Tuesday, December 25, 2007

The break down of insurance


Vehicles have long been a staple in the lives of most men and women today. Thanks to advancements in technology, many vehicles have become part playground, office, and even bedroom. There is not much that you cannot do from the driver's seat anymore.

The family car is more than a tool for just work and play; it is entrusted with the lives of you and your family on a daily basis. It can also be a status symbol for all of your past and present accomplishments in life. Cars really are more iatrical than some people would think. It only makes sense that you would have an auto insurance policy to protect this very important investment.

FYI About Auto Insurance

What exactly is auto insurance? It is more than just an added expense and piece of paper stuffed in your glove box. You even begin to wonder how needed it even is. Think of your auto insurance policy as a shield and a back-up generator all in one; it can keep you safe from the possible and unforeseen accident and/or mishap.

Auto insurance may not be able to prevent that other driver from careening in you or the lamp post from jumping into the middle of the road during a rain storm, but that little piece of paper can shelter you and your family from unnecessary harassment and further turmoil during a time when you may not be at your fighting best.

You have made the decision to obtain auto insurance for your vehicle. Do you know what is included in your policy? It is good to know what basic points of coverage your

insurance

company should be offering you:

1) Bodily injury liability covers any injuries you (and anyone listed on your policy) cause to someone else.

2) Personal injury protection takes care of medical expenses incurred if you or your family is inured in an accident. This can also pay lost wages, and even funeral expenses.

3) Property damage liability covers any damages you may cause in an accident.

4) Collision pays for any damage to your vehicle in an accident.

5) Comprehensive coverage is optional in many states; this pays for any damage that is not caused by another vehicle. Earthquakes, flooding, theft, riots, run-ins with animals, and falling objects are usually included.

6) Uninsured motorist coverage keeps you safe in the even the other driver is not insured, or you are involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Car Insurance - do you really understand ?

Insuring your vehicle is probably one of the least enjoyable aspects of being a car owner. But as it’s a legal requirement it’s unfortunately not something that can be avoided.

With thousands of insurance companies to choose from, each using unfamiliar terminology, finding car insurance can be quite a daunting task for a new driver.

Without guidance, searching for car insurance quotes and finding the right policy can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help simplify the process of understanding car insurances.

Different Types of Policies
When you apply for car insurance you will be faced with the following policy options:

Third Party
This is the minimum amount of cover that insurance companies can offer you. It only covers damage costs if you injure someone else or their property in a motoring accident. Any damages or injuries sustained to yourself or your vehicle will be down to you to pay for.

Third Party Fire and Theft
This is the minimum amount of cover that some companies will offer. You will be protected if you injure or damage someone else’s property. It also covers your own vehicle if it is stolen or burnt. What it won’t cover you for is the cost of your vehicle if it’s involved in an accident or is vandalized. This type of insurance is most appropriate when you have a vehicle that is of low value.

Comprehensive
This is the most expensive form of insurance but it covers you for almost every eventuality. What it covers can vary depending on insurer but most fully comprehensive insurance will cover you for accidental damage to your own vehicle, injury to someone else, damage to their vehicle and damage to your vehicle from fire and theft. Some policies will cover you for items that are stolen from your vehicle and also medical expenses if you are injured.

Excess
When applying for your for car insurance you will be asked to agree on an excess fee. This means that if you are involved in an accident that is your fault, then you will be required to pay the first £100 - £500 of the claim. . If you are trying to reduce your policy then you can pay a higher excess, but in the event of an accident that is your fault, you will be required to pay this amount when you make the claim. It is important to note that with some insurers you may be required to pay a young drivers excess if you are under 25 years of age.

No claims Bonus
This is the number of years that you have had car insurance without making a claim. The more years you have the better, as this proves to the insurance company that you are of low risk, which will lead to a reduction in the amount you have to pay. If you do happen to make a claim, which is proven to be your fault, then you can lose you no claims bonus. If you have a number of years built up then your insurance company can offer you protection on those years, so you don’t lose them in event of an accident that is your fault.