To get the most out of a car or home insurance policy, it is important to understand the roles deductibles play. A deductible is the amount deducted from an insured loss. When a damage claim is filed, the deductible is the amount of money a policyholder must pay upfront. It may be a percentage of the policy’s total or a set dollar amount. Larger deductibles are associated with smaller premiums. To find the verbiage concerning deductibles, consult the front page of the auto or homeowners policy. Deductibles are subtracted from the claim amount. For example, if a person with a $500 deductible files a claim for $10,000, that policyholder will receive a check for $9,500. However, if that individual’s deductible is calculated using percentages, the amount may differ. With percentages, the variable is calculated from the total claim and then subtracted from the total.
Many factors are involved in determining an auto insurance rate. The age of the insured driver, the vehicle type and the individual’s driving history are all key factors. However, there is a more controversial factor used by auto insurance companies, which is individual credit history. It is important for all drivers to consider the following issues.
There is plenty of controversy about how safe GPS devices are. Whether they increase or decrease safety depends on the driver. However, when used correctly, a GPS can be a great safety addition to any vehicle. The following reasons show good examples of why drivers are safer with a GPS system.
When the summer season approaches, many families and couples start planning their vacations. Whether the destination is near or far, it is important to make sure the home is properly protected. Locking the door and setting the alarm is not enough.
You have the phone and the capabilities that come with it. Using the phone to manage all of your insurance affairs is not only smart, it will put you ahead of the game if you need to access your insurance information or if you end up having a claim. There is no better place than having all the information and tools on your smart phone because it is likely with you at all times. The best news is, the resources are there and putting in place what you need is a snap.
In a very short amount of time, a fire can accelerate from a small flame to an out-of-control blaze. Fires destroy thousands of homes in the United States each year, so it is important for all homeowners to take steps to prevent them. It is also important to know what to do when a fire breaks out and how to control it. Research shows that almost 80 percent of structural fires happen in peoples’ homes or apartments. Almost all of these fires are preventable, so fireproofing a home is the most important step to take.
In the U.S. today, many homes are being built in wooded areas. Rural plains, forests and mountains are all becoming popular construction sites. Although homeowners in such areas enjoy fresh air and beautiful scenery, they also face the risk of wildfires. Some homes survive wildfires, but many are destroyed each year. However, homes that survive are almost always the result of prepared homeowners. By preparing now, homeowners in every risky area can protect themselves, their families and their homes.
Vacation is a time every family, couple or individual looks forward to. However, home invaders can easily ruin vacations. When a person gets a call from the authorities about such an incident, it often cuts the trip short. Leaving a home with broken windows or doors can only invite more trouble, so homeowners usually find themselves on the next flight home. Fortunately, there are several simple steps people can take to reduce the chance of a burglary in a vacant home.
The rate of car theft is so high today that it would be a Fortune 500 company if stock analyst firms measured it. Although thieves may not be the most upstanding citizens in society, they have excellent organizational skills. Discriminating thieves will not just break into any random car to look around. When they make the effort to steal, they make sure it is worth their time and the risk of getting caught. In many cases, they may be after the vehicle itself instead of the contents of it. What they are after is economic gain, so they choose carefully. Unfortunately, people who own vehicles that are popular to buy usually also own automobiles that are popular targets for car thieves. This information may sound discouraging to many car owners. However, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent theft.
New cars bring the need for auto insurance, and liability coverage alone will not be adequate. Although it may satisfy the state’s legal minimum requirements, it will not be enough to compensate for most accidents. In most cases, vehicle owners have unpaid loans to think about, so repairs are almost impossible to pay for. Even spare parts are expensive if they are available at all. As soon as a new car leaves the showroom or lot, its value depreciates considerably. For this reason, the majority of vehicle owners feel safer with insurance that covers accidents, theft and natural disasters. Consider the following tips when looking for coverage.