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5 Ways to Save on Car Insurance

February 9, 2018 By Samantha 1 Comment

There are smart ways to save on car insurance policies and lower the premium. Maintaining a very good credit score, shopping around for deals, and comparing costs and premiums are good ways to save on vehicle insurance.

Maintain Good Credit History

Credit history is one factor that insurers take into account. Different studies show that people with fair and average scores are high-risk customers. They are more likely to commit fraud, file inflated claims, and file more claims compared to people with very good and excellent scores. Other factors that insurers take into account include miles driven per year, vehicle use and vehicle type, previous coverage, and deductibles. Additional factors include things like your claims history, driving record, years of experience, and marital status. Insurers pay close attention to your driving record before making an offer. If you have a history of traffic violations and accidents, you will pay more. Insurers also use rating factors such as gender, age, and geographic location. These factors are taken into account to assess the probability of customers filing a claim.


There are other vehicle and driver factors for insurance companies, among which:

• Level of education
• Residence and location
• Home ownership
• Financial security
• Number of drivers
• Prior liability limits
• Number of insured vehicles
• Car alarm and other safety devices
• Length of time being insured with them

Where you live is one factor that affects rates. If your location has a higher than average claims ratio or accident rate, then you are likely to pay more. Obviously, insurance companies also take into account factors such as payment plans, profitability, and existing legislation.

Shop around for Deals

When shopping around for deals, try to get as many quotes as you can and discuss your options with insurance providers. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may benefit from discounts offered to customers with no moving violations and no accidents. Those with multiple policies are also offered better terms. Some insurers also offer discounts to long-term customers, those who have low annual mileages, and even students enrolled out of province.

Compare Premiums and Costs before Buying a Vehicle

You may want to compare insurance costs before you purchase a vehicle. The reason is that insurers calculate premiums based on factors such as vehicle use and type. When it comes to vehicle type, if the company’s data shows that owners of this particular model file more claims or cause more car accidents, then you are in a high-risk category. Other factors that insurance providers look into include safety tests, accident rate for your car model, cost of repairs, as well as theft rate and purchase price. If you plan to buy a used vehicle, then the age of the vehicle is a factor for companies. While the repair costs for old vehicles are about the same as new ones, old vehicles tend to break more often. At the same time, owners of new vehicles sometimes benefit from a new car discount.

Ask about Group Insurance

Group coverage is yet another way to save. Another benefit for policyholders is the greater payment flexibility. There are further advantages such as cost sharing between employer and employees, considerably lower costs, and the chance to get basic coverage. There are benefits for employers as well, among which better retention rates, increased productivity, and others.

You may want to ask whether your employer or local organization offers this option. In fact, many companies offer group insurance to employees and so do organizations, clubs, universities, and colleges. Employers usually offer group health insurance policies but some plans also feature car insurance as an added benefit. University alumni are also offered discounts on different plans, including home and auto coverage. Finally, some membership and professional organizations offer group coverage options, including societies, honorary groups, and others.

If this is not an option, contact insurance companies in your area and inquire about the benefits they offer. Many insurers offer discounts on vehicle-related services such as repairs, towing, and others. Others offer discounts on vehicle accessories, car rentals, and parking at designated facilities and areas.

Higher Deductible Results in Lower Premiums

Many are unsure whether to choose a low or high deductible on their car insurance policy. Common wisdom says that a high deductible means lower monthly payments. If you increase your deductible by $300, then your premiums decrease by up to 30 percent. If your budget is tight, then a low deductible makes more sense. The same goes if you have a history of traffic accidents. To make a choice, however, it is important to learn what a deductible is. This is the amount you are asked to pay when filing a claim. For example, if your policy covers medical payments and a hospital stay costs $250, what you are left paying depends on the deductible. If it is $150, the insurance company will pay $100 and you will pay $150. Basically, insurers and customers share the risk should anything happen. The deductible applies in two cases – when you have collision or comprehensive coverage. There is no deductible on liability plans.

Some experts recommend getting comprehensive coverage with a low deductible and a collision policy with a high deductible. This is one way to lower the risk of accidents. To figure out which option suits you best, you can use an insurance quote tool, and there are plenty available online.

Travelling this Christmas? What Are the Best Travel Insurance Options?

November 13, 2017 By Samantha 1 Comment

It you are travelling this Christmas to spend time with family and friends, you are probably thinking about the best insurance options for your vacation. There are different types of coverage, from single trip and short-stay solutions to all-inclusive packages.

Comprehensive Insurance

All-inclusive or comprehensive coverage usually includes stolen, damaged, and lost items and luggage, trip delay, interruption, and cancellation, and emergency repatriation and evacuation. Comprehensive packages also include emergency dental and medical expenses. Trip cancellation packages are also offered and cover trip delay, interruption, and cancellation, as well as lost and stolen luggage. Trip cancellation covers travel delays, interruptions, and delays prior to departure. Premium packages also include non-medical emergency evacuation, return of remains, and medical repatriation. Some premium packages also include rental car damage, flight and accident insurance, and medical follow-up once in Canada. Eligibility varies by provider but patients with terminal illness and those who require kidney dialysis are usually not eligible. Patients with organ transplant or bone marrow transplant are not eligible too.

When shopping for insurance deals, it is a good idea to check travel packages that cover travel accidents, unlimited emergency medical, travel assistance, and more. Packages usually include flight accident insurance that covers irrecoverable loss of hearing or speech, loss of sight, double dismemberment, and death. Travel accident plans feature the same coverage but the principal amount is lower. Travel packages also cover escort for children and return of children to their territory or province of residence. Some plans also include provisions for the return of travelling companion and return of vehicle. The best travel coverage options for your Christmas holiday also feature coverage for physician visits to replace damaged, stolen, or lost medications. This is a beneficial provision if you plan a holiday abroad. There are plans that cover emergency medical conditions of caregivers, children, partners, and other immediate family members. This is a good choice if planning a family vacation, whether at home or abroad. Comprehensive plans also offer coverage for the death of travelling companion who can be a caregiver, family member, or business partner. Some plans even cover the death of a friend or host. There are other covered risks such as delay of a cruise ship, a travelling companion subpoenaed as a witness or called to serve on a jury duty, and so on. Some plans even offer coverage for the death or injury of a service dog of handicapped, visually impaired, and blind persons. Additional provisions that can be beneficial include subsistence allowance, travel and tour package benefit, missed connection benefit, and so on.

Trip Cancellation and Coverage

When it comes to cancelled trips, reasons to cancel include bankruptcy of your travel agency, loss of job, hurricane damages, and death, sickness, or injury of a travelling companion, spouse, child, or another family member. The list of covered reasons is quite long and includes divorce or legal separation, school year extension, theft of visa or passport, traffic accident occurring prior to the trip, and burglarized, vandalized or damaged home. Loss of accommodation as a result of death or illness of host friends or family is also covered.

Travel Medical Insurance

Many providers, including insurers and financial institutions, offer medical insurance that covers emergency medical treatment. Plans usually include emergency medical coverage and dental treatment and some feature coverage for preexisting medical conditions. A multi-trip plans is also a good option for people who travel frequently and not just over Christmas. Look for a plan that has no age limits and flexible deductible.

Car Rental

When shopping for insurance, there are different factors to look into, for example, whether you need a car rental for your holiday. Car rental insurance is a good option in this case, especially if you are travelling long distances. Insurers usually offer plans that include personal effects and personal accident coverage. There are rental car protection plans that cover reasonable loss of use, fire department charges, loss of rented vehicle, and physical damage to the vehicle. This type of coverage is a good choice when travelling abroad or out of province and is offered for both leased and rented vehicles.

Life Insurance

Weather conditions can be severe during the holiday season and accidents happen unfortunately. Life insurance is an option to look into and comes in two varieties – permanent and term life coverage. The second option is for persons who want to have guaranteed protection during their life time. Term life coverage, on the other hand, offers coverage over a specific timeframe. Beneficiaries such as children and other family members are entitled to tax-free benefits in the event of death. In general, term life coverage is a good choice for people who are looking for temporary protection while their children are in college or until they pay off a mortgage loan. This is also an alternative for people who are looking for an affordable policy. The best part about term life is that there is an option to convert to permanent coverage. Depending on the policy of choice, there are variations when it comes to cash value accessibility, coverage options, payment flexibility, guaranteed premiums, coverage amounts, and age limits. There are different types of coverage options – single life and joint first to die. The amounts also vary by type of coverage and range from $5,000 to $50,000.

Shopping for Insurance

When shopping for good deals, it pays to inquire about details such as out-of-pocket expenses, coverage limits, exclusions and restrictions, co-payments, and the deductible. When it comes to medical travel insurance, comprehensive plans allow policyholders to use almost any facility and physician. Other policies charge more for the same or have limits.

Exclusions

Insurance plans usually come with general exclusions such as health conditions resulting from the use of prescription drugs without prescription and the use of alcohol. Abuse of medications is also excluded from insurance policies.

Too Many Bills to Pay? What Bills to Pay and What to Put Off

June 15, 2015 By Samantha Leave a Comment

Bills are piling up and you are short of cash to meet all expenses. You receive letters from financial institutions and utility companies as well as threatening calls. This is a warning sign that it is high time to put your finances in order and start to prioritize. There are expenses you cannot cut off completely such as insurance, groceries, and shelter and bills you can delay paying or you can look for cheaper alternatives.

Most Important – Basics

Obviously, you cannot go without basic necessities such as food, shelter, and utilities and there are bills you cannot delay paying.

Groceries

We buy groceries on a weekly and even daily basis and while there are ways to save on groceries, you cannot live without food. A balanced and diversified menu is essential for your health. Whenever you can, use grocery store coupons.LOC36

Shelter

Shelter means security for your children, family, and belongings. Whether paying rent or mortgage, you need a certain sum of money on a monthly basis. Otherwise you risk losing your home or your landlord will take action against you.

Transportation

Transportation is also an important consideration. We use public transport or drive to work, for grocery shopping, emergencies, and so on. There are unexpected expenses such as car repairs as well.

Utilities

Utilities are basic expenses for gas, power, water. This is the minimum to keep your home heated, clean, and safe. There are ways to save on utilities such as buying energy efficient light bulbs.LOC34

Insurance

Home, health, and auto insurance are necessary expenses. Home insurance covers your property and belongings while health insurance pays for hospital accommodation, treatment at the ER, medical expenses, and more.

Less Important

While you cannot deprive your children of shelter and food, there are expenses and services that are less important for the health, safety, and wellbeing of your family. Less important expenses are those that bring comfort and enjoyment but you can cancel subscriptions such as gym memberships and magazine subscriptions if need be. The same goes for internet, cable TV, and cell phone plans.

Phone

Obviously, it is important to have a phone in case of emergency. What you can do is cancel your cell phone plan and keep the landline.

Gym Membership

Unless you go to the gym for health-related reasons, look for ways to reduce membership costs. One way to do this is to cancel your membership and shop for deals during the slow season. Another way to save money on membership is to go at the end of the month and check for deals and promos.LOC35

Cable TV

There are ways to reduce your cable TV bill and free up cash to pay for necessities and emergencies. You can lower your bill by paring down your subscription plan. Another option is to cancel your plan and comparison shop to find a low-priced plan. Downsize and bargain.

Internet

To lower your internet bill, contact your provider and ask for lower-priced packages. Check what competing providers have on offer for new customers and ask your neighbors, colleagues, and friends about the types of deals they are getting. One way to negotiate a discount with your current provider is to tell them that you are not satisfied with the level of service.

Credit Card Bills

Credit card and loan balances contribute to piling debt. If money runs tight, it is time to look at your income and prioritize bills. Your income should cover basic necessities and debt payments at the very least. If you have multiple debts, you may want to prioritize and pay high interest balances first. If you have cash advances or payday loans that go with extremely high rates, think of ways to repay these debts first.

Decisions, Decisions

The most important step is to decide what to keep and what you can do without until you repay your debts, find a well-paid employment, and get back on your feet. Compiling a list of your expenses helps create a realistic budget. This is a good way to find out where your money is going. List your basic expenses first to see how much you are left with for other expenses. Then you can make a decision on what you can do without, whether it is cable TV, gym, or magazine subscriptions.LOC33

What to Do Next

The first step is to decide what bills to put off and how to scale down your expenses. The next steps are to pay outstanding balances and find a second job, additional source of income, or a high-paid position. If you have high-interest cards, shop around for a balance transfer card with a long introductory period and zero interest rate. You may want to open a savings, money-market, or checking account and use it as an emergency fund to cover the basics and pay off existing debts.

Conclusion

There are ways to create a realistic budget and stick to it to be able to meet all expenses, both basics and expenses such as cable TV and gym memberships. It is important to prioritize necessities, activities, and expenses to avoid excessive debt and live within your means. Talk to all family members and discuss different ways in which everyone can help lower your household bills. This is also a great way to teach your children a lesson to learn how to be financially responsible.

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