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There are many ways you can save on your new auto insurance policy. In many cases all you have to do is ask, in other cases you may need to notify them of steps you are taking to insure your safety. Below is a checklist of discounts that you may apply for, but be sure to notify the auto insurance company you choose, otherwise they will be happy to charge you a regular rate.

Alarms – While most new cars come stock with alarm system, many do not, and a lot of old cars didn’t make use of this feature. Alarms will greatly reduce chances that your car will be stolen. If you have comprehensive coverage, this simple task can save you a bundle.

Pay in Advance – If you choose to pay semi-annually or annually, most auto insurance companies will offer you a discount for paying more upfront.

Low-milage coverage – If you rarely use your car you may qualify for low-milage auto insurance. Be sure to notify your auto insurance company if you aren’t a frequent driver. In some states you may even qualify for by-the-mile auto insurance.

Multiple Driver/Group Discounts – If you are looking to insure yourself as well as a family member under the same policy you can usually get a lower rate.

Many organizations and companies offer auto insurance as well. Getting insurance through your job for example can save you hundreds of dollars under a group rate.

Safe Driving Courses – Taking a safe or defensive driving course is very appealing to auto insurance companies. It shows that you are a safer driver, and are genuinly interested in staying safe on the road. You can typically enroll in these courses for a couple hundred dollars, and it will save you much more in the long run. For new drivers many states now require these classes before you can get your drivers license.

Combine Insurance Types – Many insurance companies these days offer home, health, and life insurance. If you go through the same company for all these different insurance types you can save a lot of money on each of them.

Get Multiple Quotes – The easiest way to safe a bunch of money on your auto insurance is to get as many quotes as possible. Just as if you were shopping around for a new gadget, clothes, or even a new car, prices vary greatly from company to company.

So your driving record may not be as clean as you would like. Unfortunately this may mean you are going to have a hard time finding a company willing to insure you. But don’t worry, there is almost always an auto insurance company that is willing to insure you, you just have to look harder. Of course, this also means you are going to have to pay more to get coverage.

How do I know if I’m considered a high risk driver?
Most people don’t find out they are high risk driver until they’ve been declined by a number of auto insurance companies. But there are some easy ways to determine if your are a high risk driver before even getting a quote.

DUI/DWI – If you have one of these on your driving record within the last 10 years or so, chances are you will be considered a high risk driver. Taking driver improvement classes and alcohol or addiction classes may improve you chances of finding an auto insurance policy.

Young drivers with bad records – If you’ve been driving for a very short time, and already have a number of tickets and accidents on your record you may be considered a high risk driver. Again, taking driver improvement classes will help you out.

Fast/Expensive Cars – Even if you have a clean driving record, an expensive, high performance car may lump you into the high risk driver category. A good way to counteract this is to make sure your car is loaded with safety features.

Finding High Risk Auto Insurance
As stated above, just because you are considered a high risk driver, doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find someone to insure you. Most large auto insurance companies will be happy to insure you for a higher rate.

There are also auto insurance companies that specialize in high risk drivers. If applying for quotes online, they will usually be able to determine your risk level on the spot after you’ve entered your driving history. As a result, you will probably get high risk auto insurance quotes for high risk auto insurers.

Our auto insurance quote tool will find coverage for any kind of driver. All we ask is that you be honest when filling out your information. To get started simply enter your zip code above, and we will help you find a policy.

The way we measure the safety of a vehicle is pretty straight forward. Which vehicle will keep the driver and passengers of a vehicle from injury? However, measuring this value is far more difficult. Crash test ratings play a major role in the process, which take rollover rates, side-impact safety, stability control, and many other factors and safety features into consideration.

With that being said, lets get into the list of top 10 safest cars of 2008:

10.Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is the only SUV that made it on to the list. This car scored very high on all NHSTA and IIHS safety ratings. The Pilot has very intuitive handling the rivals the control of a car. All 8 seats have seatbelts and it comes stock with 3 rows of curtain side air bags.

9.Lincoln LS
Similar to the Jaguar S-Type, the Lincoln LS has also won numerous safety awards. It even out performed the Jaguar in the standard crash tests. Rear wheel drive and top of the line suspension make this car very easy to handle. Stability control and side curtain airbags are optional amenities, but greatly increase the safety of this car.

8.Lexus ES 330
The airbags found in the Lexus ES 330 are what really make this car stand out in terms of safety. With a total of  8 air bags no other car can compete. In the mid year model of this car, knee air bags are also included. The ES 330 got higher than average safety/crash ratings as well.

7.Buick Lucerne
The Lucerne, which made its debut in 2006 has made significant improvements in the last 2 years. The most appealing feature of the Lucerne is the Magnetic Ride Control feature that allows for quick handling response time, without sacrificing the smooth ride Buick’s are known for. There are a total of 6 airbags found in the Lucerne, including side airbags.

6.Lincoln Town Car
The Lincoln town car received nearly perfect safety ratings. The Town Car comes standard with all the modern safety features, including side airbags. For the price of this car, no other car can compete.

5.Chrysler 300C/Dodge Charger
The Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger are more or less the same vehicle despite some difference in body style. These 2 cars offer both power and safety and come standard with almost all the modern safety features you would expect.

4.Acura TL
The TL’s main selling point when it comes to safety are the well designed light. The high-intensity discharge headlight distribute light evenly so that you can see clearly in the darkest and foggiest conditions.

3.Honda Odyssey
Like the Honda Pilot, the Odyssey scores very well in crash tests and offers all the safety features you could want to protect yourself and your family. The Odyssey also sports run flat tires, which protect you from accidents caused by flat tires.
2.Volvo S80
From the car company that is known for their cars’ safety features, it is no surprise the S80 made it to the #2 spot on our list. The Four-C active chassis system improves handling, safety and comfort. The car comes standard with front and side airbags. The most interesting safety features of the S80 are the front seats, which adjust backwards in cases of a rear end collision, greatly reducing the chances of neck injury.

1.Acura RL
The second Acura on our list also sports the innovative headlights system, and a number of air bags (front and side). But what makes the RL really stand out is the all wheel drive handling system, making all road condition ideal for driving. The Technology package they offer, for just under $4,000 can detect and oncoming collision and will jump into action prior to impact. Also included in this package are run flat tires.

Comprehensive coverage doesn’t mean complete coverage.
While comprehensive coverage may sound like coverage that will cover you in every situation, this is certainly not the case. Comprehensive coverage simply means you are covered in scenarios other than collisions. Theft, flooding, vandalism, and fire damage are examples of when comprehensive coverage will help you.

Your car effects your rates.
The car you drive greatly effects what you will have to pay to get your car covered. If you have a fast, small car you will probably find yourself paying a higher premium for your auto insurance. On the other hand, if you are driving a mid-sized car with all the safety features, your rates will be significantly lower.

Your credit score effects your rates.
This may sound a little strange at first, but it is an effective way for auto insurance companies to judge one’s responsibility. Not only does is this a good indicator of if you will pay on time or not, but it is also an effective judge of character, something auto insurance companies find very important.

The higher your deductible the better.
If you believe you are a good driver, a high deductible may be a good choice for you. A deductible is what you have to pay out of pocket in case of an accident before the auto insurance kicks in. It’s best to choose the highest deductible you believe you can afford at any given time. Doing so will greatly reduce your premium.

Pay semi-annually rather than monthly.
If you are willing to pay 6 months in advance, or even a year in advance, for your auto insurance coverage, you will be able to save a great deal.

Letting your policy lapse can be costly.
When a insurance company sees a someone that has been driving without auto insurance, especially since it is required by state law, they will consider you irresponsible, and often times they will make you pay for it. If you are switching companies, make sure you have a replacement set up the day your current policy expires to avoid extra charges.

You can ask for discounts.
Before signing for auto insurance with a particular company, don’t be afraid to ask for discounts. You’d be surprised what discounts you qualify for. You may even be able to get a discount just for asking.

Understanding auto insurance is far from easy. There is an endless supply of confusing terms, plenty of incorrect information, and the confusing contracts don’t make things any easier.

Why  Do I  Need Auto Insurance?
All states require some for of auto insurance, however, the amount and types of coverage required vary state by state. Check with you state’s government website to determine how much coverage you need.

In addition to state requirements, it is vitally important that you have auto insurance to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your finances from unforeseeable misfortune. Without auto coverage, you may find yourself owing a great deal of money, or unable to pay for necessary medical fees.

What Types of Coverage are Available to Me?
This is possibly the most confusing part of auto insurance. Some people are totally unaware that there are different forms of coverage, leaving many unprotected. Others just neglect other forms of coverage outside of the two common coverage types (liability and collision).

Liability - Liability coverage protects you in situations where you are responsible for damages or injury. When involved in an accident, liability coverage will help pay for damages and medical bills of the other party or parties involved.

Collision - Collision coverage protects you from paying the fully for damage done to your vehicle. Your are only responsible for costs within your deductible. Terms vary from company to company, so do your research before agreeing to anything.

Comprehensive - This type of coverage protects you from other forms of damage. This most commonly includes: theft, water damage, vandalism, and animals. Again, terms vary by company, so double check.

Medical Coverage - Medical coverage is pretty self-explanatory. This coverage will help pay for medical expenses as a result of an auto incident.

How Much Coverage Do I Need?
Unfortunately there is no easy way to determine this. You must take a in-depth look at your current situation, including; cars, family member, and financial stability, just to name a few. When choosing a deductible, the higher you deductible, the lower you premium, in most cases. This is why it is commonly advised that you choose the highest deductible that you will be able to pay at any given time.

Deductibles and Premiums; What Do They All Mean?
In layman’s terms, a deductible is what the insured party must pay before the insurance company comes in to carry the additional costs. A premium is essentially what you a required to pay each month.

Drinking and driving is serious offense, and possibly has the most profound effect on your driving record, and in turn, your auto insurance rates. Not only will you have your license suspended, have to pay insanely large fines, and legal fees, but a DUI/DWI will have much longer lasting effects on your life.

Auto insurance companies handle these situations in one of two ways; you’re rates will sore, or you’re policy will be canceled all together. A DUI/DWI instantly puts you in the high risk driver category. Why they do this should be obvious. Not only do you put yourself and your car in grave danger, but you’re also putting everyone else on the road in danger. Alcohol related accidents, on average, cause more damage than any other accident. This simple fact, is the reason your premiums will shoot up. After one DUI, your potential cost to the company is far higher, and this is reflected in your new rates.

There are many ways to prevent your auto insurance company from finding out about a DUI offense. Essentially, if you are able to prevent the DUI from showing on your driving record through plea bargains, or fulfilling conditions set by the judge. The faster you are able to get these charges off your record, the better chance you have of not getting terminated by your insurance company. Though as much as it may hurt to do so, we don’t recommend you withhold information from your auto insurance company.

If you do get canned by your auto insurance company, chances are that other companies in the same tier or higher tiers, won’t want to insure you either. This may mean you have to go to a less well known company. And its unlikely that these insurance companies will overlook your DUI/DWI. You’re likely to pay just as much in your premiums, if not more, with these lower tier insurance companies.

The best way to keep your rates low, is to not drink and drive to begin with. DUI/DWIs have an immense impact on your life. Many people don’t quite understand the impact of a DUI until it happens to them. Be responsible and don’t put your life, or the lives of others at risk.

Finding the best deal with auto insurance, is no different than finding the best deal on your favorite electronics product, or shopping for discounts at the supermarket. However, auto insurance is a much more important decision. When looking for the best deal on auto insurance you must; do your research, shop around, and read the fine print.

Do Your Research
Before you apply for auto insurance quotes, it is important that you educate yourself on all things auto insurance. The first thing you should look in to are the types of coverage. Not all auto insurance policies are created equally, and they never provide the same types and amounts of coverage. Collision, comprehensive, liability, and medical coverage should all be looked into. If you have special needs, there are many other forms of auto insurance available as well. After you’ve read up on different types of auto insurance coverage, you should sit down, and determine what exactly you need. Don’t sell yourself short, its very rare that someone complains about having too much coverage.

You should also looking into the history and reputation of auto insurance companies in your state. Visit http://www.naic.org/ to find your state, and their information on local companies.

Shop Around
The internet has made it easier than ever to get an amazing deal on auto insurance. You should never choose the first company you look at, without weighing the pros and cons of a policy against another quote.

There are numerous auto insurance quote tool available on the web, and we even have one here. With just some basic information, you can be matched up with dozens of auto insurance companies, all fighting for you to be their customer.

This opens up more money saving opportunities than ever before. But remember, if a deal seems to good to be true; it probably is. When choosing a policy take the time to read through all documents, and even have your lawyer or financial advisor look over them with you, to ensure you aren’t getting ripped off. This is especially true on unbelievable deals.

Read the Fine Print
Before signing up with your new auto insurer, be sure you look into the exact terms of your policy. Often times drivers rush into agreements, that turn out to not offer what they thought they offered. The above 2 steps play into this one a great deal. If you’ve taken the time to do the research, and shopped around, your chances of getting a good deal on the coverage you need are far higher.

There is an endless supply of companies offer auto insurance these days. And the internet is where you can find the greatest number of deals. All auto insurance companies offer quote tools so that you can get an auto insurance quote in a matter of seconds. Contrary to popular belief, going directly to the auto insurance company is not always the best way to get a discount. When going directly to the company, they are assuming you don’t plan on shopping around. When using a quote tool that searches the rates at a variety of companies, like the quote tool we have here, you have the auto insurance companies competing with other offers from other companies. As a result, you end up with the best deal available.

Sometimes rates will appear to good to be true, and they usually are. If you are offered ridiculously low premiums, take a closer look at the coverage you are receiving. Often time they will offer you a super low rate, but will give you very little coverage in return. Take notes as you compare insurers, with so many names and number floating around in your head, it is easy to forgot small details, and things that put you off from a company to begin with.

You way also want to do some detective work before signing on with a particular auto insurance company. Do some research, and try to find some customer complaints. This will save you a lot of trouble down the road, if you know how a company treats their customers before hand.

Also, don’t be afraid to call and ask for discounts. If you are insuring multiple cars, paying 6+ months in advance, drive very limited distances, or anything else that you believe entitles you to a discount. You can find discounts for just about anything, just don’t be afraid to ask.

After you’ve chosen an auto insurance company, you will choose your deductibles. They will then give you a more accurate quote based on your needs. Remember, the higher your deductibles, the lower your premium.

You May Be Paying More to Insure Your Vehicle
Not all cars will get the same coverage, for the same price. Not only is the cost of your car factored into your premium, but the make, model, safety features, and size of your vehicle are also considered. A fast and small roadster is going to cost you a fortune when compared to a sedan with all the safety features. The color of your car however, is not taken into consideration, contrary to common belief.

Your Assets in the Car are Not Protected
If you have your laptop, CDs, or any other item of value in the car with you during the time of an accident, and these items are damaged, chances are they aren’t covered by your auto insurance. There are special coverage types you can opt in to to get these things protected.

You Must Cancel Your Former Policy When Changing Auto Insurance Companies
When you sign up for a new policy, you are responsible for canceling your old policy. You can usually call in advance to have your coverage discontinued on a set date. If you don’t do so, you may end up having to  pay 2 premiums at the end of the month.

Good Credit Goes a Long Way
Almost all auto insurance companies will pull your credit report when calculating your premiums. This is because your credit score is an easy way of determining your likelihood of filing a claim. Your credit score also says a lot about your ability to pay, and be a long term customer. This is one of the many factors that are used to calculate your insurance risk score. Your insurance risk score is not available to you.

Paying in Advance Can Save You Money
You can pay for your auto insurance in a variety of ways. You can pay in monthly installments, semiannually, or annually. The more you pay in advance, the more you can save. Each payment will cost you an dministrative fee?that can cost you when you break up your payments into installments.

You’re Responsible For Your Friends Too
Just because you weren’t driving at the time doesn’t mean you won’t have to file a claim and pay up. If you lend your car to a friend, and they get in an accident, you will have to file the claim with your insurance company, not theirs.

Is it required that I have auto insurance?
In most cases yes. Laws surrounding auto insurance are dictated  by state law, and most states do require that you have some form of auto insurance. The amount of coverage varies from state to state so be sure to check for your particular situation.

What is the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage?
Collision coverage only covers you in situation involving a collision. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, protects you against theft, vandalism, water damage, and other on-collision?incidents. Comprehensive coverage does NOT include collision coverage, the name deceives many people.

Does my driving record effect my auto premiums?
Your driving record is arguably the most important thing auto insurance companies use when determining your premium costs. Your driving record isn’t the only thing they take into consideration though. Your age, credit history, time on the road, and many other statistics play a major role.

My son/daughter just got their learning permit, do they need to be insured?
Those with learning permits are not required by law to have auto insurance, though for extra protection it may be a good idea, some insurance companies will cover them under your current plan however. The day they get their license, you should sign them up for auto insurance immediately.

How often do I have to pay my premium?
The amount of money you pay upfront must be at least enough coverage for a month, but many insurance companies offer discounts for 6 month down payments, and even better discounts for 1 year agreements.

My driving record is really bad, can I still get insurance?
No matter how bad your driving record, there is always an auto insurance company there to provide you with coverage. Of course, you’ll have to pay more than someone with a clean driving record, but it still is not hard to find coverage. Check out our auto insurance quote tool, and we’ll find a insurer for you in no time.

Can I get auto insurance quotes for free?
Absolutely! If you are advised to pay for a credit report, turn around, and don’t look back. Auto insurance quotes are a service to you, not the insurance companies. Our tool is 100% free, and we provide you with multiple options. You will also find that getting quotes online will get you much better premiums.

Can I sign up multiple people under the same policy?
This is actually fairly common practice. Not only is is doable, but you will also get a better rate, than if you were to insure each person individually.