Car Insurance Savings Tips

Looking for car insurance savings tips? Find out how to save money on your car insurance policy.

(NC)—If you're looking for ways to save money on your car insurance, the following useful tips will help.

Drive carefully

Drivers with no accidents, tickets or insurance claims almost always pay less for their auto insurance coverage. With a less than perfect driving record, you can find yourself paying much higher insurance premiums over the years.

Make sure all your cars are on the same policy

Most insurance companies offer a "multi-vehicle discount" for customers who insure more than one car on the same policy.

Insure both your car and home with the same company

Again, this may qualify you for a discount called the "multi-line discount.” Most companies offer this discount as an incentive to get your home insurance business, too.

Ask about other discounts you might be able to get

Additional common discounts include anti-theft, winter tire, age, low mileage, occupational and auto club discounts, all of which could save you money, if they are available and if you qualify.

Increase your deductibles

The higher your deductibles, the lower your insurance premium, so raise them as much as you can. Keep it affordable though, because this amount is how much you'll have to cover if you need to submit a claim.

Get quotes if you have moved, or are moving

Don't assume your current auto insurer will continue to offer you the best rate at your new address. After moving, the best advice is to compare car insurance quotes. It's the only way to know you're still getting the best insurance rate possible.

Don't believe the myths about auto insurance premiums

Auto insurance premiums vary across insurers. In fact, each insurer's car insurance rates are so unique to them that it's likely safe to say that no two are alike.

Shop around

With car insurance comparison services like www.kanetix.ca, you can get online quotes from competing insurers to see if you can save money on your premiums.

Compare apples-to-apples while shopping

When comparing car insurance quotes, make sure you're consistent and include the same deductibles, coverages, and limitations so to achieve like rates. At comparison sites, like Kanetix.ca, where you can compare rates side-by-side, they'll do this task for you.

Talk Cars With The Best Of Them

Quick Stop Online Can Give Any Non-Car Guy The Info Needed To Talk Cars With The Best Of Them

(NAPSI)-With football season upon us, you know your buddies will be talking about cars over a few cold ones. But you don't know anything about cars! Don't put your foot in your mouth or lose points on your "guy" card by confusing a stick shift with a crankshaft, a Dodge Challenger with a Chevy Camaro, or a V-8 engine with a V8 drink.

A quick stop at some popular Web sites can arm you with all the information you'll need to hang tough and engage in serious car talk with the best of them.

• AutoTrader.com has about 3 million new and used cars listed for sale. Visit the site to check out best-selling models, compare car specs and prices, get the inside skinny on options and upgrades and more. From the Honda Accord to the Nissan Z, they're all here, so do your research and be ready with the facts, figures and model info that will have you at the center of the conversation.

• BP's Web site, BPInvigorate.com, can help you "get smart" on what's going on in your car's engine, and offers tips on helping cars run younger for longer (check tire pressure, get regular tune-ups, remove unnecessary weight from the trunk) and how to get more miles out of every tank. Share some of these simple tips to keep the conversation rolling and help your pals keep their cars running younger for longer.

• Toyota popularized the hybrid in the United States, so what better place than Toyota.com to get the info you need to sound like a hybrid expert? Learn the difference between mild and full hybrids, what regenerative breaking does and even how a solar-powered sunroof works and what good it does. Hybrids are mainstream now, so weave some of this info into your next car talk.

These sites are just as helpful if you're a woman who is married to, dating, the daughter of or otherwise connected to a rabid car guy and you're hoping to keep up the next time he starts talking RPMs, MPG and MPH (revolutions per minute, miles per gallon and miles per hour).

Car Care Experts Give Tire Tips

Car Care Experts give Tire Tips that save money and promote safer driving. And aren't car safety and saving money something we are all interested in?

(NAPSI)-Car care experts urge vehicle owners to pay special attention to four of the most important features on their car or truck-their tires. Regular tire maintenance saves money and promotes safer driving.

"We know many drivers may be tempted to put off vehicle maintenance to save money," said David Campbell of GM Goodwrench. "But neglecting your tires can cost more money in the long run and put you, your passengers and other drivers at risk if your tire fails on the road."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 660 fatalities and 33,000 injuries occur each year as a result of crashes attributed to low tire pressure.

Here are four things you need to know to care for your tires:

1. Rotate Tires

Because each tire on a vehicle performs different tasks, they wear at different rates. Regular rotations allow tires to wear and wear out evenly, minimizing tire noise and allowing tires to be replaced in sets of four, which is preferable. Check the owner's manual for recommended rotation intervals, but every 7,500 miles is the average.

Irregular tread wear occurs fastest when the tire is at full tread depth, so the first rotation is especially important.

2. Check Tire Pressure

Underinflated or overinflated tires can cause premature or irregular wear, poor handling and reduced fuel economy. To find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, look on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or inside the trunk lid. It also appears in the owner's manual.

The air in tires is measured in pounds per square inch, or psi. The simple act of regular tire pressure checks can help maximize tire performance and durability, save fuel and help reduce the risk of tire failure. Digital gauges make tire pressure checks easy, so never "eyeball" tires because they can look fine even when they're underinflated.

Even in vehicles equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems, Goodwrench recommends checking them at least once a month-including the spare-when the tires are cold (the vehicle hasn't been driven for three hours).

3. Check Tread Depth

The tread connects a tire to the road. When that tread is worn, the tire can't make optimum contact with the pavement. Worn or bald tires are especially dangerous in wet conditions.

Tire wear depends on several factors, including driving style and tire maintenance habits. Tire tread gauges are inexpensive and can be found at auto parts stores. One way to know when to replace your tires is when tread wear indicators appear. These "wear bars" look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread.

4. Don't Overload Your Vehicle

A vehicle tire placard also shows the maximum load of the vehicle. An overloaded vehicle puts excessive wear on tires as well as vital suspension components. Remember that load also includes baggage carriers and trailer weight.

For more tire care information or to locate your nearest Goodwrench technician, please visit www.goodwrench.com.

Buying A Used Car?

Buying a used car? Expert tips to speed, ease the process, make sure you know what to look for when you go to buy that used car.

(ARA) - The approach of summer means just one thing to car buyers - the opportunity to score a great deal, especially on some used vehicles that dealers are motivated to move out of their inventory as 2010 really gets rolling.

Bargains can be hot at this time of year for those who know how to shop smart for a good used car. With "Cash for Clunkers" a fading memory and Americans still looking to buy used cars rather than investing in new ones that depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot, the used car market is hotter than ever.

Brian Bossone, one of the creative minds behind SPEED's popular "Pinks All Out" series, knows a lot about used cars. After all, the series features common folks who buy and build or rebuild their own race cars to compete in the popular drag racing show. Bossone offers a few tips to help you ensure you're buying the used car of your dreams, rather than the lemon of the year.

Here are the top items you should inspect when buying a used car:

1. Look for paint and body repair. Evidence of body work could mean the car has been in an accident.

2. Check for fluid leaks. Any leaking fluid, from oil to windshield washer, could mean the car needs a costly repair.

3. Look at the engine. Does it sound smooth or rough? Does it smoke excessively?

4. Evaluate the overall wear and tear on all parts of the vehicle. Is the wear commensurate with the age and mileage on the vehicle?

5. Has the car been driven by someone who smoked in it? Transported pets or small children in it? All those things can leave odors behind in the vehicle - smells you might have to live with or go to great lengths to eliminate as the new owner.

6. What was the primary usage of the vehicle and are most of its miles highway or local driving?

7. Are all accessories in working order? The sunroof is great ... unless the motor to open it doesn't work.

8. How is the drivability? Do the brakes squeak? Does something in the passenger cabin rattle? Does the steering vibrate?

Avoid common mistakes, like buying on impulse without researching simple things like the resale value of the vehicle compared to similar makes and models, available vehicle history reports that list accidents and other issues and price comparisons with multiple sellers or online sites.

Be sure to ask for an inspection by a qualified source and request copies of vehicle maintenance records. Check online feedback on vehicle-specific forums for actual owner opinions and comments on common issues.

While local newspapers and neighborhood used-car lots can be great resources for finding good used vehicles, don't overlook online ones as well, Bossone advises. Craigslist.org, Racingjunk.com, eBay.com and Autotrader.com can also yield quality used vehicles.

Finally, when you think you're ready to buy, take the car to a mechanic you trust and ask him/her some key questions, including:

* Will this vehicle pass local or state inspection?
* Do you see any signs of paint repair, accidents or frame damage?
* Have you ever worked on this type of vehicle and are you aware of any trends toward excessive repairs for this make and model?
* Would you buy this vehicle if you were in the market for one and if not, what would deter you?

"Used cars continue to be a great deal for value-minded buyers, and with a little smart preparation, you can be sure your 'new' used vehicle gives you many years and miles of good service," Bossone says.

"Pinks All Out" airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern time on SPEED. Visit www.SpeedTV.com to learn more.

Stop Vehicle Problems Before They Stop You

Stop vehicle problems before they stop you. No one likes to be inconvienenced by car problems during a road trip or on your daily commute. Keep your vehicle on the maintenance schedule as recommended by the manufacturer.

(NAPSI)-Whether you're taking a road trip or just commuting to work, the likelihood of your vehicle leaving you stranded is greater than you think.

Each year, AAA rescues 29 million stranded motorists. In 2010, the motor club expects it will jump-start or replace nearly 5 million auto batteries with its AAA Mobile Battery Service, and estimates it will change more than 3.5 million flat tires. And while AAA's well-trained roadside technicians will be able to get three out of five motorists back on the go, more than 11 million drivers will have problems that require their vehicles to be towed-many of which could be avoided with proper maintenance.

Taking care of your vehicle now can cost far less than a major repair later on. AAA recommends two fundamental things you can do to find and fix problems before they happen.

1. Identify a quality repair shop and use that facility for all your vehicle repairs and maintenance so you develop a good working relationship with them and they get to know your car.

One way to find quality auto repair facilities that meet and maintain high professional standards for training, equipment, cleanliness and customer service is to look for the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign. You can also search online at www.AAA.com/Repair.

2. Have your car serviced regularly based on the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. While some maintenance and repair tasks are best left to certified automotive technicians, there are a few basics you can easily check yourself:

• Engine Air Filter

Check the air filter every six months or 7,500 miles by holding it up to a 100-watt lightbulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it's still clean enough to work.

• Battery

Check the battery cables to ensure they are securely attached to the terminals. Clean the terminals if there are any signs of corrosion.

• Tire Pressure

Check and adjust tire pressures at least once a month when the tires are cold- including the spare. The manufacturer's recommendations can be found in the owner's manual or on a sticker on the driver's doorjamb.

• Tire Tread

Check the tread depth by inserting a quarter upside down into a tire groove with Washington's head facing outward. The tread should cover part of Washington's head.

• Windshield Washer Fluid

Check the windshield washer fluid reservoir monthly and test the washer spray nozzles for proper operation and aim.

• Windshield Wiper Blades

Check the blades at every oil change or whenever they fail to wipe the glass clean in a single swipe. The rubber inserts usually last six to 12 months.

Use A Car Vehicle History Report When Buying A New Car

Here are some commercial fleet auto insurance tips. Get the
insurance tips for operating a safe fleet you need to ensure your buisness's vehicle fleet is insured properly and you are getting the cheapest insurance rates possible.

(NC)—When small businesses first get underway, it is common to have one or two vehicles as the primary methods of transportation for the company. And while this may work in the short term, transportation requirements can change dramatically as a business grows. Once a business is operating five or more commercial vehicles, that business is also managing a fleet.

“When business owners become fleet managers too, they need to review their commercial auto insurance policies to ensure they are properly covered and getting a good rate,” says Paul Lucarelli, fleet director at RSA Canada. “At the same time, take advantage of the risk management advice an experienced fleet broker and insurer can provide to help prevent accidents and contribute to the overall success of a business.”

According to Transport Canada, approximately 75 per cent of crashes result from driver error. The following tips from RSA Canada will start small business owners on the right path towards operating a safe fleet and ensuring they have right fleet insurance coverage in place:

• Assess Your Needs

How large is your company? How often are your vehicles on the road? Determining these answers will allow you to choose the best coverage for your business.

• Research, Research, Research

There are a number of options and plans available for commercial fleet insurance. Know the playing field before committing on the dotted line.

• What Type Of Vehicles Are You Insuring?

Depending on the values and types of vehicles that require insurance coverage, you may want to consider varied coverages and limits to provide the right coverage for the best price.

• What Are Your Intended Uses For The Vehicles?

Are they all going to be used for the same purposes? If not, you may be able to have a varied plan that allows you to save money.

• Invest In Driver Training

Make sure you're promoting a culture of safety in your organization. Well-trained drivers mean lower insurance rates and fewer accidents - that means fewer claims.

• Manage The Maintenance Of Your Fleet

This will result in a better performing fleet, reduce your potential for down time, and decrease your insurance rates.

• Work With An Experienced Fleet Broker And InsuUse a car history report when buying a new car. Take a lesson in history when buying a used car and get the facts before you sign the purchase agreement.


(ARA) - Like many other Americans, if you're in the market for a car, you have reviewed your options and decided that buying used is the best value for your money in the current economy. Perhaps you've already researched the make, model, style and options that best suit you. You may have even checked with your bank and other lenders to evaluate your financing options. You're ready to buy…or are you?

While you know in general how much you want to pay and what features you want, it's the specific car's vehicle history that can make all the difference. You may have heard about vehicle history reports and you may already know that they are a good idea, but are they really worth the money? And once you buy one, how can you be sure you understand all the information on it?

"You should physically examine a vehicle yourself if possible and always have a mechanic inspect it. However, this doesn't always tell you everything there is to know about that vehicle," says Len Sims, vice president of operations for NADA Appraisal Guides. "If you buy a used car without a vehicle history report, you could be buying a vehicle with safety issues or other serious issues, in which you could end up in a spider web of declining value."

If you're still unsure of the value of a vehicle history report, consider these facts:

* Many dealers use vehicle history reports to check their used vehicles before they are sold to make sure they are safe and reliable. A significant number of dealers also offer, at no cost, vehicle history reports on the cars they sell.

* Many used vehicles in the United States are bought and sold at wholesale auctions before arriving on dealers' lots and the dealers use vehicle history reports as a determining factor when deciding which autos to buy at auction.

* Many auto dealers and online marketplaces offer free reports on listed vehicles. Some even encourage you to purchase and review a report on the vehicle you're seriously considering, even if they are not the ones selling it.

Once you've made a vehicle history report part of your used-car research, the next step is to understand all the information in the report. While much of the information in a vehicle history report is straightforward, there may be terms and items you aren't familiar with.

A good vehicle report will help explain all the terms and events in a vehicle's history and give you more information on whether the events in that history might ultimately affect the safety and reliability of your vehicle. When reviewing a vehicle history report, look for the following:

* A summary that gives you a brief overview of the information contained on the report, including identifying vehicle information, number of owners, number of reported accidents and information on the title, odometer and vehicle events.

* A vehicle history score. To date, only Experian's AutoCheck provides this. Known as the AutoCheck Score, this number works like a credit score and boils down the vehicle's history into an easy-to-understand number. The AutoCheck Score also provides a number range representing a comparison against vehicles of a similar age and class. This allows you to quickly and easily evaluate a vehicle's history using a more relevant, apples-to-apples comparison. And the score was developed by Experian, a company with a long history of expertise in making complicated information easier to understand.

* Title check. A title check alerts you of whether the title has been branded. States assign title brands to specific vehicles to alert potential customers of past problems. Examples of such problems include an accident that results in a total loss declaration or a vehicle that qualifies as a lemon under that state's lemon laws.

This section will also help you discern if a title may have been "washed," a process that happens when a title is branded in one state and then declared as clean in another state. For example, a vehicle that has a salvage title in one state can sometimes be purchased, repaired, taken to another state, and re-titled there without the salvage designation.

* Problem check. This section will tell you if the vehicle was reported to have been announced as frame damaged at a wholesale auction, sold at salvage auction or seen at a recycling facility.

* Odometer check. Reports collect odometer reading information from many data sources, including state titles, auctions and dealerships. This information can alert you if the vehicle has had its odometer rolled back.

* Use and event check. If the vehicle was used as a company, rental or fleet car, or as a taxi or police car, that information will appear here. This section will also summarize any accidents reported on the vehicle.

* Full history. The complete reported history of the vehicle is listed in chronological order so you can see when accidents, maintenance events, title transfers and other events were reported.

More than one company offers vehicle history reports, so it's important to use a report that puts the important information you need into an easy-to-understand format. Visit www.AutoCheck.com to learn more.

"In this economy, buying a good used vehicle can be a very wise way to get a great car for a lot less money," says Sims. "A vehicle history report with easy-to-understand information can help you purchase a vehicle that will serve you well for years to come."

Take advantage of their loss control expertise. Loss control officers can help you identify areas for improvement, save you money and help you prevent accidents.

Managing your fleet properly and ensuring you have the right insurance coverage can help prevent accidents, reduce the potential for down time and contribute to the long term success of your business. Take advantage of the risk management advice an experienced fleet broker and insurer can provide. More information on fleet insurance or on finding an RSA insurance broker near you can be found online at www.rsagroup.ca .

Car Insurance Coverage

Know Your Car Insurance Coverage. Car insurance policy coverages differ from company to company and policy to policy. Make sure you know what your coverage is.


(NAPSI)--Last year, Progressive Insurance received 29.6 million phone calls from customers. In this article, it shares three of the most frequently asked questions-and its answers-so that you can be confident when making decisions about your car insurance:

1. How can I make sure I have "full coverage"?

Generally, people ask for "full coverage" when they want more than just what's required by the state. Most states require that all drivers carry liability coverage, which pays for damage to other vehicles or injuries to other people that you cause.

By adding what is commonly referred to as "physical damage" coverages, which include Comprehensive and Collision insurance, damage to your own vehicle is also covered, regardless of who caused the crash.

Once you've chosen these coverages, you might also want to add insurance that will cover your medical payments, protect you if you're hit by an uninsured driver or come to the rescue if you break down on the side of the road. Your insurance company or agent can walk you through all your options and help you choose the policy that's right for you.

2. If I get into a fender bender when driving a rental car, would it be covered under my car insurance?

Generally, if you have liability and physical damage coverages on your car insurance policy, there's a good chance you'll be covered in a rental car. Call your agent or insurance company to get the facts before you turn down that extra coverage.

Another option: Check with your credit card company. Some credit cards provide coverage at no charge if you use their card to pay for the rental. Restrictions may apply, so be sure to ask for an exact description of what's covered.

3. A friend just borrowed my car. Will my car insurance pay for the damages if he causes an accident?

In most states, insurance coverage follows the car, so your car insurance would pay for the damage if your friend causes a wreck. Two things to keep in mind: If the cost to repair that damage exceeds the amount allowed by your policy, your friend may need to make a claim on his insurance policy to pay the difference; and, secondly, your rate may go up as a result of the claim.

Learn More

For more information or to find a nearby agent, visit www.progressiveagent.com.

Commercial Fleet Auto Insurance Tips

Here are some commercial fleet auto insurance tips. Get the
insurance tips for operating a safe fleet you need to ensure your buisness's vehicle fleet is insured properly and you are getting the cheapest insurance rates possible.

(NC)—When small businesses first get underway, it is common to have one or two vehicles as the primary methods of transportation for the company. And while this may work in the short term, transportation requirements can change dramatically as a business grows. Once a business is operating five or more commercial vehicles, that business is also managing a fleet.

“When business owners become fleet managers too, they need to review their commercial auto insurance policies to ensure they are properly covered and getting a good rate,” says Paul Lucarelli, fleet director at RSA Canada. “At the same time, take advantage of the risk management advice an experienced fleet broker and insurer can provide to help prevent accidents and contribute to the overall success of a business.”

According to Transport Canada, approximately 75 per cent of crashes result from driver error. The following tips from RSA Canada will start small business owners on the right path towards operating a safe fleet and ensuring they have right fleet insurance coverage in place:

• Assess Your Needs

How large is your company? How often are your vehicles on the road? Determining these answers will allow you to choose the best coverage for your business.

• Research, Research, Research

There are a number of options and plans available for commercial fleet insurance. Know the playing field before committing on the dotted line.

• What Type Of Vehicles Are You Insuring?

Depending on the values and types of vehicles that require insurance coverage, you may want to consider varied coverages and limits to provide the right coverage for the best price.

• What Are Your Intended Uses For The Vehicles?

Are they all going to be used for the same purposes? If not, you may be able to have a varied plan that allows you to save money.

• Invest In Driver Training

Make sure you're promoting a culture of safety in your organization. Well-trained drivers mean lower insurance rates and fewer accidents - that means fewer claims.

• Manage The Maintenance Of Your Fleet

This will result in a better performing fleet, reduce your potential for down time, and decrease your insurance rates.

• Work With An Experienced Fleet Broker And Insurer

Take advantage of their loss control expertise. Loss control officers can help you identify areas for improvement, save you money and help you prevent accidents.

Managing your fleet properly and ensuring you have the right insurance coverage can help prevent accidents, reduce the potential for down time and contribute to the long term success of your business. Take advantage of the risk management advice an experienced fleet broker and insurer can provide. More information on fleet insurance or on finding an RSA insurance broker near you can be found online at www.rsagroup.ca .