What are the tips for saving money?

Always keep an open mind and be prepared to change insurance companies if this is going to save you money. Although you may pick up a renewal bonus if you stay with your current insurer, new companies will often offer you a better welcome bonus to get your business. This means talking to the companies to ensure you get all the discounts available. Too often, the internet quotes forget about all the different ways in which you can save money. Discussing your needs with a sales agent usually brings a few more savings to seal the deal.

Who are you?

Insurers produce risk profiles depending on who you are and the quality of your driving record. There are a few simple truths. Young and inexperienced drivers pay more than older drivers with a clean driving record. Statistically, young men are more likely to have an accident so they pay the most. Middle-aged women driving only a few miles in a family vehicle pay the least.

What are the rules?

To save money:

* always buy underpowered cars with safety features added, e.g. antilock brakes, airbags, etc., and anti-theft measures installed;
* keep a clean driving record;
* unless you have no choice because of where you live, drive less and avoid long commuting journeys – the more miles you drive, the greater the risk of accidents or tickets;
* some jobs and professions qualify for discounts because the statistics show fewer accidents – ask your strongployer, union, trade association or other representative body to see whether there are group terms;
* some insurance companies offer special terms for different groups of drivers, e.g. for senior citizens; and
* look to make a package with all your vehicles insured with the same company and, perhaps, adding your home insurance as well.

Are you prepared to self-insure?

One of the simplest ways to pay less as the prstrongium is to pay more if you have a claim. This means taking a higher deductible. If you increase the deductible from $500 to $1,000 you can often save 20% and more depending on the insurance company. But be careful. If you have a bad run of luck on the road and have several accidents close together, can you afford to pay the deducted amounts on each claim? Always work out how much you can afford to pay should the worst happen. If you drive an older car that might not be economical to repair, consider dropping collision coverage.

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(NAPSI)-If you’re in the market for a car–new or used–you have more information at hand than at any other time in the history of car buying, in large part due to the Internet and the competitive nature of today’s automotive market.

Automakers’ Web sites are a great place to begin your quest for information. Most manufacturers have an online tool to virtually “build” your vehicle, choosing the trim levels, options and accessories that are most important to you. Is a sunroof important? Check. Leather seats? Check. All-wheel drive? Check. The automakers’ Web site will also steer you to a dealer near you, so you can check out locally available inventory.

Since safety is such an important consideration when buying a car, be sure to check out the vehicle’s crashworthiness ratings at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Search the Web site (www.iihs.org) for vehicles that have been named a “Top Safety Pick” by the institute, which means that the vehicle has earned the top rating in each of four crash tests. Subaru (www.subaru.com), for example, is the rare manufacturer with at least one Top Safety Pick in every vehicle class in which it competes.

If you are considering a used vehicle, arm yourself with pricing knowledge before you begin shopping for your dream car by checking out Kelley Blue Book online at www.kbb.com. The site gives typical pricing for each trim level of a used vehicle, allows you to customize by adding options and accessories, and adjusts vehicle valuations based on the condition of the used car.

One way to avoid the uncertainty that often comes with buying a used vehicle is to take advantage of a manufacturer’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle program. CPO vehicles are given a thorough inspection, often with well over 100 points inspected, and generally come with an extended warranty, including power train coverage. Some manufacturers, such as Subaru of America, enhance their CPO programs with additional features, including a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report and 24/7 roadside assistance.

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