Smart Auto Insurance Blog

Bristol West Insurance is a leading provider of liability and physical damage auto insurance which focuses on private passenger cars throughout the nation.  Bristol West is sold through agents and brokers which provide customers the security of a variety of auto insurance products at great prices.

Bristol West has recently upgraded their various services through advanced online and electronic payment options.  This is a great perk for customers looking for quick and easy payment methods.  According to the agents and brokers, Bristol West’s continuing investment in technology advancements gives them a leading edge to manage a competitive business.  Because of their technological advances their efficiencies are improved and they deliver services that are quick and accurate which improves the valuable customer service.  You can locate a Bristol West Insurance broker or agent on their website.

California Auto Insurance quotes are lower if you qualify for a special program that can get you affordable auto insurance.  According to the article “State Program Helps Connect Drivers With Low-Cost Auto Insurance” by Steve E. Swenson found on bakersfield.com says that the program offered in Kern County since 2006 is saving eligible drivers money.

The program is called The California Low Cost Auto Program and it offers coverage limits of $10,000 per person, $20,000 per accident, and $3,000 for property damage for as little as $254/year.  Quotes on auto insurance in California can be pricey and tickets for not carrying auto insurance can be extremely expensive, up to $786 according to court officials.

To qualify for the program applicants must be 19 years old or older, have a license for 3 years continuously, and have no more than 1 at-fault accidents, or 1 point for a moving violation in the last 3 years.  California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner believes the program needs to be supported, especially during the tough economy and high rate of unemployed drivers.

There are some great tips on defensive driving to help keep you safe on the Encompass Car Insurance website.  Their Plan & Learn section on their site says that drunk drivers are the most dangerous violators on the road and half of all highway fatalities are due to drinking and driving.

They offer some tips to keep your eye out for potentially drunk drivers when you are on the road.  Some of these include unusually wide turns, weaving, swerving, sudden stops, tailgating, no headlights at night, drifting, slow response to traffic signs, or driving on the wrong side of the road.

If you happen to notice such a driver on the road it’s important to maintain a safe distance.  Allow the traffic violator to pass you, and do not try to pass them.  If the driver is coming head-on move into the nearest shoulder and use your horn and lights to try and get them to realize they are driving the wrong way.  If possible, get the driver’s license and report the situation to the police.  The quicker this person can get off the road, the safer everyone will be.

First Acceptance Insurance has a very useful section on their website that outlines your auto insurance policy in simple terms.  To summarize, there are generally 5 parts to a typical auto insurance contract.

Part 1 is called the Declaration section, which is unique from customer to customer.  Part 2 is the Coverage Parts or Insuring Agreement.  This sections discusses the coverage options and coverage limits.  Part 3 is Exclusions which highlights your policy’s limitations.  Part 4 is Conditions which outlines legal responsibilities.  Then there is Part 5 Definitions.  This section goes over terms and rights of the customer and insurer.  This section is sometimes referred to as fine print.

The names of the various sections may vary from company to company but the general points are discussed.  It’s beneficial to understand each section of your auto insurance policy so you can easily compare benefits as you shop around for auto insurance rates.

As more and more consumers become Internet savvy, shopping online for auto insurance quotes is becoming more popular.  People are drawn to the convenience and ease of shopping online.  According to the press release “Shopping for Auto Insurance Online Becoming More Popular in New Year, according to Onlineautoinsurance.com” found on prweb, found a large increase of online shoppers on their site in January 2010 compared to any month in 2009.  This goes to show which way the trend is heading.

The Missouri Department of Insurance encourages the use of online auto insurance shopping.  Their research shows you can get 20 quotes online in the time it may take you to get 3 quotes by calling various auto insurance companies on the phone.  Many insurers are excited about the increase of shoppers online such as Progressive and Eastwood Insurance which both have options to get quotes directly on their website.

Times are changing and it’s important to ensure, as a consumer, you are getting the best deal on your auto insurance quotes.