12/24/08

Finding an Auto Insurance Company - Top 7 Car Insurance Companies

When searching for a car insurance company it is important to shop around and compare many different companies. Look for a well known company with a good reputation that has great customer service and that handles claims quickly.

Here are some of the top car insurance companies in the nation and some useful facts about each one that can help you make an informed decision when shopping for a car insurance policy.

1. Progressive Auto Insurance

Progressive is one of the largest auto insurance providers in the country and they have been in the insurance industry for over 70 years.

Their website offers 24 hour a day online claims reporting and policy service and management for the convenience of their customers.

In 2008, Progressive was put in 1st place for positive online customer experiences by The Customer Respect Group.

2. Nationwide Auto Insurance

Nationwide is another one of the largest financial service providers in the country. They have over $161 billion in assets.

Nationwide was ranked #108 on the Fortune 500 list.

Nationwide also has an online insurance claims center and a toll free number that customers can call 24/7 to file a claim.

3. GEICO Auto Insurance

GEICO is a large, well known company that has an excellent reputation for customer service.

They also offer many discounts to their customers such as an anti theft discount, college graduate discount, good student discount, military discount, driver's education discount, defensive driving discount and many more.

A.M. Best gave GEICO an A++ rating, which is their highest rating, for financial stability. GEICO has been in business for over 70 years.

4. Travelers Auto Insurance

Travelers took the #93 spot on the Fortune 500 list. They received an A+ financial strength rating from A.M. Best.

They also offer their customers many discounts such as a multi car discount, hybrid auto discount, good student discount, and a good driver discount.

Travelers Insurance is also a very large company. They have representatives in every state, Canada, Ireland, and the U.K.

5. Allstate Auto Insurance

Allstate is another top auto insurance company. They were given an A+ rating by A.M. Best for financial strength.

Allstate has many different programs that their customers can choose from. They have an Accident Forgiveness Program that keeps your car insurance rates from going up if you are in an accident and even if it is your fault. They also have a safe driving bonus. This allows you to earn a check for up to 5% of your premium for every six months that you are accident free.

Allstate offers 24/7 claims service online or by telephone.

6. Amica Auto Insurance

Amica is a mutual insurance company that was founded in 1907, making it the oldest mutual auto insurance company in the U.S. Amica does business in every state except Hawaii.

Amica received an A.M. Best rating of A++, which is their highest rating. J.D. Power and Associates has named Amica the highest in customer satisfaction for nine years in a row.

7. Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance

Liberty Mutual is a large mutual insurance company with over 900 offices around the world. Liberty Mutual went national in 1994, and now operates in more than twenty countries.

Liberty Mutual was given a score of A by A.M. Best for their financial strength.

Compare quotes from top insurance companies to make sure that you are getting the best auto insurance policy at the lowest rates possible. It is always important to do research and shop around when looking for a car insurance policy.

Bookmark and Share

12/14/08

Free Auto Insurance Quotes and Certified Advice

Auto insurance is a major expense just like any other but you can save on car insurance also. Don't be so sure that you're insurance company is giving you the best rate. You should always be shopping around and checking quotes from different companies. Its always wise to shop around for auto insurance every year when your policy is about to expire.

Lets take a look at some certified and proven auto insurance advice.

-Before you get your car get the insurance quote for the model of car you want to buy. Insurance costs may be different between different cars and even between different models of the same car.

- As I said before be smart and shop around, get quotes from as many insurance companies as you can, rates change between different insurance companies and the differences between then can and will keep money in your pockets if you play your cards right.

- Consider paying a higher deductible. A deductible is the amount you pay from your pocket before your insurance will pay should you have a claim.

-If you have a car that is not worth so much money consider dropping comprehensive and possibly collision coverage as well. If you car is worth only $1500 to $2000 it makes more sense to buy another vehicle rather than fix the old one.

- Always ask for possible discounts some insurance companies may offer you a discount if your car has certain safety features such as anti-lock breaks or a anti-theft device like a immobilizer or an alarm system.

Bookmark and Share

12/5/08

Auto Theft - 10 Easy Steps to Avoid Getting Your Car Stolen

Car theft is actually going down in the U.S., but almost 1.2 million cars get stolen every year. There is no reason you have to be a victim. Avoiding car theft is not difficult. You just have to use your head. Here are 10 easy tips to avoid auto theft.

1. Lock your car. About half of stolen vehicles are not locked. It's such a simple step. If you find yourself coming back to an unlocked car quite often, consider posting yourself a reminder in a visible place in your car.

2. Take your keys. Yes, Roughly 20% of stolen cars get driven away with their own keys in them. And since many cars these days won't let you lock the doors without using your key or a button on your key fob, that means cars with their keys in them also were unlocked. That's like putting out a welcome sign for thieves.

3. Hide your valuables. Don't tempt a thief by having valuables in plain sight. You can not necessarily hide your car, but you don't have to put a bow on it.

4. Keep your windows up when you're not in the car. An open window makes it easier to unlock your car...or just open the door and get in. An open window is like locking your garage, but leaving your front door unlocked.

5. Park in a public spot with lots of light. Thieves don't want to risk getting caught unnecessarily. If you park in a dark alley, that is asking not to have a ride home.

6. Speaking of parking, park in your garage. This is another easy one. If you have a garage, use it. A thief would have to break into your house in that case, not just steal your car on the side of the street.

7. Get an anti-theft device. This could be one installed by the car manufacturer, or a device you can buy on the aftermarket. In fact, it is smart to have both. Get the anti-theft device from the manufacturer, and then go buy The Club. Nothing deters a thief better than seeing The Club locking your steering wheel.

8. Set your emergency brake and turn your wheels toward the curb. These things make it harder for thieves to tow your vehicle away.

9. Consider a security tracking service. Lojack or Onstar are the two biggest names. This not only can let law enforcement locate your car faster if it is stolen, but also might save you some money on your auto insurance.

10. Buy a car with an eye toward not having it stolen. This is not something you can do if you already own the vehicle, but if you are shopping, you should keep it in mind. But don't think only flashy cars get stolen. For years, the Honda Accord has been one of the most stolen vehicles, because it's easier for thieves to sell the parts without attracting attention.

Most of those simple tips do not cost a dime. The ones that cost something cost a lot less than having your car stolen. If you will use your head, avoiding car theft can be as routine as putting gas in your car.

Adsit Company is a worldwide Mercedes Benz parts supplier specializing in new, used and rebuilt Mercedes parts, accessories, engines and transmissions. Adsit offers 10% discounts for online and fax orders as well as full service assistance by phone.

You can get a free, 100 page printed catalog mailed to you by visiting the Adsitco.com Mercedes parts website.

Bookmark and Share
Auto Crazed
Photobucket