[Michu]

9 Ways To Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs

Insurance Information Institute

One of the best ways to keep your auto insurance costs down is to have a good driving record.
Listed below are other things you can do to lower your insurance costs.

1. Shop Around
Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Get at least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or access information on the Internet. Your state insurance department may also provide comparisons of prices charged by major insurers. (State insurance department phone numbers and Web sites can be found here.)

You buy insurance to protect you financially and provide peace of mind. It's important to pick a company that is financially stable. Check the financial health of insurance companies with rating companies such as A.M. Best (http://www.ambest.com) and Standard & Poor’s (http://www.standardandpoors.com/) and consult consumer magazines.

Get quotes from different types of insurance companies. Some sell through their own agents. These agencies have the same name as the insurance company. Some sell through independent agents who offer policies from several insurance companies. Others do not use agents. They sell directly to consumers over the phone or via the Internet.

Don't shop price alone. Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations. Contact your state insurance department to find out whether they provide information on consumer complaints by company. Pick an agent or company representative that takes the time to answer your questions. You can use the checklist on the back of this brochure to help you compare quotes from insurers and on the same coverage.

2. Before You Buy a Car, Compare Insurance Costs
Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. These include daytime running lights and anti-theft devices. To help you decide what car to buy, you can get information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org).

3. Ask for Higher Deductibles
Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more. Before choosing a higher deductible, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.

4. Reduce Coverage on Older Cars
Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of cars. Or you can look it up online at Kelley’s Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com). Review your coverage at renewal time to make sure your insurance needs haven’t changed.

5. Buy your Homeowners and Auto Coverage from the Same Insurer
Many insurers will give you a break if you buy two or more types of insurance. You may also get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce the rates for long-time customers. But it still makes sense to shop around! You may save money buying from different insurance companies, compared with a multi-policy discount.

6. Maintain a Good Credit Record
Establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance costs. Insurers are increasingly using credit information to price auto insurance policies. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don't obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly so that your record remains accurate.

7. Take Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts
Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles a year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who car pool to work.

8. Ask about Group Insurance
Some companies offer reductions to drivers who get insurance through a group plan from their employers, through professional, business and alumni groups, or other associations. Ask your employer and inquire with groups or clubs you are a member of to see if this is possible.

9. Seek Out Other Discounts
Companies offer discounts to policyholders who have not had any accidents or moving violations for a number of years. You may also get a discount if you take a defensive driving course. If there is a young driver on the policy who is a good student, has taken a drivers education course or is at a college out of the area without a car, you may also qualify for a lower rate.

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/cars/autoinsu/autoinsu.htm

http://consumeraction.gov/images/insurance_regulators_title.jpg

http://consumeraction.gov/insurance.shtml

Gruss
Michael

[kojak]

Hier eine Übersetzung einiger Abkürzungen, die man in manchen Verkaufsanzeigen lesen kann.

AWD All-Wheel Drive…………………………………………………………Allrad Antrieb
ABS Antilock Brake System ………………………………….......….Anti-Blockier System
AC air condition ……………………………………………………………...Klimaanlage
ATF automatic transmission fluid……………………...............Getriebeöl Automatikgetriebe
ACL Air Cleaner ………………………………………………………………..Luftreiniger
ALT Alternator…………………………………………………………………..Lichtmaschine
AM amplitude modulation………………………………………......…..Radio Mittelwelle
APV all purpose behicle……………………………………………........Allzweck Fahrzeug
ASR Acceleration Slip Regulation……………………................Anti-Schlupfreglung
AT automatic transmission……………………………………….........Automatik-Getriebe
BC brake cylinder……………………………………………………………....Bremszylinder
CARB carburetor………………………………………………………………….Vergaser
CD compact disk………………………………………………………………….CD-System
CL clutch……………………………………………………………………………..Kupplung
CMFI Central Multiport Fuel Injection.............................Mehrpunkt Einspritzpumpe
DE diesel engine………………………………………………………………...Diesel Motor
DIFF Differential…………………………………………………………….....Differenti el Getriebe
DOHC double overhead camshaft…………………………….........Doppelt obenliegende Nockenwelle
DRL daytime running lamp…………………………………………........Fahrlicht für den Tag
ECT engine coolant temperature…………………………............Kühlflüssigkeit Temparatur
EFI electonic fuel injection……………………………..................Elektronisch e Einspritzung
EHC electrically heated catalyst……………………..................Elektrisch beheizter Kat.
ESP electronic stabilization program ..............................Elektr. Stabilisierungs-progr.
FM frequency modulation…………………………………………..........UKW-Radio
FWD front wheel drive………………………………………………..........Front Antrieb
LB low beam…………………………………………………………………………Abblend Licht
M/T Manual Transmission……………………………………………........Schaltgetrieb e
MPH miles per hour……………………………………………………….......Geschwindigkeit
MPV multipurpose passenger vehicle……………….................Mehrzweck Personentransporter
OBD on-board diagnostic………………………………………………......Anschluss für Diagnosegerät
OBO or best offer………………………………………………………….......Verkaufe für das beste Angebot
OHC overhead camshaft……………………………………………….......Obenliegende Nockenwelle
ORV off-road vehicle…………………………………………………….......Geländewagen
PC Passenger car…………………………………………………………………Normales Auto
PU Pickup…………………………………………………………………………….Klein-LKW offene Ladefläche
PW Power Windows……………………………………………………………..Elektrische Fensterheber
PDL Power Door Lock………………………………………………………..…Zentralveriegelung
PS Power Seats…………………………………………………………………..Elektrische Sitzverstellung
RDS radio data system…………………………………………………......Infosystem für Radiodisplay
RKE Remote keyless Entry………………………………………….........Fernbedienung für Türveriegelung
RV recreational Vehicle……………………….…………………............Reisemobil / Campingwagen
RWD rear wheel drive………………………………………………...........Heckantrieb
S4WD selectable four wheel drive…………………….................Zuschaltbarer Allradantrieb
SA Shock Absorber……………………………………………………………...Stossdämpfer
SOHC single overhead camshaft…………………………...............Einfache obenliegende Nockenw.
SUV Sport Utility Vechicle……………………………………..............Strassentaugli cher Geländewagen
T/C turbocharger…..................................... ................Turbolader
TCS traction control system……………………………………...........Anti Schlupfregelung
TWC three way catalytic converter…………………..................Drei Wege Katalysator
VIN vehicle identification number………………….................... Fahrgestellnummer