Auto Insurance Rates Fall 1.7% in First Quarter 2005

With gas pricing soaring and poised to move even higher this summer, most drivers are looking for ways to lower the cost associated with driving. There is good news for many. Depending on where you live, the average auto insurance premium quotes may have decreased by as much as 10 percent during the past quarter. According to an Insurance.com Quarterly Pricing Report, the average consumer received an annual auto insurance quote of $2,304 in the first quarter of 2005. This is a $39, or 1.7 percent, decrease over the national average annual premium quoted in 2004. This decrease is a welcome relief after Insurance.com's 2004 Auto Insurance Pricing Report highlighted a 6% increase in annual auto insurance quotes from 2003 to 2004.

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North Carolina Car Insurance: Factors that Affect Car Insurance Rates

If you are a driver in North Carolina or anywhere for that matter, you know how complicated and confusing it can be to file a car accident claim, switch car insurance companies or simply add a person on to your policy. To help make things easier when dealing with your auto insurance company, we have listed some helpful tips for North Carolina car insurance customers below. Understanding these items can not only save you a lot of time and money on your auto insurance, but it will also help you be better prepared in the event of a car accident.

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Resolution to get Finances in Order for College Students

Once the ball has dropped and the celebrations have come to a close, the New Year's Resolutions start rolling in. These resolutions include losing weight, giving up smoking and studying more. Getting finances in order is a resolution many college students should also have at the top of their New Year's resolution list as well! If you're a college student you're probably thinking, "I barely have a dollar to my name, why would I make getting my finances in order a New Year's Resolution?"; and that is exactly the problem. Many college students are limited in funds, but have bountiful available credit - causing students to lose control of their finances and create more college debt than they can afford.

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Conflicts in Risk Management Thinking & Practice

Today there are numerous approaches to the practices of "risk management" and the very practices are creating channel conflicts in terms of moving the entire "risk management industry" forward.

Of all the companies who have designated positions with the title of "risk management" roughly 80% of those positions are nothing more than a function to purchase insurance and oversee loss control initiatives. The other 20% is a mix of Chief Risk Officers whose elevated role expands the risk management function to finance and legal across all operating fucntions of a large corporation. Then there are management consulting firms offering "Enterprise Risk Management" services and other segment labeled risk management services such as "Financial Risk Management, Supply Chain Risk Management, Capital Risk Management etc etc.".

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Ways To Lower Your Auto Insurance

Nowadays, auto insurance is really expensive. A typical insurance policy can cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars a year. And the insurance rates you pay are hugely dependent on the insurance company or agent, your age, your car type, your driving record, and even the area you reside in!

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All about Health Insurance

Health insurance is a necessity for all. With medical expenses soaring every day higher than a hang glider, paying for them could have you digging deep into the pockets of your jeans.

What types of health insurance are available?

Health insurance plans usually falls into one of two categories: indemnity plans (also known as reimbursement plans) and other one managed care plans such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and point of service (POS) plans.

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THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE INSURED

Insurance talk? It is a dry subject, one that will make most want to reach for the pillow. However in a country where "lead floats and cork sinks", this seemingly mundane subject can present surprises and in insurance surprise is usually a dirty word. Although the nuances and peculiarities of Nicaraguan insurance are not as straight forward as one would hope; some basic knowledge will help you get on the right path. When shopping for insurance for your family, Nicaraguan home or car it is wise to keep in mind that many of the rules are not the same as at home. Knowing where some of the pitfalls are and how to avoid them is the focus of this article

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Wawanesa Insurance - the story of success by Tim Baker

Wawanesa Insurance Company is a Canadian insurer operating on insurance market for more than a hundred years. It is one of the largest property and casualty insurers in Canada. Wawanesa owns a subsidiary company - Wawanesa Life, which is also targeted at the Canadian insurance market. In the 1970's Wawanesa has expanded its operations and established another subsidiary company in the United States - Wawanesa General.

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Teen Driving Safety Tips

If you're like many parents, the thought of your teenager getting behind the wheel of a car may scare you - and there is evidence that it should. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 16-year olds get into accidents almost 10 times more often then drivers between the ages of 30 and 59. However, good driving can help prevent accidents, regardless of age. To help you stay at ease and keep your teen driver safe, we compiled some important teen driving safety tips. Learn how you can be a role model for good driving behavior and the best way to save money on new driver car insurance.

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What Does Your Car Color Say About Your Personality and Car Insurance Premiums?

Do people with red cars really get more speeding tickets than those with blue cars? Do car insurance companies use the color of your car to determine your rates? Do certain colors increase your chance of an accident? What does the color of your car SAY about your personality?

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Summer Road Trip Tips

Road trips are a time honored tradition for many Americans, but with sky rocketing gas prices drivers need to be savvier about planning their trip and getting the most out of their gas mileage. To help, we have developed a guide to help keep your car in top performing condition, while also maximizing your gas mileage during the hot summer traveling season.

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Helping Named Drivers Keep Their Auto Insurance Premiums Down

Many teenagers see their driver's license as a passage of independence from their parents or a chance to head out on the open road with their friends. That is until they find out how much auto insurance is going to cost them - then being on Mom and Dad's policy doesn't seem so embarrassing!

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Red Light Running is a Rampant Problem

Ever run a red light? Many motorists have, according to a newly released national survey prepared by Farmers Insurance Group of Companies.

Last year, Farmers did a random written survey of driving habits of about 1,000 people and found that...­

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Deadly Driving Lists

Driving can be dangerous. Although the number of fatal road accidents per licensed driver is less than half of what it was forty years ago, death still happens every day on our roads.

We hope that you never experience this worst-case scenario - and we'll do what we can to help you figure out the most dangerous times (and ages) when it comes to avoiding disaster.

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Tips For Buying a Car

Buying a new car is an exciting experience, though it can be complicated. There's a lot of choice out there, and it can be intimidating. You want to make sure you're getting the best deal, and that you end up with the car that's right for you.

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The Battle of the Sexes - Do Men Really File More Auto Insurance Claims Than Women?

Guys, think your driving skills are exceptionally better then your female counterparts? Think again! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2004 Early Edition Report, male drivers were involved in 27,000 more fatal accidents, 432,000 more injury crashes and 1,369,000 more property-damaged incidents than female drivers - which inevitably equated to 1,828,000 more insurance claims in a single a year. Sorry guys, the ladies win.

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10 Most Congested Cities

Feeling congested? Americans may love driving their cars, but most folks don't like just sitting in them; especially when they're stuck in traffic. As minutes turn to hours and then add up to days, the time we are stuck crawling at a snail's pace, making progress only by the foot seems to have increased exponentially. When it comes to the Rat Race, we are running in it at ever-slower speeds with an increasing amount of company. According to data collected by the Texas Transportation Institute for it's 2003 Urban Mobility study, here are the top ten worst cities for traffic congestion:

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SUV Bumpers vs. Standard Bumpers - The Results are Damaging

Everywhere you drive these days you see more SUVs. People are buying these vehicles for their sleek style, ability to haul just about anything and the luxury of having an elevated perspective of the road - the last of which can potentially cost SUV drivers and other vehicle owners dearly, in the event of a rear-end collision.

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The Many Benefits of Auto Club Membership

Auto club memberships (such as AAA) can have many advantages, well beyond just road services and hotel discounts. Even if you don't own a car, consider joining an auto club. Membership in an auto club (also known as a road and travel club) may save you money and offer other attractive perks.

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Cell Phones - A Growing Road Hazard

From grocery stores to nightclubs to parks and restaurants, people are conducting business and holding personal conversations on their cell phones all over the country. No harm in this, right? Sure, as long as the owner isn't talking while driving!

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When Should You Get Car Insurance For Your Teen?

Don't dawdle about getting auto insurance for your teenager. When should you buy car insurance for your son or daughter who is old enough to drive? The sooner, the better, answers Nicole Mahrt of the American Insurance Association and the Hartford's Jane Fernald.

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Insuring a Spouse with a Spotty Driving Record

You'll probably pay more for auto insurance if your spouse has a poor driving record. However, in your drive to hold down your costs, consider the advice of Ohio auto insurance agent Brad Vermilion and other industry experts.

"Even if one of you has a bad driving record," says Vermilion, "usually it's better to have both of you on the same policy. Generally speaking, you'll pay less for having the two of you on the same policy, than you would if the coverages were written separately.

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The Impact Red Light/Speeding Cameras Can Have on You and Your Auto Insurance Premium

Is Big Brother watching you? That's how many American's feel about the new red light/ speeding cameras popping up all over the country. Many people feel that these cameras are violating their privacy, while others think that they are revenue boosters or simply replacing the job of their local police department. Drivers are also concerned about the increased potential of receiving a red light/speeding ticket and the effect it could have on their auto insurance rate. But no matter how you feel about these cameras, the situation is real and it could be coming to your city or town very soon!

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Know the Warning Signs Before You Buy a Flood Damaged Car

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused devastating damage to many residents' vehicles throughout New Orleans and Mississippi. In fact, the Insurance Information Institute estimates over 500,000 cars were damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. For many, this meant their cars were unsalvageable and were declared a total loss by their auto insurance company.

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SUV Owners Pay More for Insurance

Hortencia Privett is like thousands of other owners of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Privett admits that she loves what she drives, a silver 2002 Jeep Liberty, but insurance experts caution that she and other SUV owners have to pay considerably more for insurance than those tooling around town in smaller cars.

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Your Auto Insurer Knows Plenty about You

Your auto insurance company probably has a lot of your personal information, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. For instance, auto insurers get a hold of your driving record, credit history, and other info to use in making decisions such as whether to cover your vehicles and how much to charge you for coverage.

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My Credit Affects My Car Insurance Rate?

You probably know that lenders use information in your credit report to determine if they'll give you credit. But did you know that in some states, insurance companies also consider your credit history? Good or bad, your credit history may affect your ability to purchase homeowners or auto insurance coverage and help determine what premium you'll pay.

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Why You Need Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Hope you're covered if you get into a fender-bender and discover that the at-fault driver is uninsured. In that unpleasant situation, your auto insurance will kick into gear if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, and among those who would steer you in the direction of those sentiments are auto insurance industry representatives such as Nicole Mahrt, Dave Snyder, Dan Kummer and Sharon Cooper.

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How To Switch Car Insurance Companies

It may be easier than you think!
There are many reasons why you may choose to move your auto insurance coverage to another company. You might have changed jobs and are eligible for a group discount through another insurer, or maybe you're unhappy with the service that your present company provides. Perhaps you've simply found another company willing to offer you the same level of coverage for considerably less money. Nowadays, many insurance companies provide 24-hour rate information through their toll-free numbers or websites, so investigating your options has never been easier. Another valuable source of information is your state's Department of Insurance.

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Cheap Car Insurance: Factors that Affect Your Car Insurance Rates

When it comes to auto insurance rates, who you are determines what you pay.
Automobile insurance premiums are based on a large number of factors, some of which you can control, and some of which, alas, are incontrovertible facts of life. Statistically, a sixteen-year old boy with a 300 horsepower sports car in a big city is far more likely to hit something than a 35 year-old married guy driving a minivan around the suburbs.

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Three Life Events That Can Greatly Affect Your Auto Insurance Rate

Getting married, becoming divorced or widowed, or embarking upon your golden years; all of these events can have a huge impact on our lives, but we bet you never thought that these changes could also influence your auto insurance rate. It's true! And it just might have you reevaluating your auto insurance policy.

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10+ Tips to Help You Save on Car Insurance

Most people complain about the cost of their auto insurance--hardly surprising, given that a typical policy costs at least several hundred dollars a year. Depending on your age, driving record, and other factors, your annual premium can be significantly more than that. So how can you lower your premium and save yourself money?

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How Much Will My Insurance Rate Increase After One Accident?

It's no accident that drivers often save money on their auto insurance bills if they haven't been in a fender-bender or any other roadway accident. On the other hand, if you have been in at least one vehicular accident, chances are you're going to pay more for car insurance when your policy comes up for renewal. Insurance industry experts such as Carolyn Gorman point out that this increase can "vary" for several reasons.

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How Much You Pay for Insurance Can Depend on the Type of Vehicle

A sneak peak at one of the questions that might appear on your next quiz in Auto Insurance 101 -- Will the type of car you drive help determine how much you pay for auto insurance? Go to the head of the class if your answer was "yes."

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The Crossover of Crossovers

The auto industry is making a valiant attempt to insert the term "Crossover" into the vernacular, referring to car-based SUVs, as opposed to truck-based (body-on-frame) SUVs. Everything from the Toyota RAV4 to the Cadillac SRX is being called a "Crossover," and you can expect more to come.

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Top 10 Ways To Prevent Auto Theft

Every 27 seconds, another vehicle is stolen. More than 1 million motor vehicles will be stolen this year. Is it just a matter of time before you become a victim of auto theft? Not necessarily, if you follow these 10 auto theft prevention tips:

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Talking to Your Parents About Insurance

Are your parents adequately protected against financial loss? What if your parents' home burns down and there is insufficient insurance to cover the entire loss--can they come live with you? What if one of your parents is held liable for someone's injuries, but does not have liability insurance--will he or she be financially ruined? What if a parent becomes seriously ill and needs long-term care--will he or she have the financial resources to pay for this contingency? What if one of your parents dies unexpectedly--will the surviving parent have enough money to live on?

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Auto Insurance Rates Fall 1.7% in First Quarter 2005

With gas pricing soaring and poised to move even higher this summer, most drivers are looking for ways to lower the cost associated with driving. There is good news for many. Depending on where you live, the average auto insurance premium quotes may have decreased by as much as 10 percent during the past quarter. According to an Insurance.com Quarterly Pricing Report, the average consumer received an annual auto insurance quote of $2,304 in the first quarter of 2005. This is a $39, or 1.7 percent, decrease over the national average annual premium quoted in 2004. This decrease is a welcome relief after Insurance.com's 2004 Auto Insurance Pricing Report highlighted a 6% increase in annual auto insurance quotes from 2003 to 2004.

Continue reading "Auto Insurance Rates Fall 1.7% in First Quarter 2005" »

North Carolina Car Insurance: Factors that Affect Car Insurance Rates

If you are a driver in North Carolina or anywhere for that matter, you know how complicated and confusing it can be to file a car accident claim, switch car insurance companies or simply add a person on to your policy. To help make things easier when dealing with your auto insurance company, we have listed some helpful tips for North Carolina car insurance customers below. Understanding these items can not only save you a lot of time and money on your auto insurance, but it will also help you be better prepared in the event of a car accident.

Continue reading "North Carolina Car Insurance: Factors that Affect Car Insurance Rates" »