Car Insurance Premiums, How Can You Reduce the Costs?

By Graham McKenzie

Did you know insurance branches house an entire department with the strict and only purpose of analyzing and calculating insurance premiums? It's quite amazing, but when you think deeper about it, it really makes sense. Developing and building an affordable premium for the client is a serious issue.

Car insurance is one of the more vital and recognizable insurances you will ever be covered under. Why is it so important? Car insurance more than any other type of insurance, rewards people that play it safe and our smart. The older you get, the more discount on your premium you are awarded.

The history is also factored into the equation. Accidents are generally not treated kindly in the insurance industry, especially if it was your fault. One small mistake in a vehicle and you may face years of inflated insurance premiums. It may not be fair in your opinion, but the car insurance company views accidents and those involved in them as "high risk."

It is your legal duty to report to insurance agencies any change in your driving status or if you are involved in an accident. When you sign up for car insurance, you sign a contract with the provider, promising to stay honest. People must also report stolen vehicles to the insurance provider as soon as possible. Stay honest with your provider and they will greatly appreciate it.

As you are well aware of, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs are not only detrimental to your own well being, but also a danger to the road. Insurance providers do not take kindly to drivers arrested for drunk driving. You're license is usually removed for quite some time, and you pay for it for years down the line with a high premium.

If you respect he road and drive defensively, your premium will reflect that. When it comes time to renew a comprehensive car insurance policy, the driver can have some sway over their premium. For example, the driver can take advantage of their "no claims" bonus, reducing the premium by a percentage. The percentage increase every year the driver avoids a major offense or accident.

Getting into a car accident is a frightening moment. However, once is occurs and you find out everyone is safe, the question then becomes how am I going to pay for the damages? Some people will elect to have the insurance company cover the damages. Others will ignore insurance, because an accident claim will wipe out their "no claims" bonus.

Keep a clean record and avoid an accident at all costs. If you do get in one, understand these mistakes happen. Sometimes you cannot avoid it or you just had one of those idiotic moments. No matter the case, consistently do your best and watch your insurance drop. - 21393

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the content Syndication Manager at Insurance123.co.za South Africans leading car insurance information portal

Exploring Open Auto Shipping Carriers

By Tom Kearns

Many issues must be considered before deciding upon one of the many companies available to provide a specific service, the most important are probably cost and reliability. When looking for a reliable auto shipping company, many customers are not aware that there is more involved in their decision, that there are actually different carrier types within the auto shipping industry. The trucks offered by most of the medium sized to large transport companies are not just the big trucks with big trailers that haul a bunch of cars. The car owner who prefers not to endure the stress involved in driving his car long distances himself needs to educate himself on the more technical aspects of the auto shipping industry.

Since air and water shipment are a business unto themselves, we are not dealing with that here. We are concentrating on domestic auto shipping within one country's borders, usually over land, in either open or closed carrier transport. When visualizing such a vehicle, the long, many tiered, open truck with trailer comes to mind. This is the most commonly seen type of vehicle on the road today and is a safe and reliable means to ship a vehicle requiring no special attributes. Long distance transportation though is probably better carried out with closed carriers. Cars in open carriers are exposed to the vagaries of weather, road dirt, and vandals, thieves and hijackers. When looked at in this way, even with short distances the open carrier may be the right choice. Of course, you have made sure that your vehicle is covered by insurance, preferably the company's rather than your own. But even with that, settling the claim you make because your 1928 Duisenberg was a scratched up pile of mud on arrival is not something to look forward to.

In fact, that Duisenberg owner probably shipped it in a closed carrier, like most owners of rare, expensive, or vintage cars. But that shouldn't keep owners of Fords and Chevys from considering this means of transport too. Yes, it is more expensive than open carrier transport because the closed-type cannot carry as many vehicles, only 2 to 4 units, and is itself more expensive to buy than the open one.

So, it boils down to cost, open transport being the more economical means of transportation. Driving your car yourself can actually be more expensive than an open carrier, especially if you are driving a gas guzzler. But also consider wear on the car, possible repairs, weather damage, not to mention differing state traffic laws.

It would be hard for anyone to miss the sight of an open auto transport truck, they are common road sites which is testament to their reliability and safety. These carriers because of their size, approximately 80 feet long and 14 feet high, are restricted to those roads capable of accommodating them, roads without low bridges, sharp turns and low tree growth. Goods are constantly being manufactured that rely on these carriers to get their wares to show rooms and stores.

The open transport method is likely to offer more flexibility in time frames and perks. Also, a customer of an open carrier can specify where he wants he car located on the truck, whether top tier to keep it further away from ill-intentioned humans, or even towed behind the truck keeping it away from other vehicles. - 21393

About the Author:

For more information on auto transport or to get a vehicle shipping quote please visit http://www.jmnhaul.com .

Car Insurance In Review

By Tom Martens

The car insurers in South Africa are always designing insurance coverages to meet the needs of the different types of drivers, from the urban ones to the off-road ones.

If you don't have insurance, take stock of your situation. Can you afford to repair or replace your car in the event of an accident? Can you afford to repair or replace someone else's car or property in the event of an accident that is your fault? What if your car is stolen, hijacked or vandalized? Owning and driving a car is risky business - that's why you need car insurance.Most South Africans should have Comprehensive Cover. In reality, 65 percent of auto owners in South Africa do not have any coverage. This is a shocking number especially in light of the rising rates of fatalities and injuries on South Africa's roads.

Third Party Fire and Theft Cover are other options available, which will pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or destroyed by fire or attempts to steal it. Third Party Only will cover you if an accident that is your fault damages other people's property.

South Africa is home to a large motorcycle community, so it follows that insurers offer products designed especially for these drivers. Motorcycle cover provides the peace of mind that your motorcycle will be covered if it is stolen or damaged or if you damage someone else's property in a motorcycle accident.

Because the great outdoors is such a large part of South African living, several products have been developed for the risks associated with outdoor travel. For off-road enthusiasts, there is Off-Road Comprehensive cover designed to cover the risks in this unique and unpredictable driving environment.

Several factors drive these rates, and you have a certain amount of control on how they affect your premium. If you're considering car insurance for the fist time, you may be surprised by how expensive premiums can be .

The first factor, one you can't really do anything about, is your age and driving record. Fortunately, the passage of time has a great effect on this factor. Younger drivers are considered a higher risk, and therefore pay higher premiums. If you have no driving history, or if your history includes accidents or dangerous driving habits, your premiums will be higher. But, as you age and build a better driving history, your premiums will reflect the lower risk.

If you are purchasing a new vehicle, the vehicle you are purchasing will effect your car insurance and the premiums. If you buy or own a vehicle that is expensive you will find that insurance will be more, sometimes this is due to the simple risk of theft.

Some companies have minimum safety requirements, but will discount your premiums if you exceed these minimums. Also consider where you keep your vehicle. If your car is parked in a high-crime area or even on the street overnight, you'll pay for that risk.Another way to reduce your premiums is to increase your safety measures.

Take the time to research the different types of insurance and how they apply to your situation. As you shop, remember that the cheapest insurance is not always the best. Make sure the policy you choose meets your needs at a price you can afford. - 21393

About the Author:

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica's leading car insurance portal.

Answer to "Can You Show Me Some Good Sites To Research New Cars?"

By Steve Simpkins

"Can you show me some good sites to research new cars?" That's a question I get asked a lot because I blog about automobiles. So, I put together this list of resources for people wanting information on how to research a new car.

News channels such as MSN Autos have non-biased information for both lay audience and fans alike. This site has prices and specifics on new and used cars.

Yahoo! Autos is similar to the MSN site in that it gives you all kinds of reviews, photos and pricing information on a wide variety of new car makes and models.

About.com has a guide outlining the 6 easy steps to buying a new vehicle. Plus, they feature new car reviews and the pros and cons of different body styles. They also have feature articles on safety facts, new car profiles, and how to choose the right car.

One of the most respected auto magazines, Motor Trend, has a helpful website as well. Targeted at the car enthusiast rather than the lay audience, they give reviews of different car models. Every year, they give out an award for the car, truck and sports vehicle of the year.

Looking for in depth profiles of new cars? Head on over to AutoSite where you will find auto reviews from a variety of perspectives. They are also know for their previews of upcoming vehicles.

JD Power and Associates is the preeminent independent authority site. They give out coveted quality awards. Each vehicle is rated by more than 1000 actual owners. The company then compiles a comparative automotive ranking listing.

The Kelley Blue Book has been the first and last word on car prices for 75 years now. You can access price by make and model so that you know that you haven't been taken to the cleaners by a slick salesman at the dealership. They also have reviews and ratings. Another great feature of the Kelley Blue Book is information on financing and insurance. - 21393

About the Author:

If you are looking for a cool new cars, I suggest you head on over to Edmunds.com for some great shopping.

Your First Car And The Insurance That Will Follow

By Graham McKenzie

The second largest purchase that most people will make in their lifetime is the purchase of a new vehicle. This falls directly behind purchasing and wning a house. The main difference is that statistics show that whilst people might change their house two or three times in a lifetime, the same owner will change vehicles at least ten times if not closer to twenty.

The law requires that every car on the road is insured. Basic insurance or compulsory insurance only covers any other cars for damage and repairs in an accident that is defined as your fault. If your car is also damaged, the costs will come out of your own pocket.

The law requires that every car on the road is insured, which leaves you no choice but to take out compulsory insurance unless you want to get fined or imprisoned heavily for ignoring the insurance. Compulsory insurance only covers the other vehicles involved in the accident if you are the one held responsible for the accident.

When accidents do occur, they are often deadly and tragic. The vehicles are usually demolished and totaled, and if fixable, they will cost a lot of money!

Not only will you be paying a lot of car payments and such, but also expenses for repairs and the small chance it might be involved in an accident.

However, if you have the common sense to take out comprehensive coverage, your vehicle is protected under several forms of damage and even theft.

Insurance premiums are not extortionate; instead they are calculated on an annual basis and should run at about 6% of the replacement value of your car.

For someone like you who is buying their first car and contemplating the fact that their comprehensive car insurance policy seems like a lot of money, then it's important to realize that you have no choice. Insurance providers look at the value of the car as well as the age and experience to calculate insurance premiums.

These desirable goods might include radios, disc players, GPS systems, mobile computers, and other expensive items inside or outside the car. Comprehensive car insurance will protect all of that with the right policy.

As you can see, ignoring comprehensive car insurance is a grave mistake. Save yourself the hassle and spend a little extra every year on your insurance policy. - 21393

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the content Syndication Manager at Insurance123.co.za South Africans leading car insurance information portal