Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

United Automobile Insurance Company Profile Added

Monday, June 15th, 2009

A profile for non-standard auto insurer United Automobile Insurance Company (UAIC) has been added to the auto insurance company directory.

More information about non standard auto insurance for high-risk drivers

Florida Cabinet Members Disagree With Proposed Auto Insurance Rule

Saturday, May 16th, 2009

On Wednesday, May 13, Florida Cabinet members refused to stop auto insurance companies from charging new policy holders higher rates if they have been in not at fault accidents. 

Industry representatives say that charges for new customers with accidents on their driving record is a common practice, even if the customer didn’t cause the accident.  They say it’s justified because research shows these drivers are at higher risk of filing claims and it’s often difficult to determine who is at fault for the accident. Auto insurance companies need to consider all facets of the driving record to understand the customer’s risk and charge the most appropriate rates.

Credit and Auto Insurance Premiums

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

If you have credit problems you could end up paying more on your auto insurance despite your perfect driving record. Credit histories are just one of many factors used to determine auto insurance rates. Research has shown that drivers with poor credit history are more likely to file claims which in turn cost the auto insurance companies money.

The credit report is used as a predictor of risk, and it’s believed that it’s less likely for a person who is inherently financially irresponsible to suddenly change their behavior. But through repairing your credit and shopping around for auto insurance as your credit history changes over time, you may be able to lower your rate and save yourself money. Pay your bills on time and keep your debt level in check, and it could keep your auto insurance rates down.

Teen Driving

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

Car crashes are the #1 killer of our nation’s teens. Through education, teens can learn how to be safer and prevent devastating accidents.

It’s crucial to talk about road safety with your teen as well as establish rules and consequences you can agree on. Discuss when, where, how and with whom your teen is allowed to drive. Limit the number of passengers in the car and enforce a curfew. Insist that all passengers wear seat belts and encourage your teen to call for a ride home if any alcohol or drugs are involved.

Ensure your teen understands the enormous responsibility that comes with having their license. With the proper information and rules, lives may be saved. When it has been determined that your teen is a safe driver and you have to add them to your auto insurance policy, be sure to shop around for the best price.

Third Largest Auto Insurance Company Requests Removal of Company Info.

Monday, May 11th, 2009

I’m not sure why, but [the third largest private passenger auto insurance company] has contacted our company and asked that we remove a page from our website that contains general factual information about their company.  The information was publicly available summary information about them, and similar information can be found at many other websites such as Hoover’s etc.

We do not buy any paid search advertising for this site, let alone bidding on their trademarked terms?

Apparently [this auto insurance company] is not in favor of free speech that is the internet, but in any event, the content that we were providing about their company was completely harmless, so their behavior seems paranoid to say the least.

In any event, before you purchase auto insurance coverage from them, based on their brand recognition or the cute little lizard, be sure to shop around first and see if you can find a better deal.

Americans Keeping Cars Longer

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

old car insurance

The current economy has Americans keeping their cars longer and delaying purchasing new cars.  A higher number of older cars on the road increases risk and makes having the proper coverage that much more important.  The age of your car does factor into your auto insurance rate so shopping around can be to your benefit. 

If you are considering keeping your car longer than originally anticipated, keeping up with proper maintenance is crucial.  Oil services and regularly checking timing belts, water pumps, and brake pads can extend the life of your car and save you money in the long run.   If you delay routine maintenance on an older car it can accelerate wear and tear putting you at higher risk for accidents.

The Internet and Auto Insurance Comparisons

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

Consumers are turning to the Internet more and more everyday for everything from holiday shopping, paying bills, and online banking.  One of the most useful developments over the past few years has been the ability to comparison shop online, especially for auto insurance.

Price is often the most important factor for consumers when comparing auto insurance companies, but there are other aspects that should be considered.  The financial stability of an auto insurance company as well as the variety of products offered should be weighed as you shop around.  This will prove valuable if you need to file a claim or change your benefits as life changes occur. 

Many auto insurance companies also offer the ability to purchase a policy online which makes the process even easier.  Save time and money by shopping around online at www.smartautoinsurance.com.  Take advantage of what the Internet has to offer.

Happy Holidays From Smart Auto Insurance!

Thursday, December 25th, 2008

Happy holidays from Smart Auto Insurance!

No matter what you celebrate, we at the Smart Auto Insurance blog wish you a peaceful holiday.

(Photo credit: kimberlyfaye under CC 2.0)

AXA, Metlife, Prudential, China’s CIC in AIG Talks

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

Insurance firms Axa S.A., MetLife Inc. and Prudential Plc., as well as China’s sovereign wealth fund CIC, are all in talks to buy a unit of U.S. insurance firm American International Group in a deal that is likely to fetch $10.8 billion, financial industry sources said on Wednesday.

  1. Each of the four firms is in separate talks with AIG about buying its unit, American Life Insurance Co, or Alico, and the deal is likely to close in the new year, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
  2. AIG, once the world’s largest insurer by market value, is looking to shed assets around the globe to repay a $152 billion U.S. government rescue package.

On top of that, it owes around $10 billion to other financial services firms for trades that have gone sour, the Wall Street Journal reported this week.

Alico has operations in 55 countries, including Japan, where it generates more than half of its revenue. The firm is Japan’s fifth-largest life insurer in terms of revenue. (more…)