Tag: automobile

Buying A Used Car? Read This

A used car is also known and called as a pre-owned vehicle. This could be a car, an SUV, a pickup truck, or whatever vehicle that has already been owned by a person. However, for some reason that owner has sold it back to a dealership. If you are thinking of buying that one, then you are buying a used car.

Jerry Christopher has been working in the automotive industry for more than two decades. He says even when buying a used car, there are myths that one should be cautious about. After all, he also would like everybody else to get their fair share of the money they are spending on a used vehicle.

One myth that Christopher is talking about is that most people think that they should buy a used car that comes from a brand that has been known for making quality vehicles. However, this automobile expert says that even the best model or best make of cars would not be a good buy if the previous owner did not know how to properly maintain it. Sooner or later, as the buyer, you might be experiencing major problems with it that would only cost you much on your pocket.

Aside from this, another myth that people scouting for a used vehicle believe in is that once the previous owner of the used car has provided them with the vehicle’s maintenance records, they would be safe from any kind of future problems regarding the vehicle’s performance. However, Christopher says that there are documents that could be fraudulent and fake. He claims that there are dishonest owners who would falsify their records so as to show that they did take good care of the vehicle even if the vehicle did not receive any kind of maintenance during the period that it was under their ownership.

What is best to be on the alert about any potential signs of dishonesty on the seller’s end. Aside from this, you should also be ready by knowing the right amount of information on vehicles and their maintenance.

VW Camper Vans

Volkswagen UK Company was established in 1952, the motor car is an icon of the 20th Century, and few car manufacturers have produced so many legendary cars as Volkswagen. The Beetle, the best-selling car of all time; the Volkswagen bus or VW camper van, a symbol of a generation; and the Golf, a modern masterpiece, are automobiles that have become an unforgettable part of the cultural and personal lives of millions.

VW (Volkswagen) camper vans otherwise known as a Volkswagen bus were built nearly sixty years ago and is now becoming one of the great vehicles of all times. Whether you are eighteen or eighty five the VW camper van represents a certain way of life and will always turn people’s heads and make them think they wished they had one.

What started the VW camper vans or VW buses? In 1947, a revolutionary idea of Ben Pon (a Dutch businessman), was presented to VW about building a vehicle based on the design of a so-called plattenwagen (which looked like a push bike with moped engines), however his design would be an oblong transport vehicle that weighed 750 kilos with the cargo being 750 kilos as well, it was designed for internal factory transportation at the Volkswagen plant.

The first two prototypes of the Volkswagen camper vans or buses, then called a VW transporter, were developed by Volkswagen designers based on Pon’s idea, however it first had a rectangular cabin which had no curvature at all, and when tested had disappointing results. So Pon’s proposal of a well curved cabin which featured an aerodynamic shape was an excellent step forward. The development of this idea was left alone for a time.

It was not until a year after that this idea was developed, when Heinrich Nordhoff (the then new chief of Volkswagen) and Alfred Haesner (technical manager) decided to work with Pon and develop his idea for Volkswagen. This simple design of a transport-van soon became a blueprint for the future and the development of the famous VW camper vans or VW bus.

Today, even after about sixty years from when the VW camper vans were first developed, its improvement and enhancement throughout the early years of its manufacturing, and the coming out of much more modern and innovated cars from VW, the VW camper vans remains to be an unbeatable classic that still catches the eye and an icon of great automobiles in history.

Tracking Your Auto Insurance Savings And Taking The Loot Home

Auto insurance doesn’t just insure your vehicle, it can also cover medical expenses from a vehicle wreck as well as protecting you from being sued for additional expenses from being in a wreck. This article can help you choose the right amounts of coverage in the right areas to protect all of your assets.

Start carpooling. Many car insurance providers will charge you less if you do not drive your vehicle often. If you drive less than 7,500 miles a year, your premiums might be significantly lower. If you are unable to carpool, try taking the bus or some other form of public transportation.

Buy your insurance through the internet. Sometimes companies offer lower rates if you sign up for their service online, and some companies have deals available online only. This is because the service is automated and you don’t have to deal with an agent. You may see rates reduced up to 10% or more.

Raising your deductible is a great way to save money through your auto insurance. A higher deductible translates into a lower premium that you must pay. However, in the case of an accident, you are required to pay this deductible. Find the right balance between the two and drive safely to keep money in your pocket.

If you truly don’t use your car for much more than ferrying kids to the bus stop and/or to and from the store, ask your insurer about a discount for reduced mileage. Most insurance companies base their quotes on an average of 12,000 miles per year. If your mileage is half that, and you can maintain good records showing that this is the case, you should qualify for a lower rate.

Begin your search for lower car insurance rates online. Companies have so much information located on the internet, including what kind of coverage they have available and even discounts that you might be eligible for. You can take your time to look through everything and make the best decision for you. Be careful not to judge how good a company is solely by the look of their website.

Shop around for the best rates in car insurance. It’s a competitive business. You might find a company you like better than your current company that will charge you less. Alternately, if your insurance agent knows you are looking, you might be able to get him or her to meet the quote you get from a lesser insurance company.

Find out if your pet is covered by your auto insurance if your pet is in the car with you during an accident. Some insurers provide payment toward veterinarian care for injuries, or payment if the pet is killed while in your car during an accident, or a vehicle theft. The pet coverage may be automatically included under your collision coverage.

As already put forth, auto insurance protects so much more than just your car. It can be the difference between being sued or having your insurance company take care of details like that for you. By using the information in this article and choosing the right insurance, you can protect your car, your passengers, and your assets.

How To Compare Low Cost Automobile Insurance In Missouri

I imagine that very few drivers in Missouri actually look forward to paying their monthly automobile insurance premium, yet the vast majority do. Why? For one reason, driving a non-farm vehicle on any public road in Missouri without insurance is illegal and the penalties if you are caught are so severe as to make the risk unacceptable.

The question then becomes: How do you afford to pay the premium each month in order to have the necessary insurance?

Ultimately the answer is to compare low cost automobile insurance plans until you find one that’s right for you and that you can afford. But before you begin making comparisons it only makes sense to do your homework so you know what all of your options are.

For example, keeping your driving record clean will keep the cost of your insurance low. In other words, do not speed or drive drunk or impaired. Any behavior behind the wheel which reflects negatively on your ability to operate your vehicle safely at all times is going to raise your monthly premium.

Combining insurance policies under the umbrella of the same insurance company can also reduce your premiums. In other words, if you have a health insurance policy or a homeowner’s policy, then buying your car insurance from the same company can reduce your premiums through a program most insurance companies have known as a multi-policy discount.

Young drivers and very old drivers get hit the hardest with automobile insurance premiums due to that fact that those two segments of the driving public tend to have the largest number of accidents. If you’re in school, stay there. Work hard and get good grades. Students who have a “B” average qualify for a Good Student Discount from most insurance companies.

Older drivers, 55 and over, who successfully pass a driver’s refresher course can save up to 10% on their monthly premiums – ask your insurance agent if your insurance company sponsors such a program.

Take a good hard look at the types of coverage you are paying for and question each one of them. Missouri law stipulates minimum coverages and if your vehicle is being financed then your financial institution may require that you pay for additional coverage, but if you drive an older car you might consider dropping comprehensive coverage for example as a cost-cutting option.

Finally, decide on the largest deductible you feel comfortable paying. Your deductible is the amount that you will pay from your own wallet any time there is a claim. The larger the deductible that you are willing to pay, then the lower your monthly premium is going to be.

O.K. Now it’s time to get online and start making comparisons. There are literally dozens of websites that encourage you to compare policy features and prices at a number of different automobile insurance companies. Keep in mind that none of the websites offering this service compares every insurance company in Missouri, so if you really and truly want to compare low cost automobile insurance in Missouri you are going to have to take the extra time to make comparisons on more than one website.

Even though it does take a little effort, the internet makes possible something that wasn’t even an option just a few short years ago: to compare low cost automobile insurance in Missouri and feel confident that at the end of the day you have found the best policy for you at the best price around.

Great Ideas For Saving Money On Auto Insurance

In the world of auto insurance, it is important to find the best policy for your vehicle while not wasting or losing money choosing the wrong one. That is where smart auto insurance research comes in handy. These tips can help you find the auto policy that can work for you.

Review the insurance policy that you currently hold, and see if there is any unnecessary coverage or any discounts that could be provided you. Insurance needs and rates change from time to time, and it is important to know where you stand in your current policy and what discounts may be due you.

Decrease your mileage to decrease your premiums. The amount of miles you drive actually has a very large effect on the amount you pay for your premium. If you can cut down the amount of miles you drive, your premiums will fall with it. Give yourself a break, and take the bus on occasion.

Install a car alarm. Your automobile insurance company factors theft into your insurance rate; if you are able to put in an alarm, immobilizer or a tracker, you can reduce the total cost of your plan. Your insurance company will reward you for adding in features that can protect your car.

If you are looking to lower your auto insurance premiums, you should consider raising your deductible. Your payments will be reduced, but in the case of an accident your portion of repair costs will be higher. Lower payments can be a real bonus, but make sure you can afford the higher deductible when the time comes.

Before buying a car, take into consideration the cost of the insurance policy for the type of car or cars you are looking at. Generally, the more expensive the car is, the higher the insurance cost will be. Take into account the insurance cost before purchasing the car you have chosen.

When you are shopping for auto insurance, you are likely to be contacted by numerous carriers and agents seeking your business. Remember that during the quote process, you are not obligated to provide any sort of payment until you elect to bind and purchase a policy. Instead, be sure to have all of your questions answered to your satisfaction before making a final selection.

When you are setting up your auto insurance, make sure you remember what financing requirements you may have. There are certain minimums you must keep. If you change them, your account could have problems. It usually has to do with your deductible. So make sure you have it set for the correct amount that your bank requires.

When handling an auto insurance claim, it’s important to remain friendly and not get frustrated with the claims adjuster. It’s common for claims adjusters to blow off a customer if they are rude or unresponsive making their claim take longer than usual to process. Be nice and friendly and they may make an extra effort to get your claim settled.

As you can see from the previous list of tips, buying auto insurance can really be a bit of a daunting task, but it’s really not that bad. It takes a lot of research, a lot of asking questions, and some common sense, but it is all worth it to have a good auto policy.

Sell Your Car Online: Step 1, Taking High Quality Pictures of Your Automobile

Placing your car or truck for sale in an auto classifieds website is a great way to reach tons of potential buyers. But constructing a great ad is not child’s play. To generate a lot of interest in your vehicle, you must know how to create the perfect online listing. The necessary steps are outlined in five articles titled “Sell Your Car Online.”

The first step in placing a great ad is taking pictures of the car or truck that is for sale. You don’t just want to take any picture and post it on the internet. You want to post the best picture you possibly can. After all, the potential buyers that view your online listing want to see a picture that tells them something more than just the color of the vehicle. A good picture can convey the overall condition of the body, paint, interior, and more. A good, or near professional-quality, picture can seal the deal in the buyer’s mind.

Hypothetical situation: A potential car buyer is looking for a particular car. The buyer has found two nearly identical cars, one belongs to you and one belongs to someone in a nearby state. These two cars have the same body style, the same engine and transmission, the same color, the same options, and very close to the same price. The only deciding factor is the pictures. The competing car has one low quality picture. It is half blocked by a neighboring vehicle. The sun is in the background causing a glare that obscures the color and overall appearance of the car. Your car, on the other hand, has multiple pictures from different angles. There is no sun to cause a glare and no rain to make the picture look dreary. The true color of the car shows and there is nothing blocking the view. Which car do you think the buyer would choose? Pictures of competing cars can, without a doubt, influence the potential buyer to purchase one car over another.

There are things you must consider before you take the first picture. What type of camera should I use? How many pictures should I take? What exactly should I take pictures of? Should I take the pictures in direct sunlight? Unless you are a professional photographer, or at least an experienced one, you may not know the correct answer to these questions.

What type of camera should I use? Since the pictures you upload to the internet must be in digital format, a digital camera is the best type of camera to use. If you use a non-digital camera, you first have to pay to get the film developed. Then use a scanner to digitize it. You must spend valuable time and money to do this. Using a digital camera is the most cost efficient and time conserving way to take and upload photos of your vehicle. In most cases, all you have to do is connect your camera to your computer to download the photos to the hard drive. Then you’re ready to post your ad.

What size mega pixel (MP) camera do I need? This depends on what you will be doing with the pictures. If you need large, high quality pictures, like 8X10 prints or a large display photo in the newspaper, you may need to purchase a 5 MP camera or better. If you will be printing the pictures for personal use or posting small photos in print ads in the local newspaper, you probably need a 3 MP camera or better. If all you need is camera to take pictures to be uploaded to the internet, a 2 MP camera should do the trick.

Remember this! If the picture you are taking will only be used on the internet, use the lowest quality setting that your camera has. Some cameras even have a setting for internet quality photos.

How many pictures should I take? There is no correct answer for this question. Just take as many as you need. A good photographer will take pictures from multiple angles as well as take duplicate pictures from each angle. If you have 20 pictures to choose from, you can easily find at least 5 high quality photos to post with your listing that show lots of detail about your vehicle. Then you can delete the unused photos so you’re not wasting space on your hard drive.

What exactly should I take pictures of? You need pictures from opposite angles that show the exterior of the vehicle. Pictures should be taken of the engine compartment with the hood raised. More pictures should be taken of the interior. If your vehicle has expensive aftermarket accessories, take pictures of them. For example, take close ups of expensive mag wheels, custom artwork or painting, or a high-tech audio system. In essence, you want to convey the overall condition of the vehicle and any special features the vehicle may have with the pictures you take.

Where should I take the pictures? You need to take pictures of the vehicle in a place that has as little background detail as possible. For example, you don’t want another car, a highly trafficked street, or a person in the picture at all. The best place to take the pictures would be near a plain brick wall, or in front of an empty field. You don’t want any object, whether in the foreground or background, to distract the buyer from seeing the details of your vehicle.

Should I take the pictures in direct sunlight? In order to take a great picture with a mid- to low-quality digital camera, you need plenty of light. But too much direct sunlight can cause bright glares and dark shadows, neither of which is good. The absolute best time to take pictures of your vehicle is on a partly cloudy day when the sun is behind the clouds. This eliminates the harsh, dark shadows even though there is still plenty of light to draw out the true color(s) of the vehicle. If you must take the pictures in direct sunlight, always make sure that the sun is behind you (so it will be shining on the side of the vehicle that is facing you). Try not to take a picture of a vehicle when the side facing you is in the shadow.

If you normally take terrible pictures, remember this! It is much better to take a picture with a wider view that has all the details in it than to try to get a close up and cut part of the important details out. So zoom out to make sure you get a great picture.

Follow these steps and you will have high quality photos of your automobile for display in the car classifieds site of your choice. Look for the next installment titled “Sell Your Car Online: Step 2, Using Pictures of Your Automobile Correctly.“ Happy selling.

Tips To Get The Lowest Price On Car Insurance

Taking a step into the world of auto insurance plans for the very first time might feel somewhat daunting. By keeping the helpful tips that are listed below in mind, you will soon find out how to find the most affordable auto insurance plans with good coverage for your vehicle.

One way you can save money on your auto insurance premiums is to pay the full annual cost up front. Many insurance companies charge an extra fee for people who pay monthly premiums. Talk to your insurer to see how much you could save by switching to an annual payment.

Automobile insurance is required and considered to be necessary by most people. You may have an older vehicle and are not concerned about protecting its replacement in case of an accident. If that is the case, you should at least have liability insurance, which will protect you from expensive lawsuits.

Lower the mileage that you put on your car every year. The car insurance companies all take into account the number of miles that you annually drive, and they factor that into your premium. If you are able to decrease this mileage, you may very well get a reduction in your rates.

If you drive a newer model vehicle, be sure to review the policy details closely to see how the company handles repairs in the case of a claim. Some companies include verbiage indicating that after-market parts may be used for repairs. If you have a newer vehicle and want to ensure factory parts are used in repairs, you may want to consider a different carrier.

It is vital that when making an automobile accident claim, that you have all the information available for the insurance company. Without it, your claim may not go through. Some things you need to have ready for them include the make and year of the car you got into an accident with, how many people were in each car, what kinds of injuries were sustained, and where and when it happened.

You will want to make sure to contact your insurance company if you get a divorce and no longer want your ex to be on your policy. If they get into an accident while they are on your insurance policy, it could cause your rates to go up, and you will have to pay for their mistake for the rest of the time you have a policy with that company.

Having more vehicles than one needs is a way to pay more than one needs to be paying for insurance. By selling or storing cars or anything else that one does not use often they will no longer have to pay insurance on that vehicle. It will save them money off their insurance.

So, after reading and applying the helpful tips listed above, you should feel a bit more at ease in the world of auto insurance plans. You have the tools, and you need to use them. You should feel confident and ready to begin looking for auto insurance plans to better protect your vehicle.

Buying Car Insurance

Automobile insurance is an increasing expense for almost all Americans. We can’t afford to have it, and we certainly can’t afford to NOT have it. When researching car insurance companies and comparing policies, it is a good idea to follow these easy guidelines to get the most coverage for your insurance dollars.
Get discount car insurance quotes from as many carriers as you can. Automobile insurance rates may vary drastically depending on the model of your car and the type of coverage you need. Consider as high a deductible as you can reasonably afford, since higher deductibles translate into lower insurance premiums. Review quotes and policies carefully to make sure you are only paying for coverage you really need. If you have homeowner insurance, ask your agent if you are covered already for certain items you might be charged again for on your auto policy.
After you have gotten quotes from different car insurance carriers, it is usually a good idea to create a spreadsheet to help you avoid comparing apples to oranges. Set up a scenario with car repairs and medical expense to best compare the coverage differences under real-life situations.
Once you have chosen the two least expensive automobile insurance policies for the coverage you need, contact a reputable body shop in your area for a referral. Automobile body shops deal with insurance companies every day, and you want to make sure the company you send your premiums to each month will be responsive and fair if you have to make an insurance claim. The body shop probably has a good insider opinion on how the insurance company operates, how long it takes to get an adjuster to view the damaged vehicle, how long it takes to get paid on a claim, how fair the estimate was, were used parts requested versus brand new parts and so on.
Trust me, a ten minute talk with a reputable body shop manager can reveal a lot of great information about an insurance company and how they tend to handle their claims. A few dollars difference in premium dollars to get coverage from a company that handles their claims properly may save you a world of hassle in the event of an automobile accident.

Your car insurance

Automobile insurance is an increasing expense for almost all Americans. We can’t afford to have it, and we certainly can’t afford to not have it. When researching car insurance companies and comparing policies, it is a good idea to follow these easy guidelines to get the most coverage for your insurance dollars. Get discount car insurance quotes from as many carriers as you can. Automobile insurance rates may vary drastically depending on the model of your car and the type of coverage you need.
Consider as high a deductible as you can reasonably afford, since higher deductibles translate into lower insurance premiums. Review quotes and policies carefully to make sure you are only paying for coverage you really need.

If you have homeowner insurance, ask your agent if you are covered already for certain items you might be charged again for on your auto policy. After you have gotten quotes from different car insurance carriers, it is usually a good idea to create a spreadsheet to help you avoid comparing apples to oranges. Set up a scenario with car repairs and medical expense to best compare the coverage differences under real-life situations. Once you have chosen the two least expensive automobile insurance policies for the coverage you need, contact a reputable body shop in your area for a referral.

Automobile body shops deal with insurance companies every day, and you want to make sure the company you send your premiums to each month will be responsive and fair if you have to make an insurance claim. The body shop probably has a good insider opinion on how the insurance company operates, how long it takes to get an adjuster to view the damaged vehicle, how long it takes to get paid on a claim, how fair the estimate was, were used parts requested versus brand new parts and so on. Trust me, a 10 minute talk with a reputable body shop manager can reveal a lot of great information about an insurance company and how they tend to handle their claims.

A few dollars difference in premium dollars to get coverage from a company that handles their claims properly may save you a world of hassle in the event of an automobile accident.

Validating A Used Cars Price

When shopping for a used car, it can be difficult to gauge whether a used cars price is reasonable. However, consumers are fortunate in the fact that it is not impossible. With a little research, some detailed notes and an eye for detail, buyers will be able to get an accurate value determination on a used cars price.

Kelley Blue Book, found online at kbb.com, is a very popular website for anyone interested in buying or selling an automobile. By entering the model, make, year, overall condition, styling and additional features into the appropriate form, Kelley Blue Book provides an instant look at a used cars price. While the site also offers values on new automobiles, many consumers are more concerned with used cars price and how to know if they are getting a fair deal.

Whether shopping online, from a private owner or at a dealership, consumers need to be aware of used cars price and how to handle negotiations. In addition to using Kelley Blue Book, many consumers request permission to take the automobile to a mechanic in order to get a complete inspection. This is a terrific way to know exactly what, if anything, is wrong with the vehicle. By learning the overall condition of the vehicle, consumers will gain a better understanding as to the used cars value.

When purchasing a used car, or any automobile, many individuals seek a bank loan to fund their new purchase. During the application process, consumers must provide information about the automobile that they wish to purchase, along with the used cars price. If the bank determines that the car is overpriced, they will likely deny the loan for this reason. Therefore, a local lending institution may be a useful resource in determining the accuracy of a used cars price.

As a final thought to a used cars price, there is almost always room for negotiation. During the process, the buyer may point out any problems that require repair and deduct a reasonable cost of repair from the asking price. The seller may, or may not, accept the terms. In order to close a successful transaction, there must be some flexibility from both parties. A used cars price is generally a starting point at which the seller is willing to begin negotiations. Always ask for more than you want and offer less than you are actually willing to pay. The art of validating a used cars price and getting the deal of a lifetime all starts with your ability to negotiate.