Saturday, June 30, 2007

How to Save Money and Get Discount Car Insurance in Wisconsin

If you're looking to save money and get discount car insurance in Wisconsin, the best first step you can take is shop around. You've heard it time and time again. It's one of the most often repeated pieces of advice for a reason – it works.

Now, can you guess the best method for shopping for affordable auto coverage in WI? Utilize your family computer. These days, more and more of your neighbors are shopping online to not only find free online automobile insurance quotes, but to learn how to save money on car insurance in Wisconsin.

Why is shopping online the ideal way to find affordable auto coverage in WI? There are three reasons: it's quick, convenient, and free!

1. Not much time? No problem. When you use the Internet to save money and get discount car insurance in Wisconsin, all you have to do is log on, search for reputable insurance sales websites, enter your information, and voila! You don't have to worry about calling multiple auto coverage agents and making appointments, nor do you have to worry about scheduling time for those appointments. Plus, getting an instant car insurance quote online takes much less time than sitting in a broker's office.

2. Enjoy the comforts of home. As a Wisconsin driver, don't have to leave your house to find inexpensive and even discount auto coverage. You don't even have to leave your family room. Everything you need to purchase an adequate car insurance policy that fits your budget is a few keystrokes away.

3. Keep your gas tank full! Except for you monthly Internet bill, shopping online for automobile coverage is free. Sure, obtaining instant quotes is free, but also think about the gas money you're saving by not driving from insurance agent to insurance agent!

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Car Insurance, A New Car And GAP Coverage

If you're shopping for car insurance on a new car, you may wonder if your coverages will pay off your car loan if it's totaled. Chances are they won't unless you get a special kind of coverage.

Car insurance policies typically provide coverage for liability, collision (damage to your vehicle from an accident), comprehensive (damage from fire, theft, vandalism, etc.), and uninsured/underinsured motorists.

With these coverages, damage to your vehicle is usually only covered up to the current market value of your car. So if you bought a brand new car for $25,000 and three months later it's totaled, you may only be reimbursed for the current market value -- which would be quite a bit less due to the rapid depreciation of new cars. For example, if the current market value for your car was now only $17,500 (hypothetically) that's the most you would be reimbursed for.

Of course the problem arises if you still owe more than market value on your car loan. Then you would still need to pay off that difference to the lien holder. GAP insurance was created to help consumers in this situation. It is a special coverage you can get when you purchase your car that will cover the "gap" between what you owe and what your car's value is. It may or may not cover any deductible you have with your regular coverages.

Of course GAP coverage will cost you extra above your minimum required coverages for auto insurance. You need to decide if it's worth it based on your situation and the type of loan you have on your vehicle. You can ask for a quote on GAP coverage when you're shopping for car insurance.

Not all insurance companies may offer it, so you definitely want to get several car insurance quotes. This is also the best way to save money since car insurance rates vary from company to company. A convenient way to do this is to get your quotes through one Web site that offers comparison quotes. It can save you time because you should only have to enter your information once.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Free Auto Insurance Quote - Hundreds Of Dollars Saved In 15 Minutes

Free auto insurance quote -- Hundreds of dollars could be easily saved on most profiles without compromising your coverage. A guy was able to save $2,200 by doing it right. Here's how you can do it right...

You can save a bundle in spite of your profile if you follow certain guidelines. Yes, you'll use free auto insurance quotes sites like everyone else, however, you'll learn to use them in a way that others don't. This is what will guarantee savings of hundreds of dollars.

Make sure you visit at least three quotes sites. I have a preference for sites operated by insurance brokers. This is because they're more likely to give you an unbiased quote. The reason I think this way is that I know every business tries to show it's strong sides. With brokers' sites you can see the good and bad for specific profiles. The insurance broker loses nothing in spite of the quote you settle for -- They make their profits anyway.

Furthermore, quotes sites by insurance brokers return many quotes for just one query. This is a time saver if you really want to get the most savings possible for your profile by obtaining many quotes. Now back to the strategy for saving hundreds of dollars from free auto insurance quotes sites...

Make sure you visit three or more sites. The more sites you visit the better. Make sure you input the same details in them all. Compare all the quotes returned diligently. You can complete this whole exercise in 15 minutes if you're fast (Take your time if you're slower -- The result is more important than the speed, remember). You'll definitely save a few hundreds in your auto insurance.

If with one free auto insurance quote, hundreds of dollars are saved, how soon would you get your free auto insurance quotes -- For me, right now is the time.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Cheap Car Insurance in Oakland, California

Collisions happen every day in cities and towns all over the country. The city of Oakland, California is no exception and because this isn't a "no fault" state, motorists who cause a collision are liable for the damages including property damage as well as injury costs. This means that finding cheap car insurance in Oakland, California that also supplies adequate protection is incredibly important. Although it can take some time to find the best rate, it's always worth it in terms of savings.

Many people make a huge mistake when they are looking for cheap car insurance. They call one insurance company and if the rate they hear is lower than a rate they know a friend or relative is paying, they'll agree to purchase the policy. The reason this is such a costly error is that you can't judge your own insurance needs or costs against some else's. Policy rates can vary greatly from one insurance company to another and they can also vary even more from one person to another based on factors such as the make and model of vehicle being insured, the driver's history and the area they live in.

Therefore it's fundamental to gather more than one quote. Three or four quotes are best. Although it can be challenging to speak to that many car insurance agents it's essential to finding the right coverage. It's imperative to ask for the same level and amount of coverage from each so you can get a base point to compare from. Although price is likely to be the motivating factor behind choosing a specific company it's also good to consider which company has a solid reputation for providing helpful service following a collision. Unfortunately some are no where to be found when you need them. As well, research the company's history to ensure they aren't new and unreliable.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Auto Insurance - Is It All The Same

You just purchased a new car and it's time to get auto insurance. You contact 3 different insurance agents and obtain quotes from 3 different insurance companies. You choose the company with the lowest rate and purchase the policy. You obtained the policy with the least current premium, but did you get the best value for your money?

Auto rates vary by company each year. One year Company A may have the lowest rates, the next year Company B, and the third year Company A has the lowest rates again. Since rates change it is important to purchase your auto insurance based on other factors as well as rates.

First of all, you want to have some knowledge of the company. Ask yourself: Have I heard of the company before? How long have they been in business? What do I know about the company?. It is important to choose a reputable company that has an established history in the area. If a company has been around for many years they must have some financial stability and customer service since they were able to stay in business for so many years. Most companies are proud of their strong history and will tell you about it. One thing to watch for is a company that is new to the area. Often times a new company will move into an area and offer low rates to establish itself in the market place and then it will need to raise rates to become profitable. In the end, their rates will be similar to rates of the well established companies.

Second, you should get to know the agent that is selling you the policy. You can tell much by viewing the agent's office. Does the agent have stacks of files spread throughout the office or is the office neatly organized? The appearance of the office will reflect the agent and his or her attention to detail. The agent is your first person of contact with the insurance company and it is important to know that they are knowledgeable and can be trusted to make sure you are properly insured. You will want to find out about the other people in the office as well. You may need to report a claim or make a change to your policy and it is important to know that there will always be someone knowledgeable in the office to help you.

Third, you should ask about the claims service of the company. This is an area of insurance that consumers often overlook, but it is very important. When you purchase an insurance policy, you are receiving a promise from the insurance company that if you have a claim, it will be handled fairly according to the policy contract. Ask if the company handles their own claims or if they hire an independent company to handle claims. A company that has its own adjusting staff is usually better prepared for claims and provides a higher level of customer service. It is also nice to know the location of the claims staff so you know if you will be dealing with someone locally and how promptly they will handle your claim. A company will take pride in having a knowledgeable and fair claims department.

Fourth, you want the proper coverage for your situation. It is best to sit down with the agent and review the sections of the policy to make sure you know what you are buying and that it fits your needs. The liability coverage is the most important section of the auto policy. You want to be sure that you have the proper protection if you are at fault in an accident and responsible for injuries or damages to another party. If price is an issue, it is a good idea to raise the comprehensive and collision deductibles so that you can have adequate liability limits.

Remember that not all auto insurance is the same. Over many years the rates of Company A will average out to be similar to rates of Company B, so rates should not be the only basis for purchasing auto insurance from a company. It is important to make sure you are receiving value for what you are purchasing. To receive value you need to know that the company is financially sound to pay for losses and that it has the ability to fairly handle claims per the auto policy. You are placing trust in the agent that you are purchasing the policy from so it is important to be familiar with the agent and how they operate their office. Once you have the proper insurance, have fun with that new car and drive safely!

Thursday, June 14, 2007

SAVE More of Your Hard-Earned Money By Picking The Right Auto Insurance Companies

Even tho you do not always have a choice about having auto insurance, you do have a choice about which auto insurance company you pay for your automobile coverage. Is it important to know something about the various companies that will offer you their services? Yes, of course it is.

Here is some information that may help you in deciding which company may be better for you than another and who can reduce your premiums and at the same time provide excellent customer service, excellent auto insurance coverage and be there when you need them. And I don't mean just answering the phone. I mean the financial security in knowing they can pay you when you need them to handle a claim for your vehicle.

Here are a few things to consider:

What is the track record of the insurance company you are considering using? Do they pay you in a timely manner or do they have a track record of denying claims unfairly and not paying at all?

Do they provide a phone number, website and email to provide you with alternative ways to contact them easily and quickly?

How is their customer service?

What discounts do they offer and how many?

Do they specialize in the vehicle your insuring such as a motorcycle or antique car? Many of them do and you should be aware of that because this service can be especially tailored to fit your needs and they will understand your passions and needs in these specialized areas. It makes it a lot more fun to talk with someone who knows what you are talking about when it comes to your motorcycle driving habits and the coverage you will need, if you only ride in the summers.

Do they offer the good driving record discounts?

Does the auto insurance company you are looking into offer special programs and coverage for multiple vehicle households with teen drivers?

Are you 50 years of age or older? Do you know there are auto insurance companies that will provide excellent auto insurance discounts to the baby boomers? Yup, AARP offers many, many discounts above and beyond auto insurance to it's members. Can you afford $12.95/yr? If so, you can be a member and get a discount on your insurance as well as many other offers to save you money.

Spend some time and check out some of the companies listed here to see if they can help you save money and get excellent customer service and be there when you need them most.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

How to Find Cheap Auto Insurance in Florida

Trying to find cheap auto insurance in Florida? Cheap insurance is available in Florida - you just have to know where to look. Here's where to find it.

Visit an Insurance Comparison Website

Think you don't have time to shop around for cheap auto insurance, so you might just as well renew with your same company? Think again!

The internet makes shopping for cheap auto insurance in Florida fast and easy. All you have to do is visit an auto insurance comparison website and fill out one easy form. You'll soon have quotes from multiple A-rated auto insurance companies. You can compare the quotes and choose the best auto insurance at the cheapest price.

If you have questions about your auto insurance, the best insurance comparison websites even have an online chat feature, allowing you to get quick and accurate answers from insurance professionals. (See link below.)

Keep Your Insurance Costs Down

As you comparison shop for cheap auto insurance in Florida, follow these tips to keep your costs down:

* Decide what coverage amounts you want. Go to the Florida Department of Insurance website (fldfs.com) to find out what the current minimum requirements are for Florida.

* If your car is over five years old, consider dropping your comprehensive and collision coverage. If you do want comprehensive and collision coverage, set your deductible as high as you can afford. The higher you set your deductible, the lower your premium will be.

You'll also want to be sure you get any discounts you qualify for. Most insurance companies offer discounts for

* Anti-theft devices on your car.

* Safety devices on your car, such as automatic seat belts and airbags.

* Multi-policy, when you have life or home insurance with the same company.

Ask the insurance professionals at the insurance comparison website if there are other discounts you might qualify for.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Car Insurance Quotes Online - Making Huge Savings While Using Your Time Creatively

If you shop well, you'll realize huge savings in your car insurance. However, if you master the act, you'll both save much and still use your time in other creative activities. I've had the privilege of getting a difference of over $2,000 on a comparable car insurance policy (That's not a typo error!). And, the best part is that it took less than five minutes. Here's how you too can do it...

First know exactly what you need, not what you want. It's not as if doing the contrary will keep you from making savings. But since car insurance is about getting quality coverage from risk, that purpose will be defeated if you just go for whatever sounds good. Furthermore, you could be opting for a policy you really don't need.

Once you've decided on the policy that's best for you. Take out just a few minutes to visit online car insurance quotes sites. They offer you a great research option. And best of all, they'll only cost you 5 minutes. For these five minutes, you'll get up to five car insurance quotes from "A" rated companies. The rating of these companies is really important as you do not want to get involved with an insurance company that won't be there when you need it most.

If you want to push the envelop, take your time to visit at least 3 of these car insurance quotes sites. All it will take you is a total of less than 15 minutes. Thereafter, compare all the quotes you have for the best price/value. Remember, the cheapest may not simply be the best for you. The best price/value is what you should go for.

If you consider that this little exercise has saved someone over $2,000, you'll understand why I'm so excited about this and why you should too. Yes, you may not make anything close to that amount in savings. But, tell me, isn't $200 savings enough motivation to get your car insurance quotes now?

Friday, June 8, 2007

How Much Car Insurance Do You Need?

The amount of car insurance you require will depend on several factors. The value of your car, whether your vehicle is financed or you own it, the age and type of car you own, and the state you reside in will all factor in deciding how much insurance you need. Another reason you might require more insurance is if your car has enhancements added that were not put on when the car was manufactured.

If your vehicle is new and in top condition, full coverage insurance is the best bet if you own it outright. This will cover the cost of providing the money to purchase another car in the same condition should you be in an accident that totals your car. Most finance companies require you to carry full coverage insurance. They like to make sure they will get the amount they lent for the purchase of a car back should it be totaled in an accident. If you own an older car, liability coverage is the best way to go. This insurance will prevent you from being sued in the event of an accident that is your fault and there are injuries that need to be compensated. It is a good idea to carry more than is recommended because, in the event of an accident with injuries to the other person, the minimum might not cover all of their injuries and, if not, they will likely come after you to collect the remainder. There are only 4 states at the present that do not require any type of insurance.

If you have had anything added to your vehicle, such as stereo systems or expensive wheels, you should add insurance to cover these add-ons in case of theft. Comprehensive insurance is usually required by finance companies and covers a variety of damages such as wind damage, falling objects, fire, flood, etc. If you are an antique car buff, you will want to insure your car to cover the replacement value. Using your car for business might require that you carry more insurance than you typically would. Basically, the price and the amount of coverage that you carry will be governed by the insurance requirements for the state you reside in and whether you want or feel you need extra insurance above what is required for your vehicle type. It is best to find out what requirements your state has and what you expect to be compensated for in the event of an accident.

According to car crash statistics there were 6,420,000 auto accidents in the U.S. in 2005 with a financial cost of 230 billion dollars. Nationally, a vehicle theft occurs every 27 seconds.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Best Car Insurance Quote - Get it Online

You know that you can get great deals on clothing, electronics, and household goods by shopping online. But did you know that you can also shop online for the best car insurance quotes?

Find the Best Rates on the Internet

If it's been a while since you compared auto insurance rates, you may not realize that rates for the same coverage can sometimes vary hundreds of dollars from one company to another. Fortunately, the internet makes it easy to compare car insurance quotes so you know when you're getting the best rate.

To compare car insurance quotes online, go to an insurance comparison website. Once there you'll complete a simple form with personal information, such as your name, address, and age. You'll also need to enter information about your:

* Vehicle, such as the year, make, model, VIN number, and safety features.

* Driving habits - the number of miles you drive each year and any tickets or accidents you've had.

* Coverage amounts you want.

* Deductibles you want for comprehensive and collision coverage.

On the best insurance comparison websites, you can even talk online or by phone with insurance professionals if you have any questions. (See link below.)

Once you type in this information, you'll receive fast, accurate quotes from multiple A-rated car insurance companies. Then you can simply compare the quotes and choose the company with the best rate.

Find the Best Company

In addition to looking at the price of your auto insurance, you'll also want to look at the reliability and service record of each company. To check on the service record of insurance companies, you can go to your state's department of insurance website and see how many complaints customers have made about each insurance company. You can check out a company's financial and credit rating by going to the A.M. Best website (ambest.com).

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Save Money On Your Car Insurance Today

Balancing a budget can be difficult. Every penny you save on routine bills like electricity and car expenses can be put to better use somewhere else. You work hard for your money and you'd like to save as much as possible. Everyone likes to save money, so we've compiled a few tips to help you squeeze your auto insurance policy for all it's worth.

Comparison Shop

Comparing rates from several companies can get you the best possible deal on your car insurance. Online quote services are quick and easy, and they do the hard work for you. Comparing prices at regular intervals, like every six months, ensures that you are getting the best price for the coverage you need. It also forces you to review your policy so you can determine if your coverage is still adequate for your needs. There's no sense in paying for too much auto insurance.

Raise Your Deductible

By raising your deductible from $200 to $500, you can save up to 30% off your monthly premiums. If you have an accident, you'll have to pay a few hundred dollars more out of pocket, but if you bank the savings every month, you should have a nice nest egg to use should you need a quick $500 for your deductible.

Check For Discounts From Your Provider

Discounts are pretty much standard for all insurance companies. While details vary from company to company, some types of discounts are commonly offered by most insurers. Insurance companies offer discounts to policy holders that insure multiple vehicles, buy life, homeowner's or renter's insurance along with their auto insurance, and those who have fewer accidents and moving violations. Drivers over 50, those who take safety courses and owners of cars with safety equipment like daytime running lights, airbags and anti-lock brakes all can receive discounts on monthly premiums. It's important to talk with your insurer to make sure you're taking advantage of all discounts that you qualify for.

Take Advantage Of Low Mileage Discounts

Drivers who stick close to home can get a low mileage discount from the insurance company. Ask your agent if your daily commute meets the restrictions for your policy.

Shop Wisely For A New Car

Purchasing a new car that has a theft deterrent system, or one that is inexpensive to repair and is not often targeted by car thieves will lower your monthly car insurance. Do your homework before shopping and check in with your insurance agent before making your final decision. Finding out that the candy apple red convertible will cost you more in insurance per month than the loan payment, may make you change your mind about taking it home.

Be Realistic About Older Vehicles

If you own an older vehicle that is worth $2,000 or less, carrying full coverage insurance is probably not a smart financial decision. You would be further ahead to drop the extra insurance and save the difference in premiums in a bank account in case your vehicle becomes damaged or stolen. Let your money collect interest in your bank account, not your insurance company's.

An informed consumer can shave a few dollars, maybe even a few hundred dollars off of their car insurance premiums. Armed with these tips, you can make sure your hard earned money is working for you.