Protect Yourself: Insuring Your Teen Driver

Wednesday

Insuring a teen driver is often an additional cost for many parents. Many companies consider drivers under the age of 25 a higher risk, and this often translates into higher premiums. Here are some tips from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to help you get the best value for your auto insurance dollar

1. Teen Driver Facts
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, one-third of deaths of people ages 16 to 20 are due to motor-vehicle accidents. That’s more than 5,000 teens a year. Faced with those statistics, it’s important to view teen driving as a privilege, not a right.
2. Lay the Ground Rules
Insuring a teen driver will result in additional costs for you, no matter which insurance policy you choose. However, how well your teen respects the privilege of driving is a factor you can control. Lay some ground rules for safe driving before your teen ever gets in the driver’s seat. Set up driving rules, including:
• Hours during which the teen can and cannot drive
• Number of friends allowed in the car at one time
• Number of miles teen is allowed to drive per day or week
You may also want to consider setting up a driving contract with your teen. The contract should clearly list the teen’s duties and responsibilities when driving and caring for the vehicle and should be signed by both of you.
3. Purchase a Vehicle or Add a Driver?
You may not want to purchase a car specifically for your teenager, but adding another driver to your policy can be costly. For example, if you drive a newer, expensive sports car, adding a teen driver may considerably raise your premiums. However, a modestly priced economy car with liability coverage may be more appropriate for your teen. Make sure you discuss options with your insurance agent.
4. Give Complete, Correct Information
When you call for a quote or fill out an application, give complete and correct information, such as make, model and year of the car the teen will be driving. Since your premium quote will be based on this information, it is very important that your information be as accurate and complete as possible.
5. Shop Around It pays to shop around before buying insurance.
Different companies can offer noticeably different premiums. For example, if your child is an honor roll student, passed a driver’s education course or has a job, some companies may offer a reduced premium. Some discounts include:
• Two or more cars on a policy
• Participation in driver education courses
• Good student driver under age 25
• Airbags or other safety equipment
• Anti-theft devices
• Auto/home insurance on same policy or with same company
6. Consider Revising Coverage,
Deductibles You may reduce your auto insurance costs by raising the deductibles on physical damage (collision and comprehensive) coverages. Be sure to review your current deductibles to determine whether you can afford to absorb a larger portion of your loss in the event of an accident. Also, consider lowering or eliminating physical damage coverages on older vehicles — unless a lienholder, such as a bank, requires it.
7. Regularly Review Your Policy;
Update Accordingly Regularly review your policy to make sure the basis for your premium is as accurate as possible. Here are some things that can affect your premium:
• Adding or removing a vehicle from your policy
• Teen graduates from high school or reaches the age 18

source:niac.org

Disaster Preparedness Tips for Homeowners and Renters

• Take an inventory of your valuables and belongings. This should include taking photographs or a video of each room. This documentation will provide your insurance company with proof of your belongings and help to process claims more quickly in the event of disaster.
• To enable filing claims more quickly, keep sales receipts and/or canceled checks. Also note the model and serial numbers of the items in your home inventory.
• As you acquire more valuables — jewelry, family heirlooms, antiques, art —consider purchasing an additional “floater” or “rider” to your policy to cover these special items. These types of items typically are not covered by a basic homeowners or renter’s insurance policy.
• Remember to include in your home inventory those items you rarely use (e.g., holiday decorations, sports equipment, tools, etc.).
• Store copies of all your insurance policies in a safe location away from your home that is easily accessible in case of disaster. You may want to store your policies and inventory in a waterproof, fireproof box or in a safe, remote location such as a bank safe deposit box. Consider leaving a copy of your inventory with relatives, friends or your insurance provider and store digital pictures in your e-mail or on a Web site for easy retrieval.
• Know what is and is not covered by your insurance policy. You might need additional protection depending on where you live. Make sure your policies are up to date. Contact your insurance provider annually to review and update your insurance policy.
• Keep a readily available list of 24-hour contact information for each of your insurance providers.
• Find out if your possessions are insured for the actual cash value or the replacement cost. Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair or replace damage to your home or possessions after depreciation while replacement cost is the amount it would take to repair or replace your home or possessions without deducting for depreciation. Speak with your insurance provider to determine whether purchasing replacement coverage is worth the cost.
• Speak with your insurance provider to find out if your policy covers additional living expenses for a temporary residence if you are unable to live in your home due to damage from a disaster.
• Appraise your home periodically to make sure your insurance policy reflects home improvements or renovations. Contact your insurance provider to update your policy accordingly

source:niac.org

Tips for Saving Money on Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is an important — and oftentimes, mandated — purchase for most Americans. The average annual auto
insurance premium nationwide in 2000 was $687 per vehicle. Here are some tips from the Utah Insurance Department to
help you get the best value for your auto insurance dollar.

1. Maintain a Good Driving Record

Companies charge safe drivers (i.e., free of at-fault accidents or violations) lower rates for automobile insurance. Each company has different guidelines to

determine what price an individual will be charged.

2. Comparison Shop

It pays to shop around before buying insurance, since prices can differ among companies. In addition to cost, you should also carefully consider other factors such as service, dependability and the financial condition of

the insurance company.

3. Give Complete Correct Information

When you call for a quote or fill out an application, give complete and correct information. Since your premium quote will be based on this information, it is very important that your information be as accurate and complete as possible.

4. Ask About Discounts

Ask your agent or company if you are eligible for any discounts. Here are some discounts that may be offered:

• Two or more cars on a policy

• Participation in driver education courses

• Good student driver under age 25

• Mature driver (between 50 and 65 years of age)

• Airbags or other safety equipment

• Anti-theft devices

• Auto/home insurance on same policy or with

same company

5. Verify Your Information, Policy

When you receive your insurance policy, check that the information used to determine your premium is correct. In particular, you should verify that:

• Your mailing and/or home address is correct

• Each vehicle is properly classified

• All discounts to which you are entitled are applied

• Your vehicle(s) make and model are correct

• All drivers’ age/birth date(s) are correct

6. Consider Revising Coverage, Deductibles

You may reduce your auto insurance costs by raising the deductibles on physical damage (collision and comprehensive) coverages. Be sure to review your current deductibles to determine whether you can afford to absorb a larger portion of your loss in the event of an accident. Also, consider lowering or

eliminating physical damage coverages on older vehicles — unless a lienholder, such as a bank, requires it.

7. Consider Cost of Insurance Before Buying a Car

Insurance companies usually charge higher premiums for cars that cost more to repair or offer occupants less protection from accidents. Companies may also charge more for cars that tend to cause more damage when involved in accidents, such as certain sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Cars with high theft rates, such as

sports cars, also cost more to insure.

8. Regularly Review Your Policy; Update Accordingly

Regularly review your policy to make sure the basis for your premium is as accurate as possible. Here are some factors that can affect your premium:

• Adding or removing a vehicle from your policy

• Replacing an older vehicle with a newer one

• Adding or removing a driver

• Increasing or decreasing the number of miles

driven each year

• Moving to a new address

AUTO INSURANCE:

Get Prepared Before Your Summer Road Trip

If you're planning a summer road trip, it’s crucial to review your auto insurance before you hit the road. In case you’re involved in an accident, it’s also important to know what happens when you file a claim. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers these tips for consumers planning summer travel.

Before Leaving on Vacation

Make sure you have your insurance identification card in the car.

Double-check that phone numbers for your insurance company and agent are listed on the identification card. If not, make note of these numbers to keep with your ID card.

If You’re In an Accident

• Remain calm.


• Check for any injuries and administer first aid, if necessary.


• Contact the proper authorities and inform them of any injuries. Regardless of the circumstances, report the accident to the police.


• Record the name, address and phone number of the other driver. Always write down the make, model and license plate number of all vehicles involved.


• Collect the names, addresses and phone numbers of all passengers and witnesses.


• Take photos of the accident scene, if possible.


• Do not admit fault.


• Ask the investigating officer how to obtain a copy of the police report.


• Notify your insurance agent or company immediately.

What to Expect After the Accident

Rental Cars

If your car was damaged as result of another driver’s negligence, the other driver’s insurance company should pay your rental car costs for a reasonable length of repair time. If your car is totaled, many companies will pay for your rental as a courtesy, but they are not required to do so.

If you are filing a claim with your own insurance company, the cost of a rental car will only be covered if you paid a premium to include rental reimbursement coverage in your policy. Most polices have a dollar limit for rental payments, so check your policy if you have questions.

Uninsured Drivers

If an uninsured driver caused the accident, then your insurance company will pay for damage to your vehicle if you have collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage. If your damage is repaired under your collision coverage — be aware you will still have to pay a deductible.

Repairs

Even if your claims adjuster recommends a specific body shop, you may choose to have your car repaired at the body shop of your choice. To avoid any confusion, be sure to notify the claims adjuster which shop you would like to repair your car, before any of the work is done.

If Your Car Is a Total Loss

If the damage to your car is extensive, and the claims adjuster determines the cost to repair your car is greater than the value of your car, the insurance company might choose to declare your car a total loss. When this happens, your insurance company has the option to take the title for your vehicle when it issues payment on your claim.

The insurance company will use the Kelley Blue Book as a guide to valuing the car. The insurance company is required to pay what your vehicle was actually worth at the moment before the crash. The claims adjuster will check to see what a car like yours (same make, model and year) is worth in your general geographic area.

It is also a good idea for you to independently research the value of your car before agreeing to a settlement with the insurance company.

Ramifications of Filing a Claim

An accident filed with your insurance company might cause your rates to rise. Premium increases are more likely when the accident is your fault; however, an insurance company might also raise your premiums if you have more than one not-at-fault accident within a policy period. If you have questions about a rate increase following a claim, contact your state insurance department

source:naic.org

Auto Insurance Product Introduction

Auto insurance is one of the most frequently used types of personal insurance. In fact, states require that you purchase some kind of insurance coverage in order to drive legally.

There are two basic components to auto insurance coverage: liability and property damage. Let’s start with liability…

Most auto insurance policies cover your liability for bodily injury, property damage and uninsured/under-insured motorists

Bodily injury liability insurance protects you against the claims of other people who are injured in an accident for which you were at fault. Their claims for bodily injury may include medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Property damage liability insurance pays for any damage you cause to the property of others. This includes not only damages to other vehicles, but also other property such as walls, fences and equipment.

Uninsured motorists coverage protects you, the policy holder, in the event that you are injured by a hit-and-run driver or a driver who does not have auto insurance.

Moving on to property damage coverage … it may include both collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage pays for physical damage to your car as the result of your auto colliding with an object, such as a tree or another car. This coverage is optional and not required by law. However, collision insurance may be required by your lending institution or lessor.

In the case of an accident involving an older car, the cost of repairing the car can quickly exceed the worth of the car. In this case, insurers will “total” the car and pay you what the car was worth based on its current book value rather than fixing it.

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your auto from almost all other causes, including fire, severe weather, vandalism, floods and theft. You are not required by law to carry comprehensive coverage

Your auto insurance premiums are affected by a number of factors:

• For starters, they’re linked to the type of vehicle driven. If you’re buying or leasing a new car, check the insurance rates before you make your final choice. For example, SUVs, convertibles and performance vehicles typically cost more to insure than some other cars.

• Safety devices on your car can help reduce your premiums. If you’re buying or leasing a new car, consider getting one with anti-lock brakes, side air bags, automatic seat belts and daytime running lights.

• Anti-theft devices on your car, such as an alarm system and global positioning system – so that your car can be located if stolen – can help reduce your premiums.

• Where you park your car can also impact insurance costs. If you have access to an indoor garage or locked parking lot – places that decrease the likelihood that your car will be stolen – you may qualify for lower premiums.

• The geographic region in which you live may impact your premiums. For example, areas prone to extreme weather – hail, wind storms, hurricanes, etc. – higher traffic patterns or higher risk of theft may have higher insurance rates. If you live in an area prone to extreme weather, check whether your policy includes comprehensive coverage on your car to cover potential damage from storms.

• Your driving record – tickets, accidents, DWIs – Driving While Intoxicated citations – directly affect your premiums.

• The number of claims you have previously filed impacts your insurance costs. You may want to consider not filing claims for smaller events to avoid premium increases.

• Finally, the cost of your insurance is directly linked to your policy’s deductible amount. The deductible is the amount of money that you agree to pay as part of a claim, before your insurer pays the remaining amount towards that claim. For example, if your vehicle incurred $1,000 of damage in an accident and your deductible was $250, you would pay the first $250 and your insurer would pay the remaining $750. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium.

source:naic.org

Women Car Insurance- Why Do They Get Away Cheap?

Saturday

So, why do women reap off the advantage of low cost car insurance while their male counterparts end up paying comparatively hefty bills? Well, when women are caught up with an insurance claim, they are significantly responsible for a greater number of little scuffs and scrapes rather than pricey write offs which are threatening to insurance companies. In fact, this is a most important factor which reduces the premium cost of women car insurance. As supported by recent statistics, it is evidently appropriate to state that women when on the road, they cover lesser annual mileage than male drivers, which also explains the reason that why female drivers get away paying cheaper premium rates.

Women car insurance also involve low cost because they have the intimate tendency to drive more attentively rather than going reckless on the road as majority of the male drivers do. Moreover, because of habitually driving in a conservative speed, they are less vulnerable to receive tickets and endorsements for reckless driving. So, this eventually puts together that women car insurance is notably cheaper as they are less probable to pick up a high-priced claim than a male driver.

Since low risk is involved, there are numerous specialized companies which only deal with women car insurance and prefer not to avail coverage for men who tend to be a risky bet.

Presently, the world of conveniently priced women car insurance is found to be under real threat as statistics also illustrate that in recent years female drivers tend to be seemingly more aggressive behind the wheels as compared to their previous performance. There are also much more accidents recorded that are influenced by female drivers than even before. The fact that women more frequently seem to take off for long distance driving adds up more to the threat. Fortunately, it is improbable that there will be any fundamental changes in the premium cost for women car insurance unless the statistical changes reach the government’s desk.

All in all, presently the trend of identifying female drivers as reliable drivers than men seems to continue, and as seen there are a large number of companies out there who are willing to sell cheap women car insurance.

Make Cheap Car Insurance Possible

Are you looking for fresh and cheap car insurance plans? Or may be just wondering if you can do anything in your power to get car insurance for cheap? Whatever may be your need you can reduce car insurance cost by being alert to certain possibilities. Every insurance company logically brings down premium rates if and when you can prove that your car actually has a reduced risk of damage or accident. So while looking for insurance quotes watch out for finer points and ensure that your insurance company takes into account a reduced risk on your car. Cheap car insurance is easy to obtain provided you are ready to take some action.

You could start by installing an anti theft device in your car. This cuts down risk of your vehicle being stolen substantially which in turn gets you insurance for cheap. Going for a longer insurance period is a typical method for reducing premium rates - there will be a substantial rate difference between an annual insurance policy rate and a half yearly rate. Also if there is any premium increase in six months it will not affect those in the annual plan at least till the plan ends. When you have multiple cars you can insure them all together; this type of multiple car insurance fetches you very cheap car insurance. In fact for a two cars joint insurance it is sometimes the same as doing for one car. You could also think of insuring all your family cars together. Insuring cars under "group" insurance like health insurance also is an option for insurance for cheap. You could talk to your agent or ask the concerned insurance company more about group plans and how to form/ get into a group.

If your car is going to be in cold storage for a while then it will be a good idea to go for basic coverage like comprehensive coverage because that brings down the premium rates and paves the way for insurance for cheap. When noting down the distance you drive to work make it as accurate as possible. One or two extra miles added to this number could move you into a higher premium range as premium calculation is dependent on the number of miles to work. Even choosing the right payment mode can land you car insurance for cheap along with comfort. If you choose a clearing service from your bank or credit card directly instead of usual methods like paying by mail etc, some companies give a discount. This is quite logical because the insurance company can simply the payment process. A good credit rating is a great way for cheap car insurance. So always try to keep your credit records above board; if for some reason the rating comes down you can take steps to bring it up.

So don't hesitate to explore the above ways to get cheap car insurance whether you are going for a fresh plan or trying to lower the rates on your existing plan.

A good credit rating automatically gives cheap car insurance. The insurance company has a lower risk in doing business with you when your credit rating is high and so will quote lower rates for you.

source:EzineArticles.com

Tips On How To Choose California Cheap State Auto Insurance

When you are residing in California and own a car or two, having a California Car Insurance policy is one of the necessities that your finances should allocate. There are many cheap California Auto insurance policies that suit your needs and your car’s.

As a general rule, car drivers and car owners are required to shoulder the liability of financial expenditures during accident, though set at a minimum amount. This principle is especially applied especially when deaths occur from car accident.

In order to meet the State requirement, several automobile insurance companies offer three types of auto insurance coverage. Two of such types are designed to be active when the driver is held liable for damages, while the other is somewhat like an emergency insurance. California Car Insurance companies have all these types and more.

If you desire to avail Fully Comprehensive, read the policy carefully because some auto insurance companies do not insure 100% of the car’s value but only 80%. This is stipulation is to protect the car insurance companies against fraudulent claims of losses for their car such as the owner wants to dispose the car or is having financial difficulties.

Third Party, Fire and Theft policy covers few of what Fully Comprehensive policy does such as fire and theft. However, the automobile insurance companies do not shoulder the expenses if you damage your car by any means except collision against another car.

When you are adjudged as liable for expenses during car accident, Property Damage liability is the first of two types of California car insurance policy that meets the State law. Such insurance coverage is bestowed upon the aggrieved party to settle payments for car repair or replacement.

The third car insurance policy that even cheap California Auto insurance companies offer is Third Party Insurance, which is considered the basic of all auto insurance policies. It is also the cheapest insurance policy there is since the car insurance company only pays out in a circumstance wherein you hit a third party while being involved in a car accident and of which you are held responsible.

The next coverage is petty; however, it is still useful when there is necessity. California Car Insurance Company also offers Medical payments or Personal Injury protection insurance pays off when there are medical expenses that are not a direct consequence of car accident irrespective of who is at fault.

Finally, Collision and Comprehensive auto insurance offers two types of compensation. Collision coverage is accorded for your car repair when you are held liable for the accident. On the other hand, Comprehensive coverage is given to your car when it incurs damage from any circumstance by another party or other incidences such as hurricane, theft and vandalism.

Commonly, many States require live policy for auto insurance before the car is registered to the driver’s or owner’s name. Each type of auto insurance is created for a purpose. Although it is a State law to have insurance at minimum coverage, it is still advisable to be equipped with good California car insurance coverage for emergency.

Most car owners today have more than one car insurance policy. The first is to cover the expenses for car repair and medical fees of the other party when you are at fault. The second is to cover their own car repair when they are at fault. Whatever your needs are, California Car Insurance companies have the right one for you.


Need California car insurance? For California automotive insurance come and check your requirements. You don’t have to search the internet and waste time. If you want an automotive insurance quote you can get it also. Go to our site at Los angeles car insurance to get your free quote. Get all the details at http://www.dmv.com to find and purchase your vehicle insurance.

Budget Car Insurance- How to Get the Best Deal

Car insurance has no escape as it is one such thing that all car owners require to get covered with. As a matter of fact, it can be pricey as well as time consuming to locate the best possible deal, however, if you invest some time to search for budget car insurance, it is quite easy to get hold of it.

To ensure that you get the best possible deal while looking for budget car insurance there are a few steps to be taken. It is at crucial times that your car insurance policy will protect you and your family. Ensuring that you spend as less as possible on your car insurance is logical, and it is smart people who opt for budget insurance.

When looking for budget car insurance, the first thing one could do is to take out the time to converse with their employer. Why? Well, you might be a bit surprised to learn that at times companies go into an agreement with specific insuring companies in order to provide their employees with a cheap insurance quote. In case, you fortunately happen to be hired by one such company, then you will save big while insuring your vehicle.

The next thing you got to do is to sit down for calculating the precise amount of coverage you require. This is because any budget car insurance buyer will require stating this detail while acquiring quotes. In case, you have lately bought a car with enhanced security features, as well as a dependable gas mileage is included, then you are most likely to qualify for a handsome discount. Moreover, you can even consider taking out your car insurance in junction to your home insurance, so that you can reap off more discounts for dealing with more than one policy with a single company.

Up next, a smart buyer will know that comparing numerous budget car insurance quotes will ensure that you get the best deal. As for nowadays, the job of comparing multiple quotes is no more hectic like before. You no longer have to visit several insurance companies for investigating their quotes. However, you can do the comparison online with just a few clicks. With the availability of side by side comparison, you are surely to find the cheapest quote for your vehicle.

Locating budget car insurance is lot easier than you consider it to be. All you need to do is invest some time for a thorough research to grab the cheapest deal!

Source:articlesbase.com

Ten car insurance myths busted

If you're renewing your car insurance, you probably know that third-party cover is the cheapest and that sticking with your current provider means you get the best deal, right? Wrong. We blow ten car insurance myths out of the water.

With the new registration launched on 1 September, it's a popular time of year to buy a car. Thousands of drivers will be insuring new vehicles, while millions more will be looking for a new deal because their policy is ending.

Yet there are a number of widely-believed myths that could be stopping people from finding the best deals and more worryingly, some of these mean drivers end up uninsured.

We dispel the misconceptions to ensure you get the right level of cover at the best price.

1) Third party cover is cheaper than fully comp

If you're a young driver then the chances are you won't even bother looking at fully comprehensive cover - after all, third-party should be cheaper because it offers less protection.

But actually, recent moneysupermarket.com research shows this is not always the case. Surprising as it may seem, many younger drivers may find it costs less to insure their car on a fully comprehensive basis than it does third-party only.

Steve Sweeney, moneysupermarket.com's head of car insurance, explained: "Traditionally motorists might assume a third-party only policy will be cheaper because of the reduced levels of cover, but in recent years, drivers with a more 'risky' profile, such as younger motorists, have opted for this cover to keep the cost of motoring down.

"Providers have reacted to this perceived increase in risk by driving up the cost of third-party only cover."

2) It's cheaper to go direct

It's a common misconception that comparison websites like moneysupermarket.com charge people commission, meaning the quotes are more expensive than they would be if you went directly to the insurer.

In fact, the consumer doesn't pay for the comparison site service and can actually save around 35% by comparing different insurers.

The average amount saved by someone using moneysupermarket.com to buy their car insurance is £157 a year.

3) Insurers reward loyalty

Drivers stay with the same car insurance provider for an average of 2.7 years - but very often there are considerable savings to be made by switching.

People in the UK are collectively wasting £9.4billion because they stick with their existing insurer. Commenting on this shocking number, Steve said: "While they may lure you in with a competitive deal or special discount on year one of your policy, not ordinarily available to existing policy holders, you can be sure your renewal price will include a hefty premium - hardly the thanks you were expecting for your loyalty."

4) It's fine to insure your car in a parent's name

Insurance can be really expensive for a new driver, so many think about insuring their car in a parent's name and adding themselves as a named driver - a practice known as 'fronting'.

A surprising number of people believe this is a simple way to bring down the price of insurance for a young motorist, but actually it is against the law. In fact, fronting invalidates an insurance agreement, so if you're in an accident then you could find yourself without cover.

5) If I claim but am not at fault then I will not have to pay the excess

If you're in a straightforward accident where the other party admits they are at fault then their insurer will pay out for all the repair costs to your car.

However, many people don't realise that if the insurer cannot reclaim the full amount they pay out then the policyholder will need to pay the excess even if they are not at fault.

So, if the person who causes the damage is uninsured, or the thief cannot be caught and sued, then the excess will still need to be met.

6) There's no limit to what I can claim if my car is broken into

In recent years there has been a huge increase in the number of small, portable gadgets routinely being carried in cars. When you think about how much MP3 players, iPhones, laptops and SatNavs can cost, you can see how the value of a vehicle's contents can quickly mount up.

Unfortunately, not all policies will cover all these possessions if your car is broken into or stolen. In fact, most insurers will apply an upper limit to what can be claimed, so make sure you remove anything expensive from the vehicle whenever you leave it.

7) New cars are always more expensive to insure

There is an element of truth in this myth - the value of a vehicle certainly affects the premiums the driver will pay. However, many other things are factored in, including security devices and safety mechanisms.

Newer cars will usually have better technology in place and be harder to steal, often making them safer to drive and park than other, older vehicles.

8) My fully comprehensive insurance extends to any car

Most fully comprehensive polices include cover to drive other cars, as long as the policyholder has the owner's permission.

However, it's important to remember that your cover will be third party only. This means that if you were to drive the car and crash it, the insurance would only cover the cost of the damage to the other vehicle, and not the car you were driving. It could therefore result in a substantial bill - for you.

9) If my car is written off in an accident, I can reclaim the remaining premium

If you pay for a year's car insurance, but then crash and the vehicle is written off after two months, you cannot then demand ten month's worth of premium back.

The contract you enter into with an insurer is for an entire year, not month by month. Even if you're paying on a monthly basis, you're just paying what you owe on the entire year's cover, so if you wrote off your vehicle, you would need to continue paying.

10) Cheapest is best

While price is an important factor when buying insurance it's not the only consideration. It's also vital to ensure you have the right level of cover.

Because of the level of competition in the market, many insurers have stripped out elements, such as windscreen cover and a courtesy car, that used to be routinely included as standard in order to bring their premiums down.

It is therefore important, not only to make sure you have the level of cover you need but also to ensure that, when you are shopping around, you are comparing like-for-like.

Once you factor in the 'extras' you need, the policy that initially appeared cheapest may not actually work out to be best value.

moneysupermarket.com's car insurance comparison tool makes this easy as it clearly shows, with ticks and crosses, what is and isn't included in the policy you've been quoted for. You can then stipulate which of those you need and have the cost recalculated.

Is your street safe from uninsured drivers?

Is your street safe from uninsured drivers?
Published:24 September 2009Topic:News,Insurance,Car
Want a frightening statistic? In some parts of the UK, up to nearly half the vehicles registered don't have insurance, according to research conducted by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) to mark its Stay Insured campaign.

Last year, it was estimated that more than 1.7million uninsured drivers are on the road. The AA estimates that this costs the industry £500million each year, adding around £30 to every policy bought by law-abiding motorists.
So, do you live and drive in a high risk area? The MIB has put together a map highlighting the 20 worst postcodes for uninsured driving. Read on below for tips on keeping your car insurance premiums as low as possible.



As you can see, Barkerend in Bradford, West Yorkshire, has the dubious title of being the UK's uninsured driving capital. Almost half the vehicles registered in the area don't have any cover.

Research by moneysupermarket.com shows the number of uninsured drivers on the road has increased by 33% compared to last year. Steve Sweeney, head of motor insurance at the comparison site, described this as "disappointing".

"It's a worrying thought every fifth car we see isn't covered, and that this number has increased to a staggering 33 per cent from the 2008 figures.

"The onset of recession may mean more motorists are unable to afford the cost of their insurance but, whatever the distance, driving without insurance is illegal."

What's behind this?

Part of the problem is that four out of ten drivers don't expect they will be caught driving without insurance.

In fact, more than 232,000 people were convicted for this offence last year - facing vehicle seizure, a minimum of six points on their licence, a fixed penalty of £200 and around £150 to reclaim their car.

But is that enough? A recent moneysupermarket.com poll found two-thirds of people want there to be tougher penalties for the high numbers of young drivers who are on the road without insurance.

How to cut cost but keep cover

The MIB's Stay Insured campaign aims to highlight ways drivers can make their car insurance more affordable, rather than going without it. We wholeheartedly approve of reducing car insurance premiums, so here are our top tips for bringing down the cost of car insurance.



It's important to have the cover that you need when you're driving. Reducing your premiums by accepting a lower level of protection or raising your excess beyond what you can afford will be a false economy if you're involved in a crash.

So what are the other ways you can bring down your premiums? Here are just a few.

Pick the right car

Insurers believe that some cars are riskier than others, so if you're worried about premiums, try to pick a vehicle with a smaller engine size.

The bigger and faster the car, the higher your premiums will be. If you're not sure what sort of price you'd pay for a certain vehicle, our insurance comparison tool allows you to make speculative searches for specific cars or models.

Keep your car safe

If you can show an insurer you'll be storing the vehicle off the road - perhaps on a drive or in a garage - they will often reduce the amount you have to pay because the car will be safer.

Don't be tempted to lie, though. If your car is being routinely parked on the road and you say it's in a garage, your policy could be invalid.

Shop around for cover

When you're looking for your next policy, don't assume your existing provider will reward loyalty. People using moneysupermarket.com to compare car insurance policies save an average of £157 a year, so make sure you hunt out the best deal.

Minimise your mileage

When you apply for your insurance policy, your provider will ask for an estimate of the miles you do each year.

If you can reduce these - perhaps by car sharing or taking the train more often - then your premiums could fall.

Up the excess

If you can afford to pay a higher excess then many insurers will lower their prices. However, make sure you can afford the amount you agree, as this is what you will have to pay before your provider will shell out a penny.

Take the Pass Plus

Younger drivers are particularly bad for driving without insurance, according to several studies, and many people believe this is because cover costs so much for this age group.

Taking the Pass Plus exam means you've had more extensive driving experience and learnt skills such as driving at night and on the motorways. Because of that, many insurers will cut their prices for people who have completed this training.

Add an older driver

Adding a more experienced driver, perhaps a partner or parent, to a policy can sometimes bring down the cost of insurance.

However, making them the main driver and adding yourself as an additional user is called fronting and is considered insurance fraud. Don't run the risk of being left without cover.

Pay annually

Although it can be easier to pay your car insurance monthly, it can also be much more expensive. This is because you'll be paying interest on the outstanding amount.

If you can manage to pay in one lump sum, you could cut what you pay across the year.

Consider what cover you need

If your car is more banger than bling, you may not want to pay for fully comprehensive insurance and might choose third party cover instead. This can bring the cost down and be the best option for certain drivers.

Having said that, recent moneysupermarket.com research found fully comprehensive cover is cheaper than third party for some motorists, so compare all your options carefully

Cheap Michigan Auto Insurance Quote

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