Banking, Insurance,finance,Auto

Ohio Auto Insurance: Mandatory Auto Insurance Coverages

2009-07-09T06:25:00.002-07:00

Ohio Bodily Injury & Property Damage Limits:

Bodily injury limit: This is the maximum amount your insurance policy will pay when an insured person becomes legally liable for bodily injury or death caused by an insured person in an auto accident.

Property damage limit: This is the maximum amount your insurance policy will pay when an insured person becomes legally liable for damage in an auto accident to the property of other people (e.g. light poles, fences, another vehicle, etc.)

In Ohio a driver must have a minimum coverage of 15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 for bodily injury sustained by two or more persons in a single accident, and $10,000 for property damage that results from one accident. To adequately protect yourself, you may want to purchase much more than the minimum amount of coverage required for Ohio.

Common Exclusions: Bodily injury and property damage coverages apply to injury and damage from normal use of the insured vehicle. Coverages are limited by your policy and there may be some circumstances in which coverage does not apply. For example, in some policies coverage does not apply to:

1. Bodily injury or property damage arising out of the use of your vehicle while transporting people or property for a fee.
2. Injury or damage caused by an intentional act.
3. Injury or damage as a result of operating a vehicle owned by a person covered by your policy, where the vehicle is not listed on your policy.
4. Injury or death of you or a family member.
5. Property owned by, rented by or in the control of an insured person.

Ohio Auto Insurance: Department of Insurance - Looking Out for You

2009-07-09T06:25:00.001-07:00

* Auto
* Health
* Home
* Life
* Long-term care
* Worker`s compensation

The principal responsibility of CDI is to protect Ohio consumers. CDI does this by:

* Licensing insurers and insurance companies to do business in Ohio
* Regulating insurance contracts and rates
* Protecting against insurance fraud
* Ensuring that insurance companies comply with Ohio law
* Ensuring that insurance companies abide by their own policy language
* Processing Ohio insurance consumer complaints
* Monitoring and reporting annual insurance complaint rates
* Providing Ohio residents with comprehensive insurance guides

Licensing Insurers
The ODI manages the licensing process for all insurance companies, agents, adjusters, and groups in the state. Licensing procedures ensure not only that insurance companies are financially secure but also that individual agents are well-versed in Ohio state insurance laws through pre-licensure and continuing education coursework. The ODI also reviews all insurance products to verify that they comply with the Ohio Insurance Code`s rules regarding insurance contracts and rates.

Through CDI, consumers can verify:

* Whether an insurance company is licensed in Ohio
* Whether an insurance company is licensed to sell a specific line of insurance
* Whether an agent is licensed in Ohio and a legitimate representative of the insurance company Whether an insurance company has a good record of handling policy complaints

Protecting Consumers
Beyond licensing, the ODI works on a number of fronts to protect Ohio insurance consumer interests. The agency actively seeks to help consumers resolve their insurance-related disputes by reviewing and investigating consumer complaints. The Ohio Department of Insurance also seeks to limit disputes by providing shopping guides to help consumers better determine their insurance needs. A complete list of these guides, including the Ohio Shopper`s Guide to Automobile Insurance, can be found on the ODI website.

In addition to managing consumer complaints, the ODI polices all other insurance activities in Ohio. The ODI Director works diligently to protect consumers by prosecuting insurance fraud scams, revoking the insurance licenses of those who violate the Ohio Insurance Code, and issuing cease & desist orders to stop sales of unlicensed insurance products. The Director also publishes regulations to ensure the proper implementation of the Ohio Insurance Code

No-Fault Auto Insurance

2009-07-09T06:24:00.002-07:00

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is required

The coverage that is purchased in a no-fault state is called Personal Injury Protection, or PIP. The amount and type of PIP coverage varies considerably by state. In general, a policyholder in a no-fault state would be reimbursed for medical expenses, loss of wages and other injury-related expenses, and they are usually not allowed to sue for additional money from the person who caused the incident. Other insured drivers who are injured while in your car may be covered by their own policy or by your policy, depending on state laws.

Twenty-four states, including the District of Columbia, have laws that allow policyholders to obtain payment for auto accidents from their own insurers. Of these, the 12 states listed below are considered true "no-fault states" because the insurance laws limit when policyholders may sue the person who caused the accident. The guidelines for suing are either based on a "monetary threshold" which means that the expenses exceed a certain dollar amount or a "verbal threshold" which permits a lawsuit when the injuries result in death, permanent disability or disfigurement. Additionally, some states allow drivers to seek payment for "non-economic losses" such as pain and suffering. States that are considered true no-fault states include Hawaii, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Utah.
Buying Liability coverage is also an option.

While no-fault insurance limits the right of an injured driver to sue, at-fault drivers may be responsible for expenses over the limit of the injured person's Personal Injury Protection coverage. For example, in Minnesota, drivers are required to purchase bodily injury and property damage liability coverage to cover the costs that exceed the amount of PIP coverage an injured may have.

In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, drivers may choose to purchase Personal Injury Protection coverage or Bodily Injury Liability coverage, which pays for injuries based on who is at fault for the accident. In Kentucky, when drivers buy PIP coverage, they may also "buy back" the right to sue another driver, by paying more for bodily injury liability coverage. With the increase in the number of uninsured drivers on the road, especially in urban areas, buying Personal Injury Protection often provides a better value because you have the assurance that you will have coverage for your own expenses.
Damage to personal property is not covered by PIP coverage

No-fault laws only apply to personal injury. Damage to your car or to other personal property is not covered by no-fault insurance, so it's important to protect the value of your car by purchasing Comprehensive and Collision coverage. And, purchasing property damage liability coverage will pay for damage you cause to someone else's property in an auto accident, if you are held responsible for the repairs.

Mandatory coverages vary by state. Your agent or insurance company representative will explain how each coverage works and the choices you have for protecting yourself and your family.

An Overseas Traveler's Insurance Guide

2009-07-09T06:24:00.001-07:00

There's nothing like the feeling of excitement when you're going on an overseas vacation. The red X's on the calendar boldly show the countdown to your trip. Your bags are packed, your tickets are ready, your passport is ready for its stamp, and before you know it, you'll be on your way! But what happens when you get to your destination and the unthinkable happens? What if weather makes your trip too treacherous to chance? You end up getting sick? You get pulled over or your baggage is lost? Insurance.com has a few suggestions as to what you can do to make your trip as smooth as possible, even when the unthinkable happens.

What to check before you leave:

Health Insurance: In most cases, health insurance plans do not extend outside of the United States, so it is a good idea to check with your insurance provider and see exactly what your coverage entails.

Car Insurance: If you are going to be renting a car and driving when you go overseas, it is a smart idea to apply for an international driver's license. Be sure to read up on the rules for driving in the country you are going to, because they may differ from the driving laws here in the United States. Lastly, be sure you have adequate car insurance before you leave. Because unless you have a true umbrella policy which covers you worldwide, your personal car insurance policy will not cover you if you are out of the United States. You can do this by contacting your auto insurance company or agent before you leave. If you'd like to learn more about driving overseas or to get information on an international driver's license or traveler's insurance, log on to the AAA website, which offers answers and insights on what you may need when traveling overseas.

Lost Luggage Insurance: Lost luggage insurance is something that would be a good idea to check up on before you leave on your overseas vacation. Though homeowners insurance policies cover theft or destruction of personal property, they only cover the items that are listed in the actual policy. With lost luggage insurance, you get the added protection of knowing that if your bags are lost during your vacation, their contents will be covered.

Trip Interruption Insurance: There's nothing worse than being excited and ready to go on a trip, then it being canceled due to conditions that are out of your control. A newer kind of insurance called "trip interruption insurance" is now available that may help cover all, or part of the expenses you paid in the event the trip is canceled. Examples include if a cruise line you booked on goes out of business before your departure date, or if inclement weather causes a cancellation you will be reimbursed. Another perk of trip interruption insurance is that in some cases, if you must cancel the trip due to sickness or death in the family, you may be covered for the flight and hotel costs.

What's in an overseas insurance pack?
Many insurance companies offer full-overseas insurance packs for the overseas travelers, beginning with a possible seven-day coverage that costs less than $50 per person. Age, number of people in your party, and how long you plan on staying at your destination determines the reimbursement price. Packages generally include:

* Emergency medical evacuation
* Emergency medical and dental
* Accidental death and dismemberment
* Repatriation of remains
* Visitor to bedside and return of dependent children
* Pre-existing condition waiver
* Lost/damaged baggage
* Rental car protection
* Trip cancellation/delay/interruption/default

Insurance.com overseas travel tips

* Do not leave your money in bags you check. Be sure to keep cash, travelers checks, travel documents, valuables and jewelry in your carry-on
* Add something to your suitcase that makes it easily identifiable-tie a brightly colored ribbon to the handle or mark an "X" on it with duct tape. This will make it easier to identify in the event your luggage is lost
* Choose a rental car that has a trunk-hatchbacks are a homing beacon for thieves
* Drink bottled water instead of tap. Though many places have filtered water now, it may still make you ill, which can potentially ruin your vacation
* Phrase books definitely come in handy when going to a country where the predominant language is one you aren't familiar with. The book may also save you a lot of time and headaches when someone actually knows what you're trying to ask for
* Travel in the off-season. To save the most money and find the best deals, it's a good idea to plan ahead and look to traveling to your destination at a time that not everyone and their mother is going.

Whether you're preparing for that romantic getaway, an action-packed adventure, or just a trip to new overseas destination, Insurance.com is here to help. If you are interested in receiving a travel insurance quote, log on to Insurance.com. Here you will be able to evaluate multiple rates from best-in-class travel insurance providers - helping you find the best travel insurance coverage to protect you in your overseas travels.

My Credit Affects My Auto Insurance Rate?

2009-07-09T06:23:00.001-07:00

You probably know that banks use information in your credit report to determine if they'll extend credit. But did you know that in most states, insurance companies also consider your credit history? Good or bad, your credit history may affect which companies will sell you homeowners or auto insurance coverage and will often determine the price you'll pay.

Late credit card payments or not having a credit history at all will often affect your rates. Here are two examples:

* Last year, you were unemployed for six months. Before you could find a new job, you fell behind on several credit card payments, but you've caught up. Now your auto insurance rates are going up, even though you've never filed a claim against your policy. What's the reason?
* You've always paid your bills on time, but you pay by check or with cash instead of applying for credit—even for major purchases. Why would this be a problem?

What's the score here?
Insurance companies have always used various criteria to determine who to insure and at what rates. For example, auto insurance rates are based on your age, driving record, make and model of your car, and how many insurance claims you've filed in the past. In states where it is permitted by law, insurance companies also use credit information as an additional factor to help predict which drivers represent more risk. Insurers believe that the more stable your credit history, the less likely you are to have an accident or file a claim against your auto or homeowners insurance policy. And the more likely you are to pay your insurance premium payments.

If your credit history (along with other factors considered) suggests that you are likely to be a responsible driver, you may be offered a lower premium. But if your credit history is tarnished—or if you have little or no credit history—you may pay higher premiums for the coverage you're offered. You may even be denied coverage altogether.

How you can improve the score
If your rate changes or you are denied insurance coverage because of your credit history, the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to order a free copy of your credit report from the bureau used by the auto insurance company. If you feel the information provided to the credit bureau is incorrect, you can dispute it. Every insurance company is required to disclose whether you rate was affected by your credit report, and other consumer reports, such as your motor vehicle report.

If you've been turned down for insurance, this may feel like too little, too late. But if your credit history is affecting your ability to get auto or homeowners insurance (or the premiums you're charged for it), here are a few things you can do:

* Clean up your credit immediately. Pay at least the minimum amount due every month, consolidate high interest credit cards on a lower rate card, and don't spend beyond your means.
* If you don't have any credit, get some. Your lack of history is what's hurting you; to the insurance companies, you're an unknown quantity. Although you don't want to run up excessive debt, you do want to show that you can use credit responsibly. Student or car loans, fitness club memberships, and store credit cards are usually easy to get and can help your credit report if paid regularly and used correctly.
* Once a year, check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. This site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The information contained in one report may not be reflected by the others, so make sure all the information is correct and dispute any errors with both the creditor and the credit bureaus involved.

For now, the use of credit reports is an industry standard. Make your credit work for you by watching it closely. In most cases, you may be rewarded with lower premiums if you do so.

Motorcycle Insurance: What You Need to Know

2009-07-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

You bought a new motorcycle and you're ready to hit the road. Right? Not so fast. You may think that safety gear is all you need to protect yourself, but if you don't know the basics of motorcycle insurance, you could injure your finances. (I know, I know, it's a terrible joke. But hey, I write for an insurance website, so cut me some slack!)

Why buy motorcycle insurance?
It's pretty simple. Motorcycle insurance is required by law in many states. Besides that, it can protect you from losing your house or life savings or both if you're responsible for causing personal injuries or property damage. It can also cover your medical bills, theft and damage from vandalism. And, if you have a loan or lease, the lender will usually make you buy coverage for the bike itself.

The big one: liability coverage
This is the legally required coverage most people think of when they talk about insurance. It breaks down into two categories:

* Bodily injury liability: Can pay for medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of wages for people you kill or injure in an accident you cause. Sometimes you don't have to be completely at fault. Even if you're partially responsible for the accident, you might still have to pay.
* Property damage liability: Can pay for repairing or replacing the property of other people, like cars, telephone poles and so forth.

This coverage will also pay for your defense costs if you're sued because of an accident.

Consider buying more than the minimum amount of coverage required in your state. Why? Well, if you have a lot of assets to protect, you'll want to make sure you're protecting those assets. And if you don't have a lot of assets, how will you pay the bills?

Optional but important: protection for you
Although these coverages are usually optional, they all protect you and your property directly. Unless you're rich, take a good look at them.

* Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: Can cover expenses caused by other drivers with little (underinsured) or no (uninsured) auto insurance. It can cover things like your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. It even protects your riders and other people covered by your policy while they're riding in/on other vehicles or when they're pedestrians.
* Medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP): Can cover a small amount of medical or funeral expenses (or both) for you and your riders, in addition to other people covered by your policy while they're riding in/on other vehicles or when they're pedestrians.
* Comprehensive: Can pay for damage to your bike not related to an accident (e.g., fire, flood, vandalism, theft and animal collisions). Comprehensive is kind of a dumb name for it, since it's pretty cheap coverage that doesn't apply in all situations – but that's what they call it.
* Collision: Can pay to repair or replace your motorcycle if it's damaged in an accident. It doesn't matter who caused the accident – it could even be with a tree. Animals don't count, however. Why is hitting an animal not a collision? It just isn't. However, you can't buy collision without buying comprehensive, so you'll have coverage for animal accidents either way.

Even more coverage
These are some of the smaller and most-overlooked coverages, but they're all relatively cheap for the protection they provide. However, if you don't need them, they're a waste of money.

* Accessory coverage: Can pay for damage to or loss of accessories like modifications, custom paint, safety equipment (like motorcycle helmets), wheels and more.
* Roadside assistance: Can cover towing, minor repairs, and fuel delivery if your bike breaks down, gets stuck near the road or runs out of fluids.
* Rental coverage: Can cover the cost of renting a replacement motorcycle if yours is in an accident.
* Trailer coverage: Covers a trailer used to transport your bike.
* Trip interruption coverage: Covers expenses like food and lodging if your bike breaks down away from home.

And if I buy all that, I don't pay anything else?
If you believe that, you'll believe anything! There's no such thing as "full coverage." It's just something people say so they won't worry. Here's what you usually end up paying for:

* Deductibles: These are what you agree to pay yourself before your insurance takes over. You can choose different deductibles for different coverages. Liability coverage never has a deductible.
* Exclusions: These are situations your policy specifically mentions that it won't pay for. Examples include wear-and-tear and intentional acts. Racing is also excluded.
* Excess costs: Your policy lists a dollar amount for coverage limits. Anything over this amount won't come from your motorcycle insurance company.

Discounts and savings
Many motorcycle insurance discounts are similar to auto insurance discounts. These are some special ones for riders:

* Motorcycle safety training classes (bonus points if you're an instructor)
* Riders club membership
* Theft recovery systems (like LoJack®)

Comparison shopping: boring but useful
Motorcycle insurance quotes for the same coverage on the same bike can be different from each company. If you're getting insurance for the first time or think you're paying too much, it pays to check prices. Just make sure you're comparing the same coverage and make sure the company has a good financial strength rating.

Uninsured Motorists Coverage: 8 Answers You Need

2009-07-09T06:21:00.000-07:00

1. Does UM/UIM cover property damage in hit-and-run accidents?
Almost never. Accidents where the other driver can't be identified are handled under your own Collision coverage. This includes accidents where a hit-and-run driver damages your car while it's parked. It may not seem fair to have to pay for something that wasn't your fault, but it keeps auto insurance rates lower for the majority of uninsured accidents.

2. Should I buy UM/UIM if I already have health insurance?
Absolutely! Always buy Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage, because it pays for many things that other types of insurance usually don't, such as lost wages and pain and suffering. So, it's not really a waste to purchase it even if you think you're covered otherwise. Plus, if you have a high deductible for your health insurance, UM/UIM can cover your deductible.

3. Why should I pay for auto insurance that basically covers other drivers? Doesn't UM/UIM encourage people to drive without insurance?
UM/UIM coverage protects you and your family and passengers, not the other driver. It's true that the person who hit you should have purchased the coverage, but having UM coverage allows you to quickly receive payment for your claim, saving you the time and expense of suing the other driver. Rest assured your insurance company will pursue the guilty driver to recover the money they had to pay.

4. Will I get paid if the other driver denies fault?
The other driver doesn't need to admit fault. Your auto insurance company (or a court) will determine fault and handle your UM/UIM claim based on their investigation of the facts. If they find the uninsured driver at fault, then you will be entitled to payment up to the limits of UM/UIM coverage you purchased.

5. How much money can I collect under my UM/UIM coverage?
You can never collect more than your policy's UM/UIM limit for claims under this coverage. Most people buy UM/UIM coverage in an amount that matches their Bodily Injury Liability (BI) limits, but you can choose to buy less UM/UIM coverage if you wish. For example, if you buy 100/300 BI limits (100 per person/300 per accident), but choose to buy 50/100 limits for UM/UIM, you can collect up to $50,000 per person in an accident with an uninsured driver, up to a maximum of $100,000 for all drivers injured in the same accident.

For UIM coverage, the total amount you can collect from both the other driver's insurance company and your own is the number shown on your policy – in this example 50/100. You don't normally add that to what you get from the other driver – although you can in a few states.

6. Can I make a claim on the other driver's UM/UIM coverage?
No. UM/UIM coverage is something you buy to protect yourself – and your property, if you purchase UMPD coverage. You're essentially protecting yourself from drivers who don't have auto insurance or don't have enough to pay for accidents they cause.

7. Should I get UMPD coverage instead of Collision coverage? Which is better?
UMPD is only available in certain states, so unless it was offered to you when you bought your policy, it's probably not an option. And, if you're making a loan or lease payment on your car, you'll be required to buy Collision coverage, until it's paid for. After that, you can choose – knowing that UMPD coverage will only pay for damage caused by an uninsured driver you can identify.

So, if you have to pick one, remember that Collision coverage will pay for all situations involving an accidental Collision. If opting for Collision coverage simply won't work financially, UMPD can serve as a last resort. In a limited number of states and situations, you can purchase both, and we recommend you do so, if that option is available.

8. Does UMPD coverage pay for car damage from hitting a car part lying in the road?
Unfortunately, it doesn't, unless you can prove that it came from a specific uninsured motorist. Remember that the coverage you've purchased is Uninsured Motorists Property Damage coverage – so you must find the motorist who's at fault before you can get paid.

Uninsured Motorists Coverage Basics
Uninsured/Underinsured motorists coverage (UM/UIM) refers to two separate but similar coverages: UM (Uninsured) and UIM (Underinsured).

1. UM: This coverage can be divided into Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) and Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD). Both are comparatively cheap coverages.

* UMBI can pay for injuries to people protected under your policy – including family members in other cars and passengers in your insured cars – resulting from a car accident caused by an uninsured driver. A driver is uninsured if: they have no legal auto insurance, they have insurance but their company can't or won't pay or they are a hit-and-run driver.
* UMPD can pay for damage to your car by an uninsured driver you can identify, but almost never a hit-and-run driver. If you're lucky enough to have the option of purchasing UMPD and Collision coverage, UMPD usually pays your Collision deductible only.

2. UIM can pay for injuries the same way UMBI does, but for drivers who have auto insurance that is lower than your policy's limit and not enough to cover the bills.

Auto Insurance: The Protection You Need

2009-07-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

On average, a motor vehicle crash occurs every 5 seconds, a person is injured in an accident every 11 seconds, and a fatal injury occurs every 12 minutes. Those are scary thoughts as you head out the door to school, work or to the store and convincing evidence of why auto insurance coverage is so necessary.

However, you can rest a little easier knowing that the crash fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled is the lowest it has been since record keeping began 30 years ago, registering at 1.46, and remained below 1.50 for the second consecutive year in a row. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) 2004 Early Edition Report, the number of police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurring on the highways dropped to under 6.2 million from more than 6.3 million in 2003, and persons injured in these crashes continues to steadily decline as well.

This reduction is due in part to the national campaigns aimed at increasing safety belt use and reducing impaired driving. Currently the seat belt law is mandated in all 50 states, which greatly helped reduce the number of persons killed in auto accidents in 2004. The countrywide campaign for drinking under the influence has also greatly helped reduce alcohol-related fatalities for the second consecutive year in a row.

Time plays a big part.
Even with all these new preventive measures, accidents are still happening. This is why the focus has turned to on which days and at what time accidents are occurring. According to the NHTSA, Saturday and Sundays nights between Midnight and 3 a.m. are the deadliest 3-hours on the road, with a total of 2,451 fatal crashes in 2004, seventy-six percent of these accidents involved alcohol.

So you now know what time of day to try and avoid, but do you know that time of year? The Early Edition Report indicates that August topped the charts with the most fatal crashes in one month and December had the most overall automobile accidents, totaling 601,000- something to keep in mind during your vacation and holiday travels!

Your car can affect your car accident.
The vehicle you drive can also play a large role in your car accident. Passenger cars and light trucks accounted for nearly 95 percent of the 11 million vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in 2004. Large trucks only accounted for 15 percent of the vehicle accidents. In addition, we saw an increase in vehicles rolling over during an accident. Of the vehicles that rolled over, utility vehicles presented the highest rate at 36.2 percent in fatal crashes, 9.6 percent in injury crashes and 2.4 in property-damage-only-crashes. Regardless of the crash severity, the majority of these accidents occurred during daylight, in normal weather conditions, while the vehicle was going straight.

Protect yourself with auto insurance.
Accidents do happen, but you can follow some simple safety measures while driving. These include wearing your seat belt at all times, obeying the speed limit, being cautious of your surroundings and having auto insurance. By having auto insurance, you are able to protect yourself, your family, passengers and other drivers from incurring additional heartache and financial burden.

If you are in the market for auto insurance or would like to make sure you are receiving the best package for the price, logon to the Insurance.com's auto quote comparison tool . There, you'll be able to compare car insurance rates from up to 12 insurance providers, helping you evaluate various auto insurance premiums while helping you find the best package for your overall needs.

Custom Auto Insurance for Custom Cars

2009-07-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

With the popularity of custom car TV shows such as "Pimp My Ride," personalized cars became hotter than ever. Accessories also came a long way from simple paint jobs and fuzzy dice. Today, drivers want their cars to stand out from the crowd, and to express their personality and style. As a result, car owners are adding chrome rims and grills, customized murals, spinners, pipes, LCD monitors, DVD players, expensive stereo systems, ground effects, and hydraulics.

But what is the cost to insure these hot new accessories? And do you know if your auto insurance company will cover these often-expensive enhancements?

If you're thinking of improving your car, these are some very important questions to ask! Modifying your car can be a huge investment, and you don't want to find out after the fact that your vehicle is not covered.

Ask first, change your car later
The best course of action is to consult your insurance company before you start modifying your car. This will help you find out what your auto insurance company does and doesn't cover, if they are willing to insure your new car, and the total cost of keeping your customized auto covered.

Most insurance companies will ask if your car has "substantial customization" that you would like to insure at an additional cost. If so, you can add an endorsement to your comprehensive and collision coverage for custom parts and equipment. An endorsement is a change to your auto insurance policy, and it can extend coverage to include your modifications.

Check the amount covered under your endorsement, because it can vary for different companies. If your new parts cost more than the covered cost, you may want to consider shopping around to explore your coverage options. Keep in mind that standard insurance companies insure the actual value of the parts, meaning that they will pay you what the parts are worth, not what it costs to replace them.

Safety is key
Always make sure that your parts are installed safely by a knowledgeable professional. Many drivers attempt to do the work themselves. As a result, parts could be installed improperly.

Your best bet is to have a professional do the work for you. It will save you a lot of money in the long run, in addition to keeping you safe.

8 Things You Should Know About Auto Insurance

2009-07-09T06:18:00.002-07:00

1) Some of the most helpful coverages are the cheapest.
Auto insurance may be expensive, but if you're already spending a lot, shouldn't you get a lot? Optional coverages such as gap coverage, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and comprehensive coverage can provide a lot of protection for a little price increase. Comprehensive coverage is usually the most expensive of these coverages, but is still usually about half the price of collision coverage and a third the price of liability coverage.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is especially important, considering the benefits it offers and the number of uninsured drivers on the road, particularly during this period of economic hardship. Take a look at your coverage options. Paying a little more now may save you a lot in the future.

2) Many factors can affect your car insurance rate.
Auto insurance companies use many different criteria when evaluating an insurance application during a process called underwriting. Each car insurance company has many guidelines regarding which groups of drivers they want to accept and how much they will charge those groups they consider a greater risk. The guidelines are different for each company, meaning that two companies comparing the same driver can arrive at vastly different conclusions.

During the underwriting process, car insurance applicants are placed in a group based on how much money and how many claims the insurance company believes it may have to pay. Underwriting is done automatically by software behind the scenes. At this time, the insurance company will look at motor vehicle records to see how many accidents or tickets a driver has received. Many insurance companies also use an insurance history report to see if the driver has made any car insurance claims, and how much money was paid. Although accidents and violations can only affect the rates you receive for three years, many companies will look back five or more years when deciding if they want to offer you insurance. In addition, many auto insurance companies look at the credit history of the applicant. Although they use credit history to determine which group an applicant belongs to, they don't actually look at a credit report.

3) Insurance prices vary (a lot) by company.
You've probably seen commercials saying you can save money by switching to a certain car insurance company. How can so many companies make this claim? The reason is that "auto insurance is a highly competitive business and one of the most effective ways to reduce insurance costs is simply to shop around," according to Jeanne Salvatore, senior vice president of the Insurance Information Institute. "Drivers should look for an insurance company that will provide a good price along with excellent service."

Prices for the same policy from the same company, however, are set by law. They are approved by the state and can't be changed by an agent, so you can't get a better price for the same policy simply by going to a different agent or trying to negotiate the price. The best plan is to decide what coverages and options you need and comparison shop to get the best price.

4) If you let your policy lapse, you'll pay more in the long run.
Most insurance companies view drivers who are licensed but don't have insurance as risky or irresponsible. Because of this, if you let your policy lapse, you'll probably pay more when you go to buy car insurance. To avoid this, if you don't want to pay for insurance or are planning to let your policy expire because you want to switch companies, make sure to purchase car insurance before your current policy is cancelled.

5) Higher deductibles can lower your premium.
Insurance prices are based on how much money the insurance company believes it could have to pay. If you agree to pay for a larger portion of your own damages by raising your deductibles, your car insurance company automatically knows they won't have to pay as much for your claims. Because of this, they will usually give you a lower premium. If you decide to raise your deductibles to save money, be sure you can afford to pay the deductible if you have to make a claim.

6) Insurance discounts can make a difference.
Most insurance companies offer auto insurance discounts for things like a safe driving record, car safety features, anti-theft devices, electronic payments, payment in full, and more. Make sure you're getting rewarded for being a safe driver and for having a safe car by shopping around for car insurance that appreciates your record.

7) Coverage affects what you pay.
The majority of your car insurance premium generally goes toward the legally-required liability portion of your policy. It's typically not a good idea to reduce this portion in an attempt to save money, because you'll be responsible for any amount of damages above your policy limits. However, other coverages, although generally helpful, could be reduced or eliminated to lower your premium. If you have an older car that's not worth very much, or if you won't have a problem paying for a new car, collision and comprehensive coverages may not make economic sense. Talk to your car insurance company or agent about the best options for you.

8) The car you drive can affect your auto insurance rates.
The Highway Loss Data Institute compiles insurance accident statistics for most types of cars. Many insurance companies use data like this when setting prices on your insurance. For example, if the car you drive is very expensive to repair, the company is going to have to pay more if you get in an accident. Conversely, if the car you drive is extremely safe and protects occupants well, your insurance company will not have to pay as much if you're involved in a crash. If your model of car is generally less likely to be stolen, your car insurance company is less likely to have to pay to replace it. All of these car related factors can raise or lower the auto insurance quotes you receive, so it makes sense to keep insurance in mind when purchasing a car. Of course, since rates are based on much more than just the car you drive, your overall rate may be more or less than someone driving the same car.

Do You Know the Auto Insurance Basics?

2009-07-09T06:18:00.001-07:00

Why buy auto insurance?
Auto insurance can protect you against the financial risk associated with personal injuries and property damage caused by auto accidents, theft or vandalism.

All states require you to purchase at least a minimum amount of liability coverage. Other types of auto insurance coverage may be optional or required, depending on state regulations. If you have a car loan or lease, the lender will also generally require that you purchase coverage for the car itself.

Liability coverage
This is the state-mandated legal coverage you'll be required to have (learn more):

* Bodily injury liability: Protects your assets if you are held liable for an auto accident in which other people are injured or killed.
* Property damage liability: Covers repairing or replacing the autos or other property of other people.

This coverage will also pay for the legal costs associated with defending you against lawsuits related to accidents. To adequately protect your assets, you probably want to purchase much more than the minimum amount of coverage required in your state.

Collision, comprehensive, uninsured and underinsured motorist, and medical payments coverages
Although these coverages are optional in most states, it often makes sense to purchase them, unless you can afford to pay for losses yourself.

* Collision: Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident. (Learn more.)
* Comprehensive: Insures your car against damage caused by something other than an auto accident (e.g., theft, fire, flood, vandalism). It is also called other-than-collision. (Learn more.)
* Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Unless you live in a "no-fault" state (where your own insurance will cover your losses), this coverage insures you against certain losses caused by other drivers with little (underinsured) or no (uninsured) auto insurance. It can cover things like lost wages as well, and provides coverage to your passengers, and those listed on your policy while riding in other cars or as pedestrians. (Learn more.)
* Medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP): Covers various medical and/or funeral expenses for you and your passengers, as well as those listed on your policy while riding in other cars or as pedestrians. (Learn more about: medical payments coverage and PIP coverage.)

Additional coverages
Most of these coverages are optional, relatively cheap and provide a lot of protection, although they may not be helpful in all circumstances.

* Gap coverage: Pays the difference between the actual cash value of your car and the amount you owe on your loan or lease if your car is totaled in a covered accident. It is sometimes called loan/lease coverage. (Learn more.)
* Towing and labor or roadside assistance: Towing and labor usually covers the cost to tow your car to a repair facility or make minor repairs after a covered accident. Roadside assistance usually covers towing, minor repairs and fuel delivery, even if there was no accident.
* Rental reimbursement: Pays the cost of renting a replacement car if yours is not drivable due to a covered accident. Some auto insurance companies will send you a check for part of the allowed amount if you don't rent a replacement car. (Learn more.)

And then the insurance company pays for everything, right?
That would be nice, but it's not always true. Here are some things you'll always need to cover yourself:

* Deductibles: The amount of money that you've agreed to pay out of your own pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. You can have different deductibles for different coverages and liability coverage never has a deductible.
* Exclusions: Events or situations your policy specifically will not cover, such as property damage or personal injury you intentionally cause or damage to your own car due to mechanical failure or wear-and-tear.
* Costs above policy limits: Any expenses that exceed the the dollar amounts listed on your policy contract for coverage you're entitled to receive.

Driving a good bargain
Many factors affect your auto insurance premium, including your age, the state in which you live, the make and model of your car, where your car is parked at night and your driving record. Although you can't do much about some of these factors, here are some things you can do to help lower your premiums:

* Increase your insurance deductible.
* Eliminate optional coverages if you don't need them (e.g., rental reimbursement if you have other means of transportation).
* Eliminate collision and comprehensive coverage if you drive an older car that wouldn't cost much to replace and if you could afford to pay for repairs if necessary.
* Ask about available auto insurance discounts (e.g., low-mileage discounts, discounts for safety or antitheft devices) for your auto insurance (if applicable in your situation).
* Avoid buying a vehicle prone to theft or expensive to repair.
* Drive safely to establish a good driving record.
* Maintain good credit.

Shop around
It's important to shop around for auto insurance coverage. Insurance premiums for the same coverage on the same car can vary widely among different insurers. A particularly good time to investigate your alternatives is when your current insurance policy is up for renewal, but you can shop and change policies at any time. Get quotes from several reputable companies, but don't let price be your only consideration. Make sure the coverage offered by each insurer meets your needs, and find out if the insurer has a solid financial strength rating.

8 Teen Auto Insurance Mistakes

2009-07-09T06:15:00.002-07:00

Avoid some of these common mistakes

1. Let your kid get bad grades.
Were you aware that a "good student" discount could take as much as 10–15% off the price of your car insurance policy? You are now. Some parents pay their children to maintain a B average or better; this discount will have your children paying you instead.

2. Buy a new car for your child.
All of those safety features will get you auto insurance discounts, right? They might, but it costs more to insure a new car – for you and your teen. Find a safe, used car and save on car payments and insurance.

3. Skip in-car driver training with your kid.
Let the driving school do it. Right parents? I mean, that's why you pay them the money! Not so. No matter what your state legally requires, the more time you spend in the car teaching your teenager to drive, the better.

4. Don't set a curfew.
Part of raising a child is letting them take responsibility, so there's no reason to impose limits. Well, not exactly. Even if your city doesn't have a curfew for teen drivers, you should consider it. Statistics show that teenage driving deaths rise dramatically from 9 pm to 6 am. And if you remember your own youth, you'll agree that there's no good reason for teens to plan trips past 9–10 pm.

5. Don't worry about packing the car with friends and distractions.
The most common cause of teen accidents is driver distraction – either from a car full of friends or a cell phone that's blowing up. It gets even worse with loud music, texting and taking pictures with a cell phone.

6. Speed, drink and don't wear your seatbelt.
It amounts to telling your teen the law is optional. If your child gets a ticket, restrict access to the car. If it's something serious – like a DUI – take away their driving privileges.

7. Lower your deductibles or keep them the same.
A low deductible means your auto insurance company will pay more if there's an accident. Raise it, and you could knock a lot off your premium. Dropping collision coverage on your teen's car can also save money. Just remember that you'll have to pay more for repairs in both cases, so calculate your savings before making the switch.

8. Make one of the other seven mistakes.
(Just kidding.)

8. Let your teenager drive a small, old car.
If you saw mistake number two and thought you could avoid it by getting your teen an older compact car, you're probably wrong. If it's not a safe car, you won't qualify for safety discounts.

9. You said there were only eight mistakes!
Well, I lied. That's right; I said it: I lied. I'll let you in on a little secret: there are probably way more than nine, or even ten! But do you know the biggest one of all? (Drum roll, please.) Not shopping around to compare rates! Insurance.com data shows the average difference between the highest quote for adding a teen and the lowest quote is over $2,000 a year. Failing to compare auto insurance rates can be a very expensive mistake.

Top 10 Auto Insurance Myths

2009-07-09T06:15:00.001-07:00

Myth #10: "No-fault insurance means it's not my fault!"
False. Basically, no-fault insurance means that your insurance company pays for your damages regardless of who's at fault.

Myth #9: "The color of my car affects my insurance rate."
False. The color of your car does not impact your car insurance rates. What does influence your rate is your vehicle's year, make, model, body type, and engine size, along with your credit history and driving record.

Myth #8: "If I lend my car to a friend and that friend is in an accident, his or her insurance company will pay for the damages."
False. Your car, your responsibility! However, your friend's insurance could act as excess insurance if the damages exceed your policy's limits. And guess what, even though you weren't present at the time of the accident, it will go on your insurance record and your insurance premium could go up.

Myth #7: "My insurance rate is set by the government."
False. The government does not set your car insurance rate. Your state's insurance department only regulates the rates car insurance companies are allowed to set. Where you live, your credit score, marital status and your driving record is what actually affects your premium.

Myth #6: "I recently paid my insurance premium, so the new car I just purchased is covered."
True, up to a point. Most insurance policies require that the policyholder notify the car insurance company or agent within a specified number of days after purchase.

Myth #5: "It's a fact. Males under the age of 25 pay more for auto insurance."
True and false. Males under 25 years old usually pay more for car insurance than female drivers under 25. However, across the board, teenagers and seniors pay more for auto insurance, in large part because these age groups are typically involved in more automobile accidents.

Myth #4: "My credit score has no effect on my insurance rate."
False. Your credit score really does matter! Many Insurance companies take your credit score into consideration when you want to purchase, change, or renew your auto insurance coverage.

Myth #3: "Even without comprehensive coverage, I'm still covered for theft, windstorms, hail and deer accidents."
False. Many drivers believe that if they only purchase collision insurance—which covers damage to your car resulting from driving accidents—that they will also be covered for incidents that involve vandalism, hail, animal accidents and fires. That simply is not true. You need to purchase both collision and comprehensive coverage in order to fully protect your vehicle from all of these situations.

Myth #2: "My personal auto insurance covers both my personal and business use of my car."
Be careful. It might be able to cover it, but you need to check with your car insurance company. If you occasionally use your personal car for business purposes such as transporting clients, going to and from meetings or hauling business equipment, then you will more than likely need to extend your personal car insurance to cover your business use. Plus, if your employees use their car while working for you, you will want to also obtain a separate non-owned car insurance policy.

Myth #1: "I've never had or been involved in a car accident, so I don't need automobile insurance."
False. Some drivers are lucky enough to avoid accidents. However, car insurance is the best protection you can have in the event of an auto accident. You are also legally required to have some form of auto insurance, and failing to do so can carry strict penalties.

What is my Auto Insurance?wat r the diff. types of it?

2009-07-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

Vehicle insurance (also known as auto insurance, car insurance, or motor insurance) is insurance purchased for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Its primary use is to provide protection against losses incurred as a result of traffic accidents and against liability that could be incurred in an accident.

Public policy

In many jurisdictions it is compulsory to have vehicle insurance before using or keeping a motor vehicle on public roads. Most jurisdictions relate insurance to both the car and the driver, however the degree of each varies greatly.

A 1994 study by Jeremy Jackson and Roger Blackman[1] showed, consistent with the risk homeostasis theory, that increased accident costs caused large and significant reductions in accident frequencies.

Auto insurance in the United States

2009-07-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

Coverage available

The consumer may be protected with different coverage types depending on what coverage the insured purchases. Some states require that motorists carry liability insurance coverage to ensure that its drivers can cover the cost of damages to people or property in the event of an automobile accident. Some states, such as Wisconsin, have more flexible “proof of financial responsibility” requirements.[14]

In the United States, liability insurance covers claims against the policy holder and generally, any other operator of the insured vehicles, provided they do not live at the same address as the policy holder, and are not specifically excluded on the policy. In the case of those living at the same address, they must specifically be covered on the policy. Thus it is necessary, for example, when a family member comes of driving age they must be added to the policy. Liability insurance sometimes does not protect the policy holder if they operate any vehicles other than their own. When you drive a vehicle owned by another party, you are covered under that party’s policy. Non-owners policies may be offered that would cover an insured on any vehicle they drive. This coverage is available only to those who do not own their own vehicle and is sometimes required by the government for drivers who have previously been found at fault in an accident. Non-owners policies are also known as Named Operator Policies. The policies are useful for people whose drivers license has been suspended and they have to have insurance for their licensed to be reinstated.

Generally, liability coverage extends when you rent a car. Comprehensive policies ("full coverage") usually also apply to the rental vehicle, although this should be verified beforehand. Full coverage premiums are based on, among other factors, the value of the insured’s vehicle. This coverage, however, cannot apply to rental cars because the insurance company does not want to assume responsibility for a claim greater than the value of the insured’s vehicle, assuming that a rental car may be worth more than the insured’s vehicle. Most rental car companies offer insurance to cover damage to the rental vehicle. These policies may be unnecessary for many customers as credit card companies, such as Visa and MasterCard, now provide supplemental collision damage coverage to rental cars if the transaction is processed using one of their cards. These benefits are restrictive in terms of the types of vehicles covered.[15]

[edit] Liability

Liability coverage is offered for bodily injury (BI) or property damage (PD) for which the insured driver is deemed responsible. The amount of coverage provided (a fixed dollar amount) will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Whatever the minimum, the insured can usually increase the coverage (prior to a loss) for an additional charge.

An example of Property Damage is where an insured driver (or 1st party) drives into a telephone pole and damages the pole, liability coverage pays for the damage to the pole. In this example, the drivers insured may also become liable for other expenses related to damaging the telephone pole, such as loss of service claims (by the telephone company), depending on the jurisdiction. An example of Bodily Injury is where an insured driver causes bodily harm to a third party and the insured driver is deemed responsible for the injuries. However, in some jurisdictions, the third party would first exhaust coverage for accident benefits through their own insurer (assuming they have one) and/or would have to meet a legal definition of severe impairment to have the right to claim (or sue) under the insured driver's (or 1st Party's) policy.

In some jurisdictions: Liability coverage is available either as a combined single limit policy, or as a split limit policy:

United States Auto Insurance

2009-07-09T06:04:00.000-07:00

In the United States, auto insurance covering liability for injuries and property damage done to others is compulsory in most states, though enforcement of the requirement varies from state to state. The state of New Hampshire, for example, does not require motorists to carry liability insurance (the ballpark model), while in Virginia residents must pay the state a $500 annual fee per vehicle if they choose not to buy liability insurance.[6] Penalties for not purchasing auto insurance vary by state, but often involve a substantial fine, license and/or registration suspension or revocation, as well as possible jail time in some states. Usually, the minimum required by law is third party insurance to protect third parties against the financial consequences of loss, damage or injury caused by a vehicle.

Some states, such as North Carolina, require that a driver hold liability insurance before a license can be issued.

Arizona Department of Transportation Research Project Manager John Semmens has recommended that car insurers issue license plates, and that they be held responsible for the full cost of injuries and property damages caused by their licensees under the Disneyland model. Plates would expire at the end of the insurance coverage period, and licensees would need to return their plates to their insurance office to receive a refund on their premiums. Vehicles driving without insurance would thus be easy to spot because they would not have license plates, or the plates would be past the marked expiration date.

United Kingdom Auto Insurance

2009-07-09T06:03:00.002-07:00

In 1930, the UK government introduced a law that required every person who used a vehicle on the road to have at least third party personal injury insurance. Today UK law is defined by The Road Traffic Act 1988, which was last modified in 1991. The act requires that motorists either be insured, have a security, or have made a specified deposit (£500,000 as of 1991) with the Accountant General of the Supreme Court, against their liability for injuries to others (including passengers) and for damage to other persons' property resulting from use of a vehicle on a public road or in other public places.

The minimum level of insurance cover commonly available and which satisfies the requirement of the act is called third party only insurance. The level of cover provided by Third party only insurance is basic but does exceed the requirements of the act.

Road Traffic Act Only Insurance is not the same as Third Party Only Insurance and is not often sold. It provides the very minimum cover to satisfy the requirements of the act. For example Road Traffic Act Only Insurance has a limit of £250,000 for damage to third party property and does not cover emergency treatment fees. Third party insurance has a far greater limit for third party property damage and will cover emergency treatment fees.

It is an offence to drive a car, or allow others to drive it, without at least third party insurance whilst on the public highway (or public place Section 143(1)(a) RTA 1988 as amended 1991); however, no such legislation applies on private land.

Vehicles which are exempted by the act, from the requirement to be covered, include those owned by certain councils and local authorities, national park authorities, education authorities, police authorities, fire authorities, health service bodies and security services.

The insurance certificate or cover note issued by the insurance company constitutes legal evidence that the vehicle specified on the document is insured. The law says that an authorised person, such as the police, may require a driver to produce an insurance certificate for inspection. If the driver cannot show the document immediately on request, then the driver will usually be issued a HORT/1 with seven days, as of midnight of the date of issue, to take a valid insurance certificate (and usually other driving documents as well) to a police station of the driver's choice. Failure to produce an insurance certificate is an offence. The HORT/1 is commonly known - even by the issuing authorities when dealing with the public - as a "Producer".

If a vehicle has been substantially modified, the modifications must be notified to the insurer, otherwise the policy becomes invalid. In the case of a police check finding that the modifications have not been notified to the insurance companies, the driver would be prosecuted for the disclosed offence[5].

Insurance is more expensive in Northern Ireland than in other parts of the UK.[vague][citation needed]

Most motorists in the UK are required to prominently display a vehicle licence (tax disc) on their vehicle when it is kept or driven on public roads. This helps to ensure that most people have adequate insurance on their vehicles because an insurance certificate must be produced when a disc is purchased.

The Motor Insurers Bureau compensates the victims of road accidents caused by uninsured and untraced motorists. It also operates the Motor Insurance Database, which contains details of every insured vehicle in the country.

Ireland Auto Insurance

2009-07-09T06:03:00.001-07:00

The Road Traffic Act, 1933 requires all drivers of mechanically propelled vehicles in public places to have at least third-party insurance, or to have obtained exemption - generally by depositing a (large) sum of money with the High Court as a guarantee against claims. In 1933 this figure was set at £15,000. The Road Traffic Act, 1961 [1] (which is currently in force) repealed the 1933 act but replaced these sections with functionally identical sections.

From 1968, those making deposits require the consent of the Minister for Transport to do so, with the sum specified by the Minister.

Those not exempted from obtaining insurance must obtain a certificate of insurance from their insurance provider, and display a portion of this (an insurance disc) on their vehicles windscreen (if fitted). The certificate in full must be presented to a police station within ten days if requested by an officer. Proof of having insurance or an exemption must also be provided to pay for your motor tax.

Those injured or suffering property damage/loss due to uninsured drivers can claim against the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland's uninsured drivers fund, as can those injured (but not those suffering damage or loss) from hit and run offences.

Canada Auto Insurance

2009-07-09T06:02:00.000-07:00

Several Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec) provide a public auto insurance system while in the rest of the country insurance is provided privately. Basic auto insurance is mandatory throughout Canada with each province's government determining which benefits are included as minimum required auto insurance coverage and which benefits are options available for those seeking additional coverage. Accident benefits coverage is mandatory everywhere except for Newfoundland and Labrador. All provinces in Canada have some form of no-fault insurance available to accident victims. The difference from province to province is the extent to which tort or no-fault is emphasized.[2] Typically, coverage against loss of or damage to the driver's own vehicle is optional - one notable exception to this is in Saskatchewan, where SGI provides collision coverage (less than a $700 deductible, such as a collision damage waiver) as part of its basic insurance policy. In Saskatchewan, residents have the option to have their auto insurance through a tort system but less than 0.5% of the population have taken this option.

Australia Auto Insurance

2009-07-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

In South Australia, Third Party Personal insurance from the Motor Accident Commission is included in the licence registration fee for people over 16. A similar scheme applies in Western Australia.

In Victoria, Third Party Personal insurance from the Transport Accident Commission is similarly included, through a levy, in the vehicle registration fee.

In New South Wales, Compulsory Third Party Insurance (commonly known as CTP Insurance) is a mandatory requirement and each individual car must be insured or the vehicle will not be considered legal. Therefore, a motorist cannot drive the vehicle until it is insured. A 'Green Slip,'[citation needed] another name CTP Insurance is commonly known by due to the colour of the pages the form is printed on, must be obtained through one of the seven main insurers in New South Wales.

In Queensland, CTP is a mandatory part of registration for a vehicle. There is choice of insurer but price is government controlled in a tight band.

These state based third party insurance schemes usually cover only personal injury liability. Comprehensive vehicle insurance is sold separately to cover property damage and cover can be for events such as fire, theft, collision and other property damage.

Auto Insurance: Advance your AGF cover you for your holidays

2009-07-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

With AGF-Allianz, your warranties and service you are also on holiday.

Auto insurance with AGF-Allianz

• You are protected if you drive a rental car
Whatever the formula chosen, the Guarantee Driver of Auto Insurance AGF-Allianz follows the customer in a vehicle rented or borrowed and injury accident are guaranteed without having to ask.

• You are repaired on the road vacation
A breakdown, a flat tire, accident or simply a failure of gasoline: on call (24h/24, 7j / 7) assistance in organizing the repair time in all forms.
By choosing the Pack, the client is repaired even in his apartment with the "0 km" and a replacement vehicle of equivalent category for a period of up to 30 days is made available.
By opting for the Pack Repair, failure, repair costs are also reimbursed.

• You are returned during a stay abroad
The client receives a comprehensive travel assistance in the world that can draw even without car accident. When ill or injured abroad, his assistance is responsible for his repatriation.
If the client needs drugs found at his place of vacation, assistance supports sending or gives the name of equivalent products.
In the event of theft or loss of identity papers and credit card assistance intervenes to stop, and may award a cash advance of € 1500.

• You are reimbursed if your luggage in the trunk of roof stolen
Thanks to the "Content", personal, leisure facilities (cycling, windsurfing ...) and the contents of the trunk roof of the car are covered up to € 3000.

With house insurance AGF-Allianz

• You are seen if a fire starts in your home during the holidays
The damage caused by fire are obviously repaid, the client is also present. The return home is supported, the guard of the home is insured. A vehicle will be available to move the contents of your home if needed. Finally, cleaning the house by a specialized firm will also be made.

• You are insured in your holiday
Personal effects (excluding items, funds and securities) are provided on the holiday (theft, water damage ...). The client is covered even if it is liable for any damage in its holiday rental (fire, water damage and glass breakage if such guarantees are taken out).

• You are reimbursed if the MP3 player was stolen from the beach
With the Pack: = stolen money back! The theft of mobile objects and the family is insured outside the home: sports equipment and recreational facilities, baggage and contents, multimedia and electronic equipment, computers and mobile phones, readers MP3

File Auto / Vehicle Insurance rental: The protection of the driver and personal property

2009-07-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

After guard against the very high deductibles, it is necessary to protect the driver and occupants of the vehicle and the goods transported. Additional insurance proposed by the lessor and can protect you, as part of an extension, cover your property.

Comfortably installed in the wheel of your car, you might not imagine that you might need additional insurance to protect you in case of injury.

Your landlord has insurance to offer. Known PAI (Personal Assistance Insurance), this coverage compensates you in the event of disability or death. Some also cover your medical expenses. In general, insurance PAI focuses on all persons carried in the vehicle.
It is both assistance, medical and / or technical, as well as insurance for medical expenses, disability pensions and death.

PAI Option can be purchased from the vehicle in the rental agency, or upstream at the time of booking. Be careful, there are limits to compensation, whether for medical expenses or for death and disability.

You and your belongings

This insurance is often very extensible to other property in the vehicle, like your luggage, photo or video equipment, equipment for sports or other. You will need to purchase insurance "Super" or "Plus" or any other name designating the extension.

Of course, jewelry and other valuables, cash and credit cards are not covered. Again, compensation is capped. In some cases, you can find insurance to cover a maximum value per item, while other insurance will cover a maximum amount regardless of the number of objects in question.

Other exclusion, the items must be stowed in the trunk or baggage compartments "case of theft. The vehicle must have been broken and you must have complained.
Finally, note that a franchise generally comprise between 45 and 75 euros will be sought for the theft of objects and that the protections against theft of personal property often does that car and not the utilities