Does good credit mean cheaper car insurance? Factors such as age, gender and marital status are widely known to affect your insurance rates. But are you aware that applying for several credit cards or financing a purchase will adversely affect your premiums as well? For over a decade, the insurance industry has used credit-based insurance … Read more
If you’re a risky driver who constantly speeds, weaves in and out of traffic or causes accidents, your driving record probably isn’t stellar. If, on the other hand, you’re a good and careful driver who obeys the law, seldom gets ticketed and hasn’t had an accident in years, your cautious nature may just earn you … Read more
If you own a sports utility vehicle, you recognize the image of pure brawn, safety and ruggedness associated with cars like yours. Driving up high off the road gives many SUV owners a feeling of power, and many never give a thought to gas mileage, accident rates or the cost of SUV insurance. But along … Read more
October through December is high deer season, during which there is a “dramatic increase in the movement of the deer population,” according to an Oct. 1, 2007 press release from the Insurance Information Institute (III). Deer and cars have never been a good combo, and in recent years Bambi and her ilk have presented an … Read more
If you have recently been in an accident, you may wish to file a claim with your insurance company. To do so, you must contact your insurance company directly. But first, evaluate whether you would be able to pay for damages out of pocket. If so, it’s advisable not to file the claim, which will … Read more
Aggressive or reckless driving, speeding and driving while impaired can skyrocket the cost of your auto insurance. Let’s examine each of these costly behaviors and the toll they can take on annual auto insurance premiums. Aggressive Driving The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that … Read more
by Penny M. Hagerman Buying auto insurance is a little like ordering a gourmet hamburger: once you’ve got the “guts” of it, anything else layered on top is simply extra. Food aside, most people purchase the bare minimum in insurance protection for their automobiles. But what they don’t know about their auto policy could cost … Read more
Insurers have known for a long time that women are better drivers. Men lead in accidents of all types, from fatal crashes to minor fender benders Men, maybe it’s time to hand the keys to the women. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, we’d all be a little safer if you … Read more
Do you know where your car is at this very moment? I hate to sound alarmist, but there’s a decent chance that a thief is taking it for a joyride and is headed toward Fresno. Ok, well maybe not a huge chance, but consider the following statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), an … Read more
by Penny M. Hagerman Few people realize the effect their driving habits have on their auto insurance quote. But there’s no denying the direct correlation between the two: the more responsible and reliable a driver’s actions behind the wheel, the lower his insurance rate is likely to be. The best way to get cheaper auto insurance is … Read more