A fact of small discrepancy, automotive dealerships feverishly push after-market items-like extended auto repair warranties-at an incredible mark-up. Prudent consumers should, consequently, be ecstatic that outside and online corporations are competing against dealers for your warranty business. The time has, therefore, come to air out the advantages and disadvantages of online warranty companies.

Cost: One of the most essential factors of an auto repair warranty is cost. And the plain truth is that dealerships and vehicle manufactures cannot match the inexpensiveness of online warranty suppliers. There are a variety of reasons for this. Firstly, online sources eliminate middlemen (i.e. dealerships) and deal directly with insurance companies. Secondly, online companies transact business at a higher volume-an e-commerce website can routinely handle more auto repair warranties then a tangible dealership. And thirdly, online corporations eliminate overhead costs by existing solely in cyberspace – where rental space is significantly cheaper. So, if cost is the overriding factor for you, online warranty providers are most likely the best fit.

Reliability: E-commerce cannot unshackle itself from the heed of unreliable. People generally place more trust in brick-and-mortar companies. Fortunately, watchdog organizations evaluate the reliability of online auto repair warranty contractors. A.M. Best Company and Standard & Poor’s both appraise the solvency of e-warranty purveyors, where consumers are encouraged only deal with companies at, or above, an A rating. Additionally, consumers should be distinct to check if warranty policies are re-insured. If a company does not advertise re-insurance polices on their auto repair warranties (this simply means that if the warranty provider folds, claims will still be paid) stay away. Another tell-tale heed of untrustworthy practices is negligence to examine the vehicle under warranty. If an internet company agrees to an auto repair warranty without asking routine questions about your car’s health, suspicions should arise.

Security: Concerns invariably froth to the surface when consumers conduct business through websites. The security of all procured information needs to be a top priority in an auto repair warranty supplier. If not stated, ask about any security apprehensions you may have in dealing online. If their answers prove unsatisfactory, take your business to a provider intent on online security.

Coverage Plans: Make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for. Some specific details that require investigation are: Lists and locations of acceptable repair facilities. Method of payment (does the consumer pay out of pocket and subsequently reimbursed). Typical auto repair warranty amenities-24-hour roadside assistance, towing, issuing of rental car). And, lastly, deductibles-are deductibles assigned per visit or per repair (an important distinction)?

Online auto repair warranty providers allow consumers more options when deciding upon a obliging warranty notion. And more options means higher competition and lower overall rates. But consumers should not be hoodwinked by low warranty quotes. Determining whether an online warranty supplier is reputable should be a top priority, as well as the security of online information you provide. E-warranty companies offer customers an alternative to the high-priced after-market marked-up warranties dealerships sucker-punch consumers with, but examining the solvency and reputation of an online provider remain paramount in the quest for good deals on wheels. Remember, when combing for savings, always buckle your safety belt.

Your basic hand tools that you will need are your standard and metric sockets and wrenches. These especially come in handy when your replacing belts, starters and alternators. Speaking of which do not forget your trusting digital volt ohm meter for testing electrical circuits to the starter and the alternator. You can use your digital volt ohm meter for testing fuses, voltage, and amperage. The tool I find that comes in handy a lot of times is the 12 volt test light. This really comes in handy when I am going down the row of fuses looking for a bad one.

The standard 5/8 and the 13/16 sockets will be used for the two different type of spark plugs out there. Extensions and swivels come in handy when ever you are ready to tackle them hard to get to spark plugs. Although these basic hand tools will be used only a few times, try and get a good named brand so they don’t break on you while using them. The adjustable ratchets they make today are pretty reliable in helping you to get a good grip on nuts and bolts.

One hand tool to have all year around is the cooling system pressure checker you can pick up for around a hundred bucks at your local auto parts store. This tool is very easy to use and will attend you obtain those tough antifreeze leaks. Weather it be summer time or winter just pump up your cooling system to your systems specifications which is usually around 15 pounds of pressure and start looking for antifreeze leaks.

This last tool is used for pulling codes from your car’s computer system. Any time your “check engine light” comes on unbiased scuttle the scanner in and retrieve the trouble code that is normally stored for you. This scan tool can normally be bought for around forty or fifty bucks. After you retrieve your stored code or codes then reset the switch to turn off the check engine light.

For more reading on Automotive tools used please check out, “The Auto Repair Shop and the Tools used.” And for more year round car care tips go to, “Auto Repair Savings and my Special Links.”

So far in my lifetime, I have hit two deers and my wife one. That is probably resplendent low compared to other drivers. Hitting a deer is not an enjoyable experience. It is one thing to hit a squirrel or bird. However, when you hit a deer, you are talking about major damage, injury, and even death for all interested. The last deer that I hit back in March did about $1900 in damage to my vehicle. After I hit it, the deer was still alive with broken legs. I speedily called the Sheriffs department in the county and they came and put the deer to sleep.

According to State Trooper Francis, a driver has about a second to make a decision that could mean life and death. Deer do not wear reflective clothes or have reflective fur. The only thing that reflects back is their eyes and that is only if they look at you. Most serious accidents happen when the driver swerves to avoid a collision. On snow or ice, this is compounded. The result of leaving your lane of traffic can be devastating for you and others.

Striking a deer head on will do more damage to your car than trying to avoid hitting it. However, when you consider the alternatives, it is probably your best decision. In most cases, your vehicle is built to protect you with a direct hit of a movable object like a deer. Seat belts and air bags are there for a reason. It is when you hit immovable objects that you have problems.

The best response is to try to avoid hitting the deer too hard. You can brake to reduce speed and take your foot off the accelerator. Remain in your lane or pull over to the shoulder side of the road on your right. Keep in mind, when things happen in front of you,you don’t have time to inconvenience about who is behind you.

If you see a deer up ahead on or along the road, slow down or even pull over. Even if the deer is to the side of the road and doesn’t appear to be a dilemma. They move very like a flash and unexpectedly. Grazing deer spook by sound and light. Don’t think that the noise from your vehicle will scare them off.

Trooper Francis says that non -reflective material can be seen with low beam lights at about 100 feet. Traveling at 55 mph, you will cover 80 feet. That is how you only have one second to accomplish a decision.

Deer can be spotted at all times of the day. When the farmers are harvesting in the Fall, the deer are driven out of the fields and look for original area, They look for areas that provide food and water. You can see them in low lying areas as well as wooded. It is not unusual to gape several deer together in the Fall.

If you pass one deer safely, don’t think that you are out of pain. Usually there is another one good behind it or up the road a short way.

If you have a collision with a deer, treat it like any accident. Call for help if you have a cell phone. Make decisions unprejudiced like you would for any collision. Be certain to let your insurance company know what happened. Records are recorded on all collisions that happen with a deer.

Emotionally, you might feel bad about killing another of gods creatures. However, it is your occupy protection and others that is most important.

ALL WRITE INSURANCE

All Write Insurance, located at 2413 20th Street, offers a full line of auto insurance policies for any dilemma you may have. They offer big discounts for good drivers.

All Write Insurance can be contacted at (806) 763-2886 for a free quote or for more information.

AUTO PARTNERS INSURANCE

Auto Partners Insurance, located at 1711 34th Street, offers auto insurance for all cars and all drivers with no down payment. They also offer many discounts, immediate coverage and Mexico Insurance.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9am-6pm and Saturday 9am-1pm.

Auto Partners Insurance can be contacted at (806) 749-7200 for more information.

BUTLER-CARSON INSURANCE

Butler-Carson Insurance, located at 4505 82nd Street, Suite #10, has three agents with over 70 years combined experience. They have been in the Lubbock station since 1956.

They offer personal insurance which includes homes, auto and specialty autos, motorcycles, boats and personal watercraft, recreational vehicles, mobile homes and health insurance. They also offer business insurance which includes commercial property, general liability, business auto, workers compensation, professional liability and group life and health.

Butler-Carson Insurance can be contacted at (806) 798-7979 for a quote or for more information.

FRED LOYA INSURANCE

Fred Loya Insurance, located at 106 North University, has been auto insurance specialists since 1974.

They offer many discounts including 20% multi car, 20% prior insurance, 10% renewal, 10% home owner and 10% preferred rates.

Options include monthly policies, semi-annual policies, SR-22′s and immediate coverage.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9am-7pm and Saturday 9am-2pm.

Fred Loya Insurance can be contacted at (806) 744-2500 for more information.

SANDFORD INSURANCE AGENCY

Sanford Insurance Agency, located at 6303 Indiana, has been doing business since 1935. They provide insurance for auto, home, business, life and health. They provide all insurance lines of business, from small client risks to jumbo accounts.

They have a specialty department for contractors, medical malpractice and oil and gas.

Sanford Insurance Agency can be contacted at (806) 792-5564 for more information.

SHORT INSURANCE

Short Insurance, located at 2415 20th Street, offers auto, home, motorcycle and commercial and business insurance. They are an independent insurance agent.

Short Insurance can be contacted at (806) 744-0125 for a quote or for more information.

TEXAS STATE LOW COST INSURANCE INC.

Texas State Low Cost Insurance Inc., located at 2406 34th Street, has been serving Texans for 27 years. They provide auto and home insurance.

They offer monthly or 6-month policies, low down/low monthly payments, motorcycle, sr-22 (same day), discounts available and I.D. Cards. They insure all cars and all drivers.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9am to 5:30pm and Saturday 9am to 1:00pm.

Texas State Low Cost Insurance Inc. can be contacted at (806) 792-5555 for more information.

TEXAS WEST INSURANCE AGENCY

Texas West Insurance Agency, located at 2138 19th Street, offer truck, watercraft and automotive insurance.

They offer same day coverage and preferred rates for preferred drivers. They are Truck Insurance Specialists.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm.

Texas West Insurance Agency can be contacted at (806) 763-3300 for more information.

There is a enormous gap in the fuel economy between what the average passenger car receives (28 miles per gallon) and what common SUVs receive (12-16 miles per gallon) (Economics of SUVs). An example of the real difference this makes would be to contemplate a driver of a passenger car that receives 28 miles per gallon—a 2005 Chevrolet Impala SS fits this category, and a driver of a SUV that receives 15 miles per gallon—a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe fits this category, that both drive 12,000 miles per year (MSN Auto). The driver of the Impala will spend $1, 213 a year on gas at $2.83 a gallon. The driver of the SUV will spend $2,264 a year on gas at $2.83 a gallon. This is a difference of $1,050 a year! I am sure the average consumer can collect a noteworthy better diagram to spend over a thousand dollars.

Improving fuel economy standards could be done with relatively low cost compared to the excess amount of money that would be spent on gas. “Duleep identifies feasible fuel economy improvements that can be made in the upcoming five to ten years and their respective costs. He estimates that average efficiency can be increased from 28.1 to 37.6 by model year 2001 at a cost of approximately $860 per vehicle” (Krupnick).

One study pointed out the problem of the ‘rebound effect’. “Since fuel economy improvements lower the cost per mile of driving, people may drive their more fuel efficient cars more than they would a less fuel efficient one. This behaviorally-based ‘rebound effect’ will result in actual emissions reductions (and reductions in overall gasoline use) being smaller than would be expected with no driver response to lower vehicle operating costs” (Krupnick).

Not only do SUVS have significantly higher fuel costs, they also tend to cost more to absorb and repair. Sometimes bumpers alone can cost of $5,000. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted a study in June 1999 that concluded that many popular SUVs can retain quite expensive damage in ‘crashes’ of five miles per hour. They tested types of accidents that would usually occur in parking lots. The results were astonishing. “The Jeep Astronomical Cherokee cost $5,107 to repair after those tests. The Mitsubishi Montero Sport cost a whopping $6,282 to fix. The best SUV tested, the Mercedes ML 320, came in at just under $3,000 to repair (Economics of SUVs). While SUVs put forth a tough and rugged appearance, they reason they don’t beget up in crashes is because of the lack of federal standards. “Passenger car bumpers have to meet federal standards in low-speed crashes, and most of the bumpers on passenger cars include a reinforced bumper bar and foam to absorb crash energy. But SUVs are not subject to any kind of bumper requirements, so they are allowed to crumble in low-speed accidents” (Economics of SUVs).

The effect of the low crash standards of SUVs also affects insurance companies. “Several national insurance companies are raising liability rates on SUVs while providing other car owners with discounts in several states. The insurance rates on SUVs have been rising in part due to studies showing that insurers have been paying out at higher rates for liability insurance on SUVs. A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety concluded that liability insurance claims average $107 for large SUVs, $94 for smaller SUVs, but only $71 for other cars. In the New York Times, Diane S. Taska, a spokeswoman for Farmers Insurance, states “The regular car drivers are subsidizing SUV and pickup drivers on liability insurance.” (Economics of SUVs).

Costs that affect our wallet in the form of higher repair costs and higher gasoline costs are obvious to the average consumer. What may not be so obvious, however, is the cost of driving SUVs in relation to the environment and pollution. The effect of greenhouse gases on the environment has become a great trouble. California was one of the first states to do something about the great injure that greenhouses gases are doing to the environment. “California’s new law on curbing greenhouse gas emissions is serving as a powerful impetus unhurried bipartisan congressional legislation that would force car makers and other industries to act against global warming” (Epstein). Different states and Congress are beginning to follow California’s step to protecting the environment for the future. “The cap and trade bill proposed by Senator John McCain, R-Arizona, and Senator Joe Lieberman, D-Connecticut, would set an overall national limit on the release of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases. It would also set up a mandatory trading system in which companies that fail to met their reduction goals could buy credits from those that do” (Epstein). These proposals point out the fact that something needs to be done about the amount of emissions that some vehicles (mostly SUVs) are producing. “California’s law started something big, said Anne Petsonk, a researcher with Environmental Defense. ‘California is a signal to the automotive industry is not going to be exempt from greenhouse gas regulations. Other states and many in Congress are looking at what California did in its legislation,’ she said” (Epstein). The reason why this new law in California is so vital is because of the amount of impact California has on the automotive industry. “The new California law that requires state air regulators to start a program by 2009 that would slice emissions form automotive vehicles by a still-unspecified amount may be forcing a national approach. California accounts for 13 percent of the nation’s auto market, so manufacturers of cars, SUVs and trucks are sure to comply with the state’s edict” (Epstein).

Emissions regulation is a very serious problem. “The transportation sector is a major contributor to two important environmental problems—global warming and urban smog. It has been estimated that transportation sources account for 8% of global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a major greenhouse gas, with U.S. sources alone accounting for 3.4%. At the same time, motor vehicles contribute from one-third to twp-thirds of all volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions—a precursor to ozone—in U.S. ‘ozone nonattainment’ areas (Krupnick).

Much has been said about if we are to improve fuel economy then the main way to do so would be to lessen the weight of the average automobile. So in turn, attempts to improve the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards would slit the safety of automobiles because some studies have shown that vehicle weight is sometimes related to crashworthiness. “Not all studies rep a positive relationship between weight and safety. The General Accounting Office acknowledged a theoretical link between automobile size and safety; however, they find no direct empirical link between the two. They find the highest fatality rates occur not in the lightest cars, but in the middle-weight cars. The reasoning is the larger, heavier cars increase the probability of a fatality for the lighter automobile passengers, as well as subjecting their own occupants to greater force (i.e. mass times acceleration) at impact. Lighter vehicles, though generally less stable and crashworthy, earn less force” (Yun, John).

Even with all the costs of SUVs described above many Americans detached choose to drive them. Why? “The answer lies in differing concepts of utility. It is utility that accounts for formidable growth of the United States economy. It is utility that accounts for fast-food restaurants and drive-thru banks. It is utility that brings about the construction of 16-lane highways, air disappear and high-tech communication devices. It is utility that money and credit creates, that is solely accountable for a negative savings rate. Utility means a 24/7/365 economy. Utility means there is no economic scarcity except wasted time. For Americans, the pursuit of utility equals freedom” (Kic). The concept of the SUV is very appealing to Americans. But all the costs that reach with SUVs need to be reduced—and it is very possible for this to happen, if they automakers desire to. The only map for this to happen in the foreseeable future, is to have government mandated fuel economy standards, atomize standards, and emission limits.

_________________________

Works Cited

“Economics of SUVs” 14 April 2006

Epstein, Edward. “California emissions law now a model. It’s cited in a major new Senate bill.” San Francisco Chronicle 9 January 2003

Kic, Wojciech. “There are two sides to the SUV debate coin.” Houston Business Journal 27 December 2002

Krupnick, Alan J. et al. “Global warming and urban smog: cost-effectiveness of CAFE standards and alternative fuels.” The Energy Journal v14 October 1993: p75-98

Yun, John M. “Offsetting behavior effects of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards.” Economic Inquiry v40 April 2002: p260-271

If your zip code is a high crime area, where car theft or vandalism is prevalent, your insurance policy may be extremely high. When you change your address, you may not necessarily need to switch to another insurance company, but you do have to notify your unique carrier. Your insurance policy may increase or decrease, depending on what your new zip code tells them.

Out-of-State Moves and Car Insurance

If you move out of state, you may have no choice but to switch insurance carriers. Most enormous named companies are nation wide, but there are still a few that may not service the area you are moving to.

Even if you do not switch the provider, you need to notify your insurance company and have them find you a local agent in your new area. You may have to adjust the limits that you carry as well, due to state regulations. Insurance amounts are governed by each state, so you will have to be sure that your policy covers the new states requirements.

If the move is only temporary, as for a job, or to attend school, you should talk with your current agent about the best way to handle the situation. Your new insurance may be fine, but you do have to inform the insurance company that the insured vehicle will be in another residence for a temporary amount of time.

In-State Moves and Car Insurance

Moving across town is not a reason to change carriers, because it probably will not affect your insurance rates by very much, if at all. If you are moving clear to the other end of a station, you may wish to contact agents in that site and get a quote from them. You may find that the new position you are racy to has cheaper rates from certain insurance providers.

You also run the risk of finding out your premiums are going to be higher. Moving from a rural area to a larger city will increase your rates, so checking with companies already in the new area may be a way to retain your car insurance at a manageable price.

The DMV Keeps Track of Your Car's Registration

The Department of Motor Vehicles must also be notified when you recede. Your vehicles have to have the same address on them for the DMV and your insurance carrier. Depending on the plot, you may have up to 90 days to register your current address with the DMV, or risk being fined if you are stopped. If you have an accident before the addresses match, you could be in for a fight on the claim, simply because the car was not registered to the same address the insurance was. It is very distinguished that the insurance company and the DMV have the same address.

Sources:

Car Insurance Guide Book

Department of Motor Vehicles

USwitch.Com

1. You need enough coverage to pay off any debt that remains on the car. Try to never leave yourself too exposed when debt is alive to. You could end up without a car but still having to make a car payment for a few more years. Try to protect yourself against this happening. There is no perfect solution here if you buy a new car. Unless you are able to pick a policy that will give you replacement cost in the event of a total loss, you may ruin up with a little remaining debt after the insurance settlement. Work hard to withhold this to a minimum.

2. Every regular driver for a vehicle needs to be included on your policy. Do not have drivers who are routine users of a vehicle left off of the policy. Younger drivers will increase your premium, but you do not want to face accurate issues for not having proper financial responsibility for your vehicle. You are required to do this by law.

3. The plot law requires you to carry a certain level of liability insurance for the other driver in an accident plus passengers in the cars. You can add some medical benefits to this, but it is not legally required in most states. You do need to carry at least the minimum legal amount of liability insurance on each car that you own.

4. If you are in an area where the potential for uninsured drivers is high, you need to carry uninsured and under insured provisions in your policy. Not all states require uninsured or under insured motorist coverage. By adding this to your policy, you will increase the rate, but you will also be great better protected in an accident if you have any liability at all.

5. You need to carry comprehensive insurance to cover your car from natural disasters, theft, and glass breakage. Many people fail to realize that it is the comprehensive part of the policy that covers these areas. If you decline comprehensive insurance and your car is stolen, it is honest too bad. The same is true for glass that is broken or hail damage.

6. It is a good idea to carry property damage insurance in case you hit something other than another car. Not all accidents are two car. Sometimes, you run into houses or other objects that have to be repaired. The property damage part of your policy covers this possibility. You need to have this added to your policy or at least make an informed decision if you decide not to do it.

7. If you have a leisurely model car, collision insurance is wise to cover the huge cost of accident repairs. Many people choose to drop their collision insurance after that a car is paid off. However, if you have an wreck, you will have to pay the entire cost of the car repair out of your pocket. As long as your car is still relatively new, it is best to keep up your collision policy.

8. You need enough liability insurance to cover your assets in case an accident results in a lawsuit. Accidents do always just involve the physical damage to the car. Sometimes people get damaged in the accident. If they settle to sue you, you can be wiped out financially. You need enough liability to at least veil the value of your assets to protect them. It is not perfect, but it can help you sleep at night.

9. If you do not have it through some other source, you should mediate buying roadside assistance and towing insurance. Adding on a rental car provision can be a good belief, also.

10. Buy the right type of insurance for the type of driving that you do. If you use your auto for business, you will want to add extra coverage to protect your business from catastrophic losses due to legal issues.

There are many reasons why you should get women auto insurance. It protects you from the high medical costs, vehicle repair cost and theft. You will also receive allowance as replacement for your income. As a driver, you have the responsibility to maintain your passengers safe. By getting auto insurance, you will be able to have the money to pay for the injury costs of your passengers and property damage. Another reason why you need auto insurance is that it is a requirement of the state department. Every state has a minimum requirement on how much liability insurance you must acquire. It is recommended that you buy more than the minimum requirement so that you will be fully protected from the damage cost.

By looking at the gender of the applicant, the insurance company knows how he or she will handle the car. Women don't get as many urge tickets as men does. Besides, most accidents are caused by men rather than women. Women encounter lesser accidents. The accidents caused by women are less serious compare to men. Due to this fact, their claims are smaller. Women drivers don't bustle on the highway like men do. They like to drive cautiously and at a slower speed. The largest difference in the premium occurs on men and women under 30 years old. There is a smaller difference in the premium cost for men and women over 30 years old. Women wear seatbelts frequently. They always drive shorter distance range instead of long distance range.

Though women automobile insurance is cheaper, there are certain factors that the insurance company take into account when determining the premium cost including driving history and vehicle characteristic If you want to reduce the cost of your car insurance, you should not buy a vehicle that has high horsepower. High performance vehicles will be charged with higher premium charges. Other types of vehicles that are charged with high premium cost include large SUV, and mini car. Besides, car with a long history of being stolen will be charged with high premium cost. If you want to buy advantage of cheap car insurance, you should buy station wagon. The premium cost for a van is low as well.

In the United States, women drivers often have to provide information on the ownership of the vehicle and their marital space. When shopping for women automobile insurance, obtain sure you discuss with your insurance agent so that he can serve you to locate the best insurer. You can use the insurance quote search engine to find an insurance that contains all the features you need and suit your budget.

Cost benefit analysis (lower rates)Insurance corporations are especially competitive with their costs and have distinct rates for every individual customer If you have been with 1 insurance organization for quite a few years and are not receiving substantial discounts then you would benefit from shopping around When shopping around buyers will usually locate lower rates and greater policies.Is the customer service department less than useful?Automobile insurance corporations are only as excellent as their customer service Friendly and useful customer service is paramount when negotiating a rate or for obtaining discounts If your vehicle insurance firm is not polite and useful when you are not filing a claim do not expect an accurate and friendly claims service Did the premium rise substantially after an accident or moving violation?Is your insurance firm drastically raising your premium for an accident or even a moving violation The web has made auto insurance firms compete fiercely for buyers with lower costs and greater coverage Some insurance firms are now offering no premium boost for accidents If your rates have risen due to an accident or moving violation then you really should take into account switching vehicle insurance firms.Is your auto insurance separate from your house owners insurance?Combining insurance policies such as house owners insurance, multiple vehicle auto insurance, and GAP insurance can save you a lot of dollars on premiums If your insurance policies are separate from 1 an additional then you should really look at leaving 1 of your present insurance organizations for a lower rate combined plan.Have your premiums rose even with out an accident?Vehicle insurance providers are extremely competitive and will do nearly anything for enterprise If you have had your premiums rise with out any violation or accident on your record then you must contemplate switching insurance organizations Normally insurance businesses will lower premiums if you are accident totally free for an extended period of time instead of raising them Accident totally free people are less of a risk and are truly less costly to insure.Sources:www.edmunds.comwww.vehix.com .