Monthly Archives: July 2018

Car Insurance for Teenage Drivers

The statistics about teenage drivers aren’t good. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 16-year-olds get into accidents almost six times more often than drivers between the age of 30 and 59. No wonder car insurance premiums are so high for this age group.

However, not all car insurance companies take the same dim view of young drivers. And some discounts are available to help you cut costs. Remember, the higher the risk, the higher the cost of insurance premiums. Let this be your guiding principle as you shop for insurance.

Here are 10 suggestions to help lower premiums and keep your teenager’s license free of violations:

1. Help your teen learn the laws and follow them to the letter. By far, the best way to lower car insurance costs for teens is for them to keep their driving record clean. Make safe driving a family project. In some states, restrictions apply to new drivers. Parents should know what the laws are and insist that their sons and daughters follow them.

2. Set a good example. Do you break the speed limit and tailgate? Do you yell at other drivers when you’re behind the wheel? If you do these things, how can you expect your children to act differently? Start watching your own driving long before they get their license and you’ll have a much easier time convincing them to be safe drivers. Remember, actions speak louder than words.

3. Put your teenager on your policy. Rather than setting up an independent policy for your teen driver, put them on your auto insurance policy as an additional driver. In this way, all the discounts applied to your policies will be passed on to them.

4. Pay your teenager to get good grades. Here’s a creative tip — find out how much you save if your teenager gets a good grade point average and pass it on to them. Usually, having a 3.0 or higher GPA will reduce your car insurance premium by 10 percent. Figure out exactly how much this saves you and give that money to your teenager. This accomplishes two things. First, it provides a direct reward for academic performance. Secondly, it motivates them to continue getting good grades.

5. Enroll them in driver education courses. Discounts are available for teens who take recognized driving classes. But call your car insurance company to find out which schools are covered before paying big bucks.

6. Steer clear of sports cars. Don’t try to live vicariously through your teenager by giving them the hot car you couldn’t get in high school. Getting your teenager a safe car to drive, with the latest safety equipment, will lower your premiums. Not only will you save money on car insurance, but fast driving will be less of a temptation.

7. Get their support. Don’t assume that your teenager wants to vacuum clean your wallet. Ask them for help cutting costs and point out that you will share in the savings (see rule #4). Tell them how much car insurance costs and show them how this fits into the family budget. If nothing else, you will score points for treating them as adults.

8. Talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol. This is a tough subject to broach with teenagers, who think they have everything under control. But the consequences of saying nothing can be catastrophic. Take the time to lay down some guidelines in this important area.

9. Take traffic school to beat tickets. Once a ticket is on your teen’s license, it takes months to get the violation removed. Instead, encourage them to take traffic school if the judge allows it. A day spent thinking about the consequences of unsafe driving can bring rewards for years to come.

10. Ride with your teenager. Your teenager was a safe driver last year when he or she got a license. But what’s happened since then? Let your son or daughter take the wheel while you sit back and relax in the passenger seat. If you see them doing something that breaks rules or seems unsafe, point this out in a diplomatic way. If they are doing a good job driving, praise them for their efforts.

If you follow the above suggestions, you will find that you can make it through the teenage years safely — and without paying an arm and a leg for car insurance. It just takes cooperation and understanding from both sides of the generation gap.

Most Affordable Vehicle to Insure

Reports by renowned publications like Forbes ranks 2015 Wrangler Sports Jeep as the car with the lowest average yearly insurance rate in The United States. According to research by some online research team, the same car also ranked as the car with the cheapest insurance rate. The study conducted by Forbes was carried out on a middle-aged driver who goes on an average drive of 12 miles daily.

The annual cost was averagely about $1,135; which is about $100 monthly. This is, of course, good news for owners of this model that is fun to drive. For prospective buyers who are still contemplating whether or not to acquire the 2015 Wrangler Sports Jeep, these incredible rates are good enough to convince them to go for the brand. All over the US, Maine had the lowest prices for the brand model with an annual bill of about $700, which translates to less than $60 monthly as the premium for a new car. A lot of consumers will appreciate this rate as a result of the recent rise in insurance rates.

Jeeps like Patriots and some other brands had good scores in the research for cheap vehicle insurance rates, ranking among the ten most affordable cars to insure. Many people would wonder why it is relatively inexpensive to insure a Jeep. You may be amazed at the reason: Experts attributes the cheap cost to the engine designs; they are relatively inexpensive to repair and are easily customized, unlike other SUV. These autos are usually not severely damaged in accidents, and its drivers have recorded low mortality rates. Apply for an online quote today with any insurance company for free and find the dramatic reduction in premiums.

The safety of off-road vehicles and the likelihood of accidents are the concerns of many people. In my opinion, vehicles are like guns, and they function at the dictate of the user. A jeep, if recklessly driven can be dangerous, but when controlled by a responsible driver, it is entirely safe. A driver who drives at top speed, making sharp turns at critical angles can cause a fatal crash that may even lead to the death of passengers.

One nice thing about a jeep is its safety features like dual airbags and solid frame. Also, it can be driven on any terrain, from sand to snow, and this makes it lot safer than small cars. Just like every other car, Jeeps also have limits, and so one must take caution while driving, however, you are free to have fun with your ride. Having these low insurance rates in mind, you can go out there on some more explorations and be adventurous! For years, the producers of these famous cars, The American Motors, gave a picture of these cars as an icon of liberty, freedom, and adventure. If you own a Jeep, then try out some routine four wheeling and have that incredible aura that comes with a Jeep.

Getting Cheaper Wrangler Jeep Rates

Do you know you can get cheaper insurance rates for your Jeep? Check out these tips and save more.

· Combine all your cars

You will get as high as 10% discount for insuring all your cars with an insurance company. This saves you extra bills, making insurance a little easier. You may also want to combine your vehicle and home and save some real cash. Bundled rates are mostly cheaper than purchasing separate coverage from different insurance firms.

· Boost your Credit Rating

Improving your credit score helps you get cheaper insurance rates. Insurance providers are now emphasizing on individual credit rating in calculating insurance premiums.

· Direct Shopping with Insurance Companies Online

It’s no longer news that the web offers incredible deals; same applies to vehicle insurance. Today, virtually every individual has access to the internet, so no excuse is good enough for not shopping online. Purchasing coverage directly from providers can save you as high as between 5% to 20% less the cost from local agents or brokers.

Purchase Vehicle Insurance in 2 Easy Steps!

Finding the best insurance for your vehicle can sometimes seem overwhelming, how much cover will I actually need? Do I need a comprehensive policy that covers everything or perhaps a third-party liability cover will be enough? What does the law require for me to do in terms of vehicle insurance in my state or city? And then, how do I actually go about arranging insurance for my vehicle? Let us cover in 2 easy steps to how to find the best cover for you and how to then shop for it.

Firstly, find out how much vehicle insurance you actually need?

It is always important for drivers to be fully insured for any type of mishap that may happen whilst driving, however, depending on your location you may be required to have a certain type of vehicle insurance if you are of a certain age, driving level skill i.e. how long you have driven for, your gender and most importantly your age and the distance you travel. Are you driving long distances every day or only using your car for driving to work and back short distance? You may want to save some money by using a third-party insurance cover which covers only property damage. Are you a younger driver or a senior citizen? You may want to invest in a more comprehensive cover which will protect you from larger accidents were they to happen.

Some insurance companies will rate drivers differently according to age, gender and experience you should always have that in mind when shopping around for insurance in order to look for companies that will give you the best deal according to the consumer, you!

Now secondly, how to you go about shopping for the best deal?

Time to begin shopping! It is important to mention that with most new vehicle purchases – depending on your location – You will be required to buy full comprehensive insurance, especially if you are buying a new car, then your decision-making has just been made easier! But for those of us who couldn’t afford a brand new car – not yet anyway – here are some options to look for.

Vehicle insurance companies will vary largely, depending on your driving record, the type of vehicle you would like to insure and your credit history so it’s wise to do some research. It’s important to do a quick Google search for vehicle insurance comparison websites and take a look, you will find there are 3 main types of insurance companies such as:

1. Direct sellers – These are insurance companies which will bypass traditional insurance brokers and sell directly to you which usually mean there’s no agent to pay a commission to so the savings are passed on to you! Because of this, these sellers usually accept only the very best drivers, something to be watchful of if you have any prior driving violations.

2. Large National brands – Although their pricing may be a bit more expensive than the previously mentioned, these insurance companies are better equipped if you may have a bit of a blotchy past, they are also usually good at matching the pricing of the direct sellers.

3. Independent insurance agents – These sellers offer all kinds of insurance from different companies, good if you are trying to compare different policies from different insurers and you are finding difficulty due to perhaps a patchy record.

Remember that with whatever policy you look at, you should ask questions like, will my policy cover skip towing services as in 24 hour roadside assistance in case of a breakdown? Is glass insurance part of my comprehensive coverage and not a separate policy? Are there any special discounts you are offering to new members? Important questions that will help negotiate for a better deal.

So there you have it! Hope you find this helpful and happy motoring!

Four Steps to Switching Car Insurance

Could you save hundreds of dollars by switching your car insurance? It is a question worth asking yourself at least once a year. By doing a little research now, you may be able to find a comparable insurance plan at a better rate with another company, and save money. But you have to make sure you take the appropriate steps to switch, because you don’t want to have a lapse in coverage.

Jeanne Salvatore, senior vice president at the Insurance Information Institute in New York, suggests asking yourself if you’re happy with the cost, coverage and service of your current policy each time it comes up for renewal. “If the answer is ‘yes, yes and yes,’ then stay with them. But if you’re not sure, it’s a good opportunity to shop around,” she says.

Here are four key steps to take when it comes to switching car insurance:

1. Review your current driving situation.
Take note of your driving circumstances as well as the needs of other drivers in your household. Do you have a newer model car? Do you commute several miles each week to work? Do you have recent traffic tickets?

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), your potential new insurance company may ask you all of these questions as part of the underwriting process. You’ll also likely be asked about the number of drivers on the policy, your driver license information, and the insurance coverage and limits you’d like to purchase.

Take a look at your existing auto insurance policy. Knowing what you currently have will make it easier to create apples-to-apples comparisons with the rates you receive from different insurers. An easy way to do this is to study your current policy’s declarations page, says Vaughn Graham, president of Rich and Cartmill insurance company in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“The declarations page describes the insurance you have, including the amount of coverage as well as coverage limits, and the amount of your deductible,” he says. When you’re more informed about your current coverage, it can help you become a smarter shopper.

2. Shop around.
Once you’re familiar with your current policy, it’s time to look for alternatives. A good first call is to your current insurance agent or the insurance company itself (some insurers, such as Geico and Progressive don’t work with agents). Even if you’re not happy with your existing policy (if you think the premiums are too expensive, for example), ask if there are ways to lower your rate for the same amount of coverage, says Salvatore. You may be eligible to receive discounts you’re not getting.

Here’s a list of common insurance company discounts, according to the NAIC:

Having safety devices in the car, such as anti-theft features
Having a good driving record
Driving a low number of miles a year
Having multiple cars on the same policy
Being a student who gets good grades
Insuring both your home and car with the same provider

While you’re reviewing discounts, be aware that switching to a new provider could affect discounts you already have with other types of insurance. For example, if you’re already getting a homeowner’s and car-policy rate reduction from your current provider, and you then move your car insurance to a different company, you may lose the discount you receive for homeowner’s insurance. It may make more financial sense to stay where you are, or switch both policies to a new provider that will give you a rate reduction for both.

In addition to speaking to your current agent or insurance company about your options, you can look online to research potential companies and obtain quotes. It is also a good idea to get referrals from family members, colleagues and other people whom you trust, Salvatore says. If they have had to file a claim with the insurer, they could tell you in person about their customer service experience.

If you’re currently buying through an independent agent who represents multiple insurance companies, you have a few more options. “You can go to them and say ‘I’m happy working with you, but I’m not so happy with this carrier’ and explain why,” Salvatore says. “Ask if they can suggest another carrier.”

A good agent should be able to offer you customized choices to fit your needs, adds Graham. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution. We’re all a little different.”

3. Don’t skimp on coverage.
As you receive quotes, make sure the insurance coverage and deductibles mentioned are satisfactory. Just because a rate quote may be lower than what you’re currently paying, it doesn’t mean it’s a better deal if the coverage is lacking, Graham says. If you’re not sure how much coverage you need, discuss your needs with insurance company representatives, and ask for guidance.

For example, if you have significant assets, you may need more than just the state minimum for bodily injury liability insurance. The same is true for property damage coverage. The retail price for an average new vehicle could easily top $30,000, but in many states, the minimum property damage coverage required is only $25,000. If you were responsible for a loss and did not have enough insurance coverage, you’d likely be on the hook for the difference. “Many of those limits are often inadequate and not near enough to meet today’s exposures to price of vehicles,” Graham says.

Though it’s important to have ample liability coverage, if you drive an older model vehicle that is paid for, you may choose to opt out of some optional types of coverage, such as collision and comprehensive insurance, in order to keep premiums low.

Collision insurance pays for the physical damage your vehicle receives if it collides with another object, such as a tree or another car. Comprehensive insurance pays for damage to your car from causes other than a collision. This could include vandalism, broken glass, fire and theft. If this coverage is more than your vehicle is worth, you could skip it to lower your rates. Just understand that you would then be paying for these losses out of your own funds if such damage did occur. People who live in areas prone to such natural disasters as floods, high winds and earthquakes might want to think about retaining their comprehensive coverage, experts say.

Another way to get a lower premium is to ask for a higher deductible. If you are willing to pay $1,000 out of pocket for a claim instead of $250, you could lower your rates. But make sure you can afford the higher deductible in the event that you suffer an insurable loss.

4. Notify your old and new providers.
After conducting all your research (and with a bit of luck), you may well find a company that offers good coverage at a lower rate. You may be willing to switch, but before you sign a new agreement, call your state’s department of insurance to learn if the company is permitted to do business in your state. You can also check out business-rating companies A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s to check out the company’s financial stability. (Standard & Poor’s requires free registration before you can see company ratings.) It’s worth the extra time to spend before you agree to pay hundreds of dollars on a new policy.

Once you’ve verified that the new provider can do business in your state and appears financially stable, it’s time to make the switch. “When you are ready to cancel your current policy, let all parties know in writing, so that there is no gap in coverage,” Salvatore says.

If you end your existing auto insurance policy before it expires, you may receive a partial premium refund, depending on the terms of your agreement. However, you should continue paying for your old policy until the new coverage is confirmed in writing. Otherwise, the old policy could be dropped for non-payment before the new policy starts. And in most states, driving without proper car insurance coverage is against the law. “It may be easier to wait and have your new policy start when the old one expires,” Salvatore says.

Make it a priority to review your insurance policies on a regular basis. Household driving situations change often, and so do state laws that could affect the price of your premiums. By taking some time each year to do some car insurance research, you can make better decisions and pay the best possible prices for the best amounts of car insurance coverage.