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Car Window
If there is one thing that drives me nuts is when I can’t see through my car window. My husband smokes, so there is always some sort of gook on the window, and because he always has the car, it builds up by the time I get to it. It is almost impossible to get the windows clean like I want them, and there is never enough time to get them cleaned anyway. If I go on a trip with my car, I have to set aside an entire afternoon just to clean the car.
On my last car trip, the car window in the back had a haze on it, and I didn’t know it until I was in a strange city in the middle of the night. Not only did I not know where I was going, I couldn’t see out the back. The little bit of gunk on the car window diffused the light to the point where I couldn’t see. The side windows were a little better, but the front window was the worst. The headlights seemed twice as bright and I ended having to pull over and wash the windows. It took me an hour.
If you are going away, don’t skip cleaning your windows. I tend to make that mistake when going on shorter trips. Perhaps it’s just me, but smudges on a car window in my car are enough to drive me mad. I can’t even stand rain on the windshield. I have a friend who will drive for ten minutes after it starts raining before she starts her wiper blades, and even then, there are so many dead bugs on her car window that it just makes a mess and I can’t see. I don’t know how she drives like that.
Perhaps I am just a freak, but this is how I go. I might be more scared of driving than I think I am, and that might be why I can so weird about having a clean car window no matter which direction I have to look. I’m not so picky about my home windows, and there are times when I laugh when I see how dirty they have gotten. I chalk it up to one of those weird things about me that my husband just has to live with. I guess there could be worse things that wanting to have a clean car window.
Toyota is currently the leading and largest Japanese automobile manufacturer. It assures all Toyota owners the best parts for their cars. Through time, they have acquired expertise in the employment of auto technology, design, and engineering since they had been in the industry for more than sixty golden years. Thus, it has allowed them to come up with notable and outstanding vehicles. Two of the world’s top-selling cars were crafted by this company, which are the Toyota Corolla and the Toyota Corona. Another feather in their cap is that Toyota also was the creator of the first mass-produced hybrid vehicles – the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Highlander.
At present, it has 12 manufacturing plants in North America. In the year 2004, Toyota has been able to produce more than 1.44 million vehicles and automobiles, and is still counting. Toyota predicts that by the year 2008, they will have the annual capacity to be able to manufacture 1.81 million cars and trucks.
One of the leading automobile parts produced and crafted by Toyota is the Toyota hood. http://www.tpartswarehouse.com holds an extensive collection of these. These Toyota parts have gone through and passed testing to provide Toyota owners great satisfaction.
The Toyota hood is certainly an essential part of the vehicle for it has the function of serving as a “door” or a shield to the automobile parts underneath it. Providing strength is its inner panel for they have braces crisscrossing in the underbelly making the hood strong and rigid. And, on the other hand, the outer panel of the Toyota hood is a metal cover which provides covering – it serves and is used to shield the engine from rain and other foreign materials. The underside of the hood is most of time covered with a sound-absorbing material so as to minimize the roar of the engine.
Some of the hoods created have openings which are called as hood scoops. This kind of hood enhances the Toyota engine’s efficiency by allowing air to pass through directly to the filter. Some people consider the Toyota hood as another door of a vehicle for the reason that it serves as an entry point to gain access to the vehicle’s engine.
Toyota hoods have also been accessorized and customized. Some of these accessories are for protection and performance enhancement while others are just for personalization and aesthetic purposes. Whatever purpose these Toyota hoods have been crafted for, Toyota has certainly kept in mind to make them the best kind of hood that only a Toyota would be worthy of.
About The Author
Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast.
Toyota Parts Online http://www.tpartswarehouse.com/toyota-parts.html
Mark@tpartswarehouse.com
The internet is a booming marketplace. Online automotive lending is an industry that has begun to boom. There are several benefits of getting an automobile loan online, but there are some tips you should follow to fully utilize those benefits.
Online Credit Score The internet is a quick and hassle free place where you can purchase goods/services and acquire useful information. Your credit score is one piece of information that is extremely easy to get online. Before searching for auto loan quotes online, be sure to acquire your credit report and credit score. If online lenders constantly request credit reports, it could lower your credit score slightly. One click of your mouse can save you headache in the future.
Loan Payment Calculator Many online automobile lenders offer car loan payment calculators. These are simple tools that allow you to plug in values such as desired loan term, payment amount, or interest rate. Then the tool tells you how much you will pay, how long you will pay, or at what interest rate you will pay your auto loan. It is in your best interest to use this car loan payment calculator when you are quoted a loan. There are dishonest lenders that will quote you one interest rate, but your payment reflects another. This calculator can prevent you from falling victim to this type of scam.
Compare quotes The internet provides a perfect venue for you to quickly and efficiently compare auto lender quotes. A useful tip for comparing is to use online sites that encourage lenders to compete for your business. This competition leads to lower interest rates and possibly shorter auto loan terms.
The internet is a great resource for individuals looking for an auto loan. If online features, such as credit scores, payment calculators, and competition sites, are used to their fullest, the borrower will always win.
About The Author
Carrie Reeder is the owner of http://www.abcloanguide.com, an informational website about various types of loans.
View our recommended lenders for Car Finance Loans http://www.abcloanguide.com/autoloans.shtml.
by: Alan Luong
Many new car buyers will appreciate the latest automotive trends expected to take shape in 2006 and beyond. A greater variety of downsized, fuel-efficient SUVs will be available. New vehicle safety features like tire pressure monitors will reach the market. And sales promotions like last summer’s employee discount campaign are expected to set the stage for year-round, no-haggle vehicle pricing.
But a less-publicized automotive trend – rising interest rates – will make 0-percent car loans a rare breed in 2006. Increasingly, consumers will need to comparison shop for their car loans before they go to buy, just as they do for the vehicles themselves.
According to Bankrate.com, interest rates on new car loans rose steadily throughout 2005 and the pattern is expected to continue into 2006. The difference of just two percentage points on your APR can either save or cost you more than $1,400 over the life of a typical loan.
“Many consumers do not realize that they have other options for financing their car, outside of the dealership,” said Brian Reed, vice president of Capital One Auto Finance. “There are some great options for consumers to finance their car on a direct basis, versus relying on the dealer to provide that service for you.”
Because education is the key to getting the best deal when financing a car, Capital One Auto Finance offers prospective car buyers the following helpful tips:
Set a realistic budget. Choose a vehicle that won’t overextend you financially. A general rule of thumb is that no more than 15 percent to 20 percent of your total monthly budget should go toward all your car-related expenses.
Verify your credit record. Order a copy of your credit report to ensure it’s accurate and in good shape. Correct any errors before applying for a loan.
Comparison shop for loans. Check out credit unions, banks and online lenders to see what rates are available in the market, so that you know a competitive rate when you see one. Visit Web sites such as www.bankrate.com and www.capitaloneautofinance.com.
Arrive with financing in your pocket. Having approved, no-obligation financing in hand gives you a competitive advantage when you go to buy, giving you the power of a cash buyer. If the dealer offers a better loan rate, you can take it with no penalty.
Approach your purchase as three transactions. It’s best to treat each part of the purchase separately: 1) financing; 2) trade-in; and 3) vehicle purchase. This will simplify the process and maximize your negotiating opportunities.
Match length of loan to expected length of ownership. Select your loan term based on how long you plan to own the vehicle. Buyers who take out longer-term loans can find themselves “upside down” on their loan (owing more money on the car than it’s worth in trade).
Review your financing terms carefully. Make sure you know your interest rate, monthly payment, amount you are financing, the length of your loan and your trade-in value.
“If car buyers would spend just a fraction of the time researching their auto loan as they do the latest features on their new car, they’d be surprised at how much money they could save,” said Reed of Capital One.
About The Author
Alan Luong is the site owner of http://www.dezeinfo.com/. A loan site with a lot of useful information on many different types of loan, and useful loan tips to help loan searchers to avoid scam.
webmaster@dezeinfo.com
Most people know that it is possible to refinance their homes but did you know it is also possible to refinance your auto? Indeed for many people who have high interest sub prime car loans, refinancing their auto loans may be a wise decision. How do you know when refinancing your bad credit auto loan might be a good idea? And once you have decided to refinance, how should you go about doing it so that you actually improve your loan situation?
Just as when you refinance your home loan, when you refinance your auto loan the old loan is paid off in full and it is replaced by a new loan. If when you bought your car your credit score was below 620, the interest rate on your auto loan may be significantly above the interest rate you can qualify for today. By refinancing your bad credit auto loan the monthly payment may go down substantially. Also, over the life of the loan you may save several thousand dollars in interest payments.
You may be a candidate for an auto loan refinance if
Your car loan has become “seasoned”; that is, if you have had it for at least a year.
You have made your payments in a timely manner.
Your car’s value is more than the amount you owe on it.
If all of the above statements are true, then it may be time to investigate refinancing your car.
First, make sure you are fully aware of the state of your current credit report and current credit rating. Both of these are easily available online. You are entitled to one free credit report each year. Your current credit score (FICO score) should also be available for a nominal fee.
Second, find out your car’s value. Having your car appraised is not a requirement for refinancing your auto loan but you should know its value. Most auto loan refinance companies require that your loan be at least $7,500 so your car value must be at least that amount. At your local bookstore and online there are many resources for estimating your car’s worth. Two of the most popular sources are the Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds Buyer Guides. Be sure and have a realistic eye when surveying your car’s condition, you can be sure your lender will.
Third, research the available lenders. It may be that your current lender will be open to refinancing your car. However, you should shop around for the institution that will give you the lowest interest rate and refinance as small an amount as possible. When these two conditions are met you will then also get the lowest monthly payment available.
Fourth, as with any loan, have all offers put in writing. Take the time to read the fine print and compare the proposals.
Finding a lender to refinance your bad credit auto loan may take some time and effort. The savings to your pocketbook every month and over the life of the loan, however, can easily make the time and effort worthwhile.
About The Author
Carrie Reeder is the owner of http://www.abcloanguide.com, an informational website about various types of loans.
View her recommended http://www.abcloanguide.com/badcreditcarloans.shtml lenders.
Payday loans have received a lot of negative press lately as states and municipalities try to regulate an industry that legally lends small amounts of money at interest rates that can reach a breathtaking 1000% per year. A less well-publicized variation on the payday loan is the car title loan, which requires the borrower to provide his or her automobile as collateral for the loan amount. While this type of loan is not as widely publicized as the payday loan, the car title loan is even more dangerous, as it could cost the borrower their car!
Payday loans, also known as cash advance loans, are unsecured loans. The lender trusts the borrower to pay back the money within two weeks. This type of loan is risky for the lender, but that risk is more than offset by the high interest rates charged for the loans, which can easily top 400% on an annualized basis.
A car title loan works differently, however. With this type of loan, the borrower offers his or her car as collateral and is often asked to provide a spare set of keys when the loan is granted. Should he or she default on the loan, the car will be forfeited and sold to repay it. In some states, the lender may sell the car and keep all of the proceeds from the sale, even if they exceed the value of the loan.
With collateral, one would think that the interest rates for such loans would be far less than for payday loans, but that is not the case. Nationally, interest rates for auto title loans average about 300% per year, which hardly makes the loans a bargain. In addition, the loan amounts rarely represent more than a fraction of the value of the vehicle. A loan of even half the vehicle’s value would be regarded in the industry as quite generous.
The same sorts of problems that occur with payday loans also happen with title loans. The borrower is often unable to repay on time and must extend the loan by paying an additional fee. Under some circumstances, it is possible for the fees to eventually exceed the value of the loan itself. And unlike other loans, the borrower is under pressure to avoid losing their car.
This type of loan is overwhelmingly weighted in favor of the lender, who will end up with something of far greater value than the loan should the borrower forfeit. Those who have short-term cashflow needs would be well advised to borrow from friends, relatives or a credit card instead.
About The Author
©Copyright 2006 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing. Retro Marketing, established in 1978, is a firm devoted to informational Websites, including http://www.LemonLawHelp.net, a site devoted to automobile lemon laws.
by: Carrie Reeder
Getting an approval for a car loan when you have no credit history can often times be almost as difficult as getting a car loan approved when you have bad credit. There are things that can be done, however, which will improve your chances of finding a no credit car loan.
Ask your employer for a letter of reference - Include your length of employment, your current gross wage and your current net wages.
Prepare a personal payment history. Included in this history should be a list of all the bills you pay on a monthly basis which are not reported to the credit agencies. Ask your landlord for a letter of reference. Utility companies will also generally provide you with payment histories. If you have any small installment accounts at local retailers which don’t report credit, ask them for credit statements as well.
If you don’t already have one, open a checking account - Have your paycheck sent to your bank via direct deposit if your employer offers this service.
Open a savings account at the same institution as your checking account. Authorize a regular deposit into your savings account out of your paycheck. Link your savings account to your checking account to limit the possibility of an overdraft.
While you are shopping for the car you want and for a lender, set aside additional savings specifically for a down payment on your car.
Once you have taken these steps, you are ready to approach a lender for your no credit car loan.
The first lender you should approach is the financial institution with which you have your checking and savings accounts. Many times banks or credit unions will work with customers who have no credit histories if their accounts are in good standing and they have some sort of down payment. When shopping for your car, look for dealers who offer credit for first time buyers. You must approach these dealers with caution. Sometimes they will inflate the car prices or charge exorbitant interest rates. Make them aware that you are looking at several lenders and will be comparing their proposals.
Allow your payment to be debited from your checking account - This may help compensate for the fact that you don’t have any credit history for the lender.
Arm yourself with knowledge. Know what the current interest rate is for the most credit worthy applicant. If you have sufficient income, a down payment and no negative credit your interest rate should not be significantly above that rate. Be realistic about the type of car you select. You may not be able to get your dream car but there are many late model, low mileage cars for which you can qualify when seeking approval for a no credit car loan.
Most importantly, after you have successfully obtained you auto loan, make your payments in a timely manner. Do not overload yourself with debt and don’t have lenders constantly making inquiries about your credit. By following these simple rules, the next time you look for a car loan the process will be much easier.
About The Author
Carrie Reeder is the owner of http://www.abcloanguide.com, an informational website about various types of loans.
View her recommended lenders for http://www.abcloanguide.com/autoloans.shtml.
Car Loans
Buying a new car is one of the single biggest purchases most people are likely to make in their life. Other than their home and maybe their education, there is not really much personal expenditure that can compare in size to the purchase of a new car. Therefore it is not surprising that most people cannot afford to pay for a car outright. This is so even if they have a very good income. It is a simple fact of life that to buy a new car, most people will need to use a car loan to do so.
About The Author
Peter Kenny is a writer for creditcards-gb.
For additional articles and an extensive resource for everything about credit cards, please visit us at http://www.creditcards-gb.co.uk and http://www.creditcards2go4.com.
If you are considering taking out a car loan to finance the purchase of a new car, then you should make sure you are completely aware of all the financing options that are available to you so that you get the best deal available. It is highly likely that to car dealer that is selling you the car will have some sort of financing options available to you. This may be in the form of a loan to purchase the car or leasing options that are also available. You should be clear of the vital difference between a loan and a leasing arrangement. With a loan, you are borrowing the money so that you can purchase the car. With a lease, you are only paying for the use of the car, and at the end of the leasing period, you simply return the car and that is the end of the arrangement.
There are some leases that will give you an option to buy the car at the end of the leasing period. If you borrow the entire amount for purchase of the car, it is likely that your monthly repayment amounts on the car loan will be higher than those for a lease, this is because you are paying for the full price of the car and at the end of this time, after you have made all the repayments on the term of the loan, you will be the owner of the car.
There are a number of factors that you should look at when deciding which car loan to opt for. First of all, you should know that you do not have to accept the financing options that the dealer offers you. You can also shop around with other lenders, such as banks, and make sure you get the best deal on offer. Car loans are expensive and you should be willing to look into the various options that are available before settling on any one option.
Some dangers are hard to prepare for. Life can come at us in so many unpredictable ways. This is why all we can do is prepare and strive to prevent. We do this by taking certain safety measures in our homes, by paying close attention to our surroundings and by staying alert while behind the wheel. These are routine precautions that have remained part of our lives for many decades. The funny thing is we still have far too many car accidents in this country. There are literally thousands every single year. Ninety some percent these vehicular accidents could be easily prevented. It just takes a little common sense on the driver’s part. I would have to say one of the times you’re most susceptible to such dangers is when you first receive your license. This is when a car accident article and video tape are necessary.
It’s pretty frightening when you first start driving. I recall not knowing what in the world I was doing. After watching the standard driver’s ed videos and reading a car accident article or two, the words DANGER and FEAR were lingering in my mind. I wanted the freedom that the license brings, but I wanted nothing to do with the dangerous part. And yet many teenagers do. After all, they must, right? This is why they go out and drink, then drive. Forgive me, but I don’t buy the whole giving into peer pressure garbage and invincibility complex. I too was a teenager and I never gave into the drinking, drugs and smoking peer pressure. I just knew better and so does every teenager. It comes down to a simple choice. I watched three high school seniors, who apparently missed the car accident article and videos in driver’s education, die from drunk driving. They flew off the road going about 95 and hit a cement wall. Two of them burnt to death and the one with no seatbelt went through the windshield and splat on the cement wall. That’s reality for you.
Read a current car accident article. Find out the harsh statistics regarding unsafe driving. Learn to always take on the responsibility when you climb behind that wheel. This is a great responsibility after all. You not only hold your life in your hands, but maybe the lives of several others in your car, or on the road.
If you are a car owner who occasionally works on his or her own car, please don’t go out and spend thousands of dollars on high priced tools. Professional mechanics make a living with their tools and need the best. If you are doing minor repairs on your own vehicles a lower cost tool set will do just fine. We have teamed up with AutoBarn.com to bring you the best price on tools for the DIYer. Keep in mind you can find most of these tools at your local parts store, but probably not at these prices. Let’s look at the basics you will need for most common jobs.
The oil change:
Lifting tools: To gain access to the oil pan you need to get the front wheels off of the ground safely. Never leave the car supported only by a jack. A good set of jack stands or ramps are the safest way to go. Also don’t forget to chock up the rear wheels to keep the car from sliding back. Even though you may have the emergency brake set, they can fail.
Oil filter wrench: Nothing is more frustrating than trying to get an oil filter off without the right wrench. I have gone to the extent of poking a screwdriver through the filter to spin it off….. this is not the cleanest way to change an oil filter.
Funnel: You have to get the new oil into the engine, and the less you spill, the less will burn off later while driving. Any funnel will do, but look for one with a long flexible neck, which will help getting into those tight places.
The brake job:
Disc brakes: You will need some special hex or torx sockets to get the caliper loose. Do not try using the wrong tool like a vise-grips or filed down bit…. you will damage the bolts. You will also need to retract the brake pistons once you have the old pads out. Using a C-clamp does work, but you have to be careful not to damage the pistons.
Drum brakes: There are special tools, which allow you to remove the clips, which hold the shoes to the backing plate. Also you will need an adjuster to adjust the shoes once you have everything back together.
Bleeding the brakes: Get a good kit, which includes a sealed container to collect the expelled brake fluid.
General tools:
A good Quality Tool Set: Make sure you have metric wrenches as all import cars have metric fasteners and most if not all-new domestic cars do also. If you plan on doing advanced work, or plan on eventually working as a professional mechanic consider buying a set of Craftsman tools. I have found them to be the best value and you cannot beat the lifetime guarantee. Plus wherever you are, there is a Sears store to take your broken tools in for replacement.
Auto Repair Manual: You wouldn’t bake a cake without a recipe…. would you?? Make sure you have a manual by your side before you start working on your car. I can only give you general guidelines, but the manual will give you all of the specifics for your car, truck or SUV.
About The Author
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has created http://www.mycarwizard.com.
kevin@schappell.com
When you disagree with your insurance company, about a claim, you have options you can use without going to court.
#1. If your agent is unable to solve your problem, get the name and phone number of your insurance companies Claims Department. It’s usually an 800 number. Call and ask if they have a Consumer Complaint Department? Most do. If so, talk to them because they may be able to help you. Don’t hang up until you get the specific name of the person with whom you spoke. (Make a note of the person you talked with and hold onto that until you’ve finished with your dispute).
#2. Be ready to support your case by sending a covering letter (to that individual whom you spoke with) which contains all the documents you have to back up your position.
#3. All insurance companies have either an “Appraisal Service” or “Arbitration Service” to help settle differences and/or disputes. Your policy should explain these options.(If you can’t find either of these ask your agent to find them for you)!
#4. If you’ve followed their rules for resolving your dispute, and you’re still not satisfied, your own state’s insurance department should be able to help you.
#5. If, after hearing from your own insurance company’s people (your confident that you’ve not been handled properly) you should call 1 800 942-4242 ( a toll-free Consumer Information Service) sponsored by the insurance industry.
Trained personnel are available to assist consumers who have complaints. THIS “HELP LINE” OPERATES ON EASTERN TIME, MONDAY THRU FRIDAY, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
#6. ALSO: An “Independent Arbitrator”, who allegedly has experience in insurance problems, can decide if what you’ve been told (or offered to settle your claim) is fair. You can get to them by calling THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION 1 212 484-4000 or they can be contacted (via the internet) at .
#7. MEDIATION: More often than not the Mediator does not have the authority to make a binding decision or issue an award to either party. The mediator only recommends a solution.
Mediation is a solid first step because it can negate the need for further expense on both sides. The first thing you should do is check the language in your auto insurance policy where it will spell out who will mediate (and/or arbitrate) a claim. You should submit a DEMAND FOR ARBITRATION FORM to whoever is listed in your policy. On that Demand for Arbitration Form you can specify whether you want “MEDIATION” or “ARBITRATION”.
DEMAND FOR ARBITRATION FORMS are available from your state’s Department Of Insurance, or you can print a copy of a Demand Form from the American Arbitration Association’s web site - - which can be found (as I’ve listed above in Number #6) at .
AS YOU MOVE ALONG WITH THE ABOVE YOU MUST NEVER FORGET THESE TWO FOLLOWING (A & B = Below) CRUCIAL FACTS:
A. Mediation is much less expensive than Arbitration.
B. The Mediation Decisions are only considered to be advisory. However, The Arbitration Rulings are absolutely binding!
DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this article “YOUR AUTO ACCIDENT INSURANCE LOSS - DEALING WITH YOUR COMPANY ON A DISPUTED CLAIM” is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga, Peter Go nor ARTICLE CITY make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever; NOR do the purport to engage in rendering any legal service; NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is THE INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBILITY to obtain said services.
Dan Baldyga’s third and latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the Internet at http://www.caraccidentclaims.com or http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com. This book reveals “How To” successfully handle your motor vehicle accident claim so you won’t be taken advantage of. It also goes into detail regarding BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). THE BASE FORMULA explains how to determine the value of the “Pain and Suffering” you endured - - because of your personal injury!
Copyright (c) 2005 By Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved
About The Author
For over 30 years Dan Baldyga was a Claims Adjuster, Supervisor,Manager and also a trial assistant. He is now retired and spends his time attempting to assist those involved in motor vehicle accident claims so they will not be taken advantage of: dbpaw@comcast.net.
Many factors affect the premium you will pay for auto insurance. Each is a statistically based risk for a specific population. The higher the risk associated with a person, the more he or she is likely to pay for coverage. We have elaborated on some of the risk factors below, but there are numerous others, including driver’s gender, miles driven per year, purpose for using the vehicle (commuting to work, using for work, leisure only), etc.
Factors you CANNOT easily change that affect your car insurance rates:
. Age
Statistically, drivers under the age of 25 are at greater risk of being in an accident than those over age 25. Drivers between the ages of 50 and 65 generally have the safest records.
. Gender
Women are statistically safer drivers.
. Marital Status
A married person will pay less than a single person with an identical driving record. Factors you CAN change that affect your car insurance rates
. Geography
Where you live makes a difference. Folks living in areas with little or no traffic are likely to spend less on insurance than those living in congested cities or suburbs because areas with a lot of traffic tend to see more accidents. Some neighborhoods also have a higher rate of vehicle thefts, which can result in a higher premium.
. Driving Violations
Having an accident or moving violations on your record (speeding tickets, DWI, reckless driving, etc.) put you at a higher risk for accidents and will likely mean a higher premium. Some insurance companies will penalize you for your record for as many as five years from when the incident occurred. However, keep in mind, as your record improves, your premium will get lower.
. Vehicle Type
El cheapo car will cost less to insure than that status symbol SUV sitting on 24″ rims baby.
. Accident Claims
A driving record that is clean and free of accidents will hold fare better for you than lots of tickets and/or accidents.
. Credit Rating
Many insurance companies view having a poor, or even no credit history as suggestive of higher risk and thus, charge you a higher premium.
. Occupation
Insurers have statistically found a correlation between your occupation and risk. For instance, a newspaper delivery person is most likely a higher risk than the personal banker sitting at their desk all day.
Other factors that help determine premiums:
* Driving distance to work
* Miles driven each year
* Years of driving experience
* Business use of the vehicle
* Whether or not you currently have auto insurance
* Theft protection devices (often results in discounts)
* Multiple cars and drivers (another opportunity for discounts)
What can I do right now to make sure I have the lowest premium?
Shop around and compare quotes from different insurers. They base their premiums on their claims experiences, which naturally differ. One company may see your area as a higher risk than others may. Another may charge more because of your occupation. Shopping at http://www.carinsurance.com makes it easier because you can quickly see multiple companies and their rates for your particular situation.
Where do I go for quotes?
One stop can take care of it all. Go to http://www.carinsurance.com where you can receive multiple quotes, pick the best price, and then purchase. Get covered immediately on-line or over the phone. It REALLY is the easiest way to purchase car insurance.
About The Author
Jon Register is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.
CarInsurance.com’s online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online.
Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don’t have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online…anytime!
You are ready to buy your first car. Researching the right vehicle can be a daunting task. You search for the right type of vehicle you need, the color you want, the type of interior. You have spent countless hours narrowing down the right vehicle for you. You find out what the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is by using the following services:
Offline:
* Consumer Reports Magazine
* Auto Week Magazine
* Your local newspaper’s auto section
* Local dealers
Online:
* Consumer Reports
* Edmunds.com - www.edmunds.com
* Kelly Blue Book - www.kbb.com
* NADA guide book - www.nadaguides.com
Now you have the right model in mind. You are ready to purchase a car. You now have a good idea of how much you should spend, how much you are willing to spend.
You go to the dealership and spend hours negotiating a price. After you have agreed to a price, the sales clerk asks do you have insurance. Because this is your first vehicle, the thought never crossed your mind. The sales clerk says you will not be able to drive the car off the lot until you have secured insurance. You get out a phone book and start calling around for insurance quotes. You get several prices and you are instructed that you must come to the insurance agency to fill out paperwork. You must then go back to the dealership and show them your insurance policy. This has been a long and stressful day.
Carinsurance.com is ready to help. How can you get the best deal on auto insurance?
Use carinsurance.com at the dealership and you will be able to purchase insurance and print your proof immediately (in available states). With carinsurance.com, you get to shop around and look for the best deal. Find out if you save with carinsurance.com when you get your auto insurance quote. In addition to great rates and reliable coverage, carinsurance.com offers tools and information to help you understand your auto insurance coverage better.
Whether you are a first time car buyer or a seasoned pro, carinsurance.com offers you the ability to shop for insurance in one easy website. Next time you are stuck at a car dealership, go to a computer, type in carinsurance.com and find the best rate without leaving the store.
About The Author
Erick Pace is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.
CarInsurance.com’s online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online.
Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don’t have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online…anytime!
Trying to save money wherever you can is important to us all. Insurance should be no different. Do not assume that your agent knows everything about you and your vehicle. CarInsurance.com goes out of their way to find all the possible discounts that are available to each customer.
Drivers should take advantage of all discounts that many providers offer, that can significantly reduce the cost of car insurance. Understanding discounts and how they can affect auto insurance premiums can help smart shoppers make better decisions about their coverage and possibly save themselves some money in the process.
Read below to identify possible discounts that could help you save on auto insurance this year. Other than discounts, there may be some other ways for you to save on your insurance premiums. We will go over several discounts that can help with your current situation.
First, there are discounts for Auto Safety features. Certain states will give you discounts for anti-lock breaks. Make sure you know if it is two or four wheel anti-lock break vehicle. Automatic seatbelts and airbags are frequently discounted on your insurance premiums. In most states, a defensive driver class discount may apply. If the principal driver usually 55 years old or older has completed an approved defensive driving class a discount could apply. Keep in mind that most states will only approve this class if it is voluntary meaning that it was not the result of a violation or infraction.
Some insurers will give you a discount for having multiple vehicles. In some cases, this will only apply if you have two or more drivers. If you have a clean driving record, meaning you do not have any tickets, accidents or suspensions in the last three years (some companies require five years) then you could be eligible for a safe driver’s discount.
Many companies will reward you with staying with the same insurance company for many years without any accidents reported. They will offer you a renewal discount. It makes sense, you have carried insurance with a company for several years, and have not had an accident, your insurance company likes you and wants to reward and keep your business. Some companies honor you with a discount if you had prior limits on your previous policy. They discount you because they understand you are a better risk.
Conversely, if you do decided to change insurers a proof of prior insurance discount may apply. Most insurers request at least 6 months of consecutive insurance from the previous insurer. If you are a full-time student who meets certain grade requirements and are unmarried and usually under 25 years of age (some states the age is 21) you could be eligible for a good student discount. If you own a home, including condominium, town home, or mobile home, which is used as a principal residence, a discount could apply. Military personnel either currently active or retired from any branch of the US military a discount could apply. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, a discount could apply.
You could lower the cost of your insurance in other ways.
For people who own older cars, it may not be necessary or cost-effective to protect them with collision and comprehensive coverage. By comparing the book value of your vehicle and the premium that the insurer has offered, you may find that it cost as much for the insurance as it does for the vehicle. If the car is worth less than $2,000, you will probably spend more insuring it than it is worth. The whole idea of driving an older car is to save money, so why not get what is coming to you.
In addition, keep in mind that the type of vehicle you buy could greatly affect your premium. A flashy red sports car is usually going to cost more to insure than a mid sized sedan. This is also true of vehicles that are on the list of most stolen. There are many ways that policyholders can save on their insurance. Knowing more about auto policies and premiums can help consumers take advantage of less obvious discounts while ensuring that they have the appropriate protection for their vehicles. The last way to save is to assume more risk. If you chose higher deductible on your Personal Injury Protection or Comprehensive and collision coverage will lower your premium as well. The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance company begins paying the rest.
Understanding how discounts affect your insurance rates is important to save you money.
Visit http://www.carinsurance.com For Discount Car Insurance
About The Author
Tim Register is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.
CarInsurance.com’s online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online.
Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don’t have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online…anytime!
Tire pressure is one of the things a car needs to have checked most often. Ideally, you should check them once a month as well as any other time when they might look low. Also, if you are planning a long trip with your car, tire pressure is one of the main things you should check, along with a general checking.
The first thing you need in order to be able to check your car’s tire pressure is a tire pressure gauge. You can acquire one at any car parts store or just use one in a gas station. All gas stations have one, but you should ask if it is functioning well before using it. Some of the gauges you might find in gas stations are old or damaged and therefore the information they would give you would be incorrect, which could even lead you to add more air to the tire than it should have. This way, it is important that you make sure the gauge you will use functions properly.
In order to be able to evaluate the pressure your tires have, you should learn how much pressure they should ideally have. You might easily learn this since your car’s driver side doorjamb will probably have a sticker giving you some guidance related to the tires and their pressure.
Once you know which the proper pressure for your tires is, you are ready to check them. In order to do this, you must unscrew the caps on the tire air valve and press the tire pressure gauge against it. You should make sure you keep the tire pressure gauge as firmly against the tire valve as not to let air come out from it.
Once you have the tire pressure gauge connected with the tire valve, the gauge will immediately tell you what the tire pressure is. This will allow you to learn weather the tire needs more air or its air pressure is correct. If it needs more air, you should do it carefully in order not to pass its air limit. And, in case its air pressure is correct, you simply need to disconnect the air pressure gauge from it and screw the valve cap back in its place.
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.com. Please visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!
The 2005 Honda Civic sets the benchmark for reliability and resale value. Everyone seems to know this, but what’s new and what can you expect out of the new Civic Coupe?
The Honda Civic Coupe models range from the DX – Value Package, the HX – Lean burn machine, to the LX and the top of the line EX model. The DX model is the base Civic Coupe. It has the 115 hp engine and limited creature comforts. The HX is your high mileage lean burn car. The lean burn means you can get 36 MPG city and 44 MPG highway as opposed to the LX and DX 32 MPG and 38 MPG. The EX suffers a 37 MPG highway drop probably due to the more powerful 127 hp engine.
The EX gives you some little things like body colored mirrors, sunroof, memory seats, height adjustable seats, too, along with an illuminated ignition switch. Wheels are upgraded to 15” alloys and the EX also has a six-speaker system with a CD that can read MP3 files. While all these features are nice, most of the extra goes into getting the 16-valve SOHC V-tech engine.
Handling characteristics are based upon the double wishbone rear suspension and the 4 wheel independent suspension. This allows for better handling with the MacPherson struts in the front tied to a high steering ratio. Get ready to have some fun driving again. But don’t worry all models have front airbags. Most models are offered with front side air bags, too. ABS is standard on the EX, keeping the braking to a minimum, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Transmission is your choice of 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, or the continuously variable on the HX model.
The interior is ergonomically designed with wide seats and easily located controls. The front seats have deep side bolsters to hold the driver in place during aggressive cornering. But, they are comfortable for daily driving and hauling around 4 of your friends. The rear seats fold down to haul long cargo. A sunroof is available only with the EX model.
The air conditioning has a filtration system. But AC is an option on the HX model.
Honda offers nice factory options to customize your new car. They include a rear deck lid spoiler, wing spoiler, aero kit, splashguards, trunk mat, and my favorite, a trunk apron. It covers the bumper and open area when you are loading and unloading things from your trunk.
The new Honda Civic is one of the new classics or our age. Relentless reliability coupled with amazing resale value gives a good-looking care even more appeal to new buyers.
About The Author
Stuart Simpson
Check out my pictures of the new red 2005 Honda Civic Coupe at
http://www.hondalinks.com
Thinking about buying a used car? How do you know which car is right for you? It’s all in asking the right questions.
First, ask yourself what you really need in a car. Who will be driving it most of the time? Where will you be driving in? Over what sort of terrain? Do you need a lot of storage space and lots of seating? Are you going to be traveling back and forth over long distances?
What features are an absolute must? Air conditioning, adjustable controls, cruise control?
What safety features you are looking for? Anti-lock brake systems, head injury protection, or child protection equipment?
How much are you willing to spend?
What kind of down payment can you make?
Realistically, what can you afford to pay monthly?
It’s important to know this amount before you even start looking. Then do your research. Check websites, dealerships, and Consumer Reports magazine. Look for reliability and repair ratings as well as safety advice. The website www.edmunds.com offers pricing information and advice on buying a used car.
Go exploring for that perfect car. Gather as much info as you can on the different makes and models. Check out the retail value, available options, performance, and track record for repairs.
No matter where you buy your used car, be prepared to stand firm. There are a bazillion other cars you could fall in love with. Be willing to walk away from the car if the deal doesn’t meet the criteria you laid out earlier. Your ability to negotiate a great deal will increase by leaps and bounds.
Always know the market value of any car you’re considering and make your first offer lower. You want a little room to negotiate.
Ask for a detailed vehicle history report and service records from the seller. This report can identify major problems including past accidents, flood damage, and odometer discrepancies. When you decide to buy a car, make sure you get it checked out by a trusted mechanic before you hand over any money. That’s absolutely crucial.
Buying a used car can be one of the most exciting purchases you ever make. Following a few guidelines will ensure that it’s also one of the wisest!
About The Author
Contributed by TheCarSites.com. Visit http://www.TheCarSites.com for auto articles and news pertaining to the auto industry.
There are very few things more satisfying than buying a new car. There is great pride of ownership and a feeling of accomplishment and pride as you drive around town in your new vehicle. For most of us, that new car excitement lasts until we must make our first payment or until we get our first parking lot ding. For an unlucky few, they wish these were the only negatives that they had to worry about.
These unlucky few are the people who find themselves with an automobile that will, after much frustration and exhaustion on the part of the owner, be classified on a lemon.
So just what is a lemon car? After all, we’ve all had the occasional breakdown of some part of our car. And no matter when it happens, it is extremely inconvenient (and often quite expensive.) When does “regular wear and tear” flow into the realm of having a true lemon.
Typically a lemon is a new vehicle (or in some states a used vehicle under certain circumstances) that has had a large number of repair attempts on a single defect or an overall large number of repair attempts overall. It can also include just a single repair attempt on a portion of the car where failure could be a life threatening situation. Each state has their own lemon law warranty act and each of them defines what will make a vehicle a lemon. For instance, in California, a lemon automobile can be summarized as follows:
Vehicles Covered by California Lemon Law - California lemon law covers any new motor vehicle used primarily for family, personal or household purposes. It also includes the chassis portion of motor homes.
Repair Interval / Coverage Period Details - To be considered a lemon law vehicle in California , the vehicle must either be out of service for 30 calendar days or have 2 repair attempt for a defect that could cause death or a serious injury or have 4 repairs for the same defect. The coverage period is for 18 months or 18,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
(Lemon law summaries and the statutes for all 50 states and Washington DC can be found at the Lemon Law Resources website at http://www.lemonlawresources.com.)
If you believe your car is a lemon, it is very important that you have proper records to show this. That means that each time you go to your service center, it is very important that they record exactly what you believe the problem is in the car and specify what they did to try to solve the problem. You need to do this for two reasons. First, you will need these records when making a claim for restitution. Second, for these “mystery” problems, dealers will try many different things and it may not be clear to an adjuster that they were all related unless you ensure this is the case on the receipts.
Once your car has passed the state hurdle to be classified to become a lemon, you must take actions to get restitution. Each state has a different procedure you must follow. Some states requre that you send a letter to the manufacturer to give them one last chance to repair the defect. Other states have arbitration panels you must deal with to get restitution.
No matter what method the state has in place for you to seek restitution, you always have the option of working with an attorney if you do not feel the issue was solved to your satisfaction. You should consider an attorney as a last resort as not all states allow you to be reimbursed for your legal fees if you win. (And of course if you lose, you would not get reimbursed.) So as frustrating as this situation may be, it is best to persue all state sponsored remedies before seeking legal help.
What happens if you win?
If your vehicle is determined to be a lemon under your state’s law, you are entitled to a refund or a comparable replacement vehicle. A comparable vehicle most be indentical or a reasonable equivalent of your current vehicle. A refund will include your purchase price, taxes and any other options installed in the vehicle minus a usage fee based on how much you used the car. The terms will very a bit from state to state but this is generally what you can expect.
What happens to the car after the manufactuer takes it back?
The manufacturer will generally recondition it and put it back for sale within its network. Depending on the state where the problem occurred, the title may or may not be stamped with a phrase like “Lemon Law Buyback” when it is returned to that state for resale. However, not all states require this and if the car was transferred from one state to another, the information may not follow on the title issued from the new state.
Used car buyer beware!
While lemon cars are only a very small percentage of the used cars that are sold, this issue with titles not always conveying the true history of the car, it shows the importance of doing research on any used car purchase. If you are buying a used car from a dealer, you should insist on a Carfax lemon check report and if you are buying from an individual, you should do one yourself at carfax.com. It is a very reasonable price to pay to be sure your car has no hidden defects.
About The Author
Steven Chabotte is a freelance writer that writes for Lemon Law Resources http://www.lemonlawresources.com and My Attorney Finder http://www.myattorneyfinder.com.
articles@myattorneyfinder.com
Auto Dealers are finding selling their vehicles online hit or miss at best. Auto Trader and Ebay along with Smart Auction from General Motors are offering some of the best options to an Auto Dealer. Why is it that less than 10% of the vehicles listed online are actually selling? There are plenty of companies offering solutions but none seem to be working on a consistent basis. What about the dealer with an internet department? Is he any more successful?
Internet selling has gotten to be big business for the local Auto Dealer. Large or small dealers have different needs but the same outcome. Selling successfully online is a necessary addition to their bottom line and overall sales numbers. Each and every dealer, no matter the size, needs to be able to sell effectively online.
The time and money that selling online costs the Auto Dealer can be a lot less than classic print, radio and television advertising. So why has the local dealer stayed away from selling online? Most are intimidated by a market that is selling less than 10% of the vehicles that are listed in a medium they do not understand.
Selling online needs an expertise that most dealers lack. Some dealers lack the size to handle supporting an internet department. There are companies out there th