Craig Thornburrow asked:


With oil currently at $119.00 a barrel, consumers are not only trying to meet the cost of auto insurance, but are feeling the pinch at the gas pumps. Thus, thoughtful consideration is not only being given to the type of car one buys; but the many discounts offered through well-known insurance companies.

While the economy is in recession, it has become difficult for consumers who own SUVs and other types of autos to manage not only the high cost of food prices, but gas as well. There are many auto insurance discounts that can alleviate some of the costs consumers incur. Let’s take a look at some of ways in which automobile owners can reduce auto insurance.

One of the most popular auto insurance discounts offered is a defensive driving class. This can reduce auto insurance by 5% or more, depending upon the state in which you live. Another way to lower auto insurance is to ensure that if you buy or lease a new car, that it comes with air bags, an anti-lock brake system, and an anti-theft system. In addition, since most new models have the daytime running lights, this too can afford you a lower insurance rate depending on the coverage.

According to current estimates, there has been a 38% increase in Hybrid cars sold. Check the auto insurance companies in your state to determine what discount, if any, would be applied to lower your auto insurance.

Other well-known auto insurance companies are offering a substantial discount for drivers who have not had an accident over a five year period. Again, check with your insurance company to ascertain if they offer this feature.

In addition, there are discounts for students who go to school full time, and the discount could range up to 15%. You may also wish to inquire the rules and regulations to determine if your son or daughter qualifies.

You can research many of the well-known auto insurance companies online in order to compare and contrast their rates and discounts as well. Once you have found one that meets all your needs, give them a call and set up a meeting so that you can discuss their coverage one on one.

Perhaps you already have coverage and seek to reduce the rates you are currently paying. It seems that now would be a good time to begin reducing the amount of debt while still maintaining full coverage for your vehicle. Considering how much you are probably paying to drive to and from work, it seems appropriate to either change auto insurance companies or at least find new ways in which you can alleviate the burden of paying high insurance rates.

Auto insurance is costly enough; but if you can utilize any of these discounts, the savings will add up immeasurably.

Kid_Chua asked:


Is there anyGOOD auto insurance that will cover around 3,000 dollars worth of extra non factory items in my car? I have a 02′ mercades benz and I need to change my insrance any ideas? or suggestions?

Colin R Cherry asked:


You have probably invested a lot of time,money and effort in your classic car, but have you invested in proper classic auto insurance?

When it comes to classic auto insurance, the underwriting is different from that used when insuring your more usual family car. If you want to protect your classic auto investment then it is vitally important that you insure with an insurance company that specializes in classic auto insurance.

Having said that, there a few things to bear in mind when looking for the best classic auto insurance quotes.

Firstly, garaging is important. Most insurance companies will insist that your classic auto is kept in a locked garage or parking area when it is not being driven. Also it has been known for some insurers to deny a claim when the vehicle has been left unattended in a car park or parking lot. This even extends to when and if you take your car on holiday. Parking in the hotel’s lot may void any claims.

Secondly, most specialist classic auto insurers offer a choice of valuation methods, the most common being -

a)The Agreed Valuation Method. Here both the insurer and the insured agree a fair market value for the vehicle that is reviewed each year upon policy renewal. This is considered to be the fairest valuation method, but remember that unlike the usual family vehicle, classic cars can increase in value. This will be of course be reflected by a proportionate rise in premium.

b) The Actual Cash Value Method. With this method, the insurer will only pay out the current market value for the car. The problem with this is that the current market value means the original price of the car when it was brand new less depreciation. Lets say you have an e-type Jaguar that would of cost (for the sake of argument) $2000 in 1968. Today after depreciation the market value used by insurers would be (again for the sake of argument) $300 and this is all you would get if you made a claim.

c)The Stated Amount Method. This method involves the insurer setting the maximum amount that they would pay in the event of a claim. But this maximum amount would be the lesser of either the amount to repair the vehicle, the stated amount or the actual cash value. Once again this method does not take into account the true value of your classic auto and so should be avoided.

Thirdly, how you use your classic auto can have a great bearing on your insurance. A standard classic auto insurance policy may only cover you whilst driving to and from classic auto shows. It you intend to use your classic car for more than this then make sure your policy covers you.

It’s a sad fact of life that insurance companies will do their utmost to avoid paying out on claims so it is in your interest to make sure that have a cast iron policy. When looking for quotes always read the terms and conditions before handing over your cash. If you have or are thinking of getting a classic auto then don’t forget to protect yourself if the worst should happen.