Car Insurance quotes in London UK

Auto insurance policies are often based on the State you live in today, usually offer free auto insurance quotes. The best example of this is Chicago auto insurance quotes.

There are several insurance companies, you can choose from Chicago, what you need to do is shop around and look for the best deal you can get.

When you request a Car Insurance quotes in London UK , make sure you know what you are to seek and receive important details; here are some basic information about auto insurance policies:

Car Insurance quotes in London UK will give you 4 levels of coverage: the insured party, the insured vehicle, third parties such as car and injured people and coverage to persons riding on the insured vehicle.

In General, Auto insurance companies provide deductibles a.k.a. excess payments. These are payments that pay each time your car is repaired using your insurance policy is a fixed contribution.There are two kinds of deductibles: deductibles compulsory and voluntary deductibles. Compulsory excess is the smallest amount of your insurer will accept in your insurance policy while voluntary excesses are voluntarily will pay amounts that are usually higher than the compulsory excesses.

Car Insurance quotes in London UK may have typically premiums on the basis of the following:

Age-teenage drivers who have no violation history and received a defence driving course or have good academic grades will likely be given lower car insurance premiums.Also, insurance companies to pay lower premiums for people aged 25 and above while drivers of a senior citizen is eligible for discounts.

Marital status-insurance companies to lower premiums to drivers who are married people who are not.

Registration of vehicles-if your car has a high probability that it will be stolen, more often than not, insurance companies will give you high premium charges; However, in the case of motor cycles could cause only minor damage to the other vehicles (as opposed to loss occurrence;) have a lower liability insurance premiums.

nce-auto insurance companies rely heavily on average annual distance was expected to be driven by the insured if based on reasonable estimate, x 64-based systems mounted odometer systems based on GPS or OBDII based systems.

Remember that Chicago Auto insurance quotes now can be obtained for free through Car Insurance quotes in London UK . compare the values and benefits; do a background check of insurance company financial situation; be resourceful and patients with questions as well as for Investigators in detail because discounts. After you have selected a policy will sign the contract for a period of time and you'll be hard pressed to complete the term of the contract.

The Importance Of Getting A Home Insurance Quote

So you know that you want to get home insurance, which is going to be a very smart move on your part, but first you are going to need to get a homeowner insurance quote. The home insurance quote is very important to get, because only by getting quotes from different companies are you ever going to be able to tell which is going to offer the best deal.If you want to know something about medical insurance as well as business insurance, you may turn to insurance brokers.

People often become a bit flustered when they start to realize just how many different insurance companies and plans there are to choose from, and they have no idea which route to take and which is going to be best for them, but getting the home insurance quote is definitely the starting point for everyone here.

So to start getting a home insurance quote, you are going to need to choose a few home insurance companies that seem reputable and respectable and worth looking more into. This is very easy to do, and you just have to go through any company that you are considering, and either go onto their website and fill out a short online form to get an estimated quote, or you can talk to a representative at the company to get more details and do it one on one.

Remember that while this home insurance quote is going to be based on the specific information that you have offered to the company, at the same time it is not going to be exact, and so you have to remember this and know that if you do choose to go through this company, the price that you end up paying may be higher or lower.

It really all depends on various factors, and more than anything how long you wait from getting the quote to deciding which company to actually sign up with for your home insurance. The idea of getting these quotes though is to help you in your decision here and make sure that you are going to be getting the best deal, and getting all the insurance that you need for the best possible price.

Take a home insurance quote seriously, and compare other factors as well. Remember, when you get home insurance this is not something that you are going to want to switch from company to company and back again for. Rather, you want to find a good company that you can stick with for this for the long term.

Keith Michaels PLC - Car Insurance - Surrey

Keith Michaels PLCCentral House, 1-15 Central Road, Worcester Park, Surrey, KT4 8EG.

Need car insurance and looking for a personal agent or advisor? Keith Michaels plc, Car Insurance Specialists, have arranged numerous schemes for the specialist vehicle user. Whatever vehicle you drive, we can accommodate yourcar insurance requirements. We have earned our reputation for Motor Insurance and pride ourselves on maintaining very high standards of customer care and claims handling. 

Telephone
0845 337 3380
(BT Local Rate)

Fax
0845 013 8235
(BT Local Rate)

E-mail
sales@keithmichaels.co.uk

Claims Department
0845 521 1369

Office Manager
Neil Donovan
neil@keithmichaels.co.uk
0845 013 8230

Sales Manager
Jason Robery
jason@keithmichaels.co.uk
0845 013 8232

Assistant Sales Manager
Gary Hamilton
gary@keithmichaels.co.uk
0845 013 8227

Underwriting Manager
Christian Wheatley
christian@keithmichaels.co.uk
0845 013 8226

Sales Staff

John Roberts
john@keithmichaels.co.uk
0845 013 8229

Fraser McKay
fraser@keithmichaels.co.uk
0845 013 8228

Jeremy Pocock
jeremy@keithmichaels.co.uk
0845 618 5306

Patrick Connolly
patrick@keithmichaels.co.uk
0845 618 5312

Mark Bullock
mark@keithmichaels.co.uk
0845 618 5307

Gary Moulson
gary.m@keithmichaels.co.uk
0845 013 8231

Matthew Moody
matthew@keithmichaels.co.uk
0845 013 8225

Direct Debits

Andrew Bumstead
andrew@keithmichaels.co.uk
0845 618 5310

Administration Staff

Nikki Snooks
nikki@keithmichaels.co.uk
0845 618 5309

Carrie Le-Jeune
carrie@keithmichaels.co.uk
0845 618 5308

AVIVA Insurance - Car Insurance in London

Aviva

PO Box 4
Surrey Street
Norwich
NR1 3NG

Car insurance contact details
For a new quote:
0800 015 4715*

Change your policy:
0844 891 1101**

General enquiries
Our switchboard is open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
01603 622200*

If you are calling from abroad
0044 1603 208931*

Contact us by fax:
Our fax number is 01603 683659

Swinton car Insurance in London

Swinton Chingford 
199 Chingford Mount Road  Chingford  London  E4 8LP  Telephone number: 020 8529 7092

Looking for cheap car insurance with quality cover can be time consuming. So why not let Swinton do the hard work for you? We'll not only save you time by searching top UK car insurance companies for you, we'll also save you money by offering you up to a massive online 25% discount. Get an online quote with Swinton today and let us help you get cheap car insurance cover that won't let you down!

Swinton Lewisham
250 Lewisham High St
London
SE13 6JU
Telephone number:
020 8852 3327

The way to ensure that you get the best deal possible on your next car purchase

The way to ensure that you get the best deal possible on your next car purchase is research.
The internet provides access to a wealth of information that puts you in the driver’s seat when
negotiating with a car salesman. Here are some tips that you can use to save yourself some
money.
The most important thing is to concentrate on the vehicle that you want. Don’t get caught up in
the deals being offered – you’ll end up choosing the car they want to sell you, not the car you
want to own.

Once you know what car you want, research how much that car is selling for. There are
websites that will tell you the dealer’s cost for that automobile. This allows you to bargain from
the dealer’s invoice price, and not the sticker price.
Check with the other dealerships that offer that brand, and make them aware that you have
looked around. Let the different dealerships compete to offer you the best deal.
When dealing with car salesman it is important to remember two things. The first is that they
are probably as honest as the next guy. Their work is at least partially based on their
reputations, so they won’t go out of their way to screw you over. However, they are paid on
commission, so their goals are not the same as yours.
The current model year seems to come earlier every year, By waiting for the first new cars to
arrive, you can get yourself a great deal on a new car from the previous model year, which the
dealer will need to sell in order to make room for the incoming selections.
All the deals being offered on new cars lately has helped drive down the price of used cars.
Consider a two year old car may be 30% less than it was brand new, and will probably still be
under warranty.
Leasing provides lower monthly payments than buying with an auto loan.
But it's not for everybody. If you don't have money for a down payment or if you trade your car
every two or three years, you may be a good candidate for a lease.
Be careful after you’ve agreed to a deal with a salesperson. You will then be sent to the
financial manager. They are not there just for the paperwork after the sale has been made. He
or she wants to sell you high-profit financial and mechanical add-ons. These are seldom worth
the money
Finally, spend some effort shopping for the money before you shop for the car. Getting the right
deal on a car loan is just as important as getting the right deal on the car. If you plan to buy with
a loan, check your credit union or local bank quotations to find the lowest rate. Getting a preapproved
loan will give you added confidence in negotiating a good price.

Buy A Car: The Art Of Negotiation

When you head to the dealership, start out by being sure you are prepared. Have your research
printed out and available for reference. Be sure you are dressed appropriately and how you are
dressed does not belie what you are going to be telling the salesperson. If you are going with
your spouse, be sure you’ve decided in advance what you are willing to pay.
When you meet with the salesperson, do not give too much information. If the salesperson asks
what you are going to be doing with your old car, or if you will want financing, simply and politely
delay the discussion by saying you haven’t decided yet.
Stay focused on the car you want and do not tell the salesperson the maximum you are willing
to pay. You might say the low end of what you are willing to pay, and if the salesperson asks
what your max is, simply repeat the amount you’ve already stated.

Also, avoid getting overly excited about a car. Don’t show that you have to have this particular
car, or that you’ve wanted one your whole life. Treat buying the car the same as if you were
choosing an insurance provider: calmly looking at the pros and cons and negotiating each
individual fee.
While negotiating, do not sign anything or give any personal information, besides your name.
You do not need to sign anything until you are actually buying the car, and you do not need to
give your social security number unless and until you are getting financing.
Be certain you are getting a deal you are comfortable with, and always be willing to walk away.
There are a lot of dealerships out there, and no dealership is the only place in the world that has
a car that will work for you.

Buy A Car: When Should You Buy?

There are times during the year when it is better to buy new or used cars, depending on the car
and what you are looking for. For example, as you probably already know, it can be better to
buy a convertible or other summer fun car in the fall, when people are looking for more practical
cars and those who had convertibles and were planning to sell them after “one final summer”
are looking to sell.
If you are buying a car from a dealership, the best time to buy a new car can be in the fall as
well. Dealers are trying to empty the lot to make space for next year’s models. The downside to
this can be if you want a specific model or color, as that car may be less available and thus the
price can be higher. Also, if you are only planning on owning this car for a few years, the older
model will have depreciated more, even if it is bought on the same day as a newer model.

You do not always need to go during a sale to get the sale price. Unless the period of time is the
manufacturer’s incentive period, you can get the same deal the rest of the year. Manufacturer’s
incentives are only available during the incentive period. Dealer’s sales prices can be negotiated
at other times of the year, and often when people go to sales, they actually end up paying more
than they might have negotiated for on a different day, just because a car buyer might feel that
the car they want could be sold to someone else. Incentive periods, however, are good times to
go.
On a day to day basis, it’s best to head to the dealership:
• On a weekday, such as a Tuesday or a Wednesday. These days are quieter at the
dealership, and you may feel less pressure. The sales people may feel more conducive to
giving you a good deal, so that they can make a few sales.
• Near the end of the month. Dealerships often keep monthly records of car sales, and
bonuses are given out on top of commissions based on meeting a monthly target. A
salesperson and a manager may be easier to negotiate with if they are trying to get a few more
sales to reach a target. Targets are based on numbers of cars sold, not on profits per car,
although the profit per car does effect commission at some dealerships.
• On a day when you have a lot of time available. While you do not want to waste too much
of your time, rushing through car negotiations can mean that you miss out on a potential for a
better deal.
The best time to buy a car, of course, is before you actually need one. Even if you do have to
have a car that very day, do give yourself some time to figure out the best car to buy and how
much you want to pay.

Buy A Car: Choosing The Right One

Buying a car, other than buying a house, is often the single most expensive purchases a person
can make in their life. How do you choose that car?
A car, SUV, truck, or minivan needs to basically do one thing: get you and your family from point
A to point B. What kind of car can do this most efficiently for you?

First of all, do you want a car? A minivan? An SUV? You need to consider what you will be
using the vehicle for. Just because you have two or three kids to taxi around does not always
mean you need a minivan. There are many larger sedan style cars, as well as station wagon
style cars, that car manufacturers are gearing towards the family on the go. Smaller minivans
can also work well for many families, while being more fuel efficient in these days of rising gas
and energy prices.
A Sports Utility Vehicle is a fun choice, and great for those who like to camp and go offroading.
Judging from the number of SUVs sold in North America, that seems like pretty much a third of
the population. SUVs may not be the best choice for many who don’t often camp or need a
SUV, because they are big and use a lot of gas.
A pickup truck with a crew cab can be a good choice for the driver who needs both the ability to
haul loads, and take their kids to hockey practice.
Do you want a hybrid car?
Hybrid cars are the newest form of car designed to be fuel efficient. They have two motors, one
gas and one electric. During braking, the electric motor generates electricity, which is stored and
used to run the car’s lights, etc. This can save gas, but not necessarily so much that you save
enough money in gas to make up for the higher price of the car. But for the environmentally
conscious, the commuter who has to drive a lot or far distances, or those who just like the look
of the car, a hybrid car can be great. The Toyota Prius, for example, can get up to 60 miles to
the gallon. This can work out to savings in the long run, depending on how long you keep the
car.

Electric cars
Electric cars run off of fuel cells, and are thus more environmentally friendly than gas powered
cars – no air pollution. These cars may not be the best choice for everyone. If you decide you
want an electric car, be sure and research the individual model you want.
Another important decision which you will need to make is whether to buy a new or used car.
This is a personal decision, based on a variety of factors, including comfort, financing, trade-ins,
and price.

Buy A Car: Get A Vehicle Inspection

Once you’ve looked over your used vehicle, inspected it yourself, test driven it, and negotiated a
price, you may think you are done and the only thing you have left to do is sign next to the little
post it sticky and drive away with your practical new to you car.
Before you drive away, or sign anything, make sure that your car purchase is conditional on the
car passing a vehicle inspection by an independent mechanic. If you can’t take the vehicle to
the mechanic, automobile associations often have mechanics who will travel to the car and
inspect it at the dealership or the private seller’s home. This inspection can cost between $75 to
$100, so this should be one of your last steps in purchasing a car – you don’t want to spend
$100 on every car you look at.

An independent mechanic can make certain that the car is actually in good shape. He or she
might find small concerns with the car – brake pads needing to be replaced soon, or a worn belt.
This may allow you to go back and renegotiate the price of the car, perhaps deducting some of
the repair costs, or having the dealer do the repairs. If the dealer does the repairs, you may wish
to get another vehicle inspection after he or she is done.
So in your deal with a dealer, or while talking to a private seller, make sure it is known and
written down that the deal is dependent upon a vehicle inspection.
Have a clause added to the deal “this deal is contingent upon an inspection by mechanic Bob
and my accepting of that vehicle inspection”. If the dealer will not accept this clause, simply do
not sign the deal until the vehicle inspection has been done.
If the dealer or seller refuses a vehicle inspection by an independent mechanic, walk away.
Better yet, run away.
Also be willing to walk away from the car if the results of the vehicle inspection are not good.
You do not want to spend the next few years with a car that breaks down on the way to work.

Buy A Car: Should You Trade In Your Old Car?

Trading in your old car often knocks quite a bit off the purchase price of your new car, and can
be a convenient way to get rid of your old car at the same time, without having to go the hassle
of finding someone to buy it. Trading in a car, however, tends to give the most advantage to the
dealership, as they will pay you the wholesale price or less for your used car and will sell the
used car for retail price or more. Their profit margin is often higher on the traded in car than on
the new cars they sell.
A trade-in can still be to your advantage, as many states calculate the sales tax on the new car
as the price of the new car minus the trade-in value, so you would be paying less tax. Not all
states do this, so you should check – any dealership in your state will know what your state’s tax
policy on trade-ins is.

Another option you may wish to look into if you don’t want to privately sell your car is to sell your
car back to its own dealership. If your car is a Volkswagen, and you’re buying a Toyota, sell
your car back to the Volkswagen dealership. You may be able to get more for it than you could
from the Toyota dealership, because a Volkswagen is worth more to a Volkswagen dealership
than it is to a Toyota dealership.
To find out the value of your car, you can ask your insurance agency. They have access to the
Kelly Blue Book, which you may also be able to get a hold of, which tells the values of each car
based on its model and year. You can also look online to find cars of similar makes and
compare prices and mileage. Make sure you know all of this information before you go to tradein
or sell your used car.
A small but important detail when looking to trade-in or sell your used car is cleanliness. Before
you take the car in, spend a bit of time removing all of your personal belongings, vacuuming the
car, and airing it out. As a bonus, you may find some coins in the cushions. A professional detail
job may also increase the perceived value of your car. A clean car can sell for a couple of
hundred dollars more than a messy car, and dealers are people too. They too are affected by
the appearance of a car, even if they will detail the car again before they put it out onto their lot.
Trade-ins can make your new car buying experience easier. You won’t have to worry about
what to do with your old car, and it definitely feels better to have a lower price on your new car.
But don’t forget that you paid money for your old car, too, and you deserve some of the value.
Also, don’t let a trade-in damage your negotiating power – try to keep the negotiating about the
trade-in separate from your negotiations about the purchase price of the new car.

Buy A Car: Should You Buy Online?

There can be many advantages to buying a new or used car online. The internet, of course, is a
useful resource when you begin your car buying journey, regardless of where you decide to buy
your car – you can compare makes and models and determine what kind of car you want before
heading to the dealership. This is important because car salespeople will often try to sell you
what they want to sell you, not necessarily the car you want. (This can be especially true of
used car salespeople – who has not been to a used car lot and told that hey, this may not have
been the exact car you wanted, but look at what a nice color it is?)

For many people, the advantages of the internet can go one step further and they decide to buy
a car online. When buying a car online, it can be difficult to do things like a visual inspection or a
test drive, so an important thing is to buy from a website that is reputable. Read the feedback
that other people have left. Go to car websites or message boards and try to talk to people who
have bought cars online, to compare their experiences with different websites. Buying a car
online can offer advantages such as the greater choice in make, model, and color you can have
over going to a dealership, especially in used cars.
Remember that even over the internet, salespeople are still salespeople. Just because the voice
and face on your webcam are pleasant and you want to be nice, remember to act the same as
you would if you were at the dealership. Ask questions, and do your research.
Be certain that even after the car is shipped, there is a way you can return the car. If you need
to return the car, you may end up paying some of the shipping costs. Be sure to budget for this,
as you do not want to be reluctant to return a car that is not perfect for your needs.
Many people have happily bought and sold cars online. If you decide to buy a car online, make
sure you are one of the happy buyers by doing your research, choosing the right car for you,
and buying from a reputable website where there is a venue for complaints.

Getting The Best Automotive Service

Just as clear communication between you and your doctor can equal better care for your body,
communicating carefully with your mechanic means the best care for your body of your car!
When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and
know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don't ignore its warning signals. If
something doesn’t feel quite right, get your car checked out.
The following tips should help you along the way:

“Preventative Medicine”
Follow the recommended service schedules.
Keep a log of all repairs and service.
Check your car for:
 unusual sounds
 odors
 drips
 leaks
 smoke
 warning lights
 changes in acceleration
 changes in engine performance
 changes in gas mileage
 changes in fluid levels
 worn tires, belts, hoses.
 difficulty in handling, braking, steering
 unusual vibrations
When there is a problem…
 Write the information/symptoms down to give to your repairman.
 When did the problem first start?
 Exactly when does the problem occur?
 Is it constant or does it occur now and again?
 Does the problem happen when the vehicle is cold or after the engine has
warmed up?
 Is the problem noticeable when you accelerate? When you brake?
 At all speeds? When shifting?
Remember to let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy, even if you think you
already know what the problem is. Plus, it’s important not to demand an on-the-spot diagnosis.
The technician needs to thoroughly examine the vehicle before knowing what’s really going on.
Stay involved. And don’t be shy about asking as many questions as you need to understand
the problem. Mechanical terminology can be confusing to the layperson.
Ask for simple definitions of technical terms you’re not familiar with.
It’s hard to be patient, as most of us feel completely incapacitated without our vehicles. Make
sure you ask to be called and informed of the problem, recommended action, and costs
BEFORE work begins.
Before you leave, ask about labor rates, guarantees, and what methods of payment are
acceptable.
Leave a telephone number where you can be called.
The information you share with your auto technician will enable him to more easily locate the
problem, diagnose it, and repair any damage. Then you and your car will be on the road again!

Buy A Car: What Not To Do

There are a lot of important considerations when buying a car, and a lot of things you can do to
make it easier for yourself. There are also a lot of things you shouldn’t do, either because it will
mess up your negotiations, or could end up more directly costing you money.
• Don’t let your car buying be an emotional choice. Just because your Uncle Bob is selling
a car, and hey, you need a car, does not necessarily mean that Uncle Bob’s old car is your best
choice. Uncle Bob may have smoked. Uncle Bob may have driven a car big enough to fit your
high school soccer team.

• Don’t give out your personal information. Especially if you are buying a car from an
individual who is selling their old car, all they need is for you to fill out the information on the
transfer papers. If they are concerned about your check, go to the back and have a certified
check done. At the car dealership, they only need numbers like your social security number if
they are going to be doing your financing, and then only once you have actually agreed to buy
the car.
• When negotiating, don’t talk too much. Once you make your offer, let it sit. Wait for them
to say something. This can be difficult, as you may feel the urge to add something onto your
offer, such as “…or maybe we could go a bit higher” when the salesperson doesn’t say
anything, but let it sit. Smile and wait for them to respond, and when they do, ask them why they
can’t meet your offer. Go through their offer fee by fee and charge by charge.
• When negotiating, the salesperson may leave his or her desk momentarily, perhaps to
talk to someone else. While they are gone, don’t say anything that you wouldn’t say in front of
the sales person.
• Don’t express excitement about the car. Sellers can sense this, and will exploit it. If you
feel like you’ve appeared too eager for the car, leave and come back another day.
• Don’t sign anything until the entire deal has been negotiated. Treat your signature as
the end of negotiating, even if it isn’t, and don’t sign until you’re willing to accept the terms – you
can make the deal conditional on an inspection
• Avoid paying a deposit. Deposits, while they may be refundable, usually aren’t. Or it’s just
very difficult to get the deposit back.
• When buying a used vehicle, don’t skimp on the background checking. Make certain
that the car does not have a lien against it.
Buying a car is a very exciting event. Avoid buyer’s remorse by researching carefully and
making certain that everything is right. Be sure that this is the right car for you and that you’ve
gotten the best possible price.

Buy A Car: Make A Visual Inspection

When shopping for a used car, it is important to be able to recognize the signs of a potential
lemon. A visual inspection can be enough to steer you away from a bad deal. It should not
replace a proper inspection by a qualified mechanic, but the visual inspection can tell you if you
should continue to that point.

The first thing to consider is whether the odometer is reasonable. The average car is driven
about 15,000 miles each year. Now the world may be filled with little old ladies who only used
their car to drive to church on Sundays, but there are also those who will roll back the odometer
to try to get a higher price. If the mileage seems low, check to see if the dashboard shows any
sign of tampering, like scratches or missing or mismatched screws. Check the wear of the
driver’s seat and floor mat as well as the steering wheel and pedals. Does the amount of wear
seem to match the reported mileage? Try to find an oil change sticker and see if the information
on it matches the odometer.
Every vehicle has a unique VIN, or vehicle identification number. You can use this number to
obtain a vehicle history report. This report will be able to tell you the vehicle's complete history,
including its place of assembly, accident, repair, and odometer history, whether the vehicle has
been leased or used as a rental car or taxi and whether there is a lien paced against it.
Before purchasing the report, however, it is a good idea to check to see if you have the correct
VIN. The VIN can be found in three places, on the vehicle registration card, on the bottom of
the windshield on the driver’s side and on the manufacturer’s label, which is usually found on
the driver’s side door or door jam. Check that the VIN is in all three places and is the same.
Also, check to see if any of the labels show signs of tampering. A missing or altered VIN is a
sign that the vehicle may be stolen.
Next you should look for signs that the vehicle has had bodywork done. These signs include
paint splatter or over spray in the seams between panels, areas where the paint doesn’t match
or feels rough to the touch, and bumps, dents, or ripples in the paint. Recent bodywork is
evidence that the car has been in an accident.
Other things you should look for in a visual inspection include signs of rust, leaking fluids and
excessive tire wear (tires may be expensive to replace, especially immediately after purchasing
a vehicle). Also check the condition of the interior. Make sure that the lights and signals have
not burned out, and that all the switches and fittings work as they are supposed to. Your goal in
doing a visual inspection should be to find that the vehicle appears to have been properly
maintained. If everything looks good at this point, you can ask to take the vehicle to a mechanic
for a proper inspection.

Lowering Your Auto Insurance Costs

Vehicle insurance - a cost we all must bear if we want to drive. But you might be surprised at
how varied the rates for car insurance can be in your area. Definitely shop around for your car
insurance. Don’t just go with the first agent you speak with.
Now, thanks to the internet, you can shop around right from the comfort of home. Go ahead and
get at least three price quotes from different kinds of insurance companies.
If you’re in the market for a new car, call to see how much it will cost to insure in the first place.
Having a car alarm and other anti-theft devices can help lower your costs.

Always ask about discounts. Don’t be shy. Companies expect this!
What’s my cost if I have a $500 deductible? (Increasing your deductible from $200 to $500
could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by as much as 30 percent.)
How about a $1,000 deductible? Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or
more. (Now if you don’t keep at least this much in the bank, don’t choose this option!)
If your car is worth less than 10 times the annual insurance premium, purchasing extra
coverage may not be cost effective. That’s one great thing about owning an old car!
My credit rating is excellent. I always pay my bills on time.
What if we insure more than 1 car with your company?
I haven’t had an accident in more than three years…
I haven’t had a traffic ticket in three years…
I’ve taken a driver’s training course.
My car has an anti-theft device.
I don’t put a lot of mileage on my car in a year’s time.
I carpool.
My car has air bags.
My car is quipped with anti-lock brakes.
I have daytime running lights.
I’m a student driver with good grades.
Since I have both auto and home coverage with you, do I qualify for a discount?
I’m a college student away from home…
I’ve been a long time customer…
My mom and dad use your company…
Do you offer any other discounts? Some companies offer reduced rates to drivers who get
insurance through a group plan from their employers and other professional groups. It can’t hurt
to ask.
Not every company will offer the same discounts. Compare the final prices the various
companies offer you. It pays to shop around for your car insurance!

How To Choose The Right Body Shop

You don’t want to fool around when choosing a mechanic for your car. Keep an ear open for
recommendations and warnings when your friends and family have car troubles. If you know
beforehand of a body shop you feel comfortable with, you won’t need to make a rushed or
incomplete decision when you need one.
Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. I stay in touch with homeschooling
families. They’re often part of a larger group that can share recommendations for mechanics
they’ve felt were honest and reputable

Check with your local Better Business Bureau regarding the reputation of a particular body
shop. Ask about the number of complaints, if there were any, and how the complaints were
resolved. Don’t be too anxious if there were some complaints. No one pleases everybody, and
there are some people you can’t satisfy no matter what. But if you see a pattern of the same
kinds of problems, beware.
Next, pay a visit to the shop and ask if they handle your vehicle make and model. Check to see
how long they’ve been in business. What kind of feel do you get about the place? Are you
treated with courtesy? Does the staff behave professionally?
You don’t need to “white glove test” the place, but it should be neat, and organized. Also, times
are a’changin’, and modern equipment is an absolute must.
Sometimes, vehicle manufacturers recommend specific repair procedures and tools for the
repair of their vehicles. Ask if the shop is trained in these procedures and has the necessary
equipment.
Are there any civic and community service awards hanging on the walls? It’s a nice touch. Do
you see diplomas or certificates of competence? You want a technically competent staff.
Look around the place. What kinds of vehicles seem to be in the repair stage? Does everything
look like it’s being handled professionally? Don’t be shy about talking to folks in the waiting
room to see they’ve tried the shop before and how pleased they are with the service they’ve
received in the past.
My number one suggestion is to ask around and see where others have had satisfactory car
repair work done. Even if you’re feeling stressed and in a hurry, ask at least 15 people. That
way, you’re likely to get the same place mentioned more than once. A little time spent on the
basics can save you a load of trouble in the long run. And once you find mechanic you trust,
your car’s future looks a lot brighter.

California Department of Insurance Contact Information

California Department of Insurance Contact Information The California Department of Insurance is responsible for enforcing many of the insurance-related laws of the state. We are foremost a consumer protection agency. Our number one priority is to protect insurance consumers by regulating the industry’s practices and encouraging a healthy marketplace, which is one of the largest in the world.
Consumer Inquiries and Assistance
Consumer Communications Bureau
300 South Spring Street, 

South Tower
Los Angeles, CA 90013
800-927-HELP (4357)
Out-of-State Caller
213-897-8921

Producer Licensing Bureau
California Department of Insurance
320 Capitol Mall
Sacramento, CA 95814

Sacramento Office
800-967-9331
916-322-3555

Fraud Division
California Department of Insurance
9342 Tech Center Drive
Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95826
Phone: 916-854-5760
Fax: 916-255-3202
Fraud
@Insurance.ca.gov

* Complete list of Fraud Division Regional Offices

Auto Insurance in California

Auto Insurance in California for more visit insurance.ca.gov California Department of Insurance This California auto insurance company comparison chart is meant as a guide only.
Be sure and get several quotes, before buying auto insurance. There are many bogus marketing claims.
Auto Insurance in California
21st Century Insurance Company (AIG)
Woodland Hills, CA
1-800-870-8212
874
1999
Merged with AIG auto insurance

AAA - American Automobile Association
Refuse to say - no "About"
none
1998
Must enter ZIP
14
Allstate
Northbrook, IL
1-866-621-6900
995
1997
#1 in negative comments
13,900

California State Automobile Association
San Francisco, CA
none
1996
Must enter ZIP

Eastwood Insurance
Anaheim Hills, CA
1-800-468-LESS
1999
Nor. Cal.

Esurance (White Mountains Insurance Group)
San Francisco, CA
(Bermuda)
1-800-378-7262
2000
65

Farmer's Insurance Group (Zurich Financial Services)
Los Angeles, CA
none
1,079
1997
Must enter ZIP
544

Geico (Berkshire Hathaway)
Chevy Chase, MD
1-800-861-8380
358
1997
Many TV ads
1,130

Mercury General Corp.
1,099
Uses many names


California Automobile Insurance Company
No website

Mercury Insurance Company
Los Angeles, CA (PDF)
1-800-956-3728
1998
8

Mercury Casualty Company
Los Angeles, CA
1-800-431-6654
no website

Nationwide Auto Insurance
Columbus, OH (contact)
1-877-669-6877
222
1997
"A few days"
315

Progressive Auto Insurance
Mayfield Village, OH
1-800-776-4737
454
1998
1,990

Safeco Insurance
Seattle, WA
1-800-903-0679
191
2007
446

State Farm Auto Insurance
Bloomington, IL
none
1,370
Must enter ZIP
1,980

The General Auto Insurance (General Automobile Insurance Services)
Nashville, TN
1-866-519-7422
1998
Many TV ads

Allstate seems to be the worst, regarding negative comments on the web.
Progressive and State Farm also have many negative comments.

California Auto Insurance Quote Information
(for online quote comparison purposes, liability-only for simplification)
Form Info Required

Quote Info
Entered
Low income neighborhoods pay much more

Expect to be spammed senseless
Expensive neighborhoods pay much less

Young drivers pay much more - more accidents
Male drivers pay much more - more wild
Single drivers pay much more
Experienced drivers pay far less
Accident drivers pay more, esp. if young
Drivers with traffic tickets pay more
Homeowners pay much less - more responsible

SUV drivers pay more than compact drivers
Models with high accident rates pay more
High mileage drivers pay more
"Paid for" results in paying less

In almost EVERY case, you must give ALL your personal information FIRST, or you cannot proceed. This is unfortunate, because at any point, if you don't like the subsequent questions (some are too personal), and decide to stop, they ALREADY have your personal information, so that they can spam you senseless with emails and phone calls.

That's why I don't do this, except with a throwaway email address, and false information. I refuse to become their relentlessly targeted pigeon, before I have reviewed all my other alternatives. I prefer the "soft" sell.


Disclaimer:
Many web pages claim a "List of California Auto Insurance Companies", yet not a single one actually has a list.
That's why I made this summary page - an actual list of the top California Auto Insurance Companies.
The above data was summarized from each company website listed above.
The author is not perfect, and errors can occur.
This California auto insurance company comparison chart is meant as a guide only.
Be sure and get several quotes, before buying auto insurance. There are many bogus marketing claims.

My personal thought: An innovative company might want to supply a "Quick Estimate Quote", which DOES NOT REQUIRE an email address. They would get A LOT MORE inquiries if they did this. Many, many folks are tired of email spam. If the quote is in the ball park, an interested driver could then, and only then, supply the personal information for a formal quote. If they lowball the initial quote, everyone will know about it soon enough, and develop a "bad taste" in their mouth about the company. BOTH PARTIES could benefit from such an arrangement. (It will never happen though, due to the "hook 'em and bombard 'em" mentality of the marketers). Personal privacy on the web and freedom from spam have become huge issues.

COMPARE CAR INSURANCE

Compare car insurance It is always a great idea to compare auto insurance in order to find the most suitable insurer
21st Century Insurance Company $XX Rating of "A+" (Superior) About Drive from Progressive
GMAC Insurance Company $XX Rating of "A-" (Excellent) About GMAC
Infinity Insurance Company $XX Rating of "A" (Excellent) About Infinity
Bristol West Insurance Company $XX Rating of "A+" (Superior) About Bristol West
Unitrin Insurance Company $XX Rating of "A" (Excellent) About Unitrin

Yet, we also found many insurance firms in which high commissions convert into lofty rates, with no increase in service quality," J. Robert claimed. "Great online insure rates as well as good service might be found in case consumers take the time to compare companies."

Findings

Consumer Federation of America reviewed commission data from the twenty most popular writers of insurance for both individual passenger insurance policy as well as homeowners insurance. This sum commission information combined regular commissions and dependent commissions (paid after policies are sold and based on special sales or on profitability goals).

The report compared sum commissions with cost, insurer profitability and service quality according to grievance data and consumer contentment indices. Consumer Federation of America (CFA) found that:

1. Insurance companies having lower commissions often have lower charges. This is not always the situation, so consumers have to shop cautiously.

2. There is no evidence that paying higher fees to an agent or broker derives either better service or higher customer satisfaction. Actually, there appears to be no correlation between the amount of commission disbursed and the value of service supplied.

3. Some insurers propose high-quality deals. Other insurance providers have rates that are almost always high.

In less competitive businesses, some insurers may be tempted to attract market share by offering higher fees to agents or to brokers with higher costs and, sometimes, higher gains for the insurance provider. Credit insurance is one area where this kind of `reverse competition` is particularly frequent.

Instructions for Customers

We propose several tips for customers when shopping for web insure:

1. Shop around! This study revealed that monthly payment charges usually ascend with commissions, though this isn`t always correct. Consumers should be sure to get quotes from several of the lowest premium insurance companies, including the direct writers of insurance that typically don`t disburse commissions.

2. Consumers don`t need to disburse more to get excellent service. Some of the companies with the most excellent service records have low prices and low or no commissions. It is worthwhile to shop among the firms which have the lowest prices and the highest customer contentment/lowest complaint ratios.

3. In order to get information about insure policy rates, check state cost information guides. Most of the states have cost information guides. Regularly, customers are able to download these guides from the country`s insurance department site.

4. In order to receive grievance information on insurance providers, check in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners` web-site, www.naic.org.

5. Be cautious with going to just a single insurance agent or broker for web insurance, even if that insurance agent represents several insurance firms. Customers must be aware that some agents who represent more than one insurance provider might put the customer in a higher priced insurance company with larger commissions even if the customer meets the requirements for a lower cost. States don`t necessitate agents or brokers to place the customer with the most excellent insurance plan for him.

6. Ask agents or brokers the important questions:

Do you represent me or do you act for the insurance firm you are suggesting me to use?

What commission are you earning compared to the price of the online ins policy policy you are recommending me to buy?

Am I getting the lowest price between all the web ins companies that you represent for which I meet the requirements?

What other insure on line providers do I qualify for that you act for? What are the costs I would disburse at those insurance firms and what fee would you earn with every insurance provider?

Do you have a contingency commission agreement with the insurance provider you`re recommending? Please completely clarify it to me.

In case I have a claim, do you act for me or the insurance firm in the claim process? Is your reimbursement in any way connected to claims filed by me and other clients of yours?

Inquiring about Car Insurance articles? Locate below...

1. Best Ins Information
2. Get Free Insurance Quote: detailed directions for Get Insurance Agent
3. Home Insurance extensive information


We look forward to the prospect the text above which reviews the matter of car insurance is going to serve you well in your effort to reach a fresh angle on the characteristics of car insurance, which is often misunderstood. 

Auto Insurance in France

Auto insurance is legally required in France
Auto insurance is a legal requirement in France, as it is in Britain. Make no mistake about this, because not having Auto insurance is an offence punishable by six months in prison, and that is not the ideal way to spend your holiday or new life in France! However, although there is a lot of conflicting information out there about Auto insurance in France, it isn't as complicated as it may at first appear, and you can take heart from the fact that millions of Brits have already managed to sort it out satisfactorily.

Auto insurance options
There are a number of options open to the British driver who wishes to drive in France. The best way forward depends very much on individual circumstances and requirements, and depends to some considerable degree on whether or not you are a resident of France, of another European Union country, or of a non EU country. 

Auto hire in France
If you are a short term visitor only, then you may find that a simple Auto hire agreement is the most straightforward solution for you. Auto hire firms may offer special deals, and rates are usually competitive and reasonable. The advantage of doing this is that the Auto is easily available from your point of arrival in France, and can be dropped off at your point of departure, and you do not have to worry about insurance or “controle techniques” or complex registration processes! Auto insurance through Auto hire firms in France differs as it does in the UK. It would always be best to hire the Auto through a reputable company, check what fully comprehensive insurance actually covers, and look into the costs of paying extra for collision damage waiver which may not be included initially.

Long-term solution for your Auto insurance in France
If, however, you are going to be in France for long periods of time, or on a very regular or permanent basis you will need to take the bull by the horns and finds a long term solution.

Auto insurance for residents of Non European Union Countries
If you are resident of a non EU country such as Canada or the USA, you can take advantage of a great system known as the TT scheme. Citroën run one such scheme, in which you receive a Auto under temporary ownership at a very low price. Tax, insurance etc. is all taken care of for you, and you can use the Auto for a minimum of 17 days and a maximum of 180. The Autos are fitted with easily recognisable plates, so you are unlikely to get any hassle from the police.

Auto insurance in France using your existing Auto insurance company
The easiest way to insure your Auto in France if you are still resident in the UK, is to contact your existing Auto insurance company, to extend your UK policy to cover France. Usually Autos are covered for third party in EU countries, but it would be advisable to increase cover to fully comprehensive. It would be well worth looking into the breakdown insurance that is offered too, as many offer an excellent package with English speaking assistance provided. Check the options on offer as some Auto insurance companies include everything in one package, while others offer a cheaper initial deal but leave out important cover. It would be worth making sure that the cover includes road-side assistance, replacement parts cover and providing over-night accommodation when necessary. Some will get your Auto back to the UK, others won’t.


Green card system
If you have an English registered vehicle which you wish to drive in France, you may wish to take out a Green Card .This is not an insurance policy in itself, but simply an internationally recognised card which guarantees that you have suitable legal insurance from your own country. It is not, strictly necessary for EU drivers in France, but it can be a useful item should you be stopped or, involved in any accident. Your insurer in England should be able to issue this card on request, and there should be no extra cost although some agents charge a small administrative fee. This option, however, is only suitable for those who are UK residents. If you are resident in France the rules are quite different. Please note also, that this is only suitable for those who only need to drive the vehicle in France for less than 90 days per year.

Auto insurance for a second Auto in France
One option which you may consider is that of keeping a second Auto in France for use when you are in the country. This is feasible, but you must understand that the legal requirement for insuring such a vehicle is different from the requirement in Britain. In the UK, once you have filled in a SORN form you can legally withdraw insurance payments until such time as you wish to re-use the Auto. In France, although you must notify your insurer that your Auto is off the road, as in the UK, you are legally bound to maintain third party insurance on the vehicle at all times. Another factor to consider is the cost of second hand Autos in France... if cost is an issue, which it is for many of us! Second hand Autos in France are much more expensive, as a rule, than they are in Britain, so this needs to be built in to the planning if you are considering this option.

Auto insurance for French residents
If you are a permanent resident in France you are bound by French law. French law states that if you are resident in France, insurance on your vehicle is part of your "responsibilité civile". If you are a French resident, to comply fully with French law you must register and insure your vehicles within the French system, which means changing your UK plate to a French plate. It is possible to legally drive an English registered vehicle which is insured with a French insurer, but usually only for six months, and only when you are involved in the process of changing the registration of the vehicle to a French plate. (Although some have been told that as a French resident, you have one month to complete the registration unless there is a valid reason that will take you beyond that time.) It will be necessary to go the local Hotel des Impots and ask them for a quittus fiscal certificate. The certificate is free and incorporates your authority to drive your UK vehicle on its foreign plates for a month (or however long agreed by the authorities), whilst you arrange the registration.

Auto insurance for English number plates
Many French insurance companies are not keen to offer a service of insurance for English plated vehicles, but if you shop around you will find one who can. AGF are a company who are usually amenable to this, and are very reasonably priced as well. Do begin the process of changing to a French plate as soon as possible though... like everything that you do in France you will find it takes for ever, requires more paperwork than you ever thought possible and is inevitably more complicated than you expected!

Auto insurance and tax in France
There is another reason too, for changing to a French plate as soon as possible. If you have an English plated vehicle which is based in France, yet you make trips to the UK in that vehicle, you can run into the problem of tax. In France there is no system of tax discs as there is in the UK. This means that unless you continue to pay to maintain a UK tax disc, when you enter the UK you are immediately driving illegally. A fully French registered vehicle in England does not face this problem, as the differences in the systems are recognised and accepted.

French Auto insurance
French Auto insurance is similar to, but different from the British system in certain ways. It is basically three tier, with the minimum legal requirement being third party insurance (au tiers) only. Remember this is essential on all vehicles even if off road. The next level is third party, fire and theft, (au tiers illimité, or au tiers complet) and the third is the fully comprehensive, (tous risques). After this, bespoke packages can be created to suit, with your agent adding cover as required. Generally the cost is considerably less than the cost of similar insurance in the UK. Your no claims can usually be carried over from your British insurance, but you will need to supply... guess what... lots of paperwork! Your insurer will send you a ticket to place on the windscreen to show that the insurance is in place. He will also send you an accident form (constat amiable), which you should carry in your vehicle at all times.

Driving licences for French residents
And something else to bear in mind is that if you are now a French resident insuring with a French insurer, you may have to get an International driving licence or a French driving licence. It may sound simple but it isn't necessarily so. You have to be resident in France six months before you can apply to change your licence. The form to be filled in is obtainable from the Sous-Prefecture or similar office, and you also need two passport photos, proof of identity (passport) and proof of domicile (EDF or FranceTelecom bill, or better still, a French medical card obtained from a doctor).

UK driving licences for French residents
However, to avoid having to apply for an International driving licence or French one, it is now possible if you are a French resident, to keep your UK driving licence until it's date of expiry, but you must be aware of a few things. Firstly, this used to be a problem and still is with some French insurers, as many wouldn't accept a UK driving licence. As this is now EU law however, this shouldn't be a problem for much longer. Secondly, you must still have a UK address for your UK driving licence, even if it is your previous UK address. Thirdly, you will still need to follow French law regarding driving licences, eg: age restrictions, validity of licences, medical checks. And finally, if you incur penalty points or road traffic offenses on your licence in France, you will need to change to a French licence. This is more likely to occur if stopped in person by the police.

How to get French Auto insurance
There are insurance (assurance) agents in every town... probably several of them. If your French is good enough you could try the straightforward “walk in” approach and see what services they can offer you. (Learning to speak French - Misadventures in a Foreign Tongue). If your French is shaky, however, the tried and tested “word of mouth” system is useful. Talk to other ex-pats in your area, find out what companies they use and what services are offered.

French Auto insurance companies AXA and AGF
Failing this, there are two large Auto insurance companies which are well versed in dealing with British drivers who need to insure vehicles in France. These are AXA and AGF. AXA have UK agents, and both companies have many English speaking staff (although not necessarily in every office). You do not, of course, need to insure with a local agent as everything is done by post, so you can use an English speaking agent from the other end if the country if you can't find one locally. Shop around until you find the package... and the agent... that suits you.

Final Auto insurance advice
Insurance is one of those things in life which can seem an expensive hassle until you need it. Then it magically becomes the wisest and best thing you ever did!