SpotInsurance.blogspot.com | Insurance

Spot Insurance

2009-10-12T10:55:00.001-07:00

Auto Insurance

The easiest way to buy auto insurance. Any car, any driver, any age; get instant side-by-side quotes from the best insurance companies. You can bind your policy online, print your ID card and drive away.

Home Insurance

Homeowners insurance provides protection for your house as well as the items located inside. It also serves as liability protection against injuries which may occur on their property.

Life Insurance

Get an affordable, high-payout policy instantly. No exams. No hassles. No worries

Business Insurance

Whether you're a contractor, restaurant owner, art studio, or just about anything else, our specialized agents examine your business, explain your coverage options, and get you a tailored solution.

Van & Truck Insurance

Commercial vehicles are the lifeline of your business. We're experts in getting everything from small minivans to 18-wheelers insured with the right coverage, quickly, and cost-effectively.

Health Insurance

Compare quotes for family, individual or business health insurance. Save time and money.

Defensive Driving

Take a defensive driving course from the luxury of your own home. All you need is an Internet connected PC to take this course completely online and save up to 10% on your insurance.

5 Challenges of the New Boomer

2009-06-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

The nearly 78 million baby boomers in America have long been a huge target for life insurance professionals, as well as everyone else seeking to sell to this unprecedented demographic. Better educated and more successful than any other generation, boomers have enjoyed the enormous benefits of the burgeoning ranks of those known as “professionals.”

5 Challenges of the New Boomer
Source: Life Insurance Selling

More tips on avoiding lemon pre-owned/ used cars

2009-03-22T15:49:00.001-07:00

This is a continuation on last week's post, on how to avoid your chances of purchasing a lemon pre-owned/used car. The same disclaimer applies; this is not legal advice, but are mere suggestions. Although I handle Texas lemon law cases, I do not handle pre-owned or used car cases.

- Get a mechanic's inspection. Purchasing a vehicle is arguably the second most costliest item that most consumers buy in their lifetime. As a consumer, you do not purchase vegetables at your local grocery with blindfolds on,...the same logic applies in purchasing lemon cars. Without a mechanic's expert opinion, it is difficult to determine the condition of the vehicle underneath the hood. My lemon law office gets at least one call a day of unsuspecting car owners who subsequently learn that their 2007 Dodge Caravan has a 2005 engine or component on it.

- Bring a friend during your visit to the dealership. During my pre-lasik surgery days, my friends always advise that four eyes are usually better than two. Buying a vehicle can be stressful and it is a good idea to have your friend look for potential red flags and defect cover-ups while you talk to the used car salesman.

All in all, good luck!

How to Avoid Buying a Texas Lemon Car Online

2009-03-22T15:46:00.001-07:00

Internet shopping is more commonplace than ever before and, surprisingly, people are even making large purchases online. Real estate is being sold on the Internet, for instance, and there are many online car dealerships that are finding great success on the Web. Although convenient, making an expensive purchase through a virtual store has its risks. If you are buying a car online through a Texas dealership, you need to take extra precautions to avoid purchasing a lemon.

Remember, if you are buying through a Texas dealership online, you are still protected by the Texas Lemon Law. However, you need to be even more cautious when purchasing a car that you won't be test-driving beforehand. To some, this kind of business transaction sounds ludicrous. However, many people have found some fantastic deals online. By proceeding with caution and following these tips, you can avoid buyer's remorse.

* Research the car you are about to purchase. What is its market value? What are the common complaints about this year and model? If this car is known for certain mechanical issues, you need to know this so you can inquire further.

* Research the seller you are dealing with. If this person / dealership has a bad reputation, it is better to find out beforehand.

* Make sure you have seen many detailed and recent photographs of the car. You will want to see the exterior, interior and under the hood. Request more photographs if necessary.

* If the car is used, purchase an auto history report in order to confirm that the car has never sustained any documented flooding or damage.

* If you are not able to examine the car in person, consider having a third-party mechanic look the car over on your behalf. This will cost money, of course, but may save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Purchasing a car online has its risks and rewards. Remember, the Texas Lemon Law will protect your consumer rights. However, it is preferable that you do all you can to avoid buying a Texas lemon car to begin with. If you feel you have found a great deal on an online vehicle, carefully heed the above advice.

Lesson learned from Texas Lemon Law Hearing

2009-03-22T15:40:00.001-07:00

Four months ago, a friend of mine called my office four days before his scheduled administrative hearing with the Texas Department of Transportation regarding his lemon vehicle. I asked him to forward the documents to my office before I agreed to attend the hearing with him.

Upon receiving the documents, I noticed that my friend's file did not include a copy of the notice letter to the car manufacturer. I asked my friend about this and he told me that when he called the 1 800 lemon law number to the Texas Department of Transportation, he spoke with a representative from the department and the person on the phone told him that he did not need to mail the manufacturer any.

I ended up attending the hearing with my friend anyways. At the hearing, the administrative judge focused on the fact my friend failed to provide written notice to the manufacturer. Further, the administrative judge stated that because of the failure to provide the manufacturer with a 30 day notice, that my friend also did not provide the manufacturer with a final opportunity to cure.

Several days ago, my friend told me that he received the proposed decision from the administrative judge in the mail. It looks like the proposed decision is to dismiss the case simply due to my friend's failure to send a written notice demand letter. At the end of the day, the lesson to be learned by this is that all consumers who plan on filing a case with the DOT should send a written notice letter to the manufacturer as soon as possible. I recommend making a copy of the notice letter and sending is USPS certified mail with return receipt requested (RRR).

Making a demand or waiting for a car insurance offer | Spot Insurance Claims Information

2009-03-19T08:07:00.001-07:00

Whether you begin the claims process with a demand letter, or wait for an offer from the insurance company depends on your situation. People often have no idea what their claim is worth unless they consult with an attorney. However, if it’s a small case with minor injuries, low medical bills, no extenuating circumstances, you may not want an attorney to share in your small settlement. If you’re determined to handle it yourself, it’s probably better to allow the adjuster to evaluate it and make you an offer. Although the offer may be low, it will likely be on the low side of a reasonable range. You can always make a counter-demand for a higher figure. Provide the adjuster with all of the information she has requested, along with any other documentation that might affect the value of the claim, so she can make an offer based on your best evidence.

If, however, you have a general idea what your claim is worth, it would be prudent to draft a demand letter including all the relevant information and documentation (medical bills and reports, proof of lost wages, receipts for other expenses, etc.) and close with a demand for settlement and a time limit within which to respond.

A word of caution if you are handling your own claim: The general public is not trained to evaluate accident claims. Adjusters have the education and training required, but their job also includes saving money for the insurance company and settling claims as quickly and as cheaply as possible. If you are handling the claim yourself, and time is not an issue, go slowly and negotiate wisely. Don’t jump at the first offer, and come down very gradually, allowing the adjuster to come up.

CAUTION: If time is of the essence for you, i.e. if you are running up against the statute of limitations for settling or filing a lawsuit, and it doesn’t settle for what you believe to be a reasonable amount right away, you will need to contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.

Negotiating your car accident insurance settlement |Spot Insurance Claims Information

2009-03-19T08:06:00.001-07:00

After a car accident, if you have made a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company for either property damage to your vehicle, bodily injury, or both, at some point, after providing the adjuster with all of the requested documentation, you will need to negotiate a settlement of your claim. Often, the adjuster will be the one to make the first move and offer you a settlement amount. If you have a definite opinion on the value of your claim, however, you don’t have to wait for his or her offer. You can write a demand letter with the figure you believe your claim is worth. (See Settling Your Car Insurance Claim: How to Write a Demand Letter.) The adjuster will respond in due course with a counter-offer. If you come to an agreement on a figure - great! It’s settled. (See The Initial Steps in Settling Your Car Insurance Claim.)

Suppose, however, that the adjuster makes an offer much lower than you counted on. (See When the Adjuster’s Offer is Too Low.) Note that adjusters have a settlement range and will typically begin at the lowest figure. Their job is to settle the claim for the least possible amount of money. You may venture into back-and-forth negotiations for a while, but no matter how long you have been negotiating, when he gets to the top of his range, there will be no further offers. (See Settling Your Car Insurance Claim: How Long Should It Take.) What happens if you reach an impasse? (See Negotiating Your Car Insurance Settlement.)

Here are some options to bring your claim closer to settlement, even if you have reached an impasse:

* Seek advice from an car accident lawyer to determine if the settlement amount you have in mind is a reasonable amount based on the facts and documentation.

* If you want to continue negotiating on your own without an attorney, write a letter to the insurance company to support the value you have placed on your claim. You may want to include any additional documentation and/or information not previously provided.

* Go up the chain of command and speak to the adjuster’s supervisor or manager. Adjusters get their dollar authority to settle from their higher-ups and may not have convinced them the claim is worth more than what is being offered. Perhaps you can convince them.

* Request alternative dispute resolution (mediation or arbitration).

* File a Complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance.

* Hire an attorney to continue the negotiations for you; most people are not born negotiators.

If your car accident attorney reaches an impasse and is convinced your case has greater value than the insurance company is assigning it, that’s when you file a lawsuit against the negligent driver to have the court decide.

Note that if you are having trouble resolving a claim with your own insurance company, for example, an uninsured motorist claim or a collision claim where your vehicle was deemed a total loss, you also have options. You may not only file a complaint with the Department of Insurance, but you may sue your insurance company for Bad Faith. (See When You Can’t Resolve a Dispute With Your Insurance Company.) Be sure to hire an attorney who is well versed in insurance bad faith cases.

Cheap DUI Insurance | Spot Insurance

2009-03-14T07:43:00.001-07:00

Do you need guidance with your DWI insurance? If you have been convicted of driving under the influence and your car insurance provider has canceled your coverage you really need to get help, and get it soon.

People make mistakes, but insurance providers are not in the business of helping people overcome their obstacles and get back on their feet.
Drunk driving insurance in hard to get don't get my wrong, but it is not totally impossible. It seems that the media, and the police in general are trying to make a statement to the public that drunk driving has serious financial consequences.

This only comes at a time when Driving Under the Influence or (DUI / DWI) arrests and alcohol related convictions are projected to increase sharply this due in part to recent large scale job lay offs, business closures, investment scares, and the overall dismal U.S & global economic mood, as studies that date back as far as 2001 seem to show
Many drivers find it extremely difficult to get possession of their drivers license back after a drunk driving conviction Finding a willing car insurance company or lawyer to file an SR-22 certificate for them poses an even bigger challenge, as not all insurance companies in every state requiring an SR-22 are allowed to do so.

Just a small amount of insurance companies and Internet websites provide individuals the ability to search and compare DUI accepted car insurance rates within their respective cities or states that can help them file an SR-22 form. It also allows them to search for low cost auto insurance rates, and be able to compare rates from many different companies conveniently and in real time.

The SR22 certificate is basically a form submitted by an authorized car insurance carrier on behalf of a driver or car owner seeking auto insurance coverage. This certificate will then be handed over to the states DMV office and gives proof of that driver's financial capability.
This form basically says that the car insurance carrier will pay anyone that may be injured as well as properties they may damage in case of an car accident.
This is a very effective method for the state to monitor drivers with histories of unsatisfactory driving habits and violations.

Drunk driving is still one of the nations most complex problems. It is also one of the main reasons for filing an SR-22. Punishments and fines for this kind of violation remains severe, especially for repeat offenders.

Most states also require an SR-22 auto insurance coverage to be maintained for two or three years, some even require individuals to continue maintaining their status even after moving to another state.

I encourage anyone required to carry this special form of car insurance to start comparing rates today and don't take no for an answer.

Dangers on the Road to Look Out For To Avoid Having an Accident

2009-03-14T07:31:00.001-07:00

We all are live in a fast pace world. Technology has made things far easier for us but at the same time increased linked possible risk. As the numbers of motor vehicles are increasing on the road we come to know about many accident stories every day. A lot of modern cars offer new safety features which guarantee safety of the passengers. The roads are also being optimized to make sure an improved driving experience and more protection.
The question is why we come across numerous accidents on daily basis? The answer provides different factors that are held responsible for these accidents. When we cautiously go through all the reasons, we will quickly become aware of that we merely are responsible for these occurrences. Irrespective of how difficult the climate and road conditions are, we should be attentive while driving. Not every person is blessed with good driving sense, but it does not imply you can't learn it.

The First thing to do is to drive slowly; it would make possible for you to scan the area around you with no difficulty. You always have good amount of time to act in response to any action. Most of the accidents take place because of over-speeding and overtaking. Keep in mind not to drive very slowly, at all times follow the road signs, and retain the speed accordingly.
Children are many times a victim of an accident, because they don't have good sense of crossing the road. In modern countries where education is excellent, children are advised by traffic rules and regulations and how they should cross the road. Still, we see children suffer an injury because of road accident. It is advisable to slow down your car whenever you see a child standing on the other side of the road; keep in mind he/she can run anytime without noticing you. Similar is the case with old people, as they have limited vision and weak legs to move on, you should give them honor and respect by slowing or stopping your car.
Always keep the 360 degree cushion space from the vehicle in front of you. Keep an eye on the big picture out front, and don't forget to plan an escape route if the car in front suddenly hits the brakes.

Be very cautious from a person who is driving fixing a cell phone on his/her ears. These people don't drive with full attention, and there is great probability they move or turn around without giving an indicator. These drivers are more susceptible to meet accidents as they don't follow road signs. This is the main cause of restricting the use of cell phone whilst driving.

When you are going to overtake or switch your lane, always use lifesaver glance. Lifesaver glance is known to be a glance over your right shoulder to choose any blind spot area. This will assist you to maneuver effortlessly. I have come across a lot of accidents because of turning blindly; so be very really careful.

It is advisable to focus away from the danger to avoid "target fixation." When you focus hard anything on the road, you tend to drive towards it. Our brains always caution us to keep an eye on the potential danger, so don't concentrate on vehicles coming towards you or things like trees and polls on the road. Always lock your eyes on a safe point and drive towards it.

Car insurance and renting a car in Canada, Europe and Mexico | SpotInsurance

2009-03-12T00:39:00.001-07:00

Your car insurance generally covers you when renting a car in the U.S. and Canada. In fact, both countries usually recognize the same liability, comprehensive and collision coverage limits on your current policy (less the deductibles, of course). Unfortunately, it’s not the same everywhere.

Mexico. Most American car insurance companies provide auto insurance coverage for driving within Mexican border areas only. Mexican auto liability laws lend themselves to purchasing insurance from the Mexican rental company. Check out Auto Europe’s Mexico site for rental information in Mexico.

Europe. Your American auto insurance policy is usually not valid in Europe. Therefore, it is best to purchase the insurance offered. Keep in mind that many foreign and third world countries don’t recognize standard insurance regulations, so make sure to ask if your insurance will be recognized in the countries you plan to visit. Check out Auto Europe for rental information in many European countries.

A note on credit cards. Most drivers don’t realize that their credit cards may also provide you with additional auto insurance if you use the card to pay for the rental. Check the terms of your credit card to see if additional coverage is provided.

Check your policy first! Before renting a car anywhere, check your policy language to make sure you are covered. If you do purchase insurance (the complete package, part of the package or any additional required coverage), make sure you know the charges you would be responsible for should an accident occur. It’s worth a couple extra minutes at the rental desk! For information about auto insurance and the law, check out our FreeAdvice.

How my car model affects my insurance rates? | Spot Insurance

2009-03-04T11:13:00.001-08:00

Insurance rates are certainly affected by the type of car you drive, but probably for different reasons than you think. Most of us think that if you drive a sports or high performance car, you will pay more for insurance. While that may be true, it is not always the rule. In fact, comprehensive and collision insurance premiums are mainly calculated by looking at the vehicle’s loss history, which is how often that model is stolen and how much it costs to repair or replace it after an accident.

How it works. Most insurers use actuarial companies that rate cars on several factors to determine the cost of comprehensive and collision coverage needed to minimize an insurer’s risk. The ISO, or Insurance Services Office, is the main actuarial company used by many insurers to obtain those rates. Basically, the ISO assigns each vehicle a risk number and insurers then use that number to price their policies. Unfortunately, these numbers are not made available to the public.

Get a rate beforehand! Even though many of these ratings are not publicly available, consumers can still beat the system by contacting an insurer BEFORE purchasing a car to find out what it will cost to insure that car. For a free quote, go to the Auto Insurance Center.

Special not on SUVs. Aside from high performance and sports cars, insurers are beginning to pass along insurance charges on sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to their consumers as tests have shown that SUV’s generally cause more damage when in accidents than passenger cars – something to consider when you are shopping for vehicles. http://spotinsurance.blogspot.com/

Is there a certain amount of life insurance i'm required to buy?

2009-02-28T13:02:00.001-08:00

Although there are “rules of thumb” such as your life insurance should be 10 times or 20 times or some other multiple of your annual income, the best approach is to consider your own personal needs so that your survivors have adequate life insurance proceeds to meet their financial needs in the event of your death.

To estimate how much money may be needed, you should make a list and estimate the expenses that need to be covered. This could include the cost of paying funeral expenses and the amounts that your spouse and young children need for mortgage payments, household expenses, education, etc.

If you have difficulty drawing up this list, you can seek the advice of a financial planner - preferably one who charges a fee but does not sell products. Or, you can use the “calculators” that are available on many financial and insurance company websites.
The end result of this process is to estimate the amount of life insurance you should have in order to provide adequately for your dependents and survivors.

Of course, this amount will usually change over time due to life changes. Therefore, it is good idea to periodically review your numbers to make sure that they are up-to-date.

Why does a business owner need to consider risks? | Spot Insurance

2009-02-28T12:57:00.001-08:00

Running a business is inherently risky. Many factors outside the control of the business owner can influence the success or failure of the enterprise and a high percentage of new businesses fail within a few months of inception. Even large and successful businesses can succumb to changing conditions.

Consider what has happened to some of the largest companies in industries such as automobiles, telecommunications, computers, and railroads. To improve the probability of success, the management of a business should think about potential risks and how to offset them.

The losses to a business caused by increased expenses or decreased revenues could threaten the livelihood of the owner or owners. A realistic analysis of the risks inherent in the business and a plan for dealing with them will protect the business from unanticipated losses and disruptions to its flow of income.

I’ve decided to buy insurance online, But which site should I use? | Buying Auto Insurance

2009-02-18T00:52:00.001-08:00

Countless numbers of people are now making the move to online insurance shopping in order to save time and money. But with so many ads and websites, how do you know which one to go to?
I took a look at five websites that offer insurance: Progressive.com, Insurance.com, Esurance.com, Insweb.com, and NetQuote.com. Here are my thoughts, for each one, on whether or not they will save you time and money and offer good service should you need to make a claim. After all, that’s why we buy insurance, isn’t it?

Insurance.com
Insurance.com is an insurance broker. You enter the requested information, and they obtain quotes for you from various insurance companies. Similar to Priceline.com, you won’t know who the insurers are until you get your quotes.
I found Insurance.com difficult to navigate. Their home page gives you too much information all at once and they don’t hide the fact that all they want to do is sell, sell, sell you insurance of all different kinds. This site needlessly asks for more personal information than any of the other sites I looked at. As a result, it took a lot longer to obtain any quotes.
A word to the wise about shopping for insurance and anything else online: Read the privacy policy. This tells you whether or not your personal information is protected, used, sold, etc. Insurance.com has different privacy policies for different types of insurance.
Unfortunately, Insurance.com did not provide me with much of a savings over what I pay now. Furthermore, not one mention is made of customer service following the sale—service, of course, will depend on which carrier you wind up with. Go to More Info on Insurance.com for a more detailed review.

NetQuote.com
NetQuote.com is a little different from the other online brokers in that they work with a group of insurance agents to whom they give your contact information. Then the agents contact you by phone or e-mail. NetQuote appears to be set up to assist agents in finding customers. The benefit is that you get quotes from several agents and have a “person” to talk to.
As with Insurance.com, there is no mention of service after the sale. The one positive is that if you’ve never purchased insurance before, you’ll have numerous agents to speak to and ask questions. Read their privacy policy even though it is several pages long.
Go to More Info on NetQuote.com for a more detailed review.

Progressive.com
Progressive Insurance sells insurance via brokers, but their website, Progressive.com, will sell it directly to you over the Internet. They distract you on their very busy home page with a scrolling list of rate comparisons. Unlike some of the other sites, they do state their privacy policy clearly and it’s a must read, especially if you’re insuring a commercial vehicle.
Progressive.com brags about offering quotes in about eight minutes. Plan on about a half hour-- they ask a lot of questions. You will get comparisons to other companies when you finally get your quotes.
It is clear that Progressive has integrity. Their rate comparisons show that Progressive is not always the lowest. Still, there were some technical problems on their site, so it leaves me speculating on whether their rates are accurate. On the claims side, Progressive has the brand recognition and is known within the industry for having good service. I was not tremendously impressed with the website, but their integrity and service still make me want to give them a chance.
Go to More Info on Progressive.com for a more detailed review.

Insweb.com
Insweb.com is an online insurance broker in the same mold as Insurance.com. The difference is that their site is very user friendly and they only ask questions necessary to obtain quotes without asking too much. Unlike some other sites, they don’t find a need to boast about their speed; they just quickly provide quotes (in about 8 minutes) from several highly rated insurance companies without a hard sell approach. I received quotes from nine companies, many of which would save me hundreds of dollars over my present carrier. I received one follow-up phone call from Insweb to go over the best quote and to ask me if I had any questions. There is also some very useful information on the site about how to assess the amount of insurance you need.
Go to More Info on Insweb.com for a more detailed review.

Esurance.com
Esurance.com was probably the easiest to use of the five I looked at. It is not an insurance broker. It is a highly rated insurance company that sells directly to you over the Internet. If you are new to buying insurance, you will especially appreciate their 24/7 customer service both online and by phone. They will give you a quote very quickly (I got mine in 9 minutes), and the prices were not bad at all. They also provide you with rate comparisons for a few other insurance companies. They do appear to exaggerate a bit on how much they’ll save you, but they will save you some money.
Esurance.com, like Insweb, has a wealth of information on their site to educate you about insurance. They take pride in their claims handling and their auto repair program, which aims to get you back on the road fast. The only thing I didn’t care for on the site is their cartoon character advertising. Don’t bother clicking on it. Otherwise, this is a good site for insurance shopping.

Go to More Info on Esurance.com for a more detailed review.
This should steer you in the right direction and get you started shopping for insurance online. Once you read a bit about what you’re looking for, and get your quotes, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and get a good deal for quality service. That’s the goal.

Buying car insurance: using an agent vs. Buying direct | Buying Auto Insurance

2009-02-18T00:49:00.001-08:00

The choice between buying auto insurance through an agent or directly from the insurance company is really a matter of personal preference. The bottom line is using someone that will give you the best deal with the least amount of hassle. Sometimes a local insurance agent is best – especially if that same agent carries policies for your home, business or life insurance and can combine coverages to save you money and time. In the same vein, going directly to the company can sometimes be easier – especially now that insurers like Geico, Progressive, e-surance.com and Allstate offer online options to get quotes and purchase insurance within minutes.

How much service do you need? If you know what kind of insurance you want, don’t need advice and are savvy with filing claims, then going directly to the company is probably for you. However, if you don’t know what kind or how much insurance you need, an agent may be able to provide you with more personalized service, more advice on policy limits and more assistance should you need to file a claim. If you do decide to use an agent, keep in mind that there are independent agents (or brokers) – those that shop around to several different insurance companies for the best deal, and exclusive agents – those that have exclusive relationships with one or a few, specific insurance companies. Each type has value depending upon your needs, but make sure you know what kind of agent they are before you give them your business.

Car insurance: how to get the best deal with a bad driving record | Buying Auto Insurance

2009-02-18T00:48:00.001-08:00

So you have a bad driving record? Don’t despair – there are ways you can still save money on your car insurance. Before we tell you how to do that, consider ways of improving your driving record such as being more cautious, obeying speed limits and traffic signs and signals and paying your bills on time (your credit history may be directly related to how much you pay in insurance premiums). That being said, there are ways to save money on your premiums now.

Reduce the amount of insurance you carry. This may sound simple, but consider driving a less expensive car where you don’t need to carry certain types of coverage, such as comprehensive (which covers your vehicle, and sometimes other vehicles you may be driving for losses resulting from incidents other than collision, such as fire and flood), and collision (which covers damage to your car when your car hits, or is hit by, another vehicle or other object and pays to fix your vehicle). You can also decrease the amount of liability insurance you carry as long as you carry the minimum amount prescribed by your state law. However, beware of decreasing your amount of liability coverage if you own other assets, such as a home or business, as a serious accident could put those assets in jeopardy if damages exceed your liability coverage.

Other tips. High risk drivers should realize that most insurance companies will not hold your past against you forever. In fact, insurers may consider you a good risk with a two or three year record of having no points against you – and even sooner if you bring your credit rating from the red to the black. But don’t lie to insurer about your record when applying for insurance. Most insurers have sixty (60) days to investigate your background. If they find out you lied, they’ll cancel your policy immediately and you may have an even harder time getting insurance in the future.

Shop around. High risk drivers, more than anyone, should shop around for the best rates. When shopping for insurance, keep in mind that there are many insurance companies that specialize in high risk drivers. Unfortunately, many say that they will insure anyone, but they may not be able to save you money.

Why you should compare auto insurance company rates anually? | Buying Auto Insurance

2009-02-18T00:45:00.001-08:00

Auto Insurance companies are always looking for reasons to increase what you pay for auto insurance. If you have an accident. If you have a teen driver. If you file certain types of claim. If you don't have a garage. If you buy a car that happens statistically to be stolen more often. If you change jobs and have a longer commute to work. These are all reasons that an insurance company may decide gives them the right to raise your auto insurance premium. The only way for you to stop them from increasing your rates is to make them compete for your business. As in all negotiations, Information is Power and more importantly, you have to be willing to Walk Away from a bad relationship.

INFORMATION IS POWER - The Internet provides consumers the opportunity to learn about their insurance options. First of all, you can get multiple insurance quotes without having to talk to an insurance agent or sales representative. There are many sites now that allow you to provide driver, vehicle, claims and violations information online in order to show you

insurance quotes from multiple companies. You can also visit each company site individually and request a single quote from each. You should be wary of individual companies that promise to give you other company's rates, in insurance, there are people they want to sell policies to and people they don't want to sell policies to, can you really trust them to provide quote information that isn't in their company's best interest. Secondly, just because you shop online with out talking to an agent doesn't mean you have to buy online without talking to an agent. Most online services give you the option of talking to a licensed agent before you buy.

WALKING AWAY - if you aren't willing to end a bad relationship, then the abuse will never end. We need to show insurance companies that they can't just raise rates when ever they feel like it. Insurance companies know that a rate increase will only motivate a small number of their policyholders to look else where. They count on your apathy. Don't let them get away with it. Shop your auto insurance today.

What Comprises a Motorcycle Insurance Quote?

2009-01-30T05:58:00.002-08:00

By: Trevor Mulholland
A motorcycle insurance quote is based on the type of insurance coverage
a motorcyclist requires. The most basic element of an insurance quote
for motorbikes is the liability coverage which includes coverage for
bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property
damage coverage per accident. It is always a good idea to obtain more
extensive liability insurance than what the law requires because
drivers can sue other drivers who injure them in accidents and minimum
liability insurance does not cover this risk.

If a rider causes
an accident, collision insurance will cover the cost of motorcycle
repair. Collision coverage is the most expensive component of a
motorcycle insurance quote. A higher deductible can result to a lower
premium. The cost of replacing a motorcycle or repairing damages with
materials of similar kind and quality, without removing depreciation,
is the replacement cost. Depreciation is the estimated value of the
vehicle when wear and tear is taken into account. Insurance companies
would declare a motorcycle a total loss when the repair costs exceed a
given percentage of the motorcycle's worth.

Comprehensive
coverage, on the other hand, pays for motorcycle damages that are not
due to an accident. This covers anywhere from damages caused by theft,
fire, vandalism, disasters to hitting an animal on the road. It is wise
to check a motorcycle's book value as insurance companies do not
normally pay more than this particular value.

Another part of
the insurance package for motorcycles is the medical payments that
cover the medical expenses incurred by the rider and his passenger, if
any. The expenses can come from accidents while riding one's own
motorcycle or someone else's with permission. It also covers injuries
incurred as pedestrians. Expanded forms of this coverage include
personal injury protection and broader no-fault coverage, which may pay
for lost income and child care.

Meanwhile, coverage for
uninsured and underinsured motorists pays for injuries incurred by a
rider if he figures in an accident where the other party or parties
have no insurance. Some companies even provide coverage for property
damage. Other supplemental coverage products are also offered by
companies either as part of the master policy or as separate premium
items. These could include rental reimbursement, towing and labor costs
and gap coverage for a new motorcycle. The last item pays for the
difference in the actual cash value of the insured motorcycle and the
amount left on its financing if it was declared a total loss in an
accident.

Most consumers would admit to not fully understanding
a motorcycle insurance quote that is provided for them when purchasing
insurance for their motorcycle. People tend to focus on the bottom line
figure giving little or not attention to how this figure was arrived
at. It would be wise to gain an understanding of the basic features of
a motorcycle insurance policy if only to realize that the money paid
for the premium is indeed well spent.

Motorcycle-coverage.com
provides you with information on motorcycle insurance quote, motorcycle
insurance, progressive insurance and more to help you make an informed
decision about your insurance

Where to Get Online Motorcycle Insurance Quote

2009-01-30T05:58:00.000-08:00

By: Trevor Mulholland
Getting an online motorcycle insurance quote is very convenient, but
the online motorcycle quote that you get may not be accurate. You may
be in for a surprise if you don’t carefully check the information that
you send in for the quote, and check the information you receive when
you are given a quote.

Start with the information that you are
supplying on the form. If you omit any information, or if you get any
information wrong, the quote that you receive will not be accurate. You
need to remember that this is just a quote. You are not applying for
the insurance, and by supplying wrong information, or omitting
information, you won’t be doing yourself any favors.

You cannot
fool the insurance companies. Omitting information will not get you a
lower rate, because when you actually apply for the insurance, the
insurance company will get a copy of your driving record, and possibly
a copy of your credit report as well. They may require pictures of the
motorcycle, or they may require you to bring the motorcycle to an
agency for inspection. If you’ve omitted any information – whether it
was on purpose or on accident – the insurance company will find out
during the application process.

Most online quote sites don’t
allow for discount information. In other words, if you are eligible for
specific discounts, you won’t see those discounts when the comparisons
are done. You will need to contact the insurance companies for a more
accurate quote that includes your discounts.

After you get your
online motorcycle insurance quote, call the insurance companies for a
more accurate quote, and apply for the insurance over the telephone if
possible, as opposed to applying online. This way you can be sure that
you are getting the most accurate quote possible.

Motorcycle-coverage.com
strives to provide you with the latest information on motorcycle
insurance. From insurance quotes to consumer experiences. Come and see
for yourself at: http://www.motorcycle-coverage.com (Motorcycle
insurance)

Motorcycle Insurance Tips And Basic Information To Help Speed The Process Of Obtaining Insurance Up

2009-01-30T05:56:00.003-08:00

By: Tim Gorman
Riding a motorcycle can be a really invigorating experience - the wind
blowing through your hair as your cruise along the road in beautiful
weather. No cares in the world, just the smell of leather in your
nostrils. If you've decided you want to get a piece of this great
lifestyle, but don't know where to start, then this article is for you

One
of the first things you need to do before hopping on your motorcycle
and riding off into the sunset is to make sure you're insured. Yes, I
know this sounds a little mundane and boring, but it's vital. Companies
that offer motorcycle insurance are going to be looking at a few
specific things before they issue a policy. So here are a few tips to
help you make sure you have the right information available, so that
you can speed up the process.

The type of bike you ride is one
of the most important factors the insurance company will consider.
Motorcycle insurance is no different to getting insurance for your car
or boat in this respect. Insurance companies don't necessarily care
about whether or not they think you'll end up getting in a wreck, but
they certainly want to know how much it's going to cost them to either
repair or replace your bike. So both the cost of the bike and its level
of safety features make a big difference to the premium you pay.

If
your bike has lots of fancy add-ons, then you can almost guarantee
you'll pay more for your insurance coverage. That's because the insurer
has more to replace in the event of an accident. So if you want to save
a few bucks, then it might be worth giving the various bike accessories
a miss for now. Flashy tools, lights and various pieces of machinery
can look cool, but the insurance company isn't impressed by cool - they
just add up the cost and increase your premium accordingly.

The
better known the manufacturer of your bike, the cheaper it will be to
insure. This is because the insurance company has to assess what it's
going to cost to repair your bike in the event of an accident. When a
bike manufacturer is common and well known, then it's going to be much
easier to source replacement parts for the repairs. That means the bike
will be much cheaper to repair than one made by an unknown manufacturer.

For
more information on motorcycle basics to include motorcycle insurance
try visiting MotorCycleSuperGuide.com where you will find information
and helpful resources on motorcycle engines, motorcycle events,
motorcycle gear and choosing motorcycle tires.

Find motorcycle insurance with the right level of cover and at a price you can afford

2009-01-30T05:56:00.001-08:00

By: Terry Ross
Trying to find motorcycle insurance with the right level of cover and
at a price you can afford can become frustrating and time consuming.

There
are so many motorcycle insurance companies out there with quite a
significant range of prices for what can prove to be essentially a
similar package.

The first thing you need to decide is what type
of motorcycle insurance policy you are interested in and obviously your
final decision will most probably be based on cost.

The most
basic motorcycle insurance you can get is ‘Bodily Injury & Property
Damage Liability’. This level of motorcycle insurance is a legal
requirement and covers your legal liability for third party damage and
bodily injury in the event of an accident. It will not cover the cost
of repair of your own motorcycle.

If you want motorcycle
insurance that will cover the cost of repair to your motorcycle if in
an accident and pay you for the cost of replacing your motorcycle in
the event of fire or theft then you need to take out a Comprehensive
Motorcycle Insurance Policy.

You can take out ‘Uninsured
Motorcycle Insurance’ which will cover you for the cost of medical care
and loss of earnings in the event of being hit by an uninsured driver.
Uninsured insurance will also cover the repair costs for your
motorcycle up to your insured limit in the event of being hit by
someone who is not insured.

It’s advisable to make sure that you
include medical payments in your motorcycle insurance policy which will
usually cover you in the event of a motorcycle accident regardless of
who is at fault. Medical payments insurance only tend to kick in at the
point when you have no other medical cover.

Comprehensive
motorcycle insurance will normally cover some of the cost of custom
parts but not necessarily all the cost. It is advisable to check this
before taking out motorcycle insurance and if your level of
customisation is not covered take out further Custom Parts Motorcycle
Insurance.

The cost of your motorcycle insurance will vary from
company to company and depend on such things as your age, the length of
time you have been riding a motorcycle and whether or not you have had
any previous accidents or claims. You will generally be able to
influence the cost of your motorcycle insurance to some degree
according to the level of deductibles you choose. The higher the
deductibles the lower the cost of your motorcycle insurance.

It
is definitely a good idea to shop around with quite significant savings
being obtained if you select the right insurance company. Save yourself
some time by doing a lot of the work on the internet, it will be
quicker and easier to compare polices and most motorcycle insurance
companies tend to offer online discounts.

Motorcycle insurance is no different to getting insurance for your car or boat

2009-01-30T05:55:00.001-08:00

By: Tony Harries
Motorcycle insurance is no different to getting insurance for your car
or boat , a minimum amount of coverage is required and you can
customize your policy to suit your needs.

Motorcycle insurance is defined as the insurance of motorcycles and liabilities arising out of the use thereof.

Motorcycle
insurance is a way of sharing the risks of driving between you and your
insurance company. Motorcycle insurance is one of these things you need
to worry about… You need insurance to ride a bike.

Insurance is
not only a sound judgment, but also required by law. Motorcycle
insurance is one of those annual bills that there really is no escaping.

The insurance coverage helps pay for financial losses or obligations resulting from the use or ownership of your motorcycle.

Motorcycle
insurance is specifically designed to give customers the coverage they
need giving them peace of mind out on the open road. The purpose of
motorcycle insurance is to protect you from financial loss if you have
an mishap while driving your motorcycle.

Your motorcycle
insurance is really a contract between you the policyholder and the
motorcycle insurance company. The best way to make sure you're getting
the cheapest possible motorcycle insurance is to do your homework. Of
course, not all policies are the same and the key thing to remember
before buying any type of motorcycle insurance is to always get several
quotes, compare the cover, then choose the policy that best suits you
and the particular motorcycle you want to insure.

The first step
in purchasing motorcycle insurance is to contact your agent or broker
with whom you currently have auto or home insurance. In any case it is
worth getting a quote as it is also perfectly possible that you will be
pleasantly surprised at how affordable the motorcycle insurance is. If
you have a clean licence and are older, then the cost of the motorcycle
insurance is likely to be lower.

Cheap motorcycle insurance is
possible and with the increasing number of insurance agencies
mushrooming all over the country, the cost has steadily declined thanks
to the increase in competition; insurance agencies are constantly vying
with one another to offer the best and cheapest motorcycle insurance
rates.

Insurance is a must for all motorcycles. Insurance rates
vary, taking into account several factors such as the model of the bike
and the owner s age, address, training, bike security, and driving
history, besides others.

Motorcycle Insurance

2009-01-30T05:54:00.001-08:00

By: Steve Dimeck
These days simply being careful while out and about with your bike and
using safety gear is not the only protection you would need.
Motorcycles have a far higher rate of accidents per unit distance than
cars. This is due to the exposed rider and the fact that many
automobile drivers fail to see these smaller vehicles in the traffic
stream.

Also, as the law and lawsuit trials become more and more
"complicated," you might even end up paying for the guy who was talking
on his sell phone while driving, failed to see you and pushed you in
the ditch. Of course, he had a good lawyer. And you, ... well, your
brand new bike is bits and pieces, not to even mention being hurt from
the fall.

So, you either cough up few thousand dollars for the
medical bills and fixing your bike, or contact your insurance to take
care of the bill. Your motorcycle is a major investment, one that is
certainly worth protecting. Making a smart insurance decision is
crucial for your protection and protection of your motorcycle.

However,
choosing the right insurance policy for you is much more like choosing
the right bike. You want it to fit your lifestyle, but at the same time
you want it to fit your budget.

And, better coverage does not
necessarily mean paying more for your insurance. Based on your
motorcycle, driving history, and location, instead of getting the best
rate from one company, you'll need to contact more insurance companies
and get their best rates for your desired coverage. And the key to
finding which coverage is best for you involves learning about all of
the available options.

Although most U.S. states require you to
carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, other types of coverage
are usually optional. Always ask your insurance representative about
which laws apply in your state or city.

Let's look at the different insurance options.

Liability coverage

In
many countries liability insurance is a mandatory form of insurance
since you're at risk of being sued by the injured party being involved
in the accident. Most U.S. states require motorcyclists to carry a
minimum amount of liability in case of third party injuries. However,
insurance experts recommend purchasing as much as three times the
minimum in these times of expensive litigation. Liability coverage
protects you if you (or another person driving your motorcycle with
your permission) injure or kill someone or damage property. Liability
insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you may cause
to other people involved in an accident, up to the limit of liability
you select. It doesn't cover you or your motorcycle. But it gives you a
protection from a lawsuit. Also, find out if your coverage includes
Guest Passenger Liability, which provides protection in the event that
a passenger is injured on the motorcycle. It depends on the laws of
your state and the company issuing the policy.

Collision coverage

While
the liability coverage is required by law, in many cases collision
coverage is optional. Why, you might ask? Collision coverage is the one
that pays for the damage to your motorcycle, and it's optional? We'll
let the lawmakers protect "the other guy" while you need a collision
coverage to pay for the damage to your motorcycle when you collide with
another vehicle or object. It covers the cost to repair or replace your
motorcycle, regardless of who is at fault. You select a deductible, and
once the deductible is met, the insurance company pays for the
remaining damage. Collision insurance usually covers the book value of
the motorcycle before the loss occurred - factory parts. If you get
fancy and add anything extra, like nifty chrome accessories or a custom
paint job, additional coverage will be required for compensation.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive
coverage pays (less the deductible) for damages caused by circumstances
other than accident, such as vandalism, fire, or theft. And again, it
covers only the book value of the motorcycle.

Uninsured motorist coverage

If
the knucklehead who hit your bike is uninsured, this insurance will
cover damages you incur that the "at-fault" party is legally liable
for, such as medical treatment and lost wages. Despite laws requiring
insurance in practically every state, a lot of people are still driving
without even basic liability coverage. The uninsured motorist section
of your policy protects you if you or your passenger is hurt by "one of
those" people. If your uninsured motorist coverage includes property
damage, then your motorcycle would also be covered under the same
circumstances - covering for damage to your motorcycle caused by
someone who does not have insurance. Check with your insurance to see
if property damage is included or needs to be purchased separately.

Underinsured motorist coverage

Underinsured
motorist coverage is similar to the uninsured motorist coverage. This
coverage reimburses you if the person who hit you doesn't have enough
insurance to cover for all of your damages. If your injury expenses
exceed the "at-fault" person's liability limits, you can use
Underinsured Motorists Coverage to pay for the amount not covered by
the person's insurance. Underinsured Motorists coverage is designed to
cover the gap between the other person's liability limits and the
amount of your injury expenses. The trick is that in order for this
coverage to kick in, the other driver has to be declared at fault. In
most states, when blame is in doubt or the amount payable is contested,
you and your insurer have to submit your differences to arbitration.

Medical payments coverage

Medical
Payments coverage pays the cost of necessary medical care you receive
as a result of a motorcycle accident and can be used regardless of who
is at fault. This coverage often is limited. Check with your insurance
company for the specific dollar amount and the number of years that
they will cover after the accident. In some states, medical payments
coverage only applies after other medical insurance is exhausted.

Custom parts and equipment

This
coverage is an addition to your Comprehensive or Collision coverage.
When you have custom parts and equipment on your motorcycle, you can
purchase this additional coverage to cover equipment, up to a dollar
amount defined by the insurance company. Ask your insurance for the
specific custom parts and details that they are willing to cover.
Recommendation: retain photos of the motorcycle and all the receipts
for your custom parts and equipment.

Roadside assistance

Roadside
Assistance coverage provides towing to the nearest qualified repair
facility and necessary labor at the place of disablement when your
motorcycle is disabled due to reasons defined by the insurance company.
Roadside Assistance is sometimes included with your Comprehensive
coverage at no charge. Ask your insurance agent. If not, in most cases
the Roadside Assistance coverage can be purchased at a nominal fee.

Many
factors can play a role in determining what your insurance costs will
be, such as your age, your driving record, where you live, and the type
of motorcycle you own. Unless you're a "high risk" person, there are
ways to keep your costs down so you won't have to pay high rates. Many
insurance companies offer discounts from 10 to 15 percent on motorcycle
insurance for graduates of training courses.

In many northern
states, riders may save money by buying a "lay-up" policy. With a
lay-up policy, all coverage except comprehensive is suspended during
winter months.

About the author: This article was produced by
http://lawyer.bestinfo4you.com - an Attorney Resources and Lawyer
Information website. A great source to find a lawyer or to get more
information for help with your attorney.

Motorcycle Insurance Quote : Motorcycle insurance rates, motorcycle insurance quotes instantly online. Motorcycle insurance, scooter insurance, taxi insurance, van insurance, haulage insurance and fleet insurance quotes. Motorcycle insurance for motorbikes

2009-01-30T05:53:00.001-08:00

By: Seth Miller
Insurance is a must for our motorcycles. Insurance companies pay for
any losses which occur according to the terms of the policy. Most
states require motorcyclists to obtain motorcycle insurance before they
get the bike from the dealer.

Motorcycle insurance can be bought
either online or in person. The first step it to get insurance quotes
from companies. These quotes are given free, either online or by
agents, and usually provide an estimate of the cost of an insurance
policy. Such quotes make it possible to compare prices.

We can
choose insurance policies either through insurance agents or online.
Online insurance options grant immediate access to our policy plan, and
let us file claims and pay our premiums electronically, without any
fuss. Affordable insurance policies are available which enable us to
customize our premium payment plans and pay it monthly or in any
specified way.

Motorcycle insurance can include liability
coverage, medical payments, roadside help, uninsured motorcyclist,
collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, custom parts and equipment,
and more. It is always advisable to have the uninsured or underinsured
motorcyclist insurance.

Insurance rates vary, taking into
account several factors such as the model of the bike and the owner’s
age, address, training, bike security, and driving history, besides
others. For example, a newer model requires more insurance, an
unblemished driving history helps a motorcyclist get discounts, an
address in a high-crime neighborhood requires more premiums, and so on.

Hence,
based on history, driver education, locality, and other grounds,
companies offer discounts and deductible insurance plans too.
Motorcycle insurance provides support when we need it the most. It is
indeed a must for all motorcyclists.

Motorcycle Insurance
provides detailed information on Motorcycle Insurance, Motorcycle
Insurance Quote, Affordable Motorcycle Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance
Online and more. Motorcycle Insurance is affiliated with RV Insurance
Policies.

How to get the cheapest Auto Insurance?

2009-01-30T05:48:00.001-08:00

‘If it isn't broken, don't fix it' is a maxim that can make insurance
companies a lot of money. Although everybody would like cheap car
insurance, people tend to stick to the company that they are with
rather than shop around for the lowest price for auto insurance. This
can cost you hundreds of dollars a year.

There are a number of ways of getting cheap auto insurance, regardless of your current company and driving status.

* Shop Around
* Check for Discounts
* Select a higher insurance deductible
* Reduce coverage on older vehicles

Shop Around

Only by shopping around for auto insurance
coverage and getting quotes on premiums from several insurance
companies will you be able to know for certain you are getting the
lowest price for auto insurance. Be sure to compare like with like.
Cheap car insurance should not mean little or no insurance, or bad
insurance. Ask about how insurance claims are approved and processed,
and how quickly they're paid. Look into each insurers' financial
stability (there are independent rating services that can help you with
this).

Check for Discounts

Insurance
companies like market share, and in order to increase or maintain their
market share many companies offer discounts to drivers. You might be
eligible for a discount if you have a good driving record or if you
have taken a ‘Defensive Driver Training Program'. There may be
discounts available for antitheft or other safety devices on the car.
Most companies offer low mileage discounts.

Select a higher insurance deductible

When
you file a claim, a deductible is the amount you pay first before your
insurer pays the remaining balance. Often people select lower
deductibles, so when they have to submit a claim, their out-of-pocket
expenses are minimal. But the truth is, the higher your collision and
comprehensive deductibles the lower your auto insurance
premium. The savings by increasing your deductible to say $1,000 from
$250 are significant—you can save hundreds of dollars off your
insurance premium.

Reduce coverage on older vehicles

If
your car is an older model, you may want to think about dropping the
collision or comprehensive coverage (or both) on your policy. You need
to weigh the cost of the collision and comprehensive against the value
of your car and your chosen deductibles. For example, if you had a
10-year-old car that's worth about $1000, and your deductible was
$1000, the coverage is not actually going to help you. This is one of
the best means of getting cheap auto insurance.

No matter how you are now insured or how much your premium costs, there are means of getting the lowest price for auto insurance. Check out you local insurance brokers. They will be able to find cheap car insurance by finding insurance companies that are a match to your strengths.

Get your cheap car insurance here:

Tax Saving tips : How to save your tax amount by utilizing your insurance coverage ?

2009-01-02T14:55:00.001-08:00

Just before filing returns, most of you would suffer
from anxiety and huge tension, in deciding as to which would be the
best possible way to save on your tax. Sometimes you might land up
paying a huge amount of tax. For you to overcome such tensions, some
basic tax saving tips have been formulated.
The tax saving tips can be studied from two different perspectives.

1. How to save your tax amount by utilizing your insurance coverage ?

2. General tax saving tips.

How to save your tax amount by utilizing your insurance coverage ?

Your advocate may overlook some important tax saving formulas!!!

1. Never forget to consider insurance, as a deduction on your federal tax returns:

If you use your car for business purpose, then while
you are filling your tax return, consider the insurance premium as a
deduction along with the actual expense.

2. Always deduct your long- term care insurance and health insurance on your federal tax return:

The long-term care and the health insurance plans,
help quite a lot in your tax deductions. If you are self employed, you
can deduct about 100% of health and long-term medical cost for yourself
and your dependents. It helps you to save quite a lot on your income.
Thereby, if you have paid for long-term care or health insurance,
always consider it while filing your tax return file.

3. Check out if you are eligible to get a reduction on your income:

The premium of the health insurance, dental insurance
and some long-term care insurance are sometimes deductible, depending
on your income. Normally this deduction is limited to 7.5% of your
income.

4. Plan your medical expenses to incur maximum deduction out of it:

Medical expenses are limited and it does not cross
over the 7.5% limit of ones income. Remember, if you want to earn a
benefit in filing your tax return the procedures should be customized
before December 31 of the tax year.

General tax saving tips.

Dos and Don’ts to save your federal tax!

1. Maintain your business receipts:

Keep notes of all the receipts you get through out
the year. Maintain a track of all the receipts and certainly keep them
in a proper place.

2. Neglecting deductions:

Sometimes, people seem to overlook the different
available deductions and make claims for the standard deductions only.
By simply availing the standard deduction, people mostly miss out the
other variable deductions.

3. Make some charitable donations:

Making donations can also help you to save on your tax. Surely collect the receipt as well.

4. If you want, you may start gifting:

You are allowed to gift a tax-free gift up until
$12,000 to each one you choose. Normally, the retirees who have good
assets give away gifts to people in such a manner.

5. You may utilize your child, if he/she is above 14 years old...on the payroll:

You can also make your child do some part of your
work. This would make some part of your income tax less . But, you need
to keep in mind, that the college financial aid can be affected by your
child's income.

6. Check up your work repeatedly:

Remember! a single error in your tax return file can lead to a considerable amount of loss.

Insurance Products Comparison

2009-01-02T14:54:00.001-08:00

Over the last decade, the insurance industry has seen
through a considerable channeling of its products. The different
optional products available in the global insurance market have so far
served with the specific needs of time. But at the same time the
availability of a wholesome product package may have confused the
people to some extent. The prospective applicants for an insurance
policy would find it difficult to choose from a variety of options,
unless they identify the benefits. In case of absolute novices its easy
to choose (the choices being limited), but its difficult to enjoy the
benefits later on. So a careful understanding of the policy benefits
have become a must for everyone.

The different insurance websites have been trying to
explain the benefits of a variety of such policies to the people, in
order to ensure their complete satisfaction. But this seems easier said
than done. In order to weigh the pros and cons of a specific policy we
would first need to understand the nature of policies available in the
market. On the basis of these policies we may choose the different
products (ie. different molds of each policy) that are offered by
different carriers. If we could compare the policy benefits that we may
avail, then we might arrive at a solution. For that we would need to
construct a comprehensive Policy Comparison Table.

The Policy Comparison Table may be depicted as follows:

Policy Comparison Table
(You may edit & add instances)

SL No.	Reason To Apply	Age (years)	Popular Insurance Policy	Recommended Insurance Policy
1.	Accidental Disability	Any	Disability Insurance
2.	Critical Illness	Any	Disability Insurance	Critical Illness Insurance
3.	Health Protection	Below 65	Health Insurance	Health Insurance
4.	Health Protection	65	Health Insurance	Longterm Care Insurance
5.	Home Protection	Any	Home Insurance	Home Insurance
6.	Home Contents Protection	Any	Home Insurance	Condominium Insurance

Once we are through with the features of different
policies & we learn to choose the right policy for us, it is
probably then that we may think of knowing the vast range of products
that are born out of such policies. When we get introduced with the
variety of products born out of a policy, we would surely be able to
distinguish between the areas each product is targeting.

The Insurance Products Table may be depicted as follows:

Insurance Products Table
(You may edit & add instances)

SL No.	Coverage	Policy Products
1.	Life Ins.	Whole Life Universal Life Term Life
2.	Health Ins.	PPO Plans HMO Plans POS Plans Indemnity Plans
3.	Auto Ins.	Property Damage Personal Injury Bodily Injury Collision Comprehensive
4.	Home Ins.	HO-1:Limited HO-2:Basic HO-3:Special HO-4:Renters HO-6:Condo HO-8:Old Home Actual Cash Value Replacement Cost Extended Replacement
5.	Disability Ins.	Non-cancelable Guaranteed renewable Conditionally renewable

Thus, once we are familiar with the areas targeted by
each insurance product, we would surely be able to understand the
benefits offered by these products. This way we may co-relate between
the formation of policies, their products, the aims of such products
& their benefits.

How does smoking affect your insurance ?

2009-01-02T14:53:00.001-08:00

"Smoker costs more so a smoker should pay more"

They say, “People who smoke a pack a day die 7 years earlier on an
average, than people who have never smoked.” In fact, it has been
assessed, that smoking of cigarette leads to one in five deaths in
United States. In the last few years, cigarette smoking has resulted to more than 400,000 death every year.

Smoking causes complex diseases like, stomach ulcers,
heart attack, cancer (in particular lung cancer) as well as chronic
obstruction in airway. In fact, if we overlook the number of adult
deaths caused due to secondhand smoking, you would notice that the life
expectancy of people has reduced to around 13 to 14 years. Smokers take
around eight more sick days annually than the non-smoking co-workers
do. This costs employers and business lots and lots per year.

Compare insurance budget for Smokers and Non smokers

Smokers pay more on life insurance premium owing to the risk of dying younger.
Some companies might charge a smoker more on the home insurance premium because a smoker run a higher risk in burning the house accessories.
Sometimes companies demands higher premium for auto insurance because the smokers tend to drive casually and recklessly.
Health insurance companies charge more from the smokers. They run a greater risk of making insurance claims.

How much hidden cost do you bear on smoking?

Smoking decreases your house value, as it always smells of smoke.
Smoking decreases your value of possessions, this might lead you to pay more for you condominium insurance.
Smoking might reduce the resale value of your car. The insurance companies consider the smokers to be reckless drivers.
The money that you on cigarettes is a sheer wastage, had you saved that it might have counted to your interests.
Too much of smoking leads you to start paying more on medicines.
Smoking increases the cost of cleaning vehicle, clothes, house etc.
It also increases the cost of dental care.

How does the fatal effects of smoking harm your health insurance cost?

However, if you consider the cost of smoking, you
would find that smoking costs up to $167 billion every year and $75
billion in direct medical expenses. Thus, every year more than $3400,
costs for health insurance coverage and lost productivity for every
smoker. Naturally, this gears up the unexpected rise in the health insurance cost.

It has been further deduced, that while each
smoker is paying $5 per pack, the same pack of cigarette costs nearly
$40 for the society. The smoker not only causes harm to himself
but also to the entire atmosphere. The poisonous effect of the smoke
spreads at random in the entire atmosphere causing dangerous effects.
Consequently, the passive smokers, i.e. the non-smokers are bound to
face the consequences of smoking and end up in suffering from serious
diseases. Therefore, you can say that each cigarette packet in US costs
$40 for health care cost (considering both, a smoker and a non smoker).
Then can you tell me, why a non-smoker should agree to pay the
same insurance premium like that of a smoker, who has an additional 90%
possibility to claim reimbursement?

I believe it is unjustified, both from insurance business point of view as well as from the insurance buyers point of view.

1.Business point of view:

Almost all the insurance premiums are set on the
basis of the intensity of risk of the claims. More is the risk for the
company to make reimbursement, higher would be the premium amount
charged by them. In case of long term care, the company charges premium
on the basis of the risk of reimbursement they would have to bear on
the person. So, more is the chance for you to claim reimbursement,
higher would be the premium amount. But in case of health insurance, if
the company runs a higher risk with the smokers than that of the non
smokers why should they charge same premium form both ?

2.Buyer's point of view:

The active smokers cause deadly effect to the
society. The poisonous effect of the cigarette may cause serious
problems to the passive smokers. And this causes a substantial increase
in the health insurance premium cost. So, how can the non smoker afford
such unjustified and high health insurance cost ?

A non-smoker may suffer from lung cancer. An active
smoker may also get affected to it for the same reason. In this case,
though a non-smoker would make claims for his health insurance premiums
like that of an active smoker, but the active smoker is the one who, is
to be held responsible. So, can you deny that the insurance companies
are at greater risk with smokers?

Every single puff of cigarette you inhale, your blood
pressure increases. Then, how much would the packet full of cigarettes
harm you? Can you assess the extent of damage that the deadly cigarette
causes to you over one whole year?

All these together have led to a considerable rise in
the health insurance premium. And this has led to disastrous condition
of the health insurance market. About 40% of the US population does not
have a health insurance plan today. 50% of them do not pay their health
insurance premium. This is a major cause for the raging controversy
regarding “Should smokers pay more for health insurance?”
What do you say? They feel if the smokers are causing such harm to the
society they should pay more for the health insurance cost.

Cigarette smoking as a curse

Present day effects of smoking

Smoking is the only reason for at least one grave disease caused to
8.6 million of the US population.
Smoking is the prime cause for about 73% of the diseases caused due to heat.
Smoking results in 90% of the death caused due to lung cancer.
Smoking is the main cause of the 80- 90 % of the death caused due emphysema and chronic bronchitis patients.
Smoking consists of at least 43 cancer-causing chemicals
Smoking at the time of pregnancy is responsible for low birth weight babies.
Second hand smoking causes 150,000 to 30,000 children respiratory infections.
Smoking has resulted to the American women to die more of lung cancer than that of breast cancer.
Smoking is said to be the most significant cause of death in
America. It has been estimated that about fifty Australians die every
day for smoking.

Diseases caused due to smoking

Stomach ulcers
Coronary disease and heart attack
Raises your blood pressure and heart rate and decreases the
blood flow. Due to low blood flow to the legs, a smoker may develop
peripheral vascular disease.
Respiratory diseases like chronic bronchitis or pneumonia.
Stimulates your brain and nervous system activity.
Results in weakening your immunity power. As a result, people
who smoke more develop more of cold and flu than that of non-smokers.
Cause impotency in men, and women less fertile.
Passive smoking results to cancer in different parts of the
body: as in the lung, mouth, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix,
stomach, throat or even leukemia.

Thus, you cannot deny that smoking
not only causes immense harm to your health but also increases your
insurance premium cost. And the other dangerous effects of smoking is
incomparable. The satanic effects of smoking becomes unrepairable at
times.

So, despite the fact that the tobacco industry is
enhancing the growth of the entire economy, it should be banned. What
do you feel?

Smokers causes high risk. To overcome such risky
situation some insurance companies have introduced more premiums on the
smokers, be it life insurance or health insurance. Such companies feel “Non smokers have 25 times less risk from the ones who smoke 25 cigarettes a day”.

Why you need to read your policy document?

2009-01-02T14:52:00.001-08:00

You
may not find it as interesting as the best selling novels but the
policy paper is an absolutely important document as it helps you to
understand your policy better. As it says-‘if you don’t know your
rights, you don’t have any’, the same holds good for the insurance
policy as well. Your knowledge regarding the coverages will determine
the fate of your claims in future.

The insurance policy is a legal agreement between the
insured and the insurer, where the insured promises to make regular
contributions towards the policy and in-return obtains the words of the
insurer to receive compensation for the conditions listed in the policy
document. The policy deed may, therefore, contain quires of papers
explaining the ins-and-outs of the policy. Though the language may vary
depending upon the type of the policy you can find the following
standard sections in any policy document:

Declaration
Insuring agreement
Definitions
Policy coverages and exclusion
Condition

Declaration:

It is like the opening speech of the policy, called the declaration
or the ‘dec’. It contains the description of the coverage and also
gives you a brief idea about the purpose of the policy. You can find
the following information in the declaration page of the policy
document;

The name and the address of the insured (the policy holder),
Duration of the coverage,
General description of the items covered
It also explains the coverages and declares the primary coverage limit

Insuring agreement:

This part is comprised of the proclamation between the insured and
insurer. It describes the promises made by the insurance company to
cover the damages caused by certain perils and compensate the policy
holder in the policy specified ways.

Definition:

The insurance policy is full of terms which are typical of the
insurance industry; hence require definitions for better understanding.
This section spells out the confusing terms and jargons. It may contain
the definitions of the terms like-insured, deductibles, co-pay and so
forth.

Policy coverage and exclusion:

The coverage part of the policy document explains the coverage
offered by the insurer. It contains detail description of the
coverages, its limits, property covered and other related matters.

Exclusions: this segment is very
important in terms of knowing the situations under which your coverage
may get suspended. Insurers announce the list of the hazards that are
not covered under their standard policy in the exclusion part of the
document.

Condition:

This section of the document contains the conditions regarding the
performance and payment of premium by the policy-holder that will keep
the policy in-effect. Violation of any of these conditions can
encourage the insurer to deny the claims in the future. It describes
the following as well:

Method to cancel the policy
Subrogation
Monthly payments plans
Duties of the insured after the loss

Endorsements:

The policy document may contain number of endorsements. This chapter
will explain the additional clauses that are inserted in the policy to
modify its benefits. Hence you should take special interest in reading
this section as they may hold the keys to alter your policy benefits
under special circumstances.

The reason to understand the policy document is
self-explanatory. Thankfully, the insurers are now using simple
language to explain the policy benefits. Hence, self-assign yourself to
read the entire policy document today to save yourself from ending up
with a ‘denied claim from’ in hand. You should also consult your
insurance agent as and when you stumble upon a ‘print’ that is
ambiguous.

Did this page solve your purpose?

Just in case you did not find
the answer to your question in this page, you can always fall back on
the community. Just shoot them a query at the forums and get your problems resolved!

Auto Insurance: Affordable Car Insurance Policies for Owners

2009-01-02T14:51:00.001-08:00

If you own a car then auto insurance is a
'must-have'. Every state requires you to own a minimum car insurance
coverage to protect you and others from damages arising out of an
accident. You may not be required to have the best auto insurance but a
state minimum is mandatory.

What is auto insurance?

Auto insurance is an agreement with your
insurance provider where you pay the premiums regularly and your
provider agrees to pay for the financial losses in case of an accident.

None
of you may want to think that you will ever have a car accident, but
when you do, are you prepared for that financially? If not, then it is
time you think of getting an automobile insurance. You may contact your
insurance agent and ask him to provide you with a policy that suits
you. Whether it is cheap auto insurance or an expensive one that you
need can be determined by your insurance agent.

For those of you
who are bound by a budget may go for cheap car insurance, but it is
suggested that you buy a policy that covers you well.

What does a basic auto insurance policy cover?

To get a proper coverage, understanding automobile
insurance is very important. Your basic state auto insurance policy
covers the following:

Bodily Injury Liability
: This means that if the driver or the policyholder or the policy
holder's family member caused any bodily injury to someone else, this
coverage would protect.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
: If the passengers and driver of the policy holder's car happen to be
injured, this policy covers the cost of treatment and may also cover
lost wages, cost of replacing services and funeral costs.
Liability for Property Damage
: If you or someone driving your car with your permission damages
another person's property, this policy provides coverage. It also
covers damage to lamp posts, telephone poles or any other structure hit
by your car.
Collision coverage
: This policy provides coverage for damage to your (policy holder) car
as a result of collision with another automobile or any other object.
There is generally a deductible. Even if you are at fault in an
accident, this policy will cover the repairing cost of your car minus
the deductible. If you are not at fault, then your insurance provider
will try to recover the cost from the faulty driver's insurance company.
Comprehensive Coverage
: If you suffer a loss due to theft or a damage caused by something
other than collision with another car, like fire, explosion,
earthquake, windstorm, and the like then this policy provides coverage.
This policy is also available with a certain amount of deductible.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
: If an uninsured or underinsured or a hit-and-run driver hits you or
your family member, this policy will reimburse the cost of damage. This
usually happens when people go for cheap motor insurance. You will also
be protected if you are hit as a pedestrian.

Can you still save money with general auto insurance?

Of course you can save money with general auto
insurance. There are discount auto insurance schemes that you can take
advantage of from your insurance provider. You will surely find a cheap
auto insurance that will also allow you to save some money while also
protecting yourself from damage. Take a look at few of the ways in
which to save money.

Few states may offer discounts for anti-lock breaks. You must
find out if this discount applies to 2 or 4 wheel anti-lock break
vehicle.
Sometimes automatic seatbelts as well as airbags are also discounted.
In addition many states offer a defensive driver class discount.
This means that if a driver over 55 years of age completes a class for
defensive driving, a class discount could apply.
If you have multiple vehicles, then you may get budget car insurance where some providers may also offer discounts.
In some cases, the insurance company may offer a safe driver's
discount if you happen to have a safe driving history for the last 3
years at least.
If you have been with an insurance company for long, they could offer you a renewal discount.
Even students can get affordable auto insurance. If you are a
student (unmarried) under the age of 25 years and you meet the grade
requirements, you may become eligible for certain student discounts.
The type of car that you buy may also be a factor for what affects
the cost of auto insurance. The auto insurance quotes that you get for
a luxurious car may be much higher than what you get for a simple
automobile.

Getting a quote is very easy. Online auto insurance quotes are also available in case you do not have the time for an agent.

Does shopping for auto insurance help?

There are 3 easy steps by which you can save money even while you shop. Find a policy that fits your pocket. Take a look:

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners web site
may help you get the affordable car insurance quote for your state.
With this you may be able to compare the rates you get from other
insurance companies.
Increasing deductibles is a good way of saving money. Hence
getting a policy that asks for high amount of deductibles means that
higher your deductibles the lesser exposure your company will have and
hence your premiums will become lower.
3. Another way in which you can save money on your auto insurance
is by dropping comprehensive and collision coverage on cars that are
older. You must consider the value of the vehicle, the deductible and
the premium that you pay.

For more tips click here

Will your premium go up after you file a claim?

Usually the insurance provider will likely
increase your premium for a chargeable claim. This means that the auto
insurance claims that you make will become chargeable if the insurance
company thinks you are at fault. The increase will be a certain
percentage decided by the company. The percentage, however, depends on
the company you have purchased your policy from.

Sometimes, if
you have a bad driving record, your motor insurance company may also
refuse to renew your policy. How your driving record will be measured
varies from one company to another. But accidents caused by drunk
driving may result in non-renewal of your policy.

Incase you
decide not to inform your insurer about an accident that seems minor to
you; it may cause you a problem later. If you get sued by the other
driver weeks or months later, your auto insurance provider might not
cover you because of the time lapse. Even if the claim is not refused,
there will be less chances of getting relevant evidence to support your
case.

We cannot predict when we will meet with an accident. It
is only sensible that we take care of our safety when we still have
time. Investing in auto insurance would keep us protected if we get hit
by another car, if we hit someone else's car; an uninsured driver hits
us or if a drunk driver hits any of our family member.

Auto Insurance: Affordable Car Insurance Policies for Owners

2009-01-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

What is auto insurance?

What does a basic auto insurance policy cover?

To get a proper coverage, understanding automobile
insurance is very important. Your basic state auto insurance policy
covers the following:

Bodily Injury Liability
: This means that if the driver or the policyholder or the policy
holder's family member caused any bodily injury to someone else, this
coverage would protect.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
: If the passengers and driver of the policy holder's car happen to be
injured, this policy covers the cost of treatment and may also cover
lost wages, cost of replacing services and funeral costs.
Liability for Property Damage
: If you or someone driving your car with your permission damages
another person's property, this policy provides coverage. It also
covers damage to lamp posts, telephone poles or any other structure hit
by your car.
Collision coverage
: This policy provides coverage for damage to your (policy holder) car
as a result of collision with another automobile or any other object.
There is generally a deductible. Even if you are at fault in an
accident, this policy will cover the repairing cost of your car minus
the deductible. If you are not at fault, then your insurance provider
will try to recover the cost from the faulty driver's insurance company.
Comprehensive Coverage
: If you suffer a loss due to theft or a damage caused by something
other than collision with another car, like fire, explosion,
earthquake, windstorm, and the like then this policy provides coverage.
This policy is also available with a certain amount of deductible.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
: If an uninsured or underinsured or a hit-and-run driver hits you or
your family member, this policy will reimburse the cost of damage. This
usually happens when people go for cheap motor insurance. You will also
be protected if you are hit as a pedestrian.

Can you still save money with general auto insurance?

Few states may offer discounts for anti-lock breaks. You must
find out if this discount applies to 2 or 4 wheel anti-lock break
vehicle.
Sometimes automatic seatbelts as well as airbags are also discounted.
In addition many states offer a defensive driver class discount.
This means that if a driver over 55 years of age completes a class for
defensive driving, a class discount could apply.
If you have multiple vehicles, then you may get budget car insurance where some providers may also offer discounts.
In some cases, the insurance company may offer a safe driver's
discount if you happen to have a safe driving history for the last 3
years at least.
If you have been with an insurance company for long, they could offer you a renewal discount.
Even students can get affordable auto insurance. If you are a
student (unmarried) under the age of 25 years and you meet the grade
requirements, you may become eligible for certain student discounts.
The type of car that you buy may also be a factor for what affects
the cost of auto insurance. The auto insurance quotes that you get for
a luxurious car may be much higher than what you get for a simple
automobile.

Getting a quote is very easy. Online auto insurance quotes are also available in case you do not have the time for an agent.

Does shopping for auto insurance help?

There are 3 easy steps by which you can save money even while you shop. Find a policy that fits your pocket. Take a look:

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners web site
may help you get the affordable car insurance quote for your state.
With this you may be able to compare the rates you get from other
insurance companies.
Increasing deductibles is a good way of saving money. Hence
getting a policy that asks for high amount of deductibles means that
higher your deductibles the lesser exposure your company will have and
hence your premiums will become lower.
3. Another way in which you can save money on your auto insurance
is by dropping comprehensive and collision coverage on cars that are
older. You must consider the value of the vehicle, the deductible and
the premium that you pay.

For more tips click here

Will your premium go up after you file a claim?

Drivers without insurance will have their vehicles towed after Jan. 1

2008-12-01T18:04:00.001-08:00

Dallas City Hall just sent out a press
release to remind drivers that after Jan. 1, those who do not have
insurance will have their vehicles towed when stopped for a traffic
violation.

DALLAS - Drivers with no proof of insurance will have their
vehicles towed under a new policy that goes into effect Jan. 1. On that
date, the Dallas Police Department will enforce the Uninsured Motorist
Ordinance approved by the Dallas City Council on May 28.

Under this ordinance drivers stopped for a traffic violation who
cannot show proof of auto insurance meeting state requirements will be
issued a citation and will have his or her vehicle towed at the owner's
expense to the Dallas Auto Pound. The City already tows the vehicles of
uninsured drivers involved in traffic accidents.

"The Dallas Police Department currently issues about 75,000
citations a year to motorists with no auto insurance," said Dallas
Police Chief David Kunkle. "In addition, officers towed over 3000
vehicles from accident scenes in 2007 where the driver did not have
insurance. Motorists are urged to obtain the proper state required auto
insurance to avoid having their vehicles towed."

The new ordinance is in response to the large number of people
driving in the City of Dallas without the proper state required auto
insurance. These uninsured drivers place an unfair burden on those who
comply with state law and maintain auto insurance. With the new
ordinance, the city anticipates fewer of these citations as more
drivers comply with the law to avoid having their vehicles towed.

More information on the Uninsured Motorist Ordinance is at
www.dallascityhall.com. Persons with questions about the policy can
call (214) 670-5111.

Insurance: Looking For A Buyer, AIG Changes Auto Unit's Name

2008-12-01T18:01:00.001-08:00

American International Group Inc. plans to remove "AIG" from the name of a U.S. auto insurance unit and cut 6.6 percent of the jobs there to improve the chances of finding a buyer for the operation.

AIG will start calling its aigdirect.com business "21st Century Insurance" in January, said Nicholas Ashooh, an AIG spokesman. The business could fetch about $2 billion, analysts said.

Many potential buyers are expected to consider the business, which sells insurance directly to consumers, rather than through independent agents. The Travelers Cos. and The Hartford won't say whether they're considering the AIG unit.

The Hartford Financial Services Group already has a huge business selling auto and homeowners insurance directly to AARP members without using independent agents.

Larry Greenberg, co-manager of Langen McAlenney in Hartford, says it's unlikely, but not out of the question, for Travelers or The Hartford to buy the AIG unit. Independent agents, he said, choose which insurer to recommend to a customer.

La. residents can compare rates for auto, home insurance online

2008-12-01T18:00:00.001-08:00

Louisiana automobile and home owners can now get quotes on insurance from their computer.

Insurance commissioner Jim Donelon announced Monday that auto and
homeowners rate comparison guides are available at the Department of
Insurance Website, www.ldi.state.la.us.

The rate guide provides quotes from top carriers of auto and homeowners insurance in the state, Donelon said.

The
auto quotes reflect various rating situations, such as driver and
vehicle age, location and driving record. The homeowners quotes reflect
situations such as the location, age and price of the home.

To access the guides, visit www.ldi.state.la.us and click on publications, guides and forms near the top of the screen. The guide includes links to each company.

Case considers exclusions in auto insurance policy

2008-12-01T17:59:00.001-08:00

AUSTIN — The Texas Supreme Court must decide if an insurance
company should pay in the case of a boy injured by a driver who was
speeding away from police.

Richard
Gibbons was evading San Marcos police in 1999 when his pickup truck
smashed into Greg and Maribel Tanner's car at an intersection. The
wreck left 7-year-old Roney Tanner in a coma for a week, hospitalized
for a month, and in physical therapy for five years.

The
Tanners hoped Gibbons' $300,000 policy through Nationwide Insurance
would pay for their son's medical bills. But the company refused to pay
the Tanners, saying Gibbons violated his insurance contract when he led
police on a chase that was foreseeable to end in a wreck. Gibbons had
been speeding at about 100 mph, crossed into oncoming traffic, raced
through stop signs and fishtailed around corners during the chase, the
Austin American-Statesman reported Friday.

So far, two courts have sided with Columbus, Ohio-based Nationwide.

At
issue is how to interpret Gibbons' insurance policy, which included a
standard intentional acts exclusion. The clause voids coverage if the
driver deliberately caused an accident.

Gibbons bought his
policy in Ohio, a state that has a wider definition of "intentional"
than Texas. Ohio's exclusion voids coverage for "willful acts" that the
driver "ought to know" will result in an accident.

Nationwide
contends Gibbons should have known disregarding traffic signals and
signs during a police chase would eventually lead to a serious accident.

"You
had someone going 80, 90, 100 miles per hour through residential areas,
business areas, commercial areas," Nationwide attorney Chris Heinemeyer
told the court during oral arguments in October.

The
Tanners' lawyer, Don Cotton, argued that the accident was not
inevitable. Gibbons' pickup hit the Tanner's car on a lightly traveled
road surrounded by farmland. Police reported that Gibbons hit his
vehicle's brakes in an attempt to avoid hitting the Tanners.

"It
is nonsensical to say that somebody intentionally caused harm when the
only evidence in the record is that he was trying to avoid causing that
harm," Cotton told the nine justices. "The test is not reckless (acts).
The test is 'intentional.' "

The state Supreme Court was expected to issue a decision next year.

After the wreck, Gibbons was charged with using his truck as as deadly weapon but disappeared after posting bail.

Hays
County District Attorney Sherri Tibbe said the charges against Gibbons
were dropped after prosecutors lost touch with the Tanners. Because of
the pending state Supreme Court case, Tibbe has directed her office to
take the case to a grand jury to reindict Gibbons.

Insurance for oysters is state's first : The U.S. Agriculture Department’s Federal Crop Insurance Corporation

2008-12-01T17:52:00.001-08:00

HOUMA — The federal government is launching an insurance program to help oyster farmers cover losses from natural disasters.

The U.S. Agriculture Department’s Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
approved the pilot program, which offers group insurance coverage to
Louisiana oyster growers. It will offer the insurance to farmers at a
reduced premium, hopefully eliminating the need to seek federal aid
when crops are wiped out by catastrophic events like hurricanes, said
Mike Voisin, vice president of Motivatit Seafood in Houma and a member
of the state’s Oyster Task Force.

The insurance program comes
after hurricanes Gustav and Ike wiped out as much as 25 to 30 percent
of state oyster farmers’ crops, Voisin said. State fisherman are
receiving $40 million in federal storm-recovery aid as a result.

“This
has been needed for a long time, and it’s come to the forefront as a
result of concerns that have been raised due to crop losses during the
hurricanes,” Voisin said.

“The farmer will pay into it, similar
to any other types of insurance. It is subsidized by the federal
government because it’s federal crop insurance, so there’s a federal
subsidy that helps pay some of that premium for the oyster farmer,”
Voisin said. “It’s a huge victory for the oyster community here in
Louisiana.”

The program, similar to those that currently insure
agricultural crops, marks the first time that Louisiana oyster farmers
can get coverage.

“Many people don’t think of oysters as a farmed
product, but they are harvested much like other crops, they just happen
to be under water,” said Al Sunseri, Louisiana Oyster Task Force
chairman.

Oyster-industry officials have been pushing for the
first-of-its-kind insurance program for four years, since before
hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Voisin added. Proponents say the program
will make it easier for farmers to get loans and financial backing.
Under the pilot program, oyster producers can purchase a guarantee that
the oyster harvest from a basin will be at least 90 percent of the
expected harvest.

Specific details, including where and how to secure coverage, haven’t been released yet.

Iffco Tokio ventures into vintage cars, musical instruments insurance

2008-12-01T17:47:00.001-08:00

Insurance companies are entering the least-explored domain of fine arts
insurance. Iffco Tokio General Insurance (ITGI) is coming up with two
new products in the niche area, particularly for vintage cars, and
another one for musical instruments. Premiums on these products may not
be uniform and would depend on clients and valuations of the assets.

“The demand for vintage car insurance is high and we expect it to
add 10 per cent to the fine arts insurance business in the first year
of launch and musical instruments to contribute 5 per cent,” said Vikas
Singh, head of finance and liability, Iffco Tokio.

The products will be launched in the next one year. Currently, Iffco
Tokio has two products in this segment, namely fine art insurance for
private collectors and fine art insurance for art dealers and gallery
owners.

The insurer has received a premium income as high as Rs 15,00,000
from a gallery as well as a private collector. ITGI has sold 100
policies in the last two years, including eight to 10 large clients,
which contributed over 60 per cent in the premium income of fine arts
insurance. It has settled four claims so far. With more awareness and
people turning more vigilant about their possessions, the company aims
at selling 500 policies in the next five years.

An executive from another insurance company said premiums vary from
0.25 per cent to 0.4 per cent of the art work. A higher premium is
charged if the security provisions are not up to date.

However, the fine arts insurance contributes only a fraction of the
gross premium income. But the insurer is confident of growing at 10 per
cent per annum.

“There is opportunity for fine arts insurance business in India,
China and Eastern Europe. These countries are culturally rich and have
created a large amount of wealth” said Robert Read of Hiscox Global
Markets. ITGI has a treaty arrangement with underwriter Hiscox of the
United Kingdom for providing risk cover in different segments. The
underwriter has clients worldwide, including the National Gallery of
London and museums in the United States.

Today, the Indian art market is valued at Rs 20,000 crore and is
expected to grow at 20-25 per cent annually. The valuations of the arts
have come down by 10-15 per cent from the last year’s, the official
added.

Recently, Bajaj Capital’s insurance broking has forayed into fine
arts insurance. ICICI Lombard and Oriental Insurance are the other
players in this segment.

Concepta Insurance Consolidation Facility Receives DOJ Clearance

2008-12-01T17:45:00.001-08:00

HOUSTON, Dec 01, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ivy Capital Group is pleased to announce that the Department of Justice Antitrust Division has indicated it will not challenge Ivy's formation of an insurance facility that will link businesses that require large property and business interruption coverage limits with multiple underwriters that, in combination, can provide those limits. This new approach, to be implemented by Concepta Services (an Ivy Capital Group subsidiary), will enable large policyholders to access insurance capacity through commercial brokers on a single policy form by having multiple insurance companies participate in the risk.

The current tightening of the financial markets and recent negative environment for investment returns will restrict the ability of some insurance companies to provide large policy limits to individual clients.

Concepta intends to work with commercial brokers and Concepta insurance company participants to aggregate capacity to serve large risks.

Ivy has already been engaged in discussions with a number of insurance companies regarding their participation in the Concepta model and Ivy's receipt of a favorable review from the DOJ is another step in the implementation of this new approach to insurance coverage. Ivy anticipates Concepta will be in a position to start operations during the second quarter of 2009.

A copy of the DOJ's press release can be found at: http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/public/press_releases/2008/239710.htm.

State warns about auto insurance phone scam

2008-12-01T17:44:00.001-08:00

COLUMBUS: The Ohio Department of Insurance is warning about a telephone scam targeting auto insurance customers.

Department
Director Mary Jo Hudson said today that victims are receiving calls
saying their insurance payment can't be processed and that they'll need
to provide their bank account number as well as other personal
information to resolve the problem.

Hudson
said in today's economy, phone scams are becoming more prevalent, and
consumers need to be on guard or risk falling prey to identity thieves.

She
said to be very careful when anyone other than your insurance agent
contacts you about your policy. Also, if you're suspicious about a
caller, insist on getting a name and telephone number and don't give
the person your financial or other personal information.

Rising Stress Levels, Limited Health Insurance and Health Care Waste :: Americans Face Increasing Stress

2008-12-01T17:43:00.001-08:00

Americans are more stressed than they were just six months ago, and 81
percent of 2,500 people surveyed said money was a significant cause of
theirstress, The Los Angeles Times
reports. Chronic stress is believed to weaken the immune system and is
associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and
other chronic conditions.

Abuse at Georgia Hospitals

A Georgia state psychiatric hospital has agreed to pay $1 million to the family of a patient who died in late 2006, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
reports. The paper reported last year that at least 136 patients at
seven state hospitals have died of neglect, abuse, poor medical care or
under suspicious circumstances.

Bare Bones Coverage

Reputable
health insurers like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida have started
offering low-cost plans for people who can't afford comprehensive
health insurance, The Miami Herald reports. The plans may cover routine care but not hospitalizations and may include discount cards accepted by some doctors.

Overseas Drug Trials Under Fire

Pharmaceutical companies face growing scrutiny over the way they conduct clinical trials in developing countries, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Indian authorities stopped a Wyeth vaccine trial in November following
the death of an infant and are now investigating whether rules were
broken in order to enroll babies in the study.

Pervasive Waste in U.S. Health Care

Top
health care executives say waste is rampant in the U.S. health care
system and Americans aren't getting what they're paying for, presenting
a challenge to any health care reform initiative, The Washington Post reports.
Though the country spends 16 percent of its gross domestic product on
health care – more per capita than any other nation in the world – the
U.S. ranks 29th in infant mortality, 48th in life expectancy and 19th
out of 19 industrialized nations in preventable deaths.

Economic hard times are hitting plastic surgeons, USA Today reports.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says 62 percent of its members
have reported a drop in the number of cosmetic procedures performed
during the first six months of this year, compared to last year. - By RONI CARYN RABIN

Health insurance sticker shock hits consumers

2008-12-01T17:41:00.001-08:00

Health insurance sticker shock overcame Mickey Trznadel when he
opened an envelope from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois earlier
this year, soon after turning 55.

Monthly premiums for his individual medical policy, with a $1,000
deductible, were being lifted to $665.50 from $433.50 previously -- a
whopping 53.5 percent increase.

Trznadel, who cobbles together a living of about $25,000 a year as a
landscaper, home painter and snow removal worker, says he looked at the
letter and started yelling.

Eventually, after repeated phone calls, Blue Cross and Blue Shield
officials offered him a deal: Raise the deductible to $2,500 and the
monthly premium would drop to $501.78. Trznadel took the offer.

Finding another private insurance policy isn’t an option for this
Brookfield man, who lives with his 85-year-old mother, Wanda, because
that’s the only way they can make ends meet.

He has diabetes, high blood pressure and a history of non-Hodgkins
lymphoma. She’s had two pulmonary embolisms and breast cancer but works
full time in a junior high cafeteria to help pay the bills.

Trznadel contacted me earlier this year when he was trying to launch
a one-man health reform effort, a petition drive aimed at instituting a
price freeze on doctors, hospitals, drug companies, health insurance
companies and lawyers.

I was one of many public figures who’ve heard from this frustrated
man over the years as he’s complained loudly about the rising health
care costs.

In truth, he’s got a point.

In 1976, when Trznadel first signed up with Blue Cross and Blue
Shield, his monthly premium was $17.28, according to the insurer, which
confirmed coverage details after Trznadel signed multiple release forms.

Today, those premiums are $501.78 for a policy with a much higher deductible – a jump of 2,800 percent over 32 years.

That increase is in step with the rising cost of medical care, said
Blue Cross and Blue Shield spokeswoman Mary Ann Schultz. “Since 1976,
medical costs have grown by 2,780 percent (over the span of 32 years,
an average of 8 percent a year for medical inflation and 4 percent a
year for increases in utilization due to age),” she explained in a
statement.

The older people get, the more medical services they use, and
premiums reflect that reality, she continued. Also, the insurer assumes
that with each consecutive year, the medical services consumed by a
policyholder (and thus the number of claims filed) will increase 3
percent.

“The average 40-year-old this year will actually make 3 percent more
claims than the average 40-year-old did last year,” Schultz wrote.

In fact, Trznadel has gotten good value for his premium dollars, she
asserted. According to Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s records, he’s paid
$73,212 to the company since 1988 and the insurer has reimbursed
medical providers $83,157.22 for his claims.

Trznadel doesn’t see it that way. Outside of what he’s shelled out
for health insurance, he’s paid tens of thousands of dollars out of his
own pocket for expenses insurance doesn’t cover.

Also, Trznadel increasingly is going without care, even with
insurance. Today he doesn’t test his blood sugar levels, something all
diabetics are supposed to do, because the testing strips cost too much.
Also, he’s put off going to the oncologist for years because his cancer
has been in remission.

The very big picture is that what’s happened to Trznadel – and
what’s happening to people across the country – isn’t sustainable. With
incomes stagnating and the economy faltering, health care costs can’t
continue to climb at this rate without becoming unaffordable.

As it stands, some experts are warning that consumers may be nearing
the limit of what they can shoulder in the way of higher out-of-pocket
costs, including deductibles and co-payments for medical services. If
that’s the case, a primary strategy for constraining premium increases
will no longer be available.

This is what people like Trznadel are waiting to hear from the new
Congress and the incoming Obama administration in Washington: What will
you do to help people like me, people who are barely able to keep
medical coverage today and who can’t pay for medical cost increases
tomorrow?

Travel insurance - get some! :: Travel & Tourism ::

2008-11-16T14:00:00.001-08:00

When travelling abroad on holiday the last thing you expect is to become ill or get injured, what you further do not expect is to foot the medical bill which could run into the thousands depending on the situation. The last kick whilst you are down is that you could avoid the expensive medical bill by forking out as little as £13.

Like many other types of insurance, your price depends on the situation and likelihood of you making a claim. For example you would pay more for your car insurance if you drive a fast 3 litre car opposed to a small 1 litre car as it is more likely to be involved in an accident. The same rule applies for travel insurance; you can expect to pay more if the nature of your trip is more dangerous.

Travel insurance whilst away for a week in a secluded villa will cost considerably less than a rock climbing week up Mount Everest. One tip to save some money on travel insurance is to buy your cover annually; this will only be effective if you travel a lot.

Whether you are only visiting family for a tranquil escape you should always have travel insurance as you will never know what's going to happen. Travel insurance can be bought for the whole family and it will also work out cheaper than individual cover.

One of the best methods to save money on travel on travel insurance is to shop around and compare quotes online.

Cheap travel insurance is available if you use online comparison sites, try numerous holiday insurance providers and you will be sure to find the cheapest travel insurance cover.

Protect Your Property from Pipe Problems :: Real Estate,Insurance,Home Repair

2008-11-16T13:56:00.002-08:00

Colder weather can wreak havoc on even the sturdiest of properties and whether it’s your own home or rental properties you own, you’ll want to make sure they are safeguarded against the perils of winter. Therefore, protect your own pocket at the same time by having an insurance policy that covers the most likely culprits of home insurance claims.

One of the most common reasons for home insurance claims during the winter months is water leaks and bursts caused by freezing pipes. The good news is freezing pipes are easily avoided and a few preventative steps could save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

The simplest of things can cause frozen pipes; even garden hoses that are left connected to the tap can cause problems so make sure all hoses are removed and stored away when they are no longer needed. Repairing any dripping taps is another easy preventative action to take. It also pays to make sure both yourself and any tenants in your property know where the mains water stop valve is located and how to turn it on off.

Water tank insulation is an effective way of avoiding pipe problems in winter. Start by looking in the loft space to see whether it contains any water pipes and tanks. Once you’ve tracked down the water tank and adjoining pipes take a look at the insulation, checking to see how intact it is. If the insulation is loose, damaged or thin you should improve or replace it as tanks and pipes in loft spaces are prone to freezing.

It is also vital to have the heating on for at least a few hours every day during the colder months of the year. This usually presents no problem if a property is tenanted, but if empty the heating still needs to be utilised on a daily basis to ensure a little bit of warmth is circulating and thus preventing burst pipes.

In addition, if you know that a property is going to be empty for a few weeks or more you may want to consider draining the water supply pipes. All you need to do is shut off the main water supply valve of the home and open up all the faucets on all the fixtures. This will allow the water to drain through those located on the lowest level of the house.

And, if the property has a loft then leave the trap door open to allow warm air from other parts of the house to circulate and help prevent pipes freezing. As it goes, insulating behind pipes located near exterior walls will help isolate them during cold snaps.

The last step you should take is to make sure your insurance policy covers eventualities such as freezing and burst pipes. Specialist landlords insurance can help to keep investment properties well maintained. And this of course, can help benefit both landlords and tenants alike.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Getting Best Auto Insurance Covers with Lowest Premium Rates :: Automotive,Insurance,Business

2008-11-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

To ensure the safety of every one, governments have made auto insurance a compulsory one. In most countries of the world, including the United States, you need to have your vehicle insured in order to drive it. This kind of insurance termed as auto insurance is important when it comes facing an accident or other car-related problems. The concept of this insurance is that you will have to pay every month a specific amount to the insurance provider and if any problem, such as accident or auto theft occurs, the insurance provider will pay you a part or all of the damage and loss.

Types of Auto Insurance

There are different types of auto insurances for you to select from some of which are liability auto insurance, collision auto insurance, comprehensive auto insurance, and so on. As liability auto insurance only covers any damage caused by you to people, vehicles or property it is the cheapest of all auto insurances. Whereas the collision auto insurance covers any damage either caused by your fault or other’s who were involved in the accident. And the comprehensive auto insurance covers any damage or loss that results from fire, theft, vandalism, wind, hail, explosion or other natural events. This will be the most beneficial insurance plan if you own a costly car.

Factors that Matter

Although the rates of the above mentioned insurance plans differ from company to company, there are few standard factors considered before deciding your insurance rates. Understanding these factors is the first step to get the best auto insurance rates. Some of the factors that determines your insurance rate include your neighborhood, where your car is stowed, your driving record, your credit record, your deductibles, what sort of policy you buy, your personal details, how you use your car, market price, and education level. If you have a favorable record of the above factors, you likely will be entitled for a lower insurance rate for the type of cover you opt for.

How to Get the Best Price

To find the best insurance plans according to your needs, you either contact an agent or you can obtain direct quotes from insurance companies online. In either case you can select the best options available. Although agents can guide you throughout the process, online purchase of auto insurance will be cheaper than the one bought from the agents for the simple reason that you avoid overhead charges and the agent’s commission while you buy one online. However, if you are a first time buyer, it is advisable to avail the help of a well experienced insurance agent to choose your insurance cover plan.

As in any other field, insurance companies do face severe competition and have come up with different discount plans to entice potential customers. You can very well utilize these opportunities to cut down the costs involved in obtaining your auto insurance. As mentioned above opting for online purchase can also drastically reduce the cost of your insurance. Apart from low costs, you have a wider choice to select your insurance plan, and the processes are fast whether it be a purchase or a claim when compared to the conventional methods. One other smart way to reduce the cost of the insurance is opting for deductibles. In the event of your undertaking that you would pay a certain amount incase an accident takes place, you will get a considerable amount of deduction from your insurance cost. However, you need to pay the amount you have promised to pay in the event of an accident, before you claim from your insurer for the damages. You can also avail discounts for the following: multiple auto discounts (If you own many vehicles), multiple line discounts (opting a variety of insurance covers, such as life cover, etc.), new vehicle safety discounts, accident free discounts, anti-theft device discounts, defensive driving discounts, new business discounts, good student discounts, driver training discounts, and many more. For more details, either contact your insurance agent or do a thorough internet search. Auto Insurance

Getting Best Auto Insurance Covers with Lowest Premium Rates :: Automotive,Insurance,Business

2008-11-16T13:54:00.001-08:00

How To Make A Car Insurance Claim

2008-11-14T02:00:00.000-08:00

It’s all very well knowing how to get cheaper car insurance and how to find the right policy but what if the time comes when you actually need to use your motor insurance. Would you be confident in knowing what steps to take when making a car insurance claim?

Every year, insurance companies process thousands of car insurance claims and pay out millions of pounds to people whose cars have been the victim of theft or damage. Even more is paid out to motorists involved in accidents on the roads.

Whether its personal injury or the theft or damage of a vehicle the process of claiming on your motor insurance policy can be a stressful one. To make things easier here is our guide to making a car insurance claim.

The first step is to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the event. Most insurers have a 24hr number you can call so use that to reach the right person more quickly.

If your claim is crime related such as theft, damage or vandalism immediately report the crime to the police and take note of your incident number. Should a police investigation result in any prosecutions your insurer will need to know the incident number.

Write down all the details concerning the incident and refer to these notes when making your written claim.

Be sure that your version of events is accurate and consistent. Changing your story further down the line could arouse suspicions that jeopardise your claim.

Get all the help and information you need from your car insurance company to support your claim. Don’t be afraid to ask your insurer questions as its essential to have all the correct documentation and evidence to back up your car insurance claim.

Retain any documentation relating to your claim in a safe and secure place and ensure that your insurance company can contact you easily.

Keep copies of any communication regarding your claim; be they letters, emails or telephone conversations and take the name of any person you speak with.

Before going ahead with any repairs to your vehicle you need to get absolute verification on the status of your claim. Until your insurer confirms they will cover the price of repair you are accountable for all costs.

If your car requires repair most insurers will recommend a garage where the repairs will be guaranteed for a specified period of time. If you take your vehicle in for repair yourself there is a good chance the cost will not be covered by your insurance company.

Having to claim on your motor insurance is never a pleasant experience but following these easy steps will help make the process run as smoothly as possible.

We hope you enjoyed reading the car insurance blog. For free updates on new posts grab our RSS feed.

Good Settlement With An Insurance Claims Adjuster : How To Negotiate

2008-11-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

The following is an account of actual events as they were experienced by me. I was the victim of an injury causing motor vehicle accident. This event happened in September of 2005.

I was stopped at a red traffic signal with 4 other vehicles, one of which was behind me. The car behind me was rear ended by a BIG RIG. Eye witness accounts report that the tractor trailer was doing in excess of 40 mph and caused damage to all five vehicles. The 1st vehicle to be struck was a lincoln. The lincoln pushed me into a truck in front of me. All three vehicles were totaled! You will learn here what my experience was and how I was able to reach what I consider to be a very satisfactory settlement. I choose not to use an attorney, although I interviewed several. I also interacted with 3 different claims adjusters. One from another state just happened to be a friend of mine.

Earlier in my life I was involved in a family court situation. I was in the domestic relations office more times than I care to remember. It was during this time I started to discover that attorneys really don’t do that much work for their money. (This is my opinion).

What I witnessed was that me and my attorney would go to these hearings and after some pleasantries were exchanged between attorneys from both sides and the domestic relations officer. We got down to business. The same thing would happen. The domestic relations officer would get a chart from his desk drawer and ask me and my ex-wife some questions, like how much did we make each week. The domestic relations officer would then run one finger across the chart and the other finger down the chart. Then he would announce a figure.

That figure was the amount I had to pay for support. One time I didn’t have the fee for the attorney so I went without one and guess what? The same thing happened. Out came the chart it was searched, and the figure was arrived at by the same method. I didn’t win anything. But I did save hundreds of dollars in attorney fees. It was then that I stopped using an attorney for these situations.

It was apparent to me that there was a formula which was used whether I had representation or not.

Back to this topic:

I wondered if the same thing would happen in my motor vehicle accident situation? I asked myself is this going to be determined by a formula as well? I went to the internet and started to do some research and guess what? For $20 I was able to buy a book written by a former insurance claims person.

The information was basic but it gave me enough knowledge to think maybe I could handle this successfully and save myself a boat load of money. If I could find out what the formula was I would be in a good position to fight for a good settlement for myself, by myself. I did not want to pay 30% of my settlement to an attorney for something I could do myself!

The first thing I did was to establish control. I emailed the adjuster at the at fault parties insurance company and informed him that all correspondence would have to be either written or email. That way I would have a copy of everything that was said. He called me and left a message saying we would have to have a conversation via telephone to discuss my case. I stayed my ground and informed him via email all correspondence would have to be written or emailed. The adjustors don’t like this because what they say in email they have to stick to. Remember…The adjustor’s job is to get you to accept as little money as possible!

On the internet I found some information about a case similar to mine that was settled in court. The victim was close to my age, had a similar injury as the result of a similar accident. The judge awarded this person nearly $400,000.

The adjuster I was dealing with wanted to know what kind of money I was looking for. I told him I didn’t know at this point but asked him based on his experience what could I look forward to from them? The person asking the questions is always in control. The adjuster wouldn’t answer my question. Neither would any of the attorneys I interviewed. But my friend in another state who was working as an adjuster was glad to help me.

When dealing with an adjustor it is important that you convey to them that you know what’s going on, without being offensive. Give them some statistics and tell them some stories. You may know someone who has been through this and can advise you what it was like for them.

In my case I have a friend who had the same accident and had been through 2 surgeries, and hired an attorney and had reached settlement. He was willing to share his results with me.

The bottom line here is that you can settle your own claim. If you need to have surgery I suggest you do seek professional advice. The longer you can wait for your settlement money the stronger your position. Don’t let these people push you around! You want to push them as hard as you can without going to court. Be polite, courteous and firm. These folks want to get through their day and go home without getting all stressed out.

Once the adjustor has all the paper work he requires and your losses and expenses have been documented it’s time to say SHOW ME THE MONEY!

In my case the 1st offer was $10,000. Remember the $400,000 settlement above? This just made me mad and I clearly stated that fact. When making a counter offer don’t go to low. You can’t raise your figure. The adjuster’s desire here it is to eliminate any amount above your counter offer.

Example : If I was to counter the $10,000 with $200,000 then anything over that is off the table. I would suggest you counter with a very high figure which is just as ridicules as the 1st offer. The adjuster told me this was part of the process and then talked down to me by telling me it was called negotiation. I responded by telling him maybe that how it was in his world but in my world I didn’t play games. I told him I would get back to him.

My wife and sat down and we figured out what our bottom line figure was and when we wanted it to happen by. I told the adjuster that I knew what was going to be acceptable to us and gave him an exact figure. I told him this was it there was no room for negotiation, and I wanted his response with in 3 days. I also told him that if they declined my offer I was done with him and would turn it over to an attorney. The insurance companies don’t want attorneys involved.

It cost them more money and when you’re done paying the fees you might be close to what the highest offer would have been anyway! The adjuster called me back that afternoon and accepted my offer. Case closed!

by: John Steven Corbin

Benefits of Student Loan Consolidation Programs

2008-11-07T17:47:00.000-08:00

The primary factor to keep in mind regarding a student loan is that it is not a determent or expense but rather an investment, for yourself. When you finish your college education, it will lead you to a satisfying job and more earnings during the course of your career.

Never let the weights of your student loans influence your credit. Take into consideration of consolidating your loans so it will be easier for you to pay them back.

A student consolidation loan program permits students to join together all unsettled and unpaid loans. For instance, when a certain student has four separate or individual loans, all can be consolidated into just one loan, if the student chooses to. Theoretically, all four loans will be regarded as paid and another loan will begin as replacement.

3 Benefits of Student Loan Consolidation Programs

1. It is simple and convenient. When you have multiple loans, this means making several monthly payments; with this comes a lot of paperwork as well as keeping track of a lot of different due dates. With a student loan consolidation, there will only be one loan payment every month, making it more manageable.

2. Students can save money. For instance, a student having four unsettled loans can be obliged to pay $150 every month to all four lenders, which will amount to a total of $600 every month. After consolidation however, you are only required a single payment each month which will be of a lesser amount compared to all four payments combined. This can be an enormous saving for such students just starting on their jobs and do not have yet the wages or earnings needed to pay such a large amount of loan immediately.

3. It can open up added opportunities. Students can be granted deferment options as well as extra repayment chances. This additional flexibility may be beneficial for certain students wanting to continue or resume their schooling further, striving to locate employment or going through financial difficulty.

Check before getting a student consolidation loan rate and plan of payment.

The most evident way to acquiring the best student consolidation loan payment and rates is by possessing good credit. It will be easy to acquire an excellent student consolidation loan plan if one has a credit score more than 660 (FICO score). However, there are also a lot of ways to acquire the best student consolidation loan payment plans and rates.

A quick Internet search and examination on credit scores and FICO is needed in order for you to learn and get the information necessary so you can analyze your credit score.

Being aware of your credit history is one way to check your chances of acquiring the best student consolidation loan rates. Regularly examining records or documents of your finances is one good habit and can be of great help to determine your "student-loan-worthiness."

Student loan consolidation rates and programs can differ from one person to another. The rates being offered are based on one's financial standing and credit. Generally, if one has a FICO score of 600 or less, getting a suitable student consolidation loan rate and proposal can be a challenge.

Always take into consideration the outlay.

Remember too, that even if consolidation can make loan repayment easier and decrease your payment each month, it can also indicate an increase in the total outlay of paying back your loans. Consolidation offers lesser amount in monthly payments by granting borrowers a maximum of thirty years to pay back their loans; you create a lot of payments as well as pay extra in interest.

In fact, there are situations wherein consolidation doubles the total interest cost; so if you don't really require monthly payment assistance, you must evaluate the cost of paying back your loans which where unconsolidated in contrast to the cost of paying back a loan consolidation.

Note that the moment you consolidate your student loans, they are all used up and you can never go back. With the fact that you can only consolidate only once, you have to be certain that it's the best and guaranteed financial attempt that you can generate before carrying on.

Norwich Union’s Price Check Brings Price Comparison In-House

2008-10-16T02:00:00.000-07:00

Following on from Norwich Union’s decision to withdraw from price comparison sites the Aviva company has now announced the launch of Price Check; it’s in-house car insurance comparison service.

If you request a car insurance quote from Norwich Union via its website or over the phone they will now provide you will alternative quote from other car insurance providers, even if they are cheaper than their own.

The move is certainly a unique one, there are very few businesses who will actively promote its competitors services.

The reactions seen in Norwich Union’s TV campaign to promote Happy’s Price Check reflect this extremely well.

Whether or not this offer strikes the right note with customers remains to be seen. It should also be interesting to see if any other insurers decide to follow suit and what impact (if any) this has on price comparison sites operating in the UK motor insurance market.

First reactions would suggest several price comparison sites are unimpressed with the Price Check service; gocompare.com, confused.com and insurancewide.com all had interesting views.

Will this move pay off for Norwich Union? Do price comparison sites have anything to fear or is this just some flash in the pan? We’d love to hear your thoughts about Happy’s Price Check.

We hope you enjoyed reading the car insurance blog. For updates on new posts grab our RSS feed.

Norwich Union Car Insurance Boycotts Price Comparison Sites

2008-10-13T02:00:00.000-07:00

Insurance giant Norwich Union has taken the decision to pull its motor insurance policies from car insurance comparison sites. This means you can only get a Norwich Union car insurance quote directly from norwichunion.com

In a move that mirrors the stance taken by Direct Line if you search for car insurance on one of the UK's many price comparison sites you won't be able to see quotes from Norwich Union and compare them against other insurance companies.

Director of Marketing at Norwich Union, David Tyers, said: "We think direct should mean direct. As a brand with 200 years behind it, we think that customers trust us."

Given the continued success of price comparison sites this is a bold move. Not being visible to people who use these services is not without risk. On the upside Norwich Union will avoid having to pay fees for customer referrals. In a time when the global credit crunch is biting any saving a company can make will be welcomed. Whether or not this turns out to be a good decision, only time will tell.

The move has, unsurprisingly, received criticism from some price comparison sites including confused.com, gocompare.com and insurancewide.com.

All this arguing aside the only point that really matters is how this affects car insurance customers. We all want a policy that offers a sensible level of cover but we don't want to pay over the odds.

If more insurance companies join Norwich Union and Direct Line in boycotting price comparison sites it means more time spent shopping around to find quotes, making it more difficult for customers to find the best deals.

Mobile VW Crafter Barber Shop !

2008-09-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

A UK company called Barbus that’s based in Banbury, Oxfordshire has found a way to match barbering services with our frantic 21st century lifestyle by bringing the barber shop to the customer. The company provides its mobile barbering service to clients at local trading estates, supermarket car parks or any other type of parking lot. Barbus uses a Volkswagen Crafter panel van that has been converted into a mobile barbers shop. The Crafter’s interior has been completely transformed and is fully equipped with two leather salon chairs, mirrors, power points, hair driers, electric clippers, and even a toilet/cloakroom cubicle. -Continued

Dogfight Video: Lexus IS-F vs BMW M3 Sedan

2008-09-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

Fifth-Gear’s Tiff Needell and Jason Plato pit one of the most desirable V8 sport sedans of our time, the BMW M3 Sedan against its newest rival from the Land of Rising Sun, the Lexus IS-F. To spice things up, the British duo also invites three young blonde femme-fatales connected to heart rate monitors to see which sport sedan will make their hear beat faster during a fast lap around the racetrack. Check out the two part video right after the jump, it’s definitely worth it. -Continued

BMW M3 Sedan vs Lexus IS-F: PART I

BMW M3 Sedan vs Lexus IS-F: PART II

Paris Show: SsangYong C200 Concept SUV

2008-09-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

Fancy that; Korea’s SsangYong has actually managed to design a vehicle that looks like it may appeal to other groups of people other than the partially blind or social outcasts. Of course the C200 that will make its first appearance at the Paris Show is just a concept which means that the Korean automaker’s team still has time to mess it up in a Rodius or Actyon kinda way.According to SsangYong, the C200 that previews a future compact SUV is the company’s first model to use a monocoque body. Equipped with a four-wheel-drive system, the C200 is powered by a 175 HP 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine matted to a six-speed manual transmission.

Ford wants to Get Rid of another 4,200 Workers in N.A.

2008-09-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

It seems like Ford has an excess of 4,200 hourly workers in its North American plants, or at least that’s what the company’s executives told the leaders of the United Auto Workers in a private meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday. According to a report from ‘Freep’, people who attended the closed-door, open-mouth (…) meeting, but who did not want to be identified, said that Ford made it more than clear that it would like to shrink its hourly workforce in its North American operations by that number or maybe even more under its new restructuring plan. -Continued

Freep said that Ford has trimmed its North American hourly workforce by a whopping 40 percent over the past three years leaving about 61,000 hourly workers in the United States, Canada and Mexico at the end of June. Ford’s latest buyout and early retirement offers came in July and August, but the American automaker hasn’t given out any official figures yet of how many workers accepted the offer. Inside sources state though that fewer than half of the workers that Ford expected and wanted to take the offers, signed one of the packages.

Via: Freep

Video: Renault’s Ondelios Luxury Crossover Concept

2008-09-11T06:23:00.000-07:00

The Ondelios concept is Renault’s extreme vision for a high-end 6-seat crossover with business-like amenities for all passengers that will debut at next month's Paris Show. But as with all previous attempts from the French automaker to enter the luxury car segment –think R25, Safrane, Avantime and the current Vel Satis, the Ondelios doesn't seem to convince with its odd (to say the least) design. As with most concept cars today, the Ondelios is equipped with a lithium-ion battery and powered by a hybrid drivetrain which combines a powerful 205 HP version of Renault’s 2.0-liter dCi diesel engine, with two 20kW electric motors at the front end rear axles. -Video after the jump

More 2010 Opel Astra Photos Hit the Web

2008-09-11T05:38:00.000-07:00

The all new fourth generation Opel (and Vauxhall, Saturn, Holden - forgive us if we forgot to mention any other GM brand...) Astra will make its world debut as a five-door hatchback at next year’s Frankfurt Show but the German automaker has already begun teasing us initially with a pair of sketches and now, with a set of real life photos showing the 2010 Astra covered in a white veil.

Based on GM’s latest Delta platform, the new compact hatch will be insired from the recently launched Insignia as Opel wants to take the 2010 Astra more upmarket setting new standards in its class. “The Opel Insignia has newly interpreted the mid-size segment. Now, with its dynamic design and innovative technology – much of which has been the preserve of higher-class vehicles before now – the new Astra generation will continue the pioneering role of its large model brother,” said Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer at GM Europe “To put it in a nutshell, the next Astra will carry the spirit of the Insignia into the compact class.” -Continued

Opel says that the Astra’s all-new chassis will be mated with equally new engines designed following the right-sizing concept that combines high low-end torque with moderate fuel consumption. Technical gizmos such as the ‘Opel Eye’ camera system that recognizes traffic signs warning the driver and the adaptive headlamp system will come straight from the Insignia.

After the European launch of the 5-door Astra in late 2009 – early 2010, Opel will take the wraps off the sportier 3door GTC at the Geneva Show in March 2010 which will be followed shortly after by the sedan, station-wagon and coupe-cabriolet variants. Expect to see the Saturn badged and this time, U.S. built Astra replacing the current hatchback on this side of the Atlantic in mid 2010.

Mopar-Prepped Dodge Ram R/T Concept Heads to SEMA

2008-09-11T04:33:00.000-07:00

Even though truck sales in the U.S. are dropping like flies, there will always be a market for vehicles like the new Dodge Ram. And when there’s a market, there’s an aftermarket. Chrysler LLC’s Mopar division is now readying a customized version of the range-topping Ram R/T for the world’s largest aftermarket trade show, the 2008 SEMA which will take place in Las Vegas this November. The 2009 Ram R/T is powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 pushing out 390 HP and according to Dodge, the run from nought to 60mph (96 km/h) take a mere 5.6 seconds. -Continued

According to the folks at ‘TheCarConnection, the SEMA show Ram R/T will get a full bodykit treatment that includes a dual snorkel aluminum hood with carbon fiber accent strips (just like the Challenger) and a hard tonneau complete with an integrated spoiler. The Ram R/T’s ‘bad boy’ looks are complemented by a set of 22-incg machine forged alloy wheels wrapped in 285/45R22 front and 305/40R22 rear tires and the lowered suspension. Inside the souped-up Ram R/T will feature a sportier trim and special leather sport seats.

Via: Thecarconnection

2010 Honda Insight – Production Version Rendering

2008-09-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

You don’t need to be an automotive designer to see that the Honda Insight hybrid concept that will make its public debut at the Paris Show is about 99 percent production ready. And even though Honda’s designers may alter the shape of the lower part of the bumper or the air vents for example, we believe that our photoshop of the Insight gives us a pretty good idea of how the dedicated hybrid model will look like when the Japanese automaker takes the wraps off the production version at the 2009 Detroit Show as our sources recently informed us. Check out the original concept by clicking here and don’t forget to leave us a comment with your thoughts on the Insight’s design.

Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION Hints at 2010 E-Class Sedan and Coupe

2008-09-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

Previewing the design language of the next-generation CLK coupe that will be known as the E-Class Coupe as well as the new E-Class sedan, the ConceptFASCINATION will make its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show. Freed from the constraints of the marketing division, Mercedes’ designers decided to reinterpret the coupe with a ‘shooting brake’ concept and we must say that the overall result is both elegant and dynamic. But even though the ‘shooting brake’ conept looks cool, don’t expect to see it going into production as Mercedes will opt for a more traditional coupe bodystyle for the CLK’s successor.

What you should expect to see is the front end design with the diamond shaped headlights finding its way into both the E-Class Sedan and Coupe models. Inside Mercedes says that the characteristic V-shape of the exterior is continued on the dashboard which features an instrument cluster with five tubes and silver dials. The cabin can accommodate four passengers along with their weekend luggage. -Continued

Power is provided by Mercedes-Benz all-new 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine which features BlueTEC and AdBlue technology and develops 204 hp from a displacement of 2.2-litres. The new diesel unit will make its product premiere on the limited production C250 CDI Prime Edition -see details here.

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Mercedes

2009 Lexus IS Facelift: European Spec Model Revealed

2008-09-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

Even though the refreshed IS sedan won’t get nearly as much attention as the drop-top IS250 C at the Lexus Paris Show stand –see details here, nevertheless the Japanese automaker’s sport sedan has received a subtle facelift for the 2009 MY. Like the North American version, the Euro spec IS features a series of minor aesthetic upgrades including new wing mirrors with integrated turn lights, a restyled front bumper, L-shaped back-up lights, new alloy wheel designs and a slightly tweaked grille. -Continued

Lexus says that it has performed modifications to suspension, steering, transmissions and paddle shift technology to improve driving dynamics while the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system is now standard across the range. According to the Japanese automaker, aerodynamics and transmission enhancements have reduced the diesel-powered IS 220d’s CO2 emissions by 3%, and by 8% for the Sport version.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS V8 – New Set of Photos

2008-09-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

We know you’ve been waiting for quite some time for the full image gallery of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS so we’ll forgive you if you choose to ignore us and follow the jump to check out our high-resolution photos of the range-topping Camaro. For those willing to continue reading, for the time being the SS is the most powerful version of the new generation Camaro as it will pack GM’s 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 422 HP and 408 lb.-ft. of torque (553 Nm) when combined with the 6-speed manual gearbox and 400 HP and 395 lb.-ft. of torque (535 Nm) when matted to a 6-speed automatic transmission. -Continued

Opening image edited by Carscoop

Citroen C3 Picasso MPV: New Image Gallery with 34 High-Res Pics

2008-09-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

Set to make its world debut at next month’s Paris Motor Show, the C3 Picasso is Citroen’s new baby-minivan. Loosely based on the Peugeot 207 underpinnings, the third model to join the Citroen’s Picasso family boasts a radical, cube-like body shape that sets it apart from more conventionally styled (or boring if you prefer) rivals like the Opel Meriva, Honda Jazz and Fiat Idea.

But just because it looks good doesn’t mean that Citroen ignored the practical side of the car. On the contrary, the French carmaker promises that the 4.08m long, 1.73m wide and 1.62m tall C3 Picasso will offer best in class passenger space. Citroen also says that with 500-litres under the parcel shelf, the C3 Picasso’s boot is one of the biggest in the segment, and with the rear bench down this aperture increases to an expansive 1,506-litres. -Continued

Citroen’s smallest MPV features a removable boot floor which can be positioned at two different levels, split-folding rear seats that slide independently and heaps of practical storage solutions like cubby holes, pen holders, non-slip surfaces and even a map holder – a place for each object and passenger. The glove box is ventilated on air-conditioned models and aircraft-style trays can also be installed in the rear with reading lights and cup holders.

The C3 Picasso will be offered with two petrol units developing 95 and 120 HP -both from the new-generation of engines developed in partnership with BMW, and two diesel units, the HDi 90 HP and HDi 110 HP DPFS.

New Mercedes C250 CDI BluEFFICIENCY: 45.2mpg and 0 to 62mph in 7.0’’

2008-09-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz has developed a completely new turbo diesel engine generation that will make its world premiere on a C-Class model at the Paris Auto Show. In the limited production C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition, the 4-cylinder 2.2-liter diesel produces an output of 204 hp and a massive 500Nm or 368 lb-ft of torque. Combined to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the premiere model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 7.0 sec and on to a top speed of 250 km/h (155mph).

Despite the impressive performance figures –especially for a diesel engine with just 2.2-liters of displacement, the C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition consumes an average of just 5.2 litres of fuel per 100 km (NEDC), with CO2 emissions of 138 g/km. Apart from the C-Class, the new diesel engine will also be installed in the E-Class, in the new GLK-Class and in the future E-Class Coupe. -Continued

In the case of the premier model, production of the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition will be limited to 5,000 units with prices in Germany starting from €40,638. The special edition sedan will be offered in obsidian black, palladium silver, iridium silver and in the special paint finish diamond white metallic.

Special features of the Prime Edition include airflow-enhancing exterior-mirror housings as well as smooth underbody cladding, low rolling resistance tires, and a an efficient energy-management system with adaptive power steering, which with the help of an additional valve, closes the flow of the power-steering pump when it is not required.

Renault Ondelios: Paris Debut for Luxury Hybrid Crossover Concept

2008-09-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

A Paris Motor Show without weird French concepts is like food without salt. Renault on its behalf will attempt to grasp the attention of showgoers and journalists alike with a luxury crossover hybrid concept awkwardly called Ondelios. According to Renault, the 4.8-metre-long, 1.6-metre-high Ondelios has drawn inspiration from the world of aviation and it embodies the company’s vision of high-end car. "Ondelios is inspired by motion rather than speed and is a whole new response to the call of the open road," enthuses Patrick Le Quément, Renault’s Design Director. -Continued

Equipped with a pair of gigantic gullwing doors that also feature an extensive glazed area, the Ondelios treats its passengers with a futuristic looking interior that can accommodate up to six passengers in three rows of (individual) seats. The second row of seats slide forward and folds down to facilitate access to the third row. All passengers, including those in the back row, have their own Samsung interactive portable multimedia devices which they can use for sharing data or multiplayer gaming.

The Ondelios is powered by a hybrid powerplant which combines a more powerful 205 HP version of Renault’s 2.0 dCi turbo diesel engine, with two 20kW electric motors at the front and rear that use a brake and boost system, recovering energy during braking then delivering it to the engine to boost acceleration. The crossover is also equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can deliver power of up to 4kW/h.

Renault says that the 2.0 dCi unit takes the Ondelios from a standing start to 100 km/h (62mph) in 7.8 seconds while fuel consumption is rated at a frugal 4.5 litres/100km or 52.3 US mpg and CO2 emissions at a low (especially for its size) 120g/km.

Paris Show Lexus IS Coupe-Cabriolet now has a name: IS 250 C

2008-09-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

It won’t be long before Lexus makes it official that it will present the highly-anticipated coupe-cabriolet version of the IS along with the facelifted sedan variants at the Paris show next month, but we thought we’d update our story (see here) as we just learned that the convertible model with the retractable rooftop will be named IS 250 C. That means of course that the Paris show car will be equipped with the IS 250’s 2.5-liter V6 engine that develops 204HP but the range will apparently also include the IS 350’s 306 HP 3.5-liter V6 unit. As for a top-of-the-line IS-F C version, that remains to be seen.

2009 Renault Megane III – First Official Video

2008-09-10T05:29:00.000-07:00

Check out the first official video of Renault’s all-new Megane hatchback that will be making its first public debut at next month’s Paris Motor Show. Renault promises that its new Golf VI rival will feature improved quality, along with better reliability and durability than the current Megane. Scheduled to go on sale in Europe this November, the third-generation Megane will be offered initially in 5door and 3door (coupe) versions but by 2010, the range will comprise of six models including a sedan, a station-wagon and a coupe-cabriolet with a retractable hardtop. Hit the jump for the video that includes interior, exterior and driving shots or click here for details and the high-res image gallery. -Continued

Rolls Royce Opens Sixth Showroom in China

2008-09-10T04:51:00.000-07:00

Business is going well for Rolls-Royce in China as the luxury automaker officially opened its sixth showroom today in the most populated and economically diverse country in the world. The new showroom is located in the city Hangzhou and is situated in a commercial area opposite a famous tourist attraction known as the West Lake. With a floor space of over 400 sq.m, it can accommodate up to four Rolls-Royce models. Other Rolls-Royce showrooms in Greater China are located at Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai. -Continued

Speaking at the showroom grand opening, Tom Purves, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Chief Executive Officer said, “This latest milestone is the first of several showroom openings which we announced in our Asia Pacific expansion plan at AutoChina 2008 in Beijing, earlier this year."

5 Million Ford Owners Urged to Fix Hazardous Vehicles

2008-09-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes consumers are just asking for trouble. Take Ford’s humongous safety recall that affected about 12 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and passenger cars over a defective cruise control switch that could lead to a fire (and has in more than 60 cases from August through February) at any time, even while the vehicle is turned-off, parked and unattended.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of the 12 million vehicles involved in the recall, nearly five million have not yet been brought to Ford for repair, despite the multiple safety defect recall notifications from the automaker and the agency itself which issued its latest warning back in February! If you happen to own one of the affected cars/trucks mentioned in the list after the jump, we’d strongly advise you to take NHTSA’s warning seriously and bring your vehicle to a local dealership for a corrective repair. -Continued

Affected Vehicles

1993–2004 Ford F150
1993–1999 Ford F250 (gasoline engine)
1993–1996 Ford Bronco
1994–1996 Ford Econoline
1997–2002 Ford Expedition
1998–2002 Lincoln Navigator
1998–2002 Ford Ranger
1992–1998 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis & Lincoln Town Car
1993–1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
1993–1995 Ford Taurus SHO with automatic transmission
1994–Mercury Capri
1998–2001 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer
2001–2002 Ford Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac
1992–1993 and 1997–2003 Ford E-150-350 gasoline or natural gas vehicles
2002 Ford E-550 gasoline engine vehicles
1996–2003 Ford E-450 gasoline or natural gas vehicles
1994–2002 Ford F-250 through F-550 super Duty trucks (gasoline engine)
2000–2002 Ford Excursion (gasoline engine)
2003 F250 – F550 Super Duty, Ford Excursion
1995–2002 Ford F53 Motor home chassis
2002–2003 Lincoln Blackwood

MINI Crossover Design Study Previews 2010 Production Version

2008-09-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

Making its world premiere at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October, the MINI Crossover design study previews the British firm’s first ever 4x4 SUV that’s due in early 2010. The fourth body variant of the MINI after the classic two-door hatch, the convertible and the estate-like Clubman, adopts the same retro look as the other versions enhanced with a more gaudy chromed grille, large sweptback headlights that look like they were startled by their own appearance and the typical for crossover models, protective body cladding.

The Crossover is not only the first all-wheel-drive MINI but it’s also the first model in the range to measure more than 4 meters in length. And at 1,830mm / 72.0" wide and 1,598mm / 62.9" high, it is bigger all round than the Clubman (3,950mm in length). The Crossover’s 2606mm / 102.6"wheelbase is also 59mm / 2.3’’ longer, thus promising to offer more interior space. -Continued

Continuing the dim-witted door theme of the Clubman, MINI’s designers have equipped the Crossver with a single, side-hinged door at the back while passengers get two normal doors on the right side of the vehicle and tow asymmetric doors on the driver’s side with the rear left-hand door sliding out and back, just like your typical delivery van. Hopefully, MINI will get it right on the production version…

Inside the Crossover features a four seat layout with adjustable rear seats that can slide by 130mm or 5.1" fore-and-aft. So depending on individual requirements, the rear seats offer either extra legroom or additional storage capacity in the rear compartment.

A further highlight of the interior is the ‘Center Globe’ that replaces the conventional instrument panel. Equipped with laser projection technology, the multi-function display serves to control all major entertainment, telecommunication and navigation functions, providing the speedometer function around its outer circumference

Although MINI hasn't announced any technical details on the Crossover, expect the production version to be offered with the same range of diesel and gasoline engines as its hatchback counterparts.

Via: Jalopnik , Source: MINI

Honda to Debut Restyled Civic Hybrid and i-DTEC Gearbox in Paris

2008-09-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

While the main attraction at Honda's Paris motor show stand will be by far the long awaited Insight hybrid concept, the Japanese automaker will also perform the European debut of the restyled Civic Hybrid and the world premiere of the i-DTEC automatic gearbox that has been that has been developed exclusively for all Honda models equipped with the firm’s 2.2-liter i-DTEC diesel engine. -Continued

As you can see in the picture above, not much has changed on the 2009 Civic Hybrid. Like its Japanese and American counterparts, the Euro spec hybrid sedan benefits from minor cosmetic changes including tweaked front and rear lights, a more aggressive bumper and new alloy wheels. The changes to the Civic Hybrid will also carry across to the conventionally powered 1.8 litre 4-door Civic sold in selected regions across Europe.

2009 Dodge Charger Gets More Powerful 368HP 5.7L V8 Hemi

2008-09-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

Leaving aside the allegedly restyled tail lamps as despite what Dodge says, we fail to see any visible differences with the ones found on the ’08 model, the most notable change on the 2009 Charger is the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine on the RWD and AWD R/T models with improved fuel efficiency and increased horsepower. According to Dodge, the revised 5.7-liter HEMI V8 produces an estimated 368 HP and 395 lb.-ft. or 536 Nm of torque compared to the ’08 5.7L Hemi V8 that was rated at 340 HP (350HP with the Road/Track Performance option) and 390 lb.-ft. or 525 Nm of torque respectively. Hit the jump to check out all the changes for the 2009 Charger models. -Continued

2009 DODGE CHARGER: WHAT’S NEW FOR 2009

Exterior:

Color: Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat replaces Steel Blue Pearl Coat
New taillamp design (all models)
Antenna moves to rear window (all models)
Aluminum wheels (now standard on Dodge Charger SE)

Interior:

Upgraded interior accents including satin silver door trim spears, satin silver center console cup holder rings and satin silver center stack and shifter bezels (Dodge Charger SE)
Trunk cargo net and scuff plate (Dodge Charger SE)
Premium 18-ounce floor mats (Dodge Charger SE)

Electrical:

LED-illuminated door map pockets (included with Leather Package on Dodge Charger SXT and standard on Dodge Charger R/T)
LED-illuminated front cup holders (all models)
EVIC informs driver when in two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD models)
EVIC informs driver when using the fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) by automatically flashing “ECO” message (Dodge Charger R/T)

Powertrain / Chassis:

New-generation 5.7-liter HEMI engine with fuel-saving MDS technology and variable-valve timing (VVT) achieves increased horsepower (368 hp) and torque (395 lb.-ft.) (Dodge Charger R/T)
New axle ratio of 2.65:1 (Dodge Charger R/T)
All-wheel-drive models are equipped with innovative Active Transfer Case and Front-axle Disconnect to maximize performance and fuel economy
New axle ratio of 3.06:1 (Dodge Charger AWD models)

Safety and Security:

Updated Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) warning message now appears as “LO TIRE” (all models)

2009 DODGE CHARGER SRT8: WHAT’S NEW FOR 2009

EXTERIOR
• New color: Deep Water Blue Clear Coat
• New taillamps

INTERIOR
• Dual-zone automatic temperature control standard
• Automatic headlamps standard
• One-touch up/down windows standard
• New front-seat head rests
• Remote start standard
• Air filtration standard
• Heated front seats standard

POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
• New ABS/ESP calibration with brake knockback mitigation
• Retuned suspension including knuckle and shock valve
• Improved fuel economy results in a lower gas guzzler tax

PACKAGES
• Limited edition Super Bee “buzz model” in Hemi Orange with serialized dash plaque
o Package includes Charger SRT8 Super Bee wheels with black anodized pockets
o Exterior decals for the hood and “Super Bee” on rear quarter
o Silver Brembo brake calipers
o uconnect tunes radio standard
o Orange accent color on seat
• Limited edition Brilliant Black Edition (spring 2009)

2010 Ford Mustang Spotted without any Cladding

2008-09-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Mustang has been subjected to many forms of camouflage in the past, but never before without any heavy cladding. These spy shots, courtesy of Jalopnik reader Rob, allow us to get a better glimpse of the 2010 Stang’s revamped bodywork as the only camo on the prototype model featured here is the leopard-skin body paint. While at first it may seem that few things have changed, take a closer look at the scoop pictures and you’ll notice the flowing curved line above rear fenders, the more aggressively styled front end with the smaller opening for the lights and grille as well as the more pronounced beltline. The new Mustang will make its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late November. -Continued

Via: Jalopnik

First Official Video of the 2009 VW Golf VI

2008-09-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

If you’re thinking that the new Golf looks awfully similar to the outgoing model, you’re not far wrong as what Volkswagen basically did with the sixth generation model was to re-skin the Golf V and at the same time find a way to make it cheaper and quicker to produce. Follow the jump to watch the 2009 Golf VI in Volkswagen’s first official video that includes both driving and static footage and decide for yourself if you agree with the German automaker’s evolutionary approach. You may also want to check out the details on the new Golf by clicking here or see our image gallery with 62 high-res photos by clicking here. -Continued

2009 Renault Megane: Official Details and 33 High-Res Photos

2008-09-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

After a series of leaks, some of which even ended up involving the French police –see here, Renault has finally released initial details and photos of the all-new 5door Megane that will debut along with the sportier 3door variant of the subcompact hatch at the Paris Motor Show in October. The first thing that anyone will notice on the 5door Megane is its more conservative styling compared with the love-it or hate-it design of the outgoing model. Inside, the new Megane boasts an elegantly styled dashboard that takes several design cues from the Laguna.

Renault’s new proposition in the European C-Segment that will challenge the VW Golf VI and the Ford Focus, is bigger and roomier that its predecessor measuring in at 4.3m in length with a 2.64m wheelbase. Despite the increase in size, the French automaker supports that the third generation Megane is an average 8kg or 17.8 lbs lighter than its predecessor. -Continued

When the new Megane hits European dealerships in the next few weeks, it will be offered with an array of diesel and petrol engines. The diesel range will include the 1.5-liter dCi with outputs of 85 HP, 90 HP, 105 HP and 110 HP (depending on the market) as well as the dCi 130 HP and the top-of-the-line, dCi 150HP (automatic) and dCi 160HP (manual gearbox)

Depending on market, the petrol range will comprise the 1.6-liter 100HP and 110HP engines, as well as the 2.0-liter 140HP and the TCe 180 HP. The 2.0-liter 140HP engine will be available from launch with a six-speed manual gearbox, while continuously variable transmission will be introduced with this powerplant at a later date. Renault's latest petrol engine, the 1.4-liter turbocharged TCe 130 HP engine will be added to the catalogue in the spring of 2009. Depending on version, these engines can be mated to five- or six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Apart from the 5door Megane seen here and the 3door coupe that will be shown at Paris, Renault plans to add another four distinct body styles (including 4door sedan, a station wagon and a hardtop cabriolet model) to the range by 2010.

Insider: Audi to Reveal A1 5door Hatch Concept in Paris

2008-09-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Audi has already confirmed that its long-awaited MINI rival, the A1, will find its way into showrooms by the end of 2009 / early 2010 (depending on the market). The German firm gave us a first glimpse of its new city car at last year’s Tokyo Auto Show with the 3door A1 Metroproject quattro concept but now Carscoop’s has learned that Audi will take the wraps off a 5-door version of the A1 at the Paris Auto Show in October. Our inside sources report that the Paris Show concept car will be closer to the production version than the A1 shown in Tokyo. -Continued

The new Audi A1 will be developed on the VW group's new MQB modular architecture for small and mid-sized cars with transverse engines. Expect to see front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions as well as a top-of-the-line S1 model equipped with one of the latest TSI engines from the VW Group developing over 200HP.

Rendering: Carscoop

2009 Volvo C30, S40 and S50 DRIVe: New Eco-friendly Line-Up

2008-09-09T05:34:00.000-07:00

Volvo will be unveiling a trio of eco-friendly models based on the C30, S40 Sedan and V50 Station-Wagon at the Paris Motor Show in early October. Carrying the DRIVe insignia, all three models are powered by a 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine and equipped with a set of efficiency-enhancing features including reduced chassis height, aerodynamically optimized wheels, underbody panels (C30), new rear bumper (C30), low rolling resistance tires, unique spoilers and higher gear ratios. -Continued

"Changing the transmission oil gives us a 0.75 percent lower fuel consumption. Tyres with low rolling resistance save another two percent. Each of these measures may seem rather modest, but it is important to look at the whole picture. Taken together, all the small adjustments have helped us achieve our aim, with emissions below 120 g/km for all three cars. Without in any way compromising on either driving properties or comfort, which was an important requirement," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

The result is an average fuel consumption of 4.4 lt/100 km (64.2 UK mpg or 53.5 US mpg) in the C30 DRIVe and 4.5 lt/100 km (62.8 UK mpg or 53.3 US mpg) in the S40 and V50 DRIVe with corresponding CO2 figures of 115 and 118 g/km. The new DRIVe variants of the C30, S40 and V50 will go on sale in Europe by the end of the year.

Reduced air resistance:

Chassis height reduced by about 10 mm. Same comfort setting as the standard car.
Spoiler at the front, the same as on the T5 (S40 and V50).
Covered radiator grille. Behind the characteristic Volvo grille there is a wind-deflecting panel that provides better aerodynamics inside the engine compartment.
Wind deflectors in front of the front wheels.
Aerodynamically optimised wheels of special design. Available in 15 and 16 inch sizes.
Underbody panels for more efficient airflow under the car as well (C30).
Unique rear spoiler (C30). The S40 has the same spoiler as the T5 and D5 models.
New rear bumper (C30).

Lower rolling resistance:

All the cars are equipped as standard with a new generation of Michelin tires with low rolling resistance. Available for 15 and 16 inch wheels.

Higher ratios:

Gearbox with altered ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears.

More efficient driveline:

Optimised engine cooling, engine management and power steering.
New transmission oil with lower friction.
Gearchange indicator in the information display

2009 Subaru Forester 2.0 Turbo Diesel in Detail

2008-09-09T04:40:00.000-07:00

At next month’s Paris Show, Subaru will unveil the first-ever diesel-powered versions of the Impreza and Forester models. The Japanese automaker has very high hopes for the Forester 2.0D as it expects it to account for a massive 80 percent of sales and eventually turn the SUV into the company’s best-selling model in Europe. First introduced in the Legacy and Outback in the beginning of the year, the 2.0 litre, four-cylinder horizontally-opposed Boxer Diesel engine delivers in the Forester 147 PS at 3,600 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. -Continued

Apart from the new engine, key improvements over the 2.0 litre petrol Forester include a new six-speed manual gearbox, uprated front suspension and firmer-feeling steering. Top speed and 0-60 mph (96 km/h) times are at 115.5 mph (185 km/h) and 10 seconds respectively while the extra engine torque over the petrol model allows a full 2,000 kg or 4,010 lbs braked towing limit.

Fuel economy in the Forester 2.0D is rated at 44.8 mpg UK (37.3 mpg US or 6.3lt/100 km) with average CO2 emissions of 167 g/km. Meanwhile, thanks to the diesel version’s enlarged fuel tank (from 60 to 64 litres compared to the petrol models), the compact crossover can theoretically cover a distance of more than 1,000 km or 620 miles before the need for refueling.

In the UK, the new Boxer Diesel Forester range will arrive later this month where it will be available in three specific trim levels – the 2.0D X priced at £20,295, the 2.0D XC at £22,495 and the 2.0D XSn at £25,495 (all on-the-road).

Standard features for the entry-level Forester 2.0D X include: symmetrical all-wheel drive; Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control; self-levelling rear suspension; fuel-saving electric power steering; front, side and curtain airbags and 16’’ alloy wheels with 215/65 tires.

Other features include four electric windows; 60/40-split rear seats with reclining back-rests; climate-control air-conditioning; radio/CD player; front fog lamps; vehicle information display; height and reach-adjustment steering wheel; leather-covered steering wheel, handbrake and gear-lever; heated front seats, mirrors and windscreen wipers plus cruise-control.

Expected to be the best-seller, the Forester 2.0D XC adds: roof-rails; larger, 17’’ alloys with 225/55 tires; premium audio system featuring a six-stacker CD-player and seven speakers; roof spoiler; HID headlamps and a large, electrically-powered sun-roof.

Finally, the top-of-the range Forester 2.0D XSn adds: satellite navigation with single disc CD/radio; leather seats; electrically-powered driver’s seat and Smart-entry with push-button start.

Chevrolet Orlando: Paris Debut for 7-Seat Minivan Based on the Cruze

2008-09-09T04:08:00.000-07:00

More of a pre-production model than a concept, the Orlando previews Chevy’s forthcoming entry in the European compact minivan segment where it will compete against cars like the Opel Zafira, Renault Scenic and the VW Touran. Based on the recently announced Cruze compact sedan, the Orlando show car carries Chevy’s signature design language with elements like the large split grille and the profiled shoulder line.

Sitting on a 2,760mm wheelbase, the five-door Orlando can accommodate seven occupants in three rows of seats that can be adapted to the driver’s needs, allowing the transformation of the cabin into a large cargo area. The most notable design feature of the interior is what appears to be a Camaro inspired instrument panel. -Continued

The Paris Show car will be equipped with GM Europe’s latest-generation 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp and 320 Nm of torque, but expect the production version to be offered with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines when the Orlando enters the market before the end of the decade.

2009 Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia: Rally-Inspired Version

2008-09-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

In celebration of the Cayenne S’ success at the ‘Transsyberia Rally’ that runs 7,200 km (4,460 miles) from Moscow, Russia all the way to the Mongolian Capital of Ulan Bator, Porsche decided to develop a limited edition version of its SUV that will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. Like the slightly modified Cayenne S vehicles that took the first six places at this year’s Transsyberia Rally, the special edition model is based on the Cayenne S but comes equipped with the Cayenne GTS’ more powerful 4.8-liter V8 that produces 405 HP at 6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) at 3,500 rpm. -Continued

The V8 engine is matted to a 6-speed manual gearbox carried over from the GTS but shortened by 15 percent to 4.1:1. Buyers can also opt for a six-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. According to Porsche, the Cayenne S Transsyberia with the manual gearbox can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.1 seconds, 0.5 seconds faster than the Cayenne S while the interim sprint from 80 – 120 km/h in fifth gear is completed in 6.6 seconds, two seconds faster than the Cayenne S. The Transsyberia’s top speed 253 km/h or 158 mph.

On the outside the Cayenne S Transsyberia is distinguished by the four available color concepts including the rally combinations Black/Orange and Crystal Silver Metallic/Orange along with the more discreet color combos Black/Meteor Grey Metallic and Meteor Grey Metallic/Crystal Silver Metallic. With the exception of the Meteor Grey Metallic/Crystal Silver Metallic combo, the 18-inch Cayenne S II wheels come in each case in a contrasting color, as do the side plates on the air intake grid, the “Cayenne S Transsyberia” model designation (applied as a no-cost option at the side), the exterior mirror housings and the upper part of the extended roof spoiler with its double wing profile fixed in position.

Customers can also add the offroad roof headlights of the competition model as a no-cost option. The lights are placed in the vehicle upon delivery, since in Germany, at least, such headlights on the roof are not homologated for use on public roads.

Inside, the Transsyberia features ornamental trim on the dashboard and the doors, on the instruments and dials, the belts and foot mat surrounds comes in each case in the contrasting color chosen for the exterior. Finally, the steering wheel rim is padded and finished in alcantara while as an homage to motorsport, it also features a 12 o’clock mark in one of the contrasting colors.

The new Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia will hit Porsche dealerships in January 2009 with prices in the German market starting at 77,558 Euros.