Monday, April 12, 2010

Car insurance for under 25's


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With age being something that can have a significant impact on the cost of car insurance it's always a good idea to shop around.

Car insurance quotes for the under 25's can make the cost of running a car totally unaffordable especially if the person concerned has had an accident or incurred points on their license.

One of the best ways of saving money on your car insurance no matter what your age is to get as many competitive auto insurance quotes as possible. The availability of so many consumer products over the Internet, including all types of insurance, which means it has never been easier to save money when you provide the car.

All the major players can get auto insurance online National, including Progressive, StateFarm, Allstate, and Viking. outside or even better insurance broker Check it to work to make good foryou.

Other ways to help reduce your cost of car insurance if you are under 25 are:

o Avoid sports cars and other vehicles that are considered high risk in the auto insurance industry. Cars with a higher risk of accidents, more expensive to repair or more prone to being stolen will push up your car insurance premiums.

o Get married, a bit rash I know but married under 25's are often considered less of a risk with car

Visit : Hipmore Compare auto insurance Cheap life assurance Critical illness cover

Sunday, April 11, 2010

In the short term car insurance and holidays


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There are many reasons why you might not be in a position on the holiday of your choice to go. The money comes in too often, along with the logistics of the scheme. What do you mean when you drive, select a certain type of vacation is concerned, only to discover that the car is not up.

It 's too old, unreliable, not too small, luggage, trailers, caravans or family. Until now the choices are limited to rent another vehicle ora-car and medium-term adjustment of your annual insurance to cover the loan or change plans at all because the cost of rental insurance or the nightmare of medium-term adjustments are too Overcome.

Is there an alternative? We plan to have stumbled across an Internet, a new insurance product for motorists. And 'short term car insurance policy is purchased through the day, up to a maximum of 28 days at aTime.

There are several companies that offer this type of insurance for car or van. You can search for their insurance or their web sites by typing the URL or keywords as short-term car insurance, day insurance, temporary car.

All offer Internet booking and payment, the ability to view and print the short term insurance with your printer. All activities will be issued with the registeredMID.

The advantage of this type of van insurance is that you choose the time period short / provide a car and is a separate policy coverage, the WAS does not influence the vehicle owner's annual policy for accidents.

You also get the benefits of an uninsured loss recovery policy, the insurance division is a service day for the same period the machine. This is particularly useful for a vacation in Britain and the EEC.

IfTheir plans require the use of another vehicle, you can borrow your friends and family, then you can provide the cars in ITS own right and this includes an expanded European coverage of this holiday trip to France and beyond in EEC.

It 'very useful if you move to a reliable car, more or more space than you have in your family. You can also tow a trailer or caravan if it is part of your vacation plans. Insurance is usually completelyOverall, though you should shop around to get really full for driving abroad.

Insurance services vary from company to company, on inclusion criteria and insured vehicles, but usually 12 months hold a UK or EEC driving without an accident defect within 3 years and less than 6 penalty points to allow specialized online application for coverage are made.

If so, the trip should last no longer than 28 days cantake another period of coverage after the other, resulting in continuous coverage beyond 28 days.

What we like about the product were its flexibility and speed to obtain coverage. They are more expensive than an annual policy, but much cheaper to rent a car for a holiday.

All in all, there is a place for a period of self-insurance policy in your short holiday travel plans, which allow you to use to drive with confidence knowing mind someone elseHave global, and that in case of accident will not affect the annual insurance no claims discount.

Visit : Digital Frame Structured Settlement Investments Wells auto insurance consolidate college loans

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Insurance Quotes - Why attend numerous seminars insurance? Get Estimates free home


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We often see our neighbors and friends to visit, many insurance companies and participating in many seminars of insurance in their attempt to understand there are better concept. They seem very serious about it, because they know that hundreds and thousands of dollars at stake. Even if you save a hundred dollars a month per year, will save a lot of money over a period of 20 to 25 years.

This is not so much time with regard to insuranceconcerned. They are, however, you pay your life insurance for the next 25 years. If you own your home, you're definitely in the same place for the next 10 years or so of life. If you just bought your house on a long-term credit of 20 years, then you will definitely live and repay the loan for the next two decades or so.

Health insurance is something that must be renewed year after year. May not be the same car for the ridenext 20 years, but they are certainly in a car, regardless of whether they are new or old.

It is not surprising that people take seriously the task of finding the very cheap insurance. But why should one go about the visit of insurance agents and participate in seminars? It is not reasonable to use the World Wide Web, make all the necessary information on your screen? What resources are available on the Web site that is available to helpSearch quotes low cost insurance for your car, life, health or home?

Blogs

Getting information, you can count on blogs of those in the same position as his concern in writing. You can read more about their problems and insurance as they do their best to overcome him.

Forum

The forums are the same blog with the only difference that this format is a question and answer.

More insurance quotes

These sitesare best when you first discover if you pay a lot or not. Sites If you use this site, you can get estimates of more than a dozen insurance companies.

Once you have this information, it's just a matter of comparison and choice of right-wing politics. The best thing about these quotes is that a conscious decision to take out insurance, even if you're not a say.

See Also : Insurance, Auto Insurance For structured settlement

Friday, April 9, 2010

first estimate of an accident


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Yesterday was an experience! A few days ago, a young woman entered the intersection I was passing by and slaps the side of my car. We exchanged our greetings and insurance information.

Finally the day came for my appointment with the estimate of damages. I went to the Fix It Shop and got a quote for my insurance. This was in order. The shop looked good, and people were fantastic. When I walked in the door, I saw a sign onWall for the insurance company that has done little lady assured me, I know that my thoughts were. "A HA, I 2 birds with one stone here.

This is where I had an interesting lesson estimates always repaired. Oh yes! Check out my next step. Always be polite and speak with an open mind. You never know what to get you a good laugh.

Then I called his insurance company and told them where I was, and ask if they wanted to get an estimate. Girlssaid, "You can't do that". I said, "Why, I'm looking right at one of your sign, on their wall". She said, "It doesn't matter, you have to take it to one of our Drive Up Estimators". So, I got an appointment and took the car to one of Their Drive Up Estimators". When I got there, they said, "Why didn't you have the Repair Shop do the estimate?" DUH! You know I was wondering the same thing. Anyhow, everybody was nice and it worked out. I take the car in next Tuesday and pick up a rental car.

Oh Happy Day is coming, the day I'll have a good machine shop and can laugh at the days of my esteem.

Related : game Digital Frame Blog Selling structured settlements

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Bless You - The Sneezes That Affect Two Million Motorists


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Hay fever season is here and that means more watery eyes, blocked noses, frequent sneezing and car insurance claims.

Research commissioned by car insurance provider ensure estimates more than two million UK motorists will have an accident, near miss, or lose control of their vehicle as a result of sneezing while driving. In total there are more than 20 million sufferers of hay fever in the UK and more than half of the motorists surveyed admitted to temporarily closing their eyes while sneezing and one third regularly take their eyes off the road to search for tissues.

All of this leads to more accidents and even if they are not serious in their own right, they will quickly bump up car insurance premiums as drivers risk blowing away their no-claims discounts.

Drivers who suffer particularly badly should avoid getting behind the wheel altogether when the pollen count is high. However, if your journey is unavoidable then take steps to minimise the risk of a sneezing related accident.

For example, motorists should keep windows closed as pollution from exhausts exacerbates hay fever. When possible avoid going out in the early evening when the pollen count is high and wear wrap-around sunglasses when behind the wheel.

Check your air conditioning and ensure the vents work properly to keep dust, moisture and pollen out. Also regularly vacuum your car and ensure any medicine you take is non-drowsy before you get behind the wheel. Pets should also be kept out of cars as animal hairs and dust mites can make your condition worse.

See Also : Ferret Insurance, Auto Insurance Digital Frame Auto insurance rate quote

Bless You - The Sneezes That Affect Two Million Motorists


Image : http://www.flickr.com


Hay fever season is here and that means more watery eyes, blocked noses, frequent sneezing and car insurance claims.

Research commissioned by car insurance provider ensure estimates more than two million UK motorists will have an accident, near miss, or lose control of their vehicle as a result of sneezing while driving. In total there are more than 20 million sufferers of hay fever in the UK and more than half of the motorists surveyed admitted to temporarily closing their eyes while sneezing and one third regularly take their eyes off the road to search for tissues.

All of this leads to more accidents and even if they are not serious in their own right, they will quickly bump up car insurance premiums as drivers risk blowing away their no-claims discounts.

Drivers who suffer particularly badly should avoid getting behind the wheel altogether when the pollen count is high. However, if your journey is unavoidable then take steps to minimise the risk of a sneezing related accident.

For example, motorists should keep windows closed as pollution from exhausts exacerbates hay fever. When possible avoid going out in the early evening when the pollen count is high and wear wrap-around sunglasses when behind the wheel.

Check your air conditioning and ensure the vents work properly to keep dust, moisture and pollen out. Also regularly vacuum your car and ensure any medicine you take is non-drowsy before you get behind the wheel. Pets should also be kept out of cars as animal hairs and dust mites can make your condition worse.

Related : Hipmore Student Loan Auto insurance sr22 Lowest car insurance

Monday, April 5, 2010

Totaled Car or Not - 5 Tips so Your Carrier Declares a Total Loss


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Your totaled car is sitting in the backyard when you get a
telephone call from your insurance adjuster. They will fix your car! In many
occasions this is good news, but when your car is nearly destroyed, and the
insurance company wants to patch it together and give it back to you, then
you've got a problem.

Think about it. The car will never be the same. If you want
to trade it in or sell it, you will probably have to take a substantial
reduction in price to be able to get rid of it. You also need to consider the
safety aspect of the car. Will your car ever be as safe as it was before the
impact?

In most accidents, cars can be fixed with no major
problems, but when you have a totaled car (or you are almost there) and the
insurance company will repair it and return it to you, you can be faced with an
uphill battle.

Insurance adjusters decide if you have a totaled car or a
fixable car. They need to first determine the value of the car and then
determine if the repair estimate is less than 70, 80, or even 90% of the car's
value. So how do you protect yourself? Here are five simple tips.

Tip # 1: Ask for the repair estimate. Getting the
repair estimate will show you what the insurance company thinks is wrong with
your car. Review the estimate. Make sure the car will be painted and that all
the necessary parts to fix it are accounted for. If you do not know mechanics
that well, take that estimate to another shop and ask them to review it. You
will be surprised when other shops will tell you that your car should not be
repaired.

Tip # 2: Make sure you have the insurance company
account for all the cost associated with fixing the car before they start
working in your car. Have them account for all the parts and the shipping cost.
Make sure that the parts they are buying are actually in inventory. In many
cases, insurance adjusters price a part, but cannot find it. This will make you
wait longer and they would have to pay for more rental.

Tip # 3: Ask for a "tear down" so you know that
there is not a totaled car but a car that can be properly fixed. When insurance
adjusters and body shops write estimates, the do not get under the damaged
parts. They only look and estimate the damage that is visible. A tear down is
the process of taking off all the damage parts and looking to see if the parts
below are also damaged. More often than not, hidden damage will appear, and this
will make the estimate of damages higher and taking you closer to a totaled car.

Insurance companies do not want to pay for this tear down.
But if you insist, they will pay for it. This is a good idea anyway for two
reasons. The tear down will most likely than not increase the repair estimate.
You will also know if the integrity of the frame and chassis were compromised in
the impact.

There is no question that the body shop can put the car
back together. The question is if a fixed totaled car will be safe to be on the
road. Make sure some one looks at the mechanical and structural integrity of the
car.

Tip # 4: Use the rental expense to your advantage.
If your totaled car is going to get repaired, then it is likely that it will
take 20 to 30 days before your vehicle again. That is only counting body work
and paint and that all parts are on hand at the time the mechanics start
working. It will take longer if you have mechanical problems.

The insurance company will be looking at a rental bill that
could be over $1,000, depending on the limits of your policy. We have seen
rental bills of $2,000. If you have a totaled car, then the insurance company
will only have to pay up to three days of rental (sometime less, depending on
your state). They will be saving significantly if they do declare a total loss.

Tip # 5: Research your state law for
diminished or diminution of value claims. If you are making a claim against
your own insurance company, some states will allow you to ask for the difference
between what the car was worth before the accident, and what it worth after it
is repaired. Many states do not allow for first party claims like this one.
However, the restrictions only apply to first party claims. If you are making
this claim against the insurance company of the person that hit you, then the
claim will be allowed. Also, if you are making a uninsured property damage claim
against your own carrier. The claim will be allowed.

Click here for more tips on how to handle a totaled car claim.

My Links : Insurance, Auto Insurance Digital Frame Selling structured settlement

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Totaled Car or Not - 5 Tips so Your Carrier Declares a Total Loss


Image : http://www.flickr.com


Your totaled car is sitting in the backyard when you get a
telephone call from your insurance adjuster. They will fix your car! In many
occasions this is good news, but when your car is nearly destroyed, and the
insurance company wants to patch it together and give it back to you, then
you've got a problem.

Think about it. The car will never be the same. If you want
to trade it in or sell it, you will probably have to take a substantial
reduction in price to be able to get rid of it. You also need to consider the
safety aspect of the car. Will your car ever be as safe as it was before the
impact?

In most accidents, cars can be fixed with no major
problems, but when you have a totaled car (or you are almost there) and the
insurance company will repair it and return it to you, you can be faced with an
uphill battle.

Insurance adjusters decide if you have a totaled car or a
fixable car. They need to first determine the value of the car and then
determine if the repair estimate is less than 70, 80, or even 90% of the car's
value. So how do you protect yourself? Here are five simple tips.

Tip # 1: Ask for the repair estimate. Getting the
repair estimate will show you what the insurance company thinks is wrong with
your car. Review the estimate. Make sure the car will be painted and that all
the necessary parts to fix it are accounted for. If you do not know mechanics
that well, take that estimate to another shop and ask them to review it. You
will be surprised when other shops will tell you that your car should not be
repaired.

Tip # 2: Make sure you have the insurance company
account for all the cost associated with fixing the car before they start
working in your car. Have them account for all the parts and the shipping cost.
Make sure that the parts they are buying are actually in inventory. In many
cases, insurance adjusters price a part, but cannot find it. This will make you
wait longer and they would have to pay for more rental.

Tip # 3: Ask for a "tear down" so you know that
there is not a totaled car but a car that can be properly fixed. When insurance
adjusters and body shops write estimates, the do not get under the damaged
parts. They only look and estimate the damage that is visible. A tear down is
the process of taking off all the damage parts and looking to see if the parts
below are also damaged. More often than not, hidden damage will appear, and this
will make the estimate of damages higher and taking you closer to a totaled car.

Insurance companies do not want to pay for this tear down.
But if you insist, they will pay for it. This is a good idea anyway for two
reasons. The tear down will most likely than not increase the repair estimate.
You will also know if the integrity of the frame and chassis were compromised in
the impact.

There is no question that the body shop can put the car
back together. The question is if a fixed totaled car will be safe to be on the
road. Make sure some one looks at the mechanical and structural integrity of the
car.

Tip # 4: Use the rental expense to your advantage.
If your totaled car is going to get repaired, then it is likely that it will
take 20 to 30 days before your vehicle again. That is only counting body work
and paint and that all parts are on hand at the time the mechanics start
working. It will take longer if you have mechanical problems.

The insurance company will be looking at a rental bill that
could be over $1,000, depending on the limits of your policy. We have seen
rental bills of $2,000. If you have a totaled car, then the insurance company
will only have to pay up to three days of rental (sometime less, depending on
your state). They will be saving significantly if they do declare a total loss.

Tip # 5: Research your state law for
diminished or diminution of value claims. If you are making a claim against
your own insurance company, some states will allow you to ask for the difference
between what the car was worth before the accident, and what it worth after it
is repaired. Many states do not allow for first party claims like this one.
However, the restrictions only apply to first party claims. If you are making
this claim against the insurance company of the person that hit you, then the
claim will be allowed. Also, if you are making a uninsured property damage claim
against your own carrier. The claim will be allowed.

Click here for more tips on how to handle a totaled car claim.

Friends Link : game Online homeowners insurance quotes Get auto insurance quote

Paintless Dent Repair: Myths and Facts About Car Dent Repair and Insurance


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The long arm of car repair insurance doesn't stop at extended warranties or tire road hazard insurance. Marketing gurus have found all sorts of knick knacks to insure. Among the top are ding and dent protection plans. Ding and dent insurance is growing steadily, and addresses those unsightly shopping cart and parking lot dings.

Dings and dents are fairly synonymous terms, although a ding is smaller than a dent. You'll notice a dent. You'll need to squint, or catch the vehicle in the right angle or sunlight to see a ding. Some dings are smaller than eraser heads.

Like extended warranties or tire insurance, dent and ding protection plans promise to pay for damages in part or in full for a specific period of time. These plans are primarily sold by new car dealerships and cost a few hundred dollars.

Ding and Dent Repair: Paintless Dent Repair

Ding and dent repair is called PDR, short for Paintless Dent Repair. There are many companies that perform this service: Ding Doctor, Ding King, No Dents, Dent Wizard...the list goes on. Some are better then others, although ultimately it's up to the skill of the PDR technician. Prices are similar.

How is it done?

Most PDR techniques are non-intrusive. The PDR technicians use specially designed tools and gadgets to slip behind the damaged panels and manipulate and massage the damaged metal back to its original form.

Does it work?

Actually, it's incredible! It works so well that in the majority of cases the dings and dents are completely removed. They're invisible, gone, can't-believe-your-eyes fixed.

I saw a soccer-ball-sized dent removed from the rear fender of a $120,000 car. The dent also had a large crease, which makes repairs even harder. After thirty minutes there was no visible detection that a dent was ever there. The repair cost the client $400. Traditional body shop estimates were hovering at $2700.

PDR positives


Very low cost compared to traditional body shops
Same day repairs--even while-you-wait service
No paint work, sanding, or traditional bodywork required
Original paint remains--helps retain vehicles looks and value
Body panels remain intact--maintaining structural integrity

PDR negatives


PDR does not address scratches or paint chips that are often associated with dings (Many PDR companies will address chips and scratches, but it's not PDR technology)
Many areas of body panels are not accessible, so PDR is not an option
Plastic bumpers or any plastic components can't be fixed with PDR techniques. Since the bumper is the most common area to get damaged, this is a significant downside of PDR technology.
Some damage can occur to door panels, paint, interiors, window glass and hardware, although damage of any kind is rare.

Do you need PDR insurance?

God, no!

Should you get your dings fixed using PDR techniques?

Hell, yes!

Let me explain...

Insuring against dings and dents does not make economic sense. Ding repairs average around $50 per ding. Some dings cost $99 to $149 to repair. Two to four dings can run $100 to $450, depending on the size of the dent. Insurance at this level is just not necessary. Moreover, it's a gamble you will lose.

To benefit from a $300, two-year plan, your vehicle would need to sustain multiple "PDR repairable" dings or dents. Despite your coverage, you may not even notice the dings, making a claim impossible. Also, despite the amazing PDR techniques, they can't fix everything, especially the chips and scratches that so frequently accompany a ding--should dings even occur.

Yes, get your dings fixed with PDR (if they're bothering you), but don't buy an insurance plan.

Protection plan economics 101

An article by Terence O'Hara in the Washington Post is a wonderful piece on the insanity of protection plans, and is applicable here. He writes:

The decision to buy an extended warranty...defies the recommendations of economists, consumer advocates and product quality experts, who all warn that the plans rarely benefit consumers and are nearly always a waste of money.

'[Extended warranties and protection plans] make no rational sense,' Harvard economist David Cutler said. 'The implied probability [of an issue] has to be substantially greater than the risk that you can't afford to fix it or replace it. If you're buying a $400 item, for the overwhelming number of consumers that level of spending is not a risk you need to insure under any circumstances.'

...extended warranties play upon a basic human trait to avoid loss, even if it means sacrificing a possible future gain. In this case, the gain is all the other things of value that a consumer could buy with the money that was spent on a warranty

Fix your dings

Fix your dings and dents (if you want) as they come--maybe every spring. Fixing dings keeps your car looking pristine, and increases its value. But don't bother with a protection plan. Save your money.

Hold off on that paint job

Quality paintless dent repair is often a great substitute for those considering full paint jobs. Whenever possible, it's best to keep the original paint. Good PDR combined with a professional detail can restore vehicles to show room condition for less than $500.

Go with the best

Since 1983 Dent Wizard has been pioneering PDR technology. Their PDR technicians undergo extensive and ongoing training. The rates are reasonable and the quality is excellent. Always request a master PDR technician, as there are various levels of abilities.

Check with local dealers

Dealerships in your area may offer Dent Wizard. Your vehicle does not have to be of the same make as the dealership. In other words, you can bring your Chevy to a Ford dealer for PDR work.

Myths

Do it yourself paintless dent repair is easy.

No it 's not. It requires training, skill, and experience. There are many who practice PDR techniques who crack or flake the paint, or who create ripples in the metal.

The PDR products sold on TV do the same thing.

No! Not even close. There's no good substitute for the art of PDR.

Scratch and dent repair are the same thing.

No. A ding is a small dent, which can often be repaired via paintless dent repair procedures. A scratch is an actual break in the surface of the clear coat or paint, requiring traditional body shop techniques, or touch up paint.

It's easy to learn how to repair dents on cars.

Maybe for some, but it's a skill that few master. Dent Wizard offers a great training program. The management and staff are top notch.

What's the best car dent removing protection plan?

Money in your bank account!

See Also : Digital Frame Blog Hipmore college loan consolidation

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Paintless Dent Repair: Myths and Facts About Car Dent Repair and Insurance


Image : http://www.flickr.com


The long arm of car repair insurance doesn't stop at extended warranties or tire road hazard insurance. Marketing gurus have found all sorts of knick knacks to insure. Among the top are ding and dent protection plans. Ding and dent insurance is growing steadily, and addresses those unsightly shopping cart and parking lot dings.

Dings and dents are fairly synonymous terms, although a ding is smaller than a dent. You'll notice a dent. You'll need to squint, or catch the vehicle in the right angle or sunlight to see a ding. Some dings are smaller than eraser heads.

Like extended warranties or tire insurance, dent and ding protection plans promise to pay for damages in part or in full for a specific period of time. These plans are primarily sold by new car dealerships and cost a few hundred dollars.

Ding and Dent Repair: Paintless Dent Repair

Ding and dent repair is called PDR, short for Paintless Dent Repair. There are many companies that perform this service: Ding Doctor, Ding King, No Dents, Dent Wizard...the list goes on. Some are better then others, although ultimately it's up to the skill of the PDR technician. Prices are similar.

How is it done?

Most PDR techniques are non-intrusive. The PDR technicians use specially designed tools and gadgets to slip behind the damaged panels and manipulate and massage the damaged metal back to its original form.

Does it work?

Actually, it's incredible! It works so well that in the majority of cases the dings and dents are completely removed. They're invisible, gone, can't-believe-your-eyes fixed.

I saw a soccer-ball-sized dent removed from the rear fender of a $120,000 car. The dent also had a large crease, which makes repairs even harder. After thirty minutes there was no visible detection that a dent was ever there. The repair cost the client $400. Traditional body shop estimates were hovering at $2700.

PDR positives


Very low cost compared to traditional body shops
Same day repairs--even while-you-wait service
No paint work, sanding, or traditional bodywork required
Original paint remains--helps retain vehicles looks and value
Body panels remain intact--maintaining structural integrity

PDR negatives


PDR does not address scratches or paint chips that are often associated with dings (Many PDR companies will address chips and scratches, but it's not PDR technology)
Many areas of body panels are not accessible, so PDR is not an option
Plastic bumpers or any plastic components can't be fixed with PDR techniques. Since the bumper is the most common area to get damaged, this is a significant downside of PDR technology.
Some damage can occur to door panels, paint, interiors, window glass and hardware, although damage of any kind is rare.

Do you need PDR insurance?

God, no!

Should you get your dings fixed using PDR techniques?

Hell, yes!

Let me explain...

Insuring against dings and dents does not make economic sense. Ding repairs average around $50 per ding. Some dings cost $99 to $149 to repair. Two to four dings can run $100 to $450, depending on the size of the dent. Insurance at this level is just not necessary. Moreover, it's a gamble you will lose.

To benefit from a $300, two-year plan, your vehicle would need to sustain multiple "PDR repairable" dings or dents. Despite your coverage, you may not even notice the dings, making a claim impossible. Also, despite the amazing PDR techniques, they can't fix everything, especially the chips and scratches that so frequently accompany a ding--should dings even occur.

Yes, get your dings fixed with PDR (if they're bothering you), but don't buy an insurance plan.

Protection plan economics 101

An article by Terence O'Hara in the Washington Post is a wonderful piece on the insanity of protection plans, and is applicable here. He writes:

The decision to buy an extended warranty...defies the recommendations of economists, consumer advocates and product quality experts, who all warn that the plans rarely benefit consumers and are nearly always a waste of money.

'[Extended warranties and protection plans] make no rational sense,' Harvard economist David Cutler said. 'The implied probability [of an issue] has to be substantially greater than the risk that you can't afford to fix it or replace it. If you're buying a $400 item, for the overwhelming number of consumers that level of spending is not a risk you need to insure under any circumstances.'

...extended warranties play upon a basic human trait to avoid loss, even if it means sacrificing a possible future gain. In this case, the gain is all the other things of value that a consumer could buy with the money that was spent on a warranty

Fix your dings

Fix your dings and dents (if you want) as they come--maybe every spring. Fixing dings keeps your car looking pristine, and increases its value. But don't bother with a protection plan. Save your money.

Hold off on that paint job

Quality paintless dent repair is often a great substitute for those considering full paint jobs. Whenever possible, it's best to keep the original paint. Good PDR combined with a professional detail can restore vehicles to show room condition for less than $500.

Go with the best

Since 1983 Dent Wizard has been pioneering PDR technology. Their PDR technicians undergo extensive and ongoing training. The rates are reasonable and the quality is excellent. Always request a master PDR technician, as there are various levels of abilities.

Check with local dealers

Dealerships in your area may offer Dent Wizard. Your vehicle does not have to be of the same make as the dealership. In other words, you can bring your Chevy to a Ford dealer for PDR work.

Myths

Do it yourself paintless dent repair is easy.

No it 's not. It requires training, skill, and experience. There are many who practice PDR techniques who crack or flake the paint, or who create ripples in the metal.

The PDR products sold on TV do the same thing.

No! Not even close. There's no good substitute for the art of PDR.

Scratch and dent repair are the same thing.

No. A ding is a small dent, which can often be repaired via paintless dent repair procedures. A scratch is an actual break in the surface of the clear coat or paint, requiring traditional body shop techniques, or touch up paint.

It's easy to learn how to repair dents on cars.

Maybe for some, but it's a skill that few master. Dent Wizard offers a great training program. The management and staff are top notch.

What's the best car dent removing protection plan?

Money in your bank account!

Related : Digital Frame auto insurance rate quote Mesothelioma attorneys sell annuity payments

Cheap Car Insurance in Phoenix Arizona - Why Your Profession Affects Your Premium


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It could be easy or difficult for you to get cheap car insurance in Phoenix, Arizona all because of your profession. However, if you understand why this is so and what to do because of, or in spite of this, getting cheap car insurance (Phoenix Arizona) rates will be very easy for you.

The most favored professionals as far as motor insurance is concerned are scientists. Scientists attract the lowest rates with an average vehicle insurance rate of $870.

For people in the high vehicle insurance brackets, you have the business owner as the most expensive to insure. The average business owner gets vehicle insurance rates of $1,400.

Professions that attract the least expensive car insurance quotes do so for certain reasons...

1) Low stress is a essential feature in any profession that attracts more affordable car insurance rates.

2) The protection of others is principal in their education. For several of these occupations, their driving record does influence their rating in their profession.

3) Their profession often allows them to use public transport systems.

4) They are usually a really meticulous and cautious group. They normally bring this into every thing they do, including driving.

Conversely, vocations that are expensive to insure have the following in common...

1) They have job descriptions that are high stressors.

2) They normally get to spend more time in their cars.

3) They are more likely to use their cell phones a lot more as they drive than the typical driver.

The internet provides you the easiest and the most extensive platform for getting cheap car insurance in Phoenix, Arizona with insurance quotes sites. The best way to do this is to locate as many insurance quotes sites as possible that provide cheap car insurance rates for Phoenix Arizona. The next point is to request estimates from everyone of them. After that, look at their various estimates and complete package to determine which suits you most.

You'll save a lot if you can shop around (by visiting insurance quotes sites) and do detailed comparison. You'll realize savings if you use just one quotes site. But, you'll get better results by visiting at least three. I recommend that you use at least three quotes sites because that will make it less likely that you'll miss out better cheap car insurance (Phoenix, Arizona) quotes not carried by the other sites. This increases your chances of getting better quotes.

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Friday, April 2, 2010

Auto Repair Estimates and Car Repair Prices - The Real Information to Avoid Car Repair Scams


Image : http://www.flickr.com


Worrying whether or not you were overcharged for your car repair is an awful feeling. There's tons of advice on how to avoid getting ripped-off, but few discuss the actual car repair prices. We really need to look at the charges on a car repair estimate or auto repair invoice to determine if we're paying too much.

The focus needs to shift from giving outdated and ineffective advice to addressing the specific charges. Are they legitimate charges? Can they be justified by industry guidelines?

Now car repair estimates can be confusing. So let's break it down to get a better idea if your auto repair shop is billing you appropriately.

First, a glossary of terms is in order, as the auto industry has a language of its own...

Aftermarket Parts: parts not made by or for the manufacturer.

MSRP: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer. Manufacturer approved parts designed specifically for your vehicle.

TSBs: Technical Service Bulletins. Notes and instructions provided by the manufacturer for known and specific concerns (they are not recalls).

Flat Fees: services such as alignments that don't get broken down into parts, tax, labor

Miscellaneous Charges: these can include, but are not limited to shop supplies - rags, chemicals, hazardous waste disposal fees, waste oil ...etc.

Labor Rate: a repair center's hourly charge to service your vehicle

Labor Time: the amount of time or hours determined that it will take to fix your vehicle

Labor Description: the step-by-step written details of repairs and/or services

Ok, let's look at the Anatomy of an Auto Repair Estimate:

There are six basic components to a car repair estimate

1) Customer/Vehicle Information

2) Parts

3) Labor

4) Miscellaneous Charges

5) Flat Fees

6) Summary of Charges

Customer and Vehicle Information
Using a generic "top down" style estimate, the top portion simply contains your personal information and your vehicle's specifics: year, make, model, mileage...etc, as well as your request or concern.

We also want find the shop's labor rate. The labor rate is critical in determining if you paid too much. Most repair centers don't list the labor rate. We'll discuss why shortly.

Auto Parts
Parts are listed usually with a brief description, as well as the quantity, and the price. There are three types of parts: OEM (parts made by or for a manufacturer). These are the parts installed by a dealer, although many local shops use OEM parts too.

Aftermarket parts are non OEM parts, and there are various degrees of quality, depending on the brand and where they're made - China versus USA, for example.

Then there are Used parts purchased from a salvage yard.

To determine if you paid too much for parts, first find out what type of parts are being used. With OEM parts, you don't want to pay more than MSRP, although most people do without realizing it. Premium aftermarket parts are similarly priced across brands, although beware not to pay more than MSRP, which again, many folks do. Used parts prices are all over the place, so pick the price in the middle.

Auto Repair Labor

Labor is billed in tenths. So 1.0 equals 1 hour. 1.5 equals an hour and a half.
Labor rates range from $60 to $100 per hour at local repair shops and $80 to $140 per hour at the dealer level. Labor times are based off established industry guidelines, which are frequently abused.

If you don't see the shop's labor rate posted on the car repair invoice, ask your service center for the rate. Repair shops can manipulate the labor rate (among other things) with a labor matrix. Matrix pricing is a complicated and ethically questionable practice discussed at length in RepairTrust literature. What you need to know is that you can pay as high as $150 per hour rather than the posted labor rate of $105 per hour.

Thus, you'll want to multiply the number of hours billed (which is also often not posted) by the shop's labor rate to determine if you've been charged accordingly.

Most labor descriptions are poorly written and difficult to understand. So ask questions.

Here's a "clear" labor description for a 30,000 mile service on a Toyota Camry.

Performed 30,000 mile service per customer request, and in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Changed oil and filter, installed new air filter, cabin filter and performed all necessary tests, checks, and procedures, including road test (miles 30,123 - 30,125). Performed lubrication services and confirmed proper vehicle operation. Set tire pressures, and checked fluids, belts and hoses. Note: vehicle is pulling slightly left. Needs alignment

Miscellaneous Charges

The bulk of your car repair invoice will be parts and labor, but we can't forget about Miscellaneous Charges. These charges can include, but are not limited to, shop supplies - rags, chemicals, hazardous waste, disposal fees, waste oil ...etc. The latter of these may be billed out separately in a summary at the bottom of your repair invoice.

Very few of these "extras" are actually used during regular repairs. Miscellaneous charges are calculated off the amount of labor hours billed, not the amount of miscellaneous items used.

Flat Fees

Flat fees can be another very tricky area. Flat fees are services, such as an alignment, which don't get broken down into parts, tax and labor. This makes it difficult to determine the real and fair price. On the plus side, most flat fees are competitively priced.

Be warned however, another term for Flat Fee is called Menu Selling. In other words, you might see Tune Up: $99.99 or Transmission Flush: $89.99. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations only, not a dealer's or repair shop's menu.

For an interesting read on this topic, click
car maintenance costs

Summary of Charges

The last part of an auto repair estimate is the summary of charges. It's usually found in the bottom right hand corner of the invoice. Check it against the charges above to ensure that it all adds up mathematically, as well as logically.

This basic estimate outline may differ from your particular invoice, which may have other categories such as "Sublet" or "HazMat."

A sublet charge is added when your auto repair shop uses another vender to fix or repair your car, such as a glass company that replaces your windshield.

A HazMat charge may include waste oil or other disposal fees. Just make sure that the charges are warranted, as again, they too are often calculated off the labor time rather than actual need.

In sum, understanding the "actual" charges, asking the right questions, and breaking down your auto repair costs is the best way to avoid paying excessive car repair prices.

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Thursday, April 1, 2010

Auto Repair Estimates and Car Repair Prices - The Real Information to Avoid Car Repair Scams


Image : http://www.flickr.com


Worrying whether or not you were overcharged for your car repair is an awful feeling. There's tons of advice on how to avoid getting ripped-off, but few discuss the actual car repair prices. We really need to look at the charges on a car repair estimate or auto repair invoice to determine if we're paying too much.

The focus needs to shift from giving outdated and ineffective advice to addressing the specific charges. Are they legitimate charges? Can they be justified by industry guidelines?

Now car repair estimates can be confusing. So let's break it down to get a better idea if your auto repair shop is billing you appropriately.

First, a glossary of terms is in order, as the auto industry has a language of its own...

Aftermarket Parts: parts not made by or for the manufacturer.

MSRP: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer. Manufacturer approved parts designed specifically for your vehicle.

TSBs: Technical Service Bulletins. Notes and instructions provided by the manufacturer for known and specific concerns (they are not recalls).

Flat Fees: services such as alignments that don't get broken down into parts, tax, labor

Miscellaneous Charges: these can include, but are not limited to shop supplies - rags, chemicals, hazardous waste disposal fees, waste oil ...etc.

Labor Rate: a repair center's hourly charge to service your vehicle

Labor Time: the amount of time or hours determined that it will take to fix your vehicle

Labor Description: the step-by-step written details of repairs and/or services

Ok, let's look at the Anatomy of an Auto Repair Estimate:

There are six basic components to a car repair estimate

1) Customer/Vehicle Information

2) Parts

3) Labor

4) Miscellaneous Charges

5) Flat Fees

6) Summary of Charges

Customer and Vehicle Information
Using a generic "top down" style estimate, the top portion simply contains your personal information and your vehicle's specifics: year, make, model, mileage...etc, as well as your request or concern.

We also want find the shop's labor rate. The labor rate is critical in determining if you paid too much. Most repair centers don't list the labor rate. We'll discuss why shortly.

Auto Parts
Parts are listed usually with a brief description, as well as the quantity, and the price. There are three types of parts: OEM (parts made by or for a manufacturer). These are the parts installed by a dealer, although many local shops use OEM parts too.

Aftermarket parts are non OEM parts, and there are various degrees of quality, depending on the brand and where they're made - China versus USA, for example.

Then there are Used parts purchased from a salvage yard.

To determine if you paid too much for parts, first find out what type of parts are being used. With OEM parts, you don't want to pay more than MSRP, although most people do without realizing it. Premium aftermarket parts are similarly priced across brands, although beware not to pay more than MSRP, which again, many folks do. Used parts prices are all over the place, so pick the price in the middle.

Auto Repair Labor

Labor is billed in tenths. So 1.0 equals 1 hour. 1.5 equals an hour and a half.
Labor rates range from $60 to $100 per hour at local repair shops and $80 to $140 per hour at the dealer level. Labor times are based off established industry guidelines, which are frequently abused.

If you don't see the shop's labor rate posted on the car repair invoice, ask your service center for the rate. Repair shops can manipulate the labor rate (among other things) with a labor matrix. Matrix pricing is a complicated and ethically questionable practice discussed at length in RepairTrust literature. What you need to know is that you can pay as high as $150 per hour rather than the posted labor rate of $105 per hour.

Thus, you'll want to multiply the number of hours billed (which is also often not posted) by the shop's labor rate to determine if you've been charged accordingly.

Most labor descriptions are poorly written and difficult to understand. So ask questions.

Here's a "clear" labor description for a 30,000 mile service on a Toyota Camry.

Performed 30,000 mile service per customer request, and in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Changed oil and filter, installed new air filter, cabin filter and performed all necessary tests, checks, and procedures, including road test (miles 30,123 - 30,125). Performed lubrication services and confirmed proper vehicle operation. Set tire pressures, and checked fluids, belts and hoses. Note: vehicle is pulling slightly left. Needs alignment

Miscellaneous Charges

The bulk of your car repair invoice will be parts and labor, but we can't forget about Miscellaneous Charges. These charges can include, but are not limited to, shop supplies - rags, chemicals, hazardous waste, disposal fees, waste oil ...etc. The latter of these may be billed out separately in a summary at the bottom of your repair invoice.

Very few of these "extras" are actually used during regular repairs. Miscellaneous charges are calculated off the amount of labor hours billed, not the amount of miscellaneous items used.

Flat Fees

Flat fees can be another very tricky area. Flat fees are services, such as an alignment, which don't get broken down into parts, tax and labor. This makes it difficult to determine the real and fair price. On the plus side, most flat fees are competitively priced.

Be warned however, another term for Flat Fee is called Menu Selling. In other words, you might see Tune Up: $99.99 or Transmission Flush: $89.99. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations only, not a dealer's or repair shop's menu.

For an interesting read on this topic, click
car maintenance costs

Summary of Charges

The last part of an auto repair estimate is the summary of charges. It's usually found in the bottom right hand corner of the invoice. Check it against the charges above to ensure that it all adds up mathematically, as well as logically.

This basic estimate outline may differ from your particular invoice, which may have other categories such as "Sublet" or "HazMat."

A sublet charge is added when your auto repair shop uses another vender to fix or repair your car, such as a glass company that replaces your windshield.

A HazMat charge may include waste oil or other disposal fees. Just make sure that the charges are warranted, as again, they too are often calculated off the labor time rather than actual need.

In sum, understanding the "actual" charges, asking the right questions, and breaking down your auto repair costs is the best way to avoid paying excessive car repair prices.

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