Should You Get Rental Insurance When Renting A Car
Should You Get Rental Insurance When Renting A Car
Rental Car Insurance: Do You Need It?
If you have ever rented a car for a short period of time, whether during a vacation, a business trip, or while your own automobile was being repaired, you have probably faced the question of whether to take out insurance at the rental agency desk when you rent the car. Paying your rental company for insurance on your rental car is necessary sometimes, but not always. In fact, much of the time rental car insurance ends up adding some fairly steep fees onto your rental even though the coverage you?re paying for may be completely redundant.
To know whether you need to write a check for the hefty chunk of change that many automobile rental companies collect for insurance coverage, all you need to do is spend a bit of time finding out exactly what kind of coverage you already have. In many cases, your regular auto insurance is more than sufficient to protect you financially if you do damage a rental car. Anyone who owns an automobile of their own has an insurance policy that gives them some level of coverage in case of damage to the car from an accident, theft, vandalism, or other mishap. It varies a bit from policy to policy, but most of the time this same coverage will apply to a car rented in the policy owner?s name. This means that if your car is fully insured, any rental car that you drive will probably be just as well covered as your personal automobile.
Of course, before you turn down added rental insurance at a rental car agency, make sure you have spoken to your personal insurance agent or a representative from the company that holds your policy to make absolutely sure your policy covers rental cars. If your auto insurance doesn?t cover your rental, you could be left holding a bill for tens of thousands of dollars. This kind of costly mistake can be easily avoided just by making one phone call in advance. Even if you are not planning to rent a car in the near future, it is not a bad idea to find out today whether your policy covers rental cars. That way, all the necessary information will be there for you when you need it.
Even if your regular insurance plan doesn?t adequately cover rental cars, you don?t necessarily need to pay the high insurance fees that a rental agency will probably charge. There are plenty of options to make sure your temporary wheels are covered in case of a collision or other cause of damage to the car. In fact, you can get a much better rate than a rental agent is likely to offer you even if you don?t own a car of your own. There are specific policies that insurance companies offer for customers who rent cars frequently. A non-owner auto liability insurance policy provides affordable and usually quite comprehensive protection for rental drivers who do not own cars. If you don?t have personal automobile insurance that already covers rentals, one of these can offer you the security of knowing you are fully covered without the steep prices of rental agents? insurance packages.
Whether you find out that you need to take out a non-owner auto liability insurance policy, or whether you discover that you don?t need to pay anything above what you already do for insurance, a bit of forethought and planning can save you a lot of money at the rental desk. Your rental car may be temporary, but the savings will be permanent.
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for AutoRentalPro.com To learn more about <a href="http://www.autorentalpro.com/carrentalinsurance/">rental car insurance</a> and <a href="http://www.autorentalpro.com/exoticcarrental/">exotic car rentals</a>, visit us.
<b>Road Safety Guides - What to do if you break down</b>
If your vehicle breaks down, think about safety, first: Here s a straightforward safety guide from GEM Motoring Assist, the leading UK driver based road safety association.
Consider your own safety
- get your vehicle off the road if possible
- ensure your passengers are safe and that animals are kept under control.
Warn other road users
- warn other traffic by using your hazard warning lights if your vehicle is causing an obstruction
- put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken down vehicle on the same side of the road, or use other permitted warning devices if you have them. Always take great care when placing them, but never use them on motorways as this may put you in danger from oncoming traffic
- keep your sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor
- do not stand (or let anybody else stand) between your vehicle and oncoming traffic
- at night or in poor visibility do not stand where you will prevent other road users seeing your lights
- wear a reflective/fluorescent jacket or tabard.
Calling for help
- do not use mobile phones if there is a danger from petrol spillage or fumes
- contact the emergency services by dialing 999 or 112 (new international emergency code), or if you are a member call GEM Motoring Assist Breakdown Cover or other breakdown organisation
- give clear instructions of your general location: road number, direction of travel and specific local landmarks will aid your rescue
- also tell them your vehicle type and colour, registration number and how many persons are in the vehicle
- an indication of the cause of the breakdown will also help
- when help arrives, ask for proof of identity.
On Motorways ” safety first
Leave the motorway at the nearest exit or pull into a service area. When this is not possible:
- use your indicators or hazard warning lights and pull on to the hard shoulder. Stop as far to the left as possible, with your wheels turned to the left
- try to stop near an emergency telephone (every mile on the hard shoulder) with the front passenger door as close to the phone as possible
- you must leave the vehicle by the left-hand passenger doors
- wear a reflective/fluorescent jacket or tabard
- do not cross the carriageway to reach a closer phone it is safer to wait on the verge. (Remember, 10% of motorway accidents are collisions with vehicles parked on the hard shoulder.)
- do not leave the keys in the car. If possible, lock all the doors except the front passenger door, which you should leave fully open so you can get back in quickly if needs be
- keep passengers away from the carriageway and children under control. Make sure children are safe ” do not leave them in the car by themselves
- if you are an elderly or disabled person, or have small children with you, you may decide it is more sensible to stay in the vehicle. If so, park it as close to the verge as possible
- you must leave animals in the vehicle, with windows only far enough down to let in air. Only let them out of the vehicle in an emergency, but keep them under proper control on the verge
- do not attempt even simple repairs and do not leave the car bonnet open.
On Motorways ” getting help
- walk to the nearest emergency telephone, following the arrows on the marker posts every 100 metres at the back of the hard shoulder. Calls are free and connect directly to the Police - they will know where you are. Stand behind the phone and watch out for passing traffic, or anyone approaching you
- give full details, also inform them if you feel vulnerable. Tell them the number of your breakdown organisation, your car registration and the number shown on the nearest marker post
- return and wait near your vehicle, preferably behind the barrier on the motorway embankment
- when help arrives, ask for ID and check that the breakdown person knows your name
- NEVER get into a car with a stranger or try to hitch a lift
- if someone offers help, stay inside your car with the doors locked (keep windows partially open) and ask them to phone your breakdown organisation for you
- if a car stops while you are waiting for help and you feel uneasy, stay in the passenger seat of your car and lock the door. Phone the Police and give them the car s registration number
- when rejoining the motorway, always increase speed on the hard shoulder and watch for a safe gap in the traffic.
Established in 1932, GEM Motoring Assist is the leading UK driver based road safety association. <a href="http://www.motoringassist.com">GEM Motoring Assist</a> provide a wide range of driver services including low cost <a href="http://www.motoringassist.com">car breakdown insurance.</a>
The Real Cost Of Motor Vehicle Theft
Ever had a car stolen? Did you collapse, broken-hearted, on the floor when told that its burnt-out chassis had been found at the bottom of a dry creek bed and was now home to a family of very large rats? The stereo was gone, the seats were gone, the woofers, gone. And the fluffy dice ? they even took the dice!
No more ?DOOF-DOOF?, no more dice
No more back seat paradise?
I know ? you were much younger then?.
The negative impact caused by car theft spares no one. Its effects are felt right across the community. For example, an increase in motor vehicle thefts means an increase in motor vehicle insurance claims and this ultimately leads to a rise in motor vehicle insurance premiums.
But it doesn?t stop there. Even those who don?t own a vehicle end up bearing the cost of motor vehicle thefts indirectly as taxi fares, bus fares, even school excursions become more expensive. And if you believe you?ve been excluded from these increased costs because you walk or cycle everywhere, think again.
Higher motor vehicle insurance premiums mean higher transport running costs, which lead to higher freight charges, and this translates to higher prices on the supermarket shelves.
And let?s not forget the individual. The poor motorist who has had his car stolen must now cop a reduction in his No Claim Bonus as well as pay a hefty excess. If he relies on his vehicle for work there is also the alarming prospect of a temporary loss of income.
So what can be done to combat these heinous crimes?
Many new cars these days have built-in anti-theft devices such as car alarms, engine demobilisers and wheel nut locks. Even so, there are several things car owners can do to prevent the their vehicles being stolen.
? If your car doesn?t come with an anti-theft device, buy one.
? When parking on the street at night, always choose a well-lit area.
? That anti-theft device that you bought?use it!
? Never leave items that may be tempting to a thief in plain sight. These may include department store shopping bags, mobile phones, wallets, gifts or other valuables. If such things absolutely must be left in the vehicle, hide them away in the glove box, boot or even under the seats.
? This may sound obvious but keys should never be left in the ignition. Many a car has been stolen from right under its owner?s nose simply because the key was left in it. Even if you?re just popping in to pay for the petrol you just pumped, take out the key. Theft of your vehicle will take less than ten seconds with the key already in the ignition.
? If you have a garage, put your car in it instead of the pool table. And, having done that, don?t forget to lock it.
? If you don?t have a garage, park in the driveway instead of the street. (If you don?t have either? have you considered a pushbike?)
? When leaving the vehicle unattended at home, take your car keys with you.
? If leaving the car with a mechanic for maintenance or repairs, only leave the ignition key with the car.
? Never leave spare keys in or on the vehicle.
? Don?t leave important papers such as registration, license or mail in the vehicle while unattended.
If, even after being as careful as possible, your vehicle is stolen, report the theft immediately to the police. They will take details of the vehicle, where it was parked and for how long, as well as information about any items that may have been inside it at the time.
You will then need to make a claim through your insurance company ?assuming you have comprehensive motor vehicle insurance, of course ? as soon as possible. These days many insurance companies allow you to report the claim online as well as in person or over the phone. The important thing is to do so promptly, giving as much detail as is available so as to help streamline the process.
Once the claim is reported, a claims officer will most likely contact you within a day or two to confirm the information. If accepted, it may then take up to a further six weeks to pay the claim if the vehicle is not recovered. If it is found within that time, the vehicle will be assessed as to whether it can be repaired and, if so, at what cost. If the repair costs would be more than the vehicle is worth, it will be deemed a total loss and the claim paid for the insured value less any excess.
Any way you look at it, motor vehicle theft is a crime that causes loss and anxiety in several different ways. The best we can do is take as many steps as we can to prevent it and support car manufacturers that provide security devices in their cars.
As for the car thieves?placing them in stocks and throwing rotten tomatoes at them springs to mind?
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Car Insurance. It's Getting Increasingly Expensive When You're Elderly.
There were 550 serious accidents last year where the driver was over aged 70 and where driver was either killed or badly hurt, reports the Institute of Advanced Motoring . That statistic represents 8% of the national total of 7,035 similar accidents. That means that the over 70’s’s have more, very serious accidents per mile than any other sector of the population. This view is supported by the Association of British Insurers whose research shows that drivers aged over 70 are 13% more likely claim on their insurance than the drivers aged between 40 and 50.
As the number of elderly drivers will double during the next ten years, this represents a problem for elderly drivers and their families - not to mention the insurance industry, police and indeed all of the emergency services!
You can probably predict the response from the insurance industry. Many insurance companies already reckon that drivers over 80 are as high a risk as the under 25’s - and charge premiums to match! Some are even progressively loading premiums once the driver reaches 60. Then at 70, you’ll find that many insurance simply refuse to offer cover. Norwich Union and Esure won’t quote after 70 and by the time the driver reaches 80, the field narrows to specialised insurers who insure elderly drivers. Help the Aged and Age Concern both market policies that have no upper maximum age. Cornhill only accepts new policyholders up to 84 but if you’ve been insured by them for a few years, there’s no upper age limit. RIAS and Saga are also pleased to consider older drivers.
As the price of car insurance is based on historical claims experience, a 75 year old male driver can expect to pay at least 33% more than if he were aged 50. By the time the driver reaches 80 the premiums hit boy racer levels! So if you’re in your early 50’s keep smiling at the lowest premiums you’ll ever experience ? they won’t last forever!
And the fairer sex fare even worse. Whilst younger women are renowned for their safe driving, they become more accident-prone as they get older. Whereas male drivers improve with age. (Where have we heard that before!) As a result, elderly women drivers pay the highest rates for car insurance.
It’s a biological fact that eyesight and reaction times worsen as age creeps on. And with traffic becoming heavier and road networks ever more complex, elderly drivers can more easily become disorientated and confused. Even a fraction of a second’s delay can make the difference between an accident and a near miss. Insurers are reacting by insisting that more elderly drivers take a medical before agreeing to provide insurance. The best advice is to build up a no claims record and as soon as possible and buy No Claims Protection. This protection cost a bit more but it’s well worth the money. Then make sure you pay for any small bumps yourself.
But there are some simple steps that older drivers, and indeed all drivers, can take to reduce the likelihood of them having an accident and thereby making themselves more insurable. It’s often more about those little things and being alert to likely problems. For example, car parks are a breeding ground for small accidents. Knowing that take more care. Before you get back into your car, walk round it to see how much room you’ve got. Then edge out carefully making sure that other drivers in the car park aren’t driving into the area you’re moving into. Then, if advancing years has stiffened you neck and all-round visibility is a bit more difficult, take special care at junctions and when reversing. Remember to move you head and swivel your shoulders - that way you’ll increase your sweep of vision.
Many of the policies for older motorists contain special provisions designed to assist them. On Saga’s policy for example, ex company car drivers can use any no claims record they’d built up and if a couple are insured and the main driver decides to quit driving, then the spouse can take over the no claims record. Other policies also provide full insurance cover for anyone who takes over driving in an emergency. Cornhill will even payout ?250 if the DVLA stops you from driving for health isues associated with age.
In moves to diminish the numbers of accidents involving the elderly, the UK Government is investigating the issue of deteriorating health amongst elderly drivers. It seems to be considering the idea of obligatory health checks for elderly motorists. At the same time some local councils are introducing initiatives of their own. Torbay council has launched a scheme to encourage families and GP’s to take more responsibility for encouraging elderly drivers who are not really fit drive, to give up. A road safety spokesperson for Torbay council said, ?The problem is that the elderly can’t always see themselves when it’s really time to give up driving so those closest to them must take responsibility for that.?
In the meantime, a survey carried out by the Institute of Advanced Motorists confirms that older motorists are aware that they represent an increased accident risk. Seven out of ten older drivers surveyed said they would like to take a refresher course for motorway driving skills and six out of ten wanted to improve their performance at junctions and on unlit roads. In response to these issues, the Institute has extended its advanced tests to older non-members to encourage them to improve and build up confidence. The tests also help spot any serious problems that should encourage the driver pack up driving.
Michael Challiner writes for Brokers Online, a large Uk finance portal, who offer <a href="http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk"> Life Insurance</a> and most UK financial services including <a href="http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk/car-insurance/">Car Insurance</a>
Low Rate Car Insurance
Everyone likes to save money! That fact is not a secret to anyone. When trying to save money on car insurance, a question that should be considered is, ?What will be the cost to me for ?saving? money?? This question is meant to help people realize that there is a difference between ?price? and ?cost?. While Company ?A? may offer slightly lower or even much lower premiums than Company ?B?, Company ?B? may offer some services that you prefer, i.e. a local agent, 24 hour service, online service etc. These services may be worth the extra price to some people, and not for others. Thus, it is shown that services received may out-weigh the price paid.
Another factor to take into consideration is the quality of service you receive from an insurance company. While all auto insurance companies want you to believe that they are as good, or even better than the next company; that is simply not true. There are drastic differences in overall service, claim handling, and personality of individual companies. One company may offer exceptional claim?s service, but perhaps it is very difficult to actually get in touch with the company?s claim?s department; while another company may have terrible claim?s service, but their claim department is easy to reach.
One must ask themselves, ?Is it worth paying lower premiums to receive a lower quality of service, or am I willing to pay a bit more to ensure that my service is exceptional?? Don?t misunderstand. Just because a company offers lower premiums, does not necessarily mean that company?s level of service will be lacking. Great service can come at any price.
The most important item to remember while searching for lower premiums is to do your homework. Talk to your family, friends, and co-workers. Ask them where they are insured, and if they are pleased with their insurance company. Remember, not all insurance companies are created equally, for instance, a company that runs completely over the phone or internet will have different costs than a company that employs fulltime agents. That is because the cost of doing business is different for each of those companies. This brings the question again, ?What services do I value in my insurance company? Do I want the package Company ?A? offers or that of Company ?B???
Low rate car insurance is in the eye of the beholder. Simply put, different services are worth different amounts to different people. So find the company with the services you desire and let the games begin.
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Online Car Insurance Businesses: Buying Through The Internet
Nowadays, insurance have become a necessity in life. Why?
Imagine your house being blown to pieces by a hurricane. Grasp in your mind that you were involved in an accident and requires hospitalization or expensive surgery. Think what will happen if your parked car was smashed into bits by a ten-wheeler truck.
Who would pay for these damages? If you have a relatively low income, you cannot afford to pay for all of these alone. These kinds of disasters, man-made or caused by nature, can cause financial ruin or bankruptcy to people.
So how will you deal with these unforeseen accidents without spending too much money?
The answer to that question would be insurance.
It is a fact that our lives and properties are always in danger in every single day of our lives. Whether it is caused by nature or by man, disaster is always lurking around the corner waiting to strike.
The point is that no man?s life is perfect and we do not know what the future will bring us. How do we prepare for such disasters? We prepare our security by buying insurance.
Many people buy insurance to ensure them security with their lives and property. It is a fact that buying insurance is practical nowadays and could save you from financial and emotional frustration.
There are many kinds of insurances. There are insurance for homes, businesses, health, automobiles etc. Each offers the same basic principle; they all promise reimbursements in the case of loss. Insurance is a form of risk management, usually to help people in case of financial loss.
One of the most commonly purchased insurance is the automobile insurance or car insurance.
Who wouldn?t buy car insurance? We all know how expensive these machines can be. Many people invests large amount of money to their cars. No person wants to lose his or her investment easily
You may probably say a crazy one. Car insurance companies usually cover some or all damage expenses in an event that your car is involved in an accident or stolen.
The car insurance businesses is now getting bigger and are now expanding their services to keep up with competitors. Some car insurance businesses are now offering their services through the internet.
It is now possible for people to shop for car insurance in the internet. What this means is that people can now shop for car insurance right in the comforts of their home. It also means wider means and opportunity to choose the best and applicable car insurance for your own unique situation.
The first thing you have to consider when buying car insurance online is the price. Prices are different by company, and it is wise that you first compare prices before you buy a policy.
Also remember that the price of car insurance policy vary depending on what kind of car you own, for example; insurance policies usually cost more if you own a sports car than your average family car.
Another way to get an idea of how much your car insurance policy will cost is the area you live. If you live in an area where accidents and auto theft are high, you will get a higher cost of insurance policy.
The price can also be affected by your driving record, if you have police record that states that you have been involved in several automobile accidents, car insurance companies usually gives you high priced policy and some will reject your application for car insurance.
Also, always remember that the more often you drive the more you are exposed to accidents. Therefore, insurance policies will cost more.
To apply for a car insurance policy online, you will need the following:
? Driver?s License ? to rate every resident that lives in the same household on the policy.
? Insurance Declarations Page ? This document contains all the information about the policy that you need for the online quoting website. Every time you renew your policy, this document will be mailed to you.
? Car Registration Card ? This provides the vehicle identification number. It will also include the safety features installed in your vehicle. Safety feature will give you discount.
If you plan to buy car insurance policy, always remember that you should buy an insurance policy suitable for your needs and not one that will cost you your life savings.
Dana Goldberg is the editor of <a href="http://www.usedcaravalanche.info">Used Car Avalanche</a>. The easy way to find a used car.
New drivers versus auto insurance
New drivers versus auto insurance
Every year thousands of new drivers head onto the open roads increasing the number of potential accidents. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA), in 2005 there were an estimated 31,884 people killed in total passenger vehicle accidents. Close to 14% percent of these car accidents were caused by young and newly licensed drivers between the ages of 16-19 years. As a result of these overwhelming statistics, auto insurance rates have risen significantly with the onus on parents to pay the exuberant premiums.
Young drivers feel as though they are the target of a car insurance conspiracy in wondering why all novice drivers aren t being target regardless of age or gender. When countries world-wide passed legislation for new drivers, known as Graduated Licensing a system designed to phase in young beginners to full driving privileges as they become more mature and develop their driving skills. Astounding statistics revealed in the United States alone, young people made up the vast majority of beginning drivers and revealed that 16 year olds had the highest number of accidents, approximately 26%.
Driver education programs can reduce auto insurance rates
What factors into this equation is maturity and lack of on road experience. Driver education schools aid in not only practical experience, but further educate their students on behind the wheel safety procedures. As part of the ongoing education, parents should also continue to reinforce the dangers and hazards of the road and continually monitor their child s driving practices to secure a clean driving record. Enrolling your child in a driver education program also helps reduce car insurance rates since they are deemed as top authorities in driver safety.
So how can you get cheaper car insurance rates? Firstly, parents should go online and get as many auto insurance quotes, at least four since auto insurance rates vary from company to company, as well as from state to state. Here are some helpful tips in trying to find cheaper auto insurance for your child and some important factors you should keep in mind:
What new drivers should know about car insurance
When you are adding a new driver to your existing car insurance police, typically you will see an increase in your rate, this is due to the fact new drivers need to be listed as a primary driver on one of your family vehicles in order to acquire an insurance rating. When shopping around for cheaper auto insurance whether in person or getting an insurance quote online, pose the question, what happens as the child gets older and maintains a clean driving record, will his/her premiums go down? Depending on age bracket, gender and driving history, this will in fact affect auto insurance rates.
As previously mentioned parents should inquire if their child does qualify for any type of insurance discount, again this depends on legislating factors that govern insurance companies in different states. If your child has successfully passed and was granted a certificate at a recognized driving school, they may qualify for a good student discount .
If you are buying a new vehicle, you may want to consider which vehicles get the lowest rates. Also, be sure to contact your agent or broker to add the new vehicle to your policy.
You may want to consider additional personal liability protection. If you or your child accidentally injuries someone or destroys their property in the event of an accident, there is a chance you may be sued for damages. In the event a judge awards the plaintiff more money than what your insurance policy provides and exceeds the monetary limits, this could prove to be a financial catastrophe. The additional liability can supplement your present policy and with a new driver in the home, this should definitely be given top consideration when inquiring about car insurance.
Written on behalf of http://www.insurancequote4you.com your premium source for finding the best online auto insurance rates.
Shelley Murphy of <a href="http://www.trendmx.com">http://www.trendmx.com</a> brings with her over 10 years of Search Engine Optimization and e-marketing strategies to web based businesses. Holding two BA s in English and Journalism Communications her writing skills have been a great asset for both onsite writing and monthly newsletters publications.
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