Category: Automotive

How to Get an Auto Loan with Bad Credit in the U.S.

Interested in how you’ll feel behind the wheel of your new car but worried about your credit score? Anxious about just how tough the terms might be? Well, we evaluate the process of getting an auto loan with a bad credit focusing on the research required and the background information that will give you an upper hand when approaching the negotiation table. 

Understanding Auto Loans in the USA

Automobile loans can be confusing especially when you are faced with bad credit scores. Usually, shoppers are faced with figuring out which one is the best deal on their financing. Understanding all the moving parts including the interest rates and the overall terms of the auto mobile loan is essential for getting the best deal even with a bad credit score. 

Automobile financing is understood to be a close-ended credit provided to service the purchasing of a new or used automobile. Products offered during automobile financing include either partial of full coverage for the cost of purchase. Financing usually comes from banks, original equipment manufacturing (OEM) companies, online lenders, and credit unions. 

Some of the terms you need to understand to help your automobile loan take shape include the: 

Annual Percentage Rate 

This is simply the interest rate that will be charged on the original amount borrowed- the principal. Note that most lenders add any closing costs to the principal further influencing just how much you will be repaying at the end of each month. 

Term

This is the duration in which the loan will be serviced. Industry trends indicate that auto loan terms are getting longer and longer. This effectively means that the monthly repayments are getting lower and interests higher. Have the lender take you through the duration you are expected to service the loan. 

Tips for getting an auto loan with bad credit in the USA 

Know your credit score 

For lenders to assess your personal credit risk, they rely on your personal credit score. This information is contained in a credit report that details your recent financial history including previous loan payments, credit applications, and bankruptcies. 

To take charge of your bad credit, it is advisable to access your overall credit profile. In the United States, this information is available by the top credit reporting bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax and scaled based on the FICO methodology. Additionally, you can utilize tools like myBankrate to access your profile all for free.

It goes without saying that you are required to do more than just check your credit score. Take action. Make intentional moves to repair your credit score including making overdue payments. If necessary, seek expert advice all aimed at getting you in a favorable position with auto loan lenders. 

Research, research, research 

Before you begin to shop for an auto loan or make a final decision on which auto loan fits your needs best, embark on extensive research. 

Your first task before approaching a lender is understanding what you can afford. Use online tools like the auto finance calculators to estimate what you can easily pay for. The calculator will provide you with a bigger picture including the loan term, annual percentage rates, and the down payment needed. Input these estimates into an affordability calculator to further breakdown just how much you can spend servicing you automobile loan. 

Next is choosing a vehicle. As in most cases, you may want to go with an older model than a newer one with high consumption. Even with budget considerations, make sure you take into account your personal needs and preferences. 

Once you have a vehicle in mind, take a look at your insurance options. This will be part of your overall monthly expense so it’s critical to get a gauge on how much you’ll have to pay for insurance on top of your car loan.

Lastly, shop around. Approach banks, credit unions, finance companies, and dealerships just to ensure you get the very best deal. Go online and look through direct-to-consumers lenders.  

Down payment plus trade in 

When faced with a bad credit profile, choosing to have a hefty down payment and trading in the older automobile may significantly improve your position. By going for either option, you are assured that the principal amount is lowered. Additionally, trading in the old car shows the lender your commitment to the current deal. 

Get a cosigner 

Nothing improves your position during the negotiations for an auto loan than having a cosigner. The consigner, hopefully one with a better credit profile, serves to improve the lender’s confidence. By cosigning the auto loan, they agree to repay the loan on your behalf in the case that you are incapable of servicing the loan or default. 

Find a dealership 

The right dealership will mean a swift process. It is important to remember that there is no pressure even with the poor credit profile. Go for reputable firms that are certified. Be upfront with the management and present all documentation. Most importantly, commit to fulfilling your end of your deal. 

A bad credit score does not have to mean the end of the road for auto mobile shoppers. With some research, a willingness to correct your credit score and expert advice, you can be on your way to partial or full financing of your automobile. 

How Online Auto Insurance Works In the U.S.

Auto insurance is a necessity for any household. Not only is it required by law but also coverages you in the case of medical bills and property damage.  In an attempt to remain competitive in the digital age, auto insurance companies have taken their businesses online providing automobile owners flexible and reasonable rates. A simple online search for a car insurance quote results in: paid ads by insurers including Geico, State Farm, Allstate and Progressive, third party companies specializing in contract negotiations and local businesses offering rate comparisons. We explore why you should consider an online auto insurance, how to get an online auto insurance quote and things you should look out for. 

Why choose an online auto insurance provider

  • It is relatively cheap. You can choose your coverage, source for quotations, make payments and compare coverages all in the comfort of your home. It is especially attractive to people with fewer assets needing less-complicated coverages, and who are price-sensitive. 
  • Choosing the online platform avails to you unbiased reviews of the company’s business. You get access to the pros and cons of their products long before you make the purchasing decision. 
  • As the online landscape is still new to most insurance companies, you may be able to take advantage of the multiple offers and discounts offered. In an attempt to remain competitive and attract buyers to their websites, insurance companies will run reward systems and offers making the car insurance bought online relatively cheaper.  
  • Buying an auto insurance can be rather daunting. Online auto insurance companies have, in light of this, created user-friendly interfaces that ease of the decision-making and ultimately the purchase. Reputable companies have invested in making the process seamless and the transactions safe. 

How to Get Online Auto Insurance Quotes

  • Figure out the location you will need to use while filling out the paper work

The term used for this during most applications the “garage location.” This implies the specific location where the vehicle getting the coverage will be parked most of the time. While this may be a no-brainer for individuals with just one car and one residence, automobile owners with multiple homes and vehicles may find it rather challenging. 

  • Find out the full information on the vehicle

While it is not necessary to give the agent your license plate number or details of your driver’s license, it is important to have the right information at hand. For most companies including , they will require you to have information on the make, model and year of the car at hand. You should also seek to know the vehicle identification number (VIN) before you reach out to the insurance company. Finally, most companies will require you to highlight any safety features and aftermarket features in each of the vehicles listed. Also of importance is information on the expected annual mileage, the vehicle’s primary use and the type of coverage you are looking for. 

  • Have ready any information on the driver(s)

When filling out the insurance coverage paperwork, you may be required to offer factual information on the driver and other individuals who’ll be handling the vehicle. You will need to have information on such inquiries as: how many miles you drive to work and back, particulars on the primary driver of the said vehicle, how long they have been drivers and finally the dates of any minor or major traffic violations by the said driver. Before a quote is drafted, you will also need to indicate the credit scores for all the drivers who will be handling the automobile. 

  • Search online for companies that offer quotes and connect with an independent agent

Finding the right company to get a quote from can be a hassle especially when you are looking to purchase your very first coverage. That is where an independent agent comes in. A quick search online of online auto insurance providers that offer free quotes churns out an overwhelming number. An independent agent will know which site provides the most accurate quote and compares all the quotes from the different companies. They’ll shop, compare and assemble all the information you require to get the best vehicle insurance coverage. 

What you should look for when choosing an online auto insurance coverage

  • A simple online application process
  • User-friendly account management tools
  • Availability of numerous integrated discounts for example multi-car or safe driver discounts
  • Ease in creating custom coverages
  • Availability of optional add-ons. These could range from a simple package of accident forgiveness to new car replacement. 
  • Go for direct to consumer insurers like Geico as not only do you get better packages, you can have your agent custom make an umbrella coverage. 
  • Seek to speak live to a representative instead of simply settling for the online quote that fits a standard situation. 

Even though the internet has made getting an auto insurance quote online rather easy and straight-forward, it can still be daunting especially for first-timers. Within just a few minutes, you can get rate-comparisons and quotes from multiple providers. Invest into getting the best online auto insurance quotes as they are a great tool to have in your research and price shop. 

Online Car Insurance Explained

Having your car insured is one of the best things you can do as a responsible car owner. It provides coverage not only for damage and loss on your part but also to affected persons as well, such as in the case of road mishaps. More importantly, it gives you peace of mind and an assurance that, should there be an incident on the road, you and other people affected will be insured. 

How does online car insurance work?

Online car insurance is an insurance policy captured online which handles expenses as a result of an accident, theft or third party liability. It is mandatory and it protects you from financial emergencies and legal liability resulting from collision, bodily injury and damage to you, your vehicle and other persons.  There are now various companies which offer car insurance online with low premiums to choose from. 

Benefits of online car insurance

There are many advantages if you purchase your car insurance policy online:

It requires no agents at all.

There is no need for a middleman such as an insurance agent or broker if you purchase car insurance online. You can easily search for car insurance companies and get quotes directly from them without having to go through the trouble of dealing with various agents. 

It is budget-friendly.

Securing your car insurance online saves you time and money. With just a few clicks you can easily contact car insurance companies to get an informed decision.  Also, since you’re dealing with car insurance companies directly you’ll save money since you don’t have to pay an agent or broker. 

There are online reviews to help you decide.

Confused with what car insurance company to choose? You need not worry as the internet has a rich resource of online reviews to help you decide. Check out a company’s customer ratings and what past clients are saying about their customer service and support.  Opt for a reputable car insurance company backed with years of experience in the industry. 

You can purchase anytime you want.

Buying car insurance online is convenient as you don’t have to adhere to office hours. You can access a car insurance company’s website anytime and you can buy car insurance regardless of the time of day. 

It has a fuss-free and user-friendly process.

Since you’re mostly doing the work yourself, purchasing car insurance online provides easy access and convenience.  There is no waiting time required in processing insurance documents and as a result, you’ll also be able to save more time and effort.  Also, your online financial transactions are secure. 

Disadvantages of online car insurance 

While there are benefits if you buy car insurance online it also has its disadvantages. These are:

You have to rely on your own expertise.

Since you’re buying your car insurance online it also means you’re a one-man army who has to rely on your own expertise. This can be a real struggle especially if it’s not really your cup of tea. You have to double your efforts in researching answers to your insurance-related inquiries since there is no agent to assist you. 

You have to file a claim on your own. 

As mentioned earlier, you’re doing everything alone and this also means filing claims on your own at a time of loss or accident. This can be hard as you tend to be in a lot of pressure and stress during such an unfortunate time. 

You have to be computer-savvy. 

Purchasing car insurance online can be stressful if you don’t have ample computer skills as you have to fill in all the needed information for your car insurance quote. 

You have to call an 800 number and an automated system. 

While there is ample information available online, still there will be times when you have to speak to a person through an 800 number to clarify insurance-related concerns.  However, this can be frustrating as you have to go through an automated system which can put you on hold at long intervals. 

Essential tips when buying online car insurance 

These are just some of the tips that will guide you in purchasing car insurance online:

  • Be sure to compare car insurance policies from at least a few companies.
  • Make sure that you know your requirements and the coverage you wish to buy.
  • Always use a car insurance calculator, an online tool that gives a rough estimate of your car insurance policy cost.
  • Be sure to declare the accurate insured declared value of your car. 
  • Price should not be your only basis when choosing your car insurance company.
  • Choose only relevant add-ons for your car insurance policy.
  • Take things slowly and don’t rush with your decisions.
  • Be sure to determine the cost of the policy for 12 months (they often have 6 month premiums)

With online car insurance, you are assured that expenses will be covered promptly. It also ensures that you, your loved ones and other people affected are covered in case of accident or theft.

Top 10 Features to Consider before Buying a Luxury Car

There is a difference between being economical and treasuring value per dollar spent. One is like settling for any kind of burger, and the other one is searching and knowing where the best burger joint is. Knowing the difference between the two is the reason why almost two years ago I bought a Mercedes-Benz C300 Sedan and drove it daily.

Owning a luxury car does not mean you’re a “show-off” of your wealth. You see, there are much more explanations why many people buy these expensive cars. The key features of these luxury cars are the reasons why most of the people (including me) get one.

Driving a very expensive car where everyone’s head will turn when you pass by is such an amazing feeling. The beautiful and one of a kind interior leather design, the high definition command center for your music, GPRS, and maybe even video calling, the high end painting, the beautiful curves that can almost match the curves of a woman, the attention you get when you go out and get in your car, and everything else that good money can buy.

Since you are considering buying a luxury car, it must mean that you are very particular about your ride. This means that you probably want the most high-end, unique, and amazing car around. Luxury cars offer all sorts of features from steering wheel warmers, seat massagers, seat coolers, and even hydrophobic windows. Unless you can afford them all you have to make sure which add-ons and features you want in your luxury car in order to get the most out of your money.

In helping choose what you should look for, here is a short list of cool features that you should consider before buying a luxury car.

Steering Wheel Warmer

Are you tired of your hands locking up because of the cold while driving? Well, you can consider a Steering Wheel Warmer that will automatically heat up your hands when you are using the steering wheel. This will make it more comfortable to drive especially when it’s raining or snowing. (This feature is also built in the car and is not offered as an add-on, thus the price can’t be accurately separated.)

Auto Lane Keeping

This feature will help you put your car into auto-pilot mode; The Mercedes-Benz has built an “electric eye” which watches the road for the driver. The key, with all sensors, is having confidence the sensors and the electric eye camera are doing their job. If they are, you essentially have a car that can drive itself. (This feature is often also built in the car and is not offered as an add-on, thus the price can’t be accurately separated.)

Bentley’s Infotainment Pack

Do you want two Ipads, a drop down 12-inch screen and two headset displays along with your car purchase? Well, if you do, you probably should consider the Bentley’s Infotainment Pack, It is very expensive but then again you are buying a car for the features, not the cost. The pack is around an add-on of $35,000. This will turn your car into a mini media room where you can watch Netflix, listen to music, and even have conference calls.

Aston Martin Transponder Watch

Do you want to own a car that can be directly controlled by your watch? Well, way before the Apple Watch was a thing, Aston Martin began offering the Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 Transponder Watch back in 2007, it is offered as an add-on for $31,000. This watch can lock and unlock your car with a simple flick of a button.

Bang and Olufsen Pop-Up Tweeters

One thing most people will gladly spend their money on is for a high-quality speaker, and that is what you get for an add-on of $8,000 dollars in your Aston Martin purchase. This speaker offers world-class music that pops up in your dashboard and automatically hides away if not being used. This feature is perfect for those who are audiophiles.

Scent System

If you do not like the cheap and conventional air fresheners then you can go get the Mercedes S550 scent system. This is available as an add-on when purchasing the Mercedes S-series. This is a high-end fragrance system that can be controlled electronically to make your car smell better, it can even be set at specific intervals during the day. A bottle costs around $90 and it refills, too.

Leather Air Vents

Are plastic air vents an eyesore in your new luxury car? You might very well consider Porsche’s leather air vents. This will undoubtedly make almost all of your car’s interior leather and will make you cash out around $800.

Electronic Passenger Seat Adjustment

Do you want to directly adjust your passenger’s seat to their liking without asking them to do so or asking them to get out of the car? Then you might very well want BMW’s gentleman function. This feature can be found on a couple of BMW 7-series, this will make it possible for you to directly adjust the passenger’s seat prior or during his arrival, a true feature for those wanting to be a gentleman. This feature is also built in the car and is not offered as an add-on, thus the price can’t be accurately separated.

More than Leather

Is leather getting boring for you? Then you might want to consider getting Mercedes Maybach’s granite rim. This will add trimmings of granite like a fancy bathroom tile in your car interior. The trimming will roughly cost about $70,000.

Starlight Inside of Your Car

Do you want to go stargazing with your partner on a rainy day? Or go stargazing after dinner without driving a couple of miles? Then the Rolls Royce Starlight Roof is perfect for you. They will design the inner roof liner, customize with fiber optic lights, in order to recreate a night sky. You would need to throw in an additional $12,000 for the amazing stargazing sight.

We hope these features I have mentioned can help you in choosing your car. Just make sure that you have considered everything before buying one. Choosing what luxury car to buy is a very big decision to make.

U.S. Auto Insurance Quotes Online

What are Auto Insurance Quotes?

An auto insurance quote is a document that outlines the potential coverage an individual can get for use of a specific automobile. The coverage pertains specifically to that individual and can help with the liability in case of an auto accident.

Benefits of Online Auto Insurance Quotes

(1) Multiple Transmissions of Data: A significant advantage of online auto insurance quotes is that an input of one’s personal information at a single time can be used to access many insurance carriers. Instead of making another entry of the same personal information per transaction with an insurance carrier, internet platform makes the one-entry data of personal information to be copied for other insurance carriers. Online purchase of Auto Insurance Quotes put time maximization and utility highly into consideration.

(2.) Good Decision through Comparison: The internet has access to many insurance carriers that are available for insurance transactions. By going online to get insurance quotes gives you access to critically assess and compare the various insurance quotes that are being presented to you. If you have many options to choose from, you can then thoroughly choose the insurance carrier that offers the tariff that is most suitable and plausible to you economically. This makes you use cost more efficiently and cut excess spending since there are favored quotes at a more convenient price. Amazing! You do not feel bound to one insurance carrier only. Great! Finally free from the boring exercise of entering same information over and over again.

(3) Easily Accessible Interface: The sites of most insurance company online are designed such that the prospective clients and clients have easy access to all the processes involved in insurance dealings. The interface that connects the client to the company is made to be highly comprehensible and user-friendly. For example, the process of filing a claim, subscribing for your premium, and changing of policy coverage can all be done in the comfort of your home or office. This immobile way of getting things done saves fuel that will be used in transportation, saves energy for other uses, and makes an efficient use of time and resources. Beautiful! No more sweating to get your insurance.

(4) Availability of Documents 24/7: At the time of need, if one is in a far distance from the hard-copy document, an online user can still go to the relevant insurance site and make a swift download of any documents that may be needed. Again, the availability of the documents on the internet ensures the security of all documents and makes you assured of not losing your files and documents to any form of hazard. You can print all documents anew at the time of need even in situations where the hard copy is destroyed. Great! No more fear of losing evidence and documents.

(5) Competitive Market for each Insurance Company: A tremendous success of the internet in the domain of insurance is the creation of competition for many insurance companies. The very fact that the internet makes the insurance quotes and rates of each company readily accessible to internet users, gives these insurance companies the reaction to formulate good plans that will ensure their triumph in the competitive market. They all make plans that will attract clients. Wow! This seems to be highly favorable to you.

How to Buy Auto Insurance Quotes Online

(1) Be Prepared: Get all the information ready. Driver license numbers of all the drivers involved, all relevant vehicles information, and approximate dates and details of all the violations and accidents, and distance coverage, vehicles have been through. Prepare to show your credit report (it is relative to states or companies)

(2) Start Shopping: Having got all your documents organized, begin to research quotes from carriers. In choosing, put relevant benefit that suits your age group and financial status into consideration.

(3) Protect yourself by Choosing Good Liability Limits: The states require Bodily Injury Liability covers that occurs if you are the agent that caused an accident. Also, Property Damage Liability is required for car damage caused by your vehicle. To get pay that corresponds with the cost of loss in an accident, you need to have more than the state-mandated minimum coverage. To protect yourself and your asset, acquire extra liability insurance.

(4) Deductibles and Coverage: After choosing liability limit, you will be presented optional coverages in the area of uninsured and underinsured motorists and personal injury protection(optional). This insurance pays for the medical, funeral, rehabilitation, and pain cost derived in the accident. This insurance also captures the clients’ household members as pedestrians. However, if you choose collision and comprehensive, you will be required to pay a deductible which is the charge that applies before insurance kicks in. To save rates, you can pay more deductibles.

(5) Discounts: The answer you give to the questions of what you do for a living and whether your car has, safety, anti-theft, dependable body parts will determine the price.

(6) Printing of Card, and Discarding of Old Policies: After the purchase of a policy has been achieved, there is a need for the client to print out evidence of coverage. Plausibly, the soft copy may also be saved on the clients’ emails. After the proof has been acquired, the existing policy can be abandoned or discarded, and the new policy can be adopted to save money.

 

Take advantage of the competition to find the best insurance policy at the best price.

Pros and Cons of Refinancing Your Auto Loan

Refinancing your auto loan is a very big decision to make, almost as big as buying your new car. Refinancing is basically acquiring a new secured loan to pay off the old one. This usually happens when you seek more favorable terms on your loan contract or you need cash fast.  Ideally, the new loan terms will be improved.  But sometimes refinancing is not always the right decision, as there are disadvantages related to it, too.

Refinancing your auto loan can be appealing and tempting at times.  But it is very important to take a close look to make sure you get the benefits you wanted from it. Like other decision-making situations, refinancing has both advantages and disadvantages. That is based, of course, on your situation. Having an educated understanding about these pros and cons will keep you on the right track to make a good financial decision.

To help you decide whether to refinance your car loan, here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros of Refinancing Your Auto Loan

Refinancing can lower your interest rate

Through refinancing, there is a possibility that you get a lower interest rate compared to your existing loan. This is one of the many reasons why borrowers opt to refinance. If you have a good credit reputation, you might want to try checking to refinance your vehicle after a couple of years. If your credit score is good, you can get a lower interest rate through refinancing. With lower finance charges, you will be able to save money over the course of loan period or even able to pay off your loan faster. However, there is a limit on this. Keep in mind multiple inquiries on your credit rating can negatively affect your credit standing.

Refinancing extends payment period

It allows the borrower to reconstruct the term of the new loan, including the payment period. If the borrower has good credit, extending the loan period can be attainable. For instance, if the loan term of your existing loan is two more years, it may be possible to extend the term to four or five years through refinancing.

Refinancing increases cash flow

If the balance of your existing loan is less than what your car is worth, you may able to increase your cash flow through cash-out refinancing.  For instance, if your vehicle is currently valued at $10,000, but you only owe $8,000; your vehicle has an equity value of $2,000. This type of refinancing gives you the equity remaining to use as necessary.

Cons of Refinancing Your Auto Loan

Refinancing makes you pay more interest over the period of the loan.

When you refinance, you should compute first whether you are actually saving money. Although it is true that when you refinance you often get a lower interest rate, you generally also pay more interest since the loan period is extended. In other words, you pay more cash over the life of your loan. Getting a lower monthly interest rate might be very tempting, but if you really want to pay less overall and save money it is important that you do the math first before deciding.

Refinancing sometimes makes you pay a higher interest rate.

This advantage is for a cash-out type of refinancing. This type of refinancing allows borrowers to pull out cash fast but often come with a financial penalty (interest rate or fees).  Getting cash is the most common reason for refinancing. When you conduct a cash-out refinancing, you should keep in mind that most creditors charge high interest especially on older cars. But, this is a good method to get cash out of your equity if you need immediate funds.

Refinancing sometimes makes you pay exit, transfer, and upfront fees.

Since you are terminating your existing loan and getting a new one, you are expected to pay additional fees and charges.  Most of the loans that came from refinancing do not have a pre-termination waiver. Beware if your new loan comes with a prepayment charge, because it will mean you are not allowed to pay off your credit early. With that, you have no choice but to pay the loan over the entire length of the loan. Be careful if your new creditor charges an extra fee, including the application charges, because these can add up and offset benefits that you’d get from refinancing.

 

Before deciding whether to refinance or not, you must do your research first and take all your options into consideration. Start by evaluating what interest rates are available. Then consider your budget and the length of your current versus proposed loan. To maximize the benefit of refinancing, try to find a loan that has the lowest interest rate but payable in the shortest period of time.

Things to Know About Online Auto Insurance

Are you planning to purchase auto insurance? Or do you already have insurance but are searching for an alternative insurance provider? Car insurance is not only mandatory but it is beneficial not only for you but for your family and passengers as well. It gives financial protection when a car’s driver, passengers and other people are physically hurt during a collision and other liabilities that may happen as a result of the incident. It also provides financial protection if your car is damaged due to natural causes or disasters and during collision with stationary objects.

The good news is, you can now buy auto insurance online. With internet technology becoming advanced through the years, more and more people are turning to online options including the purchase of auto insurance. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of buying auto insurance online:

Advantages of Online Auto Insurance

  1. There is no insurance agent or middle man involved. You do not have to negotiate or talk with an insurance agent when you purchase online and this allows you to save money in the process.
  1. You can purchase anytime whether it’s day or night time. Regardless if you’re in town or on vacation in another country, you can still purchase auto insurance and you can do so whether it’s 6 in the morning or 12 midnight.
  1. You can acquire a copy of pertinent insurance documents anytime you want. You can get a copy of important documents anytime you request for it if you purchase your auto insurance online.
  1. All essential information is readily available to you. Online auto insurance companies and providers have FAQ’s set up on their websites and all you have to do is look through and read all the information indicated.

Disadvantages of Online Auto Insurance

  1. There is no one to assist you when you file a claim. Since you acquired your car insurance online there is no insurance agent to assist you when filing claims which can be daunting during a stressful time such as a time of loss due to car accidents.
  1. You have to do all the research on your own and be your own auto insurance expert. There is no one to assist you and you have to know the technicalities and vital information all by yourself.
  1. You still have to call someone through an automated system. There will be times when the answers you are looking for may not be found on the information provided online so you still have to contact an 800 number which can be time consuming and impersonal as well.
  1. You need to be computer-literate or should be comfortable using a computer. Being computer-savvy is important as you have to fill up online quote forms and if  you’re not at ease using a computer then you have to think twice if you really want to purchase your car insurance online.

Important Tips When Buying Auto Insurance Online

  • Canvass first and visit websites of online auto insurance providers and be sure to compare quotes.
  • Make sure to visit your state’s insurance department as it contains websites of state-licensed insurance companies, consumer guides on auto insurance and price comparisons of competing insurance companies.
  • Price should not be the only consideration when buying car insurance online. You should also ascertain that you have equivalent coverage amount and be sure to scrutinize the terms of agreement.
  • Check out consumer satisfactions databases like ConsumerReports.org to check the financial stability of an online auto insurance provider.
  • Ask around and seek recommendations from trusted friends and colleagues

The following are the various types of car insurance coverage:

  • Collision insurance – It covers car damages during an accident including the replacement and repair of the insured car.
  • Medical payment coverage – It covers payment of medical costs resulting from an accident.
  • Liability coverage – It helps cover costs for injuries and property damage to other people whom you are legally accountable within a covered accident.This type of coverage is mandatory in most US states for you to be able to drive your own vehicle.
  • Comprehensive insurance – It provides extra coverage in the event of an accident aside from collision and this includes vandalism, accident involving animals and weather-related incidents.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage – It allows protection against hit-and-run incidents and drivers who are uninsured.
  • Personal injury protection coverage – It covers medical expenses as well as loss of income resulting from a covered accident.
  • Underinsured motorist coverage – It helps cover the costs in the event of an accident with another car whose driver has no adequate insurance to shoulder the expenses.
  • Towing and labor insurance – This can only be availed if you already have existing comprehensive car insurance and provides reimbursement for towing and labor costs during car repairs.

Here are the steps to walk you through when filing an auto insurance claim in the event of a car accident or when you are liable for physical damages involving your car:

  1. Notify the police of the accident immediately so they can prepare a police report.
  2. Be sure to document and collect all the information concerning the accident as you will have to provide your insurance company with the details.
  3. Contact your car insurance right away and most preferably from the scene of the accident. Your car insurance company will assist you should you need help in towing your vehicle, among other things.
  4. A claims specialist shall be assigned in processing your claim. Be sure to provide him/her with all the necessary information concerning the accident. The assigned claims specialist is also there to assist you and answer all your questions related to your claim.
  5. Once the claims specialist has finalized all research you will then receive a cost estimate of the repairs that shall be done and any deductible payments that need to be settled. Upon mutual agreement of the terms, you can already claim your vehicle for the needed repairs.

Having a car takes on a great level of responsibility on your part and having auto insurance is necessary for your own safety as well as for your family and loved ones. Purchasing car insurance especially online is becoming a popular option for car owners these days allowing for more seamless and hassle-free transactions.  Most importantly, you are confident and assured that your car, your life and the life of others are secured and covered.

Top 8 SUVs of 2019

SUVs or Sports Utility Vehicles, particularly crossover models, are considered to be the one of the biggest things going among newly released vehicles. In the United States, these vehicles are not classified as cars, but as light cars. These vehicles are made on a light-truck chassis, and at the same time operated as family vehicle.

SUVs handily strike out both small and midsize car segments in terms of sales number. Most of the SUVs have a tall interior packaging and an upright body built. These days, you can get an SUV in all sorts of sizes, from small, mid-size or, large, with all-wheel drive or with two-wheel drive.

Recently, many automakers have launched their new SUV vehicles. With all the newly designed and modified models of SUVs, it is really hard to choose what the best is. Here are the top 8 SUVs that topped the list:

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe (starts at $25,000)

One of the resurrected models for 2019 is the Hyundai Santa Fe. This is the fourth generation of the Santa Fe line. The name Santa Fe Sport will be dropped, and the vehicle will simply be called the Santa Fe. The 2019 Santa Fe features a three-row seven passengers. It has more seats compared to its previous model which only has five passenger seats.

One of the modifications of this vehicle is that it has a taller and more open cabin, allowing roomier feel and better visibility. The muscular body lines of the current Santa Fe, especially in the rear portion of the vehicle, make it look athletic and sporty. To make things even more exciting, 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a diesel version, which allows you an occasional use of the third row. This feature won’t be available if you choose the gas-powered models.

2019 SUV Cadillac XT4 (starts at $34,795)

After the success of the SUV Cadillac’s XT5, the all-new Cadillac XT4 is introduced. The great success of the XT5 accounted for the forty-four percent of Cadillac’s revenue last year. This new generation of XT vehicle offers a comfortable luxury feature which is at the same time sporty. The vehicle features also an optional AWD system that can help you handle poor weather and rough roads while driving. It should be fine on snowy highways and dirt roads.

You expect an interior covered with luxury leather that modern Cadillac cars usually feature. The technology system of the new model is also exciting. It has 8-inch touch screen that offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

2019 Subaru Forester (starts at $24,295)

The 2019 Subaru Forester may look as sporty, but underneath its sheet metal design covers a completely new crossover SUV. With the rear seats in place, the new Forester model now stands at 35.5 cubic feet. It widened also its cargo area by 5.3 inches, allowing ease of loading.

The new Subaru Forester version features an improved standard convenience such as redesigned seats aimed at improving passenger comfort, 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android AutoAppdle CarPlay compatibility, and automatic climate control. One of the most exciting models in this is the Forester Sport, as it shares features with the higher-spec Premium model including infotainment system with 8.0-inch touchscreen, proximity key with push button, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Audi Q8 Crossover SUV (starts at $68,395)

This Q8 model is the newest Audi’s flagship crossover SUV. It definitely combines the elements of sportiness, utility, and luxury. The new model is wider and lower than the Q7 with which both share underpinnings. Both features curves front-to-rear and beltline with enough creases to help the vehicle stand out in a parking lot.

The interior of Q8 has a rich feel to it, with Audi’s latest version of its touchpad-controlled MMI media system with language voice commands and Audi’s reconfigurable instrument panel.  Features of this vehicle are plentiful; which include many of the latest improved supply of amenable acceleration.

2019 Acura RDX (starts at $37,300)

The third-generation of the Acura RDX is larger than the previous model in nearly every aspect. The overall length grows to 186.8 inches from 184.4 inches, height is up slightly from 65.0 inches to 65.7, and wheelbase expands to 108.3 inches from 105.7 inches. On the other hand, the engine shrinks in both cylinder count and displacement with the previous RDX model.

The 2019 Acura RDX features are generally bundled with available trim packages. The technology feature adds trim navigation, a two rear-seat USP ports, 12-speaker audio system, leather-trimmed sport seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.

2019 Lincoln Aviator (starts at $39,960)

The 2019 Acura RDX features are generally bundled with available trim packages. The technology feature adds trim navigation, two rear-seat USP ports, 12-speaker audio system, leather-trimmed sports seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.

One of the modifications includes cool technology features shown on the concept of the smartphone application that serves as the vehicle’s key. An adaptive suspension was also added that allows the driver to scan the driveway to better damp out potholes.

2019 Subaru Ascent (starts at $31,995)

The newest generation of Subaru Ascent features true family versatility. The vehicle has a spacious and comfortable interior for seven to eight passengers. The roof rails expand allowing the passengers to move more freely. In addition, the 2019 Subaru Ascent adds safety and connection to its features. It includes Standard Eyesight Driver Assist technology that allows the driver to easily see the entire road while driving. The vehicle also adds an active safety for added awareness, plus it has includes 360 degrees visibility. It has also LED steering responsive headlights and high beam assist.

2019 Toyota RAV4 (starts at $24,510)

One of the most popular small SUV’s in 2017 was the Toyota RAV4. They have modified the layout with a more athletic look and feel for their 2019 model.

The latest generation of RAV4 is more luxurious, has a large interior, and sports an athletic look. With lengthier wheelbase, it offers more room in the interior while shortening rear and front overhang. The 2019 RAV4 should be great for dirt roads and an all-weather adventure ride.