Stop Auto Theft In 10 Different Ways

By James Tam on October 29th, 2006

It is true that every 30 seconds, another vehicle is stolen! You will be surprised to know that over one million motor vehicles will be stolen this year. You never know if you can become a victim of auto theft? Well, maybe not necessarily, if you follow these 10 simple autos theft prevention tips:

1. Never leave your car running or leave the keys in the ignition when you are not there.
2. Always keeps your car door locked at all times.
3. Try to install an antitheft device.
4. Make sure you have a garage, park your car inside and lock the garage door.
5. Never be so obvious as to store packages or valuables where everyone can see.
6. Always park your car in a safe, well-lit, or well-traveled area at night.
7. Make sure you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) etched into the windows and major parts of your car to make your car harder to resell on the black market.
8. Make sure that when you parking on the street, turn your wheels toward the curb, use the emergency brake, and try to park between other cars in this way, it will make it harder for a thief to tow your car away.
9. Always try to avoid parking your car in a long-term parking lot.
10. always take out any removable electronic devices for example the CD player, or if you can cover it up, when you leave your car.

There are lots of antitheft devices in the market!
Use your common sense by locking your car or leaving it in a well-lit area can certainly prevent auto theft. Get yourself an antitheft device for your peace of mind. There are many types available, find one to suit your budget. Some of the more common antitheft devices are car alarms, steering wheel locks, immobilizers, glass sensors, ignition-kill switches, fuel-kill switches and radio receivers/transmitters

Make sure you installed properly whatever type of antitheft device you choose. Otherwise, you may risk damaging the device or even your car’s electrical system. It may be wise to get a car alarm installation professional to do the work.
Auto insurance discounts for your premium!

The auto insurance policy covers the comprehensive portion of your covers theft. You may know that cars that have a high theft rate have higher insurance premiums. Fortunately, by making your car less attractive to thieves, antitheft devices can also help you to save money on your auto insurance. Most states require insurance companies to give discounts to car owners who install antitheft devices, but some state where antitheft discounts are not required, your insurer will probably offer them to you anyway. Typically, insurer discounts are higher for automatic antitheft devices for example, the passive-setting alarms.

The best thing to do if your car is stolen is to immediately contact the police first, and give them the following information. That’s why it is so important to know the year, the make, the model, and the color of your car, your license plate number and the VIN. Make sure you know the approximate time when the car was stolen, the location where the car was parked, and if there is any eye witnesses to the crime.
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Then next, you have to inform your auto insurance company that your car was stolen. It would be good to know your policy identification number on hand. Although the claim process varies in different auto insurance company and in different state in which you live, the insurance companies usually have up to 30 days to settle a stolen vehicle claim.

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The 10 Most Common Auto Repairs

By James Tam on October 24th, 2006

To look after a car is like looking after a baby! Every car owner dreads when your mechanic tells you that your regularly scheduled tune-up has uncovered a major repair problem. This will cost you a small fortune! As according to Motor Service, an auto industry trade magazine, the 10 most common and frequent auto repairs that will include the followings:

• The Brake system
• The Lube/oil change/filters
• The Cooling/heating (radiator)
• The Ignition/electronic control
• The Steering/suspension
• The Carburetor/fuel system
• The Electrical
• the Transmission/clutch/rear axle
• The Auto air conditioning
• The Exhaust system

Not only is just the auto repair services, there are many other costs associated with owning a car, like car payments, commuting expenses, for example gas, tolls, parking, and insurance premiums. Maybe there are some tips that can help car owners save money.
Making sure to keep your repair costs in check!
The most important things you can do to avoid costly auto repairs is preventive maintenance. By keeping your regular scheduled trips to your mechanic can save you money in the long run. Sometime if you have your own mechanic, check if they have their own schedule or either follow your car manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

Get a quota price before bringing your car in for repairs; be sure to ask for a written estimate ahead of time. You’ll also want to make sure that the repair shop will get your approval before performing any work that exceeds a certain amount or you are in for a shock!
Check and found how to lower your commuting expenses!
You will be surprised to know that most car owners overlook the cost of commuting when determining their monthly car expenses. You have to take in addition to gas and toll charges, you may need to factor in fees to park your car. The system of car pooling, either with co-workers and also through a car pooling service, and by using the public transportation like the trains and the buses in your area can greatly reduce your commuting expenses.

Maybe do your research with different insurance companies to further lower your insurance premiums!
The most expensive payment apart from your car payment, your monthly insurance premium is the second-largest car-related expense. There are ways, if you’re looking to save money on your premiums, you can try to follow these simple steps:

1. Shop around in different companies you will be amazed to find that the premiums vary widely from company to company, so it often pays to compare policies.
2. As you increase your deductible typically, you will be increasing your deductible and this will result in a lower premium.
3. If you are driving an older car, you may want to consider dropping collision and other comprehensive coverage.
4. Keep an eye out and take advantage of discounts by asking your insurer what types of discounts they offer. Sometimes low mileage, antitheft devices, air bags, antilock brakes and being a safe driver will also give you extra bonus in lowering your premium.
5. Being a driver for a longer period of time may also earn you extra points towards a lower premium.
6. Ask the insurance companies what else they offer and you will be surprised what they can tell you.
7. So I hope these tips can help you.

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Find 3 Things That Could Affect Your Auto Insurance Rate & Quote

By James Tam on October 11th, 2006

(1) - How can auto insurance rate affect you?All of these events can have a huge impact on your lives, like getting married, children start to drive, becoming divorced or widowed, and that can change or revaluate your policy. That’s right: marriage can sometimes actually save you money! The chance to receive a bigger discount on your auto insurance rate is when you merge both assets together.

To have all your automobiles under one policy, you can save money and cut down on multiple bills and policies you may have. With multiple cars in the family, many insurance companies offer good discounts. Do your homework and shop around and compare the quotes and policies of other insurance companies, and you will be surprised to find very good deals. This will help you find the best rate and coverage for you and your new spouse.

(2) - What about being widowed or divorced?

Not only is the upsetting time for you when are widowed or divorced, you will need to revaluate your insurance policy as quickly as possible. Unfortunately in your situation, you are only the full-time driver, which means your rate may go up higher than you can afford.

The only thing you have to do is keep your costs down. So start to shop for a cheaper deal in all insurance companies. Although you’re current insurance provider may be the best rate while you were married, that doesn’t mean they will still be the same when you are single. Make sure you read everything and understand your plan. Things had changed now that you are no longer a married couple.

With the lost of an extra income, your budget has become tighter. This time the case is different because you might want to consider looking into raising your deductible or eliminating your comprehensive and collision coverage. You may be surprised to know that, even though you may not be necessary to, these changes could make a considerable difference in your auto insurance rate.

(3) - What will happen if you retirement?

You may want to travel, so it is a perfect time to spend time with loved ones and review your auto insurance coverage. Now you no longer need to drive to work everyday, so your annual mileage will drop, which can mean a nice rate decrease for you! As you have become single again, you may no longer need multiple cars and that one car suits you just fine. Not only do you now save on gas, you will also reduce your auto insurance rate and your money as well.

There are lots of ways that you can save on auto insurance is that, if you are a veteran driver, you may want to participate in AARP’s Mature Driving Course or AAA’s Mature Operator Program. Many insurance companies provide discounts to seasoned drivers who participate in these refresher courses, and its worth to give it a try!

Remember no matter what happen it never hurts to shop around for a good deal!
As you go through changes in life; it never hurts to do a little comparison-shopping. Sometimes you can help to expedite your investigation, by researching in the internet for a good one to provide and I know of one call the Insurance.com’s auto comparison module. You will be amazed at what you can find, and you will be able to compare the rates of up to 12 insurance providers, as this will be helping you save time and money on your auto insurance.

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