How to Purchase a Used Automobile: Tips From the Auto Insurance Guys

These days, purchasing a new car requires a lot of money. For those looking for another option due to the financial output, shopping for a used car may be a good bet. Of course, a previously owned car, no matter how sleek and shiny may have hidden disadvantages.

Below find tips from some finely-tuned insurance professionals on how to go about the task of shopping for a used car.

8 Ways to Get a Good Deal on a Previously-Owned Car

• Decide How Much You Can Spend on the Purchase

Prior to shopping around for a good used car, do a personal financial tally. Then focus only on buys you can afford - whether via financing or full payment method.

• Choose the Right Kind of Vehicle

Unmarried people without kids do not need a big car. On the other side of the coin, married folks with children in tow could use a larger car. Recreational drivers, long-distance drivers and city or highway drivers have different needs as well. Assess your individual requirements, then shop for the car that matches them.

• Check Out Prices and Repair Frequency

Look online to determine what you should be paying for car makes and models according to year and usage. This search will also let you know what type of vehicles requires less maintenance work and what type has less mechanical headaches.

• Learn about the Car's Past

Research a particular car's history by putting in the Vehicle Information Numbers. This will get you to a full report about past collisions, owners and even recorded maintenance and repair jobs.

• Test the Car out by Taking it for a Spin

Drive your prospective car purchase over a calculated route that includes hills, bumps, curves and highway maneuvering. This way, you'll get an idea how the overall driving ability is.

• Get a Professional Mechanic's Opinion

Enlist your favorite mechanic in the decision by hiring him or her to inspect the car for surface problems that a layman like you may not be able to detect.

• Use Your Price-Negotiating Skills

Utilize the knowledge you have gained from all your research on the car to negotiate a price that fairly reflects its true value.

And Last But Surely Not Least

• Don't Forget About Auto Insurance

Before completing the buying process, speak to an experienced independent insurance agent about insurance for the vehicle. After binding the policy, sign the contract, pay, and you are good to go. No worries about the possibility of no coverage on the road to home!

Now that you have a new (used) automobile take care of it with good maintenance practices and remember to keep driving safety a priority.

Happy driving!

Importance of Rideshare Insurance

The rideshare industry is growing and just keeps expanding. This means that in theory, the demand for rideshare insurance should be growing, too. But, that is not the case, in fact, about 90% of drivers that are a part of Uber or Lyft do not have rideshare insurance.

Why is this a big deal? Well, rideshare and insurance companies see a few different phases of rideshare. They are as follows:

Period 0: Your app is offline and you are covered by personal auto insurance

Period 1: Your app is online, waiting for requests. Your personal auto insurance does not cover you at this time, nor does the insurance bought via rideshare company.

Period 2: You have received a request and if you have insurance through Uber and Lyft, you are now covered.

Period 3: You are now carrying passengers and you are covered by the rideshare companies' policy.

So, as you can see there is a gap where you would not be covered. If an accident occurs during Period 1 you could get stuck paying for 100% of the damages. But, that is not the only reason you should highly consider obtaining rideshare insurance.

Without rideshare insurance, you run the risk of having your insurer drop your personal auto insurance coverage. Reason being, is that you must specify that you are using your car to make money because it is not covered under traditional auto insurance. After you are dropped, your premium will significantly increase since you are now considered high risk.

Another possible obstacle is that not all states offer rideshare insurance yet. The prices also vary from state to state and company to company so be sure to receive about three rideshare insurance quotes to ensure the best deal for your needs.

However, the good news is that there are many options to ensure that you are appropriately covered. You need a policy in some form since you are technically using your vehicle for commercial use since you are making money from driving. So, that being said, if your state does not offer rideshare insurance or if it is a better fit, you can opt for commercial auto insurance.

There is also an option to purchase Period 1 coverage to close the gap of the insurance you may already have directly from Uber or Lyft. Some insurance companies even offer an agreement where they will not drop you as long as you disclose that you are a rideshare driver. The only catch is that they will not cover you while your app is online, so experts recommend that you only use this option if you do not move around a lot while waiting for requests and if you have insurance from the rideshare company. Also, be sure to double check with your insurance provider that this is the case to avoid a situation where they would drop you, at all costs.

Ultimately, it comes down to a few things one of which being your state's law. As states have laws on personal auto insurance, many are adding laws regarding rideshare insurance as well and the minimum coverage you need. This should be a prime motivating factor. Additionally, you should consider how you plan to handle an accident of any scale during Period 1 of a driving session. As previously mentioned, it could easily wipe out your bank account without careful consideration.

Therefore, as a rideshare driver or if you are planning to become one it is crucial to seek out rideshare insurance. Even though your premium may increase slightly, it is affordable, especially relatively to having to pay for all of the damages of an accident. Additionally, many insurance companies allow you to add on to an existing auto insurance policy instead of issuing an entire new one which is extremely beneficial to you as a customer. So, overall it is not only vital, but also well worth it to have rideshare insurance.

Tips and Tricks for Saving on Auto Insurance

Finding the best auto insurance rates can sometimes be tricky. It is absolutely necessary to be insured on the roads, though. In fact, it is required, by Illinois state law to have coverage. Some find auto insurance to be extremely expensive but, there are ways to help make it more affordable. Here are some things to consider to find the ideal price of insurance.

Shop Around

Get quotes from multiple insurance companies, including different types of companies. Also, realize that the lowest number does not mean the cheapest.

Consider Insurance While Shopping for Cars

Some vehicles have lower reliability ratings and other factors that contribute to higher premiums. While researching cars it is important to compare potential premiums for each of your options to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Increase Deductible

By increasing your deductible, you can decrease your premium. Just be sure that the deductible is manageable for your budget and that you have enough money saved in case you need to file a claim.

Bundle Insurance

If the insurance agency that you choose offers bundling, take advantage of it. If not, try to stay with the same company for all of your insurance needs. This results in discounts in most cases.

Keep Good Credit

Having good credit helps lower insurance rates. Researchers have found a significant relationship between your credit score and amount of claims filed. Insurance companies tend to rely on this correlation to define your financial responsibility.

Low Mileage Discounts

Research mileage averages and see if you fall below that. Do not be afraid to ask about a low mileage discount. This discount could also apply to you if you are someone who carpools.

Group Insurance

Some people fall into the category of people who receive insurance from their employer or other groups they belong to. Some insurance providers offer discounts on auto insurance to people who fall into this category.

Other Discounts

Ask your agent if there are any additional discounts you are qualified for based on certain qualities such as how you drive, etc.

Purchase 10+ days before you actually need it

By purchasing coverage before you need to use it helps drive down premium costs.

Pay in Full Up Front

If possible pay in full, rather than setting up a payment plan. The amount you save annually will add up.

Get New Policy When You Move

Especially out of state! Some states have significantly higher insurance rates than others.

Older Cars

Buying a brand new car, just released is exciting, but if your priority is lower insurance premiums it is better to purchase models that are 5+ years old. They are considered more reliable.

VIN Number for Quotes

The purpose of this is to see if you are eligible for a discount if you have anti-theft devices.

Go Paperless

Some companies value using less paper and offer a small discount to those who opt out of using paper which is not hard to do in this age if technology. It is a small offering, but it adds up.

Insurance Vocabulary

Be sure to understand what the verbiage means so that you have a good idea of what you actually need covered and what questions you need to ask your agent.

Automatic Billing

This is another way to save over time, similar to going paperless.

Education

Some insurers offer discounts based off of the level of education you have. For example, some offer discounts for college graduates.

Teen Drivers

Teen drivers are known to drive up insurance costs, since they are more accident prone. But, if they are in a college that is 100+ miles away without a car some insurers allow them to be temporarily taken off of the plan. Additionally, most companies offer a "good student" discount implying that they correlate this test of intelligence with responsible driving habits. Proof of a safe driving class can also save some money on teen auto insurance.

Change Insurance When Lifestyle Changes

If you expect to drive less due to retirement or other factors, report this to your insurer. This can reduce the amount that you have to pay for insurance.

10 Signs That a Towing Company Is Reliable

When it comes to choosing a towing company, for whatever reason it is that you require wrecker services, it is important to first review a list of model qualifications to separate the reliable companies from the "here today gone tomorrow" towing companies. If you want to make sure the wrecker company of your choice is a reliable one, then it is best to begin by learning the ten signs that measure a company's level of professionalism and dependability. These signs can help you to better gauge whether or not a wrecker company is right for your towing needs. Continue reading to learn these ten signs, and be prepared for the next time you need a tow.

Customer Reviews

One of the best places to start is by looking for past and current customer reviews. If a company has nothing but terrible reviews from actual customers, there probably isn't a reason to continue gauging their credentials. Customer reviews are powerful, and can best identify a company's business ethics and workmanship. But keep in mind that sometimes, customer reviews are very one-sided. If there are only a few poor reviews, do not let this thwart you from learning more about the company, or using their services.

Full Fee Disclosure

It is important that a towing service is willing and open to disclosing all towing prices and fees before providing their services. This shows that you can trust them and that they are honest. It also ensures that you will not be billed extra charges after receiving their services.

Licenses and Insurance

Always make sure a towing company retains all the proper licensing and insurance needed to be in compliance with your state's regulations. This is for liability purposes in the case of an accident or damage to the tow truck. This also indicates they are a professional and lawfully-operating business.

Employee Drug Testing

If a towing company employs drivers that are drug-free, you can rest assure that they are qualified, responsible, and capable of providing safe towing services.

Employee Background Checks

It is also important for a towing company to perform state and federal background checks on all drivers before employing them. This ensures that their tow truck operators are reliable and upstanding citizens.

Employee Driving Record Checks

A towing service should be serious about employing drivers with valid drivers' licenses and good driving records. This is a sign of professionalism and increases customer confidence.

Certifications for Drivers

Certified tow truck drivers indicates a company's professionalism and driver's qualifications. Examples of such certifications include Wreck Master, Towing and Recovery Association of America, and State certifications.

Vehicle Security

A towing company should have an effective 24 hour monitoring system for all towed vehicles. Proficient vehicle security thwarts theft and vandalism. You can rest assure your car or truck will still be there when it's time to pick it up.

Diverse Fleet and Sufficient Equipment

You want to make sure a towing company has a diverse selection of tow trucks, recovery vehicles, and other specialized towing equipment. Not only does this indicate a higher level of professionalism, it ensures they are fully-equipped to handle any towing need or situation.

GPS Systems

If an Indianapolis towing company does not have modern navigational systems in their tow trucks, they are probably a small time company or a fly-by-the-night towing service. A small company is not a bad thing, especially for quick or light-duty towing needs, but if you have an expensive vehicle or a towing need that is complex and difficult, you might want a company with modernized practices, like GPS systems. This also ensures a faster respond time, meaning less waiting times.

A New Technology That Will Change Everything

Every few years someone claims that the world will be changed by a new technology. Sometimes they are right, and other times they're wrong. This has lead many of us to believe that we have all placed too much faith in the technological revolution. Despite all our criticism, concerns and fears about anything new that involves a microchip, no one can deny that the world has changed for the better or worse thanks to high tech gadgetry and there is no end in sight. In most cases there is not an instant effect caused by new inventions. It takes time for people, industry and governments to adjust. During those periods of adjustment the technology has time to become refined and less expensive. Workers who lose their jobs to new technologies end up having to look for other types of employment. This is a cycle that people have experienced since the dawn of the industrial revolution, and now it is about to happen all over again in a huge way.

When cell phones came along most people thought of them as a new toy for the wealthy. Today, most people have one and for many the phone in their pocket is the only one they have. The instant upside is that we can easily stay in touch with our family, friends, employers or business contacts. More than just personal communication devices, smart phones now allow us to take care of many tasks that once required a PC to handle. The downside is that we can no longer hide from the world unless we simply do not answer our calls. Add to that the fact that we can easily become addicted to social media, texting, games and all kinds of online activities.

When the "mobile phone" revolution first started to explode a lot of investors and venture capitalists thought they would make a fortune investing in various schemes to buy or sell phones or air time. Most of those investments fell flat and ended up being loss leaders. That is why it is important to see what is coming, know when to make a purchase; or invest and how. Otherwise is it all too easy to become a victim of new technology. If you dout this just visit any garage sale or junk shop where you will find all sorts of technology that was supposed to go on for years and expand into more advanced versions. Good examples: Atari Game Systems, The Adam Computer, Game Boy, 8mm amd VHS Camcorders, Betamax and VHS Video Recorders/Players, Laser Disc Players, Cassette, 8 Track and Reel to Reel Tapes and Machines, Telex Machines, PDAs, Portable Televisions, LED Watches and Typewriters.

When personal computers first appeared they were expensive toys designed for geeks who loved electronics. Even after companies like Apple designed machines that would be attractive to everyone, they often became obsolete by the time they hit store shelves. People made and lost fortunes over these. That is because those early computers represented the type of advanced technology that kept advancing so rapidly that it left very little time for consumers to catch up. A lot of people jumped in to the early versions of these machines for fear that they might be left behind. I remember buying a bunch of different and unique computer systems with all their bells and whistles during the 1980s. None of them lasted or really did all that I wanted them to do. The upside for me was that I had to write my own programs for most of them to do what I wanted them to do, so I learned a lot about how these machines and their programs worked.

I recall when the "World Wide Web" was suddenly transitioned from a secretive way for the U.S. Military and Government to communicate and exchange data to a place where everyone was welcomed. A lot of people ignored or downplayed it at that time. However, before long all those popular electronic Bulletin Boards accessible by computer modems began to quickly relocate from phone numbers to web addresses. When the early Windows operating systems began to appear their emphasis was on PC applications. By the time that Windows 95 was released, even the venerable Bill Gates admitted that he had vastly underestimated how popular and important the Internet would become. A lot of other investors and companies saw the potential and rushed to get in on the excitement by creating Internet Service Providers with electronic mail. Since that time many of them have vanished or become a part of conglomerates. Understanding or seeing the potential of new technology is never enough. You have to know how to avoid the hype, survive the changes and possibly even make some money along the way.

In 2001 the Segway PT was unveiled. This two-wheeled people transport device was supposed to be the next big thing. Even Steve Jobs said that this invention would be "as big a deal as the PC." However, unlike cell phones, personal computers or the Internet, the Segway had a limited market. Children, senior citizens and many disabled persons can use cell phones, personal computers and the Internet. Most them could not or would not use the Segway. These personal transportation oddities fit the needs of various industries and businesses much like the robots and programmable machines that have taken over many manufacturing and other jobs, but like those devices the Segway has many limitations in terms of users, terrain and applications which have kept it from being the huge success that many once thought it would be. Wide appeal, application and usage are the key components to any truly successful new technology and one is about to begin a slow burn that will lead to an explosive change in society and the world of finance.

Some time ago Google demonstrated their self-drive car to a public underwhelmed by what they saw. The problem was that it was kind of ugly with that weird rotating thing on top and most people had no faith that fully automated vehicles could ever take over the roadways of the world. What people did not know then and many still have no clue about today is that many tech and car companies are currently betting the farm on the fact that self-drive vehicles will take over the road within the next ten to twenty years. We already have vehicles that can park themselves and now come with a wide variety of safety or anti-collision devices on board. Some vehicles now have the ability to make automated decisions about braking, parking and other maneuvers. Is it that hard to believe that there will be much more to come?

This new technology will not appear overnight, but it will benefit everyone instead of just being attractive to a niche market. It is going to be refined and slowly introduced to people a little at a time. When all the research and trials come to fruition, fully automated cars will begin to make a huge impact everywhere. Insurance companies that depend mostly on auto policies will begin to disappear. Auto body shops will be as rare as photo developing stands. The numbers of people who die or are severely injured in auto accidents will likely drop to an almost insignificant amount. Personal injury lawyers will have to look for new clients. Police Officers will have to find new and creative ways to write tickets. The price of gas will fall dramatically due to the efficiency of self-driving vehicles: Most automated cars will probably be powered by hybrid or alternative energy sources.

Prices on some consumer goods will drop as automated trucks hit the road and are able to pick up and deliver more frequently. Even with human monitors on board, those people will no longer need to wear themselves out by constantly handling the operation of such huge and cumbersome vehicles. That means they may be able to remain on board for longer periods of time. Lowering the cost of delivery to market will allow many new products to be introduced that might have been unavailable due to those cost factors. The expense and complexity of managing huge traffic systems will be lessened and the experience of having to travel at a snail's pace to and from work during the rush hour will be all but eliminated. The money saved by the implementation of self-drive vehicles could be used to repair and replace the many roads, bridges and tunnels that have become dangerous to use or are simply obsolete.

Governments see the potential of automated vehicles. We know this because many are slowly, but surely, adapting or enacting laws to accommodate this new technology. Self-drive vehicles are already legal for the purposes of research and development as far as the federal government is concerned. Several U.S. States have also made them legal to operate, with many others having already proposed pending legislation. Many state legislators have quietly been told to expect some fully automated vehicles by 2018-2020 at the latest. What concerns government officials and the developers of this new technology are the hackers. They can already use the existing technology in many new vehicles to take them over and bypass drivers. That is a real concern that must be dealt with from a legal and technological standpoint. That need for failsafe automated vehicles are one of the things slowing their development and appearance in new car dealer show rooms.

Things are moving fast when it comes to fully automated vehicles, but that does not mean that small investors or venture capitalists should invest in them right now. The truth is that no one really knows what twists and turns this new technology will take. Besides, I am certain that there will be all sorts of brand new after market and technological accommodation opportunities to make lots of money for small investors when the time is right. Just imagine all the new gadgets and systems that will appear as needed when this new technology becomes prevalent. Until then it is would be a wise new car buyer or high tech investor that keeps his or her eyes on self-drive vehicles and the markets they will shortly begin to create.

Best Options for Car Enthusiasts

Automatic transmissions

Equipment and features the public takes for granted today like the electric ignition, automatic windshield wipers, power steering, airbags, cruise control and many more began life as unexpected advances that staggered the public. Today automatic transmissions have advanced to the point of providing as many as eight forward gears, driver-shift options, computerized driver-adaptable shifting and different shifting modes. The modern equipment includes the Bully Dog GT Tuner also. We have different Dog tuners falling into this category. Here is a collection of technologies already offered that could be mainstream just a year or two from now. Rear-mounted radar, Night vision with pedestrian detection, Automatic high-beam control, Parental control, GPS vehicle tracking Cameras etc.

Bully Dog 40420 GT Platinum Tuner Features

• Pre-loaded with dyno-proven tunes that add more power, torque and increase fuel economy

• Monitor & display critical vehicle data using the on-screen virtual gauges. Read and Clear DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes).

• Switch on-the-fly power lets you tow, climb, work, or just cruise down the highway

• SCT Custom Tuning Support - Stores up to 10 custom tune files created by your local SCT Custom Tuning Dealer

• This Bully Dog GT Tuner works on Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet and GMC diesel vehicles. 2013-15 Dodge Cummins Unlock cable must be purchased for tuning.

Bully Dog 40417 GT Platinum Tuner for Gas Applications Features

The GT Platinum is four products in one remarkable unit: a vehicle engine tuner, monitor, gauge, and diagnostic device all in a single unit. The remarkable GT transforms the utility of your vehicle by increasing horsepower, improving fuel economy, and providing a comprehensive set of monitoring features and diagnostic functions. Other tuning products don't hold a candle to the Triple Dog GT - it has the largest feature set and the widest range of vehicle applications from a single product.

• Pre-loaded with dyno-proven tunes that add more power, torque and increase fuel economy.

• Monitor & display critical vehicle data using the on-screen virtual gauges

• SCT Custom Tuning Support - Stores up to 10 custom tune files created by your local SCT Custom Tuning Dealer

• Reads & clears Diagnostic Trouble Codes (Check Engine Light)

• Works on Ford, Lincoln, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Nissan and Toyota applications

7 Tips for Learner Drivers

What is the most important thing that any learner driver should have in him/her: It is very much expected that if you are beginner in driving, you must be excited to give your best because like anyone else, you also believe that driving your own car yourself gives a sense of independence and freedom. But, what most people forget that driving lessons are at the very least, humanly daunting and can break or shatter your confidence level in no time. Hence, self-confidence is the most important attribute.

Few non-theoretical and experiential guidelines for any learner driver:

Take it at a pace you can adapt to: There is no rush to get your driving license; rather you should take it one at a time. So why hassle yourself to get to the test stage faster than your friend and ultimately fail miserably because in this chaotic hurry to learn fast, you forgot to pay attention to minute details.

Practice, as much as it is possible for any human being: Don't push yourself to read the facts more and more, but push yourself to go out and actually become adept at small and easy drives on the road, be it a highway or near your colony. All you need is someone from your friend circle or family who holds a driving license to sit beside you and guide you so that before taking the driving test and trying your level best to ace it, you actually have experienced real life driving lessons and boosted up your trust in yourself which will come handy in your foreseeable driving temperament.

Stick to an instructor whom you can respect: It is universally suggested that get an instructor whose teaching style doesn't bust up your confidence. If you feel that the rapport you share with your driving instructor isn't building up your self-reliance and fortitude, then don't hesitate to hire another someone. If your assertive and positive feelings about your driving skills are crumpled down before taking the test, then rest assured, not only you will fail, but that feeling of being a failure will stick around for years.

Find out the way you learn better: Everyone is a different kind of learner. Someone is methodical; someone learns better when the tricks and tips are explained theoretically while someone might be the hippy who wants to just hit the road and experience bit by bit slowly. So it is your duty to find out how you will work out the steps that need to be learnt.

Insurance coverage is essential: Advice is to avoid the big-budgeted premiums and opt for the learner driver insurance policy so that you stay protected and yet you don't have to spend a huge amount during the learning phase.

Ignore the drivers who are nothing but impatient: When you are driving on a busier road, the most important thing that you have to teach yourself is not to get dominated by drivers who for no cause are determined to bother you inconveniently.

Save yourself from unnecessary anxiety and be aware of traffic rules: This is something very basic and yet very much crucial because if and when people don't follow the traffic rules, the risks of occurrence of unwanted and unintentional accidents get up a notch.