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Posts Tagged ‘auto insurance’

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2010 IIHS Safety Picks Announced

November 19th, 2009 by Matthew C. Keegan | 2 Comments | Filed in Autos Express

New rollover protection rating trims annual list.

It used to be that to get on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) top safety picks list meant that your vehicle was recently updated to incorporate the latest front, side, and rear crash test requirements. In its position as an independent, nonprofit, research and communication organization for the nation’s car insurers, the IIHS picks have given consumers a very good idea about which cars are safe and which aren’t.

Rollover Protection

IIHSFor 2010, the IIHS added a fourth category, rollover protection, which trimmed its usually generous list by more than two-thirds. In 2009, 94 vehicles were top picks but for 2010 just 27 models managed to qualify, underscoring just how much work needs to be done in the way of passenger vehicle rollover protection.

Adding the rollover protection component to the testing is important because these types of accidents kill more than 9,000 people each year. That’s right, you read that number correctly.

At risk, of course, are many sport/utility vehicles whose higher profiles mean that that there is significantly more roof area involved when an SUV is in an accident. Taller roof pillars and extended roof lines are more difficult to reinforce, hence their risk for consumers.

SUV Qualifiers

Fortunately, out of the 27 vehicles who passed the new IIHS requirements, 8 qualify as sport/utility vehicles. Though, four of those are made by Subaru, whose SUVs are based on car platforms, not truck platforms. Thus, all eight winners are actually crossover models which the IIHS does not separate from SUVs.

To be sure, IIHS requirements go well beyond minimum safety standards. This distinction should be noted by consumers as they shop for a new car, because quite a few acceptable vehicles on the federal list aren’t mentioned by the IIHS. That doesn’t mean that these vehicles are unsafe, rather that they meet different criteria as outlined by the federal government.

No Toyotas

Surprisingly, not one model from the Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota, Lexus, Scion) made this year’s list after having had eleven on it the year before. But Saab, Mitsubishi, Mazda, and BMW also failed to make a return after also having at least one of their models on the IIHS list in recent years.

So, who are the winners this year? I’m glad you asked. Without further delay I offer to you the 27 IIHS top safety picks for 2010 model year vehicles:

Large cars
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80

Midsize cars
Audi A3
Chevrolet Malibu built after October 2009
Chrysler Sebring 4-door with optional electronic stability control
Dodge Avenger with optional electronic stability control
Mercedes C class
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta sedan
Volkswagen Passat sedan
Volvo C30

Small cars
Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Subaru Impreza except WRX
Volkswagen Golf 4-door

Midsize SUVs
Dodge Journey
Subaru Tribeca
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs
Honda Element
Jeep Patriot with optional side torso airbags
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan

Source: IIHS

Adv. – If you’re planning to buy a new car, a thorough study of the IIHS results can ensure that the vehicle you buy is a safe one. As you do your research you’ll want to get a quote or find a dealer to set up a test drive. Importantly, arranging your own auto financing can save you hundreds of dollars, allowing you to take the manufacturer’s rebate instead of their low-rate financing.


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Oh, Deer: Vehicle Collisions On The Upswing

September 29th, 2009 by Matthew C. Keegan | 5 Comments | Filed in Autos Express, News

America’s deer population is out of control in some regions, forcing communities to take drastic steps to cull herds through hunting and other methods. One sure way to get rid of deer is to have a deer-automobile collision, almost always deadly for the deer and extremely dangerous for vehicle occupants. Don’t forget the damage done to these vehicles as well.

Tracking Cervid Accidents

deerState Farm Insurance Companies has been tracking cervid-car collisions for a number of years, noting that such accidents have increased by 18% over the past five years even though the number of vehicles taking to America’s highways and byways has only increased by 7% during that time.

The auto insurance giant, the largest issuer of car insurance policies in the U.S., reported 2.4 million accidents involving deer in a two-year period ending June 30, 2009. West Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Montana are the top five states for vehicle accidents with Mountaineer state residents having a 1 in 39 chance that they will hit a deer within the next twelve months.

Thousands of Dollars in Damage

According to State Farm, the average property damage cost of these incidents was $3,050, up 3.4 percent from a year ago. And, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, deer-vehicle collisions in the U.S. cause more than 150 human fatalities each year.

The worst time of the year for deer-vehicle collision is now upon us, as deer migration and mating season from October through the end of the year increases the likelihood of accidents. To that end, State Farm offers the following tips to help drivers reduce the chances that they’ll have an accident:

  • Be aware of posted deer crossing signs. These are placed in active deer crossing areas.
  • Remember that deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m.
  • Use high beam headlamps as much as possible at night to illuminate the areas from which deer will enter roadways.
  • Keep in mind that deer generally travel in herds – if you see one, there is a strong possibility others are nearby.
  • Do not rely on car-mounted deer whistles.
  • If a deer collision seems inevitable, attempting to swerve out of the way could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or place you in the path of an oncoming vehicle.

State Farm cites growing deer populations as well as urban sprawl as reasons why the number of “hits” are on the rise. Urban sprawl means that deer habitat areas are diminished, forcing deer to travel in search of food and a new home.

Photo Credit: SXU

Adv. — Visit the nBuy Shopping Plaza to find savings on all of your purchases. You can earn shopping rebates, find school supplies, and save on stuff for your car.


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Yours To Insure: Save Money On Car Insurance

June 3rd, 2009 by Matthew C. Keegan | 6 Comments | Filed in Autos Express, Consumer Tips

The Nissan GT-R sportscar is a fantastic ride, but it also carries a premium to go with its expensive price: the GT-R is the most expensive car to insure according to a recently published survey by Insure.com.

The Nissan GT-R sportscar is a fantastic ride, but it also carries a premium to go with its expensive price: the GT-R is the most expensive car to insure according to a recently published survey by Insure.com.

Consumers who are considering making a new car purchase are likely to find some of the best buys this year. That is because auto sales are way down and car manufacturers are looking to move inventory and are willing to trim thousands of dollars off of the price of their vehicles. Clearly, it is a buyer’s market when it comes to purchasing a new car, something that will not last as inventory is adjusted to meet sales expectations.

One area that consumers should consider when making any new car purchase is car insurance. You may be able to save thousands of dollars off of the sticker price, but you could end up paying thousands of dollars extra over the next five years in elevated insurance premiums, effectively eating up what you saved initially.

Thanks to a survey recently conducted by Insure.com, you can find out how some of the top cars rated, a good measuring stick to find out what your insurance costs will be. In all cases, call your insurance agent first to get an estimate of what your new car insurance will cost you. You may be in for the surprise of your life, hopefully a good one at that!

                  The 20 most expensive 2009 vehicles to insure

                   Average   Vehicle                      Class
         Rank      Premium
           1       $2,533  Nissan GT-R                  Sports car
           2       $2,446  Dodge Viper                  Sports car
           3       $2,236  BMW M6                       Sports car
           4       $2,186  Ford Shelby GT500            Sports car
           5       $2,088  Mercedes-Benz G-Class        Large SUV
           6       $2,071  Audi S8                      Passenger car
           7       $2,020  BMW M5                       Sports car
           8       $1,912  Hummer H2                    Large SUV
           9       $1,881  Lexus ISF                    Sports car
          10       $1,819  Porsche 911                  Sports car
          11       $1,762  Chevrolet Cobalt SS          Sports car
          12       $1,717  Jaguar XK Series             Sports car
          13       $1,714  BMW M3                       Sports car
          14       $1,694  Cadillac XLR                 Sports car
          15       $1,637  Audi R8                      Sports car
          16       $1,603  Land Rover Range Rover       Large SUV
          17       $1,592  Cadillac Escalade EXT        Truck
          18       $1,587  Honda S2000                  Sports car
          19       $1,584  BMW X6                       Large SUV
          20       $1,577  Mercedes-Benz SL-Class       Passenger car

If low premiums are more your speed, the "least expensive" list
contains a good selection of SUVs, minivans and passenger cars. Low
insurance rates tend to reflect a vehicle's safety because drivers of
those models have submitted fewer and less-expensive insurance claims.
          The 20 least expensive 2009 vehicles to insure

                Average    Vehicle                    Class
     Rank      Premium
       1         $832  Hyundai Santa Fe             Midsize SUV
       2         $840  Kia Sportage                 Small SUV
       3         $848  Hyundai Entourage            Minivan
       4         $857  Kia Sedona                   Minivan
       5         $870  Kia Rio5                     Small wagon
       6         $871  Honda Odyssey                Minivan
       7         $881  Smart Fortwo                 Passenger car
       8         $911  Saturn Vue                   SUV
       9         $913  Mazda Tribute                SUV
      10         $915  Chrysler Town & Country      Minivan
      11         $921  Scion xB                     Small wagon
      12         $929  Mazda Mazda5                 Minivan
      13         $936  Volkswagen Passat            Passenger car
      14         $939  Jeep Wrangler                SUV
      15         $951  Honda Accord                 Passenger car
      16         $954  Suzuki Forenza               Passenger car
      17         $955  Lincoln Town Car             Passenger car
      18         $957  Mazda Truck                  Pickup
      19         $959  Chevrolet Impala             Passenger car
      20         $960  Dodge Grand Caravan          Minivan

“If you’re looking to get the lowest car insurance price possible, these rankings can point you in the direction of vehicles that can help you get there,” said Amy Danise, editor of Insure.com. “Maintaining a good driving history and good credit are also crucial to getting good rates. Your age and location also have a big impact. Shopping around is the No. 1 easiest way to lower your rate, even if you can’t change your other ‘risk’ factors.”

Source: Insure.com

Adv. — You’re planning to buy a new car, but should you accept dealer financing or shop around for the best deal? If it is a choice between getting a nice rebate or low interest financing, take the money and shop for an auto loan elsewhere. Visit SayLending.com for all of your lending needs including new and used car auto loans at rates you can afford.

Photo courtesy of Nissan Motors.


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Simple, Smart & Savvy Money Saving Tips, Part 2

May 28th, 2009 by Matthew C. Keegan | 1 Comment | Filed in Consumer Tips

Do you have the right insurance coverage for your home, car and family? Dont wait until you must submit a claim to find out what coverage you have. Save money by shopping around and get the insurance you need to keep everyone covered.

Do you have the right insurance coverage for your home, car and family? Don't wait until you must submit a claim to find out what coverage you have. Save money by shopping around and get the insurance you need to keep everyone covered.

This is one in an occasional series of articles discussing money saving tips.

Yesterday we looked at seven ways to save money, so today we’ll take a look at five additional ways you can keep more cash in your wallet all of which have to do with insurance.

Auto Insurance — Car insurance premiums continue to rise, although some would argue not as rapidly as in the past. Still, most consumers aren’t sure what coverage they have or need. Basically, all insured drivers need a minimal amount of coverage as outlined by the state. That amount can vary from state to state but it usually includes liability, property damage, comprehensive and uninsured motorist coverage. Newer cars also need collision coverage.

I’m not about to tell you what sort of coverage you should have for your vehicle, rather I will share with you what sort of discounts you should look for when seeking insurance. Discounts are available for people with spotless driving records, who are members of specific professional organizations, for certain safety features (anti-lock brakes, for example), senior drivers and for several other categories. Always ask your insurer to find those discounts you are entitled to receiving.

Health Insurance — Health insurance premiums continue to surge, making coverage unaffordable for millions of Americans. However, your state may allow you to join a group plan even if you are a sole proprietor with no employees. Visit your state’s insurance site to learn what options are available to you. Consider taking a higher deductible in order to save money; explore health co-ops as another way to preserve cash.

Dental Insurance — As someone who has been self-employed for nearly seven years, I must tell you that when it comes to dental coverage you’ll need a lot of luck to find insurance. Sure, there are “dental assurance” programs out there which supposedly offer discounts on dental work, but don’t expect your dentist to accept this sort of scheme. Instead, you may do better going to your university’s dental school to get your teeths cleaned and work done, not a bad option for those who simply have no other choice when it comes to dental coverage.

Homeowners Insurance — If you own a house, apartment, condominium, mobile home or any other property, you need insurance.  Right off the bat you can save money on your insurance by using the same company to cover both your home and your cars. In addition, you can cut your homeowners insurance costs by raising your deductible, declaring safety and security features such as deadbolts, stay with an insurer for the long haul to gain loyalty discounts, seek group coverage through your professional organization and only get enough insurance that you need, i.e. insure your home not your land.

Life Insurance — Some day you are going to die and when you do, will your loved ones have enough money to live on after you are gone? There are a number of different insurance policies out there but term-life is the most cost effective and probably all that you need. This coverage is reasonably priced and offers protection to your family for a certain number of years. Figure out what your family lives to need on in the event you should die and have that policy in effect until your youngest child is grown and able to fend for him or herself.

Buy from a financially strong company, compare prices online and be aware that some of the money you pay is in sales commissions. Keep up with your policy; these days some financial institutions are under duress. This means you could end up being insured by someone else later on, a minor detail but something you should be aware of.

Other Insurance

Naturally, your insurance coverage may need to be expanded to cover other needs including owning a boat, flood, earthquake, vision, pet and long term care insurance. Insurance is all about insuring risk, therefore if you think you have something that needs to be ensured, chances are someone will be willing to insure it. Just don’t pay any more for your coverage than necessary!

Photo Credit: Duchesssa

Adv. — Visit the nBuy Shopping Plaza to find savings on all of your purchases. You can earn shopping rebates, find school supplies, and save on stuff for your car.


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