Credit History and the effect it has on your Auto Insurance Rates

Posted by Hermien | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 01-02-2011

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A lot of auto insurance companies consider your credit information when determining your insurance premium.  Thus if you are on the lookout for new auto insurance, keep in mind that many insurance companies are looking at your credit history to determine your auto insurance rates.

The main reason why some insurance companies use credit information is because they feel there is a direct link between a consumer’s credit history behaviors and expected claims that may occur.  For this reason, they feel that people with a good credit behavior are less likely to suffer insurance losses than those with a bad record.

While some insurance companies will research your credit reports when determining your rate, others will use what is known as an insurance credit score.  An insurance credit score is put together by using statistical techniques and methods to predict the chance that a consumer will have higher than anticipated losses.

Insurance companies use many factors to determine your credit score.  Below are listed some examples of these factors:

  • Past payment history: the number and frequency of late payments and the days between the due date and late payment date.
  • Length of credit history: the amount of time you have been in the credit system.
  • Unused credit: how much you owe compared to how much credit is available to you.
  • Inquiries for credit: the number of times you have recently applied for new credit, including mortgage loans, utility accounts, and credit card accounts.
  • Number of open lines of credit: the number of credit cards, whether you use them or not.
  • Type of credit in use: major credit cards, store credit cards, finance company loans, etc.
  • Public records: bankruptcy, collections, foreclosures, liens, charge-offs, etc.

It is very possible that your insurance credit score may be very different from one company to the next.  This is put down to the fact that different insurers use different factors to determine your premium..  Take note that even though it is called an insurance credit score, it includes numerous factors of which credit is only one.  Since each insurance company uses different techniques to determine your credit score it is hard to predict what a good credit score is.  Most of the time a good credit score will result in lower premiums.

Your insurance company can decide whether or not to tell you what your credit score is.  You might be surprised that they do not even know what it is in some cases.  All they usually know is if your credit score qualifies you for a specific rate/policy or not.  Some companies also offer better rates under each qualifying tier.

If you have taken the steps to improve your credit score you should ask your insurance company to re-evaluate your credit score at renewal.

Mercedes Vito 1.9 Rental Car Pretoria

Posted by Hermien | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 22-10-2010

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During the coming months, you can get a Mercedes Vito 1.9 to hire in Pretoria from Empire Fleet Solutions.  Call us today on 086 1055 505 for car rental in PretoriaView our rental fleet.

Mercedes Vito 1.9 rentals in Pretoria will be for only R1, 409 per day during the next couple of months.  This is part of our Group Y fleet vehicles.  We also have the following rental cars available in Group Y:

  • Nissan Primastar DCI 100; and
  • Toyota Quantum (2.7, petrol).

Empire Fleet Solutions is connected all over South Africa.  Apart from Pretoria car rental services, we can help you no matter where you are, or where you are going.

Come to Empire Fleet Solutions to get your Mercedes Vito 1.9 Rental Car in Pretoria.  Call 086 1055 505 for more information.

Car Rental Pietersburg: Hire a BMW 3-Series 2.0 for only R565 from Empire Fleet Solutions

Posted by Elsabie | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 18-07-2010

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Are you in need of a Pietersburg Car Rental?  No need to continue with your search.  Empire Fleet Solutions offers a BMW 3-Series 2.0 for as little as R565 a day.  Contact Empire Fleet Solutions now on 086 1055 505 to make use of this unbelievable deal.  You will not get a better deal on Pietersburg Car Rental anywhere else. 

 

Apart from the BMW 3-Series 2.0, Empire Fleet Solutions also have a huge range of other vehicles available to the public.  To view this rental fleet, simply click here.  You will not be disappointed with car or price when using a Pietersburg Car Rental. 

 

For the cheapest Car Rental in Pietersburg, call Empire Fleet Solutions on 086 1055 505.

Pretoria Car Hire: Rent a VW City Golf 1.4 from Empire Fleet Solutions for R272

Posted by Erica | Posted in Daily Car Rental, Uncategorized | Posted on 10-05-2010

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Are you looking to rent a VW City Golf 1.4 for a couple of days?  For Car Hire in Pretoria, call Empire Fleet Solutions.  You can rent a VW City Golf 1.4 during the time of the Soccer World Cup for R272 per day. Call us on 086 1055 505. View our rental fleet.

 

The VW City Golf 1.4 is part of our Group A vehicles that is available at this rate.  Features of Pretoria Car Hire vehicles in this group include:

 

  • Manual;
  • Hatchback; and
  • Radio & CD.

 

The Group A vehicles is one of the cheapest car hire groups in our Pretoria Rental Fleet.  To view our Pretoria Car Hire Fleet, visit our website.

 

We strive for service excellence.  Call Empire Fleet Solutions if you need to hire/rent VW City Golf 1.4 or similar in Pretoria.

VW City Golf 1.4 available for Car Hire in Port Elizabeth

Posted by Elsabie | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 10-05-2010

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Because of Port Elizabeth’s location, it is best to hire a VW City Golf 1.4 to easily maneuver around the city during the coming soccer world cup.  If you are interested at all in Port Elizabeth Car Hire, you should give Empire Fleet Solutions a call on 086 1055 505.  From just R272 per day, you will be hard pushed to find a better Car Hire deal anywhere else in Port Elizabeth.

 

No matter what your Port Elizabeth Car Hire needs may be, chances are that Empire Fleet Solutions can fulfill them when you contact them on 086 1055 505.  It is up to you to inform us as to which pickup and drop off location will suit you best.

 

Contact Empire Fleet Solutions any time you are looking for professional Port Elizabeth Car Hire services.

How Can I Get Car Hire Insurance?

Posted by Erica | Posted in Uncategorized, Vehicle Insurance | Posted on 05-03-2010

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There are generally two possible ways under which you may be covered by car hire insurance.  The first is from auto insurance agents in your local area which sell auto insurance, but which can also be used as car hire insurance.  The second car hire insurance option is through the credit card that you have used for the car hire.  It is a good idea to find out more about these two possibilities if you are looking to obtain car hire insurance.

 

If you already have auto insurance on your own vehicle which you took out from your local auto insurance agent, chances are good that this auto insurance policy extends to serve as car hire insurance as well.  Generally, if you are traveling in another part of the country, your auto insurance policy will serve as car hire insurance once you hired a car at your destination.  However, you should note that any gap in your auto insurance coverage will also apply to your car hire insurance.  For example, if you do not have comprehensive coverage for your own vehicle, then your hired vehicle will also not have comprehensive car hire insurance

 

Some credit card companies also offer car hire insurance packages for vehicles hired using their credit cards.  Car hire insurance offered by credit card companies may vary from one company to the next. Due to credit card companies revising car hire insurance policies so often, you should make sure that you are aware of the most current car hire insurance policies when hiring a car.  You should also enquire whether the car hire insurance only cover physical damage to the hired vehicle, or if it extends to include theft, personal injury, liability, etc. as well.  Car hire insurance offered through your credit card company should be considered as supplemental car hire insurance, and not primary car hire insurance

 

Ultimately, if you do some research ahead of time, you will know exactly what car hire insurance coverage is provided by your own auto insurance policy, as well as by your credit card company.  This way you will know what, if any, additional car hire insurance you may need.

Getting the best Car Rental Rates

Posted by Erica | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 11-12-2009

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If you ever wondered about the issue regarding how to get the best car rental rates, you are not alone.  Most people in need of car rentals will not settle for the first car rental agency they come across.  It is thus important to compare different car rental agencies in order to get the best possible car rental rates.  Fortunately, most car rental agencies do not charge you anything when you reserve a car.  That means if you find a better car rental rates deal a week later, you do not have to pay a penalty to cancel your old reservation.  Money can thus be saved in the process.  However, what to do if you do not have the time to check car deals every day for two weeks?  Below are some great tips for getting good car rental rates on a single-day, weekend, or airport rental.

  • Single-day car rental rates

If your car rental is last-minute, make sure to check each car rental agency’s last-minute specials regarding car rental rates.  There are a number of car rental agencies which offer last-minute deals.  If your travel plans do not require a last-minute dash to the car rental counter, another option is to take advantage of any prepay promotions on offer.

  • Weekend rentals

If you only need a car for the weekend, usually defined by rental companies as Friday through Monday, look for car rental agencies offering good car rental rates. Some car rental agencies have ongoing promotions for 50 percent off weekend rentals.

  • Airport rentals

Airport car rentals are usually more expensive than non-airport locales.  However, this does not mean that you have to fall victim to higher car rental rates at the car rental counter.  If you do not mind some inconvenience, you can usually save money and eliminate car rental rates by taking public transportation from the airport into town and picking up your car rental at a non-airport location.

If you want to pick up your car rental at the airport, then reserving a vehicle online ahead of time will allow you to take advantage of online promotions that can save you on car rental rates.  Thus, the sooner you book, the more your saving will ultimately be on car rental rates.

Top 10 Places to visit in South Africa

Posted by Hermien | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 11-12-2009

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South Africa is unique in many ways.  It is a diverse country with people from all walks of life, and subsequent different cultures and beliefs.  The same applies to the country itself, boasting attractions and places to visit found nowhere else in the world.  South Africa is truly a beautiful country worth a visit.  Below are the top 10 places to visit in South Africa:

 

  • Table Mountain

Table Mountain overlooks Cape Town and offers breathtaking views over the surrounding areas.  It is also the centrepiece of the Table Mountain National Park surrounding the city.

 

  • Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is the biggest and most famous of all national parks in South Africa.  If you only visit one national park on your visit to the country then make sure you go to this one.

 

  • Other National Parks

There are a number of national parks found throughout the country and they all have something special to offer.  Not all the national parks are dedicated to game animals though; some are more devoted to the special types of flora that can only be found in this part of the world.

 

  • Cape Winelands

South African wine is enjoyed throughout the world and this is the heartland from where it is produced.  Why not undertake a tour of the various vineyards and taste some of the produce.

 

  • Drakensberg Mountains

The Drakensberg Mountain range is located in the east of the country.  It offers an excellent opportunity to either crack out the hiking boots and hit one of the many trails open to exploration, or just simply admire the scenic beauty.

 

  • Robben Island

Robben Island is a very important historical site to all South Africans.  Its inmates were all political prisoners, of which the most famous probably Nelson Mandela.

 

  • Soweto

Soweto is a historical area of extreme significance, especially from a political aspect during the Apartheid era.  This area first came to prominence as early as the gold rush of 1886.

 

  • The Garden Route

The Garden Route is a coastal road that runs all along the southern coast of South Africa while overlooking the Indian Ocean.  The Garden Route is known for its scenic beauty and charming towns.

 

  • The Cradle of Humanity

Even though early humans was scattered throughout the continent, the conditions found in the caves of The Cradle of Humanity site are ideal for preserving their remains.  Many fossils have been, and still are, found at this site.

 

  • Sun City

Sun City is a luxury South African casino resort, situated in the North West Province.  This holiday resort, sometimes referred to as “the playground of the rich”, has everything you need to enjoy a fun holiday.  Comparisons to Las Vegas are obvious.

Staying Safe if your Car Breaks Down

Posted by Erica | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 11-12-2009

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Breaking down in your vehicle can create a very worrying, stressful, and dangerous situation for you as driver; even more so if you happen to break down on South African roads.  Each year, hundreds of people suffer serious injuries or even lose their lives while working or stopped at roadside due to car breakdown. This is why it is so crucial for all drivers and passengers to know what to do in the event of a car breakdown.  Passing vehicles on the highway is not the only concern when your car breaks down; crime is also a big factor.  Although the latest government figures suggest that crime levels have fallen, fear of crime remains high – especially when offences such as car-jacking receive such high-profile media attention.  It is thus not surprising that women, in particular, feel vulnerable if their car breaks down, especially when driving alone at night.  Practical steps have to be taken in order to get peace of mind regarding a car breakdown

General Car Breakdown Procedures

- Before your car breaks down:  

  • Reduce the risk of having a car breakdown in the first place by servicing your car on a regular basis;
  • Ensure that your car breakdown cover is up to date;
  • Keep the emergency number close by – this will give you more confidence when you are out on the road;
  • Before undertaking your trip, always check your vehicle’s petrol, oil, water, and tyres;
  • Take a map with you so that you do not get lost and subsequently have to stop and ask directions;
  • Always let family and friends know when you are leaving and when you will return; and
  • As a sensible precaution, at all times keep your doors locked and your windows wound up, especially at traffic lights and junctions.

- After your car broke down:   

  • Pull as far off the road as possible;
  • Immediately put your hazard warning lights on;
  • Display your emergency triangle at least 50 metres behind your vehicle;
  • Give your car breakdown agency a call and let them know if you are traveling alone or with children.  Women and children usually get priority;
  • If your car breaks down on the highway, be extremely careful, as you might get hit by another vehicle;
  • Lock your vehicle, except for the front passenger door; this will enable you to get back in quickly if necessary; and
  • Never get into a vehicle with a stranger; thus, avoid hitchhiking.