6 Must Have Auto Accessories

Buying a car that is new a thrill: the feel, the new car smell, the pristine ride, the lack of floor mats... Yes, odd as it seems, your new car probably left the showroom without several key accessories. Don't let the dealer add them in after the  fact, otherwise you will pay a mint for the favor.
Buying a new car is an experience that few will ever forget: the smell, the pristine interior, and the flawless ride are some of the things enjoyed by new car owners. Yet, despite how well equipped even the most cars that are expensive be, oftentimes they leave the showroom with several accessories missing. No, they weren’t stolen; instead, for some queer reason these “must have” accessories were not included with the sale. Let’s take a look at six accessories every vehicle should have.
Floor mats – You have got to be kidding…no floor mats?! Oddly, floor mats are the chief accessory typically not included with any sale. Instead, you get a throwaway paper sheet for the driver.  Without floor mats in spot you can bet that the interior shall be soiled in short order. Worse, if you wait too long your carpeting could be damaged which is especially bad news for you if you lease your vehicle. Just wait ‘til you see the price of replacing damaged carpeting that is automotive!
Cargo liners – Like the interior, the car’s trunk area is subject to dirt, debris, mud, the elements, and more. Some automakers have wised up over the years and included cargo liners as standard equipment while others make a cargo liner an add-on that is expensive after-the-sale accessory for buyers.
Bug shields – If you live in a humid climate, a bug shield is a must. No automaker offers one as standard equipment; if you want to protect your windshield and hood a bug shield is a must. Also marketed as bug deflectors.
Car bra – Sure, they are stylish, but a motor car bra is much more than that. Offering protection to your grille and to the front part of your hood, a car bra can help deflect debris kicked up from the road. Who hasn’t come across that sort of problem while traversing our interstates?
Brake dust shields – No, there isn’t a safety aspect with a dust shield, but there certainly are aesthetic reasons why they make sense. You spent a lot for your tires and wheels, so why go through the hassle of a cleaning that is weekly to keep your car looking great? Dust shields limit the dust so you really want to do: drive that you can do what.
Car cover – Whether you keep your car garaged or whether you leave it outside, a car cover is essential toward protecting your vehicle’s finish. Indoor air pollution and dust can damage a vehicle that is garaged solar rays, moisture, bird poop, wind, and small impacts can damage exposed vehicles. For less than $200 you can buy a four layer, breathable car cover that will offer the protection your car so desperately needs.
So, there it is had by you. Six essential auto accessories for every vehicle. You’ll pay a mint for each accessory in after the sale, so why not shop online with Car Stuff to find everything you need for your car and for less if you let your dealer add them?

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6 Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Tires

Being inquisitive is part of our nature. Too many questions are asked. Moreover, we need real answers to these questions.
In the field of motorcycles, especially on motorcycle parts, we are bombarded with questions about tires. Here are the questions and their corresponding answers.
1. What’s the right tire age?
Basically, the principle is the newer the tire the better. However, to make a tire last longer the tire’s age is of lesser importance. But be careful not to buy tires which are over six or seven years old. You will be able to learn their date of manufacturing by searching for the three or four-digit number stamped in the tire’s sidewall. For instance, 2101 stands for 21st of 2001 - which is its manufacturing date week.
2. Why are new tires better?
First, new tires are better it decomposes because it is organic and. Second because the older the tire gets, the more it is exposed to outgassing. Outgassing makes the tire brittle.
3. What will I do in case of a flat tire?
Motorcycle tires flex from more directions. Unlike car tires, motorcycle tire has only the other tire to prevent it from falling. Thus, the best thing to do in case of a flat tire is to replace it and not just plug it.
4. When is there a need for replacement?
It depends. Front tires may still shot even when there is rubber that is still ample. In fact, they may still look good even if they have gone through considerable heat cycles. They can also cup or scallop when already having uneven surface. This is the time that is best to replace them.
5. What about size and pressure?
Run the bike in the tire pressure that is recommended. It is so simple. You just have to stick to the manufacturers guidelines. That is the safest and the best thing that you can do. Nevertheless, some deviations can be had by you depending on your desired performance. Moreover, you have to regularly check tire pressure.
6. When to buy a tire?
You can buy tires at reputable motorcycle stores. These stores have already established their names and services. You can also order online. But this remedy is a gamble because it will not guarantee that you will be getting newly manufactured tires. When you buy tires personally, you have the opportunity to choose the freshest tire in the store. You also have the chance to compare prices and quality.

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5 Ways to Find Discount Volvo Parts

You have worked hard towards your goal of owning a Volvo, to you it's not "just" a  car, it's a dream you have knew. However, you do not want to go into debt whenever a right part needs to be replaced. What you do want is the best quality parts for the best possible price. Check out these tips to too realize that dream, with discount Volvo parts.
1- One of the most reliable places to get genuine Volvo parts at a discounted price is a salvage yard. This might not have been the first thought that came to mind when you discovered that you needed to replace a part. However, salvage yards cope with factory parts that are still working even if the car that is original not. Many salvage yards operate on an "as is" basis, but they also depend on their reputation to stay in operation, they test parts before putting them up for sale. This is an option that is excellent you are looking for something like a cooling fan or a windshield wiper motor.
2- Searching the internet can yield excellent results when looking for discount Volvo parts. This is what most websites specialize in, quality parts for less. An added bonus of internet sites is that they can also offer reviews from previous buyers, installation instructions and forums that are filled with other enthusiasts who are more that willing to answer your questions.
3- A more hands on way to find the parts that are discounted you need is by going to auctions. An auction, specifically a car auction, is a great way to find the parts you is looking for as well as a great way to obtain them for a price that is good. Another advantage to the auction is that you can physically handle the piece and talk to the seller to get an accurate history.
4- A close cousin to the auction is the swap meet. At a swap meet, there will be a  number of other Volvo owners. These owners are looking to get rid of certain parts and accessories, sometimes for money, sometimes in exchange for parts they might need. A swap meet allows you the luxury of speaking with the owner and holding the part as with the auction.
5- The most place that is obvious not likely to be a good source of discount parts, but it never hurts to check. The dealership will be able to get you the right part you need, even if its at full price, if your other options neglect to produce the part you need.

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5 Ways To Find Affordable, Quality Parts For Your Vehicle

The latest offerings from American automakers has the industry buzzing. Coupled with steep discounts, cars are rolling out of showrooms at a record clip. Not everyone is buying a new car these days, instead a significant number of car lovers are maintaining and keeping their cars for five or ten years, even longer. However, finding affordable, quality parts for any model car can particularly be difficult as the car ages. Let’s look at five ways you can find parts for your soon to be classic.
1. The Dealers. Some dealer inventories are extensive and include parts for classic models including the Dodge Charger, Coronet, and Omni; Ford Mustang, Thunderbird, and LTD; and Chevrolet Camaro, Caprice, and Vega. Their prices, however, can be steep as you are paying the dealer rate and receiving manufacturer that is genuine.
2. The Junk Yard. The cheapest parts out there can be pulled off а wreck that has been placed in a salvage yard. Of course finding the particular make/model part and hoping that it isn't damaged or worn out is another thing.
3. Parts Stores. Your local parts store may stock what you need. If not, the better ones can place an order and have it shipped in.
4. Ebay. What isn't sold online through eBay and other auction sites? Precious little! There is one important caveat with purchasing through an auction site: fraud is rampant. Only purchase through these types of businesses you can get a guarantee if you know the buyer and.
5. Shop Online. Brick and mortar stores are receiving stiff competition from online purveyors. Some are good, some aren't. Things to look for in an online merchant: check to make sure that they are a recognized name in the industry, stock quality parts, offer toll free phone support, ship from a U.S. address, and their shipping and maneuvering fees are clearly stated. Prices at these types of stores are usually very competitive; they are also the same stores that many of your local parts stores order from. From them directly, you will cut out the middle man and realize significant savings if you order.
So, if your 1996 Chevrolet Impala is your pride and joy you can keep it going for many more years by acquiring affordable, quality car parts from a seller that is reputable. Shop informed!

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5 Ways to be Safe on a Motorcycle

Truck collided with an SUV. Motorcycle bumped unto a deer. A car turned turtle. Head-on collision, bumps, injuries and deaths are rampant in our streets that are busy. These are common occurences in our busy roads. They have become common that they are already treated as ordinary incidents in the streets. A great number of them are caused by negligence and recklessness. However, despite these occurences motorists are still not that cautious on how they can be safe with their every ride.
To help motorists, here are the rules of thumb in  riding a motorcycle:
1.Ready your motorcycle. Do not go into a battle with a sword that is defective. Thus, inspect first your motorcycle. Are the  parts in good riding condition? If there are parts that need to be replaced, replace it. If there are those that need to be fixed, then fix it first. If these right parts are overlooked, they will not only spoil your ride but spoil your life as well.
2.Wear your protection. Helmet, jacket/vest, gloves, pants and footwear must not be neglected. If you want total protection then, do not dare neglect any of these gears. You do not know which body part will be hit. You do not even know if there will be a fatal crash just after mounting on your bike so you must protect everything from your head to your toe!
3.Be conspicuous. Try to use motorcycle parts and gears that reflect or emit lights. This will help you become obvious to other motorcyclists. Most accidents happen because the road is a blurry du to rain or snow. Moreover, the use of neon colors can very well help.
2.Keep Distance. Be an island. Leave ample space all around your motorcycle to avoid bumps. Most of the time, mishaps happen because of tailgating and not keeping safe distance.
3.Expect accident. Every time you drive, expect an accident. That way you shall be extra careful and drive defensively. Beware of the curves, intersections, oncoming left turners, school zones and other places that are populated as to prevent road accidents.
4.Avoid riding during nighttime. It's hard to see other motorists at this is especially true when there are lesser lights used night. Aside from conspicuity another possible problem that may arise during nightime are the drunken drivers who are mostly coming from bar hopping spree or teenagers having their weekly night-out.
5.Ride you Own Ride. You do not have to impress others. Know your limits and remember safety more always than anything else!
Live yor life and enjoy your ride to safety!

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5 Tips to Getting a Truck Rental

That you have looked in to if you are moving across the country or just across town, using a truck rental may be an option. Renting a truck to move with can solve so problems that are many they even occur, weather and theft are just two of the pitfalls of moving. However, there are a few things to consider before you visit the company that is rental.
1- First and foremost, you need to figure out how much space you will need. A loose general rule is that a typical room of household furnishings will require approximately five feet of cargo space inside the truck. Your personal needs will vary depending on how much stuff you actually own, as compared to the household that is normal.
2- Once you know the size that is approximate of truck you will need, you can then start to call rental companies to inquire about the sizes they have available for you. Some of the most common sizes that may need to be reserved early are the cargo van and the small cargo trucks.
3- When you are ready to reserve the truck, it is best to avoid the busy times, thus allowing yourself the widest range of vehicles and options to choose from. Try to avoid the end and the beginning of a month, most leases end and start at these times; avoiding them helps ensure that the vehicle you want will be there for you.
4- Check your personal insurance policy to ensure that you will be covered for a truck rental; many auto policies do not include this. If yours excludes this type of rental, it is a smart idea to accept the insurance that is offered by the rental company.
5- Finally, before you pull out of the parking lot after renting the truck, ask if there are directions available for the use of the vehicle. If there are, be sure to read them. If possible, try to get someone from the rental company to personally show you anything that you will need to know to complete your trip safely.

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5 Tips to Buying BMW Auto Parts

If you are looking for parts for your BMW M3, X5 or Z4, you want the best. Whether you are needing to replace the brakes, hoses, lights or even the tell tale emblem you need to know where to look for factory direct parts at affordable prices.
1- The best place to find any type of part for your BMW is, of course through a BMW dealer. They will either have the right parts needed in stock or be able to order them for you with short delivery times. They will be more expensive than other outlets, but you will know that the right parts they are selling you are genuine BMW auto parts, not something that is generic.
2- they can provide if you choose to purchase your BMW parts via a dealership, be sure to take advantage of the knowledge. The mechanics at a dealership can be the best people to ask basic questions of. They shall be able to give you insight as to what your vehicle actually needs and may even tell you how to go about replacing it.
3- If paying dealership prices is not what you had in mind, the next place that is best to look for BMW parts was online. There is a array that is vast of stores, which specialize in genuine, generic, new and used parts for your BMW. The prices are usually less than purchasing through a dealer, however, keep in mind that these stores may lack in knowledgeable sales staff.
4- While you are surfing the web for the best prices on the parts you need, whether they be side mirrors or tail light covers, you might also be wise to look up the "how-to guides" that tell you how to install them. There is a  lot of information on the web in regards to BMW and BMW auto parts, their uses and their replacement.
5- As long as you are looking for parts for your BMW, you may want to check out the selection of accessories that are also available. These include items such as shift knob replacements and custom door handle parts, to name a few. The way that is best to begin a search for accessories is online or through catalogues.

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5 Tips for Dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Do you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and have had to quit taking your prescription pain medication because of harmful side effects? Are you looking for natural alternatives to help you deal with the pain that you face doing everyday tasks? If the answers to these questions are yes, then the following tips for relieving rheumatoid arthritis are just what you have been waiting for.
1- The most thing that is important anyone can do for their bodies is to exercise. This includes those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis as well. However, not every exercise is suitable for sufferers of arthritis pain. The exercises that are done need to be good for the muscle, while not being damaging for the joints. A exercise that is great those who are living with rheumatoid arthritis, in fact for everyone, is walking. Walking is a good low impact activity that does not put unneeded pressure on the joints. Other alternatives to walking are biking or walking in a pool.
2- The topic of exercising as a real way to relieve the pain of arthritis leads into another tip. It is very important to incorporate balancing exercises into your daily routine. For example, water aerobics and Tai Chi are two types of balancing exercises. The reason for these types of activities is that balancing is a very way that is effective of without undue pressure on the joints. However, if the joints do begin to hurt, the activity should be stopped. If the pain continues more than a couple of days, it would be wise to consult your physician.
3- If you are suffering from the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, it is a good idea to concentrate on your overall body weight. If this is an issue for you to take it off for you, speak with your doctor about ways that are suitable. When you are dealing with any type of arthritis pain, the extra weight makes it worse. Consider this; there is about 30 pound of force placed on the knees for each ten pounds of weight that is being carried. Therefore, the ability to lose ten pounds will result in 30 effectively pounds of force being lifted through the knee.
4- Some rheumatoid arthritis sufferers find that applying hot or compresses that are cold help to alleviate some of the pain that is associated with their condition. When using this method of pain relief, there is a rule that is simple remember, ice reduces pain while the heat will loosen the joints and boost blood flow.
5- This next tip, while not an actual treatment option, is very important to your emotional well-being. Educate yourself regarding your condition, this will improve your attitude as well as eliminate the element of surprise. Many people are afraid to ask questions when they are faced with a debilitating illness, they just wait for the bad stuff to start happening and many end up depressed. Don't be one of those people, ask your doctor, ask friends, do research, learn as much that you can better deal with it as you can about rheumatoid arthritis so.

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5 Things You Should Know Before Applying For Auto Loan

Applying for an auto loan? We’ll sooner or later we shall. So I wrote this short guide as basic must know guide to arm ourselves when the time for an auto loan comes.
1) Shop Online – Shopping for auto loan online is a time saver that is great. By comparing from different sites you can get the best deals. Applying also is easy and even some sites will give you information you need within minutes.
2) Know Thyself! - You must know the criteria that are basic applying for an auto loan. Basic criteria includes that you must be above 18 years of age. Best if you earn at least $2000 a month. Also needed is employment and residence history.
3) Get Approved First – Don’t have make the mistake of looking for a motor car before being approved.  Get approved first then they shall give you a voucher of how much you are allowable to loan. Doing this will save you future frustration and disappointments.
4) Down Payments – This varies from lender to lender, and some don’t even require. But typically its about 10% of the price or $1000 whichever is the lower number.
5) Interest Rate – Interest rate is not fixed as most people think, and yes it can be negotiated. You can have a lower interest rate if you have a good credit score and good negotiating skills. But some factors are way out of you’re control such as the  state of the economy.
There it is had by you. We’ll that’s not all, there’s  lot of other things you need to know. But what I’ve enumerated are the essentials that are vital applying for that auto loan. One thing also is ask advice from an authorized dealer or loan official. They’re there to help you. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask them now or you’ll might face lots of headaches later.

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5 Steps To Buying Your Car

Most people do not enjoy buying a car. A survey conducted by CNN revealed that 75% of people would rather visit a dentist than face visiting a car dealership. It's not that people don't want a car - it's just that there are so pitfalls that are many negotiate and not everyone can be sure of the right steps to take. Here are a few points to keep in mind to make the process easier.
1. Ask questions, lots of questions. Try to ask questions that are sensible will enable you to base your decisions on solid ground. But don't be afraid to just ask and only stop when all your concerns have been properly addressed.
2. Do not let emotion drive you. Pretty cars with all the bells and whistles can blind you to the truth. More often than not you will end up paying more than you need to if you buy with emotion. Be impartial and see the  car for what it is and not what you may have fallen in love with.
3. Know exactly what you want before you put a single foot inside the dealership door. An mind that is open be easily manipulated, and usually not in your favor. Use brochures, etc, beforehand to determine exactly what you would like within your budget, and don't be swayed by smooth talk.
4. Talk to the dealer about the price and not the payments. Dealers who keep referring to the "easy" payments could be avoiding the presssing issue of overall price, and you need to know why. Do your homework and you will know exactly what price fits into a payment plan to fit your budget. But than you bargained for if you focus on payment, you may end up paying more.
5. Know when the  time has come to make a decision. That decision could away be to walk, or it could be to close the deal. You should constantly monitor how you feel about the offer being made to you. If it all feels right, then stay with it and see it through. But if you get even just a tiny twinge of something not quite right, be prepared to walk away.
Buying a motor car is not always easy. It's not something most of us do very often and we all want to make the use that is best of our money. But with sensible and careful planning, and an awareness of the five points above, you can buy the exact right car for you at the exact right price for you. Happy motoring!

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5 Steps to A Great Rental Car Experience

There are times in one's life when the use of rental cars cannot be avoided. When someone plows into you at an intersection, when you are taking a 2-day trip and your compact car just does not have enough room to stretch out, these are times when you are happy that there are rental cars at your disposal. You should know some things about the process before you rent that car, though.
1- The first step involved in obtaining a rental car is to do research on the companies in your local area. There are a number of nation companies that are wide most likely local companies to choose from when conducting your research. Try to narrow them down to three or four companies that are closest to either your pick up location or your destination.
2- You will want to ask about procedures that may be required by the rental company. Many companies require that the motor car be fueled up before its return, if this just isn't done, they will charge you extra for it. It may also be in your best interest to ask what the fee would be if the car is needed for longer than expected as well as what the rate is for late drop off.
3- If you have personal auto insurance, call your agent to see if you are insured with a rental car as well. This will allow you to save money by turning down the insurance offered by the company that is rental the time of vehicle pick up.
4- Finally, you have chosen the ongoing company and the automobile, its time to pick it up. Make sure that you will need that you have the paper work. Most companies will require you to show your drivers license, be sure to have it. Also, your proof of auto insurance, if you will be turning their insurance down. A major credit card is necessary; if you are not using cash to rent your vehicle, do not count on them taking a check.
5- Be sure to read the contract and ask questions about anything that you do not understand. It's better to take sometime at the counter or on the phone to pin down the details, than to think you got it and have to deal with the company in the event of an accident. Ask questions!

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5 Practical Ways To Check a car that is used

The market of used cars has suddenly escalated at an unprecedented rate for the past few years since its inception. In fact, surveys show that the  number of people who buy used cars is almost tripled when compared to the number of people who buy new cars.
That is why many people are enticed to buy used cars because it is gradually becoming a trend in the car buying industry.
However, it does not necessarily mean that buyers will just take the process of selecting used cars for granted. Hence, it is important to take note of the ways to check the car prior to the closure of the deal.
Therefore, for people who wish to know the different ways on checking the condition of the used car, here are some pointers:
1. Test drive
There is no better way to check the condition of the  car than to do a test drive. The buyer will be able to know the actual condition of the car and its parts like the brakes, accelerator, etc in this way.
Also, the buyer will be able to detect at once if there are some “clunks” and rattles on the used car, even if the test drive is just a trip that is short.
2. inspection that is personal
Aside from test-driving, it is also essential for the buyer to personally inspect the details of the body make-up and its condition.
The buyer will be able to identify any signs of rusts and damages, the condition of the tires, oil leaks, etc in this manner.
3. Mileage check
Usually, an average user or driver will consume 12,000 to 15,000 miles in a year. The buyer will be able to know the approximate age of the car by looking at its mileage in this way.
4. Mechanic check
Another way of checking the condition of a used car prior to its purchase is to seek the help of a mechanic. This may cost the buyer some charges but the money would surely be spent for a good cause. The mechanic is the person that is best who could instantly assess technically and professionally the condition of a certain car.
5. CARFAX Report
Knowing the history of the car is also one of the best ways to know the real condition of the car. Ergo, it is important for the buyer to seek the help of CARFAX report in order to know the full details of the put car’s history.
Take the proper steps and research your purchase. Doing so will guarantee a happy car experience that is buying.

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5 Most Common Auto Performance Part Upgrades

You need are some good performance parts if you want to turn your regular car into a highway beast, all. You can improve your horsepower, sprints and speed that is top installing the right parts. And the nice thing about such upgrades is for virtually any car model or manufacturer that you can get them. Let's have a look at the most performance that is common upgrades:
Air filter intake
Cold air intake filter systems turn your average car into a real beast, allowing the engine to develop more power in all situations. Try to purchase street legal air filter intakes and not get in trouble with the law. Installing a performance air that is cold gives our car up to 15 HP, a change that you will definitely notice in city and highway situations.
Performance Exhaust Mufflers
Not only to they offer better power but they also produce an amazing sound, distinctive to select racing machines. Exhaust mufflers and headers will transform your car into a great looking customized machine that is driving. But they are not all looks - they also add up to 20 HP to your vehicle, regardless if it's a sedan or SUV.
Springs, Shocks, Suspension
Power is great but over it the ride can turn dangerous if you do not have control. There are several things you can do to improve your car's handling and stability - such as like lowering springs, adding shock absorbers and installing a high performance suspension system. When installing such upgrades, your car clearance will be lower - this has an excellent effect that is visual well as better airflow dynamics, which means excellent handling and grip.
Electronic Upgrades
Performance aftermarket auto parts can make your average car look and feel like a sports car. Electronic upgrades are often used to boost engine HP. An average of 30 HP is obtained with such an upgrade and the chips that are electronic usually created for particular engine types.
Clutch and Brake Upgrades
A clutch upgrade might seem like one of your last options when considering a performance tuning - however, the clutch is one of the essential elements that contributes to vehicle performance. A brake upgrade is absolutely necessary when more HP has been added to the engine. Remember to always balance power and control in order to get a fast but safe machine that is driving.
If you would like to receive updated information on high end auto performance products, please visit our website at: Auto Performance Parts
ZZZZZZ

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5 Auto Scams You Absolutely Must Avoid

People hate car dealers. Of course, there are always nice guys, but car that is many just have to cheat their way to profits. Here are the top 5 auto scams that you absolutely must avoid, or risk way that is paying much for your car.
Scam 1: The Yo-Yo Financing Scam
The dealer sells you a car and allows you to take it home immediately. You finance your car through the dealer, but a days that are few, the dealer calls and tells you that their financing has fallen through. You are then told to set up new financing through the dealer, at a much higher cost to you, and a much higher profit to them. Avoid this at all costs! If you have bad credit, don't finance at the dealer. Arrange your own financing. If you finance through the dealer, never drive off your car immediately. You should wait at least 24 hours before taking your new car, so as to make financing that is sure complete. This allows the dealer no real way to play the scam on you.
Scam 2: The Window Etching Fee
This is one of the most ridiculous but scams that are common've heard off. Basically the dealer offers to window etch your VIN number in the window of your car for you, at a price ranging from $300 to $1000. Some people have tried to talk down the price, and they often succeed, but the dealer still makes a hundreds that are few you. The way that is easiest to solve this problem? Just purchase a do it yourself window etching kit at any auto that is decent store. It only costs $20.
Scam 3: The Dealer Preparation Fee
You are charged by the dealer a preparation fee to prepare your car. Some often charge an outrageous $500 or more just to peel off the plastic protection on the car, test drive the car and put in the fuses. Most MSRP stickers indicate that these costs have already been covered by the manufacturer. In fact, some car dealers permanently print it on the buyer's order to make it seem mandatory, but one way you can get it removed is by telling the dealer to add a credit (of the same amount as the dealer preparation fees) on the next line. You should simply walk out of the dealership if they refuse to do so.
Scam 4: The Market Adjustment Fee
The dealer tells you that your car is a really popular vehicle, and so to sell you the vehicle they have to add "Market Adjustment Fees" of several thousand dollars in this scam. This amount is usually indicated on an orange sticker next to manufacturer's MSRP sticker. A car may be popular, but it is not worth paying extra for it if it is in stock. Many buyers, especially trade-in buyers, have been ripped off before. They focus only on what they get for their old car, and so they don't see the big picture. They may get an extra few thousand for their car, but they don't notice that they are charged a much higher Market Adjustment Fee. The dealer sells the motor car, gets the trade-in, and makes an extra off the buyer. Never pay more than the manufacturer's MSRP.
Scam 5: The Extended Warranty Scam
The Warranty that is extended scam quite old but it is still in use. And people that are many do fall for it. Basically, when you take a loan on your car, the dealer will say that you have to purchase an extended warranty because the bank requires it for the loan. Avoiding this scam is very simple actually. Tell the dealer to write down in black and white that the extended warranty is required for the loan and they'll most probably find some excuse to remove the extended warranty. If they refuse to do so, then please do not buy from that dealership. Actually, the extended warranty is a great thing to have, but don't ever get it from the dealer. You can get far better deals elsewhere, especially online.Don’t get ripped off by car dealers!

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4 Ways To Cut Costs On Gas

Can anybody remember the good days that are old we could buy gas for less than a buck?
Back in roaring 90's we could drive around in our SUVs at little expense.  Heck back then I could fill up my 20 gallon tank for less than twenty bucks if I knew where to get gas that is cheap.  It seemed that naive the OPEC and economic recession could help drive you fuel costs $2.00 a gallon.  A few years later a war in the Middle East along with hurricane lead gas prices briefly over $3.00 a gallon.  Sadly the golden days of low gas prices have come and gone.  If you're a consumer that is smart do more than just live in hope for gas prices to drop; you need to consider your vehicles fuel efficiency.
The Energy Information Administration estimates that the United States consumes over 20 million barrels (840 millin gallons) of petroleum products each  almost half of it in the form of gasoline used in over 200 million motor vehicles with combined travel over 7 billion miles per day day.  A fluctuation in gas costs of even a cents that are few cost American consumers millions of dollars
Here are 4 suggestions of where you can lower your gas costs:
1.  Your Car
Whether you drive a used SUV or brand new compact economy car your auto maintenance will have an influence on your fuel costs.  I would recommend the following if you want to maximize your vehicles ability to utilize fuel:
Get those regular tune-ups
This sounds like common sense for most folks but some social people wait a little too long to get that much needed oil change.  The EPA predicts that fixed a faulty oxygen can save you up to 40% in fuel cost.
Replace your air filters
They're easy and inexpensive to replace.  The EPA estimates that keeping your air filters fresh could save you up to 10% on fuel.
Keep your tires properly inflated
Under inflated tires can lower your gas mileage by up to 3%.  They also cause your tires to wear out quicker.  You should check your tires PSI at least once a month.
2.  Your Commute
A shortcut on the street might change your fuel short economy plan if you're not careful. Your fuel economy can be influenced by multiple variables
Avoid the stop and go
Getting caught in the and afternoon rush hour does more than just give you headache morning.  It causes your vehicle to consume more fuel since your spending more time idling in traffic.  If possible try avoiding the rush hour by either leaving earlier or later (if the boss is okay with it).  Also try to stay on the highways were you will experience fewer stop and goes.  The quality of road can influence your cars fuel economy.  The EPA also recommends cruise that is using and overdrive gears when possible.
Unnecessary Objects
Some people consider their cars as an extension of their rooms.  Heavy objects can increase the drag on your vehicle decreasing your fuel economy.  That you put objects (such as skis) inside your vehicle to reduce aerodynamic drag if possible if you are on road trip it is recommended.
3.  Your Lead Foot
Driving like you're in the grand prix and trying to save money on fuel is like going in two directions at once.  In fact the EPA predicts that driving at speeds at an access of 60 mph increases aerodynamic drag and can drastically reduce fuel economy.  You also increase your risk to getting in an accident or getting a very speeding ticket that is expensive.  Slow down!
4.  Your Gas Station
It can be tempting at times to give in and purchase gas from that nice convenient looking gas station.  Its modern look and feel can lull you into spending a couple extra dollars.  You are probably filling up at least once if not twice a week if you are like most folks.  Those few extra dollars can really add up.  Driving around trying to find a gas station with the gas prices that are cheapest can obviously defeat the purpose!  A solution would be find information online about current gas prices, such as www.gaswatchinfo.com.
Gaswatch.info is an source that is excellent accurate local gasoline prices nationwide.  Their information is kept current by checking gas prices via ćredit card transactions and using gas spotters to keep their database regularly updated.  Enter with www.gaswatch.info and you will have immediate access to the highest and lowest gas prices in your area.  You'll find no other website with more accurate and time that is real anywhere.
Gaswatch.info is fighting with you to beat gas that is high and keep competition real at the pump.

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4 Tips To Saving A Bundle At Your Next Car Auction

We all enjoy a good test drive and anticipate it. Before you buy it, remember to not show your absolute love for the car to the salesperson although it is essential to test drive a car. Their goal is to emotionally get you attached to the car, so it becomes a must have for you. I have learned it the way that is hard.
To hide your emotional tears from the salesperson, mention the features of a car that is competing the same class, like the new shape, light, leg room, resale value etc. This will make the salesperson a little vulnerable.
4. Monthly Payments
This one is to confuse you. Dealers will start talking about monthly payments rather than the price that is total of car. They will start by asking how much you are willing to pay per month and how much of a down payment you are willing to pay. Since people don’t want to look like they cannot afford a certain car, they will usually give a higher number. Big Mistake!
You have left room that is little negotiation when this happens. Always steer the conversation to the price that is total of car and do NOT mention any trade-ins at this point. Only after the total price of the vehicle is completely negotiated then talk about interest, monthly payment and trade-ins.
General Rule;
As a general rule, remember to only focus and negotiate on the Total Price of the vehicle. Everything else is pretty much the  car dealer’s trough.
If the above new car buying tips seem like a good deal of hassle, yet you still want to get the price that is best in town, there are some websites that do this for you. www.autoauctionbids.com for example is a website that is great this because you can collect price quotes from multiple local dealers for a particular car as well as its competing car models (like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Taurus) and compare them.
The website then allows you to send back the lowest quotes received for each car make to all dealers that are participating your area through the website itself.
Dealers view this price and continue to submit new lower prices over a 3 day period. By putting local car dealers in such a price competition allows you to avoid the dreadful face to face negotiation and yet gets you the price that is lowest in town for up to 3 competing car makes.

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Ultimate Japanese Automakers

Japan has been producing automobiles for almost as long as America, to the surprise of some. As the automobile that is american has changed, so has Japan’s. To this day, however, Japan still has the concentration that is highest of automakers of any country on earth: nine to be exact. Three, however, are real standouts producing not only high quality vehicles but reaching well beyond Japan to all corners of the planet. Let’s take a look at the top three and how they are impacting the north market that is american.
Toyota – As the largest of all automakers that are japanese Toyota ranks only second to General Motors in global production. Toyota vehicles were first introduced to the North American market in the 1960s and were, at the time, widely panned by critics as being too small and inferior in quality. By the late 1970s, Toyota quality levels began to exceed the industry standard. Today, some consider Toyota the benchmark by which all car lines are judged; the company’s Lexus line of luxury vehicles and Scion brand of youth oriented vehicles are also leaders in their respective classes.
Honda – The only thing Honda lacks versus Toyota is size. Still, when you compare Honda vehicles with comparable Toyota models, Honda holds its own. The first Honda, a Civic, was introduced to the North American market in 1971 and was soon followed by the Accord as well as the Prelude. Routinely, the Accord battles Toyota’s Camry for the top spot in U.S. car sales year in and year out, while the Honda Odyssey battles the Toyota Sienna for the quality minivan that is highest [Chrysler’s minivans still are the best sellers]. Acura is Honda’s luxury car division which has furthermore competed successfully with Toyota’s Lexus line up.
Nissan – Toyota and Honda are the only two fully independent Japanese automakers left in the world today as Nissan has since ceded control to Renault, France’s automaker that is largest. The first Nissans to hit the North American market did so in the 1960s under the Datsun model name. By the early 1980s the Datsun name was jettisoned in favor of Nissan and today the Nissan name is equated with some of the highest quality cars on the road. A maker of luxurious cars that routinely battles with the likes of BMW, Lexus, Acura, Cadillac, and Mercedes as a top provider of opulent vehicles in the late 1980s Nissan launched the Infiniti division.
So, there you have it. Three top Japanese brands that have made a name for themselves. You may not own a Toyota, a Honda, or a Nissan, but you have to give credit where credit is due: all three automakers are proven leaders in a highly competitive and every industry that is changing.

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Exceptional European Automakers

When you think of exceptional cars that are built in Europe, does your mind run strictly to cars made by Rolls Royce, BMW, or Mercedes? Perhaps Jaguar and Lamborghini come to mind as well. Each of these makes deserve all the accolades given to them. Still, there are three makes that are, for various reasons, exceptional. Let’s take a look at Volvo, Volkswagen, and Audi, the three makes featured in this article.
For a country of just nine million to produce one automaker would enough be amazing. To lay claim to two automakers is simply phenomenal. Both Volvo and Saab are with this particular country which is Sweden. Now a  part of Ford Motor Company, Volvo has greatly influenced the automobile industry over the years. Safety standards that had been universally low elsewhere are much more appreciated with Volvo. Front end crumple zones, reinforced roofs and specially designed interiors have all had their origin with Volvo. Out of these high safety standards have come a line of cars that are, indeed, a number of the built that is best and safest cars on the road. Fortunately, through Volvo’s leadership, many automakers around the world have incorporated Volvo’s high safety standard. This is what makes Volvo exceptional in my eyes.
The company that brought to the world the people’s that are first, the Beetle, is also exceptional. First designed in Germany during the 1930s, the Beetle survived World War II and was one of the most mass produced and cars that are loved the world. From the 1950s forward the Beetle managed to make motorized transportation available to people who otherwise could not afford a car. The Beetle made owning a car affordable the majority of the masses from college students in the US to migrant workers in Mexico and from the gritty cities of Holland to the Irish farmlands. Even after importation to the US ceased during the 1970s, the Beetle was produced for another generation and sold in Mexico.
Without drawing out the point too far, the term that best describes Audi’s quattro technology is “superior handling.”  Perhaps that is an understatement but when Audi introduced quattro all wheel drive the company threw the gauntlet down and told the rest of the auto world that is making quattro was the standard by which all luxury sedans would be judged. Audi's quattro technology has given the company such a huge advantage over competitors that over the years it has been banned from certain types of racing. Indeed, Audi’s quattro technology provides traction that is continuous past when other road handling schematics have reached their threshold.
So, there it is had by you. Three truly exceptional automobiles from the European continent, exceptional in ways, perhaps, that should really be labeled as extraordinary.

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7 Tips to the best Truck Rental that is moving Experience

Whether you are moving across the country or just across town, it might be wise to consider a moving truck rental to get your belongings from place to place. Renting a truck that is moving prove to be quit cost effective when compared to multiple trips back and forth with a vehicle you already own.
1- Shop around and inquire about prices and specials as well as other options that may be offered to you when you rent a truck that is moving. Look for a company that has high standards for their trucks as well as their towing equipment, this may be more expensive, but worth it in the long run. Ask if the company offers unlimited mileage, if not, find out how much extra miles will cost you.
2- Today's technology makes it easier than every to reserve a moving truck. It is possible to do almost all of your research and to make reservations either online or over the phone. While this technology can make business that is doing, it is always a wise decision to actually speak with the company that you want to do business with face to face. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings.
3- Before you agree to rent a truck, inspect it. The rental company will have a standard form for you to fill in. While doing the inspection, look for things such as dents, scratches and rust. Be sure to check out the latches and locks on the doors as well. By documenting the items wrong with the truck before you rent it will mean that you won't be charged for the damage later.
4- While you are in the reservation and renting process, the company will offer you optional insurance to cover the vehicle. There will be a few options available to you when renting a moving truck, these could include accident insurance, limited loss and damage waivers and cargo insurance. It's always a good idea to speak with your auto insurance carrier to see if you already have these overages. From the rental company, especially if you are traveling very long distances if you don't, it could be a wise idea to buy them.
5- At the time of rental, you will need to show certain personal documents. These will include a driver's license, your personal proof of insurance and a credit card that is major. These documents are needed to prove that you are of legal age to rent the truck (usually 25), that you have actually personal auto accident insurance available, and that they can secure payment from you.
6- Depending upon the size of the moving truck rental, you need and where you are traveling, you may need to stop at weigh stations along the way. It's best to ask the rental company if they have any knowledge of the truck being big enough for this requirement. Also, call the state police in all the states you will be traveling through to get the specific requirements for each state.
7- Lastly, you will need to get copies of all of the important documents from the rental company before you drive off the rental lot with your moving truck. These could include the agreement that is rental a driver trip report, a truck assessment sheet and any other paperwork that the rental company suggests. Check to be sure that the proof of insurance and the registration are also in the truck.

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7 Things to Know when Renting a Car

In today's society, there are a true number of reasons why people rent a car. Some of the top reasons are vacations, a car they own is in the shop and renting a nicer car for a occasion that is special. Whatever the reason that you are considering renting a car; there are some things that you should know first.
1- It is wise to shop around when looking for to rent a car. Always find at least three rental car companies to compare, although more will be better. Be sure to ask all the companies the same questions to get the most accurate answers. Most rental car companies will have websites online to find basic information, but it is best to call as local branches may have deals that are not advertised online.
2- When you call, be certain to ask about price, vehicle availability, as well as any specials that the branch has to offer. It is worth noting here, that many of these companies will have arrangements that are special hotels, airlines or even warehouse stores.
3- You will want to ask about any special instructions that are required of you while renting the car, for example, filling up the gas tank or pick up and drop off times. Not adhering to these policies can result in fees.
4- companies that are many will rent a car to you will also be willing to either deliver the car to you or pick you up and take you to your rental. This service may require a fee, but can be worth asking about if you are flying to your destination.
5- The rental company may offer you insurance to purchase, however, your personal auto insurance may be all you need in the event of an accident with a rental car. Call your auto insurance agent and ask before paying extra at the counter that is rental.
6- There are a true number of choices that are open to you when renting a car. Each class of car will vary in gas and price mileage; consider this when making your decision. While many companies may be prepared to upgrade you, this is not always the case. It is wise to choose the  car you want and hope for an upgrade than to reserve less of a car and be disappointed when an upgrade is not offered.
7- Have a credit or debit card handy to reserve the car that is rental, most companies will only guarantee a car with this assurance.

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7 Things to Know Before Renting a One Way Truck

If you are about to buy a house that is a long distance away, you may have wondered the best way to get all of your stuff there. One of the best ways is to use one way truck rentals, this will allow you to rent a truck where you live, load it up and drive to where you are moving to. You then return the truck to the branch of the rental company that is closest to the house that is new.
1- Call around to companies that are rental deal in truck rentals. You will need to know that you will require them if they have any one way truck rentals available for the dates and destinations. Be sure to ask about prices, mileage limits and costs and any fees that are extra with renting a one way vehicle.
2- The next step that needs to be completed before you can actually start moving your belongings is to figure out how much truck space you will actually need. You do not want to be caught in a situation where you don't have room that is enough the truck for everything you want to take with you. However, you don't want space that is too much this will cost more and allow your possessions to be damaged during transport. To decide on the size truck you shall need, ask the rental company for their advice, they will have formulas that determine the size truck needed for the job.
3- Before you rent the truck, feel sure to check it out for quality. Most rental companies pride themselves on having dependable transportation for rent; however, it will be in your interest that is best to check things like the door latches, locks and tires. This could only save you headaches later down the road.
4- Call your insurance agent to inquire whether your personal auto policy covers the use of rental trucks and vans for this purpose. While most insurance companies will cover the use of a rental car, most don't normally cover the use of a delivery vehicle. If your policy does not cover the rental truck, you will need to purchase the insurance policy that is offered by the rental company.
5- Given your need for the use of a one way truck rental, it is wise to ask about drop off destinations that are closest to where you shall be arriving. Ask about pick up service for the truck, if this is available in the area you will be moving to, it could save you time that is valuable your arrival.
6- If you are moving at the end or at the beginning of a month, be sure to reserve your truck well in advance of the actual date that is moving. These times are the busiest for rental companies and if you wait to request a truck, they may not have any available for you.
7- Most rental companies will require that you reserve your vehicle with a credit or debit card. They shall also, most likely require that you be at least 25 years old to rent a truck. If either of these items will be an issue for you, you will need to need an older relative or friend rent the truck for you.

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7 Guidelines For Used Car Prices

1. Know a little about pricing before you buy a used car. Franchise dealers that sell used cars add a certain percentage on the original value of the used car in the market. Markup is also added to the price of the car that is used dealerships, which will make the price higher.
2. Determine the many factors that affect the car that is used. Used car pricings are affected by installed optional equipments or the location where you are buying the used car. There are areas that have a high market demand for a car that is certain. If that is the full case, you may get a better deal if you travel not in the zone to shop around for your car.
3. Find the used car's true market value at NADA. National Automobile Dealer's Association releases a copy of used car price guides every year. You might also check their web site to check the current prices of the used cars you are looking for.
4. Cheaper used cars may be found at government auctions. Government auctions happen every year and your may want to check a checklist out of the auction program. It might also offer you guidelines on finding quality used cars at lower prices. You may visit Federal Citizen Information to find the guidelines out in buying used cars from government auctions.
5. Check out the Internet. There are a lot of web sites that provide pricing guides on used cars and also guidelines in finding the right used car for you. You may compare prices; check the features out of the used car and the location where you can buy economical prices.
6. Determine if you have a deal that is fair the price that is offered to you. Factors that affect used car prices include the age, market demand, overall condition, mileage, interior and exterior blemishes or if the car was maintained well.
7. Beware of trade tricks. Many dealers strategize on the behavior of consumers when buying used cars. Dealers know that buyers will not purchase a used car that they are offered a price lower than the original price unless they feel. Dealers tend to make the price higher than the actual amount and make the buyer believe that they are offering a discount. What the buyer does not know is that the discounted price is actually the original price of the car.

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7 Easy Techniques To Slash Your Auto Insurance Costs

The law requires you buy auto insurance. So you reduce costs if you must get cover, how can ? Here's 7 easy ways to get the best auto insurance deal that is possible.
* Multiple Quotes
Get multiple quotes - use the internet and call a brokers that are few. It's easy to gather some comparison that is good.
Remember to get different types of quotes e.g one from a direct-sell insurance providers; another from an offline broker who keeps a database of quotes; and a couple from the internet.
Cheapest might not mean best. Will they pay out if you make a claim ? How financially secure ? How reputable ? Check around with family and friends, and look for online reviews.
* Different type of car
Insurance costs vary depending on car type. Obviously, that $ sports that are 100k costs more to insure than your average runabout. If you're planning to buy a new car, check insurance costs before you buy. I once set my heart on a beautiful, high performance, highly tuned Pontiac.
Luckily I checked the auto insurance because i couldn't get insurance before I bought it. Every broker, every insurance company flat turned me down because I lived in a high car-crime area. Until I moved up-town so I had to forget the car of my dreams.
* Age and Value of Car
Maybe you're buying a car that is used ? Maybe your car saw better days a years that are few, and now values much lower ? So why pay for high-priced auto insurance ? In particular, do you still need fully coverage that is comprehensive ?
A rule that is good of multiplies insurance premium by 10, and compares that figure with your car value. So if you're quoted $1000 premium and your car is worth less than $10,000 you may want to think if comprehensive represents good value. If you drop collision and/or comprehensive coverage, you should get big savings.
* Higher deductibles (excess charges)
Most auto insurance companies use deductibles to keep policy cost down. Deductibles, or charges that are excess show what you pay before your auto insurance policy kicks in. Try requesting quotes with different levels of deductibles, and see how your quotes vary.
Most internet quote forms contain a box where you can specify preferred level of deductibles. Ask your broker his recommended level. For example, going from $250 to $500 deductible can slash your insurance costs by 20% or more. Go to $1000 and you save a complete lot of money. But you must pay the deductible if you need to make a claim !
* Multiple Insurances
I guess this might come under the 'get quotes that are multiple heading, but it's still worth mentioning separately. You usually get an insurance break if you buy multiple policies with the insurer that is same.
This might mean vehicles that are multiple or homeowner and auto insurance. Either way it's worth asking about multi-policy discounts.
* Low Mileage
More and more people work at home. No more commuting. Fewer business trips. Low mileage on your car. Maybe you do travel to work, but car pool ?
Either way, look for low mileage discounts.
* Good Driving Record
A good driving record always reduces your auto insurance costs. Keep a clean drivers license. Don't speed, don't drive dangerously, and you'll save money (apart from other benefits !)
* Bonus Tip
Okay, I said '7 Ways...', but here's some extra tips. Fit devices that are anti-theft your car. Go on an driver training course that is advanced. Use daytime lights that are running. If you're a college student away from home, consider adding to parents policy.
This article that is short the things you must consider when shopping for auto insurance. Follow these tips and you'll slash your auto insurance costs.

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Driving without car insurance? Soon, they’ll lock you up and throw away the key!

See, a couple months back a young married woman ran a red light (accidentally) and smashed into my car. Astonishingly enough, she had 2 weeping children by no driver’s license to her side. As she frantically scrambled for her phone to call her husband, he arrived shortly with the insurance information scribbled on a crumpled piece of scratch paper.

Being the nice guy I wrote down the information and then reluctantly reported the incident to my insurance company that I am.

My insurance agent rang back within a couple of hours, and guess what I hear next? The information that this nice woman that is young me was totally bogus! The woman who totaled my car was did not have car insurance. What!

I couldn’t believe this. I was had! All of us hard working, law abiding, car insurance paying citizens fork over hundreds of dollars a month in order to comply with our car that is mandatory insurance. It seems we cannot immediately see, touch, smell, or hear like we are paying the bills to push back our dismay at spending large sums on something. Soon enough everybody shall be forced to acquire car insurance.

California legislators are now debuting a plan that is three-phase on uninsured motorists. California legislators are creating this plan for people like you and me like me, for people that do pay insurance, for people that don’t make bogus claims, for people that are law abiding citizens. This plan will be enforced with the sole intent on making uninsured motorists pay the price that is ultimate.

Get ready uninsured motorists, here comes the bad news! As of 1st, insurance agencies are required to electronically submit evidence of financial responsibility to the DMV january. This means, if your car insurance faults at any time, the DMV will be notified immediately. What does this mean for uninsured motorists? The DMV will send you a nasty little note along with your registration renewal notice requesting that you submit proof of financial responsibility before they will ever renew your registration again. This is a must people. There is no getting around this one.

Alright people, let’s do the math that is simple. That you left your car insurance card in your house really going to fly with the authorities if you get pulled over on or after July 1 of this year, do you really think that the excuse? Come on. These are the kids that are fat high school who you used to pick on. It’s payback time in their eyes. As of right now, law enforcement has the same access to the current status of your insurance just like the DMV. Don’t fret, because I have good news for everybody. Read on.

The cut that is final will come on October 6th as when the California DMV will be required to suspend the registrations of uninsured motorists. Wait, what does that mean? That means there is no getting around it. It means there is no where to go. It’s your end that is dead buddy. Insurance is a must.

Now, I’m a nice guy. I’m a very understanding person. I’m willing to look at both relative sides of the fence here. Given, some people just outright choose to not have car insurance; however there are the few out there that simply cannot afford the car that is sky-high premiums that are simply out of budget and quite frankly out of reach for some motorists.

No worries, the continuing state of California has the bases covered for most. See, as of April 1, the California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program is being offered to drivers that are low-income Alameda, Fresno, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties, previously only available in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

This cost that is low is available from any licensed insurance agent at a cost of just over $300 per year. Lower-income drivers who meet the qualifying guidelines will be able to protect themselves and their families while complying with the law. More information about the  program is available at the state department of insurance website.

If you drive into Los Angeles County today, look around you, because it is estimated that one out of four people on the road are driving without car insurance.

When the new laws kick in, sorry Charlie, but you must get car insurance, and you must get car insurance right now.

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Everything You Need To Know About Choosing A Health Insurance Plan

The purpose of health insurance is to protect you from the alarming cost of medical care by providing you with insurance coverage for specified health and care that is medical. Generally, you will pay a monthly premium, a deductible, and co-payments for services you receive. The cost for insurance is significantly less than if you had to pay for medical care out of your pocket. There are three basic types of health insurance, fee for service, consumer-directed, and managed care. These basic types of insurance plans cover hospital, medical, and surgical expenses, and depending on the particular plan you choose, possibly prescription drugs, mental/behavioral care, and dental.

A fee for service plan means the  health care professional you choose will be paid a fee for each service provided to you. You can choose your doctor that is own and insurance claim can be filed by either the doctor or the patient. A care that is managed will provide coverage to their members and offers incentives for patients who choose doctors participating in the plan's network. The 3 types of managed care plans are HMOs, PPOs, and POS plans.

An HMO allows you to receive care that is medical a network of participating physicians. You will generally select a primary care doctor, who will then refer you to a specialist when necessary. A PPO combines various features of an HMO and a fee for service plan. Members can choose from network doctors and pay lower upfront expenses, or choose any doctor they desire and pay more out of pocket expenses. A consumer-directed health plan gives members more choices and options for making health care decisions. Consumer-directed plans include a ongoing health account or fund designated for health care expenses. At the end of each year, unused funds will roll over to the next year.

A health insurance premium is the fee paid to the insurer to purchase health coverage. Premiums can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. Deductibles are the amount you will pay for covered services within a time that is certain, according to the terms of your plan, before you will be entitled to insurance benefits. Members with a high deductible may have to pay the first one thousand dollars of yearly medical expenses before the insurance would begin to pay, and those with a higher or lower deductibles would pay more or less, depending on the particular amounts specified in their plan. A co-payment is a stated amount or percentage that must be paid by the member along with each doctor visit, medical procedure, or prescription. For example, if your specified co-payments are $25, you will pay the first $25 of each doctor visit and your insurance would cover additional charges. Most insurance plans specify a different co-payment amount for prescriptions, doctor visits, and hospital or care that is surgical.

In choosing which type of health insurance plan is right for you, you must consider the affordability of doctor visits and hospital care, the amount of the monthly premium, the amount of the deductibles, and the amount of the co-payments. Make sure the plan you chose offers coverage for services you will actually use such as doctors, prescriptions, laboratory costs, treatment for preexisting conditions, and care that is out-of-network. Check the rating of the insurance company in question, the number of patient complaints in the past year, doctor drop out rates if the insurance plan includes a network, and the number of members who have dropped out of the plan in the past year. Health insurance that is subsidized by your employer is generally the least expensive, but if your employer does not offer health insurance, you should consider an health insurance policy that is individual. The cost of medical care is far too expensive to risk not having health insurance.

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Discount Plans versus Health Insurance

A woman from Las Vegas thought she was buying health insurance. It looked and sounded like health insurance. The Las Vegas woman is not 65 yet, which means she can't get Medicare. So, she went online looking for health insurance. She ended up finding something called Healthcare Advantage, and signed up after paying $100. Come to find out, this was not medical insurance at all and the sales representative never told this poor lady. She found that out when her cards arrived in the mail. In tiny writing at the bottom, it read, "not an HMO, PPO insurance or managed care company". This was a discount plan. These plans do not have the same coverage as a full health insurance policy that is medical. Make sure you know what you are getting and if it fits your needs.

So what is a discount plan? The plans claims to save people money by offering discounts on physician visits, prescription drugs, dental work, eye care and other treatments for a monthly fee. Unlike normal health insurance, which is very costly and very selective about who it covers, a discount health plan accepts everyone, no matter what health conditions they may have. You shall use a list of doctors that are willing to charge discounted rates to the subscriber. Discount is not the same as coverage, and so you will pay more for visits and other services that you wouldn't with a regular plan that is medical. The savings that are average only 25% that could be very expensive if you have to see a specialist or require surgery. These networks claim to have as many as 400,000 doctors and 50,000 hospitals available to choose from, but what if none of them are near you?  You can get a savings of up to 30% on both generic and brand name drugs, which can also be costly they are costly ones if you have multiple prescriptions or. So if you have a health plan already but have a high deductible, this extra plan may help save you some money. But to use as a complete health plan, it really isn't designed for that and will cost you more than a great HMO.

HMOs and other medical plans can offer full medical coverage at great rates. Managed care plans are the  way to go for those who are limited on funds. They offer the best policies for the amount that is least of money. Most of these plans are available to anyone and can save you a ton of cash. The plan can be made by you even more affordable by asking for a deductible, which will lower your monthly expense. Most HMO's do not have one at all but, you can request one, and most basic PPOs and POS only have a small one, usually $200 to $500 per year, which you can also asked to raised. The co-pays are also very reasonable with these types of plans. If you choose to purchase an HMO, expect to pay about $5-$10 per office visit and per prescription. With PPOs and POSs you shall have a 20% co-pay with both visits and medications. The differences are how strict they are and you pay more of a co-pay to have extra flexibility. Usually a PPO or POS plan is less expensive and you have more freedom to see whom you want so you are made by the insurer more responsible for payment. HMOs tend to be the least expensive and best policies for people with fixed incomes.

Make sure you know what your needs are and double-check what you are getting. Then a discount plan will not work for you if you need full medical coverage with low co-pay. Then you might benefit from the extra savings a discount plan can offer if you are already covered by a medical group but have a large deductible. Also, ask whether the plan is insurance that covers your treatment, or is a discount plan that still requires you to pay all bills that are medical. Beware of slippery sales pitches. Make sure you know what's being offered. Discount health plans may only sell you access to a large mailing list of medical providers that it purchased commercially. Don't assume you're getting access to a large provider network just because your discount card displays the network's name and logo. If you plan to use a specific listed doctor, hospital, pharmacy or other provider, ask a few questions before you sign up.

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Everyone Wants Affordable Whole Life Insurance Quotes

The whole life insurance quotes you get are much better although term life insurance looks cheaper when you request free quotes. With whole life you are covered for as long as you live and keep paying the premiums. In whole life insurance quotes, the cost of the policy is stretched over a longer period of time, so you are actually paying less in monthly premiums.

If you want to have a period of time when you don’t have to pay any premiums, you can have the whole life insurance quotes calculate the premiums to a certain age. Most people like to have the premiums spread over a 30 life insurance because this is usually their working life year. Then they can enjoy retirement knowing that they do have life that is whole and don’t have to pay any more premiums.

Even though the lowest life insurance rates are for term life insurance, if you get whole life insurance quotes at an early age, the cost will be very similar. There are added benefits to getting whole life as opposed to term life. Once you have the whole life insurance policy in place, it won’t run out at the end of the term leaving you without life insurance.

Even you can choose a lower death benefit and upgrade when you can afford it if you can’t afford a high payout with whole life insurance quotes. This gives you the best life insurance for your whole life at the lowest life insurance rates. You should buy what you can afford. The difference between a policy that pays out $100,000 and another that pays $125,000 is very little when it comes to the monthly premium. When you are comparing the quotes choose the highest possible payout for the lowest rates.

You’ll never know how life that is much you can afford if you don’t look around. With the online life that is whole quotes available, life insurance protection for your family is only a click away. You are never under any obligation to buy. You only need to contact an agent when you find the lowest life insurance rates that suit you.


Whole life insurance quotes often return lower premiums.

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Different Types of Health Insurance in California

Whether you buy group or individual health insurance in California, the options you have regarding the different types of health insurance are generally the same. In some groups you can choose from available even plans. These types that are different traditional health insurance, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and preferred provider organizations (PPOs). California goes beyond the Federal requirements for offering health insurance to its residents. Examples of this include Industry Advantage plans (IAHP), short-term health policies, Insurance for high risk Individuals and special plans for children and teens. Additional Health Insurance in California The traditional health care delivery system is based on a fee-for-service type of arrangement. In a fee-for-service system, you pay or each itemized medical service you receive. In the days of the frontier, "Doc" often received a chicken as payment. Today, physicians are paid with money, lots and lots of it. Fee-for-service health insurance recognizes this practice and is designed to reduce or even eliminate your duty to pay directly for your medical care. Traditional health insurance comes in three parts: California has four options that are basic choosing a health care plan:

1. 1. Health through an employer or association
2. 2. Health Insurance through Income eligibility such as Medicaid
3. 3. Health care for high risk individuals such as those that have had cancer or a heart attack
4. 4. Private Insurance

Hospitalization Hospitalization covers defined expenses incurred while in the hospital. Generally, the insurance will pay for all of the covered services rendered by the hospital staff. However, if the insurance benefit is an indemnity payment, the payment will be for a fixed sum regardless of the expenses that are actual. This fixed sum will usually be far below the daily charge actually made by the hospital. Medical/surgical This part of a health that is traditional covers the expensive costs of medical care other than the bill from the hospital. Services such as doctor visits, treatment charges, etc., are covered here. Medical/surgical usually has a deductible and requires co-payments by the insured (payments you make for charges not covered by the insurance), typically 20 percent of the doctor's fee. Catastrophic or major medical There are usually lifetime payments that are maximum hospitalization and medical/surgical plans will pay, after which the well runs dry. Unfortunately, these maximums may not be sufficient to pay for all of the care required if a major illness or injury should strike, since such afflictions can eat up hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars worth of health services. Thus, catastrophic coverage adds to your umbrella of protection in an amount sufficient to protect you from the horrendous expenses of such serious and prolonged illnesses. These policies also fill in some of the gaps not covered by hospitalization or medical/surgical. Health Maintenance Organizations or Private Insurance in California The health maintenance organization (HMO) is a relatively new player in the health insurance game, although it has been with us in a limited fashion since the 1930s. The idea behind an HMO is to pay one premium and receive all of your health care at no or a nominal additional cost. The point is to save money compared to traditional health plans that cost more to purchase and require more out-of-pocket payments from the insured. What you, the insured, give in exchange for reduced cost is a loss that is substantial of freedom to choose who will take care of your health needs. Preferred Provider Organizations Preferred provider organizations (PPOs) seek to give both the benefits of traditional health plans and the money savings of HMOs. They do this by paying higher benefits as a reward for your using the doctors or hospitals they preselect for that purpose. Disability Insurance Disability insurance does not pay for health care; rather it pays for lost wages caused by a disabling illness or injury. How Health Insurance Is Priced Ask anyone how health insurance is priced and you will get a answer that is simple expensively! Beyond that, there are underwriting criteria used by health insurance providers, whether they are for-profit or, like Blue Shield/Blue Cross, nonprofit. Underwriting Criteria Age The older you are, the more likely you are to get sick; therefore, the higher your health insurance premiums will be. Number of people covered Many people buy family coverage rather than individual policies. This means that there will be adults as well as minor children protected by the plan that is same. Some companies will charge based on the size of the family. Others charge a basic family rate without regard to the number of members. Gender Unlike life insurance, where women get the better end of the bargain than men, in health insurance women often pay higher premiums. This is based on health insurance industry statistics which indicate that the female of the species tends to need medical care more often than the male. Health history Insurance operates on statistical probabilities. You are more likely to have a more expensive health care future if you have had a poor health history, statistically. This, in turn, means you can get health insurance at all that you will pay higher premiums-if. Occupation The more likely you are to suffer injury or illness because of the work you do, the more likely the health insurance industry will be to charge excessively for benefits. This may be well and good for professional divers that are deep-sea. But the industry has begun to stretch the concept into areas that have nothing to do with the danger that is inherent of work. Lifestyle In your application for health insurance you will be asked questions about your habits that are personal. Your answers will have a lot to do with the cost of your premiums. You will probably pay more for health insurance if you smoke. You will probably pay more for health insurance if you drink to excess. If you are known to be under a great deal of stress, you may spend more for health insurance. California does reward the health care Insurance consumer with lower premiums if they have practiced health that is good. One of the most important things you can do as a health care consumer is to engage in preventive care. Not only will you be able to spot serious diseases at an stage that is early thereby increasing your chances of effective treatment and cure, but you will be able to save money as well, since it is usually far less expensive to treat a disease when it's a molehill rather than a mountain. About The Author:
Medical-Ins.com is a broker that is leading of insurance in California. We provide detailed cost and information breakdowns of Blue Cross, PacifiCare California and many more. Visit our site for a free quote and to help sort through thé various health insurance plans to find the more affordable option for your family.

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Do You Need Health Or Travel Insurance?

Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care can be costly for travelers who are injured or who become seriously ill overseas. The Social Security Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide coverage for hospital or medical services outside the United States.

Before you leave the United States, you should be informed about which medical services your health insurance will cover abroad.

Senior citizens may want to contact the American Association of Retired Persons for information about foreign care that is medical with Medicare supplement plans.

If your health insurance policy does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs abroad, you are urged to purchase a temporary health policy that does provide this type of coverage. There are short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for travelers.

You can find the true names of companies that provide such policies from your travel agent, your health insurance company, or from advertisements in travel publications. In addition to health insurance, many policies include trip cancellation, baggage loss, and travel accident insurance in the package that is same. Some traveler's check companies have protection policies available with the purchase of traveler's checks.

Medical Evacuation

Although some ongoing health insurance companies may pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for medical evacuation back to the United States. Medical evacuation can easily cost $10,000 or more, depending on your location and medical condition.

One of the main advantages of health and emergency assistance policies is that they often include coverage for medical evacuation to the United States. Even if your regular health insurance covers you for emergencies abroad, you should consider purchasing supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Whichever health insurance coverage you choose for travel overseas, remember to carry with you both your health insurance policy identity claim and card forms.

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

You might not need travel insurance, if you are already adequately covered by other insurance policies.

Depending on the travel insurance plan, travel insurance usually promises to cover you for cancellation or interruption of your trip, some form of emergency care that is medical you are traveling, lost or stolen luggage, and various other troublesome occurrences.

Before you decide on a travel insurance plan, it is wise to investigate the plan carefully and read the fine print. You should closely check any agreements with your travel agent, tour operator, airline, or other companies involved with your travel plans. The agreements may include written guarantees.

If you have a fully refundable airline ticket, you may decide that you would not need trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

On the other hand, it may be worthwhile noting that certain insurance plans can protect you by covering the financial costs in case of the following situations:

A sudden, serious injury or illness to you, a family member, or a traveling companion.
Financial default of the airline, cruise tour or line operator.

Natural disasters or strikes that impede travel services.

A terrorist incident in a foreign city within 10 days of your scheduled arrival in that particular city.

The fact that you, a traveling member of your family, or a traveling companion were quarantined served with a court order or necessary to serve on a jury.

A circumstance in which you were directly involved in an accident enroute to departure for your trip.

It is a idea that is good check your other insurance policies. For instance, your homeowners or tenants insurance may cover the theft or loss of your luggage.

Certain credit cards may also create additional travel insurance, if you have used them to purchase the ticket for your trip.

Your health insurance may provide certain coverage, regardless of where you travel. But it is very important to see that some policies only partially protect medical expenses abroad. Moreover, as previously explained in the section on Health Insurance, Medicare/Medicaid will not cover hospital and medical services outside the United States.

Your travel agent should be able to advise you about the right plan for you. Before purchasing travel insurance, carefully review the plan, and be wary of buying coverage that you may already have.

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Discount Life Insurance

Life insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides security that is financial peace of mind for you, your family and dependants. It is based on the simple principle that should you die during the term of the life insurance policy, the person(s) named in the insurance policy will receive a lump sum or series of payments for the insured amount. If you have a mortgage and/or are the main income producer in the family, a life insurance policy will ensure your family's future is secure as the payment can be configured to pay off all outstanding debts and provide an amazing income for those that you leave behind.

Buying life insurance

When buying life insurance it is advisable to shop around for the best discount. Life insurance premiums can vary significantly between life insurance providers, while some providers will also offer discount life insurance, guaranteeing their premiums to be the lowest available on a basis that is like-for-like. If you want the best discount on your life insurance policy you'll need to look out for special discount offers run by the insurance providers. This may take some time however, and you're not guaranteed that the discount that is next that becomes available will be the right type of life insurance policy for your circumstances.

Alternatively, you should instead conduct your search for discount life insurance online.

Online = discount life insurance

Why is it important to look online for discount life insurance you may ask? Well, the  reasons are numerous! It's quick, it's easy and there is a huge amount of choice available on life insurance policies at the click of your mouse. Best of all though, life insurance policies found online are generally cheaper than those found offline. This is because there are fewer overheads involved in processing an online application form for life insurance than there is when a life insurance company processes a paper-based application. The costs incurred by the  life insurance company when they advertise on the Internet are also lower than say if they were to advertise on the TV, radio or via newspapers.

Additionally, portals and web sites that provide a comparison between different life insurance policies, some of which will be discount polices, are certainly worth a visit, especially if they provide access to online application forms. Why are they worth a visit? Well, not only will these portals offer you a selection of the lowest priced discount policies available, but you may also be able to pick up a discount that is further buying the life insurance policy through the portal.

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1% Mortgage Loans… What's The Catch?

While there are several various sorts of 1% mortgage loans, there are really only two major keys to winning with a 1% mortgage loan.

The first key is to make sure the loan is set up correctly from the beginning.

And the second is to make sure you are using the loan correctly to gain the most benefit. 

First, let’s talk about how the loan works.  Then we’ll get into how to set the loan up correctly so you can reap the rewards that are financial mortgage loans have to offer.

To start with, 1% mortgage loans have payment options.  Each month when you get your mortgage statement you will have the option to make a 30 year fixed payment, a 15 year fixed payment, an interest only payment and a minimum payment at 1%.

Although you are given several payment options, you should only select the 1% minimum payment.  

Why?

Because if you wished to make a 30 year fixed, 15 year fixed, or interest only payment, you would be better off getting that type of loan.  Typically, these payments are higher with a payment option mortgage loan.

If you select the 1% minimum payment your first benefit will be a significant monthly payment reduction.  Your mortgage payment will likely be cut in half.  Of course, this is a pretty attractive first benefit for home owners that are most.

To compound the effectiveness of selecting the 1% minimum payment you should save what you save.  For instance, let’s say you refinanced your home with a 1% mortgage loan, paid off all your credit cards, and reduced your monthly payment by $1,000 a month.  

Now, for yourself instead of giving it to your creditors, you will have $60,000 in cash at the end of five years - And that’s with a zero percent return if you save that $1,000 a month.

Here’s the second benefit to selecting the 1% minimum payment option:

Tax savings.

If you make an interest only payment your mortgage balance shall stay the same.  If you make a 1% minimum payment you are actually paying less than interest only.  Therefore, you are creating deferred interest which makes your mortgage balance increase each month.

Before you freak out, keep at heart that deferred interest is mortgage interest and is therefore tax deductible.

Let’s say your home is going up in value $2,000 a month.  The 1% mortgage loan will allow you to take a small piece of that appreciation, say $500 a month, and turn it into a tax deduction.

So you are taking a small piece of your equity each month and turning it into a tax deduction.  If you did not do this, all of your appreciation would be locked up in equity.  

Equity is terrific and is certainly one of the many benefits to home ownership.  But investing in equity will get you a zero percent return.  

No one is certainly going to cut you a check each for the equity in your home month.  As a matter of fact, if you wanted to get the equity out of your home you would have to sell your home or get a loan.  And you better qualify or you shall not find a way to get a loan.

So why not take a small piece of your equity every month, turn it into a tax deduction, and at the same time save $1,000 a month for your self? You will still have plenty of equity but with a 1% mortgage loan you will have cash AND equity.

If you do this for any length of time you will come out way further ahead financially than if you did a regular 30 year fixed or an interest only mortgage loan.

By the way, if the deferred interest is a concern, try making bi-weekly payments.  Making a payment that is bi-weekly reduce, and in some cases eliminate the deferred interest all together.  Which means your mortgage balance would not increase.

How to set the loan up correctly:

1)  The 1% payment option on these loans is only available for the first five years.  But you could actually keep one of these loans for 30 or 40 years.  If you select a 40 year loan your monthly payment will be lower but the payment options will not last for five years.  The name of the game is to keep the 1% payment for as long as possible.  So get a 30 year amortization.

2)  The 30 year, 15 year and interest only payments are tied to an index.  Select a slower moving index like the MTA (Monthly Treasury Average) instead of a faster moving index like the Libor (London Inter-Bank Offered Rate).

So how can you lose with a 1% mortgage loan? 

Answer- depreciation.

If homes in your area are rapidly going down in value, deferred interest could cause you to become upside down in the home.

But if your area is experiencing a 3% to 5% rate of appreciation and you save what you save by making the payment that is minimum a 1% mortgage loan can have an incredibly positive impact on your financial future.

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How to Shop For Boat Insurance

If you have a boat, you need boat insurance!

Shopping for boat insurance is a bit different from shopping for car insurance, even though the concept is much the same. Boat insurance shall protect you against losses incurred while operating your boat, and while transporting your boat. Most boat insurance includes coverage for the boat, the motor, and the trailer.

When shopping for boat insurance, it is usually best to start with the insurance company that insures your cars and your home. Insurance companies usually give deep discounts to their customers that are current. Most insurance companies will also give deep discounts to people who have successfully completed a boating safety course.

Ask each insurance company that you contact about such discounts. In most cases, they won't tell you about the discounts unless you specifically ask.

Don't settle for the rate that your current insurance company quotes! Just get the quote, and tell them you will call them back soon. Using that quote as your base, you need to see if the insurance can be got by you cheaper elsewhere.

Using online resources is a great way to start. Get the quotes, and then contact the agents personally to see if you can work out a better deal. Believe it or not, insurance companies will compete with each other for your business. Don't be afraid to tell them the lowest quote that you have been given so far – make them work for your business!

Know what type of insurance you want and need before contacting any agents. Some agents will try to sell you too much insurance, causing your premiums to skyrocket, while others aren't as knowledgeable about the insurance needs of boat owners and won't sell you enough coverage!

You should be protected against losses caused by sinking, fire, storms, theft, capsizing, stranding, collision, and explosion. The policy should cover anchors, oars, trolling motors, fuel tanks, seat cushions, skis, tow ropes, dinghies, tools, canopies, life preservers, and any equipment that is permanently attached to your boat.

The different types of insurance that you need include Watercraft Liability, Watercraft medical payments, Newly acquired watercraft coverage, coverage for repairs, coverage fоr emergency services, and coverage for wreck removal. The liability coverage entails Watercraft Liability and Watercraft Medical Payments in most states.

Watercraft liability will protect you in the event of an accident that total results from the ownership, maintenance, or use of your boat. It should include bodily injury coverage, property damage coverage, and even legal defense coverage. It should also protect anyone who drives your boat, as long as they were legally allowed to drive the vessel.

Watercraft Medical payments coverage will pay medical expenses up to specific limits for you and the occupants of your boat in the even of an accident.

Other types of coverage are usually voluntary, but should be strongly considered. There is quite a bit that can happen when you transport or operate a water vessel, and protecting yourself legally should be a priority that is high!

Again, know what you want in terms of coverage before you talk to an agent, and make sure that you get the coverage that you need.

Compare rates online, and then contact the agents that offer you the lowest quotes. Attend a boating safety course, and make sure that you get that discount! Once you've found lower rates than the original quote that your current insurance company offered you, call them right back and let them realize that you found a lower rate. See they will offer to match that rate, just to keep your business if they can compete – in many cases! Again – make them work for your business!

CopyRight Ian D. Major 2005.

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