Teenage Driving Insurance

40,000 people have been killed on Britain's roads, since 1993. A big percentage of those were young drivers."Teenagers that are new to driving want to experience what these wonderful motor cars can do -they use these country lanes to have this experience of speed and they can't cope with it." Senior policeman

Increasing numbers of teenage drivers are being killed in accidents

It is estimated that as many as one in five of all serious road accidents involve drivers under the age of 21. In Warwickshire the police are keeping a close eye on their young drivers.

Old and badly maintained cars pose a big risk in themselves. The addition of speed can have devastating results, as Paul Kerr can testify.

In 1992 Paul lost his 17 year old son in a road accident. He now works alongside PC Alan Rogers on a project called ASTRA, to take his message and his son's story around every school in Warwickshire.

ASTRA targets teenagers and drives home the message through advertising campaigns and Paul's own moving account of his son's tragic death.

Auto Insurance History

World is full of uncertainties and risk factor is potentially associated with almost everything. It’s not a present day concern but faced continually by individuals from the ancient period. People have always craved for security, which is even bestowed by nature. This longevity for safety has lead to the origination of the concept of insurance.

The term insurance is defined as an agreement or policy between the insurer and the insured, where the insured pays the premiums and the insurer provides financial protection or reimbursement against losses. Many types of insurance plans are available worldwide and auto insurance is one of its kinds. Auto insurance was developed to protect motorists and the third party from any bodily injury or property damage.

Car insurance concept was originated by the Chinese, dating back to 3000 B.C. in ancient China. They used to send their cargo ships full of supplies across the Atlantic Ocean. While going on for long and stormy voyages, there was always the risk of loosing ships due to sinking or hijacking by the pirates. To overcome these losses, the Chinese merchants used to segregate their consignments among several ships, thereby minimizing the total loss. Generally, a group of investors used to take the insurance policies on the ships to protect their valuables.

The earliest traces of insurance can be found in the ancient civilization of Babylon in the form of “bottomry”. Bottomry is a sort of mortgage where the ship owner used to borrow money by mortgaging the ship. And if, the ship is lost by the perils of the sea the borrower needn’t reimburse the money but if, the ship arrives safe he would have to repay the money lent, with the interest or premium. It was followed throughout the Mediterranean region and was implemented as mandatory by the Roman Emperor Justinian.

The first Canadian life insurance was originated in 1847 in Hamilton, Ont. Later in 1868, most of the major insurance companies were founded and thus from then the insurance industry has developed rapidly with the modernization and invention of new technologies.

Though the concept of insurance was founded in way back 3000 B.C., but, with the changing needs and circumstances, car insurance was introduced as spin-off of marine insurance. In the United States, the first liability car insurance policy was written for Dr. Truman J. Martin in 1898.

Later, purchasing auto insurance was made legally obligatory to protect the individuals against injury or property damage. In 1927, Massachusetts became the first state to enact compulsory auto insurance laws and later, the other states followed it.

Long Drive

Are you planning for a long distance trip along your family it is good if you ensure the following:

• It is good to ensure that your car is also ready to ride on a long journey with the help of an authorized service center. Have a general check-up where leakages and damages could be discovered and repaired. And even worn parts would be known and replaced. Hoses, pipes, cables, clutch, accelerator and fuel lines should be paid extra attention. Make sure of all fluid levels as suggested by the manufacturer. Brakes also needs to be attended and demonstrated carefully. Check the headlights, brakes lights, hazards lights, horn are in fair working conditions.
• Before we go for a drive we must make sure about the condition of car wheels, engines, breaks etc, because for a safe drive, prior checking is important. Its a good idea to keep the stephney, which is inflated to the recommended pressure. This will let you save your time & money from roadside tire repairs. Please try to keep the tire pressure slightly higher if your are loading it fully.
• Don't forget to keep the vehicle body jack and its handle and ensure they are in good working condition. Some times the spindle arrests rust if it is unused for a long period and that makes it difficult to use. For a smooth driving the spindle of the engine should be frequently lubricated. Take a set of open-ended Spanners, reversible screwdriver, a pair of pliers, torch. Carry a set of drive belts, hose pipes, electrical wire piece, insulation tape, extra fuses and coolant. If you have all the tools and spares it would be easier for any roadside mechanic to help you in case you don't know how to repair. Suppose if you require any Professional help you can contact with highway users club.
• Always carry a comprehensive first-aid kit to satisfy the unfortunate eventualities.
• It makes a lot of sense to take the Service Manual of your vehicle on long distance drives. The Manual shows the list of closest accessible authorized service station for your car if the need arises.
• It would be good if you pre-plan the route you are willing to take prior to start of the trip. Use a state highway map, that would help to know your position and also marks the refueling stations, service centers and rest areas.
• In case if you are going alone or along with your friends, let your family be aware of the destination and route taken by you. If there is any unfortunate incident or brake down they would be in a position to help.

Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle is not commonly used in USA, because it is not suitable to the weather conditions of many states and for other situations. It is quite similar to car insurance in all aspects.

Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability: This covers valid liability services for an accident in the situations where there is injury caused to people or damage to someone's property. This liability covers only to a limit depending on the policy you opt.

For Example - 15/30/10 means:

• For bodily injury per person $15,000 would be paid.
• For bodily injury per accident $30,000 would be paid.
• For property damage per accident $10,000 would be paid.

Comprehensive and Collision coverage: This coverage pays the cost for repair or damage or if the motorbike is stolen, even if you are at-fault.

Collision coverage pays out for the damage, if you collide with another vehicle or any object.

Comprehensive coverage gets activated when damage to the vehicle is caused by fire or malicious mischief.

Medical payment coverage pays out the cost for the medical treatment received when the accident happens and this can be used without considering who is at fault. In some states, medical payment is granted only when other medical insurance is used-up.

Custom Parts and Equipment(CPE) has a minimum coverage in Comprehensive or Collision coverage for at least $1,000, in most states. For additional CPE coverage we need to buy up to $30,000. CPE covers accessories, enhancements, changes, other than those installed by company originally. For Example: electronic equipment, antennas, play back recorded media or other devices.

Most Insurance Companies recommends to engage the photographs and receipts of motorcycle for Custom Parts and Equipments.

Roadside Assistance coverage offers towing to the certified repair facility and necessary task at the place of disablement when your motorcycle or off-road vehicle is disabled due to any of the following reasons:

• Mechanical or electrical breakdown
• Dead battery
• Flat tire
• Lockout
• Insufficient supply of fuel, oil, water or other fluids
• Entrapment in snow, mud, water or sand within 100 feet of the roadway
• Roadside Assistance is available 24/7.

Roadside Assistance is included with Comprehensive coverage for most Harley-Davidson and touring motorcycles at no charge, and can be purchased at a nominal fee for all other bikes.

File a Car Accident Claim

A car accident can be an inconvenient and scary event. Hopefully there were no injuries and all you need to deal with is filing a car insurance claim. Filing a car accident claim and receiving compensation can be a slow process but, eventually, you will be reimbursed for the repairs to your car.

Step 1:
Get the insurance information of all other drivers immediately. This is especially important if the accident was the fault of the other party, as it will keep you from paying a deductible. You'll also avoid higher insurance costs in the future if their company pays for your claim, rather than your own.

Step 2:
Take pictures of any damage. The insurance representative will likely take pictures as well, but they may not be there immediately after the accident. It is always good to have a set of pictures that show the position of the vehicles, as well as the surrounding environment, immediately after the accident. These will help you tell your story of how the accident occurred.

Step 3:
Call a claims representative as soon as possible. Even on the scene if both parties are willing to wait. The representative will fill out the claims form, take pictures, get both sides of the story, and possibly interview any witnesses still around.

Step 4:
Wait for your compensation check to arrive. This may take several weeks to several months, so you may want to get repairs made to your vehicle before hand if you have the means. You will likely get a check for the lowest estimated repair cost given to the insurance company or the current blue book value, if your car was totaled.

How to Compare Car Insurance Companies

When it comes to shopping for an auto insurance provider, it becomes apparent that not all of the policies are created equal. Some insurance companies will approve your claims with great speed and efficiency, whereas some may get on your nerves with a series of questions and paperwork before getting your claims processed. It's important to compare car insurance companies to get an overall idea of their market reputation, credibility and accountability.

Step 1:
Compare ratings between different companies to get an overall view of their reputation. Organizations such as A.M. Best provide ratings and analysis of insurance providers. These ratings are comprehensive and provide up to date information on each company’s track record including strengths and weaknesses, coverage options and claims handling. You can also visit Standards & Poor’s or Fitch ratings for more information. (See Resources, below.)

Step 2:
Compare the reviews of customers and policy holders. J.D. Power and Associates is one of the oldest names in customer views and reviews. Search for the company from which you wish to buy your policy. Then, go through the reviews posted by policyholders and customers to determine whether or not they are satisfied overall with the insurance company and its services. Similarly, search for other providers you might consider and compare the reviews.

Step 3:
Discuss insurance with your friends, family members, colleagues and business associates to get their opinion on various car insurance companies. They might have had a favorable or unpleasant experience dealing with a particular company and would be able to provide personal insights on companies.

Step 4:
Compare customer service options for each insurance company you are considering. Those with a large network of offices, claim centers, agents and 24/7 support over telephone as well as email will ensure that you get treated properly as a customer.

Step 5:
Ask the car insurance companies you are comparing for quotes with or without any claims bonus protection.

Step 6:
Find out if it is cheaper to pay on a monthly basis to the insurance company through personal checks or to pay it off with a credit card. Numerous insurance companies have direct or indirect alliances with various financial institutions (banks or credit card companies) which may make your insurance significantly cheaper.