Buying a Used Car: How to Tell if It's Been Wrecked

By Rex Curtis Bush, Attorney at Law, Doctor of Jurisprudence

While you can save tons of money purchasing a used car, it's still a scary proposition. Every year we hear stories about people purchasing used cars that have actually been in major collisions. To be honest, it's easy for auto rebuilders to fix these vehicles up and put them back into the circulation. Unfortunately, we're the ones that have to deal with the long term issues.

When an insurance company looks into accidents, one of the first things they assess is whether or not the vehicle is totaled. If they make this judgment, then it means that it would cost more to fix the car than the amount its worth. Once this is set in motion you get a check for the amount, and the vehicle goes to a salvage auction. Unfortunately it could end up returning the market after someone purchases it for cheap and then fixes it.

Even if a car looks new and well kept, you might be surprised to learn that it may have sustained major damage. The title to a vehicle will not always reflect this fact. Here are some things that you can do to keep yourself from being taken for a ride when it comes to buying a used car:

Check the Title- Since not every salvage vehicle has a notation on the title, you have to look at the wording. If you see things like "scrap," "parts only," "unsalvageable," or "un-rebuildable," then you have a vehicle that's been in an accident right in front of you.

You can check the vehicle's title by utilizing the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). This database lets you enter a VIN number to instantaneously check the title and odometer reading of an automobile and find out whether it was ever declared a total loss or reported stolen. This government service is available in most states, and more states are continually adding this service. You can visit the NMVTIS website at nmvtis.gov.

Inspect the Vehicle- This is extremely important, and it shouldn't be someone you know. Have a person that is certified in collision repair take on this task for you. They'll be able to give you the telltale signs that could involve a faulty vehicle.

Just Ask- One of the best things you can do is ask the seller if it's been in an accident. Obviously the seller could lie to you, but their reactions will tell you everything. If by chance they are truthful and tell you upfront, then it's important to find out what kind of damage the vehicle has had when it was in an accident.

4. Get a vehicle history report. Two of the most popular services for this purpose are Carfax and AutoCheck. These types of reports can clue you in to important red flags about a vehicle's past. You should, however, be aware that a clean report is no guarantee that a vehicle has never been wrecked. Still, this provides another important piece of information, since there are many problems that are never reported to state licensing agencies.

When it comes to checking out a used car's past, be thorough in researching the vehicle's history before you make a purchase. Document your research and keep a record of your conversations with the prior owner to protect yourself in case you find out later that you've been sold a previously wrecked vehicle. - 21393

About the Author:

In 25 years as a Utah personal injury attorney Rex Bush has successfully handled over one thousand cases, his largest settlement to date is 3.25 million dollars. Visit his Utah Personal Injury Lawyers website.

Q & A About Rental Insurance

By Jason Hall

Whether or not to take out rental insurance, when you are renting a car, has been a major decision among all renters. It is important, when you rent a car, that you understand these companies want to sell you insurance because it is a way for them to make more money. On top of that, rental companies encourage you to take out their insurance because it protects their car, and that is all that matters to them.

Here are some of the most asked questions about rental insurance, and the answer are most likely going to surprise many of you.

Q: AM I COVERED UNDER MY OWN CAR INSURANCE, EVEN IF DRIVING A RENTAL CAR?

A: YES....Many insurance companies will still cover you when you are driving in a rental car. However, it is advisable that you contact your insurance company, prior to picking up your rental vehicle, just to make sure that is so. Otherwise you will not be completely confident that you will be covered and may spend money, on rental insurance from the rental company, you could have otherwise saved.

Q: WILL THE CREDIT CARD THAT I USED TO RENT THE CAR COVER ME FOR ANY DAMAGES?

A: There is not straight yes or no answer for this question. Most of the major credit card companies do offer additional rental insurance, however you should always check prior to using it for your rental.

Q: IF I FIND OUT THAT I AM COVERED UNDER MY OWN CAR INSURANCE AND MY CREDIT CARD COMPANY SHOULD I STILL TAKE OUT THE CAR RENTAL INSURANCE?

A: This is a definite NO! Most car rental companies will try and convince you that you are only covered if you take their insurance out, but this could not be further from the truth. The insurance that you are provided by your credit card and insurance companies will offer you all the insurance that you are required to have while driving a rental. Rental companies only push their own insurance as a way to make more money offer of the rental of a car.

Before you pick up your rental car, it is important that you find out all the required details from your insurance and credit companies. This is the difference in money in your bank or the rental company's - 21393

About the Author:

Jason Hall is an expert in the rental car fields and can provide you with knowledgeable advice that you need for a car rental Queensland. Before your next Australian visit take a look his articles to ensure you are getting a car hire Queensland that is reliable.

Tips For Keeping Your Driving Record Clean

By Amy Nutt

Keeping your driving record clean is essential to keeping your insurance premiums low and preventing a drivers license suspension. Drivers earn demerit points on their drivers license for such vehicle violations as speeding tickets, DUI, accidents when they are at-fault, moving violations, parking fines, etc. These violations can seriously damage one's driving record. Too many accumulated demerit points can result in high fines, a drivers license suspension, and an increase in insurance premiums.

According to Adam Haber, CEO of InsuranceQuotes.com, "Driving infractions are the main reasons why auto insurance rates go higher." Insurance companies have the ability to check your driving record, so it is essential to keep your driving record clean.

Traffic tickets such as speeding tickets can significantly raise your insurance premiums. It is important to drive the speed limit to avoid these tickets. If you receive a traffic ticket, there is a way a driver can keep it off their driving record. For instance, attending a traffic school can have a number of benefits such as canceling the traffic ticket. As well, if you attend a defensive driving school, your insurance company will give you a discount on your insurance premiums. It will also improve your driving skills, thereby decreasing the chances of having an at-fault accident. All states offer driver education programs, defensive driver programs, or traffic schools that every driver can attend. They can do this in person or on the Internet. When a driver completes the program and passes the tests, the demerit points will be removed from the driving record.

Taking an online driver safety program is a convenient way to keep your driving record clean. Classes are given using a virtual web-based program. Students are able to work at their own rate. Ask your insurance provider to recommend an online driver safety program that they will give a discount on your insurance premium once you complete the program. When you have approval to take your driver training program online, you just have to go to the site and register by submitting your information details to the driver training company. You can pay electronically using a secure web page. Once you complete payment, you will be directed to a web page where you will be provided with the program material. The course can either be taken online or as a downloaded software program.

Another way of keeping your driving record clean is to always pay your tickets on time. It could cause a lot more problems if there is an open driving infraction on your driving record. If you have an open driving violation, you may not even be able to leave the country.

The most important point to remember about keeping your driving record clean is to drive safely, don't speed, and obey all traffic laws. A bad driving record can affect your ability to get a certain job, raise your insurance policies significantly, and even cost your ability to drive. As well, with current economic conditions being so unstable, a fine can really hurt the wallet. If you have a realistic argument to fight a ticket, it may be advantageous to take your case to traffic court. The numerous benefits of maintaining a clean drive record makes it as important as having a drivers license. - 21393

About the Author:

CAA insurance has got you covered for your insurance needs. Travel with a CAA membership so you can thoroughly enjoy your travels.

Salt Lake City Impound Auto Sales - For Cheap But Quality Used Cars

By Davion Wong

The Salt Lake City impound auto sales happens every Friday except on holidays. If you need a used car and don't want a difficult process, this auction is the one you have been looking for.

There is an average of 20 vehicles that are sold every auction day. Cars that have been impounded from any where in the city are made available for sale. The types of vehicles presented range from standard and midsized cars to vans, luxury cars, SUVs and trailers.

If you would like to take a look at your prospect used cars at Salt Lake City auctions, photos are available online. As soon as information about the vehicle becomes available, they activate the links.

You need to know some additional auction information and rules. You are allowed to do the vehicle inspections on the day of the sale. It begins at 11:30 A.M. However, you are not allowed inside your prospect vehicle during the inspection. You may ask any of the auction employees for your queries.

In order to be qualified and registered at the car auction sale at Salt Lake City, you must be at least 16 years old. You have to be physically present and with a valid US driver's license. Registration starts at 11:30 A.M. and ends at 12:45 P.M. on the day of the auction.

When you proceed to the east part of the auction lot, you will be given a bid number. This is your entrance "ticket" to the auction lot. For the convenience of bidders, a parking lot is available also at the east side of the lot.

Bidders are advised to finalize their options before deciding to purchase. This is because as rule, all vehicle purchases are final and are sold as is. No request for refund will be entertained. If you are new to bidding, the auctioneer will give detailed instructions that you could understand. The auction accepts payment until 2:00 P.M. only on the auction day.

As a final rule, once the vehicle is sold, everything inside it becomes your property. The management does not allow any mechanical work inside the impound lot. The vehicle must be removed out before 5:00 P.M. on the day of sale. You will pay a storage fee of $17.00 per day if you cannot comply with this rule. All other needs of the car bought at the car auction sale at Salt Lake City should be provided by the new owner. - 21393

About the Author:

Discover more tips about cheap used car auctions such as where to find cheap public car auctions near your home. Also, read to find out even more on seized car auctions.

The Importance Of Instrument Clusters

By Lance Vasquez

In every car you will find some sort of instruments situated in the dashboard. This is commonly referred to as the instrument cluster. Some instrument clusters have a speedometer that is presented digitally rather than in a traditional mechanical gauge.

These instrument clusters are considered as the control system behind the vehicle dashboard. It powers up the displays, the sound signals, the analog gauges and the LED warning lights. It holds the primary function and purpose of being in control of the data output device and the external data sources. With the growing advancement of the data sources, the control system of an instrument cluster renders a fixed gateway use.

During the 1980s and the 1990s, these electronic instrument clusters emerged as an option in a lot of vehicles including the luxurious ones like the Lincoln and the Cadillac. It offers what is beyond just a mere speedometer but also a trip computer that displays other factors such as the temperature, directions, fuel rates and even the DTE. There are vehicles today that have pairings of an analog speedometer and this advanced feature presented in digital form.

In the past, the only items that were located in the dashboard were the instrument cluster and the steering wheel. Then after some time, it evolved and other features were added. Things like the heating controls, ventilation vents, lighting controls, and even audio accessories were added.

It is more common today to also find a navigation system that uses GPS and is built into the dashboard. There is a constant give and take between designers of dashboards and the technology people who build things to put into those dashboards. The two must combine to create easy to understand and use displays. This could easily add up to a lot of extra money, but for consumers to buy, they need to keep it cost effective.

Instrument clusters designs are important because the driver of a vehicle needs to be able to quickly read the cluster so they can keep their focus on the road. They have continued to improve over time and they are getting better at packing in all of the technology without it becoming too complex for the driver to understand at a glance.

More and more car companies are providing instrument clusters with advanced solutions without leaving behind the art of ergonomics. Most of them now offer a vast range of uses and an innovative display technology.

With the advent of the digital cluster and the increasing demands for new technology to be included in the display of the instrument clusters, something had to go to make space for everything. The most common gauges that are not found in digital instrument clusters are oil pressure and volt meters. Studies must have shown the designers that these were the least used gauges, thus the decision to leave them out of the digital instrument cluster age. - 21393

About the Author:

Digital instrument clusters include some advantages over the more common gauge clusters, but not everyone loves them. The complaint is the use of warning lights instead of an actual gauge.