vehicle. You will also want to compare car insurance rates to get the best deal on coverage. This is easy to do by simply searching online. Several websites will allow you to quickly compare car insurance rates.

Vehicles that are issued a salvage title are considered damaged beyond what the normal market value is of the car itself. In some states, if the owner of a salvage titled automobile does work on the vehicle to make the car sufficient and roadworthy, then they may reissue a rebuilt title after the fact. Usually, it is not difficult to find an insurance company that is willing to insure this sort of vehicle, however most will only insure the automobile with liability coverage. Be sure to ask your car insurance agent what options may be available to you for any additional coverage you may want to purchase.

Sometimes, insurance companies do have optional insurance coverage you can purchase for vehicles with a salvage title. But, ultimately, you will have to make a decision if the car is value to you is worth the amount of coverage and premiums that you will be paying.

If you decide to move, especially out of state, one thing you have to attend to is your car title and registration. Most states will give you 30 days to switch over to your new residence, including changing your driver’s license. Depending on where you were living and where you are moving to, your car insurance rates can change dramatically. Generally speaking, moving from a less populated area devoid of high crime into a major city will have your car insurance company raising your rates, much to your chagrin.

Several permanent factors decide what your car insurance rates will be, regardless of where you live. Insurance providers will first look at your driving record to determine if you are a safe driver. If you are in a higher risk bracket, meaning you have filed many claims or have had more driving accidents, this will result in you having a higher car insurance rate. A car insurance company will also look at your credit history. The lower your credit score, the higher risk you will be considered to insure — also resulting in higher insurance costs. The type of car you drive will also be considered when a company gives you an insurance quote.

Now is when the location-specific criteria come in. A car insurance company will then look at the statistics for the area in which you live. An outlying suburb with low crime will get you a much better rate than a place in the heart of the city, close to major high crime areas or heavy traffic. Car insurers base the likelihood of you filing a claim based upon your zip code. Throughout the years they have increasingly improved their ability to pinpoint areas that are the most likely to have a certain risk factors. If you are moving for a job or some similar reason, you need to be aware of what the costs will be in your new home.

There is little you can do to change the factors that affect your car insurance rate. If you can’t afford the luxury of moving to a more desirable location, you are stuck with everyone else who has to pay the high premiums associated with living in a high-risk area. If this is a case, discuss discounts you may be eligible for with your car insurance agent. Many times you can minimize your premium by having certain safety features on your car or by negotiating a lower rate based on your loyalty to the insurance company. But, regardless of the discounts you are eligible for, transferring your title and registration to a new state will have an effect on your insurance rates. When considering living expenses in your new home, this is something you should consider.

Prompt response, friendly service and low car insurance premiums are all factors in choosing your car insurance company. But how big of a role should your insurance company’s financial strength play in this decision?

Many people overlook the financial strength rating as a minor detail. But your insurance provider’s strength has everything to do with you. It has the power to give you peace of mind. After all, who’ll pay your claims? Knowing that the insurance company will be able to meet its obligations when you make a claim and that it will be around for the long haul are facts that will make a direct difference in your life. So the question becomes: how do you find out your insurer’s financial strength?

Actually, it’s fairly simple. Every company has a rating. This rating helps you find which car insurance companies have the best — and worse — track records in the industry. The system is easy to use, too. Graded with the same basic system used in grammar school, you’ll find that A++ is known as the best and most reliable in its peer group. To achieve this rating, car insurance companies have to have impeccable records of both financial backing, cash reserves and an exemplary record for paying claims. The system also rewards insurance companies with a long track record. The ratings drop from the A++ category to A+, A, B++ and so on down to D, each signifying the relative security of the company to pay claims. There’s also another set of letters that are used: E, which means the company is under regulatory supervision; F, which means the company is currently in liquidation; and S, which means the rating has been suspended, suggesting either a buyout or a company that has gone out of business. You can go to most online car insurance sites to find these grades.

These strength ratings are not exclusively aimed at consumers. Investors also look at these ratings to help decide whether car insurance companies are viable as investments. Where will this company be in the next few years? The ratings can tell the consumer how the business world sees the company. Those opinions are broken into three more categories: positive, negative and stable. As the ratings suggest, a positive rating suggests strength. No matter where the letter rating is, the investment world sees the company as one headed the right direction, and that it may be due for a ratings increase. Conversely, a negative outlook means a bleaker future for investors and for the insurer – and possibly for you. A stable rating means just that: stability, with no predicted change in the near future.

So, now that you have the curriculum, which car insurance company makes the grade for you? Find out now and get a free car insurance quote online.

When you’re traveling to the United States, you may wonder whether your international driver’s license legally allows you to purchase car insurance coverage during your visit. The answer is a bit complex, but depending on your living situation in the United States, there are a few ways to tackle car insurance to ensure that you’re covered in the event of an accident (and to ensure that you’re legally abiding by a state’s car insurance laws).

International drivers need to consider how long they’ll be staying in the United States in order to determine their car insurance needs. If you’re only going to be in country for a few months, the best way to handle car insurance is to contact your current insurer in your home country and find out whether you’ll be covered by them during your stay. Assuming that you’re renting a car, you’ll want to have the information from the rental agency in front of you. If you don’t have that yet, you may ask your car insurer for a recommendation. Often, you’ll be covered while traveling for a short period of time, but it’s worth double-checking, as policies differ from country to country. You will need a copy of your proof of insurance with you when you’re driving in the United States. You might also be staying with friends or borrowing vehicles. If this is the case, you’ll often be covered under your friend’s car insurance coverage. Again, you should contact the insurer of the vehicle you’ll be driving to sort out the details and make sure that you’re covered in the event of an accident.

For longer stays, you will need to get a U.S. driver’s license instead of depending on your International Driver’s License or permit. And, once you obtain this U.S. license you’ll need to get U.S. car insurance coverage. Car insurance rates vary quite a bit in the U.S. according to location. State requirements for car insurance can also be different. Contact several insurers to look find the best insurance rates, and contact your state DMV to find out what minimum coverage you need. It can sometimes take a few months to get a U.S. driver’s license, so be sure to apply early if you’re going to be in the United States for more than a year.

As you might have guessed, two of the most important aspects of maintaining car insurance coverage abroad are to let your insurer know of your plans and research specific state laws in regards to foreign drivers and car insurance. Most of the time, your current insurance will be sufficient, but in the United States it’s illegal to drive without any car insurance, so it’s critical to sort out any issues early.

Accidents – especially those not your fault – are traumatic. You may be injured. There’s damage to your vehicle. Then there’s the disruption in your routine to fix the damages, both physical and emotional. Yet you have car insurance for the financial end of it. At least that part’s taken care of. Or is it? In many cases, the accident leaves a lasting hole in your wallet through increased car insurance premiums — even if it’s not your fault.

Most insurance companies base their monthly car insurance premiums on risk factor. If you’ve had a spotty driving record in the past, you may still be semi-blamed for the latest accident. Sometimes, frankly, car insurance rates are raised out of fears of insurance fraud — where the insured is trying to profit off the car insurance company using the excuse of road hazards. It may not sound fair, but it’s realistic. If you show bad driving habits or excessive claims, you’ll often pay the price by being labeled a high-risk driver. Insurance companies have standards, and bad habits often show driving patterns car insurance companies can’t afford. So understand that accidents affect your car insurance premiums.

Diligence is a key, and safe drivers are diligent drivers. They avoid accidents because they’re watching the road. They’re ready for scenarios that aren’t self-induced. A pipe on the highway isn’t your fault, but not being ready for the car that swerves into your lane is. Three, four and five accidents show a pattern. Perhaps you should have slowed down. Perhaps you should have thought ahead, paid more attention. Perhaps, next time you will, as you become aware of how your inattention is causing your car insurance premiums to rise. These rising costs act not only as a stop-loss for insurance companies from overpaying, but they tend to spur drivers toward vigilance. The truth is that your car insurance rates most likely won’t rise after one simple no-fault accident. But if the situation continues, rates will certainly go up.

So maybe you’ve matured. You’re a better driver today than in the past. Or perhaps your previous record doesn’t reflect an accurate picture of who you were then or who you are today. The best way to address a situation you feel is unfair is to bring it to the attention of your agent. But, sometimes time is the only solution. Without a claim, rates do fall. They eventually drop off your record and your driving situation is reassessed. If you’re able to maintain your clean driving record for an extended period of time, your car insurance premiums will eventually be reduced.

Accidents happen. Whether it’s your fault or the other driver’s fault, it is bound to occur at one time or another. However you aren’t always the one that is behind the wheel of your own car. If an accident occurs when you aren’t behind the wheel, the outcome is contingent upon the circumstances of the accident itself and who was driving.

For the most part, if you are in your car with another person driving it and there is an accident, your car insurance company will likely to pay for the cost to repair it. That is because, for the vast majority of states in the country, car insurance is linked to the car itself, not the person who is behind the wheel. However, there can be some exceptions for drivers that are under the age of 18. There may also be other special exclusions to who is covered, so it is important to know what your coverage includes, along with all the other details in your policy. However if you do not pay for collision car insurance coverage and another person that is driving your car gets into an accident, you may have to pay for the repairs.

Although your car insurance policy may cover the cost of repairs to your car in the event of an accident, your car insurance rates may still go up even if you aren’t the one driving. That is because you are held responsible for your car, even if you are not the one behind the wheel. While your car insurance rate may not go up substantially, the simple fact that it is a possibility means that you should be very careful about whom you let drive your car.

If your car is stolen then you will not need to worry about paying for the damages that have been incurred should there be an accident. However it is important that you call the police and report that your car has been stolen as soon as possible. Likewise if you go out to a fancy restaurant and have the valet parking take care of your car, you will not have to pay for any damages done to it. Valet parking is a service that you pay for, and the company that you are paying is financially responsible for any damage incurred while your car is in their hands. There will be no need for you to worry about your car insurance rate going up if either of these situations occurs. However, you should make sure that you are well versed in your car insurance policies so you know what situations to avoid and the details of your coverage.