Claim easily,Principles of insurance,claims and loss handling is the materialized utility of insurance,Insurance company claim departments
Finally, claims and loss handling is the materialized utility of insurance; it is the actual "product" paid for, though one hopes it will never need to be used. Claims may be filed by insureds directly with the insurer or through brokers or agents. The insurer may require that the claim be filed on its own proprietary forms, or may accept claims on a standard industry form such as those produced by ACORD
Insurance company claim departments employ a large number of claims adjusters supported by a staff of records management and data entry clerks. Incoming claims are classified based on severity and are assigned to adjusters whose settlement authority varies with their knowledge and experience. The adjuster undertakes a thorough investigation of each claim, usually in close cooperation with the insured, determines its reasonable monetary value, and authorizes payment. Adjusting liability insurance claims is particularly difficult because there is a third party involved (the plaintiff who is suing the insured) who is under no contractual obligation to cooperate with the insurer and in fact may regard the insurer as a deep pocket. The adjuster must obtain legal counsel for the insured (either inside "house" counsel or outside "panel" counsel), monitor litigation that may take years to complete, and appear in person or over the telephone with settlement authority at a mandatory settlement conference when requested by the judge.
In managing the claims handling function, insurers seek to balance the elements of customer satisfaction, administrative handling expenses, and claims overpayment leakages. As part of this balancing act, fraudulent insurance practices are a major business risk that must be managed and overcome. Disputes between insurers and insureds over the validity of claims or claims handling practices occasionally escalate into litigation; see insurance bad faith.
[edit] History of insurance
Main article: History of insurance
In some sense we can say that insurance appears simultaneously with the appearance of human society. We know of two types of economies in human societies: money economies (with markets, money, financial instruments and so on) and non-money or natural economies (without money, markets, financial instruments and so on). The second type is a more ancient form than the first. In such an economy and community, we can see insurance in the form of people helping each other. For example, if a house burns down, the members of the community help build a new one. Should the same thing happen to one's neighbour, the other neighbours must help. Otherwise, neighbours will not receive help in the future. This type of insurance has survived to the present day in some countries where modern money economy with its financial instruments is not widespread (for example countries in the territory of the former Soviet Union).
Turning to insurance in the modern sense (i.e., insurance in a modern money economy, in which insurance is part of the financial sphere), early methods of transferring or distributing risk were practised by Chinese and Babylonian traders as long ago as the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC, respectively. Chinese merchants travelling treacherous river rapids would redistribute their wares across many vessels to limit the loss due to any single vessel's capsizing. The Babylonians developed a system which was recorded in the famous Code of Hammurabi, c. 1750 BC, and practised by early Mediterranean sailing merchants. If a merchant received a loan to fund his shipment, he would pay the lender an additional sum in exchange for the lender's guarantee to cancel the loan should the shipment be stolen.
Achaemenian monarchs of Iran were the first to insure their people and made it official by registering the insuring process in governmental notary offices. The insurance tradition was performed each year in Norouz (beginning of the Iranian New Year); the heads of different ethnic groups as well as others willing to take part, presented gifts to the monarch. The most important gift was presented during a special ceremony. When a gift was worth more than 10,000 Derrik (Achaemenian gold coin) the issue was registered in a special office. This was advantageous to those who presented such special gifts. For others, the presents were fairly assessed by the confidants of the court. Then the assessment was registered in special offices.
The purpose of registering was that whenever the person who presented the gift registered by the court was in trouble, the monarch and the court would help him. Jahez, a historian and writer, writes in one of his books on ancient Iran: "[W]henever the owner of the present is in trouble or wants to construct a building, set up a feast, have his children married, etc. the one in charge of this in the court would check the registration. If the registered amount exceeded 10,000 Derrik, he or she would receive an amount of twice as much."[1]
A thousand years later, the inhabitants of Rhodes invented the concept of the 'general average'. Merchants whose goods were being shipped together would pay a proportionally divided premium which would be used to reimburse any merchant whose goods were jettisoned during storm or sinkage.
The Greeks and Romans introduced the origins of health and life insurance c. 600 AD when they organized guilds called "benevolent societies" which cared for the families and paid funeral expenses of members upon death. Guilds in the Middle Ages served a similar purpose. The Talmud deals with several aspects of insuring goods. Before insurance was established in the late 17th century, "friendly societies" existed in England, in which people donated amounts of money to a general sum that could be used for emergencies.
Separate insurance contracts (i.e., insurance policies not bundled with loans or other kinds of contracts) were invented in Genoa in the 14th century, as were insurance pools backed by pledges of landed estates. These new insurance contracts allowed insurance to be separated from investment, a separation of roles that first proved useful in marine insurance. Insurance became far more sophisticated in post-Renaissance Europe, and specialized varieties developed.
Toward the end of the seventeenth century, London's growing importance as a centre for trade increased demand for marine insurance. In the late 1680s, Edward Lloyd opened a coffee house that became a popular haunt of ship owners, merchants, and ships’ captains, and thereby a reliable source of the latest shipping news. It became the meeting place for parties wishing to insure cargoes and ships, and those willing to underwrite such ventures. Today, Lloyd's of London remains the leading market (note that it is not an insurance company) for marine and other specialist types of insurance, but it works rather differently than the more familiar kinds of insurance.
Insurance as we know it today can be traced to the Great Fire of London, which in 1666 devoured 13,200 houses. In the aftermath of this disaster, Nicholas Barbon opened an office to insure buildings. In 1680, he established England's first fire insurance company, "The Fire Office," to insure brick and frame homes.
The first insurance company in the United States underwrote fire insurance and was formed in Charles Town (modern-day Charleston), South Carolina, in 1732. Benjamin Franklin helped to popularize and make standard the practice of insurance, particularly against fire in the form of perpetual insurance. In 1752, he founded the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire. Franklin's company was the first to make contributions toward fire prevention. Not only did his company warn against certain fire hazards, it refused to insure certain buildings where the risk of fire was too great, such as all wooden houses. In the United States, regulation of the insurance industry is highly Balkanized, with primary responsibility assumed by individual state insurance departments. Whereas insurance markets have become centralized nationally and internationally, state insurance commissioners operate individually, though at times in concert through a national insurance commissioners' organization. In recent years, some have called for a dual state and federal regulatory system (commonly referred to as the Optional Federal Charter (OFC)) for insurance similar to that which oversees state banks and national banks.
Auto insurance
Main article: Vehicle insurance
A wrecked vehicle
Auto insurance protects you against financial loss if you have an accident. It is a contract between you and the insurance company. You agree to pay the premium and the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as defined in your policy. Auto insurance provides property, liability and medical coverage: (1) Property coverage pays for damage to or theft of your car. (2) Liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage. and (3) Medical coverage pays for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses. An auto insurance policy is comprised of six different kinds of coverage. Most states require you to buy some, but not all, of these coverages. If you're financing a car, your lender may also have requirements.
Most auto policies are for six months to a year. Your insurance company should notify you by mail when it’s time to renew the policy and to pay your premium. [8]
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Steps to Filing Your Auto Insurance Claim, getting paid !!
Getting Paid on an Auto Insurance Claim Steps to Filing Your Auto Insurance Claim, part Your Auto Insurance Claim,Evaluate Your Auto Insurance Claim, Fill out Your Auto Insurance Claim,getting your car fixed on Your Auto Insurance Claim
1. Evaluate whether or not you should file a claim: Did you know that just when you call your insurance company with a question about possibly filing a claim it is often recorded on your insurance record? It is important to keep your insurance record clean and one way is deciding whether or not you should file a claim. It doesn’t matter if the accident is your fault or not, you should ask yourself first if you can pay for the damage. Simply put, if you can pay for it yourself without financial hardship, don’t file the claim.
2. Fill out your What to do After an Auto Accident Worksheet: This worksheet, which when you click on the title is provided for print-out, will help you keep track of the information you will need to file your auto insurance claim. It is important to get every detail of the accident documented and to try to find witnesses that would be willing to talk to your insurance company to back-up your story.
3. File the claim ASAP: You will want to file the claim as soon as possible with your insurance company. Even if it is not your fault, your insurance company will handle the claim process as your advocate.
4. Prepare for a possible call from the other insurance company: If there is a dispute between the two parties in the accident, you may get a call from the other driver’s insurance company asking for your version of what happened at the accident scene. If this happens make sure you document everything you say and the name of the customer service agent you talked too.
5. Finally, getting your car fixed: If you had body damage to your vehicle this is when you will finally get it fixed. After your claim is approved, you will likely get a call from your insurance company about sending an insurance adjuster out to assess the damage or asking you to send your car to a pre-approved shop to get it fixed.
Sooner or later it happens to nearly all of us. An auto accident. You do all the right things at the accident scene. Then you made a few phone calls to get the insurance company to get the claims process started. Now it's about time for the payoff. Who's going to repair your car and how much will the insurance company pay? Let's see if we can't negotiate a fair deal for ourselves.
In most cases you'll need to get an estimate of what it will cost to repair the damage to your car. Remember that your goal is to get your car repaired properly so you won't have problems later. The insurance company's goal is to pay you as little as possible. They may suggest that you to use their 'convenient drive-in claims adjuster'. Or perhaps they'll use a quote from a local repair shop that gets lots of business from them.
Don't go for it. In either case the person providing the estimate is loyal to the insurance company. They have no reason to try to satisfy you. Find a shop that has your confidence. The dealer that sells that make of car is probably the best if they have a repair shop. You may want to get estimates from a couple of different shops. That's your choice. Check your policy. It rarely requires you to go to their shop or to get more than one estimate.
What happens if your car isn't driveable? Then have it towed to the shop of your choice. It's cheapest to do that right at the time of the accident. It's good to have the shop's name and address already available in your car. By having the car to the shop of your choice you've forced the adjuster to play on your home field. He has to respond to their estimate. On the other hand, if the car's in your driveway he can offer to have it towed to his favorite low cost shop. Then he'll have all the advantage in negotiating the price of the repairs.
OK, you've agreed on a shop and the work is completed. So it's just a matter of picking up the car. Right? Wrong! This is your last real chance to get the job done to your satisfaction. The insurance company will have named you on the check. You will be required to sign the check or a repair order stating that the work is completed. You may also need to write your own check to the repair shop for the deductible.
Don't sign off until you've thoroughly inspected the car. And I do mean thoroughly. Look at the bodywork under bright lights. Sunlight is best. Look at the car from all different angles. Is the sheetmetal straight? How's the paint? Try all the doors, windows and anything else that moves in the repaired area. Make sure that nothing is binding or crooked and that everything is properly aligned. Take it for a test drive. It should run and sound like before the accident. No new rattles. Make sure you understand your guarantee. If something goes wrong later you'll be dealing with the repair shop, not the insurance company.
If you've been forced to use a shop chosen by the insurance company, be especially careful to inspect the car. In fact, you probably would be wise to 'drop in' once or twice during the repair to actually see what's happening. Ask to see all the old parts that they were going to replace. They could save some money by repairing a molding or other part instead of buying a replacement part. All shops are not dishonest, but some are.
Suppose that your agent calls and says that you car is a total loss. They want to cut you a check for the value of the car and you just give them the car and title. There are two potential problems. First, your car was worth more to you than anyone else. That's why you were still driving it. Second, how do you determine what the car's worth?
The adjuster will probably use the Kelly Blue Book. They might also include classified ads for similar cars to come up with an offer for your car. Expect them to offer you the 'wholesale' value. That's what the dealer would pay for the car before they add their profit margin to sell it to you. Naturally, you'll end up paying retail. Shouldn't your payoff be at retail?
How can you get a higher price? By shopping! Go to a number of dealers. Read the classified ads for comparable cars. Make a list and give it to the adjuster. If that fails, ask him to find a replacement car for the amount he's offering. He's the one that says it's out there. Let him prove it.
Now's the time that homework pays off. Was your car a low mileage vehicle? That's worth something. Did you keep maintenance records to show that the car was in above average condition? Do you have any pictures or other evidence that your car was a 'cream puff'?
Oh, and don't forget to add in the cost of tax and title. In some places it can be 6 or 8% of the price of the car. In almost all cases that will be hundreds of dollars.
Hopefully, you won't ever need to settle an auto accident claim. But, if you're ever in an accident, knowing how to deal with the insurance company is essential. They expect you to pay your premiums faithfully. It's up to you to make sure that they pay properly on your claim. Nothing that the average driver armed with a little knowledge can't do. And if it ever comes up, so can you!
1. Evaluate whether or not you should file a claim: Did you know that just when you call your insurance company with a question about possibly filing a claim it is often recorded on your insurance record? It is important to keep your insurance record clean and one way is deciding whether or not you should file a claim. It doesn’t matter if the accident is your fault or not, you should ask yourself first if you can pay for the damage. Simply put, if you can pay for it yourself without financial hardship, don’t file the claim.
2. Fill out your What to do After an Auto Accident Worksheet: This worksheet, which when you click on the title is provided for print-out, will help you keep track of the information you will need to file your auto insurance claim. It is important to get every detail of the accident documented and to try to find witnesses that would be willing to talk to your insurance company to back-up your story.
3. File the claim ASAP: You will want to file the claim as soon as possible with your insurance company. Even if it is not your fault, your insurance company will handle the claim process as your advocate.
4. Prepare for a possible call from the other insurance company: If there is a dispute between the two parties in the accident, you may get a call from the other driver’s insurance company asking for your version of what happened at the accident scene. If this happens make sure you document everything you say and the name of the customer service agent you talked too.
5. Finally, getting your car fixed: If you had body damage to your vehicle this is when you will finally get it fixed. After your claim is approved, you will likely get a call from your insurance company about sending an insurance adjuster out to assess the damage or asking you to send your car to a pre-approved shop to get it fixed.
Sooner or later it happens to nearly all of us. An auto accident. You do all the right things at the accident scene. Then you made a few phone calls to get the insurance company to get the claims process started. Now it's about time for the payoff. Who's going to repair your car and how much will the insurance company pay? Let's see if we can't negotiate a fair deal for ourselves.
In most cases you'll need to get an estimate of what it will cost to repair the damage to your car. Remember that your goal is to get your car repaired properly so you won't have problems later. The insurance company's goal is to pay you as little as possible. They may suggest that you to use their 'convenient drive-in claims adjuster'. Or perhaps they'll use a quote from a local repair shop that gets lots of business from them.
Don't go for it. In either case the person providing the estimate is loyal to the insurance company. They have no reason to try to satisfy you. Find a shop that has your confidence. The dealer that sells that make of car is probably the best if they have a repair shop. You may want to get estimates from a couple of different shops. That's your choice. Check your policy. It rarely requires you to go to their shop or to get more than one estimate.
What happens if your car isn't driveable? Then have it towed to the shop of your choice. It's cheapest to do that right at the time of the accident. It's good to have the shop's name and address already available in your car. By having the car to the shop of your choice you've forced the adjuster to play on your home field. He has to respond to their estimate. On the other hand, if the car's in your driveway he can offer to have it towed to his favorite low cost shop. Then he'll have all the advantage in negotiating the price of the repairs.
OK, you've agreed on a shop and the work is completed. So it's just a matter of picking up the car. Right? Wrong! This is your last real chance to get the job done to your satisfaction. The insurance company will have named you on the check. You will be required to sign the check or a repair order stating that the work is completed. You may also need to write your own check to the repair shop for the deductible.
Don't sign off until you've thoroughly inspected the car. And I do mean thoroughly. Look at the bodywork under bright lights. Sunlight is best. Look at the car from all different angles. Is the sheetmetal straight? How's the paint? Try all the doors, windows and anything else that moves in the repaired area. Make sure that nothing is binding or crooked and that everything is properly aligned. Take it for a test drive. It should run and sound like before the accident. No new rattles. Make sure you understand your guarantee. If something goes wrong later you'll be dealing with the repair shop, not the insurance company.
If you've been forced to use a shop chosen by the insurance company, be especially careful to inspect the car. In fact, you probably would be wise to 'drop in' once or twice during the repair to actually see what's happening. Ask to see all the old parts that they were going to replace. They could save some money by repairing a molding or other part instead of buying a replacement part. All shops are not dishonest, but some are.
Suppose that your agent calls and says that you car is a total loss. They want to cut you a check for the value of the car and you just give them the car and title. There are two potential problems. First, your car was worth more to you than anyone else. That's why you were still driving it. Second, how do you determine what the car's worth?
The adjuster will probably use the Kelly Blue Book. They might also include classified ads for similar cars to come up with an offer for your car. Expect them to offer you the 'wholesale' value. That's what the dealer would pay for the car before they add their profit margin to sell it to you. Naturally, you'll end up paying retail. Shouldn't your payoff be at retail?
How can you get a higher price? By shopping! Go to a number of dealers. Read the classified ads for comparable cars. Make a list and give it to the adjuster. If that fails, ask him to find a replacement car for the amount he's offering. He's the one that says it's out there. Let him prove it.
Now's the time that homework pays off. Was your car a low mileage vehicle? That's worth something. Did you keep maintenance records to show that the car was in above average condition? Do you have any pictures or other evidence that your car was a 'cream puff'?
Oh, and don't forget to add in the cost of tax and title. In some places it can be 6 or 8% of the price of the car. In almost all cases that will be hundreds of dollars.
Hopefully, you won't ever need to settle an auto accident claim. But, if you're ever in an accident, knowing how to deal with the insurance company is essential. They expect you to pay your premiums faithfully. It's up to you to make sure that they pay properly on your claim. Nothing that the average driver armed with a little knowledge can't do. And if it ever comes up, so can you!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Auto Insurance company of United states
American National Insurance Company
American National Insurance Company (NASDAQ: ANAT) is a major American insurance corporation based in Galveston, Texas. The company and its subsidiaries operate in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa. Through its subsidiary, American National de México, Compañía de Seguros de Vida, it provides products and services in Mexico.Company description
American National was founded in 1905 by Galveston businessman William L. Moody, Jr.. Today the company offers a wide array of insurance products and services including life insurance, annuities, health insurance, property and casualty insurance, credit insurance, and pension plan services. Mutual funds and other securities products are distributed through its broker-dealer subsidiary, Securities Management and Research, Inc.
Although a publicly traded company, the majority of the stock continues to be controlled by the Moody family through foundations and trusts administered by the trust department of the family owned Moody National Bank.[6][7]
Financial ratings[8]
American National is subject to insurance regulation and examination by all 50 states as well as federal entities like the SEC and FTC. In addition, its records are audited by KPMG as well as the major financial rating agencies. The ratings reflect the company’s capitalization, operating performance and liquidity.
* A. M. Best Company: A+ (Superior)
* Standard and Poor's: AAA (Very Strong)
American Automobile Association
History
The American Automobile Association was founded on March 4, 1902, in Cleveland, Ohio as a response to a lack of roads and highways suitable for autos. The organization originally had 1000 charter members, who were generally of an auto enthusiast demographic. AAA’s membership base is and was formed from a number of local and regional motor clubs that later combined forces to create a more powerful organization.
The association expanded its scope of services as years progressed. The first AAA road maps were published in 1905, and AAA began printing hotel guides in 1917. AAA began its School Safety Patrol Program in 1920, and many driver safety programs followed in the decades to come. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, which conducts a large volume of studies regarding motorist safety, was established as separate entity in 1947.
AAA was a sanctioning organization for auto racing in the United States until 1956. It sanctioned many races, including the Indianapolis 500. After the 1955 Le Mans disaster, AAA decided that auto racing distracted from its primary goals, and the United States Automobile Club was formed to take over the race sanctioning/officiating.
[edit] Current operations
A typical AAA office
A typical AAA Car Care Plus center
Members belong to an individual club (such as AAA Northwest Ohio, AAA Mid-Atlantic, the California State Automobile Association, the Automobile Club of Southern California, AAA Oregon/Idaho, or Auto Club South, for example) and the clubs in turn own AAA. The member clubs have arranged a reciprocal service system so that members of any participating club are able to receive member services from any other affiliate club. Member dues finance all club services as well as the operations of the national organization.
From the standpoint of the consumer, AAA clubs primarily provide emergency road services to members. These services, which include everything from lockouts, winching, tire changes, automotive first aid, and towing, are handled by private local towing companies contracted by a state AAA club. Many AAA clubs have an automotive fleet division serving large metro areas, while private towing companies cover the surplus call volume by area. Recently, certain clubs have implemented an "on the go" diagnostic/installation automotive battery program, which offers members an additional service to an ever more demanding commute. This is part of AAA's vision for the future of automotive services, termed Go, not Tow. Clubs also distribute road maps and travel publications, and rate restaurants and hotels according to a "diamond" scale (one to five). The best hotels and restaurants according to AAA's criteria receive the Five Diamond Award. Many offices sell automobile liability insurance, provide travel agency, auto-registration and notary services. AAA also offers member discounts at over 100 partners including many hotels, Amtrak, Hertz rental cars, Jiffy Lube, LensCrafters, and Payless ShoeSource through its "Show Your Card & Save" program.
[edit] International affiliates
The AAA has reciprocal arrangements with a range of international affiliates. In general, members of affiliates are offered the same benefits as members of the AAA while traveling in the United States, whilst AAA members are offered equivalent benefits whilst traveling in the territory of the affiliate.
International affiliates include:
* The Automobile Association in the United Kingdom.
* The Canadian Automobile Association in Canada (TourBooks and maps of Canadian places are published by AAA, and are distributed by AAA and CAA clubs using both AAA and CAA logos).
* The ADAC in Germany.
[edit] AAA and motorist rights
The AAA has a mixed record with its support of motorist rights.
The AAA is known for occasional high profile motorist advisories of unreasonable traffic enforcement, such as when it rented a billboard to warn motorists of the speed trap town of Lawtey, Fl.[1] In addition, the speed trap in Denmark, South Carolina, continues to receive scrutiny, especially since the municipality raises revenue by issuing unwarranted speeding tickets, which, unfortunately, also puts unearned points on motorists' drivers licenses.[citation needed]
However, the AAA has taken positions contrary to motorist rights. Prominent examples include:
* Support of the old 55 mph National Maximum Speed Law[2]
* Support of Virginia's now-repealed traffic citation tax because of its revenue generation potential.[3][4]
In many states, the mere presence of a ticket on driver's record allows a provider of automobile insurance to charge higher rates regardless of actual risk, if any, posed by the actual violation. Therefore, as a major provider of automobile insurance, the AAA has a fiduciary interest in supporting policies or practices that maximize motorist citations.
ANOTHER LIST AUTO INSURANCE BY RATING :
* American National Insurance Company
* American Automobile Association
* AIG
* Allstate
* American Family Insurance
* American Farmers and Ranchers Mutual (formerly Oklahoma Farmers Union Mututal)
* Amica
* Auto-Owners Insurance
* California Casualty Insurance
* CapitalOne
* Commerce Insurance Group
* COUNTRY Insurance & Financial Services
* Cuna Mutual Group
* Electric Insurance Company
* Esurance
* Expatriate Insurance
* Farm Bureau Insurance
* Farmers Insurance
* Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Company
* GAINSCO Auto Insurance
* GMAC Insurance
* Geico
* The General
* GuideOne
* Hanover Insurance
* The Hartford
* Hastings Mutual Insurance Company
* Haulers Insurance Company
* Infinity Auto Insurance Company
* Liberty Mutual
* Nationwide Insurance
* National Interstate
* Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
* Mutual of Enumclaw[1]
* OneBeacon Insurance Group
* Pekin Insurance[2]
* Pemco
* Progressive
* Safeco
* Safeway Insurance Group
* Standard Insurance Company [3]
* State Auto Insurance Companies[4]
* Shelter Insurance Companies
* Solid Insurance Group
* State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
* The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc.
* Trustgard Insurance
* Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance
* USAA
* Wawanesa (California)
* Westfield Insurance
American National Insurance Company (NASDAQ: ANAT) is a major American insurance corporation based in Galveston, Texas. The company and its subsidiaries operate in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa. Through its subsidiary, American National de México, Compañía de Seguros de Vida, it provides products and services in Mexico.Company description
American National was founded in 1905 by Galveston businessman William L. Moody, Jr.. Today the company offers a wide array of insurance products and services including life insurance, annuities, health insurance, property and casualty insurance, credit insurance, and pension plan services. Mutual funds and other securities products are distributed through its broker-dealer subsidiary, Securities Management and Research, Inc.
Although a publicly traded company, the majority of the stock continues to be controlled by the Moody family through foundations and trusts administered by the trust department of the family owned Moody National Bank.[6][7]
Financial ratings[8]
American National is subject to insurance regulation and examination by all 50 states as well as federal entities like the SEC and FTC. In addition, its records are audited by KPMG as well as the major financial rating agencies. The ratings reflect the company’s capitalization, operating performance and liquidity.
* A. M. Best Company: A+ (Superior)
* Standard and Poor's: AAA (Very Strong)
American Automobile Association
History
The American Automobile Association was founded on March 4, 1902, in Cleveland, Ohio as a response to a lack of roads and highways suitable for autos. The organization originally had 1000 charter members, who were generally of an auto enthusiast demographic. AAA’s membership base is and was formed from a number of local and regional motor clubs that later combined forces to create a more powerful organization.
The association expanded its scope of services as years progressed. The first AAA road maps were published in 1905, and AAA began printing hotel guides in 1917. AAA began its School Safety Patrol Program in 1920, and many driver safety programs followed in the decades to come. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, which conducts a large volume of studies regarding motorist safety, was established as separate entity in 1947.
AAA was a sanctioning organization for auto racing in the United States until 1956. It sanctioned many races, including the Indianapolis 500. After the 1955 Le Mans disaster, AAA decided that auto racing distracted from its primary goals, and the United States Automobile Club was formed to take over the race sanctioning/officiating.
[edit] Current operations
A typical AAA office
A typical AAA Car Care Plus center
Members belong to an individual club (such as AAA Northwest Ohio, AAA Mid-Atlantic, the California State Automobile Association, the Automobile Club of Southern California, AAA Oregon/Idaho, or Auto Club South, for example) and the clubs in turn own AAA. The member clubs have arranged a reciprocal service system so that members of any participating club are able to receive member services from any other affiliate club. Member dues finance all club services as well as the operations of the national organization.
From the standpoint of the consumer, AAA clubs primarily provide emergency road services to members. These services, which include everything from lockouts, winching, tire changes, automotive first aid, and towing, are handled by private local towing companies contracted by a state AAA club. Many AAA clubs have an automotive fleet division serving large metro areas, while private towing companies cover the surplus call volume by area. Recently, certain clubs have implemented an "on the go" diagnostic/installation automotive battery program, which offers members an additional service to an ever more demanding commute. This is part of AAA's vision for the future of automotive services, termed Go, not Tow. Clubs also distribute road maps and travel publications, and rate restaurants and hotels according to a "diamond" scale (one to five). The best hotels and restaurants according to AAA's criteria receive the Five Diamond Award. Many offices sell automobile liability insurance, provide travel agency, auto-registration and notary services. AAA also offers member discounts at over 100 partners including many hotels, Amtrak, Hertz rental cars, Jiffy Lube, LensCrafters, and Payless ShoeSource through its "Show Your Card & Save" program.
[edit] International affiliates
The AAA has reciprocal arrangements with a range of international affiliates. In general, members of affiliates are offered the same benefits as members of the AAA while traveling in the United States, whilst AAA members are offered equivalent benefits whilst traveling in the territory of the affiliate.
International affiliates include:
* The Automobile Association in the United Kingdom.
* The Canadian Automobile Association in Canada (TourBooks and maps of Canadian places are published by AAA, and are distributed by AAA and CAA clubs using both AAA and CAA logos).
* The ADAC in Germany.
[edit] AAA and motorist rights
The AAA has a mixed record with its support of motorist rights.
The AAA is known for occasional high profile motorist advisories of unreasonable traffic enforcement, such as when it rented a billboard to warn motorists of the speed trap town of Lawtey, Fl.[1] In addition, the speed trap in Denmark, South Carolina, continues to receive scrutiny, especially since the municipality raises revenue by issuing unwarranted speeding tickets, which, unfortunately, also puts unearned points on motorists' drivers licenses.[citation needed]
However, the AAA has taken positions contrary to motorist rights. Prominent examples include:
* Support of the old 55 mph National Maximum Speed Law[2]
* Support of Virginia's now-repealed traffic citation tax because of its revenue generation potential.[3][4]
In many states, the mere presence of a ticket on driver's record allows a provider of automobile insurance to charge higher rates regardless of actual risk, if any, posed by the actual violation. Therefore, as a major provider of automobile insurance, the AAA has a fiduciary interest in supporting policies or practices that maximize motorist citations.
ANOTHER LIST AUTO INSURANCE BY RATING :
* American National Insurance Company
* American Automobile Association
* AIG
* Allstate
* American Family Insurance
* American Farmers and Ranchers Mutual (formerly Oklahoma Farmers Union Mututal)
* Amica
* Auto-Owners Insurance
* California Casualty Insurance
* CapitalOne
* Commerce Insurance Group
* COUNTRY Insurance & Financial Services
* Cuna Mutual Group
* Electric Insurance Company
* Esurance
* Expatriate Insurance
* Farm Bureau Insurance
* Farmers Insurance
* Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Company
* GAINSCO Auto Insurance
* GMAC Insurance
* Geico
* The General
* GuideOne
* Hanover Insurance
* The Hartford
* Hastings Mutual Insurance Company
* Haulers Insurance Company
* Infinity Auto Insurance Company
* Liberty Mutual
* Nationwide Insurance
* National Interstate
* Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
* Mutual of Enumclaw[1]
* OneBeacon Insurance Group
* Pekin Insurance[2]
* Pemco
* Progressive
* Safeco
* Safeway Insurance Group
* Standard Insurance Company [3]
* State Auto Insurance Companies[4]
* Shelter Insurance Companies
* Solid Insurance Group
* State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
* The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc.
* Trustgard Insurance
* Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance
* USAA
* Wawanesa (California)
* Westfield Insurance
Monday, November 3, 2008
Auto Performance Tuning, Give More Power To Your Car
Every major and minor working part of your car can be fined-tuned to increase speed, smoothness, and drivability. Let's explore the key areas of performance tuning and see how each can contribute to better driving.Fine Engine Tuning
There are several key areas of tuning that can help give your car or truck an engine boost. One is to install a performance chip. A performance chip can be fitted in engines with fuel injection and an ECU, or Electronic Control Unit.
With a performance chip, non-turbo engines often result in about a 10 percent power boost while turbo engines often see an increase of 25 to 30 horsepower!
Engines also see a power boost with a performance cam, which can be fitted by an experienced mechanic or a really knowledgeable homemechanic. Cams of about 270 degrees can boost the engine up to an extra 12 horsepower.
A power boost valve can also be installed to replace the fuel pressure regulator, which is located in the return fuel line.
Brake Performance Tuning
Be sure to enhance your braking power before increasing power in your automobile. Brakes are very important for your performance and safety although they are not considered performance-enhancing features.
A simple way to improve braking is to install performance pads and fix performance discs. Performance brake pads enhance braking power and can withstand much higher temperatures than regular brake pads.
Air Filters and Tuning
Probably one of the easiest tune-up tasks is to replace the air filters or the air filter element in a performance air filter. If you have a fuel-injected car, you can also enhance airflow by removing the original airbox, which contains the air filter and hoses and then replacing it with an induction kit.
The kit is a cone filter that can be attached directly to the air flow meter, thus, creating a more directed, uninterrupted airflow to the engine. More air means better engine performance.
Exhaust Enhancement
With exhausts, you're not focusing on what's going into the engine, but what's coming out. There are performance exhausts that minimize pressure restrictions for fumes that are on their way out.
Hint: Replace the factory-made exhaust manifold with an aftermarket brand that is tuned to boost power.
A Better Ride with Enhanced Suspension
Suspension is another key car tuning area that often goes unnoticed. Lowering springs can be fitted to get a better look and feel for the car. Handling is improved because the springs reduce roll when taking corners. Also, the tires will have improved contact with the road.
These springs might feel like standard springs when driving over small bumps in the road; however, when cornering hard they stiffen and reduce roll. This gives comfort and improved handling. Shock absorbers and up-rated bushes also enhance suspension.
Abundant Tuning SuppliesIf you have trouble finding the performance tuning products you need, use the Internet to locate thousands of tuning products at great prices. You can find auto parts and supplies for car tuning, truck tuning, SUV tuning, and more.
Also, browse through top brand name products known for their durability and performance-enhancing qualities. There are Sniper tuning products, Diablo tuning products, and many others.
Give special attention to these key areas during your next performancetuning to enjoy maximum results.
The Truth and Lies About Your Car Insurance
If you are a newbie in insurance policies, it is best to be educated on the subject. There are many myths and realities in dealing with insurance companies. It is necessary for you to have a general idea about such insurance rates so that you won't have problems later on.
Car insurance is needed by people who want to be assured that their cars won't experience distress, especially when the time comes and they get into an accident or anything else. There are things in this world that you have to be aware and to prepare for. This is why it is vital to assess and choose the most affordable and most reasonable price for your car insurance.
Hence, it is true that the insurance quotes reflect the cost of certain automobile- related expenses. In fact, there are many explanations on how the increasing cost of such insurances is accumulated.
Each year millions of people get into car accidents that involve personal injury. With this type of incidents, the typical price range of such treatment is around $6,000 to $9,000. Thus, this can easily turn into tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the type of car.
This problem is actually joined by the trouble of increasing claims of automobile injury, which are currently as much as 30 % in some states. These dilemmas can turn into the new car insurance holder's burden of additional payments or premiums.
Moreover, another reason for this is the legal expenses that the company needs to pay due to the fact that an average jury award for vehicular liability cases are continuing to rise and can put up the pressure on auto insurance rates.
An average liability can cost from about $187,000 up to $269,000. This was the estimated record from the year 1994 up to the year 2000, respectively. Thus, the number one cause of death for people ages 1 up to 34 is car accident.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, these deaths cost more than $150 billion annually. People who are under the use of prohibited drugs, alcohol abuse, high- speed driving and are not using a seat belt are the leading people who are at risk of such an accident. Auto repair has also increased because of the rapid advancing age of technology, along with construction and design that have now become a must in this era. Automotive innovations and repair costs have increased tremendously and thus, higher car insurance may ensue because of this.
Hence, there is a notion that red cars cost more insurance. This is not true. Colour is never a determinant factor in calculating one's car insurance rate. The factors that are important are the year, model, body, type, engine size and the age of the car. Even if you have a cheap car but you have a large engine, or it is an unusual model, it might cost a lot to have it insured as compared to a more expensive small car.
Then again, you will pay for a lesser amount in comprehensive coverage, which can cover the damage that is usually brought about by vandalism, hail, fire or even animal accidents. There is also a case, in which, two speeding tickets can make your car insurance rate go up.
Plus, it is also not true that every car insurance company can charge anyone on any way they please. Despite the increasing expenses of this company, they still have a way of covering all the damages and they also have regulators that review their customer rates.
It is also important to take note of the amount of your car, where in, it's insurance will most likely have a relative cost to. This is due to the fact that some companies shoulders only a minimum amount and will not cover certain accidents. Of course, this will result into a lawsuit but they will not include all the damages. So, it is wiser to read your terms and conditions.
Thus, if someone drives your car and there is an accident, you will still be the one held responsible. You will be financially responsible for the accident. In most states, the car insurance that covers the accident is considered the primary insurance holder, which means that the insurance company is the one that should pay for the damages. Hence, there are cases that it is not enough and the driver's insurance is the next in line to pay for the remaining damages. This is primarily why you need to know the car insurance policy in your state, as well as the laws that go hand in hand with it. States and even countries differ in policies politically and geographically.
Aside from this, there are also other factors that are being considered for car insurance rates. Of course, your rate won't be the same as that of your neighbours. Your age, nature of your work, driving record, type of vehicle and marital status are all considered. This can really vary depending on the company's standards. Sometimes, your charge can go down when you turn 25 because this is the time when car accidents go down. The extremes of ages, like that of a teenager and that of the forty year old individual is where the accident rate is at its highest.
Lastly, there is a so called rental reimbursement that can cover and pay for your rental car. This is for cases, wherein, you are on vacation and you just rented a car that resulted into an accident. This will help drivers pay for the damages to the car but this still depends on the limits you selected. Having more than one insurance policy is not really money- saving technique. In fact, it is more expensive. Most of the time, you can save your money by getting the best rate available in one company. Thus, if you want different types of insurance like that of the auto and homeowners insurance, you can look for another company that can give you the best deal. At times, you will get better deals from different insurance companies.
Car insurance is a way of preparing yourself for some stressful moments while driving your car. Getting one doesn't mean that you are already assuming that you will encou7nter car theft or car accidents. Getting car insurance is a lot like accepting the reality that these things happen and that it is best to be prepared. This is better than not having a car insurance at all and end up paying more, just because you decided is best not to have one. Since car insurances these days have death or disability insurance for the driver or owner of the car, it is a lot like caring for your family and loved ones by leaving them with nothing to worry about.
Since there are many car insurance agencies these days, it is best to assess each one and check which has been in the industry for a long time. You can also check with friends for referrals. This is actually the best thing to do as compared to believing in advertisements and flyers.
Car insurance is needed by people who want to be assured that their cars won't experience distress, especially when the time comes and they get into an accident or anything else. There are things in this world that you have to be aware and to prepare for. This is why it is vital to assess and choose the most affordable and most reasonable price for your car insurance.Hence, it is true that the insurance quotes reflect the cost of certain automobile- related expenses. In fact, there are many explanations on how the increasing cost of such insurances is accumulated.
Each year millions of people get into car accidents that involve personal injury. With this type of incidents, the typical price range of such treatment is around $6,000 to $9,000. Thus, this can easily turn into tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the type of car.
This problem is actually joined by the trouble of increasing claims of automobile injury, which are currently as much as 30 % in some states. These dilemmas can turn into the new car insurance holder's burden of additional payments or premiums.
Moreover, another reason for this is the legal expenses that the company needs to pay due to the fact that an average jury award for vehicular liability cases are continuing to rise and can put up the pressure on auto insurance rates.
An average liability can cost from about $187,000 up to $269,000. This was the estimated record from the year 1994 up to the year 2000, respectively. Thus, the number one cause of death for people ages 1 up to 34 is car accident.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, these deaths cost more than $150 billion annually. People who are under the use of prohibited drugs, alcohol abuse, high- speed driving and are not using a seat belt are the leading people who are at risk of such an accident. Auto repair has also increased because of the rapid advancing age of technology, along with construction and design that have now become a must in this era. Automotive innovations and repair costs have increased tremendously and thus, higher car insurance may ensue because of this.
Hence, there is a notion that red cars cost more insurance. This is not true. Colour is never a determinant factor in calculating one's car insurance rate. The factors that are important are the year, model, body, type, engine size and the age of the car. Even if you have a cheap car but you have a large engine, or it is an unusual model, it might cost a lot to have it insured as compared to a more expensive small car.
Then again, you will pay for a lesser amount in comprehensive coverage, which can cover the damage that is usually brought about by vandalism, hail, fire or even animal accidents. There is also a case, in which, two speeding tickets can make your car insurance rate go up.Plus, it is also not true that every car insurance company can charge anyone on any way they please. Despite the increasing expenses of this company, they still have a way of covering all the damages and they also have regulators that review their customer rates.
It is also important to take note of the amount of your car, where in, it's insurance will most likely have a relative cost to. This is due to the fact that some companies shoulders only a minimum amount and will not cover certain accidents. Of course, this will result into a lawsuit but they will not include all the damages. So, it is wiser to read your terms and conditions.
Thus, if someone drives your car and there is an accident, you will still be the one held responsible. You will be financially responsible for the accident. In most states, the car insurance that covers the accident is considered the primary insurance holder, which means that the insurance company is the one that should pay for the damages. Hence, there are cases that it is not enough and the driver's insurance is the next in line to pay for the remaining damages. This is primarily why you need to know the car insurance policy in your state, as well as the laws that go hand in hand with it. States and even countries differ in policies politically and geographically.
Aside from this, there are also other factors that are being considered for car insurance rates. Of course, your rate won't be the same as that of your neighbours. Your age, nature of your work, driving record, type of vehicle and marital status are all considered. This can really vary depending on the company's standards. Sometimes, your charge can go down when you turn 25 because this is the time when car accidents go down. The extremes of ages, like that of a teenager and that of the forty year old individual is where the accident rate is at its highest.
Lastly, there is a so called rental reimbursement that can cover and pay for your rental car. This is for cases, wherein, you are on vacation and you just rented a car that resulted into an accident. This will help drivers pay for the damages to the car but this still depends on the limits you selected. Having more than one insurance policy is not really money- saving technique. In fact, it is more expensive. Most of the time, you can save your money by getting the best rate available in one company. Thus, if you want different types of insurance like that of the auto and homeowners insurance, you can look for another company that can give you the best deal. At times, you will get better deals from different insurance companies.
Car insurance is a way of preparing yourself for some stressful moments while driving your car. Getting one doesn't mean that you are already assuming that you will encou7nter car theft or car accidents. Getting car insurance is a lot like accepting the reality that these things happen and that it is best to be prepared. This is better than not having a car insurance at all and end up paying more, just because you decided is best not to have one. Since car insurances these days have death or disability insurance for the driver or owner of the car, it is a lot like caring for your family and loved ones by leaving them with nothing to worry about.
Since there are many car insurance agencies these days, it is best to assess each one and check which has been in the industry for a long time. You can also check with friends for referrals. This is actually the best thing to do as compared to believing in advertisements and flyers.
Six ways to save on auto insurance
“It was an old Oldsmobile that my mom and dad gave me and the gas pedal never even worked and I had it for two weeks!” said Vickie Sheaks.
Most everyone can remember their first car.
"Our first car was a '55 Oldsmobile," said Granger resident Dave Byers.
However, most drivers can't remember what they paid for insurance then or now. “Oh, I have no idea," said Byers.The cost of insurance revs up a lot of drivers and not in a good way. To obtain copies of free quotes, you must first know a site that offers this service. There are 2 options, you can either go to each insurance company's website and fill out their Free Auto Insurance quotes form or else you can find an online insurance broker that works with a number of insurers to get your Free Auto Insurance Quotes . Both ways have their advantages but we definitely recommend you to go online and fill out all the quote forms. When it comes down to it, you can do whichever you think is the best.
The Next step is to provide accurate information on yourself as well as what you are looking for in your free quotes. Remember, if you mess up even one detail , you may end up having an inaccurate free quotes in your hand. This could lead to a huge disappointment down the line when you are told that you cannot obtain the price of the original quotes. Please bear in mind, to get a cheaper free auto insurance quotes, please provide them this detail - your background, type of car, driving history, police record, date of birth.
Remember, the more auto insurance quotes you got, the more choices you can compare. We personally recommend a minimum of 3 free car insurance quotes. Getting one quotes is a great place to start, but this is not where you should stop. Even if your first auto insurance quote looks great, you never know what the competition is going to do for you; this is until you get free quotes from them as well. Remember to set a budget for yourself, a price that you can afford.
In the end , your final step is to purchase a policy from the auto insurance quotes that you have received. This may be the most difficult decision that you are faced with; especially if there are a couple of policies that you like.
Oh ya, a short note from me, Insurance companies are inter-linked with each other, it's better to be honest with them. That's why providing precise and accurate information to get free auto insurance quotes is no joke, make sure you give the same information to every insurance company. Don't simply try out by filling the quotes with different information, they have information exchanged everyday and they would know. You will end up getting free auto insurance quote which are much more expensive and there will be no chance to lower the premium down."You’ve gotta find somebody that you trust, that understands the business and will work for you to find out what your needs are,” stated Jim Holland, owner of Holland Insurance in South Bend.
For 18 years Holland has been providing drivers with coverage and says there are some super savings available for savvy consumers.
"Increasing deductibles — we're seeing 10 and 15 plus percent discounts, taking a deductible from $500 to $1,000," said Holland. "Does the vehicle have anti-lock brakes, air bags, all the typical credits?"
You can save up to 20 percent on your bill by insuring both your home and car with the same company — that goes for renters, too.
If your credit score has improved over the last year or so, call your agent. You can roll up to a deep discount.
Parents with student drivers can save, too.
“If you have students, good student discounts are available,” Holland adds, “If you have a student away at school, you've got to make sure your agent is aware of that so they can give you the appropriate credit on your policy.”
Don't be afraid to shop around for the best rates. Byers did and he saved $500 a year.
"I just got a quote from a local insurance agency, compared it to what I had been paying for 20-something years and said ‘Hey I've got to do something different,'" said Byers.
Experts say to get at least three quotes from three reputable agencies.
Putting the brakes on big car insurance bills is as easy as:
# Increasing your deductible
# Listing all the safety features on your car
# Combining home and car insurance with the same company
# Letting your agent know if your credit score has improved
# Letting your agent know when your student is away at college; good students get better premiums
# Shopping around for the best bargain
In these tough economic times it is good to know you can get affordable auto insurance without breaking the bank or the speed limit.
"The industry is designed to protect people and we want to do it at the right value for them," stated Holland.
Most everyone can remember their first car.
"Our first car was a '55 Oldsmobile," said Granger resident Dave Byers.
However, most drivers can't remember what they paid for insurance then or now. “Oh, I have no idea," said Byers.The cost of insurance revs up a lot of drivers and not in a good way. To obtain copies of free quotes, you must first know a site that offers this service. There are 2 options, you can either go to each insurance company's website and fill out their Free Auto Insurance quotes form or else you can find an online insurance broker that works with a number of insurers to get your Free Auto Insurance Quotes . Both ways have their advantages but we definitely recommend you to go online and fill out all the quote forms. When it comes down to it, you can do whichever you think is the best.
The Next step is to provide accurate information on yourself as well as what you are looking for in your free quotes. Remember, if you mess up even one detail , you may end up having an inaccurate free quotes in your hand. This could lead to a huge disappointment down the line when you are told that you cannot obtain the price of the original quotes. Please bear in mind, to get a cheaper free auto insurance quotes, please provide them this detail - your background, type of car, driving history, police record, date of birth.
Remember, the more auto insurance quotes you got, the more choices you can compare. We personally recommend a minimum of 3 free car insurance quotes. Getting one quotes is a great place to start, but this is not where you should stop. Even if your first auto insurance quote looks great, you never know what the competition is going to do for you; this is until you get free quotes from them as well. Remember to set a budget for yourself, a price that you can afford.
In the end , your final step is to purchase a policy from the auto insurance quotes that you have received. This may be the most difficult decision that you are faced with; especially if there are a couple of policies that you like.
Oh ya, a short note from me, Insurance companies are inter-linked with each other, it's better to be honest with them. That's why providing precise and accurate information to get free auto insurance quotes is no joke, make sure you give the same information to every insurance company. Don't simply try out by filling the quotes with different information, they have information exchanged everyday and they would know. You will end up getting free auto insurance quote which are much more expensive and there will be no chance to lower the premium down."You’ve gotta find somebody that you trust, that understands the business and will work for you to find out what your needs are,” stated Jim Holland, owner of Holland Insurance in South Bend.
For 18 years Holland has been providing drivers with coverage and says there are some super savings available for savvy consumers.
"Increasing deductibles — we're seeing 10 and 15 plus percent discounts, taking a deductible from $500 to $1,000," said Holland. "Does the vehicle have anti-lock brakes, air bags, all the typical credits?"
You can save up to 20 percent on your bill by insuring both your home and car with the same company — that goes for renters, too.
If your credit score has improved over the last year or so, call your agent. You can roll up to a deep discount.
Parents with student drivers can save, too.
“If you have students, good student discounts are available,” Holland adds, “If you have a student away at school, you've got to make sure your agent is aware of that so they can give you the appropriate credit on your policy.”
Don't be afraid to shop around for the best rates. Byers did and he saved $500 a year.
"I just got a quote from a local insurance agency, compared it to what I had been paying for 20-something years and said ‘Hey I've got to do something different,'" said Byers.
Experts say to get at least three quotes from three reputable agencies.
Putting the brakes on big car insurance bills is as easy as:
# Increasing your deductible
# Listing all the safety features on your car
# Combining home and car insurance with the same company
# Letting your agent know if your credit score has improved
# Letting your agent know when your student is away at college; good students get better premiums
# Shopping around for the best bargain
In these tough economic times it is good to know you can get affordable auto insurance without breaking the bank or the speed limit.
"The industry is designed to protect people and we want to do it at the right value for them," stated Holland.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Types of Coverage auto insurance
Each person who drives necessitates car insurance. In fact, most states command it by law. When you purchase car insurance, you are purchasing what is called a policy. Your policy is grounded on a diverseness of factors admitting what kind of car you drive as well as what sort of insurance you want. compare auto insuranc policies are in reality a package of dissimilar types of insurance coverage.
The first step in interpreting an auto insurance policy is to ascertain the various types of coverage insurance companions offer. Some of this coverage may be compulsory by your state and some of the coverage may be facultative.
• Liability - This coverage antes up for accidental corporal trauma and property indemnification to others. Injury impairments include medical disbursements, pain and bearing and lost wages. Property damage admits damaged property and automobiles. This coverage also compensates defense and court costs. State laws ascertain how much liability coverage you must leverage, but you can forever get more coverage than your state compels.
• Collision - This coverage pays for impairments to your vehicle stimulated by collision with additional vehicle or object.
• Comprehensive - This coverage compensates for loss or impairment to the insured vehicle that doesn't come about in an auto accident. The types of damages comprehensive insurance covers include loss caused by fire, flood, vandalism, wind, hail, or theft.
• Medical Coverage - Pays medical expenses disregarding of fault when the expenses are stimulated by an auto accident.
• PIP - Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is commanded in some states. This coverage compensates medical expenses for the insured driver, irrespective of fault, for discourse due to an auto accident.
• Uninsured Motorist - compensates your car's impairments when an auto accident is induced by a driver who doesn't have financial obligation insurance.
• Underinsured Motorist - compensates your car's impairments when an auto accident is stimulated by someone who has deficient liability insurance.
• Rental Reimbursement - This type of coverage will compensate for a rental car if your car is besmirched due to an auto accident. Frequently this coverage has a day-to-day leeway for a rental car.
Numerous insurance policies coalesce a number of these eccentrics of coverage. The first step in picking out the compare auto insurance you desire for your car is to know the laws in your state. This will tell you the lower limit insurance you need for your car. It's benevolent to keep in mind that, just since your state may not compel extensive insurance, extra coverage may be meriting the expense.
After all, no one desires to be bewildered with thousands of dollars worth of bills because of an auto accident.Now, let's take a look at how to determine your insurance needs.
Bringing the Costs Down
There are four main components that can donjon compare auto insurance rates bolt down. See if you accrue into any of the accompanying categories. If you do, you may be able to save money on your car insurance disregarding of the appraise of your automobile.
1. If you are awaiting to buy a car, turn over buying a car that looks benevolent to insurance companies. For instance, insurance companies be intimate what varieties of cars are prostrate to problems. They also experience what varieties of cars are most frequently stolen. If you haven't bought your car yet, find out what cars make this "good list" amidst auto insurers.
2. Most insurance companies extend discounts for a variety of reasons - for example, estimable students, having additional than one car insured and accident-free driving are all worth a discount. Necessitate insurance companies just about particular discounts that may be uncommitted to you.
3. Deliberate carpooling or using public expatriation to get to work. The less you use your car, the less your insurance will cost you.
4. Finally, drive with kid gloves! Insurance companies are not happy to insure accident- prostrate drivers, so the more dependable you drive, the less you will have to compensate for auto insurance. Source :http://www.heavens-above.com/financialinfo/insurance/compar
The first step in interpreting an auto insurance policy is to ascertain the various types of coverage insurance companions offer. Some of this coverage may be compulsory by your state and some of the coverage may be facultative.
• Liability - This coverage antes up for accidental corporal trauma and property indemnification to others. Injury impairments include medical disbursements, pain and bearing and lost wages. Property damage admits damaged property and automobiles. This coverage also compensates defense and court costs. State laws ascertain how much liability coverage you must leverage, but you can forever get more coverage than your state compels.
• Collision - This coverage pays for impairments to your vehicle stimulated by collision with additional vehicle or object.
• Comprehensive - This coverage compensates for loss or impairment to the insured vehicle that doesn't come about in an auto accident. The types of damages comprehensive insurance covers include loss caused by fire, flood, vandalism, wind, hail, or theft.
• Medical Coverage - Pays medical expenses disregarding of fault when the expenses are stimulated by an auto accident.
• PIP - Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is commanded in some states. This coverage compensates medical expenses for the insured driver, irrespective of fault, for discourse due to an auto accident.
• Uninsured Motorist - compensates your car's impairments when an auto accident is induced by a driver who doesn't have financial obligation insurance.
• Underinsured Motorist - compensates your car's impairments when an auto accident is stimulated by someone who has deficient liability insurance.
• Rental Reimbursement - This type of coverage will compensate for a rental car if your car is besmirched due to an auto accident. Frequently this coverage has a day-to-day leeway for a rental car.
Numerous insurance policies coalesce a number of these eccentrics of coverage. The first step in picking out the compare auto insurance you desire for your car is to know the laws in your state. This will tell you the lower limit insurance you need for your car. It's benevolent to keep in mind that, just since your state may not compel extensive insurance, extra coverage may be meriting the expense.
After all, no one desires to be bewildered with thousands of dollars worth of bills because of an auto accident.Now, let's take a look at how to determine your insurance needs.
Bringing the Costs Down
There are four main components that can donjon compare auto insurance rates bolt down. See if you accrue into any of the accompanying categories. If you do, you may be able to save money on your car insurance disregarding of the appraise of your automobile.
1. If you are awaiting to buy a car, turn over buying a car that looks benevolent to insurance companies. For instance, insurance companies be intimate what varieties of cars are prostrate to problems. They also experience what varieties of cars are most frequently stolen. If you haven't bought your car yet, find out what cars make this "good list" amidst auto insurers.
2. Most insurance companies extend discounts for a variety of reasons - for example, estimable students, having additional than one car insured and accident-free driving are all worth a discount. Necessitate insurance companies just about particular discounts that may be uncommitted to you.
3. Deliberate carpooling or using public expatriation to get to work. The less you use your car, the less your insurance will cost you.
4. Finally, drive with kid gloves! Insurance companies are not happy to insure accident- prostrate drivers, so the more dependable you drive, the less you will have to compensate for auto insurance. Source :http://www.heavens-above.com/financialinfo/insurance/compar
Monday, October 27, 2008
AUTO INSURANCE IN INDIA
Auto Insurance in India deals with the insurance covers for the loss or damage caused to the automobile or its parts due to natural and man-made calamities. It provides accident cover for individual owners of the vehicle while driving and also for passengers and third party legal liability. There are certain general insurance companies who also offer online insurance service for the vehicle.
Auto Insurance in India is a compulsory requirement for all new vehicles used whether for commercial or personal use. The insurance companies have tie-ups with leading automobile manufacturers. They offer their customers instant auto quotes. Auto premium is determined by a number of factors and the amount of premium increases with the rise in the price of the vehicle. The claims of the Auto Insurance in India can be accidental, theft claims or third party claims. Certain documents are required for claiming Auto Insurance in India , like duly signed claim form, RC copy of the vehicle, Driving license copy, FIR copy, Original estimate and policy copy.
There are different types of Auto Insurance in India :
* Private Car Insurance – in the Auto Insurance in India, Private Car Insurance is the fastest growing sector as it is compulsory for all the new cars. The amount of premium depends on the make and value of the car, state where the car is registered and the year of manufacture.
* Two Wheeler Insurance – the Two Wheeler Insurance under the Auto Insurance in India covers accidental insurance for the drivers of the vehicle. The amount of premium depends on the current showroom price multiplied by the depreciation rate fixed by the Tariff Advisory Committee at the time of the beginning of policy period.
* Commercial Vehicle Insurance – Commercial Vehicle Insurance under the Auto Insurance in India provides cover for all the vehicles which are not used for personal purposes, like the Trucks and HMVs. The amount of premium depends on the showroom price of the vehicle at the commencement of the insurance period, make of the vehicle and the place of registration of the vehicle.
The auto insurance generally includes:
* Loss or damage by accident, fire, lightning, self ignition, external explosion, burglary, housebreaking or theft, malicious act.
* Liability for third party injury/death, third party property and liability to paid driver
* On payment of appropriate additional premium, loss/damage to electrical/electronic accessories
The auto insurance does not include:
* Consequential loss, depreciation, mechanical and electrical breakdown, failure or breakage
* When vehicle is used outside the geographical area
* War or nuclear perils and drunken driving
Some of the leading Insurance Companies offering Auto Insurance in India are:
HSBC India – Auto Secure
Bajaj Allianz - Bajaj Allianz's Motor Insurance
ICICI Lombard - Motor Plans, Two Wheeler Package Policy
United India Insurance Co. - Motor Package and Liability Only Policies
The New India Assurance Co. - Motor Policy
Auto Insurance in India is a compulsory requirement for all new vehicles used whether for commercial or personal use. The insurance companies have tie-ups with leading automobile manufacturers. They offer their customers instant auto quotes. Auto premium is determined by a number of factors and the amount of premium increases with the rise in the price of the vehicle. The claims of the Auto Insurance in India can be accidental, theft claims or third party claims. Certain documents are required for claiming Auto Insurance in India , like duly signed claim form, RC copy of the vehicle, Driving license copy, FIR copy, Original estimate and policy copy.
There are different types of Auto Insurance in India :
* Private Car Insurance – in the Auto Insurance in India, Private Car Insurance is the fastest growing sector as it is compulsory for all the new cars. The amount of premium depends on the make and value of the car, state where the car is registered and the year of manufacture.
* Two Wheeler Insurance – the Two Wheeler Insurance under the Auto Insurance in India covers accidental insurance for the drivers of the vehicle. The amount of premium depends on the current showroom price multiplied by the depreciation rate fixed by the Tariff Advisory Committee at the time of the beginning of policy period.
* Commercial Vehicle Insurance – Commercial Vehicle Insurance under the Auto Insurance in India provides cover for all the vehicles which are not used for personal purposes, like the Trucks and HMVs. The amount of premium depends on the showroom price of the vehicle at the commencement of the insurance period, make of the vehicle and the place of registration of the vehicle.
The auto insurance generally includes:
* Loss or damage by accident, fire, lightning, self ignition, external explosion, burglary, housebreaking or theft, malicious act.
* Liability for third party injury/death, third party property and liability to paid driver
* On payment of appropriate additional premium, loss/damage to electrical/electronic accessories
The auto insurance does not include:
* Consequential loss, depreciation, mechanical and electrical breakdown, failure or breakage
* When vehicle is used outside the geographical area
* War or nuclear perils and drunken driving
Some of the leading Insurance Companies offering Auto Insurance in India are:
HSBC India – Auto Secure
Bajaj Allianz - Bajaj Allianz's Motor Insurance
ICICI Lombard - Motor Plans, Two Wheeler Package Policy
United India Insurance Co. - Motor Package and Liability Only Policies
The New India Assurance Co. - Motor Policy
Saturday, October 25, 2008
TEXAS AUTO INSURANCE
Today's Texas auto insurance market does not seem to have senior drivers in mind when it comes to lower rates. Even when actual car use has diminished, some mature drivers find themselves paying higher premiums. The problem is not that Texas insurers are attempting to push senior drivers into a position of unaffordable auto insurance. The reality is simply that changes in pricing structure have made it more difficult for individual seniors to understand all of the factors that may apply to rate reduction. Consequently, senior drivers are often unaware of the specific ways in which their auto insurance rates may be lowered.
Senior drivers looking to lower their premiums on auto insurance should review their policies taking the following considerations into mind.
* Driver classification - Commonly described as automobile usage, a driver classification specifically defines the type and amount the auto will be used by the insured senior driver. Types of usage include "to and from work" or "pleasure only." A senior's driver classification may also take into account the decreases in mileage annually. Some seniors use their vehicle only on special occasion, which could result in further rate decreases. A senior looking for lower auto insurance rates should make sure the carrier is aware of the actual vehicle usage, and that this factor is being taken into account in the rate calculations.
* Drivers history - Auto insurance carriers in Texas use these three major indicators in underwriting policies and determining rates. It is recommended that all Senior drivers make their driver's history as "clean" as possible. One should contest all moving violations when possible, and cover others with defensive driving courses.
* Claims history - A Senior's claims history carries significant weight as well. The Texas Department of Insurance requires carriers to record all claims reported to them by the insured. With this in mind, it is important to understand that when contacting an insurance representative, one should specify whenever the call is for information only. Otherwise, it may be recorded a filed claim, thereby affecting your claims history and possibly rates.
* Financial score - Senior drivers should do whatever they can to improve their financial score when looking for low auto insurance rates. Stability and debt ratio are major factors that carriers take into account when underwriting a Senior's policy. Seniors that have reduced their financial obligations should make sure their financial scores reflect this, and alert their insurance agents whenever such information has changed.
As with all types of insurance, seniors should feel that their carrier's representative is willing and able to take the time needed to discuss and adjust the auto insurance policy to their clients benefit. George White understand the importance many seniors place upon the ability to contact a human being that can give them the personal time and attention they need to feel confident and secure about the auto insurance policy they receive. For this reason, George White will make sure to speak with you on an individual basis about your policy, and how lower rates may be attained. If he cannot offer you the lowest possible rate or the best policy appropriate to your situation, he will refer you to someone who can!
Give George White a call today toll free at 866-663-5262 to learn more about how you can lower your auto insurance rates by getting the type of coverage that is right for you!
Senior drivers looking to lower their premiums on auto insurance should review their policies taking the following considerations into mind.
* Driver classification - Commonly described as automobile usage, a driver classification specifically defines the type and amount the auto will be used by the insured senior driver. Types of usage include "to and from work" or "pleasure only." A senior's driver classification may also take into account the decreases in mileage annually. Some seniors use their vehicle only on special occasion, which could result in further rate decreases. A senior looking for lower auto insurance rates should make sure the carrier is aware of the actual vehicle usage, and that this factor is being taken into account in the rate calculations.
* Drivers history - Auto insurance carriers in Texas use these three major indicators in underwriting policies and determining rates. It is recommended that all Senior drivers make their driver's history as "clean" as possible. One should contest all moving violations when possible, and cover others with defensive driving courses.
* Claims history - A Senior's claims history carries significant weight as well. The Texas Department of Insurance requires carriers to record all claims reported to them by the insured. With this in mind, it is important to understand that when contacting an insurance representative, one should specify whenever the call is for information only. Otherwise, it may be recorded a filed claim, thereby affecting your claims history and possibly rates.
* Financial score - Senior drivers should do whatever they can to improve their financial score when looking for low auto insurance rates. Stability and debt ratio are major factors that carriers take into account when underwriting a Senior's policy. Seniors that have reduced their financial obligations should make sure their financial scores reflect this, and alert their insurance agents whenever such information has changed.
As with all types of insurance, seniors should feel that their carrier's representative is willing and able to take the time needed to discuss and adjust the auto insurance policy to their clients benefit. George White understand the importance many seniors place upon the ability to contact a human being that can give them the personal time and attention they need to feel confident and secure about the auto insurance policy they receive. For this reason, George White will make sure to speak with you on an individual basis about your policy, and how lower rates may be attained. If he cannot offer you the lowest possible rate or the best policy appropriate to your situation, he will refer you to someone who can!
Give George White a call today toll free at 866-663-5262 to learn more about how you can lower your auto insurance rates by getting the type of coverage that is right for you!
Most Famous Auto Insurance
SAFECO INSURANCE:
Safeco insurance company sells their products solely via a countrywide network of autonomous agents and dealers who offer the advice and options to the client. They also own a web-based dais where a client only needs to register his name, contact details and the requirement. The agents within minutes contact him, quote the policy and issue insurance to his vehicle.
GEICO AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY:
Geico offers auto insurance to clients across the U.S. They also provide insurance coverage for your home, boat, RV, life and much more.
STATE FARM AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY :
This auto insurance company has been in this trade for offering first-rate auto cover at a reasonable price since 1922.
Auto Insurance is designed to fiscally cover up the possible auto-related damages, loss or injuries. It assists you in the protection of the automobile, other people's property the other vehicles and drivers and the pedestrians. It may also help defend you in the incident of an auto-associated lawsuit.
PROGRESSIVE AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY:
Progressive is the 3rd largest insurance company in the country with the clientele of around or above 10 million people to insure their vehicles. Progressive is mainly known for the wide variety of products to suit the requirement of almost all the drivers. They provide unbeatable customer care and attention making their client permanent.
MEXBOUND AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY:
Mexbound is an online company that facilitates auto insurance to the clients all over Mexico. The insurance policy can be chosen and bought online. Mexbound through a secure online process lets you easily get a quote and take a print of your Mexico Auto Insurance policy within minutes, totally eliminating the hassles of taking halt at the border. Mexbound auto Insurance company provides 24*7 toll free claim service, roadside aid and law and travel information.
ICICI LOMBARD INSURANCE COMPANY:
ICICI Lombard auto Insurance Company Limited is a joint business enterprise between ICICI Bank Limited and the Canada based $ 26 billion Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited.India's second largest bank, ICICI Bank and Fairfax Financial Holdings is a spread out financial company affianced into a business of auto insurance, insurance claims management, reinsurance and investment management.
Safeco insurance company sells their products solely via a countrywide network of autonomous agents and dealers who offer the advice and options to the client. They also own a web-based dais where a client only needs to register his name, contact details and the requirement. The agents within minutes contact him, quote the policy and issue insurance to his vehicle.
GEICO AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY:
Geico offers auto insurance to clients across the U.S. They also provide insurance coverage for your home, boat, RV, life and much more.
STATE FARM AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY :
This auto insurance company has been in this trade for offering first-rate auto cover at a reasonable price since 1922.
Auto Insurance is designed to fiscally cover up the possible auto-related damages, loss or injuries. It assists you in the protection of the automobile, other people's property the other vehicles and drivers and the pedestrians. It may also help defend you in the incident of an auto-associated lawsuit.
PROGRESSIVE AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY:
Progressive is the 3rd largest insurance company in the country with the clientele of around or above 10 million people to insure their vehicles. Progressive is mainly known for the wide variety of products to suit the requirement of almost all the drivers. They provide unbeatable customer care and attention making their client permanent.
MEXBOUND AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY:
Mexbound is an online company that facilitates auto insurance to the clients all over Mexico. The insurance policy can be chosen and bought online. Mexbound through a secure online process lets you easily get a quote and take a print of your Mexico Auto Insurance policy within minutes, totally eliminating the hassles of taking halt at the border. Mexbound auto Insurance company provides 24*7 toll free claim service, roadside aid and law and travel information.
ICICI LOMBARD INSURANCE COMPANY:
ICICI Lombard auto Insurance Company Limited is a joint business enterprise between ICICI Bank Limited and the Canada based $ 26 billion Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited.India's second largest bank, ICICI Bank and Fairfax Financial Holdings is a spread out financial company affianced into a business of auto insurance, insurance claims management, reinsurance and investment management.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Auto-insurance fraud hurts all motorists
OUR OPINION: Insurers aggressively should pursue the con artists
The lawsuit that Allstate Insurance recently filed in federal court in Miami may be bad news for the defendants -- tow-truck operators, chiropractic clinics, auto-body shops, some policyholders and others -- but it could be a good omen for policyholders. It definitely will be if it emboldens insurers to aggressively pursue fraud.
Staging accidents
The lawsuit alleges that the defendants collaborated in staging 17 auto accidents -- and possibly more -- and then filed fraudulent insurance claims. The lawsuit isn't a first. Allstate and other insurers do go after businesses and policyholders when they suspect cheating. More often than not, though, insurers find it easier to pay the claim and move on. That's because lawsuits are messy, expensive and time-consuming. Worse, the outcome of a jury trial can be unpredictable. In South Florida, even cases where the evidence of fraud is overwhelming have ended with insurers leaving the courthouse in shock and disbelief because of an unfavorable jury verdict.
As a consequence, many insurers are overly cautious about going to trial. Too often it is easier to pay than fight. The ultimate losers in this game of chicken are honest policyholders. They end up paying premiums inflated by the cost of fraudulent claims. This is why it is encouraging when an insurer goes to court to challenge an alleged bogus claim. Frankly, we wish it would happen more often.
The Allstate case involves an alleged network of businesses that brazenly and repeatedly filed claims in a scheme to steal from insurers -- and indirectly from policyholders. One driver would ram another driver's car. Both were part of the scam. Both would file claims for damages and medical bills, and the insurance companies would dutifully pay.
In these cases, the insurance companies paid out tens of thousands of dollars. Allstate realized that something was wrong when representatives noticed that the same cars with the same damage turned up in multiple accidents. The company investigated, gathered evidence and hired a lawyer to bring suit.
Billions lost
Whatever the outcome, the lawsuit sends a message to the scammers that they could end up in court and lose their businesses. There are other benefits, too. Once they're busted, the network of con artists has to cease doing ''business,'' or at least take extraordinary precautions to continue. If all insurers aggressively pursued fraud -- or even just a majority of them -- they could significantly raise the stakes for the thieves to stay in business.
Prosecutors say relatively few groups engage in organized fraud, but they steal billions each year from insurers and honest drivers. Insurers should consider prosecuting scam artists as an investment that results in lower costs for their business and lower premiums for customers.
Choosing to Get Classic Car Insurance >> NEW<<
Those who own classic cars know the love, care and attention that go into taking care of these cars. Whether you drive it around or not, it is still a good idea to get classic car insurance that is made special for those who own classic cars. One of the reasons to get classic car insurance is because the classic cars are quite expensive thus it is more prone to thief compared to other types of cars. Since classic cars are more expensive and are exposed to higher risk of thief, getting a regular insurance coverage may not really be enough to protect your classic car.To make sure that your classic car is fully protected, you should always buy adequate classic car insurance for your car. The good thing about a classic car insurance is that it allows to you ensure your vehicle based on its true value rather than stated value. Yes, getting classic car insurance may be a bit costly but if you really want to safeguard your car against theft, accidents and the likes, getting classic car insurance is a must.
Classic Car Insurance
In America today, less that half of collector cars on the road are insured with classic car insurance. These policies have been available for a long time, but many people do not know about them. Most people have a regular insurance policy with high premiums and restrictive policies. You won't get that with classic car insurance. Standard premiums can be at much as 500 percent higher. Why pay that much for such a limited amount of coverage?There are a few different types of coverage that you have with classic car insurance. There is actual cash value that gives you the book value of the car on a claim, the state value that lets you state the value of the vehicle for coverage, and there is the agreed value that guarantees all of your money back in the event of a total loss. This is the only policy that will not depreciate over the years.
If you are wondering what is considered a collectible vehicle, it may be hard to define. There are many different types of cars that are collected these days, so to find out if your beauty is considered a collectible, you will want to contact a classic car insurance carrier in order to see if your car qualifies for this great insurance.
Finding the Very Best Classic Car Insurance
Before you start hunting for a classic car insurance company for your car, you need to find out first how much the true value of your car is. Getting the true value can sometime be tricky. Bear in mind that an insurance company will want to know how much insurance you want on your car so you need to know the true value of your car.
The value of classic cars can vary and it can be greatly increase based on its uniqueness, its model, its present condition, its age and its history. If your car has some really great history attached to it which can be verified, you can fetch a handsome price on that car. To determine how much is the true value of your classic car, bring your car to an appraiser who works with classic cars in your locality. The classic car appraiser should be able to give you the true value of your classic car.
After determining the market value which is the true value of your classic car, you may now start hunting for a classic car insurance company. First you should call those well known classic car insurance companies. Ask these classic car insurance companies for insurance quotes depending upon the true value of your classic car. When comparing insurance quotes from all these classic car insurance companies, pay close attention to the features of the policy and the cost. Make sure that the cost of the insurance is well justified. You do not really want to pay more money than you should on your car insurance.
Maximizing Your Engine, Performance Tuning
Stuffing more horses into your engine used to take countless hours, cost a ridiculous wad of cash in parts, and usually resulted in the busting of several knuckles.Thankfully, with today's computer-controlled vehicles tuning is about as easy as playing Pong.
If you've seen the TV shows geared at getting every droplet of power out of a classic vehicle, you know they spend the entire show with a load of time-lapsed video of them tearing the engine apart to put in extremely technical and wildly expensive parts.
When it's all done, they crank up the dyno and get giddy over the 3 horsepower gain realized after roughly 4 hours of work.
That's not exactly how most would want to spend their weekend, and all for a measly 3hp.
Of course, there's quite a bit to be said for those computer-free classics that you can have full control over. However, when it comes to getting more power in no time and without having to tear up your hands or throwing piles of cash on hard-to-find parts, a computer-controlled vehicle has a distinct advantage.
The good news is, you're probably driving a computer-controlled vehicle, like most sold over the last quarter century. This makes tuning much easier, because a set of programs determines how your engine performs.
Simply replace your engine's stock programming with some that's geared toward performance and you'll discover power gains almost instantly.
Just how can you get these power gains in minutes? The answer is easy, with a power programmer or performance chip, like those made by Hypertech or DiabloSport.
These power programmers are designed to hold performance programs created and tested by the pros. It's so straightforward a caveman could do it.
Just plug it into the OBD-II port beneath your steering column, enter a few simple yes or no commands to adjust how you want the engine to perform, upload the new programming, and you're ready to rock with 25 or more horsepower. For most folks, this will take a maximum of 10 minutes to complete.
There are a few drivers out there who want the extra power, but are apprehensive of using this sort of tuning method.
Their concern is that how can so much power be gain so fast, when the guys on tube spend hours and only add a few horsepower. But the skeptics can rest easy. Modern automakers simply down-tune their cars for the general population.Engines are setup to work the same for performance enthusiasts as they do for octogenarians who believe going over 40 mph is breakneck speed. You don't fall into the later, nor are you a soccer mom unconcerned about performance, you demand it.
Performance programmers aren't average settings and that makes them a perfect match for you.
And, you don't have to worry about warranties. The companies that make programmers take safety into account with their settings and further they often give you ways to return to stock settings for service visits at the dealership.
What's more, as with all performance mods, you'll be protected by federal law. It basically states that your vehicle's warranty cannot be voided by performance parts unless they can be proven as the source of the breakdown.
So, there's no good reason to wait if you're look to easily tap into the true potential sitting under your hood.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Prepare Your Car for Winter: Four Things to Do Now
VERY USEFULL INFORMATIONS
If you have never lived in a cold climate, you probably haven't had to deal with driving and handling a car in snowy conditions. There is a lot of preparation that needs to be done before you can drive safely through the winter. Just as you change your wardrobe for winter, your car needs a winter wardrobe. Use the following steps to help ensure your car operates safely during the winter.Preparing your car for winter breaks down into two categories: regular car maintenance and specialty items to deal with inclement weather. Regular car maintenance includes things that you do to your car year round. You need to make sure that these maintenance tasks get done before the weather starts to change so you can make sure that your car is running at its optimum level.
Before the winter starts, you should get your car's routine maintenance up to date. Getting your oil changed and your brakes fixed are essential in preparing your car for winter. Roads can be dangerous after the first snowfall. If you opt to go for snow tires, you should get them installed several weeks before winter hits. Snow tires aren't always necessary but they are a good idea if you are going to be driving in a place that experiences a lot of snowfall. Even if you don't need snow tires, check to make sure that your tires are in good enough shape to handle the wintry conditions.
Test out your windshield wipers before the first rain or snowfall. Be sure the wipers don't just smear water across your windshield. Windshield wipers that work improperly can severely reduce your visibility and put you at risk for getting into an accident. Replace your windshield wipers and take a look at the special winter windshield wipers that are available on the market today. If you live in an area where you frequently experience snowfall, this may be a good option. While you're at it, make sure that your windshield wiper fluid container is filled, and put an extra gallon on fluid in your trunk.The next part of car preparation is gathering together the supplies that you'll need to get your car running when the weather is bad. These supplies should be kept in two spaces: your garage and in your car. For your garage, you'll need a shovel, a small broom and some de-icing spray. These are necessary in order to free your car from any heavy snowfall that occurred the night before. You may also find an ice scraper handy.
For your car, you should carry an additional ice scraper and some de-icing spray to use if you have to park outside during work hours. These items should be kept with a winter emergency kit that is stored in the trunk of your car. In addition to the scraper and spray, you should store a blanket, some dry snacks, first-aid supplies and bottled water. If you're ever stuck in a snowstorm, these items will help you survive.
While driving during the wintertime certainly isn't something that you should worry about, you should take the steps necessary to prepare your car for the coming months. Get your car tuned up and stocked with emergency supplies and you'll be ready to take what ever the winter weather throws your way.
10 Ways to Lower your Car Insurance Payments
Many people buy their own cars because it makes life easier. However, many also struggle with the costs that come with maintaining a car especially when it comes to making car insurance payments. Many car owners are continuously in search for better ways to lower their car insurance premiums. What most do is simply search for companies that provide cheap car insurance. However, what many do not know is that they can save so much more just by following a few simple tips.For those who aim to save on car insurance payments, the first thing to do is make sure to shop around every so often. In fact, the reason why six-month car insurance polices are most preferred is that it allows car owners to switch and buy car insurance from other providers at the soonest possible time. This means that it is important to continuously survey the insurance market to search for the cheapest car insurance around. Some people find that it is most effective to check out rates for car insurance online while others learn about the cheapest services from their friends and family. No matter what your preferred method for getting car insurance quotes may be, the bottom line is to find the best car insurance to not only suit your lifestyle but your budget as well. Many people who make this a practice report savings of over $300 on policies valid for six months. This would translate to so much more in a span of one year.
Another thing to consider when trying lowering your car insurance payments is to take the option for higher deductibles. Many car owners feel afraid to do this because choosing higher deductibles means shelling out so much more money in case they get into a huge accident. However, the logic behind choosing higher deductibles is pretty sound. Obviously, higher deductibles mean lower premiums. Therefore, lower car insurance payments. Car owners should not worry too much about higher payments when a major accident happens because minor accidents happen more often than major ones and when it comes to minor damages, car owners will still pay the same amount.
Many motorists prefer paying for their premiums in monthly installments because it allows them to shell out a relatively smaller amount at a given time and budget their car insurance payments along with the rest of their monthly expenses. However, what they do not realize is that even the cheapest car insurance providers add on administrative fees for each payment. Even if the additional amount is only $7 or so, for people paying their premiums at monthly installments, this could easily add up to $84 which they could have saved over the period of that one year
Another useful tip to help you lower your car insurance payments is to also look around for companies providing multi-line insurance. This means that you purchase all your insurance from the same company. Most insurers offer huge discounts for this. However, many people still try to look for cheap providers for each type of insurance they need. What they do not realize is that getting their car insurance and home insurance from just one provider can easily translate to about 15% savings.
Furthermore, if you think of yourself as a good driver and no evidence to prove otherwise can be gathered, here’s a good tip for you: look for car insurance providers that can reward you with big discounts simply because of your driving. In fact, some states such as California have made it illegal for car insurance providers to disregard good driving discounts. So, if you have not gotten yourself into any car accidents or received tickets for at least the past three years, do some research or ask around. You may qualify for lower premiums.
Nowadays, a lot of insurance companies will base the prices of their car insurance policies on your credit history. If you have been diligent in building a solid credit standing, then you stand a good chance on getting lower car insurance quotes when you buy car insurance. Aside from making sure unpaid bills don’t pile up, keep your credit balance as low as possible and don’t acquire more credit than you need. Keep your records updated and make sure to correct any errors so your credit history remains accurate.
Many car insurance companies also offer discounts to people whose cars have safety features. Airbags, seatbelts, anti-lock braking systems and other factory-installed safety features on your car may help you find the cheapest car insurance you can get. Make sure you tell your insurer that you have such features installed on your vehicle when you get car insurance quotes.Sometimes it pays to be diligent to the point of being anal. If you want the cheapest car insurance you can get, you should review your car insurance coverage to check for unnecessary expenses in it. If you’re not thorough you may be spending on additional coverage that you don’t need or already have. A perfect example would be towing services. Most, if not all, auto clubs provide such services yet this is part of most car insurance policies as well. So before you buy car insurance review the car insurance quotes you’ve gotten and eliminate all the unneeded expenses.
If you’re looking for cheap car insurance, look for insurers that give discounts to students and senior citizens. Some car insurance companies will offer discounts for students with good academic records and for drivers over the age of 50. Ask around or research on car insurance online, as well, if you have a college student in your family. Some insurers give discounts to parents with college-age children who go to school a certain distance away from home and don’t bring a car to their campus.
One last great tip to lower you car insurance payments is to use your car less. There are a lot of car insurance companies that will give you discounts if you keep the annual mileage on your vehicle low. So, evaluate how you use your car. If you make frequent short trips around town you might consider planning ahead and organizing all your errands so you can check all of it off your list in as few trips as possible.
One thing to remember though is that car insurance companies may differ in what they consider to be low annual mileage, so do your research. If you think you might be able to lower your mileage then get updated car insurance quotes.Following just a few of these recommendations will surely help you lower your car insurance payments. Remember, it is not always about finding the cheapest car insurance provider. Most of the time, it is simply about knowing your options and weighing them to find the perfect car insurance strategy for you.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
New Cars From Pontiac In 2009
It's been confirmed that Pontiac will be selling the G3 5-door hatchback in 2009. The vehicle is based on the Chevrolet Aveo5 (also known as the Daewoo Kalos in Korea). The sedan version of the G3 was sold in Mexico previously and also sold in Canada as a 5-door hatch that was called the G3 Wave.The G3 will be mechanically identical to the Aveo, using a 1.6 liter 4 cylinder engine along with a 4-speed automatic / 5-speed manual transmission. Features will include GM's OnStar system, AC, airbags, and more. The car also comes with standard fog lights and a hatch spoiler to improve the style of the car.
Although it is an economy hatchback, the G3 adds a different flavor to the Pontiac line of cars. Also, in 2009, Pontiac will have 4 cars with EPA highway fuel economy of over 30 mpg, making it a lot more competitive in today's car market. These vehicles include the G3, Vibe, G6 sedan, and the G5 coupe.
The price has not been determined as of yet.
The G6 nameplate was new when the sedan and coupe came out in 2005 (with the convertible following), but the G6 is ostensibly the sixth-generation version of the Grand Am line. The G6 is also available in hardtop convertible form. Trim levels start with the base sedan, fitted with a 2.4-liter four and a four- or six-speed automatic. The G6 GT comes in all three body styles-it's the only droptop trim-and has a 3.5-liter V-6 with a four-speed auto. The GT convertible can also be optioned up to a 3.9-liter V-6.
At the high end are the GXP sedan and coupe, with a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing. The GXP recalls the body-clad Pontiacs from days of yore, with a giant rear spoiler, large grille, and hood scoops inspired by the successful Pontiac GXP.R that races in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. The look doesn't translate well to the street.
The Pontiac G6 is based on the same unibody platform as the Chevy Malibu, but the newer Malibu benefits from three additional years of development and a vastly better interior. By comparison, the G6 feels like a rental car, with cheap plastic coating the cabin.
A six-speed transmission is a new option for the 2.4-liter base car, and it results in an impressive 33-mpg EPA highway rating. Remote start is now standard on GT and GXP models.
We picked the G6 convertible first in a comparison test against the Ford Mustang and Chrysler Sebring, but it's worth noting that the trunk is all but unusable with the folding hardtop stowed. We're not huge fans of the aggressive styling of the GXP, but someone-somewhere-must love it. The GT lacks any driving thrills despite 221 horsepower. That leaves the base car, which has appeal in its lower sticker price and higher fuel economy. Our best recommendation, though, is to walk over to the Chevy dealership and look at the Malibu.Front, front side, and curtain airbags are standard on the sedan and coupe; the convertible makes do with front and front side bags. ABS and traction control are standard on the base and GT cars. Stability control is standard on the GT convertible and GXP models; the GT sedan and coupe get stability control as part of a $1590 Street Edition package.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Giving Your Car a Thorough Auto Tuning ( GOOD TIPS )
Auto tuning is really important if you want to keep your car in its tip-top shape. This will also improve your car's handling as well as raise your car's value.If you own a car, you probably know the importance of auto tuning. There are people who do auto tuning as a hobby and there are people who actually do this for a living. When you subject your car to an auto tuning, you basically give someone the right to modify it, usually to improve its performance or its handling.
Some people also have their cars tuned to fit their style. This is not as hard as you would think and all it takes is a little knowledge and skill.
Understanding Auto TuningCars are pretty much generic. Yes, they can be worth millions of dollars but they are pretty much generic. They are not made specifically to suit your style or your needs. This is why there are people who have their cars tuned.
There are really many ways of tuning a car. You can have it sprayed with a different color. Does your car have a boring blue paintjob? Would you like to have it painted black with lightning streaks of red on the sides? You can place accessories that maybe unnecessary but could make your car look good. You could add in spoilers, side skirts, air vents, double exhausts and bumpers. You can spray symbols or other designs as well.
One of the many popular tune-ups that cars usually have is the engine tune up.
Aside from tuning up the engine, you can also do other things related to your engine's performance. You can adjust your fuel economy or you can modify your car's RPM. All these things are done not only to improve the aesthetic value of your car, but also to allow easier handling and better comfort.These days, auto tuning is not something that is taken lightly. In fact, there are events that you can join. People actually hold events for car owners to meet and compete. The judges will usually pick out the car with the best tuning. You can even win prizes for having the best auto tuning.
The Auto Tuning Your Car Needs
It is advisable that your car should get a tune up every 30,000 miles. This is a good way to prevent permanent damage to your car. A thorough auto tuning includes replacement of fuel filter. Sparkplugs and sparkplug wires, distributor cap and rotor, valves, belts, air filter and positive crankcase ventilation. You may want to check your fluid levels as well. If your transmission or brake needs some fluids, provide it with some. Give your battery a thorough cleaning as well. While you are at it, check your brakes, lights, wiper blades and other car gauges.
Auto tuning is important. This prevents damage to your car. This allows easy handling as well. With regular auto tuning, you will ensure that you will always have a clean and trustworthy ride.
Crash Barriers- Making Road Travel Safer for You
Crash barriers keep the vehicles from going off the road and steer them safely back on to the road. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that their very presence can boost the confidence of a jittery driver on a mountain road.
Crash barriers can be classified on the basis of their design and implementation. Guardrail, wire rope safety barrier, crash cushions and high containment barrier are a few that can be seen on roadways. All the crash barriers work on a similar principle, they are designed to absorb the impact of the vehicle going off track and hence help it get on to the road again without letting it lose its balance.
At times, the crash barrier to be used on a roadway is determined by the kind of vehicle traffic the roadway gets. For example high containment barriers are put up on the roadways with a large traffic volume of heavy vehicles. Then, crash cushion is specifically designed to protect motorists from impacting the end of concrete barriers and toll plazas. Guardrail is the most commonly seen crash barrier but has a history of highest injury and fatality in a fixed object crash. This is where wire rope safety barrier scores over guard rail as it consists of wire ropes and is flexible.
Though the crash barriers prevent several accidents everyday, they sure don’t prevent all of them. There have been incidences of fatalities, which were mainly attributed to the design and material of the crash barriers. Most of the roadways get all types of automobiles and therefore it becomes difficult to decide on the height and strength of the crash barrier. For, a motorbike can slip under the barrier that’s meant to keep a car from going off track, while a big truck may trip well over the same barrier.As a step towards ensuring safe road travel, road safety products are first tested and then put up on roadways. The crash barriers are tested in accordance with the guidelines mentioned in National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 350, “Recommended Procedures for the Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features”.
These guidelines are based on the findings of continuous road safety researches and are subject to revision.
Eco-tuning: Saving More Gas Without Sacrificing Performance
With the rising costs of fuel in the global market, it is no wonder that more and more car owners are resorting to various methods to save gas. In order to lessen their dependence on fuel, most consumers are opting to use hybrid vehicles that offer great mileage while consuming relatively little amounts of gas. Others are using non-conventional gas saving tips such as using public transport or using a bicycle to avoid spending money on fuel. One such method on how to save gas is eco-tuning. But what exactly is eco-tuning and how would it help a car owner in saving energy?
Basically, eco-tuning is one of the many gas saving tips a consumer can avail of. To put it simply, it is done to improve the power of the engine for conservation purposes rather than using it to travel faster on the road. The vehicle will be tuned specifically to meet optimal performance standards and save gas at the same time. This means the vital parts of the vehicle will be modified to reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing the vehicle’s standard performance. Some of the advantages a consumer can benefit from eco-tuning are 15% increase in engine output, a fuel consumption decrease of 2.5 to 6 liters for each 100 kilometers and a more reliable performance from your vehicle. Eco-tuning is very useful for car owners who travel long distances regularly as it will help them save gas more. Plus, using an eco-tuned vehicle will give the car owner the benefit of not changing gears too often. This will result in more gas being saved every time a car owner is travelling for long distances.
There are a lot of auto shops out there that specialize in eco-tuning vehicles. These various shops can help any car owner achieve their desired tuning for their respective cars. In addition, these shops can provide car owners with gas saving tips to maximize the use of their eco-tuned car. In this way, the car owner can drive their car ideally without worrying about the rising cost of fuel. Plus, their fuel consumption is bound to decrease by 20% with the help of eco-tuning. This will result in a better performance from the vehicle and a lessened dependence on fuel. Just make sure the vehicle is suitable for eco-tuning to avoid any complications.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
How to Increase Your Sports Cars Fuel Efficiency
One of the blights of owning a flashy sports car is the large amount of gasoline they consume. Unlike the larger, bulky vehicles that consume a lot of gas due to their size, sports cars usually burn a lot of gas due to fast accelerations and all around fast driving. With the price of gas going up all over the country, the fun of owning a sports car is quickly diminished when it comes time to visit the pump. In order to reduce a bit of the hurt that these sports cars and do to your wallet, keep these fuel tips in mind.
The first thing that you can do in order to save money at the pump is to simply cut down on your driving. You can try car pooling or taking public transportation when available. This way you can save driving your sports car to when you really enjoy it, not for boring commutes. For when you are driving the car, remember to keep it as light as possible. The fewer heavy objects and people that are in your car when you are driving, the less expensive your fuel bills will be.
One of the more prominent reasons why sports cars guzzle so much fuel is due to their fast acceleration. It is a lot of fun to be able to go from 0 to 60 in just a few seconds, but think about what it is doing to your cars gas mileage. Keep your foot lightly on the gas pedal while accelerating; there is no need to get off to a lighting fast start all of the time. Another thing that guzzles gas is driving too fast. Driving fast is what makes sports cars fun, but the gas bills that result from it are anything but. In order to get the best fuel efficiency, drive in fifth gear at 40 to 55 miles per hour when possible.
The next thing that you can do in order to increase your sports cars fuel efficiency is to keep your tires inflated. If you are unsure as to how much air pressure you should have in your tires, consult your vehicles doorjamb, or owners manual. The number on the tires themselves may be inaccurate for your particular vehicle.
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During the summertime, a debate that often occurs concerns the best way to save on gas, to either open the windows or use the air conditioning. While there is no simple answer, it all depends on a few factors. When driving at faster speeds, it is usually better to have the windows closed in order to prevent drag. When you first enter your vehicle, if it is very hot, it is better to drive around at relatively slow speeds with the windows down. This way you can get rid of the hot air quickly without overworking your air conditioning. If you own a convertible sports car, you will burn less fuel if you keep your top up.
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Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Guaranteed Auto Loan Now – Receive Your Car Finance Now
When it comes down to it in today's world not many people want to go out there not knowing exactly what the process encompasses when they are trying to buy themselves a car either for their own personal luxury or for them to get from place to place with. You really need to make sure that you have all the knowledge that goes with buying a car already in your head or else you risk ending up having to spend a lot more money then you should be in the first place. In order for you to make sure that you are going to get the best possible deal on a Guaranteed Auto Loan you are going to want to make sure that you get car finance before you ever walk into a car dealerships car lot.
A Car Finance Loans is simply a way for you to go about paying for the car that you are looking to purchase. You are going to take out a car loan from a financial lending company and bring it to the car dealership with you. The reason for going about doing this is because the moment that you bring your own Used Car Finance to a car dealership you are then considered what is known as any cash buyer in that you can buy the car pretty much out right from them just as if you are paying for it in cash in the first place. You can then you should car finance in order to either buy the car that you want from them or you can also use it to lease a car through them.
If you happen to have gone through the process of buying a car in your past then you more than likely know how a car salesman is going to work with you. The first thing that they would go about doing is checking your credit score through their third party financing company before they ever begin to negotiate on a fair price for the car that you are looking to purchase a car finance with you. The moment they go about doing this they are going to then offer you a supposedly special finance deals in any attempt to make you buy the car and finance it through their own third party financing car finance solutions. This is something that you are going to want to avoid like the plague and is going to end up making you pay a lot more money down the line in the future on the car that you desire simply because you did not take the time and energy to do all the research that is required before getting yourself a car finance that you need.
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