auto world

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Mazda allows haggling on Web site
2007-07-10 04:26:00
Mazda North American Operations has upgraded its Internet site so that vehicle shoppers can get a price quote from a dealership without leaving their desk.Most factory sites lead interested buyers to a dealership's site and will only list the sticker price. But the mazdausa.com site allows Web surfers to contact a Mazda "shopping assistant" via a live Web chat session. The assistant is a Mazda employee.The program went live today.With help from the assistant, Web surfers can configure a vehicle, select a dealership, search vehicle inventory, obtain a price quote, schedule a sales appointment and get financing information.Once a price is agreed upon between the customer and the dealership, the assistant arranges for papers to be signed and the vehicle to be delivered at the dealership.
More About: Mazda , Site , Web site , Allo

BMW X6 spy photos
2007-07-10 04:26:00
In 2008 BMW will launch its much discussed all-new four-door all-wheel-drive Coupe currently dubbed, X6. The X6 is said to offer the mechanics and four-wheel-drive system from BMW?s X5 SUV while its body styling is of a more elegant coupe design.Just a few days ago we revealed shots of the X6's sloping rear end which was caught during extreme hot weather testing in Death Valley, which consequently, disabled the vehicle. Following up on this same encounter, these latest photos show the same X6 prototype being trailed off to the engineers garage for repair. But more importantly we can see here the first shot of the front interior and dashboard.The prototype appears to have less ground clearance than the X5 and is slightly longer. As seen in the previous story linked above, the boxy rear end disguise is hiding a sloping roof line. The X6 will have sportier handling and greater driving dynamics than the X5 while the latter can seat up to seven passengers, the X6 is going to be a strict...
More About: Photos

Sources: Jaguar, Land Rover interest seen limited
2007-07-10 04:10:00
The Jaguar and Land Rover brands being sold by Ford Motor Co. are expected to attract less interest than sister unit Aston Martin did, people familiar with the matter said on Monday.Among the suitors who have been sent informal information by Ford's advisers are buyout firms Cerberus, Ripplewood and One Equity, said one of the sources.However, unsuccessful bidders for Aston Martin including Syrian-born tycoon Simon Halabi and U.K. buyout firm Doughty Hanson have no plans to express interest in Jaguar and Land Rover when initial indications of value are due to Ford on July 19, the sources said.Ford said last month it was working with financial advisers on the best options for the two brands as it conducts a strategic review of global operations.Those interested in Jaguar and Land Rover have received a small amount of data, but have not been sent the full information customary in a more formal sale process.The July 19 offers will just be "a (value) ranging shot at this point," said o...
More About: Interest , Mite , Limited

2008 BMW 135i will sport a 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine
2007-07-10 04:00:00
The upcoming 2008 BMW 128i and BMW 135i sport coupes, which will go on sale in the spring of 2008, will be equipped with two different flavors of the same 3.0-liter inline engine. The less potent 128i will be motivated by a 230hp motor producing up to 200 lb-ft of torque, while the top of the line 135i Coupe will sport a twin-turbocharged developing more impressive 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque available at as low as 1,400 rpm.According to the company's press release, the 2008 BMW 135i accelerates from zero to 62 mph in just 5.3 seconds and its top speed is limited electronically at the 155 mph mark. The engine's performance is further increased with the help of air-to-air intercoolers and on-demand engine coolant pumps, "which improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased output."As you probably see on the pictures (credit: BMW), the cars are available with BMW's charismatic M Aerodynamic Kit, which is optional for the 128i but comes as standard with the 135i.I...
More About: Sport , Engine , Liter , Turbo , Twin

Insuring a Teen Driver in Single-Parent Households
2007-07-10 03:57:00
Insuring a teenage driver is an expensive proposition. If your teen is away at college, lives part of the time with an ex-spouse, or spends a significant amount of time away from home for any other reason, are you still required to buy auto insurance for the teen? You might, depending on the circumstances and the practices of your insurance company.When parents are divorcedWhen teens split time between divorced parents, which parent should include the teen on his or her auto coverage? Many companies suggest the parent, who has custody of the teen the most, should add the child to his or her policy. In some cases, insurers say it?s whichever parent has custody of the teen when the child is attending school.If the same company insures both parents, the teen will be covered by both parents' policies, regardless of whether the teen is listed as a driver on either policy. That's because some insurance policies define "an insured" as "a person related to you by blood, marriage, or adopt...
More About: Driver , Single , Rent , Hold , Ouse

Protecting Your Child When Driving
2007-07-10 03:56:00
Drive with peace of mind, knowing you're doing everything you can to protect your child's life when you're behind the wheel of the family car. Remember ? that's precious cargo you're transporting in your back seat. Make sure your children are properly secured, before you start the car.Buckle up for some sobering statistics on highway deaths, figures that underscore the importance of using proper child restraints for young passengers ? a child car seat, booster, or seat belt.In 2003, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that there were a total of 42,643 traffic fatalities in the United States. The age group of children up to 14 years old accounted for 5 percent (2,136) of those traffic fatalities.An insurance trade organization official focused on why many children die in vehicular crashes. "?Kids typically die because they were out of position, meaning that the child in the seat belt, car seat, or booster was either not properly put into the restraint or ...
More About: Driving , Child , Ving , Prot

Tips for First Time Insurance Buyers
2007-07-10 03:52:00
When you buy insurance, you're really buying something that you hope you'll never have to use. But if you ever do need to file an insurance claim, you'll understand why having the right amount and right types of coverage is important.Decide how much insurance you needYou can't stop bad things from happening. But you can protect yourself financially by purchasing insurance. How much insurance you need depends on a lot of factors including how much you owe and own, how much your assets are worth, whether you have dependents, and how much out-of-pocket cost you could afford to bear. You can estimate your coverage needs using calculators or worksheets available on-line, but it's a good idea to sit down with an insurance agent or broker who can thoroughly evaluate your needs.Comparison shopNo matter what type of insurance you're buying, the process is essentially the same. Once you've decided what type of insurance and how much coverage you need, you can begin contacting insurance...
More About: Insurance , Tips , Time , Buyers , First Time

Auto Insurance Rates On The Rise
2007-07-10 03:50:00
A recently released auto insurance study shows that rates are continuing to climb, but you can minimize your financial pain if you "shop around" for coverage.Shop AroundInsurance prices for the same coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars, "so it pays to shop around. Get at least three quotes," urges Jeanne Salvatore, vice president of consumer affairs for the Insurance Information Institute (III) in New York."Use different tools to extract the best terms and conditions such as logging on to various insurance websites, phoning carriers, and talking to friends," says Janine Gibford, government affairs advocate for the Association of California Insurance Companies (ACIC), in Sacramento.Raise deductiblesRaising the comprehensive/collision deductible "is one of the easiest ways to cut your auto insurance bill," points out Salvatore. Bumping up the deductible can save a consumer about 15% to 20% on comp/collision coverage costs. Just be sure you can afford the deductible in the event of...
More About: Auto Insurance , Auto , Rise , Rates

Does Your Occupation Affect Your Auto Insurance Rate?
2007-07-10 03:46:00
Think your occupation does not affect your auto insurance rate - think again! In 2006 Occupation Report, results show that your occupation can greatly impact your car insurance premium.Compiled from data from their partnering auto insurance companies, Insurance .com's report shows that scientists, pilots/navigators and actors/performers/artists pay the lowest insurance rates at an average of $935.76 per year. Attorneys/lawyers/judges, executives and business owners pay the highest insurance rates at an average of $1,383.63 per year.Why such a big difference between occupations? According to David Roush, CEO of Insurance.com, attorneys/lawyers/judges, executives and business owners have highly stressful jobs, which require them to spend more time in their cars and talk more frequently on their cell phones than the average driver. "Taking all of these factors into account, you can see why some occupations are coined as "high-risk" and typically pay more for auto insurance then others,...
More About: Auto Insurance , Auto , Patio , Rate

New Dodge Dakota pricing announced
2007-07-10 03:31:00
Dodge announced pricing today for the new 2008 Dodge Dakota , which features six trim levels, new exterior and interior styling, many best-in-class capabilities and the most power of any pickup in the mid-size segment.The new 2008 Dodge Dakota is available for $20,080 for Extended Cab models, and $22,780 for Crew Cab models. Prices include $645 destination. The new 2008 Dodge Dakota arrives in dealerships in August.?Dodge Dakota is the perfect vehicle for people who are looking for a great-looking, capable, powerful and versatile truck that can support a variety of lifestyle activities,? said Mike Accavitti, Director ? Dodge Brand and SRT Communications. ?With two different cab styles, six trim levels and a tremendous number of available features, the new 2008 Dodge Dakota can be configured for any customer?s needs ? all at a great value.?For 2008, the Dodge Dakota will again be offered in two body styles ? Extended Cab and Crew Cab ? and six trim levels: ST, SXT, SLT, TRX/TRX4, Spor...
More About: Dodge , Anno

Fiat has big plans regarding its new 500
2007-07-10 03:29:00
After the big launch of its new model, Fiat is planning to release 2 new versions of the Fiat 500: a three-door station wagon and/or a 4WD SUV.The decision to approve the production of the new versions will be taken at the end of this year, after Fiat will analyse the sales of the new Fiat 500.The Italian automaker hopes that the new Fiat 500 will equalize the succes of Bmw?s Mini. Fiat also confirmed a convertible version for the summer of 2008 and also the turbo-boosted Abarth ,available for the end of 2008, version which will deliver 135 bhp from the 1.4 petrol engine.Fiat expects sales of 58,000 units by the end of this year and for the next year sales ranging between 120,000 and 150,000 units.
More About: Plans , Plan

Bmw considering to build a Mini cross-over
2007-07-10 03:26:00
Over the past year rumors about the new Mini -based cross-over circulated. Its been told that the design process of the new 4WD Mini had already started. Sources are telling that the new model will be based on the R55 chassis. It will be both larger and have more doors, and also different from the Clubman chassis.At the interior this new 4WD vehicle is expected to have a different and updated style, but of course repecting the Mini line.While Mini is still planning its new model ,Bmw is looking at production locations outside the Oxford plant possibly Spartanburg South Carolina or even the latest Bmw plant in India. One thing is certain: the Oxford plant will not have the capacity to build another model after the production of the Mini Convertible will start in 2008.The new Mini 4WD is programmed for release in 2010.
More About: Cross , Build , Ross , Cons

Nissan recalls 140,000 Altimas
2007-07-10 03:23:00
The Japanese automaker decided to recall 140,582 of its 2007 Altima cars after problems with the air filter were reported. The air filter can catch fire if hot objects are drawn into it and this problem will recall only for the 2.5 liter engines.The problem was discovered in February and since then 4 fires were reported.To avoid the fire the filter will be replaced because it can ignite if something hot such as ashes or cigarettes enter through the fresh air intake valve. To help avoiding the fire an air deflector will also be installed on the vehicle. The recall affects the cars that were built between September 25th and May 11th at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, and those produced from October 30 through May 11 at its Canton, Mississippi, factory. The Altima accounted for 140,253, or 26 percent, of Nissan ?s U.S. sales this year through June. The car was ninth in sales among all cars and light trucks in the U.S. during the period.
More About: S 14

Phantom Drophead Coupé Sold For $1.87 Million at Charity Auction
2007-07-09 06:48:00
Rolls-Royce bought at auction for £800,000A Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé has been bought at a charity auction for £800,000. The successful bid was made at the 9th Annual White Tie and Tiara Ball held to raise money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Overall the event raised in excess of £6 million, with £3.1 million raised at the auction alone.The Rolls-Royce was bought by a private buyer who will take delivery of his new car later in the summer. The event took place at the private residence of Sir Elton John and David Furnish.Rolls-Royce unveiled the new Drophead Coupé in January this year. The two-door, four-seat convertible is hand made at the company's manufacturing plant at Goodwood, and combines the latest aluminium technology and engineering with the very best in hand craftsmanship. The result is a car that many have already hailed as the ultimate in convertible motoring. Rolls-Royce has now begun full production of the new car.Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chairman and CEO,...
More About: Charity , Auction , Million , Sold

First Drive: 2008 BMW M3
2007-07-09 06:46:00
From the moment you prod its starter button, the 2008 BMW M3 surprises you. Its 4.0-liter V8 is quiet ? possibly too quiet ? and settles to a lazy, subdued burble. It's obviously a very different kind of engine than the inline-6 that powered the old M3, and for a moment you wonder if the gang at BMW M have botched up the world's finest high-performance coupe.But then you find a clear stretch of road and depress the accelerator. The big V8 takes a giant gulp of air and the 2008 BMW M3 starts to come alive. At first you'll find yourself instinctively changing up a gear at 6,500 rpm, but then the engine's only starting to get into its stride. You find patience and let it rip all the way to 8,400 rpm, when you've got 420 horsepower in full cry.Now you realize that BMW's in-house performance shop got it right. Big-time right. The 2008 BMW M3 is more than you expect.A Porsche 911 With Four DoorsConsider this. The benchmark car for the new 2008 BMW M3 has not been the Audi RS4 or Mer...
More About: Drive

Audi powered supercar redefines performance
2007-07-09 06:40:00
The Gumpert Apollo (pronounced gum-pair-h) is the first supercar produced by Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH in Germany. The project is the creation of Roland Gumpert, a former Audi employee who oversaw many a rallying success working as competitions chief in their Quattro division. Gumpert?s partner is Roland Mayer, the boss of German tuning house MTM.The Apollo is a 1100kg, street-legal race car with up to 650hp and 627 lb/ft of torque, designed to take on the Porsche 911 GT3, it is a mid engined, rear wheel drive two seater constructed on a tubular Chromoly frame, with fiberglass or carbon fiber body panels. An Audi 4.2L V8 engine is joined to a six-speed sequential gearbox with Formula 1 influences. Estimated top speed is 360 km/h (224mph) with 0-100km/h (0?62 mph) reached in 3.0 seconds, making it the 9th best accelerating production car in the world, behind the Ariel Atom. Prices start at 198,000 EUR / £190,000 GBP / $380,000 USD, and Gumpert hopes to produce 150 Apollo?s be...
More About: Performance , Supercar , Fine , Redefine

The Worst Cities to Own a Car
2007-07-09 06:38:00
Guide to Car OwnershipLet's face it: owning a car isn't the high-speed, tight-cornering nirvana that's depicted in ads. Those are "professional drivers" operating their vehicles on scenic "closed roads." Studies show that your experience is a little different. Owning a car involves money, time, and aggravation. You like your freedom, but?well, let's just say that it's not hard to see the gas tank as half-empty. So where are the worst places to own a car? Let's take a look:The Most Expensive States for Auto Insurance1. District of Columbia2. New Jersey3. Massachusetts4. New York5. Connecticut6. Delaware7. Nevada8. Rhode Island9. Louisiana10. ArizonaGood drivers out there who feel that they're paying too much for the bad drivers take heed. Good drivers in New Jersey and DC are paying through the nose to cover the costs of the less careful, while bad drivers in South and North Dakota live in auto insurance heaven despite their wanton ways. That's a bit unfair to the Garden Stat...
More About: Cities

Top 10 Auto Insurance Myths
2007-07-09 06:36:00
The color of my car determines my auto insurance rate. My credit score has no bearing on my insurance premium. I have auto insurance coverage so my new car is already covered?right?Maybe not! Below is a list of fallacies many car owners believe and drive by each day. The truth just might make you change course.Myth #10 "No-fault insurance means, it's not my fault!"False. No-fault insurance means that your insurance company pays for your damages regardless of who's at fault.Myth #9 "The color of my car affects my insurance rate."False. The color of your car does not impact your car insurance rate. What does influence your rate is your vehicle's year, make, model, body type, engine size, credit history and driving record.Myth #8 "If I lend my car to a friend and that friend is in an accident, his or her insurance company will pay for the damages?right?"False. Your car, your responsibility! And guess what, even though you weren't present at the time of the accident, you still will ...
More About: Insurance , Auto Insurance , Auto , Myths

Top 10 Most Frequent Auto Repairs
2007-07-09 06:34:00
Every car owner dreads it. The call from your mechanic telling you that your regularly scheduled tune-up has uncovered a major repair problem--and it's going to cost you.According to MotorService, an auto industry trade magazine, the most frequent auto repairs include:1.) Brake system2.) Lube/oil change/filters3.) Cooling/heating (radiator)4.) Ignition/electronic control5.) Steering/suspension6.) Carburetor/fuel system7.) Electrical8.) Transmission/clutch/rear axle9.) Auto air conditioning10.) Exhaust systemIn addition to auto repair services, there are many other costs associated with owning a car, including car payments, commuting expenses (e.g. gas, tolls, parking), and insurance premiums. Here are some tips that can help car owners save money.Keep your repair costs in checkOne of the most important things you can do to avoid costly auto repairs is preventive maintenance. Regularly scheduled trips to your mechanic can save you money in the long run. Either follow your car manufa...
More About: Repair

Wet-Weather Driving Tips
2007-07-09 06:33:00
The combination of rain, fog, and early darkness in winter causes thousands of car accidents every year. Here are a few commonsense driving tips that can help you avoid wet-weather accidents.Drive slowlyThe most important thing you can do to prevent an accident on a slick roadway is to slow down. When you drive slowly, a greater amount of your tire's tread will be on the road, resulting in better traction. It will also keep you from driving through hidden puddles at a high speed, which can splash water into your car's engine, causing it to stall.Try to drive at a steady pace and avoid jerky movements when braking, accelerating, or turning. And avoid passing other cars, especially at night.Keep a safe distance from the car in front of youIt takes up to three times longer to stop on wet roads. This is true even if your tires are good-quality wet-weather tires. So don't tailgate, and be alert for brake lights on the car in front of you. You should also put on your headlights so that...
More About: Weather , Driving , Tips , Ving

What Your Auto Insurer Knows About You
2007-07-09 06:32:00
When you apply for an insurance policy or submit a claim, you're probably unaware of the streams of information about you that flow to your insurance company, private businesses, and your previous insurer. Mark Twain once wrote that insurance companies are a "power behind the throne that [is] more powerful than the throne itself," but that was more than 100 years ago. Today, the true power lies in the hands of the database companies that make their money by selling information about you.Scoring your financesWhat the insurance industry calls "credit scores" are actually "insurance risk scores." Both scores are based on information contained in your full credit report, but they put weight on different factors in order to calculate a final score. Thus, even if you purchase your credit score from one of the major credit-reporting agencies, you still don't know your "insurance risk score," which is not available to you.According to Craig Watts of Fair, Isaac & Co., a provider of scores...
More About: Auto , Sure

Who's Covered Under Rental Car Insurance?
2007-07-09 06:30:00
Is it two for the price of one? Not always when it comes to rental car insurance. Finally going away on that long-awaited vacation? If you'll be renting a car and sharing driving duties with someone else, there are a few things you should know about rental car insurance before you go. Your own auto insuranceWhat and Who is Covered ?Auto insurance coverage varies from one insurer to another. Some policies may not cover rented vehicles at all. Many others will cover damage you cause to any car that you're driving, including a rental car. Your insurance may also protect you from liability claims up to the policy limits.Even if your policy provides coverage, you need to know exactly who's covered. Are you and the other listed drivers on your policy the only ones covered while driving the rental car, or are other drivers covered, too? The only way to find out is to ask your insurance company or agent. If your fellow travelers are not covered, you might ask about coverage offered by the...
More About: Insurance , Rental , Car Insurance , Rent

Will Your Auto Insurance Come into Play If Your Child Gets into an Accident
2007-07-09 06:29:00
Here's a PIZZADVICE for you about car insurance. If your child plans to use the family car on his or her part-time pizza delivery job, you'll need to check with your auto insurance provider to see if you'd be covered if your loved one were to get into a fender-bender in the line of duty. Insurance trade group officer Don Griffin is among the industry executives who would urge you to find out the answer to that before you hand over the keys to your teenager."If your child is delivering pizza as part of his part-time job and is driving your car for business then it's your personal auto insurance policy that's on the hook if there's an accident or some other incident that could result in a claim being filed," according to Don Griffin, vice president of personal lines for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, in Des Plaines, Ill.Griffin's advice? "Notify your auto insurer in advance that you're going to let your child use the family car to deliver food as part o...
More About: Play , Auto Insurance , Auto , Accident

Your Car Has Been Stolen? Insurance Companies Offer Advice
2007-07-09 06:27:00
In the unfortunate event that your car gets stolen, there is sage insurance advice being offered by Carolyn Gorman, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute (III), a nonprofit insurance information organization in New York, and Sam Sorich, president of the Association of California Insurance Companies (ACIC).Gorman calls on drivers to be prepared in the event their car gets stolen. She suggests that "you'll have already taken proper steps to ensure you have suitable insurance as well as having obtained the information you'll need to contact the police department for filing reports and for notifying your insurance company to begin the claims process.""Many consumers who shop for the lowest auto insurance rates fail to consider some inexpensive options that can save them a lot of money down the road," reveals Gorman, citing replacement rental car coverage as an example, pointing out that it costs "only a couple dollars a month." Under normal circumstances, renting a car...
More About: Advice , Stolen , Vice

Your Auto Insurer Knows Plenty about You
2007-07-09 06:26:00
Your auto insurance company probably has a lot of your personal information, and that`s not necessarily a bad thing. For instance, auto insurers get a hold of your driving record, credit history, and other info to use in making decisions such as whether to cover your vehicles and how much to charge you for coverage.Many insurers use credit information to determine your insurance risk score. You`ll likely pay less for car insurance if you have a good credit score, a history of paying bills on time and no bad debt. Insurers see a direct relationship between your insurance risk score and the chances of you filing a claim. Conversely, an insurance applicant who has a history of being late on bill payments and who often opens and closes savings or credit accounts wouldn`t be as good an insurance risk.You won`t be able to obtain your insurance risk score, but you can assume that it`s comparable to your credit score.Providing insights on credit scoring/rating are insurance industry experts...
More About: Auto , Sure , Plenty , Lent

Insuring Your Home-Based Business Car
2007-07-09 06:25:00
To buy commercial or personal car insurance coverage for your car: That is the question?asked by most home-based business owners when considering what kind of car insurance to purchase for their car. As luck would have it, most business owners have enough coverage under their personal auto insurance policy to protect their investment; however, that is not always the case for all home-based business owners!?As long as you?re not driving other people around a lot of the time, you're probably fine with a personal auto insurance policy,? says Ed Charlesbois of The Travelers. ?For instance, if you operate a delivery service out of your home, you're going to need a commercial car insurance policy that will cover your business assets in the event you're involved in a car accident. However, if you're a real estate broker and you drive clients around from time to time, you can get away with having just a personal auto insurance policy.?Auto Insurance Costs For Your Home -Base d Business Hom...
More About: Home Based Business , Sine

Car Accidents Happen Closer To Home Than You May Think
2007-07-09 06:21:00
Where you live is an element that insurance companies use in the process of setting up your insurance rates. Auto insurance companies often look at how often car accidents and theft occur close to your home when determining your car insurance rates.Progressive asked 11,000 of its auto insurance policyholders who reported accidents in 2001 how close to home they were when the accident happened. Fifty-two percent reported they were five miles or less from home, and an astounding 77 percent reported they were within 15 miles of home!Typically, if you live in an accident-prone area, insurers will assume your risk is higher because most people do their driving near home.Where Accidents Occur MostMiles from home Percentage of accidents 1 mile or less 23% 2 to 5 miles 29% 6 to 10 miles 17%11 to 15 miles 8% 16 to 20 miles 6% More than 20 miles 17% In addition:Accidents were more than tw...
More About: Home , Car accidents , Closer , Cide

Children and Auto Accidents - Are seat belts to blame?
2007-07-09 06:20:00
?Nearly 500 children between the ages of five and nine are killed each year in auto accidents, and over 100,000 are injured due to improper seat belt use,? says Judith Lee Stone, president for Advocates for Highway Safety.StatisticsStatistics from the Advocates for Highway Safety, a nonprofit highway safety group, and the Child Passenger Safety Study, a joint venture among State Farm Mutual Auto mobile Insurance Co., the Children 's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the University of Pennsylvania, show that children under the age of 10 are most susceptible to injury in car accidents because they are wearing adult seat belts when they should in fact still be in child safety seats.The Child Passenger Safety Study found that more than 80% of children between the ages of four and eight are properly restrained. However, 40% of children between the ages of one and two and 20% of children between the ages of nine and 15 are not properly restrained. ?With these kinds of statistics, something nee...
More About: Accidents , Seat , Belts

Know the Warning Signs Before You Buy a Flood Damaged Car
2007-07-09 06:17:00
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused devastating damage to many residents' vehicles throughout New Orleans and Mississippi. In fact, the Insurance Information Institute estimates over 500,000 cars were damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. For many, this meant their cars were unsalvageable and were declared a total loss by their auto insurance company.Once a vehicle is declared a total loss by an auto insurance company, the insurance company will reimburse the owner for the current value of their car, take possession of the car and sell it to a scrap yard to be broken down for parts or demolished. In addition, flood damaged cars receive a special flood damaged title to warn potential buyers of the damage to the car. With that being said, you should never have to worry about buying a flood damaged car, right? Wrong!Beware of Scam ArtistsSome car owners may not have auto insurance coverage to protect their car from the damage of a flood or may try and sell the cars for cash i...
More About: Signs , Warning Signs , Warning , Damage , Fore

Are Men Better Drivers than Women?
2007-07-09 06:16:00
Argue all you want; however you'd be hard-pressed to find documented proof that men are superior to women as drivers. But make no mistake ? gender certainly does impact driving habits and insurance industry observers believe that issue manifests in other ways, too. That's a point driven home by insurance executives such as David Snyder, who acknowledges that most car insurance companies take into account a driver's gender in determining policy pricing."The weight in pricing varies from company to company and by claims experience over time, but, for example, with all other factors being equal, a female between the ages of 18 and 25 would pay less than her male counterpart because as a rule younger women drivers have fewer accidents and moving violations than males in the same age group,? says Snyder, vice president and assistant general counsel of the American Insurance Association, in Washington, D.C.The only time gender has a bearing on car insurance rates involves young drivers...
More About: Drivers , Women