Wednesday, July 31, 2013

A Car Breaks Free

Sometimes cars just want to be free. Here is a video of a car trying to escape its owner using some very basic physics.


Have a great August!
Nadav

nadavs

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Iowa Goes Online

The Iowa Department of Transportation has released an online version of a practice driving test. This should make life much simpler for those who plan to get tested there.

That, and my driving test guide.

Nadav

nadavs

Monday, July 29, 2013

Minnesota Auto Insurance Basics

Like all states, Minnesota has its own insurance laws you must follow. Here is an article by Ronald Wells about this issue.

Minnesota Auto Insurance: Some Crucial Things That You Need to Know

Auto insurance is meant to help reduce the financial burden that accrues when you are in involved in a road mishap. If someone is injured or a car gets damaged, it could set you back for some serious cash without appropriate insurance cover. All states in America have different mandatory laws which require responsibility during road accidents. However, it is not all of them that require insurance. If you are living in the state of Minnesota, here are some things that you should be aware of.

No Fault
Minnesota's No Fault Automobile Insurance Act was passed in the early 70's. However, it was updated in 2009. The vehicular laws of Minnesota require that drivers meet certain criteria. If they do not meet these requirements, they are not permitted to be on the road. Drivers who also do not meet the requirements of automobile insurance stand the chance of being charged for multiple offenses. This could lead to fines from 100's to 1000's of dollars. Repeat offenders could face up to 90 days in jail or even have their licenses suspended.

Liability
The state of Minnesota also requires liability insurance which covers the cost of fixing a damaged car once it is confirmed who was at fault. It also spreads across hospital costs and all those injured during the course of the accident. There is a minimum and maximum amount you should spend on a person.

PIP
Furthermore the state of Minnesota requires that drivers have Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This insurance cover spans across medical costs, replacement expenses and wages lost. It is meant to be paid, regardless of who is the guilty party. The minimum cost amounts to over $40,000 per person.

Underinsured Insurance
If you are involved in an accident and the other person driving is at fault but does not have adequate insurance to cover your expenses, your underinsured insurance can be used. This coverage has a maximum limit of $50,000 and a minimum limit of $25,000.

Uninsured Insurance
If you are involved in an accident with a driver who is not insured and your PIP accruements have been used. What do you do? What you do is use your uninsured motorist coverage to pay up the rest of your expenses. This coverage is only payable, if the alternate driver has no insurance cover and is at fault. The minimum limit of this coverage is $25,000 for an injured party.

For more information and to compare various car insurance companies by zip code, visit http://www.FreeInsuranceEstimates.com

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Thank you Ronald! That was an eye opener.

Nadav

nadavs

Sunday, July 28, 2013

1995 Honda Accord Starter

If you are one who doesn't replace cars too often, you may have a Honda Accord 1995 model. Here is a video showing how to find its starter.


Nadav

nadavs

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Gas Station Story

Finding a gas station is not as easy as it used to be. Last Tuesday I had to go somewhere, and I was running very low on gas. To deal with that, I tried to find the nearest gas station in my way. I missed the first one, so I took the following exit to enter the second one on my route.

This was a complete disaster. The station had only one lane of self-service, and it was filled with two women who apparently had no clue how to operate the pump. After ten frustrating minutes, I just drove away with anger.

Eventually, I found a gas station with an empty lane and filled my tank. That was a really nerve wrecking day.

Nadav

nadavs

Friday, July 26, 2013

Practice and Preparation Make Perfect

It's Friday once again, which means it's time for some more tips for practice and preparation for the test.


They say that practice makes perfect, so when it comes to getting your driver's license, you need to get all of the practice you can get. While nobody's perfect, you can still practice enough that you pass on your very first try. If you've already taken it and failed, don't worry - you can always take it again.

What you must do is get plenty of practice in each and every day so that you can get the most important things down pat. From changing lanes to parallel parking, you need to learn how to do it all.

It's best to take things one step at a time. You shouldn't try cruising down the interstate on your very first day. Start off familiarizing yourself with the controls of the vehicle. You can look over a layout of a vehicle in a good driver's handbook. Know what each and every control does and when to use it. You should also practice placing your hands on the wheel to get the feel of it.

Once you are sufficiently acquainted with the vehicle, you can begin driving it. Start out on an old road that nobody uses anymore. If there are none near you, you can try driving around an empty parking lot. Go at a low speed at first, and gradually increase. Make sure your instructor or adult passenger is giving you clear instructions.

After the first few days, if you're getting the hang of driving, you can try to drive on an actual road. It's okay to feel a little nervous - just try your best to stay calm. It's okay to go a bit slowly at first if you need to, but try to stick to the posted speed limit as closely as you can.

Don't forget to do the "small" things, like checking your mirrors regularly. Also, remember to brake slowly. Although you should hold the wheel firmly, you shouldn't grip it too tightly. Make sure that you and your passenger(s) have their seatbelts on at all times. You should not be driving if someone doesn't have their seatbelt on. It should be one of the very first things you look for before you start driving.

There is no way of telling for sure which route you will be taking during your exam. Some testing zones have dozens of different routes. An important thing you can do is become familiar with as many streets and turn-offs as possible in your area. You might also want to look online to see if you can find any posts written by other student drivers in your area. Sometimes people will share details with fellow student drivers online.

Just remember this one thing: if you fail, you will get a chance to take the test again. The most important thing for you to do is try your hardest. Learn how to drive safely and in time, you will earn your driver's license.

The secret to passing your road exam is to study an online driving test guide. You will find all of the resources, tools, and secrets you need to know in order to become a good driver. Everything is presented in an organized manner. As long as you study the information and take advantage of the resources, you will become a great driver!

I hope this article helped you,
Nadav

nadavs

Thursday, July 25, 2013

First Time Driving: Olivia

Today's first time driver is Olivia, who gets very excited from the fact she's driving a car. Watch her take one of the shortest first time drives here.


This video is five days old, so Olivia still has a long way to go until she can get her license. Hopefully her next practices will be a little bit longer.

Good luck!
Nadav

nadavs

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Top Gear Live October 2012: Part 2

Here is the second part of the Top Gear Live from October of last year.


 

Enjoy!
Nadav

nadavs

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

That Elder Drivers Topic, Again

Once again, the topic of elder driver rises to the public interest. Here is an interesting article about it.


Nadav

nadavs

Monday, July 22, 2013

Best Quotes in California

California is one of the most expensive states in the US, and one way to deal with that is to find good deals on the essentials, such as car insurance. Here is an article by about this issue.

Get the Best Auto Insurance Quotes in California

If you are a resident of California, you cannot drive a vehicle without appropriate auto insurance coverage. To get competitive insurance quotes, California residents can take the help of reliable portals that connect people searching for car insurance with insurance providers.

Auto Insurance Requirements in California

As long as you can show proof of your ability to take financial responsibility for damages that occur in the event of an accident you are not required to maintain an automobile insurance policy in California. However, when you consider the stringent compensation policy of the state, you cannot avoid buying an insurance policy for meeting the minimum liability coverage. Failure to maintain a car insurance policy leads to suspension of vehicle registration. Moreover, you will be fined, your vehicle will be impounded or you will be given a traffic ticket if you fail to provide proof of your financial responsibility while driving.

Hence, while purchasing a vehicle insurance policy, you should take into account, the minimum liability coverage required in the state. According to the California insurance laws, the minimum liability coverage for injury or death is $15,000 per person and $30,000 when more than one person is involved in the accident. In case of damage to property, the minimum liability coverage is $5,000. In California, teenagers, not less than 15 ½ years can drive a vehicle. The same stringent driving law also applies to teenagers. Therefore, before allowing your teen to drive a car, remember to add the teenaged driver to your current vehicle insurance policy.

How to Choose an Auto Insurance Policy

Deductible

The goal of every insurance policy buyer is to get a best value for money deal. The premium of an auto policy depends on the insurance deductible. Policies with higher deductibles attract lower premium and vice versa. If you are a seasoned driver or if you drive occasionally, you can go for higher deductibles. However, high risk drivers, teen drivers and people driving a leased vehicle should not opt for high deductibles.

Limit

The minimum liability requirement meets only a fraction of your total damage cost. Therefore, you must purchase more liability insurance that covers a significant amount of repair expenses and medical costs in the event of a serious automobile accident.

Auto Insurance Quotes

As every auto insurance provider follows different formulae for calculating premiums and driver risk, the insurance premiums vary significantly. Hence, remember to compare auto quotes obtained from different auto insurance companies before selecting an appropriate policy.

We are providing free insurance quotes online online and connect you with the insurance company that suits you. Visit us to know insurance rates comparison from local insurance agents.


Thank you Clyde! That was a very informative article.

Nadav

nadavs

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Change Washer Fluid

If your windshield washer fluid runs out, don't fill it with regular water. The fluid is a special solution that keeps the pipes clean and free of rust.

Here is a video showing how to change this fluid:


Hope it helps,
Nadav

nadavs

Saturday, July 20, 2013

A Mobile Sauna

July is one of the most annoying months of the year. Millions of kids are out on the streets and the sun is up in the sky with no escape. Unfortunately, my car parks in the sun, which makes it a mobile sauna.

Whenever I enter my car, I have to stop breathing. I am not a big sauna fan, and breathing in a boiling car feels just like a sauna. I just have to start, turn on the air conditioning, and hope that I won't drown in my own sweat until it kicks in.

When will October be here?

Nadav

nadavs

Friday, July 19, 2013

Defensive Driving Will Get You a License

It's Friday once again, which is a great reason to give out some tips. Today: defensive driving.


 One reason why so many people fail their driver's test is because they can't control their nerves. Mistakes are bound to happen, so there's no use in worrying about them. What matters the most is staying calm - even when you do make mistakes.

There are many things you can possibly do to reduce anxiety. No matter how nervous you are, you need to remember that it won't be the end of the world if you fail. You will get more chances in the future.

That said, you can still increase your chances of passing if you learn some relaxation techniques. Every morning before going out for practice, take some deep breaths and tell yourself that everything will be okay. Try to maintain a positive attitude. Wait until you are feeling calm before you get in the passenger's seat.

It's in your best interest to practice with somebody who can support you. This person should help you remain calm no matter where you go. If you have a positive experience with your practicing, you will feel more confident about your upcoming test.

It's also important for you to learn defensive driving techniques so that you will be able to avoid accidents. Do not schedule your road exam until you learn how to become a defensive driver. You should feel confident in your ability to drive safely and prevent accidents. Always keep your eyes moving so that you can see what all of the vehicles around you are doing. Do not simply stare straight ahead the entire time. Use your rearview mirror and glance out of the sides to see what the vehicles beside of you and behind you are doing.

On the night before the test, take the time to read over your guidebook again. Take a few practice quizzes online. Go to bed early and try to get some good sleep. If you feel rested, you will be able to stay calm more easily.

If possible, do not schedule your test early in the morning. Try to schedule it in the afternoon so that you'll have some time to go on a practice drive before you take the test. If you feel nervous or anxious, remember to take some deep breaths. Keep telling yourself that you will do fine. If you do end up in a dangerous situation, you will be able to handle it since you spent all that time practicing defensive driving.

Even if you fail, so what? Keep on practicing. There's always next time.

Do you want to know more about how to pass your driving test? There are some secrets online that will help you prepare. You will find everything from helpful videos to practice tests. If you take the time to study before going out on the road, you will feel more confident behind the wheel. These tips and resources will help you get your driver's license!

I hope this article helped you,
Nadav

nadavs

Thursday, July 18, 2013

First Time Driving: Kaitlyn

Today's first time driver is Kaitlyn, who filmed her first lesson with a driving instructor. I think he turns the wheel too much, doesn't he?


 

This video is a week old, so Kaitlyn still has a very long time until she can get her license. A few more lessons and she'll be great.

And an interesting fact: on Thursday, July 18, 2012 - we had another Kaitlyn here. What a weird coincidence...

Good luck!
Nadav

nadavs

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Top Gear Live October 2012: Part 1

Today: the first part of the Top Gear Live show from last October.


Nadav

nadavs

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Automated Car Tests

Here is some great news for residents of Kannur: your tests are going to be automatic from now on. Less lines, less stress, and less corruption.

Computers can really bring in some benefits in the car industry.

Nadav

nadavs

Monday, July 15, 2013

Find Answers to Your Insurance Questions

If you have some auto insurance questions, may be able to answer them.

Answers To Your Auto Insurance Questions

It is commonly believed that understanding the intricacies of car insurance is hard. Learning more destroys confusion like anything in life.

You should review all after-market equipment you intend to install on your car with your insurance agent, so that you can be sure it gets covered properly. You may put out $1,000 for a fancy stereo system for your car, but if the car is stolen, your insurance is only going to reimburse you for the $30 value they add to your car's actual function.

The majority of people think car insurance rates for young drivers will drastically decrease as soon as they turn twenty-five. The reality is that after the driver has reached the age of 18, the rate starts gradually dropping.

To save money on insurance, ride public transportation or ride with co-workers. Driving less is one great way to show responsibility as a consumer and impress your insurance company. Many providers also offer discounts for commuting.

Instead of spreading out your car insurance payments, pay it yearly or every six months. On average, your car insurance provider could be adding $3 to $5 to your bill. This may seem insignificant, but this can drain your wallet. You also do not need another monthly bill. This is good incentive to lower the number of payments.

Make certain that property damage liability coverage is included in your policy. If you cause property damage in an accident, this type of coverage will protect your assets. The majority of states in the U.S. requires this liability. Although you must invest money, it will be worth the cost if you get in an accident.

Trade in your sports car for something more insurance friendly. Sports cars are going to cost you a lot more to insure. Purchase a car that is more low-profile. When it comes to insurance, larger motors cost more to insure. Sports cars are a hot target for thieves, and this can drive up your premiums significantly.

Maintaining a good driving record is key to getting the best insurance premiums possible. A car accident can bump up your rates faster than anything else. Always drive within your own capacity and stay away from dangerous conditions. For example, if you have a hard time seeing the road late at night, avoid driving during this time.

Every tip that was mentioned in this article can certainly be useful for most of the people out there. Take the tips here, and use them with whatever type of car insurance you are needing. You can get the amount of coverage that makes you feel secure along with a price that is affordable by using the information from this article.

Travel with someone you trust.You're in good hands think easier; think auto insurance Florida.

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Thank you Vian! That was really helpful.

Nadav

nadavs

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Restoring a Rusty Car

If your car is rusty, there is a time when it's not worth working on it any more. Here is a video showing when that time is.


Hopefully you'll never have to deal with it.

Nadav

nadavs

Saturday, July 13, 2013

In the Fields

Last week I took someone to a party. Getting there, as usual with these fancy village places, was a big pain.

The road part was OK, but when we got closer the road turned to dirt, which made me drive my little car on a very unmatching surface.

To add discomfort, the road was very narrow, so when there was a bus ahead, I had to move to the side and let the bus go.

Fortunately, I didn't have to take this person back.

Nadav

nadavs

Friday, July 12, 2013

Costly Mistakes

When you take your driving test, there are some mistakes that the examiner can overlook. However, there are some mistakes that an examiner must fail you when you make them. Here are a few.


When you finally have your driver's license, you will be able to go anywhere in the world you want to go. The opportunities are endless. Of course, in order to get to that point, you will first have to pass a couple of tests. The written test is fairly easy, providing that you studied. The road exam is where most people have trouble.

You've probably heard horror stories of people messing up during their driving test. Some of your friends might have failed theirs. Since it's one of the most important tests you will ever take, you might be feeling very nervous.

Don't worry - you can pass it if you practice and prepare. You can also learn from the mistakes others have made. Half of the test is knowing what to do, and the other half is knowing what NOT to do.

Here are some mistakes you must avoid making if you want to pass your driver's exam.

· Not braking correctly. It's dangerous to brake too hard OR too lightly. You need to know how to brake just right if you want to come to a smooth stop. Know how much pressure to put on the accelerator in any given situation.

· Forgetting what any of the controls do. Every control is in the vehicle for a reason. It serves a specific purpose. Know what they're all for, how to use them, and when to use them. You shouldn't even schedule your test until you are familiar with all of the controls and comfortable with using them.

· Not checking your mirrors often. Many test takers are so fixated on the road ahead that they forget to check their mirrors. You should check them on a regular basis. Also, whenever you need to make a turn or pull out of a parking place, remember to check your blind spot.

· Following the vehicle in front of you too closely. You need to stay at least four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you at all times. If you follow too closely, you will lose points on your exam. You will even put yourself and the examiner in danger.

· Being confused at an intersection. Whenever you come to a four-way stop, you should know what to do. Don't show any confusion or hesitation. If you need to turn, signal your intentions. In most instances, the vehicle on the right gets to go first.

There are many more mistakes you can make, but these are among the most costly. If you want to pass your test, make sure you are comfortable behind the wheel. Know all of the rules of the road and follow them correctly. Most importantly, stay calm at all times.

So, what are the other mistakes you need to avoid? There are some great resources online that will help you prepare for your test. You can learn everything you need to know in order to get your driver's license. Knowing which mistakes to avoid will surely help you pass!

I hope this article helped you,
Nadav

nadavs

Thursday, July 11, 2013

First Time Driving: Gabi

Today's first time driver is excited Gabi who learns the secrets of braking and accelerating on her first lesson.


This video was uploaded last week, so Gabi still has a long way to go until she can get her license. A little more practice and she'll be perfect.

Good luck!
Nadav

nadavs

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Top Gear - Ferrari Daytona vs. XSR 48 Boat: Part 2

Today: the second and final part of the series. Enjoy!

Nadav

nadavs

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

The Consequences of Failing

Failing a driving test can be dangerous sometimes. For the examiner. Read the story of an examiner from Ashkelon, Israel.

Hopefully these things will never happen again.

Nadav

nadavs

Monday, July 8, 2013

What is a Full Coverage Insurance?

When you purchase insurance, sometimes the basic coverage is not enough and you need a full one. Here is an article by Mike Heuer about this issue.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Explained

Whenever leasing or buying a new or used auto with a financing plan, the lender will require the buyer to carry full coverage insurance on the vehicle. But many people do not fully understand how full coverage insurance works and often times wind up paying for additional protections that they might not need, such as a rental car rider.

Full coverage insurance essentially is broken down into two components. The first is collision protection, which insures a vehicle against a potential collision with another vehicle or object or a sudden upset of the insured vehicle. A collision with another object might simply involve coming around a turn and striking a fallen tree or other large object that suddenly is blocking the path. And a sudden upset of a vehicle could occur when driving on slippery road surfaces that cause the driver to lose control and run into a ditch, tree or other object.

In such instances, the insurance plan will pay up to policy limits minus any applicable deductible amounts that might apply. Often times, people will carry about a $500 deductible, which can keep the cost of insuring the vehicle lower and make it more affordable to pay monthly premiums. But deductibles also can range from zero dollars to as much as $1,000. Deductibles make monthly premiums more affordable by eliminating small damage claims and potential lawsuits that could cost insurers even more money to handle numerous small claims.

The second component of full coverage car policies is called comprehensive insurance, which protects the vehicle and its contents against possible theft, vandalism or other potential perils other than those covered by collision insurance. If someone breaks into the vehicle and steals its contents as well as the stereo system, the policy will repair damages or repay the owner up to policy limits minus any deductibles. If an expensive cell phone or other items are stolen and add up to more than the deductible, the policyholder can file a claim and get partially reimbursed.

While full coverage plans offer a significant amount of protection, they can run more than necessary when adding coverages that are not needed. Many insurers try to get people to buy additional protection for rental cars, glass repairs and other items that are not needed. Many credit cards provide rental car insurance when using them to rent a vehicle, making such additional protection unnecessary. And most windshields and other types of glass can be replaced for less than $200. But the cost of carrying such additional riders can put more money in insurance company coffers that they do not need.

Full coverage insurance is required for financed vehicles, but the cost need not be too high due to paying for additional protection that is not needed.

Find good deals on full coverage and other auto insurance plans at http://www.generalautoinsurance.com.


Thank you Mike! That's a very useful article.
Nadav

nadavs

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Align The Camshaft With a Broken Timing Belt

If your timing belt has broken down, you can still align the camshaft by following this video (do it only if you understand what you're doing!)


Nadav

nadavs

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Hot Wash

As usual in the summer, my car looks, once again, like a pile of sand. The solution is very simple: clean it up. However, doing it is not as easy as it sounds.

To be honest, the only problem is the temperature. It's just too hot to go outside, and with my fair skin I burn very quickly under this sun.

Eventually, I did wash it. Now it waits for more dust and sand.

Nadav

nadavs

Friday, July 5, 2013

Five Tips for the Fifth of July

I hope you celebrated well yesterday, because today we have five tips for the Fifth of July:


Getting your driver's license doesn't have to be as difficult as some people make it out to be. You just have to study for your written exam, pass it, and then learn how to drive. The only problem is that you have a limited amount of time to learn how to drive after you get your learner's permit.

How can you fit in a bunch of driving lessons in those few weeks? What should you be focusing on In order to become a good driver?

Here are a few pointers to get you started.

1. Take your vehicle out on a variety of terrains. You never know what the weather might be like on the day of your test. You also don't know what type of roads you will be driving on. Intersections? Two-way roads? One-way streets? Practice driving on all of these.

2. Practice stopping, and learn how to do it correctly. Whenever you are approaching a stop sign or red light, you need to slow down. Gradually reduce your speed, and then come to a complete stop. Practice doing this often so that you'll remember to do it when you are taking your test. You can be sure that this is something the examiner will be testing you on.

3. Learn what all the signs and signals mean and make sure you pay attention to them while you are driving. For the most part, signs are easy to learn because they are self-explanatory. Nevertheless, you need to go over them again and again and again when studying

4. Another thing you need to practice is driving in reverse. Driving forward is one thing driving backwards is another thing entirely. Head to a parking lot or quiet road and put the vehicle in reverse. Be very careful as you go back. Do it over and over again until you are able to do it without any problems. Don't get discourages if you mess up any. Even if it seems like the most difficult thing in the world, you must keep trying. Eventually, you will get the hang of it.

5. As you become more and more comfortable behind the wheel, you can practice driving on roads with other vehicles. One important thing you need to practice is changing lanes. Try to do so at least once a day. Remember to signal properly and check your mirrors as well as blind spots.

Keep these pointers in mind as you practice driving and you should hopefully be off to a good start. Just keep in mind that you don't have to remember everything at once. Take your time and practice every day, and you should become a responsible driver.

You can learn many more tips for preparing and practicing if you check out online driving test guides. You will find everything from practice quizzes to a checklist of things you should be practicing. Knowing what will be expected of you will help you prepare.

I hope this article helped you,
Nadav

nadavs

Thursday, July 4, 2013

First Time Driving: Jalyn

Today's first time driver is Jalyn, another driver who makes the terrible mistake of driving with more than a parent in the car.


This video is from June 26, so Jalyn still has a very long way to go until she can get her license.

Good luck!
Nadav

nadavs

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Top Gear - Ferrari Daytona vs. XSR 48 Boat: Part 1

Today the Top Gear guys are challenging a Ferrari against a boat. Very reasonable.

Enjoy!
Nadav

nadavs

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Quick Decision Making

Old drivers are required to go through medical exams almost all around the Western world. Somewhere in Australia, someone is trying to make this process faster.

Hopefully it'll keep the good drivers while politely saying "no" to the bad ones.

Nadav

nadavs

Monday, July 1, 2013

Filing an Insurance Claim

If you've been in an accident, you should file an insurance claim to get the money you need to recover. However, a claim is not always a smart idea. Here is an article by James Sousa about this important topic.

Filing Auto Insurance Claim - Should I or Should I Not?

Even if you are the most careful driver in the world, one day you are going to have a car accident and need to file a claim. It doesn't matter if you simply scrapped the side of your car in a parking lot or totaled it in a serious accident, dealing with an insurance claim can be daunting.

Knowledge is power, especially when dealing with insurance companies, being aware of what you can expect during the claims process will ensure that you are treated fairly and your claim is dealt with in a timely manner.

One of the first things you need to do is decide whether or not to file a claim, in many cases paying damages out-of-pocket can be the best course of action.

Should I File a Claim?

Making a claim on your policy can raise your premiums so it makes sense to examine the situation and decide if a claim makes financial sense. While every situation is different, there are a few general rules to follow.

Experts recommend not making small claims, but what constitutes a small claim will vary by both expert and consumer. If you can afford it, paying anything under $1000 is usually a good idea.

According to insurance experts you should make a claim when:
  • You haven't had a claim in years. Often one claim will not affect your premiums.
  • There were injuries. If anyone could claim they were injured due to the accident, file a claim which will protect you from a lawsuit.
  • Your policy has an accident forgiveness component. You should get a free pass on a rate hike.
  • If you are at fault it usually makes sense to file a claim as your rates are probably going up anyway.

Avoid Making a Claim if:
  • Your deductible is close to the claim amount. If your claim amount is within a few hundred dollars of your claim amount, pay it out-of-pocket.
  • You have had other claims recently, one more could easily push your premiums higher.
  • The same goes for recent moving violations, a claim could trigger a driving record review, which could lead to higher rates.

You can also get some advice from your close friends or relatives who were in an accident and filed a claim. This could give you rough idea on amount of increment in premiums and you can extrapolate that information to come at some approximate numbers for your situation. Ultimately use your common sense when it comes to filing auto insurance claims.

Sometimes it also helps to file a claim and then shop around for lower auto insurance rates. Some websites offer easy comparison of the rates and this could help you in shopping. The reason for lower rates is that the information about your claims may or may not be shared between the companies and this could give you the benefit of doubt, but this method is not always guaranteed to work.


Thank you James! That was quite informative.

Nadav

naddavs