Category Archives: Auto Insurance

Florida City Fights Fake Insurance

By admin | Published: September 30, 2011

The powers-that-be in the Florida city of Hialeah have had enough of drivers who carry fake insurance cards.

This week, they did something about it.

Police were tasked with arresting anyone who, when pulled over, provided a fake insurance card or certificate. The problem of drivers faking insurance is nearly an epidemic in Hialeah, and indeed in all of south Florida, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Drivers with fake insurance cards can dupe cops because it’s difficult for police to verify insurance during routine traffic stops or accident investigation.

On Wednesday, Hialeah police implemented a system whereby insurance company representatives checked every policy number that was radioed back to command center by a police officer during a stop or at the scene of a crash. About 20 insurance companies participated, including major players like Geico, Allstate, State Farm, Nationwide, and Esurance.

The use of fake insurance cards affects everyone, officials say, because the costs that would normally be passed on to a legitimate insurance company are, in the cases of faked insurance, absorbed by legally covered motorists.

Why risk it? Search today for a legitimate, legal car insurance plan that fits your budget on Save364.com!

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No Medical Marijuana on Auto Insurers’ Dimes

By admin | Published: September 30, 2011

It has been argued that health insurance was never intended to cover medical marijuana. But claims for medical marijuana coverage have been pouring in for the victims of wrecks, whose health care for injuries sustained in accidents is often paid in part or full by auto insurance policies.

Michigan lawmakers are poised to put their foot down. Earlier this week the state Senate Judiciary committee voted unanimously that car insurance companies will not have to pay claims for medical marijuana.

Up until now, some companies have been paying the claims, since the issue wasn’t addressed specifically in medical marijuana law. Health insurance was forbidden from covering the cost of medical marijuana when the laws were created, but not auto insurers.

Next up for the legislation is consideration by the full state Senate.

Once the issue of auto insurance medical marijuana claims is laid to rest, next up will be prohibiting workers compensation claims for medical marijuana.

Meanwhile, those who live in Michigan can expect to have to pay out of pocket if they and their doctors deem medical marijuana a necessity in dealing with illness or injury – even injuries caused by automobile accidents.

Looking for auto insurance quotes in Michigan or elsewhere? Try Save364.com for the best rates today!

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Most Commonly Stolen Cars in the US, 2010

By admin | Published: August 15, 2011

Do you drive a car that puts you at risk for automobile theft? It could happen to anyone – but it’s undeniable that it happens more often to owners of high-theft vehicles. There are brands and makes of cars that year after year prove to be frighteningly attractive to car thieves. Did you know that owning a car that’s of a type frequently targeted for theft can lead to higher insurance rates? It’s true!

Bad news for Honda owners: the Honda Accord remains the most stolen car in America, according to a study of theft trends in 2010. Especially the 1994 model, which is stolen for its lucrative parts, which are in high demand. Add to that that the 1994 Accord has weak security features, and it’s a dream come true for thieves. Over 50,000 such cars were stolen last year.

Honda Civic is also a popular model for theft. Of the top 3 cars stolen in 2010, Honda Accord and Honda Civic topped the list – followed by Toyota Camry. If you own one of these cars, you may well be in for a surprise hike in your insurance fees.

Between 2002 and 2009 more foreign cars made the list than domestic. But in 2010 that changed. 6 American-made cars hit the list: full-size Chevrolet pick-up trucks, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, Dodge Caravan, Ford Taurus and Ford Explorer.

If you’re unsure of whether or not your car is at heightened risk for theft – and if your insurance rates are at risk of rising because of national theft trends – talk to your insurance company.

Need to find an insurance company with the right rates for your car? Try Save364.com to find a company offering stellar coverage in your area.

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New Jersey Auto Insurance Rates Rising – Again

By admin | Published: August 15, 2011

They’re baaaack.

After years of encouraging decline, New Jersey automobile insurance rates are rising yet again. New Jersey has long had a reputation as one of the most expensive states in the U.S. to insure a car. It looks like that reputation won’t abate anytime soon.

Between 2005 and 2008 New Jersey auto insurance bills shrank when then-governor James E. McGreevey enacted deregulation of the insurance market. But the tide turned in 2009 and rates have been increasing ever since.

State officials in the Christie administration are concerned and have proposed a measure to fight the inflating insurance rates. Their plan is to limit what kinds of medical care drivers who are injured behind the wheel can have covered by insurance. It’s a controversial measure that will almost certainly work, but consumer advocate groups ask, at what cost?

The Christie proposal would limit personal injury protection. How will this help? 97% of the increased insurance costs in recent years have been the result of the rising cost of medical care. Limit the amount of medical care insurance will cover and you limit the cost of insurance. In actuality, New Jersey is notoriously generous with its personal injury protection in auto insurance. Almost all New Jersey drivers have $250,000 in personal injury protection. By contrast the national average is more like $5,000.

Still covered would be procedures outlined in medical journals, but not covered by auto insurance under the new rule would be therapies like chiropractic care,  or visits to ambulatory surgical centers. Consumer advocates warn that this will limit the freedom injured drivers have in choosing what kind of medical care they’ll pursue for their injuries. Insurance companies counter by saying the current regulations have allowed some providers to take advantage of loopholes.

In New Jersey and looking for the right car insurance for your budget? Let Save364.com be your guide!

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Massachusetts Rekindles Debate Over Credit Scoring in Auto Insurance

By admin | Published: August 13, 2011

The state of Massachusetts has once again become a battleground for debate concerning the practice of credit scoring in the automobile insurance industry. The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) recently created a petition to prevent auto insurance companies from engaging in the dubious practice.

Credit scoring involves an auto insurance company using a consumer’s credit report to determine what rate to charge him/her for insurance. Those with good credit scores may end up paying as much as 40% less – but those with poor credit scores could pay as much as 40% more. Credit scoring happens in many states across the U.S., and it’s leaving a bad taste in consumer advocate groups’ mouths. They say credit scoring punishes those with poor credit scores. Insurance groups support the use of credit scoring, arguing that it allows companies to predict risk.

The MAIA believes that a person’s insurance rates should be determined by his or her driving history, not his or her credit report. While the state actually already has a ruling against credit scoring in place, the MAIA feels it’s insufficient protection and companies are continuing the practice. The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) has spoken out against the MAIA’s efforts, but that hasn’t stopped the debate from escalating. The MAIA is also supporting a Senate bill to outlaw credit scoring.

Massachusetts is not the only place where the controversy over credit scoring has raged. Many states have been venues for struggles between insurance companies and consumer advocacy groups. At least 27 states introduced legislation regarding credit scoring in insurance in 2010.

Need to find the best rate on auto insurance now? Save364.com will help you compare insurance prices at the click of a mouse. Visit today!

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Teens Considered Risky Drivers

By admin | Published: August 13, 2011

The majority of Americans consider teenagers on the whole to be risky drivers, according to a recent study by Allstate Insurance. What’s more, the study results reveal most Americans support government efforts to delay the full licensure of teen drivers.

Under such programs, called graduated driver licensing (GDL), teens must gather experience behind the wheel before they’re given a full driver’s license and are permitted to drive without supervision. GDL is already in place in most of the states, but there is no uniformity to the program from state to state. One state’s GDL may be considerably more lax than another. According to Allstate’s study, Americans are ready to see the GDL programs standardized across the board.

Several legislative efforts to impact GDL have already been introduced. The Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act is one such initiative. The act would force states to meet certain GDL standards before they’re given federal funding for their highways.

The concerns of the government, and of the people surveyed by Allstate, are not unfounded. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the leading cause of death for American teenagers is motor vehicle accidents. Teens between the ages of 16 and 19 are 4 times more likely to crash than anyone else.

Auto insurance rates for teenagers has traditionally been high, recognizing that teens are at greater risk behind the wheel. With improvements in the GDL system could come a break in price hikes for teenagers.

Looking to insure a teenage driver? Check Save364.com for the best rates in your area!

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GM Offers Free Car Insurance

By admin | Published: July 7, 2011

General Motors is looking to entice new customers by offering a year of free insurance for GM car buyers in Oregon and Washington. Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac vehicles all qualify.

The insurance GM is providing free of charge exceeds the minimum requirements for both states. It includes liability insurance and physical damage coverage. The insurance covers the car’s owner and anyone driving the car with the owner’s permission.

Furthermore, under the policy, administered by MetLife, if the car is totaled within the first year or 15,000 miles, the car will be repaired without deductible or replaced altogether.

Right now Washington and Oregon were selected for the marketing test, which runs until September 6th, because business in those states is not growing as quickly as GM would like. If the test is a success, the program may be moved to other states throughout the nation.

Customers are allowed to turn down the free insurance offer, but they cannot get a discount on the price of the car if they refuse it.

The marketing ploy developed when GM’s market research revealed many new car buyers have difficulty affording car insurance.

After the year is over, owners have the opportunity to renew the insurance – paying for it themselves – or find a new insurance plan.

Looking to shop for affordable insurance online? Your search is over! Check Save364.com for the best rates today.

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