Five Ways to Save on Auto Insurance Rates
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average person spends around $817 per year on their auto insurance. Yet auto insurance rates are all over the board, and what you pay is going to have a lot to do with the steps you take to seek out a lower rate. There are several things that you can do to try to save money on your auto insurance rates. Here are the top five ways to save:
- Weigh deductibles. One of the areas that will influence your auto insurance rates the most, and that can save you a lot of money, lies in what deductible you select. Taking a higher deductible will save you money. Assuming more risk, whether you have a newer or old vehicle, will lower your auto insurance rates.
- Compare rates. Even if you have been with the same insurance company for years, you should make a point of comparing rates at least once a year, if not more often. Doing so only takes minutes, and it will help ensure that you are getting the best auto insurance rates you can find. Don’t assume that big name companies offer the lowest auto insurance rates. This is an area where you have to do some comparison shopping to find the best deals.
- Seek out discounts. Many companies offer lower auto insurance rates for those who have all their policies with them. Therefore, it’s a good idea to put your auto and home insurance policies all with one carrier. In addition to discounts for multiple policies, many offer other discounts that you may need to inquire about, such as those for being a retiree, getting good grades, or having a solid safety record.
- Inform your carrier. Keeping your carrier informed of changes can help you save on your auto insurance rates. As a case in point, millions of people reduced the number of miles they drive per week when gas prices soared. Letting the carrier know that you are driving less may reduce your auto insurance rates.
- Keep credit in check. Many people do not realize that insurance carriers look at credit scores. Having a low credit score can make you seem like a bigger risk to the insurance carrier, thus leading to higher auto insurance rates. Check your credit rating to ensure it’s accurate, have inaccuracies removed, and do your best to maintain a good credit score.
If you have a vehicle, you need to have auto insurance. With the economy in the condition it is in, we can all benefit from saving some money on our auto insurance rates. Being proactive and following the steps above can help put you in the driver’s seat when it comes to getting lower auto insurance rates.
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Concept Cars: Saab 9-X Air
I was at the New England International Auto Show this past weekend and I saw a ton of cars that I thought were really cool. Today I thought we’d take a look at a Saab Concept: The 9-X Air. While it’s just a concept for now, it is light years ahead of the other Saabs that I’ve seen out on the road.
It’s really slick looking. Some of the things that the car is said to feature are:
- 1.4 L Saab BioPower Engine
- The Unique, Patent Pending ‘Canopy Top’
- Extremely fuel efficient, running on E85 Fuel.
- Very interesting console for the driver.
The thing that really got me going with this car was the drivers seat. It seems so busy, but looks so cool all at the same time. Take a look below and let me know what you think for yourself! Just the way they designed the whole thing, with several video screens, the green lighting… it all works on this car.
You can check out more about this car over at Jalopnik… they’ve got a very good write up of what it’s said to have. If you’ve got the auto show coming near you, make sure to check it out and let me know what you think about the car… I’d like to know if you like it as much as I do. I’m not even normally a Saab person, but if I could get this car (and afford it), I would definitely switch to Saab.
It’s going to be revealed 25 years after Saab made its first venture into the convertible business. What do you think?
I’ve got a lot more from the auto show, so I’ll try to get that on here as quick as possible. Anybody else manage to check out the show? I thought it was exceptional this year. Very impressive lineup.
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Quick Tip: Gas Savings at the Supermarket
Hey all, just wanted to throw out a quick tip that my dad actually gave me the other day. I know that gas is definitely becoming an issue, especially with costs rising every day. People are looking wherever they can to save a buck, whether it be downgrading the type of fuel they use, driving less, or hypermiling.
But besides that, we all still need to drive… so what can we do to save a buck or two? Well, believe it or not, supermarkets are starting to sell gas. And if you’re a member of one of their frequent buyer programs, you’re eligible for extra discounts at their gas pumps! My dad is actually filling up for about 0.15 less per gallon than at a regular gas station whenever he uses his card!
When you’re looking at 3.99 for a gallon of regular octane (87) fuel, and a supermarket is selling it for 3.84, that’s quite a big savings. That is the kind of thing that would definitely add up throughout the year.
Now I’m sure that there are concerns. Personally, I pay more for a gallon of gas at Mobil because I trust their detergents and other cleaning agents they use in their fuel. I’m actually getting about 400 miles per tank running on premium fuel in my car (2008 Infiniti G35x), which is quite good. I am willing to experiment for a tank though. Next time I fill up, I’ll head off to the supermarket, and let you guys know if the gas is worth the savings!
Anyone looking for a quick fix on gas savings though, check out your local Stop and Shop, if there is one. Here’s a store locater to help you!
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What is Hypermiling?
Have gas prices been hitting you in the wallet really badly lately? We’ve all felt the hit. Luckily for you, there are ways to “get more bang” for your buck when it comes to gas. Herein lies the art of Hypermiling.
But, before we get on to tips on hypermiling (which we’ll get up for you!), we need to define what hypermiling is.
For our definitition, we turn to Hypermiling dot com.
it is a method of increasing your car’s gas mileage by making skillful changes in the way you drive, allowing you to save gas and thereby have an easier time withstanding the rising oil and gas prices
Pretty self explanatory, huh? I agree. However, for someone who has never tried something like this before, it can be a very difficult thing to do. What I’m going to do, is to take a tip a week, and test it out on my car. I’ll let you know how many miles I got out of my latest tank, with that tip applied, and the potential savings. Hopefully this will be a feature you guys will enjoy!
Have you tried Hypermiling? If you have, did it work?
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Ipod Integration System: BMWs
It’s time to take a look at another iPod integration system. My previous post on the Infiniti Ipod Integration system was pretty popular, so I figure I’d go ahead and find another to look at! This time, we’re going to take a look at how BMWs integrate with iPods. iPods are so popular that a car almost needs an integration system nowadays just to make the sound system complete. How does BMW do it?
For simplicity, I’m goint to examine the 3-Series, and it’s integrator.
iPod Connector
As you can tell from the image (and if you’re familiar with the Infiniti Integrator), the iPod is connected to the system through a connector cable. I was surprised to find out that it’s almost exactly the same cable as the one found on my infiniti. Maybe apple is getting smart and manufacturing these for car companies to buy! That’s a pretty good idea if they’re doing that. Hopefully other car manufacturers will pick up on the integrator, and apple may make it standard. In any case, this connector allows all types of iPods to integrate with the sound system of the car.
Functionality
As expected, the integrator allows the iPod to be controlled through the wheel functions, and also through the sound system itself. Here’s BMW’s stand on what the integrator should do:
When we wanted to connect an MP3 player directly to our vehicle’s sound system, we went straight to the experts at Apple. Together, we created the world’s first seamless integrated system of iPod and automobile. Just plug your iPod or iPhone into the adapter accessory. Control the volume and your playlists through the multifunction steering wheel, while your iPod or iPhone stays out of view with a constant flow of power. There’s also a convenient, standard auxiliary input jack, which allows you to play any MP3 through the audio system.
Source: BMW USA
I’m assuming this means that the iPod is charged through the system, which is highly convenient. You don’t want to have to have another connector to charge the iPod.
What I would like to see is more video connection between an iPod and the center console of a car. I believe my car can do that (Infiniti G35), and I would like to know if the BMW can do that as well. Does anyone know?
BMW seems to have a winner with their integrator, as Infiniti did. I hope to take a look at other integration systems, whether they be built into the car (or come with the car), or they are built by another manufacturer. Hopefully, this will help you in your choice of car or accessory for it!
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