Secret Discounts Car Insurance Companies Don’t Tell You About (But You Should Know)

Are you overpaying for car insurance? The answer is probably yes.

Here’s the thing: car insurance companies offer dozens of discounts, but they don’t always tell you about them. Why? Because the more you save, the less they make.

But we’ve got your back. In this guide, we’ll uncover the top-secret car insurance discounts most drivers miss, how to qualify for them, and which companies are offering the best deals.

Whether you’re a daily commuter, weekend warrior, or only drive to grab tacos and run errands, you deserve to save.

Why Insurers Keep Some Discounts Quiet

Not all discounts are advertised on TV or shouted in your inbox. Here’s why:

• They rely on YOU to ask. If you don’t bring it up, they won’t mention it.
• They vary by state and company. Some discounts are ultra-specific.
• They’re based on data you may not even realize qualifies you.

Good news? Once you know what to look for, you can save hundreds—sometimes thousands—every year.

Table: Popular vs. Secret Car Insurance Discounts

Secret Car Insurance Discounts You Need to Know About

🔍 1. Low-Mileage Discount

Drive less, save more. If you drive fewer than 7,500 to 10,000 miles annually, you could get a low-mileage discount of up to 20%.

Offered by: GEICO, Nationwide, State Farm, Allstate

🤞 2. Pay-in-Full Discount

Most people pay monthly, but if you can afford to pay your entire 6- or 12-month policy upfront, many insurers will shave off up to 10%.

Offered by: Progressive, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Travelers

🌐 3. Paperless & Auto-Pay Discounts

Sign up for e-statements and automatic payments to earn small—but stackable—discounts of 2% to 5%.

Offered by: Nearly every insurer

🎓 4. Defensive Driving Course

If you complete an approved course (online or in-person), you can save 5% to 15% for 3 years or more.

Great for: Drivers over 55, teens, and those with minor violations.

🙌 5. Affinity Group or Employer Discounts

Are you a member of AARP, AAA, a teacher, nurse, or even a Costco customer? You could be eligible for exclusive rate reductions.

Example groups:

• AARP
• Costco
• Credit Unions
• Teachers Unions
• Military & First Responders

Offered by: The Hartford, MetLife, Liberty Mutual, GEICO

🧑‍💼 6. Occupation-Based Discounts

Believe it or not, your job title can impact your rate. Engineers, scientists, medical professionals, teachers, and accountants often qualify for discounts.

Why? These professions statistically file fewer claims.

Offered by: Farmers, GEICO, Mercury

Telematics & Usage-Based Insurance: The Future of Discounts

📱 What Is It?

Telematics programs monitor how you drive using an app or plug-in device.

They track:

• Speed
• Braking habits
• Phone use
• Time of day you drive

Safe drivers can save up to 40%. (Just avoid the midnight Taco Bell runs!)

Top Telematics Programs:

Little-Known Insurance Hacks That Pay Off

🚗 1. Multi-Car and Multi-Policy Bundling

If you have more than one vehicle or bundle your auto with renters or home insurance, you can unlock up to 25% in savings.

🏡 2. Homeowner Discount (Even If You Rent It Out)

Own a home, even if you rent it out? You may still qualify for a homeowner discount on auto insurance.

🎓 3. Good Student Discount

Students under 25 with a GPA of 3.0 or higher often save 10%-20%. College counts, too!

✉️ 4. Re-Quote Every 6-12 Months

Rates change often. Don’t set it and forget it. Comparing rates can lead to major savings—especially if your credit or driving record improved.

Best Insurance Companies for Hidden Discounts

How to Unlock These Discounts Right Now

1. Review your current policy. Are you getting every discount you’re eligible for?
2. Talk to an agent or use an online quote tool to compare.
3. Ask about discounts—even the weird ones!
4. Mention your occupation, memberships, mileage, and driving habits.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Secret Discounts Stay Secret

Your car insurance bill shouldn’t feel like a mystery. If you’re not actively asking about discounts, you’re leaving money on the table.

Fortunately, you’re just a few clicks away from unlocking serious savings.

⭐ Get a Free Quote and Compare Discounts Now ⭐

Don’t overpay for coverage. Find out what hidden discounts you qualify for and compare rates in minutes with CheapCarInsurance.net.

Start your free quote today — it only takes 3 minutes to save big.

Driving for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Postmates? Then you already know the hustle is real. But here’s what most drivers don’t know: your personal auto insurance may not cover you while you’re on the job.

Whether you drive full-time or just for extra cash, having the right rideshare or delivery driver insurance is absolutely essential. Let’s break down your options, costs, and how to protect yourself without overpaying.

Do Rideshare and Delivery Drivers Need Special Insurance?

Yes. Standard personal car insurance policies do NOT cover commercial activity. That includes:

• Picking up passengers (Uber, Lyft)
• Delivering food (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Postmates)
• Package delivery gigs (Amazon Flex, Shipt)

If you’re in an accident while “on the app,” your claim could be denied. That’s why rideshare and food delivery insurance options are so important.

How Rideshare & Delivery Insurance Works

The 3 Driving Periods (and Who Covers What)

Most major apps provide some insurance, but it usually kicks in only after you accept a request, and often has high deductibles ($1,000+). You’re on the hook during Period 1 unless you have proper coverage.

Best Insurance Options for Rideshare & Delivery Drivers

🏢 Rideshare Endorsement (Most Common Option)

• Add-on to your personal policy
• Covers gaps in Period 1
• Available from companies like Progressive, GEICO, State Farm, Allstate

Cost: $10 – $25/month on average

💼 Commercial Auto Insurance

• Full commercial coverage for professional drivers
• Best for full-time or multi-platform drivers (rideshare + delivery)
• Offers liability, comprehensive, collision, and more

Cost: $1,200 – $2,400/year (varies by state & usage)

📝 Hybrid Personal-Commercial Policies

• Designed for gig economy drivers
• Seamless coverage across all driving periods
• Less expensive than full commercial policies

Cost: ~$100/month on average

Best Insurance Companies for Rideshare & Delivery Drivers

How to Find Cheap Insurance as a Gig Driver

🔎 Compare Multiple Quotes

Not all insurers offer gig-friendly coverage in every state. Use CheapCarInsurance.net to compare personalized quotes in minutes.

🌐 Bundle & Save

Bundle your rideshare coverage with renters or homeowners insurance to unlock discounts.

🚗 Drive Safely

Good driving records = better rates. Many insurers now offer telematics programs that reward safe behavior.

✉️ Ask About These Discounts:

• Multi-policy
• Low mileage
• Vehicle safety features
• Defensive driving courses

FAQ: Rideshare & Delivery Insurance

Does Uber or Lyft insurance replace my own?

No. Their insurance only applies in certain driving periods and doesn’t offer full protection.

Is rideshare insurance required?

Some states require it. Even if yours doesn’t, it’s the smart (and safe) move.

Can I be dropped from my policy for delivering food?

Yes—if you don’t tell your insurer. Always disclose gig driving to avoid denied claims.

Final Thoughts: Get the Right Insurance for the Job

Gig driving has its perks, but if you’re not properly insured, one accident could wipe out your earnings (and then some). The best move? Get covered before hitting the road.

⭐ Get a Free Quote and Compare Rates Today ⭐

Rideshare and delivery drivers, we’ve got your back. Find the right insurance coverage—at the best price—for all your gig-driving needs.

Start your free quote now at CheapCarInsurance.net.

If you’re debating between leasing or buying your next car, you’re probably asking: Which one costs more to insure? Spoiler alert: leasing usually comes with higher insurance premiums. But there’s a good reason why.

In this guide, we’ll break down the true cost of car insurance for leased and owned vehicles, help you understand why those costs differ, and show you how to get the best possible rate no matter which route you take.

Leased vs. Owned Car Insurance Cost Comparison

Let’s start with a quick side-by-side look at how insurance requirements and costs compare between leased and owned vehicles:

Key takeaway: Leasing typically costs more to insure because the leasing company sets strict coverage requirements to protect their investment.

Why Insurance Is More Expensive for Leased Cars

🌟 Full Coverage Is Usually Required

Leased vehicles almost always require:

• Comprehensive coverage (protects against theft, vandalism, natural disasters)
• Collision coverage (covers repair costs after an accident)
• High liability limits (e.g., 100/300/50 minimums)

This ensures the leasing company gets paid even if the car is totaled or stolen. As a result, you pay more in premiums.

💸 Gap Insurance Might Be Mandatory

Many leasing contracts require gap insurance, which covers the difference between your car’s depreciated value and what you still owe on the lease if the car is totaled. This adds another layer of cost that isn’t always needed with owned cars.

🌊 Less Flexibility = Higher Costs

You don’t get to choose minimum coverage when leasing. Your policy must meet the leasing company’s standards, often at a higher level than state minimums.

Benefits of Owning When It Comes to Insurance

When you own your car outright:

• You can choose liability-only coverage if your car is older or low in value
• You can raise your deductible to lower premiums
• You decide when and how to insure based on your risk tolerance

Owning your car gives you total control over your insurance costs, which is why premiums for owned vehicles are often lower.

What Insurance Do You Need for a Leased Car?

If you’re leasing, expect your leasing company to require:

• Liability coverage: At least 100/300/50
• Comprehensive & collision coverage: With deductibles under $1,000
• Gap insurance: Often included in lease but sometimes separate

Some lenders may also require OEM parts coverage (original manufacturer parts), which adds to the cost.

Insurance Requirements for Owned Vehicles

If you own your car (paid in full):

• You’re only legally required to carry state minimum liability
• Collision and comprehensive are optional, based on your needs
• Gap insurance is not required but may still be smart for financed vehicles

Owning gives you flexibility to customize your coverage to your budget and driving habits.

When Leasing Might Still Make Sense

Even though insurance costs are higher for leased vehicles, leasing can still be a great option if:

• You want a new car every 2-3 years
• You like lower monthly payments
• You don’t drive high mileage

Just make sure you factor insurance into your total cost of ownership before signing the lease.

Tips to Save on Insurance for Leased and Owned Cars

🌐 Compare Quotes Across Insurers

Use comparison tools like CheapCarInsurance.net to check multiple carriers at once. Rates can vary by hundreds of dollars.

✉️ Ask About These Discounts:

• Multi-policy (home + auto)
• Safe driver
• Good credit
• Anti-theft devices
• Telematics programs

📆 Consider a Higher Deductible

If allowed under your lease, increasing your deductible can lower your monthly premiums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to insure a leased or owned car?

Owned cars are usually cheaper to insure because you have more flexibility and fewer mandatory coverages.

Can I choose my insurer with a leased car?

Yes, but your policy must meet your leasing company’s specific requirements.

Do I need gap insurance on a leased car?

Most leases require it. If it’s not included in the lease, you can purchase it separately.

The Bottom Line: Leasing vs. Owning and Your Insurance Costs

• Leased cars cost more to insure due to stricter coverage requirements and the need for gap insurance.
• Owned vehicles offer more freedom, allowing you to tailor your coverage to your budget.
• Either way, the best way to save is to shop around, compare rates, and ask about discounts.

⭐ Get a Free Quote and Compare Rates Now ⭐

No matter what you drive, CheapCarInsurance.net helps you find the best deal on coverage. Save money today by comparing policies from top providers.

Electric vs. Gas Cars: How Do Insurance Rates Compare?

Thinking of switching to an electric car? Or maybe you’re sticking with a traditional gas vehicle? Either way, you’re probably wondering: how do insurance rates stack up?

With more EVs hitting the roads every day, insurance pricing is shifting. And for many buyers, insurance costs are a big deciding factor when choosing between an electric and gas vehicle.

Let’s break it down with clear comparisons, cost tables, and tips to help you save on any type of car insurance.

Electric and Gas Vehicle Insurance Cost Comparison: What’s the Real Difference?

The short answer: electric vehicles (EVs) tend to cost more to insure than gas-powered cars. But there’s more to the story.

Why are EVs more expensive to insure?

• Higher purchase price = higher replacement cost
• Expensive battery and tech repairs
• Fewer repair shops qualified for EVs

However, EVs save money in other areas (like gas and maintenance), so it may still balance out.

Why Electric Car Insurance Costs More

🔧 Expensive Repairs

EVs are loaded with tech, and repairing advanced systems or batteries can cost thousands. Insurers factor this into premiums.

📻 Limited Repair Networks

Not all mechanics can fix EVs. Limited networks can mean higher claim costs for insurers.

💼 Higher MSRP

The sticker price of an EV is usually higher than a similar gas vehicle. That means higher payouts if the car is totaled.

Gas Cars: Lower Premiums, But More Maintenance

Gas vehicles usually come with lower insurance rates, especially for:

• Older models
• Cars with low repair/replacement costs
• Easy-to-find parts

But keep in mind:

• Gas cars need more maintenance (oil changes, etc.)
• You’ll spend more at the pump over time

What Insurance Do You Need for EVs vs Gas Cars?

Both vehicle types typically require:

• Liability Insurance (required in most states)
• Collision & Comprehensive Coverage (especially for newer cars)
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

EV-specific considerations:

• Battery replacement coverage (check your policy!)
• Home charging equipment protection
• Gap insurance (especially important for high-MSRP EVs)

Do Hybrids Fall in the Middle?

Yes! Hybrid vehicles typically sit between EVs and gas cars in terms of insurance rates.

• Average annual insurance cost: $1,600 – $2,000
• Slightly higher repair costs than gas
• More insurers are offering hybrid-friendly discounts

Tips to Get Cheap Insurance for Any Car Fuel Type

🌐 Compare Rates From Multiple Insurers

Use tools like CheapCarInsurance.net to compare real-time quotes in minutes.

💸 Ask About Discounts

• Multi-policy (bundle home + auto)
• Safe driver
• Good student
• EV or hybrid-specific discounts

🚗 Choose the Right Coverage Level

Avoid overpaying for coverage you don’t need. But don’t skimp on protection either.

Is an Electric Car Still Worth It?

Even with slightly higher insurance premiums, EVs can save you money in the long run thanks to:

• Gas savings
• Tax rebates
• Fewer mechanical issues

Just be sure to get the right insurance coverage so you’re protected without overpaying.

The Bottom Line: Electric vs. Gas Car Insurance

• EVs typically cost more to insure, but they save you money elsewhere.
• Gas cars are cheaper to insure, but can be more expensive to own long-term.
• Hybrids offer a happy medium.

Want to see the exact difference for yourself? Don’t guess — get real quotes fast.

⭐ Get a Free Quote and Compare Rates Now ⭐

Find out which vehicle gives you the best balance of insurance cost and overall savings. Fast, free, and easy.

Compare rates and save today with CheapCarInsurance.net!

Introduction: The Road to Affordable Luxury Car Insurance

Owning a luxury car is a dream for many, but insuring such a high-end vehicle can often feel like a nightmare. With higher repair costs and increased theft risks, luxury cars can significantly impact your insurance premiums. But don’t worry, there are strategies to help you find cheap car insurance for luxury cars. In this post, we’ll reveal some clever hacks to protect your prized possession without breaking the bank. Plus, you’ll learn how CheapCarInsurance.net makes it easy to compare rates from top insurers, all in one place.

Understanding the Cost of Insuring a Luxury Car

Luxury cars, with their cutting-edge technology and premium materials, naturally command higher insurance rates. Here’s why:

• High Repair Costs: The cost to repair luxury vehicles is significantly higher due to expensive parts and specialized labor.
• Increased Theft Risk: Luxury cars are more attractive to thieves, driving up insurance premiums.
• Advanced Technology: Innovative features add complexity and cost to potential repairs.

Average Insurance Costs for Luxury Cars

Source: Industry averages, savings based on competitive quotes comparison.

Hacks to Secure Cheap Car Insurance for Luxury Cars

1. Bundle Your Policies

One of the easiest ways to reduce your insurance premium is to bundle your auto insurance with other policies like home or life insurance. Most insurers offer substantial discounts for bundled policies.

2. Increase Your Deductible

Opting for a higher deductible can significantly lower your monthly premium. Just be sure you have enough savings to cover the deductible in case of a claim.

3. Install Anti-Theft Devices

Insurance companies often offer discounts for vehicles equipped with advanced anti-theft systems. Consider installing tracking devices or alarm systems to lower your rate.

4. Take Advantage of Usage-Based Insurance

If you don’t drive your luxury car often, usage-based insurance could be a cost-effective option. These policies use telematics to track your driving habits, charging you based on actual usage rather than estimates.

5. Shop Around and Compare Quotes

This is where CheapCarInsurance.net comes in. By comparing quotes from top local and national insurance companies, you can find the best deal tailored to your needs without visiting multiple websites.

People Also Ask: FAQs on Luxury Car Insurance

Q: Can I insure a luxury car for less than a standard car?

A: While luxury cars typically cost more to insure, using the hacks mentioned above can help you find competitive rates that might rival or even beat those of standard cars.

Q: What factors affect luxury car insurance rates?

A: Key factors include the car’s make and model, your driving history, location, and the level of coverage you choose.

Q: Is it worth getting comprehensive coverage for my luxury car?

A: Yes, comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision damages like theft and natural disasters, crucial for high-value vehicles.

Protect Your Luxury Ride and Save!

Finding cheap car insurance for luxury cars doesn’t have to be stressful. By exploring discounts, adjusting your policy, and leveraging the power of comparison shopping, you can enjoy peace of mind on the road. Head over to CheapCarInsurance.net to get your free quotes today and see how much you can save!

Empower yourself with knowledge and protect your luxury ride for less. Get started now and drive with confidence knowing you’ve got the best coverage at the best price.

Looking to save big on car insurance? Heard that bundling your home and auto insurance is the golden ticket? You’re not alone. With rising insurance premiums across the board, savvy shoppers are searching for smart ways to cut costs without cutting coverage. One of the most popular strategies is insurance bundling. But is it right for you?

Let’s dive into the benefits and drawbacks so you can decide if this cost-saving hack is worth it.

What Does It Mean to Bundle Home and Auto Insurance?

Bundling means purchasing multiple insurance policies—like home and auto—from the same provider. In return, insurance companies often offer a multi-policy discount, potentially saving you up to 25% on premiums.

This type of package deal isn’t just for homeowners either. Renters insurance can also be bundled with auto coverage for savings.

Pros of Bundling Home and Auto Insurance

✅ 1. You Can Save a Lot of Money

• Most insurers reward bundled customers with discounts.
• You could save anywhere from 5% to 25% on your premiums.
• These discounts are especially helpful if you drive multiple vehicles or have high-value home coverage.

✅ 2. Easier to Manage Policies

• One company, one login, one renewal date.
• Managing claims, bills, and coverage updates becomes simple.

✅ 3. Potential Perks and Extras

• Some insurers offer perks like accident forgiveness, deductible bundling, or single deductibles for claims affecting both home and auto (like a hailstorm damaging your roof and car).

✅ 4. Better Customer Service (Sometimes)

• Loyal customers often get access to better service and personalized policy reviews.

Cons of Bundling Home and Auto Insurance

❌ 1. Not Always the Cheapest Option

• Discounts sound great, but sometimes separate policies from different providers are actually cheaper.
• Always compare individual quotes before locking in a bundle.

❌ 2. Fewer Customization Options

• Bundled policies may not be as flexible or customizable.
• You could miss out on niche coverage or better deductibles elsewhere.

❌ 3. Switching Providers Can Be Complicated

• If you want to move one policy, you may lose the bundle discount.
• Unbundling can trigger higher premiums or early termination fees.

Is Bundling Right for You?

Bundling works best when:

• You own a home or rent and already carry multiple policies.
• You prefer simplicity in billing and claims.
• You want to work with one insurance company for everything.

It may not be ideal if:

• You’re looking for ultra-cheap auto insurance and don’t own a home.
• You qualify for unique discounts elsewhere (military, low-mileage, etc.).

Tips for Finding the Best Bundle Deals

🔍 Shop Around First

Never assume bundling is the cheapest option. Compare rates from at least 3 different insurers before committing.

🌐 Use Online Quote Tools

Get instant price comparisons without the pressure. Our quote engine makes it easy to see how bundling stacks up.

✉️ Ask About All Discounts

In addition to bundling, ask your agent about:

• Safe driver discounts
• Anti-theft device savings
• Loyalty rewards
• Good student discounts

Other Car Insurance Types to Consider When Bundling

Bundling can include more than just home and auto. You can often package:

• Motorcycle insurance
• RV insurance
• Boat insurance
• Umbrella policies for extra liability protection

This can lead to even bigger discounts if you have multiple vehicles or toys to insure.

The Bottom Line: Does Bundling Really Save You Money?

Yes — in many cases, bundling home and auto insurance can save you real cash. But the only way to know for sure is to shop around and compare quotes.

At CheapCarInsurance.net, we help you instantly compare top-rated providers so you can find the best bundle (or separate policy) for your needs.

Ready to See How Much You Could Save?

Compare rates, score discounts, and find your perfect coverage in minutes with our quote form, start by inputting your zip code.

Why are Pickup Trucks More Expensive to Insurance?

Pickup trucks are a popular choice for many drivers due to their durability, utility, and power. However, they often come with higher insurance rates than sedans and SUVs. If you’re a pickup truck owner or considering purchasing one, understanding the factors that contribute to increased premiums can help you find ways to save money. In this guide, we’ll break down why pickup truck insurance tends to be more expensive and share actionable tips on how to lower your rates.

Why Do Pickup Trucks Have Higher Insurance Rates?

Several factors contribute to the higher cost of insuring a pickup truck compared to other vehicle types:

1. Higher Repair & Replacement Costs

• Pickup trucks are larger and often more expensive to repair or replace after an accident.
• Advanced safety and towing technology increases repair complexity and cost.

2. Increased Risk of Accidents

• Due to their size and weight, pickup trucks can cause more severe damage in accidents, leading to higher insurance claims.
• Handling and braking may be more challenging, especially for inexperienced drivers.

3. Popularity for Commercial Use

• Many pickup trucks are used for business purposes, leading insurers to classify them as commercial vehicles, which can drive up rates.
• Commercial use often involves carrying heavy loads, increasing the risk of accidents and wear.

4. Higher Theft Rates

• Some pickup models, like the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado, are among the most stolen vehicles in the U.S., increasing comprehensive insurance costs.

5. Liability Risks Due to Towing & Hauling

• Towing heavy loads can increase the risk of accidents and liability claims.
• Hauling cargo may shift vehicle balance, impacting handling and increasing accident risk.

Average Insurance Costs for Popular Pickup Trucks

How to Lower Pickup Truck Insurance Costs

1. Compare Insurance Quotes

Instead of visiting each provider individually, use CheapCarInsurance.net to compare free quotes from multiple insurers at once.

2. Choose a Model with Lower Insurance Costs

• Compact trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger generally have lower premiums than full-size pickups.
• Avoid models with high theft rates if possible.

3. Increase Your Deductible

Opting for a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, though it means paying more out of pocket in case of an accident.

4. Take Advantage of Discounts

• Safe Driver Discount: Maintaining a clean driving record can reduce costs.
• Bundling Policies: Combine auto and home insurance for discounts.
• Low Mileage Discount: If you don’t drive your truck often, you may qualify for savings.
• Defensive Driving Course Discount: Completing an approved course can lower your rate.

5. Consider Usage-Based Insurance

Some insurers offer telematics-based policies that track driving behavior. If you drive safely, you could receive significant discounts.

6. Park in a Secure Location

Parking in a garage or secured lot can lower theft risk, reducing comprehensive coverage costs.

7. Limit Business Use

If you don’t need your truck for work, avoid classifying it as a commercial vehicle to prevent higher insurance rates.

FAQs: Pickup Truck Insurance Costs

Why is pickup truck insurance higher than sedan insurance?

Pickup trucks are more expensive to repair, often used for towing or hauling, and have higher accident severity, leading to increased premiums.

Which pickup truck is the cheapest to insure?

The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger typically have lower insurance costs due to their size and safety features.

Does adding a towing package increase insurance rates?

Yes, adding towing capabilities can increase rates since it raises the risk of liability claims.

Can I get commercial insurance for my pickup truck?

Yes, but commercial insurance tends to be more expensive. If you only use your truck for personal use, ensure it’s classified correctly to avoid unnecessary costs.

How much can I save by comparing quotes?

Shopping around can save drivers hundreds of dollars per year. Use CheapCarInsurance.net to compare multiple quotes and find the best deal.

Get a Free Quote Today

Don’t overpay for pickup truck insurance! Compare rates from top insurers in one place and start saving today. Click below to get your free quote!

Understanding why pickup trucks have higher insurance rates can help you take the right steps to lower costs. Whether you’re looking for a new policy or want to reduce your current premiums, comparing quotes is the best way to find affordable coverage. Start saving now!

Finding the perfect car for a first-time driver is a major decision. Safety, affordability, and insurance costs all play crucial roles. First-time drivers, especially teens and young adults, often face higher insurance rates due to inexperience. However, choosing the right car can significantly impact the cost of insurance. In this guide, we’ll explore the best cars for new drivers, the factors affecting their insurance costs, and how to get the cheapest car insurance for new drivers.

Why Insurance Costs More for First-Time Drivers & Teens

New drivers typically face higher insurance premiums because:

• They have less driving experience, making them statistically more prone to accidents.
• They lack an established driving record, which insurers use to assess risk.
• Many first-time drivers are teens, a demographic associated with higher accident rates.

However, choosing a safe, reliable, and insurance-friendly car can help lower costs. Let’s explore the best options.

Top 5 Cars for First-Time Drivers

1. Honda Civic

• Why It’s Great: Reliable, fuel-efficient, and packed with safety features.
• Average Annual Insurance Cost: $1,500–$2,000

2. Toyota Corolla

• Why It’s Great: Affordable, excellent crash-test ratings, and low maintenance costs.
• Average Annual Insurance Cost: $1,400–$1,900

3. Mazda3

• Why It’s Great: Stylish, fuel-efficient, and high safety ratings.
• Average Annual Insurance Cost: $1,600–$2,200

4. Subaru Impreza

• Why It’s Great: Standard all-wheel drive, top safety scores, and dependable.
• Average Annual Insurance Cost: $1,500–$2,100

5. Hyundai Elantra

• Why It’s Great: Budget-friendly, great fuel economy, and tech features.
• Average Annual Insurance Cost: $1,400–$1,800

Comparison Table: Best Cars for First-Time Drivers & Their Insurance Costs

How to Find Cheap Car Insurance for New Drivers

1. Compare Quotes from Multiple Providers

Instead of visiting each insurance provider’s website individually, use CheapCarInsurance.net to compare free quotes from top insurers in one place.

2. Choose the Right Coverage Level

While full coverage is recommended, liability-only insurance may be an option for older, lower-value vehicles.

3. Take Advantage of Discounts

New drivers can lower their insurance costs with:

• Good Student Discounts: For maintaining a B average or higher.
• Defensive Driving Courses: Some insurers offer discounts for completing an accredited course.
• Bundling Policies: Combining auto insurance with a parent’s policy can lead to savings.

4. Opt for a Higher Deductible

A higher deductible means lower premiums, though it increases out-of-pocket costs in case of an accident.

5. Drive a Safe, Low-Risk Car

Vehicles with high safety ratings and lower repair costs tend to have lower insurance premiums.

FAQs: Cheap Car Insurance for New Drivers

What is the cheapest car insurance for first-time drivers?

The cheapest insurance varies by location and driver profile. The best way to find affordable coverage is by comparing free quotes from multiple providers.

How much does insurance cost for a first-time driver?

On average, first-time drivers pay between $1,500 and $3,000 annually, depending on the car, location, and coverage level.

Should parents add their teen driver to their policy?

Yes, adding a teen to a parent’s existing policy is often cheaper than purchasing a separate policy.

What’s the best way to lower car insurance for new drivers?

Comparing quotes, choosing a safe vehicle, maintaining good grades, and completing defensive driving courses can all help reduce costs.

Is full coverage necessary for first-time drivers?

Full coverage is recommended for newer vehicles, while liability-only coverage may suffice for older, lower-value cars.

Get a Free Quote Today

Finding cheap car insurance for new drivers doesn’t have to be difficult. By comparing cheap car insurance quotes from multiple insurers, you can secure the best rates in minutes. Click below to get started and see how much you can save!

By choosing the right car and taking smart steps to reduce insurance costs, first-time drivers can enjoy safe, affordable driving. Ready to find the best insurance rates? Get your free quote today!

When shopping for car insurance, you might be surprised to learn that your credit score can significantly impact your premium. While it may seem unrelated to your driving ability, insurers use credit-based insurance scores to assess risk and determine rates.

In this article, we’ll break down how your credit score influences car insurance prices, why insurers consider it, and steps you can take to improve your score—potentially lowering your premium in the process.

Most insurance companies in the U.S. (except in states where it’s prohibited) use a credit-based insurance score to predict the likelihood of a policyholder filing a claim. Studies have shown a correlation between credit history and risk—meaning individuals with lower credit scores tend to file more claims, leading to higher premiums.

How Insurers Use Credit Scores

Insurers don’t look at your traditional FICO credit score; instead, they use a credit-based insurance score, which factors in:

• Payment history: Late payments or delinquencies can raise your rates.
• Credit utilization: A high percentage of credit usage may indicate financial strain.
• Length of credit history: Longer credit histories are often viewed as more stable.
• Types of credit: A healthy mix of credit accounts can be beneficial.
• Recent inquiries: Applying for multiple loans or credit cards in a short period may negatively affect your score.

States That Restrict Credit-Based Insurance Scores

Not all states allow insurers to use credit scores when setting rates. As of 2024, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan prohibit the use of credit scores in determining auto insurance rates. If you live in one of these states, your premium will be based on other factors, such as driving history and location.

How Much Can a Poor Credit Score Cost You?

The difference in car insurance costs between good and bad credit can be significant. According to studies, drivers with poor credit can pay 50% to 100% more for car insurance compared to those with excellent credit.

For example:

• A driver with excellent credit might pay $1,200 per year for car insurance.
• A driver with poor credit could see that rate jump to $2,400 or more per year.

That’s a $1,200 difference—simply due to credit score.

Visual Representation of Credit Score Impact on Car Insurance Rates:

How to Improve Your Credit Score and Lower Your Insurance Rates

The good news? Your credit score isn’t permanent. By taking proactive steps, you can improve your credit score and potentially lower your car insurance premiums. Here’s how:

1. Pay Your Bills on Time

Your payment history makes up 35% of your credit score, making it the most important factor. Setting up automatic payments for credit cards, loans, and utility bills can help ensure you never miss a due date.

2. Reduce Your Credit Utilization

Credit utilization—the percentage of your available credit that you’re using—should be kept below 30%, but ideally under 10%. Pay down credit card balances to improve your score over time.

3. Avoid Opening Too Many New Accounts

Every time you apply for credit, it results in a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score. Limit new credit applications unless necessary.

4. Check Your Credit Report for Errors

Mistakes on your credit report could be dragging down your score. Obtain free annual credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute any inaccuracies with the credit bureaus.

5. Keep Old Accounts Open

The length of your credit history accounts for 15% of your score. Closing old accounts can shorten your history and lower your score, so keep them open if possible.

6. Diversify Your Credit Mix

Having a mix of credit types (credit cards, auto loans, mortgages) can improve your score. If you only have one type of credit, consider adding another responsibly.

7. Become an Authorized User

If you have a trusted friend or family member with a good credit history, being added as an authorized user on their credit card can help improve your score.

Can You Ask Your Insurer to Recalculate Your Rate?

Yes! Once your credit score improves, you can request a reassessment of your insurance rate. Some insurers automatically adjust premiums at renewal, while others require you to reach out and request a review.

If your current insurer doesn’t offer a lower rate, consider shopping around for a new policy. Many companies provide free quotes, allowing you to compare options and find the best rate for your improved credit score.

Final Thoughts

Your credit score is a crucial factor in determining your car insurance premium. While it may seem unfair, insurers use it as a risk indicator. The good news is that by improving your credit score, you can lower your insurance costs over time.

If you’re currently paying high premiums due to poor credit, take action today. Implement smart financial habits, monitor your credit, and explore affordable car insurance options tailored to your needs.

Need help finding cheap car insurance? Compare quotes now on CheapCarInsurance.net and start saving today!

Tired of the traditional car insurance hustle? You’re not alone. In 2025, subscription-based car insurance is making waves as a flexible, pay-as-you-go alternative to conventional policies. But here’s the big question: Are these plans really worth it?

Whether you’re a remote worker, occasional driver, or just tired of shelling out for coverage you barely use, understanding the car insurance costs for subscription based car insurance could help you save hundreds—if not thousands.

Let’s break it down: how subscription insurance works, what it costs, who it’s best for, and how it compares to traditional coverage.

What Is Subscription-Based Car Insurance?

Subscription-based car insurance is a month-to-month insurance model that offers more flexibility than traditional 6- or 12-month policies. Think of it like Netflix, but for your vehicle’s coverage.

Key Features:

• No long-term contracts
• Pay only for what you need
• Easy to cancel or pause
• Often includes mileage-based pricing
• Managed entirely via mobile apps

Who Offers Subscription-Based Car Insurance?

In 2025, several tech-forward insurers and startups are leading the charge:

Average Car Insurance Costs for Subscription-Based Plans in 2025

Note: Subscription models can save money, but only if your mileage is low and you drive safely.

Pros of Subscription-Based Car Insurance

🌐 1. Ultimate Flexibility

No more binding contracts. Switch or cancel anytime.

💸 2. Pay Only for What You Use

Perfect for people who don’t drive often or seasonally use their vehicle.

🔧 3. App-Based Convenience

Everything from billing to claims is managed through a user-friendly mobile interface.

👨‍💻 4. Custom Quotes Based on Behavior

Telematics and AI pricing mean you might pay less if you drive safely.

Cons of Subscription Car Insurance

❌ 1. Higher Costs for Frequent Drivers

Drive more than 10,000 miles a year? Subscription models may not be cost-effective.

❌ 2. Privacy Concerns

Many plans use GPS tracking or apps to monitor your location, speed, and driving habits.

❌ 3. Fewer Providers (So Far)

This model is still growing, which means fewer comparison options and limited availability by state.

❌ 4. May Lack Bundling Options

If you like to bundle your auto and home insurance, traditional providers may offer better savings.

Who Should Consider Subscription-Based Car Insurance?

Subscription car insurance is ideal for:

• Remote workers or part-time commuters
• Retirees who rarely drive
• City dwellers who drive only on weekends
• Students with vehicles at home
• Owners of seasonal or recreational vehicles

Not great for:

• Delivery or gig economy drivers
• Road trip lovers
• Daily commuters over 30 miles

How to Compare Subscription and Traditional Plans

🔍 Step 1: Track Your Mileage

Use your vehicle dashboard, an app, or OBD-II device to monitor average monthly mileage.

📅 Step 2: Get Quotes from Both Types

Use platforms like CheapCarInsurance.net to compare both traditional and subscription options side-by-side.

🔄 Step 3: Consider Your Driving Habits

Drive less? A pay-per-mile or subscription plan may make sense. Drive more? Traditional might be cheaper long-term.

Subscription-Based Insurance: What Coverage Is Included?

Most subscription car insurance plans still offer full coverage options, including:

• Liability (bodily injury & property damage)
• Comprehensive (theft, weather, fire)
• Collision (accidents, regardless of fault)
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

Optional add-ons may include:

• Roadside assistance
• Rental car reimbursement
• Gap coverage

Always check what’s included—coverage varies by provider.

What to Ask Before You Sign Up

• What’s the base rate + per-mile cost?
• Is there a mileage cap or surcharge?
• How is driving behavior tracked?
• Is coverage available in your state?
• What happens if you pause or cancel mid-month?

Real-World Example: Traditional vs. Subscription Plan

Let’s say you drive 500 miles a month.

In this case, a subscription model saves nearly $900/year.

FAQs: Subscription Car Insurance in 2025

Is subscription car insurance legal in all states?

Not yet. Coverage varies by provider and region. Always check availability.

Can I switch back to a traditional policy?

Yes! You’re never locked in. You can switch any time.

Does subscription insurance cover rentals or other vehicles?

Usually not. It’s vehicle-specific. Some providers allow temporary add-ons.

Do I need to install a tracking device?

Many providers use app-based tracking, but some still require plug-in devices.

Final Verdict: Is Subscription Insurance Worth It?

Yes — but only if it matches your driving habits.

If you’re a low-mileage driver who values convenience and flexibility, subscription-based car insurance could save you hundreds each year. But for high-mileage drivers or those who prefer bundling, traditional policies still offer more bang for your buck.

Want to find out which one fits your lifestyle?

⭐ Get a Free Quote and Compare Subscription vs. Traditional Insurance Today ⭐

At CheapCarInsurance.net, we help you find the right plan at the right price—whether you want traditional coverage or a modern subscription option.

Compare rates and see your savings today!

If you operate a business with a fleet of trucks, you already know this: insurance is one of your largest recurring costs. Whether you run a local delivery operation or a national logistics network, understanding the true car insurance costs for truck fleet business in 2025 can make or break your bottom line.

But here’s the good news: With the right strategies, policy types, and provider partnerships, your company can unlock substantial savings while still protecting your drivers, assets, and profits.

Let’s dig into how commercial truck fleet insurance works, what it costs, and how you can start saving today.

What Is Truck Fleet Insurance?

Truck fleet insurance is a type of commercial auto insurance designed specifically for businesses that operate multiple vehicles. Instead of insuring each vehicle individually, a fleet policy covers all your trucks under a single, unified policy—saving you time and money.

Fleet insurance typically covers:

• Liability coverage (bodily injury/property damage)
• Collision & comprehensive
• Uninsured/underinsured motorists
• Cargo and trailer coverage
• Hired and non-owned vehicles
• Driver coverage (including seasonal, leased, or contract drivers)

Who Needs Commercial Fleet Insurance?

Fleet insurance isn’t just for mega-carriers. If your business owns or operates two or more vehicles used for business purposes, you may qualify for a fleet policy.

Common industries that rely on truck fleets:

• Delivery and courier services
• Construction and contracting companies
• Logistics and freight carriers
• Landscaping companies
• Moving and storage providers
• Utility and telecom providers

2025 Truck Fleet Insurance Cost Breakdown

Here’s a high-level look at average commercial truck fleet insurance costs in 2025:

Note: Premiums depend on factors like location, driving history, DOT compliance, claims history, and safety program implementation.

What Affects Truck Fleet Insurance Rates?

Understanding what impacts your insurance rate is crucial to identifying where you can reduce risk and lower costs.

Key Factors:

• Number and types of vehicles
• Driver records and experience
• Driving radius (local, regional, national)
• Type of cargo transported
• Claims and loss history
• Business location and base of operations
• Safety protocols and GPS/telematics usage

How to Save Thousands on Fleet Insurance in 2025

🔎 1. Compare Fleet Insurance Quotes

Rates vary significantly by provider. Use a platform like CheapCarInsurance.net to compare commercial auto insurance quotes from top-rated insurers.

🏢 2. Implement a Driver Safety Program

Insurers reward fleets with strong safety records. Offer:

• Defensive driving training
• Dashcams and telematics
• Regular vehicle maintenance logs

🚧 3. Use Telematics to Monitor Driver Behavior

Devices like GPS trackers and driver behavior software can help reduce risk, lower accident rates, and qualify your business for usage-based insurance discounts.

📝 4. Choose Higher Deductibles (If You Can Afford It)

Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 or more can significantly reduce your monthly premium.

👨‍🎓 5. Hire Experienced, Clean-Record Drivers

Screening for experience and safety history not only reduces accident risk, it helps you qualify for lower premiums.

🚗 6. Bundle Fleet Policies with Other Commercial Coverage

Bundle fleet insurance with:

• General liability
• Workers’ comp
• Business interruption coverage

Bundling leads to deeper discounts and a simplified risk portfolio.

Best Commercial Truck Fleet Insurance Providers in 2025

Here are the top companies offering reliable and affordable fleet coverage:

What Is a Fleet Insurance Policy Audit?

Each year, your insurer may audit your policy to verify:

• Number of vehicles
• Drivers on file
• Mileage reports
• Vehicle usage types

Make sure your records are up-to-date to avoid premium surprises or denied claims.

Common Fleet Insurance Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

❌ Underinsuring Vehicles

Trying to save money by dropping coverage can leave your business exposed. Instead, explore higher deductibles or risk-sharing.

❌ Failing to Remove Inactive Drivers

Old employees still on your policy can raise premiums. Regularly review your active driver list.

❌ Ignoring Safety Documentation

Insurers love data. If you don’t document your training and telematics, you’re leaving discounts on the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many vehicles do you need for fleet insurance?

Usually two or more. Some providers require at least five.

What’s the best way to insure a growing fleet?

Choose a scalable policy that makes it easy to add or remove vehicles. Many insurers offer real-time fleet portals.

Is fleet insurance cheaper than individual policies?

Yes. Bundling all vehicles under one fleet policy can save 10% to 30% compared to insuring them separately.

Final Thoughts: Fleet Smarter, Not Harder

Fleet insurance might be a big-ticket item, but it’s also one of the easiest places to find major savings with the right strategy.

By comparing quotes, leveraging technology, training your drivers, and bundling your policies, your business could save thousands annually while staying fully protected.

⭐ Get a Free Fleet Insurance Quote Today ⭐

Ready to lower your commercial truck insurance bill? Start by comparing personalized quotes from top-rated providers today.

Save money. Protect your business. Get a quote now at CheapCarInsurance.net.

2025’s Best-Selling Cars and Their Insurance Costs: What You Need to Know

Shopping for a new car in 2025? You’re not alone. With fresh models rolling off the lot, the search for the perfect ride is on. But there’s one hidden cost shoppers often overlook: car insurance.

Whether you’re eyeing a fuel-efficient sedan, a family SUV, or the latest electric crossover, understanding car insurance costs for top selling 2025 vehicles can help you budget better—and avoid sticker shock.

Let’s dive into this year’s most popular cars and break down what you might pay to insure them.

Why Insurance Costs Vary Between Cars

Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Rates vary based on:

• Vehicle type and safety rating
• Repair and replacement costs
• Theft risk and crash statistics
• Driver profile (age, location, driving history)

That’s why a Toyota Corolla might cost $1,400 per year to insure, while a Tesla Model Y could be closer to $2,200.

Top-Selling Cars of 2025 and Their Insurance Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the best-selling vehicles in 2025 and the average annual insurance premiums based on national data.

Insurance estimates based on full coverage (liability + comprehensive + collision), clean driving records, and average U.S. zip codes.

Most Affordable 2025 Vehicles to Insure

If you’re trying to keep insurance costs low, these models stand out:

• Toyota Camry: Affordable to repair and high safety ratings = lower risk.
• Honda Accord: Long history of reliability and moderate repair costs.
• Nissan Rogue: Compact SUV with great crash test scores and low claims frequency.

These options are great for:

• First-time car buyers
• Young drivers
• Budget-conscious families

Why Some 2025 Vehicles Cost More to Insure

🚗 Tesla Model Y

Electric and high-tech, but repairs are expensive, and parts must often be replaced at Tesla-authorized centers.

⚡ Ford F-150 & Chevy Silverado

Trucks tend to be involved in more severe accidents and often cost more to repair due to their size and towing capabilities.

Insurance for EVs in 2025: Worth the Extra Cost?

EVs are more popular than ever in 2025, but they usually come with higher insurance premiums. Why?

• Battery packs are expensive to replace
• Limited number of repair shops
• Higher MSRP = higher replacement cost

Tip: Many insurers now offer EV-specific discounts. Always ask!

How to Lower Insurance Costs on Any 2025 Car

🌐 Compare Multiple Quotes

Use CheapCarInsurance.net to get side-by-side quotes in minutes.

🤧 Bundle Policies

Combine auto with renters or home insurance to save up to 25%.

💼 Increase Your Deductible

Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium—just make sure you have the funds in case of a claim.

🚗 Choose the Right Vehicle Trim

More expensive trims = more expensive to insure. Skip the sport package or premium wheels if you’re on a budget.

Additional Factors That Impact Your Rate

• Age: Drivers under 25 and over 70 tend to pay more.
• Credit Score: In most states, better credit = lower premiums.
• Driving Record: One accident or ticket can hike your rate for years.
• ZIP Code: High-crime or high-traffic areas increase risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2025 Car Insurance Costs

What is the cheapest 2025 car to insure?

The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord top the list for affordability due to strong safety ratings and low repair costs.

Which 2025 SUV has the lowest insurance rate?

The Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Rogue offer budget-friendly premiums with solid crash test performance.

Are electric cars more expensive to insure in 2025?

Yes, but the gap is narrowing. Some insurers now offer green car discounts.

Can I lower my 2025 car insurance after purchase?

Yes! Use telematics programs, safe driver discounts, or bundle with other policies.

Final Thoughts: Match Your Dream Car With the Right Insurance

Picking the right car is only half the battle. Getting the right insurance for it? That’s where the real savings begin.

Before you drive off the lot in your new 2025 model, make sure you know exactly what it’ll cost to insure. And remember: comparing quotes is the fastest way to unlock hidden savings.

⭐ Get a Free Quote and Compare Rates on Your 2025 Vehicle Today ⭐

Want to see how much your new ride will cost to insure? Use CheapCarInsurance.net to get personalized quotes from top-rated providers in minutes.

Compare. Save. Drive smarter.

By Craig Guillot

Autonomous vehicles may be susceptible to occasional crashes, but those crashes tend to be less severe and are usually the fault of human drivers running into them. A recent study found self-driving vehicles have lower crash rates than cars driven by humans. Researchers say there isn’t enough data to produce conclusive results but the data they do have shows computers may drive better than us.

The latest study, “Automated Vehicle Crash Rate Comparison Using Naturalistic Data,” was conducted by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) and commissioned by Google. Myra Blanco, director of VTTI’s Center for Automated Vehicle Systems, says the report compared data from the Google Self Driving car project with national crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It found that self-driving cars have a rate of 3.2 crashes per million miles compared to a crash rate of 4.2 million miles for driver-operated vehicles.
Because data from self-driving vehicles is limited, and because a large number of crashes go unreported, VTTI researchers had to extrapolate and standardize the data. “As a research study, it’s not perfect and there are limitations, but it’s a way to start looking at the trends,” says Blanco.

The results contrast to another study released in October 2015 by the University of Michigan. “A Preliminary Analysis of Real-World Crashes Involving Self-Driving Vehicles,” found that for every million miles driven, self-driving vehicles had 9.1 crashes, compared to only 1.9 crashes for manned vehicles. Brandon Schoettle, Project Manager at the Transportation Research Institute at the University of Michigan, says it doesn’t necessarily mean the vehicles are less safe because humans were to blame in almost all of those crashes.

Schoettle says most autonomous vehicle crashes were minor “bumps” resulting from a human driver rear-ending them at slow speeds. He says humans aren’t accustomed to how self-driving vehicles drive because they “conservatively err on the side of caution” in almost any situation. Autonomous vehicles typically drive slower, brake earlier, and accelerate at a slower pace. “They drive like you might say an old lady drives. They drive extra safe and most [human drivers] don’t anticipate it,” says Schoettle.

Authors of both studies caution there could be large margins of error and that it remains difficult to make comparisons with limited data on self-driving vehicles. Researchers at the University of Michigan only had 1.2 million miles of data for 50 such vehicles, compared to 3 trillion annual miles with 269 million traditional vehicles.
Authors of both studies say there are anomalies in the data as autonomous vehicles are required to report every accident in California no matter how small whereas according to a survey by the NHTSA, 30% of accidents go unreported.

David Alexander, senior analyst at Navigant Research, says self-driving vehicles have the potential to be safer than human drivers. Autonomous features, such as intuitive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot detection, are already on the market and improve drivers’ response times and awareness. “These things make cars safer because they’re operating all the time and can eliminate some human errors,” he says.
Both studies revealed that self-driving vehicles may have lower rates of serious accidents. Schoettle says there hasn’t been an incident of an autonomous vehicle involved in a head-on collision or a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist. “These vehicles seem to be good at avoiding the most serious types of crashes,” he said.

A primary benefit of autonomous features is that computers can’t get tired, distracted, or careless, says Alexander. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 94% of all crashes are attributed to human error. Computers can also, within nanoseconds, take precise measurements around speed, time, distance, breaking power, and turning power to instantly engage in the most optimal maneuvers. “Individuals suffer from all sorts of distractions, from weather, children, dogs, the radio, eating or texting. Technology doesn’t get distracted or careless,” says Alexander.

Insurance companies are already contemplating that self-driving vehicles may make the roads safer. PTOLEMUS Consulting Group forecasts in the Useage-Based Insurance (UBI) study that the penetration of autonomous vehicles by 2030 will reduce the number of accidents by 30% and lead to a significant reduction in insurance premiums for drivers.

PTOLEMUS research and marketing director Thomas Hallauer says the slow integration of autonomous features are already having an impact on safety. He says frontal collision avoidance and cruise systems could reduce losses by up to 50% and that “the crash-less vehicle will be on the road long before the driver-less one.”

One caveat is there has yet to be comprehensive testing for these vehicles operating in “real world conditions,” says Schoettle. They have not been extensively tested in accident-prone situations such as rush hour traffic in congested busy cities with lots of pedestrians and aggressive drivers, or in heavy downpours, high winds, and snowstorms. “Most of the miles have been in nice conditions in sunny parts of the country. There has been some testing but it hasn’t done well so far,” he says.

Another limitation is that computers can’t engage in human decision making and judgment calls, says Schoettle. Computers can’t make eye contact with other drivers or pedestrians to gauge their intentions. Self-driving vehicles can’t yet optimally perform at four-way stops, a person standing on side the road, another driver waving a vehicle into traffic, congested areas with a large number of pedestrians. “A person might be able to make eye contact and gauge a persons’ intentions but a self-driving vehicle can’t,” he says.

Alexander believes that self-driving vehicles by their nature will be safer because consumers and regulators will hold them to higher standards. Ongoing research will also help programmers and car manufacturers incrementally improve safety and teach self-driving vehicles to better respond to human drivers on the road. “These vehicles collect a lot of data and I think moving forward, ongoing testing and studies will continually help make them safer,” says Blanco.

By Aaron Crowe

Going to an auto mechanic shouldn’t be complicated. After all, you’re just taking your car in to be repaired, and fixing it should be easy and straightforward, right?
Sometimes it is. But during those times when the mechanic is trying to explain what’s wrong and how much more it will cost than what you originally thought it would, it can turn into a confusing time where you don’t know if you’re being taken advantage of because you don’t know enough about cars.
And you shouldn’t have to be. You just want the car fixed and running well, at a reasonable price. To help ensure you’re not getting ripped off, there are some questions you should ask a mechanic whenever you take your car in. Here are 11:

1.  How much will the diagnostics cost?

This is like first asking your doctor how much the tests will cost before he gives you a diagnosis for why you feel ill. While it can seem like an odd question because you’ve gone to the trouble of taking your car to the mechanic, and you obviously want it repaired, you don’t want to pay too much for tests. But if it’s too high, it’s an opportunity to shop around for better prices.
Depending on your state and the auto repair shop, diagnostic tests can cost $100 to $200, says Bert Gagnon of Neon Productions Radio.

2.  Are the mechanics ASE certified?

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a non-profit organization that has trained more than 325,000 automotive professionals nationwide and given them the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence. Certified mechanics must be retested every five years to keep up with changing technology. Look for the updated certificates on the wall of your auto shop’s office.

3.  Can I get a written, out-the-door estimate?

Always ask for a written estimate of how much the repairs should cost. This should include parts, labor, taxes and any discounts. Always give them a phone number to reach you to approve another repair that might be needed, and make sure they give you an estimate of the added cost.

4. Are there extra fees that might accompany a service?

Some dealers will charge “miscellaneous fees” for things, or will give you an estimate for replacing tires but won’t include the tire disposal fee in the estimate, says Rob Infantino, CEO of Openbay, an online marketplace for vehicle owners to cross-shop, book and pay for local auto repair and maintenance.
“Ask for the estimate first, then ask about any hidden fees on top of that,” Infantino says. “If the shop hasn’t disclosed all the details in the initial quotation, that may be cause for conern.”

5. Is this part still under warranty?

If you bought your car recently or just had work done, many of your car’s parts could still be covered, says Chuck Frizell, general sales manager at David Stanley Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Midwest City, Okla. You can also check with the auto manufacturer, and mechanics and dealership service departments will sometimes have that information posted in their shops.

6. Is OEM repair information used?

In order to do a correct and safe repair, the technician should access OEM service and repair information, says Bob Keith, a multi store director with Carstar, an auto body repair company, and the head of I-CAR, which provides technical certification for collision repair professionals.
OEM is short for “original equipment manufacturer” of a replacement part made by the manufacturer of the original part. In other words, it’s an auto part used when the car was first built.
You may also want to ask if used or aftermarket parts are being used, and if so, if the non-factory parts meet OEM standards for safety and performance, says David Smith of Auto Damage Experts.
If you want factory parts, or OEM parts, and your insurance company wants non-OEM parts, ask the car shop to notify you before performing repairs, Smith says.

7. Does your mechanic specialize in my car’s make?

This might seem like a no-brainer, but specialization can be important. The Chrysler dealer that Frizell works at obviously works on Chryslers. But if you drive a BMW, find a garage that specializes in German makes, or a mechanic who knows a lot about Toyotas if you drive a Toyota.

8. What repairs are necessary and are there alternative solutions?

Ask the mechanic what work they’d do if it were their car. “Understand what repairs are absolutely necessary and which ones are just recommended,” says Andrew Bradway, head auto warranty administrator at DriveTime Automotive Group, a used car dealer and financing company.
For alternative solutions, there may not be a way to get your car back on the road other than replacing the worn out part, Bradway says. But they may be able to use third-party or used parts to help reduce costs, he says.

9. Can you show me what’s wrong?

If a mechanic insists you need extra work done, ask them to show you the wear and tear on the part they recommend you replace, Infantino says. If you ask to see the holes when told you car needs a new exhaust, and the mechanic balks, then you should be wary, he says.

10.  When will the repairs be done?

Get an idea of when your car will be ready to pick up, and ensure that they call you to approve any extra repairs beyond the ones you’ve already approved. You’ll want to know how long you’ll be without your car so you can make other accommodations. Also ask if they can provide a ride to your work or home while your car is in the shop.

11. What repairs do I have coming up?

While you shouldn’t expect your mechanic to predict the future, they should have a good idea of the potential repairs and major maintenance costs you have coming up.
“Knowing what the parts and labor fees are ahead of time will allow you to budget for them and avoid sticker shock,” Bradway says. “This will also allow you to shop around for the best deals for other reputable repair shops.”
An honest mechanic will help you prioritize jobs within your budget, Infantino says, and will help you set up a calendar so you know when to replace specific parts.
Getting these questions answered won’t make you a mechanic overnight, but they should help the average consumer become more knowledgeable so they aren’t taken advantage of by a mechanic.

By Aaron Crowe
The poor economy is causing more people to keep their old cars longer, which could lead to more trips to an auto shop. Those bills can get expensive, but repair costs can be cut if you’re willing to spend some time and effort shopping for parts for your car.
That can include going to a junk yard and pulling used parts out of a car, buying aftermarket parts that don’t come from the car’s maker, or buying used parts online. If you’re worried about keeping your car’s warranty in good standing, you may need to buy OEM parts, or “original equipment manufacturer” parts made by the cars maker.
The savings can be substantial — a few hundred dollars — since auto shops markup the costs of parts by 100 to 200 percent, says Rob Infantino, CEO of Openbay, an online marketplace for vehicle owners to cross-shop, book and pay for local auto repair and maintenance.
Saving $15 or so on a minor part probably isn’t worth your time, but saving $300 to $500 on a part that can cost $750 to $1,000 probably is. Or maybe it isn’t if you don’t have the time or expertise to find the correct part, and would rather take your car to a mechanic and have them fix it without you having do deal with any hassles.

A DIY hybrid

Some auto shops, however, are specializing in do-it-yourselfers who want to buy the parts and only pay for the labor. B.Y.O.P. Automotive in Montgomery, Alabama, encourages vehicle owners to bring their own parts and only pay the auto shop for its labor.
“A lot of people are trying to save money these days,” says Valerie Sheperd, owner of the Montgomery store and three others.

Customers save up to 200 percent, says Sheperd, offering an example that can save more than that: A water pump that can cost $125 at an auto repair shop can actually cost $25. Her store’s labor is also cheaper, she says, at $60 to $92.50 an hour, depending on the job, versus $85 to $135 an hour at a repair shop that sells parts. The shop can also get parts for customers.
Before buying parts, B.Y.O.P. customers’ cars are given a diagnostic test to determine what’s wrong, and then the customer is sent out to buy parts if they want to. If they buy a used part that the mechanic can’t get to work, they’re still charged for the labor.
“If the part doesn’t work, you’re still responsible for the labor because we put the part on,” Sheperd says.

Mary Chase, a public interest attorney in Oak Park, Ill., who hasn’t used B.Y.O.P. Automotive but has paid mechanics for their labor to install parts she’s bought elsewhere, says she usually saves 40 to 60 percent off the cost of a new part when buying used parts for her 1997 Saturn. The biggest savings, Chase says, was when she paid $1,400 for a used engine that would have cost her $5,000 to $7,500 new.

“It has run flawlessly, and has saved me lots of money due to the high fuel economy,” she says.
Chase has also bought parts from junkyards, usually saving 20-25 percent of the cost of the new part. These have included a car radio, mirrors, console, doors and windshield. Many of those she puts on herself, but for complicated parts she hires a mechanic at a local auto shop that allows used parts to be brought in by customers. She says she only buys parts that include a warranty, and is picky about not buying a part that has too high or too low mileage.

Potential for problems

One of the biggest problems of providing your own parts for repair is they may not work, says David Smith, national operations manager at Auto Damage Experts, a vehicle appraisal business. If they do work after installation but later fail, you could end up in a dispute between the mechanic and the parts provider over who is at fault.
Unless you know what you’re doing, you may buy the wrong part and have to spend time going back and forth between the supply and repair stores. Besides, Smith says, an auto repair shop is likely to get a price break from its parts supplier that a walk-in customer won’t get. With a part provided by the auto shop, enforcing a warranty will likely be a lot easier, he says.
“The consumer doesn’t have the buying power that a shop has to offer a warranty,” he says.
What consumers should do, Smith says, is call an auto parts store for a price on the part they need, and then call their mechanic and ask if they’ll match that price. That way you’re no longer assuming all of the risk if the part fails, he says.
“You’re better off letting a professional do what they do,” he says.
The majority of auto repair shops prefer not to let customers bring in their own parts because there isn’t much margin in it unless the shop isn’t busy, Infantino says.
A repair shop won’t offer a warranty on the part being brought in, and it can be difficult for a car owner to know exactly which part to get, he says.
“Later model cars are more complex and it’s going to be harder for you to diagnose what part failed,” Infantino says.

By Aaron Crowe

Whether driving to Mexico for a weekend trip to the beach, an extended holiday trip to see family, or a six-month winter stay in retirement, having auto insurance specifically for driving in Mexico is mandatory.
Navigating the country’s insurance laws can be difficult, but it basically comes down to two things you’ll need and one you won’t. You’ll need a permit to drive beyond most border towns inside Mexico, and you’ll need auto insurance from an insurance company based in Mexico.
What you won’t need is your U.S. auto insurance policy, because it has no effect in Mexico and won’t provide any coverage there.
The days of “self-negotiating” your way out of trouble with some cash after a car accident there are long over, says Jim Labelle, president of International Insurance Group, a U.S. company based in Flagstaff, Ariz., that sells auto insurance for Mexico-based insurers.
Insurance rates vary based on the vehicle’s value and coverage, but most policies that Labelle’s group sells cost $15 to $20 a day for most buyers, he says. “Snowbirds” or others going there for six months or so would pay $400 to $500 a year for a policy, he says.

What type of coverage is needed?

Comprehensive and collision coverage aren’t mandatory in Mexico, but drivers will probably want to buy enough such coverage so they can be reimbursed if their vehicle is damaged, Labelle says.
“Whatever level of insurance coverage you’re getting in the U.S., we recommend you still get it in Mexico,” he says.
In January, liability insurance will be mandatory for drivers in Mexico. It can cost $300,000, for example, to settle an insurance claim if a U.S. driver negligently killed someone in an accident in Mexico, Labelle says.
Liability insurance will cover you for property damage caused by your vehicle, legal liability for injuries or death of people not in your vehicle, and medical expenses for you or other people in your vehicle.
Mexican auto insurance is needed from border to border in the country, a change from a few years ago when most border cities within Mexico were exempt.
All vehicles must have such insurance, whether the cars are leased, rented or privately owned. If car payments are still being made and you don’t own the car outright, your lender may require you to get its permission before driving in Mexico.

Temporary import permit also required

If you’re planning to drive 20 kilometers beyond the border into Mexico, a temporary import permit is required by Mexico. This law is partly meant to prevent stolen vehicles from entering the country.
A permit costs about $50 and can only be bought from the Mexico government vehicle import website. A credit card deposit of $200 to $400, depending on the age of the vehicle, is also required, and is refunded when the permit is canceled. The permit is valid for up to six months for multiple border crossings.
To get a permit, you’ll be required to show proof of citizenship with a passport or birth certificate, an immigration form for your trip, vehicle registration or other document certifying legal ownership of the car, a valid driver’s license, and an international credit card issued outside of Mexico.
Whatever type of auto insurance policy you buy for a trip to Mexico, Labelle says having a few copies on hand in case police ask to see it is a good idea. Keep a copy in the car and one with your passport, he recommends.
Having an extra insurance policy in hand to show authorities after an accident is a lot less hassle than spending a night in jail while they sort out the details of if you have Mexican auto insurance or not.
 
Aaron Crowe is a journalist who covers the auto industry for CheapCarInsurance.net.

By Annmarie Geddes Baribeau

When it comes to purchasing auto insurance, knowing the factors that influence premium can help you get the best coverage at a competitive price.
Most states generally require owners of vehicles to purchase coverage. By paying premium on an automobile insurance policy, you relying on an insurance company to cover the costs, minus the deductible, should you or your vehicle be involved in an accident. Automobile insurance can also cover damages to your car from exposures including theft, weather and vandalism.
To be competitive, insurers charge the most reasonable premium possible to attract and keep customers while assuring they can pay future claim costs.
When shopping around, you might notice insurers charge different premiums for the same coverage. These quotes reflect how each insurer uses its own “secret sauce” to determine the potential riskiness of a policyholder and his or her covered vehicle(s).
For insurers, all secret sauces are based on a proprietary blend of statistics, other data and assumptions. To predict the likelihood and seriousness of potential claims, insurers vary on both the factors they use and how much emphasize to give them.
These factors are:

1. Your driving record and experience

Driving records are obvious indicators of potential risk and are generally given greater emphasis than other factors.
Your driving record is a history of violations, convictions and collisions. The fewer violations, the lower the premium. Your record also indicates a lack of experience. Since new and inexperienced drivers are more likely to be in an accident, coverage costs more. The good news is that insurers honor records that improve over time.

2. Your age

People younger than 25 years old are considered inexperienced drivers with a greater accident potential. For some insurers, the age factor is about the same for the 26 to 65 age range. Since senior citizens tend to have more accidents, their rates tend to be higher.

3. Your gender

Insurers see inexperienced and younger male drivers as a greater risk than their female counterparts. While the distinction for younger drivers is shrinking, it is still significant. For experienced drivers, female drivers are also considered less risky, but insurers do not see gender differences as significant.

4. Your station in life

Statistics show that married drivers are less likely to crash than those who are single. Mothers are also considered to be safer drivers. Singles can improve their premiums with a fantastic individual driving record.

5. How much you drive

Insurance is based on the concept of exposure. That is, the more you drive, the more likely you will be in a car accident. So if you drive your car “to work,” which insurers generally define as driving more than 15,000 miles a year, you pay more for greater exposure to potential car accidents. When driving for “pleasure use,” which generally less than 15,000 miles annually, premium should be lower.
Drivers in highly populated areas have higher auto insurance premiums due to greater traffic exposure. That’s why urban drivers pay a higher auto insurance price than those in small towns or rural areas.
Insurers also know that most accidents occur within a couple miles of places where people drive frequently. That includes your home and places you run errands, such as shopping malls and grocery stores. What insurers do not know is how often you make these trips.
That’s where telematics come in. For drivers who agree to have special equipment installed in their car, insurers can monitor how many short trips are being made and other driving behavior. Insurers including Progressive and State Farm are offering “usage based” programs that give good drivers up to double-digit percentage reductions of their auto insurance bills.

6. Location. Location. Location.

Where you park your car is also telling of potential auto insurance claims. By definition, the less criminal activity, the safer the neighborhood and the less likely you will file a claim for vandalism or theft. ZIP codes can be another factor, though some insurers are “clustering” locations with similar risk in different cities.
Besides where you drive and park your car, insurers also look at the actual cost for covering claims in your area. Medical and car repair bills can cost more in some locations. Areas that are heavily litigious, known for a greater prevalence of insurance fraud and are vulnerable to extreme weather can also impact potential costs.

7. Gaps in insurance coverage

Most auto insurers consider drivers with gaps in their auto insurance coverage as potentially riskier to insure than drivers who have consistently maintained coverage.

8. Your credit score

Research shows there is a correlation between credit characteristics, as reflected in credit-based insurance scores, and insurance losses. Statistically, people who have a poor insurance credit score are more likely to file a claim.
Most insurers are using credit-based insurance scores as a factor in determining the risk of policyholders. These scores are based on information including: payment history, bankruptcies, collections, outstanding debt, length of credit history, new credit and credit risk. Regular, on-time credit card and mortgage payments affect a score positively, while late payments affect a score negatively.

9. Your vehicle(s)

Basically, the more it costs to repair or replace your car, the higher the premiums. Fully loaded sports cars, for example, are more likely to get stolen. Common family cars can also be targets to thieves who want to sell parts.
Vehicles that have favorable crash safety test scores are likely to cost less to insure. Engine sizes, even among the same makes and models, can also impact insurance premiums.
If you are driving an old car or junker that will not require replacement, you can opt out of comprehensive and collision coverage for it. If you do, however, replacement costs will be your responsibility.

10. Other Coverage You Purchase

Most insurers provide discounts if you also purchase other types insurance from them. Typically, this includes umbrella, homeowners or renters coverage.

11. Your coverage and deductible.

Of course, the more insurance you buy, the more it costs. To reduce premiums, you can offer to share the cost per claim by agreeing to a deductible. The higher the deductible, the more you save in premiums.
Just determine how much money you can afford to pay when filing a claim – generally $500 or $1,000 – and your insurer will adjust your premium accordingly. Also be sure if you need add-ons such as vehicle rental coverage. If your family can get by with a second car or you are a member of organizations like AAA, you may not need it.

Conclusion

When you think about it, the factors that insurers consider are common sense and/or statistically proven to predict the likelihood and cost of potential claims. The factors you can control, such as having a stellar driving record, maintaining coverage and responsibly paying your bills are some of the best ways to keep your car insurance costs at bay.

 
It may be infuriating — and expensive — to get a traffic ticket, but if you are diligent there may be hope for you even after the officer hands you a citation.
That is because, according to motorist advocates, if you do a little homework and fight your ticket, you can often get that ticket reduced or even wiped from your record.
There are no direct statistics tracking how many people win cases in traffic court nationwide, said John Bowman, communications director for the drivers’ advocacy group, the National Motorists Association, based in Waunakee, Wisconsin.
“So, it’s hard to predict how any individual case will turn out,” Bowman said. “But I can tell you that if you don’t show up, you have lost already.”
A traffic ticket is costly, with fines sometimes reaching into the four-digits.
And the costs of a traffic citation don’t end once you pay your fine. After the citation makes its way onto your driving record, you will also likely be facing an increased monthly insurance bill.
 
Ticket Costs
What that specific repercussion will be depends on a lot of factors, said Gary Stephenson, a spokesman for State Farm Mutual Automotive Insurance Co., based in Bloomington, Illinois.
Stephenson said insurance companies take a number of factors into consideration when considering your citation, such as whether this was your first ticket or fourth, and how large the fine was.
“Flagrant violations could be viewed differently than very ‘minor’ violations,” Stephenson said.  “There is no cookie-cutter answer.”?
But on the other end of the spectrum, a third ticket in as many months may end up causing the company to cancel your insurance altogether.
While each incident may have different repercussions, one rule of thumb used by traffic attorneys and advocates is that your insurance will go up by the formula of (Your Fine + $50) x 5.
So, a $100 fine could end up costing you $750 or more of increased insurance costs over the next few years.
And if your job is driving, such as a commercial trucker, getting a moving violation may even cost you your job.
 
Ready to Rumble
Once you get that ticket, Bowman said your options are “fairly limited.”
“You can pay and move on and watch your insurance go up, or you can fight it,” Bowman said.
The National Motorists Association estimates that only about 5 percent of all drivers who get a traffic ticket bother to contest it in court.
“Those are the people who will come out ahead,” Bowman said.
The National Motorists Association published an e-book for its members with strategies of fighting a traffic citation in court. The association also has a network of members across the nation who volunteer to advise motorists who want to fight their ticket in court.
The only way to win in court is to mount a logical and organized defense, said “Radar” Roy Reyer, speeding ticket avoidance tactics and product expert.
Reyer is the publisher of RadarBusters.com and wrote the book “How to Beat Your Speeding Ticket in Court and Win.”  He is also a retired sheriff lieutenant and was a certified radar and laser instructor who “taught thousands of cops to write tickets.”
He said that to win, you need to do a “big homework assignment.”
“It is definitely going to take time to fight it properly,” Reyer said.
If motorists have any hopes of actually winning in court, they need to do better than just showing up and saying “trust me your honor, I wasn’t speeding.”
“Who will the judge believe,” Reyer said. “The officer trained in police radar and speed recognition, or someone who is just driving down the street?”
 
For the Record
But that doesn’t mean that motorists should abandon hope of beating a ticket in court.
“There are things that you can do to prepare — standard defenses,” Bowman said.
Discovery is when your homework begins.
“Subpoena everything you can,” Reyer said. “You want records, the manual for the radar gun, the officer’s training records — everything.”
One common defense is challenging the calibration record of the radar or laser gun.
“Most people consider radar guns as infallible, but they do make errors and so do the operators,” Bowman said.
Every radar gun needs to be calibrated at the beginning and end of every shift, Reyer said.
“A lot of cops don’t remember to do that,” Reyer said.
Reyer said he is helping a man in Connecticut who is fighting a ticket right now who was able to prove that the department hadn’t calibrated the gun in three years.
“And that goes against the standards published by the International Association of Chiefs of Police,” Reyer said. “That is powerful and damning evidence.”
Officers typically use a special tuning fork to establish that calibration. And that is another area that motorists should subpoena.
“If you drop a tuning fork, it is now out of frequency, and that is one of the items that has to be calibrated,” Reyer said.
And even if everything has been calibrated, every officer writing tickets should also prove they are certified to use the equipment with which they are recording speed.
“I am constantly surprised by how many agencies forget to certify,” Reyer said.
However, calibration and certification are now common tactics, which means many agencies are now more diligent, Bowman said.
And that is when motorists need to move to less common areas to protest the fine.
“It never hurts to go back to the scene of the incident and take down some notes and take some photographs,” Bowman said. “Was there a speed limit sign? Was it visible? Was it properly posted with the proper speed? Were there characteristics that would hinder the officers’ ability to see you?”
You should also scour the ticket itself for typos or incorrect details. Also check for nearby power substations or power lines, which might interfere with readings.
And any evidence will also help, such as GPS readings, dash cams, or anything else that might prove that you were not, in fact speeding.
 
Day in court
But If you just show up in court and argue, you will lose.
“It comes down to who has the better evidence,” Reyer said. “I used to laugh my ass off because people didn’t prepare. They showed up in court without records or documents, and it was just his word against yours.”
It is also important to dress to impress and to stay calm and respectful while you are in the courtroom, and you never want to lie, which could earn you a contempt of court charge.
And if you are lucky, sometimes merely showing up means that you win.
“If the officer does not show up, move for dismissal. Most times it will be granted,” Bowman said.
You can also negotiate with the prosecutor or magistrate for a plea deal that would allow you to pay your fine but keep the moving violation off your record.
“Most people just don’t want those points,” Bowman said. “They are happy to pay if they can drop the points, and lets be honest, all the courts want is the money, so they will bargain with you.”
But none of that is possible if you don’t show up to fight in the first place.

By Aaron Crowe

Knowing if your car needs more than basic liability insurance can be as simple as knowing how old your car is.
One rule of thumb is that if you drive an old car and it’s paid for, you don’t need much more than liability insurance, which costs less than comprehensive coverage. But it can be a bit more complicated than that, depending on state laws where you live, and your needs for insurance protection.
Insurance is meant to protect against a devastating financial loss, so determining if carrying comprehensive and collision coverage, in addition to liability coverage, should be weighed against the cost of replacing or repairing the car and how big of a financial burden that would be, says Eric Stauffer of ExpertInsuranceReviews.com.
If you can’t easily repair or replace your car out-of-pocket, then you’ll need comp and collision.
Before getting into more detail about when to have certain types of insurance, an explanation of insurance terms should make things clearer.

Liability coverage

This insurance is cheaper for two simple reasons: it covers less and usually doesn’t require a deductible. It doesn’t cover your own vehicle in an accident, but covers damage to other vehicles that you’re responsible for hitting.
It will also pay for the replacement of belongings in the other person’s car, their medical bills and your legal bills. Passengers in your car who are injured in an accident that you’re at fault for are also covered under liability insurance, though not always — check with your insurance agent to see if bodily injury coverage to your passengers is included.
Property damage liability insurance is also available, covering you if you hit a neighbor’s tree, for example. Uninsured driver liability insurance is another add-on to consider in case you hit an uninsured or under-insured driver.

Comprehensive coverage

This covers physical damage to other vehicles and yours in a traffic accident. Also called collision insurance, it also covers damage to your car from natural disasters, such as storms.
You’ll usually have to pay a deductible when making a claim, which might not be worthwhile if your car isn’t worth much.
Liability is usually a part of comprehensive coverage, though you can opt for liability only under certain circumstances, such as owning your car outright and not having a loan on it.

When is liability auto coverage best?

If you have an old car that’s paid for, liability only coverage makes sense. The car may only last a few more years anyway, so paying extra for comprehensive coverage to repair it may not be worth it. If the repair costs more than the car’s value, comprehensive insurance won’t pay for more than the car’s value anyway.
But you should also consider if you can afford to buy a comparable car to replace yours in an accident that you don’t have collision coverage for.
For example, if your car is valued at $12,000 and you have little or no savings, then it would be difficult to repair or replace the car if you only have liability coverage, Stauffer says. But if your car is worth $2,000 and you have that much in savings, then a comparable car is affordable and liability insurance is worthwhile, he says.

“Liability is pretty much a component of all auto policies, so it is rarely an optional program,” says Kristofer Kirchen, president of Advanced Insurance Managers in Tampa, Fla. “However, there are rare times where one can forego liability.”

These include having a seasonal vehicle, where an owner spends part of the year in another state, Kirchen says. Some companies are willing to suspend coverage, he says.
Another push toward getting liability coverage only is how close you live to public transportation. If you don’t use your car much and can live without it for awhile by using public transportation after a car accident, then getting cheaper liability coverage makes sense.

When is comprehensive auto coverage best?

If you lease a car or have a car loan, your lender will often require comprehensive coverage.
Even if you own the car outright, comprehensive coverage can be a smart choice if you don’t have enough money in savings to buy a new car if your car is totaled.
Another reason to have comprehensive and collision coverage is when you want coverage for damage by someone else who either has no insurance, inadequate limits of insurance, or who can’t pay, Kirchen says.
Insurance is meant to protect you from financial disaster. A simple question to ask yourself when considering liability versus comprehensive coverage is: Can I afford to buy a comparable car if my car was totaled today? If not, then you’ll probably want full comprehensive and collision coverage to help replace your car if it’s totaled.

By Aaron Crowe
Buying a car can be a teenager’s first major purchase on their own, vaulting them into the adult world of loan payments and mechanic bills.
Preparing for that first car can require a lot more than taking driver’s ed classes and driving mom to the grocery store. Choosing a car, buying insurance and figuring out how to pay for the car — either through a loan, money saved or a gift from parents — can be quick lessons in budgeting.
Whether they’re buying a car to get to a job during high school, commute to college or to a new job after graduating from college, here are some things to consider when preparing your student to buy their first vehicle:

Need a loan?

Unless parents are giving their kid a chunk of money, or the student has saved money from working, a car loan will likely be necessary. For most teens, unless they have a job that pays well, they’ll need a parent to co-sign the loan. That means that if a car payment isn’t made, the co-signer is responsible for the loan, even if the car is repossessed.
“If you don’t have someone to co-sign the loan with you, you’re going to have a much higher interest rate,” says Gene Natali, co-author of “The Missing Semester,” a book about financial choices for students.
Especially for high school students with limited incomes, setting a budget and a payment and interest rate that they can afford each month is smart.
“Having an auto loan and paying it off can be a great way for a young person to establish good credit and will help down the road with other loans such as home or business,” says Soren T. Christensen, a certified financial planner at Advanced Wealth Advisors in Naples, Fla.
Parents can also help their kids establish credit by allowing them to get a credit card with a small limit so they can learn to manage credit and set good habits, Christensen says.
As anyone who has negotiated with a car salesman can attest, financing a loan with a car dealer can be the worst part of the transaction. Matthew Sauers, who graduated last year from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, spent much of three hours at a Volkswagen dealership trying to get a better interest rate.
“It was just annoying after awhile,” Sauers says of the three salespeople who continually told him they couldn’t give him an interest rate to get his monthly payment to what he wanted.
“To their credit, I started getting more and more attached to this car,” he says.
After getting turned down again for a low interest rate, Sauers’ friend, who he brought with him to encourage him to walk away if the deal wasn’t good enough, got him up to walk out the door. The salesman ran after him and the car dealer offered an interest rate normally for someone with a longer credit history.
After walking in with a bank loan already approved at 4.8% interest, the dealer dropped its rate to 2.29% for five years for a 2011 certified pre-owned VW Jetta for $16,900.

You don’t need extra features on your car

Peer pressure to get the latest gadgets with a new car, such as a navigation system, can be high, but the prices should bring a teen back down to reality.
Customizing a car with paint, tires, graphics and other items can also get expensive. For a car to hold its value, avoid vibrant colors and expensive treatments.
If the added costs don’t persuade your teen, then Natali suggests thinking about putting the money that would have been spent on an upgrade and putting it in a savings account and earning compound interest to show how far that extra payout can go.
“Let your savings dictate how much you can spend on the car,” he says.
Buying a first car should be fun, but it can also be overwhelming. “The temptation to spend more than you should can be high,” Natali says. “That temptation is much higher when the sunlight is glistening off the hood of that brand new car on the dealer’s floor. Know how much car you can afford — before you buy it.”

New or used?

A used car can be much cheaper than a new one, and can reinforce the idea that the purpose of a first car is to safely and reliably get you from point A to point B, Natali says.
It’s not meant to impress your friends or put you on the road to money problems, he says.
It’s also important to remember that a new car becomes “used” as soon as it’s driven off the car lot, dropping in value. And even if the monthly payment is higher with a new car, the expenses of gas, insurance, maintenance and other costs are likely to be higher than the monthly car payment.
In a survey of 32 students in her class at Fox Chapel Area High School in Pittsburgh, PA, teacher Jill Tabis found that five students planned on buying a car before graduation, and all five planned on buying used cars. When paying for car insurance, most either had a job or were saving for the expense, and one student said their parents would help pay for insurance.

Lessons for young adults

If you have children who aren’t at the car-buying age yet but you still want them to learn the basics of how to pay for a car, the virtual world of Whyville is a way to buy virtual cars with a virtual credit rating and virtual car loan. Developed with Toyota Financial Services and Scion Inc. as an educational tool, Whyville doesn’t require real currency to buy anything, says Jim Bower, CEO of Numedeon Inc., the company behind the site.
“Most adults don’t know what a credit score is or how it’s built,” but kids ages 8-14 are learning it at the website, Bower says.
If a user misses a car payment, their virtual car is repossessed — which has led to some upset parents calling with excuses from their upset children that have included being away on vacation and unable to make a virtual payment, to the dog eating the Internet cords. Repossessions are uncommon, Bower says, which shows how much kids care about their cars.
“Kids figure things out by making mistakes,” he says. “Then they go back and don’t make the same mistakes again.”

We should all be so smart.
 

By Aaron Crowe
Some days, luck isn’t on your side. Everyone can have an “off day,” as Allstate Insurance points out in an ad selling its “accident forgiveness” policies.
Allstate, Nationwide, Progressive, State Farm, GEICO and other major insurance carriers offer an insurance add-on called “accident forgiveness” to their best customers that doesn’t raise their rates if they cause an auto accident. The forgiveness is usually a one-time deal.
Drivers who buy this extra insurance can be getting a deal, especially if they have a teenage driver — a demographic prone to accidents. It may not be such a deal for good drivers, who are essentially buying extra insurance for something that may not happen because they’re good drivers anyway.
An insurance policy is meant to protect against claims for damages from an accident caused by the policyholder. Buying more insurance, some critics say, is an unnecessary expense.

What is Accident Forgiveness?
Being at-fault in an auto accident can significantly cause insurance rates to rise, easily by 50 percent or more. If you have a clean driving record, the insurer will forgive the first accident you cause and won’t raise your premium. Your deductible could also drop each year afterward that you don’t have an accident.
The details differ by company. Some may give accident forgiveness immediately, while others may require up to five years of not having an accident under the policy before they’ll forgive one.
How often an insurer forgives also varies. Most forgive just the first at-fault accident, though some will start the forgiveness clock again in three to six years. Some may also require a driver not to have any moving violations for three years.
Accident forgiveness is often extended to other drivers on your policy. Nationwide, for example, extends it to teen drivers, but it can only be used for one forgiven accident per policy.
Safeco Insurance, a Liberty Mutual company, has what it calls a Rewind program that forgives an at-fault accident immediately and doesn’t require several years of claims-free history.
To participate, users must install a telematics device into their car to collect data as they drive, including speed, quick starts and hard stops. The data is collected after four months to determine how safe the driver is and if the accident will be forgiven. Instead of proving you’re a safe driver before causing an accident, Rewind allows drivers to prove it afterward.

Is it worth getting?
Safe drivers with clean driving records may not benefit from buying accident forgiveness because they should already have low rates, or at least have standard policies.
But it could still be worthwhile if you want to cover the chance that you may cause an accident someday, despite never causing one so far in your driving life. Even if you’ve never been in an accident, you can still get in one, but your odds are lower.
Insurers that offer accident forgiveness for free are probably making up the money with higher premiums overall, says David Pipes, an insurance agent at Rooney Pipes Insurance Agency in Fresno, Calif. Pipes sells auto insurance, but not accident forgiveness insurance.
“If you have accident forgiveness, that cost has been borne someplace,” Pipes says. “It’s not like a magic genie out there.”
Whether the extra insurance costs more or is offered for free, it “in no way means that the insurer simply absorbs the cost of one’s accident,” says Rob Drury, executive director of the Association of Christian Financial Advisors. However the cost is underwritten, every penny of claims expense is paid from premium revenues, says Drury, who hasn’t had “accident forgiveness” insurance but has benefitted from being a safe driver.
“In nearly 40 years of driving, I’ve had very few accidents determined to be my fault, all of them occurring before the days of ‘accident forgiveness,’” he says.
“Having been always with the same insurer, I have received a safe driver premium reduction at each and every six-month renewal, including those renewal periods in which an accident occurred,” Drury says. “I didn’t receive ‘accident forgiveness.’ I received a premium that was appropriate for a driver having a claim rate below the norm for my demographic. No ‘accident forgiveness’ necessary.” Accident forgiveness may not be worth the extra expense if your driving record is clean.
Having teenage drivers may already result in higher insurance rates from increased risk. Buying accident forgiveness policy could help ease the pain of rates going up after a child’s first accident, no matter how small.
To help determine if the cost is worthwhile, ask your insurer how much your rates would rise if you caused an accident. This information should be available in a surcharge schedule that outlines percentage increases from specific infractions. If the potential rate hike is less than the cost of the added insurance, then it probably isn’t worth getting.
 

By Aaron Crowe
Anyone who has driven on a highway or most other roads knows that speed limits are meant to be broken.
We’re not saying drivers should break the law on purpose, but since speed limits are supposed to be set at the 85th percentile of the flow of traffic, it’s easy to see that the speed limit on many roads is much lower than the 85th percentile.
Traffic often moves much faster than the law calls for. Depending on your point of view, that’s either dangerous, or could be viewed as safer because everyone is driving similar speeds. Whatever your take, chances are that a police officer won’t agree with the argument of driving with the flow of traffic if it’s above the speed limit.
But there are ways to avoid getting a speeding ticket, and thanks to new technology and smartphone apps, there are some high-tech ways to help drivers not get caught speeding. Here are a few:

Automatic braking near roadside cameras
This technology is starting in only Australia and South Korea, so don’t get your hopes up yet in America. The 2015 Hyundai Genesis has an automatic braking system that uses cameras and radar sensors to alert the driver to dangers ahead, such as a stopped car near a turn that’s hard to see in a storm, and automatically brakes if the driver doesn’t react.
Its GPS is preloaded with the locations of roadside cameras that track speeding cars and send out tickets. The car alerts the driver that he’s about to speed past a camera, and, if necessary, automatically brakes so that he isn’t driving over the speed limit.

Radar detectors
These have been around since your dad was young as a way to know if police are nearby so you can slow down in time. They’ve improved to use GPS technology that automatically learns by the exact location and frequency of each radar signal.
The Passport 9500ix, made by a company called Escort, is the top of the line in radar detectors, says Kristofer Kirchen, president of First Florida Insurance Network of Central Florida. While Kirchen doesn’t make a practice of speeding, as an insurance agent he likes to play it safe in case he should creep up over the speed limit.
The Passport 9500ix uses a database subscription to mark typical speedtrap areas, red light cameras and speed cameras. Kirchen says his automatically increases range with speed, locks out false alerts, and can show the number and band of radar signals detected. The device costs $450 and the database subscription is $20 for one year.

Roadside camera spotters
Like the radar detector above that has a database of speed cameras that can send speeding tickets, there are other GPS makers that sell subscription services of updated lists of roadside camera locations.
TomTom has such a service, as does Garmin. For $10 a month or $30 a year, the Phantom Alert smartphone app shows red light cameras, speed cameras and live traffic along your route, along with an audible alert so you’ll have time to slow down. It even claims to alert drivers to DUI checkpoints.
“If you hate traffic tickets, then this is a service for you,” the Phantom Alert website says.

Share information with other drivers
This free, real-time Waze app helps drivers select the best rout with other drivers who share traffic and road information. Waze also marks police locations that might not be exact, but still gives an idea of a hot spot coming up.

AutoGuard app
This app turns your phone into a dash cam, and has video and GPS tracking, and includes maps and speed limits. For about $3, it can record video as you drive, which can be used as proof of what happened if you’re pulled over and have to go to court.

8 Things Car Salespeople Don’t Want You to Know

By Aaron Crowe
Researching new car prices online is easy when you want to buy a car. The hard part is negotiating the best deal.
There are some tricks of the trade that car salespeople know work better than others. We rounded up some of those tips from salespeople and people who buy a lot of cars, and offer eight car buying tips that could help you get a better deal than you expected:

1. Don’t buy based on the monthly payment. This is the most common “trick” dealers use to try to get a higher selling price based on the monthly payment rather than the vehicle’s sale price, says Rob Drury, executive director of the Association of Christian Financial Advisors.
“First, the payment is the primary budgetary concern for most buyers, so it is normally easy to shift the buyer’s focus to it,” Drury says. “Raising the monthly payment by only $20 typically raises the purchase price by about $1,000.”
Also, inflating the assumed interest rate in calculating the payments at the beginning of the negotiation allows “wiggle room” to either maximize the purchase price or sell warranties or accessories, he says. “If financing, budget for and select a vehicle based upon monthly payment, but always be conscious of the selling price prior to sealing the deal,” Drury says.

2. Make the lowest offer you can without being told to leave. If you’re a good negotiator, a car dealership is a great place to test your skills in making a lowball offer, even if it’s offensive.
“You want the salesman annoyed or offended by the offer, but still willing to negotiate,” says Alex Gierczyk, a part owner of a dealership in Houston, Texas, in the early 2000s until he sold to his partner.
“This was the most effective tactic bar none,” Gierczyk says. “It leverages the fact that we want to sell the car, even at a small margin because there’s no disadvantage to increased inventory turnover.”

3. Come back at the end of the month. The end of the month is good time to negotiate because managers have quotas to hit each month — and they may get a bonus for hitting their quota — so if you’re the customer that puts them over the top you could get a better deal, says Mike Rabkin, president of From Car to Finish, a service that negotiates new vehicle prices for buyers.

4. Deal with managers. Getting into the big, glassed-in office may be difficult to do, but dealing with managers is a good way to negotiate a better deal because they’re the ones who can decide price on the spot, Rabkin says. They’re not paid on commission, so have less incentive to work you for a higher price. Managers include the sales manager, fleet manager, general sales manager and Internet manager.

5. Give the dealer one chance to beat the best price. This goes back to Gierczyk’s tactic of making the lowest offer you can. Get at least three or four quotes from different dealers not only so you get a feel for what a good price is, but also to make the dealers “put their best foot forward since they only get one chance at your business,” Rabkin suggests.

6. Know the dealer’s profit margin. Another tactic to getting quotes in the form of price is to get them as a profit margin, Rabkin says. For example, ask dealers for a quote of $500 over invoice, or $4,000 under MSRP, for a specific make, model and style, regardless of color and options. You can then use it to set a price for whatever vehicle is available that starts with that description, he says.

7. Some car options don’t have to be bought as a package. Dealers make a good amount of profit by selling car upgrades. Instead of buying a $2,000 navigation package with a bunch of stuff you don’t want when you only want the backup camera, you can often get the backup camera installed via a third party vendor — and still through the dealer — at a much lower cost, says LeeAnn Shattuck, who helps women negotiate car prices. Shattuck says she recently did this for a client on a new Nissan Juke.
She also often has the dealer “add leather” to the base model car for a client who wants leather seats but doesn’t want to pay $4,000 for the “limited” or top-level model of the car with a bunch of other upgrades. Leather for the front and back seats, and door panels, can typically be added through a third party vendor for around $1,000, Shattuck says. The leather is of equal or better quality than the factory leather, and typically comes with a good warranty, she says.
8. Don’t buy the same day you test drive a car. Salespeople know you’ll be excited after a test drive and that you’ll quickly want to take home a shiny, new and fun car. That’s why they want you to come back inside the dealership and “talk numbers” immediately after the joy ride, Shattuck says. They’re counting on the impulse buy and that you won’t be prepared. Don’t fall for it, and walk away after the test drive, she recommends. Buying a car is a process, not an event, Shattuck says.
 
Aaron Crowe is a journalist who covers the auto industry for CheapCarInsurance.net.

Acura

Although Acura is the luxury vehicle marque of Honda, it still sits on the less expensive side when it comes to car insurance.

The Acura brand was launched in the United States in 1986 and it quickly inspired other Japanese automakers to create their own luxury lines, such as Toyota’s Lexus and Nissan’s Infiniti. Acura also would later design an affordable alternative to European sports cars.

In 2011, Acura and Marvel Entertainment announced a promotional campaign where Acura became the official brand of the fictional organization S.H.I.E.L.D. Since then, Acura vehicles have appeared in several Marvel superhero films.

The Hollywood connection is good publicity for the automaker, as are the five-star safety ratings Acura’s domestic line has earned during the last 20 years.

Since 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded more than nine Acura models with four or more stars, earning them an overall rating of five stars. Ratings are based on four categories: overall, frontal crash, side crash and rollover.

 

Acura models have been known to have superior handling and braking capabilities, even when compared to its cousin Honda. Acura also has been at the forefront of technology — implementing backup cameras, keyless starts and blind spot information systems.

Unlike their European counterparts, Acura vehicles are known to be less expensive to fix after a crash. This, along with its durability, can make Acura a cheaper vehicle to insure than others.

Acura AVERAGE MONTHLY INSURANCE RATES

NATIONAL AVERAGE :$131

• $143A
• $122B
• $141C
• $112D
• $150E
• $106F
• $161G
• $135H
• $172I
• $117J
• $224K
• $122 –L
• $103M
• $103N
• $95O
• $87P
• $118Q
• $157R
• $204S
• $78T
• $134U
• $141V
• $221W
• $126X
• $116Y
• $149Z
• $166a
• $127b
• $126c
• – $100d
• – $135e
• $121f
• $118g
• $89h
• $123i
• $95j
• $178k
• $114l
• $147m
• $142n
• $104o
• $130p
• $131q
• $126r
• $131s
• $107t
• $105 – u
• $101v
• $159w
• $105x
• $127y

• $0 -$60
• $61-$120
• $121-$180
• $181-$240
• $241-$300

Average Monthly Premium Compared to All Other Vehicles

$94
Ford Edge SE
4 Door 2WD Utility

$280
Mercedes CL600
2 Door Coupe

Summary

These are actual average rates for all 50 states. The state with the cheapest average rates for this vehicle is Maine at $78, and the state with the most expensive rates is Georgia at $224. The overall average is $131.

Shop on our site to see how much you can save on your Acura car insurance rates.

This data is compiled from public insurance state fillings and includes the top 5 carriers, and samples a typical, middle-aged male driver.

Source: Quadrant

Acura (MDX)

Average Premium CostThis is a combined average of all the Acura MDX ‘s sub-models and trims

MDX$115

5 Door 4WD Utility$113

5 Door 4WD Utility Advance$116

5 Door 4WD Utility Tech$115

Acura (TSX)

Average Premium CostThis is a combined average of all the Acura TSX ‘s sub-models and trims

TSX$137

TSX Sport Wagon$134

TSX Sport Wagon Tech$135

TSX Tech$139

Acura (ZDX)

Average Premium CostThis is a combined average of all the Acura ZDX ‘s sub-models and trims

ZDX$129

Acura (RDX)

Average Premium CostThis is a combined average of all the Acura RDX ‘s sub-models and trims

RDX$116

4 Door 2WD Utility$111

4 Door AWD Utility$121

RDX Tech$117

4 Door 2WD Utility$118

4 Door 4WD Utility$115

Acura (TL)

Average Premium CostThis is a combined average of all the Acura TL ‘s sub-models and trims

TL$137

4 Door Sedan$136

4 Door Sedan AWD$137

TL Advance$142

TL SH$142

TL SH Advance$142

TL SH Tech$147

TL Tech$142

The Truth About Cheap No-Deposit Car insurance

There’s just no getting around it: Before your auto insurance coverage can actually kick in, you’re probably going to have to pay at least some of your premium up front. Whether you’re paying your yearly premium in one lump sum or in monthly installments, your insurer is definitely going to ask for something, albeit a token payment, before activating your policy. It’s simply how the insurer can make sure you are serious about the insurance policy you’ve undertaken with them.
So, if you’ve heard of companies offering very cheap car insurance with no deposit, you may be wondering how that’s possible in light of the above said statement.
It might sound like an intriguing idea, especially if you’re someone who’s monthly cash flow might not leave much wiggle room. And if you’re intent on finding cheap car insurance no deposit required there are some important things you need to know about what it actually is, where to find it, and the pros and cons of getting it. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

What Does “No Deposit” Mean When It Comes to Car Insurance?

You may be wondering: Can I really get car insurance with no deposit? Well, sort of. It depends how you look at it. But before you get disheartened read on, because there are options to explore.
The cold, hard truth is that there’s no such thing as car insurance with “no deposit” up front, so the phrase is a bit misleading. It just isn’t a buy now, pay later kind of set up.
First, it helps to understand that what some insurers refer to as a “deposit” or “down payment” is really just up-front money you put toward your annual premium. It’s not a fee that you would get back, or have to pay extra for if the terms of the policy were broken.
A “no deposit” or “no down payment” option simply means that the only thing you have to pay up front is the first month’s premium, as opposed to a larger percentage of the annual premium. So it would be more accurate to call it car insurance with “no big deposit”, “no big deal”, right?
All of this means that if you’re trying to avoid having to make a large up-front payment, it’s possible to find cheap car insurance with no deposit when you pay monthly.
But one way or another, you’re going to have to pay something up front.

Paying Your Car insurance Monthly or in One Lump Sum – What Are the Tradeoffs?

If you’re willing to pay a higher premium over the course of the year, then you can save some money up front with “no-deposit”, or better still, “low-deposit” insurance.
Here’s how it works:
For people who pay their yearly premium in annual, semiannual, or quarterly installments, the insurer will require you to pay all, half or a quarter of your premium, respectively, up front. In exchange for paying this sum, your insurer will offer you a lower annual premium.
If you’ve chosen to make monthly payments, though, your insurer may ask you to make a “deposit” or “down payment” up front. This is just a percentage of the premium, such as the first two months of payments. The tradeoff here is that more frequent the installments you choose, the higher your annual premium will be. And if you opt for a lower or no down payment, your monthly payments will be a bit higher.
So you can still get cheap car insurance with no deposit. But the premium payments might not be as cheap as they would be if you paid more up front.
The upshot of all of this is that if you need coverage right away but don’t have enough money to cover a big down payment, a “no deposit” option could help ensure you don’t have to go the illegal, risky route of going without coverage.

How Can I Find Very Cheap Car Insurance with No Deposit Near Me?

If you’re looking for very cheap car insurance with no deposit in Texas, you’re going to come up empty. But if you’re just one state away in Oklahoma, you might be in luck.
Why? It’s because the availability of cheap car insurance without a deposit varies depending on where you live, and it’s only available in a handful of states.
Other states offering no-deposit options include:
• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• New York
• Washington

Are There Any Car Insurance Companies that Don’t Require a Deposit?

Even if you live in a state where you can find cheap car insurance with no deposit to pay, you’ll still need to find a company that offers it. Some due diligence can help you determine whether there are any car insurance companies that don’t need a deposit and will offer you a policy.
Few companies offer “no-deposit” insurance — meaning they would only require you to pay your first month’s premium — so you may have to do some digging to find one that makes this option available. Just make sure you’re working with a reputable insurer, as there are a lot of shady offers out there for “no deposit” insurance.

What Are the Best Ways to Save on My Car Insurance?

If your goal is to find very cheap car insurance with no deposit, full coverage tends to be the most expensive option.
Full coverage car insurance refers to any combination of policies beyond basic liability. It generally includes comprehensive, collision and liability coverage, but it can encompass other coverage types as well. Remember: The more coverage you buy, the more you’ll pay.
If you’re willing to go with the state-required bare minimum for liability coverage, that would be your best bet to get your car insurance policy deposit free. The tradeoff is that you’ll also have the least amount of coverage possible. So consider which scenario works best for your situation.
If you want the best of both worlds, invest a little time into shopping around and researching what is the cheapest full coverage car insurance with no deposit in your area.
And as always, a clean driving record and good credit history goes a long way toward helping you find cheaper car insurance — ideally with no deposit to pay up front.
There are also a number of car insurance discounts available if you are willing to shop around and do some research into which may apply to you and your family.

So car insurance is a given, right? Well, ideally it should be in everyone’s mind, but have you ever wondered how it works behind the policy jargon and witty advertising campaigns? We’ve put together this basic guide so you get the refresher you need before putting your hard earned money on the table, of course after you find the cheapest car insurance rates out there.

Car Insurance 101: Understanding the Basics

Car insurance provides financial protection in the case of a car accident, vandalism, theft or other incidents. As long as you have an active policy, your insurance provider can pay for vehicle repairs and medical expenses when you are in an accident. It can also protect you financially if you are responsible for someone else’s injuries or damages.
Car insurance is required in 49 states, and driving without coverage could result in fines or even jail time. When you got your first car, you probably simultaneously purchased your first auto insurance policy. You may have done so without much thought. Perhaps you purchased the most affordable policy with the coverage your state required and are still wondering “how does car insurance work?” If so, take the time to learn a little more about how car insurance works, including how to file a claim, by reading below.

The Different Types of Car Insurance Out There

Understanding how car insurance works begins with understanding the different types of coverage and which ones your policy has. The different types of coverage protect you in different situations. A few of the most common types of coverage are liability, comprehensive, uninsured driver, and collision. Below is a breakdown of each type.
Liability Coverage
All car insurance policies have liability coverage. This is coverage that pays the costs of injuries or damage to someone else or another vehicle in an accident where you are at fault. Most states require this by law.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage is optional coverage that will protect your car against damage caused while you aren’t driving it. This could include extreme weather, falling objects, and vandalism.
Collision Coverage
Collision insurance covers damage to your own car when it is involved in an accident, no matter who is at fault. It is optional coverage, but when combined with comprehensive coverage, helps makeup what is referred to as “full coverage car insurance”.
Uninsured, or Underinsured, Motorist Coverage
If you are in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance or their insurance doesn’t cover the extent of the damage, an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy will cover the costs of damage to your car. This is optional coverage.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
Personal injury protection pays for medical and rehabilitation expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault. It is required in a number of states.
Other Optional Coverage
Some of the most common options include GAP insurance, roadside assistance, and rental reimbursement.

What Does Car Insurance Not Cover?

Some things you won’t be able to use your auto insurance policy for include normal wear & tear, rideshare platforms, and other individuals who drive your car but are not listed on the policy. While shopping around, make sure to ask what additional coverage is available to cover the things your normal policy will not cover.

How Does Auto Insurance Work – Coverage vs. Deductible

When you buy a car insurance policy, you must first designate an amount you wish to be covered for. This is usually $100,000 but can be more or less depending on your needs. While deciding this amount, you will also need to decide on an amount for your deductible.
A deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying before the insurance company will pay for anything. Most insurance companies start you with a $500 deductible. You can request to raise your deductible to $1000 or even more to help lower your monthly premium. This could lower your auto insurance bill significantly but cost you more when you make a claim.

How Much Does Car Insurance Usually Cost?

When shopping for insurance, the insurance companies will ask about your daily life such as how you use the car, where you park it, and other aspects of driving to ascertain the risk you might pose to cover you and your vehicle. These things will all play a part in how much your premium will be. A few other factors that will be considered to determine your insurance cost include:

• Credit history
• Age, gender, and location
• Driving record
• Insurance history

The amount and type of coverage you choose will also help determine the premium you will pay on a month to month, six month, or yearly basis depending on the terms of your policy. For these reasons, it is hard to predict the costs of insurance because they are specific to each driver.

How to File a Car Insurance Claim with Your Insurance Company

To use your car insurance after an accident or damage to your vehicle, you will need to file a claim. Your insurance will cover damages for an accident where you are at-fault. If your car was damaged by another driver, their insurance will cover the costs of damages. When both parties are at fault, you’ll want to file a claim with both parties’ insurance providers. Things can get confusing when trying to actually use your insurance policy, and that is why it is important to understand how to file a claim when the time comes.
Immediately following the accident, there are a few items of information you should collect if possible, including:

• Photographs of any damage to vehicles and the scene of the accident
• Policy numbers for all involved parties
• Names of witnesses and the responding police officer
• License plate numbers and descriptions of the cars

Filing a claim usually begins with a call to the car insurance company, but sometimes you are able to file a claim online. After a car insurance representative collects the initial data about an auto accident, a claim number is assigned and a claim set up. This claim is a record of the actual auto accident that is linked to a specific auto policy. From here, the claim is assigned to a claims adjuster who will investigate the claim through a series of tasks.
Once an adjuster has completed their investigation, the car insurance company will make a payment either directly to you or the repair shop. Keep in mind, depending on your policy, you may have a deductible that you will be responsible to pay before any payments are made by the insurance provider.

How to Get Cheap Car Insurance that Checks Off All the Boxes

Before settling on one insurance company, shop around to ensure you are truly getting cheap car insurance. The best way to shop for auto insurance is to compare policy offerings and discounts from multiple companies, but it is important to make sure you are comparing the same coverage limits and deductibles. Getting quotes from several insurers can be time-consuming, to say the least. That’s why CCI is here to help you get multiple quotes in minutes, so you can easily find the best policy with the right amount of coverage.
Many of us know we have to have car insurance in order to get our license and tags. However, there are some that don’t fully understand what is car insurance or how it will actually protect them. If after reading this piece, you are still wondering how auto insurance works, feel free to reach out to one of our insurance experts. We will gladly answer any questions you have and help find the right insurance policy for you.

So your teen is ready to get behind the wheel, but you may not be ready for the shocker that’s in store when adding a young driver to your auto insurance policy. You may want to get a head start in your search for the cheapest car insurance for teens so you’re prepared for the cost, as well as have some savings tricks up your sleeve.
The main question you will want t the answer to is “How much will young driver insurance cost me?” The answer is insuring teen driver will set their parents back about $1,500 a year on average.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get the cheapest auto insurance for teens. If you shop around for the best rates and look for teen driver discounts, you should be able to get your teen on the road without breaking the bank, and we’re sure you’d like to have that money available for something else.

Why Teens Drive Up the Cost of Car Insurance

It’s pricy to add your teen to your policy because drivers in that age group are riskier to insure. In fact, teen drivers have three times as many accidents as drivers 20 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. These are statistics that both you and your insurer of choice will have to reckon with.
Here are some of the factors that are likely to lead to teen driver crashes. Most are preventable:

Driver Error

When you’re new to something, you are more likely to make mistakes. It’s as simple as that. Your teen must be aware of the responsibility they have to themselves, their family, and other drivers, because errors on the road can be costly and life-changing. Make sure the young driver of the house has a safe vehicle to drive and their head in the right place.

Speeding

Young drivers may not understand the consequences of their actions as well as adults do. This means something as simple as going a few miles an hour over the speed limit can have very different outcomes depending on your age. Some teenagers also get cars that are built to thrill, which may increase the risk of accident even more.

Teen Passengers

Distractions can also play a serious role in driving safely. When there are other teen passengers in the car, there can be conversations, selfies, dancing, you name it… we’ve heard it all. It is very exciting to gain the freedom of movement, but no car parties please. Many states have even imposed laws on the number of passengers a teen driver is allowed to carry.

Alcohol

For teen drivers getting their driver license is one of the first steps into the adult world. Unfortunately, the second is usually alcohol consumption. When the two mix, it can have potentially devastating consequences. Have the talk with your kids so they know what they are risking.

Nighttime Driving

The road is full of unexpected surprises. Due to lack of visibility, many of the worst accidents happen at night. Tell your teen to take it easy on the gas pedal and be extra careful at intersections and on the highway.
Fortunately, many states require graduated driver licensing programs for teens, which can help reduce the risk of crashes. Teen driving safety increases when teens get driving permits at age 16 or older, receive 70 or more hours of supervised driving instruction, and gradually get more driving privileges as they gain experience on the road.

Finding the Cheapest Car Insurance for Teens

As a parent, it pays to think not only about keeping your teen safe on the road but also about keeping your car insurance costs down. Here are six ways to get the cheapest car insurance for teens:
Shop around. When adding your teen to your policy, it’s smart to get quotes from multiple insurers even if you’ve been with the same company for years. One way to shop around is by getting online insurance quotes for teens. Or, an independent agent or broker can shop multiple insurers for you, says Keith Balsiger, president of Balsiger Insurance, an insurance agency with three locations in Nevada. Rates for teen drivers definitely vary by insurer, he says.
Tie car privileges to good grades. Many insurers offer good student discounts, usually for kids who have a solid A or B average on their report card. If your child makes straight As, you’re in luck. If not, it might pay off to encourage your teen to study harder before you hand over the car keys. A good student discount could shave 25 percent off the base rate for young drivers, Balsiger says.
Have your teen take a safe driving class. In addition to giving you a little more peace of mind, enrolling your child in a defensive driving class could lower your auto insurance costs. For example, Nationwide offers discounts for completion of defensive driver training. And Liberty Mutual offers discounts for parents of teens who complete online teen driving course called teenSMART, which cuts the risk of getting into a collision by 30 percent.
Don’t let your kid drive the expensive car. One way to save money on insurance is to have your kid drive a safe, sensible used car rather than handing over the keys to your shiny luxury sedan. However, insurers don’t want to be told the kid is driving the beat-up Corolla wagon when he’s mostly behind the wheel of the new Mercedes convertible. So, some insurers blend the rate across all vehicles in the household, while others assign the youthful driver to the most expensive vehicle the family owns, Balsiger says. “What you want to do is find a carrier that rates the teen driver on the vehicle they actually drive the most,” he says.
Consider a policy with accident forgiveness. It’s not uncommon for teens to have an accident, even if it’s just a run-in with the neighbor’s mailbox, while they’re getting comfortable behind the wheel. A collision can increase your rates by 30 percent, according to Nationwide. However, if you get a policy with accident forgiveness, the first accident will not hike your rates.
Make your kid sign a contract. Making sure your teen drives safely is important both for your peace of mind as a parent and your insurance rates. If your policy doesn’t have accident forgiveness and your teen has an accident, your rates will rise. And a violation like speeding or a DUI also may cause your rates to spike. Teach your teen about safe driving practices like not giving rides to groups of friends and putting the phone away while driving. Consider getting a safe driving commitment from your kid in writing. Liberty Mutual offers a teen driving contract you can print out for your teen to sign.
Look at what wider discounts are available as a family. We’ve  put together the ultimate set of tips to find cheap car insurance to help you along the way. Many insurers offer military discounts, and others that you will be able to apply to a multi-car family policy.
Following these tips to get the cheapest car insurance for teens should help you teach your teen the rules of the road without having to pay a fortune in car insurance costs.

No One in California Likes Going to the DMV

From coast to coast, Americans agree – having to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles is basically hell. While the general attitude and pace of DMV employees are well-known comedic stereotypes, nothing beats the wait times. Even with the advent of booking in advance and checking wait times online before you go, the agony of the DMV waiting room is a special kind of suffering.
Nowhere is that truer than in California. The Golden State is said to have some of the worst DMV wait times in the country, so we wanted to know just how bad the average DMV California (CA) wait time really is.We watched their online portals for three weeks, collecting data on DMV wait times from 134 different field offices to determine where in sunny California the dark cloud of the DMV looms largest. Read on to see what we discovered about DMV wait times.

Wait Times at California DMVs Top the List of Grievances

California is one of the largest U.S. states – only Alaska and Texas cover more area. It also happens to have the largest population of any state. Census data suggest that more than 39 million people currently live in beautiful, scenic California. That means, depending on where you live in the state, DMV traffic can be pretty severe.
Sacramento, California’s state capital, takes the prize for longest DMV wait times among California DMV locations – averaging more than 105 minutes. That might be worse than the wait at most Disneyland attractions and without the satisfaction of a much-enjoyed ride at the end.
Los Angeles-area DMV offices, such as downtown Los Angeles (almost 93 minutes), Hollywood (87 minutes) and Long Beach (86 minutes) were not much better than Sacramento. As the most populated city in all of California, the City of Angels has more than just notoriously bad traffic – it also has three of the top five worst DMV wait times in all of California. Some have suggested that these wait times may be due in part to a new law enacted in California last year that allows state residents the opportunity to apply for licenses legally without having to prove U.S. citizenship.
However, DMV wait times weren’t all doom and gloom in California. Areas like Red Bluff and Napa had fewer than 10-minute wait times. While these may be some of the less populated areas of the state, their wait times are nothing to whine about compared to most California DMV locations. 

The Best (and Worst) California DMVs

Use our interactive guide to see just where in California the wait times are the longest. We measured the average wait time for patrons waiting without an appointment. Because the DMV California (CA) wait time usually passes well into an hour (or more) in some places, we highly recommend booking online whenever possible – or at least bringing a nice book to read.
 

Avoid Mondays and Fridays at Your Local CA DMV

The DMV may be a Monday through Friday operation, but not all weekdays are created equal. We looked at each day of the week to see what is the best day to go to the DMV – when you might be able to get right in and out, and when you should probably plan to stay awhile.
With limited-to-no services offered Saturday or Sunday, the busiest days for California DMVs were on Mondays and Fridays.
If you have the time and willpower, getting to the DMV between 8 and 9 a.m. may be your best bet. Wait times were shortest every day during the early morning. However, if you can’t make the morning hours work, you might want to try right around 5 p.m. Further, wait times around 6 p.m. were the worst, averaging just about – or more than – an hour every day.
Midweek days, such as Wednesday and Thursday, offered the best DMV waiting times for a relatively expeditious turnaround. However, depending on the time of day, you might still find yourself waiting 30 minutes or longer without an appointment.

List of Average DMV Wait Times by City

Los Angeles may be home to the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, but that doesn’t do much to relieve the pressures those living there feel at the DMV. With more than 20 different DMV California field offices to pick from, some had much worse wait times than others. The downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood and Long Beach DMV California field offices averaged between 86 and almost 93 minutes when waiting without an appointment. The good news? You could knock that wait time down to 5 to 15 minutes if you book in advance through online registration.
Booking an appointment before heading to the DMV could save you a lot of time. At some LA field offices, such as Van Nuys and Fullerton, booking ahead could save you 50 minutes or more. In the Hollywood Department of Motor Vehicles office, the difference was staggering – more thanan 87-minute wait without an appointment and fewer than 5 minutes with an appointment. You don’t need to be a celebrity to get VIP treatment in this part of Hollywood – you just need to plan and have some technical savvy.

Downtown LA Has Some of the Longest Wait Times

Los Angeles might have its ups and downs with DMV wait times, but downtown LA is pretty cut and dry. Without an appointment, those visiting can expect to wait roughly anywhere between 90 to 110 minutes to be seen. Based on the wait times that we examined, Friday was the worst day to visit.

Shorten Your Wait in Line by Choosing the Right Time of Day

Rush-hour traffic in LA can be just as miserable. It’s possible certain peaks might relate to carefully considered lunch hour errands in favor of postwork traffic delays. The time between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. had the longest wait – averaging more than 100 minutes every day of the week.

Bay Area DMVs Aren’t Much Better

The Bay Area might be one of the best cities in the country for public transportation, but San Francisco and the surrounding areas still utilize the DMV quite frequently. Outside the main city, DMV wait times at Walnut Creek, the Oakland Coliseum and Concord were the worst – they averaged between 62 and 78 minutes for a customer without an appointment. Not even the splendid Bay view can help temper the frustration of waiting for your number to be called at these offices.
However, in San Francisco, Corte Madera and Novato, wait times were significantly shorter. They averaged between 14 and 20 minutes (you might not even be able to scroll through your entire Instagram feed before making it up to the counter). These quick turnarounds may be due to the decreasing number of young people who are driving in the city.

Parts of San Diego County are No Walk in the Park Either

San Diego is the eighth largest U.S. city based on population and second most populated city in California (second only to LA).
In Poway, located in San Diego County, wait times for the DMV climb by more than 86 minutes. San Marcos Rancheros, San Ysidro and El Cajon are among those that also averaged more than an hour wait without an appointment at their Department of Motor Vehicles.
The best wait time averages were in the San Diego office, but unfortunately, it’s still more than 57 minutes. Thankfully, there are more than just beautiful views to keep you occupied in America’s Finest City while you’re waiting.

Best Ways to Pass the Time in Line at the DMV

The DMV isn’t exactly known as one of the most rewarding human experiences – but at some point or another, most of us will find ourselves there. In California, the wait times can be especially horrendous. In places like Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego, there isn’t much you can do to escape the insufferable service wait times (besides, of course, booking online before you go).
Here are a couple of ideas to pass the time if you happen to find yourself waiting an eternity for the DMV to call your number.
You can also take the opportunity to check CheapCarInsurance.net and make sure you aren’t overpaying for car insurance. Like waiting at the DMV, car insurance is a part of life on the road, but it doesn’t have to be painful. Visit us online today to compare car insurance premiums in your area and make sure you’re getting the best deal and service available. Your free, customized quote only takes minutes to prepare and can save you thousands of dollars a year over overpriced providers. That’s worth a few of those extra minutes — and we’re never closed.

Methodology

We scraped www.dmv.ca.gov for three weeks, collecting data from 134 California DMV field offices that report their wait times online. We collected the online times once per hour five days a week. We then created our DMV wait times averages by day and time. For the U.S. map, we pulled data from a study by dmv.com.

Sources

https://www.dmv.ca.gov
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-zootopia-production-20160304-story.html
http://lifehacker.com/5974078/how-to-get-through-the-dmv-with-your-sanity-intact
http://www.dailynews.com/general-news/20150331/how-bad-is-traffic-in-los-angeles-new-report-says-its-the-worst
http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=bkmk
http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2015/01/30/california-dmv-wait-times-on-the-rise-as-immigrants-apply-for-drivers-licenses/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/even-google-is-waiting-on-the-dmv_us_5649f15ee4b08cda3489971c
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/5aa16cd3-39a5-402f-9453-0d353706cc9a/official.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
http://la.curbed.com/2014/3/5/10136008/the-absolute-worst-times-to-drive-on-every-freeway-in-la
https://smartasset.com/mortgage/best-cities-for-public-transportation
http://sfappeal.com/2013/10/sfs-car-contradiction-while-more-people-choose-not-to-drive-number-of-cars-registered-in-sf-continues-to-rise/
http://www.ranker.com/list/most-beautiful-cities-in-the-us/ranker-travel
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/San-Diego-Most-Attractive-City-Travel-Leisure-283206391.html
http://thegarage.jalopnik.com/here-are-the-some-of-the-most-bizarre-dmv-horror-storie-1711970247
http://thoughtcatalog.com/johanna-mort/2015/09/19-foolproof-ways-to-pass-the-time-at-the-dmv/

Fair Use Statement

If you find yourself waiting in any of these DMV offices and feel like sharing our findings or images, please just remember to link back to this page so that our contributors get credit. You’ll probably have more than enough time.

We spend so much time in our cars that it’s no wonder that everyone on the Internet has tried their best to make riding in them easier and more comfortable.
Cars are essential to daily living, allowing young professionals to commute to work each day and entire families to jump from one activity to the next. Cars are the ultimate status symbol, too, and owners are proud to showcase their great paint jobs and shiny surfaces to show how much care and pride they’ve put into their ride.

People who own vehicles can be inventive at finding ways to improve the ride, whether it’s for maintenance and cleaning, storage, emergency fixes, or driving efficiency. We’ve compiled this ultimate car hack list to cover everything that entails driving, riding in, and owning a car so that you don’t need to look anywhere else. You’re welcome!

Cleaning and Storage

1. Clean your headlights with toothpaste. Rub ¼ teaspoon of paste onto a headlight and buff with a piece of cloth until the sticky residue is gone. Your headlights will stay clear even after it rains!

 
2. Store car essentials easily by hanging a shoe organizer onto the back of the front seats. All those pockets give tons of storage options, and everything can be accessed easily. Try a shoe organizer with clear pockets so you can identify what’s in it right away and grab what you need.

 
3. What keeps your hair shiny can do the same for your car. Use hair conditioner give your car a new look without having to spend hours waxing and buffing it. After a gentle wash using water mixed with a tiny amount of dish soap, run a microfiber cloth soaked in diluted hair conditioner over the entire car before hosing it down. Get the exact formula here.

 
4. Declutter your windshield by stripping off old registration stickers without leaving a mess. The trick is to wet the sticker enough to weaken the adhesive. Soak a piece of cloth with warm water and hold it under and against the sticker for a few minutes. Peel the sticker away carefully and then give your windshield a once over with glass cleaner to erase the sticky spots.
You can also pour some water onto a piece of cling wrap and stick it onto the registration sticker to get the same effect.

5. They sound like great ideas, but using a vacuum and tape roller just won’t cut it when trying to remove pet hair from upholstery. Simply take a rubber glove and run it all over the affected area until the fibers turn into clumps that you can easily pick up.

6. No need for expensive bug solutions that don’t work well. Gently remove dead bugs from the front of your car using just water and dryer sheets. Place a dryer sheet in a spray bottle with some water and spray onto the bug mess. After a few minutes, the bug residue will easily come away when you rub it off with another dryer sheet.

7. Say goodbye to trash in your car by chucking it into a plastic cereal box that you can keep by your feet. The lid keeps odors from spreading throughout the vehicle, and lining the box with a plastic bag makes for easy cleaning.

8. Traveling with kids can be a pain when they start bickering with each other in the backseat. Use a shower caddy as a distracting seat divider by storing things they can use for fun activities during the drive, such as toys, books and crayons. The caddy can be a cinch to remove when grownups need to ride in the back.

 
9. Get rid of unsightly scuffs on your car by rubbing some toothpaste on them. Toothpaste not only cleans your teeth but it can also keep your car surface spotless.

 
10. Keep your pets safe and comfortable during travel by placing a car seat hammock in the back. A car seat hammock looks like a big blanket that can be hooked onto the headrests of your car. Using it prevents your furry friend from falling onto the floor whenever you hit the brakes. Learn how to make one here.

 
11. An empty gum container can hold your loose change better than your coin tray, which can be used for something else when needed.

 
12. If you run out of windshield washer fluid (yep, that’s the stuff that squirts onto your windshield to clean it), make your own! You can make it with diluted glass cleaner, a mix of dish soap and ammonia, or vinegar or water (only in cold weather—vinegar can stink in warm weather!). Get the formulations here.

13. Cup holders are super useful, but the worst thing about them is having to fish the gunk that you find at the bottom: crumbs, sticky spills, etc. Keep your cup holders clean by putting in silicone cupcake liners that you can easily take out to wash.

14. Use a can of compressed air to blast dirt out of your air conditioning vents. If the air seems a little musty after doing this, you can place a cotton ball with a few drops of essential oils between the vents when the air conditioning is turned on.

15. Reach the small crevices of air vents and other parts of your dashboard by using cotton balls, swabs or sponges to clean them.

 
16. Easily clean the interior of your car with wipes. Save up on auto detailing wipes by making your own using thick paper towels and a nifty cleaning solution that you can find here.

17. Whether it’s food, dirt under their shoes, or art supplies, a mess can be made by children on the floor of your car during travel. Place a rag mat on the floors so you can easily take them out to clean them at the end of the trip.

18. Commercial cleaners for the car can be expensive, toxic and hard to use. Get stubborn stains out of upholstery or carpets with a DIY cleaner made of hydrogen peroxide and essential oils. Find out how to make the cleaner and take the stain out here.

19. Your SUV has a lot of space in the back that can further be optimized to carry more things. Double that space using this DIY shelf that provides two levels of storage. Meanwhile say goodbye to squished groceries.

20. Utilize the space between car seats and store knick-knacks or important objects with a remote control caddy. Every seat can help carry multiple objects.

 
21. Hooking a carabiner somewhere in the backseat has many uses. You can hang coats and dry cleaning so that the hangers aren’t sticking out awkwardly. Hang grocery bags as well to prevent them from rolling around on your backseat and possibly falling onto the floor.

22. That tray underneath your car stereo can do with some hacking. Use small trays to organize odds and ends such as coins, sunglasses and audio jacks.

23. For extra storage inside the car, attach a bungee net to the roof handles. This allows you to make use of the extra overhead space.

 
24. These days, it’s important to place your phone or GPS device where you can see it to navigate properly. Use binder clips to make a very flexible phone or GPS mount. Instructions can be found here.

 
25. Or, if you don’t feel like doing too much assembly, you can thread a rubber band through the air vents to hold your phone in place.

26. Keep all your car fluids where you can easily access them. Use a shower caddy to organize fluids in your trunk.

27. Your windshield can accumulate some tough messes such as dead insects, paint splashes and sap. Carefully scrape your windshield with a razorblade to get the worst of it off. The windshield can then be buffed with glass cleaner to remove the rest.

 
28. Those backseat activities during a long road trip can tend to get messy, especially when children are using art materials. Use an iron and paper bag to get crayon stains out of your upholstery.
 

29. Keep a newly cleaned car smelling fresh using a DIY air freshener made of baking soda and essential oils.

30. Streaky windshield wipers are annoying and can further obscure a driver’s vision. Clean your windshield wipers with alcohol for a smooth wipe.

 
31. A little extra TLC goes a long way with car leather, allowing you to have gleaming surfaces in your car that look classy. Clean your car leather with a mixture made of olive and essential oil plus water.

 
32. After washing your tires, you can make your hubcaps gleam by cleaning them with baking soda. Simply add half a cup of baking soda and one tablespoon of dish soap to two cups of water and rub the mixture onto your tires and hubcaps.

 
 

Emergency Fixes

1. Minor dents in your car can be removed using a plunger. Just pour some hot, soapy water onto the car surface to give the plunger proper suction, place the plunger in the middle of the dent, and pump a few times until the dent pops out.

2. Some older cars don’t have a cupholder, making on-the-go beverages a luxury you can’t have. Use a tape roll to serve as a makeshift cupholder.

3. Corrosion at your battery terminals can cause problems for you on the road. Use soda to remove corrosion during an emergency situation by pouring some directly on the battery’s problematic spots.

4. If the fan belt breaks, replace it with pantyhose so you can bring your car into the shop.

5. Keep a small crack on your windshield from spreading with clear nail polish. Dab an appropriate amount on the crack to lengthen the life of your windshield.

6. If you find yourself locked out of your car, there’s a simple method to use that won’t scratch it up. Unlock a car with shoelace by making a slipknot and inserting the lace through the door. You can use the knot to “grab” the lock, tighten it, and pull the lace up to unlock the door.

7. Scratches on your paint job are unsightly, and there are times when it would be difficult to bring your vehicle to the shop. Make a quick, temporary fix by applying nail polish closest to your car’s color on the offending marks.

 

Winter-proof for the Holidays

1. Mother Nature can help defrost your car during winter. Try parking your car facing east so that when daylight comes the sun will help melt the ice that has formed on it.

2. Your car door locks can freeze overnight, and it would be a bad idea to force your key in because it might snap off in the cold. Unfreeze your lock with hand sanitizer by applying it directly to the lock. It always pays to keep a bottle in your car, especially since it also serves as a disinfectant.
 

3. With colder temperatures outside of your car, your body warmth and breath can quickly fog up your windshield and windows, making for dangerous driving conditions. Applying shaving cream to windows and wiping it off will defog them better than anything else.

 
4. Windows can also frost up inside your car because of higher moisture levels. Make sure to remove any liquids like bottled water before you leave your car overnight. Place some cat litter in a sock and leave it in the car overnight to prevent frost.

5. Cat litter can also be used to help get you out of a slippery situation. When your car can’t move because of the ice, put cat litter under your tires to get traction. Another pro tip is to always keep a huge bag of cat litter in your car so that the added weight can push down on your rear tires and improve traction as well.

6. Your tires will need to be in tip-top shape (read: enough threading) for you to be able to drive on ice and snow. Check tire threads with the penny test for safe driving. Find out how here.

7. If you find your windshield and windows iced over after a night in the outdoors, melt the frost with a mixture of vinegar and water. Get the proper proportions here.

8. Did you forget your ice scraper at home on the first snow day of winter? Use any plastic card as an emergency ice scraper.

9. When the cold weather comes, your car becomes a warm and inviting place for small animals. Mouse-proof your vehicle by putting dryer sheets under the hood.

10. Use old socks to cover windshield wipers during a night outdoors so that they don’t freeze to your windshield. It would help to raise them first as well.

11. Prevent car doors from freezing shut by spraying a layer of cooking oil on the rubber lining and wiping it down with a piece of cloth.

12. Protect your side mirrors from the icy elements and prevent them from freezing by placing plastic bags over them. Gallon-sized Ziplocs work well for this.

13. Store some flattened cardboard boxes in your trunk to use for traction in the snow. Place them under your tires as you drive away.

 

More Cool Tips

1. In a large parking lot, you can unlock your car sooner by increasing the range of your key fob. Holding your key fob up to your chin basically makes use of the fluids in your body to act as an antenna extension.

2. Remember where you parked with the simplest tool ever: your smartphone’s camera. Take a photo of the section of the parking lot, noting the letter and number painted on the nearest column to where you parked.

 
3. Save fuel by switching off the engine after more than 10 seconds of being motionless—this is better than staying idle. Avoid stop-start driving to further save on fuel.

4. Always make sure that your tires are inflated to the maximum so that the drive becomes smoother, which will allow you to save gas. It would be great to check tire pressure every other time you gas your car up.

5. Sometimes, human error can strike even in the comfort of your own garage, resulting in you driving into the wall. This nifty device that employs a tennis ball to help you gauge when your car is the right distance from the wall. Here is how to make it.

 
6. Driving a car that isn’t yours? Here’s how to tell on which side to gas up: the fuel gauge usually has an arrow indicating where your gas tank’s cap is situated.

7. Protect your car doors from hitting the garage walls with plastic noodles. Cut one plastic noodle in half and place each half on either side of your car, around the height where the car door is most likely to hit the wall.

8. Use reflective paint on the inside of your car door (where the lock mechanism is) so that it can easily be seen by people or cars passing by when it’s open. Here is how to apply the paint. Alternatively, you can also use reflective tape.

9. Make your car documents more easily accessible by keeping them in an organizer in the glove compartment. This way, it’s easy to find them when they need to be taken out.

10. You can make a cool tissue dispenser that fits into your cup holder by placing tissues in a recycled coffee cup. This cup gets your tissues off the floor and allows you to recycle all the extra napkins you get with take-out. Find the tutorial here.

 
11. Here’s a really easy way to cool down a hot car: Open one window in front; go to the opposite door and flap it open and closed five times in succession. This action will cause a one-way air flow that will significantly lower the temperature of your car.

12. Make a DIY diffuser for your car by gluing felted balls onto a clothespin and dropping essential oils on them. Clip the clothespin onto your air vent and the musty smell will be banished from the vehicle.

13. Turn your steering wheel 180 degrees when parking on a hot day to lessen the heat on the top. When you return to the car, the part of the steering wheel you usually hold will be cooler to the touch.

14. Make iced water for your road trip by turning a half-filled Nalgene bottle on its side in the freezer. Upon taking it out, you can pour water in and have cold water in the car for hours.

15. A shower caddy can also be used for no-mess drive-thru eating, especially when kids are involved.

16. Make an iPad holder for your car’s head rest—you can show your children’s favorite movies to keep the entertained during an especially long trip. Here’s how to make one on your own.

17. Use tea infusers and natural herbs to make a DIY car freshener. Combinations of rosemary leaves, cinnamon sticks, lavender, and other plants make for a cheap way to leave your car smelling great.

18. This DIY seatbelt pillow is convenient and comfortable. It even has a pocket for your smartphone or media player. Here’s how to make it.

The war between the sexes has been raging since the dawn of time, and driving prowess is definitely among the most hotly contested of them all. For whatever reason, men love to claim that they are superior to women when it comes to driving.
Unfortunately for them, many reputable studies show that women have many inherent traits that make them safer and more conscientious drivers. Whoever said good road manners make excellent drivers, though? Just because women look like superior drivers on paper doesn’t mean that they actually are…right?

While many credible studies show that women don’t tend to drink and drive as often as men, or that their maternal instincts make them more careful drivers, these are certainly not the end of the story when it comes to the driving acumen of man versus woman. Like most other things, there is plenty of evidence out there that refutes the claim that women are better drivers than men. In fact, the prevailing sentiment continues to persist that men best women when it comes to matters of the road.

If men are going to boast about their driving skills to women on the open road, they might as well have some ammunition to back it up, and most of these points are backed up by reputable studies:

1: Men are involved in fewer crashes
Most people automatically assume that male drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents. After all, guys tend to be a lot more aggressive behind the wheel. There are plenty of studies that show that men are more dangerous drivers, but a study by Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine and Public Health flies in their faces.
The study, which was conducted all the way back in 1998, examined the total number of crashes — non-fatal and fatal alike — and tallied them up by sex. The results were quite interesting, to say the least.
The study showed that men have, on average, 5.1 crashes for every one million miles that they drive. Women, on the other hand, have 5.7 crashes for the same number of miles driven. These results are even more telling when you consider the fact that men drive 74 percent more miles than women do.

MORE: 13 Reasons Why Women Are Better Drivers Than Men
The researchers involved in the study did say that younger male drivers tend to skew things considerably, too. Under age 20, male drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes. Between ages 20 and 35, women and men are equally likely to be involved in crashed. Over age 35, women are more likely to be involved in crashes.

2. Men are less distracted by cell phones
We’re all familiar with the cliché of the female tethered to the phone, providing an intricate account of the days events to anyone who will listen. This is one cliché that appears to have been substantiated. According to a recent Nielsen survey*, women talk on the phone 22 percent more than men each month; a total of 14 hours and 16 minutes — presumably many of those hours logged while navigating a multi-ton automobile through the city streets.
According to the National Highway Safety Administration, 6,000 car crashes a year involve an inattentive driver. The number one culprit is, you guessed it… cellphone usage.

3. Sleep deprivation and PMS
Most of us have likely incurred the wrath of an important female in our lives during “that time of the month”. The wrath just might be warranted though — sleep deprivation is a common symptom of PMS.
A study conducted by the Human Sleep Research Program* found that women with PMS tend to report more sleep-related complaints, including wakefulness, insomnia and fatigue. Sleep deprivation and driving is a potent mix– data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that over 40,000 crashes per year in the United States occur due to driver drowsiness and fatigue.

4. Both sexes agree that men are better drivers
While studies can be flawed, gut instinct is hard to argue. Plenty of polls have been conducted that gauge the road prowess of the sexes. A recent one* conducted by Harris-Decima, a Canada-based pollster, showed that 36 percent of respondents claimed that men were better drivers — compared to just 29 percent who made the same claim about women.
Interestingly enough, 48 percent of male respondents said that men were better drivers, while only 25 percent of women thought that their skills trumped those of men on the road.
Some would say sexism is to blame, and perhaps men are just over confident in their abilities*, but it looks like plenty of women will willingly agree that men are superior drivers.

5. Vast majority of winning race car drivers are men
In the world of auto racing, the vast majority of participants are guys, and in terms of winning, too. Driving techniques are a hot topic among men, who will sit and debate the merits of driving in the fast lane versus the slow lane for hours and hours; most women’s eyes will glaze over during such a conversation.

6. Car-related female fatalities on the rise
While many are ready to point to studies that show that female drivers, few people have noticed some of the key studies showing that men are indeed better drivers in some regards.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study showed that traffic fatalities among women have increased within the last 25 years, while the number of male deaths during that same time period have decreased.

7. Men pass the driving test faster
From a very young age, most boys show a natural inclination towards using motorized vehicles. Some would say that this a classic example of “nature versus nurture” and the whole gender stereotyping thing – in other words, boys’ parents are more likely to encourage them to enjoy cars than their female counterparts. That being said, there’s no denying the fact that guys, as a general rule, have a strong natural ability and comprehension when it comes to cars.

8. Judging speed, spatial analysis and math
One of the most interesting differences appear in the way men and women estimate time, judge speed of things, carry out mental mathematical calculations, orient in space and visualize objects in three dimensions, etc.
In all these tasks, women and men are strikingly different, as they are too in the way their brains process language. This may account, scientists say, for the fact that there are many more male mathematicians, airplane pilots, bush guides, mechanical engineers, architects and race car drivers than female ones.
Not only can men play Tetris better, but they can navigate a car better through complex environments too.

9: Men are more experienced with cars
The automobile was invented by a man (Karl Benz), and for the most part, tinkered with ever since by men as well. as men seem to have an intuitive grasp of how automobiles work.
That’s not to say that women don’t play a part in modern-day automobile engineering. Men tend to start driving at a younger age, and also tend to log more miles. They tend to improve their driving knowledge as well.

10. Pets in car and obstructed mirrors
One fact seems to be irrefutably true: Women are more likely to drive around with dogs in their cars. Celebrities like Paris Hilton have made owning pint-sized accessory dogs the “in” thing to do. As a result, scads of female imitators are running around with teeny-tiny dogs of their own. Men are more likely to have their dog in the back of their pickup truck, where they won’t get in the way.

MORE: Safety Tips for Driving With Pets
Survey’s have also shown that female drivers are more likely to hang things from their rear-view mirrors. In doing so, they obstruct their view and aren’t going to be as well-equipped for dealing with on-the-road incidents. Hanging random things from a rear-view mirror is a surefire way to reduce visibility — and to increase the odds of an otherwise avoidable accident. Guys aren’t totally immune to this problem, but it’s a lot more common among women.

The Bottom Line
Will the war between the sexes — at least when it comes to driving skill — ever be won? Probably not. The preceding points, though, can be used as ammunition in any given battle. No side will ever willingly admit defeat, but anyone who says that women are infinitely superior at driving needs to be made aware of these compelling points. Anyone who denies or downplays them just doesn’t want to admit how true they really are.



http://www.iihs.org/research/fatality_facts_2005/gender.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3730094
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/sex/articles/spatial_tests.shtml
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/car-life/cheney/men-vs-women-who-are-better-drivers/article1653975
http://www.cerebromente.org.br/n11/mente/eisntein/cerebro-homens.html
http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/auto.html
http://www.askmen.com/top_10/cars/top-10-reasons-women-cant-drive_1.html
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article513993.ece
http://www.ctlawtribune.com/getarticle.aspx?ID=37988
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1998/06/980618032130.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1998/06/980618032130.htm
http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/african-americans-women-and-southerners-talk-and-text-the-most-in-the-u-s/
http://www.distraction.gov/stats-and-facts/
http://www.sleep-aid-center.com/pms-and-sleep-women-with-severe-pms-perceive-their-sleep-quality-to-be-poor/
http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/drowsy_driving1/drowsy.html