Many senior citizens have been loyal to their auto insurance companies for years, often decades. Having the same expedient insurance agent and company is comforting. But the auto insurance industry has become more competitive, actively vying for the senior citizen market. It makes sense for senior citizens to gather information to compare their current rates, especially at the time of auto insurance renewal.
Getting quotes for auto insurance is an easy process. With just a few clicks on the computer or toll-free telephone calls, anyone can gather a list that compares auto insurance by services and rates. For senior citizens, who often are on fixed incomes, this can be a very cost-effective consume, possibly saving them hundreds of dollars during an insured period.
Finding Comparable Rates
Buying auto insurance is like any other famous, long-term purchase. The key is to take time to research and shop for the best deal with reliable auto insurance companies.
The following is a sample of insurance companies and insurance brokers offering auto insurance quotes on the Internet. Many have specific marketing programs targeting senior citizens.
AARP: www.aarp.thehartford.com.
AARP is an advocacy organization for seniors that promotes the interests of people over 50 years old. They offer auto insurance to members through The Hartford.
Allstate: www.allstate.com.
Allstate is a well known insurance company. Quotes can be gathered at the above website or local agents can be found in the telephone book and are available to assist in preparing a free quote.
Farmers Insurance Group: http://www.farmersinsurance.com.
Online or in person, a Farmers insurance agent can review auto insurance coverage, help identify potential gaps, and include any qualifying Farmers Auto insurance discounts.
Progressive Insurance: www.progressive.com.
Progressive will provide a quote for their company along with comparables of other auto insurance companies for easy comparisons.
Geico Insurance: www.geico.com.
This company can be accessed online or at one of their many offices. It is easy to get a quote; they offer flexible payment options and competitive rates.
Costco: www.costco.com.
Costco offers membership insurance through Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance.
Autoinsure: www.autoinsure.org.
Autoinsure has a page with helpful insurance information for senior citizens. They can provide quotes from all the major auto insurance companies.
Esurance: www.esurance.com.
A rising star among insurance companies that take pride in stating: “Esurance doesn’t just offer proper insurance coverage, we also believe in educating consumers.” Their online quote process is easy to navigate.
US Insurance: www.usinsuranceonline.com
They will provide multiple auto insurance quotes tailored to specific needs within minutes of filling out their simple short form. It’s easy then to compare them side by side to score the best prices and coverage.
Car Insurance Rates: www.carinsurancerates.com
Their network of companies and brokers offer a variety of car insurances: Farmers, Allstate, AIG, Nationwide, AARP, Safeco Insurance, Liberty Mutual, MetLife and Mercury.
Every insurance rate: www.everyinsurancerate.com
EveryInsuranceCompany.com is a handy Internet directory to find local insurance companies, insurance quotes and discount insurance rates.
Quote Scout: www.quotescout.com.
This website will provide quotes from a long list of auto insurance companies – literally from “A” to “Z”.
Insurance.com: http://www.insurance.com.
Insurance.com works directly with 15 highly rated car insurance companies in 46 states: 21st Century, Electric Insurance, Esurance Auto Insurance, The Hartford, Infinity, Liberty Mutual, Meritplan Insurance, MetLife Auto Insurance, Newport Insurance, Permanent General Assurance Corporation (The General), Progressive, QBE Insurance, Safeco, Travelers Insurance, and Unitrin Explain.
Keeping Auto Insurance Rates Down
There are ways that senior citizens can take responsibility to control their auto insurance rates. Here are a few suggestions.
According to seniorjournal.com, most of the major auto insurance agencies provide a 5% – 10% discount to drivers beginning at the ages of 50 or 55. However, as a group, drivers 75 and older have one of the highest rates of fatal daytime accidents. Because of this, it’s principal that senior drivers stay proactive and involved in keeping their driving skills sharp.
Many states offer an auto insurance discount for aged drivers if a person meets a given age criteria and has taken an approved mature driver safety course. Local colleges and senior centers are good resources to learn about the classes. AARP has local and on-line access to the course. Costco offers its members an online drivers’ safety training course through FirstNet: www.firstnetlearning.com.
Another method to keep auto insurance rates down is to drive a low-profile car, one that as piece of a group has a lower rate due to minimum repair costs, considered safer and less likely to be stolen. Check the Highway Loss Data Institute, www.iihs.org, for the latest related data.
Examine modern auto insurance needs and requirements. Changing to higher deductibles or dropping collision or comprehensive coverage for older cars may acquire sense.
Always ask about discounts when purchasing or renewing auto insurance.
And finally, the best long-term advice: Always drive defensively, stay alert and follow the driving laws. Maintaining a wonderful driving record is the best way to withhold auto insurance rates down.
Filed under Automobile Insurance Quotes by on Mar 14th, 2011. Comment. 
When you pick up an auto insurance quote, do you know exactly what you need to ask? Do you know what the terms are and what they mean? Here are a few tips that will help you think and talk like an insurance agent when you call for an auto insurance quote. First of all remember that an agent is in the business to sale his product. However, you being the customer you always have the final say. Here are some terms and their meanings.
Liability is the coverage that will protect you and your property and possessions in the event you are at fault in a multi-vehicle accident. This coverage will pay the other person or persons involved for hospital bills, their vehicle repairs or pay off, and protect you in the event of a law suit. The limits of liability vary from state to state. Here in Tennessee the minimum limits are $25,000 per person up to $50,000 per accident. This means the insurance will pay up to $25,000 to the other person(s) involved but will not exceed a total of $50,000 for one accident. Limits range also from $50,000/100,000 up to $250,000/500,000.
Uninsured motorist is the coverage that will protect you in the event someone collides with you, and they are not carrying any insurance at all. This coverage will help pay for your vehicle repairs or replacement minus a $250 deductible. If this happens, the other person who is not carrying insurance is given the chance to make restitution to your insurance company and provide proof they have gotten insurance before they have their license taken. This is providing they have a license and do not end up in jail for some reason.
Medical payments will pay for your hospital and ambulance services up to a certain amount which is specified on the policy. Standard medical pay is $5000. You can carry higher or lower medical payments if you desire. Just ask the agent what their choices are.
Full coverage insurance is when a person carries liability, uninsured motorist, medical payments, comprehensive, and collision coverage. In other words, they have it all.
Comprehensive covers the fire, theft, vandalism, glass breakage, and animal collision on your vehicle. This coverage comes with several choices of deductibles. Deductibles are what you pay out of pocket before the insurance takes over. The standard deductible on this is either zero or $50. Most people carry such a low deductible since if a windshield or glass is broken, they usually only cost $300 to $400. Thus, there would be no need to have a $500 deductible on comprehensive since broken windshields are the most common claims turned in under this coverage.
Collision is what will pay for repairs or pay off of your vehicle in the event of an at fault accident or a single vehicle accident. Most people will opt for a $500 deductible on this coverage in order to keep their premium lower. Collision is the most expensive coverage on the entire policy.
Some companies offer Emergency Road Service and Rental Reimbursement. First Rental Reimbursement will not pay for you a rental vehicle if you automobile is in the shop just for mechanical repairs. This only covers a rental car if your car must be repaired due to an accident. Emergency Road Service will cover a tow in the event of a mechanical crash down but will not cover unbiased having a vehicle pulled from a ditch. If a tow is done due to sliding in a ditch or getting stuck, this is actually considered a collision and would fall under that coverage. Both of these coverages are optional.
Always do your homework on a company also. Check on their ratings and rankings, check to see if there are any complaints filed against them, and definitely check on their cancellation policies and statistics. Impartial doing this could save you a bundle on your auto insurance.
I sure hope this will help you if you are looking to get auto insurance. If you talk and think like an agent, you could probably save yourself some money on your auto insurance.
Source:
Personally working in insurance for seven years
Filed under Automobile Insurance Company Ratings by on Feb 27th, 2011. Comment.
The advertisement sounded so tempting. All you had to do is be a member of Allstate Auto Insurance, and you will have accident forgiveness and if you don’t have an accident, you will regain 5% off your next six month premium. Wow, I had unbiased switched to Allstate and now they were advertising something that I could actually use – a discount for being a safe driver. I’m actually looking forward to my six month’s anniversary so I can see a reduction in rates.
Hmm…well, I finally received the paperwork on the new idea, the advertising campaign that is supposed to make Allstate better than all the other Auto Insurance companies! Turns out in order to get the accident forgiveness part “Gold Protection Program” they charge you an additional $50 per 6 months, and if you do cause an accident, after joining they will deduct $100 off your deductable – After 4 years, you won’t have a deductable! You probably won’t have the same car either. Oh, and you’ll be out about $500 extra…so you do actually pay for the deductable, just before you have the accident.
The other program is called the Platinum Protection Program. With this one, you get the same above benefits, plus receive a Safe Driving Bonus of 5% off your next renewal premium….sounds good? The catch is that your premium increases by $100 or more (depending on your contract). Sound to me that the only one who benefits is Allstate – at least for the first few years. They charge me $100 extra for the new program, and then at the next premium, charge me $50 extra. (reducing it by 5% or so…actually the stunning print says “Up to 5%), so you may not actually receive the whole discount.
Assuming that my driving remains the same, no accidents, I acquire to be charged an additional $50 a month to possibly reduce a deductable that I may not ever need.
So the next time you see a commercial with the man with the assuring voice telling you how great Allstate is and how mighty money you’ll place with their unique “Your Choice Auto Insurance’ – read between the lines. The insurance companies are really only out for themselves, it is an illusion that they are there for you.
Filed under Cheap Automobile Insurance by on Feb 24th, 2011. Comment.
Whether you wish to find a draft of green beer, do a little jig, peek Irish eyes smiling, or skip the entire event all together, you’ll find something to do in Chicago on St. Patrick’s Day.
In honor of the holiday date, here’s 17 ways to enjoy your time this St. Patrick’s Day.
1. Serve the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Beginning on Columbus between Balbo and Jackson at 12 p.m., the event is free and parade watchers are encouraged to arrive early for prime viewing spots.
2. Watch the Chicago River Turn Green. Belief the annual transformation of the Chicago River as it turns a spectacular shade of vibrant green. This modern day “miracle” can be viewed at 10:30 a.m. and is best seen from the upper level bridges on Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive.
3. Help 80′s Night at Atmosphere. The party lasts from 8 p.m. to 1 p.m. at 5355 North Clark Street. $3 Cover Fee.
4. Visit the “Just Married” Exhibit. On display at the Jane Addams Hull House, 1136 West Wilson Avenue, this exhibit features images taken by photojournalists during the 29 days San Francisco offered same-sex marriages. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit http://www.hullhouse.org/ for more information.
5. Benefit Forever Green at Navy Pier. Held in the Grand Ballroom on St. Patrick’s Day from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., this celebration features Irish music live performances, Irish dancers, and an open bar. Proceeds from the event benefit Chicago state charities including the Special Olympics and the Snow City Arts Foundation. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door for general admission, and $60 in advance, $70 at the door for the VIP lounge. Call (773) 348-5499 for more information.
6. Join Jen Sincero for an Author Chat. The Seminary Co-op Bookstore at
1301 East 57th Street will host a chat with Jen Sincero, author of “The Straight Girl’s Guide To Sleeping With Chicks” at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
7. See Les Miserables. This epic musical will be presented at The Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W Randolph, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $27 – $80. More information can be obtained through the box office at (312) 902-1400.
8. Attend a Celtic Celebration. The Celtic celebration and dinner hosted by The Mortum Arboretum. From 5 pm. To 9 p.m. on March 17, the event features a Scottish, Irish, and Wales buffet along with music, dance, and folk-tales. Visitors can also assume free guided stir tours and plant some genuine shamrock seeds to take home. Reservations are required, $35 for members and $42 for non-members. Call (630) 725-2066 for more information.
9. Dine with Friends at Fado. A popular Irish-inspired spot, Fadoon 100 West Grand Avenue, offers an interesting variety of décor imported from Ireland, a variety of authentic dishes, and a chunky bar.
10. Join the Youth Drop In at Center on Halsted. Ages 13-24 are welcome for socialization and discussions on topics like self-esteem and self-expression and to learn communication, computer, and life skills. Start from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. the center is located at 2855 North Lincoln Avenue.
11. Celebrate at the Whiskey Bar & Grill. The Whiskey Bar & Grill in the Sutton Place Hotel, 1015 North Rush Street, celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with drink and menu specials from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
12. See The Buddy Holly Story. Buddy -The Buddy Holly Story will be playing at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N Southport Ave, at 5 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m. Call (773) 325-1700 for ticket information.
13. Come By a Little Ice Time. The Chicago Wolves, Chicago’s AHL hockey team will be playing at 7 p.m. at the Allstate Arena, 6950 Mannheim Road, Rosemont, IL. Call (847) 635-6601 for ticket information.
14. Take a Bus Tour. The Highlights by Bus Tour sponsored by The Chicago Architecture Foundation departs at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call (312) 902-1500. Other tours include Historic Skyscrapers, Novel Skyscrapers, and Downtown Deco.
15. Attend Flanagan’s Wake. This hilarious interactive Irish wake is one of the longest running shows in Chicago history. The Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 West Campbell Street, Arlington Heights, IL has shows at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. For more information, visit the Flanagan’s Wake website: http://www.flanaganswake.com/
16. Listen to the Gaelic Storm. Chicago’s House of Blues welcomes the traditional Irish band, Gaelic Storm at 7:30 p.m. The House of Blues is located at 329 N Dearborn St. Call (312) 923-2000 for more information.
17. Add Something Wicked to Your St. Patrick’s Day. The critically acclaimed new musical, Depraved, will be playing at The Ford Center for Performing Arts Oriental Theater, 24 W Randolph St., at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Call (312) 782-2004 for pricing and information.
Filed under Automobile Insurance Information by on Feb 22nd, 2011. Comment.
Owning an automobile can be expensive. Aside from monthly car payments, automobile owners must be able to afford gasoline, maintenance, and auto insurance. The cost of auto insurance varies for each person. Persons with older vehicles and a good driving record may incur a small expense. On the other hand, if you drive carelessly and have received numerous traffic violations, your monthly auto insurance may exceed $200. Adopting good driving habits is necessary for lowering insurance premiums. Yet, some people have not made this connection. Consider the top five reasons that contribute to high monthly premiums.
• Choosing a Low Deductible: Before an insurance company will cover the cost of an auto accident, the driver must pay a deductible. Deductible amounts vary. On average, drivers can choose either a $250 or $500 deductible. Naturally, drivers are more inclined to choose a policy with a cheaper deductible. However, there are advantages to paying a higher amount. For starters, paying the higher deductible will set aside you money. If your driving record is tainted, and you are already paying considerably more for an auto policy, choosing a $500 deductible could save you $50 to $75 a month.
• Add a Teenager or Fresh Driver: When a teenager reaches the age of 16 and acquires a driver’s license, many parents consider adding the child to their auto policy. This decision is helpful for the driver, but does not benefit the parent. If the teenager attempted to receive his or her own policy, they would probably be unable to afford coverage. On average, teenagers and new drivers receive higher auto insurance quotes. On the flip side, the teenager will place money if insured under their parent’s policy. Yet, parents can examine a monthly increase.
• Buy an Expensive Car: Monthly auto insurance premiums are based on a vehicle’s worth. For this matter, if you purchase an older car, premiums are low. On the other hand, if you settle to buy the most expensive vehicle on the lot, with a lot of extra accessories and features, your auto premiums will be higher. Additionally, sports cars have higher premiums because these cars are usually driven at a faster speed, which increases the risk of accidents.
• Multiple Accidents and Traffic Violations: Auto insurance companies notice that accidents and moving traffic violations will occur. Thus, insurance premiums will not greatly increase from a single mishap. On the contrary, if you have several moving traffic violations or involved in many accidents, your insurance company will likely increase your premium, or refuse to renew the policy. Once dropped from an insurance company, acquiring affordable coverage with another company may be difficult.
• Failing to Shop Around: When shopping for an insurance company, comparing quotes is critical. Each insurance company has different criteria for establishing premiums. Larger companies such as Allstate and Nationwide offer great services, but they also have higher premiums. On the other hand, smaller, privately owned insurance companies offer the same great coverage for a fraction of the cost. Shop around. Whenever possible, request online quotes from multiple companies. Periodically review your driving report and attempt to receive a lower premium.
Filed under Automobile Insurance Quotes by on Feb 20th, 2011. Comment.
