Some news on driverless autos and auto insurance

In the movie Minority Report, Stephen Spielberg has an extended sequence showing cars of the future being assembled and how they drive themselves. It's pleasing how well a film made some ten years ago has been predicting the future. The multitouch computer interfaces are here as are the retina scanners. Facial recognition software is routinely used at airports and other safety-critical locations, and we are now carrying pads around on which we can read the latest newspapers and books. Strangely enough, the driverless vehicles are also on our streets being tested. That might surprise you. Except the states of California and Nevada have already passed laws making it legal to have these vehicles drive you. So what's the problem?

In a sense, we have most of the technology already available off-the-shelf. Cameras can be fitted to give 360 degree vision. Radar can tell the vehicle when anything else is moving nearby. GPS transponders tell the vehicle exactly where it is. Computers can easily be configured to talk to each other so that each vehicle can be told when there's something else nearby on the road. We have voice recognition software which will allow owners to input the desired destination and route preferences. Many of the standard vehicles are already drive-by-wire, i.e. electronic rather than mechanical links to the accelerator, brakes, and so on. All we need are the software packages to interpret all this data and translate it into instructions for the vehicle. For the record, in March, Google announced that its driverless car has traveled over 200,000 miles on roads in all types of traffic conditions. There has not yet been an accident. Indeed, so confident is Google that it has begun discussions both with government and the insurance industry.

The theoretical advantages are enormous. A computer never takes its "eyes" off the road to answer a cell phone or comb its hair. It never drives too close to the vehicle in front. There's no reckless overtaking or speeding. If this technology was adopted across all our roads, the number and seriousness of traffic accidents would be significantly reduced. Given that more than 30,000 people are killed on our roads every year, this would be a major improvement. With the number of accidents falling, insurance costs would fall and premium rates could be reduced. Except we all know technology can break down. There's a world of difference between trusting the PC on your table at home to keep your personal information safe and allowing the same PC to drive you at 70 mph down a busy interstate.

Auto insurance cost reduction in the industry

It seems the discussions with the auto insurance industry have been going well because Google recently announced a more positive testing program for the software. Instead of this being ten or more years in the future, it has lost its speculative nature and could be approved in the next two or three years. The question for you as individual drivers is whether you will surrender your hands-on control to a computer in return for significant reductions in auto insurance rates . It's actually a very good deal and only dangerous if a few reckless people insist on continuing to drive themselves or it amuses hackers to take over vehicles and stage crashes.

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How to rent a car and get good service?

Everyone knows the potential advantages of renting a vehicle. You get the freedom of the road and, in those parts of the world where the public transport system is not so hot, it's the only way to get where you want to go in a timely fashion. Yet we all have friends with horror stories about the poor service they received when collecting and returning their vehicles. Allowing for cultural differences and language problems, the first and best step to getting the best service is to write to the renter explaining your needs. Sadly, mental telepathy is still very limited and, unless you tell people what you need, they can only guess. When they guess wrong, you get upset and that's where the problems grow bigger. So a simple list of your needs - trying not to make them sound like a list of demands - will smooth the way. If you arrive and find things still not ready, show the email. This usually produces apologies and more urgent attention to those needs.

How to get the most out of car rental companies

Let's start by thinking about your choice of vehicle. If you have children or a lot of stuff to carry around, remember some countries prefer smaller cars. Telling the renter what size of vehicle you need is essential. Put the other way round, if you want to make the biggest savings, you're going to want the smallest, most fuel-efficient vehicle on the lot. Now come to the driving itself. In the US, we're used to automatic transmissions. In other countries, stick shift is the norm. If you can't drive a stick shift or you're worried about a stick shift using the "wrong" hand (yes, some of these pesky foreigners drive on the other side of the road), tell the renter you want an automatic transmission. Now start thinking about all that stuff. How big is it? For example, if you're off to a ski resort, do you want a rack on the roof to carry your skis and poles? Is one of your children young enough to need a special seat? Better still, if you don't know exactly where you're going, do you want a GPS system?

Now think about where you're proposing to drive. This is not something that needs to be cared in stone, but if you think you may go into different countries, remember to ensure you are carrying all the equipment required under local laws. For example, as of July 1, 2012, the French Government has decided you must carry a breathalyzer. If you fail to produce one when asked by the nice police officer with a gun strapped to his waist, there's an instant fine. It's about $15 a time and these police officers have radios so can ensure you get stopped every mile if you don't smile when asked to pay up. So ask your friendly car rental company to stock up your vehicle with all the mandatory equipment for the countries in which you propose to drive. Ask for a list and know exactly where it is. If you tell a car rental company what you actually need you can receive really good service.

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Making a booking with car rental companies

The chance to fit you into one of their various set packages is something that any car rental company with a fleet of cars to rent out wants. By default, if the booking is imprecise, you'll find yourself arbitrarily dumped into their "standard" vehicles on the "usual" terms. Perhaps this will work well for you. But when it proves a bad guess, you need to unpick the agreement when you arrive at the collection point without causing a major war. Remember you need the company to give you a vehicle at a good price so upsetting the local representatives before you start is not the best way to win. Indeed, you should have done all the heavy lifting by email before you set off for the collection point.

The length of time you wish to rent the vehicle for will be your first question. If this is literally one or two days, you will nearly always do better with one of the national or international companies. The large companies always carry a big fleet of vehicles of different sizes so can more easily fit you in for short periods. When you approach a "local" company, it will want you to take the vehicle for a minimum period, usually a week. If you insist on a shorter period of hire from a small company, you will be denied any possibility of a discount. Companies that rent out on predictable cycles can be left with a vehicle sitting in the lot waiting for the start of the next period of hire to start.

The distance that you are looking to travel will be your next question. If this is going to be within the immediate area, going local will be safe. Should you breakdown or hit problems, people can come and rescue you. But if you're planning to take off into the boondocks, a national company is going to give you more protection because, hopefully, you will always be within range of a branch office or the national company can tap a local garage to give roadside assistance. Alternatively, ensure you have membership of the national roadside rescue services in the countries you propose to visit. You always need to be just one cell phone call away from help.

Car rental companies and discounts

It is always worth asking about discount if you want to get the best possible deal. It's a rule of life. If you don't ask, you never get a discount. If this is going to be a regular event, ask about a loyalty program. Most are free but, some times, you pay a small amount to join. Once in, you get a discount on all the bookings you make. The same applies if you're already a member of frequent flier programs or your credit card provider has a local promotion. In the other direction, always ask about any terms entitling the car rental companies to impose charges or fees. For example, what are the no-show rules? Some companies charge you only if you fail to collect at all. Others charge you if you're late. So, if you're stuck in traffic on your way to the collection point, are you calm or is there frustration because a fee will be imposed unless you can get there in the next five minutes? Car rental companies like the chance to add to your bill. Know what you're getting into before you sign up.

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Be smart about car rental companies

Everyone knows the potential advantages of renting a vehicle. You get the freedom of the road and, in those parts of the world where the public transport system is not so hot, it's the only way to get where you want to go in a timely fashion. Yet we all have friends with horror stories about the poor service they received when collecting and returning their vehicles. Allowing for cultural differences and language problems, the first and best step to getting the best service is to write to the renter explaining your needs. Sadly, mental telepathy is still very limited and, unless you tell people what you need, they can only guess. When they guess wrong, you get upset and that's where the problems grow bigger. So a simple list of your needs - trying not to make them sound like a list of demands - will smooth the way. If you arrive and find things still not ready, show the email. This usually produces apologies and more urgent attention to those needs.

Let's start by thinking about your choice of vehicle. If you have children or a lot of stuff to carry around, remember some countries prefer smaller cars. Telling the renter what size of vehicle you need is essential. Put the other way round, if you want to make the biggest savings, you're going to want the smallest, most fuel-efficient vehicle on the lot. Now come to the driving itself. In the US, we're used to automatic transmissions. In other countries, stick shift is the norm. If you can't drive a stick shhft or you're worried about a stick shift using the "wrong" hand (yes, some of these pesky foreigners drive on the other side of the road), tell the renter you want an automatic transmission. Now start thinking about all that stuff. How big is it? For example, if you're off to a ski resort, do you want a rack on the roof to carry your skis and poles? Is one of your children young enough to need a special seat? Better still, if you don't know exactly where you're going, do you want a GPS system?

Now think about where you're proposing to drive. This is not something that needs to be cared in stone, but if you think you may go into different countries, remember to ensure you are carrying all the equipment required under local laws. For example, as of July 1, 2012, the French Government has decided you must carry a breathalyzer. If you fail to produce one when asked by the nice police officer with a gun strapped to his waist, there's an instant fine. It's about $15 a time and these police officers have radios so can ensure you get stopped every mile if you don't smile when asked to pay up. So ask your friendly a car rental company to stock up your vehicle with all the mandatory equipment for the countries in which you propose to drive. Ask for a list and know exactly where it is.

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Car insurance and winter driving

For example, did you prepare your vehicle for facing bad weather conditions? After all, it's predictable there will be snow and ice in winter. So did you fit new tires so you would have the maximum possible traction in slippery conditions? Or did you remember to put chains in the trunk so that, when the snow gets deeper, you can still drive reasonably safely? We all know the risk of sliding or skidding out of control. Why then do we fail to take action to protect ourselves and other road users? There are probably several reasons, not the least of which are that this means spending money on buying the chains, some think it inconvenient to fit them, and you cannot drive fast when you have them fitted. The fact local governments may require chains to be fitted as a condition to using the roads in some areas is not considered a reason for action (curiously, there are no chain laws in Florida and Missouri - strange oversight).

Then we come to all those routine maintenance tasks like adding antifreeze and retuning the engine so it's more likely to start when the temperature drops. Did you fit new blades on the windshield to give you better visibility when there's snow fall or a blizzard? And then we come to all the steps to protect you should your vehible break down or be involved in an accident. Do you have an emergency bag packed with warm clothing and blankets should you need to keep warm while rescue comes? You did remember to charge your cell so you could call for help? If you are making a trip cross-country where signal strength may be low, did you tell people when you were expected so they could send out search and rescue teams?

All these things are basic common sense yet, when the first snows hit, we seem to have forgotten to prepare. If accidents are more likely because of this failure and it's shown to be a regular failure, your car insurance rates will rise. If you have been making claims, the car insurance quotes coming in from other insurers will not be welcoming. No insurer wants to take on someone who fails to prepare in the face of obvious dangers. That's why insurers in the states where the weather is worst offer discounts for drivers who go on defensive driving courses and learn how to drive more safely. Your choice!

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Insuring a new vehicle

So you've bought yourself a new car? Congratulations! That's certainly a purchase that matters a lot to most car owners. Whether it's your very first car or just another vehicle to add to your garage, buying a new car is always exciting. Each car certainly feels different on the road and you will always try to find the model that will make you feel comfortable both as a driver and as a passenger. But with a new car comes new responsibility, which always takes the form of insurance. And it's this small bit of responsibility that can sometimes spoil all the fun about buying a new car since it can be really expensive. So let's try to learn how to optimize insurance costs and not spoil the excitement of owning a new vehicle.

First of all it really matters how did you finance your purchase. The most common option in our country is using auto loans since you can always get good rates and buy a car that you otherwise would have to save a lot of money for. But there's a downside to using auto loans from the insurance perspective since you will be obliged to purchase additional types of coverage with your policy in order to get the loan. Most lending companies require collision and comprehensive coverage to be purchased with the insurance policy and that can considerably increase auto insurance quotes for your car. So make sure to consider this effect when financing your car through a loan. If that's the only option you have then try to avoid the most common mistakes people do when buying cars this way. First of all, don't get the policy offer at the dealer's office or by the lending company. They usually have exclusive contracts with specific companies and offer higher rates than you would get from a third party provider. You're obliged to purchase additional coverage but they can't make you buy it from a particular insurer. So when you get your loan take the time to get auto insurance quotes from as many companies as possible in order to get the most competitive offer possible. You will be surprised to see that you can actually find affordable policies even with collision and comprehensive coverage included. That's the whole purpose of comparison shopping.

Now, if you're financing your car out of own pocket there are two main options to consider. First, you can get the most stripped down policy carrying only third party liability that will automatically offer low auto insurance quotes right from the start. Of course, this means that the situations when your policy will apply will be quite limited. But instead you can save a lot of money on auto insurance. Yet, assuming that you can afford to buy a car without using credits, loans or any other forms of financing it's logic that you actually have enough money to buy decent coverage for your auto as well. And you would certainly like to buy more coverage options in order to protect your car adequately. After all, things like comprehensive coverage or uninsured motorist coverage really come in handy in a range of situations where a basic policy would simply make you pay out of own pocket. So make sure to think about that after celebrating the purchase of your new ride.

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Top Ten Stolen Cars in America

Looking for car insurance quotes? Having a number of car insurance quotes in your possession will give you an insight on what type of insurance you should get and where to get it from but aside from your insurance policy, another thing to consider when you are buying a new car is to ensure that it has all the features you want. Your premium is based on a number of factors - the type and model of car you have, your records at the DMV, and your profile. If you want lower premiums, getting a car that is not in car thieves' hot wheels list is a good idea. Sure you'd be insured with it and you can easily replace your car but filing a claim is a very long process so if you do not want to be inconvenienced by your insurer's processes or protocols, better not get any of these top 10 hot wheels. Here is the list of top 10 stolen cars in the United States in 2011 alone:

• No 10. 2002 Ford Explorer 11, 783 stolen
• No. 9 1999 Ford Taurus 12, 000 stolen
• No. 8 1994 Acura Integra Over 12, 000 stolen
• No. 7 1996 Jeep Cherokee 14, 350 stolen
• No. 6 2000 Dodge Caravan Over 15, 000
• No. 5 2004 Dodge Ram 17, 405 stolen
• No. 4 1997 Ford F-1 About 17, 500 stolen
• No. 3 1989 Toyota Camry Almost 27, 000 stolen
• No. 2 1995 Honda Civic Almost 50, 000 stolen
• No. 1 1994 Honda Accord 55, 170 stolen

As found in Forbes magazine, thieves have been stealing American-made cars since 2002 - preferring these cars over European ones. According to a report by CNBC, supporting what Forbes magazine has published, thieves steal cars that do not draw much attention that is why you didn't see BMWs on this list.

The good news is, if you get a car that is technologically more advanced than the ones in this list, thieves won't try to steal them. This is because of the security these cars provide. Now that you know which models are the favorites of thieves, you can concentrate on getting a car that is not on this list and then surf car insurance quotes. If you do not have an idea where to get your coverage yet, go to a car insurance quotes comparison site asap.

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The popularity growth of companies offering car rentals

The increase in the popularity that is currently being experienced by car rental companies is not all that surprising. Local drivers are responsible for this boost in demand for rental services. Rentals offer tangible benefits for local drivers who are seeking alternatives to the expense of gas-guzzling vehicles that have costly price tags, require ongoing maintenance, and are parked more than they are driven.

Cost-Effectiveness

Hiring a rental is cheaper than paying for a taxi or using public transportation when available. And if you share the cost of a rental, your personal expenses drop even further. Many companies offer discounts to local drivers as an added incentive to use their services over other transportation options. Rental rates that are based on mileage can be particularly cost-effective for local drivers.

Reliable Transportation

The use of public transportation by young people in the last few years has seen an increase. Now they are turning to rentals so they are not tied to a public transport schedule. A group of friends or coworkers may go in together to share the cost of a rental. They do not have to worry about a car payment or maintenance. And they save on gas expenses by sharing the costs between them.

Convenient

Hiring a rental is more convenient than relying on taxi services. You do not have to wait to be picked up. You can just get in the car and drive to your destination. It is common for travelers to rent transportation once they reach their city of destination. They prefer to be in control in their travel schedule rather than depending on people they do not know.

Public Image

In an effort to present their prospective clients with an image that is more sophisticated many local professionals use car rentals. You may be picking them up from the airport or meeting them at a restaurant. Whatever the case, you want to manage how they view you and the type of vehicle you drive says a lot about you.

Environmental Concerns

Sharing the expenses of a rental car basically reduces the need for additional cars on the road. Many car rental companies include eco-friendly vehicles as well as hybrids in their fleet. You can have a real impact on the environment by using rentals rather than purchasing your own vehicle.

It is anticipated that car rental companies will continue to grow in popularity, especially in cities and high-growth urban areas. See if this is a money-saving option for you.

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Looking into auto insurance and car sharing services

In the past, people living together in the community were expected to act as good neighbors. If someone had a problem, you were expected to help out. But times change and trust issues have arisen. Today, the majority of people have their own problems and prefer to deal with them without outside interference. This reflects a shift away from old-fashioned Christian values to a Libertarian attack on the scrounger. There is a widespread discouragement of people who either depend on others to do what they should be doing themselves or feel that they are entitled to assistance.

Thats what makes the car-sharing services so interesting. Rather than opting for a rental or asking your neighbour to borrow their car there is now an alternative. This is a service that enables you to use another vehicle for short periods of time. It helps out the people who only need access to a vehicle occasionally. Some of the services are run as cooperatives. Local people club together to produce a pool of vehicles and members of the group can book them by the hour. Others run as commercial organizations, renting out on a for-profit basis. The common denominators are that, unlike many rental agencies, you can get access to shared vehicles at any time of the day. Its all self-service. But, as you will understand, every member has to be approved before any vehicle is made available.

Now le us look at the problem of auto insurance ,in terms of sharing a vehicle. When working on an informal basis, some owners have found their policies cancelled by their insurers. There are terms limiting ownership to non-commercial use. As long as you allow someone use your car on a regular basis for money it becomes a commercial use vehicle. Now states like California, Oregon and Washington are passing laws to control the emerging market. This allows you to share your vehicle and make a little extra income without risking to loose your auto insurance protection. This is good for the environment with fewer vehicles needed. It also meets a growing social need because more people find vehicle ownership too expensive. The laws require the sharing organization to hold a fleet policy. When you hand over your vehicle, its then covered by the common policy. There are also new rules about safety to ensure the vehicles are in a roadworthy condition when others are allowed to drive them. Everyone benefits!

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Does going Green affect your Car Insurance?

Many factors affect your car insurance premium like:

• Your Driving Habits
• Your Driving History: number of violations and accidents
• Your average yearly mileage
• Your number of claims filed
• Your neighborhood
• Your Credit Score

Insurance companies rate the risk of all of these factors and follow trends to set your premiums. A recent trend in the automotive industry is the introduction of green car or hybrids. Several types of automobiles are labeled green or hybrids. There are two types of combination hybrids series and parallel. The combination hybrid uses both a battery driven electric motor and a gas engine. The electric motor allows for a smaller, lighter more fuel efficient gas engine. In a parallel hybrid the electric and combustion motors both the transmission together. In a series hybrid, the combustion engine is only used to recharge the batteries, and the electric motor does all the work of driving the transmission. There are PEV's (plug in electrical vehicles like the Nissan leaf) that use battery as the only power source; not to mention automobiles developed around natural gas as the fuel source are available on the market.

Most green cars on the road today are combination hybrids (gas and battery). They average between 45 and 55 mpg. With today's volatile fuel prices that can add up to considerable savings at the pump, and the most popular models have good safety ratings. So does going green save you on car insurance? The answer is yes and no.

Many of the green cars are higher end, and higher price tag automobiles. The higher the initial cost of the car, the more expensive your car insurance. Don't lose heart if you want to go green to save the environment, or just to save money at the pump. Most automobile manufacturers are rolling more moderately priced green machines off the assembly line. While the sticker price is still a bit higher than their non-green models, the range of models is opening up. There are green versions now offered in most price ranges. You can now buy a mid priced 4 door sedan version that is not only limited to the luxury line. If you want to go green the mid to compact size models will save you on car insurance and at the pump.

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Insurance rates with respect to car types

A large number of drivers usually get surprised when they learn about different insurance rates for different car types. They think that it doesn't matter whether it's a small car or a hot rod as long as they have a good driving record and don't get in trouble in traffic. With all that, insurance companies have a different perspective on things and they will charge you with different premiums depending on the type of car you're trying to insure. That's why you should always bear in mind the following characteristics of each car type and make your decisions correctly if you want your auto insurance budget to be limited:

Small vehicles
Small sized vehicles are usually very affordable and rather comfortable in the conditions of a big city with heavy traffic. They typically have low engine volumes, top speed, get stolen quite rarely and are inexpensive to handle at repair. Even so, auto insurance can be a bit expensive for small cars because they tend to get damaged very bad during accidents. Basic physics aren't on small cars' side during collisions because the smaller object tends to get the most damage regardless of the safety features the manufacturer has included. That's why costly claims tend to arise more often with such vehicles, and the insurers respond with respective pricing.

Mid-sized cars
Mid-class vehicles are often considered to be the safest and the cheapest to insure. Naturally, it depends on the particular make and model, but the in general these cars are quite safe, have low repair costs and theft rates, and tend to get damaged much less than smaller vehicles during an accident. That is why you will usually get the best auto insurance rates for this car type.

SUVs
Large cars, trucks and SUVs that fall into the same size category are certainly very comfortable and give you a whole different perspective in traffic. But the size can be a problem with these vehicles. Due to their increased mass as compared to other vehicle types SUVs tend to produce more damage during accidents, especially involving other cars. Third party liability claims with SUVs are likely to be higher because the other car tends to get damaged quite bad and there are likely to be injuries as well. Added to the higher repair costs for such vehicles SUVs are usually more expensive to insure.

Sports vehicles
Fast sports cars often look like a great option for car buyers since they are both cool and cheap. However, when it comes to insuring a typical sports car, you will actually have a hard time getting cheap auto insurance because insurers tend to classify such cars as high risk. High top speed, engine volume, elevated theft and accident rates as well as the likelihood to produce a very serious car crash all contribute to expensive auto insurance rates for sports vehicles.

Expensive cars
It may look natural for expensive cars to be costly in terms of insurance. But it has nothing to do with their initial price as there are other reasons to charge higher rates for such vehicles. First of all, they are usually very costly to repair, often requiring exclusive and overpriced repair parts that are hard to find in an ordinary repair shop. Besides, such vehicles are often targeted by car thieves and burglars due to their value and exclusivity. That's why getting cheap auto insurance for any luxury car is problematic.

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Tips on insurance cost optimization

There's hardly anyone who would be willing to pay more for something they can actually get at a lower price. This is especially true when it comes to auto insurance. The only problem in this case is the common lack of knowledge about saving methods that can effectively reduce one's insurance rates. Knowing even the basic saving strategies will help you save a lot of money and avoid situations when you'll be forced to pay for something you don't really need with your insurance policy. So the next time you will start shopping for auto insurance consider using the following tips:

Get only what you really need

The most common mistake customers make when buying a policy is getting all the coverage, they can get assuming that it's better that way. Of course, having different coverage options with your policy is nice since you never know when you will need them, but this also pushes up the cost of your policy. As a result, you end up with higher premiums and lots of coverage options that aren't truly necessary to buy. So, the first thing you got to do is analyze your current auto insurance needs and outline the types of coverage that are really necessary. See if you need any other coverage options besides the mandatory third party liability and consider buying them only if they are really necessary. Otherwise it will be hard for you to avoid overpaying for insurance.

Never take the first policy offered

For a lot of drivers, auto insurance is an obligation they want to get done with as soon as possible. So there's not surprise about the fact that a lot of people choose to buy the first policy they come across without even spending some time on rate comparison, assuming that all the policies have the same price. This often results in additional costs you could easily avoid by getting a cheaper policy after some comparison shopping. The truth is that all insurers have different pricing methods, and you can actually get a policy that carries the same amount of coverage cheaper by comparing insurance quotes. With so many sites giving you the opportunity to do it online there's no excuse for avoiding comparison shopping, which can result in substantial savings.

Don't hesitate to get discounts if you can

Even if you don't know about any discounts offered by your auto insurance provider this doesn't mean that there aren't any. Some insurers won't advertise it widely but still give you a discount if you comply with their requirements. Discounts are usually offered to low risk drivers who maintain a clean driving record and don't file any claims, good students who have an average of B or higher, owners of multiple vehicles, senior citizens and drivers who have a low yearly mileage. It never hurts to ask the insurer if they can give you a discount while the result can cut your insurance costs.

Change your insurance factors if needed

Some of the factors influencing your auto insurance costs are rather hard to change such as your sex, age or place of residence. However, you can take measures to improve other factors such as your credit score, driving record or even change the current vehicle with something that is cheaper to insure.

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How to Buy Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is mandatory in most states. Although a person might feel that driving around without car insurance could save him a lot of money, there are many reasons why buying auto insurance cannot be avoided. Most states in the US expect a person to buy at least a minimum amount of car insurance. The minimum amount of insurance varies from state to state, although the 50/100/25 principal is generally recommended. This would mean $50,000 for a person injured in an accident, $100,000 for all injured parties, and $25,000 for property damage. Consumer reports, however, put these figures at: $100,000 per person, $300,000 for all accident casualties, and $100,000 for property damage. A person's driving license may be suspended for driving without insurance. In fact, most insurance companies are unwilling to provide insurance to people who did not previously insure their vehicle.

Buying Auto Insurance

Type and Amount of Coverage: Nowadays, auto insurance can be easily purchased online. The first step before buying insurance is to decide the type of insurance required. The premium would depend on the kind of coverage. More comprehensive the coverage, higher the premium. The following types of coverage are generally available: basic, comprehensive, collision, property damage, bodily injury, medical payments, personal injury protection, uninsured motorist coverage, emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and auto glass replacement. The basic coverage insures against bodily injury and property damage caused to the counter party in an accident. Property also refers to public property that might have been damaged due to the accident. Comprehensive, as the name suggests, covers all unforeseen events, except accidents. This coverage is useful for people who fear auto theft, vandalism, explosions, earthquakes and other such calamities. Collision insurance, on the other hand, is meant to protect against car damage due to any kind of collision. One does not need to pay a premium for emergency roadside assistance in case he is a member of an auto club.

Shopping Around for the Best Quote: Auto insurance companies have actuarial tables that document the probability of occurrence of all possible situations. Based on these tables, they provide quotes. These quotes are generally available online on completing a simple application, without a person having to provide sensitive information. In order to get an exact quote, a person would have to mention the type of coverage desired, provide a description of the car, the number of people likely to drive the car, their age, sex and their license numbers. Of course, the premium on any policy would depend greatly on the driving record of the person seeking auto insurance. Any speeding tickets and accidents on record will raise the amount of premium. It would be advisable to keep a copy of the driving record at hand before shopping around for the best deal.

Availing Discounts: Most insurance companies provide discounts to drivers with a good driving record. Installing anti-theft devices in the car can also help in obtaining a discount. Sometimes auto insurance companies may provide discounts to youngsters who have completed a driver's safety course. In addition to these discounts, one can avail discounts, in case one has been with the same insurance company for many years. A smart way to avail discounts is to opt for group insurance, or insure more than one car at a time.

Checking Company References: A person should ensure that he is buying insurance from a reputable company with good financial prospects. One should also check for consumer complaints against a company.

Auto insurance is a must for every car owner. Just as a good credit rating helps a person get credit at lower rates of interest, a good driving record will lower the premium on various policies and help one secure inexpensive auto insurance. A person should buy a policy that suits his needs. For instance, it makes no sense to buy comprehensive or collision insurance on a vehicle that has depreciated so much that it has no value. Similarly, personal injury protection is unnecessary for a person covered by a good health insurance. These are some of the ways of deciding on an appropriate auto insurance policy.

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Top Auto Insurance Companies

When one buys a new car or vehicle, the first thing that one would hope and wish would be for it to be away from any kind of damage. But, this is not always possible, which is why auto insurance is very important. Getting your car or vehicle insured is the best way to save yourself the heavy costs that are incurred in case of any damage that is caused to the vehicle. Auto insurance cover expenses of damage caused to the vehicle in case of accidents, theft, fire, etc. To be more precise, getting an auto insurance is as good as buying yourself some peace of mind.

Top Auto Insurance Companies
To get the best deal for your auto insurance and to be sure that your vehicle gets maximum coverage, it is essential that you get your auto insurance from one of the top rated auto insurance companies. The rates at these companies may be slightly higher than the rest of the auto insurance companies, but, it would be certainly worth the excellent service that they provide you with. These companies rank amongst the top 10 auto insurance companies due to their features like roadside assistance, round-the-clock customer support, discounts at auto shops and auto dealers, promotions and updates, regular billing schedule, etc. Not only is it convenient to deal with such companies, it also gives you a good value for your money. Here's a list of top auto insurance companies that you can choose from depending upon your specific needs and budget.

Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies

No. 1: 21st Century Auto Insurance
This is one of the very well-known auto insurance companies and features in most of the top auto insurance company lists. It is dedicated to quality customer service and focuses on auto insurance that is 'just right' for its customers. It also has tie-ups with other insurance companies in America through which it offers other insurances like renters insurance, term life insurance, flood insurance, etc.

No. 2: Esurance Auto Insurance
One of the fastest growing insurance companies in America, Esurance auto insurance company believes in offering easy, hassle free ways to buy insurance. They work not only to provide insurance policies to their customers, but also to educate them about the policy. They are also backed by strong online security and finances, which makes them a lot more reliable than other auto insurance companies.

No. 3: GEICO
This is a top insurance company and was first started for the U.S. military personnel and government employees, so, aptly named 'Government Employees Insurance Company'. Today, it provides its services to a whole lot of customers, that is, around 9 million customers and more than 16 million vehicles. It is known to offer the best auto insurance quotes and other types of insurance to its customers. No wonder it ranks in the top rated auto insurance companies list.

No. 4: Progressive Auto Insurance
This company has been around in the top rated auto insurance companies list for a long time now. Established in 1937, the company strives to provide the best auto insurance coverage to customers who are looking for affordable, good quality customer service and a good auto insurance coverage for their vehicle. Customers can buy the policies online or even over the phone.

No. 5: Allstate Auto Insurance
This auto insurance company is well-known for its insurance packages and the coverage customization options that it offers. This enables its customers to opt for the auto insurance coverage that best suits their requirement and budget and also gives them the maximum coverage possible.

No. 6: State Farm Insurance
This company was founded in 1922, by a retired farmer and salesman and has been providing quality auto insurance policies ever since. The company was founded on the value of being fair to its customers, offering them a fair price for the coverage and also a fair claim settlement. The company still continues to follow the foundation laid by the founder and has issued over 75 million auto insurance policies till date. This company sure has made its place to the top 10 auto insurance companies list.

No. 7: Nationwide Auto Insurance
This company is as old as 80 years and had started off as a mutual auto insurer. Today, it is one of the largest financial services and insurance companies in the world with over $135 million statutory assets. This company also provides auto insurance coverage for leased cars and other features like 100% repair guarantee, 24/7 claim services and discounts and offers for its customers.

No. 8: American Family Insurance
This company, too, has been around for more than 80 years, providing the best quality business and services to its customers. It is known to be a reliable and stable insurance company and their mission talks about being 'the most trusted and valued service driven insurance company'. It offers a wide range of products which includes top class and cheap auto insurance coverage and highly knowledgeable advisors. These have helped it rank on the list of top auto insurance companies.

No. 9: Hagerty Auto Insurance
This company ranks on the list of top auto insurance companies because this is an auto insurance company with a difference. The auto insurance that they offer includes collector car insurance and collector boat insurance and it also has customer centric facilities like roadside assistance, low premiums, value coverage, flexible usage, etc.

No. 10: Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance
This company has been in the insurance business since 1912 and has committed itself to provide useful, fairly priced insurance coverage to its customers. This company is the fifth largest P&C insurance company in America and has also earned an 'A' rating for its services. Not surprising that it features on the list of top auto insurance companies.

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Comprehensive Auto Insurance

Comprehensive auto insurance coverage plays a very significant role in covering and insuring your vehicle from all types of unfortunate situations that your car comes in, except accidents and collisions. There are many automobile owners who simply prefer to choose conventional auto insurance policies, and later find themselves in trouble. To protect your car in every possible situation, it is better to opt for both types. Nowadays, both these are available in a single package, however, if you want you may purchase both the insurances individually as well.

What is Comprehensive Auto Insurance?
This, in simple words, is a type of car insurance that insures the vehicle from all kinds of situations that are not caused by accidents while driving. Apart from car crashes and on-road accidents, there are many things that can happen to your vehicle such as theft, damage by fire, floods, and other natural calamities. This is where comprehensive automobile insurance comes into use.

What Does it Cover?
Excluding vehicle accidents, it has a cover for everything. The things covered in this car insurance policy are damage to the car from any animal; falling materials and tree falls; car theft; damage caused by an attempt of larceny; natural disasters like fire, floods, storms, hail, or earthquakes; vandalism; damage during public violence; explosions; and other similar circumstances.

When to Drop It?
If your car is under the protection of comprehensive insurance, and if you decide to drop the coverage, you need to think if it would save money or actually cost you more in the time to come. Car insurance experts suggest that if your yearly premiums exceed 10% more than the base value of the automobile, it is better to drop the coverage. For example, if the total worth of your car is around $4000, and if the annual premium rates are exceeding $400, dropping the coverage is an appropriate alternative.

Difference Between Collision and Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Many people have a misconception that comprehensive and collision auto insurance are the same. Let us find out the difference between the two.

The main difference between these two types of insurance is that the comprehensive insurance covers most of the natural calamities and other unfortunate events as listed above. On the other hand, collision auto insurance has a protection cover for the damage caused by accidents in case of a moving vehicle. It also covers all disbursements which are incurred for a severely damaged car; relating to towing, car repair, and car parts replacement costs. However, if the car is to be repaired due to accidents caused by improper car maintenance, such expenses are not considered in the collision auto insurance.

To protect the car from all problems, it is recommended to avail the best and affordable collision and comprehensive auto insurance coverage. Comprehensive insurance is very essential for people who reside in dangerous areas where there are more possibilities of natural calamities to happen.

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Auto Accident Settlement

It was a really pleasant morning when Steve got into his car to go to work. What he didn't know was that this pleasant morning was about to turn into a daytime nightmare. While driving, Steve's car was hit on the side by a truck, which was being driven by a drunk driver. Steve was almost crushed in the driver's seat. His head was hit by the crushing frame of his cars, and several shards of glass and metal scarred his skin. A week later, Steve was still in the hospital, with several stitches, two fractures, searing pain, huge mechanic bills and a lump of hospital bills. Had he been at fault? Of course not. An enraged Steve decided to sue the driver of the truck, and his equally angry attorney sued bad...as bad as hell...

What I just narrated to you was the scenario that led to a settlement, with Steve receiving a compensation. This story is an example where the person who has done nothing wrong, has to go through hell, just because some idiotic guy fancied a drink early in the morning. Legal systems all over the world strive to give justice to those who undergo such stressful and dangerous situations.

What is a Settlement

Before we proceed to the concept of settlement for a vehicular accident, let us know more about the concept of settlement. A settlement is basically used when a defendant is ordered by the court to pay a specific amount to the plaintiff as a compensation for personal injury and damages. The settlement can also be made outside the court, where the plaintiff and defendant can agree upon a specific price.

What is Auto Accident Settlement

A settlement court case for auto accident is often considered as a complex case. Such cases involve various fields and domains, such as insurance policies, laws regarding auto accidents, settlement concepts, medical and engineering assessments, etc. Thus, the decisions regarding settlement amounts is influenced as a result of many factors from different domains.

This kind of settlement is in some cases provided by the defendant himself. In many cases where the plaintiff sues the defendant for car damages, the auto insurance company of the defendant provides the plaintiff with adequate finances. In some cases, the auto accident insurance settlement is also provided by the way of a provision that is known as a liability insurance. A liability insurance is usually availed by companies that specialize in logistics and transportation, as there is a great chance of being sued for road accidents. The settlement advice that is provided to such organizations is often specialized, and the liability insurance is recommended to avoid sudden and costly settlements. The health insurance company of the defendant also furnishes the auto accident injury settlement, in cases where the plaintiff has sued for personal injuries. Thus, it can be said that a settlement for such a case consists of compensation for damages to the car, personal injury, compensation for pain and miscellaneous damages. In cases where the person responsible for the accident has acted against the traffic rules, then he is in for a tough time, as he will have to pay a heavy fine that is not covered by any insurance policy.

A settlement agreement may come into the picture when the defendant pays the plaintiff by the way of structured settlements, where the total compensation is paid by the way of several installments. Now, if the question arises, whether a settlement is taxable or not, let me state that the laws regarding the matter vary in all states. But, theoretically, if a person receives more damage compensation than the actual expenditure, then the amount that exceeds the amount of expenditure is taxed.

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Student Auto Insurance

Technological advancements, cost cutting and more supply of fuel, have made cars all over the world a common facility, that is used by people from all age groups. Today, almost all high school and college students drive cars. At times, immature actions by students result into petty accidents and car damages, which are expensive to repair. Insurance companies provide people with a variety of policies, when it comes to auto insurance. The auto insurance for students is a kind of policy that is a specially tailored to meet the demands of the student community.

Student Auto Insurance

After the insurance policy is purchased by vehicle owners, their cars are 'covered' by the policy. It means that in case of an accident or mishap, the insurance pays compensation to the policy owners. Every policy owner has to pay a specific amount annually to the company, which is known as a premium. The policy also has a certain date of maturity, after which the car does not come under the insurance coverage, and a particular sum of money is returned to the policy owner.

The insurance rates for such policies are always high due to the fact that legally recognized driving experience of students is bound to be very less. There are several other factors that are considered while deciding the rates of insurance premiums, for auto insurance for students. The specifications of the car, the score of the student in the driving lessons, criminal record and record for violations of traffic rules are some of common points that are inspected by the company. This expensive auto insurance is also often clubbed with a health or liability insurance. Thus, if the student commits a traffic rule volition or faces a severe accident most of the expenses are taken care of by the insurance company. There might be cases when the injured person in the car crash sues the student for damages and personal injury. The health and liability insurance, in such cases prove to be of help, as the auto accident settlement is paid by the insurance company. Thus, it can be concluded that an auto insurance is a necessity for any student who drives.

How to get a Cheap Auto Insurance for Students

Here's what you can do.

    In case you are availing auto insurance as a college student, then make it point to have good grades on your final year school certificates. There are many companies who would offer you a discount on the basis of your merit.
    The second step that you can follow is that, never break any traffic rules, especially during your high school days. A record for rule and law violation will fetch you a very high rate of premium.
    If it is feasible, then consider purchasing a car with high mileage and lower horse power. You might also add security features to the car. Such cars that have a higher security and lower horse power will fetch you with a low rate premium insurance policy.
    In order to have very good auto insurance quotes, you may also consider taking good driving and safety lessons. Insurance companies offer lesser premiums to customers who have scored well in such classes.

It is high time that we accept that the world is full of uncertainties and one person's life is full of unpredicted events. Hence, it is better to be wise before than weep later. It is very important to follow traffic rules, have a proper driving license, etc. One must never drive after consuming alcohol. It important to respect and follow such rules, an auto insurance for students covers many hazards, but it does not cover a very important aspect - life.

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DUI Auto Insurance

The term 'DUI', basically implies a 'driver under influence'. The DUI auto insurance, is thus an insurance policy that is used in cases when mishaps occur as a result of drivers who are under influence of substances such as alcohol or narcotics and in some cases, it is also referred to as 'drunk driving'. The consequences of a road mishap that is caused due to a driver under influence, are ghastly. The legal system of the United States of America, has started taking up some very strict measures against the phenomenon of driving under influence. Recent cases and court proceedings, have revealed that courts never take the DUI offense lightly.

The legal systems maintains a ruthless approach while dealing with road accidents that have been caused due to carelessness of people, especially if the case happens to be a DUI. Auto insurance and health insurance are supposed to be probably the most important insurance policies that are procured by many people. The auto insurance is one policy that can be legally changed by the insurance company, when it comes to a DUI record.

What is Auto Insurance?

An auto insurance is a policy that provides a coverage for insecurities and mishaps, that tend to damage your car. The auto insurance is a mandatory policy in many jurisdictions throughout the world. The working of such a policy is a pretty simple. The first step to have a car insurance is to apply. The application is followed by an audit, where the insurance company verifies many different factors such as the drivers record, way of driving, specifications of the vehicles and factors that are related to the car such as facility of garage, security locks, safety specifications of the car, etc. After the audit the applicant becomes a holder of insurance policy and is expected to make annual payments, which is known as a premium, to the insurance company. In case of any mishap, the insurance company, compensates the holder with losses, after a quick review of the car. The compensation may be partial or full.

DUI: Auto Insurance Rates

In case of an auto insurance, a very important factor that tends to influence the rate of premium is a DUI. Auto insurance rates increase due to the existence of a record of average DUI. Insurance rates are basically decided, by taking into consideration the driving record of the insured person. A driver under influence is of course a threat to not only himself, but also to the other people on the road. An initial rate of premium is prescribed by the insurance company, when the applicant signs up for the policy. This rate is decided on the basis of different aspects such as the driving record of the applicant and general habits such as, frequency of consumption of alcohol, smoking habits and patters, dependency on narcotics, etc.

During the course of the period of the auto insurance policy, the insurance company, which is also known as the insurer, keeps a strict tab on the criminal and driving record of the insured driver. In case if the driver is found guilty of the offense of DUI, then the insurance is by, law permitted to increase the rate of premium. In addition to that the liability insurance cost also drastically goes up in case if the insured person decides to opt for one. These costs rise steeply due to the fact that, insurance companies view the driver as a 'potential risk' for the roads. In fact, more the cases of DUI, more is the premium rate. As the DUI, is considered to be a serious offense, auto accident settlement (which is borne by the insurance company) also tends to be very expensive.

In some cases, insurance companies have also forfeited the entire policy due to an unacceptable record of DUI. Auto insurance companies basically aim at safeguarding the interest of their client. A record of DUI is however, an irresponsible and careless act, that cannot be insured by any insurer.

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Comprehensive Insurance For Cars

Insuring our wealth and property is a smart economical tool that is our bulwark against the ravages of time and calamity. Insurance companies today insure almost everything under the Sun and every kind of damage that could be inflicted on your property.

About Comprehensive Insurance
This insurance type does not restrict itself to cover against any one kind of damage but offers coverage for a wide range of property damage problems or health problems. In case of comprehensive auto insurance coverage, you are insured against much more than just accident related damage.

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage For Cars
Auto insurance policies have two primary insurance components that offer coverage against different types of damages. The two main components are liability coverages and other is coverage against damage in any form. Liability coverage helps you in paying back for damages inflicted by your car on other cars. While damage cover is split into two other components. One is collision insurance and other is comprehensive insurance. Collision insurance only compensates you for paying for damages inflicted in accidents only. Whereas, comprehensive insurance claim of a car covers for almost all kinds of damages other than collision damages in accidents. The premium and deductible amounts for both these types of insurance covers is calculated separately. So while looking for auto insurance, have a close look the details of both these components.

A comprehensive cover, along with collision cover, is a complete insurance solution for you. Comprehensive auto insurance coverage generally helps you to pay for damages of several types including the following:

    Earthquakes & Other Natural Calamities
    Damage Due to Falling Objects
    Storm Damage
    Animal Damage
    Fire
    Broken Windows
    Theft
    Vandalism
    Water Damage

Comprehensive coverage pays for every type of car repair and even replacement in case of theft which costs greater than the minimum deductible amount. That is, repairs which are lesser than the minimum deductible will not be paid for by the insurance company. The lower the deductible, higher is the premium to be paid for comprehensive insurance.

Cost
The question that naturally pops up is when does one really need comprehensive insurance. The premium amounts are high and you need to think if you really need this kind of investment, and whether there will be sizable returns on such an investment.

There is a simple rationale behind when and why should you opt for a comprehensive car insurance. It is dictated by the current estimated cash value of your car. When you buy a really expensive new car, getting a comprehensive insurance is beneficial, as it has a high cash value. However, comprehensive insurance for a car whose cash value has already depreciated, will not be that substantial. Hope this rationale has cleared your doubts about when should you go for comprehensive auto insurance. It is better to be insured for any eventuality when you are driving an expensive car.

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DUI Insurance Rates

When you are driving, there are countless dangers and uncertainties and dangers that you tend to face almost every second. The insurance companies have realized these issues and have started providing people with certain policies that would help them to cover the risks that are involved when a person is driving. The insurance policy of driver under influence (DUI) or the driving while intoxicated (DWI), come in handy while covering the risk of accidents that are caused as a result of drunk driving. The insurance rates is another complicated issue that comes into picture of such insurance policies. It must be noted that DUI insurance policies have been made mandatory for drivers in some states.

What is a DUI Auto Insurance?

DUI auto insurance in some cases is also known as the DUI insurance. The working of such an insurance policy is quite simple and goes as follows.

A DUI insurance is a policy that is purchased by individuals. During the purchase procedure of the policy, the insurance company takes into consideration many different aspects of the person who is purchasing the policy. Some of the important factors that are considered by the auto insurance company can be listed down as follows:

    Driving License: The first factor that is considered by the insurance company is the person's driving permit. The driving permit well as the drivers test, tells a lot about the person's driving habits. The driving habits of the person, become an important aspect of average insurance rates, which are fixed by the insurance company, when the policy is sold.
    Specifications of the Car: Another factor that is considered by insurance company is the specifications of the car such as the capacity of the engine, age of the car, safety features and lastly, the horse power of the car. The logic that is used in such a case is simple, the more powerful the car, the more is its impact in case of an accident.
    Criminal Record of the Person: The last factor that is confirmed is the criminal record of the applicant. The criminal record is basically checked to confirm the number of traffic violations.

After this check is done, insurance company officials calculate a DUI car insurance rate. The applicant, who is now a policy holder is expected to pay off the premium of this policy on a monthly or annual basis. In case of mishaps arising from drunk driving or any kind of substance abuse, the insurance company pays the compensation to injured party, attorney fees, repair cost, etc. It must be noted that the DUI insurance policy is applicable only in cases where the accidents have been caused as a result of driving under influence.

DUI Insurance Rates

The fact that insurance rates increase, due to the occurrence of events, such as an accident, makes it a very unique kind of insurance policies. Ordinary insurance policies such as a health insurance or a life insurance, etc. tend to have a fixed rate of premium. The insurance rates, however, tend to change after the policy holder commits a driving rule violation. In most of the cases, the premiums tend to go up for the following year. If the policy holder is caught while driving under the influence of substances, then the premium of the insurance policy drastically shoots up. If a driver, who has been insured and is paying the insurance rates, becomes the cause of an accident while under the influence of any substance, then he is in for a tough time because, Judges in Court of Law, show no mercy for the defendants on such occasions. The insurance company will cover the costs of the total affair such as the auto repair bills, compensation of the other party, personal injury settlement that have been filed by the other party.

In some cases, the company also covers the costs of the fine that has been slapped by the court. But again, in cases where the accident has occurred as a result of sheer negligence on the part of the policy holder, the whole policy might be also canceled. Or, the insurance companies might just prefer to increase the rate of premium in such cases. The DUI insurance policy is also known as a SR 22 insurance policy. An SR 22 insurance policy is an auto insurance coverage, the minimum amount of which is prescribed by the department of motor vehicles (DMV). It must be noted that the SR 22 is code that is used as a proof of the coverage that can be provided by a company for a particular policy. The SR 22, is restricted to a particular state and is also provided for owners and non owners of an automobile. In short, drivers who are not covered by an SR 22 are dealt with quite seriously and an uninsured car accident may result into revocation of the driving permit. It is thus advisable to have a policy that has a SR 22 category DUI insurance.

Driving under the influence alcohol, is always risky to all people who are present on the road at that very minute, even the driver himself. One must remember that health, auto repairs, settlements, etc. are covered by the DUI insurance that one pays, however, life is something that one cannot protect with an insurance policy. Hence, the best option that one can use after the consumption of alcohol is to, hail a cab! When you are driving, there are countless dangers and uncertainties and dangers that you tend to face almost every second. The insurance companies have realized these issues and have started providing people with certain policies that would help them to cover the risks that are involved when a person is driving. The insurance policy of driver under influence (DUI) or the driving while intoxicated (DWI), come in handy while covering the risk of accidents that are caused as a result of drunk driving. The insurance rates is another complicated issue that comes into picture of such insurance policies. It must be noted that DUI insurance policies have been made mandatory for drivers in some states.

What is a DUI Auto Insurance?

DUI auto insurance in some cases is also known as the DUI insurance. The working of such an insurance policy is quite simple and goes as follows.

A DUI insurance is a policy that is purchased by individuals. During the purchase procedure of the policy, the insurance company takes into consideration many different aspects of the person who is purchasing the policy. Some of the important factors that are considered by the auto insurance company can be listed down as follows:

    Driving License: The first factor that is considered by the insurance company is the person's driving permit. The driving permit well as the drivers test, tells a lot about the person's driving habits. The driving habits of the person, become an important aspect of average insurance rates, which are fixed by the insurance company, when the policy is sold.
    Specifications of the Car: Another factor that is considered by insurance company is the specifications of the car such as the capacity of the engine, age of the car, safety features and lastly, the horse power of the car. The logic that is used in such a case is simple, the more powerful the car, the more is its impact in case of an accident.
    Criminal Record of the Person: The last factor that is confirmed is the criminal record of the applicant. The criminal record is basically checked to confirm the number of traffic violations.

After this check is done, insurance company officials calculate a DUI car insurance rate. The applicant, who is now a policy holder is expected to pay off the premium of this policy on a monthly or annual basis. In case of mishaps arising from drunk driving or any kind of substance abuse, the insurance company pays the compensation to injured party, attorney fees, repair cost, etc. It must be noted that the DUI insurance policy is applicable only in cases where the accidents have been caused as a result of driving under influence.

DUI Insurance Rates

The fact that insurance rates increase, due to the occurrence of events, such as an accident, makes it a very unique kind of insurance policies. Ordinary insurance policies such as a health insurance or a life insurance, etc. tend to have a fixed rate of premium. The insurance rates, however, tend to change after the policy holder commits a driving rule violation. In most of the cases, the premiums tend to go up for the following year. If the policy holder is caught while driving under the influence of substances, then the premium of the insurance policy drastically shoots up. If a driver, who has been insured and is paying the insurance rates, becomes the cause of an accident while under the influence of any substance, then he is in for a tough time because, Judges in Court of Law, show no mercy for the defendants on such occasions. The insurance company will cover the costs of the total affair such as the auto repair bills, compensation of the other party, personal injury settlement that have been filed by the other party.

In some cases, the company also covers the costs of the fine that has been slapped by the court. But again, in cases where the accident has occurred as a result of sheer negligence on the part of the policy holder, the whole policy might be also canceled. Or, the insurance companies might just prefer to increase the rate of premium in such cases. The DUI insurance policy is also known as a SR 22 insurance policy. An SR 22 insurance policy is an auto insurance coverage, the minimum amount of which is prescribed by the department of motor vehicles (DMV). It must be noted that the SR 22 is code that is used as a proof of the coverage that can be provided by a company for a particular policy. The SR 22, is restricted to a particular state and is also provided for owners and non owners of an automobile. In short, drivers who are not covered by an SR 22 are dealt with quite seriously and an uninsured car accident may result into revocation of the driving permit. It is thus advisable to have a policy that has a SR 22 category DUI insurance.

Driving under the influence alcohol, is always risky to all people who are present on the road at that very minute, even the driver himself. One must remember that health, auto repairs, settlements, etc. are covered by the DUI insurance that one pays, however, life is something that one cannot protect with an insurance policy. Hence, the best option that one can use after the consumption of alcohol is to, hail a cab!

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No Fault Auto Insurance

The concept of insurance is a very complex one, with many different insurance policies and their terms and conditions. Hence, in this article, instead of bamboozling you with some haywire financial and insurance literature, I have made an attempt to explain the concept of no fault coverage in a simple and straightforward manner. However before proceeding to the no fault auto insurance, state laws and their implementation, let us sit back, and take a moment to grasp the idea of no fault auto insurance and policies.

What is Auto Insurance?

The auto insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers the automobile of the policy holder. In case of an accident, the auto insurance company makes a full or partial payment to the holder of the policy. The holder of the policy, has to make timely annual installments to the auto insurance providers to keep the policy alive. The auto insurance policy sometimes also compensates some other party, when the insured party is at fault. Often especially in case of accidents, auto insurance companies also covers the medical expenditures of the injured party. All these factors must be however mentioned in the terms and conditions of the insurance policy. During these policies the cause of the accident, fault or carelessness, are some of the important things that are considered by the insurance company before making the compensation. However, that is almost reverse in a no fault auto insurance policy.

No Fault Auto Insurance

A no fault auto insurance is very different type of insurance policy where many different aspects of auto accidents are covered by the policy. The compensation is basically provided to all aspects of the accidents, especially the medical expenses, that have to be fulfilled almost instantly. The concept of no fault auto insurance, is often misunderstood by many people. The no fault insurance, does not mean that the insurance companies will totally ignore the fact that some person or party was at fault. The merit of the no fault auto insurance lies in the fact that it provides almost instant financial backing for the policy holders. Here's some detailed explanation...

Most of the auto insurance companies, wait till the court proceedings have taken place, and the party at fault has been established, before giving out the compensation for the appropriate expenditures. The basics regarding the payment of premium, of the no fault policy are the same, but the response system of no fault auto insurance company is different, much more quicker. The insurance company provides instant medical coverage to its policy holder and other expenses such as towing the vehicle and starting its repairs is financed by the company. Another very wonderful aspect of this policy is that it also provides coverage of emergency medical facilities to other parties. After the hearing takes place the auto insurer of the no fault policy decides if its policy holder deserves additional compensation or not. If the policy holder has been at fault in the accident, the annual premium is increased according to some specified formula, as the company now classifies the policy holder as a 'high risk driver'.

In some states, the no fault auto insurance has been made a compliance and requirement for all drivers. Some such states include, Florida, New Jersey, Kentucky, Kansas, etc. In fact this kind of policy is an excellent one and if one lives in a high traffic zone, a cheap no fault auto insurance, might prove to be useful.

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Collision Insurance

What is collision insurance' is a query that is asked by many people. The term collision insurance is quite generic in nature and there are many transport objects that are often covered under a policy of collision insurance. It is not necessary that a collision insurance should be used for just cars and smaller trucks. All transport vehicles, right from airplanes to ships can be covered with a collision insurance.

Collision Insurance: Definition

It is very easy to define collision insurance and as the name itself implies, it to be an insurance policy that covers the damage done to your vehicle as a result of a collision with another object or vehicle. A comprehensive collision insurance basically safeguards your car from almost all damages that occur during an accident. Though auto insurance companies often advertise their collision insurance only for cars used by common consumers, there are policies that are generated for bigger vehicles such as trucks and buses.

Collision Insurance: How does it Work?

The working procedure of the collision insurance is quite simple. All you need to do is apply for an insurance and wait for the company to send an audit team. Let us take the simplest example of an auto collision insurance. After the insurance company gets the application, it begins its quotation process. First an audit or survey team is sent to your house, where your car is surveyed. In such a scenario the survey team takes into consideration all the features of the car, such as the size and capacity of the engine, speed, age and make of the car and finally the availability of auto parts. The second thing that is taken into consideration by this team is your driving record. In such a scenario, drunk driving cases or accidents, might prove to be fatal. Next, based upon all this data, the company quotes a certain insurance policy. If you are willing to buy the quoted coverage, then the company will assess your current debt to income ratio and give you a premium price.

In cases of accidents or collisions, the insurance company compensates the policy holder with the amount that is required to restore or repair the vehicle. The single condition being that the accident should be a crash or a collision with another object. There are also collision insurance policies that provide a coverage in cases, where the damage has been inflicted on a stationary vehicle. It must be noted that a collision insurance policy does not cover the damage that has been inflicted upon another vehicle or property. Thus, if the policy holder gets sued after an accident, the company providing collision insurance does not contribute to compensate. Similarly, this policy does not provide compensations for health related expenditures that have occurred as a result of the collision. The scope and premium of this policy is quite low due to which it is affordable and one should always avail it.

When to Drop Collision Insurance?

Dropping a collision policy makes no sense. Though this policy is not compulsory, it should not be dropped. The reason why a vehicle must have collision insurance is simple, auto insurance compensations are never provided for in full, meaning that you would not have a 100% compensation for the accident, especially if the policy holder is at fault. However, the reimbursement of a collision insurance is such that it is provided even if the policy holder is at fault. Thus, the advantage is that the policy holder is able to repair his vehicle after the accident even if he has been at fault.

Collision insurance is, thus, a very effective policy that safeguards your vehicle at a relativity low premium cost. The positive point of having such an insurance policy is that you shall be able to repair your car in the least possible time.

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Auto Collision Insurance

The definition will itself tell you that this type of insurance policy is a variant of auto or car insurance and collision insurance. The term collision insurance is quite generic in nature and is used specifically to define collision coverage for any moving vehicle. Believe it or not, collision insurance policy can be generated for any kind of vehicle, from an entire ship to a simple bicycle. Auto collision insurance is a variant of auto and collision insurance policies and is applicable for any vehicle that comes under the domain of automobiles.

What does it Cover
This policy covers a lot many damages that include, the compensation that has to be provided to the other party, car repair charges, fines by the court of law, damages to other property, emergency medical relief, etc. Thus, a conventional auto insurance is a broader coverage and is obviously costly with a quite expensive premium. The collision insurance, however, provides coverage only to the different damages that have been inflicted upon the car by the accident. This insurance policy does not cover the other damages such as liability, fines and first aid provisions.

How can one get Coverage
The procedure for the application of is fairly simple. If you feel that you need such a policy, thdn all you need to do is fill an online application form and send it over to your insurance company. The company sends over an audit team that analyzes your car, its engine capacity, age, condition, availability of its repair facilities, etc. The company also checks your driving record and allots an insurance policy that has a premium that is based upon your income.

When to drop Auto Collision Insurance
It seems quite illogical to drop such an insurance, due to the fact this insurance has more advantages than disadvantages. A very important reason that one should not drop a collision insurance is that the premium is low and in case of an accident, the compensation provides sound and essential financial backing which is needed in such a situation. This compensation helps the policy holder to get the car repaired almost instantaneously. The second advantage is that compensation that is provided is substantial and it covers up almost all the costs of repair. The third advantage is that the compensation is provided irrespective of the mistake of the policy holder. In common auto insurance, compensation is usually based upon the findings of the police report and a genuine chunk of it is provided to the party that has not been at fault.

Though this insurance provides excellent coverage that safeguards the car's repairs, the policy has some minor drawbacks, such as, the policy does not financially back the holder if he/she is sued or it also does not provide for a fine that is slapped by the court of laws. It can be concluded that a combination of a common auto insurance and a collision insurance tends, to be a lethal immunization against financial risks.

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Auto Repair Insurance

Each time your car breaks down, does the repair cost make a hole in your pocket? If yes, why not go for auto repair insurance. Whenever your car breaks down, the auto insurance companies pay for the repair costs. You just need to pay a premium every month, which most people prefer than paying a lump sum amount at one go. There are numerous repair insurance policies like mechanical breakdown insurance, extended warranty auto insurance, etc. Depending on the kind of insurance you opt for, payment for repairs would be done as per the terms and conditions of the policy. An auto repair insurance differs from other auto insurance, as in a repair insurance, the car need not be damaged as a result of collision. Many a time, the car just breaks down due to wear and tear of some part or the other, and that's where it requires a repair, and this is where this type of insurance can help you.

Auto Repair Insurance Reviews
While thinking of buying an auto repair insurance, make sure that you get the proper auto repair estimates and go through what other people have to say on the kind of services of a particular company. It would help you find out the best deals that fit into your needs. Today, there are several websites where actual people comment on the services offered and the kind of services offered. Additionally, you can go through reputed magazines which provide details about insurance. You can individually search for a company and see what people say. You can just enter the keywords, 'auto repair insurance companies' to search for a list of companies. Once you have found a list, you can add the word 'review' after the name of the company and go through what people have to say. Moreover there are several websites, which are solely dedicated to different aspects of cars. Hence, these websites have forums and message boards which would be helpful in your search. In addition to that, you can ask for an insurance quote from different companies and see for yourself the deals offered by various service providers.

Auto Repair Insurance for Older Cars
Many a time people are apprehensive about car repair insurance. Usually car repairs are required by owners of older vehicles as they are more prone to breakdown. The auto insurance which you use generally while buying a vehicle, does not cover repairs, even though it may include collision coverage. However, there are warranties available, but they are only for a specified period, and this is where car repair insurance comes to play. The best part is this kind of insurance can cover specific parts like engines or tires.

A major reason for people not opting for this kind of insurance is that there is a feeling that companies are more interested in increasing their profits than paying claims. If it's found that the costs of insurance in the long run is equal to the repairs required, they opt out. This is where the reviews play a very important part and you should check the credentials of the company in detail.

Best Auto Repair Insurance
For getting the best deals for the car repair insurance companies, you should show them that you pose least risk. This would be confusing for many, as it is the older car which needs repairs. And it is the older cars which require you to pay the highest premiums. If repairing is expensive, it means the insurance premiums are higher. For getting the best rates, it's always better to deal with reputable and old insurance companies which have an excellent track record.

Auto Repair Insurance Extended Warranties
As the name suggests, extended warranties increases the time period of warranty of your car. Usually, if there is any repair to be done during the warranty period, the manufacturer would pay for those repairs. However, a warranty is only for a specified period, and if it's a used car, it's only for 3 months. After that if there is any major repair to be carried out, you need to pay from your pocket. It is possible to extend the warranty period and you should get it done so that you can save valuable money.

If you don't want to pay for the repairs of your car from your pocket, auto repair insurance is a good option. While purchasing, make sure that you get it from the right company or else you may have to pay more than you need. Moreover, go through the fine prints and the rules and regulations before signing the document. If required get in touch with a reputed attorney so that you know what you are signing.

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Cheap Full Coverage Auto Insurance

You may be confused with the number of auto insurances available in the market. So it's important for you to go through its minute details before you take a decision on the kind of car insurance policy you want to buy. A cheap full coverage auto insurance is one of the options you can take a look at. Such insurance coverage covers not only the medical expenses which you will have to pay if you meet with an accident, but it will also cover the cost of repairing your vehicle and liability lawsuit expenses. Moreover, in case you meet with an accident where the other party is uninsured, still you get the money to cover your expenses. There are several cheap full coverage auto car insurances available in the market, wherein you don't need to pay high amounts as premiums to protect yourself from the consequences of a mishap.

Cheapest Full Coverage Auto Insurance Policy

If you go for this type of insurance, the insurance company pays for the claims made, besides the legal fees which you will need to pay in case another person has been injured or killed in the accident. Not only that, it also pays for the damages which may have been caused to someone else's property. Moreover, if you have opted for a comprehensive or collision insurance, then you can think of dropping them and instead opt for full coverage auto insurance. That's because the amount which you would pay for a full coverage auto insurance, would be considerably lower than both these insurance taken together.

To find out cheap full coverage auto car insurance policies, you need to search for it. There are several factors which auto insurance companies consider while giving you an insurance cover and according to which the premium and the period varies. Your gender and age will also be taken into consideration. One of the most important things which the insurance company takes into consideration is how old your vehicle is. In case your vehicle is quite old, then you will need to pay a higher premium, which may be considerably higher than the market value of the car. On the other hand, if your car is new, it's a better idea to go for cheap auto insurance that offers full coverage.

Extent of Coverage

Once you have got an idea of the benefits of cheap full coverage auto insurance and the things which an insurance company considers, you need to do your homework well before buying the policy. You need to get quotes for auto insurance offering full coverage from several service providers so that you get an idea of what is on offer. Search for things like premiums which you have to pay, the kind of injuries covered, coverage for your vehicle, whether it covers lawsuit expenses, etc. You need to ensure that in case of a major accident you will have enough money to pay for all the expenses.

For the best deal, you need to go through all the quotes and see which suits you best. There are several insurance companies who are happy to provide you details of what they offer. After all, they too need more customers to increase their revenue. Make sure all the policies have same amount of coverage, so that you get a clear picture of what all of them are offering.

See to it that the quotes provided also cover for your loss in case of an accident as well as due to theft and fire involving your vehicle. It's only if it contains these features that your insurance coverage can be called full coverage.

So a cheap full coverage auto insurance gives you a great opportunity to not only cover the cost of repairing your vehicle in case of an accident, but it covers your medical expenses as well. Whenever you think of going for it, speak with your financial advisor, to know all the pros and cons of buying one.

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What is Collision Insurance

There are different types of auto insurance offered by auto insurance companies which you can avail of. But then which one to apply for depends on you; you should consider the coverage in detail and then make your decision. You need to consider the things you want to protect, whether it's you and your family that you want to protect, or you want the vehicle to be covered as well. The two most important auto insurance types offered by insurance companies include collision insurance and comprehensive insurance. But then, what is collision insurance and how is it different to comprehensive insurance? The following paragraphs would make that clear.

What is the Difference Between Collision and Comprehensive Insurance

There are several people who go for car insurance because it's required by law and not voluntarily. And that's the reason why they pay very little in insurance premiums, especially for their vehicles. However, there are other people who prefer to protect themselves and their car from damage and so combine both collision and comprehensive insurance together so that they can protect their vehicles from different unknown situations. You may like to know the different auto insurance quotes, so that you get an exact idea of the rates prevalent in the market.

Collision insurance is the protection provided to your vehicle against damage due to accidents, hitting an object or overturning due to accidents I. If your car meets such a situation, the insurance company pays for repairing your car. The main advantage of a auto collision insurance is that it protects the driver irrespective of whether he or she is at fault. Moreover, there are provisions for salvaging the car to its original form in case it has been badly damaged. In addition, a collision insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing parts of the vehicle. Of course, it doesn't cover mechanical failure due to improper maintenance.

On the other hand comprehensive insurance protects your vehicle from theft, riots, weather damages, vandalism, fire, etc. However, it does not cover damages to the parts of the vehicles, or if there is any damage to the car as a result of improper maintenance.

Buying Collision Insurance

One of the most important feature of collision insurance is that, in case you are responsible for causing injury or death of another person in an accident, the insurance company pays for it. Moreover, it provides a legal defense in case the other party files a lawsuit against you. This insurance covers you and pays the injured party, without making a dent in your pocket. It also covers claims for bodily injury which may include medical bills, pain and sufferings and loss of incole, which you will need to pay.

There may be times when you may think that the accident has been caused due to the fault of the other person and not you, but the other person may disagree. And if that's the case, both of you would be entangled in a lengthy legal duel. If you go for collision insurance, the company would take the responsibility of repairing the car, besides taking over the claim which you may have made against the other person. Moreover, there may be times when the other driver may not have liability insurance and in such a case, filing a lawsuit may not be of any benefit. In such a case, a collision insurance would pay for the costs of repairing the vehicle. In case there is no one to blame, say you smash your car against a wall or tree, then a collision insurance can come to your help.

The amount of insurance coverage and the premium you have to pay depends on the type of your car and its value. In case your car is expensive and is prone to damage, the premiums would be on the higher side. However, if your car scores well for durability and safety, the amount of premium you need to pay would be less.

I hope you would be in a better position to make a decision, whether to go for collision insurance or not. If you actually decide to go for it, make sure you go through the fine prints so that you understand what you are paying for.

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