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The list compiled below contains some popular auto insurance myths.  Many drivers regard these myths as actual realities.  The truth behind these myths might just bring about a metamorphosis in the way you behave next time you want to burn some rubber.

• The cheaper the vehicle, the cheaper the auto insurance

This is only a half truth.  If a cheap vehicle is an unusual model or has a large engine, it might cost even more to insure than a more expensive small vehicle.  However, comprehensive insurance, which covers damage caused by fire, hail, vandalism, or animals, will be less for a cheap vehicle.

• Auto insurance rates are higher for smokers than for non smokers

Your auto insurance rate will not be higher if you smoke.  Auto insurance companies do not even as if you smoke when preparing a quote.

• Colour of the vehicle affects auto insurance rates

Colour plays no role when auto insurance rates are calculated.  Colour of the vehicle is not even mentioned when preparing a quote.  Factors that do play a role include age of the vehicle, its engine size, body type, model, and make of vehicle.

• If my friend is in an accident with my vehicle, his insurance will pay for damages

If it is your vehicle, it is your responsibility.  Your friend’s insurance (if he has any) will only act as excess insurance if the damages exceed the limits of your own auto insurance policy.

• My credit score does not effect my auto insurance rate

Your credit score is very important in relation to the amount of auto insurance you pay.  Your credit score is always taken into consideration when your auto insurance is calculated.

• No-fault  insurance means it’s not my fault

This could be quite misleading.  No-fault insurance only means that your own insurance company pays for the bills of your injuries, no matter whose fault it actually was.

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People are always looking for loopholes which they can use to lower their vehicle insurance.  If there are a means through which one can pay lower vehicle insurance premiums, why not use it?

Find below a list of these vehicle insurance loopholes:

• If at all possible, give an address of some small town in the Karoo; chances are that your vehicle insurance might be as much as 20%-30% lower than if you lived in a big city.
• Store your vehicle in a locked garage, with CCTV camera present.
• Install an alarm system and immobiliser in your vehicle.
• Increasing the value of your vehicle, rather than decreasing it, will lead to lower vehicle insurance rates.
• State that you are married, even if you are single.
• Young drivers should insure their vehicles in their parents’ name.  However, this in turn will cause that they will be unable to build up a no-claims discount in their own name.
• Put on your father and mother as second and third drivers.
• If you get good grades at college, you might be able to qualify for good grade discounts.
• Two years without any claims will bring you into contention for a good driver’s discount.
• Being named a driver on the policy will bring about a cheaper premium if your vehicle is on someone’s name with a five year no-claims record.
• Having a lower risk job (such as an office worker) will mean lower vehicle insurance when compared to someone who is on the road all day long (such as a representative).
• Name an additional mature driver on the vehicle insurance policy.
• Although it may take a while, try to improve your driving record all the time.
• Avoid purchasing vehicles which is a popular theft target.
• Try to drive less.  The number of kilometers you drive directly relates to your risk exposure.  Drive less, pay less.

You as a driver do not even want to think about filing an auto insurance claim seeing as that would mean that something happened to your vehicle.  Whether it is your young teenage driver who mistook the petrol pedal for the brake, the vehicle was vandalized, or you have been involved in an accident.  When your vehicle was damaged in some or other way, filing an auto insurance claim is the next logical step to take.  It is very important to know what to do and how to do it.  Filing an auto insurance claim is not as difficult as it might seem at first.

Below are some steps to help you file an auto insurance claim:

1.  It is of great importance to know what kind of auto insurance you have.  How your auto insurance cover the damage to your own vehicle as well as to the other vehicle (if there is any) will ultimately determine if you will be required to make an additional payment.

2.  Immediately make a call to your insurance company.  Enquire about the documents/forms that you need to submit.  These include among others the police report, medical reports, towing, and auto repair bills.

3.  Supply your insurance company with all necessary information they require.  Be sure to fully cooperate.  In the event of a claim being brought against you, your insurance company will represent you.

4.  At all times should you keep record of expenses made on your side.  Depending on the type of auto insurance policy you have in place, chances are that you will be reimbursed for the expenses incurred.

5.  You should keep the original copies of each and every document and other paperwork related to the auto insurance claim.  Copies should be supplied to your insurance company.  It is a good idea to store them in a safe, dry place, or file them.  This way you can always refer back to them in case you need to.

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Saving money wherever it is possible is important to all of us.  Auto insurance should be no different.  You as a driver should take advantage of all discounts that many insurance companies offer; discounts that can significantly reduce the cost of auto insurance.  Understanding how discounts can affect auto insurance premiums can help you make better decisions about your coverage and possibly save yourself some money in the process.

Find below some information that will help you to identify possible auto insurance discounts.

- Keep in mind that the type of vehicle you buy could greatly affect your premium.  A flashy sports car is usually going to cost more to insure than something small yet economic.  This is also true of vehicles that are on the list of most stolen. 

- Some insurance companies will give you a discount for having more than one car.  If you have a clean driving record, meaning you do not have any tickets, accidents or suspensions in the last three to five years then you could be eligible for a safe driver’s discount.

- Certain insurance companies will reward you for staying with them for many years without any accidents reported.  They will subsequently offer you a renewal discount.  Due to the fact that you have carried insurance with a company for a number of years, and have not had an accident, the insurance company wishes to reward you and keep doing business with you. 

- If it happens that you change from insurance company, a proof of prior insurance discount will most likely apply.  Many insurance companies request at least 6 months of consecutive insurance from the previous insurance company. 

- If you own an older car, it may not be necessary or cost-effective to protect them with collision and comprehensive coverage.  By comparing the book value of your vehicle and the premium that the insurance company offers, you may find that it cost as much for the insurance as it does for the vehicle.  Thus, chances are that you will spend more insuring it than it is actually worth.

- If you are a full-time student with good grades and are unmarried and usually under 25 years of age, you could be eligible for a good student discount.  The same principle applies if you own a home that is used as a principal residence.

- If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, chances are that a discount could apply.

Senior drivers, like all other drivers, also want to get hold of the best rates on their car insurance policies.  However, what senior drivers may not realize is that they usually present a higher risk than other road users.  In turn, this leads to higher car insurance rates.

Following the information set out below will ensure that you as senior driver are getting the lowest rates possible on your car insurance policy.

1. Check to see which insurance companies offer discounts specifically for seniors.  While shopping around for the best car insurance rates is important, which insurance company you choose might depend on how they treat senior drivers.  You will receive good rates if you are healthy and drive a safe, modern vehicle.

2. Be able to drive in traffic.  Try to drive at or near the speed limit.  Driving too slowly can have the same results as speeding, especially when driving on highways.  Inappropriate driving can also trigger dangerous road rage in less patient drivers.

3. Always avoid any accidents.  Senior drivers are often involved in accidents near intersections.  Pay close attention when entering and exiting intersections.

4. Other violations include failure to yield right-of-way, improper turning or incorrect lane changes.  It is important to keep current on the traffic laws relating to new traffic designs.

5. Ensure you know how to operate a new car.  Things like anti-lock brakes, for example, operate differently in slippery situations.  If you have never driven a car with new technology, be sure to get training on the proper use thereof.

6. You should always try and sit high enough in your seat so that you can see what is going on in front of your car.  If your car seat does not adjust to allow this, add a cushion.  Not only will this make it easier to see pedestrians and cyclists, but it will also reduce problems from oncoming headlight glare at night.

7. Air bag technology has become more advanced, with sensors that deploy air bags based on the weight of the occupant.  Some new cars also have side air bags in the seats or door frame that offer better protection.

8. Comfort ability is important for your new car.  It is a fact that seat belts that comfortably fit over your shoulder and low on your lap will keep you safer.  Automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes require less physical effort.

9. Never wear sunglasses or tinted glasses when hitting the road at nighttime.  For many older drivers, night vision is reduced, so safety dictates not driving at twilight or after dark.

10. Give preference to cars with rear-view mirrors, seeing as they automatically dim and filter out headlight glare.

Even though it is not required by law as is the case in some other countries, it is still a good thing for all car owners to apply for motor vehicle insurance.  Many a motorist simply does not understand why they should apply for something so costly.  However, they need to understand that motor vehicle insurance will be of great advantage to them in the long run.  Those individuals without motor vehicle insurance would have a host of problems if they were to be involved in an accident.

The information displayed below is very useful when going through the process of applying for motor vehicle insurance:

• Always shop around.  This is probably the most effective tip on getting motor vehicle insurance.  Acquiring and subsequently comparing various quotes is a good stating point to see what deal will fit your particular needs the best.

• Collect as many insurance quotes as is humanly possible.  This will aid you to compare different types of rates and see whether any discounts concerning motor vehicle insurance are on offer.

• Depending on the degree of your shopping and research skills regarding motor vehicle insurance, hiring a broker may be a good or a bad idea.  Note that it will result in additional expenses if you do decide to hire one.

• You will receive better motor vehicle insurance rates if your vehicle contains security devices such as a theft alarm or car immobilizer installed.  Having your own locked garage, as well as a GPS installed, can also lead to discounts.

• There is the possibility of receiving a discount on your motor vehicle insurance if you are a member of some or other motoring organization.

• If you are a man and married, it is a good idea to rather obtain motor vehicle insurance on your wife’s name; this will save you a few rand on the premiums.

• Try and limit the number of possible drivers of your vehicle.  It is a fact that your motor vehicle insurance will be higher the more authorized drivers the vehicle has.

• By applying for a fixed mileage policy, insurers will come to the conclusion that the vehicle is not used that much, resulting in lower motor vehicle insurance cost.

• Undertaking defensive driving lessons can result in lower discounts or rates on your motor vehicle insurance.  Insurance companies usually recognize this.

Try to maintain a good driving habit at all times.  If this is the case, you will have absolutely no problem in applying for motor vehicle insurance.

Having suitable car breakdown cover is one of the best and well known solutions to solve an emergency car breakdown situation.  We have all experienced a car breakdown in the middle of nowhere due to some or other technical failure.  Fortunately though, car breakdown cover (also known as roadside cover) can act as a great backup plan when you find yourself in a similar crisis.

Because of the great emphasis being put on car breakdown cover nowadays, one will find many roadside assistance companies offering car breakdown cover at highly competitive prices.  Find below some important considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a proper car breakdown cover.

• Professionally skilled rescue staff

Reading customer reviews and feedbacks concerning the various roadside assistance companies will enable you to know what their service is like.  Therefore ensuring that you buy a car breakdown cover scheme from a roadside assistance company which boasts professionally skilled rescue staff is very important.

• Wide coverage

When deciding to obtain car breakdown cover, it is very important to ask questions regarding the strength of the roadside assistance company’s patrol team, as well as the areas they cover.  You should subsequently make sure that they can get to you as soon as possible, no matter where you might be at that specific moment.

• Minimum call out time

Preference should be given to a roadside assistance company that offers the minimum call out time and thus allows you to get timely and efficient roadside assistance.

• Tracking services

A great advantage nowadays is the fact that roadside assistance companies are able to track your location via your cell phone when your car broke down if you cannot direct them to where you are.

• Round the clock availability

Another important consideration regarding car breakdown cover is round the clock roadside assistance availability.

• Multiple driver plans

If your car has multiple drivers, then a car breakdown cover scheme which allows for more than one driver can be very useful.

• Additional recovery services

Apart from the standard car breakdown cover services which include flat tire replacement, lockout assistance, refueling, and towing, additional recovery services such as alternative transportation, hotel accommodation, as well as maps and directions in case you get lost while driving, is also a good idea.

If you are having trouble selecting the best possible car insurance then you will find this article extremely helpful.  Finding an insurance company that best suits not only your needs but your wallet as well goes a long way towards finding complete peace of mind.  It is very important to join an independent insurance company that offers both affordable insurance packages and fantastic VIP client services at all times.

Having reliable, cost effective and convenient car insurance cover is absolutely non-negotiable in the day and age we live in.  With vehicle theft and hi-jacking increasing on a daily basis, no one can really afford to take the risk of not having comprehensive cover in place.  Obtaining car insurance should be as hassle free and pleasant as possible.

When having a look at various vehicle insurance quotes offered to you, a number of important questions need to be answered.  Find below a list of these questions.

• Are the monthly premiums affordable?
• Is the excess amount one that you will be able to afford should something happen?
• Does the policy offer full comprehensive cover or is it limited cover?  Is third party cover included?
• Is the cover immediate or is there a waiting period for everything to be processed?
• Is their a lot of paper work to be filled out and faxed back?
• What is the claims procedure like?  Is there a fixed waiting period should your vehicle be damaged or stolen?
• Will you receive free services such as roadside assistance, emergency medical assistance and legal assistance?

You should focus on receiving full comprehensive cover for accidental damage, loss, theft and third party damage at an affordable rate.  Thus be on the lookout for insurance companies that offer insurance options at absolute ridiculous rates.  An ideal would be to find insurance in a complete tailor-made package at a rate that is more than easy to afford; even better if the insurance company does not require a lot of paperwork.

Registering for insurance nowadays is pretty simple.  Most insurance companies can actually set everything up over the phone without having to deal with paperwork whatsoever.  You can receive immediate cover, low monthly premiums and an equally low excess amount.  The entire process can be completely hassle-free.  Obtaining car insurance cover that looks after you and your needs has never been simpler.  However, this is only the case if you did your homework and as a subsequence selected one of the best car insurance companies.

After acquiring both your driver’s license and a car, all that is left to get is some vehicle insurance.  Although vehicle insurance is not required by law in all instances as is the case overseas, it is still advantageous to have.  Whether you have just bought your first car or been driving since the 50’s, you will undoubtedly have some questions regarding vehicle insurance.  Below are some great tips to help you find affordable vehicle insurance coverage. 

• Shop around

There are plenty of vehicle insurance companies advertising their services.  Each and every one of them make promises that they are the best and are able to save you hundreds of bucks annually in premium costs and subsequently offer you more benefits than their competitors.  Compare vehicle insurance companies with each other in order to see who will indeed give you the best vehicle insurance deal.  As this is a big decision financially that could greatly impact the financial stability of your family, you should not rush into anything. 

• Safe driving

This tip should be obvious.  If you have a dodgy driving record, chances are good that vehicle insurance companies will think twice before giving you vehicle insurance; however, if they do, it will not come at a cheap price.  The more accidents you have been involved in, the more they will charge you for vehicle insurance.  Also, if you do get vehicle insurance and you are involved in an accident, you can expect your premiums to go up.  Thus, avoid getting into any accidents if you want to build up a good driving record. 

• Vehicle

Having a reliable vehicle will count in your favour when it comes to vehicle insurance.  The vehicle’s age, as well as its condition and accident history is important factors that vehicle insurance companies take into consideration.  If your vehicle has been in a number of accidents and you have to fix it on a constant basis, a vehicle insurance company may consider giving you the value of the vehicle rather than pay you to get it fixed; if your vehicle is not reliable, vehicle insurance companies might argue that it is not worth as much as the repair costs.

Certainly one of the smartest solutions to solve an emergency car breakdown situation is having proper car breakdown cover.  When your car decides to break down in the middle of nowhere due to some or other technical failure, your car breakdown cover (roadside cover) can act as a great backup plan when you find yourself in such a crisis.

Due to the emphasis put on car breakdown cover these days, a lot of roadside assistance companies offer car breakdown cover at prices that are highly competitive.  Below are some important considerations to consider when purchasing a suitable car breakdown cover. 

• Wide coverage

When deciding on car breakdown cover, it is of the utmost importance to enquire about the strength of the roadside assistance company’s patrol team, as well as the areas covered by them.  You should thus ensure that they can get to you as fast as possible, no matter where you might find yourself at that moment.

• Tracking services

It will be of great benefit if the roadside assistance company is able to track your location through your cell phone when your car broke down in a location that is unfamiliar to you. 

• Minimum call out time

A roadside assistance company that offers the minimum call out time, allowing you to get timely and efficient roadside assistance, should enjoy preference. 

• Multiple driver plans

If you are more than one driver who uses the car, then a car breakdown cover scheme which allows for multiple driver plans can be very useful. 

• Professionally skilled rescue staff

Reading customer reviews and feedbacks regarding the different roadside assistance companies will give you a better idea of what their service is like.  Ensure that you purchase a car breakdown cover scheme from a roadside assistance company which boasts professionally skilled rescue staff. 

• Round the clock availability

Round the clock roadside assistance availability is another important consideration regarding car breakdown cover. 

• Additional recovery services

Apart from standard car breakdown cover services such as refueling, flat tire replacement, lockout assistance, and towing, additional recovery services like hotel accommodation, alternative transportation, and maps and directions in case you get lost while driving, is also a good idea.