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AUTO INSURANCE DISCOUNTS
Automobiles are essential when it comes to getting around these days. Unfortunately, along with the convenience comes those monthly insurance payments.
There are several ways that a motorist can help themselves receive the best rate. There are many discounts that can be applied to ensure you receive the lowest rate. A good driver discount is available if you have a clean driver’s record with no accidents, tickets or convictions. Most companies also recognize discounts for good students. A student in school or college may obtain this discount if they qualify with a certain grade average while attending school.
Another discount to look into is for the defensive driving course. If completed and a certificate is obtained for this course, most insurance companies reduce your premium.
Other ways to look for discounts and lower your premium are for certain types of employment, not being a smoker and belonging to an auto club.
Contact your insurance agent to see if there are any steps you can take to receive some of the discounts offered. Call for a quote today for lowest rates.
UPDATING YOUR INSURANCE AGENT
It is always a good idea to check in with your insurance agent in the event you may wish to make any changes with your auto or home. A good timeline would be at least once a year to make sure that your policy is providing adequate coverage in the event you need to make a claim.
The addition of a room, new insulation or remodeling add value to your home and therefore may increase the replacement cost. You also may be eligible for a renovators discount!
There may be discounts available on your auto insurance if your child is receiving good grades in high school. Insurance companies take this into consideration.
It is also a good idea to call your insurance agent if you are in the market to move to a different area. Your agent will be able to let you know if your auto insurance will cost more in that particular town or city as rates change for different garaging addresses.
ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH FOR INSURANCE?
Insurance companies look at the whole picture and decide whether people fall into high risk categories. Unfortunately, if you fall into a high risk category, you can expect to pay much more for your premiums. My suggestion is, if you have a lot of money to waste, consider doing the following:
1. Marry a wreckless driver. When adding him or her to your auto insurance policy, be prepared to pay the price. This price will vary depending on the state you live in. It also will depend on how bad his or her driving record is. A significant others driving record can more than double your premium depending how high a risk the insurance company feels it is. Some insurance companies might even refuse to insure your spouse and you’ll have to shop around for another quote from another insurance company.
2. Spice up your car. Modified cars are considered high risk by many car insurers because their parts are often worth more than the car itself. If you modify you car with spoilers, custom paint jobs, custom wheels, etc., you will need to notify your insurance provider of these changes. Otherwise, your insurance will cover you for what the car was worth before making these modifications.
3. Cause a car accident. Your car insurance premium will most likely increase by what is called a “surcharge” for an at fault accident. Check with your agent regarding surcharge schedules.
4. Get convicted of a DUI. This becomes a serious risk with insurance companies. Your rate will increase and you’ll have a pretty good chance of having your policy cancelled or nonrenewed.
5. Buy a high performance vehicle. There are named vehicles that are put on a “most pricey to insure” list and have frequent claims. Sports cars fall under this category. They most often are charged higher liability rates because insurers feel drivers of these vehicles drive faster than others.
6. Purchase your auto insurance from one company and your homeowners insurance from another insurance company. You will not get the discounts available for purchasing your auto and homeowners with the same insurance company. Many insurance companies give what is called a “coupler” discount and you benefit in your rates on your policies.
Posted in Auto Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work
Tagged coverage, high risk, rates
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Cost of Auto Insurance
Just like everything else, the cost of auto insurance has increased.
There is no set price for automobile policies and the premiums charged by each company for each driver can be quite different. One motorist may be charged hundreds of dollars less than another driver for the same exact product! This is because many factors come into play that alter the rate a carrier must charge. Some of these factors include age of driver, driving record and geographic location you live in.
The best way for you to find out how much insurance would be for you is to contact an agent. Agents are licensed with many companies and shop around to get you the best rate!
Another important fact to keep in mind is that there are many discounts available to you on auto insurance. After shopping around and finding the best coverage for the best premium, be sure to request from your agent the many ways to save money on your premium such as taking the defensive driving course and combining your auto insurance with your homeowners insurance. Most insurance companies will give you a credit for having both policies within the same company.
Posted in Auto Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work
Tagged cost, discounts, premiums
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School Bus Safety
On our morning commute to work each day, we frequently see school buses picking up students for school. How many times have you seen someone pass a stopped school bus?
It is not only dangerous, it is against the law. It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus when the large red lights located on top of the bus are flashing. Flashing lights mean the bus is picking up or discharging students.
You must stop whether you are approaching the school bus from the front or overtaking it from the rear. You must always stop for flashing red lights, even on a divided and multilane highway and on school grounds.
The first-time fine for illegally passing a school bus is a $250 to $400 fine, 5 points on your license, and/or possibly 30 days in jail. Worse yet, the memory of hitting or killing a child may be one you carry for the rest of your life.
Stay safe and keep our children safe!
What Circumstances Can Cause a Lapse in Insurance Coverage?
A lapse in your insurance coverage and the suspension or revocation of your registration is caused by any amount of time that your vehicle is registered but not insured. A lapse in insurance coverage can occur:
- between the date you register your vehicle and the effective date of your new insurance coverage
- between the date the insurance is cancelled and the date the same insurance company reinstates your insurance coverage
- between the date your insurance is cancelled and the effective date of your new insurance
- between the date your insurance is cancelled and the date you surrender your license plates or the date your registration expires
- between the date your insurance is cancelled and the effective date of “other proof” (example: a vehicle registered in another state, or a vehicle repossessed or impounded)
CALL G-N AGENCY, INC. FOR A FREE AUTO QUOTE!
Posted in Auto Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work
Tagged lapse, revocation, suspension
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If I cancel my liabilitiy insurance, what will happen?
The DMV must be notified by your insurance company if you cancel your liability insurance. The DMV must also be notified by your insurance company if your insurance coverage is reinstated or you get new insurance coverage.
If the insurance company does not file an electronic notice about your new or reinstated liability insurance, the DMV sends you a letter about your insurance. It will be necessary to follow the instructions carefully in the letter from the Department of Motor Vehicles. You are given 10 days from the date of the DMV letter to prove that you have insurance coverage, prove that you sold the vehicle, or show other proof that insurance coverage was not required in NYS. If you do have insurance coverage, also ask your insurance company (not your agent or broker) to file an electronic notice of insurance coverage with the DMV.
It is important that you immediately surrender your vehicle plates to the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles in the event you do not have liabilitly insurance. Keep your receipt in a safe place. By responding to the letter you receive from the DMV, this will avoid suspension of your registration and drivers license.
Posted in Auto Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work
Tagged DMV, lapse, surrender plates
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Moving to Another State With a Vehicle Registered in NYS
Did you land a new job in another state or are you getting married to the love of your life who lives across the country? If so, its time to pack your belongings for the big move.
Have you thought about what happens with your auto insurance? If your vehicle is registered in New York State and you move to another state, you do not have to change to out-of-state insurance.
All vehicles registered in NYS must have NYS liability coverage. There are no exceptions. If you replace your NYS insurance coverage with out-of-state insurance, a lapse in valid insurance coverage occurs. The NYS Department of Motor Vehicles suspends your registration, and the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend your driver license. The NYS Department of Motor Vehicles must take actions against your NYS registration and driver license even if you move outside of NYS.
This action can affect your abilitiy to hold a valid driver license in your new state. If you register your vehicle in another state, IMMEDIATELY surrender your NYS vehicle plates to the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles by mail.
Drivers Over the Age of 65
Compared to years ago, statistics show people are living longer. This means there is an increase in the amount of people over the age of 65 that are still driving and on the road.
The question some have is whether or not the older driving population should be retested. This has not been implemented in New York State, or in other jurisdictions, primarily for three reasons:
1. The cost of retesting such a large amount of the driving population would be very high.
2. The age alone is a poor predictor of individual driving ability; and
3. Retesting only older drivers could be considered discriminatory since crash per miles of travel show both drivers over age 75 and drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 are at high risk.
For more information, call your local insurance agent.
Posted in Auto Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work
Tagged older drivers, retesting, statistics
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STEPS TO TAKE WHEN LOOKING TO PURCHASE A CAR
You finally decided its time to buy a car. Whether its those first time car jitters or just coming up with enough money, shopping for a car can be stressful.
Hopefully, the following tips will make purchasing a car less stressful:
1. First decide what type of car catches your eye. Decide if you need a two, four or six seater to meet your needs.
2. Sit down and figure out what you can afford. Factor in the miles per gallon (MPG) for the types of cars that interest you. If you plan on financing the car, look into payment plans that fit your budget. Calculate the cost of the car, interest rate and gas for each month before making a final decision. Then decide if you want to lease or own a car.
3. Check a few auto retailer websites to find the fair price for the car you wish to purchase. You will find older models are cheaper but keep in mind that they often require more maintenance.
4. Now its time to shop. One word of advice when checking out different automobiles at dealerships is not to let the dealer talk you into anything beyond what you requested. There are many car lots out there, you don’t have to shop in a high pressure sales environment.
5. Inspect the car inside and out. Ask for the car history to see if the vehicle has been in any accidents. Leave the windows up and the radio off so that you can listen carefully for noises or squeaking.
6. Ask the dealer if your personal mechanic can check the car out for problems. If the dealer refuses, stay clear of buying from them.
7. Once you’ve found that perfect car in your price range, its time to negotiate the price. Never pay what the asking price is, use your negotiating skills to save you money.
Posted in Auto Insurance, How Auto Insurance Works, How Does Insurance Work
Tagged affordable, inspection, negotiate
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