Auto Insurance News Archive for September, 2009

• Experts Bust Teen Car Insurance Myths

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  With a new school year opening in just a few weeks, auto insurance experts are calling on parents and college freshmen not to forget their coverage. According to many analysts, young motorists would often forego insurance just to save money. Auto insurance for inexperienced and relatively young drivers can reach as much as $2,000 each year or more. The steep premiums often force college freshmen to drive uninsured, placing themselves in more risk. However, sources from the insurance industry point out that there are a number of widely held beliefs that have no shred of truth in them. If car … (more) September 5, 2009

• Motorists Urged to Know Insurance Tips

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  According to auto insurance experts, the poor economy is not a good reason to skimp on insurance. On the contrary, they argue, Americans should pay more for insurance now more than ever. Recent studies suggest that with unemployment figures still high, more and more car owners are choosing to drop their coverage. As a result, the likelihood of getting in an accident with uninsured drivers has increased significantly. Eventually, insurance providers have to raise premiums to better protect policyholders from underinsured and uninsured motorists. However, there are several options that motorists can consider to save money without letting go of … (more) September 4, 2009

• Study: Drivers with DWI Violations Pay More for Insurance

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  A recent survey conducted by researchers associated with the auto insurance industry found that motorists who have been caught driving while intoxicated (DWI) pay substantially more for insurance than average drivers. While the results of the study did not come as a surprise to many insurance experts, researchers were able to come up with the average premiums paid by erring drivers. According to insurance experts, a DWI on a motorist’s record could mean skyrocketing premiums. In fact, being convicted on a single count can mean insurance expenses up to 38 percent higher. Car owners who were involved in alcohol-related accidents … (more) September 4, 2009

• Body Shop Owners Demand Car Insurance Investigation

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Car owners in the state of Connecticut are asking themselves this as a prominent organization of car repair shop owners are asking for a full investigation into the practices of auto insurance companies. Disgruntled auto body shop owners have teamed up with the Attorney General Richard Blumenthal in calling for a federal investigation of the car insurance industry in Connecticut and its policies regarding car repairs. According to representatives of the Auto Body Association of Connecticut (ABAC), motorists and repair shop owners have had it with insurance providers and what they claim as “steering” policies. Auto body repair shops have … (more) September 3, 2009

• Critics Decry New Wisconsin Car Insurance Provision

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Wisconsin, one of only two states not requiring car insurance, will soon join the 48 other states by next year. A new provision in the state’s budget bill for 2010 will require motorists to present proof of insurance whenever law enforcers ask for it. The new law will also increase the minimum liability amounts, which have remained unchanged since the early 1980s. While many supporters of mandatory auto insurance rejoiced over the milestone, critics of the provision are calling it unfair to millions of car owners in Wisconsin. Those who oppose the mandatory insurance provision say that by requiring all … (more) September 3, 2009

• Car Insurance Money-saving Tips Given to College Students

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  The fast approaching start of the school year is catching many college freshmen and their parents off guard. With the economic slowdown affecting millions of American families, consumers are looking for ways to cut down on expenses and increase savings. For many households with college-bound family members, the rising educational costs can be a debilitating factor. Having a car to insure can also add to the financial troubles of many consumers. Fortunately, students can look for ways to slash their insurance premiums and help their parents and families save money. According to industry experts, young car owners need not spend … (more) September 2, 2009

• Drivers Told to Check Rental Car Insurance

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Auto insurance experts are advising American car owners to verify with their insurance providers if they have rental car insurance. With more motorists choosing to rent cars when out of town on business trips and even vacations, proper car insurance has become even more important. According to specialists, many major insurance companies offer rental car insurance as part of their packages. Having this protection can be of great help for policyholders who figure in accidents with rental cars. Rental car companies often offer collision waivers to their customers. Motorists can sign up for these waivers, which effectively releases them from … (more) September 2, 2009

• Proper Car Maintenance Important for Cheaper Insurance

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  According to auto insurance specialists, many American motorists fail to realize the importance of keeping their cars well maintained to get lower insurance premiums. Most car owners pay more attention to obvious factors like the risks, car models, and their age, experts say. They add, however, that keeping vehicles in perfect working condition can go a long way in saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars in insurance costs each year. Industry experts argue that if a car is well maintained and does not suffer from any mechanical problems, then there is less chance of it breaking down and causing … (more) September 1, 2009

• Car Insurance Companies Benefit from ‘Clunkers’ Program

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  The federal government’s popular Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program has unintentionally helped car insurers boost their sales, according to many insurance industry analysts. Commonly known as the “cash for clunkers” program, or simply ‘clunkers’, the government initiative was initially conceived to jumpstart the ailing car industry. Americans who traded in their old vehicles were eligible for tax rebates as high as $4,500, depending of course on the new cars they plan to buy. In order to avail of the maximum amount, motorists must buy a new car whose mileage is at least 10 mpg better than their aging cars. … (more) September 1, 2009