Seven Savvy Savings Tips When Buying Auto Insurance

1. Raise your deductible. Your deductible is the amount you pay when you make a claim before your insurance company pays. The disadvantage of raising your deductible is that when you do make a claim, you’ll pay more. The advantage is that your annual insurance costs go down. You can raise your deductible on the comprehensive and collision sections of your insurance policy.
2. Drop your collision and/or comprehensive insurance on older autos. If your car is not worth much to begin with, then it may not be worth paying for collision and comprehensive insurance. That is because the amount you pay for the deductible plus the amount you pay for the insurance may be more than the value of the car itself. An auto dealer or Kelley Blue Book can help you determine the value of your auto.
3. Buy a "lower profile" vehicle. Part of what determines the cost of insurance is the kind of vehicle you drive. Some models are common targets for auto theft, while some models are just more expensive to repair. Generally these vehicles will cost more to insure. It pays to do your research before you buy.
4. Take full advantage of low mileage or distance discount rating. Some insurance companies give discounts to people who drive less than a pre-determined number of miles each year or drive certain distances to and from their place to work.
5. When you move, consider the cost of insurance. Yes, the cost of insurance varies from place to place. Some areas can be considerably higher. Make sure to keep your insurance broker informed, as this could save you money.
6. Make sure the information about your vehicle is correctly listed on your policy. You would be surprised how many inaccuracies show up on a policy, especially with so many model names sounding very similar. Insurance rates vary depending on model, and you could be paying more for a car you’re not even driving! Other common errors include the wrong mileage and mistaking a four-door vehicle for a two-door (both of which can also affect insurance rates).
7. Research the bevy of discounts available. Insurance companies reward good drivers. Insurance companies also reward people who insure both their homes and cars with them. This is called a multi-policy discount. Other discounts available may (depending on your insurer) include multiple vehicles, anti-theft devices, retirees, driver education, abstainers from alcohol, age, and distance to university/colleges for students.

Initial Steps to Take After an Auto Accident

Auto accidents can be very traumatic and, certainly, if you are injured, do not get out of the car! If, however, you are not injured and can pull over to a safe spot and get out of the car easily and carefully, there are some steps you should take at the scene of the accident, to prepare to make your insurance claim. This will ensure that you have complete documentation regarding the accident for later on. At the scene, if the other driver is able, get all of his or her personal information (name, address, phone number, driver’s license number) and insurance information (name of insurance company and policy number). Write down the make and model of the other vehicle, the color, the license plate number and the vehicle identification number (VIN) if possible. If you have a cell phone with a camera, take pictures of the other vehicle including the license plate and all the damage. Take pictures of your own car, as well. If a police officer comes to the scene, talk to him or her and find out when the report will be ready and how to obtain it. Get the officer’s name and contact information. Do not accept responsibility for the accident even if it was your fault. The other driver may have been partially responsible, as well.

When you get home

Within 24 hours, if possible, you should report the accident to your insurance company, the other driver’s insurance company, or both. A claims adjuster will then contact you. This is the individual who will get all of the information from you about your accident, determine if there is coverage under your policy (if it is your insurer) or the other driver’s policy, gather the facts, do the investigation to determine who was at fault, decide on the value of your claim, and, if everything goes as planned, pay you for your damages. It’s not a complicated process, but if you’ve never gone through it before, there are some important things you need to know.

Whether you are dealing with your insurance company’s adjuster or the other driver’s, many of the questions asked and documents requested will be the same. They will want to know what happened, the people and vehicles involved, what was damaged, and if anyone was injured. They’ll want photos taken of your vehicle and an estimate for the damages, a copy of the police report if there is one, and contact information for any witnesses.

Some of the questions both insurance company adjusters will ask are:

* State what happened in the accident.
* Where did it occur?
* Who was driving?
* Any passengers in the vehicle? Names/contact information/ages.
* Was a policeman called to the scene? Did the officer prepare a report?
* What vehicles were involved? Makes, Models, years, colors, registered owners.
* Were the vehicles damaged? What parts? Were the cars drivable?
* Was anyone injured? Did anyone leave by ambulance?
* Any witnesses? Contact information.
* Does the other party have insurance? Insurance company name and contact information.

Beyond these questions, there are some differences between not just what the insurance company will ask, but the attitude they take depending on whether it is your own insurance company or the other driver’s. Of course your own insurance adjuster will want to know if you were injured and will ask for details of your injury and treatment, but they are only responsible under your policy for paying your medical bills up to your policy limits. They do not, however, pay for your lost wages, or your pain and suffering unless you live in a no-fault state.

If, however, you are talking to the other driver’s insurance company, their job is to keep your claim as small as possible. Why? If their insured was at fault for the accident, they may be responsible for paying not just for your medical bills and the damage to your vehicle, but your lost wages, other expenses you incurred or will incur in the future, and general damages which include your pain and suffering. Since they could be on the hook for a lot more money than your own insurance, you may find some skepticism when being questioned and you have to be careful. They may try to get you to state that you have no injury, or they may try to minimize your injury claim, and get you to sign a Release and Waiver before you know how serious your injury really is. If you sustained more than just a minor injury, you may want to speak to an attorney before talking to the other driver’s insurer so you avoid saying or signing the wrong thing which could hurt your chances of making an injury claim or getting paid what you deserve down the road.

Some additional questions the other driver’s insurer may ask:

* What part of your body was injured?
* Have you had any injuries or treatment to that body part ever before?
* When was the last time you were treated for an injury to that body part?
* What was your doctor’s diagnosis at that time?

Be careful when answering this line of questioning. Suppose your lower back was injured in the accident. Most people have had some back problems at some point in their lives. If you tell them that 10 years ago you injured your back at work, even if it’s been fine for the last 9 years, they may try to say this was just an aggravation of the old injury and assign it less value. This is why talking to an attorney first may be your best bet to protect your rights, and be certain you will get a fair settlement.

Tips for Buying Truck Insurance

- Choose a deductible you can afford. Choosing a higher deductible may save you money on premiums, but you’ll pay more out of your own pocket if you do have an accident. Choose a deductible based on how much money you realistically can afford to pay for repairs.

-Ask about combined deductibles, which allow you to pay one deductible that covers the truck, the trailer, and the cargo, instead of paying separate deductibles for each.

-Look beyond price. Sure, you want the most affordable insurance you can find, but you also want an agent who will be there for you in the event of an accident. Your agent should be knowledgeable, willing to work with you, and able to provide coverage specific to your needs. Try to find someone you trust, preferably a carrier that is referred to you by friends and colleagues.

-Shop around. There are several ways to obtain truck insurance—through the trucking company, through a finance company, and through trucking associations. Look at all of these options, comparing auto insurance price and features. Many trucking companies offer group plans for their owner-operators, often at competitive prices and with plenty of features. Deposits can often be paid in installments, and premiums are deducted from the settlement checks. Finance companies often allow you to combine your premiums with your equipment payments, and you may be able to finance your deposit. Many state trucking associations also offer group plans for owner-operators and small trucking companies.
Types of Coverage for Your Equipment

Primary auto liability insurance is required by federal law, and covers you if you are involved in an accident in which someone else is injured. Even if you lease your equipment, you are still required to have primary auto liability, which your equipment provider may provide.

Physical damage insurance covers the truck and trailer, and although it is not required by law, you may be required to have it if you are financing your equipment. The premiums usually cost a percentage of the market value of the truck.
Types of Coverage for Your Cargo

* Cargo insurance covers damage or loss of cargo while it is being transported. It may not protect you in every situation; for example, some insurers will not cover damage or loss of cargo from unattended vehicles. Beware that insurers may place a limit on what you can claim.

* Terminal coverage protects cargo while it is at a specific terminal, and usually has a time limit, (usually 36 to 72 hours for a load, depending on the insurer).

* Warehouse legal protects cargo if you plan to store it longer than is covered by the terminal coverage.

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Alabama Auto Insurance

From Alabama Auto Insurance Laws & Requirements to Alabama DUI Laws, from Alabama Teen Driver Laws to Alabama Auto Insurance Rate Estimates, from Alabama Auto Theft Statistics to Alabama Auto Insurance Rate Trends, trying to find all the information you need can be daunting. The good news is that if you're a Alabama driver, the facts you want are right here.
Alabama Auto Insurance Laws, Minimums, Requirements
What mandatory auto insurance laws exist in the state of Alabama?

- All Alabama drivers must be covered by liability insurance or an acceptable alternative i.e. motor vehicle liability bond or deposit of cash. The motor vehicle liability bond must be filed with the Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division. The deposit of cash with the Alabama State Treasurer shall be a sum of not less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
- Alabama requires that driver’s provide proof of insurance at time of registration.
Alabama DUI Laws
In the state of Alabama, you can be arrested for and charged with a DUI, even if you are not driving the car. Alabama is an “actual physical control” state. What this means is Alabama DUI laws allow officers to arrest intoxicated individuals whether they are just sitting in the car or driving it. Actual physical control means the exclusive physical power, and present ability, to operate, move, park or direct whatever use or nonuse is to be made of a motor vehicle at the moment, as determined by the totality of the circumstances. An individual that meets one of the above conditions and who is sitting in, or even asleep in a motor vehicle may be guilty of DUI, DWI, or drunk driving.
Alabama (AL) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements
In the state of Alabama, only 6 percent of driver’s on the road are teenagers. Sadly, teen drivers are responsible for roughly 15 percent of all highway deaths in the state. Of the 1,100 fatal accidents that occurred within Alabama state lines in 2007, around 165 involved teens. In an effort to reduce the number of fatal traffic accidents involving teens, the state of Alabama has its own version of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), as well as automatic restrictions on teen driver licenses.

Auto Insurance Claims: Top 10 Items You Need When You Make A Claim

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1. Who did I have an accident with? Be sure to get complete information from the other party(ies) involved. This means copying down their address, driver’s license #, date of birth, and ask for their phone number. In addition, obtain their insurance information including, the company, policy #, agent if there is one, the policy begin and expiration date and their phone #. You need to make sure that you have as much info as possible to give your insurance company; this will help get your claim resolved as fast as possible.

2. Were there any witnesses? Was there anyone who saw the accident happen? You want to make sure that you get information from anyone who saw the accident. This will assist the insurance companies to determine who is liable for the accident.

3. Were the police called? If the police called or showed up, make sure to get the name and badge # of the officer and a report number. It may take your insurance company up to 3 months to get a police report, so be sure you take the information but don’t rely on the insurance company getting the information.

4. What kind of vehicle or vehicles were involved in this accident? You want to make sure that you get the vehicle year, make and model, the license plate #, and VIN number for each vehicle involved.

5. Where did this happen? Get the intersection or street that the accident happened on. Also, you want to make sure that you know how many lanes are on each side of the street, if the street or streets are 1 way or 2 way, the type of striping on the pavement within 100 feet each direction of the loss, i.e. is it a solid, double yellow line, a white line, etc. Also, you want to know where each vehicle impacted, what lane you and the other car were driving in just before the accident, the direction of travel for each vehicle, and if there were any signs posted that control traffic flow.

6. How many passengers were in each vehicle? Take note of how many people were in each of the vehicles involved. Once you know, make a brief note of their description or name including: ethnicity, gender, weight, height, etc. This will help if you are the victim of a staged accident or other type of insurance fraud since people sometimes mysteriously are reported as an occupant of the vehicle when they were not present. This is not common, but if it ever does happen, this will help you avoid being a victim.

7. What type of condition was the car in right after the accident? Was the vehicle drivable? Where is the damage? Is there any additional damage on the vehicle not related to the accident? If there is additional damage on the vehicle not related to this accident, be sure to tell your insurance company.

8. Where do I want to get my vehicle repaired? If you have a shop in mind, have that information with you. If you don’t, ask around, your friends might have a good recommendation. Otherwise, you can ask your insurance company if they have a repair program. If they do have one, be sure to ask about the program’s warranty, cost, and if there is a benefit to using it.

9. Write down all the information. Record all the information that you have gathered and keep it in a safe place. This is to assist you if there is a problem with the claim. When you report it, be sure to write down who you spoke with, your claim #, and what if any promises were made. This will make your life easier if someone says something and then it doesn’t happen.

10. Take pictures of the accident right after it occurred. Take a photo of your vehicle and the other vehicle(s) involved including all 4 corners. Also, if you can get the other party in the photo, that will help in the event that either insurance company needs help identifying the other party involved.

If you have a claim that needs to be filed, the above items are good to gather since it will make the process easier and assist your insurance adjuster to resolve your claim at a faster pace. The insurance adjuster(s) you will deal with each have a job, it is to resolve as many claims as they can in the least amount of time possible. As a result, the more information you can give him or her, the smoother the process will be.
Darryl Lee is a licensed insurance agent/broker, private investigator, and independent adjuster. Auto Insurance

New York (NY) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

Auto Insurance In the state of New York, the following risky driving habits are among the leading causes of traffic accidents: speeding, unsafe or too-frequent lane changing, not using turn signals, tailgating, not yielding the right of way, ignoring traffic signals, and driving while impaired by alcohol or chemicals. New York teens engage in some of the same dangerous behaviors, but they have a number of other issues working against them – especially in the beginning stages of driving. Teens are known for driving while talking on a cell phone or texting. In addition, lack of education (which can lead to all of the causes listed above), driving at night, and driving with too many passengers are top causes of teen car crashes in the state of New York. Auto Insurance.

In an effort to reduce the number of teen car accidents, the state of New York has its own version of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL). New York’s Graduated Driver Licensing program follows a three step process to help educate teens about the rules of the road and teach them about the dangers of unsafe driving practices. The program also comes with a number of restrictions to help keep teens and other drivers on the road safe during the process.

Continue reading to learn more about New York’s teen driving laws and the consequences for violating them.

New York Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

In the state of New York, all beginning teen drivers must complete three steps before receiving a full unrestricted license. These include:

• Learner’s License
• Intermediate License
• Unrestricted License

Learner’s License
You must be a at least 16 years of age to receive a learners license. As of February 22, 2010, you will be required to hold the learner’s license for 6 full months. During this time, you must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving time to include 15 hours at night.

Intermediate License
The intermediate license or “restricted license” is available to teens 16 ½ or older that have satisfied all of the requirements of the learner’s license.

Unrestricted License
You must be 17 years old to obtain an unrestricted license. If you have not taken a driver education course, you must be 18 years of age. To obtain your unrestricted license, you must satisfy all of the requirements of the intermediate license, meaning, you must have a clean driving record, by following the laws of the intermediate license to the letter. Please review the next section “New York Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement” for details.

To obtain a learner’s license, you must be at least 16 years of age and:

• Provide two forms of identification as proof of identity
• Provide a social security card
• Provide a signed consent form
• Take a written knowledge test
• Take a vision test
• Pay the $10 application fee
• Pay the $12.50 document processing fee

To apply for your intermediate license and you will have to show proof of identity. If you have completed a driver education course, you will have to provide your certificate of completion as well.

New York Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

In the state of New York, learner permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed adult age 21 or older, at all times. Permit holders younger than age 18 cannot transport passengers under 21, unless accompanied by a licensed adult age 21 or older. In addition, permit holders are prohibited from driving on streets located within any New York City park.

Intermediate license holders are prohibited from driving between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.. In addition, you may transport only 1 passenger under the age of 21 at any given time. If you violate any of the conditions of New York’s Graduated Driver Licensing program, you may lose your driving privileges and/or your licensing will be delayed.

New York Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

In the state of New York, cell phone use while driving is prohibited for all drivers unless you are using a hands-free device. Texting while driving will be against the law beginning November 1, 2009. The fine for violating the text messaging law will be $150. Currently, the hands-free cell phone law is treated as a secondary offense, meaning, you must be stopped for another traffic violation to receive a citation for violating the cell-phone law.

New York Teen DUI Laws

In the state of New York, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. A BAC of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict a New York teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, you risk losing your driving privileges until you turn 21. If you get caught driving under the influence of any other substances such as marijuana or even prescription drugs, you risk the same penalties.

New York Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

It doesn’t matter if a vehicle is registered in a teens name or the parent’s name, in the state of New York you must carry minimum liability coverage in the amounts of $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury, $25,000/$50,000 uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist bodily injury, $10,000 for property damage, and $50,000 personal injury protection (PIP). Because the risk of having an auto crash is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel, New York auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your existing auto insurance policy, instead of purchasing a separate policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year. The average increase is around $2,171 a year.
Michelle Burton is a published author and contributing editor for Trouve Media, Internet Brands, and Publications International, Ltd. Auto Insurance

Filing an Auto Insurance Claim: When Do You Need a Police Report?

Auto Insurance. Certain accidents absolutely need a response from local law enforcement – local Police, Highway Patrol, Sheriff or other entity. Which department responds will be based on the jurisdiction in which the accident happened. But do you always need a police report?

In several instances, it is necessary. These would include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

• Any accident in which someone is injured
• Any accident where one or more drivers flee the scene
• An accident where there is serious damage to either or both vehicles

These circumstances can be traumatic and collecting ALL the information you need may be difficult at the time. Also, if anyone is injured, you will want a record with some details of the injury. The police report forms allow an officer to cover most possible details that would be required for the police department, courts, and certainly, for the adjuster. The officer is also able to verify some information and to search any information that a driver cannot provide at the scene.

Additionally, your insurance company may require you to stay and report the accident, such as the case where the other driver flees the scene. Or, your carrier may accept a ‘counter report’. You physically go to the nearest law enforcement office and complete an accident report, and secure a copy to provide to your insurance company. This is typical in very large ,busy jurisdictions; officers may respond to the scene, but if no injuries are reported and the vehicles appear to be safely driveable, they may advise you to go to the nearest station and complete a ‘counter report’, or they may provide the form to you at the scene.

About Auto Insurance, There are also cases where it may be more helpful to have a police response and a report made even if they don’t meet the criteria above; these could include:

• An individual admits blame but insists on offering you a cash payment and will not provide you with his contact information, including his insurance information, stating he doesn’t want to have a negative report with his carrier. If he appears to be leaving the scene, jot down his license number and details of his vehicle.
• The other driver admits that he does not have any insurance coverage but offers to pay you cash for your damages. He may not be truthful with contact information, but the police may be able to locate some information.
• The police report provides a very orderly form to collect all the important data, including some crucial details. It’s not unusual, in an already stressful setting, to forget which details to secure. This report will then be ordered by the adjuster in order to gather and coordinate details that may be unknown to or forgotten by her policyholder or the claimant.

Most importantly, even if an officer has collected contact information for everyone involved, do your best to also secure that information yourself, right at the scene. It can sometimes takes weeks, or even months, depending on the jurisdiction, for an adjuster to secure a copy of the report. If you’ve jotted down insurance information for everyone, the adjuster will be able to begin a full investigation right away. Auto Insurance

Recent Texas Auto Insurance Rate Trends and Quotes

Knowing auto insurance rates, average monthly premiums, and rate trends for Texas makes you an informed consumer. We've compiled recent auto insurance quotes so that you can see Texas's average monthly premiums and rate trends by month, and compare those to the national averages. Check out our chart of monthly premiums, and our table of rate increases and rate decreases, and get the info you need to make an educated decision about how much you pay for auto insurance.

23 Tips to Save Money on Auto Insurance

Summary

Try one (or two or three) of these tips to save some change on auto insurance.

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Tip #1: Earn a Low Mileage Discount

Carpool, take the bus or cut back on trips. If your annual mileage is 10,000 or less, most insurers will offer a discount.

Tip #2: Study Hard

Students with B or better average qualify for a Good Student Discount in high school and college. Provide proof of your GPA annually.

Tip #3: Take a Defensive Driving Course

Many states offer a discount to mature drivers who take a certified defensive driving course. Ask us which companies do.

Tip #4: Drive a Hybrid

Travelers and others offer a hybrid discount. Other fuel-efficient cars often cost less to insure than gas guzzlers. Compare rates before you buy.

Tip #5: Get a Multi-Policy Discount

Insure your home, motorcycle or boat with your auto insurer and get a discount on your car insurance. Ask us for a quote.

Tip #6: Switch to $500 or $1,000 Deductibles

You can save as much as 15-20% of your Comprehensive & Collision premiums, especially for cars less than 5 years old.

Tip #7: Buy Gap Insurance

It costs a little more, but can cover your loan payments, if you have a total loss of a new car that’s worth less than your outstanding balance.

Tip #8: Don't Let Your Policy Lapse

It’s illegal – and you could pay 25% more for a new policy when you’re ready to buy one. Some insurers offer a transfer discount, too.

Tip #9: Protect Your Credit

In many states, missed payments can lower your credit rating, making it more expensive to get car insurance coverage in the future.

Tip #10: Insure Everyone in the Household on One Policy

You’ll earn a multi-car discount, and can be certain there’s coverage for driving each other’s cars.

Tip #11: Don't Speed Excessively

Traffic tickets will increase your rates hundreds of dollars a year. And, tickets are chargeable for the next 3 years.

Tip #12: Insure Your Home and Auto Wisely

Always buy Uninsured Motorist coverage to protect yourself from drivers without insurance. Uninsured accidents are costly.

Tip #13: Drop Comp & Collision Coverage

If your car is 8 to 10 years old, it might be time to “self-insure” it. Consider the trade-offs, as you’ll have to pay to fix it.

Tip #14: Pay The Small Claims Yourself

We know you buy insurance to cover losses, but paying a small claim is often cheaper than getting a rate increase in the future.

Tip #15: Avoid High Theft Cars and Trucks

If your car’s a target for thieves, you’ll pay more for Comprehensive coverage. A higher deductible will help manage costs.

Tip #16: Go Paperless

Some companies offer discounts for using online billing and service options. And, for using E-signature to complete your policy forms online.

Tip #17: Earn an Early Shopping Discount

Compare rates more than 2 weeks before your renewal date and you may get an early shopping rate. Ask us how to qualify.

Tip #18: Get Discounts for Anti-Lock Brakes and Airbags

Safe cars are cheaper to insure. And, most insurers give a discount for safety features and anti-theft devices.

Tip #19: Earn Payment Discounts

Consider paying in full if your company has a discount for it. And, using EFT for payments saves monthly installment fees.

Tip #20: Take a Driver's Training Class

While Driver’s Ed is not required in every state, many companies offer teens a discount for their first few years on the road.

Tip #21: Earn Renewal Discounts

When you shop for new rates, consider whether you’ll qualify for a renewal discount with your current company. You may save more.

Tip #22: Ask About a Homeowner's Discount

Many insurers offer a 5% to 10% homeowners discount, even if you don’t insure your home with them. It’s a sign of stability.

Tip #23: Get Married

Rates for couples are lower. Get quotes from both insurance companies before you merge your coverage. And, buy higher limits if you own a home together.

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