What Should I Do If I’m In A Car Accident?

Its a beautiful day and youre driving down the road taking in the scenery. The wind blows through your hair and the breeze feels good beading down your face. You see there is a red mustang convertible traveling directly ahead of you. The license plate on the mustang reads you think FIN..??LY. You have difficulty reading the plate so you speed up to get closer to the rear of the vehicle. As you press down on the gas of your vehicle it accelerates from fifty to sixty-five in a flash, and before you know it you have rear ended that little red mustang. At this point your heart races and you feel angry, scared and frustrated at what just happened.

You say to yourself what am I going to do and how did I manage to cause this accident. I could kick myself for what just happened.

You now think about the consequences and try to determine what you should do next. You then decide to exit your vehicle to see how the driver of the mustang was doing. The mustang driver whose name was Manny, appeared to be doing physically fine, however he was upset that I had hit his classic red prized possession with license plates which you discovered read FINALLY.

If youre in a car accident, first and foremost, try to obtain as much information from the other party involved in the accident which would include the following: drivers license information(name, date of birth, license number, address), telephone number, license plate number, vehicle type(year, make, model & color), insurance information(policy number, insurance company name, & address if possible). If the other party has no insurance, be sure to obtain the license plate number and all other information previously mentioned. In addition, if there is a witness or witnesses at the scene, obtain their name, address and telephone number if at all possible. This will be very helpful in determining who is responsible for causing the accident in reference to liability.

If the police department is called to the scene of the accident, a report may be taken. If this is the case, the police officer taking the report may separate the parties involved and the identification information previously listed may be difficult to obtain. If this is the case, then make sure you obtain the police report number so that you can provide this information to your insurance company. Your insurance company will obtain a copy of the report, wherein the identification and accident information will be listed for all parties involved.

Contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible. Regardless if you plan on going through the other persons insurance company for the repair of your vehicle. Most insurance companies require their policy holders to report accidents.

If you fail to report the accident to your insurance company, you may find out at a later date when you try to apply for another insurance policy that you are listed on what is called a CLUE report for not reporting a particular accident to your carrier. This may have a negative impact on you obtaining a new policy. You may be listed on the CLUE report even if the accident is not your fault.

The CLUE report is a specialized report which is used by most insurance companies concerning licensed drivers who are trying to obtain a new policy. It also provides information on your driving history.

Nocita Carter is a writer and web designer that creates websites providing informative tips on various subject matter including personal finance tips on your personal finances at http://www.personal-finance-tips-for-you.com and dating tips at http://www.mydating-tips.com.

You can find student loans information at loansadvise.com

5 October

Auto Insurance Black Box Technology Meets Your Darkest Fears

Back in the days before computers, auto insurance was personal and subjective. The insurance agent actually talked to the man he knew in the main office, called in a few favors, and got their best customers the best rates. Male drivers under 25 were charged a lot. Young females, being perceived as less risk, were charged much less.

Now, in the computer age, auto insurance companies have large databases of accident and claims records. By number-crunching these records they can tell what type of person is more likely to be a good driver and what type of person is more likely to be an accident risk. This Black Box technology gives them insights into the background and behavior of the people who they think should pay more for their auto insurance. For example, people who carry minimum limits of liability are actually a greater risk than those who carry at least 50/100 ($50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident). And statistics have shown that those with bad credit scores are more likely to be involved in accidents.

In Texas, the minimum liability limit on auto insurance is 20/40. Yep. $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident. Not much is it? And if that weren’t bad enough, the minimum property damage is $15,000. Guess who makes up the difference if you’re in an accident that’s your fault?

In most states, auto insurance is regulated by the state. But that is only the beginning. The state uses tables of ‘loss ratios’, exposure, and other conjuring words, to justify what the auto insurance companies want you to pay. Every once in a while, just to throw you off, they will even announce a state-wide REDUCTION in auto rates. When they do, hold onto your wallet!

After the state sets the base rate, the individual companies negotiate with them to adjust their particular rates, claiming either a better or worse loss ratio than average. So, after the elections are over, the legislature allows exceptions, amendments, and endorsements to jack them back up to something the auto insurance companies can make a ton of money from.

And theres more. Most states allow individual companies to set their own rules to determine who gets charged what. So, one auto insurance company rates a particular driver one way, while another company rates the same driver differently. Each company sets those underwriting rules.

So how are auto insurance rates determined? First, the state usually gets involved. Then companies toss the dice between staying competitive and making as much profit as they can for their stockholders. And finally, now that the ‘Black Box’ is here, auto insurance companies are taking a closer look at every driver. Career, credit score, past record, even the city you live in helps ‘drive’ the rates. They have even found that those who select low limits of liability are greater risks than those who select higher limits. So, by raising your liability limits, you may actually LOWER your auto insurance rate.

For some, the new ‘Black Box’ technology reduces rates by as much as 20% over those companies not using it. The bad news is, since credit scoring does play a part in ALL auto insurance rating, the worse your credit score, the higher your auto insurance will go. No more ‘discounts’, no more ‘loyal customer’ credits, and the like. You will be rated right down to your underwear, placed in a group of drivers almost identical to you, and charged accordingly.

Gillian Gunner is a writer, software author and webmaster. She writes on subjects connected with personal finance, lifestyle and new technology. She has contributed to Auto Insurance Now.

You can find student loans information at loansadvise.com

Posted by Car Insurances in Car Insurance - Tags: - Comments (0)
5 October

Do You Pay Too Much For Your Car Insurance?

Do the premiums just seem to get higher and higher every year?

It is amazing how many people just receive their insurance renewal when it is sent out each year and pay it off without a second thought!

But, at the back of their mind, is this niggling feeling of discontent about the amount they are paying. Unfortunately many feel there is nothing they can do about it, they are literally being held to ransom by the insurance companies.

If you drive then you need insurance, that is for sure. So what can you do if you feel you are being overcharged or you would just like to check that you are being charged a fair price?

The Internet has revolutionized the possibilities for finding more choice for things like car insurance. It is now possible to browse from the comfort of your own home and use some of the many sites available to help you select an insurance policy that is right for you and get the best price in the process.

For many the Internet is still somewhat a mystery, but most people can find a friendly person to help them on line. To get the best deal for you insurance it is vital to get on the web and search the many discount insurance providers that now exist.

Traditionally insurance was sold by agents who only dealt with one insurer, thus you had no choice when you renewed your policy. If you stayed with the same agent then you stayed with the same insurer and so had no chance of getting a better price.

Now on line there exist many discount brokers who deal with many different insurance companies, they offer you the chance to view all the different prices which are offered to you and your vehicle. You can also choose from many different options for the type of insurance and extra features you can get with your policy.

This choice is fantastic news for car owners and many people are still shocked when they realize just how easy it is to save hundreds even thousands each year on their premium.

The discount brokers are able to offer such a good deal because many only exist as an on line operation, thus no local office to run and less staff.

If you want to make your renewal cheaper this year then start today, get on line and search for a discount broker who services your county. There are many available so shop around until you find the very best price. You could save yourself enough cash to have a nice holiday or even buy a special gift for a loved one.

Written for - http://www.carinsurancetoday.info - for informative information on line.

You can find student loans information at loansadvise.com

Posted by Car Insurances in Car Insurance - Comments (0)
5 October

10 Ways To Lower Your Auto Insurance

Nowadays, auto insurance is really expensive. A typical insurance policy can cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars a year. And the insurance rates you pay are hugely dependent on the insurance company or agent, your age, your car type, your driving record, and even the area you reside in!

You should never go without auto insurance though, despite the costs. Almost all the states require you to protect yourself with a minimum amount of liability coverage. Naturally, the bare minimum is not adequate enough for the average car owner. And as you add in additional coverage for your car, you realize that you will be paying a fairly large sum annually.

So, understanding auto insurance can actually help you to decide on a suitable insurance policy that won’t vacuum clean your wallet! Here, we have gathered 10 of the best tips for lowering your auto insurance, by as much as 40%!

Always compare insurance policies. There are states which regulate auto insurance rates, but the insurance premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars for the exact same coverage. It is definitely worthwhile to shop around. The first thing you can do is to check with your state insurance department. They often provide information about the coverage you need, as well as sample rates from the biggest companies. You can also ask your friends or look up the yellow pages. Checking consumer guides and asking insurance agents can pay off as well. You can easily find out the price range for your insurance policy, as well as discover the lowest prices in town.

However, you should not be shopping based on price along. The insurance company should provide good service at the best price. Excellent personal service is available as well, and they provide added conveniences, although they cost a fair bit more. Ask the company how you can lower your costs, and also check their financial ratings. The rule of thumb is always to get three price quotes from three different companies, and pick the one with the best value.

It can also be a good idea to increase your deductibles. When you file a claim, the deductible is the amount you pay before the insurance company pays for the rest of the damage. A higher deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage can lead to a much lower premium. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $400 can reduce your premiums by up to 25%. However, you must ensure that you have the financial resources to handle the largest deductible when the time comes.

Remove certain types of coverage from your policy. Almost all the states require liability coverage for your car, but the rest of the coverage is probably dispensable. However, you do not want to be underinsured if you’re in an accident, so it isn’t advisable to remove all of your additional coverage. Optional coverage includes medical payments, uninsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive coverage.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage for older cars. If you drive an older car that’s worth less than $2,000, it’s probably more cost-effective to drop collision and comprehensive coverage since you’ll probably pay more for the coverage than you’ll collect for a claim. You can find out the worth of your car by asking auto dealers and banks.

Make sure your credit report looks good. Car insurance companies often look at your credit history as there is a correlation between the risk to the company and your credit history. If you pay your bills on time and maintain a good credit history, you can enjoy lower insurance rates.

Drive less. Insurance companies often offer low-mileage discounts to motorists who drive less than a predetermined number of miles each year. You can use public transportation more often, car-pool with friends, and take the train or a plane instead of driving to another state. And you’ll save on more than your coverage as you’ll need to spend less on gasoline (of which prices are incredibly high).

Maintain a clean driving record. The company will give you a price break and you can save on your insurance policy after a specified period of a clean driving record. This means that you have no accidents, no serious driving violations etc, during this period of time. The simplest and surefire way to qualify for this discount is to drive carefully and defensively all the time.

Choose a low-profile car. Insurance rates vary among difference models of vehicles. Generally, sports cars and high-performance cars tend to cost more to insure, mainly because they represent more risk of theft and the drivers are often the people who drive more recklessly. Newer cars will cost more to repair or replace than older ones, so naturally they can more to insure. Low-risk vehicles include station wagons and sedans.

Ask about safety and security discounts. The insurance companies sometimes offer discounts on your insurance if your car is equipped with the following: anti-lock brakes, air bags, automatic seat belts, car alarms, tracking systems. These reduce the injury risk to you, as well as the chances of your car being vandalized or stolen.

Finally, ask about other discounts. You may receive a discount if you buy more than one type of insurance from the same company or if you insure multiple cars under the same policy or company. You may also receive discounts for taking a defensive driving course, staying with the same company for a few years, being a driver over 50, good-student discounts, and being an AAA member. If you already have adequate health insurance, you can also eliminate paying for duplicate medical coverage, thus lowering your personal injury protection costs by a substantial amount.

Pete Lance is the founder of http://www.USGasTracker.org, a premier company which helps the consumer save money on gasoline. Thousands of gas stations across the nation are tracked daily to guarantee the lowest prices on gasoline anywhere in the United States.

You can find student loans information at loansadvise.com

Posted by Car Insurances in Car Insurance - Tags: - Comments (0)
5 October

Auto Insurance Black Box Technology Meets Your Darkest Fears

Back in the days before computers, auto insurance was personal and subjective. The insurance agent actually talked to the man he knew in the main office, called in a few favors, and got their best customers the best rates. Male drivers under 25 were charged a lot. Young females, being perceived as less risk, were charged much less.

Now, in the computer age, auto insurance companies have large databases of accident and claims records. By number-crunching these records they can tell what type of person is more likely to be a good driver and what type of person is more likely to be an accident risk. This Black Box technology gives them insights into the background and behavior of the people who they think should pay more for their auto insurance. For example, people who carry minimum limits of liability are actually a greater risk than those who carry at least 50/100 ($50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident). And statistics have shown that those with bad credit scores are more likely to be involved in accidents.

In Texas, the minimum liability limit on auto insurance is 20/40. Yep. $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident. Not much is it? And if that weren’t bad enough, the minimum property damage is $15,000. Guess who makes up the difference if you’re in an accident that’s your fault?

In most states, auto insurance is regulated by the state. But that is only the beginning. The state uses tables of ‘loss ratios’, exposure, and other conjuring words, to justify what the auto insurance companies want you to pay. Every once in a while, just to throw you off, they will even announce a state-wide REDUCTION in auto rates. When they do, hold onto your wallet!

After the state sets the base rate, the individual companies negotiate with them to adjust their particular rates, claiming either a better or worse loss ratio than average. So, after the elections are over, the legislature allows exceptions, amendments, and endorsements to jack them back up to something the auto insurance companies can make a ton of money from.

And theres more. Most states allow individual companies to set their own rules to determine who gets charged what. So, one auto insurance company rates a particular driver one way, while another company rates the same driver differently. Each company sets those underwriting rules.

So how are auto insurance rates determined? First, the state usually gets involved. Then companies toss the dice between staying competitive and making as much profit as they can for their stockholders. And finally, now that the ‘Black Box’ is here, auto insurance companies are taking a closer look at every driver. Career, credit score, past record, even the city you live in helps ‘drive’ the rates. They have even found that those who select low limits of liability are greater risks than those who select higher limits. So, by raising your liability limits, you may actually LOWER your auto insurance rate.

For some, the new ‘Black Box’ technology reduces rates by as much as 20% over those companies not using it. The bad news is, since credit scoring does play a part in ALL auto insurance rating, the worse your credit score, the higher your auto insurance will go. No more ‘discounts’, no more ‘loyal customer’ credits, and the like. You will be rated right down to your underwear, placed in a group of drivers almost identical to you, and charged accordingly.

Gillian Gunner is a writer, software author and webmaster. She writes on subjects connected with personal finance, lifestyle and new technology. She has contributed to Auto Insurance Now.

You can find student loans information at loansadvise.com

Posted by Car Insurances in Car Insurance - Tags: - Comments (0)
5 October

Do You Pay Too Much For Your Car Insurance?

Do the premiums just seem to get higher and higher every year?

It is amazing how many people just receive their insurance renewal when it is sent out each year and pay it off without a second thought!

But, at the back of their mind, is this niggling feeling of discontent about the amount they are paying. Unfortunately many feel there is nothing they can do about it, they are literally being held to ransom by the insurance companies.

If you drive then you need insurance, that is for sure. So what can you do if you feel you are being overcharged or you would just like to check that you are being charged a fair price?

The Internet has revolutionized the possibilities for finding more choice for things like car insurance. It is now possible to browse from the comfort of your own home and use some of the many sites available to help you select an insurance policy that is right for you and get the best price in the process.

For many the Internet is still somewhat a mystery, but most people can find a friendly person to help them on line. To get the best deal for you insurance it is vital to get on the web and search the many discount insurance providers that now exist.

Traditionally insurance was sold by agents who only dealt with one insurer, thus you had no choice when you renewed your policy. If you stayed with the same agent then you stayed with the same insurer and so had no chance of getting a better price.

Now on line there exist many discount brokers who deal with many different insurance companies, they offer you the chance to view all the different prices which are offered to you and your vehicle. You can also choose from many different options for the type of insurance and extra features you can get with your policy.

This choice is fantastic news for car owners and many people are still shocked when they realize just how easy it is to save hundreds even thousands each year on their premium.

The discount brokers are able to offer such a good deal because many only exist as an on line operation, thus no local office to run and less staff.

If you want to make your renewal cheaper this year then start today, get on line and search for a discount broker who services your county. There are many available so shop around until you find the very best price. You could save yourself enough cash to have a nice holiday or even buy a special gift for a loved one.

Written for - http://www.carinsurancetoday.info - for informative information on line.

You can find student loans information at loansadvise.com

Posted by Car Insurances in Car Insurance - Comments (0)
5 October