OEM & aftermarket repair parts: Your rights

Posted March 7, 2010 by
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A vehicle accident is costly to all who are involved and insurance companies decide what type of replacement part is to be used on your vehicle repair. However, the insured does have a right to know what type of parts are being used on their vehicle to return the car to its former self. Your rights as a consumer regarding OEM and aftermarket repair parts may be a topic overlooked in your insurance policy until you have an accident or loss. You have a choice in the type of parts to be used in your repair but you may not be aware that using higher end parts may cost money out of your own pocket.

There are two different types of replacement parts that are available for use: OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and aftermarket parts. You as a consumer have the right to know what type of parts are going to be used in your repair. Many insurance companies will only allow OEM parts when aftermarket parts are not available, or may combine the use of OEM and aftermarket parts in a normal vehicle repair. While aftermarket parts are typically the same quality as OEM parts, their use as a repair part may be detrimental to the resale value of a vehicle, especially if it is a high value car. In some instances the availability of OEM parts may become a problem if it is a one of a kind or older vehicle. If you drive a lease vehicle you may be liable for paying a disposition fee or having part of your security deposit held back for using lower cost aftermarket repair parts.

Many insurance companies do not disclose to their consumers the use of aftermarket parts for replacement, and it is the insured’s responsibility to ask. You may be responsible for paying the difference between the price of OEM and aftermarket parts out of your own pocket in the case of an accident if you insist on using OEM parts for your vehicle. The cost can add up depending on the type of parts needed and may be the deciding factor when you are deciding between two different insurance companies.

What effects premiums?

Posted February 23, 2010 by
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Premiums are affected by how old you are, where you live, and your driving history. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price help establish rates of a new vehicle. Afterwards, premiums indicate amount of claims additional drivers of the automobile file plus how costly claims are.

Expensive cars are recorded on Insure.com for 2009. On the peak of the list, Nissan GT-R, Dodge Viper, and BMW M6 together with a yearly premium of $2,200 or more. Family cars are the cheapest cars to underwrite. Low-cost restorations benefit as well. Leading the way is the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Entourage including regular premiums of $850 or smaller. If you get into an accident, a good number of insurers should not decline you.
An increasing deductible is sensible. In no doubt, you will shell out money for a soaring deductible. Think about a five-year automobile or older. You should cut out collision as well as comprehensive coverage. It would decrease your premium 25% to 40%. Respectably, a car valued at a smaller price of the coverage should be dropped. A lender might demand to stay with collision coverage if your loan is unpaid. Other than, don’t allow your insurance to slip. It is against the law and expensive: leaving still a week together with a sporadic coverage can boost charges 50% to 75%, says Belden.

Nearly every carriers retain a listing. Multiple-policy discount reduces rates 10% to 20%. Additional discounts consist of reliable drivers, high-quality students and students who go to college, and cars with alarms. You can earn a low –mileage discount for driving 10,000 miles annual or less. The craze now is pay-as-you-drive programs. MyRate, from Progressive, is presented in 15 states. A mechanism found in cars check what time and how you drive, and you pay money established on your conventions. For your signature, you get 10% off. When you renew, charges possibly will decreased by 25%.

Purchasing for a house or adding a driver, evaluate rates online….. Esurance.com. However, shop again annually or maybe for two years. This will ring a bell. “Auto insurance is the one thing people spend $1,000 a year on and don’t know much about,” says Kristin Brewe, of Esurance.com

The Facts of Car Insurance

Posted January 12, 2010 by
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While some may not agree with the law, the fact of the matter is that you need auto insurance to legally drive your vehicle in the United States. Too many people today are driving their car, truck, or SUV without car insurance simply because there is little realization relating to just how important car insurance is. Financial times have become extremely difficult, and people are looking to save money any way they can, which usually means skimping on their vehicle’s insurance policy. However, there are different ways that you can lower your monthly premiums while still getting good coverage that protects you in case an accident were to occur.

Everyone knows the importance of shopping around and doing research when it comes to getting cheap auto insurance rate quotes. What often goes overlooked is the benefits that come along with the policy. In some cases, insurance companies might include certain features in their policies that they do not openly point out when you originally ask for your quote. Aspects of driving such as having a safe driving record, paying electronically instead of having an invoice sent to you every month or six months, having a vehicle with good safety features, and making sure your car is safe by installing a theft protection system are all ways in which you can save money in the long run with insurance companies. Be sure to go over the fine print and discuss these options with your agent before signing up for a policy. You might find other benefits that reward you for being a good driver.

There are many factors involved with how much you ultimately pay for your car insurance policy. One of the most important indicators of what you are going to pay for coverage is the kind of vehicle that you are driving. Insurance companies evaluate just how safe a car actually will be in a crash or the likelihood that the vehicle will be stolen at some point in time. For example, a smaller vehicle like a Pontiac G6 is going to cost more in terms of safety coverage than a F-350 pick-up truck would. That doesn’t mean that a G6 will automatically cost more to insure than an F-350, it just signals that an F-350 is a much safer vehicle in a crash than a G6 would be. Another area that is heavily scrutinized is the likelihood that your car will be the victim of a theft attempt. Obviously, a Corvette is going to be much more likely to be broken into than a Honda Accord, so adjusters have to take this into consideration to when putting together your final quote.

Before you go about getting your auto insurance quotes, make sure that you have a firm handle on what exactly you want covered with your car insurance. This will make it much easier when you call from agency to agency because you will be able to keep everything consistent. Keep all of the features that you want to be covered exactly the same so the agents can give you an accurate quote that satisfies all of your concerns. This is where you are going to save yourself a great deal of money, so be certain that everyone involved knows exactly what is and is not going to be included with your specific policy.

Be sure to take your current financial situation into account when going through which options you would like included in the provisions of your car insurance agreement. For instance, if you have an older truck that would cost more to insure than it would be to put a down payment on a new one, you might want to think about whether you need all of the comprehensive benefits that are offered. This will ultimately save you money on your policy. You don’t want to overpay for insurance if your benefits include items that you don’t need or are not applicable to your situation.

It is vitally important that you never drive your car without auto insurance. Many people let their current policies expire before signing up for a new one, either with the same company or with a different one. It might sound easier to wait until your current plan runs out, but even going a couple of days without insurance will cost you a great deal of money when you go to sign up for your new policy. Insurance companies frown heavily on people who like to take unnecessary risks, which is just what driving without insurance is. If you are looking to move to a different company, have a plan already in place to take over immediately after your current plan runs out. Then, you will be covered at all times without having to worry about what the insurance company is going to charge you when it comes time to purchase a new policy. Always have a new agreement in place before your old policy runs out.

Don’t be afraid of purchasing a little extra coverage to ensure that you have no problems if a unfortunate incident were to arise. You don’t want to get in an accident with an uninsured driver only to find out that your damages will not be covered in the case of it being their fault. Protect against the uncertain events that could potentially happen because it may end up saving you more over time. For example, look at what it is going to cost you to add roadside assistance to your policy. It could be a very minimal price for a potentially life-saving service. Don’t always scoff at the idea that extra coverage is not necessary. What might cost you a few pennies now could ultimately save you a few thousand dollars later on.

If you are worried about the costs of your monthly premiums, and you feel as though there is a small chance that you will ultimately make a claim against your policy, you can always offer to have your deductible be higher so you can save money that way. This is what many people choose to do when they are looking for ways to cut their insurance costs. However, it should be done with the knowledge that most auto repair bills run over $500 and sometimes can get as high as $5,000. You want to take the age of your vehicle into consideration, as well, when agreeing to have your deductibles be higher. If your car breaks down, it could cost you more to fix it than it would to purchase a brand new vehicle.

There are many factors that go into what kind of quote you can for your auto insurance, but you want to make sure that you find the right policy for your situation. Be proactive when trying to save money, as you don’t want to get yourself into a situation that ends up costing you more in the long run. Take your time and perform some due diligence in order to ensure that the policy you choose is going to adequately protect you financially in the case of an accident or major break-down. While it may not seem like it, car insurance provides you with the piece of mind that you have someone on your side when you will ultimately need them the most.

A Case for Mexican Auto Insurance

Posted November 5, 2009 by
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You must be a modern daredevil today to drive in Mexico. Perhaps the tight streets of the northeastern United States are not enough. You, my friend, enjoy the element of danger. Don’t be a fool. The idea of getting Mexican insurance must be a priority. The potential for a problem is high.

I’ve had firsthand experience watching a drunken man sideswipe cars in an older Lincoln Continental. It was like he was in a NASCAR race trying to nudge everyone else out for the win. Given the scenario, I expected to see a matadore with his muleta outstretched and waving the man onward.

Mexico is not all that barbaric, but some of it can be. So, it is best to do a quick search-and-grab for insurance coverage. After all, insurance from a Mexican company is required by Mexican law in an accident even if you are not at fault. Like your coverage at home, a Mexican insurance policy can provide coverage for damage to your vehicle or its total loss.

Driving into the southern and eastern areas of Mexico can be a real treat. It is a tremendous expanse of land with some of the most amazing views and roadside interests. But don’t be surprised if you find a few rocks in the road. In fact, it’s kind of just a common problem. The torrential rains not only bring rock and debris, but a group of stacked rocks usually is a warning for problems ahead. Having Mexican insurance is simply the smart move. A Mexican Insurance policy greatly reduces the financial burden you might come by when a road itself is hazardous.

And remember, Mexican laws are designed to infuriate the people. In Mexico, you are dealing with a system that used to view a traffic accident as a criminal offense. Fortunately that is no longer the case. Yet, when breaking a Mexican law there is always the threat of jail. Having Mexican Insurance can actually reduce jail time resulting from a traffic accident.

As with any insurance sale, a great swindle could mean a great deal of hassle in the claims department. A little prudent research into the company you are signing with should reveal the names and locations of the insurance underwriter. I recommend Mexican insurance that has been underwritten by something you have heard of and can trust. Enjoy your trip. Vios con dios!

Drive safe, keep your credit clean and do your homework

Posted October 18, 2009 by
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Auto Insurance: It is something almost everybody needs, but nobody enjoys paying. Currently 49 states and Washington DC require you to carry some type of auto insurance (New Hampshire is the only state not currently requiring some type of coverage.) Most people are also looking for a way to pay the least possible and unfortunately it is not always easy as that “15 minute call” to save you money on insurance costs. It actually takes a bit of research and shopping to find the best possible prices for your situation.

The first thing you need to consider when shopping for Auto Insurance is the type of car you are going to purchase. It is true that there are some amazing deals out there for vehicles such as 0% financing and short term leasing. While these deals can turn into great deals on car payments, they can also turn into a nightmare when it comes to the insurance payment. Bigger type vehicles like SUVs and sports cars, such as a Mustang, can actually end up with an insurance payment that is higher then the vehicle payment.

Another big consideration to insurance cost is your current residence. Different cities throughout the US have different risk factors associated with them based on crime, population etc. If you possibly have more then one residence or a place you can use as a 2nd address for insurance reasons you may find that you are able to get a better price. Generally, you will find better insurance prices in the suburbs over a major city so if you have a means to take advantage of this definitely do so!

The most controversial factor that is currently used to determine insurance costs is your credit score. There has been a lot of arguing and fighting between the insurance companies and government lately over this. For some reason or another, credit has been used to determine more things that it was ever really meant to. Credit does not really give a reading into how good of a driver you are, however, the insurance companies seem to think that a low credit score means you are. They do not take into consideration the possibility that you had a major illness or a job loss (a big factor to low credit these days) and they will give you higher rates just based on this number. If you have any way to fix your bruised credit, definitely do it as this will save you money in the long run when it comes to your insurance rates.

Also, the one thing that should determine rates for insurance more then anything, is your driving record. Speeding tickets, accidents and DUIs will play a major role in determining your insurance costs. It also takes several years for driving infractions to fall off of your record. Keep this in mind next time you consider going 90 down the freeway, it could cost you more then just a ticket.

The bottom line to saving money in auto insurance is: drive safe, keep your credit clean and do your homework. It will save you a lot of headaches in the long run!