The Ford Explorer has been a popular seller for the company for years now. The Explorer first came about in 1990 in place of the bulkier Ford Bronco II. Many experts in the industry credit the Explorer with being one of the main vehicles that helped create a popular market for the SUV. While SUVs were once viewed as mainly big and utilitarian, the introduction of this vehicle helped revolutionize the market, making it more accessible to the average driver for everyday use.

Most people doing research about this vehicle, though, are considering a newer model of the Ford Explorer, starting with the Fifth Generation from 2011 until now. The 5–door, 6-speed automatic has been a best seller for Ford. Some of what drivers love about the Fifth Generation include:

• Front wheel or all wheel drive
• Engine options including 2.0 EcoBoost I4, 3.5 Duratec V6, or 3.5 EcoBoost V6
• Push-button start and remote engine start
• Power liftgate
• Heated and cooled front seats
• Active Park Assist
• Plus many of the whistles and bells consumers now expect to come standard, such as GPS and entertainment technology

Of course, if you are looking into Ford Explorer car insurance rates, you will also want to know about some of the safety features. Remember, when comparing rates for different types of vehicles, the more safety and anti-theft features included, the better the premiums will be. Some of the standard safety features of this Ford vehicle include:

• BLIS blind spot system
• Dual front adaptive SRS air bags
• For the front seats, side impact air bags
• Side curtain head plus dual rear seat belt air bags plus
• Rollover and torso protection air bags
• Collision warning with brake support
• RSC, or Roll Stability Control
• Electronic Stability Control, or ESC
• Curve Control
• Plus much more

When shopping around for your Explorer, find out what additional options there are for safety and anti-theft. Not only will these features better protect you, your family, and the vehicle but you will see a difference on your car insurance rates as a result too.

Finding the Best Ford Explorer Car Insurance Premiums

Did you realize where you park your car at night could impact your auto coverage premiums? It’s true. Some companies will offer better rates if you are able to park your car in your garage and better protect it from factors like weather, vandalism, or theft. Car insurance rates can be impacted by a great number of factors, and you should certainly get an idea of what you could be paying for insurance before agreeing to get into new car payments.

Something else you should be aware of when it comes to having the right amount of vehicle insurance protection for your Ford Explorer is Gap insurance. If you plan on financing a new vehicle, you need to know about Gap insurance before finding out too late that you wish you had it.

So what is Gap insurance?

• Say you just bought your new Ford Explorer and drove it off the lot. Well, any vehicle begins to lose value the moment it leaves the lot and before it has even lost that “new car” scent. The problem is that the amount you owe on it versus what any car insurance company would value it at is not going to match. So if you have an accident, your insurance provider is only liable for the value of the car, not what you owe. Any difference between those two figures, which can easily be in the thousands of dollars, is up to you to still cover out of your own pocket, even if your car is completely destroyed, leaving you without a car to drive.

That is, of course, unless you have Gap insurance coverage to make up for the difference. These are all things you should know before signing on the dotted line for a new Explorer or any new vehicle for that matter.

What Else Is There?

The average driver realizes their driving record is probably the biggest factor in determining premium rates. Obviously, the better your driving record, the lower your rates can be. Keep in mind that if you already have a policy in place and had accidents, tickets, or other violations that could cost you more money with higher rates, keep an eye on when these “expire.”

Usually if you have an accident or get a ticket but then keep a clean record for three years, these come off your insurance record for affecting your rates. Know when these three years are up and make sure your rates reflect this.

The bottom line is that car insurance is the most important thing to have for your car. Make sure you get the best rates possible for your new Ford Explorer.

All states have some requirements about insurance to protect the citizens. The cost of this insurance can range from fairly inexpensive to extremely expensive. Washington state falls somewhat in the middle in the nation with its insurance rates on average at $1,360. Of course, that is only an average price and does not factor in individual things such as age and driving record, which can dramatically increase or decrease the cost that you will pay for your own coverage.

The Basic Insurance Requirements in Washington

Like other states, Washington requires that drivers meet certain minimums of insurance coverage. These minimums include:

• $25,000 each person
• $50,000 each accident
• $10,000 for property damage and loss

An alternative to buying this insurance coverage does exist. The state allows drivers to post a $60,000 deposit or buy a liability bond for the same amount. These are very expensive alternatives to insurance because they must be paid in one installment. Driving without insurance can make you liable for the entire cost of damages and injuries in an accident, and it may also cause you fines, which start at $450 dollars for a first offense.

Watch Your Speed!

While there are dozens of reasons that an accident can occur, speed remains one of the top causes in most states. In Washington, more than 30 percent of accidents are directly related to speeding with many more listing speed as a mitigating factor. In Washington, the area of Interstate 90 near the cities of Preston and Issaquah is listed as the highest concentration of speeders. Driving at high rates of speed is dangerous because it can give you less time and room to maneuver out of the way of obstacles, can make it impossible to stop in time and may also cause you to lose control when going around curves. Getting tickets for excessive speed can also increase your insurance rates as well.

Secondary to speeding is the problem of aggressive driving, which often involves speed as well. Aggressive drivers account for serious accidents and increased insurance rates throughout the state.

Oh Deer (And Moose and Others)

Much of the state of Washington remains wooded and wild with plenty of wildlife that can be seen in and around the roadside. More than a million accidents involving deer have occurred, with an average cost of $2,800 per accident. If there are any injuries in the accident the cost can climb to $10,000 or more. Deer are not the only wildlife that causes problems on Washington roads, though. Moose, though not as numerous, are larger and may cause more serious damage and also increase the risk of injuries to the drivers of the cars that hit them. Coyotes are often frequently involved in these accidents.

Hang Up the Phone and Drive, Please

In addition to the animals, other drivers and your own speed, there is another way to keep yourself, your family and those around you safe on the road. Distracted driving, which usually occurs when people are using cell phones, is such a major problem that several states have had to enact new laws. Washington has a law that forbids the use of a cell phone for talking or texting without a hands free unit for some drivers. New drivers are not allowed to have a cell phone at all. The fine can be $124 or more and may also increase your insurance rates as well. More than 6,000 people have been killed by distracted driver in a single year in Washington, while more than 500,000 others have been injured as well.

Using a hands free unit or pulling over to make a phone call is only one of the ways that you can save money on your insurance bill. There are other ways as well. These include keeping your car safe and in good repair, checking your tire pressure with every fill up and replacing your windshield wipers every few months. People who have good driving records get better insurance rates than those who have tickets and accidents on their record.

When to Review Your Insurance Rates

Before you renew your insurance, it is important to review your policy to make sure that you have the right coverage at the right prices. You should do this at least a month before it is time to renew your policy so that you will have the time to make any changes if that is necessary. Any changes in the drivers or members of household, amount of driving that you do or changes in the value of the car could substantially change your insurance rates. Buying a house or getting a new job could also change your insurance rates. Finally, your location could also change how much you will pay for insurance as well.

The Ford Edge is known for exactly what the company likes to boast about it; it grabs attention as well as it does the road. From first time it premiered the Edge has gotten plenty of recognition for its bold lines and sleek overall look; not to mention the interior is equal parts a stylish and modern look combined with comfort and space. Simply put, the new Ford Edge is getting plenty of attention from consumers and experts alike.

If you are looking for Ford Edge car insurance rates, you are probably considering potentially adding this vehicle to your family. There is plenty of research to be done and the test drive to take and, of course, the car insurance rates to compare. However, here are a few of the details to keep in mind as you consider this Ford vehicle:

For Technology

• SYNC voice activated technology
• ACC collision warning with Brake Support
• Intelligent Access including push button start
• Rear view camera
• And this is just a sample of what comes standard or features that can be included

For Design

• Panoramic vista roof
• Ambient lighting
• Power liftgate
• Discharge headlamps (high intensity)

For Performance

• 2.0L EcoBoost Engine
• 30 MPG highway fuel economy rating
• Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• 6 Speed SelectShift Automatic
• Towing capability of up to 3,500 lbs

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to consider the Ford Edge as your family’s next car. As a wise and informed consumer, though, it is a good idea to do your homework and make the best decision possible for your next car. The big factors to consider between the Edge and other Fords, or other brands, would be:

• Safety ratings
• Fuel economy ratings
• Seating and storage capacity
• Towing capability
• Possible optional features

If need be, make a checklist of thing you must have, things you would prefer to have, and even those you would like to have. This will help you compare your options when it comes time to narrow down your choice. When it comes to car insurance rates, though, you should be aware of the fact that the Los Angles Times recently named this vehicle the #1 ranking lowest cost vehicle to insure.

Now, think about what else can impact your cost of car insurance so that you can make the best choice possible.

Other Factors to Consider

The bottom line is that, too often, consumers rush into buying a brand new car without comparing car insurance rates. You could get a great low monthly car payment only to find out your auto insurance rates will cost you just as much as your payment. Before driving off the lot with that shiny new vehicle, make it a point to compare auto insurance premiums first.

Some of what can impact your car insurance premiums include, but are certainly not limited to:

• The age and driving record of the insured – The younger you are, the more “high risk” you are considered until about the age of 25. Obviously, the better your driving record, the lower your insurance premium costs will be. Young or higher risk drivers should take driver’s education or other classes that could help get you lower rates.
• Marriage or Military – If you are married or in the military, you could be saving more money too; not to mention those younger drivers under the age of 25 who are in the military or married could fare much better. Married, in the military, and over the age of 25 with a clean driving record will help you the most.
• Think about your deductible – Your deductible is the amount you pay out in the event of filing a claim (these are out-of-pocket expenses); meaning, if you have an accident, you have to pay this amount before your insurance coverage can start. The lower the deductible, the higher your premiums will be and vice versa. However, if you raise your premium too high, say $1000, it may be more difficult to come up with that amount if you have an accident.

Do your research and find out how to get even better rates based on your driving record, age, and even your zip code. Rates just don’t vary by state; they even vary by zip code. Make sure you are informed about car facts and what type of car insurance rates the Ford Edge will cost you before driving off the lot with one.

All states require some insurance coverage of the drivers on their roads. If you are new to a state or spend more than a few months in a different state, it is also important to know what the laws are there as well. In Virginia, the requirement for insurance is set to protect the drivers on the roads and is comparable to the laws in most of the states in the nation.

Virginia’s Minimum Requirements for Auto Insurance

Like most states, Virginia sets minimums for auto insurance coverage that must be met by all drivers. These minimums include:

• $25,000 for each person / bodily injury liability ($50,000 each accident)
• $20,000 damage (property) liability
• Uninsured/under insured motorists $25,000 for bodily injury and $20,000 for property damage liability

These are simply the legal minimums that are set forth. You can and should have more insurance coverage that provides you and your family far more protection in the event of an accident, especially one that causes substantial property damage and serious injuries. An accident can often cause expenses that are considerably higher than what is covered by minimum insurance policies.

Why It Is Important to Gather Details at the Scene of an Accident

Virginia operates under a tort system, which means that there has to be responsibility or blame assigned after an accident. Someone will have to be declared to have been at fault for the accident, which will mean that the expenses incurred during the accident will be paid by that person and his or her insurance company. Understandably, the insurance companies will look for ways to put the blame on the other driver instead.

It is important that you gather as much information at the scene of the accident including any photos that you can take, police reports, injury reports and anything else that will be relevant. The more of a dispute about the accident the longer it may take to settle. That may mean that some things such as auto repairs or replacements and medical bills are not being taken care of in a timely manner.  The experts agree that you should exchange auto insurance information with the other drivers involved, but you should not discuss the accident with strangers nor should you accept blame in any way at that time.

How Virginia Stacks Up Against Other States in the Nation

Nationwide, insurance rates for six months of coverage average nearly $1,530. Virginia’s average insurance policy cost is slightly lower than that average; however, there are many things that can influence that actual price that you pay. Insurance in the more populous areas tends to run slightly higher than in the rural or suburban areas. There are a number of individual factors that will change the amount that you will pay for your insurance as well. These factors include:

• Your age. Younger drivers are often considered higher risks than others, so their premiums are higher.
• Your marital status. Most insurance rates for married couples are lower than for single people because they are seen as “established” and more responsible.
• Your credit score. Many insurance companies will pull your credit history and will base your premium on that information.
• The type of car that you have. Obviously a sporty car will be more likely to be involved in an accident than a family sedan.
• The way that you use your car. The more that you drive, the higher your risk of being involved in an accident.

Ways to Save on Your Auto Insurance in Virginia

There are several ways to save money on the insurance that you are required to carry in Virginia. Of course you can’t do anything about your age, but you can investigate the cost of insurance before you settle on a new auto purchase. In addition, you can enroll in and pass the Defensive Driving School program, which will give you lower insurance rates. The Safe Driver Program also offers lowered rates for those drivers who are free from accidents, citations and other issues.

It is important to review your insurance needs and circumstances before every renewal period instead of just continually buying the same coverage from the same company. If you drive less or have reached a new age group, you could be missing out on major discounts.

The Most Common Reasons for an Insurance Claim to Be Filed

There are certain things that happen more than others. These are the most common reasons that people will file an insurance claim in Virginia:

• Fender benders. By and large the most common insurance claim is for the average fender bender.
• Windshield damage. Birds fly into you while you are driving. The car in front of you kicks a rock back from its tires. Windshields get damaged in a multitude of ways and then must be replaced. Keep in mind that not all policies will cover the cost of these repairs, so always confirm what is and is not covered by your insurance.
• Vandalism. More common in areas with denser populations, vandalism can include scratches, tire damage and other damage. Again, this may not be covered by very basic insurance policies.

It is important that you are covered for the widest range of damages and incidents so that you can get your car repaired without having to come up with large amounts out of pocket.

Debuting in 1976, the Honda Accord has long been known as not only affordable but reliable as well. In fact, the model has ranked in the top five on the lists of dependable cars practically since its introduction. While not all of the original cars have made it, there are quite a few of the first generation of Accords on the road today. Moderately priced even when new, the Honda Accord is available in a number of different body types and styles and even has a hybrid version for those who are looking to reduce their carbon foot print.

One of the most serious considerations that people have to keep in mind when choosing a new car is the cost of upkeep and associated expenses that continue after purchase. Not only do you have to consider the monthly payment if you are planning on financing the car, but the cost of fuel, repairs, and of course, insurance. The cost of insurance varies wildly from driver to driver, but there are many features that are standard to the Honda Accord that may lower the cost of insuring it dramatically. Safety and security features are often used to give drivers discounts for their car.

The Standard Safety and Security Features of the Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has a number of regular safety features that are included in the basic package. These include:

• The anti-lock braking system
• Front air bags (driver and passenger)
• Front side air bags
• Side air bags (curtain)
• Front driver and passenger active head restraints
• Side impact door beams

In addition, there is a regular security system plus a tire pressure monitoring system. Overall, it is estimated that the cost of owning and operating this vehicle is nearly ten percent lower than a comparable car of another brand.

How the Cost of Insurance Is Determined

The cost of your insurance will be determined by a wide range of factors that will include the type of car you are driving, your driving record and things such as the members of your family. Everyone who lives in your house who is over a certain age will have to be included on your insurance policy or excluded. To exclude a legal family member from insurance coverage on your policy, you will have to fill out a paper stating that that is exactly what you intend to do. If that family member borrows your car, with or without your knowledge or permission and then has an accident, your insurance will not cover the damages. That can quickly lead to a very expensive situation.

The age of exclusion is different for every insurance company with some using ages as low as 14 or 15 and others using the term “licensed drivers” instead of referring to names.

In addition to the number of people who are insured, the insurance company will use information about your credit history, the way that you use your car and your location to determine the cost of coverage. How much insurance you need or want will also influence the final cost of coverage. For instance, if you need the most comprehensive coverage available, that will cost more than the cost of state minimum liability insurance.

Your driving record is also a factor. The better your driving record is, the lower the cost of your insurance premiums. Simple things such as parking tickets should not raise your insurance cost, but speeding tickets, driving violations and accidents will negatively impact it. For some types of insurance, too many tickets or accidents may prevent you from being accepted. Every company has their own standards for the insurance coverage that they will and will not write. Keeping a good driving record will not only save you money on your insurance but for some companies may also earn you a rebate check.

In addition to your driving record, your credit history might also be reviewed and used to determine the insurance rate that you will have to pay.

State and Other Requirements

All states require financial responsibility for their drivers. Most use insurance to satisfy that requirement. State minimum insurance is much lower than more comprehensive insurance and is often not enough in the eyes of banks or financing companies. If you lease or finance your car, you will likely be required to carry more insurance than is required by your state. If you live in a state that offers other options, you can also choose to protect yourself with a financial bond or a security deposit, but the amounts that are required are usually quite substantial and must be paid at one time. In some cases that amount can be $50,000 or higher and may still not be enough to cover the cost of an accident.

Massachusetts requires that all licensed drivers carry a standard amount of insurance on the vehicles that they drive whether they are leased or owned. Financed vehicles will also require additional insurance by the financing company to protect the value of the vehicle. Once you have paid it off, you can drop down to state minimum requirements, but you must understand that this amount may not be enough to cover the full cost of an accident. In Massachusetts, the minimum requirements are:

• $20,000 per person for personal injury/$40,000 per accident
• $5,000 for property damage
• $20,000 for uninsured/under insured bodily injury protection per person.
• $800 for personal injury protection

Massachusetts is a no fault state, which means that blame does not have to be assigned after an accident has occurred. This also means that some of the rights and abilities to sue another party are restricted or given up.

How Massachusetts Stacks Up

The national average for an insurance policy is $1,790. A resident of Massachusetts can expect to pay less than that at roughly $1,113 for their insurance. There are dozens of factors that can raise or lower personal insurance rates, however, and it is wise to investigate insurance costs when buying a new policy and whenever there are any changes that could impact coverage. One of the reasons that insurance in the state is lower than the national average may be the fact that the numbers for accidents, including those with fatalities or serious injuries, have been dropping in recent years. From calendar year 2008 there were 136,384 total accidents with 3,747 serious injuries and 363 fatalities. Of these deaths, many are teens.

Teens and Driving in Massachusetts

Statistically, two out of every five teen deaths are directly related to a motor vehicle accident either as the driver or a passenger. For the 16-19 year old age group, the risk of crashes is at its highest. Most scary of all, more than 30 percent of all 16 year old drivers will be involved in a serious crash.

To reduce some of the tragedies surrounding young drivers and to keep insurance costs affordable, Massachusetts has a number of laws in place.  The most important of these, the junior license program, has been in effect since 1998. The requirements for the junior license include:

• The driver must hold a valid driving permit for at least six months.
• he or she must complete a driver’s education program that is meant to include 30 hours in the classroom, 12 hours of driving and six hours of observation from the back seat.
• The driver’s parent or guardian must complete a two-hour driving course as well.
• The young driver must log 40 hours of practice driving with the parent or guardian. This is reduced to 30 hours if the driver’s ed program has enough practice driving.
• An actual driver’s license is not issued until the age of 18.

In addition, there are a number of restrictions that are imposed on the young driver that are meant to keep them safe. These restrictions include the hours that the driver is allowed to be behind the wheel and how many passengers can be in the car. Parents can also play a major role in the safety of their young drivers by setting and enforcing strict rules related to the behaviors of their children when they are out driving.

How to Reduce Your Insurance Costs

Adults can save on their own insurance costs by using some of the guidelines given to the teens, including not using their cell phones while driving, paying close attention to their speed and their following distance, and using extra caution during foul weather or low light situations. Other factors that can increase or decrease insurance costs include credit history, type of car that is covered, number of miles that are driven every year and even the job that you have. Keeping a clean driving record can help save you from rising insurance costs by showing that you are a good risk.

Before buying or leasing a new car, it is important to check the price of insuring it, especially if you are going to be using financing for that purchase. Finance companies require additional insurance that goes beyond the state minimum. That additional insurance can make the cost of the car far higher than you can comfortably afford. Until the car is paid off, you will typically be required to carry this extra insurance.

Before insuring your vehicle, it starts with finding just the right one. Every driver has their favorite brand, body style, and even color. However, the recent introduction and surge in popularity of hybrids has made even already established drivers rethink what their favorite may be.

The Ford Fusion is certainly worthy of being on any driver’s top choice of cars list. However, for anyone still doing some fact checking or just not familiar with the Ford Fusion, here are some things you should know about this vehicle:

• The Ford Fusion has already gained consumer popularity and expert praise for being ranked among the top in affordable midsize cars.
• The Ford Fusion also receives high marks for its stylish looks for both the interior and exterior; not to mention this car gets great reviews for its roomy interior.
• Finally, another reason this Ford gets such a high ranking is its superior handling abilities.
• The most recent Fusions now come in three different four-cylinder engine options and range in horsepower and fuel economy ratings. Consumers may also have some choice between automatic or manual transmission and optional all-wheel drive.
• The average fuel economy for this year’s Ford Fusion model is 23/36 mpg city/highway. This means that drivers can expect about an average of 23 miles per gallon for surface street driving or 36 miles per gallon on the open highway.

Additionally, this car choice is also high ranking when it comes to being the best choice for a midsize automobile for families. The leg room and storage capacity for this size vehicle makes it ideal for families on the go. For those still getting accustomed to the relatively new push-button dash features, this could be a little overwhelming at first. However, for anyone who is already used to this new style the Fusion should be a welcome change.

Insuring Your Ford Fusion

When looking at a newer model Fusion, you will probably be considering financing. One thing to keep in mind is that you should always get an idea of insurance premiums before getting into car payments. You don’t want to end up bogged down with high monthly car loan payments in addition to steeper car insurance rates.

Anytime you get the full amount of coverage needed for a new and financed vehicle, your rates will be higher. The good news is that the higher rated vehicles, like the Fusion, will help keep your auto insurance rates cheaper than other new cars. Keep in mind that the more safety and anti-theft features you include, the lower the insurance rates.

Many drivers immediately want to know what some ways are that they can keep their Ford Fusion car insurance rates as low as possible. For that reason, here is some of what you should know about factors that can impact your auto coverage rates:

• Age and driving history are factors.
• If you are married or in the military, your rates could be lower.
•  The color of the car could make an impact, so you may even want to compare rates on colors you are considering before committing to your color choice.
• Your deductible impacts your rates a great deal too. The higher the deductible, the lower your monthly rates. However, don’t make the deductible so high that you wouldn’t be able to come up with it in the event of an accident.

There are, of course, plenty of other things that could affect the cost of your insurance costs. For example, you should find out if there would be a better rate if you set up your premiums to be automatically paid from your checking, savings, or credit card. Many companies are rewarding their customers for being more “green” and going with paperless billing by making their monthly rates lower.

Many companies also offer better rates if you make your payments annually, twice a year, or even quarterly as opposed to monthly. If you think your budget would allow for this, compare this too when you compare insurance rates. Luckily, the Ford Fusion insurance rates can be better for drivers with a clean driving history compared to other types of brand new vehicles.

Comparing rates before committing to a policy is one of the best ways to get the lowest auto insurance premiums possible. This is also the best way to make sure your budget can cover your Ford Fusion payment and your car insurance without leaving you broke. Get your rates before you make any decision about your vehicle and the insurance coverage.

All states require some type of financial responsibility for the drivers on the roads there. Most states have a basic requirement for insurance with minimum coverage amounts. In Arizona, the state minimum coverage includes:

• $15,000 per person or $30,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $10,000 for property damage

The average cost of insurance nationwide is $1,790. The average cost of insurance in Arizona is right on par with that amount at $1,786. Remember, there are many factors that can change the cost of your own insurance.

Average Cost of Auto Insurance in Arizona

State minimum insurance is meant to protect the driver of a car in the case of an accident, however, the amount that it covers is often far less than the actual cost incurred during an accident. An accident that involves a death can easily cost more than a million dollars after everything is said and done. An injury can cost several thousand dollars and may involve a personal lawsuit if the injuries are very serious. It is important to keep those facts in mind when choosing insurance coverage. The more cars that are involved in an accident, the higher the overall cost is likely to go. Certain types of damage could also increase the cost of an accident.

Accidents Are Unpredictable

An accident is called that because you never know when or how they will happen. In Arizona, here are some of the most common causes of accidents:

• 53% of crashes in 2009 happened because of drivers leaving the roadway.
• 22% of all fatalities occurred in or around an intersection.
• 11% of all accidents involved a large truck.
• More than 140 pedestrians or bicyclists have been hit by a driver in the state in a single year.
• Three out of every ten accidents in Arizona involved alcohol.
• The cost of all accidents, from minor, non-injury accidents to serious, fatality causing accidents cost the state more than four billion dollars per year.

Even though they are unpredictable, accidents do follow a pattern. Some examples:

• The peak month for all accidents was December
• The peak day for crashes was Friday with the peak time of 5-6pm.
• For fatal crashes, the peak month is August, and the peak day is Saturday.
• The most common type of accident is a rear end collision.
• The most common driver violation is driving too fast for the conditions.

Getting the Best Coverage at the Best Prices

Your car insurance cost is determined by a number of different factors. These include things that you have absolutely no control over, such as your age, and other factors that you do control. Because some of these things change frequently, it is important to check your insurance coverage for possible new discounts and other ways to save even a few dollars. Your insurance agent will give you a quote for insurance based on this information:

• Your age, gender and marital status
• Whether or not you are a homeowner
• Your location
• The type of car that you drive including its age
• The number of miles that you drive each year
• Your credit history
• Your current occupation as well

Before you renew your policy, make sure that you are checking for any changes to these things. Also, some policies require that anyone who is living in the house be listed on the policy and covered or explicitly excluded from coverage. If your child is living at home and drives the car even one time, he or she should be covered on your insurance policy or covered on his or her own and excluded from coverage with your car. Some companies begin this requirement as early as the age of 114 for household residents, while others use 16.

The number of miles that you drive each year is often used to determine insurance because the higher that number, the more likely you are to be involved in a crash. If you change jobs and drive much shorter distances per year, this could mean a substantial savings in your auto insurance costs.

The Ford Escape has made some very interesting changes since it was first introduced to the market. At that time it was treated as purely a hybrid vehicle, but after some major changes its fuel efficiency was much higher and the hybrid version was dropped from the lineup. Even still, that efficiency may allow you to qualify for a federal tax credit in some locations. It is currently listed as the tenth most affordable compact sports utility vehicle and may allow drivers to have as much as a ten percent discount on insurance.

The Ford Escape earned a five star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after some minor tweaks to its basic design.

How Much Is Insurance?

Insurance is very difficult to estimate without knowing some personal information. Because the Ford Escape is considered to be one of the safer SUVs on the market, its insurance cost is considerably lower than others in its class. Things that can influence the cost of your insurance include:

• Your age, marital status and gender
• The number of drivers in your household
• Your location
• The number of miles that you drive each yea.
• Whether you own your home
• Whether you are going to own the car outright or will be financing it

If you are financing your vehicle, it is important to understand that the finance company will probably require additional insurance beyond what the state requires.

How Much Insurance Is Enough?

On its sticker, the Ford Escape is listed at a cost of $22,470. Most people will choose any number of various options and extras, which will raise the price of the vehicle. The more options that you choose, the higher the price will go. If you have bought the SUV off the lot with cash in hand, you are saving the expense of a recurring payment. You are also avoiding the requirement of having to have the higher priced insurance as well. But, if something happens to your Escape, your basic insurance is not going to cover the cost of replacing it. You are going to have to bear the expense of replacing your vehicle plus the cost of your injuries. This is especially true if you have slid off the roadway and hit a sign or a tree. If you are involved with another car, your basic insurance may not be enough to cover the cost of their vehicle plus their injuries. Anything that goes beyond what your insurance covers will have to be paid for by you, and you will still have to replace your own vehicle. Experts suggest that you buy as much insurance as you can possibly afford even after your car has been paid off.

Some insurance policies will give additional benefits such as roadside assistance and other types of coverage, so it is important to shop around for quotes before making your final decision.

Ways to Save Money on Your Insurance

There are many ways to save some money on your auto insurance. Choosing the Ford Escape is a good start and may save you as much as ten percent on the insurance coverage. There are others that can bring your final price down as well. These include:

• Bundling insurance coverage for more than just your vehicle. With some companies, the more that you insure, the more you save.
• Keeping your driving record clean. For every ticket, accident and other incident on your record, the insurance rates can go higher. Some companies are offering rebates for good driving records, while others drop deductible amounts or premium payments.
• Choosing a higher deductible can save you money upfront but can be a problem if there is an accident. Whatever deductible you choose will have to be paid out of pocket by you before the insurance coverage will kick in.
• Having certain safety features and upgrades on your vehicle can also lower your insurance as well. These can include anti-lock brakes, an alarm system and other theft deterrents.

Things You May Not Know about Insurance

When you are covering your vehicle, there are some restrictions to the coverage that you must understand. If you have the wrong type of insurance, you may find that you are not covered for some events. If you hit an animal (or it hits you) it may not be covered by some basic insurance. Glass breakage is also sometimes excluded from some types of coverage. It is important that you ask what is and is not covered before you settle on a coverage type. Collision insurance covers just that- an accident involving another car. Comprehensive insurance covers the other types of accidents that can occur, including damages from animals/vandalism/theft and the weather. Comprehensive often includes glass breakage coverage. If you live in an area where the weather is frequently extreme, it is important to have this more complete insurance so that you don’t find out that you are not covered when it is too late.

When you want to drive a motor vehicle in the state of New Jersey, you are required by law to carry a minimum amount of insurance. Luckily, the New Jersey Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act makes sure that all drivers are able to get a basic insurance policy, even if they can’t afford all the extras. It is important that you make sure you have the right amount of insurance coverage. Otherwise, you are at risk of being fined, having your driver’s license suspended, having your vehicle registration suspended and even spending time in prison. If you are caught multiple times driving without insurance, your vehicle may be impounded.

The Basic Policy and Extras

This is a great option for those who don’t have a lot of money but need to be able to drive their vehicles. It is also great for younger drivers who are just starting out and don’t have much. Drivers get the protection they need without having to spend more than they can really afford. This policy obviously doesn’t offer the same protection as a standard policy, but it is less expensive and a good option for anyone who doesn’t think they can afford the auto insurance they need. Here is a rundown of the coverage you will receive with the basic policy (and some additional options):

• Property Damage Liability Coverage – This will cover you for claims and legal actions by those whose property is damaged after an accident that is your fault. You will receive $5,000 for each accident.
• Bodily Injury Liability Coverage – This will cover you for claims and legal actions by those who are injured in an accident where you are at fault. This is not part of the basic policy, but you can get it as an option.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – This is coverage for your own injuries and the injuries of others who are covered under your policy, no matter who is at fault in an accident. You will receive $15,000 for each accident, each person up to a total of $250,000 for permanent injury.
• Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage – If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, it can add up to a lot of money. You could end up having to take that driver to court, and there is no guarantee that you will ever see any money to pay for your damages. Having this coverage will protect you in such situations, but it is not part of the basic policy and you will have to have it added.
• Comprehensive Coverage – This is coverage that is not covered in your basic policy but that you should have if you own a newer-model vehicle. It will cover you if there are damages to your vehicle that are not caused by an accident, such as broken windshields, vandalism, fire, flooding, etc. This also covers you if you run into an animal while driving. You should have this coverage if your vehicle is leased or a loaner.
• Collision Coverage – If there is any damage to your automobile following an accident, having additional collision coverage will pay for those damages. This is another extra that you will need to have added to the basic policy if you want it.

Collision and comprehensive insurance coverage are options you can get that are issued through the Persona Automobile Insurance Plan (PAIP). This is a new project that was designed to allow drivers with lower incomes and who are qualified for Federal Medicaid to still have the insurance coverage they need. You can get a medical-only policy that will cost less than $400 per year.

If you are enrolled in the Medicaid program with hospitalization, you can get the Dollar a Day insurance policy. This will provide coverage for immediate emergency treatments following an auto accident as well as treatment for severe spinal cord and brain injuries. You may only have one vehicle for each policy to receive this coverage.

Get Quotes to Get the Best Insurance Rates

You need to shop around in order to get the best insurance rates. This involves getting quotes from many different insurance companies. You can do this online and remain totally anonymous until you are ready to buy an insurance policy. You will be required to submit some information, such as your zip code and driving record, but you won’t have to worry about being bothered by insurance agents until you have made your final decision. Shopping around will get you the best rates on the insurance coverage that you are required by law to have in the state of New Jersey.