Do you sometimes wonder why some insurance rates are higher or lower than others? Auto insurance rates vary for various reasons. There are several factors that may affect your automobile insurance rate. Here is a brief list of some of the criteria that auto insurance rates are based on.
1. Your driving record. Automobile insurance companies base your rate very heavily on your driving record. If you have a good driving record, you’ll receive a superb driving discount, which will make your rate lower. People who drive safely are less likely to be involved in an automobile accident. However, if you have speeding tickets, accident records, or have filed an auto claim before, your rate is going to be higher.
2. Your vehicle. Auto insurance companies also take the make and model of your vehicle into consideration when determining your insurance rate. Some vehicles cost more to repair or replace than others, in which case the owners of such vehicles will receive higher insurance rates. This is why owners of convertibles, for instance, usually have a higher auto insurance rate. However, anti-theft devices and other security features can give you a discount on your rate.
3. Your annual mileage. Drivers who are on the road more are more likely to get in an auto accident simply because they are presented with more opportunities for accidents to happen. Therefore, the less you drive your car, the lower your auto insurance will be.
These three things are some of the most celebrated reasons why auto insurance rates vary. Your driving record, vehicle, and annual mileage are all relevant to how likely you will be to file a claim and how expensive your claim would be. Therefore, they are all used by auto insurance companies to determine your auto insurance rate.
Filed under Progressive Insurance by on Mar 14th, 2011. Comment. 
An automobile accident can be a scary experience. Here are a few tips you should follow after an accident to protect yourself from more stress after wards.
STAY CALM
This, by far, is the most valuable section of information in this article. Immediately following an car accident everyone eager is a little shook up. There may or may not be injuries keen. Vehicles are damaged, and there are fingers pointing blame at who may be at fault.
Assess the situation with a level head. If there is anyone with injuries, of if you are hurt yourself, dial 911 and request assistance. Head and spinal injuries are uncertain. You should leave moving an injured person with either of these injuries to professionals trained in removing a person from their vehicle.
CALL 911
This should be done immediately if there are injuries involved. If no one is hurt, you still need to file a formal police report, regardless of the extent of damage involved. This protects you whether you were at fault or not.
The days of exchanging insurance information and shaking hands are long gone. You need an impartial representative to document the facts at the scene of the accident, take sight statements, and assess fault. If you are the at fault party, this protects you from false damages and injuries possibly surfacing later. I have seen a $200 dent turn into a $25,000 claim because the at fault party was trusting the other person fervent.
Do not stammer with the other party about the accident at this time. If someone is hurt, medical assistance is on the way. Tempers could flare, making a bad situation worse. Remember, stay calm, and wait for police assistance.
PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE
Depending on where your accident occurred, you may be at risk to causing another accident or getting hit again. Immediately put on your hazard lights. This notifies other drivers around you to proceed with caution. If you are in an are where moving the vehicles would be in the best interests of everyone interested, then do so. Assess the situation with a level head. There are alot of factors to mediate.
If proving who is at fault can only be determined by the position of the vehicles, leave them until the police reach. I recommend every driver have an “accident kit” in their vehicle, complete with a camera, notebook and pen, and hazard cones or triangles. If you have a camera, and need to move your vehicle, take pictures of the accident scene before the vehicles are moved. This is your evidence.
If traffic permits, travel your vehicle to the far side of the road. Depending on the severity of the accident, this may allow the flow of traffic to resume and prevent another accident from occurring. Keep your hazard lights on until the police have arrived on the scene and taken their report. Slash them off only when you are leaving and everything is over. Your hazard lights reinforces to everyone around you they need to proceed with caution.
WITNESSES
Anyone that stops is a potential witness. Most people that witnessed an accident are going to conclude, ask if you are okay, and continue about their business. At the end of the day, you are left with a memory of faces, but no actual witnesses unless someone stops and waits with you for police to reach. When someone stops to ask about your welfare, ask if they saw what happened. Find out what they saw. If they did see the accident, earn their name and telephone number (with your handy notebook and pen). An eye gape is another unprejudiced person that can help protect you during the claims process.
DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT
Immediately following an accident emotions hasten high, You may be scared, injured, or even angry. Now is the best time to compile as much information as you can while it is fresh on your mind.
If you are equipped with a camera and your injuries do not prevent it, take pictures of everything. Your vehicle, their vehicle, surroundings, anything that may be critical to your claim.
Write down the accomplish and models of vehicles involved, license plates if possible, witness information, vehicle placement, and an honest description of what exactly happened. One key thing is the description of the driver, especially if there were more than one person in the other vehicle. Many times the person driving before an accident isn't the person reported on the police report. I have even seen drivers leave the scene of an accident before police arrive, only for a different “driver” to return and take the blame. All of this will be important during the claims process.
Document all damages and injuries to yourself, the other driver, and any passengers alive to. If there are any skid marks, damaged poles or anything else- write it down and prefer pictures if possible.
THE POLICE REPORT
Do not discuss the accident, cause, or assess who is at fault with the other party. Save that for the police report. The police officer will document who he believes is at fault based on several factors. He or she will consider witnesses at the scene, damages, location of the accident, traffic, and who's story seems the most believable.
If you are injured, or feel any misfortune attributed to the accident, inform the officer of this. A cramped pain now can be a larger harm later. Make sure the injuries to your passengers, if any, are documented as well.
Provide the officer with your insurance information and be sure that the other party's insurance information is documented as well. If you believe that someone should receive a traffic ticket or infraction based on the accident, inquire about it with the officer and find out if any citations or tickets will be issued. Be sure to request a copy of the police report. Some localities may be able to provide a copy to you on the spot. Others have a waiting period, normally a couple of days, and you have to go and request it from the police station or download it on-line.
The responding police officer is usually the first “judge” in the automobile accident claims process. His opinion is not only the first one, but is also the one that others will injurious their plan on. That is why you need to be prepared with facts and cold-hard evidence. Your pictures and witnesses point to what happened before the officer came on the scene and are harder to dispute than an notion of what happened.
CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
When the smoke clears and you have completed your police report, now is the time you contact your insurance company. Notify them of the accident, and all damages and injuries involved if any. Withhold in mind they are not only looking out for your best interest, but their best interest as well. Your documentation of the chain of events, witness information and pictures will ensure that their best interest is your best interest as well.
Provide the insurance company with a listing of any damages, including any personal property inside of the vehicle that may have been damaged in the accident. Any injuries sustained or pains should be reported to your insurance company immediately.
Depending on how bad the accident was and what coverages you have, your insurance company may be able to get your vehicle towed and a rental car for your use. Those two coverages are optional on your insurance policy. If you do not have coverage for towing or a rental car, it may be in your best interest to add it. Those exiguous additions only add a couple extra dollars a month to your policy and can save you a lot of headaches.
Filed under Automobile Insurance Information by on Mar 14th, 2011. Comment.
There's no simple answer to the question of what the average impress of auto insurance is. Auto insurance rates are determined by many factors and conditions. Is the driver male or female, old or young, experienced or newly licensed? Do they drive an older vehicle or a newer model with all the latest safety features? Are they getting liability only or a comprehensive coverage plan?
To give some examples of average insurance costs across the United States, let's consult a study done by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). While the study only shows data through 2008, statistically the percentages of increase and decrease in costs fluctuates at less than 3%. This means the data and figures won't be very far off from current pricing and statistics.
The average price of auto insurance nationwide is shown as being $789 per year. While $800 a year for insurance is an average nationwide, if we look closer at clear states and localities, we gaze that this can be very far away from the average of certain places. For example, Washington DC has an average insurance cost of $1,126 as it is listed as the most expensive state for auto insurance. The least expensive state listed is North Dakota, with an average yearly insurance cost of $503.
The 10 most expensive states to carry auto insurance in on average are DC, Louisiana, New Jersey, Florida, Unique York, Delaware, Rhode Island, Nevada, Connecticut and Maryland. The 10 least expensive states to have auto insurance in are North Dakota, Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Idaho, Kansas, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Maine and Indiana.
Insurance costs in some states are higher, not just because of the area in which you are living, but also because people in that dwelling may be better able to afford more expensive newer vehicles, which they are insuring with comprehensive coverage for greater amounts. The opposite is legal for areas with poorer economies; consumers are driving older model vehicles and insuring for less. They are probably getting by with liability only. These are generalities that speak only to the circumstances in general of certain locales.
Auto insurance will also be more expensive in urban areas that have more traffic and more vandalism. This is why certain cities are great more expensive than the states average that they are located in. Detroit, Michigan is one such city. The state average is $907 and the average annual auto premium for Detroit is $5,948. While the Louisiana average is $1,105; the average for New Orleans is $3,802.
So, we can give an average overall for insurance policy costs across the country; but it is far from an average for any state, person or type of vehicle.
Sources:
Filed under State Farm Auto Insurance by on Mar 14th, 2011. Comment.
Many senior citizens have been loyal to their auto insurance companies for years, often decades. Having the same reliable insurance agent and company is comforting. But the auto insurance industry has become more competitive, actively vying for the senior citizen market. It makes sense for senior citizens to gather information to compare their current rates, especially at the time of auto insurance renewal.
Getting quotes for auto insurance is an easy process. With just a few clicks on the computer or toll-free telephone calls, anyone can gather a list that compares auto insurance by services and rates. For senior citizens, who often are on fixed incomes, this can be a very cost-effective employ, possibly saving them hundreds of dollars during an insured period.
Finding Comparable Rates
Buying auto insurance is like any other indispensable, long-term purchase. The key is to take time to research and shop for the best deal with righteous auto insurance companies.
The following is a sample of insurance companies and insurance brokers offering auto insurance quotes on the Internet. Many have specific marketing programs targeting senior citizens.
AARP: www.aarp.thehartford.com.
AARP is an advocacy organization for seniors that promotes the interests of people over 50 years old. They offer auto insurance to members through The Hartford.
Allstate: www.allstate.com.
Allstate is a well known insurance company. Quotes can be gathered at the above website or local agents can be found in the telephone book and are available to encourage in preparing a free quote.
Farmers Insurance Group: http://www.farmersinsurance.com.
Online or in person, a Farmers insurance agent can review auto insurance coverage, wait on identify potential gaps, and include any qualifying Farmers Auto insurance discounts.
Progressive Insurance: www.progressive.com.
Progressive will provide a quote for their company along with comparables of other auto insurance companies for easy comparisons.
Geico Insurance: www.geico.com.
This company can be accessed online or at one of their many offices. It is easy to get a quote; they offer flexible payment options and competitive rates.
Costco: www.costco.com.
Costco offers membership insurance through Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance.
Autoinsure: www.autoinsure.org.
Autoinsure has a page with helpful insurance information for senior citizens. They can provide quotes from all the major auto insurance companies.
Esurance: www.esurance.com.
A rising star among insurance companies that steal pride in stating: “Esurance doesn’t just offer pleasurable insurance coverage, we also believe in educating consumers.” Their online quote process is easy to navigate.
US Insurance: www.usinsuranceonline.com
They will provide multiple auto insurance quotes tailored to specific needs within minutes of filling out their simple short make. It’s easy then to compare them side by side to find the best prices and coverage.
Car Insurance Rates: www.carinsurancerates.com
Their network of companies and brokers offer a variety of car insurances: Farmers, Allstate, AIG, Nationwide, AARP, Safeco Insurance, Liberty Mutual, MetLife and Mercury.
Every insurance rate: www.everyinsurancerate.com
EveryInsuranceCompany.com is a handy Internet directory to find local insurance companies, insurance quotes and discount insurance rates.
Quote Scout: www.quotescout.com.
This website will provide quotes from a long list of auto insurance companies – literally from “A” to “Z”.
Insurance.com: http://www.insurance.com.
Insurance.com works directly with 15 highly rated car insurance companies in 46 states: 21st Century, Electric Insurance, Esurance Auto Insurance, The Hartford, Infinity, Liberty Mutual, Meritplan Insurance, MetLife Auto Insurance, Newport Insurance, Permanent General Assurance Corporation (The General), Progressive, QBE Insurance, Safeco, Travelers Insurance, and Unitrin Direct.
Keeping Auto Insurance Rates Down
There are ways that senior citizens can buy responsibility to control their auto insurance rates. Here are a few suggestions.
According to seniorjournal.com, most of the major auto insurance agencies provide a 5% – 10% discount to drivers beginning at the ages of 50 or 55. However, as a group, drivers 75 and older have one of the highest rates of fatal daytime accidents. Because of this, it’s indispensable that senior drivers stay proactive and involved in keeping their driving skills sharp.
Many states offer an auto insurance discount for customary drivers if a person meets a given age criteria and has taken an approved mature driver safety course. Local colleges and senior centers are good resources to learn about the classes. AARP has local and on-line access to the course. Costco offers its members an online drivers’ safety training course through FirstNet: www.firstnetlearning.com.
Another way to support auto insurance rates down is to drive a low-profile car, one that as part of a group has a lower rate due to minimum repair costs, considered safer and less likely to be stolen. Check the Highway Loss Data Institute, www.iihs.org, for the latest related data.
Examine current auto insurance needs and requirements. Changing to higher deductibles or dropping collision or comprehensive coverage for older cars may make sense.
Always ask about discounts when purchasing or renewing auto insurance.
And finally, the best long-term advice: Always drive defensively, stay alert and follow the driving laws. Maintaining a safe driving record is the best way to keep auto insurance rates down.
Filed under State Farm Auto Insurance by on Feb 27th, 2011. Comment.
Hybrids are a part of the new wave of this generation people who want to conserve the environment by going green. Hybrids tend to be a little on the pricier side compared to regular vehicles, however, the car less if not dependent at all on gasoline. Often there are luxury vehicles that cost the same as hybrids so when given the option choose the luxury vehicle.
Because of this, especially here in California, many government agencies and corporations are offering incentives to their employees and customers to reduce smog. They are doing this in order to decrease the amount of pollutants that we put off into the air.
The federal government offers up to $5,000 in tax rebates for individuals and businesses per vehicle when you lease or purchase a new zero-emission or plug-in vehicle. This credit will continue until the appropriated funds have been exhausted. Some zero-emission commercial vehicles can qualify for up to $20,000 in tax rebates. The qualifying vehicles have to have been purchased on or after March 10, 2010.
The city of Sacramento offers free parking to certified electric vehicles that have been approved by the city of Sacramento. There are designated parking garages in the downtown area where the parking is complimentary. There are also free plug-in stations around the city.
In San Jose, if you occupy a hybrid vehicle from a San Jose dealership, you are eligible for exemption from local parking fees.
The city of Santa Monica allows green vehicles to park for free for the amount of time designated on each individual parking meter.
There are also many companies that offer benefits for employees who have purchased green vehicles.
Hyperion is Santa Clara gives employees $5,000 for purchasing a hybrid vehicle. They have allotted $1,000,000 for this program.
Bank of America will reimburse over 185,000 employees $3,000 if they purchase hybrid vehicles.
Google will give $5,000 to corpulent time employees who steal a vehicle that gets at least 45 mpg or more. It gives $2,500 if the vehicle is leased.
Los Angeles County employees, retirees, family members, contractors, and sub-contractors receive a discount on vehicles purchased at designated dealerships. This program began Feb. 12, 2008 as their “Vehicle Purchasing Services Program”.
The America Jewish Committee employees in Los Angeles can receive a $1,500 or $2,500 bonus, depending on the model of the vehicle.
Hotels such as the Fairmont San Jose and The Argent in San Francisco will cut their parking rates in half for hybrid vehicles. “The Shrimp River Inn” in Mendocino actually offers one free night's stay with the seize of the second night.
The Farmers Insurance Group offers 10% off of an auto insurance policy for hybrid vehicles.
There are also businesses popping up everywhere such as Whole Foods and Ikea that offer priority
parking spaces for hybrids.
So, there are plenty incentives for purchasing hybrid and electric vehicles. Build the environment, go green!
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://driveclean.ca.gov
(n.d.). Retrieved from www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws/state_summary/CA
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.hybridcars.com/federal-incentives.html
Filed under State Farm Auto Insurance by on Feb 26th, 2011. Comment.
