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Common Mistakes When Buying Auto Insurance


What do you want from your car insurance? That it fully protects you and your vehicle? Sure. That it's cheap? Most definitely. So you want to make sure that you're adequately covered while saving as much money as possible. Not a problem. But try to avoid these mistakes people commonly make while buying auto insurance.

Not shopping around

This is one of the most common mistakes people buying auto insurance make; failing to shop around. In most cases you'll find people are loyal to the insurance provider they've had in their families for years and don't really feel the need to look elsewhere for better rates. While there's nothing wrong with loyalty, insurance companies might change their policies over the years. They could offer discounted rates, money-saving packages offers and schemes that could really make buying insurance a lot more affordable.

Today, in fact, getting an auto insurance estimate has gotten much easier. Most carriers have auto calculators on their websites which give you instant quotes so you don't have to worry about individually visiting the company office to find out rates. Our advice to you would be to get at least 2 or 3 quotes from carriers, compare the rates, read customer reviews to find out about the service and THEN decide on one which suits your needs best.

Getting the cheapest coverage

Sure, you want to save money. But why compromise on the safety to do so? People forget that car repairs, medical expenses, towing and labor can all cost you a pretty penny. Even though you might have to pay a little extra, having adequate coverage can pay for such damages without you having to worry.

Not inquiring about potential discounts

Discounts are what save you precious dollars when it comes to auto insurance. Most people are unaware of the discounts they're eligible for and so lose out on a chance to save some money. When shopping around for insurance, find out about the various discounts that the insurance company provides. Some of the discounts you could get are for having multiple policies through the same carrier, installing anti-theft devices on your car, being a good student, enrolling in defensive driving classes, putting in low-mileage on your car and more.

Not informing your insurance provider about major life changes

The importance of having your policy be current cannot be stressed enough. Your auto insurance changes along with various life changes such as: getting married, getting divorced, moving house, retiring etc. It is important to inform your insurance provider of any such changes in your life as soon as they occur.

Failure of paying your premiums on time

People tend to get careless about paying their automobile insurance premiums on time. Forgetting to pay your insurance premium could cause it to increase the next year. In some cases, failure to pay your premium on time could also lead to a policy lapse, which means there's a chance you might not be covered during this time.

How To Protect Your Automobile

Owning a vehicle requires endless ongoing maintenance and care. There is the mechanical maintenance upkeep including routine oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks and tune-ups. All of those are costly but are required to preserve the longevity of the automobile. But not only to vehicles need the ongoing mechanical maintenance but they also need the cosmetic pampering as well. There are major things that are done and simpler things to preserve the integrity of the vehicle. Covering your vehicle is a great way to protect the outside of all automobiles. In addition, although they are more commonly seen in sports mobiles, convertibles and more expensive vehicles, they can benefit all cars.

There is no such thing of an inexpensive automobile. Today, the cost of any automobile are monumental and protecting your investment is important. Investing in vehicle products and accessories may seem costly in the short term; however, in the end the investments prove beneficial.

Protecting your property is important to avoid the ongoing deterioration that often takes its toll on the automobile. Weather can cause damage and make them appear much older. The paint can look dull and fainted because of snow, hail or other vile weather conditions.

In addition to damaging weather, other elements can alter the appearance of any automobile. Dust and dirt can settle in on an automobile causing cosmetic damage. Constant sun is also another culprit to premature aging of an automobile. There are many things that can change the look of a vehicle in a short period and the best way to avoid premature aging of a motor vehicle is by purchasing a car cover to provide protection. These are custom made and appropriately fit any automobile.

Providing a shield for your vehicle is a great way to safeguard your automobile from potential damage. When a vehicle is protected, the value is protected as well. When a person wants to sell their automobile, the first thing people notice is the exteriors. If the appearance is in good condition, there is a better chance of getting the asking price you deserve.

Every investment should be followed up with protection to maintain its value and automobiles are no exception. The damage that often happens to the exteriors of vehicles can be avoided by purchasing car covers. The styles, makes and prices vary but they are affordable enough for everyone to purchase. Do not allow the value of your automobile to be significantly decreased, protect your automobile today.

Credit : Adir Heli

How To Clean Car Dashboard



There are lot of tips on how to clean your dashboard but not all of them are effective. In fact some of them can lead to more worst situation. 

So here it is, i will give you the easy and effective tip on how to clean your dashboard. 

First you need to use a smooth cloth damped with water, not wet because there are lot of wires under your dashboard, and if water will drip inside, well you will be in great mess. so use a damp cloth and rub it in your dashboard to remove the dirt and dust. make sure that you wipe it evenly and right coz if not, it will leave out the dirt on your dashboard. 

Now that your done on cleaning it with damped cloth, the next step is to apply a dashboard cleaner. But wait! do not apply the cleaning solution to your dashboard directly. if your using a spray, apply it to the cloth and then your good to go. remember not to apply it directly on the dashboard. 

One more tip, in order to maintain the beauty of your dashboard, keep away your dashboard from being hit directly by the sun rays. UV ray is one of cause of dashboard fading. you can buy windshield covers to protect your dashboard. so thats it, hope you guys enjoy. don't forget to leave a comment. see you on the next post.

Things to Know About Motor Insurance Claims

As per Motor vehicle act, 1988, it is mandatory for every vehicle-owner to get his vehicle insured or else he can be penalized. Getting your vehicle insured is mandatory and it is also equally important to understand the motor insurance claim process so in the event of any accident you can get your claim fast and smoothly.

For what kind of losses one can file a claim under a motor insurance policy?

Third party losses: If some one else has got bodily injuries by your insured vehicle or your vehicle has damaged some one's property, then it is considered as third party loss. Such losses are covered by third-party cover.

Damage to your own vehicle: If your vehicle is damaged in an accident or it is stolen then such losses are covered under own damage cover. This cover is optional and you can get this cover only if you have comprehensive motor insurance policy.

What are the things that one should do immediately after an accident occurs?

Third Party claim: In the case of third party claim, one should immediately inform the police and insurance company about the accident. And if you're the victim then you should obtain the insurance detail of that vehicle and make intimation to the insurer of that vehicle.

Theft claim: In case of theft claim you should immediately inform the police and insurance company and along with it you should also inform it to transport department.

Own damage claim: In the event of an own damage claim i.e. If your own insured vehicle gets damaged in an accident, you should inform the police as well as the insurance company so that it can send a surveyor to assess the loss.

Do not move the vehicle from the accident spot without the permission of the police and insurance company.

Do insurance companies offer cashless facility?

Yes, insurance companies offer cashless facility, provided you go to there network garages. Going to your insurer's network garage is also hassle free option as you don't have to take the hassle of documentation.

But if you don't want to go to network garages of your insurer and want to go to your preferred garage then you also have the option of reimbursement. After getting your vehicle repaired you can get your expenses reimbursed by insurance company, for that you have to submit bills along with all other required documents.

What are the documents required while filing a claim?

Though there may be specific document requirement by specific insurance companies but in general all insurers require some documents such as:-

For accident claims
  • Claim form duly filled
  • Copy of Registration Certificate (RC)
  • Copy of driving license of the person who was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident
  • Photo copy of first two pages of policy document
  • Copy of First Information Report (FIR)
  • Original repair invoice, payment receipt while for cashless garage only repair invoice
Theft claim
  • Claim form duly filled
  • Copy of Registration Certificate (RC)
  • All the original keys of the vehicle
  • Copy of driving license
  • Copy of first two pages of policy document
  • Copy of First Information Report (FIR)
  • RTO transfer papers
  • Final report or No Trace report (if police does not able to find your vehicle within 90 days of the theft then it issues a undertaking that yet they have to find your vehicle)
For third party claim
  • Duly filled claim form
  • Copy of First Information Report (FIR)
  • Copy of driving license
  • Copy of first two pages of policy document
  • Copy of Registration Certificate (RC)
Does policyholder have to bear any expenses on his own?

Yes, policyholder has to bear certain cost on their own:-
  • Amount of depreciation
  • Reasonable value of salvage (if not repaired at the network garage of insurer)
  • Voluntarily and compulsory deductibles
  • Any compulsorily excess levied by the insurer
What will happen if an accident takes place outside the city where policy was issued?

A motor insurance policy remains in force throughout the country. Hence, in such circumstances also you can file a claim.

Will filing a claim will affect renewal?

Yes, if you file a claim then you will lose the entire no-claim bonus that you have accrued.

Should claim be filed for minor accident as well?

It is not advisable to file a claim for small loss because every motor insurance policy has some deductibles (deductible is the part of claim that you need to pay on your own before insurer pay your claim). Hence, before filing a claim for a small amount, first assess what amount you have to pay as deductible and how much no-claim bonus you can get if you don't make a claim and only if it is worth to file a claim then make a claim.

It is advisable that as soon as you receive the policy document, go through the procedure and documentation requirements of the claim thoroughly, rather than to wait for the claim to arise.

Credit :Bharat Buttan

How To Save Money On Car Repairs

Car repair costs are rising exponentially on a daily basis. Modern cars have some amazing features that have added to the comfort of the driver, but this has also given rise to the disadvantage that car repairs and servicing costs a lot more today, than it did a while ago. A xenon headlight repair can cost you thousands of dollars! Additionally, the costlier the car you drive, the greater it costs you to get it repaired.

Dealerships across the United States have also raised their labor charges. Certified mechanics charge on an hourly basis and these numbers are almost as high as $70 to $80 an hour. Naturally, it is important that you are aware of all these figures, so you can be informed and not get a huge surprise when it comes to paying your bill. It is a good idea to get a quote from several dealers, so you can get the best deals.

The cost of car repairs depends on several factors. First, it depends on the region you are living in. Secondly, it depends on the age of your car, its brand and make. Foreign import cars are costlier to repair. Their parts are difficult to find and you might need to visit specialized auto repair shops for this purpose.

However, there are some things you can do to keep your car repair costs lower. First of all, ensure that you read the manual thoroughly. This can give you very good tips for self repair. If you do not have experience in the matter; it is best to get the car looked at by a professional. Secondly, regular servicing at the recommended mileage is also very important. These services are done in the warranty period and can help save you a great deal of money. They also 'catch' problems in the early stages and can help prevent costs of future repairs. The warning lights on the dashboard are also very important as they warn you of wear and tear. Such repairs can cost a lot less than when you take in your car for repairs at a much later stage. Regular oil changes are also important to add to the lifespan of your car. That said; there are newer cars that go without an oil change for up to 5000 or even 10,000 miles. Car brands like Ford recommend oil changes after 7500 miles on models beyond '07.

Other small yet overlooked things, which can lead to large car repair bills, include not checking the receipts properly. Make sure that you ask your mechanics about the parts replaced. If you have taken an estimate prior to getting the job done, you are entitled to question them as to why the billed amount is higher. Finding an honest auto shop is thus very important. Unscrupulous mechanics will not hesitate to call you and ask you to get further repairs as long as your car is there in his garage. It is best to switch to new mechanic unless your current one makes a good case that your car indeed needs additional work.

Credit : Nancy Hong

How And When To Change Engine Oil

Engine oil changes are activities that any driver must not neglect. This is because changing the oil increases the efficiency and lifespan of the engine more than any other maintenance activity. That being said, there are a few things that you have to take into account in order to know when to change the oil.

When changing the oil, you have to read the manufacturer's directions because each type of car is different. These instructions will also guide you in oil selection. You'll also find minor differences in procedure that accommodate varying uses, driving conditions and the like.

The most common instructions to follow when changing the oil is under normal driving conditions i.e. short trips, regular highway trips, occasional drives in dusty roads etc. All in all, you find that the normal duration you should change the oil in is between 3000 to 5000 miles. Sticking to a schedule is better than having to wait for signs like smoke because you do not have to unduly tax your engine.

The following is the general procedure that any driver should follow when changing the oil:

1. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. This is very important because the oil and impurities contained therein flow out more easily when they are warm. You may also need to park the car in an elevated place e.g. a ramp if the ground clearance is too low.

2. Look for and unscrew the engine oil fill cap since is the means by which the dirty oil will flow out. It goes without saying that you should have a bucket or drain pan placed underneath to avoid a mess. It also helps to have safety equipment like latex gloves, goggles, closed leather shoes etc. to avoid stains and injuries.

3. The next step cited in procedures of when to change oil is the installation and tightening of the oil drain plug with a new gasket in accordance to the manufacturer's directions. You should then place the bucket or drain pan under the oil filter. Remove the filter, plus the gasket and wipe them down with a clean, absorbent cloth.

4. The next step is manual installation of the new oil filter gasket. You should first apply a thin film of new oil in the opening and screw it tightly on. After this is done, add the new oil into the tank, making sure that you follow the car manufacturer's specifications on oil type, level, etc. This will allow you to prevent unnecessary wastages, when changing the oil.

5. At this stage in the directions of when to change oil, check the oil level using the change engine oil dipstick. The level should be a little ways above the full mark so as to accommodate the oil that will go into the filter.

6. The final step is screwing on the oil fill cap, starting the engine and letting it run for a few moments. This is to allow the new engine oil to circulate into all parts of the engine.

In a nutshell, changing the oil tends to be a very easy and necessary procedure that a driver should never neglect.

Checklist for Buying Car Insurance Online


This article features a checklist to help you choose the right car insurance online quotes. When it comes to finding the right auto insurance quote, getting all your ducks in a row will help you save time and money.

Determine your needs.
It’s important to check what coverage is required for the area you live in. All insurers (government or private) provide car insurance that is defined by a strict framework of provincial or state laws. While the basic car insurance policy is defined by these laws, there are still numerous choices available in terms of coverage limits, deductibles and optional coverage – which is why rates vary from one car owner to the next.

Auto insurance is tricky because it’s a risk business. Customers base much of their decisions on any number of “what if” scenarios. The more cautious you are, the more you pay. Insurance companies are able to calculate the likelihood of all kinds of catastrophic occurrences in mere seconds. But you don’t have that ability. In order to decide what level of coverage is right for you, you’ll just have to decide what level of risk you’re comfortable with.

Assess your current policy.
Before you do any comparison-shopping, take a look at the policy you already have (you may have to contact your provider to retrieve all of your information) and crunch some numbers. Calculate how much your current rate costs you monthly and annually, because you will be assessing quotes based on both of these figures.

Check your record.
Nothing swells the price of car insurance like a dodgy driving record. However, insurance companies only examine your driving history over the last three years. If a ticket or a number of demerit points you earned in that time is about to disappear, you may want to wait it out before you start shopping for insurance. That way you have a cleaner record to base a quote on.

Start shopping.
Once you’ve done all of the background work listed above, you’ll need to set aside about an hour (or maybe two) to solicit quotes. Make sure you have your current insurance policy, your driver’s license and your vehicle registration on hand. Now you can start your online search by visiting various insurance sites and typing in your information to get a quote. It takes roughly 15 minutes to complete one quote. As you go, you can start building a list of comparative rates. Make sure to keep your coverage limits the same on each quote, so you can make apples-to-apples comparisons for cost and coverage.

Keep an eye out for discounts.
While you’re gathering quotes, be sure to also investigate your options for discounts. Insurance companies will give discounts for a number of reasons – a good driving record, any safety or security equipment on your car, or even certain occupations or professional affiliations you may have. In some cases there are even discounts for the young driver of the family who has a high-grade point average. This is an important part of your research because it affects how much you end up paying.

Research the company.
As you compare quotes, be sure to do a little research on the company itself. Do a search for reviews on the company’s financial stability and customer service. Also take a look at the company’s payment policy. When is the payment due? Are there different types of plans available? What happens if you make a late payment? These are the types of questions that could impact your final choice.

Read before you sign.
Once you’ve selected a company you would like to seek coverage from, be sure to review all points of the policy to ensure that it contains exactly what you’ve requested and priced.

Credit : Josh Hanna

Benefits Of Jeep Soft Tops


There are many tops available from different companies but the specifications vary greatly from one company to another. The kind of top that your jeep spots can be a great addition the authentic look of the car not to mention the kind of protection it offers you jeep while in use. Supertop soft tops manufactured by such companies as Bestop come with greatly customized features designed for all weather conditions. Here are some of the features that you will enjoy when you make soft tops your number one choice for a jeep top:

  • The top usually comes with a belt rail attachment which only needs to be installed once. Since there is no snap commonly associated with many other tops, the result is a strong and long lasting grip.
  • Soft tops also take the interest of the lovers of the outdoor into consideration. The rear windows of this top can be able to zip out fully affording you the chance of enjoying the surrounding environment at your own preferred time.
  • There are instances when the flapping of the top on your jeep can be quite a nuisance, especially when the fit is not tight enough. In order to avoid this, supertop soft tops come with some kind of reinforcement to ensure that they fit snugly around the corners of the jeep. This considerably reduces the noises associated with the flapping.
  • It is possible to adjust the fit of the top whenever you please. This is also a way of customizing the appearance of the top to suit your needs throughout the year. The style is all yours for the taking.
  • In order to keep water out, the seams of the soft tops are heat-sealed. This ensures that your track remains protected from the adverse conditions of water all throughout the year. The industrial strength of the threads from which the tops are made is specifically meant to ensure that the tops are durable enough.
  • If you are seeking for some level of privacy while in your jeep you can go for the tinted windows. A company like bestop will offer you window tints that meet the standards acceptable in the United States and other European markets.

Different jeep owners go for different colors. Fortunately, these jeep tops also come in varied colors. The colors and configurations can be made to fit the model of jeep you are driving. The functionality of jeep tops are enhanced in many ways but the jeep soft tops can make a whole lot of a difference to your jeep.

Credit : Bonney Bwire