Mortgage Life Insurance

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Monday 3 August 2009 6:00 am

Mortgage life insurance policies are those policies which you pay into for a specified amount of time, so that when you die, your loved ones will receive a certain dollar amount. The investment is backed up with a home as collateral. Good health, beyond any doubt, is one of the most important factors for a happy life. However responsible and charitable a person is, the first responsibility he or she should be fulfilling is that of taking care of himself. This includes being aware of the different health insurance plans that companies have to offer, and making informed decisions about the exact kind of health insurance plans he needs to make. Mortgage life insurance policies are worthy of consideration.

The word ‘mortgage’ derives from a French word meaning ‘dead page.’ A mortgage is a device used to create a lien on real estate. It can also be a method by which individuals or groups of people can buy health insurance without paying the full value upfront. The borrower, the person concerned for taking the life insurance by paying a part of the total money on a contract basis, is often called the mortgager. The borrower or the mortgager then uses a mortgage to set his life insurance plan. It is usually put forward in the shape of a security against the debt (also called hypothecation) for the rest of the value of the property.

Mortgage life insurance policies are policies where people can secure the condition or future of their health giving their assets as a mortgage to a particular bank or financial company.

Mortgage Life Insurance provides detailed information on Mortgage Life Insurance, Mortgage Life Insurance Leads, Mortgage Life Insurance Quotes, Mortgage Life Insurance Rates and more. Mortgage Life Insurance is affiliated with Mortgage Insurance Leads.

Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Monday 3 August 2009 1:55 am

Cheap auto insurance quotes are designed in many different ways to cover your specific insurance needs. One needs to analyze these quotes in detail before making a decision. It also helps if you have basic knowledge on all or at least some aspects of cheap auto insurance. You can find literally hundreds of online resources offering you thousands of attractive cheap auto insurance quotes. But should you opt for them, just because they are cheap? It depends. When it comes to insurance, sometimes the cheapest policy is not the best way to go.

You need to know the rules which govern your state, with regard to auto insurance. Certain states, for example, may require you to have comprehensive liability coverage, which is also known as third party liability in some countries. This covers you in case you are at a fault during an accident, whereas in other states, you are simply required to carry a ?no-fault? policy.

Once you have chosen the cheap insurance quote that works for you, go through the entire policy in detail. Find out more about the coverage levels. You have to carefully study the general policy options. Next comes choosing your policy period. This is an important criterion, because your insurance coverage is only in effect during the period specified by the insurer in your policy. Most auto insurance policies cover a span from six months to one year. It is, however, possible to get auto insurance for a longer or shorter span of time. Generally speaking, the longer the time specified, the lower the premium you need to pay and vice-versa. Ultimately, the choice is left to you.

Always try to find out whether you can cancel your policy before the expiry date, and if so, what are the procedures that one must follow. You can get this information directly from your insurer. Based on the cheap auto insurance quote, you can decide whether you want to pay an annual or semi-annual premium upfront, a down payment on the premium and the reminder in several equal monthly installments, or you want to pay an equal monthly amount spread out over a period of 10 to 12 months. Also ask whether or not you insurer charges any interest on the premium. Once you have this basic information, it is easy to see what the best auto insurance for you will be ? and you should go ahead and take that policy.

Cheap Auto Insurance provides detailed information on Cheap Auto Insurance, Cheap Auto Insurance For New Drivers, Cheap Auto Insurance Online, Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes and more. Cheap Auto Insurance is affiliated with Affordable Insurance Info.

Free Home Owner Insurance Quote Why Pay When It’s Offered Free?

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Sunday 2 August 2009 10:00 pm

Before you purchase home owners insurance it is important to call around to find who can offer you the best coverage at a price that you are willing to pay. You would not buy the first car that you come across at a dealership without first checking elsewhere , why shouldn’t selecting an insurance company be dealt with the same way?

Home insurance is important whether you lease, rent, or currently own a home. Finding a good insurance company on the other hand, might be a little tougher than you would imagine. There are so many different companies around the country that offer insurance that it is no surprise that they all offer basically the same insurance policy, but at much different prices. This is why most companies have offered to give you a free quote right over the phone. With one simple phone call they can analyze your current situation and have a rough estimate prepared for you. Even if you get a quote that is a little higher from company to company it is important to keep this information handy, because if they feel that you are not interested in their services, they may try to work with you to get those numbers low. If an insurer knows that you are not interested in the prices that they are offering, they may even start lowering the price or giving you discounts to gain your business.

The free home insurance quote is a great feature that many insurance companies are offering to everyone that is willing to become a customer. Even if you do not become a customer, they will still offer it free. It gives you a chance to shop around and make a very informed decision as to where you should consider purchasing your home insurance from. A free quote can be just what you need to insure you that you are saving every possible cent. This free tool should not be overlooked.

View our Recommended Home Insurance Company, a simple site that has an easy to fill out application. It also has a lot of great info about Car Insurance Quotes and Affordable Health Insurance

Motorcycle Insurance

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Sunday 2 August 2009 6:00 am

These days, simply being careful while out and about with your bike and using safety gear is not the only protection you 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 coverage. And the key to finding which coverage is best for you involves learning about all of the available options.

Although most US 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 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 US 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 car 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, not the other guy’s, 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, 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 high risk, there are ways to keep your costs down so you won’t have to pay very high rates. Many 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.

For most detailed information and extensive resources on motorcycles, please visit http://motorcycle.bestinfo4you.com.

Earthquake Insurance In California

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Sunday 2 August 2009 1:59 am

As the water began to drain from New Orleans in 2005, we learned that most of the homeowners in New Orleans did not have flood insurance, since they were supposedly in ?low risk? areas. The over 60% of homeowners will need to depend upon their own savings, and limited federal assistance, to rebuild New Orleans ? at an uncalculated cost for homeowners and taxpayers.

Could that level of disaster, especially that level of uninsured disaster, happen in California? Less than 15% of California homeowners currently carry earthquake insurance, due to its high cost, the ?can?t happen to me or my house? factor, and mortgage providers not requiring coverage. The next big quake will result in billions of uninsured damage ? but is earthquake insurance really worth the high cost?

How Did We Get Here?

The state of California requires that all homeowner?s insurance providers to at least offer earthquake insurance (albeit, at a high cost). Until 1994, it was widely available ? but the high damage costs of the Northridge earthquake resulted in 97% of homeowner?s insurance providers pulling out of the state the California. In response, the California Earthquake Authority was formed by the California legislator to provide earthquake insurance.

What Is the California Earthquake Authority, and How Does It Work?

The California Earthquake Authority provides two-thirds of the earthquake policies in California, sold through their member providers, like Allstate and State Farm. A homeowner purchases the policy through their regular insurance agent, but the policy is actually a CEA policy.

The CEA currently has about $7.2 billion to pay claims, which it states is enough to pay foreseeable damages (Loma Prieta in 1989 had $6 billion in total damages). If the damage claims are more than $7.2 billion, then each claim would be paid a prorated portion of their losses ? unlike a regular insurance company, which promises to pay the actual damages under the insurance policy. The state of California cannot help pay the claims out of general funds.

The policies also have a high deductible ? usually 15% of the value of the dwelling. In other words, your home must be damaged more than 15% of its value before the insurance starts paying. So, this insurance is not for cracks in the driveway ? it is for significant structural damage to your home. The policy also pays for limited contents (starting at $5K) and loss of use (starting at $1500).

Why Is Earthquake Insurance So Expensive?

Insurance policy premiums are calculated based on probabilities ? the probability that a house like yours in a neighborhood like yours will catch fire, or a driver like you will have an accident. With data from millions of homes, these probabilities can be calculated with reasonable accuracy. But, no one can reliably predict the probability that there will be an earthquake strong enough to damage your home.

And, as you can imagine, damages from an earthquake, flood, or hurricane, are widespread, over potentially thousands of square miles ? instead of one or a few dozen homes, as in a fire. As such, the insurer would have to pay either zero claims, or billions of dollars of claims ? too much variance to reasonably plan for or price accurately.

Are We Really At Risk Here in San Jose?

According to the USGS, there is a 62% probability that there will be an earthquake of 6.7 or greater (like the Northridge quake) in the Bay Area in the next 30 years. In my zip code (San Jose 95126), USGS calculates a 80% chance of a 6.0 earthquake and a 20% chance of a 7.0, in the next 30 years. Whether you consider that to be a high risk depends on your risk tolerance for earthquakes ? I consider that a high risk of a moderate earthquake and a somewhat low risk of a terrible earthquake, over the next 30 years.

But like any issue involving real estate ? it is all local. Where your home is actually located significantly affects your risk ? bedrock, reclaimed land from the bay, soil type, nearby streams, actual distance from the epicenter ? all can affect potential damage.

But of course, many earthquakes occur where the USGS was not even aware of a fault line ? and we never know when or where it will happen, until it happens.

Should I Obtain Earthquake Insurance?

Factors to Consider:

  • Could you afford to pay for the rebuilding your home from your own savings & investments?
  • Can you afford to pay the high cost of insurance, indefinitely?
  • Could make payments on your current mortgage and on a new loan to rebuild?
  • Can you mitigate your potential losses by bolting your roof to the walls and the walls to the foundation, for example?
  • What is your tolerance for the risk of an earthquake?
  • What is the risks of your current home construction (type, age, foundation)?
  • What are the risks of your specific location (soil type, distance to known faults)?

Are the Costs Worth It?

Let?s assume that you have a home that would cost $250K to rebuild, you will own the home for the next 30 years, and your earthquake premiums are $1200 per year. Over the next 30 years, that would be a total of $36,000 in premiums (assuming your premiums do not increase, to simplify calculations).

Instead of purchasing insurance, you invest the premiums in a diversified mutual fund. With an 8% annual return, you would have $135,000 (pre-tax) in year 30.* But of course, you only have that total in year 30, not in year one ? meaning that if the earthquake happens tomorrow, you don?t have the money.

The deductible is another big turn off for many homeowners. The insurance pays only for large structural damage, not broken dishes or cracked driveways ? meaning that it is less likely you will use it. However, be aware that you will not need to come up with the cash for the deductible ? you may either opt to not undertake those repair or rebuilding costs, or you can apply for an SBA loan to pay for the deductible (assuming a federal disaster area is declared).

Why Not Just Get Federal Aid, or ?Walk Away? and Let the Bank Have the Property?

The federal government would probably provide access to SBA loans, if the area is declared a federal disaster area (no small business required). However, the $200K maximum SBA loan may not be enough to rebuild your home ? and, it is a loan that you need to pay back (in addition to your current mortgage).

If you have refinanced your mortgage, you have a recourse mortgage ? which means that not only can the bank foreclose on the property in case of non-payment, the bank can also come after your personal assets and future income in case of non-payment. So you cannot just walk away, especially if you have a good income and some personal assets. The bank may help out by deferring payments for a few months, but you still must pay back the loan.

Last Thoughts

We have earthquake insurance on our home. Our home was not yet built in the 1906 earthquake (so who knows if it would stand), it is 75 years old and is not bolted to the foundation, and we have a refinanced mortgage. For my family, the insurance premiums are worth peace of mind in case of a major earthquake disaster. That?s exactly what insurance is for ? the ?you never know.?

*calculations ignore inflation

Elizabeth Potts Weinstein, JD, a licensed attorney and Registered Investment Advisor, is the founder of Potts Weinstein Financial Consulting, a financial and estate planning firm, headquartered in San Jose, California. The firm specializes in providing fee-only, hourly financial planning, estate planning, and investment advice for people from all walks of life and income brackets. For more information about Potts Weinstein Financial Consulting, or to subscribe to our monthly eZine ‘Prosper!’, please visit http://www.pottsweinstein.com

Insuring Your Investment: Protect Your Residential Rental Property With The Right Insurance

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Saturday 1 August 2009 10:00 pm

Regardless of how many rental units you own, you need to protect your investment with the right insurance coverage. That means covering the property in case of fire, vandalism, and other physical losses as well as protecting yourself in case of liability claims.

You work hard to build a portfolio of income-producing property, so take the time to make sure it is adequately protected with insurance, says real estate investment expert Russ Whitney. At the same time, you don’t want to over-insure, so pay attention to the details of this process.

Russ Whitney is the bestselling author of The Millionaire Real Estate Mindset (Doubleday). He says the first step in insuring your rental property is to find an independent insurance agent with experience in this type of coverage. You want an independent agent so you can shop various carriers for the best rate and coverage package. Don’t just assume that the agent who has been handling your personal insurance for years has the expertise you need; ask how much rental property experience the agent has, and if you’re not comfortable that he or she can evaluate your needs and make appropriate recommendations, find a new agent.

If you own just a few units, or occupy one unit of a multi-unit building, your homeowners insurance may provide sufficient coverage. This is done with an endorsement called additional residence rented to others, and it typically works for up to four separate residential properties.

Once you have built your rental portfolio beyond four units, you have two options for insuring the properties. You can either find an insurance company that will write separate policies for each property, or purchase a commercial policy that covers all your non-owner occupied properties.

What kind of coverage do you need?

Your insurance should pay for the cost of repairing or rebuilding the property after a covered loss, and should also allow for additional costs if local ordinances require upgraded materials. In addition, the policy should provide coverage for loss of rental income when the property cannot be occupied due to a covered loss. You should also have coverage for any furnishings and appliances you own which are located at the rental property.

Remember that your insurance will not cover contents belonging to your tenants; they need to obtain their own coverage in the form of a renter’s policy. Jeffrey Taylor, property management expert and author of The Landlord?s Kit recommends that you educate your tenants on this issue by including a form that explains the tremendous risk they take by not obtaining a relatively low cost renter?s insurance policy.

Earthquake and flood insurance are typically issued as separate policies; if you are in an area where these events may be a concern, discuss the appropriate coverage with your agent. Russ Whitney points out that as a real estate investor, you may be viewed as a deep pocket if someone is injured on your property. Be sure your policy covers physical injury and also mentions libel, slander, discrimination, unlawful and retaliatory eviction, and invasion of privacy suffered by tenants and their guests.

Managing your insurance

Many insurers offer discounts if the insured property meets certain requirements. You may be able to reduce your premium if your properties have a fire alarm system that alerts either a central reporting station or the fire department directly. Some insurers will discount the premium if the properties have smoke/fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and deadbolt locks. And if the dwelling was constructed recently (generally up to eight years), you may qualify for a new home discount.

An increasing number of insurance companies are conducting inspections on rental property before they will provide coverage. In some states, they also require a satisfactory credit rating on the insured. Much like you screen your tenants, insurance companies are screening and refusing to insure high-risk landlords. They are also routinely offering new types of coverage and targeting new and different markets.

Once you have appropriate coverage on your rental properties, don’t just automatically renew it when the policy expires. Review the coverage and be sure it is still what you need, and shop around to see if another company has a better rate.

Of course, cost is only one factor to consider when choosing an insurance company. Be sure the company is financially stable and has a solid track record for customer service and paying claims.

Jordan Taylor is the editor of Millionaire Mentor? Newsletter, which is published by Whitney Education Group, Inc.? To sign up for a free subscription, visit http://www.russwhitney.com

Health Insurance Quotes Online Tips On Finding A Good Provider

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Saturday 1 August 2009 6:00 pm

Since 2001, major health insurance providers have been allowing consumers to buy policies online. Through the convenience of the internet, consumers are able to compare prices and coverage to find the best insurance policy for them. Before you sign up with a health insurance provider, you should consider price, company history, and coverage to make sure you find a good plan for your situation.

Identify Your Coverage Needs

Before you start gathering quotes for health insurance policies, identify how much coverage you will need. Start by looking over your past medical expenses for the last three years. Do you need a lot of coverage or do you rarely need to see a doctor?

Next, consider your future expected medical expenses. Are you looking to cover typical office visits through the year? Or do you want to protect yourself from a medical catastrophe? Based on these answers, pick the coverage plan that will meet your needs.

Compare Costs

If you want to make sure you are getting the best deal on health insurance, compare prices. Online insurance websites make this process easy. You enter your basic information online, and then get several quotes from different health insurance companies.

Check The Coverage

Before you sign up with a health insurance provider, check the coverage that is being offered. Compare deductibles and co-pays, covered procedures, and hospital visits amongst offered policies. The more coverage provided, the higher the premiums. But this could save you more money in the long run, so in your decision also factor in how much you will use medical services.

Find A Doctor

There are two types of insurance plans ? those that allow you to see any doctor and those that require you to use approved network doctors. Be sure to check that the doctor you want to see for typical office visits is covered by your plan. Managed plans that require you to see a network doctor usually have several doctors to choose from in populated areas.

Research The Company

Once you have quotes from a couple of health insurance providers, take the time to research the company to make sure you are comfortable with them. Check to see how you can contact them if you have a problem and their financial records. You can do all this online.

To view our list of recommended companies online that provide health insurance and can help you compare quotes, visit this page: Recommended Insurance Companies Online.

Carrie Reeder is the owner of eZerk, an informational website with articles and information about various topics.

Male Teenage Drivers How To Get Cheaper Car Insurance

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Saturday 1 August 2009 6:00 am

These days, young male drivers can face some of the highest car insurance premiums around. Even those with low value vehicles can be paying over ?3000 for their car insurance! With such high prices, and trends unlikely to change in the near future, young male drivers need all the help they can get when it comes to lowering their car insurance premium.

The main reason for these lofty premiums is that young male drivers are seen as very high risk customers for insurance companies. They are assumed to have a higher exposure to alcohol and illicit drugs; are more inclined to overcrowd their vehicles; more likely to drive irresponsibly, and consequently more likely to be involved in an accident.
While it is obvious that this does not truly represent all young drivers, and there are plenty of young male drivers who drive responsibly, their premiums are being raised by the growing number of young, reckless male drivers who taint the statistics.

But as well as these (possibly unfair) assumptions that the insurance companies make, there are other factors they take into consideration when calculating your risk, and therefore the price of your insurance. It is these factors that you can do something about to help lower your insurance costs.

Claims & Convictions
If you are driving for the first time, or are a very young driver, you hopefully will not have been able to build up any claims or convictions. Like any driver, try not to make any claims or get any convictions at all.
If are unlucky enough to have made a claim already then your insurance is likely to be even higher. If this is the case, try a specialist in young driver car insurance such as QuoteA who can offer discounted policies for younger drivers and high-risk cases.

Keeping Your Car Safe
The less chance there is of you needing to make a claim, the lower your premium will be. Therefore the insurance companies want you to keep your car as safe as possible.
If you can, keep your car in a locked garage as this makes it a lot more difficult for your vehicle to be stolen or vandalised. Keeping your car on a driveway can still help to lower your premium slightly, whereas leaving your vehicle on the road will not help your premium at all.
Other ways of securing your vehicle include having an immobiliser or a tracker installed. These can help to make a noticeable difference to your premium, but you must make sure your immobiliser is thatcham approved and your tracker is professionally installed.

Where you live
Although this isn’t necessarily something you can change, you should be aware of the effect it can have on your premium. When calculating your insurance, your insurance company will look at the area you live in and price your premium accordingly. They will consider the crime-rate of the area to give an idea of the chance of your car being stolen or vandalised. They will also assess the traffic-density of the area – heavier traffic flow means you’re more likely to be involved in an accident.

Pass Plus
The Pass Plus scheme may be one of the best ways for young drivers to save money when they first start driving a vehicle. It is run by the Driving Standards Agency and consists of a short course of further driving training after you have passed the standard driving test. The course covers town and country driving; dual carriageway and motorway driving; and all weather and night-time driving. Not only is it a great way to improve your skills and confidence, but because of the increased knowledge and safety you will learn, most insurance companies will discount up to 40% from your insurance premium! This is a lot of money you can save, but it is worth noting that the Pass Plus discount is only available for the first year of you driving. However, after this first year, you can still save a great deal with a No Claims Bonus.

No Claims Bonus
Drivers who do not make any claims are rewarded with cheaper insurance costs. They are seen as a much lower risk and pay a lower premium accordingly. Every year of claim free driving earns you 1 years No Claims Bonus. These bonus’s can offer huge reductions on your premium, from about 30% for 1 years NCB up to around 70% for 5 years NCB from some insurers. This means that if you get your Pass Plus certificate and do not make any claims during your first year, you can continue to make a saving in your second year because you will have earned your first years No Claims Bonus.
It is also worth noting that many young male drivers remain under their parents insurance policy to save them money. This may work out in the short term, but in the long term it is much better for young drivers to get their own policy and start building up their own No Claims Bonus. This way they will have built up a sufficient discount within just a few years.

For more information and cheap deals on car insurance for younger drivers, visit www.quotea.co.uk.

It Worked For Me: 3 Things You Can Do Today For Cheaper Car Insurance

Posted by How To Choose Insurance | How to choose insurance | Saturday 1 August 2009 1:59 am

Have you ever wondered if why you are paying so much for your car insurance?

What if you could shave hundreds of dollars off your current premium? Well, depending on your driving history and insurance company, that might be possible. And now, thanks to the Internet, it’s easier than ever to compare your insurance coverage to what other companies would offer to make sure you are getting the best coverage for your money. But before you hop online and start surfing for deals, here are some tips to keep in mind to help you get the lowest rate.

Compare Multiple Companies

Competition is great, especially when you are talking about a costly purchase like car insurance. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about hiring an insurance broker or spending hours on the phone talking to each and every company to compare their rates. A quick search online will lead you to a number of top-notch insurance providers that allow you to get free quotes from multiple companies. you are never locked in to anything and can see what sort of offers several insurance companies can make, all by filling out a simple form online. And since they know you are going to be looking at multiple offers, you can be pretty sure that their quotes will be the most competitive rates they can offer.

Be Sure Your Information is Up-to-Date

There’s a good deal of personal and vehicle information that factors in to your car insurance rate. You should be sure that items such as your marital status, number of drivers covered, your age and your car’s make, model and year are accurate. The wrong information can have a huge impact on how much money stays in your pocket versus what gets sent to the insurance company. Also, be sure any additional safety features (like if you’ve added such as an alarm system) or classes (like a defensive driving course) are something your insurance company is aware of. They might not take a huge dent out of the premium, but every little bit helps.

Have an older car? Check with the insurance company and see if you still need all the coverage you are currently carrying. Items that you probably had in the past like collision coverage might not be necessary anymore. In addition, if you’ve changed your driving habits for this car in recent years (perhaps you retired or changed jobs) then this should be updated as well since it could impact the amount of your premium.

Consider Changing Your Deductible

Say you got your car awhile back and recently got promoted. Back then, you might have wanted to have a $250 or $500 deductible since you were making less money. However, if you are more financially capable now, you might want to see what impact increasing your deductible would have on your insurance payments. This is especially true if you are a safe driver. However, keep in mind that this will be the amount you’ll have to come out of pocket with if you ever do get into an accident so when you increase your deductible, keep the amount reasonable.

Save time and money while trying to find auto insurance quotes online. Learn how to find very cheap car insurance without getting scammed, get lower rates and keep more money in your pocket by visiting us right now at www.AutoInsuranceInstantQuote.com