These Five Tips Could Save Seniors Big Money on Car Insurance

We’ve written in the past about strategies that people over the age of 50 can use to save money when insuring a vehicle. In this article, we’ll expand on that with a few extra tips that seniors can take advantage of when purchasing coverage for an automobile. 

Tip #1: Ask for a Senior Discount.

Each insurer is going to have different policies in place, but if you are over the age of 50 and own one or more vehicles, it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask for a senior discount. Generally speaking, seniors are some of the safest drivers on the road. They drive defensively and are less likely to drive over the speed limit or take risks. Insurers are well aware of this, and some offer discounts as a result.

In some places, there may be incentives in place for taking a course on defensive driving. Even if you believe that you already incorporate all of the safe driving tactics, it never hurts to brush up on your skills. And even if you don’t learn anything new, the discount you receive is enough to justify enrollment-. 

Tip #2: Know Your Expected Mileage.

As drivers get on in age, they tend to spend less time behind the wheel. This is especially likely after retirement, when the daily commute is cut out of the picture. Lower mileage will most likely qualify you for a more affordable plan, so keep track of your odometer over the course of a standard month and see how this projects over the course of a year. Ring your insurer and ask them about discounts for low mileage. They will be able to advise you about the availability of cheaper plans with mileage caps. 

Tip #3: Choose the Appropriate Coverage.

These days, you’ll find as many policies and coverage types as there are vehicle types to carry them. Many people over the age of 50 have vintage hobby cars that they plan to work on in retirement and take out for the occasional leisure tour. In this case, you are going to be much better off with classic car insurance. Policies like this are often more affordable than standing coverage, because insurers know that hobbyists take excellent care of their vehicles. Their vintage vehicle is their pride and joy, and that means that the owner is not going to take any unnecessary risks. On the contrary, they’ll pamper their vehicle and treat it with the utmost care.

Note: It may be possible to insure multiple vintage vehicles on a single policy.

Tip #4: Purchase a Vehicle that Suits Your Lifestyle.

Hot rods and sports cars are for the young and reckless. Mature drivers are happier in vehicles with higher safety ratings. As it turns out, insurers prefer these vehicles as well. Flash, high-performance vehicles may turn heads, but they also have a knack for being involved in accidents.

Each year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety releases a list of the safest cars on the road. You’ll find a range of vehicle types on the list, one of which is sure to catch your eye. Cross-reference this list with that of your insurer’s and see if a low-risk policy applies. There’s a good chance that you could save some money by driving one of these cars. 

Tip #5: Be Mindful of Your Driving Ability.

This is one of the toughest tips for mature drivers. While those who are over the age of 50 are classed as some of the lowest-risk drivers on the road, it’s worth noting that there’s a limit. At some point, ageing drivers become a higher risk due to a range of factors such as deteriorating vision, delayed reaction time and the onset of dementia.

Remain mindful of your driving record, and be advised that a series of scuffs and bang-ups will eventually lead to higher premiums. Put a priority on your safety—as well as that of those with whom you share the road. Likewise, if family members and loved ones are becoming increasingly concerned with your driving ability, take note. Giving up your position behind wheel can be tough, and it may feel like you’re giving up independence—but don’t let that get you down. This is simply a milestone of ageing.

Is Car Insurance Calculated the Same the World Over?

UK drivers have enjoyed some reductions in their car insurance premiums over the past few months, which has been caused by new gender neutral policies, as well as by ongoing competition within the insurance sector. However, there can be some significant differences between car insurance policies around the world, which are often the result of varying regulations and levels of risk. How car insurance policies and premiums are calculated are also determined by local circumstances for drivers.

In the UK, the average cost of car insurance is currently around £1,100, although this can vary quite considerably once age and location are factored in. Younger drivers still tend to pay a lot more than older drivers, while those over the age of 55 can also suffer from increasing premiums. Decisions are made on insurance calculations from your past driving history, the kind of car you drive, and whether you’re doing everything you can to keep a car safe.

The level of risk attributed to a car insurance policy can rise and fall depending on different countries and their general insurance policies. In the United States, for example, the cost of insurance is different from state to state, and can be as high as $2,500 on average in Michigan, through to $995 in Vermont. Michigan also issues driver responsibility fees, and has a high proportion of uninsured drivers, which pushes up premiums.

The cost of car insurance can also be considerably different in countries where third party liability insurance is not mandatory; this is the case in South Africa and New Zealand, where the larger number of people without any form of insurance means that some individual policies can end up being large. Other factors that can affect insurance premium calculations can include limits of no claims discounts, which in France can be a maximum of 50 per cent of the policy’s value.

There are ongoing efforts, however, to standardise insurance costs and calculations. The EU Motor Directive of 2009 imposes rules over third party insurance across European member states, as well as practices for compensation and minimum claims. How rates and premiums are calculated still comes down to individual insurers, though, who can choose to be stricter or more lenient depending on their target market. Specialist insurers can be more relaxed, for example, about providing reasonable cover for kit cars or to drivers with spent criminal convictions.

Similar rules apply in Asia, where car insurance can range from the competitive policies and specialist rates of an insurer like Direct Asia in Thailand, through to China’s combination of nationalised and private insurance. Average calculations and the level of risk calculated across different drivers can consequently be affected by how much of a stake governments have in keeping insurance rates low, and the competitiveness of individual companies to offer low rates to customers.

Author Bio

Paul Taylor is a freelance blogger covering car insurance from around the world. He recommends that drivers check out www.directasia.th for more information on low cost insurance. When not looking for deals, Paul enjoys camping tours and caving.

Five Surprising Things That Can Cause Insurance to Rise

Insurance premiums are at an all-time high, especially for vehicles, so here are a few causes that aren't always considered by consumers that might be increasing the cost, without your knowledge. These are applicable for everyone, whether you are looking for regular car insurance, right through to business van insurance.

Turning 50

Believe it or not it’s not only youngsters that get penalized for stereotypes surrounding their age. Statistically, people in the 50 plus age bracket are more likely to have road accidents than other demographics, so premiums are totted up accordingly. Shop around to ensure you’re not paying over the odds for your age; some companies will price match, so speak up and ask your provider if that’s a possibility. 

Credit rating

Most insurance companies will run some form of background check before agreeing to offer you cover and your credit rating is often the first of these. If you happen to have any missed mortgage repayments, credit card charges, or broken payment contracts, then the cost of your insurance is probably going to suffer as a result. This should be a consideration when deliberating whether to apply for another new credit card.

Vehicles power

This is where companies are really making their money. If you happen to own a farm and drive a vehicle suitable for use on that farm, such as a high powered four by four, your insurance will rocket, even though technically you need such a vehicle. You will also find that may insurance providers will not cover this type of vehicle. Where possible, be sensible with what you ‘need’, rather than what you want and be assured you will pay a sensible price.

Security

Security may seem obvious, but it isn't considered by many motorists and it is a hugely influential factor. This includes where you park your vehicle when at work and home, as well as whether it has an alarm. If you go all out with security measures as well as storage (even if that means hiring garage space), you will probably find there is a drop in your annual insurance fee. 

Payment method

Most insurance providers reward customers that pay annually rather than monthly, so it’s always worth asking for a price for a year as well as the price for monthly installments when inquiring. Save bits and bobs of cash where possible throughout the year, to make this one off payment less of a shock.

How to Choose The Right Car Insurance

When it comes to selecting a car insurance provider, it is important to compare and assess the many factors that are in play. It can be daunting to sort out all of the factors as each company claims to give the most discounts, the best rates, and the best customer care or perks. Selecting which company to go with can involve abundant amounts of research, but not many people know what to look for. 

FindTheBest, an unbiased, data-driven comparison search engine, has developed some tools that may help you with your car insurance search. This post will breakdown some of the most important factors used to compare car insurance companies and will educate you on how to select the best fit for you. Please feel free to test out the interactive tools included below, as they can help you narrow down your search results and create side-by-side comparisons for insurance companies that fit your needs best.

Car Insurance

Comparison Factors 

1. What You’re Currently Paying 

Although it may seem obvious, it is easy to overlook what you’re paying now and exactly why you are paying that amount. This should be your first step in selecting a new auto insurance provider. Understanding your rate is essential to buying car insurance. Every year your car insurance company sends out a comprehensive policy breakdown that shows what you’re paying and what you’re getting for your money. If you do not know where this document is, you can request a copy from your insurance agent. This step is essential in your hunt for a new car insurance provider and will help lead you in the right direction to what you are ultimately looking for. 

2. Amount of Coverage You Actually Need 

You now understand what you are currently paying for, but what coverage do you really need? You must answer question like, how much is your car actually worth? How much do you drive? Do you have long commutes or can you walk to work? Car insurance covers more than the cost of the car, it covers liability such as medical fees and legal fees. It is also important to understand the deductible. A higher deductible can be a headache if you actually get in an accident, but can eventually save you money long-term. If you rarely get into accidents, it would be wise to lower your premium and set aside funds for emergencies to cover the deductible. 

3. Hidden Fees 

Insurance agents will tell you all about the great discounts you can receive, but rarely do they divulge the hidden fees. These fees require a little more research than usual. Car insurance providers tend to charge you more if your marital status is either single or divorced. The easiest way to identify these fees is to run a free quote, and then running a second free quote with a changed marital status. If the quote is different, you know there is a hidden fee. Other examples of hidden fees include, the type of car you drive, where you live, where you work, and your credit rating. 

4. Best Deals Offered 

FindTheCoupons, a FindTheBest site, was created to make your life easier. Finding a coupon for car insurance should take no longer than a few seconds of your time. FindTheCoupon can help you find great deals on car insurance companies and will further assist you in finding the best fit for your next provider. This resource will allow you find affordable car insurance and provides user reviews for the coupons offered. 

5. The Car You Drive

Cars Ratings and Reviews

One of the biggest factors that car insurance companies consider when determining your rate is the type of car you drive. It is often assumed that your rate is correlated to the value of your car, but it is also related to how likely your car will inflict damage on another vehicle, or how likely your car is to get stolen. 

Other factors include how safe your car is and how much repair costs would amount to. It might be wise to keep this in mind when shopping for your next car. Some car insurance sites provide lists of cars and how much they cost to insure them. As long as you do your research on safety ratings you should be in the clear. 

It is always smart to consult with your agent if you need any questions answered. Searching for your car insurance provider can be a tricky topic and with the tools and tips provided in this post, you will be able to find and compare the best insurance options available.

Role Of A Car Insurance And How To Minimize The Payments

Everyone knows that you are an expert driver. You drive cars smoothly without any trouble. You have driven on every street of the town and never had any trouble. You have managed to survive even on close encounters, so it’s proven that you are an experienced driver. As you are a role model to others when it comes to driving cars safely, you might think that you don't need any car insurance. Saved money can be utilized towards a useful cause. Isn't it?

Why you need insurance?

The fact is no one wants to get in an accident but disasters happen every day. Each year millions of accidents take place throughout the globe. So it is a wise idea to have vehicle insurance. If unfortunately any accident happens then your insurance will cover your vehicle damages and medical expense. Everyone inside the car will be covered. You will save lots of money. 

Benefits of car insurance:

There are many benefits of car insurance. Car insurance can protect your vehicle from natural calamities like, earthquake, hurricane, cyclone and from any man-made disaster. Sometime car cover can be so confusing to understand. Buyers should choose policy under the guidelines of the place they reside.

If your car is an investment then insurance protects the investment from lots of hazard factors. Auto covers are not just about your car, they are much more. Insurance can save you from paying large medical bills. Many car insurances are designed to give you full cover you need. During accident emergencies, car insurance can provide you cash that you need safeguarding your valuable belongings such as home and retirement funds and others.

When an accident happens, many tend to take quick loans from private companies at high interest rate to cover up the losses. If you have insurance then you don’t have to worry about anything as your insurance company will take care of everything you required after the accident to return into same status as you were before. 

Car insurance hunting:

There are endless insurance companies offering vehicle coverage. You can contact any one and have your car covered. Before you shop insurance for your car, you need to keep some points in your mind to minimize the cost. Only buy the insurance that is needed. For instance if you already have medical coverage then taking car insurance that covers medical bill is useless. 

Reduce your payments:

If you want to reduce car cover payments further then don’t go for car insurance that covers towing. Towing can be made easier at cheaper rate. Keep the deductible high to reduce payments. You can also avoid minor claims to reduce the payments.

Finally your driving record can reduce the payments further. People who have clean driving record or drive occasionally get rebates from the insurance company on their payments. You can negotiate with the company to minimize the insurance payments.

If you are searching for car insurance then you can delve into the online recourses. There are many online companies offering reliable vehicle insurances. Make sure that you understand each and everything before signing up with an insurance company to minimize your insurance payments.

Author Bio:Austin Richard Is an I.T professional from pass certification. He is 9L0-412 certified. He is now getting prepared for 9L0-518 exam. He likes to write about Business, and Technology.

The Insurance Costs of Senior Driving

Research has shown that older drivers may have memory problems, slower reflexes and impaired vision, factors that increase the risk of having an automobile accident. Whilst drivers over the age of 25 generally enjoy lower rates, drivers over the age of 70 are often considered "high risk" by insurance companies because of the assumption of more accident risk. 

If you're a mature driver, you've probably already dealt with the frustration of car insurance. Your premiums may have risen already or your insurer may have dropped you entirely. You don't have to give up driving completely just because of expensive insurance, however. If you shop around and do a little legwork, you can make your insurance affordable again.

Think "Safe"

Insurers will give you a lower rate if you have a newer car with a high safety rating with safety devices installed, such as anti-theft devices. You'll also receive discounts for completely senior driving safety classes. Check with your insurer or the companies you're considering for a full list of ways to get discounts on your senior policy.

If you have an older vehicle, consider your current coverage levels. You may not need comprehensive coverage on a vehicle with a low replacement value and states that mandate car insurance usually only require liability coverage. Liability coverage is less than a fully comprehensive policy and will protect you from some or all personal liability claims in the event of an accident. 

Drive Less

If you're not driving every day and can cut your driving down further, you may be eligible for a limited driving discount or limited policy. The limited miles policy will cost you less than a standard policy. This option will not work for senior drivers who still use their car frequently, as violating the limited miles amount will cost you.

If your spouse is on your current policy with you but has a poor driving record, you may want to consider becoming the sole driver in the household. Seniors with past accidents will have higher premiums and a harder time getting coverage than seniors with good driving histories. The driving record of covered drivers on your policy is a factor in your rates, even if you're the main policyholder. 

Compare

Auto insurers offer different types of products and coverage prices to senior drivers. Contact each insurer in your area for a quote on their rates for senior drivers. Compare quotes by premium amount and coverage level to decide which policy will meet your needs at the lowest rate. Be honest about your driving record to ensure you're getting accurate rates to compare.

Some insurers have quote forms available online, but you may have to give out some personal information. If you're uncomfortable giving out the information on the Internet, contact the insurer by phone to receive an accurate quote. Don't sign any policy paperwork or make any payments until you've reviewed the policy in full and confirmed the coverage levels and premium amount. You can find more tips on how to control your motor spending at www.CarFinance247.co.uk.

Should I Consider Temp Car Insurance for a Holiday Road Trip?

If you are planning a holiday road trip, temp car insurance is a smart way to go. However, you will first need to consider a few things before making your choice. So let's examine whether this type of short-term policy will be best for your personal situation. 

Do you already have Car Insurance?

First of all, you need to think about whether you have your own car insurance policy entitles you to. If you are fully covered, and you have a fully comprehensive policy, purchasing additional temporary insurance might not be necessary.

But if you don't have any type of policy at all, and you don't intend to get a full policy, temporary insurance coverage is not only a good idea but an obligation. Remember that you need some form of insurance in order to drive a vehicle, so if you are not willing to pay for an entire year, only paying for what you need is the best option.

With short-term car insurance, you can take out cover on a car for as little as a day or (in some cases) as much as 28 days. And as most insurance firms are able to provide you with a policy online or over the phone, you can get out on the road in no time at all.

This makes temporary car insurance a great option if you have just bought a new car, and need cover for that special first drive home!



On top of this, you need to question who is going to be driving the vehicle. If it's only going to be you, you'll have no problem. But if there are going to be several different drivers, you'll have to make sure that they all get added onto the policy.

Always talk to insurers about this to make sure that this doesn't add up to any additional costs. If you fail to notify the insurer of your intention for different drivers to use the vehicle, you may find yourself in hot water should you be involved in an accident or any other unfortunate incident.

Why Get a Short-Term Policy

The beauty of short-term car insurance is that it is extremely convenient and very affordable. However, if you will use the vehicle again on a regular basis, getting a normal policy is your best bet.

There is also a protective factor to think about. If you have an accident when driving under a regular insurance policy, you will lose your ‘no claims’ bonus should you decide to claim. If, however, you are driving under a short-term policy, your regular long-term policy will stay safe.

When going on a road trip, where accidents might be more likely to occur, a short-term, temporary policy can be extremely beneficial in helping to provide that additional protection.

If you do decide to go ahead and get a temp car insurance policy, always shop around. There are dozens of different insurers you could use, so make sure that you spend some time comparing rates in order to get the best possible prices.