More and more drivers are turning to the Internet to find and purchase their auto insurance policy online. Traditionally, drivers would compare insurance quotes from a number of companies by repeatedly asking the same questions and driving around town collecting the information. Then they would make their comparisons and contact the company of their choice. After waiting a lengthy number of business days, the huge packet of paper (your policy) and proof of insurance card would arrive via snail-mail.
Now the option is given to every driver to take advantage of the ease of using the Internet and purchase car insurance policies online. Whether you are looking to insure a teenager, a classic or modified vehicle, or find insurance for someone with a spotted driving record, you will be able to find a provider on the Web. It’s even easier when you use our comparison tool, which is available to everyone with no obligations or fees. (You can begin the process by entering in your zip code in the appropriate box on the Web page.) Some drivers are granted the privilege of receiving proof of insurance instantly by printing it out on their computer.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Secrets of Cheap Car Insurance
Have you ever wondered where cheap car insurance is hiding? Believe it or not, cheap car insurance isn't as elusive as you might think! In fact, it's been right under your nose the whole time, taunting you, teasing you with the possibilities without ever coming out into the open. (It's kind of like Big Foot and the Lochness monster that way!) The bottom line is, the discovery of cheap car insurance can be yours if you know where (and how!) to look.
The first step to finding its secret hiding place is to look around. No, this isn't a child's game of hide and seek, and the cheap car insurance you're looking for probably isn't hiding underneath your bed (although under the hood of your car might be another story). It's important to remember, however, that car insurance providers are kind of like pizza parlors. There are plenty of them floating around in every corner of the country, and each of them is just a little bit different.
Since every car insurance provider is different it stands to logic that their prices would be different too-and they usually are. You could find yourself saving 10-20% or more on your car insurance premiums just by bidding a fond farewell to your old provider and hopping on another insurance bandwagon, and nine times out of ten you can do it without sacrificing any of your coverage.
The real secret of cheap car insurance, however, isn't just looking around. Most insurance companies give you the chance to find out your "base" premiums using their automated service, either online over the phone. Once you find a car insurance provider willing to give you a good deal using your basic information it's time to see how low you can go. How are you going to do that?
Discounts.
Discounts are the bread and butter of the cheap car insurance industry. Why? Because you can shave another thirty percent or more off of your insurance premiums by finding discounts that your insurance provider forgot they offered! Every insurance provider is different, and many times new agents don't even know what discounts their insurance provider offers. Because of that, it's important to stay informed! Common car insurance discounts include:
1) Your age. Most companies lower your car insurance premiums dramatically when you turn 25, then again at 55.
2) Your job. Did you know that teachers and engineers are statistically less likely to have accidents and, consequently, pay considerably less for their car insurance?
3) Your credit score. You're never going to get away from it. It's pointless to try.
4) Organizations you belong to. Many insurance providers team up with specific organizations to offer their members a discount in exchange for sending more business their way, so if you belong to a club or organization (or your employer has hopped on the car insurance bandwagon) you might be eligible for discounts you never even knew existed.
5) Your car. The Highway Loss Data Institute compiles a list every year of the cars most likely to be stolen/vandalized/involved in an accident/etc., and insurance companies pounce on these like a cat chasing a mouse. If your car is on their "better than average" list you're going to go to the front of the line for cheap car insurance.
6) Your car's safety features. Seat belts. Air bags. Anti-lock brakes. All of these things can save you money on your car insurance.
7) Your driving history. You knew it was coming sooner or later! Every ticket you get, every accident you cause, drives up the cost of your insurance and puts cheap car insurance that much farther out of reach. Honor the rules of the road and that five year good driver discount can shave hundreds off your annual premiums!
The first step to finding its secret hiding place is to look around. No, this isn't a child's game of hide and seek, and the cheap car insurance you're looking for probably isn't hiding underneath your bed (although under the hood of your car might be another story). It's important to remember, however, that car insurance providers are kind of like pizza parlors. There are plenty of them floating around in every corner of the country, and each of them is just a little bit different.
Since every car insurance provider is different it stands to logic that their prices would be different too-and they usually are. You could find yourself saving 10-20% or more on your car insurance premiums just by bidding a fond farewell to your old provider and hopping on another insurance bandwagon, and nine times out of ten you can do it without sacrificing any of your coverage.
The real secret of cheap car insurance, however, isn't just looking around. Most insurance companies give you the chance to find out your "base" premiums using their automated service, either online over the phone. Once you find a car insurance provider willing to give you a good deal using your basic information it's time to see how low you can go. How are you going to do that?
Discounts.
Discounts are the bread and butter of the cheap car insurance industry. Why? Because you can shave another thirty percent or more off of your insurance premiums by finding discounts that your insurance provider forgot they offered! Every insurance provider is different, and many times new agents don't even know what discounts their insurance provider offers. Because of that, it's important to stay informed! Common car insurance discounts include:
1) Your age. Most companies lower your car insurance premiums dramatically when you turn 25, then again at 55.
2) Your job. Did you know that teachers and engineers are statistically less likely to have accidents and, consequently, pay considerably less for their car insurance?
3) Your credit score. You're never going to get away from it. It's pointless to try.
4) Organizations you belong to. Many insurance providers team up with specific organizations to offer their members a discount in exchange for sending more business their way, so if you belong to a club or organization (or your employer has hopped on the car insurance bandwagon) you might be eligible for discounts you never even knew existed.
5) Your car. The Highway Loss Data Institute compiles a list every year of the cars most likely to be stolen/vandalized/involved in an accident/etc., and insurance companies pounce on these like a cat chasing a mouse. If your car is on their "better than average" list you're going to go to the front of the line for cheap car insurance.
6) Your car's safety features. Seat belts. Air bags. Anti-lock brakes. All of these things can save you money on your car insurance.
7) Your driving history. You knew it was coming sooner or later! Every ticket you get, every accident you cause, drives up the cost of your insurance and puts cheap car insurance that much farther out of reach. Honor the rules of the road and that five year good driver discount can shave hundreds off your annual premiums!
Monday, June 29, 2009
U.s. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money and Car and Driver Editors Choices
Whether you are in the market for a new or used car it is always valuable to review what industry experts consider the best cars in each class. In this weak economy it is also a good idea to know what cars are considered to be the best buys.
Let’s look at two classes of cars and compare Car and Driver’s 2009 Editors Choices and U.S. News & World Reports Best Cars for the Money. We will look at small cars and pickups.
Car and Driver’s Editors Choice in the Small Car category are:
1) Honda Fit
2) Volkswagen Rabbit
3) Mazda 3
4) Honda Civic
5) Nissan Versa
U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money in the Small Car category are:
1) Honda Fit
2) Honda Civic
3) Honda Civic Hybrid
4) Volkswagen Rabbit
5) Hyundai Elantra
Let’s take a closer look at the Honda Fit since it is considered the #1 editors choice and the #1 best car for the money. What sets the Honda Fit apart is its quality which makes it very reliable. It has great performance, looks great and is fun to drive. Great visibility from the front and rear and spaciousness make it seem much bigger - more like a compact car. It also has a lot of cargo space. The fuel efficiency is good and it is a very safe car. It is on the expensive side for a small car but this money is more than made up over the life of the car due to its quality and reliability.
Car and Driver’s Editors Choice in the Pickup category are:
1) Dodge Ram
2) Honda Ridgeline
3) Ford F-150
4) Chevrolet Silverado
5) Nissan Titan
U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money in the Pickup category are:
1) Ford F-150
2) Chevrolet Silverado 1500
3) GMC Sierra 1500
4) Dodge Ram
5) Nissan Titan
Let’s look at the Ford-150 since it is considered the best pickup for the money. The ranking by U.S. News & World Report is based on six reviews and an analysis of safety and reliability data. It gets good gas mileage for a full size pickup, 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. There are many model and feature choices with a stylish interior. It has a nice ride and is quiet at all speeds.
It is interesting to note that all of the small cars are foreign cars while the majority of the pickups are American made vehicles. If you are in the market for a new or used car consider these highly rated 2009 vehicles. Even if you are reviewing a previous year model these top rankings don’t change significantly from year to year. What changes is where they are ranked in the top 5.
Let’s look at two classes of cars and compare Car and Driver’s 2009 Editors Choices and U.S. News & World Reports Best Cars for the Money. We will look at small cars and pickups.
Car and Driver’s Editors Choice in the Small Car category are:
1) Honda Fit
2) Volkswagen Rabbit
3) Mazda 3
4) Honda Civic
5) Nissan Versa
U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money in the Small Car category are:
1) Honda Fit
2) Honda Civic
3) Honda Civic Hybrid
4) Volkswagen Rabbit
5) Hyundai Elantra
Let’s take a closer look at the Honda Fit since it is considered the #1 editors choice and the #1 best car for the money. What sets the Honda Fit apart is its quality which makes it very reliable. It has great performance, looks great and is fun to drive. Great visibility from the front and rear and spaciousness make it seem much bigger - more like a compact car. It also has a lot of cargo space. The fuel efficiency is good and it is a very safe car. It is on the expensive side for a small car but this money is more than made up over the life of the car due to its quality and reliability.
Car and Driver’s Editors Choice in the Pickup category are:
1) Dodge Ram
2) Honda Ridgeline
3) Ford F-150
4) Chevrolet Silverado
5) Nissan Titan
U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money in the Pickup category are:
1) Ford F-150
2) Chevrolet Silverado 1500
3) GMC Sierra 1500
4) Dodge Ram
5) Nissan Titan
Let’s look at the Ford-150 since it is considered the best pickup for the money. The ranking by U.S. News & World Report is based on six reviews and an analysis of safety and reliability data. It gets good gas mileage for a full size pickup, 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. There are many model and feature choices with a stylish interior. It has a nice ride and is quiet at all speeds.
It is interesting to note that all of the small cars are foreign cars while the majority of the pickups are American made vehicles. If you are in the market for a new or used car consider these highly rated 2009 vehicles. Even if you are reviewing a previous year model these top rankings don’t change significantly from year to year. What changes is where they are ranked in the top 5.
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