What You Need To Know About Car Insurance

Car insurance or auto insurance is insurance against losses incurred due to thefts or accidents. If you are a car driver you need car insurance. In most of the states, having car insurance is mandatory by law but even if it is not so it is always best to get car insurance to protect oneself against the high costs of accidents. If you live in a state that requires car insurance, then you need to buy the minimum amount of coverage specified by law.

You can buy a car insurance policy based on the type of coverage you require. There are different types of car insurance coverage but primarily it can be grouped under three broad categories of liability coverage, physical damage coverage and uninsured motorist coverage.

Liability coverage pays for bodily injuries or death, and property damages caused to others by accidents. It is the primary part of most car insurance policies. Bodily injury coverage includes expenses involving medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Property damage covers you for damages caused to other people's cars and property in an accident. The liability coverage also covers litigation costs for lawsuits filed against the insurance holder.

The second type of car insurance coverage is the physical damage coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage covers damages caused to your car by collision with another vehicle or object. Collision coverage is normally determined by the value of your car. The comprehensive coverage is for losses that are not related to car accidents. Damages caused by unforeseen disasters like floods, fire, earthquakes, theft and vandalism are covered by comprehensive coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage covers for bodily injuries and property damages caused by uninsured motorists. The insured person's policy will cover medical expenses sustained in accidents where the other driver is at fault but has no insurance.

Besides these three broad types of car insurance coverage, there are other insurance coverage too that are included in a car insurance policy.

Medical coverage pays for medical expenses for injuries caused to the insured driver and the passengers by car accidents, regardless of fault.

Personal injury protection coverage available in some states pays for medical expenses for the insured driver no matter who is at fault.

Rental reimbursement covers the cost of renting a car if your own car is being repaired as a result of accident or other insured damages.

Insurance policies usually combine various types of coverage. Knowing the laws of your state will help you in determining the minimum car insurance coverage you require. You can also opt for additional coverage based on how much money you can afford to lose in case of an accident.

Stephen Mcbride is the webmaster of a site dedicated to information on low cost car insurance [http://www.low-cost-car-insurance.biz].

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Car Insurance

Anyone who drives or owns a vehicle should have car insurance. Most states require a driver to have car insurance and to carry proof of that insurance. There are civil penalties for not having car insurance up to and including losing a person's right to drive. Additionally, legitimate car dealers will not allow car buyers to leave their lots without having car insurance in place for the vehicles they have purchased. Many drivers and car owners may think that they can save on their auto expenses by doing without it, but in the long run, attempting to do without coverage can result in far greater financial hardship in the event of an accident or theft of the car; even being under-insured can be a big mistake. Given the importance of having vehicles properly insured, the wise car owner will become knowledgeable regarding specific kinds of coverage. The most popular car insurance coverage options are:

o Liability: This kind of insurance pays for damages incurred when a driver is at fault. It is categorized into property damage insurance and bodily injury insurance. In general, liability insurance represents the absolute minimum insurance which a driver is required to carry.

o Collision: This type of car insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing a vehicle if it is hit or damaged by another vehicle or as the result of a single vehicle accident. Collision insurance will have a deductible, which is an amount of funds which is the responsibility of the person who owns the car. This amount is subtracted from the amount the insurance company pays to the policy holder in the event of an accident or other mishap. For example, if the deductible on a car insurance policy is $500 and the repair cost is $1,000 the car insurance company will pay the policy holder $500. If the repair costs less than $500, the car insurance company will not have to pay the policy-holder anything. People who drive older cars which have little value may want to consider dispensing with collision insurance. However, be aware that not carrying collision insurance means a car insurance company pays nothing in the event the vehicle is damaged, totally destroyed or stolen.

o No-fault insurance: This type of insurance is meant to cover medical treatments and loss of wages as a direct result of an accident. It is only available in a select number of states and will only pay under certain circumstances.

o Umbrella insurance: This policy goes above and beyond the typical coverage available to car owners, covering more than just the minimum liability. It may also cover things that traditional liability policies won't.

o Comprehensive coverage: Similar to an umbrella policy, this coverage also covers more than the traditional policy. However, comprehensive goes one step beyond even the umbrella coverage. It will compensate the driver in the event of fire, flood or other natural disaster, in addition to providing assistance if the vehicle is stolen or vandalized.

Car insurance is required in all states, to one extent or another, but drivers are still free to
choose to what extent they cover their personal property and health. The wise driver will
evaluate his/her requirements before settling for the cheapest and least comprehensive plan
available.

Tristan Andrews is a writer for California Car Insurance.

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Cheap Car Insurance In California

The state of California requires that all drivers carry car insurance; as a result, there are many drivers who are looking for cheap car insurance and many companies willing to supply it. Drivers who do not have their cars insured are subject to civil penalties. In California, un-insured drivers who are involved in accidents may even lose their license. California drivers are also required to have proof of car insurance on them whenever they are operating a vehicle. A ticket can be issued if a driver cannot produce proof of insurance when requested to do so by someone in authority. Given the strictness of the California statutes, it is important for any driver looking for cheap car insurance to make sure that when he/she purchases a policy it meets or exceeds the state minimums.

California state car insurance minimums are $15,000 for the death/injury of one person in an accident and $30,000 for the death/injury of all the people involved in an accident plus an additional $5,000 of insurance to compensate for property damage. While a person may fulfill this obligation by posting a cash deposit or surety bond with the California State Department of Motor Vehicles, it is far easier to buy a cheap car insurance policy. However, it is important when purchasing cheap car insurance to make sure to deal with a reputable company.

There are other important considerations when deciding whether or not to buy cheap car insurance. Cheap car insurance is generally suited to those who drive old vehicles, don't drive a great deal and are of limited means. People who own late model cars and use them a lot should not skimp on insurance. The same is true of people who have significant assets. Bear in mind that significant assets does not mean that a person is a millionaire. All of a person's assets (including future earnings) can be at risk as the result of a car accident for which the person at fault is not sufficiently insured. Also, cheap car insurance may not cover a person in the event that his/her vehicle is damaged or destroyed by an un-insured driver or a hit-and-run driver. Cheap car insurance almost certainly will not reimburse a person for towing charges or for a rental vehicle while a damaged car is being repaired.

All cheap car insurance companies are not created equal. In the state of California insurance companies have the right to charge premiums based upon their loss histories; thus, different companies may have different rates depending upon the payout expenses they have incurred. Therefore, when searching for cheap car insurance, a person should compare several area companies. It is important to make sure that the companies being compared are compared with the same policies. This ensures that a decision is made based on the reputation of the company, rather than the policy differences.

The California Compulsory Financial Responsibility Act mandates that all persons operating vehicles within the state must carry a certain minimum level of insurance. Possible civil penalties for disregarding this law should convince a person of the need to be properly insured. Many cheap car insurance policies will meet these minimum standards. When buying cheap car insurance, however, it is smart to understand the risks inherent in buying this type of policy. Remember that with insurance the wisest course a person can follow is to buy the most expensive policy within his/her price range.

Tristan Andrews is a writer for California Car Insurance.

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10 Ways to Save Money On Your Car Insurance

We are all looking for ways to save money, but driving with out auto insurance is irresponsible, as well as illegal in most states. Today, even small accidents can result in thousands of dollars in damages.

Good news is that cars built today are designed to absorb ever-increasing levels of impact and are filled with technology, like air bags, Dual side-curtain air bags, Side Impact Protection Systems. All of these innovations have made today's car the safest ever built, but all have added cost to the price of both buying and fixing these cars and trucks.

Due to the high price of vehicles, ever increasing medical costs, and new bankruptcy laws that make it more
difficult to eliminate your debits; it is financial suicide to drive with out insurance. When looking for car insurance, no one wants to pay more than they have to in order to get the needed coverage. Below are some suggestions to help you lower your insurance costs.

1. Shop Several Companies

Prices vary widely from company to company. The carrier that offers the lowest rate on a middle-aged married couple might be one the highest on a 20-year-old male single. Get quotes from different types of insurance companies. Some companies sell direct through a captive agent force. Independent agents offer policies from several different insurance companies. You can find agents by searching Online, using a telephone directory or asking family or friends.

2. Move to a Higher Deductible

The deductible is the amount you pay on a claim before the insurance company pays. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your insurance costs significantly. For example, increasing your deductible from $250 to $500 could decrease your comprehensive and collision coverage cost by as much as 30 percent. Switching to a $1,000 deductible can reduce your expense by 40 percent or more. Just keep in mind, if there is a claim you are going to need to come up with that amount in order to get your car repaired. However, remember that the deductible is for the damages to your own car, rarely is there any deductible for the car that you "Hit".

3. Decrease Coverage on Older Cars

When your car was new, of course you purchased "Full Coverage' to protect your investment. However if your car is no longer a "late model" or does not have a value over $3,000.00, consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage. Ask your agent to provide you with a quote both with and without these coverages. Your agent can tell you the Blue book value of your car.

4. Ask about Alarm Discounts

Does your car have any anti theft devices? Most cars today do have both passive and active systems. Most insurance companies will give you a discount of your insurance if your car is so equipped. The discount can be as much as 20% of the comprehensive portion of your policy. It is important that you let your agent know.

5. Exclude a driver

Not all drivers are created equal when it comes to car insurance. The rates on teen drivers are much higher than drivers in their 30s or 40s. If you have young drivers in the household that do not drive your car, you can save a considerable sum by taking them off your policy. A word of caution: If you exclude a driver from your policy and they do take your car out for a spin and have an accident; you will not be covered for that loss.

6. Part-Time Drivers

Most companies give a discounted rate for a part-time or occasional driver. This is of no use if the part time driver is an older driver, but can make a dramatic difference when the part time driver is a young driver. But remember to ask your agent, and not assume they gave you the discount.

7. Maintain a Good Credit Record

It might seem that is no connection between "Good Credit" and low insurance costs, but many insurance companies will now run credit reports each time you apply for a quote on your car insurance. Many people would be surprised to learn that a "Bad Credit Score" can raise your insurance rate more than having speeding tickets. Not all companies credit score; always ask the agent if they are going to run your credit. If a representative asks you for your social security number, assume they are planning on running a credit check. Verify your credit record on a periodically to check for any errors.

8. Check Your Driving Record

I have had clients whose driving record show accidents and tickets that were inaccurate. Such mistakes happen more frequently than many agents or representatives at the Security of State are willing to admit. These mistakes can significantly increase the cost of your insurance. Check your credit record on a from time to time to check for any errors.

9. Shop Before You Buy The Car

Insurance carriers heavily surcharge some cars, motorcycles or trucks. That means that even though two cars that have the same value, might have dramatically different insurance rates.
After you buy the car, you might find that the monthly insurance payment is more than the monthly car payment. This is particularly true for the combination of young drivers and high performance cars.

10. Don't Put In The Small Claim

Insurance works best when it is used for which it was intended- to protect you against major financial losses. Insurance companies today share loss information through a central network. As a result these losses follow you from company to company. Companies count "Frequency" as well as total pay-out; so if you have $600 in damages and a $500 deductible
It might be wise to avoid having the claim on your record.

Larry Lubell is President of Urban Insurance Agency. He has been providing insurance advice to his clients for over 20 years. Urban Insurance Agency specializes in auto insurance including SR22 Filing, commercial vehicle insurance and Motorcyle Insurance. For more information visit http://www.urbaninsuranceagency.com

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Car Insurance Basics: The Basics of Car Insurance Made Easy

What is car insurance? Car insurance is essentially insurance that covers you, your passengers, and your car in case of an accident. Most states require that car owners carry liability coverage in their car insurance policy. Liability insurance covers expenses incurred for damaging another vehicle with your own when you are at fault. This means that if you are in a vehicular accident and your car caused the damage, then the liability piece of your car insurance will cover the damages according to the terms of your policy.

Your car insurance premium (cost) is made up of several different factors. Those include your age, driving record, gender, vehicle type, vehicle age, geographic location, number of miles you put on your vehicle yearly, the deductibles (collision and comprehensive), etc.

What is collision coverage? Collision coverage is the portion of your car insurance that will pay you to repair or replace your vehicle in the case of a covered accident. What is comprehensive coverage? Comprehensive coverage is the portion of your car insurance that helps pay for damages to your vehicle that are incurred as a result of situations such as weather, theft, and vandalism.

As with all insurance, car insurance policies carry a deductible. The deductible amount is the portion of the claim that you as the policy holder are responsible for paying. For example, if you carry a $250 collision deductible and you cause a wreck that requires $1000 worth of repairs to your vehicle, then you will pay the first $250 and the car insurance company will cover the remaining $750. Car insurance costs go up as you lower your deductible. If you are willing to carry a higher deductible, then your car insurance will be less expensive.

Another item to keep in mind is that as your car ages and its value declines your car insurance premium will decrease in price. This assumes that you keep a good driving record and do not get any tickets or get in to any accidents. Also, as you car gets older you can reduce the amount of coverage that you have in your car insurance policy. Many people believe there is no need to carry anything more than liability coverage on a car that is old and not worth much anyway. It is always up to you, but it is definitely something to consider.

Car insurance is typically charged at a six month rate. This allows you and the car insurance company to make adjustments a couple times a year. You can pay the premium of your car insurance once every six months or you can break the payments up in to a schedule that is more suitable to you. Many people make payments once a month. Keep in mind that car insurance companies are willing to let you do monthly payments, but they charge a higher rate on a month-to-month payment than they do for the six month total. For example, your six month rate may be $600, but if you make monthly payments, then you are charged $120 per month.

There are several companies that offer car insurance so you have plenty of choices.

Jason D. Barrett is currently focused on writing articles for InfoBriefs.com (Brief reports on several topics), ChildInsure.com (Child Insurance), and ScoutTechnology.com.

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