What You Don’t Know May Cost You: 5 Things That Increase Your Premiums

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/08/03 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off on What You Don’t Know May Cost You: 5 Things That Increase Your Premiums

Car insurance is one of those things that varies in price greatly from one company to another. There are a number of factors that can affect your car insurance premium that you might not think of off the top of your head. Keep these in mind when shopping around for your insurance quote to give a bit of an explanation of why your quotes and rates are the price you receive.

Type of vehicle

The make and model of the vehicle you drive has a large impact on what your insurance rate is. Insurance companies use published vehicle safety ratings to evaluate how safe a vehicle is, and they offer discounts to their customers who drive vehicles less likely to be involved in an accident. Insurers may increase rates for vehicles that are susceptible to theft too. Window tint typically doesn’t affect insurance premiums as long as it isn’t illegal in the state and conforms to the manufacturer’s specifications. According to Instant Windscreens, window tint may actually be helpful. It can protect your vehicle’s interior from damaging UV radiation helping it retain more of its value for longer.

How Many Miles You Drive

It makes sense that the more you drive the higher your automobile insurance rate is going to be. Driving more miles and further distances increases your risk of getting into an accident and needing to file a claim. You’re also likely to have a higher premium if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes. If you are using your personal vehicle for business, it may be worth it to look into separate commercial auto insurance. If you have an accountant, ask them about the cost versus the benefit of having commercial auto insurance for your vehicle. If you work for yourself, and you are the company, you’ll have to do the research yourself, but it’s worth your time to look into.

Driving Record

Your driving record has a direct impact on insurance rates. If you have a clean driving record without accidents, claims or tickets you’re considered a safe driver and may receive a discount. If you have moving violation tickets, such as a speeding or following too closely citation, you’ll be in a higher risk pool of drivers for rate purposes. Insurance companies consider people who have citations for risky behaviors to be at more likely to cause or be involved in an accident, which would cut into their profits. Keep vigilant and follow safe defensive driving practices. You can also look into taking a driver safety course to get a rate reduction if your insurance company offers the option.

Demographics

Insurance companies factor in your age, sex and marital status into your rate quote. Young males under 25 have higher rates, especially if they’re single. Insurance rates are almost always calculated in consideration of risk, and young, single male drivers are most likely to be in an automobile accident.

Where You Live

Believe it or not, the zip code where your vehicle is parked every night affects your insurance. If you live in a high-crime area, you’ll have a higher premium than a safer neighborhood. Rates can drastically change from zip codes right next to each other. It is probably not worth it to move simply to save some money on your insurance rates, but when moving to a new area, it may be a factor worth considering.

The factors for determining car insurance premiums take into account numerous criteria, including rating scales approved by the individual states. Keep these in mind when you’re shopping for insurance so that you aren’t surprised the next time you get a quote.

What’s That Noise? 5 Car Troubles You Shouldn’t Ignore

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/08/01 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on What’s That Noise? 5 Car Troubles You Shouldn’t Ignore

Modern cars are often almost silent in their operation. Some manufacturers even pipe artificial engine noise into the passenger compartment – just to keep things interesting. 

So, when you notice a hum, squeal, or thunk, it’s bound to perk up your ears. Usually, this is because it sounds like money. 

But before you crank the stereo to cover what you fear is a new version of that old blues hit "I Just Gave my Mechanic my Rent Check," try and listen closely. Sometimes, noises indicate simple problems that can get very expensive if left untreated.

Those Squeaking Brakes

If you hear a squeal when you press the pedal, it could mean you’re due for a brake job. Brakes have wear detectors. These metal prongs generate a slight squeal as the friction surface wears down. Consider it your final warning. That sound will plead with you for new pads until the dreaded metal-on-metal contact occurs. Have your squeaking brakes looked at before you find you’ve accidentally created a new drive-thru window at your favorite burger joint. 

That Constant Hum

Notice a low-frequency hum at anything over a walking pace? It might be your wheel bearings. Wheel bearings play an important part in keeping the wheels spinning and attached to the car. No fooling: Get those checked quickly before disaster strikes.

Ricky-Ticky Turns

Ticking while making turns at a low speed in a front-wheel or all-wheel drive car might be your constant-velocity joints saying "Service me, please!" Caught early enough, this is an expensive-but-manageable repair.

Doin’ The Bump-Thunk

Modern suspension systems will quietly absorb potholes for thousands of miles. When you hear a bang or a snap while driving over a bump, it’s time for a visit to the garage. Some possible causes: broken stabilizer bar mounts, bad shocks or struts, or worn bushings. All of these things help keep your car on the road and pointed in the right direction.

The Underhood Squeal

Squeals during startup or while turning could mean a slipping belt, a failing pulley, or a dying power steering pump. Any of these can cause other components to fail and snowball into a serious problem. A good mechanic can help squelch that squeal – like the guys at Discount Tire Centers.

If you want maximum service out of your car, nothing beats regular maintenance and taking care of simple, inexpensive problems before they become complex, costly problems. Remember to take care of your car. It’s easy to neglect the little things, especially if mechanics aren’t your thing. But as you take the extra steps to keep your vehicle running smoothly, you’ll avoid costly repairs and inconvenient breakdowns.

How To Save Money Following A Serious Car Accident

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/29 in Auto Accident with Comments Off on How To Save Money Following A Serious Car Accident

If you have just been in a serious car accident, you may be faced with paying medical and other costs while also being out of work. Therefore, it is imperative that you find ways to save money until you are able to get back to work or find other ways to make up your lost earnings. What are some options to help you achieve that goal?

Ask About Debt Settlement

If you have outstanding credit card or other debts, ask to settle those debts for less than you owe. While it may require a lump sum payment now, you may be better prepared to deal with future costs without high-interest debt hanging over your head.

Make Sure That You Fix Your Car

Neglecting to fix your car could lead to more expenses in the future. For instance, failure to repair a dent to your side panel could cause rust to form and eat away at the frame. Failing to fix the car’s brake lines could lead to fluid leaks or frayed lines susceptible to sparking. Take your car to experts like those at Chehalis Collision Center to make sure it gets fixed the right way the first time so you don’t have repair bills adding up over time.

Ask Family or Friends to Move In

Having another person in your home may be helpful if he or she agrees to help share the cost of rent and utilities. Having a friend or family member in your home may also be helpful as he or she may be a good cook or help out with cleaning and home maintenance projects.

Cut Back on Unnecessary Expenses

If you aren’t working, you need to make sure that your savings lasts as long as possible. This could mean cutting out cable TV and not eating out. All of these changes can save hundreds a month without totally depriving you of what you need to live.

Use the Internet to Save on Groceries and Other Common Expenses

The internet is a great place to find coupons, sites selling used goods and sites where people trade or barter goods instead of selling them. This can help you get groceries, tools to help with arts and crafts projects or finding clothes or toys for your kids if you can’t afford to buy them new ones.

No one plans to be in a serious accident. However, if you have been in a wreck, you will need to cut costs and be strict about your budget. Settling debts, asking others to live with you and looking for as many discounts as you can may help you save money without altering your lifestyle too much.

Five Quick Car Repairs All New Drivers Should Know

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/27 in Auto Repair with Comments Off on Five Quick Car Repairs All New Drivers Should Know

If you’re a new driver, there are some basic car repairs you need to know in order to avoid problems while driving on the road. If you run out of gas or have a flat, how will you know or be able to diagnose the problems? Though you don’t have to become a mechanic, having some basic repair skills on hand is always a good idea. Luckily, there are many car repair programs offered at places like the Newgate School or even your own high school that can help you learn these five quick repairs.

Change a Tire

Changing a flat tire is one of the most common problems you might face on the road. Knowing where to find a spare tire and how to change it can help save you money and get you back on the road and on your way in just a few minutes.

Replace a Battery

Replacing a dead battery is something that is easy to do, yet many people know nothing about. You should learn to identify and replace one. If you find your car battery is weak or dead, you can remove it and replace it in just a couple minutes with some basic hand tools. It also helps to know some common problems that can cause a dead battery so you’re prepared.

Replace a Belt

Car belts eventually wear out and can break, causing parts like the fan and alternator to stop working. This can create other issues such as a dead battery or engine overheating. Knowing how to change a belt can save you a lot of problems and costs.

Replace Windshield Wipers

Driving in a rain storm is not the time to find out your windshield wipers are not working properly. Windshield wipers are very easy to replace and can save you a great deal of trouble with visibility. You can save some money by knowing how to replace windshield wipers yourself as well.

Replace a Headlight Bulb

Occasionally, a headlight bulb will go out, making it very difficult to see the roadway or any obstacles lying in the road at night. When you’re out on a dark roadway with a headlight out it can be very dangerous as well. You can replace it in just a few minutes and keep yourself and others safe while driving.

These are just a few basic skills that will help you save money and keep you safe while driving. Most car repairs can be easily learned and will allow you to avoid major problems while driving. Keep things up to date and maintained and you’ll be on your way!

Auto Fix: How to Make Your Next Garage Project More Manageable

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/25 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on Auto Fix: How to Make Your Next Garage Project More Manageable

Many people find working on their own car to be cost effective and can save them a lot more time than going to a mechanic for every problem. Completing a job yourself is satisfying and can keep your car well-maintained if done correctly. If you are already an auto enthusiast or just getting to know your way around an engine, having a good garage setup can be beneficial to getting your projects done faster and more efficiently. Here are some organization and management steps you can take to make the next fix a breeze.

Making Your Project More Manageable

The first and most important thing you can do to keep your project under control is to plan it out. Get an outline set up and figure out exactly what you want to accomplish and in what order. This may sound simple, but most people new to automotive DIY repair overlook this vital step. Remembering to plan will save you time and money on every job.

Parts and Equipment

Another thing you have to do is ensure you have all of the parts and equipment needed for your fix. This may mean ordering the parts well in advance. For example, if you need to weld something, order your stud welders from a supplier like Northland Fastening Systems weeks before you plan to begin the job. Of course, to know exactly what tools and parts you need, you must first plan everything out. You probably can’t plan for everything that comes up, but if you have most the supplies ready, you won’t have to stall a project for weeks waiting on a part.

Ask for Help

While many people who want to take on an auto repair job want to do it themselves, this is often not the best idea for every situation. It can be dangerous if you’re taking on a job without someone to help you if you get in trouble. Many repairs can be accomplished much more quickly with two or more people working as well. There might even be benefits that you don’t anticipate. Working on a car with fellow gearheads can be a real bonding experience.

Auto repair jobs can be difficult and many start a job only to fail to complete it. However, if you plan well and anticipate problems before they arise, you’ll have a much better chance of completing the job and doing it right. You’ll save time and money and may even make a few friends along the way. When done right, auto repair can be a fun pastime and a great way to avoid the very high costs of professional auto shops.

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