With the high cost of gasoline nowadays, most new drivers think twice of getting car insurance.

Driving without any car insurance is a very big risk. Most drivers might think that car insurance is way too expensive, but in the long run it may save you a lot of money.

Take for instance this example, if you are in a car accident it may cost you thrice the amount you might have paid for a car insurance to cover for hospitalization and for buying yet another car. Plus without car insurance you will be paying police fines as well as paying for suspended licenses.

A total of 47 states require some kind of insurance for your car. It would be wise to know the basic law covering car insurance. Here are ten tips you can refer to on how you can get the best deal on car insurance.

1. Know the different types of car insurance policy

The first thing to know in buying car insurance is to understand the different policies they offer. Choose a policy or policies that would best suit your needs.

Liability - This policy covers physical injuries and damages to property. This includes paying for hospitalization and other medical expenses. Damage to property includes vehicles and other tangible property that might have been damaged during the accident. Liability also includes expenses for court proceedings if the vehicular accident requires one.

Collision This policy covers any damages if your vehicle is crashed to another vehicle, lamp posts, house or any another objects.

Comprehensive This policy covers damages caused by natural disaster like flood, storm, hail or wind. This also includes damages by theft or vandalism.

Medical Coverage Medical expenses are covered by this policy not considering if the cause is a vehicular accident or not.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) A personal insurance of the driver. This policy covers for medical expenses and treatment caused by an auto incident.

Uninsured Motorist If by chance you are hit by an uninsured driver, this policy covers the damages done to your vehicle.

Underinsured Motorist This policy will cover the remaining cost for repairing your damaged car if ever the incident is caused by an insured driver with inadequate liability insurance.

Rental Reimbursement In case of a damaged car due to a vehicular accident, this policy will give a daily allowance for rental fee.

2. Know your credit rating:

In most states, credit rating has always been the number one factor affecting car insurance rates. Be sure you have a copy of you credit report and check its accuracy and immediately contest any erroneous information.

3. Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)

You can get a copy of your Motor Vehicle Report in your respective Department of Driver Services or Department of Public Safety in your state. A three year record may cost you 5$ and a seven year record would cost you 7$. Like credit reports, verify that all information are correct.

4. Accident Reports

You can get a copy of your Motor Vehicle Accident Report from the local police department. It may take around six weeks before you can receive the detailed report. You might need to pay a higher car insurance rate if you have reported accidents within the last eighteen months.

5. Scout for a good insurance package

There are some insurance companies that are offering multi-vehicle discounts. You would get a lower rate if you have two or more vehicles that you want to get insured. Also, you can get a good deal from one company that packages all their insurance policies, including home and health insurance.

6. Check out various discounts

Most insurance company offers a discount to drivers over 55 years of age. It always pays to be a good student; you can get a student discount if you have a3.0 point average or higher.

7. Obtain a Driving Safety Certificate

It is common for car insurance companies to give certain discounts to those who finish a safety driving course with a very good standing.

8. Check the model of your car

Insurance rates can be different from vehicle to vehicle. A fancy car will obviously have a higher rate than an older model.

9. Take advantage of added features

Be sure you are receiving lower rates for safety and security features like antilock brakes and air bags.

10. How much are you willing to pay

Choose the option where you can handle the down payment and the monthly paying scheme. Compare other insurances prices before purchasing one. You can try calling a toll- free number (1-888-588-5111) where you can ask for car insurance assistance and compare rates.

Having car insurance is like driving trouble-free. But, as always, being a responsible driver exceeds all effort in having a hassle-free life on the road. Never drink when you re driving. Have a big respect for your life and that of others. Go get your car insured and be safe on the road!

About The Author

Copyright 2005 Joseph Ducat. For More information, please visit:
http://www.auto-insurance-report.info
http://www.auto-insurance-specialist.info

This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box is left intact and all links are hyperlinked.

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair

Used Car Buying Tips

When you walk onto a used car lot, you are entering a high pressure sales environment. It is in your best interest to be educated and well prepared. Many used car salespeople are quite aggressive, so don’t let them catch you off guard. Here are some survival tips from a former car salesperson.

Tip Number 1: Never buy a car on your first visit to a used car lot. They will try to pressure you by saying that the “big sale” ends tomorrow or that someone else is interested in the car you want, but don’t fall for it. Once you pick out a car you like, you will want to do some research to make sure you are getting a good price and not buying a lemon. If you don’t walk away, you won’t get the chance to do the research and you could get burned.

Tip Number 2: If the salesperson who approaches you makes you feel uncomfortable, insist on working with someone else.

Tip Number 3: Don’t buy a car until the end of the month. This is when the salespeople and managers are scrambling to make their bonuses. They are more willing to negotiate at the end of the month than they are at the beginning of the month.

Tip Number 4: Make sure you know how much the car is worth before you buy it. If you are trading in a car, you can find out how much it is worth, too. The most realistic car value research tool is at Nada.com. The used car industry uses NADA guides, so they can’t dispute the results. You can print up your results and bring them to the dealership to help you negotiate.

Tip Number 5: When you reach the point that you found the perfect car at the perfect price, have it checked out by a mechanic before you buy. This will cost a little money, but it can help protect you from losing thousands of dollars. If the salesperson or manager won’t let you take the car to a mechanic, then you are at the wrong dealership and you should walk out.

Tip Number 6: Make sure you know the history of the car you’re buying. Once you decide on a car and are happy with the price, tell the salesperson to order a carfax report. Once the report is ordered, check the VIN number (serial number) against the car you’re looking at to make sure it is the same. With a carfax report, you will know important facts such as how many people have owned the car and whether it has ever been in an accident.

Tip Number 7: Follow the advice given above because lemon laws don’t apply to used cars.
About the Author

Barbara Woodcox has been researching and writing consumer education materials for almost 10 years. She has also been active in numerous consumer advocacy campaigns. She graduated summa cum laude from Ohio State University and holds a Master of Arts degree.

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair

Nothing else enhances the look of your car or truck more than custom wheels, the bottom line is that rims make the look of the car. Within 15 minutes you can install chrome mags and the look of your car is totally different, from boring to show stopper. Everyone likes the look of aftermarket wheels, but how do you choose the right rims for your sports car?

Custom mag wheels are available from so many aftermarket wheel manufacturers it is truly amazing and the list grows every year. Some of the most popular names include Eagle wheels, Chip Foose rims and Weld wheels, to name a few. When choosing aftermarket wheels you can get cheap prices which sometimes means cheap quality or you can spend a little bit more and be 100% completely satisfied with your purchase. You get what you pay for, so you have to make sure you know what type of quality you are getting. But quality can be very expensive, so can the style of the wheel.

Wheel styles range from regular 5 spoke alloy wheels, to wire wheels, to the latest and greatest, chrome spinning wheels that run up to $3,000 per rim. Chrome spinning rims are the newest invention to hit the custom car crowd, “chrome spinners” as they are called actually spin, even while you car is standing still!

Now back to how to choose your rims, if you are looking stricly from an appearance perspective, then it’s easy, just choose custom wheels that you feel fits with the style of your vehicle and your personal preferences. If you want perfornance for racing, then light alloy wheels are the best way yo go. Steel rims are no good, they will only slow your automobile down. Heavy wheels add unnecessary weight to your car, which in return lower the driving performance.

If you do lots of city commuting in traffic, then alloy wheels are a great choice. Alloy rims actually offer cool air flow over your car’s brake system which will prevent overheating. Alloy aluminum wheels are lighter than chrome or steel wheels you can also improve your gas mileage slightly.

Another tip to help the performance of your auto is to install rims that are one or two inches larger than the stock factory wheels. Larger wheels also give your SUV truck or sports car a more sporty look and feel. Also make sure the custom wheels you purchase have a maximum-load rating compatible with your vehicle, and you have to find wheels that match the bolt pattern of your automobile.

The offset is also very important If you install the wrong offset size, there will be problems with the steering and handling of your car, so make sure to find the right offset. A sales person at the wheel shop will be able to help you choose the right offset for your vehicle, so don’t worry if it sounds complicated.

Where can you buy wheels from? You have a few choices here, you can shop at the local car accessory store or you can shop online for your wheels. Each has their own benefit. If you shop at a brick and mortar store you can touch and feel the rims before you and if you have questions a sales person can answer your questions. If you shop online you have less help, but the benefit is in the savings, you can save hundreds of dollars compared to retail stores. It’s a give and take situation, if you have the knowledge I suggest you shop online, why pay more if you don’t have to.

About the author:

Richard Gazzo is a successful writer offering advice on where to buy American racing custom wheels including chrome wheels, spinning rims,

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair