Car insurance Articles

18 Tips For Privately Buying A Second Hand Car

18 Tips For Privately Buying A Second Hand Car

by: Michael Challiner

??Do some initial homework. Find out about the type of car you are considering. Check out any known mechanical problems with that model.

??Check out the current second hand values for the car. A good place to start is www.what car .com. Also get your local paper and some of the specialist second hand car magazines and look up the prices of similar cars.

??How much will it cost you to insure the car? That's so easy to do on the Internet ? get a quote or two. It'll just take a few minutes.

??Also check out the car's other running costs. Again www.what car .com will help. Make sure you can afford to run the car!

??When you go to see a car insist on seeing the registration documentation, including its MOT certificate if the car is more than 3 years old. This will also show the cars' chassis number. Check that the documents all tallies with the car. Be sure that the person selling the car does actually own it and always see it at the seller's own home or business premises.

??Make sure that the address on the Registration Document is the address where you are viewing the car - if not ask why. Be suspicious.

??Examine the Road Tax disc. Is it still valid and do the registration number on the disc matches the Registration document?

??Ask to look at the cars' Service Record. This will also show the cars' chassis number and details of the first owner. If the Service record is not available, has the owner kept any of the service or repair bills?

??Now look under the bonnet and find the VIN Number (it could also be on the chassis). Check out that the VIN number tallies with the number on the Registration Document and that the number stamped on the car has not been interfered with. This will help to ensure that the car hasn't had its identity changed.

??Take a friend with you who knows' about cars ? not only to look at the car but also to be a witness for what is said and agreed.

??Never pay for a car on your first visit and don't be pushed into paying a deposit. You need to carry out some checks before you part with any money (see 17 below).

??Ask the owner if the car has outstanding finance. Take notes of what he/she says. When you get home check out the information with RAC Vehicle Status Check. Go to the RAC' web site. Click on Car Buying and then Vehicle Status Checks. The Status Check will cost you ?24.99 but it will tell you if the vehicle has outstanding finance.

??Carefully examine the car in good daylight. Look for signs of repairs and accident damage. If you have followed our advice and obtained a Vehicle Status Checks, the Check will also tell you if the car had previously been ?written off?.

??Make sure that the car hasn't been clocked. Be aware that the average mileage is around 12,000 per year. Be wary if the wear on the car looks greater than the mileage would suggest. The wear on the drivers pedals may help. Then ask when the car last had new tyres. Then look at wear on the tyres. Does the wear look about right?

??Always test-drive the car for at least 10/15 miles. By the way, don't forget to ensure you are insured to drive it! Do not automatically assume that your own insurance will cover you for driving someone else's car. Check your insurance documents before you leave home. If the seller says his insurance covers you, ask to see his policy ? better safe than sorry!

??Still interested in the car? Then get it independently inspected.

??Never hand over any money until you have seen the results of the RAC Vehicle Status Check. And even then don't pay any money until the car is handed over to you with its Documents. Always get a written receipt for your payment which includes the sellers name and address.

??Finally, make sure you have insurance in place from the minute you drive the car away. Did you know that the Police can now impound, and ultimately scrap, your car if you're driving it without insurance or road tax? If the car has not got Road Tax, drop in at a Post Office on the way home and buy one. You'll need to show an insurance cover note for the vehicle and its up to date MOT Certificate to do this.

About The Author

Michael Challiner writes for Brokers Online ( http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk ) who offer life insurance cover and most UK financial services including car insurance ( http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk/car-insurance/ ). Visit our finance blog for useful tips on uk finance ( http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk/family-finance/ )

michael@andromedawebs.co.uk

5 Steps to A Great Rental Car Experience

5 Steps to A Great Rental Car Experience

by: John Mancini

There are times in one's life when the use of rental cars cannot be avoided. When someone plows into you at an intersection, when you are taking a 2-day trip and your compact car just does not have enough room to stretch out, these are times when you are happy that there are rental cars at your disposal. Before you rent that car, though, you should know some things about the process.

1- The first step involved in obtaining a rental car is to do research on the companies in your local area. There are a number of nation wide companies and more than likely local companies to choose from when conducting your research. Try to narrow them down to three or four companies that are closest to either your pick up location or your destination.

2- You will want to ask about procedures that may be required by the rental company. Many companies require that the car be fueled up before its return, if this is not done, they will charge you extra for it. It may also be in your best interest to ask what the fee would be if the car is needed for longer than expected as well as what the rate is for late drop off.

3- If you have personal auto insurance, call your agent to see if you are insured with a rental car as well. This will allow you to save money by turning down the insurance offered by the rental company at the time of vehicle pick up.

4- Finally, you have chosen the company and the car, its time to pick it up. Make sure that you have the paper work that you will need. Most companies will require you to show your drivers license, be sure to have it. Also, your proof of auto insurance, if you will be turning their insurance down. A major credit card is necessary; if you are not using cash to rent your car, do not count on them taking a check.

5- Be sure to read the contract and ask questions about anything that you do not understand. It's better to take sometime at the counter or on the phone to pin down the details, than to think you got it and have to deal with the company in the event of an accident. Ask questions!

About The Author

John Mancini has been writing about rental cars online and offline for a long time. Visit http://easy-car-rentals.com or http://budgetrentalcars.info to read more about matters like budget rent a car and alamo car rental.

7 Guidelines For Used Car Prices

7 Guidelines For Used Car Prices

by: Gregory Ashton

1. Know a little about pricing before you buy a used car. Franchise dealers that sell used cars add a certain percentage on the original value of the used car in the market. Markup is also added to the price of the used car at dealerships, which will make the price higher.

2. Determine the many factors that affect the used car prices. Used car pricings are affected by installed optional equipments or the location where you are buying the used car. There are areas that have a high market demand for a certain car. If that is the case, you may get a better deal if you travel outside of the zone to shop around for your car.

3. Find the used car's true market value at NADA. National Automobile Dealer's Association releases a copy of used car price guides every year. You may also check their web site to check the current prices of the used cars you are looking for.

4. Cheaper used cars may be found at government auctions. Government auctions happen every year and you may want to check out a checklist of the auction program. It may also offer you guidelines on finding quality used cars at lower prices. You may visit Federal Citizen Information to find out the guidelines in buying used cars from government auctions.

5. Check out the Internet. There are a lot of web sites that provide pricing guides on used cars and also guidelines in finding the right used car for you. You may compare prices; check out the features of the used car and the location where you can buy cheaper prices.

6. Determine if you have a fair deal with the price that is offered to you. Factors that affect used car prices include the age, market demand, overall condition, mileage, interior and exterior blemishes or if the car was maintained well.

7. Beware of trade tricks. Many dealers strategize on the behavior of consumers when buying used cars. Dealers know that buyers will not purchase a used car unless they feel that they are offered a price lower than the original price. Dealers tend to make the price higher than the actual amount and make the buyer believe that they are offering a discount. What the buyer does not know is that the discounted price is actually the original price of the car.

About The Author

Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and maintianing the car that is ideal for you. http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com.

Auto Insurance Guide- Get your Auto Insurance Policy

Auto Insurance Guide- Get your Auto Insurance Policy

by: Gagandeep Dhaliwal

Auto insurance provides complete protection against losses happened as a result of vehicle accidents. Normally it includes car insurance and motor insurance. The customers purchase this insurance policy just to reduce the risk incurred due to accidents of cars, trucks and other vehicles. People can also secure their vehicles against theft, fire damage or accident damage.

Auto insurance policy may cover insured party, insured vehicle as well as third party that are involved in the accident. Sometimes policy is valid for certain circumstances. Different policies are available for the customers and they can purchase anyone as per their requirements. Coverage levels can vary for each auto insurance policy.

Insurance is one of the essential things to secure you, your family as well as your vehicle. You?ve to just pay a certain amount of premium for a fixed period of time and then the insurer agrees to pay you for any kind of damages or loss of your vehicle. Cost of an insurance policy totally depends on the coverage because your policy covers more only if you pay more.

Auto insurance is expensive because it is the best way to secure you and your automobile. Main types of auto insurance are as follows:

Fully Comprehensive auto insurance policy

Third party (fire & theft)

Third party insurance

Specialized car insurance

People mostly purchase fully comprehensive auto insurance policy as it covers all types of cases like theft, accident and other damage. It is an expensive policy but whenever you go to buy this one you should try to get 100% security for your vehicle. Third party insurance is cheapest than others and it offers coverage only if you?re at fault and hit other party. It is the best option in case you owned an old vehicle.

Specialized car insurance is for the 25 years old vehicles. These vehicles require special services so these are categorized as classic. An individual can choose the best as per his/her requirements. But whenever you go to purchase these policies you?ve to be sure about the source from where you?re going to buy the insurance policy. You should first make you budget means how much you can afford to pay for auto insurance policy premium.

After deciding your budget, make a decision on amount of coverage that you want for each accident. You should tell your requirements to different insurance companies and agents. You should discuss your problems with the companies. Then choose the best among them means select that company which is ready to give more coverage. You can also search on Internet for the best service providers.

About The Author

Gagandeep Dhaliwal presents a great website on Auto Insurance

http://www.gdautoinsurance.com/

that provides advice on how to get cheap auto insurance. Website offers some valuable tips for auto insurance and what should be the basic qualities of auto insurance agent. You can visit his site http://www.latestautoinsurancetips.info/.

How To Lower Your Car Insurance Costs Once And For All!

How To Lower Your Car Insurance Costs Once And For All!

by: Dr. Drew Henry

With fuel costs escalating out of control these days, car running costs are becoming a serious burden for the average family, especially families with more than one car. Because of this reason more and more people are looking for ways to control the costs associated with their family transport.

One such cost is the cost of car insurance. Below are 7 tips for lowering your car insurance costs:

1. Drive carefully. It may sound obvious but as insurance premiums are related to risk then your manner of driving is related to your insurance premiums. Safer driver equals lower premiums. It may not seem so at the time but those traffic violations or speeding fines reflect in your bill.

2. Have a look at other insurance policies you have with other companies. Many insurers offer discounts for combining all your family insurance with their company. Find out who they are and get a quote on all your policies combined.

3. Also note the differences in premiums you would be paying for the type of car you have. Different types of car attract different levels of premium because, in particular, different types of car are driven by different types of people, who may have different types of risk profile. Sports cars, for example, will usually show a higher rate of accidents than staid boring family cars.

4. Consider your deductible. This is the amount you pay first out of any claim, and the cost of your policy is directly related to the amount of your deductible. Higher deductible - lower premium. So consider carefully whether you could afford to pay a higher amount first from any accident and raise your deductible. If so, you will get lower premiums.

5. Safety and anti theft devices can reduce the insurance costs for a car. Talk to your insurance company and find out if there are any safety or anti theft devices that you can install to reduce your premium. Then consider installing them making sure that you notify your insurance company once you have done so. And why not ring up your company and make sure that they are aware of any safety and anti theft devices you already have, if they aren't you may get a reduction.

6. Always look online for a competitive quote from other companies. Most of the major players and brokers are represented online and it is extremely competitive. Be sure to take advantage of this fact.

7. Don't just pay your premium blindly without checking if you can do better. Car insurance rates vary all the time and so even if it was the best rate last year it may not be this year. Every year shop around to see if you can do better, you may be surprised.

Follow the above tips and advice and you?ll be pleasantly surprised at how much you can save on your auto insurance.

About The Author

Dr. Drew Henry operates a network of auto-related sites, including http://www.ianewcar.com, http://www.automaster1.com and http://www.ltauto.com. Visit his sites today for more articles & resources.

Are You Suffering From Payment Protection Overload?

Are You Suffering From Payment Protection Overload?

by: Rachel Lane

Critical illness insurance:

Critical illness insurance will cover you in the event of a serious illness such as cancer, coronary artery by-pass surgery, heart attack, kidney failure, major organ transplant, multiple sclerosis and stroke. Additional conditions covered by this insurance can include aorta graft surgery, benign brain tumour, blindness, coma, deafness, heart valve replacement or repair, loss of limbs, loss of speech, motor neurone disease, paralysis/paraplegia, Parkinson?s disease, terminal illness and third degree burns. Not all insurance companies will necessarily cover all of these illnesses, whilst some insurance companies will cover more; it is always worth reading the terms and conditions before you sign anything.

Critical illness insurance policies typically offer a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the above illnesses and meet the conditions outlined in the policy contract. The lump sum is most often used to cover the remainder of the mortgage, although can be spent on home alterations or medical care etc.

Life insurance:

Life insurance is usually taken out if your family or partner is financially dependent on your income. Life insurance can also be purchased as life assurance and in this form, can offer a method of protection cover and savings. However, most people simply use it as a form of financial protection for their mortgage and therefore their family. There are three main types of life insurance: term insurance, whole life insurance and endowment insurance. More information can be found on these forms of life insurance on the Association of British Insurers? website, listed in the resources section of this article.

Mortgage life insurance:

Mortgage life insurance is essentially the same as a decreasing (lump-sum) term life insurance policy and is designed to pay out a lump sum upon the death of the policy holder, should it occur during the term of the mortgage. The size of the lump sum will decrease over the term of the life insurance policy, in the line with the outstanding mortgage repayments. E.g. As you pay off your mortgage, the amount of cover will decrease as the need is less significant.

Mortgage protection:

Mortgage protection, also called mortgage payment protection, is a type of insurance that can help protect mortgage payments and associated household costs in the event of unemployment, illness or an accident. Through mortgage payment protection, you can insure your monthly mortgage payment, monthly life premiums and the monthly cost of your buildings and content insurance. Typical mortgage protection cover could include:

Unemployment and disability insurance cover
Accident or sickness
Unemployment only insurance cover
Disability only insurance cover

Loan payment protection:

Loan payment protection policies are designed to protect the repayments to any loans you may have taken out. They work on a similar basis to mortgage payment protection, but for a wider scope of borrowing. Premiums for loan payment may be greater than those for mortgage protection.

Income protection:

In the event of unemployment, sickness or an accident, income protection insurance offers a limited income. Do make sure you understand the terms of the policy however, as the income that you received through cover may be significantly less than the income you receive through employment.

Private medical insurance:

Private medical insurance is a policy which will provide financial cover for medical treatment in the event of an acute condition. According to the Association of British Insurers, the majority of insurers define an acute condition as ?a disease, illness or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment which aims to return you to the state of health you were in, immediately before suffering the disease, illness or injury, or which leads to your full recovery.?

Private medical insurance provides reassurance for people who know that treatment is available promptly should they become ill or injured.

Resources:

http://www.abi.org.uk/ The Association of British Insurers

http://www.moneynet.co.uk/insurance/index.shtml Consumer Insurance Comparison Research

http://www.moneynet.co.uk/home-car-travel-insurance-guide/index.shtml Insurance Guide

About The Author

Rachel Lane writes for the personal finance blog Cashzilla ? personalfinanosaurus ? licensed to roar.

Rachel spends her not-so-free time researching and writing personal finance articles, but she gets through it with Smarties and Fruit Pastilles.

To read more about Rachel and Cashzilla visit http://www.cashzilla.co.uk

Ameriplan Consumer Protection Starts With Phone

Ameriplan Consumer Protection Starts With Phone

by: Tim Merrell, the Dental Guy

As more and more big companies, school districts and other municipals are forced to cut healthcare and retirement benefits, it will be up to the consumer to find cost cutting measures. This is one of the reasons that Consumer Driven Healthcare like Ameriplan is experiencing a huge growth market.

If your car has a problem, you call different auto repair shops and compare prices regarding the problem. However, many people don?t call about their dental costs, or doctor?s expenses, because they assume all healthcare prices are set by some standard. Not True! Doctors set their own prices. However, Ameriplan, a company in business since 1992, is helping consumers obtain cost savings on health and dental procedures.

Most insurance dental plans have a cap of $1000.00 per year, and today, that won?t even cover a root canal. Outlined in this updated 2005 document, at http://www.cda.org/cda_member/pubs/update0205/qa.htm you can see where traditional dental insurance is lacking. This problem with current dental insurance is another reason people turn to AmeriplanUSA. Ameriplan has no waiting periods.

Dentists and doctors do not publish their prices, and they charge a higher rate for those with no coverage. If you don't believe me, pick up the best selling book called The New Health Insurance Solution. In this book the best selling author, Paul Zane Pilzer, writes on page 8, that doctors typically charge from 150 to 500 percent more for uninsured clients. Ameriplan is not insurance, but it does give you the purchasing power of discounted rates offered to insured clients, but at a much lower monthly rate than traditional insurance.

We as consumers need to push for legislation to make price comparisons easier for the consumer. Just calling and asking ?How much is an office visit? may not get you the correct answer, because as in the Dental Code examples below, these two items are both office visits. To compare actual prices, one needs to use the Dental Procedure Codes. That?s why we need legislation. These codes are not available to the general public.

D0150 Comprehensive oral Evaluation

D0140 Limited Oral Evaluation

After days of research and my wife, Gina?s web know how, I found common dental procedure codes. We listed them at http://www.lowcostrootcanal.com and you can use them to compare your dental costs today.

About The Author

Tim Merrell, dubbed, the Dental Guy, http://www.thirdpocket.com/abouttim.htm and he brings his years of expertise in the employee benefits' industry. Check out Ameriplan and see how it can save costs for your employer group. He can be reached toll free at TOLL FREE 888-858-3778 or (435) 628-1595, or email tim@dentalguy.net

Advantages Of Whole Life Insurance Policies

Advantages Of Whole Life Insurance Policies

by: Donald Lusan

When you consider the advantages of whole life insurance policies I hope you will conclude that this is life insurance worth owning. I have no objection to term life insurance and even owned some when I was much younger. Each type of policy has it's place and it's own function. I cannot, for the life of me, understand why some people never have appreciated this. I refer to the term advocates who seem to hate the thought of buying a whole life policy.

The First Of The Advantages Of Whole Life Insurance Is The Death Benefit

The whole life insurance policy assures you a guaranteed death benefit that never decreases and upon death is usually free of federal income taxes. If you choose you may take the death benefit in the form of a monthly income instead of a lump sum.

The Premiums Remain Level; Another Of The Advantages Of Whole Life Insurance Policies

When you buy a whole life policy the premium you start out with is the premium you will always pay. It never increases. If you, however, decide to use your dividends to reduce premiums you will pay a much lower premium than you contracted for.

Whole Life Insurance Policies Have Cash Values

Another of the advantages of whole life insurance are the cash values. They can be borrowed by the policy owner for whatever reason he or she should choose. If you should decide to surrender your policy at any time you receive your cash values. These cash values accumulate tax deferred.

Participating Whole life Insurance Policies Earn Dividends

If you own a participating whole life insurance policy you automatically become eligible to earn dividends on your cash values if the company performs well, which they usually do.

These dividends can be paid to you in cash, can be used to purchase paid up additions, to reduce premiums or they can be left to accumulate at interest.

Certainly these are worthwhile advantages of whole life insurance. There are many, many more...

About The Author

Donald Lusan

For more than 40 years Donald has been known for his extensive knowledge of the life insurance business. He has represented some of the largest and best life insurance companies in the United States as well as Canada. His advice is invaluable.

Donald's website is: http://www.lifeinsurancehub.net

Avoid Feeling Used - Research Before Being Stuck With A Used Car Lemon

Avoid Feeling Used - Research Before Being Stuck With A Used Car Lemon

by: Earl Powers

You can save a lot of money when buying a used car. However, before you sign on the dotted line and fork over your hard earned cash, do a little research on your state?s lemon laws to see if you could have a potential used car lemon on your hands. By gathering up your research on your potential "new" used car right now, you could be saving a whole lot of heartache. After all, you do not want to fork over your hard earned cash on lemon law attorneys down the road, do you?

There are lots of horror stories about people purchasing a used vehicle, driving it off the car lot, only to have it break down before even getting it home. And unfortunately, the fine print in their paperwork sometimes states "as is". So that means these poor people are out of hundreds to thousands of dollars with nothing but a car lemon to show for it. If you are in the market for a used car, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.

Have your own mechanic inspect the used vehicle you are thinking of buying. You are more likely to trust your own mechanic rather than the used car dealership or private individual that is selling. Most lemon laws deal with just new cars, so you have to take care to avoid a car lemon in your used vehicle. Secondly, you can research the title of the car by ordering a report on the vehicle?s history. CARFAX is the most widely known resource for finding out about the history of the used car you are eyeing. You can also use AAA if you are a member.

All you need in order to find out whether you have a potential used car lemon on your hands is the vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is located on a small piece of metal on the dashboard and is usually visible through the windshield. You might want to check on those instruction stickers located on the inside of the car doors for the VIN. Based on this vehicle identification number, you can have a report run on the prospective car you want to buy.

You can find out all sorts of things from this car history report. Whenever a vehicle is brought in for any type of service, the mechanic has to enter the vehicle identification number as well as the work done to the car. This history report will tell you if the vehicle has been in a wreck, if it was salvaged and rebuilt and even if was ever flooded out due to adverse weather conditions.

Most states do not have a lemon law for used cars. Their car lemon law is usually for new motorized vehicles. Unless you live in New York where they do have some coverage, you are out of luck should something go wrong. So, do not rush into a purchase. Avoid being used. Take your time, research the vehicle and shop around! If something should go wrong with your used car, chances are that any of the lemon law lawyers around your state will not be able to help you.

About The Author

Earl Powers, US Lawyer and Used Car Lemon Laws expert at Aquest Group LLC ( http://www.used-car-lemon-laws.com ) publishes other articles related to Used Car Lemon Laws at http://www.free-car-lemon-check.com and http://www.lemon-vehicle.com.

7 Steps to Easier eBay Shipping

7 Steps to Easier eBay Shipping

by: John Lenaghan

If you're like me, you probably hate packing and shipping the things you sell on eBay.

Don't get me wrong, I love selling on eBay. I just don't like the shipping part. I find it monotonous to hunt for boxes, wrap the items, drive back and forth from the post office, and all the other steps involved in shipping.

Then there's the waiting for the buyer to receive the item. Has it arrived yet? Did it get damaged in shipping?

It took me a lot of trial and error to figure them out, but the following 7 steps will help make your job easier when it comes to shipping, as well as get rid of the stress of waiting for the item to be delivered to the buyer.

1. Professional Wrapping

When you wrap your item(s), wrap it professionally in nice, clean tissue paper. If breakable, be sure the item is wrapped with bubble wrap as well. Include a business card with your website information, name, address, or a printed statement showing the item(s) name, item(s) number, price paid, and a small hand-written note thanking the buyer for their purchase.

2. Insurance

Insurance is usually a good idea but in general, it should be an optional feature, with the decision left to the buyer. Remember two important things about insurance. First, insurance is VERY inexpensive. Therefore, in your description, you should state how much insurance would cost and recommend it. Second, you should also state in the description that if insurance is not purchased, you are not responsible for lost or damaged items.

3. Weighing

In order to provide accurate details and help in determining shipping costs, you need to know exact weights. The best option, which will save you many unnecessary trips to the post office, is to purchase a inexpensive quality scale for weighing your packages.

4. Postage

Instead of always running out of stamps or having to run to the post office to ship a smaller item, fill out the information located at stamps.com where you can print stamps directly from your home computer.

5. Post Office Freebies

If you use the Priority Mail option through your post office, they will provide all your supplies for free. This includes boxes, labels, and tape. Best of all, they deliver all these supplies directly to your door. Get them at your local post office or go to USPS.com request mailing supplies.

6. Ship-To Locations

Be sure to consider where you will ship to carefully. You will have buyers from around the world but you can limit where you will ship. Some people prefer to ship to the US, Canada, and European countries while others ship anywhere. The option is completely yours but keep in mind that there are some differences in how you wrap the package, the currency exchanges, and communication barriers between you and the buyer.

7. Delivery Confirmation

Unfortunately, some buyers will try to say they paid for an item but never received the auction item(s). When shipping, you should consider using delivery confirmation. This service is generally inexpensive and can end up saving you a ton, especially if the item(s) is higher priced.

Do yourself a favor and put these tips into action - you'll save yourself both time and hassles. Use the time you save to get more listings up, and watch your eBay income grow.

About The Author

John Lenaghan offers success tips for eBay and other online auctions at the Online Auction Advisor website. Visit http://www.online-auction-advisor.com for more ways to improve your buying and selling on eBay.