Auto Magazine

Car Insurance: 3 Benefits to Having Your Own Insurance Agent

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/17 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off

Having your own insurance agent is a good way to keep your insurance simple. You may have been happy with service you got from the corporate office, but there is a great deal you can do when you have an insurance agent who is focused on you. These private businesses are there to service customer accounts while also providing assistance to the community at large.

Personalized Service

When you are working with your own insurance agent, they know you inside and out. They are able to keep up with you, and they know what your specific needs are. When you call them because you have purchased a new car, they know that you likely want the same insurance as you did before. When you have kids, they know that you need comprehensive coverage for the family car. They may also recommend collision coverage for the car you drive to work so that you can save money (Source: Meyer’s Insurance Ltd.).

Something that can’t be stressed enough is that having an insurance agent personalized. They can help you anytime with any issues that you may be having with your insurance. With that said, many people are getting their insurance online now which often takes away the benefits of having a personalized agent. Dealing with insurance on your own and over the internet can be complicated and confusing. There is no personal touch with it that an insurance agent can provide. Also, the quality of customer service tends to be lower online than with your own agent.

Savings

Most people who are looking for savings will only get those savings from their local agent. The local agent spends most of their time trying to figure out how to save money for their customers. The agent makes commission on each policy, and they need to make sure that all customers retain their policies. If the agent is able to save you money, you are more likely to stay with them.

The agent also knows all of the discount programs that are specific to your job, your area or the size of your family. You get personalized service from someone who is spending all day trying to help people just like you. Your insurance agent will disclose any and all discounts that are available to you, but don’t be afraid to inquire about other discounts that you may not yet be able to qualify for as your agent will give you information about how to be able to qualify for those discounts as well.

They Are Close

The local insurance agent has an office in your community that you can visit at any time. The local insurance agent also has a phone number you can call directly. You never have to wait for a customer service agent to answer the phone, and you do not need to wait for someone to get back to you. The insurance company is not distant from you, and you know that other people in the community can give you extra information about working with the agent.

When you are working with your own insurance agent, you will find that you save more money, get better service and better policies. The local agent is committed to you and your community. Also, the local agent knows how to help you get just the insurance you need.

Ways To Get The Best Deals For Your Needed Car Parts

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/15 in Auto Parts with Comments Off

Saving money on automotive parts is a great way to lower repair costs. Even if you’re not doing the work yourself, acquiring used or wholesale parts can drastically reduce the overall price of vehicle repairs. Labor is already pretty steep with an average of $60 to $65 per hour for most ASC certified mechanics. However, it’s relatively easy to locate and gather the parts needed without relying on the service stations typically high-priced materials.

Search Online

There are a number of reliable wholesale auto parts suppliers on the Internet. According to Pure Diesel Power, a company that provides Chevy diesel engine parts, more and more people are buying auto parts through the Internet. The important thing to remember is to thoroughly vet a site before you buy. Make sure the parts they supply are good and that they’re legitimate. Reading customer reviews and ratings is a great way to find the truth about online auto parts dealers.

The Full-service Junkyard

These auto parts goldmines are all over the country. They typically have hundreds of cars in every make and model. The yard’s employees will remove and stock the most commonly sought after items. However, you can call beforehand and special order an item. The yard attendants will remove the part and have it ready for when you arrive. These full-service yards charge a bit more for their parts than other solutions.

The You-Pick Junkyard

If you’re mechanically inclined, then this is probably the best choice. These junkyards are similar to their full-service cousins except that you pull the parts on your own. They typically separate vehicles based on the make and model making it quick and easy to locate what you need. Make sure to bring all the tools that you’ll need to remove the part. There’s nothing worse than getting out into the yard and realizing you’re missing a certain tool. This is one of the cheapest ways to get auto parts. Just be prepared to do a bit of work.

Refurbished Parts

Most auto parts dealers offer refurbished varieties of the parts that they sell. When you’re shopping for a part, be sure to inquire about a refurbished option. These parts are typically just as good as a new one and sometimes only a third of the price.

There are many ways to find cheap auto parts. If you do a little shopping and looking around, you’re bound to find what you need and save a lot of money in the process.

7 Ways To Upgrade Your Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/13 in Trucks with Comments Off

Men love their trucks. They especially love their big trucks. Usually the bigger the better. Most trucks are manufactured with great equipment. However, if you want better options, here are seven upgrades that are worth considering.

Body Lift

A body lift is an inexpensive upgrade that costs between $110 to $600. It uses urethane blocks, which are stacked on the body mount; the mount lifts the body over the frame. The vehicle does not need any modifications because the lift forms a gap between the frame and the truck’s body (Source: Tonka 4-Wheel Drive Ltd.). The average installation time for a body lift is usually six to eight hours.

Wheel Splash Guards

Most drivers purchase mud guards because they display cartoon characters to other drivers, but mud guards also protect other vehicles on the road. They block gravel, sand, rocks, or mud that flies from your tires when you drive. Splash guards cost anywhere from $20 to $200.

MP3/iPod Features

Your truck can play tunes from your iPod or MP3 player if you have the proper hardware. You will need an audio cable, a retrofit kit, or transmitters. A cable will cost around $10, but more advanced hardware could cost around $300. The first way might be cheaper, but if you want good quality sound you will want to consider getting the more advanced hardware installed. The custom system will allow you to enjoy all of your personal music with higher sound quality.

Tailgate Protector

Through the year, a tailgate withstands plenty of abuse because various objects are dragged into the bed. It gains wear and tear because boxes move back and forth when you drive on the highway. A tailgate protector protects the top of the tailgate and the load surface. The cheapest tailgate protectors cost $30, and the most expensive protectors cost around $150.

Custom Wheels

New wheels can improve the appearance of your vehicle or change the way it drives on the road. You will usually pay $75 for each wheel. However, if you want stylish wheels, you could pay as much as $500 per wheel.

Running Boards

A running board is a simple device that can help you get out of your truck easier. Some boards have advanced algorithms, so they function whenever a truck door opens and closes. This especially comes in handy when you truck has a body lift on it, especially for those who are short enough that they have trouble getting in your truck.

Truck Racks

A truck rack is very helpful during the summer because it can hold all of your beach accessories. The rack add compartments to your truck bed; the compartments will help you store more items efficiently. A truck rack can also transport lumber to project sites and a kayak for vacation purposes.

How To Maintain Your Truck After You Buy Your Upgrades

A plan of attack must be established, so design a schedule so that you can maintain your oil, brakes, fluids, interiors, windows, and tires. The emission control systems, however, will require professional services periodically.

Overall, upgrading your truck is a smart idea because most accessories will improve how your vehicle operates.

2014: Best Family Cars with the Newest Safety Features

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/10 in Honda, Subaru, Volvo with Comments Off

Finding a family vehicle that can fit the needs of every occupant, should also take safety into consideration. Several safety technology features are available in vehicles today, and the following represent some of the greatest advancements for the 2014 lineup of vehicles.

2014 Honda Odyssey

The 2014 Honda Odyssey van boasts exceptional cargo room for large road trips and growing families. It also features one of the highest safety ratings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Five stars of overall rating can be tied with the body structure and traction control system. Honda uses a structure known as the ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) structure that distributes energy from a crash throughout the car to reduce stress in one crumple zone.

Passengers will also be alerted and prepared for any collision. The Forward Collision Warning System uses a small camera to detect vehicles in front and activates a visual alert. The vehicle also engages in a dual-stage airbag system that inflates at different rates depending on the impact of the collision.

2014 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is a sporty and adventurous vehicle with plenty of safety features for growing families. The 2014 model features electronic stability control features that engage preemptively in rough terrain with the Eyesight Camera. Airbags are placed throughout the vehicle in the case of a potential rollover event.

2014 Volvo S80

Volvo has a long history of safety milestones, and the S80 is no exception. This large sedan is the perfect car for good fuel economy and road safety in one package. Enhanced crash protection include additional overhead and side impact airbags to prevent injury in the event of a rollover accident.

The car also features a stability control system that can sense when the vehicle is undergoing stress, and reduces engine power to prevent a collision. Occupants will also rest assured when airbags go off. The anti-whiplash head restraints cradles the neck to prevent injury in a typical front collision incident.

2014 Mazda CX-5

The new Mazda CX-5 is a crossover vehicle with plenty of room and safety control for smart driving. According to Yearwood & Company Surrey lawyers, the vehicle supports additional smart braking procedures that engage in rough city traffic. Emergency notification will also automatically dial 911 when necessary in the touring models. A unique feature of this vehicle is the foldaway brake pedal that folds away on impact to protect the brakes from damage.

Whether your family is looking for off-road adventure, or a fuel-saving vehicle with stylish flair, there is a vehicle with plenty of safety features available. Consider test driving one of these vehicles today and find out if it’s a good fit for your family.

Images courtesy: Volvo | Honda | Subaru

Shopping for Insurance? What Makes A Good Auto Insurance Policy

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/08 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off

Purchasing car insurance is crucial because most states require it, and you need it in the event that you are involved in a collision. Shopping around for insurance is important as is looking for these crucial elements.

Competitive Pricing

When you are calling different companies, find out what the exact price is for the policy and plan that you need. Some people take the word of estimates online. While some of these estimates might be accurate, other factors, such as your driving record, are going to come into play when you actually speak with a representative. Before you hang up the phone, find out exactly what the plan contains.

Discounts for Good Driving

Insurance exists to protect you in the event that you are involved in an accident. On the flip side of that is the fact that you want to be rewarded for good driving. Some insurance companies will lower the rate depending upon your driving reward. Look for an insurance company that offers a cost reduction program if you take a class. By taking a course in defensive driving or other skills, you can see a reduced rate on your bill.

Discounts for Your Teenage Drivers

Having to obtain insurance for the entire family is an entirely different ballpark than just needing it for yourself. Teenage drivers tend to have notoriously high insurance rates. Not only do you want to find a plan that has lower prices for them, but that also has possibilities open. For example, some insurance companies will lower the rate if your teenagers bring in proof of having a certain grade point average or letter average. You can also ask about reduced rates if you are having more than one person on your policy.

Bundle the Insurance Policy

Whether you are adding your child or spouse to your car insurance policy, this strategy is generally smart. Having more than one insurance policy is probably going to cost more money than just the singular unit. However, you should also find out if the insurance plan is able to be coupled with your home insurance policy too. The more money you are able to save on insurance, the more you will have for dealing with other issues and for your savings account.

Of course, the policy needs to provide you with full coverage, but a reputable insurance company should. You should allocate a decent amount of time and search to the cost.