Archive for the ‘Auto Insurance’ Category
Posted on: February 6, 2012 | In Audi
The 2011 Audi R8 Spyder Manual is an impressive convertible supercar available with a choice of two super powerful engines. For such a fast, agile supercar, Audi did a great job making this Spyder comfortable, stylish and easy to drive every day. The hefty price tag gets a buyer everything wonderful that is typical of Audi, for slightly less than a similar Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet and just over half the cost of Lamborghini’s Gallardo Spyder. It’s looks are an obvious talking point, as they are just as exotic, and possibly more, than the higher-end supercars the R8 aspires to.
Though the R8 Spyder is also available in an automatic version of both the 4.2 liter and 5.2 liter engines, only the manual versions are reviewed here. Enter your ZIP code into our FREE insurance comparison tool above to save money on car insurance!
Pricing
Car and Driver lists trim level prices of the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder Manual as follows:
- R8 Manual Quattro Spyder 4.2 liter- $131,950
- R8 Manual Quattro Spyder 5.2 liter- $166,950
Engine and Performance
The Audi’s R8 Spyder’s manual engine options include a 4.2 liter 6-speed V8 and a 5.2 liter 6-speed with a V10. The 4.2 liter makes
a net 430 horsepower, and 317 lb/ft of torque between 4500 and 6000 RPMs. This all-wheel-drive engine is equipped with 4-wheel ABS and ventilated disc brakes in front and rear.
The 5.2 liter V10 is impressive for many reasons, one being that it is also used in the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. Of course, the Lambo’s engine makes more horsepower and costs a good deal more. This super-quick engine makes 525 horse at 8,000 RPMs, and 391 lb/ft of torque at 6,500 RPMs.
The R8 Spyder is fitted with the Quattro all-wheel drive system, helping keep this car stuck to the road like glue without being too harsh.
Comfort and Convenience
The R8 Spyder comes standard with 19-inch wheels, automatic rear spoiler, black glossy rear engine air vents, soft top, LED head lights and brake lights, rain-sensing wipers and automatic dimming folding side mirrors.
The interior features heated, leather seats, center console with storage and cupholders, navigation system, leather trim, and storage compartments. These standard Audi features easily make this sports car a great daily-driver option.
The R8 Spyder also comes equipped with a parking system with a rear camera, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Bluetooth capability and Audi’s MMI (Multi Media Interface), which provides navigation, entertainment, information and music when a driver feels the urge. Also included is SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The 4.2 liter does not come with the parking assistance or the Ban & Olufsen sound system.
Safety
Honestly, buyers contemplating a supercar like the R8 Spyder are most likely not looking for a cushy, safe family car. They know the risks of racing at speeds so fast it is like flying. The R8 does come with standard safety features of most Audis, though. These include 4-wheel ABS, engine immobilizer, self-leveling headlamps, post-collision safety system and stability and traction control. Dual front side-mounted air bags with head protection as well as head restraint whiplash protections systems load up the R8 Spyder with even more protection.
If a buyer really is looking at the R8 Spyder for a family car, it is nice to know that there are child seat anchors and a passenger-side air bag deactivation switch.
Available Colors
This beautiful specimen of a supercar is available in several sublime colors. These include Brilliant Red, Daytona Gray Pearl Effect, Ibis White, Ice Silver Metallic, Jet Blue Metallic, Lava Gray Pearl Effect, Phantom Black Pearl Effect and Teak Brown Metallic.
Interior options are Black or Titanium Gray leather/alcantara, or Black, Lunar Silver, Luxor Beige, Nougat Brown, Red or Titanium Gray premium leather.
Roof color options are Black, Brown or Red.
Fuel Efficiency
The R8 Spyder makes about 11 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. If a driver really takes the Spyder out on the wild side, it will show in
horrible fuel economy. If a driver is going to burn up some fuel, the Audi R8 Spyder is the car to do it with.
Drivers’ Opinions and Competitors
The R8 Spyder’s top competitors are Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Ferrari F430 Spider, Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG and Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet. Though the R8 Spyder shares an engine with the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, it is a slightly less powerful one. Some reviewers on AOL Autos’ website say that if they were to pay for a supercar of this caliber, they would want the best possible. There is no denying the Lamborghini is more powerful and faster. With that said, the R8 Spyder is super quick and handles like a dream. For the money, this supercar is a great deal.
Most drivers do not like the touchy R-tronic model, and prefer the standard manual. Some even say that, as a daily driver, there is not much difference between the V10 and the V8. The price difference between the 4.2 liter and the 5.2 liter is enormous and not justifiable in every case. Don’t forget to enter your ZIP code into our FREE insurance comparison tool above to save money on car insurance!
Posted on: February 4, 2012 | In Acura
The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is a well-featured, spacious and efficient car, boasting more cargo space than competing sedans and more practicality than similar SUV-crossovers. Though the TSX sedan and Sport Wagon models are amped up versions of their sister car the Honda Accord, they bring their own personalities to the road. The TSX Sport Wagon is a great, fuel-efficient alternative to those currently seeking a smaller SUV or crossover. The TSX Sport Wagon offers a fun drive at a great value, and in this way smashes other competition in the wagon niche. Enter your ZIP code into our FREE insurance comparison tool above to save money on car insurance!
Pricing
Car and Driver’s website lists the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon at the following prices:
- TSX Sport Wagon automatic- $31,845
- TSX Sport Wagon automatic with Technology Package- $35,495
The low price can be attributed to Acura’s foresight on wagon sales. The demand for wagons is currently so small that only 4,000 TSX Sport Wagons were distributed for 2011. The Sport Wagon was initially created to try to keep Acura car customers who wanted more space buying instead of losing them to larger SUVs. Additionally, Acura was able to make the new wagon so cost efficiently because the cheap, low-power engine was taken from the TSX sedan, essentially as a trial.
Engine and Performance
The TSX Sport Wagon houses the same 4-cylinder motor as it’s sedan counterpart, with a 2.4 liter 5-speed automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel. Car and Driver’s website cites a zero to 60 mph time of 8.1 seconds, which falls short of competing wagons’ times. Though speed is not it’s strong suit, this Sport Wagon offers conservative style and performance that makes it a great buy. The small, underpowered engine glides this wagon along well-enough, but could use a power boost.
Comfort and Convenience
Like the TSX sedan, the base Sport Wagon is loaded with features that make this car a great buy. The Sport Wagon comes pre-loaded with Bluetooth wireless capability, phone pre-wiring, three months of XM satellite radio, auxiliary and iPod inputs and USB connection. Also, dual-zone climate controls in the front, leather-trimmed doors and steering wheel, audio controls on steering wheel and turn signals in the mirrors come standard with the base model.
For storage needs, the Sport Wagon comes pre-loaded with a front console, front seat-back storage and an overhead console in the front. Not to mention, this wagon comes with 60.5 cubic feet of storage behind the back seat.
With the optional Technology Package, a buyer will get navigation, Bluetooth, a powered tailgate, voice recognition capabilities and a ten-speaker audio set up including 15 gigs of built-in audio storage.
Safety
Neither the 2011 TSX sedan nor the Sport Wagon were tested on the government’s more demanding 2011 safety tests, but on the less strict 2010 tests, earning the cars five out of five stars in all safety categories.
The TSX Sport Wagon’s anti-lock brakes (ABS) test better than the sedan’s, stopping in 127 feet from 60 mph versus the sedan’s 133 feet according to Edmund’s website. Additionally, the Sport Wagon includes both stability and traction control, front side air bags and full-length curtain air bags,
Available Colors
The 2011 TSX Sport Wagon is available in an array of attractive colors. These include Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Forged Silver Metallic, Graphite Luster Metallic, Premium White Pearl and Vortex Blue Pearl. These exterior paint colors can be paired with either Ebony or Taupe leather, which comes standard in the Sport Wagon.
Fuel Efficiency
Similarly to the TSX sedan, the Sport Wagon is extremely competent in the fuel economy category and quite fairly beats other competing wagons in efficiency. The EPA estimates 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway. The TSX Sport Wagon rivals most closely the Volvo V50 wagon in fuel efficiency, but knocks Audi’s A4 Avant and BMW’s 328i Sport Wagon out of the running for most economical.
Owners’ Opinions and Competitors
Due to little popularity of station wagons in general, it is difficult to find many owners’ opinions on the Web. If one thing is for sure, though, it’s that top car aficionado Websites such as Car and Driver and Edmund’s have much to say about the Acura TSX Sport Wagon. These Websites love wagons, and agree that the Acura TSX Sport Wagon is the best value and drive you can get out of a wagon in the U.S.
In looks, the TSX Sport Wagon rivals the Audi A4, which is praised as one of the most attractive wagons available. The TSX Sport Wagon receives a touch of class with 17-inch wheels and attractive chrome features and body molding.
Some top wagon competitors include the Cadillac CTS wagon, the BMW 328i Sport Wagon and Audi’s A4 Avant. Many reviewers comment on the fact that unlike it’s competitors, the TSX Sport Wagon is not quite sporty enough. At take-off and top speed, the TSX Wagon falls short of it’s very quick and agile competitors. Many buyers and reviewers alike would prefer if the Sport Wagon offered an engine upgrade, like the sedan’s V6, and a manual option. Don’t forget to enter your ZIP code into our FREE insurance comparison tool above to save money on car insurance!
Posted on: February 2, 2012 | In Acura
The 2011 Acura TSX is a slightly tweaked version of the 2010 model, with minor improvements to the engine performance, safety and overall look. Though these improvements are not drastic, the newer features and available options add extra benefits and quality to this already great value of a car. Though this second generation TSX is much improved over the first, the buyer looking for a sporty sport sedan should look somewhere else.
The TSX sedan is more luxury than sport, demonstrating this in the delayed quickness of the 4 cylinder. The 4 cylinder does not hold a candle to the V6 engine available in this sedan, though the agility of this car is not the reason consumers are buying. The excellent fuel economy, luxurious interior, great standard features and value price are why buyers keep buying the TSX sedan. Many buyers, and even reviewers, seem to favor the TSX sport wagon over the sedan for the sportiness, passenger and storage space, and practicality. Save money on car insurance by entering your ZIP code into our FREE insurance comparison tool above!
Cost
A buyer may find a 2011 TSX sedan for as low as $25k, but the more likely price range will be from $30 to $35 thousand. Different trim levels and optional features contribute to the pricing.
Motor Trend’s website lists common prices for each trim level:
- Base sedan- about $33k; Ownership cost of about $42k over 5 years
- Sedan with Technology Package- about $38.2k; Ownership cost of about $47.9k over 5 years
Engine and Transmission
The 2011 TSX is available in either a sedan or sport wagon model, though the latter was only produced in small quantities due to little demand for wagons. All models are front-wheel drive and include a 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder automatic or a 3.5 liter V6, which makes 280 horsepower. The V6 is only available in the sedan, and is probably the best newer feature of the TSX. Though the engine was available one year earlier, the V6 engine’s quickness and agility is still a crowd-pleaser. The 4-cylinder engine has been described as underpowered, though it does not retract from the value of the car.
The TSX proves again and again to be a great buy. The quality of the build has improved in the 2011 model; including contrasting stitching on the interior leather, a rejuvenated center console, a uncluttered dash and a minor, but noticeable, face-lift of the front grille and rear lights .In addition, the 17 inch wheels seem to be a popular feature on the sedan.
Comfort and Convenience
Other comfort features include heated front passenger and driver side seats, leather seats, fold-down back seat, fold-down rear center console, dual zone temperature controls for front passenger and driver, as well as blinkers in the side mirrors. Also, with new, thicker glass and sound-eliminating design, the car is less noisy and a more enjoyable ride.
The electronic features included in the base model are especially impressive. The lineup includes navigation, satellite radio and Bluetooth availability, an auxiliary input and a USB port. Beyond what is provided in the base model, the optional Technology Package includes:
- Voice-activated navigation display
- Phone readiness
- “AcuraLink” service
- Hands-free Bluetooth for phone
- Real-time traffic
Safety
The TSX includes 4-wheel ABS, remote security alarm, stability and traction controls, front/rear head air bags, overhead air bags, dual front air bags, ventilated disc brakes, Xenon HID headlights, electronic brake distribution, side-impact door beams, child safety locks on rear doors, lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH), and a tire pressure monitoring system with pressure indicators. Some car review sites rate the TSX in the top tier for safety for areas such as: driver torso, rear passenger torso, driver head and neck, rear passenger head and neck, driver pelvis/leg and overall front.
The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) rates the TSX “good” in all safety categories. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) rates the sedan at five stars for rollover resistance.
Available Colors
The TSX manual base sedan is available in Premium White Pearl, Graphite Luster Metallic, Forged Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl, all with Ebony leather. Other trim levels, including the automatic base sedan and the V6, offer other color and leather combinations. Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Forged Silver Metallic, Graphite Luster Metallic, Premium White Pearl and Vortex Blue Pearl are all exterior color options. Add to this three leather color options– Ebony, Parchment and Taupe.
Fuel Efficiency
The EPA estimates 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway for the manual; and 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway for the automatic. With a hefty fuel tank capacity, about 18.5 gallons, this sedan is practical and efficient– The perfect commuter car.
Owners’ Opinions and Competitors
Acura owners on the Web consistently rate the TSX at about 4 stars overall, according to Edmund’s website. The owner reviews are generally concerning interior and exterior style and build, engine performance and overall drivability and quality. The TSX seems to be a fairly well-loved sedan. It is practical and fun at a great price. Overall, the TSX sedan provides a moderate number of options and features, great gas mileage, and sporty style.
If a buyer is looking for a spacious and extra comfortable family sedan, the TXS will not suffice. This sedan is more about looks, efficiency and quality. The TSX’s closest competitors are the 2011 Ford Taurus and 2011 Subaru Legacy. These sedans are about the same price, but the Taurus packs more horsepower and both are all-wheel drive. The interior of the Taurus is bigger in every way, while the Legacy is about size of the TSX. More owners commented on the quicker acceleration of both competing sedans. Commenters also tend to prefer the family features of both the Taurus and the Legacy over the TSX. Don’t forget to enter your ZIP code into our FREE insurance comparison tool above to save money on car insurance!
Posted on: October 15, 2011 | In Auto Insurance
Those that are trying to do their best to ensure that they do not get pulled over and get a ticket from an officer, which will affect their insurance rate. However, most people just make sure that they are not going over the speed limit when they are driving. The problem with this tactic is that the person can be pulled over for going slower than the speed limit, which can result in just as hefty of a fine, and in many cases is viewed as being the more dangerous speed of the two since studies have shown that people who go slower in traffic are at an increased risk of becoming involved in an accident, thus why many officers are going to be signaling these people out when they are monitoring the roadways since they are trying to avoid having any accidents on their highway.
Most people do not realize that it is illegal to drive slow. For those that are not aware of this, they should consider the fact that most major highways out there, are going to have a minimum speed limit that is posted on them. And those that want to go slower are going to find that this is the designated safe speed for them to travel. For example, in some states most major highways may have the minimum speed limit as forty miles per hour, while others driving at the speed limit are going to be going around sixty miles per hour. The question that most people wonder is if this reduced minimum speed limit is still the safest option for them to travel? They want to make sure that that they are being safe for their own safety, but as well as ensuring that they do not have an accident that is going to affect their insurance premium.
The person that is wanting to make sure that they are really safe while on the roadways are going to find that the best idea is to go the same speed as everyone around them. In fact, some officers have pulled people over in the past and just give them a warning about their speed, suggesting that they may increase this in order to make sure that they do not cause an accident, even if they may be going the speed limit since some roadways are those that people travel on faster, no matter what the officers are going to do. However, with that being said, the person should always make sure that they are going the suggested speed limit, the minimum speed limit is not really the best option for most people on major highways.
With that being said, remember a ticket is a ticket. The insurance company is not going to differentiate between whether the person was going slow or if they were going fast when they got pulled over, it is going to affect the car insurance rate in the same way.
Posted on: August 18, 2011 | In Auto Insurance
Most people know that you can often get cheaper car insurance rates if you insure multiple cars on your policy. But, did you know that those cheaper rates can be had by combining coverage on a variety of things? Not every one has multiple cars that they can insure to take advantage of those multiple coverage policies that often result in lower overall rates. However, many people have other types of insurable vehicles that they can combine to take advantage of those cheaper rates.
Many insurance companies deal with insurance for multiple items besides your car. These companies may also insure your house, camper, and recreation vehicles. They will combine these policies along with your car insurance to help you pay lower overall rates which means your car insurance will be lower as well.
Whether you own a house and car, a motorcycle and a car, or several insurable items speaking to your insurance company and finding out if they give multiple insurance discounts could end up saving you hundreds of dollars a year on your car and other insured items as well. If you have several different insurance policies for several different items then it is a wise move to combine all those policies together to take advantage of discounts given for combined policies.
If your insurance company does not handle insurance for all the items that you want or need insured then try looking for a company that does and compare rates to see if by combining all of the policies together it will result in significant savings. While in some cases it may not, in others the savings are significant.
Of course combining all those insurance policies and having them all with one company also has the added benefit of making it easier to keep track of when payments are due and where they go. This means you decrease your chances of forgetting one of those payments which can result in your having to pay the reinstatement fees.
However, before you move all those policies to one company you may want to do a bit of shopping around to discover which insurance company will give you the best overall coverage for the best price. This may take a little bit of time and effort, but the money you save may be well worth if you end up with cheaper car insurance and lower your other insurance payments as well.
Always remember the best insurance is the insurance that you can actually afford.
Posted on: August 17, 2011 | In Auto Insurance
Everyone is looking for ways to get auto insurance coverage at the cheapest rates possible. Oftentimes, this means that auto owners sacrifice adequate coverage in order to save a couple of hundred dollars a year. However, you don't have to sacrifice the amount of your coverage to find some good deals on auto insurance. Here are five tips on finding cheaper auto insurance without lowering the amount of protection you have.
The first thing you want to remember is that in order to get the cheapest auto insurance rates without lowering the amount of coverage and protection that your current insurance company provides is to understand the risks that those rates are based on and then doing what you can to reduce those risks.
Some risks may be impossible to change such as your age or location. But other risk factors can be reduced if you put in the effort and give it some time. For example, you can take a defensive driving course or reduce the chances of your car being stolen by keeping it in the garage and having alarms and other safety devices installed,
Another tip that may help you lower your insurance rates while helping you to keep the amount of coverage you need is to check with your insurance company and see if combining your auto insurance with house insurance will save you money in the long run. You may also qualify for a multiple car discount as well.
In some cases saving money on auto insurance may simply be a matter of choosing the right insurance company to meet your specific needs. For example, if you have a classic car that you have spent thousands of dollars spiffing up and only drive for the occasional car show or club meeting then you can save a lot of money getting your car insurance through a company that specializes in insuring classic cars rather than your regular car insurance company. And chances are that you will actually get better coverage than you would with a standard insurance company.
In the end finding that cheap insurance that doesn't lower the current protection you now have is going to be a matter of understanding how insurance companies work, what you can do to lower your potential risk of having an accident, and taking the time and making the effort to get several insurance quotes from several companies in order to find the right auto insurance company for you.
Posted on: August 10, 2011 | In Auto Insurance
In a time when almost everyone is trying to find ways to save money on their car insurance, some motorists are actually think about adding insurance to their existing policies. With incomes going down and car insurance going up it may seem foolish to some to add to their car insurance policies when they are already so high. However, due to the combination of lost jobs and higher insurance premiums there are more uninsure and underinsured drivers on the road than ever before which has many people asking if they should carry uninsured and under insured bodily injury Insurance as part of their own policy.
The answer is that it all depends on what your health and accident insurance you have outside your car insurance is and provides for. With more and more workplaces cutting back on employee benefits including health and accident insurance a large number of the population is completely without any type of outside insurance other than car insurance and many more are under insured should they suffer suffer serious injury due to an uninsured or under insured motorist. This means should you, a passenger or a family member get seriously injured or killed by a motorist that is not carrying proper insurance that all medical and burial expenses would come out of your pocket.
This would financially devastate most families to a point that they may never recover. For these family carrying this extra insurance makes sense. Of course, this is going to result in a boost in your car insurance, but there are things you can do to help keep those additional rates down.
For instance, if you live in a large city you can take public transportation more often especially at peak driving times as this will reduce your risks of being involved in an auto accident greatly. You can also car pool to work or at least walk someone close by during your lunch hour rather than driving to a local restaurant.
In addition, you take a safe driving course and if necessary choose to drive a well-built heavy car rather than a small economy model or a sports car.
By doing these types of things you may qualify for discounts that can offset some of the costs of the additional insurance you are adding to protect yourself and your family from financial ruin should you be involved in a hit and run accident or by someone who is carrying too little or no car insurance.
Posted on: August 1, 2011 | In Auto Insurance
People choose to live in the areas and the states where they live for a variety of different reasons. Perhaps, it is the state you were born and raised in and where you have family. Perhaps, it is the best state in which to follow your career choice, or even because you have health issues that require a certain type of climate. The thing is no one moves in or out of a state simply because the auto insurance rates are high or low.
That doesn't mean that people who live in states where auto insurance is high liked paying those high premiums. They don't and just like everyone else they do look for ways to pay less for car insurance. So just what do you do if you live in a state with high auto insurance rates? The simple answer is that you look for ways to lower those auto insurance rates and get cheaper insurance.
The best thing you can do no matter where you live is drive safely and defensively. The longer you drive without having an accident the more likely it is that your auto insurance company will give you a safe driver discount. In most cases, this means going at least three years without an accident or a traffic ticket for moving violation. Some states, require more years of safe driving than others, but in the end your own driving record will be one of the biggest determining factors in how much you pay for insurance.
Another thing is to actually hunt around and get auto insurance quotes from a number of companies. Different insurance companies rate different risks as more important than others so you just may find an insurance company that finds that your situation has less risks than your current insurance company does.
Of course, it always pays to ask your new insurance company if they give insurance discounts due to age, the type of car you drive, where and when you drive and other variables. If they do you may just qualify for even lower insurance payments.
If all else fails and you simply can't find cheaper auto insurance right now don't be discouraged, look for some things you can do over the next six months or a year that will help to lower some of those risks that may be causing you to pay higher rates. Just because you don't qualify for a discount today doesn't mean that you won't qualify for a discount a few months from now. So keep trying. Saving money on your insurance just may be worth the risk.
Posted on: | In Auto Insurance
Despite the fact that every state requires every driver to carry some type of minimum car insurance more and more drivers are failing to obey the law and are driving without the proper insurance. In some cases, drivers feel they have no choice as this long-term recession has left people out of work, with no money for even basic necessities.
However, there are many other drivers who are simply failing to pay their insurance premiums simply to save money. They seem to not realize how important it is for them to carry auto insurance not just because it is the law, but for the protection of themselves and their families.
Be sure to enter your ZIP code into the FREE comparison tool above to find the best rates!
Driving Without Car Insurance
When you drive without having car insurance you are taking a huge risk. Should you have an accident and not be insured you can be left with huge medical bills that can be difficult if not impossible to pay. Having some kind of auto insurance will at least help you pay some of those medical bills. In addition, should your car be damaged or totaled and you have no insurance you may find yourself unable to purchase another car for transportation and that could cost you your job, which in turn will leave you financially worse off than the small amount of money you saved avoiding those car insurance premiums.
In addition, uninsured drivers cost insurance companies more money which in turn makes them raise their insurance rates passing on that cost to those customers who are acting responsibly and carrying insurance on their own vehicles. This means that insured motorists are footing the bill for your carelessness.
Costs of Car Insurance
If you feel you are paying too much for car insurance there are things you can do to lower those costs besides becoming uninsured and risking the financial and physical health of your family. Try shopping around for cheaper insurance. There are several online sites that will help you get quotes from several companies which can result in substantial savings.
Discounts Available
There are also a number of discounts that auto insurance companies offer that can help lower your car insurance rates and save you hundreds of dollars a year. Taking the time and making the effort to find the best deals on car insurance can keep your car and family protected in case of an accident while saving you money.
Don’t risk breaking the law and hurting yourself, your family, and other drivers simply to save a few extra bucks a month. Find affordable insurance and stay insured for the protection of your family and other drivers as well. Enter your ZIP code into the FREE comparison tool!
Posted on: July 30, 2011 | In Auto Insurance
With the country still in the midst of the worst recession in history, more and more people are finding it necessary to cut expenses to the bone. For some this meant exchanging that large gas guzzling car for a smaller car that was more fuel efficient. Imagine their surprise when they discovered that every penny they had saved in gas was going to pay higher car insurance premiums. That's right by downsizing your car you are actually taking the risk of raising your car insurance.
The reason is actually quite simple. Insurance companies base insurance premiums on likely it is that you are going to have an accident and if you do how much they are likely to have to pay out towards a claim. Since small cars are usually driven by young people because they are affordable, they are much more likely to be involved in an accident than a larger car. Once a small car is involved in an accident it is more likely to sustain more damage than a larger car and so is the driver. All of these factors increase the likelihood that the insurance company is going to have to pay a claim and they pass some of that risk on to you by charging more to insure that smaller car.
Luckily for you, insurance companies also consider a number of other factors when they are setting insurance rates. Things such as your age, sex, where you live, whether or not your married, and even how often and what time of day you do most of your driving, as well as your own individual driving record.
What this means is that if you are between age 55 and 65, have an excellent driving record, live in a small town or a rural community and don't drive during peak traffic times that having a small car may not affect your insurance premiums to any great degree. And if you take advantage of all the discounts available through an insurance company, then you may actually be able to save on your insurance regardless of how small your car is.
On the other hand if you are a male, 25 years old or young, single, and living in the city, and driving during peak traffic hours then switching to a smaller more fuel efficient car may actually cost you more money than you save. If this is the case then you should check with a variety of insurance companies to see what rates you will end up paying before deciding to trade that large car in for a smaller model.
Getting the best deal on car insurance these days takes a lot of research and thought on the part of the insured. Knowing what discounts are available and what factors insurance companies base their rates on will help you to make the right decision.
Posted on: July 26, 2011 | In Auto Insurance
Anyone who has recently purchased a car now has to seriously consider which car insurance he or she is going to get for his or her new car. This is a fairly big decision as if someone picks the wrong type of car insurance it can end up costing a lot more than it should cost a person. Here are a few things that any person looking to purchase car insurance should know.
For anyone who has recently gotten into an accident, he or she should know that it is possible to receive any money lost that a car insurance company will not pay out on the damaged car. There is a process called insurance stacking and this is the ability that people will have to process any claim that they may have under multiple car insurance policies, so that in total, the whole cost will be paid out, but by a multitude of different companies. This is an important thing for people to know about before purchasing insurance because they might want to consider this while purchasing policies, as it can definitely come to the aid of people if a car accident occurs in the future.
When a person is thinking about how he or she should pay for the new car insurance that he or she purchased, it should be a big consideration that paying in monthly installments as opposed to yearly will end up costing a lot more in the long run for this person. If it is a feasibility for a person to pay for his or her car insurance once a year instead of in monthly installments, this would definitely be the option to take as overall this person would save money.
For anyone who has decided to stop using his or her car permanently, he or she should know that the car insurance company will continue to bill him or her if the car insurance policy is not officially cancelled. This can be something that a person will very easily overlook that can end up costing a lot of money because he or she will be paying a significant amount of money for something that he or she does not use ever.
It is also important that any parents know that they do not automatically need to add their child who is of driving age to their insurance if they do not plan on letting the kid drive, this can add a lot of money to a car insurance policy.
A person just needs to be smart and informed about the ins and outs of car insurance and the potential pitfalls to avoid so as to save money overall.
Posted on: July 24, 2011 | In Auto Insurance
Whether you are a college student or still attending high school chances are that you have a limited income and are paying high car insurance premiums which can really hurt your your small budget. That's why it is important for you to find the cheapest car insurance you can. This means doing everything you can to minimize some of the risks that are associated with student drivers, taking advantage of all the discounts you are entitled, and if necessary getting car insurance quotes from other companies to find the cheapest insurance available.
When it comes to minimizing your risks, there are various things you can do. For starters you can show you are a responsible driver by avoiding getting into an accident or getting a ticket. If you are a college student and have been driving for three years without incident you can qualify for a safe driver's discount. You can also get lower insurance rates by carrying a higher deductible. If you are a safe driver you won't have to pay any out of pocket expense as long as you continue to drive safe or don't have an accident.
By choosing to drive a small engine car, you can also help to lower your insurance rates. And making a B average or above for both high school and college students can help them get cheap or at least cheaper car insurance as companies feel that students who take their studies seriously tend to be more responsible overall.
Keeping your mileage low will also help you save money on that car insurance. Simple logic should tell you that the more you drive the better your chances are of having an accident. So, by limiting the amount you drive you can also limit your driving risks and this can qualify you for cheaper insurance. So try, walking to your classes on that college campus, or car pool with friends to that Friday night high school football game.
You may also want to take a defensive driving course. More and more insurance companies are giving discounts to people who are showing the initiative to drive safely by enrolling in such courses. Companies believe that what you learn in a defensive driving class will help to lower your risk of being in an accident and making a claim. Remember, that insurance companies give car insurance quotes and rates on how likely it will be that you will make a claim that costs the company money. By lowering your chances of making a claim in every way that you can you will be able to find the cheap auto insurance.
