There are many ways to shop for car insurance but getting car insurance online quotes has got to be one of the easiest ways to shop for it. A car insurance online quote has many advantages such as you have access to multiple companies and you have the final say in how many car insurance quotes you get. This is a terrific way to really see what your options are and the money you can save with the best prices.
For example you can find deductibles ranging from $100.00 to $1000.00 or more so an online quote will give you an idea of car insurance prices and how they suit you, and all this with the click of your mouse. Getting a car insurance online quote is a fantastic way to check out car insurance prices. Just keep in mind that if you save on the prices of the premiums, you will be paying more out of your pocket if the need arises if you have saved on the quote by taking a higher deductible.
Car insurance online quotes are broken down according to your needs. These are still generally combined into one policy and finding a company that will do this shouldn’t be a problem when looking for car insurance policies online. You can cut down on the time you will be searching by knowing where to look and what to look for. A good company will get you out of jams and be there when you need them. They will give you car insurance prices without making you feel like your bothering them by asking.
There are a few things to watch out for when shopping for online quotes. The company websites that you visit should have no trouble in quoting a price, but they vary greatly. The best advice is to get quotes from at least three online car insurance companies. You have to make sure that the company that gives you a car insurance online quote is financially stable so you know they will be around when you need them. Be careful when you’re shopping for car insurance.
Become informed about the insurance industry before you get into buying insurance. If you’re well informed you will know what you need in insurance and it is less likely that you will be taken advantage of.
Car insurance online quotes are a good way of comparing prices, but you need to know a little more about insurance other than just the price. Make sure you
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Car Insurance online quote
Car Insurance online quote with a state by state guide. Auto insurance is designed to protect you, your family, and your investment (your automobile) in the case of an accident. Based on a profile of the primary driver (including your driving record, your automobile, and various other aspects about your life like your age, gender, and marital status), auto insurance companies will offer you a certain amount of financial protection when you pre-pay an amount called a "premium." Auto insurance policies are generally offered in terms of either six months or twelve months and often allow you to pre-pay your premium in small, regular payments or in a large single payment (for which you'll get a small discount). Find your Car Insurance online quote with a state by state guide.
Car Insurance No Claims Bonus Explained
No Claims Bonus is a term used to describe the number of years you have had Car Insurance without making a claim. Put simply, if you have had Car Insurance for 4 years and you have not made a claim in that time, then you have 4 years No Claims Bonus. No Claim Bonus is probably the single biggest factor affecting the cost of your Car Insurance premium. Every year that goes by without you making a claim is another year of No Claims Bonus.
Generally speaking, the more No Claims Bonus years you have, the cheaper your premium will be for the car you need to insure. This is because Car Insurance companies can see that your history regarding making any claims is a good one. When changing provider, Car Insurance companies will usually ask you to prove your No Claims Bonus in the form of a renewal notice or a letter from your current Car Insurance company.
If you have several years of No Claims Bonus but then make a claim, the Car Insurance company will usually apply it's rules of how much to knock back your No Claims Bonus Years. Some companies such as Accept Direct ( http://www.acceptdirect.co.uk ) offer to protect your No Claims Bonus for an extra fee during the quotation process. Having full no claims bonus can also entitle you up to 75% discount on your car insurance premium.
Copyright (c) 2004 Accept Direct Limited http://www.acceptdirect.co.uk
Andrew Bowen is the CEO of Accept Direct Limited. Accept Direct offer car insurance to UK customers through their website http://www.acceptdirect.co.uk
Written by: Andrew Bowen
Car Insurance Discounts
To make your car handle and look better you need the right car ground effects. Use aero-dynamic wings, spoilers, dams or skirts to get the down force plus the stylish look you have been looking for. These car ground effects features are not just pretty add-on's, they are designed to really work on your car, truck, jeep or suv ! Generally, they are wind-tunnel tested to generate huge rear down force to dramatically improve traction and keep your vehicle stable at high speeds without draining power from the engine.
In general you will save a bundle if you buy car ground effects from distributors carrying non OEM aftermarket brands (not the accessory offered by the dealer). The quality is comparable and the cost is much lower. If you install yourself you will save even more. But, should you be installing car ground effects yourself ? The answer depends on your skills and on the type of part and material selected.
Car ground effects products made in urethane and with simple designs are generally easier to install because they are lightweight and flexible. They usually come with double back 3M high strength tape which bonds the parts to your car tightly. Some manufacturers (like Wings West) offer great videos and detailed instructions on the installation of ground effects for cars. Products made out of fiberglass or with more elaborate designs, such as design style side skirts, require a lot of skills and experience. To explain it is important to understand the full process.
Installation is not the only step required in order to have a finished product. Before final installation there is a "dry fitting" procedure involved which requires experience in order to accomplish it properly, then there is the prepping procedure, installation and of course painting. Dry fitting refers to the procedure where the installer makes all the necessary adjustment to the product in order to make it fit perfectly. It involves trimming, grinding and filling gaps in order to have the pieces fit the contour of the car. This is a procedure that is best left to a professional body man who has done this type of work before, since he can do it a lot faster and cheaper then someone who has no experience.
If you are considering the purchase of car ground effects made out of fiberglass or with elaborate designs find the right shop to do the installation for you, before you make the purchase, to avoid unpleasant surprises. Look for a body man that has at least 1 year experience in installing all types of ground effects in different materials. He would be able to do the job in less time for less money, then a body man with 30 years of experience but who has never installed a car ground effect before.
Marc Deschamps is the editor of CarAccessoriesMagazine, a free online publication dedicated to automotive accessories, car care and related topics. Other articles full of information, tips and advice can be found at http://www.car-accessories-magazine.com.
The above article is free to distribute by any media as long as links are maintained.
marc@car-accessories-magazine.com
Written by: Marc Deschamps
Car Ground Effects : Should You Install Yourself ??
To make your car handle and look better you need the right car ground effects. Use aero-dynamic wings, spoilers, dams or skirts to get the down force plus the stylish look you have been looking for. These car ground effects features are not just pretty add-on's, they are designed to really work on your car, truck, jeep or suv ! Generally, they are wind-tunnel tested to generate huge rear down force to dramatically improve traction and keep your vehicle stable at high speeds without draining power from the engine.
In general you will save a bundle if you buy car ground effects from distributors carrying non OEM aftermarket brands (not the accessory offered by the dealer). The quality is comparable and the cost is much lower. If you install yourself you will save even more. But, should you be installing car ground effects yourself ? The answer depends on your skills and on the type of part and material selected.
Car ground effects products made in urethane and with simple designs are generally easier to install because they are lightweight and flexible. They usually come with double back 3M high strength tape which bonds the parts to your car tightly. Some manufacturers (like Wings West) offer great videos and detailed instructions on the installation of ground effects for cars. Products made out of fiberglass or with more elaborate designs, such as design style side skirts, require a lot of skills and experience. To explain it is important to understand the full process.
Installation is not the only step required in order to have a finished product. Before final installation there is a "dry fitting" procedure involved which requires experience in order to accomplish it properly, then there is the prepping procedure, installation and of course painting. Dry fitting refers to the procedure where the installer makes all the necessary adjustment to the product in order to make it fit perfectly. It involves trimming, grinding and filling gaps in order to have the pieces fit the contour of the car. This is a procedure that is best left to a professional body man who has done this type of work before, since he can do it a lot faster and cheaper then someone who has no experience.
If you are considering the purchase of car ground effects made out of fiberglass or with elaborate designs find the right shop to do the installation for you, before you make the purchase, to avoid unpleasant surprises. Look for a body man that has at least 1 year experience in installing all types of ground effects in different materials. He would be able to do the job in less time for less money, then a body man with 30 years of experience but who has never installed a car ground effect before.
Marc Deschamps is the editor of CarAccessoriesMagazine, a free online publication dedicated to automotive accessories, car care and related topics. Other articles full of information, tips and advice can be found at http://www.car-accessories-magazine.com.
The above article is free to distribute by any media as long as links are maintained.
marc@car-accessories-magazine.com
Written by: Marc Deschamps
Car Diagnosis Made Simple
With a little research on your vehicle, you can avoid future repair problems. Whether you are mechanically savvy or not, you can detect many common vehicle problems simply by using your senses of smell and sight.
TAKE A GOOD LOOK!
Are there any stains or drops of fluid under your vehicle? There may be no problem whatsoever, however you do want to check for wet spots, as this could be a symptom of a serious problem.
What color is the liquid under the car? Yellowish green, blue or orange colors can show an overheated engine or an antifreeze leak. You could have a leaky radiator or a water pump in need of repair. If this is the problem, you need to get to a repair shop immediately.
A dark brown or black oily fluid can show that the engine is leaking oil. A bad seal or gasket could be the cause of the leak. The repair for this problem can be exorbitant, so you will want to seek out a reputable mechanic right away.
A red oily looking spot shows a transmission or power steering fluid leak. Another reason to see your car doctor!
Sometimes the liquid is clear, and this is usually normal condensation from your vehicle's air conditioner. There is no need for concern.
If you see light smoke coming from a wheel - it could be a stuck brake. Call a tow truck.
Smoke coming from any part of the vehicle shows a need for repair.
TAKE A WHIFF!
Sniff around, and you may detect your vehicles problem.
The smell of burned toast can signal an electrical short and burning insulation. Have a mechanic come to look at your car. Do not risk driving it anywhere.
A rotten egg smell usually shows a problem in the catalytic converter. You will need to take the vehicle in for repair as soon as possible.
A thick sharp odor usually shows burning oil. Look under the car to see if there is a leak. There could be a bluish smoke coming from your vehicle, too. This problem needs to be addressed immediately!
The smell of gas after a failed start may mean the engine is flooded. Just wait a couple of minutes and try again. If you keep noticing the gas odor, this could be a sign of a leak in the fuel system - a potentially dangerous problem that needs immediate attention.
Do you notice a sweet odor? This may show a coolant leak. Watch your temperature gauge, warning light and drive to a repair shop. Now, if you see steam emerging from under the hood, stop and pull over. You definitely do not want to keep driving an overheated vehicle. Your engine will most likely be seriously damaged. Call a tow truck.
The basic rule of smell is that if you do notice an unusual odor - get to a mechanic or get one to come to you.
Follow these simple guidelines, keep your eyes and nose open, and you could end saving hundreds of dollars in repair!
Car Detailing Manuals — Tips and Tricks that Save!
If your idea of car detailing is washing and waxing your car, you might be in for a bit of a shock. While you can save a lot of money making this a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, this is definitely a skill which has been developed over the years.
If you do not want to pay the detail shops to perform this work for you, buying a DIY manual on car detailing is probably the next best step. A manual will provide time-saving shortcuts, as well as tips to give you the professional edge you need.
Repair Minor Body Damage
We all hate the annoying dings and scratches we get from everyday driving. Luckily, a repair book can save you a lot of money. There are many how-to tips which will enable you to repair simple dents (such as hail damage), saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Waxing and Buffing Techniques
Think you know how to wax a car? Well, after reading a manual you might find out you didn’t know as much as you thought! First, you need to start with the right type of polish or wax for your vehicle. Understanding the chemical and material makeup which provides the best shine and long-term protection will help you determine what type of wax to buy. Most do-it-yourself guides will even list a comparison of the most popular brands (so make sure you purchase a recent version).
Interior Preservation
The best way to make sure you don’t have to restore your interior is by preserving it. Easy how-to instructions explain the best way to care for leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, and cloth seats. You will also learn about wear patterns, and how to prevent them. Remember, prevention is the best medicine!
Interior Restoration
Although it is possible to completely restore the interior of a vehicle by having new upholstery installed, this is not always the most practical—or cheapest—method. Car detailing manuals demonstrate common methods to repair small tears in cloth, leather, and vinyl. They will also show you how to bring life back into your worn fabric, which is valuable since it is not always easy to find an exact match on vintage vehicles.
Engine Detailing
If you have ever purchased a car, surely one of the first things you did was open the hood to look at the engine – even if you didn’t have a clue what you were looking for! Whether you are looking to care for your existing car, baby your classic, or spruce up a bit before you sell, engine detailing is one of the most important steps in car detailing.
It is extremely important to follow the instructions in the do-it-yourself manuals. Some cleaning chemicals can cause accelerated deterioration of hoses and electrical components. Certain cleansers are not meant for automotive use, and their residue can remain flammable for several hours. Following a manual will prevent you from making the basic mistakes, show you the best techniques and tools to use (saving you scrapes on your hands as well as time), and can even help you create your own cleaning products which are just as effective as the one sold in your automotive store.
Wheel and Tire Maintenance
Keeping your tires looking good is a great way to keep your car looking good as new. While there are many great products out there to make your tires look great, you should know which ones clean, and which ones leave a residue all over the rubber which will haunt you once the shine wears off. When it come to wheels, it is important to keep them clean and protected. Small rocks and other debris on the road will put small pits in your wheels, making them more susceptible to rust and corrosion. A good how-to book shows you how to clean and protect your wheels so they look brand new for years.
It Just Makes Sense
Owning a how-to manual or book just makes sense. For a few dollars, you will have a wealth of knowledge and a handy reference guide to look at while you are detailing your car. You will pick up time-saving techniques and money-saving tricks that will improve the overall quality and safety of your DIY projects.
It just may turn out that car detailing will be a perfect new hobby for you!
If you do not want to pay the detail shops to perform this work for you, buying a DIY manual on car detailing is probably the next best step. A manual will provide time-saving shortcuts, as well as tips to give you the professional edge you need.
Repair Minor Body Damage
We all hate the annoying dings and scratches we get from everyday driving. Luckily, a repair book can save you a lot of money. There are many how-to tips which will enable you to repair simple dents (such as hail damage), saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Waxing and Buffing Techniques
Think you know how to wax a car? Well, after reading a manual you might find out you didn’t know as much as you thought! First, you need to start with the right type of polish or wax for your vehicle. Understanding the chemical and material makeup which provides the best shine and long-term protection will help you determine what type of wax to buy. Most do-it-yourself guides will even list a comparison of the most popular brands (so make sure you purchase a recent version).
Interior Preservation
The best way to make sure you don’t have to restore your interior is by preserving it. Easy how-to instructions explain the best way to care for leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, and cloth seats. You will also learn about wear patterns, and how to prevent them. Remember, prevention is the best medicine!
Interior Restoration
Although it is possible to completely restore the interior of a vehicle by having new upholstery installed, this is not always the most practical—or cheapest—method. Car detailing manuals demonstrate common methods to repair small tears in cloth, leather, and vinyl. They will also show you how to bring life back into your worn fabric, which is valuable since it is not always easy to find an exact match on vintage vehicles.
Engine Detailing
If you have ever purchased a car, surely one of the first things you did was open the hood to look at the engine – even if you didn’t have a clue what you were looking for! Whether you are looking to care for your existing car, baby your classic, or spruce up a bit before you sell, engine detailing is one of the most important steps in car detailing.
It is extremely important to follow the instructions in the do-it-yourself manuals. Some cleaning chemicals can cause accelerated deterioration of hoses and electrical components. Certain cleansers are not meant for automotive use, and their residue can remain flammable for several hours. Following a manual will prevent you from making the basic mistakes, show you the best techniques and tools to use (saving you scrapes on your hands as well as time), and can even help you create your own cleaning products which are just as effective as the one sold in your automotive store.
Wheel and Tire Maintenance
Keeping your tires looking good is a great way to keep your car looking good as new. While there are many great products out there to make your tires look great, you should know which ones clean, and which ones leave a residue all over the rubber which will haunt you once the shine wears off. When it come to wheels, it is important to keep them clean and protected. Small rocks and other debris on the road will put small pits in your wheels, making them more susceptible to rust and corrosion. A good how-to book shows you how to clean and protect your wheels so they look brand new for years.
It Just Makes Sense
Owning a how-to manual or book just makes sense. For a few dollars, you will have a wealth of knowledge and a handy reference guide to look at while you are detailing your car. You will pick up time-saving techniques and money-saving tricks that will improve the overall quality and safety of your DIY projects.
It just may turn out that car detailing will be a perfect new hobby for you!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Car Dealer Reviews - One of the most important pieces of information you need.
You've shopped the makes and models online and found the perfect car to buy. More surfing has landed you a great loan rate via an online bank. Best insurance rate? Got it. Dealer invoice cost for the car and its options? Printed and in hand. Then why do we still feel that sense of impending betrayal when we walk into the dealership? Because up until now, there was no online resource to give you the true dirt on the dealerships.
Enter http://www.dealerscene.com>Dealer Scene, an all new, 100% free car dealership review and rating resource. At last, an online resource where new car buyers can research the dealerships in their area. Find out what the buyers before you thought about the dealership. Good, bad, ugly? This very important information is now a mouse click away. No more relying on your Uncle Bob's co-worker's friend's cousin's advice to try "XXXX Auto Mall".
The site layout is easy to use and the registration process is quick and not invasive. I was able to sign up and post my own review in a matter of minutes. Each review requires an overall rating on a 1-10 scale. The ratings are compiled and averaged for an overall score. This score is the main indicator of the dealership's performance. For more detailed information you can read each independent review as well. There were a few interesting stories left for other dealerships that I suspect will have them thinking twice before mishandling customers now that this information is easily available!
If you are in the process of car shopping or are about to embark on that treacherous voyage, I highly recommend checking http://www.dealerscene.com Dealer Scene as part of your research and homework.
http://www.dealerscene.com>Dealer Scene - Car Dealer Ratings
Car Buying Scams
Purchasing a new automobile is hard enough without having to deal with the sales pressure from a car salesman. It’s no big secret that almost every car dealership can be talked down on the initial price they want for a car. The key is to know what scams to watch out for in order to maximize your hard earned dollar. This article details a few sales tactics that you may want to be on the lookout for the next time you purchase a new automobile.
The first money wasting scam deals with etching the vehicle’s VIN# on the window. In some cases a dealership will try to make you pay for this added feature. Please don’t fall for this trick. No lender will require you to pay for any extra options that you don’t require. To be honest all they really care about is whether or not your payments are on time.
Be on the look out for the phrase “subject to loan approval”. Almost every car loan will have this phrase in it and trust me when I say that some dealerships will try and exploit you out of more money using this phrase as the reason why. This scam is usually pulled on consumers that may have bad credit so if your credit score is good you shouldn’t have to worry about being taken advantage of by the dealership. The bad news is for those that are taken advantage of it usually means upwards of $1000 more in finance fees and an additional $50 a month added to your car payment. One way to avoid this scam is to finance the car through your own bank or credit union.
The most abused scam is the credit score scam. This is where the car dealership tells you that your credit score is lower then what it actually is in order to charge you a higher finance rate on your car loan. No one is immune to this scam because the dealership doesn’t care if you have good or bad credit when they attempt to con you. The best way to deal with this greediness is to bring a copy of your credit score with you when you go looking to buy a new car. That way there is no confusion as to what your credit score truly is.
Another favorite scam is the forced warranty scam where the auto dealership will insist that in order to qualify for the car loan you will need to purchase a $2000 2 or 3 year warranty. The bottom line upfront is that it’s hogwash and you don’t need the warranty.
Here’s a good scam that I’m sure you’ve seen often. It’s called the dealer prep scam. Yes that’s right I’m talking about that extra $500 that seems to appear on your contract to compensate the dealer for basically doing nothing since the car arrives in the dealership ready to be driven off the car lot to a prospective buyer. Try an avoid paying this if you can otherwise find a dealer that will knock this ridiculous charge off of the contract.
The dealer markup fee is another phony fee that is made up just to pad the car dealership’s profit margin. This is an unnecessary fee that the dealer charges for no reason other than greed. This fee can be seen on the orange sticker marked on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
These are just a few of the many scams that can surface from time to time when you are attempting to buy a new car. Although these practices to go on there are many trustworthy car dealerships that can and will sale you a car for the right amount of money allowing you to purchase the car without getting ripped off and still allow the dealership the opportunity to make the compensation they deserve for their efforts. The trick is to find that dealership. Best of luck to you.
The first money wasting scam deals with etching the vehicle’s VIN# on the window. In some cases a dealership will try to make you pay for this added feature. Please don’t fall for this trick. No lender will require you to pay for any extra options that you don’t require. To be honest all they really care about is whether or not your payments are on time.
Be on the look out for the phrase “subject to loan approval”. Almost every car loan will have this phrase in it and trust me when I say that some dealerships will try and exploit you out of more money using this phrase as the reason why. This scam is usually pulled on consumers that may have bad credit so if your credit score is good you shouldn’t have to worry about being taken advantage of by the dealership. The bad news is for those that are taken advantage of it usually means upwards of $1000 more in finance fees and an additional $50 a month added to your car payment. One way to avoid this scam is to finance the car through your own bank or credit union.
The most abused scam is the credit score scam. This is where the car dealership tells you that your credit score is lower then what it actually is in order to charge you a higher finance rate on your car loan. No one is immune to this scam because the dealership doesn’t care if you have good or bad credit when they attempt to con you. The best way to deal with this greediness is to bring a copy of your credit score with you when you go looking to buy a new car. That way there is no confusion as to what your credit score truly is.
Another favorite scam is the forced warranty scam where the auto dealership will insist that in order to qualify for the car loan you will need to purchase a $2000 2 or 3 year warranty. The bottom line upfront is that it’s hogwash and you don’t need the warranty.
Here’s a good scam that I’m sure you’ve seen often. It’s called the dealer prep scam. Yes that’s right I’m talking about that extra $500 that seems to appear on your contract to compensate the dealer for basically doing nothing since the car arrives in the dealership ready to be driven off the car lot to a prospective buyer. Try an avoid paying this if you can otherwise find a dealer that will knock this ridiculous charge off of the contract.
The dealer markup fee is another phony fee that is made up just to pad the car dealership’s profit margin. This is an unnecessary fee that the dealer charges for no reason other than greed. This fee can be seen on the orange sticker marked on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
These are just a few of the many scams that can surface from time to time when you are attempting to buy a new car. Although these practices to go on there are many trustworthy car dealerships that can and will sale you a car for the right amount of money allowing you to purchase the car without getting ripped off and still allow the dealership the opportunity to make the compensation they deserve for their efforts. The trick is to find that dealership. Best of luck to you.
Car Art in Many Forms
Ever since the first car was produced, it's been an art object as well as a practical device. We love to look at all sorts of cars. We care about our own cars and we are very aware of what they say about us and our tastes. A red sports car makes a very different statement from a gray van.
Why do we spend so much time and money keeping up the finish of our cars? Again, it's an artistic matter, perhaps a combination of pride of ownership with the knowledge that people somehow identify us with what we drive around in.
Car art isn't limited to just the cars themselves. There are many forms of art that use cars. Whether or not you consider advertising an art form or a nuisance, the many ads for cars -- or for other things but using cars in them -- are a significant part of the history of car art.
Another form of car art is movies. Films use cars in them, to further the plot of course, but also to make statements about who the characters are. A lot of the wild rides you can enjoy vicariously in a movie or TV show would not be fun in person! Well, they might be, but they are beyond the reach of most people.
Paintings and photographs of cars are another realm that people have devoted themselves to. You can most easily own some of these through the wide selection of car posters available. If you love the elegant lines of a Lamborghini or Porsche, you can have one on your walls if not parked in your garage.
Car posters cover many topics. As well as celebrating rare and expensive cars, there are posters that offer a humorous look at our culture, that show great moments in car racing, that outline the history of the Mustang or other cars, that reflect the Art Deco look of bygone times, that show good-looking celebrities standing by a car, and much more.
Why do we spend so much time and money keeping up the finish of our cars? Again, it's an artistic matter, perhaps a combination of pride of ownership with the knowledge that people somehow identify us with what we drive around in.
Car art isn't limited to just the cars themselves. There are many forms of art that use cars. Whether or not you consider advertising an art form or a nuisance, the many ads for cars -- or for other things but using cars in them -- are a significant part of the history of car art.
Another form of car art is movies. Films use cars in them, to further the plot of course, but also to make statements about who the characters are. A lot of the wild rides you can enjoy vicariously in a movie or TV show would not be fun in person! Well, they might be, but they are beyond the reach of most people.
Paintings and photographs of cars are another realm that people have devoted themselves to. You can most easily own some of these through the wide selection of car posters available. If you love the elegant lines of a Lamborghini or Porsche, you can have one on your walls if not parked in your garage.
Car posters cover many topics. As well as celebrating rare and expensive cars, there are posters that offer a humorous look at our culture, that show great moments in car racing, that outline the history of the Mustang or other cars, that reflect the Art Deco look of bygone times, that show good-looking celebrities standing by a car, and much more.
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