Monday, 29 September 2008

Insurance that Covers any Driver that Drives your Car


Looking for auto insurance that covers any drivers?

Get car insurance quotes online for policy to cover other drivers rather than just you. Any driver you would like covered on your cars would have to fit the coverage eligibility and each company has its own rules and regulations on covering persons not included in the policy. In order to be sure, review carefully the details on "drivers covered" before allowing others to drive.

In general, anyone residing at your home address who will be driving your vehicles would have to be listed and included in order for auto insurance coverage to apply. Be cautious about the "excluded drivers" section which will specify anyone who it will definitely not cover. By signing the exclusion agreement, you are agreeing that those listed persons are not covered under any circumstance.

It is best to add anyone who will likely drive your cars in order to be sure; however, some companies will provide limited coverage for anyone who:

  • does not reside in your household
  • does not have regular access to your vehicles
  • does not own the vehicle or is listed in the registration title
  • is not using the cars for work place related purposes

If you're unsure or have a special circumstance, you may want to speak to an agent to check and make sure that the policies will be covering anyone who drives.

Adding a driver to a car insurance policy:

Policyholders can contact their carrier to add drivers who will be driving their automobiles. The process should be quite simple. First you will need to gather basic information such as date of birth, and any history of convictions and accidents such as convicted drunk drivers.

High risk drivers may generate a higher rate because they may be considered more likely to be involved in an accident. Young, teen or 1st time new drivers with a learners permit may also cause high premiums and may impact not just the vehicle they will be driving but all on the policy. Although there are some benefits to adding multiple autos to a policy such as multi car discounts, you should weigh out the difference in price savings by quoting the addition of the driver to your current policy vs. buying a whole new policy for them.

Quotes are free at OnlineAutoInsurance.com and with one simple process, you may get the rates of multiple leading carriers to complete a premium comparison. Since there are such wide ranges of drivers such as those with expired driver's license, elderly drivers or even the occasional imperfect driver with bad credit or no license at all, it is important to realize that there are companies out there that specialize in the high risk categories and can offer very reasonable rates.

Most affordable car insurance on market now

The most affordable coverage provider may vary for each one of us. A good example of this is when your neighbor tells you that he found the lowest rates from a certain company and you decide to call them, only to find out that you found cheaper rates elsewhere. Why? That's because you are a unique in many factors such as age, your driving history (time driving, violations and accidents), vehicles and coverage desired.

The solution is simple, whether you're a young student, a mature employed person, a learner driver, or any other case, it pays to shop around. It is among the most often provided tips provided by state department guides and related resources because premiums vary widely within carriers. Take advantage of OnlineAutoinsurance.com's free auto insurance quotes online and find the most affordable rates for any income restrictions you may have.

Some low income drivers with a restricted budget may be eligible for the low cost auto insurance program provide by your state. This program was designed to reduce the number of uninsured drivers who could not afford to purchase coverage due to limited incomes. This program usually provides only the minimum coverage which is mandatory or required by law.

Visit OnlineAutoInsurance.com for more information and to learn more about your insuring needs with no obligations. Read answers frequently asked questions and use a variety of free tools to ensure savings and educated decisions.

Auto Insurance for Low Income People


Got a low income? Looking for affordable car insurance?

People with low income can find affordable auto insurance prices for the coverage they need by comparing quotes from a variety of leading companies. Locate the cheapest rates and purchase a policy online in minutes.

Those working with a tight budget due to low income do not have to go uninsured. There is a way to find low cost car insurance by completing an instant and free rate comparison without the hassle of contacting different companies individually. As a one stop shop, OnlineAutoInsurance.com gives visitors instant access to immediate quotes from many carriers so that you don't waste time repeatedly completing quote forms or calling an array of phone numbers.

Whether looking for low income liability car insurance (mandatory in most states) or a bit more coverage, the cheapest premiums may be offered by a different company since each driver is different in many ways. For example, a young driver may get the lowest quotations from one company and another driver considered to be high risk may find the lowest rates elsewhere.

This is because insurers usually specialize in certain fields and will offer affordable prices for only drivers who fall into those categories. The bottom line is that we must all locate the one who can fit our limited income.

List of low cost car insurance companies:

inexpensive and affordableOnlineAutoInsurance.com helps those with low income find cheap rates by comparing the prices of low cost companies such as:



  • Progressive
  • GMAC
  • Infinity
  • Bristol West
  • Western General
  • Western United
  • Explorer
  • Access General
  • Carnegie General
  • and many more.

Easy Auto Insurance Policy

Looking for an easy car insurance policy online?

Purchasing your policy online is quite simple and does not require any technical knowledge whatsoever. There's nothing to it other than following a few effortless steps. If you can answer a few simple questions, you are on your way to a smooth car insurance policy transaction online.

Begin by getting quotes the easiest way, which is online. Since the Internet allow us to get a bunch auto insurance quotes online at the same time (rather than individually) it is the recommended method. Easier than taking candy from a baby, you can compare quotations to choose the company which will suit your needs. When obtaining your fast quotes, consider the coverage that you desire. Make sure it's a protection limit which you will be satisfied with in case of physical damage to your vehicle. Be sure to educate yourself on who is covered in a policy and the different types of protection plans including liability, comprehensive and collision coverage.

Quickly and easily find auto insurance policies with the help of the Internet;

From start to finish, policies can be obtained quickly in about 15 minutes regardless of your skills. One can make shopping for auto insurance easy with the help the Internet since the quotation process is just about 8 minutes long and may vary by adding another car or co operators and drivers. After the quoting process, the next requirements are to provide more details for the verification process. This includes the review of driving records and verifying accuracy of the exact vehicle model.

All the high tech stuff is done automatically which only requires users to complete an easy form to print out a speedy policy declarations which may be used as proof of coverage. Before you know it, you will be done quicker than you expected. Anyone which needs more information can visit OnlineAutoInsurance.com's site resources which provides a learning center with more information to make your experience go smoothly and fast. For many, going online is faster that going through a broker or direct. Since the World Wide Web lets you work at a quick pace. Pretty soon, most Americans will be going online as a primary method of insuring automobiles.

Easier way to find the best car insurance policy online;

A necessary step to finding easy to do auto insurance online is quickly and easily comparing premiums because the prices of each insurer may differ widely for different drivers. For example, someone under 25 may have a different company offering the lowest rates compared to teen drivers looking for reasonable priced policies. Consider the different terms offered, usually 3 or 6 month terms which can be paid in full or monthly. It is recommended to read the guide for so that you don't end up with complaints.

Once you complete the rate comparison from multiple companies, make your choice on the different indicators of a good policy such as premium price, quality, underwriting guidelines and what is being offered. Review their procedures and provide whatever online information they may need. Keep in mind that you have access to lower rates by adding multiple cars on one policy. Even if the registration does not match the policyholder's name, it may not be a problem; however, to be sure, read the underwriting details. Also, prior to committing to a new vehicle purchase, make sure to buy a policy friendly car (one cheap to insure).

If you're currently insured, you may want to check your company's cancellation procedures and rules. Many people think that they're stuck with their current carrier until the term has ended; however, it is not the case and penalties for early cancellation do not include paying for the rest of the term's premium. Worst case is paying earned premiums and a cancellation fee which usually does not exceed $50. Weigh out your savings vs. any fees after cancelling your policy. Ask your customer service to tell you how and details

California Auto Insurance Search


Looking for California auto insurance?

Instant quotes from different CA companies at the same time. No more calling around, search and look for the right company instantly.

Who wouldn't wan to take a few minutes to compare auto insurance quotes online from many insurers at the same time. Whether comparing your current rates or searching for a policy to buy, search for free!

To seek the right company in California, one must simply enter basic information such as birthdates and driving history as well as vehicle information such as manufacture year and make info. You will be asked the coverage you desire; however, if you're undecided, quote all the different types of coverage available to help you better decide based on your needs and budget restrictions.

While searching through the different companies, be sure to consider what is important to you. Be sure to compare different types of protection plans to see what would leave you satisfied in case of a future claim. We offer the ability to speak to a licensed agent by calling toll free (800) 527-7225. You may even choose to get quotations by telephone if you prefer.

Search and get quotes from multiple companies at the same time if you live in California by visiting OnlineAutoInsurance.com
ProgressiveInfinity
GMACUnitrin
Bristol WestWestern General

California Only Car Insurance Quotes

We are based in Southern California and offer instant quotes with the ability to buy your policy online. We also accept walk-ins in our brokerage if you live within driving distance. Others may sign their application electronically online to print out their instant proof. If you have a fax machine, you may even sign your applications via fax and one of our licensed agents will be in touch.

Search and find only California auto insurance as well as get access to educational content such as coverage explanations and site recourses to find tune your knowledge. Learn more about finding and choosing the right carrier by considering other valuable things other than just price.


Multiple Car Insurance Policy Online


Looking to add multiple cars to one auto insurance policy? Add 2 or more cars to the same policy to get multi-car discounts and save. Multiple vehicles and multiple drivers give policyholders the most benefits and savings.

Adding more than one vehicle makes people eligible for lower premiums and also allows the included drivers to drive any vehicle on the policy. Instead of buying separate policies for each automobile, including them both or even a few at the same time allows for cheaper rates and flexibility in using eachother's cars.

In order to find the best rate, compare auto insurance quotes online from a variety of companies with one simple step and without having to contact companies individually by visiting OnlineAutoInsurance.com. The best part is that you can even choose to purchase your coverage immediately online and print out your proof of insurance.

Both cars in one auto insurance policy vs. separate policies for each vehicle

Take for example a family consisting of a mother, father and their young child. They own two cars and they are looking for the best way of insuring both cars and all three drivers. These are their options:

  1. Including both autos and in the same policy:
    • They get the multi car discount which can range in the area of 20% for each vehicle. Having all in one policy also helps reduce premiums by avoiding duplicate fees such as:
      • renewal fees (average $10-$40)
      • policy fees (average $10-$65)
      • billing fees (average $5-$20)
      • down payments and broker's fees ($25-$250)
    • All three drivers can drive any of the 3 cars since they're all listed in the policy. In the event of a situation where a driver takes another's car, they will benefit from the same coverage.


  2. Insuring vehicles independently:
    • No multiple car discounts will be awarded and each policy purchased will be subject to individual renewal, policy, billing and down payment fees.
    • Only drivers listed for the vehicle's policy will be eligible for coverage. In the event that a household member not listed as a driver takes the vehicle, they will NOT be covered and may be in violation of the financial responsibility laws leading to fines and penalties aside from the uncovered damages caused to the automobile.

2 car insurance policy

Adding 2 cars to the same policy is the most time and cost efficient method of insuring. Most are unaware that when adding protection such as uninsured motorist coverage and road side assistance plans to policies, they may automatically cover all vehicles included further stretching the premium dollar.

Many coverage plans act as an umbrella to all cars listed; however, be sure to brush up your coverage knowledge in order to make the right decisions. Remember that getting rate quotations is quick and totally free. Compare and weigh out the different costs and coverage options to help narrow down your decisions by completing an instant auto insurance comparison from leading companies.

Other Frequently Asked Questions Related to this Article

  • Can household members purchase an auto insurance policy together? Learn about company rules and guidelines on adding multiple household member and their cars in one policy together.


  • Can I buy auto insurance for a vehicle not in my name? - Insuring cars not in the policyholder's name can be done with most companies. Read to learn more about adding vehicles registered in someone else's name.


  • How long do I have to add a newly purchased vehicle to my auto insurance policy? - If you just recently purchased a vehicle, read this article to get information on how much time you have to add it to your policy.


  • How do I add a vehicle to my auto insurance policy? - Learn about the process of adding a vehicle or multiple vehicles to the same policy.


  • Should I add my child to my policy or have them open a new one? - Get help determining whether the common dilemma of adding a child to current policies or opening a new one more beneficial.

Top 10 Ways to Save on Auto Insurance



10. Be Knowledgeable - Being aware of the different types of coverage available will help you weed out the unnecessary coverage and avoid paying for protection you may not need or already have elsewhere like through your employer benefits, GAP coverage, or road side assistance.

9. Have an insure-friendly vehicle. When it comes to your vehicle, insurance carriers will look at the title of the vehicle, a salvage title vehicle is subject to higher insurance rates. The reason being is that a vehicle that has already been in an accident is already made weak is more vulnerable to risk. When. A clean auto title can save you a lot of money each year.

8. Take advantage of auto/homeowner packages - Many carriers will offer discounts for purchasing your homeowners policy along with your auto policy. This can reduce your premiums by a certain percentage such as 5-20%. Ask your agent about home/auto packages to see if you are eligible.

7. Renewal Discounts - Renewing your policy term may come with a variety of advantages. When you renew, violations that are no longer on your record will be dropped from your policy. Most carriers will offer some kind of discount for staying with them for another term, usually six to twelve months. This discount can range in percentage depending on the carrier; however it may be in the range of 5%.

6. Higher Deductibles - When you purchase your coverage, consider the deductible you have selected. If you are paying a considerable amount of money for a low deductible, try raising your comprehensive and collision deductible to see what impact it will have on your premium. The higher the deductible the lower your premium; however, be careful not to raise your deductible too high. Remember, the deductible is what you will pay out in order to fix your vehicle's damages.

5. Avoid Duplicate Coverage - If you have a health insurance policy through your employer or independently, tell your agent so that you will not purchase coverage that your health policy already covers. Reconsider getting medical payments coverage with your personal automobile policy since it may not be necessary. Also discuss with your agent the option of excluding Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury or Personal Injury Protection.

4. Keep a Clean Record - Having a clean driving record is very important. Simple violations can increase your rate by hundreds of dollars a year. Your driving record will be checked anytime you purchase a policy and is a big factor for determining rates. Violations will eventually come off your record, but it may take anywhere from 3 - 10 years depending on the type of violation and state guidelines. The least amount of tickets and accidents you may have, the cheaper and more affordable your premiums will be.

3. Stay Insured - Most companies will offer a discount for being continually insured without any lapse. This is known as a persistency discount which shows that you aren't one who will be cancelled every other month for non-payment of premium. Discounts usually apply after one year buy may be greater if continually insured for 3 or even 5+ years.

2. Take Advantage of Discounts - Discounts can save you money and almost everyone qualifies for them. There are many discounts available such as good student, low mileage, college degree, vehicle safety, senior safety and more. Many discounts may not be offered unless you initiate the request. Ask your agent or broker if you qualify for any discounts.

1. To save on auto insurance compare - Completing an online premium comparison is one of the most effective ways of finding competitive rates. The benefit of getting auto insurance quotes online is that you not only get rates from one, but from many major insurance carries throughout the United States, all at once and from one single source. No obligation or personal information is needed. Rate quotes are instant and in most states, policies may be purchased online.

Consumers may also research companies and look up valuable information. Log on to OnlineAutoInsurance.com to learn more on how to save big on your premiums year after year.

Which auto insurance companies give quotes online?

Most of the names above will allow consumers to go online to obtain quotations efficiently with the use of the Internet. The alternative would we to contact the companies titles individually to get their rates. By visiting OnlineAutoInsurance.com, consumers can complete one quick questionnaire, and depending on different factors such as, where on lives, and whether currently insured, they may obtain quotes form a variety of carriers instantly by simply completing one quick and easy form.

When comparing quotes, keep in mind important factors such as company ratings can help you determine the best company to buy a policy through. Be sure to know what to look for in auto insurance companies so that you may make an educated decision and not regret your actions in case you are unsatisfied. Many may end up in a bad situation because they failed to educate themselves on how coverage plans work. What if you thought your loss would have been covered because you assumed or were under the impression that the coverage you purchased would take care of your damages or injuries sustained to yourself or others. You would have learned the hard way and try to avoid the same situation from occurring again.

When getting quotes from the different names of companies, be sure to rate the different levels of protection because you may be surprised that adding some coverage still keeps premiums low cost and affordable. Feel free to take advantage of more free guides and auto insurance company articles. The best carrier is one that fits your needs and will do their part when needed. By doing the proper research on reviews you can ensure a level of satisfaction.

Tips For Buying a Car

Buying a new car is an exciting experience, though it can be complicated. There`s a lot of choice out there, and it can be intimidating. You want to make sure you`re getting the best deal, and that you end up with the car that`s right for you.

Here are a few ideas and thoughts that might help.

General Trends
Today, fuel efficiency is a major concern. Manufacturers have taken the high gas prices to heart, and are producing models that promise better mileage. Indeed, gas-electric hybrid cars are in high demand, and some auto insurance companies are offering enticing discounts for hybrid cars.

Before You Buy
Think about your needs. Got a big family? Check out the safest vehicles best suited for your clan. Do a lot of driving? You`ll probably want a car that`s comfortable to drive, balanced with reliability and good gas mileage. Think about what you`ll be using your vehicle for, and shop accordingly.

Do some research before you even leave the house. Check the internet for information on safety and reliability on various models. You might have your heart set on a particular manufacturer, but don`t let that distract you from the facts and figures that determine how good their cars really are (or aren`t).

Check your current car`s Blue Book value before you go shopping - you may be surprised to find out that dealers consider your car to be worth much less when it comes to trading it in. Be aware of its true value, and you could save money.

More and more vehicles are coming with technology packages that include GPS systems, satellite radios and more. These can be very tempting, but quite expensive. Many of these features will require monthly fees, so keep that in mind. However, having systems integrated into your vehicle right from the factory is certainly easier than adding them later.

What can you really afford to pay each month for your car? Always have your budget in mind, and consider that your monthly expenses for your car should include gas, maintenance and insurance. Stretching your bank account an extra fifty dollars a month for a nicer model may cost you even more if the gas mileage is worse, while a more reliable car could end up saving you money.

When You`re Shopping
Not only is comparison shopping a great way to find the best auto insurance rates, it could save you thousands of dollars when looking for a car. Compare car prices at different dealerships, or online at various sites (including the manufacturers` own website), and you might be very surprised at the difference.

Consider arranging financing for your car before you visit the dealership. Talk to your bank, or credit union. You might be able to get a better interest rate from a different source, or at least have more control over your repayment schedule. In order to do this, you`ll need to have a very good idea of the car you want and how much it will cost. Bear in mind to include money for any optimal packages you wish to include in the vehicle.

Know what you want - be aware that some sales people will try to steer you to the cars they want to sell. If you end up with a better deal, or different car, and that's alright for you, then good. But don't be strong-armed into a vehicle you don't want. For instance, if you want to buy a SUV, don't be talked into buying a truck.

When taking a car out for a test drive, some dealers might ask to get a photocopy of your license before you go. You may want to consider not doing this. Instead, request that one of their staff accompany you on the test drive, and hang on to your license. Some dealers might take the opportunity to run a credit report on you while you are gone using the information on your license which could this negatively impact your credit score.

If you don't like how you're being treated, or if you have any doubts at all about the salesperson or dealership, just leave. You'll quickly find the dealer that's right for you, and soon after, you'll be driving the car that's right for you, too.

Auto Insurance Agency, Insurance.com, Helps Keep Children Safe This Halloween

From witches and goblins to pirates and cheerleaders, communities all around the country will soon be invaded by trick-or-treaters of all ages. But did you know that Halloween has the highest rate of child-related pedestrian injuries in the country? In fact, the Safe Kids Worldwide Organization reports that children are four times more likely to suffer a pedestrian-related fatality on Halloween than on any other night of the year.

With a dramatic increase in injury for one night of ghoulish fun, you might be motivated to have your trick-or-treater skip Halloween altogether. But not to worry, Insurance.com, the nation’s largest online auto insurance agency, has come up with some helpful Halloween safety tips and ideas on how to keep your trick-or-treaters safe and sound this Halloween.

Halloween Costumes
Many times, Halloween Costumes do not fit all sizes. Because of this, you will want to make sure that your child’s Halloween Costume fits him or her properly before they head out for the night. Have your child try on their costume a couple weeks before Halloween. This will give you time to see what needs to be altered and make any adjustments to the costume. When evaluating the Halloween costume on your child, make sure to check that:

  • The Halloween costume is flame-retardant
  • Shoes fit properly – over-sized shoes can cause your trick-or-treater to fall and hurt themselves
  • Pant and skirt lengths are above the shoe
  • Capes, hats and wigs are not too big
  • Mask or accessories do not block eyesight or hearing
You’ll also want to make sure that your child wears a sensible pair of shoes with his or her Halloween costume. High heels are often hard for children to maneuver in, causing them to trip or fall. While it might not give the costume the full effect, having your little one wear flat shoes is the best and safest idea. Another good idea is to use non-toxic, hypoallergenic makeup instead of a mask. This will ensure nothing is hindering your child’s view while trick-or-treating.

Make a glowing statement this Halloween
Children often get very excited while trick-or-treating and tend to run across yards and streets, which creates a hazard for many drivers. Help make your child more noticeable by adding reflective tape and glowing accessories (such as glow sticks) to your trick-or-treater’s costume.

If your child is going to be a cheerleader or a character that requires a sword, consider getting a Lighted Flashing Power Pom-Poms or Halloween Goblin Sword. Another good idea is to have your child wear glow-in-the dark necklaces, bracelets, pins, rings and headbands. These accessories will definitely help add light to any costume, not to mention that kids love to wear glow-in-the dark products.

Not able to add reflective tape to your trick-or-treater’s costume? Consider having your child carry a reflective bag, such as the Glow-Vestco Halloween Bag, or wearing an accessory such as the Glow-Vestco Halloween Safety Harness. Both of these products have reflective material sewn onto the product and come with clear PVC sleeves that you can insert glow sticks into.

All of the products mentioned above will help make trick-or-treaters more visible to passing motorists and help prevent child-related pedestrian injuries.

Halloween Safety Tips
With Daylight Saving Time occurring on November 4th this year (instead of the last week in October) trick-or-treaters will have a little more daylight to trick-or-treat in. However, this doesn’t mean that safety isn’t still an important issue when it comes to trick-or-treating. To increase Halloween safety, Insurance.com (the nation’s largest online auto insurance agency) recommends:

  • Attaching an emergency identification card (including the child’s name, address, phone number) discreetly to trick-or-treater’s costume or inside their Halloween bag
  • Reviewing the trick-or-treater’s phone number and what to do in an emergency with them before they head out
  • Having a refresher course on how to properly cross the street
  • And reminding them never to talk to strangers

Halloween Activities
There are many Halloween activities you can do with your children to celebrate Halloween without having to go trick-or-treating around your neighborhood. For instance, many local malls have trick-or-treating or other Halloween activities for children to participate in on or before Halloween. Check with your local mall for details.

If you prefer to participate in a Halloween activity outdoors, then the “Boo at the Zoo” might be a good choice for you. Boo at the Zoo is an event designed especially for kids and offers a safe neighborhood for trick-or-treaters to roam around freely, without having to worry about passing cars. Many zoos around the nation participate in Boo at the Zoo, including the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Cleveland, Ohio and the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, DC. Contact your local zoo to find out if they participate in Boo at the Zoo.

Amusement parks also have Halloween celebrations during the month of October. Some of the more well-known spooky celebrations include Cedar Point’s Halloweekends and Six Flags Fright Fest.

These Halloween safety tips were brought to you by Insurance.com, the leading online auto insurance agency in the country. If you’re in need of auto insurance, or are thinking about switching auto insurance carriers, visit Insurance.com’s auto insurance comparison application. Here, you will be able to evaluate multiple rates from best-in-class auto insurance providers, helping you save time and money on your auto insurance.

How to Switch Car Insurance Companies

It may be easier than you think!

There are many reasons why you may choose to move your auto insurance coverage to another company. You might have changed jobs and are eligible for a group discount through another insurer, or maybe you're unhappy with the service that your present company provides. Perhaps you've simply found another company willing to offer you the same level of coverage for considerably less money. Nowadays, many insurance companies provide 24-hour rate information through their toll-free numbers or websites, so investigating your options has never been easier. Another valuable source of information is your state's Department of Insurance.

Why switch to a new insurance carrier?
Regularly review your auto coverage to make sure that you're receiving the best insurance value for your money. You'll discover that it pays to shop around. In some states, premiums for identical policies vary widely among different companies. The reasons for this price variation can be very complicated, but they boil down to a company's claims experience with policyholders in your coverage group (e.g. people of similar age, number of accidents, type of vehicle). For example, if a large number of people in your coverage group files claims during a given year, your rates will likely rise. When this happens, better discounts and lower overall premiums may be available at other companies, although some states strictly regulate the price of coverage. When you decide to switch your auto insurance to another company, you'll find that it's fairly easy to do so.

How to cancel your old policy
Generally, all you need to do to cancel your auto policy is to inform your insurance company in writing, specifying the date you want the policy canceled. In some states, your new agent must notify your previous agent of the policy change. Some companies ask that you send back the actual printed policy. Your insurance company will send you a cancellation request form that you should sign and return. Examine the form carefully to make sure that all information regarding your policy is correct. If you do not receive such a form within two weeks of sending your letter, call your agent or the company immediately to check on the status of your cancellation. Don't just walk away from your old policy without formally canceling it. Otherwise, the insurance company might assume you wished to continue your coverage, and it might eventually terminate the policy for failure to pay premiums and report your lack of coverage to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. This can hurt your credit rating and your ability to get a new policy.

Be sure to get a new policy first
Always have a new policy in place before canceling your old auto insurance coverage. You don't want to have a gap in protection for even one day. Fortunately, there is little danger of this happening. Most states require all drivers living within their borders to carry a minimum level of auto insurance. So, most insurance companies now require policyholders to present proof of new coverage before they will cancel an active policy. You may need to show your old carrier copies of a new insurance identification card or the Declarations Page of your new policy. Your new company will be able to time the onset of your new policy to coincide with the cancellation of your old coverage.

When to switch policies
The best time to switch auto insurance carriers is just before your old policy is about to renew. This will allow you to avoid paying for printing and start-up expenses the company incurs as part of the policy renewal process. You also avoid the inconvenience of figuring out the amount of any unused premium that should be returned to you.

A renewal notice will be sent to you approximately a month before a new policy period begins, depending on the regulations in your state. The notice will describe your coverage, discounts, and the amount of premium you owe. Should you decide to switch policies, you'll need to line up a new policy by the time your current policy renews, although most states allow about a month after renewal to switch. If you miss the deadline, you may end up paying a cancellation penalty.

You don't have to wait until renewal
All standard auto insurance policies contain a provision giving you the right to cancel your policy at any time, once proper notice is given to the insurance company. You don't necessarily have to wait until renewal time. Cancellation after a policy has renewed is most convenient at the end of a payment cycle. That way, you're not forced to deal with recovering the unused portion of your paid premium. But if you choose to cancel in the middle of a cycle, the company will prorate your latest premium payment up to the cancellation date and return the remainder to you. However, a special "short rate" (cancellation penalty) will be deducted to pay the administrative costs of renewing the policy.

How long does it take to switch?
When you switch companies, your new agent or insurer can execute the change in as little as one day. You'll need to provide a cancellation date, your former agent's name, and the name of the insurer. It would also be helpful to show your new agent a copy of the old policy's specifications page in order to match the coverage.

Second Quarter 2008 Car Insurance Rate Report

Insurance.com's quarterly Car Insurance Rate Report found that the lowest car insurance quotes, on average, increased 3.4% over the previous quarter, rising from $1,831 per year to $1,893 per year. The rate report is based on real-time auto insurance quotes given to consumers from more than a dozen insurance companies during the second quarter. It marks the second consecutive quarter of rate increases, following last quarter's 1% increase, reversing the trend of steady or falling auto rates for the past several years.

  • Among the top 10 states seeing the sharpest increase in auto rates in the 2nd Quarter were Indiana (up 6.7%), Texas (up 4.3%), Nevada (up 4.1%), Illinois (up 3.8%) and Pennsylvania (up 3.6%).

10 States with Largest % Increase in Premium

State

1st Quarter 2008 Premium

2nd
Quarter 2008 Premium

$$ Increases

% Increases

IN

$1,407

$1,501

+$94

6.7%

AR

$1,729

$1,834

+$105

6.1%

RI

$2,178

$2,286

+$108

5.0%

TX

$1,777

$1,853

+$76

4.3%

NV

$2,103

$2,189

+$86

4.1%

IA

$1,276

$1,326

+$50

3.9%

IL

$1,512

$1,570

+$58

3.8%

MO

$1,569

$1,629

+$60

3.8%

WV

$2,083

$2,161

+$78

3.7%

PA

$2,049

$2,122

+$73

3.6%

  • The most expensive states quoted this quarter are Louisiana ($2,577), New Jersey ($2,544), and Delaware ($2,300), and the District of Columbia ($2,466).
10 Most Expensive States

State

1st Quarter 2008 Premium

2nd
Quarter 2008 Premium

$$ Changes

% Changes

LA

$2,674

$2,577

-$97

-3.6%

NJ

$2,499

$2,544

+$45

1.8%

DC

$2,515

$2,466

-$49

-1.9%

DE

$2,378

$2,300

-$78

-3.3%

RI

$2,178

$2,286

+$108

5.0%

MD

$2,165

$2,196

+$31

1.4%

NV

$2,103

$2,189

+$86

4.1%

WV

$2,083

$2,161

+$78

3.7%

PA

$2,049

$2,122

+$73

3.6%

CT

$2,024

$2,080

+$56

2.8%

  • States seeing declines in auto premium prices include North Carolina (down 8.7%), New Hampshire (down 4.1%), Tennessee (down 3.7%), Louisiana (down 3.6%) and Delaware (down 3.3%).

10 States with Largest % Decrease in Premium

State

1st Quarter 2008 Premium

2nd
Quarter 2008 Premium

$$ Decreases

% Decreases

NC

$1,638

$1,495

-$143

-8.7%

NH

$1,488

$1,427

-$61

-4.1%

TN

$1,589

$1,530

-$59

-3.7%

LA

$2,674

$2,577

-$97

-3.6%

DE

$2,378

$2,300

-$78

-3.3%

SD

$1,460

$1,426

-$34

-2.3%

DC

$2,515

$2,466

-$49

-1.9%

VT

$1,439

$1,414

-$25

-1.7%

KS

$1,539

$1,512

-$27

-1.8%

SC

$1,597

$1,575

-$22

-1.4%

  • Half of the least expensive States saw decreases in their premium, including Ohio, which saw an increase in premiums last quarter. Premiums in North Carolina also dropped again after a very small increase last quarter.

10 Least Expensive States

State

1st Quarter 2008 Premium

2nd
Quarter 2008 Premium

$$ Changes

% Changes

OH

$1,278

$1,268

-$10

-0.8%

WI

$1,237

$1,276

+$39

3.2%

ME

$1,281

$1,285

+$3

0.3%

IA

$1,276

$1,326

+$50

3.9%

ID

$1,379

$1,381

+$2

0.1%

VT

$1,439

$1,414

-$25

-1.7%

SD

$1,460

$1,426

-$34

-2.3%

NH

$1,488

$1,427

-$61

-4.1%

CO

$1,478

$1,489

+$11

0.7%

NC

$1,638

$1,495

-$143

-8.7%

Wondering where your state ranked in the Insurance.com 2008 Second Quarter Car Insurance Rate Report? Below is a list of the 48 states Insurance.com surveyed. States are ranked in alphabetical order with the price increase or decrease displayed as a percentage for each state.

State

1st Quarter 2008 Premium

2nd Quarter 2008 Premium

$$ Changes

% Changes

AL

$1,761

$1,784

+$23

1.3%

AR

$1,729

$1,834

+$105

6.1%

AZ

$1,868

$1,926

+$58

3.1%

CA

$1,825

$1,860

+$35

1.9%

CO

$1,478

$1,489

+$11

0.7%

CT

$2,024

$2,080

+$56

2.8%

DC

$2,515

$2,466

-$49

-1.9%

DE

$2,378

$2,300

-$78

-3.3%

FL

$2,031

$2,004

-$27

-1.3%

GA

$1,621

$1,638

+$17

1.0%

IA

$1,276

$1,326

+$50

3.9%

ID

$1,379

$1,381

+$2

0.1%

IL

$1,512

$1,570

+$58

3.8%

IN

$1,407

$1,501

+$94

6.7%

KS

$1,539

$1,512

-$27

-1.8%

KY

$1,937

$1,935

-$2

-0.1%

LA

$2,674

$2,577

-$97

-3.6%

MD

$2,165

$2,196

+$31

1.4%

ME

$1,281

$1,285

+$4

0.3%

MI

$1,960

$1,987

+$27

1.4%

MN

$1,539

$1,583

+$44

2.9%

MO

$1,569

$1,629

+$60

3.8%

MS

$1,964

$2,021

+$57

2.9%

MT

$1,588

$1,622

+$34

2.1%

NC

$1,638

$1,495

-143

-8.7%

ND

$1,609

$1,650

+$41

2.5%

NE

$1,503

$1,506

+$3

0.2%

NH

$1,488

$1,427

-$61

-4.1%

NJ

$2,499

$2,544

+$45

1.8%

NM

$1,808

$1,870

+$62

3.4%

NV

$2,103

$2,189

+$86

4.1%

NY

$2,281

NA

NA

NA

OH

$1,278

$1,268

-$10

-0.8%

OK

$1,652

$1,689

+$37

2.2%

OR

$1,510

$1,547

+$37

2.5%

PA

$2,049

$2,122

+$73

3.6%

RI

$2,178

$2,286

+$108

5.0%

SC

$1,597

$1,575

-$22

-1.4%

SD

$1,460

$1,426

-$34

-2.3%

TN

$1,589

$1,530

-$59

-3.7%

TX

$1,777

$1,853

+$76

4.3%

UT

$1,623

$1,629

+$6

0.4%

VA

$1,565

$1,599

+$34

2.2%

VT

$1,439

$1,414

-$25

-1.7%

WA

$1,835

$1,846

+$11

0.6%

WI

$1,237

$1,276

+$39

3.2%

WV

$2,083

$2,161

+$78

3.7%

WY

$1894

$1885

-$9

-0.5%

ABOUT THE CAR INSURANCE RATE REPORT
Insurance.com's latest Car Insurance Rate Report highlights the lowest average car insurance rates quoted to consumers visiting Insurance.com in the second quarter of 2008. The rates consumers viewed, but didn't necessarily purchase, come from auto insurance quotes consumers received as they shopped and compared rates from over a dozen of the nation's leading auto insurance companies. Over the course of a year, Insurance.com provides online car insurance quotes to more than 1 million people visiting the website. While the Car Insurance Rate Report is a broad indicator of pricing activity in the personal auto insurance marketplace, it is not a comprehensive index as it reflects only the quotes of carriers that have participated in the Insurance.com platform in the states where it quotes (all states except Alaska, Hawaii, and Massachusetts). Due to market changes, New York rates are not available this quarter.

Second Quarter 2008 Car Insurance Rate Report

Insurance.com's quarterly Car Insurance Rate Report found that the lowest car insurance quotes, on average, increased 3.4% over the previous quarter, rising from $1,831 per year to $1,893 per year. The rate report is based on real-time auto insurance quotes given to consumers from more than a dozen insurance companies during the second quarter. It marks the second consecutive quarter of rate increases, following last quarter's 1% increase, reversing the trend of steady or falling auto rates for the past several years.

  • Among the top 10 states seeing the sharpest increase in auto rates in the 2nd Quarter were Indiana (up 6.7%), Texas (up 4.3%), Nevada (up 4.1%), Illinois (up 3.8%) and Pennsylvania (up 3.6%).

10 States with Largest % Increase in Premium

State

1st Quarter 2008 Premium

2nd
Quarter 2008 Premium

$$ Increases

% Increases

IN

$1,407

$1,501

+$94

6.7%

AR

$1,729

$1,834

+$105

6.1%

RI

$2,178

$2,286

+$108

5.0%

TX

$1,777

$1,853

+$76

4.3%

NV

$2,103

$2,189

+$86

4.1%

IA

$1,276

$1,326

+$50

3.9%

IL

$1,512

$1,570

+$58

3.8%

MO

$1,569

$1,629

+$60

3.8%

WV

$2,083

$2,161

+$78

3.7%

PA

$2,049

$2,122

+$73

3.6%

  • The most expensive states quoted this quarter are Louisiana ($2,577), New Jersey ($2,544), and Delaware ($2,300), and the District of Columbia ($2,466).
10 Most Expensive States

State

1st Quarter 2008 Premium

2nd
Quarter 2008 Premium

$$ Changes

% Changes

LA

$2,674

$2,577

-$97

-3.6%

NJ

$2,499

$2,544

+$45

1.8%

DC

$2,515

$2,466

-$49

-1.9%

DE

$2,378

$2,300

-$78

-3.3%

RI

$2,178

$2,286

+$108

5.0%

MD

$2,165

$2,196

+$31

1.4%

NV

$2,103

$2,189

+$86

4.1%

WV

$2,083

$2,161

+$78

3.7%

PA

$2,049

$2,122

+$73

3.6%

CT

$2,024

$2,080

+$56

2.8%

  • States seeing declines in auto premium prices include North Carolina (down 8.7%), New Hampshire (down 4.1%), Tennessee (down 3.7%), Louisiana (down 3.6%) and Delaware (down 3.3%).

10 States with Largest % Decrease in Premium

State

1st Quarter 2008 Premium

2nd
Quarter 2008 Premium

$$ Decreases

% Decreases

NC

$1,638

$1,495

-$143

-8.7%

NH

$1,488

$1,427

-$61

-4.1%

TN

$1,589

$1,530

-$59

-3.7%

LA

$2,674

$2,577

-$97

-3.6%

DE

$2,378

$2,300

-$78

-3.3%

SD

$1,460

$1,426

-$34

-2.3%

DC

$2,515

$2,466

-$49

-1.9%

VT

$1,439

$1,414

-$25

-1.7%

KS

$1,539

$1,512

-$27

-1.8%

SC

$1,597

$1,575

-$22

-1.4%

  • Half of the least expensive States saw decreases in their premium, including Ohio, which saw an increase in premiums last quarter. Premiums in North Carolina also dropped again after a very small increase last quarter.

10 Least Expensive States

State

1st Quarter 2008 Premium

2nd
Quarter 2008 Premium

$$ Changes

% Changes

OH

$1,278

$1,268

-$10

-0.8%

WI

$1,237

$1,276

+$39

3.2%

ME

$1,281

$1,285

+$3

0.3%

IA

$1,276

$1,326

+$50

3.9%

ID

$1,379

$1,381

+$2

0.1%

VT

$1,439

$1,414

-$25

-1.7%

SD

$1,460

$1,426

-$34

-2.3%

NH

$1,488

$1,427

-$61

-4.1%

CO

$1,478

$1,489

+$11

0.7%

NC

$1,638

$1,495

-$143

-8.7%

Wondering where your state ranked in the Insurance.com 2008 Second Quarter Car Insurance Rate Report? Below is a list of the 48 states Insurance.com surveyed. States are ranked in alphabetical order with the price increase or decrease displayed as a percentage for each state.

State

1st Quarter 2008 Premium

2nd Quarter 2008 Premium

$$ Changes

% Changes

AL

$1,761

$1,784

+$23

1.3%

AR

$1,729

$1,834

+$105

6.1%

AZ

$1,868

$1,926

+$58

3.1%

CA

$1,825

$1,860

+$35

1.9%

CO

$1,478

$1,489

+$11

0.7%

CT

$2,024

$2,080

+$56

2.8%

DC

$2,515

$2,466

-$49

-1.9%

DE

$2,378

$2,300

-$78

-3.3%

FL

$2,031

$2,004

-$27

-1.3%

GA

$1,621

$1,638

+$17

1.0%

IA

$1,276

$1,326

+$50

3.9%

ID

$1,379

$1,381

+$2

0.1%

IL

$1,512

$1,570

+$58

3.8%

IN

$1,407

$1,501

+$94

6.7%

KS

$1,539

$1,512

-$27

-1.8%

KY

$1,937

$1,935

-$2

-0.1%

LA

$2,674

$2,577

-$97

-3.6%

MD

$2,165

$2,196

+$31

1.4%

ME

$1,281

$1,285

+$4

0.3%

MI

$1,960

$1,987

+$27

1.4%

MN

$1,539

$1,583

+$44

2.9%

MO

$1,569

$1,629

+$60

3.8%

MS

$1,964

$2,021

+$57

2.9%

MT

$1,588

$1,622

+$34

2.1%

NC

$1,638

$1,495

-143

-8.7%

ND

$1,609

$1,650

+$41

2.5%

NE

$1,503

$1,506

+$3

0.2%

NH

$1,488

$1,427

-$61

-4.1%

NJ

$2,499

$2,544

+$45

1.8%

NM

$1,808

$1,870

+$62

3.4%

NV

$2,103

$2,189

+$86

4.1%

NY

$2,281

NA

NA

NA

OH

$1,278

$1,268

-$10

-0.8%

OK

$1,652

$1,689

+$37

2.2%

OR

$1,510

$1,547

+$37

2.5%

PA

$2,049

$2,122

+$73

3.6%

RI

$2,178

$2,286

+$108

5.0%

SC

$1,597

$1,575

-$22

-1.4%

SD

$1,460

$1,426

-$34

-2.3%

TN

$1,589

$1,530

-$59

-3.7%

TX

$1,777

$1,853

+$76

4.3%

UT

$1,623

$1,629

+$6

0.4%

VA

$1,565

$1,599

+$34

2.2%

VT

$1,439

$1,414

-$25

-1.7%

WA

$1,835

$1,846

+$11

0.6%

WI

$1,237

$1,276

+$39

3.2%

WV

$2,083

$2,161

+$78

3.7%

WY

$1894

$1885

-$9

-0.5%

ABOUT THE CAR INSURANCE RATE REPORT
Insurance.com's latest Car Insurance Rate Report highlights the lowest average car insurance rates quoted to consumers visiting Insurance.com in the second quarter of 2008. The rates consumers viewed, but didn't necessarily purchase, come from auto insurance quotes consumers received as they shopped and compared rates from over a dozen of the nation's leading auto insurance companies. Over the course of a year, Insurance.com provides online car insurance quotes to more than 1 million people visiting the website. While the Car Insurance Rate Report is a broad indicator of pricing activity in the personal auto insurance marketplace, it is not a comprehensive index as it reflects only the quotes of carriers that have participated in the Insurance.com platform in the states where it quotes (all states except Alaska, Hawaii, and Massachusetts). Due to market changes, New York rates are not available this quarter.