To many people car insurance is daylight robbery in many ways, you cannot get away without it, the premiums keep rising and more often than not you do not receive the amount you thought your car was insured for in the event of an accident. So how can you reduce your car insurance while retaining the cover that is applicable to you?
There are many ways to reduce you cover which include :-
Travelling fewer miles – many car insurance policies these days will give you a reduction if you travel under a certain amount of miles. However, they will not hand this saving to you, you need to ask!
Security – the simple introduction of a car alarm can and does affect the level of your premiums and offers you the chance to reduce them. The amount may not be massive but it all adds up!
Smaller car – Many people who drive larger cars will have seen their insurance go through the roof over the last couple of years. Driving a smaller car will not only save you petrol but it will be cheaper to insure – unfortunately where you have a family this may not always be possible.
"Car owners might as well follow these suggestions. This might help in the long run."
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
State Farm to trim auto insurance rates in Florida
By Julie Patel
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., the largest automobile insurer in Florida, will slightly lower its statewide average annual premium this month, the insurer said Friday.
The rate cut, which will take effect Oct. 27, will save consumers $6.5 million on 2.5 million policies statewide. That will be an average savings of $2.60 per policy a year. But the effect for individual policyholders will vary greatly depending on several factors.
The 0.3 percent rate cut, combined with decreases in 2004, 2005 and 2007, means State Farm's auto insurance premiums will be 7 percent less than they were in 2003.
State Farm has been able to lower rates during the past few years because its anticipated costs have fallen, said company spokesman Justin Glover.
"Overall premium changes for individual motorists will vary depending on factors such as the coverages they carry, the discounts for which they qualify, where they live, the kind of car insured, who drives it and how much it is driven," State Farm wrote in a statement.
The move comes weeks before State Farm Florida Insurance Co. is expected to defend a proposed 47 percent average statewide increase for homeowners' insurance policies before an administrative law judge. The Office of Insurance Regulation has said it plans to reject the increase.
$6.5 million
Savings to consumers statewide
2.5 million
Policies affected statewide
$2.60
Average savings per policy.
"This is good news."
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., the largest automobile insurer in Florida, will slightly lower its statewide average annual premium this month, the insurer said Friday.
The rate cut, which will take effect Oct. 27, will save consumers $6.5 million on 2.5 million policies statewide. That will be an average savings of $2.60 per policy a year. But the effect for individual policyholders will vary greatly depending on several factors.
The 0.3 percent rate cut, combined with decreases in 2004, 2005 and 2007, means State Farm's auto insurance premiums will be 7 percent less than they were in 2003.
State Farm has been able to lower rates during the past few years because its anticipated costs have fallen, said company spokesman Justin Glover.
"Overall premium changes for individual motorists will vary depending on factors such as the coverages they carry, the discounts for which they qualify, where they live, the kind of car insured, who drives it and how much it is driven," State Farm wrote in a statement.
The move comes weeks before State Farm Florida Insurance Co. is expected to defend a proposed 47 percent average statewide increase for homeowners' insurance policies before an administrative law judge. The Office of Insurance Regulation has said it plans to reject the increase.
$6.5 million
Savings to consumers statewide
2.5 million
Policies affected statewide
$2.60
Average savings per policy.
"This is good news."
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Warning to the young: don't cut corners on car cover
Continued...
More Than estimates that it costs the firm £250 to install the GPS technology – money well spent according to Mr Maxwell: "We are trying to understand the dynamics of the young driver market and see what technology can do for us and the policyholder. The big idea is to price more accurately, so responsible younger drivers can avoid very high premiums."
Those who do not like the sound of a curfew can take more conventional steps to reduce their premiums. "Look at taking the Pass Plus driving course. This advanced qualification can bring discounts of 10 per cent on premiums," says Mr Nelson.
Mr Lewis argues that taking a little time to consider what type of vehicle you want can offset some of the financial pain. "Go for a smaller car in a low insurance group. And consider if you should go with third party, fire and theft cover rather than fully comprehensive, and whether you need the car for commuting or just leisure driving."
Mr Maxwell recommends paying a voluntary excess. "Younger drivers will have an excess imposed, but by agreeing to a slightly larger one, the premiums can be cut."
But the overall message from insurers is not to be tempted to go in for fronting. "One of the first things we check when a claim comes in is whether there has been any fronting," says Mr Maxwell. "It's not a wise move."
'Why would any 18-year-old buy car insurance?'
Kev O'Sullivan, 26, fronted for three years between 2000 and 2003 while at university, without realising he was doing anything wrong. "I had a Fiesta insured in the name of my parents but I took it to university with me. It was only afterwards that I realised I had been fronting"
He was far from alone in fronting while at university in Warwick. "The campus is quite out of town, so lots of students drive and all the ones I knew were insured in the name of their mothers or fathers. It was the only way that premiums were even remotely affordable. Why would any 18-year-old buy car insurance?
"I suppose I did have a niggling doubt at the back of my mind that what I was doing wasn't 100 per cent legit, but I never thought that the insurance could be invalid. There needs to be more information for students with cars."
When he graduated, he decided to transfer the cover to his own name to build up a no-claims discount. "I started to pay my own way in life and moved to London with my car."
But Kev, who now lives in Hampstead, north London, and works in marketing, no longer drives. "The Fiesta is parked in a garage at my parents' house and is legitimately insured. I haven't driven it since 2006."End.
Source
More Than estimates that it costs the firm £250 to install the GPS technology – money well spent according to Mr Maxwell: "We are trying to understand the dynamics of the young driver market and see what technology can do for us and the policyholder. The big idea is to price more accurately, so responsible younger drivers can avoid very high premiums."
Those who do not like the sound of a curfew can take more conventional steps to reduce their premiums. "Look at taking the Pass Plus driving course. This advanced qualification can bring discounts of 10 per cent on premiums," says Mr Nelson.
Mr Lewis argues that taking a little time to consider what type of vehicle you want can offset some of the financial pain. "Go for a smaller car in a low insurance group. And consider if you should go with third party, fire and theft cover rather than fully comprehensive, and whether you need the car for commuting or just leisure driving."
Mr Maxwell recommends paying a voluntary excess. "Younger drivers will have an excess imposed, but by agreeing to a slightly larger one, the premiums can be cut."
But the overall message from insurers is not to be tempted to go in for fronting. "One of the first things we check when a claim comes in is whether there has been any fronting," says Mr Maxwell. "It's not a wise move."
'Why would any 18-year-old buy car insurance?'
Kev O'Sullivan, 26, fronted for three years between 2000 and 2003 while at university, without realising he was doing anything wrong. "I had a Fiesta insured in the name of my parents but I took it to university with me. It was only afterwards that I realised I had been fronting"
He was far from alone in fronting while at university in Warwick. "The campus is quite out of town, so lots of students drive and all the ones I knew were insured in the name of their mothers or fathers. It was the only way that premiums were even remotely affordable. Why would any 18-year-old buy car insurance?
"I suppose I did have a niggling doubt at the back of my mind that what I was doing wasn't 100 per cent legit, but I never thought that the insurance could be invalid. There needs to be more information for students with cars."
When he graduated, he decided to transfer the cover to his own name to build up a no-claims discount. "I started to pay my own way in life and moved to London with my car."
But Kev, who now lives in Hampstead, north London, and works in marketing, no longer drives. "The Fiesta is parked in a garage at my parents' house and is legitimately insured. I haven't driven it since 2006."End.
Source
Friday, November 14, 2008
Warning to the young: don't cut corners on car cover
Continued...
Insurers admit that it's hard to tell when fronting is going on – until, that is, a claim is received.
"People are at their most honest when they are calling initially after an accident," adds Mr Lewis. "They don't have time for a cover story, so this is often when they tell us they are the main driver, rather than their parent."
Even if the claimant doesn't come clean, there are some other key indicators. "Our claims handlers will look at where the accident occurred and compare it to the address on the insurance policy," Mr Lewis says. "For example, if the car is insured in a parent's name at an address in Newcastle but is involved in an accident in a university town such as Oxford, then fronting may be happening."
Fronting may also prove a false economy in the long run. Not only are you driving with insurance that is likely to prove invalid if you have an accident, but you will not be establishing the crucial no-claims record. "This is the passport to cheaper premiums. It's best to bite the bullet and start building it up as quickly as possible," says Erik Nelson from Norwich Union (NU), the UK's biggest insurer.
NU has adopted a novel approach to help younger drivers, aged 17 to 29, build up their no-claims: "We offer a rapid bonus scheme. Basically, you insure the car in a block of nine months, at the end of which you are credited with a full year's no-claims bonus," explains Mr Nelson. "In effect, you can build up a full five-year bonus in under four years."
But NU recently called a halt to its pay-as-you-go insurance initiative, which offered younger drivers the chance to save substantially on premiums. The scheme relied on GPS technology: the drivers would have a box installed and these would monitor their driving. At the end of the month, they would receive a bill based on the miles covered and the time of day the car was used. The idea was that motorists who covered fewer miles and drove at periods – during the daytime but outside rush hours – when it was statistically less likely they would be involved in an accident would not have to pay as much for car insurance.
"The scheme was open to young drivers and we were able to cut their premiums. We saw a 30 per cent fall in accident rates as people thought about their car use," says Mr Nelson. "We had hoped, though, that the car manufacturers would start offering the GPS boxes as standard. "Ultimately, the expense meant we had to call a pause."
As part of its Drive Time initiative, More Than uses the same technology to impose what amounts to a curfew on 17- to 22-year-olds: cheaper premiums are on offer in return for agreeing not to drive between 11pm and 6am. The GPS technology will allow the insurance firm to see if the car has been used during these hours, and a £25 penalty will be imposed. "People can drive during the night time," says Mr Maxwell at More Than, "but they will have to pay for the privilege."Continued...
Insurers admit that it's hard to tell when fronting is going on – until, that is, a claim is received.
"People are at their most honest when they are calling initially after an accident," adds Mr Lewis. "They don't have time for a cover story, so this is often when they tell us they are the main driver, rather than their parent."
Even if the claimant doesn't come clean, there are some other key indicators. "Our claims handlers will look at where the accident occurred and compare it to the address on the insurance policy," Mr Lewis says. "For example, if the car is insured in a parent's name at an address in Newcastle but is involved in an accident in a university town such as Oxford, then fronting may be happening."
Fronting may also prove a false economy in the long run. Not only are you driving with insurance that is likely to prove invalid if you have an accident, but you will not be establishing the crucial no-claims record. "This is the passport to cheaper premiums. It's best to bite the bullet and start building it up as quickly as possible," says Erik Nelson from Norwich Union (NU), the UK's biggest insurer.
NU has adopted a novel approach to help younger drivers, aged 17 to 29, build up their no-claims: "We offer a rapid bonus scheme. Basically, you insure the car in a block of nine months, at the end of which you are credited with a full year's no-claims bonus," explains Mr Nelson. "In effect, you can build up a full five-year bonus in under four years."
But NU recently called a halt to its pay-as-you-go insurance initiative, which offered younger drivers the chance to save substantially on premiums. The scheme relied on GPS technology: the drivers would have a box installed and these would monitor their driving. At the end of the month, they would receive a bill based on the miles covered and the time of day the car was used. The idea was that motorists who covered fewer miles and drove at periods – during the daytime but outside rush hours – when it was statistically less likely they would be involved in an accident would not have to pay as much for car insurance.
"The scheme was open to young drivers and we were able to cut their premiums. We saw a 30 per cent fall in accident rates as people thought about their car use," says Mr Nelson. "We had hoped, though, that the car manufacturers would start offering the GPS boxes as standard. "Ultimately, the expense meant we had to call a pause."
As part of its Drive Time initiative, More Than uses the same technology to impose what amounts to a curfew on 17- to 22-year-olds: cheaper premiums are on offer in return for agreeing not to drive between 11pm and 6am. The GPS technology will allow the insurance firm to see if the car has been used during these hours, and a £25 penalty will be imposed. "People can drive during the night time," says Mr Maxwell at More Than, "but they will have to pay for the privilege."Continued...
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Warning to the young: don't cut corners on car cover
Don't go on your parents' policy if you're the main driver – there are legal ways to reduce the high cost.
By Julian Knight
The escalating cost of motoring has come as a shock to many recently as they fill up at the pumps, but for young drivers, the financial pain is nothing new – it's been part of the landscape for years. This is due to the huge cost of car insurance. Statistics show that younger motorists are many times more likely than the rest of us to be involved in an accident, and even to have their cars stolen, and this is reflected in the premiums.
"Young drivers can routinely pay upwards of £1,500 for car cover," says Keith Maxwell, the head of products at insurer More Than. "The quickest way to cut this is by building up a no- claims bonus, which can ultimately reduce premiums by half to two-thirds."
Another popular way round high insurance costs is for young people to be put on their parents' cover. This can mean huge savings as the premiums are based on the claims record, age, driving history and occupation of the mothers and fathers, rather than the children. The fee for becoming a named driver can be as low as 10 per cent of the cost of the premium.
However, insurers report that a dangerous game is being played by people choosing this option, as in reality the younger driver is often the main driver. This is a practice known in the industry as "fronting" and technically it is fraud. And this time of year, when thousands of teenagers are going away to university, is prime fronting season.
"Students and their parents are often unwittingly committing fronting. The younger person takes the car away and in effect becomes the main driver, yet the policy still has the parent's name on it," says Keith Lewis from insurer Zurich.
"People either don't think about what they are doing or simply assume it's legal. It's not. Not only can it lead to a claim being refused but also both the young person and their parents can be charged with insurance fraud."Continued...
By Julian Knight
The escalating cost of motoring has come as a shock to many recently as they fill up at the pumps, but for young drivers, the financial pain is nothing new – it's been part of the landscape for years. This is due to the huge cost of car insurance. Statistics show that younger motorists are many times more likely than the rest of us to be involved in an accident, and even to have their cars stolen, and this is reflected in the premiums.
"Young drivers can routinely pay upwards of £1,500 for car cover," says Keith Maxwell, the head of products at insurer More Than. "The quickest way to cut this is by building up a no- claims bonus, which can ultimately reduce premiums by half to two-thirds."
Another popular way round high insurance costs is for young people to be put on their parents' cover. This can mean huge savings as the premiums are based on the claims record, age, driving history and occupation of the mothers and fathers, rather than the children. The fee for becoming a named driver can be as low as 10 per cent of the cost of the premium.
However, insurers report that a dangerous game is being played by people choosing this option, as in reality the younger driver is often the main driver. This is a practice known in the industry as "fronting" and technically it is fraud. And this time of year, when thousands of teenagers are going away to university, is prime fronting season.
"Students and their parents are often unwittingly committing fronting. The younger person takes the car away and in effect becomes the main driver, yet the policy still has the parent's name on it," says Keith Lewis from insurer Zurich.
"People either don't think about what they are doing or simply assume it's legal. It's not. Not only can it lead to a claim being refused but also both the young person and their parents can be charged with insurance fraud."Continued...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Gamers get car insurance discount
by Mike Bantick
Allstate Corp – an insurance company in the US – is trialling a program that could see insurance premium discounts given to folks over 50 who gain high scores in video games.
With the average age of video gamers on the rise, it seems only natural that there be a flow on effect in other industries.
From Pennsylvania comes the news of a pilot program called InSight. Run by Allstate Corp, the program is designed to determine the positive effects video games could have on the safety record of drivers aged 50 to 75.
Accident rates for the group will be compared to a control group of non game players.
Unfortunately the test group are not playing Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, Grand Theft Auto or any of the Burnout series. Instead the games are a specific selection chosen for their cognitive stimulation.
As an example; “Jewel Diver” has players track underwater gems hidden by fish, in a digital version of the pea in the cup game.
All games are part of the PositScience InSight suite of Visual Training exercises designed to exercise aspects such as field of view and sharpening visual precision.
The test group will complete at least ten hours of training on InSight. 100,000 Pennsylvanian drivers will take part in the pilot program with Allstate considering a roll out to other states next year.
According to the CNN report , people aged in their 50’s and 60’s have the lowest accident rate of all drivers, but after the age of 60 the rate ramps up again. Allstate are hoping that the brain fitness video games can turn this trend, and also improve the high scores of Pennsylvanian Seniors.
"This is cool. I hope the oldies will enjoy."
Allstate Corp – an insurance company in the US – is trialling a program that could see insurance premium discounts given to folks over 50 who gain high scores in video games.
With the average age of video gamers on the rise, it seems only natural that there be a flow on effect in other industries.
From Pennsylvania comes the news of a pilot program called InSight. Run by Allstate Corp, the program is designed to determine the positive effects video games could have on the safety record of drivers aged 50 to 75.
Accident rates for the group will be compared to a control group of non game players.
Unfortunately the test group are not playing Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, Grand Theft Auto or any of the Burnout series. Instead the games are a specific selection chosen for their cognitive stimulation.
As an example; “Jewel Diver” has players track underwater gems hidden by fish, in a digital version of the pea in the cup game.
All games are part of the PositScience InSight suite of Visual Training exercises designed to exercise aspects such as field of view and sharpening visual precision.
The test group will complete at least ten hours of training on InSight. 100,000 Pennsylvanian drivers will take part in the pilot program with Allstate considering a roll out to other states next year.
According to the CNN report , people aged in their 50’s and 60’s have the lowest accident rate of all drivers, but after the age of 60 the rate ramps up again. Allstate are hoping that the brain fitness video games can turn this trend, and also improve the high scores of Pennsylvanian Seniors.
"This is cool. I hope the oldies will enjoy."
Sunday, November 9, 2008
New Texas database to help catch car insurance scofflaws
By Erin Quinn
It just got harder for the more than 4 million drivers in Texas who either don’t have insurance or carry a phony insurance card to try to pull a fast one over law enforcement, state officials say.
Last week, the state launched a database that allows officers to instantly check whether drivers are insured.
“If you don’t have liability insurance for your vehicle, your chances of getting a ticket just went up dramatically,” said Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Louis Sanchez.
Statewide, all DPS officers already are using the database, said DPS spokesman Tom Vinger.
Within a couple of weeks, Waco police will begin checking insurance with the system after the department’s administration has decided how and when the database will be used, officer Steve Anderson said.
McLennan County Sheriff Larry Lynch and Chief Deputy Randy Plemons did not return repeated phone calls to say whether the department will use the system.
Anderson said the database will be helpful in catching drivers who make one insurance payment to get an insurance card and then cancel their policies.
Vinger said people who carry phony insurance or have no insurance are more of a problem than some might think. The state estimates one in five drivers is not insured.
“People who have insurance have long wanted something done about it,” Vinger said. “This is the first step in being more aggressive in tackling the problem.”
Using the database, officers can instantly find information about the driver’s insurance by typing in the vehicle’s identification or license plate numbers. Vinger said traffic stops will not take more time because of the database.
Anderson and Vinger said officers will not use the database to initiate traffic stops.
Driving without liability insurance carries a maximum fine of $350. Repeat offenders could lose their licenses for up to two years.
Drivers still must carry their insurance card with them, as it remains illegal in Texas not to carry the card.
Source
It just got harder for the more than 4 million drivers in Texas who either don’t have insurance or carry a phony insurance card to try to pull a fast one over law enforcement, state officials say.
Last week, the state launched a database that allows officers to instantly check whether drivers are insured.
“If you don’t have liability insurance for your vehicle, your chances of getting a ticket just went up dramatically,” said Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Louis Sanchez.
Statewide, all DPS officers already are using the database, said DPS spokesman Tom Vinger.
Within a couple of weeks, Waco police will begin checking insurance with the system after the department’s administration has decided how and when the database will be used, officer Steve Anderson said.
McLennan County Sheriff Larry Lynch and Chief Deputy Randy Plemons did not return repeated phone calls to say whether the department will use the system.
Anderson said the database will be helpful in catching drivers who make one insurance payment to get an insurance card and then cancel their policies.
Vinger said people who carry phony insurance or have no insurance are more of a problem than some might think. The state estimates one in five drivers is not insured.
“People who have insurance have long wanted something done about it,” Vinger said. “This is the first step in being more aggressive in tackling the problem.”
Using the database, officers can instantly find information about the driver’s insurance by typing in the vehicle’s identification or license plate numbers. Vinger said traffic stops will not take more time because of the database.
Anderson and Vinger said officers will not use the database to initiate traffic stops.
Driving without liability insurance carries a maximum fine of $350. Repeat offenders could lose their licenses for up to two years.
Drivers still must carry their insurance card with them, as it remains illegal in Texas not to carry the card.
Source
Friday, November 7, 2008
Booming Sales of Foreign Cars and Pressure from the Insurance Industry Means Now is the Time to Respond to the Security Crisis in Russia
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a3f008/car_theft_and_insu) has announced the addition of the "Car Theft and Insurance in Russia--Thatcham Shaping the Future" report to their offering.
It is likely that the rapidly expanding Russian market will adopt UK insurance requirements for vehicle security after 2008's 11 car security test to Thatcham's standards. This will place increasing pressure on vehicle manufacturers to adopt UK levels of security for the Russian market to maintain brand image and reduce the increasing costs of insurance to customers in Russia. "Car theft and insurance in Russia - Thatcham shaping the future" is a timely assessment of the status of the Professional Association for Risk Prevention star ratings for imported vehicles and gives an independent evaluation of the impact of this initiative on the automotive industry.
This report will help you to:
- Discover how the Russian collaboration with Thatcham could shape the Russian insurance industry of the future
- Gain insight into the 11 car security test and why the testing was necessary- Understand how you can keep ahead of the thieves and reduce the cost of ownership to your customers
- Analyse what it means to your business and what you can do to ensure competitive advantage
Key Topics Covered:
- Executive summary
- Russia -- market overview
- Car theft in Russia
- Insurance situation
- Security testing with Thatcham
- Car security situation
IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:
Due to the confidential nature of the report content, your request to purchase this security report will be vetted by the security team, prior to any sale agreement.
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a3f008/car_theft_and_insu
Source
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Cheaper car insurance for gamers
Continued...
According to Allstate, the technology can improve driving skills to the point where stopping distances by an average of "22 feet when travelling at 55 miles an hour". That's about 90 kilometres an hour, which leads to an inevitable question: since when has pensioners travelling at high speeds been the problem?
Our inner cynic suspects this might be a cheap and ageist marketing ploy: no-one over 50 will perform well in the games, so no discounts will apply, but Allstate reaps the free publicity. But presuming this is a genuine (and successful) scheme, here's some useful ways this kind of approach could be extended.
Pro-active adjustment of your monthly payments based on your performance in online gaming leagues. There's room for partnerships galore here: the PS3 could probably use the publicity, and there's a bunch of ISPs who'd be happy to flog insurance to their existing gaming audience.
Discounts for people who regularly visit porn sites. After all, they're good at concentrating on visual cues and potentially have excellent wrist strength for sudden gear changes and other manoeuvres.
A free Wifi game for every five minutes you have to spend on hold. That'd speed up those lazy phone answering types no end.End.
"hahaha..Another marketing strategy just to sell."
According to Allstate, the technology can improve driving skills to the point where stopping distances by an average of "22 feet when travelling at 55 miles an hour". That's about 90 kilometres an hour, which leads to an inevitable question: since when has pensioners travelling at high speeds been the problem?
Our inner cynic suspects this might be a cheap and ageist marketing ploy: no-one over 50 will perform well in the games, so no discounts will apply, but Allstate reaps the free publicity. But presuming this is a genuine (and successful) scheme, here's some useful ways this kind of approach could be extended.
Pro-active adjustment of your monthly payments based on your performance in online gaming leagues. There's room for partnerships galore here: the PS3 could probably use the publicity, and there's a bunch of ISPs who'd be happy to flog insurance to their existing gaming audience.
Discounts for people who regularly visit porn sites. After all, they're good at concentrating on visual cues and potentially have excellent wrist strength for sudden gear changes and other manoeuvres.
A free Wifi game for every five minutes you have to spend on hold. That'd speed up those lazy phone answering types no end.End.
"hahaha..Another marketing strategy just to sell."
Monday, November 3, 2008
Cheaper car insurance for gamers
Have you got what it takes as a gamer? You could qualify for reduced car insurance premiums, according to one insurer. There is a catch though.
A US insurer is offering discounts to drivers over 50 who score highly in brain-training computer games. Here's some more ways the gaming industry could make buying insurance cheaper and more pleasurable.
Discounts for playing computer games sounds like the kind of concept you would only encounter in a Will Ferrell movie, but US insurer Allstate is giving it a go nonetheless, trying out games which are claimed to "reverse age related cognitive decline", which we think is a nice way of saying "forgetful Grandpa driving syndrome".
Before you throw your control across the room in order to sign up to test it out, there's a bunch of fine print. Crucically, you need to be over 50 and live in Pennsylvania, in which case frankly anything might be good to relieve the boredom. "If using the software is successful in reducing accident rates among customers 50 years and older, Allstate hopes to begin offering discounts to drivers who use the computer-based exercises to help improve their mental sharpness," a statement from the insurer notes.
Sadly, even this doesn't mean your Gran Turismo skillz will score you some savings. The games have been developed by Posit Science, which proclaims itself the "leading provider of clinically validated brain fitness products and services". In real world terms, this translates as "We're trying to look less shonky than people who think they can improve their IQ with Dr Kawashima's Brain Training" rather than "We're going to make Halo look duller than televised golf".Continued...
A US insurer is offering discounts to drivers over 50 who score highly in brain-training computer games. Here's some more ways the gaming industry could make buying insurance cheaper and more pleasurable.
Discounts for playing computer games sounds like the kind of concept you would only encounter in a Will Ferrell movie, but US insurer Allstate is giving it a go nonetheless, trying out games which are claimed to "reverse age related cognitive decline", which we think is a nice way of saying "forgetful Grandpa driving syndrome".
Before you throw your control across the room in order to sign up to test it out, there's a bunch of fine print. Crucically, you need to be over 50 and live in Pennsylvania, in which case frankly anything might be good to relieve the boredom. "If using the software is successful in reducing accident rates among customers 50 years and older, Allstate hopes to begin offering discounts to drivers who use the computer-based exercises to help improve their mental sharpness," a statement from the insurer notes.
Sadly, even this doesn't mean your Gran Turismo skillz will score you some savings. The games have been developed by Posit Science, which proclaims itself the "leading provider of clinically validated brain fitness products and services". In real world terms, this translates as "We're trying to look less shonky than people who think they can improve their IQ with Dr Kawashima's Brain Training" rather than "We're going to make Halo look duller than televised golf".Continued...
Saturday, November 1, 2008
CarInsurance.com Grows Into Four More States and the District of Columbia
In the 37 states, you enter your information once at http://www.CarInsurance.comand then we contact multiple insurance companies directly to give you an immediate comparison of rates within 60 seconds. The rates that you see are accurate and come directly from the insurance companies' rating systems. In addition, the website has over 16,000 resource pages, making it the largest online car insurance resource site on the web. The goal is to help consumers learn and understand insurance at any life stage. CarInsurance.com will continue to move into more states and add more insurance carriers to complete its growth plan.
About CarInsurance.com, Inc.
Based in Altamonte Springs, Florida, CarInsurance.com gives consumers the ability to instantly compare and buy competitive auto insurance rates directly from multiple insurance companies. Not only do consumers have an easy interface to review the rates of multiple insurance companies, but also when ready to purchase, consumers have the option of completing the transaction online or by talking directly to a licensed agent. The same insurance team has owned and operated the CarInsurance.com domain since 1995, making it one of the first online car insurance websites. CarInsurance.com helps consumers and companies by providing companies new customers through real-time quoting and underwriting.
Source
About CarInsurance.com, Inc.
Based in Altamonte Springs, Florida, CarInsurance.com gives consumers the ability to instantly compare and buy competitive auto insurance rates directly from multiple insurance companies. Not only do consumers have an easy interface to review the rates of multiple insurance companies, but also when ready to purchase, consumers have the option of completing the transaction online or by talking directly to a licensed agent. The same insurance team has owned and operated the CarInsurance.com domain since 1995, making it one of the first online car insurance websites. CarInsurance.com helps consumers and companies by providing companies new customers through real-time quoting and underwriting.
Source
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
CarInsurance.com Grows Into Four More States and the District of Columbia
CarInsurance.com technology provides a real-time connection with multiple insurance carriers. CarInsurance.com takes it beyond just comparing rates; shoppers can instantly purchase insurance with any of their car insurance companies using their single-site experience. The technology combined with years of insurance experience gives shoppers benefits that are unequaled in the industry. CarInsurance.com is an independent agency that only works with insurance companies that consumers trust. CarInsurance.com has knowledgeable, in-house licensed agents to give consumers reliable, skilled advice to make sure they get proper protection and the best prices available.
CarInsurance.com offers an exclusive lineup of auto insurance carriers including Direct General, Progressive, Esurance, Unitrin Direct, Travelers, Safeco Insurance, The Hartford, Encompass - An Allstate Company, and Arrowhead (QBE, Meritplan Insurance, and Newport Insurance). CarInsurance.com offers its Online Insurance Marketplace(TM) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, along with referral services in Canada and the UK. In 37 of the states, we offer products through our agency system. "It is exciting to see growth in these tough economic times. We are proud to offer Main Street a way to compare and save with financially stable insurance companies. Giving consumers choice, security, and protection is important," said Executive Vice President David Fitzgerald. Continued...
CarInsurance.com offers an exclusive lineup of auto insurance carriers including Direct General, Progressive, Esurance, Unitrin Direct, Travelers, Safeco Insurance, The Hartford, Encompass - An Allstate Company, and Arrowhead (QBE, Meritplan Insurance, and Newport Insurance). CarInsurance.com offers its Online Insurance Marketplace(TM) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, along with referral services in Canada and the UK. In 37 of the states, we offer products through our agency system. "It is exciting to see growth in these tough economic times. We are proud to offer Main Street a way to compare and save with financially stable insurance companies. Giving consumers choice, security, and protection is important," said Executive Vice President David Fitzgerald. Continued...
Sunday, October 26, 2008
CarInsurance.com Grows Into Four More States and the District of Columbia
CarInsurance.com has expanded into Alabama,Iowa,Maine,Oklahoma, and theDistrict of Columbiathis week. CarInsurance.com is a leading online independent insurance agency that offers car insurance online or over the phone. You can compare rates and purchase a policy immediately through their website so you get one-stop shopping. When purchasing, the insurance companies gather all the available rating information so you get a final, accurate price from a trusted insurance agent. You can print your proof of insurance, set up future payment options, and do everything online or over the phone.
CarInsurance.com added more security benefits for shoppers this month. VeriSign's EV SSL Certificate now protects the site. The green address bar offers immediate reassurance that the visitor has reached a site that has added benefits to protect you from identity theft. The new security implementation and this month's expansion allow CarInsurance.com to offer its online agency services to 93% of the U.S. population. This is significant because now consumers in 37 states can securely click, compare, and save online with insurance choices from leading insurance companies. Continued...
CarInsurance.com added more security benefits for shoppers this month. VeriSign's EV SSL Certificate now protects the site. The green address bar offers immediate reassurance that the visitor has reached a site that has added benefits to protect you from identity theft. The new security implementation and this month's expansion allow CarInsurance.com to offer its online agency services to 93% of the U.S. population. This is significant because now consumers in 37 states can securely click, compare, and save online with insurance choices from leading insurance companies. Continued...
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Jeweler Zale, Car-Dealer AutoNation Seek Aid As Financial Cos
By Rob Curran
Atlas Energy, added Thursday, says capital raising contributes about a quarter of its gross margin, but most of that capital isn't raised by its broker-dealer unit.
"The regulators have offered stabilization for all companies that qualify," said Brian Begley, spokesman for Atlas Energy. "We're not a financial-services company, but what we do in syndication and fundraising is provide a financial service."
Curiously, one of only four companies to opt out of the list so far is JMP Group Corp. (JMP), parent of San Francisco broker and money-manager JMP Securities, a company in the center of the banking and brokerage crisis. The president of that company, Craig Johnson, said it opted out because of a belief that short-selling is a crucial function of financial markets.
Source
Atlas Energy, added Thursday, says capital raising contributes about a quarter of its gross margin, but most of that capital isn't raised by its broker-dealer unit.
"The regulators have offered stabilization for all companies that qualify," said Brian Begley, spokesman for Atlas Energy. "We're not a financial-services company, but what we do in syndication and fundraising is provide a financial service."
Curiously, one of only four companies to opt out of the list so far is JMP Group Corp. (JMP), parent of San Francisco broker and money-manager JMP Securities, a company in the center of the banking and brokerage crisis. The president of that company, Craig Johnson, said it opted out because of a belief that short-selling is a crucial function of financial markets.
Source
Monday, October 20, 2008
Jeweler Zale, Car-Dealer AutoNation Seek Aid As Financial Cos
By Rob Curran
The number of stocks protected under the Securities and Exchange Commission's financial-stock short-sale ban is now about 970, as the New York Stock Exchange added another seven candidates including jeweler Zale Corp. (ZLC) and car-dealer AutoNation Inc. (AN).
The rule, issued on Sept. 19 to help stabilize shares of banks, lenders and brokerages, now encompasses a range of other businesses with sometimes tenuous links to finance. For fiscal year 2008, the "All Other" part of Zale's business, which includes its insurance unit, accounted for less than 1% of its overall revenue.
Last weekend, the SEC furnished exchanges with a set of criteria for additions to the original list of 799 companies, namely that a company is or owns a bank, savings association, insurance company, or various other entities. With that, the SEC passed the responsibility for additions to the exchanges. The Nasdaq selected 66 companies at its discretion; the NYSE called for applications from eligible companies.
The NYSE and the Nasdaq, for their part, insist that all companies added to the list fit the "strict" criteria. A rule cordoning off a hard-to-define part of the market, the "financial" sector, appears to have left room for loopholes.
Zale's financial unit markets insurance to holders of its store credit card, and contributed $12.4 million to overall revenue of $2.14 billion for the fiscal year ended July 31.
Similarly, finance and insurance made up about $281 million, or roughly 3.6%, of AutoNation's first-half revenue of $7.91 billion.
These companies join International Business Machines Corp. (IBM), which qualified thanks to a finance unit that contributed 4% of its second-quarter revenue; driller Atlas Energy Resources LLC (ATN), on the strength of a broker dealer that raises a minority of the money needed for its drilling operations; and drug-plan manager Express Scripts Inc. (ESRX), which described its insurance operations as "minute."
Continued...
The number of stocks protected under the Securities and Exchange Commission's financial-stock short-sale ban is now about 970, as the New York Stock Exchange added another seven candidates including jeweler Zale Corp. (ZLC) and car-dealer AutoNation Inc. (AN).
The rule, issued on Sept. 19 to help stabilize shares of banks, lenders and brokerages, now encompasses a range of other businesses with sometimes tenuous links to finance. For fiscal year 2008, the "All Other" part of Zale's business, which includes its insurance unit, accounted for less than 1% of its overall revenue.
Last weekend, the SEC furnished exchanges with a set of criteria for additions to the original list of 799 companies, namely that a company is or owns a bank, savings association, insurance company, or various other entities. With that, the SEC passed the responsibility for additions to the exchanges. The Nasdaq selected 66 companies at its discretion; the NYSE called for applications from eligible companies.
The NYSE and the Nasdaq, for their part, insist that all companies added to the list fit the "strict" criteria. A rule cordoning off a hard-to-define part of the market, the "financial" sector, appears to have left room for loopholes.
Zale's financial unit markets insurance to holders of its store credit card, and contributed $12.4 million to overall revenue of $2.14 billion for the fiscal year ended July 31.
Similarly, finance and insurance made up about $281 million, or roughly 3.6%, of AutoNation's first-half revenue of $7.91 billion.
These companies join International Business Machines Corp. (IBM), which qualified thanks to a finance unit that contributed 4% of its second-quarter revenue; driller Atlas Energy Resources LLC (ATN), on the strength of a broker dealer that raises a minority of the money needed for its drilling operations; and drug-plan manager Express Scripts Inc. (ESRX), which described its insurance operations as "minute."
Continued...
Friday, October 17, 2008
50+ vehicles recovered in Warren auto theft ring
By KIM NORTH SHINE
The majority of the stolen vehicles, 24, came from Detroit, 13 came from Warren and the rest from Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Harper Woods, Dearborn Heights and Hazel Park. Three of the vehicles were never reported stolen. They all have been returned to their owners, all in one piece as opposed to in pieces had the thieves sold to a true chop shop, Sheriff Hackel said.
The sting operation started when a police got a tip about how chop shops find their car thieves to buy from. The task force set up a storefront in Warren - the location is being kept confidential - and began buying stolen vehicles.
The transations between the officers and thieves were clearly captured on video recordings, which were shown at the news conference Wednesday. Several of the suspects smiled, looked casual as they dropped off their stolen cars in exchange for $200.
They each face several years in prison if convicted.
The team of undercover officers formed a yearround task force called the Macomb Auto Theft Squad, which is made up of investigators from the Sheriff's Department and several cities, including Warren, Sterling Heights, Eastpointe and Clinton Township.
HEAT, Help Eliminate Auto Theft, assisted in the investigation and the National Insurance Crime Bureau provided information and financial suipport.
Dwyer called auto theft "a disease" and noted that after a drop in car thefts in Warren, which is the state's third-largest city with the second-highest auto theft rate in Michigan, they could be going back up.
In Warren in 2006, there were 1,805 vehicle thefts. In 2007, there were 1,246. This year there have been 1,004 so far.
Statewide in 2007, 42,151 automobiles were stolen, he said.
Source
The majority of the stolen vehicles, 24, came from Detroit, 13 came from Warren and the rest from Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Harper Woods, Dearborn Heights and Hazel Park. Three of the vehicles were never reported stolen. They all have been returned to their owners, all in one piece as opposed to in pieces had the thieves sold to a true chop shop, Sheriff Hackel said.
The sting operation started when a police got a tip about how chop shops find their car thieves to buy from. The task force set up a storefront in Warren - the location is being kept confidential - and began buying stolen vehicles.
The transations between the officers and thieves were clearly captured on video recordings, which were shown at the news conference Wednesday. Several of the suspects smiled, looked casual as they dropped off their stolen cars in exchange for $200.
They each face several years in prison if convicted.
The team of undercover officers formed a yearround task force called the Macomb Auto Theft Squad, which is made up of investigators from the Sheriff's Department and several cities, including Warren, Sterling Heights, Eastpointe and Clinton Township.
HEAT, Help Eliminate Auto Theft, assisted in the investigation and the National Insurance Crime Bureau provided information and financial suipport.
Dwyer called auto theft "a disease" and noted that after a drop in car thefts in Warren, which is the state's third-largest city with the second-highest auto theft rate in Michigan, they could be going back up.
In Warren in 2006, there were 1,805 vehicle thefts. In 2007, there were 1,246. This year there have been 1,004 so far.
Statewide in 2007, 42,151 automobiles were stolen, he said.
Source
Thursday, October 16, 2008
50+ vehicles recovered in Warren auto theft ring
By KIM NORTH SHINE
Police in Macomb County say they got an extraordinary view into the world of auto theft during an undercover investigation that started in June and ended Wednesday with the arrests of 10 men in Warren, most of them teenagers willing to quickly steal and sell cars and trucks for $200 a pop to what they believed was a chop shop operation.
Five suspects are at large and another arrest was made separately July 29, when it was discovered by an undercover officer that one stolen car had been carjacked from an 79-year-old Eastpointe man earlier in the day in Warren.
The announcment of the arrests and details of the operation came today during a half-hour news conference at Warren City Hall, where the team of undercover officers looked on from the back of the room while Macomb County Sheriff Mark Hackel and Warren Police Commission William Dwyer lauded their work and hailed the undercover operation as the first of a multi-phase plan to catch car thieves.
"This was a long, tedious process," Hackel said.
They described the undercover chop shop operation as a laborious effort that required undercover officers be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week whenever a call to buy a stolen vehicle came in. The officers had to get to know the suspects, coordinate with insurance companies and work multiple law enforcement jurisdictions to zero in on the stolen cars and thieves.
Hackel said the experience provided a lesson that law enforcement agencies can use in future car theft investigations.
"They got to meet with them. It was hand-to-hand buying," Hackel said. "It was a very intense operation."
Altogether the suspects, all Detroiters, are accused of stealing 53 vehicles, all but two of them Chryslers.
Nine men between the ages of 17 and 21, were arraigned on multiple charges today in 37th District Court in Warren. The tenth suspect, a juvenile, was arraigned in Macomb County Juvenile Court Thursday.
Together the vehicles they are accused of stealing are valued at $600,000, Hackel said.
Continued...
Police in Macomb County say they got an extraordinary view into the world of auto theft during an undercover investigation that started in June and ended Wednesday with the arrests of 10 men in Warren, most of them teenagers willing to quickly steal and sell cars and trucks for $200 a pop to what they believed was a chop shop operation.
Five suspects are at large and another arrest was made separately July 29, when it was discovered by an undercover officer that one stolen car had been carjacked from an 79-year-old Eastpointe man earlier in the day in Warren.
The announcment of the arrests and details of the operation came today during a half-hour news conference at Warren City Hall, where the team of undercover officers looked on from the back of the room while Macomb County Sheriff Mark Hackel and Warren Police Commission William Dwyer lauded their work and hailed the undercover operation as the first of a multi-phase plan to catch car thieves.
"This was a long, tedious process," Hackel said.
They described the undercover chop shop operation as a laborious effort that required undercover officers be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week whenever a call to buy a stolen vehicle came in. The officers had to get to know the suspects, coordinate with insurance companies and work multiple law enforcement jurisdictions to zero in on the stolen cars and thieves.
Hackel said the experience provided a lesson that law enforcement agencies can use in future car theft investigations.
"They got to meet with them. It was hand-to-hand buying," Hackel said. "It was a very intense operation."
Altogether the suspects, all Detroiters, are accused of stealing 53 vehicles, all but two of them Chryslers.
Nine men between the ages of 17 and 21, were arraigned on multiple charges today in 37th District Court in Warren. The tenth suspect, a juvenile, was arraigned in Macomb County Juvenile Court Thursday.
Together the vehicles they are accused of stealing are valued at $600,000, Hackel said.
Continued...
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Insurance companies more willing to take risks on young drivers
By Mike Copeland
The Wall Street Journal reports that a changing market is behind the way young drivers are viewed today.
Auto insurance premiums have been flat or even down in much of the U.S. because of safer cars, reduced theft rates, better fraud prevention and greater competition. U.S. auto insurance premium rates rose just 0.4 percent in 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Tech-savvy youngsters, meanwhile, are more likely to shop the Internet for the best deals on insurance, which is another reason insurance companies are courting them with discounts.
Still, young drivers remain riskier than other groups. Drivers under age 20 were only 6.4 percent of the nation’s drivers in 2006, but they were involved in 13.2 percent of all fatal crashes.
Technology is allowing parents to keep a closer eye on teen drivers.
OBS Inc., a Colorado-based mobile surveillance company, has launched the HD1, a video-camera system for cars that is aimed at parents with teenagers. It starts at $965 and works like a digital-video recorder, filming everything that goes on in and around a car with as many as four cameras. Parents can remove the hard drive from the system using a key and connect it to their TV or personal computer to view the video.
Some programs aimed at keeping young people safe behind the wheel are more geared to personal responsibility.
John E. Fadal, who has a Farmers Insurance Group agency in Waco, said Farmers will give young drivers up to age 21 a 10 percent discount on their liability, personal injury and collision insurance if they maintain a B average in school, complete a driver’s safety course and watch a safety video.
But Fadal said there is “no question” that insuring young drivers remains more risky.
“There are some we have insured for years, and we never hear anything from them. Some we can’t run off,” Fadal said. “I can remember a 16-year-old kid that we had insured only a few weeks when he was involved in a bodily injury accident in which a person was killed. We paid a $100,000 claim.”
Ramona Cunningham, an agent with Germania Insurance locally, said she offers a 10 percent discount on collision and liability insurance to young people who take a driver’s education course.
She said it benefits youngsters to stay on their parents’ policy for six months to a year so they can establish a good driving record. That will help them when they pursue a policy on their own, she said.
Local Allstate agent David Wilson said that company offers a 15 percent discount on collision, comprehensive and liability coverage to young people who maintain a B or better average in school. They can pick up another 10 percent discount by attending driving school.
“That’s a total of 25 percent,” Wilson said.
Wilson said he insures a family with a 17-year-old son who drives a 2002 Ford F-150 pickup. The family pays $439.10 every six months to insure the pickup, but that represents a discount of $102 because the 17-year-old is a good student who has taken driver’s training.
“If that teenager bought insurance on his own, he would be paying twice that rate, I guarantee you,” said Wilson, adding that he and the family benefit from discounts on multivehicle coverage.
Source
The Wall Street Journal reports that a changing market is behind the way young drivers are viewed today.
Auto insurance premiums have been flat or even down in much of the U.S. because of safer cars, reduced theft rates, better fraud prevention and greater competition. U.S. auto insurance premium rates rose just 0.4 percent in 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Tech-savvy youngsters, meanwhile, are more likely to shop the Internet for the best deals on insurance, which is another reason insurance companies are courting them with discounts.
Still, young drivers remain riskier than other groups. Drivers under age 20 were only 6.4 percent of the nation’s drivers in 2006, but they were involved in 13.2 percent of all fatal crashes.
Technology is allowing parents to keep a closer eye on teen drivers.
OBS Inc., a Colorado-based mobile surveillance company, has launched the HD1, a video-camera system for cars that is aimed at parents with teenagers. It starts at $965 and works like a digital-video recorder, filming everything that goes on in and around a car with as many as four cameras. Parents can remove the hard drive from the system using a key and connect it to their TV or personal computer to view the video.
Some programs aimed at keeping young people safe behind the wheel are more geared to personal responsibility.
John E. Fadal, who has a Farmers Insurance Group agency in Waco, said Farmers will give young drivers up to age 21 a 10 percent discount on their liability, personal injury and collision insurance if they maintain a B average in school, complete a driver’s safety course and watch a safety video.
But Fadal said there is “no question” that insuring young drivers remains more risky.
“There are some we have insured for years, and we never hear anything from them. Some we can’t run off,” Fadal said. “I can remember a 16-year-old kid that we had insured only a few weeks when he was involved in a bodily injury accident in which a person was killed. We paid a $100,000 claim.”
Ramona Cunningham, an agent with Germania Insurance locally, said she offers a 10 percent discount on collision and liability insurance to young people who take a driver’s education course.
She said it benefits youngsters to stay on their parents’ policy for six months to a year so they can establish a good driving record. That will help them when they pursue a policy on their own, she said.
Local Allstate agent David Wilson said that company offers a 15 percent discount on collision, comprehensive and liability coverage to young people who maintain a B or better average in school. They can pick up another 10 percent discount by attending driving school.
“That’s a total of 25 percent,” Wilson said.
Wilson said he insures a family with a 17-year-old son who drives a 2002 Ford F-150 pickup. The family pays $439.10 every six months to insure the pickup, but that represents a discount of $102 because the 17-year-old is a good student who has taken driver’s training.
“If that teenager bought insurance on his own, he would be paying twice that rate, I guarantee you,” said Wilson, adding that he and the family benefit from discounts on multivehicle coverage.
Source
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Insurance companies more willing to take risks on young drivers
By Mike Copeland
State Farm, the nation’s largest automobile insurer, has been offering discounts up to 15 percent for drivers under age 25 in most states who take part in its “Steer Clear” safety program that involves keeping a log of driving habits.
“We try to make the program available to everybody we can get a hold of,” said Blake Harrell, a local State Farm agent. Harrell said insurance companies indeed are stepping up efforts to get young customers.
“People want future clients,” he said. “If Mom and Dad die and Junior is not already on the books, he will go somewhere else. We’ll take losses with the idea of getting future clients.”
Harrell said the log that drivers keep poses questions they must answer after taking trips. They may have to comment on whether they were distracted at any time during the drive, how many passengers they were carrying or whether they used a cell phone.
State Farm also offers a driver’s training discount of 10 percent and a good student discount of 15 percent.
A company called Safeco has rolled out its “Teensurance” program for drivers typically up to age 25. It offers as much as a 15 percent discount for participants who pay $15 a month for a satellite-tracking service that traces young drivers. Safeco pays for the equipment.
“We think it’s a great idea. It just hasn’t taken off in Texas, possibly because they haven’t pushed it very hard here,” said Don McKinney at Brazos Valley Insurance Agency in Waco.
He offers Safeco products, including “Teensurance.”
A company called Fireman’s Fund has a “Youthful Driver” program for young adult drivers, and it is available in Texas.
It allows young adults to qualify for their parents’ discounts and credits until they reach their 27th birthday. By that time, if they have kept their record clean, their premiums should decline.
Continued...
State Farm, the nation’s largest automobile insurer, has been offering discounts up to 15 percent for drivers under age 25 in most states who take part in its “Steer Clear” safety program that involves keeping a log of driving habits.
“We try to make the program available to everybody we can get a hold of,” said Blake Harrell, a local State Farm agent. Harrell said insurance companies indeed are stepping up efforts to get young customers.
“People want future clients,” he said. “If Mom and Dad die and Junior is not already on the books, he will go somewhere else. We’ll take losses with the idea of getting future clients.”
Harrell said the log that drivers keep poses questions they must answer after taking trips. They may have to comment on whether they were distracted at any time during the drive, how many passengers they were carrying or whether they used a cell phone.
State Farm also offers a driver’s training discount of 10 percent and a good student discount of 15 percent.
A company called Safeco has rolled out its “Teensurance” program for drivers typically up to age 25. It offers as much as a 15 percent discount for participants who pay $15 a month for a satellite-tracking service that traces young drivers. Safeco pays for the equipment.
“We think it’s a great idea. It just hasn’t taken off in Texas, possibly because they haven’t pushed it very hard here,” said Don McKinney at Brazos Valley Insurance Agency in Waco.
He offers Safeco products, including “Teensurance.”
A company called Fireman’s Fund has a “Youthful Driver” program for young adult drivers, and it is available in Texas.
It allows young adults to qualify for their parents’ discounts and credits until they reach their 27th birthday. By that time, if they have kept their record clean, their premiums should decline.
Continued...
Monday, October 13, 2008
Insurance companies more willing to take risks on young drivers
By Mike Copeland
Insurance companies used to avoid teenage drivers, fearing they would prove a costly headache with their accidents and immature driving.
But things are changing.
Insurance agents say they now are offering discounts to teenagers and other young drivers, hoping to attract their business. That’s something unheard of a few years ago.
The move comes amid greater competition among insurance companies, and at a time that young drivers are not quite the risk they once were for a variety of reasons.
Many states, including Texas, have placed restrictions on teenage drivers. Some can’t drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., or they can’t have a cell phone or other mechanical device in the car. Others can’t pack their cars with other teenagers.
Some parents are getting involved. They’re investing in the latest in monitoring systems to watch their youngsters drive.
Something called the DriveCam, for example, can record what’s going on inside a car and the view outside through the windshield.
Ricky Palmer sells security and tracking systems at a Waco company called Shades Custom Tint. He offers a GPS-like vehicle tracking system called Street Eagle that monitors the location and speed of a vehicle. It even can be used to shut down a car.
These movements can be watched on the Internet by anyone with the correct log-in information, Palmer said.
“We sell these for a lot of different reasons,” Palmer said. “Some parents are looking to track kids, but most of our business involves installing the systems in fleet cars.”
Palmer said the system costs $350 plus a monthly fee that varies with usage.
Continued...
The system can greatly help the parents monitor their kids while they drive. On the other hand, for the insurance companies, this is a good opportunity to market on young drivers with the system already available in the market.
Insurance companies used to avoid teenage drivers, fearing they would prove a costly headache with their accidents and immature driving.
But things are changing.
Insurance agents say they now are offering discounts to teenagers and other young drivers, hoping to attract their business. That’s something unheard of a few years ago.
The move comes amid greater competition among insurance companies, and at a time that young drivers are not quite the risk they once were for a variety of reasons.
Many states, including Texas, have placed restrictions on teenage drivers. Some can’t drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., or they can’t have a cell phone or other mechanical device in the car. Others can’t pack their cars with other teenagers.
Some parents are getting involved. They’re investing in the latest in monitoring systems to watch their youngsters drive.
Something called the DriveCam, for example, can record what’s going on inside a car and the view outside through the windshield.
Ricky Palmer sells security and tracking systems at a Waco company called Shades Custom Tint. He offers a GPS-like vehicle tracking system called Street Eagle that monitors the location and speed of a vehicle. It even can be used to shut down a car.
These movements can be watched on the Internet by anyone with the correct log-in information, Palmer said.
“We sell these for a lot of different reasons,” Palmer said. “Some parents are looking to track kids, but most of our business involves installing the systems in fleet cars.”
Palmer said the system costs $350 plus a monthly fee that varies with usage.
Continued...
The system can greatly help the parents monitor their kids while they drive. On the other hand, for the insurance companies, this is a good opportunity to market on young drivers with the system already available in the market.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Financial News
Students told to inform car insurance companies of circumstances
Students are being urged to inform insurers of any changes in circumstances to avoid invalidating policies.
Mike Powell from Defaqto has stated that those moving away to university must inform their motor insurance provider of where their car will be parked.
He commented: "Failing to do this may mean that your insurer could refuse to deal with any claim made under the policy."
Students should also make the necessary amendments to their vehicle registration documents as this is a legal requirement, he added.
Recently, a study by the Children's Mutual discovered that youngsters as young as 11 have already started saving for university.
They are doing so because they have seen older relatives struggling to handle student debt, the research claimed.
Furthermore, it showed that 78 per cent of parents think the credit crunch has affected their ability to financially support their children through higher education.
The children should be taught on how to save for their education. Teaching them the value of saving at a young age will enable them to inculcate the value until they reach adulthood. They will become responsible individuals.
Students are being urged to inform insurers of any changes in circumstances to avoid invalidating policies.
Mike Powell from Defaqto has stated that those moving away to university must inform their motor insurance provider of where their car will be parked.
He commented: "Failing to do this may mean that your insurer could refuse to deal with any claim made under the policy."
Students should also make the necessary amendments to their vehicle registration documents as this is a legal requirement, he added.
Recently, a study by the Children's Mutual discovered that youngsters as young as 11 have already started saving for university.
They are doing so because they have seen older relatives struggling to handle student debt, the research claimed.
Furthermore, it showed that 78 per cent of parents think the credit crunch has affected their ability to financially support their children through higher education.
The children should be taught on how to save for their education. Teaching them the value of saving at a young age will enable them to inculcate the value until they reach adulthood. They will become responsible individuals.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Car Choice: Sensible student wltm cheap little mover with good mpg
James Ruppert
Harry Barton, 22, is a student in Dundee who works part time. He wants a three-door hatchback that's diesel powered, cheap to run and to buy.
This is what every motorist wants these days: a small, economical car that costs buttons to run. So we will do our best to recommend small and cheap vehicles, but I do have an issue with the fact that the car must be diesel. There are some tiny petrol engines that are almost as economical and, significantly, will be cheaper to buy than a diesel. Some of the older diesels which have the old technology can be very sluggish and may need more servicing than a well-looked-after petrol, so Harry should bear this in mind. As Harry is a student, insurance is always going to be an issue, never mind the cost of servicing and repairs. Ideally, £1,000 should be put to one side, and the only way to reduce such a high sum is to find a car in a low insurance group which is cheap to buy in the first place. Trouble is that everyone is after these sorts of vehicles, which means that values have been on the rise, especially if Harry is buying in and around Dundee where there are not as many cars around as in the South-east.
A car for the head
Keeping it simple and basic is the key here, and ideally Harry should find himself a 1.0 litre Vauxhall Corsa. Here is a tiny engine that can return pretty much 50mpg, provided Harry drives sensibly. Best of all, the most basic versions will fall comfortably into the lowest insurance group, number one. Although this would be the old Corsa, it is still good to drive and does not feel out of place on the motorway.
Inside, the driving position is very good, with a good view out and plenty of storage options and a very large boot. There won't be many extras on the Corsa, but I doubt that will bother Harry because power steering means he will finding parking a doddle. Here is the driving school favourite that is easy to live with and cheap to run.
However, Harry now has to go out and find one, for, say, £1,500 or so. I searched in a 30-mile radius of Dundee and found just six Corsas that answered the basic description, which included examples from 2006, which may not be in Harry's budget. The cheapest was an 80,000-mile, year 2000 example for £895. The next cheapest was £2,650.
Continued...
Harry Barton, 22, is a student in Dundee who works part time. He wants a three-door hatchback that's diesel powered, cheap to run and to buy.
This is what every motorist wants these days: a small, economical car that costs buttons to run. So we will do our best to recommend small and cheap vehicles, but I do have an issue with the fact that the car must be diesel. There are some tiny petrol engines that are almost as economical and, significantly, will be cheaper to buy than a diesel. Some of the older diesels which have the old technology can be very sluggish and may need more servicing than a well-looked-after petrol, so Harry should bear this in mind. As Harry is a student, insurance is always going to be an issue, never mind the cost of servicing and repairs. Ideally, £1,000 should be put to one side, and the only way to reduce such a high sum is to find a car in a low insurance group which is cheap to buy in the first place. Trouble is that everyone is after these sorts of vehicles, which means that values have been on the rise, especially if Harry is buying in and around Dundee where there are not as many cars around as in the South-east.
A car for the head
Keeping it simple and basic is the key here, and ideally Harry should find himself a 1.0 litre Vauxhall Corsa. Here is a tiny engine that can return pretty much 50mpg, provided Harry drives sensibly. Best of all, the most basic versions will fall comfortably into the lowest insurance group, number one. Although this would be the old Corsa, it is still good to drive and does not feel out of place on the motorway.
Inside, the driving position is very good, with a good view out and plenty of storage options and a very large boot. There won't be many extras on the Corsa, but I doubt that will bother Harry because power steering means he will finding parking a doddle. Here is the driving school favourite that is easy to live with and cheap to run.
However, Harry now has to go out and find one, for, say, £1,500 or so. I searched in a 30-mile radius of Dundee and found just six Corsas that answered the basic description, which included examples from 2006, which may not be in Harry's budget. The cheapest was an 80,000-mile, year 2000 example for £895. The next cheapest was £2,650.
Continued...
Friday, October 10, 2008
Car Choice: Sensible student wltm cheap little mover with good mpg
James Ruppert
A car for the heart
I know that Harry is not much bothered by whether the car makes his heart beat just that bit quicker. However, there is an alternative to the Corsa, which is made by Ford and isn't a Fiesta. Actually it is even better and smaller than that: it is a Ka. This model has recently been discontinued, but it still looks very contemporary and it has always been interesting to drive and cheap to run.
However, the fuel consumption is good rather than great, but 42.2mpg overall is not too bad. The most basic Ka will certainly be perfect for Harry, but he should be aware that the early versions did not have power steering as standard. Otherwise around town the Ka is easy to live with, and on the open road – and there are plenty of open roads around Dundee – this model is very much at home. It feels sporty and sharp, and for such a small car it is surprisingly refined.
The great news is that there are more than 30 Kas available in Harry's area, but the problem is that the starting price is £1,995. That buys a 2001 with 93,000 miles.
This is a good option in this time of economic recession.
A car for the heart
I know that Harry is not much bothered by whether the car makes his heart beat just that bit quicker. However, there is an alternative to the Corsa, which is made by Ford and isn't a Fiesta. Actually it is even better and smaller than that: it is a Ka. This model has recently been discontinued, but it still looks very contemporary and it has always been interesting to drive and cheap to run.
However, the fuel consumption is good rather than great, but 42.2mpg overall is not too bad. The most basic Ka will certainly be perfect for Harry, but he should be aware that the early versions did not have power steering as standard. Otherwise around town the Ka is easy to live with, and on the open road – and there are plenty of open roads around Dundee – this model is very much at home. It feels sporty and sharp, and for such a small car it is surprisingly refined.
The great news is that there are more than 30 Kas available in Harry's area, but the problem is that the starting price is £1,995. That buys a 2001 with 93,000 miles.
This is a good option in this time of economic recession.
Q&A Insurance questions: Here are some answers
By PURVA PATEL
Q: If I make temporary repairs without running it by my insurance company first, will I still be reimbursed?
A: Insurance policies usually require policyholders to make repairs necessary to prevent further damage, such as temporary roof repairs.
Prior authorization is generally not required, Nicholson said. But trouble occurs if the property owner incurs a large bill for temporary repairs, and the insurance company disagrees that the temporary repair was necessary or doesn't think the cost was reasonable.
For instance, some contractors may charge as much for a temporary repair as a permanent repair. If that happens, the insurance company will probably refuse to pay for the temporary repair and the homeowner will be left with the bill, she said.
To be on the safe side, she suggests getting the insurance company to authorize repairs in advance and give you an estimate.
Q: I live in Galveston, and I called in my claim but couldn't get in to photograph damage until recently. Replacement costs must be recovered within a certain time limit. When does the clock start: When I called in the claim, when an adjuster shows up at my house, when I start permanent repairs or some other time?
A: Most policies first pay actual cash value — how much it would cost to replace the house after accounting for depreciation. When you get that initial payment to start repairs, that's when the clock starts ticking, Mostyn said. Insurers usually pay the rest of the replacement cost funds once the house is actually repaired or replaced. Homeowners usually have 12 months under most policies to complete the repairs, he said. Many policies also grant an extra six months if a policyholder makes a request in writing.
Q: My power went out at my business. Can I be reimbursed for lost income?
A: Generally, if you have business interruption coverage you should be able to recover lost income, but it will be subject to your windstorm deductible if hurricane winds caused the damage, Williams said. Coverage usually only applies if you had physical damage to your property.
If you bought special coverage for loss of power "off premises," you may also have coverage. But that coverage depends on whether the power outage was caused by downed transmission lines or direct damage to a generating station; sometimes power outages caused by downed lines are excluded. If they're covered, there's often a limit on how far from your business the downed lines are before they're excluded and then there may be a waiting period and/or deductible that would apply depending on what the policy specifies.
Q: Will my auto insurance cover something that fell on my car or flood damage to my car?
A: It will if you have "other than collision coverage," also called comprehensive coverage, on your policy, the Texas Department of Insurance said. This information can be found on your policy's declarations page.
This is a great help. Many may have the same questions.
Source
Q: If I make temporary repairs without running it by my insurance company first, will I still be reimbursed?
A: Insurance policies usually require policyholders to make repairs necessary to prevent further damage, such as temporary roof repairs.
Prior authorization is generally not required, Nicholson said. But trouble occurs if the property owner incurs a large bill for temporary repairs, and the insurance company disagrees that the temporary repair was necessary or doesn't think the cost was reasonable.
For instance, some contractors may charge as much for a temporary repair as a permanent repair. If that happens, the insurance company will probably refuse to pay for the temporary repair and the homeowner will be left with the bill, she said.
To be on the safe side, she suggests getting the insurance company to authorize repairs in advance and give you an estimate.
Q: I live in Galveston, and I called in my claim but couldn't get in to photograph damage until recently. Replacement costs must be recovered within a certain time limit. When does the clock start: When I called in the claim, when an adjuster shows up at my house, when I start permanent repairs or some other time?
A: Most policies first pay actual cash value — how much it would cost to replace the house after accounting for depreciation. When you get that initial payment to start repairs, that's when the clock starts ticking, Mostyn said. Insurers usually pay the rest of the replacement cost funds once the house is actually repaired or replaced. Homeowners usually have 12 months under most policies to complete the repairs, he said. Many policies also grant an extra six months if a policyholder makes a request in writing.
Q: My power went out at my business. Can I be reimbursed for lost income?
A: Generally, if you have business interruption coverage you should be able to recover lost income, but it will be subject to your windstorm deductible if hurricane winds caused the damage, Williams said. Coverage usually only applies if you had physical damage to your property.
If you bought special coverage for loss of power "off premises," you may also have coverage. But that coverage depends on whether the power outage was caused by downed transmission lines or direct damage to a generating station; sometimes power outages caused by downed lines are excluded. If they're covered, there's often a limit on how far from your business the downed lines are before they're excluded and then there may be a waiting period and/or deductible that would apply depending on what the policy specifies.
Q: Will my auto insurance cover something that fell on my car or flood damage to my car?
A: It will if you have "other than collision coverage," also called comprehensive coverage, on your policy, the Texas Department of Insurance said. This information can be found on your policy's declarations page.
This is a great help. Many may have the same questions.
Source
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Q&A Insurance questions: Here are some answers
By PURVA PATEL
Q: Will I get reimbursed for not being able to live in my house?
A: Most homeowner policies provide living expenses — called "additional living expenses" on policies — to pay for the increased costs of being out of your home because it's uninhabitable.
This could include hotel bills, additional travel, additional meal costs, boarding of pets, long-distance calls or any costs that you wouldn't normally incur, said Steve Mostyn, a Houston attorney who represents consumers. You may even have reimbursable expenses while living in the house, for example, if your kitchen was destroyed, forcing you to eat out.
Some policies will pay if you don't have damage but can't live in your house because of a power outage or an evacuation order — though that's rare.
Usually the home must be uninhabitable because of physical damage from something you're insured for, such as a hurricane or fire. So if your house was flooded — which most private home insurance policies don't cover — you may not be able to get any living expenses from your home insurer. If wind damaged your home, you'll likely get paid by the company you have your windstorm coverage with, Mostyn said.
Policies issued by the government-backed National Flood Insurance Program won't pay for living expenses.
Q: Can I get paid for loss of use?
A: Loss-of-use coverage typically applies when the home is used to generate income and that income is lost because of something you're insured for, such as a hurricane or fire, said Chris Martin, a Houston attorney who represents insurers. For example, he said, the owner of a rental house can get the rent value if the tenants have to move out because of damage.
Q: Why is my deductible so high?
A: Many homeowners policies have had separate deductibles for wind damage since Hurricane Andrew pummeled South Florida in 1992, but in recent years they've been transitioning from flat amounts to a percentage of a home's insured value.
A hurricane deductible applies to wind damage from Hurricane Ike in coastal areas, according to the Insurance Information Institute, an industry trade group. Depending on the policy, hurricane deductibles usually vary between 1 and 15 percent of the amount the property is insured for.
If you live on the coast and are insured by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, deductibles range from a standard 1 percent to 5 percent, though policyholders also could have selected a $100 or $250 flat deductible.
Q: Should I get a public adjuster?
A: A public adjuster is an insurance claims adjuster that policyholders can hire to represent them, helping through the claims process, presenting their case to the insurer and doing follow-up. They can help fill the gap between what a policyholder knows and what the insurance adjuster knows, said Mark Kincaid, an insurance attorney in Austin representing consumers.
But they can't argue about what a policy legally covers, he said.
The cost also comes out of your pocket — usually based on a percentage of the claims payment you receive — so it may not be worth it on a small claim. You could also hurt your relationship with your insurance company come renewal time by bringing in your own expert, so it may be something you'd want to consider after working with your insurance company's adjuster first, said Joe Williams, a risk management consultant in Houston.
Continued...
Q: Will I get reimbursed for not being able to live in my house?
A: Most homeowner policies provide living expenses — called "additional living expenses" on policies — to pay for the increased costs of being out of your home because it's uninhabitable.
This could include hotel bills, additional travel, additional meal costs, boarding of pets, long-distance calls or any costs that you wouldn't normally incur, said Steve Mostyn, a Houston attorney who represents consumers. You may even have reimbursable expenses while living in the house, for example, if your kitchen was destroyed, forcing you to eat out.
Some policies will pay if you don't have damage but can't live in your house because of a power outage or an evacuation order — though that's rare.
Usually the home must be uninhabitable because of physical damage from something you're insured for, such as a hurricane or fire. So if your house was flooded — which most private home insurance policies don't cover — you may not be able to get any living expenses from your home insurer. If wind damaged your home, you'll likely get paid by the company you have your windstorm coverage with, Mostyn said.
Policies issued by the government-backed National Flood Insurance Program won't pay for living expenses.
Q: Can I get paid for loss of use?
A: Loss-of-use coverage typically applies when the home is used to generate income and that income is lost because of something you're insured for, such as a hurricane or fire, said Chris Martin, a Houston attorney who represents insurers. For example, he said, the owner of a rental house can get the rent value if the tenants have to move out because of damage.
Q: Why is my deductible so high?
A: Many homeowners policies have had separate deductibles for wind damage since Hurricane Andrew pummeled South Florida in 1992, but in recent years they've been transitioning from flat amounts to a percentage of a home's insured value.
A hurricane deductible applies to wind damage from Hurricane Ike in coastal areas, according to the Insurance Information Institute, an industry trade group. Depending on the policy, hurricane deductibles usually vary between 1 and 15 percent of the amount the property is insured for.
If you live on the coast and are insured by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, deductibles range from a standard 1 percent to 5 percent, though policyholders also could have selected a $100 or $250 flat deductible.
Q: Should I get a public adjuster?
A: A public adjuster is an insurance claims adjuster that policyholders can hire to represent them, helping through the claims process, presenting their case to the insurer and doing follow-up. They can help fill the gap between what a policyholder knows and what the insurance adjuster knows, said Mark Kincaid, an insurance attorney in Austin representing consumers.
But they can't argue about what a policy legally covers, he said.
The cost also comes out of your pocket — usually based on a percentage of the claims payment you receive — so it may not be worth it on a small claim. You could also hurt your relationship with your insurance company come renewal time by bringing in your own expert, so it may be something you'd want to consider after working with your insurance company's adjuster first, said Joe Williams, a risk management consultant in Houston.
Continued...
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Q&A Insurance questions: Here are some answers
By PURVA PATEL
As homeowners start the claims process, they're asking a lot of questions about what's covered.
The Chronicle surveyed attorneys, the Texas Department of Insurance and other insurance experts to answer some common questions.
The answers are general in nature and can vary from policy to policy, so readers should closely read their insurance policies and talk to their agents to verify coverage:
Q: I had to throw away food at my house. Can I be reimbursed or claim that on my deductible?
A: Some policies specifically cover or exclude the loss of refrigerated or frozen food due to a power outage, said Tina Nicholson, a Houston attorney who represents policyholders. If the policy doesn't specify, she suggests adding the value of the food to your claim as damage to "contents" or "personal property."
"More than likely, the value of your lost food, standing alone, will be less than your deductible," she said. "If you add that loss to your contents or personal property claim, it will help to meet your deductible."
Q: Will insurance reimburse me for the time I spent cleaning?
A: Your time has value, and you should be reimbursed for the time you spent cleaning or removing debris as you would have otherwise paid someone to do it, Nicholson said. So log how much time you spent cleaning up and what you did.
Many insurance companies will balk at paying you for your time, she said, but you don't have to accept the company's argument that it can't put a value on your time.
"They have special estimating programs that tell them exactly how much someone in the area would charge for that work," she said. "It may be a good idea to call around and find out how much a company would charge you for cleaning or debris removal."
How successful a homeowner is may depend on how many and which other points they dispute with the insurer.
"Once you're disputing a claim, at that point everything becomes a negotiation," she said.
Continued...
This is very helpful.
As homeowners start the claims process, they're asking a lot of questions about what's covered.
The Chronicle surveyed attorneys, the Texas Department of Insurance and other insurance experts to answer some common questions.
The answers are general in nature and can vary from policy to policy, so readers should closely read their insurance policies and talk to their agents to verify coverage:
Q: I had to throw away food at my house. Can I be reimbursed or claim that on my deductible?
A: Some policies specifically cover or exclude the loss of refrigerated or frozen food due to a power outage, said Tina Nicholson, a Houston attorney who represents policyholders. If the policy doesn't specify, she suggests adding the value of the food to your claim as damage to "contents" or "personal property."
"More than likely, the value of your lost food, standing alone, will be less than your deductible," she said. "If you add that loss to your contents or personal property claim, it will help to meet your deductible."
Q: Will insurance reimburse me for the time I spent cleaning?
A: Your time has value, and you should be reimbursed for the time you spent cleaning or removing debris as you would have otherwise paid someone to do it, Nicholson said. So log how much time you spent cleaning up and what you did.
Many insurance companies will balk at paying you for your time, she said, but you don't have to accept the company's argument that it can't put a value on your time.
"They have special estimating programs that tell them exactly how much someone in the area would charge for that work," she said. "It may be a good idea to call around and find out how much a company would charge you for cleaning or debris removal."
How successful a homeowner is may depend on how many and which other points they dispute with the insurer.
"Once you're disputing a claim, at that point everything becomes a negotiation," she said.
Continued...
This is very helpful.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Car Insurance Megastore Helps Consumers Avoid the Credit Crunch
The Car Insurance Megastore is also proud to offer an interest free scheme for a short term repayment plan. So if you are in the market for a new car insurance policy, you would be wise to visit The Car Insurance Megastore compare.com website for the latest savings and low interest rates on all of their policies.
The Car Insurance Megastore unique compare.com type pricing structure ensures that you not only get a fair quote but that you also have many options for your repayments ranging from 0% up to a modest 12.5% APR on your policy repayments. Also providing a full policy information specification sheet prior to committing to a purchase, makes The Car Insurance Megastore stand out from the ever increasing crowd of high street and direct insurance providers and the typical compare.com type websites which so often frequent our television screens and the media.
For fair and truly transparent car insurance quotes and policies, contact The Car Insurance Megastore today and save money on your car insurance and your monthly repayments.
A visit to the Car Insurance Megastore is highly recommended.
Source
The Car Insurance Megastore unique compare.com type pricing structure ensures that you not only get a fair quote but that you also have many options for your repayments ranging from 0% up to a modest 12.5% APR on your policy repayments. Also providing a full policy information specification sheet prior to committing to a purchase, makes The Car Insurance Megastore stand out from the ever increasing crowd of high street and direct insurance providers and the typical compare.com type websites which so often frequent our television screens and the media.
For fair and truly transparent car insurance quotes and policies, contact The Car Insurance Megastore today and save money on your car insurance and your monthly repayments.
A visit to the Car Insurance Megastore is highly recommended.
Source
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Car Insurance Megastore Helps Consumers Avoid the Credit Crunch
The Car Insurance Megastore's massive reduction of interest rates has created quite a stir in the market place and other high street and direct insurers with such great overheads are having great difficulty in matching such a low interest rate, less than half that of many of the major insurers and compare.com type websites.
Here at The Car Insurance Megastore, we urge all car insurance shoppers to check not only the initial quote of the car insurance policy, but also the interest rate and monthly repayments as it is quite common for mainstream insurers to hide a substantial amount of profit within the interest rates themselves. Many high street, direct and compare.com type insurers keep the initial cost of the car insurance quote to a minimum to coax the client into purchasing and then increase the interest rates of the monthly repayments.
Many of the UK's lowest quoters refrain from boasting about their high interest rates of 28% which if paying your insurance repayments over a full year can increase that quote by almost a third. Which means that possibly they may not have been the lowest quote after all when considering the interest rates paid over that year. Continued...
This is great!!!
Here at The Car Insurance Megastore, we urge all car insurance shoppers to check not only the initial quote of the car insurance policy, but also the interest rate and monthly repayments as it is quite common for mainstream insurers to hide a substantial amount of profit within the interest rates themselves. Many high street, direct and compare.com type insurers keep the initial cost of the car insurance quote to a minimum to coax the client into purchasing and then increase the interest rates of the monthly repayments.
Many of the UK's lowest quoters refrain from boasting about their high interest rates of 28% which if paying your insurance repayments over a full year can increase that quote by almost a third. Which means that possibly they may not have been the lowest quote after all when considering the interest rates paid over that year. Continued...
This is great!!!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The Car Insurance Megastore Helps Consumers Avoid the Credit Crunch
The Car Insurance Megastore compare.com website avoids the credit crunch on huge interest charges. Consumers are already feeling the continuous battle to gain cheaper car insurance and then the added pain of having to pay over the odds for there cheap car insurance quote over monthly instalments. The Car Insurance Megastore compare.com website have now revealed that they are reducing their interest rates on monthly car insurance payments to 12.5%, compared to some insurers with whopping interest rates of 28% and above, The Car Insurance Megastore can now save you even more money.
The Car Insurance Megastore compare.com type website avoids the credit crunch on huge interest charges. Consumers are already feeling the continuous battle to gain cheaper car insurance and then the added pain of having to pay over the odds for there cheap car insurance quote over monthly instalments. The Car Insurance Megastore compare.com website have now revealed that they are reducing their interest rates on monthly car insurance payments to 12.5%, compared to some insurers with whopping interest rates of 28% and above, The Car Insurance Megastore can now save you even more money.
Continued...
The Car Insurance Megastore compare.com type website avoids the credit crunch on huge interest charges. Consumers are already feeling the continuous battle to gain cheaper car insurance and then the added pain of having to pay over the odds for there cheap car insurance quote over monthly instalments. The Car Insurance Megastore compare.com website have now revealed that they are reducing their interest rates on monthly car insurance payments to 12.5%, compared to some insurers with whopping interest rates of 28% and above, The Car Insurance Megastore can now save you even more money.
Continued...
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Dubuque woman on cell phone hits patrol car
A Dubuque woman is facing several charges after she allegedly hit a sheriff's deputy's patrol car while talking on her cell phone.
Officials with the Dubuque County sheriff's office says the deputy's car was blocking an intersection with its emergency lights on while firefighters fought a house fire when Jasmine Fallen approached the intersection. The deputy told Fallen to get off her phone but she didn't.
When she began to turn left she hit the door of the deputy's car.
Fallen is charged with failure to maintain control, not having insurance and failure to properly restrain a child.
This applies to all. We should be responsible enough. When using the cellphone, park the car and answer it.
Officials with the Dubuque County sheriff's office says the deputy's car was blocking an intersection with its emergency lights on while firefighters fought a house fire when Jasmine Fallen approached the intersection. The deputy told Fallen to get off her phone but she didn't.
When she began to turn left she hit the door of the deputy's car.
Fallen is charged with failure to maintain control, not having insurance and failure to properly restrain a child.
This applies to all. We should be responsible enough. When using the cellphone, park the car and answer it.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Financial crisis: What you should know
Crisis sparks confusion, questions about personal finance
By Allison Linn
Here’s what you should know about how the crisis might affect your personal finances.
Consumer credit
For many Americans, the credit crunch that is a key factor in the current financial crisis has been a relatively abstract idea, affecting mainly large financial institutions. As the crisis unfolds, economists say we could start to see more of an impact on people’s everyday lives.
Consumers who are trying to borrow money for a new car or new home, for example, might find it harder and more expensive to get a loan. Some might find it tougher to get a new credit card, said David Wyss, chief economist with Standard and Poor’s.
People who already have credit cards likely won’t see much change, although Wyss said some credit card companies are starting to reduce credit lines for riskier clients.
“They’re getting tougher on who they lend money to,” he said.
Bethune said those conditions could get even worse now that the bailout is up in the air.
Business credit
Economists are watching closely to see if the credit crunch is going to make it harder for small- and midsized business owners to borrow money.
That, in turn, could crimp their ability to do business, leading to layoffs and affecting related businesses. It also could make it tougher for entrepreneurs to find money for starting new businesses.
Mortgages
The crisis on Wall Street shouldn’t have a direct impact on people who are paying their mortgages on time.
If you are seeking to refinance your mortgage or take out a second mortgage, however, you may find it to be more difficult, if not impossible, because of stricter lending requirements.
Source
By Allison Linn
Here’s what you should know about how the crisis might affect your personal finances.
Consumer credit
For many Americans, the credit crunch that is a key factor in the current financial crisis has been a relatively abstract idea, affecting mainly large financial institutions. As the crisis unfolds, economists say we could start to see more of an impact on people’s everyday lives.
Consumers who are trying to borrow money for a new car or new home, for example, might find it harder and more expensive to get a loan. Some might find it tougher to get a new credit card, said David Wyss, chief economist with Standard and Poor’s.
People who already have credit cards likely won’t see much change, although Wyss said some credit card companies are starting to reduce credit lines for riskier clients.
“They’re getting tougher on who they lend money to,” he said.
Bethune said those conditions could get even worse now that the bailout is up in the air.
Business credit
Economists are watching closely to see if the credit crunch is going to make it harder for small- and midsized business owners to borrow money.
That, in turn, could crimp their ability to do business, leading to layoffs and affecting related businesses. It also could make it tougher for entrepreneurs to find money for starting new businesses.
Mortgages
The crisis on Wall Street shouldn’t have a direct impact on people who are paying their mortgages on time.
If you are seeking to refinance your mortgage or take out a second mortgage, however, you may find it to be more difficult, if not impossible, because of stricter lending requirements.
Source
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Financial crisis: What you should know
Crisis sparks confusion, questions about personal finance
By Allison Linn
Here’s what you should know about how the crisis might affect your personal finances.
Brokerage accounts
While most of us expect to see gains and losses as a result of investing in the stock market, some have raised concerns about what happens if the company that holds your investments runs into trouble.
If you are concerned, check to see whether your firm is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corp., or SIPC. Created by Congress in 1970, SIPC covers investors for up to $500,000 in the event a brokerage fails or securities are stolen.
It’s important to note that this does NOT protect people whose investment portfolios lose value because of drops in the market or bad investments. That’s because investing in stocks and bonds is considered to be a risky endeavor, with upsides and downsides.
“They’re not guaranteeing the value of the stock,” said Barry Ritholtz, chief executive of the research firm FusionIQ and author of the forthcoming book “Bailout Nation.” “They’re guaranteeing $500,000 against the company going belly up.”
Some brokerage firms also have supplemental insurance for certain investments, should their brokerage fail.
Money markets
Money market funds often have been considered a safe haven for stashing cash that you don’t want in riskier investments, such as stocks. Recent troubles at one large money market fund sparked concerns that even these investments — considered by some to be safe as cash —are not completely secure.
Hoping to quell the anxiety, the Treasury Department recently stepped in to provide guarantees for money market funds, using a Depression-era fund to back them.
Mutual fund firms, also, have taken steps to comfort worried investors, including disclosing money market fund holdings and posting information about their investment decision-making.
Russ Kinnel, director of mutual fund research with Morningstar, said the best way to assure that your money is safe in a money market fund is to choose a relatively large, low-cost fund from a large company. Those steps should make it less likely the fund will make riskier investments, and more likely that the firm itself will make investors whole should the fund “break the buck,” or fall below the target of $1 per share.
Continued...
By Allison Linn
Here’s what you should know about how the crisis might affect your personal finances.
Brokerage accounts
While most of us expect to see gains and losses as a result of investing in the stock market, some have raised concerns about what happens if the company that holds your investments runs into trouble.
If you are concerned, check to see whether your firm is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corp., or SIPC. Created by Congress in 1970, SIPC covers investors for up to $500,000 in the event a brokerage fails or securities are stolen.
It’s important to note that this does NOT protect people whose investment portfolios lose value because of drops in the market or bad investments. That’s because investing in stocks and bonds is considered to be a risky endeavor, with upsides and downsides.
“They’re not guaranteeing the value of the stock,” said Barry Ritholtz, chief executive of the research firm FusionIQ and author of the forthcoming book “Bailout Nation.” “They’re guaranteeing $500,000 against the company going belly up.”
Some brokerage firms also have supplemental insurance for certain investments, should their brokerage fail.
Money markets
Money market funds often have been considered a safe haven for stashing cash that you don’t want in riskier investments, such as stocks. Recent troubles at one large money market fund sparked concerns that even these investments — considered by some to be safe as cash —are not completely secure.
Hoping to quell the anxiety, the Treasury Department recently stepped in to provide guarantees for money market funds, using a Depression-era fund to back them.
Mutual fund firms, also, have taken steps to comfort worried investors, including disclosing money market fund holdings and posting information about their investment decision-making.
Russ Kinnel, director of mutual fund research with Morningstar, said the best way to assure that your money is safe in a money market fund is to choose a relatively large, low-cost fund from a large company. Those steps should make it less likely the fund will make riskier investments, and more likely that the firm itself will make investors whole should the fund “break the buck,” or fall below the target of $1 per share.
Continued...
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Financial crisis: What you should know
Crisis sparks confusion, questions about personal finance
By Allison Linn
Here’s what you should know about how the crisis might affect your personal finances.
Checking and savings accounts
News that major banks including Washington Mutual and Wachovia have been pulled down by the crisis has sparked fears about whether Americans should trust their banking institutions to stay solvent.
Most banks are expected to continue functioning normally. Still, it pays to take a few simple steps to protect your assets in the event of a bank failure.
First, make sure that your bank is backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., better known as the FDIC. If your bank is a member of FDIC, then your individual accounts will be insured for up to $100,000, and your joint accounts should be insured for up to $200,000.
If you bank with a credit union, make sure that it is insured under the National Credit Union Insurance Fund, which provides similar protections for credit union account holders.
Retirement investments
The FDIC also provides coverage of up to $250,000 for certain retirement accounts, such as IRAs that are held in FDIC-insured financial institutions. If you have more than $100,000, it pays to check out the FDIC's online deposit insurance estimator.
Continued...
By Allison Linn
Here’s what you should know about how the crisis might affect your personal finances.
Checking and savings accounts
News that major banks including Washington Mutual and Wachovia have been pulled down by the crisis has sparked fears about whether Americans should trust their banking institutions to stay solvent.
Most banks are expected to continue functioning normally. Still, it pays to take a few simple steps to protect your assets in the event of a bank failure.
First, make sure that your bank is backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., better known as the FDIC. If your bank is a member of FDIC, then your individual accounts will be insured for up to $100,000, and your joint accounts should be insured for up to $200,000.
If you bank with a credit union, make sure that it is insured under the National Credit Union Insurance Fund, which provides similar protections for credit union account holders.
Retirement investments
The FDIC also provides coverage of up to $250,000 for certain retirement accounts, such as IRAs that are held in FDIC-insured financial institutions. If you have more than $100,000, it pays to check out the FDIC's online deposit insurance estimator.
Continued...
Monday, September 29, 2008
Financial crisis: What you should know
Crisis sparks confusion, questions about personal finance
By Allison Linn
The financial crisis that has gripped the country for the past two weeks has already created widespread confusion about what these problems might mean for ordinary Americans.
Now, news that Congress failed to pass a hotly contested financial bailout package is leaving some people even more uncertain about how their personal finances might be affected.
While the bailout is principally aimed at the financial system, the impact of not passing it could be felt throughout the economy.
"Don't expect things to get better in the next while," said Brian Bethune, U.S. economist with Global Insight. "The underlying economic conditions are not good, and this is not going to help." Continued...
By Allison Linn
The financial crisis that has gripped the country for the past two weeks has already created widespread confusion about what these problems might mean for ordinary Americans.
Now, news that Congress failed to pass a hotly contested financial bailout package is leaving some people even more uncertain about how their personal finances might be affected.
While the bailout is principally aimed at the financial system, the impact of not passing it could be felt throughout the economy.
"Don't expect things to get better in the next while," said Brian Bethune, U.S. economist with Global Insight. "The underlying economic conditions are not good, and this is not going to help." Continued...
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Scent of fraud in post-Gustav air
Costly cars parked in suspicious places
By RYAN LaFONTAINE
If you live above Interstate 10 in an area that rarely floods, what's your new sport-utility vehicle doing parked on the beach during a monster hurricane?
Dozens of relatively new cars, trucks and SUVs were conspicuously abandoned in some strange places as Gustav rolled through the Coast, and investigators said many of these cases have insurance fraud written all over them.
Several car owners drove their vehicles as close to the beach as possible and then bailed out.
Investigators said owners who may have bitten off more than they can chew in monthly car payments often look for an easy way out of car debt.
In Gulfport, several cars were left near the Ken Combs Pier and others were abandoned near the Island View Casino. One was left at the Pass Christian Harbor and others in random spots along the Coast.
It's possible some of the vehicles were disabled and couldn't be moved, but that wasn't the case at the Pascagoula Yacht Club, said Rocky Bond, a longtime member.
"It was kind of odd that everybody was headed out of there and here comes this young girl," Bond said.
It was late Sunday afternoon, the wind was beginning to pick up and time was running out, Bond said, when a "fairly new" car pulled into the parking lot and stopped just a few feet from the water's edge.
"She comes in the parking lot and hops out of her car and gets into an SUV and drives off," he said. "She parked about three spaces from the dock and that area floods in small rainstorms, so we knew it was going to flood that car."
With gas prices soaring and values of gas-guzzling vehicles declining, the National Insurance Crime Bureau says auto-insurance fraud is on the rise.
"If that vehicle is registered somewhere outside the zone, somewhere farther north, then the first question is going to be how is it that the vehicle ended up next to a boat launch on the Mississippi Sound?" said Frank Scafidi, spokesman for the NICB in Sacramento, Calif.
Unlike homeowner policies, insurance policies for automobiles cover flooding, state Deputy Insurance Commissioner Lee Harrell said. Insurance companies usually investigate suspicious claims before paying them.
"Generally, people when they evacuate take their vehicles with them," Harrell said. "But if you live in one place and your vehicle is in another, that's a suspicious claim."
Insurance fraud is a felony, punishable by up to three years in prison and fine of as much as $5,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is more.
On Monday, Bond watched from a friend's house nearby on Washington Avenue as the car abandoned at the Yacht Club bounced around in the angry waves.
Bond has been a Yacht Club member for years and he did not recognize the young woman as a fellow member. Another member knew someone who owns a towing company and Bond said when the license plates were run, the car came back registered to an address in northern Jackson County.
"People will do this and then we wonder why everybody's insurance is so high," Scafidi said. "Well, it's because we're subsidizing these kinds of knuckleheads."
Source
By RYAN LaFONTAINE
If you live above Interstate 10 in an area that rarely floods, what's your new sport-utility vehicle doing parked on the beach during a monster hurricane?
Dozens of relatively new cars, trucks and SUVs were conspicuously abandoned in some strange places as Gustav rolled through the Coast, and investigators said many of these cases have insurance fraud written all over them.
Several car owners drove their vehicles as close to the beach as possible and then bailed out.
Investigators said owners who may have bitten off more than they can chew in monthly car payments often look for an easy way out of car debt.
In Gulfport, several cars were left near the Ken Combs Pier and others were abandoned near the Island View Casino. One was left at the Pass Christian Harbor and others in random spots along the Coast.
It's possible some of the vehicles were disabled and couldn't be moved, but that wasn't the case at the Pascagoula Yacht Club, said Rocky Bond, a longtime member.
"It was kind of odd that everybody was headed out of there and here comes this young girl," Bond said.
It was late Sunday afternoon, the wind was beginning to pick up and time was running out, Bond said, when a "fairly new" car pulled into the parking lot and stopped just a few feet from the water's edge.
"She comes in the parking lot and hops out of her car and gets into an SUV and drives off," he said. "She parked about three spaces from the dock and that area floods in small rainstorms, so we knew it was going to flood that car."
With gas prices soaring and values of gas-guzzling vehicles declining, the National Insurance Crime Bureau says auto-insurance fraud is on the rise.
"If that vehicle is registered somewhere outside the zone, somewhere farther north, then the first question is going to be how is it that the vehicle ended up next to a boat launch on the Mississippi Sound?" said Frank Scafidi, spokesman for the NICB in Sacramento, Calif.
Unlike homeowner policies, insurance policies for automobiles cover flooding, state Deputy Insurance Commissioner Lee Harrell said. Insurance companies usually investigate suspicious claims before paying them.
"Generally, people when they evacuate take their vehicles with them," Harrell said. "But if you live in one place and your vehicle is in another, that's a suspicious claim."
Insurance fraud is a felony, punishable by up to three years in prison and fine of as much as $5,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is more.
On Monday, Bond watched from a friend's house nearby on Washington Avenue as the car abandoned at the Yacht Club bounced around in the angry waves.
Bond has been a Yacht Club member for years and he did not recognize the young woman as a fellow member. Another member knew someone who owns a towing company and Bond said when the license plates were run, the car came back registered to an address in northern Jackson County.
"People will do this and then we wonder why everybody's insurance is so high," Scafidi said. "Well, it's because we're subsidizing these kinds of knuckleheads."
Source
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Receipts detail meals, car washes, insurance
By Rick Armon
Beacon Journal staff writer
Summit County MRDD Superintendent Tom Armstrong is meticulous about keeping receipts to back up his expenses.
In the last three years, he has been paid nearly $32,000 in expenses, ranging from meals to hotel stays to auto repair bills, according to a Beacon Journal review of his expense reports.
The receipts show:
• He has lunch and dinner meetings several times a month. He favors bars and taverns as opposed to high-end restaurants, often eating at places such as the Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern, Fado Irish Pub, Winking Lizard Tavern and Bennigan's.
''I'm not an extravagant guy,'' Armstrong said. ''I'm not trying to wine and dine on the county's dime.''
• The MRDD has a policy of not paying for alcohol. And while receipts often show alcoholic drinks, Armstrong doesn't seek reimbursement for them.
• County government workers aren't reimbursed for travel and meals inside the county. Armstrong is. MRDD is governed by an independent board and supported by a levy, with different rules applying to agency employees.
• Some of Armstrong's lunches and dinners are with board members and MRDD workers. Asked why meetings couldn't take place without billing taxpayers for a meal, board President Linda Bordenkircher and member William Ginter said the expenses are justified.
Lunch or dinner may be the only time available to meet, they said. Many meetings often take place without a meal, they added.
• Taxpayers paid his $750 membership to the NAACP in 2006.
• Armstrong doesn't skimp on car washes. He often has his car washed at the Ultimate Wash & Lube in Hudson and is charged $14. He usually provides a $3 tip — which also is picked up partially by taxpayers.
Armstrong said the washes are a legitimate maintenance expense.
• Taxpayers have paid $1,160 toward his personal auto insurance over the last three years. That expense also is justified, Armstrong said, because he has to pay more for insurance since he uses his vehicle more for work.
• Armstrong has his 2001 Land Rover Discovery II serviced at the Land Rover dealership in Akron. In February 2007, he paid $83 to have three new windshield wipers installed. Taxpayers picked up more than half that cost.
Carolyn Holladay, president of the Weaver Workshop and Support Association, representing 290 MRDD workers, said the union has raised questions about Armstrong's expenses in the past, but their concerns have been ignored.
''The taxpayers are going to be horrified, I think,'' she said.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.
Summit County MRDD Superintendent Tom Armstrong is meticulous about keeping receipts to back up his expenses.
In the last three years, he has been paid nearly $32,000 in expenses, ranging from meals to hotel stays to auto repair bills, according to a Beacon Journal review of his expense reports.
The receipts show:
• He has lunch and dinner meetings several times a month. He favors bars and taverns as opposed to high-end restaurants, often eating at places such as the Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern, Fado Irish Pub, Winking Lizard Tavern and Bennigan's.
''I'm not an extravagant guy,'' Armstrong said. ''I'm not trying to wine and dine on the county's dime.''
• The MRDD has a policy of not paying for alcohol. And while receipts often show alcoholic drinks, Armstrong doesn't seek reimbursement for them.
• County government workers aren't reimbursed for travel and meals inside the county. Armstrong is. MRDD is governed by an independent board and supported by a levy, with different rules applying to agency employees.
• Some of Armstrong's lunches and dinners are with board members and MRDD workers. Asked why meetings couldn't take place without billing taxpayers for a meal, board President Linda Bordenkircher and member William Ginter said the expenses are justified.
Lunch or dinner may be the only time available to meet, they said. Many meetings often take place without a meal, they added.
• Taxpayers paid his $750 membership to the NAACP in 2006.
• Armstrong doesn't skimp on car washes. He often has his car washed at the Ultimate Wash & Lube in Hudson and is charged $14. He usually provides a $3 tip — which also is picked up partially by taxpayers.
Armstrong said the washes are a legitimate maintenance expense.
• Taxpayers have paid $1,160 toward his personal auto insurance over the last three years. That expense also is justified, Armstrong said, because he has to pay more for insurance since he uses his vehicle more for work.
• Armstrong has his 2001 Land Rover Discovery II serviced at the Land Rover dealership in Akron. In February 2007, he paid $83 to have three new windshield wipers installed. Taxpayers picked up more than half that cost.
Carolyn Holladay, president of the Weaver Workshop and Support Association, representing 290 MRDD workers, said the union has raised questions about Armstrong's expenses in the past, but their concerns have been ignored.
''The taxpayers are going to be horrified, I think,'' she said.
Source
Beacon Journal staff writer
Summit County MRDD Superintendent Tom Armstrong is meticulous about keeping receipts to back up his expenses.
In the last three years, he has been paid nearly $32,000 in expenses, ranging from meals to hotel stays to auto repair bills, according to a Beacon Journal review of his expense reports.
The receipts show:
• He has lunch and dinner meetings several times a month. He favors bars and taverns as opposed to high-end restaurants, often eating at places such as the Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern, Fado Irish Pub, Winking Lizard Tavern and Bennigan's.
''I'm not an extravagant guy,'' Armstrong said. ''I'm not trying to wine and dine on the county's dime.''
• The MRDD has a policy of not paying for alcohol. And while receipts often show alcoholic drinks, Armstrong doesn't seek reimbursement for them.
• County government workers aren't reimbursed for travel and meals inside the county. Armstrong is. MRDD is governed by an independent board and supported by a levy, with different rules applying to agency employees.
• Some of Armstrong's lunches and dinners are with board members and MRDD workers. Asked why meetings couldn't take place without billing taxpayers for a meal, board President Linda Bordenkircher and member William Ginter said the expenses are justified.
Lunch or dinner may be the only time available to meet, they said. Many meetings often take place without a meal, they added.
• Taxpayers paid his $750 membership to the NAACP in 2006.
• Armstrong doesn't skimp on car washes. He often has his car washed at the Ultimate Wash & Lube in Hudson and is charged $14. He usually provides a $3 tip — which also is picked up partially by taxpayers.
Armstrong said the washes are a legitimate maintenance expense.
• Taxpayers have paid $1,160 toward his personal auto insurance over the last three years. That expense also is justified, Armstrong said, because he has to pay more for insurance since he uses his vehicle more for work.
• Armstrong has his 2001 Land Rover Discovery II serviced at the Land Rover dealership in Akron. In February 2007, he paid $83 to have three new windshield wipers installed. Taxpayers picked up more than half that cost.
Carolyn Holladay, president of the Weaver Workshop and Support Association, representing 290 MRDD workers, said the union has raised questions about Armstrong's expenses in the past, but their concerns have been ignored.
''The taxpayers are going to be horrified, I think,'' she said.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.
Summit County MRDD Superintendent Tom Armstrong is meticulous about keeping receipts to back up his expenses.
In the last three years, he has been paid nearly $32,000 in expenses, ranging from meals to hotel stays to auto repair bills, according to a Beacon Journal review of his expense reports.
The receipts show:
• He has lunch and dinner meetings several times a month. He favors bars and taverns as opposed to high-end restaurants, often eating at places such as the Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern, Fado Irish Pub, Winking Lizard Tavern and Bennigan's.
''I'm not an extravagant guy,'' Armstrong said. ''I'm not trying to wine and dine on the county's dime.''
• The MRDD has a policy of not paying for alcohol. And while receipts often show alcoholic drinks, Armstrong doesn't seek reimbursement for them.
• County government workers aren't reimbursed for travel and meals inside the county. Armstrong is. MRDD is governed by an independent board and supported by a levy, with different rules applying to agency employees.
• Some of Armstrong's lunches and dinners are with board members and MRDD workers. Asked why meetings couldn't take place without billing taxpayers for a meal, board President Linda Bordenkircher and member William Ginter said the expenses are justified.
Lunch or dinner may be the only time available to meet, they said. Many meetings often take place without a meal, they added.
• Taxpayers paid his $750 membership to the NAACP in 2006.
• Armstrong doesn't skimp on car washes. He often has his car washed at the Ultimate Wash & Lube in Hudson and is charged $14. He usually provides a $3 tip — which also is picked up partially by taxpayers.
Armstrong said the washes are a legitimate maintenance expense.
• Taxpayers have paid $1,160 toward his personal auto insurance over the last three years. That expense also is justified, Armstrong said, because he has to pay more for insurance since he uses his vehicle more for work.
• Armstrong has his 2001 Land Rover Discovery II serviced at the Land Rover dealership in Akron. In February 2007, he paid $83 to have three new windshield wipers installed. Taxpayers picked up more than half that cost.
Carolyn Holladay, president of the Weaver Workshop and Support Association, representing 290 MRDD workers, said the union has raised questions about Armstrong's expenses in the past, but their concerns have been ignored.
''The taxpayers are going to be horrified, I think,'' she said.
Source
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Car insurance is expensive for students
Many students may be priced out of taking their vehicle to university with them because of the rising cost of car insurance, according to a new study.
Research by moneysupermarket.com revealed that first time students could have to pay an extra £1,300 for their car insurance premiums due to concern over the safety of the vehicle.
At home many students are able to park their cars on a driveway or in a garage, while at university most rely on parking on the street, which is deemed a higher risk.
Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at moneysupermarket.com, has warned students to amend their policies as not to invalidate their car insurance.
He said: "Students taking their cars to university must ensure they have the correct insurance and amend their policy where necessary; cost-conscious students may want to think twice about taking their car with them.
"For those that do want to get behind the wheel whilst at university I advise them to shop around for the most competitive policy possible."
I also believe that canvassing for lower car insurance is a must.
Research by moneysupermarket.com revealed that first time students could have to pay an extra £1,300 for their car insurance premiums due to concern over the safety of the vehicle.
At home many students are able to park their cars on a driveway or in a garage, while at university most rely on parking on the street, which is deemed a higher risk.
Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at moneysupermarket.com, has warned students to amend their policies as not to invalidate their car insurance.
He said: "Students taking their cars to university must ensure they have the correct insurance and amend their policy where necessary; cost-conscious students may want to think twice about taking their car with them.
"For those that do want to get behind the wheel whilst at university I advise them to shop around for the most competitive policy possible."
I also believe that canvassing for lower car insurance is a must.
Monday, September 22, 2008
New C4 'may appeal to female car insurance customers
Female car insurance customers who are looking to buy an environmentally-friendly vehicle may be tempted by the new C4 from Citroen.
According to the manufacturer, the updated version has an exciting new look, includes some of the latest technology and also offers strong green credentials.
The carmaker says the revised model has reduced its CO2 emissions by six per cent compared with its predecessor to 159 grams per kilometre.
As far as its looks go, Citroen explains it has tried to bring the C4 in line with the style of the recently launched C5 by giving it "a stronger, sportier, more dynamic look".
The bonnet is now curvier and includes a grille with integrated chevrons.
In addition, the front bumper has been revamped and the registration plate has been repositioned.
Meanwhile, the inside of the car includes NaviDrive, with colour screen satellite navigation, real-time traffic reports and an audio system with a 30GB hard drive.
The television commercial for the vehicle features the C4 robot dancing on the streets of Manhattan.
C4 is really for women.I love it.
According to the manufacturer, the updated version has an exciting new look, includes some of the latest technology and also offers strong green credentials.
The carmaker says the revised model has reduced its CO2 emissions by six per cent compared with its predecessor to 159 grams per kilometre.
As far as its looks go, Citroen explains it has tried to bring the C4 in line with the style of the recently launched C5 by giving it "a stronger, sportier, more dynamic look".
The bonnet is now curvier and includes a grille with integrated chevrons.
In addition, the front bumper has been revamped and the registration plate has been repositioned.
Meanwhile, the inside of the car includes NaviDrive, with colour screen satellite navigation, real-time traffic reports and an audio system with a 30GB hard drive.
The television commercial for the vehicle features the C4 robot dancing on the streets of Manhattan.
C4 is really for women.I love it.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Volvo 'helps drivers avoid making a claim on their car insurance
Volvo drivers who want to maintain the no claims bonus on their comprehensive car insurance may want to take advantage of an exclusive offer from the manufacturer.
The carmaker is carrying out free vehicle safety inspections to make sure cars comply with the mandatory safety levels all models need to meet when they are built.
Any driver with a model built post 1991 is eligible for the checks, which generally take about 40 minutes.
Owners simply have to turn up at any one of the manufacturer's 200 UK facilities which is equipped with the Volvo Information and Diagnostics for Aftersales (Vida) system.
Vida allows Volvo staff to connect direct with the company's headquarters in Sweden so that the latest software upgrades can be downloaded to any of their vehicles.
The free test, which would usually cost £56, is available until December 31st 2008.
Meanwhile, Volvo has announced it will be unveiling environmentally-friendly, diesel versions of a number of its existing models at the Paris Motor Show in October.
In a way, this offering of the company can help motorists ensure their cars comply with the mandatory safety levels.
The carmaker is carrying out free vehicle safety inspections to make sure cars comply with the mandatory safety levels all models need to meet when they are built.
Any driver with a model built post 1991 is eligible for the checks, which generally take about 40 minutes.
Owners simply have to turn up at any one of the manufacturer's 200 UK facilities which is equipped with the Volvo Information and Diagnostics for Aftersales (Vida) system.
Vida allows Volvo staff to connect direct with the company's headquarters in Sweden so that the latest software upgrades can be downloaded to any of their vehicles.
The free test, which would usually cost £56, is available until December 31st 2008.
Meanwhile, Volvo has announced it will be unveiling environmentally-friendly, diesel versions of a number of its existing models at the Paris Motor Show in October.
In a way, this offering of the company can help motorists ensure their cars comply with the mandatory safety levels.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Car insurance firm offers discounts
Car insurance firm Admiral is offering discounts for customers with more than one car as part of its MultiCar offering.
The product offers discounts for households with between two and five vehicles, and has now been extended to provide cover for cars that are over 30 years old.
Sue Longthorn, managing director of Admiral, said many of its customers have a classic car which they "drive for fun" but up until recently the firm was not able to insure them if the cars were over 30 years old.
The firm is now offering discounts on car insurance for drivers who own luxury cars, such as Aston Martins and Porsches, she explained.
"We have been able to reduce premiums for these cars because their owners have proved to drive particularly carefully, and have a relatively low accident record," Ms Longthorn added.
In related news, Tesco recently urged those who make modifications to their vehicles to make sure they inform their insurance company.
Failing to do so could void policies if a claim is made, it warned.
These discounts are good news to all motorists.
The product offers discounts for households with between two and five vehicles, and has now been extended to provide cover for cars that are over 30 years old.
Sue Longthorn, managing director of Admiral, said many of its customers have a classic car which they "drive for fun" but up until recently the firm was not able to insure them if the cars were over 30 years old.
The firm is now offering discounts on car insurance for drivers who own luxury cars, such as Aston Martins and Porsches, she explained.
"We have been able to reduce premiums for these cars because their owners have proved to drive particularly carefully, and have a relatively low accident record," Ms Longthorn added.
In related news, Tesco recently urged those who make modifications to their vehicles to make sure they inform their insurance company.
Failing to do so could void policies if a claim is made, it warned.
These discounts are good news to all motorists.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Moneysupermarket.com: Green car insurance is more expensive
Eco-friendly car insurance can cost over 105 per cent more than standard cover, research from Moneysupermarket has found.
The price comparison website warned environmentally-aware drivers that clearing their carbon emissions would cost them extra.
As an example, it found that Swiftcover quotes £342 for the eco-friendly Honda Civic hybrid car, but the same cover costs £389 with CIS and £701 from Green Insurance.
Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at the price comparison website, said that while he admired drivers wanting to go green, they must not assume that eco-friendly car insurance is a good idea.
He said that people not driving eco-cars but wanting to do more for the environment should consider CIS, which promises to offset 20 per cent of carbon emissions by investing in reforestation and renewable energy sources.
But he urged drivers to shop around.
Insurance provider esure recently announced it had gone green, getting all its energy from renewable sources, upping its recycling and reducing its use of water cups and cones.
Source
The price comparison website warned environmentally-aware drivers that clearing their carbon emissions would cost them extra.
As an example, it found that Swiftcover quotes £342 for the eco-friendly Honda Civic hybrid car, but the same cover costs £389 with CIS and £701 from Green Insurance.
Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at the price comparison website, said that while he admired drivers wanting to go green, they must not assume that eco-friendly car insurance is a good idea.
He said that people not driving eco-cars but wanting to do more for the environment should consider CIS, which promises to offset 20 per cent of carbon emissions by investing in reforestation and renewable energy sources.
But he urged drivers to shop around.
Insurance provider esure recently announced it had gone green, getting all its energy from renewable sources, upping its recycling and reducing its use of water cups and cones.
Source
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Motorists pay dearly for green insurance
by Gill Montia
Recent research from price comparison website, moneysupermarket.com, has revealed that motorists who are keen to offset their carbon emission by buying eco-friendly car insurance may end up paying 105% more for cover than with a standard policy.
According to the website, premiums on hybrid cars such as the environmentally-friendly Honda Civic, can vary enormously.
For example, while swiftcover is quoting £342, CIS charges £389 and Green Insurance, which says it will offset 100% of a car’s annual emissions by planting trees, charges £701.
CIS also promises to offset carbon emissions but only by 20%. The insurer achieves this by investing in reforestation and renewable energy sources.
According to moneysupermarket.com, CIS is competitive for car insurance but cover for a Ford Fiesta, for example, can cost 37% more than Express Insurance.
Moneysupermarket’s head of insurance research, Peter Gerrard, advises motorists not to assume that eco-friendly car insurance is a good idea.
He suggests that motorists could consider donating money saved by buying standard cover directly to eco-friendly causes, as an alternative to buying green.
I think its time that we should patronize environment-friendly cars considering the global warming we are experiencing right now. However,green insurance should not be costly. I think it is just logical to directly donating from eco-friendly causes as mentioned by Peter Gerard.
Recent research from price comparison website, moneysupermarket.com, has revealed that motorists who are keen to offset their carbon emission by buying eco-friendly car insurance may end up paying 105% more for cover than with a standard policy.
According to the website, premiums on hybrid cars such as the environmentally-friendly Honda Civic, can vary enormously.
For example, while swiftcover is quoting £342, CIS charges £389 and Green Insurance, which says it will offset 100% of a car’s annual emissions by planting trees, charges £701.
CIS also promises to offset carbon emissions but only by 20%. The insurer achieves this by investing in reforestation and renewable energy sources.
According to moneysupermarket.com, CIS is competitive for car insurance but cover for a Ford Fiesta, for example, can cost 37% more than Express Insurance.
Moneysupermarket’s head of insurance research, Peter Gerrard, advises motorists not to assume that eco-friendly car insurance is a good idea.
He suggests that motorists could consider donating money saved by buying standard cover directly to eco-friendly causes, as an alternative to buying green.
I think its time that we should patronize environment-friendly cars considering the global warming we are experiencing right now. However,green insurance should not be costly. I think it is just logical to directly donating from eco-friendly causes as mentioned by Peter Gerard.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Home Customers Can Get Debit Card for Expenses from Mobile Unit at Houston Office; Drive-In Center Also Established for Auto Claims
"Hurricane Ike was here." This is the indelible signature he is leaving for hundreds of thousands of car and homeowners in Houston, along the Texas coast, and throughout the region. To
help customers promptly and safely recover from the storm, Liberty Mutual
Insurance has sent several hundred catastrophe claims specialists to the
hardest-hit areas and has set up special home and auto claims locations in
Houston.
Liberty Mutual home and car insurance customers are encouraged to first
report their claims 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-2-CLAIMS (1-800-225-2467).
Liberty Mutual claims representatives also will report flood claims to the
National Flood Insurance Program on customers' behalf.
For homeowners requiring urgent assistance, a mobile claims unit at
Liberty Mutual's Houston office, 13201 Northwest Freeway, is staffed daily
from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST. Homeowners can meet with Liberty Mutual
catastrophe specialists to discuss their claims, obtain policy information,
and even receive debit cards to pay for anticipated out-of-pocket costs such
as food, clothing, housing and personal items.
Additionally, Liberty Mutual customers who sustained auto damage from
Hurricane Ike can use the 1-800-2-CLAIMS number to schedule an appointment at
a dedicated drive-in claims location at 1109 S. Loop West in Houston (Russell
& Smith Collision Center) beginning Thursday.
The aftermath of a hurricane can be equally dangerous, with severe
flooding likely. Liberty Mutual offers the following tips to help homeowners
protect their property from further damage after Ike. A complete checklist is
available in the Claims section at www.libertymutual.com.
1. Wait for an OK from an official agency, either police or local
emergency management, before re-entering your home or leaving the
reinforced room in which you have been waiting out the storm.
2. Boil tap water before drinking or cooking, or use bottled water.
3. Keep circuit breakers turned off until the power is back on. Then
investigate for electrical system damage for frayed wires or burning
smells. Turn the electricity off if you detect these or other
problems.
4. Stay away from power lines.
5. Check for gas leaks. If you detect a leak, get away from the house
immediately and notify the gas company at once from a safe location.
6. Pump out flooded basements gradually -- about one-half of the
floodwater per day -- to avoid further structural damage.
7. Be alert for animals that may have entered your house with the
floodwater. Snakes -- including poisonous ones -- are a relatively
common sight after a flood.
8. Throw out any medicines or food -- even canned goods -- touched by
floodwater.
9. Let your car dry out before trying to start it.
10. Take an inventory of any damaged property or possessions. Other than
food or medicine, do not dispose of any items without the prior
approval of your insurance claims adjuster.
Source
help customers promptly and safely recover from the storm, Liberty Mutual
Insurance has sent several hundred catastrophe claims specialists to the
hardest-hit areas and has set up special home and auto claims locations in
Houston.
Liberty Mutual home and car insurance customers are encouraged to first
report their claims 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-2-CLAIMS (1-800-225-2467).
Liberty Mutual claims representatives also will report flood claims to the
National Flood Insurance Program on customers' behalf.
For homeowners requiring urgent assistance, a mobile claims unit at
Liberty Mutual's Houston office, 13201 Northwest Freeway, is staffed daily
from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST. Homeowners can meet with Liberty Mutual
catastrophe specialists to discuss their claims, obtain policy information,
and even receive debit cards to pay for anticipated out-of-pocket costs such
as food, clothing, housing and personal items.
Additionally, Liberty Mutual customers who sustained auto damage from
Hurricane Ike can use the 1-800-2-CLAIMS number to schedule an appointment at
a dedicated drive-in claims location at 1109 S. Loop West in Houston (Russell
& Smith Collision Center) beginning Thursday.
The aftermath of a hurricane can be equally dangerous, with severe
flooding likely. Liberty Mutual offers the following tips to help homeowners
protect their property from further damage after Ike. A complete checklist is
available in the Claims section at www.libertymutual.com.
1. Wait for an OK from an official agency, either police or local
emergency management, before re-entering your home or leaving the
reinforced room in which you have been waiting out the storm.
2. Boil tap water before drinking or cooking, or use bottled water.
3. Keep circuit breakers turned off until the power is back on. Then
investigate for electrical system damage for frayed wires or burning
smells. Turn the electricity off if you detect these or other
problems.
4. Stay away from power lines.
5. Check for gas leaks. If you detect a leak, get away from the house
immediately and notify the gas company at once from a safe location.
6. Pump out flooded basements gradually -- about one-half of the
floodwater per day -- to avoid further structural damage.
7. Be alert for animals that may have entered your house with the
floodwater. Snakes -- including poisonous ones -- are a relatively
common sight after a flood.
8. Throw out any medicines or food -- even canned goods -- touched by
floodwater.
9. Let your car dry out before trying to start it.
10. Take an inventory of any damaged property or possessions. Other than
food or medicine, do not dispose of any items without the prior
approval of your insurance claims adjuster.
Source
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