Understanding Your Oil Filter

Understanding your oil filter. Find out why it is important to change your motor oil and your oil filter. Learn about the different types of oil filters there are available.

*(NAPSI)—Practicing good vehicle maintenance to extend the life of your vehicle is important, especially in today’s economy. One of the critical components of car care is engine maintenance, including regularly scheduled oil changes based on your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations.

It helps to know whether the quality of your oil filter matches the quality of the oil you’re using. Here are a few facts to help you make the right oil filter choice for your vehicle:

What’s in an Oil Filter???

There are several main components in an oil filter.

The shell is the solid material that surrounds the actual filter. It keeps your filter safe during the wear and tear on your vehicle and protects it from punctures.

The media is the component that filters the oil. It’s a maze of cellulose, synthetics and micro-fibers that removes harmful debris from your engine oil.

The core of the filter is inside the filter media and constructed from a variety of materials. It helps keep the shape and prevents it from collapsing under extreme pressure.

The base plate is the threaded part of the filter. It also directs the oil flow.

The gasket is the flexible rubber ring that seals the filter to the engine’s oil filter base.

Types of Filters :-

The quality of the filter depends on the material used to make each part.

In basic filters, the media is of natural wood fibers. These filters do the job but need to be changed frequently.

Middle-grade filters use a blend of fibers that are primarily cellulose with a minimal amount of synthetic fibers. These enhance the media strength and efficiency performance.

Premium filters, such as those from Royal Purple, use microglass filter technology. These advanced filters are designed to extend the life of both vehicle and equipment. In addition to superior filtration media, the other internal and structural components are of higher-quality materials, making for easier installation and removal as they are much less likely to crush in the process. Just as the company’s motor oil lasts a long time, Royal Purple oil filters can extend change intervals up to 12,000 miles.

Tune–up Tips For Today's Driver

*Tune–up tips for today's driver to help keep your car in great running condition. Learn how to do a tune-up on your car and why it's important. Spark plugs, oil and oil filter and the cooling system flush and fill are all important for your vehicle.

*(NC)—Back when your parents were teenagers, getting a Canadian drivers license was a true rite of passage. It meant independence and responsibility.

*It also meant that if you were fortunate enough to have a car, you knew how to take care of it. However, today more than 40 percent of consumers don't know how to tune–up their cars. How to solve this quandary?

Here are three must–dos to keep in mind next time your ride is in need of service.


1. Replace The Spark Plugs :-

– According to Autolite, a leading spark plug brand, one of the most economical ways to maintain an efficient engine and avoid wasting fuel is to change spark plugs at regular intervals, according to your owner's manual. As spark plug electrodes wear, the voltage required to jump the gap increases. Regular replacement of your car's worn spark plugs will help your engine to run properly. Spark plugs should be checked at least once a year, however it's best to check the owner's manual for maintenance intervals.

2. Replace The Oil And Oil Filter :-

– The job of oil is to lubricate the engine, help it run smoothly, and prevent friction between the parts. The oil filter helps remove engine–damaging dirt and grit from the oil during every pass through the filter. Regular oil and oil filter changes help keep the inside of the engine both lubricated and clean, so it can run as efficiently as possible. Check your oil level regularly and change your oil and filter at least as often as the recommended maintenance intervals in your owner's manual. Pay close attention to the description of driving conditions for normal or severe service intervals.

3. Do A Flush/Fill :-

– A flush/fill means that you flush the cooling system to clean it and remove sediments that have built up over time, and fill it with new antifreeze/coolant to keep the engine cool and prevent overheats and freeze–ups. Coolant should be checked at least twice a year, however it's best to check the owner's manual for maintenance intervals

Look for Car Hire When Searching for Temporary Transportation

Whether you are looking into car hire for a day, week or longer, you can find lists of companies on the Internet or in the yellow pages. Providing good customer service is important in this industry. To provide this, some companies offer to pick up and drop off customers.

Vacationers and business travelers are the most frequent customers for car rental agencies. For those who have had an accident, or have dropped off their cars for repair, the use of rental agencies is important. Some personal policies include emergency rentals, usually for an additional premium. When considering purchasing a new car, some people prefer to rent a car that is the same model so they can get a better sense of the vehicle.

Renting a car is a very easy process, with the transaction completed in just a matter of minutes. State laws dictate the rules that need to be followed, including the age of the driver and that the driver must possess a valid license. Companies require a credit card to make a deposit, and cash is not accepted. The pricing for rentals fluctuates significantly depending on the season, the model of vehicle and the population of the city. Although insurance is offered when the car is being rented, there is some debate about whether it should be purchased. It is expensive to purchase and may not be necessary. In some cases, however, personal insurance may not be adequate and you will be required to purchase additional coverage.

There are many arguments that support buying car hire insurance as well as for not purchasing it. Most people are confused about what they should do. It is important to look at all of the arguments on both sides before making a decision. You can get information from rental agencies, your insurance agent and your credit card company. Compare the costs as well as the benefits to help you make a decision and to get the car rental coverage you need.

Credit card companies sometimes include travel insurance that will cover the rental car. There may be issues that include the length of time to process an accident payment if you are in another country. Contact the lender to find out all of the details. You should also check with your personal insurance company to see if they offer the coverage you need.

Your personal car insurance may have some exclusions. Some policies do not cover long-term rentals, business car rentals or vehicles rented in other countries. Check with them to ensure you will be covered in your situation. You may also need to confirm that your insurance meets the requirements of the state you will be driving in as well as the rental company.

Purchasing additional insurance, while costly, can actually save you money in the long run. If you have an accident while traveling and use your personal coverage, your policy premiums may raise significantly.

Do an Internet search to find a list of companies that have vehicles available to rent. Sometimes car dealerships provide this service, particularly if your car is being repaired at their garage. Regardless of your decision to purchase additional insurance, make sure it is an informed one. Do research and find out all of the details concerning coverage.

Great Tips for Those Who Want to Sell Their Own Car

It is very unlikely that you will get the best deal by selling your old car to a dealer. If you think about the fact that a car dealer is not a charity then you may be able to understand this a bit better. You can be sure that most car dealers will be making quite a bit more for the car than they offer you. However you may be able to make just as much as the car dealer would get if you are clever about it.

The following are a few secrets on how to make the most money when it comes to selling your old car.

- You have to make sure that your car is ready to be sold. Have it completely clean inside and out and have all the documentation ready. You need to make sure you have the car ready for sale the minute you put it on the market. If a potential buyer arrives at your door and you don’t seem to have everything in order they will just walk away.

- Consider advertising your vehicle on some of the internet websites such as Craigslist. This is an option that you might want to take full advantage of because it is becoming very popular these days. This is probably the cheapest way of doing things, but the downside is that there are a lot of timewasters out there.

- It is not a good idea to accept a cheque or a banker’s draft for payment; you should insist on cash. It is much safer for you to accept cash. PayPal is another method that could work well if both parties have it.

- Some of us just don’t want to go on a test drive with a complete stranger. You could ask them to leave their keys to their own car while they take your car for a test drive. Of course you will want to ensure that it really is their car.

The costs of distracted driving

*-There has been a lot of coverage in the media recently over distracted drivers. With Bill 118 (which outlines the ban on handheld cell phone use while driving in the Province of Ontario) likely to come into effect in October 2009, do you know what penalties you may have to pay if you're found guilty of talking or texting while driving?



*-For starters, if you are found guilty of using a handheld cell phone while driving, the fine could be as high as $500, plus you'll get an added ticket to your driving record, which could have an impact on your car insurance premium. This infraction applies to more than just using a cell phone while driving. It also includes other electronic devices such as portable GPS units.



*-do note that you will still be able to use your portable GPS unit, provided that you program your destination into your GPS prior to driving with no further manipulation of the device while driving.



*-If you are talking or texting and are involved in an auto accident, you could be charged with “Careless/Driving with Undo Care and Attention,” and could face a serious conviction that comes with a fine of up to $1,000. This type of conviction, coupled with all the implications that are tied to a car accident, could impact your automobile insurance premium by thousands of dollars every year for at least six years. Not to mention the risk of injury that you pose to yourself and others on the road.



*-If you need to make a call while driving, take a couple of minutes to pull over and make your call while your car is shut off and in park. Driving requires your full time attention. As a driver, you have a responsibility not only to yourself but to your passengers as well — not to mention everyone else on the road.

The consequences of lying to your insurance company

The main purpose of insurance is to protect you in the event of an accident , whether or not you are responsible , in exchange for a premium charged by the insurance company. Your insurance company determines how much you’ll pay for insurance by assessing the answers you disclose on your auto or home application.


When applying for an insurance policy, you're in a unique position, since you have full knowledge of all the necessary facts needed by the insurer. What you say will determine if the company will offer you a policy, including the correct premium to charge you in relation to the risk you pose.


If your insurance company discovers you purposely hid material facts on your auto or home application, you can expect to face consequences, such as:

• Failing to disclose or hiding material facts on your application is considered “misrepresentation” or “non-disclosure.” If the insurance company determines the insured individual did not disclose material facts, the insurance company may void the insurance contract. In other words, the policy will be cancelled from its inception.



• Non-disclosure cancellations stay on your record for three years, which means you no longer qualify to purchase insurance through the regular market. Your only course of action would be to purchase insurance through "high-risk" insurance carriers, which means higher insurance premiums.



• If you’ve reported a claim to your insurance company and, through investigation, the company discovers you willfully concealed material facts that would have influenced the insurer's decision to issue a policy, then your claim will be denied and your policy voided.


• When an innocent non-disclosure of facts occurs, a policy will not necessarily be voided. Examples of true non-disclosures from policy applicants include such examples as failing to mention that a person uses their vehicle to deliver pizzas, concealing the fact that a person uses their vehicle as a full-fledged taxi, a person neglects to inform an insurer that they run a welding business in their home or that they run a full-time daycare five days a week.

5 reasons to contact your insurance company

*If you are like most people, the only times you think of reviewing your insurance policy are if you are making a claim or when you get your renewal notice in the mail. But did you know that there are a number of common changes to your driving profile that require you to notify your insurance company or insurance professional?

How you use your vehicle forms part of your driving profile and how you use your vehicle today can be different from the way you used your vehicle at the time you completed the original application for insurance. Depending upon what has changed, you could find yourself without coverage or reduced coverage in the event of an accident.

To ensure that you are protected at all times, here are five instances when you should always contact your insurance professional:

1. Changes to the use of your vehicle. Let your insurance professional know if the use of your vehicle since the time of your application has changed; for example, from pleasure to its current use to make sales calls or deliveries, even if you only do this part-time.

2. Changes to the drivers of your vehicle.  If there are changes to the people who are driving your vehicle, make sure to provide your insurance professional with an up-to-date list of the drivers along with their driving information. Make sure to include any of your children who may now be licenced drivers and were not when you applied for insurance.

3. Vehicle modifications. Let your insurance professional know if you have made any changes to your vehicle since your application. Changes like altering the suspension or major enhancements to your engine could impact your coverage.

4. Change of address. Let your insurance professional know if you have moved, even if it is within the same neighborhood. Part of your rate is based on where you live and even moving a small distance can have a significant impact on what you pay.

5. Are you being paid to drive? If you or someone else using your car receives compensation for being a driver, you need to let your insurance professional know to ensure that you are covered.

Refunds and cancelling your insurance policy

*If you are considering cancelling your insurance policy, you may be wondering if you are entitled to a refund.  When a policy is cancelled, insurance companies use a variety of methods to determine how much of your premium will be refunded to you.  The method used is dependent on the reason that the policy is being cancelled in the first place.  Outlined below are three of the most common cancellation methods used and the related refund implications.

*Pro Rata Cancellation:-

This method of calculating a refund carries no penalty and the amount is otherwise known as the return premium of a cancelled policy.  This method is typically used if the policy is cancelled at the request of the insurance company.  The return premium (or refund) is calculated by taking the number of days remaining in the policy period, dividing that by the total days of the policy, and then multiplying this number by the annual policy premium.

For example, if you have a 1-year policy with a premium of $1000 that has been fully paid to the insurance company, and you wish to cancel 200 days into the year, you will have 165 days remaining on your policy.  Your refund, or return premium, would be calculated as 165 days divided by 365 days in a year times $1000, resulting in a return premium of $452.05

*Short Rate:-

This method of calculating the return premium or refund carries a penalty, and is often used when the policy is cancelled at your request.  The penalty charged to you is approximately 10% of the return premium, as described in the Pro Rata method above.

Using the example above and assuming the penalty is exactly 10%, the amount that would be owed to you is $452.05 less the penalty.  The penalty of 10% is applied to the return premium and this amount would be substracted from your refund. Therefore, the amount you could receive will be $452.04 less $45.21 equalling to $406.83

*Cancellation Calculations for Recreational Vehicles:-

The cancellation methods used for snowmobile and motorcycle insurance differ to the ones used for car insurance.

Motorcycles and snowmobiles are known as seasonal use vehicles and have their premiums seasonally adjusted.  The insurance companies charge the largest percentage of your premium in the months that the vehicle has the greatest exposure.  For example, premiums are typically higher for motorcycles in the months of April through October.  As such, if you cancel your motorcycle policy for the winter, you will not be entitled to a premium refund.  Similarly, if you cancel your snowmobile policy in the summer, you will again not be entitled to a premium refund.

Be sure to discuss your options with your insurance professional if you are thinking about cancelling your policy.  They will be able to give you a better idea of whether or not you will receive a refund and, if so, how much you should expect.

The Benefits of Short Term Car Insurance

Q-What is Quick Term Auto Insurance?

*Short-term cover is even right divided the sincerely latest approach to protection your car. In the not as good apart past, reduced countenance cover was usually employed by people borrowing the friend’s or relative’s car for the reduced time period. Now, even so, reduced countenance word is being employed for intensely broader reasons.

Generally, momentary, or discerning term, car word coverage enables the process hilt to protection his, or her, car for as little as 1 day as good as mostly up to twenty-8 days.

Of course, the cost of reduced countenance coverage is most most some-more dear than an annual coverage when working out cost tab per day. Nevertheless, if we usually will need to protection the car for the integrate of days, the week or the month, discerning tenure cover is by intensely the slightest dear approach to acquire word coverage.

*Positive aspects of Temporary Cover:-

You competence be asking yourself what rewards reduced countenance car word coverage has for you. Well, no have the difference either or not proxy cover is the correct pierce financially will really most equate upon your conditions.

For instance, if we have been the single sold of the multiform people which primarily work divided from property, we might find which we utterly roughly never operate your particular automobile. In this instance, discerning word car word coverage creates certain which we usually compensate out for the durations which your car is in use.

Yet an additional glorious value for short-term clients is which the process can be renewed during any position, producing life significantly reduction difficult for those who confirm upon to protection their car with this technique.

In addition, countless firms supply clients with the event to buy discerning word car word coverage about the mobile phone or by approach of the universe far-reaching web. This indicates which cover can be supposing in the series of mins as good as we have been insured to expostulate your car the intensely matching day.

A Cheap Car Insurance Packed With Benefits

*Owning a automobile is something that everybody craves for. A enterprise to be in receive of a automobile keeps upon entrance to a thoughts of each individual. This instruct is irrespective of age, gender as well as income. Nowadays, with an enlarge in vehicles upon a road, chances of accidents as well as mishaps have additionally increasing considerably. You need to get your automobile insured prior to we place it amidst a trade today. Finding poor automobile word is certainly an value though keep an eye over a cover it is providing.

*Cheap automobile word might not indispensably put we down upon a reserve cover. It can be a most appropriate understanding bagged after we do a lot of research, more aged as well as analysis. You outlay a lot of income in purchasing your automobile as well as a maintenance. Take a surety magnitude for your monetary good as well as find poor automobile insurance. Whose reward is not satirical upon slot though still provides with correct reserve opposite upon highway as well as off highway dangers. A automobile might fell disposed to collision as well as pound ups, that might entice repair.

*Repairing of a automobile is a large emanate when we have to bombard large sums of income for a same. Having a preserve similar to cheap automobile insurance is beneficial in saving a lot of money. Cheap automobile word cover cannot be simply found, it depends upon your investigate as well as investigate skills. Otherwise, certitude experts, that can be found online as well as bag an overwhelming deal. Going for poor automobile word is a receptive to advice choice. In this way, we will not have to compensate whopping volume of income for repairs.

*Most people squeeze a automobile upon loan as well as already feel bitten by a instalments. It will be really formidable to get a automobile easy but an word cover. Therefore, lucid disposed people do all efforts to find poor automobile word policy, that is packaged with limit reserve as well as benefits.

Benefits of Several Car Insurance coverage

*As per supplies done by a laws of a nation, each engine vehicle has to be compulsorily insured before to it is put upon street. There have been complicated penalties for pushing a vehicle abandoned of a bona fide word cover. Insurance companies assign a word reward upon a substructure of assorted components similar to age of a driver, have as well as pattern of a auto, magnitude of a driving, distances to be lonesome as well as corporeal emanate of a vehicle etc. if we have perceived dual or most some-more vehicles in your property, we can safety a great understanding of money around a preference of a series of vehicle word coverage.

*The trickery of discounts upon word coverage cover for most some-more than a singular sold vehicle underneath a singular process is a really rewarding preposition for a particular who owns dual or most some-more cars. Obtaining a singular cover for multiform autos saves a great understanding of money for we in arrange of eye-catching discount, brokerage, renovation fees, taxes, as well as so forth. You can facilely work out a volume of reward upon credit for a singular cover for dual autos in your home in some-more aged to word coverage reward for dual apart cars owned by you. Several vehicle word coverage is a intensely profitable preference as upon top of enabling we a poignant bonus upon premiums it facilitates a synchronization of renewals of all a vehicles owned by you.

*Besides this, it avoids a headache of starting to word organisation or job your word coverage representative time as well as once again for obtaining all your vehicles insured. Another eye-catching evil of this trickery of a series of vehicle word coverage is that a latest vehicle can be one some-more during any time in this singular cover for a word coverage of multiform automobiles or it can be in a centre transposed with an old-fashioned vehicle lonesome underneath a policy. In a march of a couple of a prolonged time, we shall be in a upon all sides to safety a estimable total of supports by sportive this profitable preference of mixed vehicle word coverage. Apart from this, when we wish to get all a automobiles owned by we insured from a singular firm, we get one some-more faithfulness discounts.

*Insurance companies work out a reward upon a series of elements similar to a place in that vehicle is to be kept or driven as well as condition of a automobile, age of a motorist as well as so on. a places that have been distant some-more swarming as well as have been detected to be distant some-more collision inclined, tempt increasing premiums. Similarly, reward for a drivers next twenty-five most years of age have been intensely increasing in some-more aged to comparison drivers as childish drivers have been meant to dedicate most some-more mistakes whilst driving. With a befitting upkeep of your automobiles as well as discreet pushing we can safety a total lot of money upon a volume of word premiums upon credit by you. In this way, a series of vehicle word is a intensely profitable preference for a people carrying dual or most some-more vehicles.

How to Purchase Car Insurance for The Elderly

Studies have shown that accidents involving elderly people over the age of 75 have caused more deaths and injuries on the road compared to any other age group. That is why before you consider purchasing car insurance for elderly drivers, it is important that you look at several areas to ensure the safety of the driver and the other people on the road.

You have to know the signs to look for in your elderly loved one that may show if there is an actual decline in his or her driving skills. It is also important to research if you can get better rates on car insurance for the more senior drivers in spite of posing a higher risk for insurance companies.

Though senior drivers have decades of experience in driving, they are also prone to the decline of physical and mental capabilities needed while on the road. They may know all the safety and rules when driving, but this decline is something that comes with age and can barely be prevented as the person gets older. It is a normal occurrence and the body's way of saying it has done enough work in a lifetime.

If you have an elderly loved one who is still driving, it is important that you look for these signs that may affect theirs and other people's safety while they are driving. Here are some of the things you should look at when evaluating the capabilities of your elderly driver especially if he or she is over the age of 65.

- Reaction time - research has it that as a person gets older, the response time in performing certain actions slows down as you get older. This might affect their ability to step on the brakes when they need to or react to difficult situations on the road.

- Mobility - we need flexibility in driving. However, as we get older, there are certain conditions that hinder our mobility. These medical conditions may hamper one's full range of motion and become a hazard to road safety.

- Medications - these can affect the overall composure of the person behind the wheel. Some drugs can make you feel lightheaded or drowsy which is not good especially when driving.

- Vision and hearing - as we age, there is significant loss in hearing and vision. This can greatly affect the driver especially when they drive at night. The changes in peripheral and depth of vision can certainly affect the person's ability to clearly see distant and nearby objects.

It is very important to discuss these things with your elderly loved one before even considering purchasing car insurance for elderly drivers. When you find the right time, talk to the person concerned. They may have some difficulty accepting the loss of their independence, but this is not a subject that should stay in the sidelines. Their safety is the primary concern here.

On the other hand, if you have proven that their capability in driving has not been compromised by their age, you can now start looking at discounted options for senior car insurances. If the person is a member of the American Association of Retired Persons or AARP, he or she can also receive discounts on car insurance products and services.

Most insurance companies offer about 10% discount on car insurance for elderly drivers. The ages considered for this discount are between 50 to 55. You might see some relative increase in insurance rates after the age of 55.

The important step you need to take is to speak to your car insurance agent as soon as possible. Ask advice on how to reduce costs in purchasing car insurance for the elderly. Your agent might suggest some tips for you to help you get lower rates. One of them would be to encourage the senior driver to take additional defensive driving lessons. You can also offer to combine your home and car insurance in the same insurance company to get better deals..

Winter Hazards, Winter Weather Guide to Car Insurance

White flakes falling from the sky are absolutely a beautiful sight. Ironically, however that sight can be deceiving because it could mean winter hazards are on their way, and these winter hazards can make driving a dangerous activity. During the winter season, accident rates go up due to a reduced visibility and icy road conditions. Even the most careful and experience drivers may find themselves in an accident because of these hazardous winter weather conditions.

Unfortunately, when accident rates go up, accident claims go up and insurance rates go up. Everything gets affected. So how can we avoid accident and insurance rate to go up? Knowing what the winter hazards are determines the ways drivers can protect themselves from accidents, costly repairs and high insurance rates. Here are some common hazards to watch for:

1. Snow building up on the road, which may appear shallow but could be quite a few inches or feet deep. With this, cars can easily get stuck and people in the car may become trapped or stranded.

2. Icy roads, which make the surface slippery and therefore can cause the driver to lose control and possibly swerve and cause accident.

3. Black ice on the road, which is clear ice that looks black and drivers sometimes think it is part of the road.

4. Snow and ice building up on the car can cause damage to the car leading to a costly repair.

Again, knowing or identifying these winter hazards allows drivers to take more precautions while out on the road. And here are some winter weather guides to ensure a safe winter season on the road:

1. Before driving, make sure to remove ice and snow that has built up on the car. Clear all headlights, brake lights, windshield wipers and windows. Also ice and snow from your car's roof so they do not blow off when driving and therefore, avoid creating hazards for other drivers.

2. Slow down. Leave plenty of space between cars. More distance is needed to stop safely on slippery surfaces.

3. Never lock brakes on icy road to avoid losing control. If the car skids, remember to turn into the direction of the skid.

4. Bridges and highway overpasses tend to freeze before the rest of the road and can be very slick. Again, slow down and leave enough space between cars.

5. If a car is stuck in snow but still runs, dig the car out of it with a shovel. Therefore keeping a shovel in the car and a bag of ice melting salt are great ways to stay prepared for winter hazards like this.

6. Black ice on the road is the most dangerous winter hazards of all because it is impossible to see it on the road. Drivers will not know it until they have hit the ice or see a car spinning in front of them. When a black ice is hit, try not to slam the brakes or it will just make the car spin out worse. Tap the brakes lightly and turn the wheel into the direction of the skid until it slowly brings the car to a stop.

7. Keep the gas tank full. This will prevent damage from freezing and avoid the chance of running out of gas when stuck in a traffic jam.

8. Install snow tires treads.

9. Prepare an emergency kit that includes blankets, shovel, flares, windshield scraper and brush, battery operated flashlight tool kit, and booster cable.

10. If stuck, stay in the car and wait for help. Run the engine and heater sparingly. Make sure to ventilate the car to avoid carbon monoxide fume poisoning.

10 Quick Tips to Save on Your Auto Insurance

1. Request Quotes & Buy Online
You may be tempted to head to your closest insurance office and sign up for insurance right away, because it seems the most convenient, but that isn’t the way to make sure that you’re paying the lowest premiums.  Luckily, you can find numerous insurance quotes online, from the comfort of your own home.  This is a hassle free, no pressure way to shop around and make sure that you’re getting the best value for your money.  Insurance policies and premiums can vary drastically, checking online quotes will help you make sure you’re getting the best rate.  Many companies also offer a discounted rate if you purchase online, so check out all your options and save.

2. Multi-Vehicle Savings
If you’re insuring more than one vehicle, it’s always a good idea to insure all your vehicles with the same insurance provider.  Insurance companies offer a discount for customers insuring multiple vehicles, which will save you a percentage on each policy.

3. Compound Your Savings
If you require additional insurance, including homeowner’s, tenant or condo insurance, find out what discount your insurance provider offers to insure your vehicles with your other policies.  Most companies offer discounts when you buy both your home and auto insurance policies with them, which could save you 5-10% off your total insurance cost.

4. Higher Deductibles
As a general rule, the higher your deductible is, the lower your insurance premiums will be.  As long as you can afford to have a higher out-of-pocket cost if something happens to your car, choose a $1,000 deductible instead of $500 deductible to save.

5. Cancel Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is typically a significant portion of your insurance premium, and if you’re driving an older car collision coverage may not be necessary.  The value of your vehicle can be drastically reduced if it is older, has higher mileage or if it’s in bad shape.  If the value of your car is worth the same or less than your deductible, you’re likely better off cancelling your collision coverage and putting the premium savings away to go towards purchasing another vehicle.

6. Drive Better
Your insurance premiums are affected by your driving record, so it pays to keep it clean.  Tickets and convictions have a negative effect on your insurance rates for up to three years, and accidents can affect your rates for much longer (6 years or more!).  Drive safe every day to keep your insurance rates low.

7. Choose Your Vehicle Wisely
The type of car you drive influences your rates, depending on the average cost of claims for that make and model.  For example, four wheel drive vehicles often cost more to insure than their two wheel drive counterparts, as mechanical repair costs in the case of a collision on four wheel drive vehicles are generally more complex (and therefore more expensive).  Your insurance company will also look at how often a vehicle is stolen.  Before you purchase a new (or newer) vehicle, you may want to take a look at the Vehicle Information Centre of Canada, which can show you the difference in theft and claim rates for different vehicles.  By choosing a lower risk car you can reduce your annual insurance premiums.

8. Take Transit or Carpool
In your insurance company’s eyes the more you drive, the more likely you are to get in an accident.  And driving during rush hour (which is when most people commute to work) can be even worse.  This is why insurance rates are higher if you drive your vehicle to work.  Go green and take the bus, train, or join a carpool group to save money on your insurance, and the other costs associated with driving your car to work.

9. Get Educated
If you are a new driver, completing an accredited driver’s education course will result in significantly lower premiums for your car insurance in Canada.  Though the course will cost you initially, you’ll be safer on the road, and you’ll save on your insurance premiums every year.

10. Install an Anti-Theft Device
Your car is at a lower risk of being stolen when you have an anti-theft device.  Though most cars today come with a factory installed alarm system, and your insurance provider will have already discounted your policy to compensate for that, additional security measures may qualify you for an additional discount.  Check with your insurance company and see if having an alarm or immobilizer installed in your vehicle can further reduce your rate..

Six things NOT to do after a car accident

A car accident can be a very traumatic experience in itself for drivers, and confusion regarding what to do and what not to do can make matters worse. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, make sure you don't do any of the things on this list.

1.  Don’t admit fault.  Even if you believe you are responsible for the accident, nothing will be gained by saying so to the other driver or a police officer. The fault of the accident will ultimately be determined by the insurance adjuster based on pre-determined guidelines set out in the Insurance Act.  At the same time, do be sure to give the police officer an honest account of the facts when you are questioned.

2.  Don’t argue with the other driver.  Remain calm and give your account of the incident to the police officer.
3.  Don’t leave your car in the middle of the road.  If it is safe to do so, move the car off to the side of the road. If the car is not drivable, turn on the hazard lights.

4.  Don’t be pressured by a tow truck driver.  Some may demand immediate payment for the tow or may try to intimidate you into letting them tow your vehicle to a repair facility of their choice. Ask one of the police officers at the scene of the accident if they can refer you to a tow truck operator. Then ask the tow truck operator to tow your vehicle to a collision reporting facility.

5.  Don’t authorize major repairs immediately.  Wait until you speak to the insurance adjuster assigned to your insurance claim first. The adjuster may refer you to a repair facility with which your insurance company has an agreement.  By using your insurer’s “preferred” repair facility, the repair may come with a guarantee which you may not have otherwise received by going somewhere else.

6.  Don’t accept a direct offer of payment for damage from the other driver.  If the damage seems minor, the other driver may want to settle with you right away, and not report it to your respective insurance companies. Be cautious in this situation, because there is no guarantee that the incident will not be reported by the other driver, even if you believe everything has been settled.  It is also important to realize that settling for direct payment may not be as advantageous as it seems, especially if you are not at fault. In these instances the accident won’t affect your driving record nor will you have to pay a deductible.

Tips To Avoid Being Driven To Distraction

Tips to avoid being driven to distraction gives you some good ideas of how to stay safe while on the road. With texting and all the other distractions you are up against while driving you need to stay alert and pay attention:


(NAPSI)-Texting while driving has received a great deal of attention lately, and with good reason: Keeping your eyes on a tiny keyboard rather than the roadway ahead is a disaster waiting to happen. However, texting is just the latest in a long list of distractions that could have deadly consequences on America's roadways.

"Safe driving is about focus," said Bill Moore, president of MetLife Auto & Home®. "Many accidents could be avoided if the basic principles of defensive driving and driver attentiveness were observed."

To stay focused on safety, drivers may want to ask themselves the following questions:

• Are you keeping your eyes on the prize? With cars more than ever resembling mobile offices and entertainment centers, it can be easy to forget you're behind the wheel. Most accidents occur in seconds and distractions delay your reaction time.

• Are you awake enough to drive? Driver fatigue leads to inattentiveness, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 100,000 crashes are caused each year by drivers literally being asleep at the wheel. Recognize the signs of drowsy driving, which include difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, irritability and frequent yawning--and then, take action.

• Are you more interested in your cell phone conversation than the road ahead? Even in states where it's permissible, talking on a cell phone increases the likelihood of getting involved in a motor vehicle accident. If you need to call, pull off the road.

• Do you have a designated deejay? Simple things like changing the radio dial or finding that "perfect song" on your MP3 player may seem harmless, but they can be a big distraction.

• Are you being lazy about changing lanes? It's critical to look briefly over both shoulders before changing lanes. Even if you have onboard technology installed in the car, such as blind-spot and rearview indicators, the basics you learned in driver's education will always apply: signal your intention, check your mirrors and then glance back both ways to be certain that no one--or nothing--is in your blind spot.

• Are you day driving or daydreaming? Even without external distractions, it's easy to get caught up thinking about personal problems or work assignments. If you feel yourself losing focus, give yourself a wake-up call and set aside your problems. They can wait until the ride is over..

Is Your Child Ready For A Seat Belt?

*Is your child ready for a seat belt? Without a booster seat, Safe Kids Canada says a child can sustain serious internal injuries in a crash if the vehicle lap belt rides up on to the soft abdominal area rather than staying on the bony hips and thighs. More safety tips can be found online at www.safekidscanada.ca.

*(NC)—When your child outgrew their forward facing car seat, did you move him or her into a booster seat? If you did, you're one of the growing numbers of Canadian families that use this important safety device, says Safe Kids Canada, the national injury prevention program of The Hospital for Sick Children. In order to be properly protected, children need to use a booster seat in the car from the time they outgrow their forward facing car seat until they are at least four feet nine inches (145 cm) tall.

*Still many Canadian parents skip the booster seat stage, leaving their children vulnerable to serious injuries, or even death, in the event of a crash.

*Do you think your child is ready for a seat belt? Here's how to tell:

1. Shoulders:

Does the vehicle shoulder belt lie in the middle of the shoulder and across the middle of your child's chest, without touching the neck? It's dangerous for the seat belt to touch the neck because it can be easily injured in a crash.

2. Hips:

Does the vehicle lap belt rest low on your child's hips, under the belly area? The seat belt should lie on the hip bone area, not on your child's internal organs.

3. Seated Height:

Is your child at least 25 inches (63 cm) from tailbone to top of head while sitting up straight in a chair?

4. Knees:

Do your child's knees bend comfortably over the edge of the vehicle seat without causing them to slouch forward in their seat? This helps your child stay comfortable, which prevents slouching..

Selling Your Old Car and How You Can Get a Buyer to Pay a Higher Price

You are obviously going to want to get the most money that you possibly can if you are trying to sell a used car. The amount of money that your car has depreciated by can be annoying especially if you had paid a small fortune for it in the first place. You could find that the amount of money that you are offered is insultingly low unless you are a bit careful when selling your old car. You need to bear in mind, that most buyers will be trying to get your car for as little as they can and in most cases they will succeed.

If you want to ensure that the buyer will pay as much as possible for your car then the tips below will help.

- Make sure that your vehicle looks spotless as this is going to impress the buyer more. It also shows that you are a serious person who is selling a well kept vehicle. If you try to sell a vehicle that doesn’t look cared for then you will appear like a complete amateur. If the car doesn’t look like it has been cared for, then don’t be surprised if you are offered a low price for it.

- Making sure you don’t appear too keen to sell the car is a good thing. If the buyer thinks you don’t really want to sell the car then this is better. You have to have a good reason ready for selling the car in case you are asked.

An example of such a reason is that you have bought something new and just can’t afford to keep two cars.

- Give the impression that you have other interested parties. If the buyer tries to bring the price down too much just let them walk away. Bargain hard and don’t worry about losing the customer. At the moment there is a huge demand for used car and you should have no problem finding other interested parties.

If you are on the hunt for used cars, then motoring.friday-ad.co.uk has it all, buy, sell and search for your dream car.

Car insurance guide

*Insurance is a kind of a preparation plan where in you protect yourself, family members, and properties in event of disasters, accidents, calamities along with other unpredictable happenings. that might occur. It is a protection in type of premiums payments you are making to an insurance company who in turns will bear the risks you once have borne and can guarantee to take care of my way through cases calamities, burglary, accidents along with other unforeseen events

*Car insurance as the name suggest is definitely an insurance you take for your car to ensure that in case of road accidents you may be compensated for any expenses and injury your might have incurred. There are lots of kinds of car insurance plan whereby each plan’s tailor made for specific requirements and requires of the customer. Theft of car, results of typhoons and earthquakes, body injuries sustained, property damages and loss are just a few of incidents that are covered by the auto insurance. The premiums of the insurance will depend on the type of car being insured, the kind of driver/owner from the car and also the location where your vehicle is. Quite simply risks will play an important role within the quantity of insurance premium. A far more expensive and high risk car will certainly command higher premium payments from the owner when compared with a cheaper and safer vehicle. Just as a younger and much more inexperience driver will have to pay higher premiums for an insurance company than an older and more experience one since the risk involve for an older driver is much less than n others because of his inexperience in driving. An insurer will put a higher premium rate on somebody that lives in disaster prone areas than someone who resides in a safe and secure community.

*There are four main factors that keep the car insurance premium down. The first is, to think about buying cars that are in the good listing of car insurance companies. Cars that are expensive tend to be more vulnerable to stolen. Aside form that insurance are also based on the value of your vehicle, so the more costly it is, then the higher the premium you pay. Remember car insurance company knows what cars are prone to accidents and other risks. Additionally they know what kind of cars is prone to greater risk and also the greater risk it has the larger your premium minute rates are.

*Another factor is insurance providers offers discounts for many reasons like, being a good student, you have several car insured. along with other specific discounts.

*Third is lesser use of car means lesser premium payments for insurance. Drivers who go to long distances to get to work daily can pay more premium rate. And on the other hand, if you’re the type of person who uses your car only on weekends or on shorter distances then you’ll likely incur lesser amount on insurance premiums. And fourth is that if you’re a careful and experience driver you’ll probably get discounts on your insurance premiums. Your age, sex, marital status and driving record will all be taken into account whenever you buy insurance for the car. A driver who’s vulnerable to accidents and traffic violations means higher risk for the company that’s why they’d charge him higher premiums. Accident rates are thought to be higher among below Twenty-five year old drivers so that they can pay more.

*Comprehending the simple basic of auto insurance will help you choose the right type of insurance policy that will look after your needs in case you get involve within an accident. It is always good to be ready rather than be caught unaware and risk paying thousand of dollars in instances when you yourself needs that amount.

How to choose the right insurance company

If you've read our "10 Steps to Buying Insurance" article, you should have a pretty good idea of how much car insurance to buy and how to find a low-cost policy. But how do you make sure that the company you sign on with is going to be reliable? When we say "reliable," we're talking about how the insurer treats you, the customer. Most importantly, how will the company deal with you when you file a claim?

To help answer this question, we consulted two insurance experts: Dennis Howard, director of the Insurance Consumer Advocate Network (I-CAN) and a retired insurance adjuster, and Doug Heller, a consumer advocate at The Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights, a California-based consumer advocacy group. Both had several ideas for consumers determined to make sure their car insurance investment is directed toward a trustworthy company, one that will pay on time and in full.these are some of the very important points you hav to follow:

1) Visit your state's department of insurance Web site.

2) Find out which insurers body shops recommend.

3) Check the J.D. Power Ratings.

4) Consider insurers' financial strength ratings.

5) Still confused? Consider working with an agent.

Need of car insurance

*A growing number of people are dropping their auto insurance to try to save money,  according to a recent study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC). If the current rate  of unemployment continues, the IRC estimates that the national uninsured rate will climb  from 13.8 percent in 2007 to 16.3 percent in 2010. With that many people driving without  coverage, it's dangerous to be uninsured. But how much car insurance do you really need?

*If you're like many people feeling the pinch, your inclination is to get the bare  minimum of insurance coverage required by the law in your state. That's a good place to  start, though those minimums may not fully protect you -- or your assets -- if you file  a claim. We recommend getting more than the minimum coverage unless you are driving a  beater and have no assets to protect.

*Every state in the nation, except for New Hampshire and Wisconsin, requires that you  have liability insurance, and that mandatory coverage varies according to state.

*In the chart below, minimum liability limits are read as follows (in thousands of  dollars):

*Bodily injury liability for one person in an accident
*Bodily injury liability for all people injured in an accident
*Property damage liability for one accident


*So, for Alabama, the minimum requirements are $25,000 of bodily injury liability for one  person, $50,000 bodily injury liability for all people and $25,000 property damage  liability. Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or Medical Payments (MedPay) in some  states, pays for your own medical expenses, any lost wages and whatever other costs may  arise when you're injured in an accident. It usually pays about 80 percent of your  losses, and it also pays a death benefit. PIP is required in: Arkansas, Delaware,  Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New  Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Utah.

Swift cover car insurance

*SwiftCover takes the hassle out of getting a motor quote. It takes less than 60 seconds  to discover how much you can save by using a truly internet only insurer.

*These savings were confirmed by MoneySupermarket.com which found that Swiftcover  provided the lowest average car insurance premium for all drivers quoted by the  insurance comparison website in 2006. Richard Mason, managing director of insurance at  MoneySupermarket.com, said: "It's not surprising to see the younger, nimbler online  insurers providing consistently competitive premiums given their lower overheads when * compared with the traditional insurers".

*Because Swiftcover are a 100% internet only insurer, you enjoy full control over the  insurance process without having to hold on the phone for ages. In short you can:

*Get a fast quote online
*Buy a policy online
*Submit and track a claim
*Make changes to your policy
*Check your premium payments
*Read and print your policy documents
*All this instantly online plus you save money because we don't have to pass on the huge *costs of call centres that most other insurers do.

*You can contact us via our website or by post at the following address:

*Swift House
*Walnut Tree Place
*Send
*Woking
*Surrey
*GU23 7HL

*Awards & Ratings for this Company:

*Best Value for Money Car Insurer.
*Most Trusted Motor Insurance Provider.
*Best Online Motor Insurance Provider.
*Best Car Insurance Provider.
*Best Car Insurer for 2006.
*Best Buy Category Winner for online Car Insurance.
*Best Buy Car Insurance (without a courtesy car).
*Best Internet Buy for Car Insurance.

Car hire excess insurance

Q: What is Car Hire Excess Insurance?

A: Your car rental agreement normally includes cover for Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)    and Theft. However you are still liable for the Excess on CDW and Theft. When a rental    car is damaged or stolen, the driver is asked to pay the first portion of the repair    or replacement costs. This is known as the Car Hire Excess.

Q: How our Excess Insurance Works?

A: With car hire excess insurance, we insure the Policy Holder, not the rental vehicle.    Car hire excess is a voluntary insurance. Decline the car rental company’s Excess    cover at the counter when you collect the car.
   If the car is damaged or stolen, the car rental company will charge your credit card    for the Excess amount and you then claim for reimbursement on your car hire excess    insurance policy.

Single day insurance of car

*Temporary car insurance is a motor insurance policy where customers can choose the  length of the policy which can run anywhere from a single day to 28 days.

Q: Where does the cover originate come from?

A: Originally single day or temporary car insurance was designed exclusively for people    in the motor trade. It's been available to the general public since 2005, but is    relatively unknown. It's become more widely available thanks to technology making it    quicker and simpler for an insurer to set up a policy.

Q: Why would I need single day or temporary car insurance?

A: The main use is for people who own cars that they very rarely use, such as a classic    car displayed at shows, or simply saved for an occasional leisure trip. Such polices    can also be useful for people with such cars when they move home and decide to drive      the car to the new property rather than have it transported on a carrying vehicle.A    one day policy is also suitable for additional drivers. For example, if you are    normally the only driver of a vehicle you may well have a sole driver policy. If you    then go on a driving holiday and share the load, it may be easier for the other driver    to get a day-by-day policy rather than be added as a named driver to the main policy.    It can also be useful if you live in a remote location and have visitors who need to    borrow your car once or twice. Of course, in all these circumstances you should check    whether the person is already covered to drive any vehicle under their own policies.

Q: What about racing?

A: With cars used for racing, single day car insurance is generally used as a secondary    policy. This is because many owners opt for a main insurance policy that doesn't cover    racing activities to keep the costs down. They can then get a race-specific policy on    a single day basis.

Q: How do the costs work?

A: As with any motor policy, costs vary immensely. As a general rule, there'll be a set    fee for the first day which will then be repeated for the next day or two. After this    the daily fee will usually drop substantially. For example, an insurer might charge    £10 for the first day, another £10 for the second day, and then £4 for each additional    day.

Q: What are the exclusions?

A: This also varies from policy to policy. As a general idea, the policy conditions will    normally be on the tighter end of what you might expect from an annual policy. For    example, there may be a high minimum age, a bar on people with even a few penalty    points, a restriction on people who've made multiple claims in recent years, and a bar    on newly qualified drivers. There will also usually be price limits affecting both the    minimum and maximum value of vehicles than can be covered. In many cases there will be    a total limit on the payouts you can get, regardless of the actual damages and costs    you incur.

Q: Where can I get temporary car insurance?

A: Some of the major motor insurers offer temporary car insurance such as Aviva but there    are also some specialist insurers such as Temp Cover and Day Insure. You can view a    comprehensive list in the short term car insurance directory.