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		<title>Comparing Geico Car Insurance? &#8211; Take a Look at their Umbrella Policy</title>
		<link>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/articles/whats-up-with-geico/</link>
		<comments>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/articles/whats-up-with-geico/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:02:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://insurancetipsandrates.com/?p=380</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Eyes Have It Let me confess something right off the bat: That Geico gecko with the giant, shiny eyes, tiny green shoulders and British accent freaks me out. I know this standing upright lizard isn&#8217;t real, but see, that&#8217;s what I find creepy. It&#8217;s mostly those big eyeballs, I think. What is it with [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://insurancetipsandrates.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/geico-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="geico" width="150" height="150" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-383" /><strong>The Eyes Have It</strong></p>
<p>Let me confess something right off the bat: That Geico gecko with the giant, shiny eyes, tiny green shoulders and British accent freaks me out. I know this standing upright lizard isn&#8217;t real, but see, that&#8217;s what I find creepy. It&#8217;s mostly those big eyeballs, I think. </p>
<p>What is it with Geico and giant eyeballs? Remember the Geico commercial with the stacks of cash with the huge eyeballs on top? The fact that the song &#8220;I&#8217;ll Be Watching You&#8221; plays in the background is kinda funny, but hey, Geico, my money talks, not sees! The message of which the gecko speaks, however,  is riveting enough to make up for all this: &#8220;15 Minutes Could Save You 15% Or More On Car Insurance.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>15 Minutes of Fame</strong></p>
<p>Well, spending 15 minutes on the Geico websiite isn&#8217;t going to make you famous like that big-eyed gecko, but I love the options there. You can choose to stay online on the Geico site and type in a few details to get a <a href="http://http://insurancetipsandrates.com/auto_insurance/">cheaper car insurance quote</a>. There&#8217;s also a toll free phone number to call with 24/7 customer service. Of course, you always have the option of heading out in person to a Geico insurance office since not everyone is Internet obsessed like I am and I freely admit this! Geico has a handy location finder on the site.</p>
<p><strong>Geico&#8217;s Coverage Calculator Rocks</strong></p>
<p>One of my biggest issues with <a href="http://www.insurancetipsandrates.com">comparing car insurance rates</a> is that I have sometimes found it frustrating to get a good handle on how much coverage I actually need. After all, getting comprehensive collision is going to benefit some people, but not others. </p>
<p>For instance, say we have Frank, a single 23 year old who lives alone in a rented apartment, owns a car worth about $7,000 and has an income of $30,000. Now say we also have a married couple, Seth and Sarah, in their 30s, with three children, a home they own and a vehicle they own worth about $35,000, on their household income of $125,000. </p>
<p>Frank and the family&#8217;s insurance needs are going to vary drastically and with Geico&#8217;s Coverage Calculator, typing in just a few details can get  anyone on the right track with a ball park figure as a starting guide into finding out more information..</p>
<p><strong>Mary Poppins isn&#8217;t the Only One Who Relies on Her Umbrella</strong></p>
<p>When I snooped around even further on Geico&#8217;s website, I was impressed by their umbrella coverage. This works in addition to regular insurance for home, auto and/or other insurances to provide extra liability coverage. For Martin and Nancy, an older couple who rent out a second property they own as an income source, this extra insurance could cover them against being held liable if someone falls on their rental property or gets bitten by a tenant&#8217;s dog.</p>
<p>But there are many other situations that may be benefited by Geico&#8217;s umbrella insurance coverage:</p>
<p>*extending the limit of boat, recreation vehicle (RV), auto or homeowner policies</p>
<p>*covering claims that aren&#8217;t included in other liability policies such as slander, libel and false arrest</p>
<p>*including medical bill coverage if a person falls in your home or yard</p>
<p>*covering liability if you cause damage or injuries in a vehicle accident that is your fault</p>
<p>*covering injuries or damage caused by your pet to someone or something</p>
<p><strong>Wee Wee Wee Love the Pig!</strong></p>
<p>Going back to the commercials, again, I just want to close this by mentioning my favorite. The Geico ad with that little pig in the back seat of the car who says &#8220;wee wee wee all the way home&#8221; like in the fairy tale cracks me up every single time I see it. It&#8217;s the idea that this little piggy totally annoys everyone else in the car because he has to &#8220;wee wee wee&#8221; all the way, not just part of the way, home. </p>
<p>Whatever car insurance company you&#8217;re thinking about checking out online for home, auto, or any other type of coverage,  proceed with caution to consider only the coverage that best suits your needs.</p>
<p><center><a href="https://plus.google.com/114192097950300153502" rel="author" target="_blank"> Join me on Google+</a></center></p>
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		<title>Lower Auto Insurance Quotes in Minutes</title>
		<link>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/auto/lower-auto-insurance-quotes-in-minutes/</link>
		<comments>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/auto/lower-auto-insurance-quotes-in-minutes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:00:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://insurancetipsandrates.com/?p=359</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every state requires car owners to have auto insurance. Some even cancel license tags if a policy isn’t renewed or replaced when it expires. But even if it wasn’t required, auto insurance is a smart buy, protecting your health, your property you’re your legal rights. Shopping for cheaper auto insurance rates doesn’t have to be [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
<p>Every state requires car owners to have auto insurance. Some even cancel license tags if a policy isn’t renewed or replaced when it expires. But even if it wasn’t required, auto insurance is a smart buy, protecting your health, your property you’re your legal rights.</p>
<p>Shopping for <a href="http://www.insurancetipsandrates.com">cheaper auto insurance rates</a> doesn’t have to be time consuming and frustrating. If you need reliable and affordable auto insurance, you’ve come to the right place. We can provide quotes from several insurance companies in our large network, quickly and conveniently. All you need  to do it click the “quote” button!</p>
<p>You can get several quotes in under a minute when you complete the short questionnaire with your basic information. As soon as you click the button, it will take just seconds to retrieve quotes from several insurers. Then you can compare prices, benefits and coverage in the privacy of your own home or office.</p>
<p>You won’t have to deal with insurance agents, drive all over town or spend hours on the telephone when you take advantage of our free online quote service. You won’t have to deal with sales pitches or high pressure sales people, either! You’ll be able to examine the information at your own pace with no interruptions, finding the right coverage at a price that fits your budget.</p>
<p>By getting a <a href="http://www.insurancetipsandrates.com/auto_insurance">free auto quote online</a> and taking your time, you’ll be able to save money and probably get more coverage than you thought you could. Once you find the right policy at the right price, don’t forget to ask about discounts that you may qualify for and drive the price down even further!</p>
<p>Check our knowledge section if you have a question about different features of auto insurance. We’ll help you know exactly what your insurance dollars are buying so that you can choose the insurance that protects your health and finances as well as your property.</p>
<p>Compare Auto Insurance Quotes and Save!</p>
</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Top 5 Reasons to Select a Car Insurance Company</title>
		<link>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/articles/top-5-reasons-to-select-a-car-insurance-company/</link>
		<comments>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/articles/top-5-reasons-to-select-a-car-insurance-company/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:30:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://insurancetipsandrates.com/?p=315</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Deciding on a car insurance company can sometimes be very frustrating because there are so many to choose from and so many reasons to choose. Television commercials don’t help the problem either because they all give such great reasons to choose their company without really defining why this makes them different. What you need to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-419" title="car insurance" src="http://insurancetipsandrates.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/car-insurance-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Deciding on a car insurance company can sometimes be very frustrating because there are so many to choose from and so many reasons to choose. Television commercials don’t help the problem either because they all give such great reasons to choose their company without really defining why this makes them different. What you need to have to choose is a good idea of what is important to your situation and your future.</p>
<p>The following five reasons are not numbered because they are closely related and are of varying importance depending on your situation.<span id="more-315"></span> These are five good reasons to find the <a href="http://www.insurancetipsandrates.com/auto_insurance">best car insurance company</a>:</p>
<h2>1. Licensing</h2>
<p>Car insurance laws are determined and regulated by each individual state, meaning large national companies must be diligent about licensing. You need to know if the company that you are considering being insured with has licensed adjusters and agents working for them. For buying online you don’t need to know about the agent as you won’t have to use one.</p>
<p>However, for future peace of mind you need to know if the adjusters are licensed with the state so you don’t get mistreated. You can bank on the larger insurance companies following these guidelines, but be weary of the fly-by-night companies that you stumble onto on the internet.</p>
<h2>2. Price</h2>
<p>Nothing is more powerful with car insurance than the price of the service itself. What causes this, according to one industry insider, is the intangibility of car insurance.</p>
<p>“What makes selling insurance difficult is the fact that it is not something that someone can see or feel. Add this to the fact that many people may never need it and it becomes especially difficult.” Joe Deerman is an executive with a large insurance company and goes on to say, “This is why price is the great equalizer. It gives the little guys a chance against the big boys.”</p>
<h2>3. Financial Solvency</h2>
<p>When you are paying for a service that requires the potential for a large amount of financial reserves it is important to know if the company is financially stable. Stability is important because you don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you fell asleep at the wheel and hit ten parked cars and your insurance company is bankrupt.</p>
<p>The way for you to track this is to check with your local Better Business Bureau to get a ranking on the company you are considering. If they have nothing of concern to say you can move on and continue looking for car insurance online.</p>
<h2>4. Service</h2>
<p>If price is the great equalizer with car insurance, service is the rallying cry of the costly car insurance companies. This is true across the board with most companies in most businesses. A company realizes they can’t match prices and they immediately retort, “Well we provide better service.”</p>
<p>The problem with this for car insurance companies is that the only way to really prove this service is when a claim happens. By the time the claim happens, it is too late for you to know if you are with the right car insurance company or not. If you have a claim and are not happy with the service from your car insurance company, it is time to move on.</p>
<h2>5. Comfort</h2>
<p>This one was listed last because it is really a combination of the above listed reasons. Without licensing and financial solvency, price doesn’t matter. Price doesn’t matter without service, but you don’t get to see the difference in service if you rule out the expensive companies because of price. This is why you need to compare all of your options and go with what you feel is right.</p>
<p>Chances are that you will get a feeling as the process is going on as to which company you feel best about and you need to go with your gut. Don’t rely too heavily on one over the other unless it is because of a price concern.</p>
<h2>Time to Buy!</h2>
<p>Once you have considered all of the options and completed several quotes it will be time for you to <a href="http://insurancetipsandrates.com/">compare car insurance quotes</a> and buy a policy. Your charge is to get multiple quotes and research the companies to make sure that you are making the right choice for your car insurance. Saving money is a good way to start, but you may have had a past experience with a company that raises the one of the other factors.</p>
<p>So you have many options on how to get started, visit a multi-comparison site or visit each company’s website individually. Regardless of which way you decide to go the best thing to do is to get started as soon as possible and start eliminating the possibilities. A minimum of five different quotes are suggested to get the best results from your quote search.</p>
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		<title>Vital Tips for Auto Insurance Shopping Online</title>
		<link>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/auto/rates/vital-tips-for-auto-insurance-shopping-online/</link>
		<comments>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/auto/rates/vital-tips-for-auto-insurance-shopping-online/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:28:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Rates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://insurancetipsandrates.com/?p=313</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What is frustrating and scary for many people when buying auto insurance is the fear that they don’t know what they are getting. Fear of the unknown in this situation is extreme because not having the right coverage can make a tremendous difference when it comes to financial stability. This is why it is important [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What is frustrating and scary for many people when buying auto insurance is the fear that they don’t know what they are getting.  Fear of the unknown in this situation is extreme because not having the right coverage can make a tremendous difference when it comes to financial stability.  This is why it is important to make sure that you are taking the right steps when<a href="http://insurancetipsandrates.com/auto_insurance"> buying auto insurance online</a>.  Some things to consider during this process are discussed below.</p>
<p>Remember, these steps are not necessarily to make sure that you are getting the right coverage for your situation, but instead that you are choosing the right company and situation overall.<span id="more-313"></span> Here are some things to consider:</p>
<h2>The Financial Reputation of the Company</h2>
<p>Insurance companies are essentially financial companies that finance the risk that you pose as a driver of a vehicle.  So, the company that you are considering needs to be considerably reliable or you could be left holding the tab for a major auto accident.  Buying auto insurance online can make this somewhat difficult as anyone can get a website, but just sticking with the reputable names can make a difference.</p>
<h2>Compare Equitably</h2>
<p>When you are considering buying an auto insurance policy from one company over another you need to compare prices equitably.  This is to say, don’t compare auto insurance deductibles of two different numbers as the premiums will obviously be different.  Compare what one company includes automatically to what another makes you pay extra for.</p>
<h2>Compare Late Payment Policies</h2>
<p>With auto insurance or homeowners insurance it can be scary if you miss a payment and your policy lapses in coverage.  If this happens and a loss occurs then you will have no coverage and be faced with rebuilding or buying again on your own.  Financial responsibility can be too heavy in this situation and that is why you need to know just how much wiggle room you have when payment time comes.</p>
<p>What you need to find out is the late payment policy, in other words, does your policy lapse and no coverage is afforded, or are you given some grace period?  If your policy is to lapse in this situation it can be very scary and you should consider if you have any other options for different insurance policies.</p>
<h2>What Discounts Can You Get?</h2>
<p>Every insurance company advertises that they have more discounts than the others, but when it comes down to it none of that promise matters.  They could have 500 discounts, but only five are what you would qualify for, so that doesn’t really help you much.  You need to see what you would qualify for so you can truly match the offers from one company to another.  Good driver discounts, education discounts, multiple-policy discounts, they all add up and can save you a lot of money.</p>
<h2>The Claims Department</h2>
<p>One thing that could save you a lot of time and frustration when an accident happens is that you can file a claim online.  If your potential auto insurer allows you to file a claim on the internet this will save you countless hours in hold time on the phone.  In addition, you can keep up with your claim online, meaning you don’t have to call back for any other information either.</p>
<p>One other integral part of this claims department equation is having a claims hotline or toll-free number to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  This will give you greater access to your policy and make it so that you can find someone to speak to in any situation should you need it.</p>
<h2>Check the “Official” Reputation of the Company</h2>
<p>Nowadays the most sophisticated way to research a company’s reputation is to get online and do a search using one of the most popular search engines.  However, the best way to get an official reputation and know who you are dealing with is to go to the authorities.  “Standard &amp; Poors” and “A.M. Best” are the best way to tell if you are dealing with a stable and dependable company.  You do not want to do business with a company that doesn’t have this reputation.</p>
<p>The other dependable way to get a good read on a company’s reputation is to look at your state’s Department of Insurance complaints.  Not all of these complaints are justified, but they could give you a good idea of what a company’s strong and weak points are.</p>
<h2>Now Go Buy!</h2>
<p>You know what you are looking for, or at least what you need, and now is your chance to be able to make the decision that is best for you.  Auto insurance really is all about what you know and the more you know the better your decision will be.  Make sure that you do your research and then go out and buy your new insurance policy with the confidence that it is the right choice.</p>
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		<title>Is Your New Car Going to Cost You in Auto Insurance?</title>
		<link>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/articles/is-your-new-car-going-to-cost-you-in-auto-insurance/</link>
		<comments>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/articles/is-your-new-car-going-to-cost-you-in-auto-insurance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:25:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://insurancetipsandrates.com/?p=311</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you don’t work in the field of auto insurance it can sometimes be very difficult to understand what makes your coverage so expensive. Many different variables will be considered by your auto insurance company, from your credit history to the distance you travel each day. Along with this criteria an auto insurance company will [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-421" title="businesswoman holding car in the hands - insurance or car busine" src="http://insurancetipsandrates.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/new-car-auto-insurance-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />When you don’t work in the field of auto insurance it can sometimes be very difficult to understand what makes your coverage so expensive. Many different variables will be considered by your auto insurance company, from your credit history to the distance you travel each day. Along with this criteria an auto insurance company will also consider the type of vehicle that you are intending on having insured. Different cars, specifically different types of cars, will cost more to insure than others, that&#8217;s why smart shoppers <a href="http://www.insurancetipsandrates.com/auto_insurance">compare free online car insurance quotes</a> first.</p>
<p>While considering this process you must remember that this is not an arbitrary reason in which an insurer decides that they like one type of car over another. Instead, there are statistics that support some cars getting into more accidents than others. In addition, it costs more money to repair some more expensive kinds of cars than other less expensive cars. So, what cars do cost you more money to insure?<span id="more-311"></span></p>
<h2>The Most Expensive Cars to Insure</h2>
<p>It should come as no surprise that the most expensive cars to insure are sports cars or convertible coups that allow for fast acceleration. You can see the immediate concern of an insurance company as these cars almost invite you to drive recklessly so you can enjoy the full value of your investment. Beyond this, the parts in sports cars are not cheap and someone is going to have to pay for that, likely the insurance company.</p>
<p>Here are five of the biggest culprits of expensive insurance premiums:</p>
<ol>
<li>Mercedes SL65 AMG: A very sporty two-door convertible.</li>
<li>BMW 750i: Four-door sedan hybrid, another expensive vehicle to repair.</li>
<li>BMW 750Li: Again, a four-door sedan hybrid, see another trend?</li>
<li>Mercedes SL63 AMG: A two-door convertible, again.</li>
<li>Mercedes S65 AMG: Four-door sedan turbo (not a word that makes insurance companies feel comfortable)</li>
</ol>
<h2>The Least Expensive Cars to Insure</h2>
<p>Now for the opposite of the most expensive cars, the least expensive cars are more family-type vehicles. Your minivans and larger SUVs tend to be cheaper because they are driven by more conscious drivers and are riddled with safety features. Instead of trying to see who you can outrun on the interstate you are going to see how you can be safe and just “get there” in these cars. This makes insurance companies comfortable and the parts are not overly expensive to fix.</p>
<p>The least expensive cars to insure, specifically, are as follows:</p>
<ol>
<li>Chrysler Town and Country: Arguably the most popular minivan lends itself to safety and comfort.</li>
<li>Toyota Sienna 4 Cylinder: One of two of this variation of minivan on the list.</li>
<li>Toyota Sienna LE: This five door wagon will also be relatively cheap for you to insure and will have plenty of safety features.</li>
<li>Honda Odyssey LX: Honda is one of the gold-standards of cheap and safe.</li>
<li>Nissan Murano SL: This sports utility is safe and easy to use in any situation.</li>
</ol>
<h2>What to Pay Attention to for Auto Insurance Savings</h2>
<p>Ultimately, you should be aware that your vehicle is going to be judged for its safety, specifications and cost of repair. The safety is important to the insurance company because injury claims are more expensive than any other type of claim. Medical insurance costs are out of control and will cause your premiums to go up if you have an injury claim.</p>
<p>The specifications, meaning what your vehicle is designed to do, are important because it can tell the insurance company something about what you intend to do with the vehicle. You are likely not going to buy a sports car to do sensible driving to and from work and you are not likely going to buy a minivan for racing or pleasure driving. Think about what your car purchase says to be able to make the most cost-conscious decision.</p>
<p>Finally, the cost of repair has a lot to do with your premiums because the more the insurance company has to pay, the more you will have to pay. If your car doesn’t cost much to repair, your collision premium will be rather low, if it does cost a lot you will have to pay more to make up for it.</p>
<p>Obviously, there are other reasons to buy a car and <a href="http://www.insurancetipsandrates.com">lower auto insurance rates</a> shouldn’t steer you to make the decision on its own. However, the more you can save on your auto insurance is the more you can put towards a new car payment, meaning you can pay a little more for a nicer model of your purchase. The biggest key to getting the best deal on your auto insurance is to shop around and get as many quotes as possible. The more quotes you get, the more likely you are to find the best and most affordable one for your situation.</p>
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		<title>Do You Need a Car Insurance Agent?</title>
		<link>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/auto/rates/do-you-need-a-car-insurance-agent/</link>
		<comments>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/auto/rates/do-you-need-a-car-insurance-agent/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:23:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Rates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://insurancetipsandrates.com/?p=308</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The internet has changed the way we do many things in our lives and this doesn’t appear to be changing at any point in the near future. Car insurance has been affected by the internet about as much as any other business and this is being felt by car insurance agents. Much of what agents [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The internet has changed the way we do many things in our lives and this doesn’t appear to be changing at any point in the near future.  Car insurance has been affected by the internet about as much as any other business and this is being felt by car insurance agents.  Much of what agents do was eliminated when the internet offered <a href="http://www.insurancetipsandrates.com">free auto insurance quotes online</a> and the ability to file a claim online.  However, agents can offer you some service that you may not get without an agent.</p>
<p>There is no clear answer to if you need a car insurance agent, but you may be able to decide after you read what is listed below.  Here are a few things to consider about getting a car insurance agent.<span id="more-308"></span></p>
<h2>Service is #1</h2>
<p>What car insurance agents have offered for decades is the service of having someone on your side when it comes to a claim situation.  Instead of worrying about the rigmarole involved with filing a claim and seeing it through to conclusion you had the support of an agent to help get you through.  Much of this has changed with the internet.</p>
<p>“Agents were once the face of the car insurance company to the consumers, but much of this has now changed,” said Tommy Carlson, an Ohio-based car insurance agent.  “Consumers rely on the branding on the company’s website and it’s ease of use to decide if they want to use the company or not.  Much of the service has been taken away from the agent.”</p>
<p>Instead of agents guiding their customers through a claim the customer simply has to log on and check the status of the claim on their own.  For some people this is too impersonal, to others this is a great way to avoid having to deal with someone or a car insurance agent’s office.</p>
<h2>Quotes are at Your Fingertips</h2>
<p>There was a time when getting a car insurance quote was only possible by calling an insurance agent or stepping into their office.  Now, you can get several quotes online in a matter of an hour and you can compare their services and prices.  Instead of wasting so much time and money you can make a decision online in no time.</p>
<p>The downside to not having a car insurance agent help you through the process of getting a quote is that you don’t have their expertise to guide you through the purchase.  Not everyone knows what the car insurance coverage options are and will end up getting subpar coverage options for too much money.  Buying online is definitely quicker and easier, but you will want to educate yourself on the necessary coverage options before you do so.</p>
<h2>Prices are Automatically Lower</h2>
<p>When you <a href="http://www.insurancetipsandrates.com">buy car insurance online</a> you have to realize that you are immediately saving money versus walking into an agent’s office to buy insurance.  Think of it this way.  What is the overhead to the company for placing one agent in a nice, big office?  What is the overhead to the company for placing hundreds of agents into one large call center, sharing supplies?  The company’s savings are passed on to you.</p>
<p>That may sound like a sales ploy, but it really is the truth.  Studies have shown over the years that the number one factor to buying a car insurance policy is price.  If you can offer a cheaper premium, the customers will come in and buy willingly.  However, not everyone likes the idea of the faceless agent.</p>
<p>Because people are so familiar with having an agent face-to-face to help with issues they don’t want to let go of that accountability feature.  Instead, they will gladly pay more to have someone to call and complain to if something goes wrong.</p>
<h2>You Must Make the Call</h2>
<p>If you are in the market to get car insurance you must make the decision to get a car insurance agent or not.  The fact of the matter is this, you don’t have too much money to spend or you wouldn’t be reading this right now.  If you are looking to save money you cannot afford to pay extra on car insurance simply to have an exclusive agent.</p>
<p>Log on to the internet and take the time to get several car insurance quotes so that you can compare coverage options and prices in a fair and equitable way.  There is no secret potion or mathematical equation that will tell you the time to have an agent versus the time to not have one.  The simple fact is that you will pay more to have an exclusive agent.</p>
<p>What you need to do is get on the internet now and compare as many quotes as you can in your direct area.  Once you find the right one, stick with it!</p>
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		<title>How Teen Auto Insurance can Affect You and Your Policy</title>
		<link>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/auto/teen-driving/teen_auto_insurance_affects_your_policy/</link>
		<comments>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/auto/teen-driving/teen_auto_insurance_affects_your_policy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:13:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Teen Driving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[auto insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[car insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teen driving]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://insurancetipsandrates.com/?p=287</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How Teen Auto Insurance can Affect You and Your Policy&#160; Few things in life will cause parents to stay awake more than the thought of a teenage driver getting behind the wheel for the first time.  The idea of their little baby on the road and making split-second decisions is sometimes too difficult to handle, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><strong><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-290" title="Teen Car Insurance" src="http://insurancetipsandrates.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/bigstock_Woman_In_A_Car_Turned_Back_4646110-150x150.jpg" alt="Teen Car Insurance" width="150" height="150" />How Teen Auto Insurance can Affect You and Your Policy</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Few things in life will cause parents to stay awake more than the thought of a teenage driver getting behind the wheel for the first time.  The idea of their little baby on the road and making split-second decisions is sometimes too difficult to handle, but there are ways to make this better.  Educating your teenage driver on the requirements of your <a href="http://www.insurancetipsandrates.com">car insurance</a> and the usual pitfalls of teen drivers can have a big impact on their driving safety.  Here are a some numbers to consider discussing with your teen driver.<span id="more-287"></span></p>
<p><strong>46%</strong> &#8211; This is the percentage of drivers ages 16 and 17 that admit to text messaging while driving, which is an incredibly dangerous task to undertake.  Several high-profile cases have come out in the last several years that ruled the proximate cause of a fatal car accident being the texting and driving of a teenage driver.  This is why when you <a href="http://insurancetipsandrates.com/auto_insurance/">compare teen auto insurance</a> you find that it’s so expensive, because insurance companies are afraid to insure such reckless behavior.</p>
<p><strong>12.9%</strong> &#8211; This is the percentage of all drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2006 that were teenage drivers, most in their first year of driving legally.  In fact, drivers in their first year on the road happen to be the most likely to die in a car accident, this is in contrast to all other drivers on the road.  This is a truly terrifying percentage for all parents as almost 13% is unacceptable to lose on our roads.</p>
<p><strong>16%</strong> &#8211; This is the percentage of all police-reported accidents that come from teenage driver-related scenarios.  The number happens to be larger, by far, than any other group in the total of all drivers and accidents on the road.  Again, teenage auto insurance is higher because there are more accidents and more serious accidents than with any other groups.</p>
<p><strong>What Can be Done to Help these Numbers?</strong></p>
<p>To reverse these trends there are many states that are instituting graduated license programs that allow drivers to refine their skills and improve on the road.  What can be done is sometimes overlooked as we are simply too consumed with mourning the loss of young friends or family members.  Parents must stress to their kids the importance of avoiding distracted driving as it causes people to lose track of what is happening on the road and reduces reaction time.</p>
<p>Texting is extremely popular with teenagers and is extremely toxic to the health of a good driver on the road.  There are many reasons to avoid this, the top of the list being the potential to have a loved one expose themselves to potential harm.  Also important to know is that drinking, eating, reading and writing cause distracted driving as well and if you indulge you could be exposing yourself to unsafe conditions.</p>
<p><strong>How Should You List Your Teen Driver on Your Auto Insurance?</strong></p>
<p>What you should find out when your child is within a year from becoming licensed is how your insurance company handles additions to your policy.  There are a few different ways that this may be handled and you need to know so you can handle yours the right way.</p>
<p dir="ltr">1.       Your insurance company may get the name and birthdate of your child and set it up in the system to add them as a driver as soon as they hit the age they are allowed to drive.  This is something to watch because it could cause your rates to go up.  Teenage drivers are scary to auto insurance companies and they will likely cause your premiums to go up when they are added to your policy.</p>
<p dir="ltr">2.       Your insurance company waits for you to inform them that your child is of the legal age to drive and have passed his or her test.  This can be hard too as it is sometimes hard to remember and some policies will not carry a driver that is not listed on the policy.  Make sure you follow up with your insurance company in either scenario to guarantee that everything is covered.</p>
<p><strong>Buying Your Teenage Auto Insurance Policy</strong></p>
<p>What you need to know is there are ways to get discounts for your teenage driver, the most obvious being the discount for having a good student.  Every insurance company will have a different approach to this and you should find out if your child qualifies.  Many people will then buy the insurance and let their child know that they can save money if the child does well in school.</p>
<p>When you are buying auto insurance for your teenager it is important to remember that their coverage relies on you.  Ask your insurance agent when you <a href="http://insurancetipsandrates.com/auto_insurance/">compare auto insurance quotes online</a> that you need to insure this driver as soon as possible and they should be able to take care of the rest.</p>
</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>What Should You Know About Auto Insurance Claims?</title>
		<link>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/articles/what_should_you_know_about_auto_insurance_claims/</link>
		<comments>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/articles/what_should_you_know_about_auto_insurance_claims/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:08:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[auto insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[auto insurance claims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[car insurance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://insurancetipsandrates.com/?p=285</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What Should You Know About Auto Insurance Claims? Auto insurance and auto insurance claims can be very intimidating due to the nature of the subject as it is not something we learn about in a controlled environment.  There are no classes taught in school that are required to know how to compare and buy auto [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
<p><strong><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-292" title="Auto Insurance Claim" src="http://insurancetipsandrates.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/bigstock_Insurance_Claim_On_The_Car__9699590-150x150.jpg" alt="Auto Insurance Claim" width="150" height="150" />What Should You Know About Auto Insurance Claims?</strong></p>
<p>Auto insurance and auto insurance claims can be very intimidating due to the nature of the subject as it is not something we learn about in a controlled environment.  There are no classes taught in school that are required to know how to <a href="http://insurancetipsandrates.com/auto_insurance/">compare and buy auto insurance </a>or how to handle an auto insurance claim.  What you need to know is learned by experience unless you go the old-fashioned way of buying auto insurance and get an insurance agent.  However, you can learn much about the process by simply reading on.<span id="more-285"></span></p>
<p><strong>Why do Accidents Happen?</strong></p>
<p>One thing that you can do to help reduce your need to learn auto insurance is to avoid having auto accidents and become an exceptional driver.  The better you are as a driver and the more aware you are of the signs of bad drivers the more likely you are to not get involved in an auto accident.  Here are the five things that usually cause auto accidents to happen:</p>
<p><strong>1. Speeding</strong> &#8211; It is really no big surprise that speeding leads to accidents, but it is something that we all tend to do on a regular basis.  When you are speeding you are likely not paying as close attention to the road and your reaction time is impacted.  The faster you are moving the less time you will have to react if something goes awry.</p>
<p><strong>2. Red Lights</strong> &#8211; For some reason we all think that we can beat that yellow light and fly through the intersection to save a few minutes.  Remember that the yellow is an indication that you should go ahead and slow to a stop, not an invitation to speed up.</p>
<p><strong>3. Drunk Driving</strong> &#8211; Drinking and driving awareness has skyrocketed in the last few decades, but this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t happen anymore.  Drunk driving reduces your reaction time and makes you generally unaware of what is happening around you.  This is a sure way to get in trouble with your insurance company and the law.</p>
<p><strong>4. Fatigue</strong> &#8211; When driving home after a long day of work or coming home from an extended vacation you must be aware or stop for rest.  Fatigue will also reduce your reaction time but it will likely cause you to lose control of your vehicle a well.  One car accidents are usually caused by fatigue, but many others are a victim of the condition as well.</p>
<p><strong>5. Distracted Driving</strong> &#8211; Driving while distracted by something else has always been a problem, but technological advances have made it even worse.  Texting and general cell phone usage are the root of many accidents, but use of navigation devices and laptops cause many accidents as well.  The old constants of eating, drinking, reading, writing and grooming are still there as well, but are not as prominent as they once were.</p>
<p><strong>What You Should do After Your Auto Accident</strong></p>
<p>So, let’s say for the sake of discussion that you are involved in an auto accident for one of the preceding reasons, now what?  Do you know what you should do once that your accident has happened and you are waiting on the police to arrive?  There are some things that can help to save you time, money and stress down the road and here are a few:</p>
<ul>
<li>- Call your insurance agent or 800 claims number immediately so that you can get information to them from the scene.  This way you can get any admissions of guilt by the other party on record or you can get help at the scene with a tow or roadside assistance if necessary.</li>
<li>- Do NOT ever hesitate to call the police, ESPECIALLY if someone asks you not to so that they will not get in to trouble.  Calling the police can get an official record of what happened and make it so that you are covered with your insurance company as well.</li>
<li>- Take as many pictures as you can with a cell phone or camera of the scene and the vehicles when the accident happens.  This is important to help with settling the claim from a liability standpoint.  Giving a liability adjuster a clear view of the scene and vehicles helps them to put together the pieces to decide who is at fault.</li>
<li>- Write down the tag number from the other vehicle, even if they seem cooperative at the scene.  This will help to track them down if they give you any false information or if the vehicle is stolen.</li>
<li>- One very important thing for you do to make sure that the other party is insured is to call their insurance company from the scene.  Get the information from the other party and you don’t necessarily have to tell them that you are going to call.  Most states have laws that prohibit driving without insurance and if you are informed about their lack of <a href="http://www.insurancetipsandrates.com">car insurance</a> at the scene they can be arrested and dealt with immediately.</li>
</ul>
</div>
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		<title>Auto Insurance Tips: 6 Most Common Car Problems</title>
		<link>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/articles/auto-insurance-tips-6-common-car-problems/</link>
		<comments>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/articles/auto-insurance-tips-6-common-car-problems/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 12:10:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[auto insurance quotes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[common car problems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[compare auto insurance quotes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[save on auto insurance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://insurancetipsandrates.com/?p=258</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you drive a car you have no doubt had one of those days where you get the bad news that your car is broken and needs to be fixed. Those kinds of days are hard for any of us but the reality is keeping up with your maintenance on a vehicle will go a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-259" title="auto insurance quotes" src="http://insurancetipsandrates.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/auto-insurance-quotes-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />If you drive a car you have no doubt had one of those days where you get the bad news that your car is broken and needs to be fixed. Those kinds of days are hard for any of us but the reality is keeping up with your maintenance on a vehicle will go a long way in causing less of those days and increasing the life of your vehicle.</p>
<p>The 6 items that are listed here are the most common problems with cars and most are inexpensive to fix or replace. However, each of these problems if ignored long enough could cause you big problems with your vehicle. So keep up with maintenance and avoid bad car days.<span id="more-258"></span></p>
<p>1) Worn Brakes &#8211; Most brake pads need to be replaced every 30,000-50,000 miles depending on your vehicle and the amount of wear and tear. Usually when your pads need to be replaced you will hear a warning signal when you are braking. If you fail to keep up with this the brake job will be much more expensive the longer you wait.</p>
<p>2) Windshield Wipers &#8211; Replacing your windshield wipers is a quick an inexpensive fix being caught in a bad rain storm with bad wipers can be a very expensive lesson. So check them often and replace them as soon as you see signs of wear and tear.</p>
<p>3) Bad Belts and Hoses &#8211; Making sure your belts and hoses do not go bad will save you from being stranded on the side of the road. Check the often and make sure there are no cracks or signs of wear. Replace them as soon as you see any.</p>
<p>4) Worn Tired &#8211; Bad tires can cause you a lot of problems from poor gas mileage to a blow out that can cause an accident. Check at least a few times a month to make sure your tires are properly inflated and do not show signs of wear.</p>
<p>5) Clogged Filters &#8211; The filters in your car take on a lot of debris and need to be replaced regularly to keep doing their job well. So check these filters often and make sure they are clean, if not replace them.</p>
<p>6) Cooling System &#8211; Your cooling system if left neglected can cause serious engine problems. Check your fluids often and also check hoses to make sure there is no corrosion or cracks. Keeping your cooling system maintained will avoid a lot of costly repairs to your vehicle.</p>
<p>In addition to these 6 things there are several other components of your car you should check regularly. Most auto repair shops will offer free services to inspect your car and let you know what if anything needs to be repaired or replaced. Take advantage of this a few times a year to make sure everything is running in top notch condition. Taking care of small repairs today will save you a ton of money down the road if you do not let them become big repairs.</p>
<p>Another way to save big money when it comes to cars is by <a href="http://www.insurancetipsandrates.com/auto_insurance">comparing instant car insurance quotes</a>. So take a couple minutes now and see how much money you could be saving on your auto insurance.  Also check out roadside assistance plans for your auto insurance it can save the day if you do find yourself stranded by one of these common car problems.</p>
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		<title>Smart Phone App Eliminates Texting While Driving</title>
		<link>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/articles/smart-phone-app-eliminates-texting-driving/</link>
		<comments>http://insurancetipsandrates.com/articles/smart-phone-app-eliminates-texting-driving/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 15:47:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teen Driving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[compare auto insurance quotes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[read text messages while driving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[texting while driving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[texting while driving app]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://insurancetipsandrates.com/?p=249</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous things on the road today. Someone who is texting while driving has been proven to be the equivalent of someone driving with 0.08 blood alcohol level. Not only that driving while using a cell phone gives you up to 37% less brain activity focused on the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-255" title="compare auto insurance quotes" src="http://insurancetipsandrates.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/texting-while-driving-ban-150x150.jpg" alt="compare online auto insurance quotes" width="150" height="150" />Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous things on the road today. Someone who is texting while driving has been proven to be the equivalent of someone driving with 0.08 blood alcohol level. Not only that driving while using a cell phone gives you up to 37% less brain activity focused on the road. That is pretty scary stuff when you really think about it.</p>
<p>Many have chosen to just stop the texting while driving and urge their teenagers of driving age to do the same thing. This is the best answer by far however sometimes a text or email comes in while you are driving that you really need to get. Technology has created a compromise to allow you to hear text and email messages when you are driving so you can stay focused and still get messages of great importance.<span id="more-249"></span></p>
<p>DriveSafe.ly is a smart phone app designed to stop the distracted driving. Distracted driving accounts for over 25% of accidents with injuries and this app aims to stop at least some of that. The way it works is that when you have the app activated and you are on the road if you receive text or email messages they are translated to speech and read out loud to you. This way if your daughter calls you on the way home and needs something for school tomorrow you can get the message while still out on the road and not jeopardize your safety to do so.</p>
<p>Not only is not driving while texting a serious safety issue it is also the law in many states. So an app like this can stop you from getting pulled over and getting a ticket as well if you are caught trying to read or write texts while driving. Also, adding this app to your teenager&#8217;s smart phone can give you a little peace of mind as well.</p>
<p>The app is currently available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry and they will soon have a Windows Mobile edition available. For blackberry users is also supports all your BBM messages. There are free, paid, personal and corporate versions of the app available. Even the paid versions are very inexpensive especially when you consider how much safer they are making you in the car.</p>
<p>Another smart driving move is to always make sure you are getting the lowest rates on auto insurance. You may be paying way more than you need to. It is a good idea to <a title="compare auto insurance quotes" href="http://www.insurancetipsandrates.com/auto_insurance/">compare auto insurance quotes</a> often to make sure you are getting the a fair price.</p>
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