Posts Tagged ‘auto’

Becoming An Informed Insurance Buyer: What SR-22 Means

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
Car Insurance Facts | Car Insurance Quotes | Car insurance guide | Car Insurance Tips

For some reason, some insurance companies make the filing of an SR-22 document seem like a mystery, giving you the impression it is some secretive and complicated matter that you should not question too closely. You cannot start becoming an informed insurance buyer without knowing what SR-22 means, and if you fall into one of the categories of drivers required to file the form, you should know exactly what you are getting into.

Because the SR-22 document essentially proves your financial responsibility, people have erroneously concluded that it is insurance for poor people. This is not the case. It is true that having a very bad credit history can affect your options in buying insurance, but it also affects your ability to get an SR-22 filing because, if you recall, the whole point of having it is to establish financial responsibility. The major reasons you will need an SR-22 include:

-getting caught driving without insurance,

-being cited for DUI/DWI or other serious moving violation,

-causing an accident (being at fault) while driving uninsured,

-receiving repeat citations in a short period of time, and

-driving with a suspended or revoked license.

In most states you will be required to have an SR-22 for a specific length of time, often three years. If you get through that time period without reneging on payments or getting additional tickets, your SR-22 requirement will expire.

Consider it like probation

You will have a long-term filing status with an SR-22, typically three years as mentioned above, which you should think of as driving probation. That is how your state DMV and police think of it, so you should, too. The SR-22 is not insurance itself, and you are required to have ongoing insurance coverage during your SR-22 status. The insurance company that issues you a policy pursuant to an SR-22 filing will notify the authorities in your state at once if your policy is unpaid, canceled or lapses, triggering the suspension of your license once again.

Not every insurance company will file the SR-22, so you need to become an informed consumer first and do your research. There are also different rates for the service, as well as a wide range of policy costs, so you really do need to shop around. You can look forward to a smooth experience if you use a company experienced with the SR-22 filing, and some insurers will stay on top of things to the point that they will file a termination form with the authorities (called an SR-26 in some states), usually within some 10 days of the SR-22’s expiration.

Different state requirements

Generally speaking, if you have an SR-22 currently and move to another state, you will have to finish out the stated time period anyway. You will also need to get in-state insurance with liability limits that meet the required minimums in your former home state. For example, if you have an SR-22 in a state where the minimum liability figures are 50/100/25, and move to a state with 25/50/10 limits, you still have to carry the former, higher limits in your new state. You will continue in your SR-22 status in the new state until the time period ends in the old one.

Some states do not have SR-22 requirements, like Delaware, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Kentucky. If you move to one of these places while in SR-22 status, however, you will have to meet the insurance requirements of the old state where you were required to file the SR-22. If your SR-22 is from, say, Arizona, and then you move to New Mexico, you will continue filing the SR-22 with Arizona until the time period runs out. You will get a New Mexico policy, but keep on filing your SR-22 in Arizona until your period expires.

Bottom line

You need to shop around to find insurance companies that will do these filings if you do not want to handle it yourself. A variety of firms, including SR-22 specialists, exist for the express reason of helping you stay on the road, safe and insured. With some companies and in some states, there may be a filing fee attached to the SR-22, as well. The concept as a whole is similar among the many states using SR-22 programs, but you need to remember that the devil is in the details, and there are a lot of them. It is crucial that you find a firm that has the experience and expertise to help you navigate through the complexities of the SR-22 filing.

Most states require an SR22 for major convictions such as a DUI or DWI, driving while license suspended or revoked and at fault accidents without insurance to name a few. Visit Southeast Insurance Agency for your next sr22 insurance quotes quote today.

Avoiding Scams When Getting An Extended Auto Warranty

Sunday, August 29th, 2010
Car Insurance Facts | Car Insurance Quotes | Car insurance guide | Car Insurance Tips

Because extended auto warranties are often misunderstood, they open the doors to all kinds of unscrupulous businesses. To make sure that you do not fall victim to such scams, it helps to understand more about what extended warranties entail. In that way, you can know that the extended warranty that you purchase is a sure deal.

Familiarize Yourself with the Terms of an Extended Warranty

The first way to protect yourself against potential scams is to become more informed about extended warranties. An extended warranted is not a duplicate warranty that only comes into effect after the auto manufacturer’s warranty expires; instead, it is an extension of the original warranty. The purpose of an extended warranty is to protect you against the expense of costly repairs. Typically, the more costly repairs are needed after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. It is therefore important that the extended warranty you get is a comprehensive policy. You don’t want the surprise of submitting a claim only to have them reject it on a technicality.

Research the Different Extended Warranty Options Available

When looking into extended warranties, take the time to research the different options available. A good way is to ask friends and colleagues what companies they use. In this way, you can get objective feedback on companies that are reputable or companies that you should avoid. Another good way to research the reputability of the extended warranty company is to read online reviews. The Web is a great resource for getting objective customer feedback.

Get Online Quotes to Compare with Dealership Offers

While you are online, you can also compare the different offers made and find out who is offering the best deal. What you may find is often that online companies offer more competitive rates than dealerships. This is valuable information you can use to negotiate a better warranty if you do want to go through a dealership.

Read the Fine Print

Before signing off on any extended warranty agreements, make sure you are familiar with what is covered and what is not. Also make sure that the start date of the policy is clear so there are no gaps between when the manufacturer’s warranty expires and the extended warranty kicks in. A good policy will include roadside assistance and even minor repairs. Also make sure that the warranty company will pay directly for the repairs. Policies that ask you pay out first and then get reimbursed defeat the purpose of having the warranty in the first place. The reason you want the warranty is so that maintenance costs are covered without you having to dip into your pocket.

Make Sure you Have a Comprehensive Extended Warranty

Most extended warranties are made up of two different components. One is mechanical breakdown which is when you will find yourself stuck on the side of the road. The other is general wear and tear which inevitably happens over time. Moving parts in the vehicle need to be replaced from time to time, and this generally forms part of your regular service check. Make sure that whatever policy you choose has both of these components. Without the wear and tear coverage, you may end up not having a properly serviced car and could end up having it break down. At the same time, having a policy that provides you with roadside assistance for a mechanical breakdown is essential.

Avoid Companies that Process Claims Through Reimbursements

Many less-than-reputable companies like to make promises that they have no intention of keeping. Often, they will state that you first need to pay for the cost of repairs and then ask you to submit the claim saying that they will reimburse you. The problem with these companies is that too often they find a reason not to pay the claim and you never recoup your costs. A reputable company will pay the licensed mechanic or repair shop directly. After all, that is what you are paying a monthly premium for.

Be Careful of Email Offers

Frequently, scammers use emails to entice customers to purchase their policies. They often offer low-priced warranties and promise guarantees that they seldom fulfill. Be wary of offers that sound too good to be true; they probably are. If you purchase one of these types of extended warranties, chances are that either they’ll reject your claim or be out of business a few months down the line. Then you will be left without a warranty with expensive repairs to take care of.

Endurance Warranty.com has been helping car owners save money and gain peace of mind for almost twenty years. You won’t find a more affordable or more comprehensive group of extended auto warranty plans anywhere. Nor will you find more knowledgeable or friendly staff to help you find the warranty for you. Visit online today.

An Information On Auto Insurance Plan

Sunday, August 29th, 2010
Car Insurance Facts | Car Insurance Quotes | Car insurance guide | Car Insurance Tips

Because the past 2 yrs auto insurance plan companies have already been allowed to follow their particular interest levels. What this implies is that as a auto insurance purchaser you may be offered various premium rates by various insurance providers for the similar amount of insurance plan. This really is a significant thing to be aware of since it works to your great advantage.

The auto insurance plans company, at their discernment, may conform to offer you extra insurance plan and also postpone some insurance deductible sum if you’re able to existing your case sympathetically. You might be qualified to receive replacement cost cover if your car model and the amount of miles moved fall within business acceptance insurance plan.

Should you be considering to buy a vehicle on loan or rent a car, then a loan / lease gap cover is a good deal for you. The insurance coverage company pays the volume of loan that is definitely above the price of the vehicle. It is possible to make certain your automobile’s health by paying a little bit more premium and achieving OEM parts as opposed to after market replacements.

If your job requires typical vacationing in rented vehicles then you should think about cover for accidents if you are driving this type of vehicle. This can cover the price of harm to the vehicle. Check if you’re able to find liability cover the rented vehicle. Obviously, you will need to keep in mind that every little addition to your cover will increase the premium amount. Therefore, be shrewd in choosing the business of your car insurance plans.

The last premium that some insurance company presents you with will depend upon the type of coverage you select as well as the company’s assessment of you being an insurance plan risk. Your driving record, vehicle maintenance, car type, area you stay and be employed in, and very importantly your credit rating will determine the expense of your auto insurance plan.

Looking to find the best deal on car insurance coverage, then visit www.carinsuranceplan.org to find the best advice on cars insurance for you.