The 6 Safest Cities for Driving

For the third time in nine years of the report being produced, Fort Collins, Colorado has once again been deemed the “Safest Driving City in America” with a claim filed once every 13.9 years.

1. Fort Collins, Colorado
2. Boise, Idaho
3. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
4. Brownsville, Texas
5. Madison, Wisconsin
6. Reno, Nevada

The 6 Least Safe Cities for Driving

Washington D.C. continues to be the least safe with drivers filing a claim once every 4.8 years, representing almost twice the national average of a claim one every 10 years. Washington D.C has been rated by Allstate as the least safe driving city for seven out of the last nine reported published. In 2005 and 2006, Washington was ousted from the worst spot by Newark.

1. Washington, D.C.
2. Baltimore, Maryland
3. Providence, Rhode Island
4. Hialeah, Florida
5. Glendale, California
6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What makes a city safe or dangerous for driving?

The varying types of traffic, levels of congestion, noise, road activity, conditions and rules all combine to create a highly specialized driving experience in big cities such when compared to smaller or more suburban cities, like Fort Collins in Colorado or Boise in Idaho This means that drivers in large urban metropolises such as Washington D.C. will get into more road accidents due to their being more contributing variables on a daily basis.

How might the report impact auto insurance prices?

It is important for motorists to pay attention to reports such as the Allstate yearly safe driving rating, as there is definite potential for impact on car insurance premiums.

Territorial Ratings and Price of Premiums

Most insurers use something called “territorial rating” in their price structures, which take into account the average number of collision and accident claims per year made by motorists living in a particular area. If drivers within a policyholder’s locale file claims less often than in order parts of the city, region or state, that policyholder will be offered lower prices as a reward and incentive to drive safely. Therefore, for drivers living in “safest” cities for driving such as Fort Collins and Boise, having a good claims history will more than likely mean lower auto insurance costs.

High Claim Areas

Motorists living within areas where drivers file more car insurance claims will therefore see higher rates. For example, drivers in Washington D.C. bear the brunt of the second-highest average car insurance premium in the whole nation. In 2010 the average cost of car insurance in D.C. was $1,128, representing a cost of $330 above the average for the rest of America.

Search for the best possible rate

Whether you live in one of the top safest or least safe cities for driving or somewhere in between, you will definitely want to ensure you are getting the best possible car insurance rate.

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E-card initiative growing in popularity

Over the last two years, there have been clamors from the insurance lobby to make passage for the “e-card” initiative to allow for electronic proof of auto insurance. The initiative has been successful in advocating change, resulting in 22 states to date passing authorizing legislation and another 5 states adding e-card capabilities through various executive changes to state regulatory rules.

Property protection for electronic devices

Missouri and some other states have experiences some resistance from police unions that have concerns about liability should a consumer’s electronic device be dropped and damaged or broken during inspection. The police in certain states wanted to ensure that they were indemnified in these instances. As such, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) worked with lawmakers to draft protections in order to provide the necessary coverage. In Missouri, this means that:

• “Police officers, commercial vehicle enforcement officers and commercial vehicle inspectors are immune from liability for any damage” according to the law “except for damages willfully or maliciously caused by the officer or inspector.”

Electronic law gives more peace of mind for law enforcement

Law enforcement groups in Missouri also spoke of their relief at the new electronic auto insurance law, as it would help officers feel more at ease in certain situations where drivers did not have to reach inside their glove compartments during traffic stops.

E-card will help reduce court costs, mailing costs

It is also expected that the e-card will help to reduce court costs as fewer drivers will be summoned to court to appear for fix-it tickets. Insurance companies will also save money on mailing costs and it will help drivers that forget to display new insurance cards in their windows after renewing or switching insurance carriers.

Paper proof still valid

If a driver prefers, they can still use paper proof if they do not have an electronic device. The choice is down to the driver to decide – paper or electronic proof; whichever is most convenient for them.

E-card may lead to cheaper auto insurance

It is anticipated that e-cards will help to lower auto insurance costs overall, although the precise amount cannot be estimated yet. If insurance companies pass the savings onto consumers, it could mean greater savings for drivers.

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Technology and the law combined

As most people have this form of technology in place already due to smartphones and iPhones being ubiquitous, is makes sense to take car insurance to this medium. It seems that many states are realizing the benefit of allowing motorists to use their smartphones as a way of showing that they have valid insurance, versus presenting a piece of paper stored in their glove compartment.

Electronic proof in the event of a force majeure

It is thought that this method will be especially useful in the event of a natural disaster such as hurricane, storm or other emergency that causes a consumer to be displaced and potentially lose paper documentation. With the proof being electronic and held on a server’s website, a motorist will have a much easier time proving their insurance coverage when the time comes to make a claim.

More than half of the country uses paperless car insurance

This method is much more convenient and is growing in popularity – within the last two years, policymakers within almost half of the United States have amended their state laws to let consumers use their smart phones to proffer proof of insurance.

How does it work?

The idea is that consumers can have electronic copies of their essential car insurance documents stored on their insurance company’s website or some other secure online location such as through an encrypted app. If stopped and asked for documentation within any of the participating states, these consumers should be able to summon up the relevant proof via their phones. Six states so far have approved laws in 2013 that allow consumers to access their insurance policy through a website.

What is the cost benefit for me?

It is thought that paperless car insurance will help to lower quotes and save consumers money on their vehicle insurance by omitting the need for costly printed documentation.

Are their more states that plan to amend their laws?

Yes — Other states are soon to follow. Governors in Missouri and Wisconsin are currently in the process of legislation that will be signed in due course.  Four more states are considering passing laws to allow paperless electronic proof of car insurance.

A full list of the states which allow electronic proof as of August 2013 can be found below:

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AutoInsurance-Quote.net has produced a jargon-busting glossary to unpack the meaning behind the most common terms and coverage levels found in auto insurance policies.

Some of the terms you will find in your policy documents and their meanings are:

BODILY INJURY INSURANCE:  This protects you against injuries sustained by you or others due to your negligence when driving. It covers any injured parties’ claims for medical costs, lost earnings and damages for any pain and suffering.

COLLISION COVER: This extends to paying to repair any physical harm or damage sustained by your car following a collision with an object like a tree, fire hydrant or another vehicle.

COMPREHENSIVE COVER: This covers paying to repair damage to your vehicle from all other scenarios that are not the result of a collision or crash. Included within comprehensive cover are losses from fire, theft, inclement weather, flood damage, falling objects, damage caused by animals, accidental breakage or vandalism.

DEDUCTIBLE: This is the amount of money that an insured party pays to the insurance company before it pays out for any losses. The figures differ from state to state and company to company, but are usually in the range of $250 – $1000.

MEDICAL PAYMENT COVERAGE (MPC): This will pay for any medical and funeral expenses for the policy holder and any other persons that are injured or killed in an accident while driving or being a passenger in your vehicle.

PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION (PIP): This will pay a set amount of money to the policy holder and a passenger in the car regardless of whom is at fault for the injury. Each state offers differing levels of benefits. Typical coverage extends to medical expenses.

PROPERTY DAMAGE LIABILITY: This level of auto insurance coverage will pay for damage caused to third-party property by your vehicle. For example, someone else’s car, house, fence or even a tree that is damaged by a collision.

RENTAL REIMBURSEMENT COVERAGE: This pays for alternative transportation expenses (i.e. car rental) following damage caused to a vehicle that make it unable to be driven. The level of cover can be set at a daily amount and total amount per day for the total cost of the rental vehicle. For example, $25 a day or $3,000 in total.

RESIDUAL BODILY INJURY LIABILITY COVERAGE: This extends to protecting the passengers that are in the vehicle with the permission of the driver/owner should you be sued sue to injuries sustained.

UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE: This protects the policy holder in the event that the other driver is at fault for the collision or damage and they hold an insufficient level of insurance coverage to account for the damage. It pays the policy holder an additional amount up to the limits of the policy, covering bodily injury and/or property damage that “tops off” the other driver’s cover.

UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE: This protects the policy holder in the event of being injured in a hit-and-run by a driver without car liability insurance. This insurance effectively becomes the insurance cover of the other driver that is missing a policy of their own due to failure to purchase it.

Recreational vehicle coverage can pay for damage caused to your vehicle by a collision or other reasons, like fire, theft, storms, and vandalism. Liability coverage pays for injuries and property damage, legal defense costs, medical payments, first aid costs, towing costs, etc.

How much RV insurance do I need?

The amount of coverage you need depends on several factors, like the type and size of your recreational vehicle and the requirements in the state where it is registered. If you have a financed or leased vehicle, you will be required to have a certain minimum amount of coverage. Get free, no-obligation RV insurance quotes from the top insurers now.

Can I cover the full replacement cost of my RV?

You can opt to cover the full replacement cost of your recreational vehicle. If it is stolen and never recovered, or if it is involved in an accident and totaled, your coverage can replace it with a similar new vehicle even if you are not the original owner. After 5 years, you may get the original purchase price in full without deducting any depreciation.

What are my options if I only use my RV for part of the year?

If you are not planning to use your RV throughout the year, you can suspend the coverage that is not needed while it is in storage. This can help you to save as much as ½ your premium. Risks like theft, fire, and storm damage can still be covered while your RV is in storage. You can commence the full coverage before you hit the road again.

What if I live in my RV full-time?

If you live in your recreational vehicle full-time, throughout the year or for part of the year, you need to buy the type of coverage that is provided by a homeowner’s policy. Besides coverage for your vehicle, you also need to cover the contents of your mobile home. Extra coverage may be needed if you have expensive items, like appliances, jewelry, and computers.

Shop around to get a better deal

Compare quotes obtained from mainstream insurers as well as specialty insurers. A variety of coverage options and discounts are offered by different insurers, which can help you to save on your premium. For example, you can get discounts if you have a good driving record, pay your premium in full, club coverage for your car and RV, are a homeowner, keep your RV in storage for part of the year, etc.

Compare quotes before you sign up. Read the fine print carefully and make sure that you are not compromising on essential coverage to get a lower premium. Read online reviews to check the ratings of the insurers. Get free, no-obligation RV camper insurance quotes from the top insurers now.

Many renters don’t get insurance because they feel that it will be too expensive or wrongly assume that their possessions will be covered by their landlord’s insurance. As your income rises, you will probably start buying more and more expensive assets. Can you really afford to not cover your valuable possessions? Get free, no-obligation renters insurance quotes from the top insurers now.

What does renters insurance cover?

It can cover your possessions against damage or loss resulting from fire, theft, lightening, hail, wind, etc. It can also cover you if you face a liability lawsuit because a person is injured in an accident in your house.

While some policies cover the actual value of an item, others reimburse the replacement cost. Insurers recommend that you buy coverage for the cost or replacing your assets. Coverage can also be provided for additional living expenses, like rentals, hotel bills, and meals, if your home is damaged and you have to live elsewhere while it is being repaired.

What does renters insurance not cover?

It may not cover vehicles, aircraft, and certain watercraft. Business activities, professional services, and property damage or injuries that are planned or anticipated by the insured person may not be covered. Damage caused by floods is usually not covered by renters and homeowners insurance.

What are your possessions really worth?

Your property may cost a lot more than you imagine. You need to make a list of your possessions, including clothing, furniture, electronic appliances, computers, and jewelry. Estimate how much you would have to spend to replace them. Some of your possessions may be irreplaceable because they have sentimental value. You may need to buy additional coverage for items that exceed the coverage limits for various categories.

Is renters insurance coverage worth the price I will have to pay?

Your possessions may be worth thousands of dollars. Add to that the risk of a lawsuit if someone is injured in your home. It could happen when a guest, cable repair technician, or delivery person visits your home. You can be sure that if there is an unforeseen loss or legal claim, you will be very happy that you decided to buy coverage. It is a very small price to pay for peace of mind.

Find out about the discounts for which you may be eligible

Your insurer may offer a discount on your renters coverage if you buy several different insurance products, have a claim-free record, or have installed security devices in your home. Knowing about the different types of discounts can help you to make major savings. Get free, no-obligation renters insurance quotes online from the leading insurers.

What is umbrella insurance?

This type of coverage can be a big help if the covered person is sued and the total limit of the original policy has been exceeded. Lawsuits are becoming more and more common in the present day, so it is best to be prepared for unforeseen events. For example, you could be responsible for causing a big car crash or your pet could attack someone.

An event like this may never happen, but it can’t be ruled out altogether. If someone decides to sue you for frivolous reasons, you will have to make arrangements for your own defense. This type of policy can also provide coverage against invasion of privacy, slander, vandalism, and libel. Get free, no-obligation umbrella insurance quotes from the leading insurers now.

Auto and homeowner policies include liability coverage for costs like therapy for rehabilitation, medical bills of injured persons, and wages lost because of the person who is at fault. They also offer coverage for legal expenses if the person who is at fault is sued.

However, the standard liability coverage provided by an auto or homeowner policy may not be enough to cover the legal fees and medical costs of the injured persons. A lawsuit could even result in the personal assets of the person who caused the accident being seized. This can be a big risk, especially if you have a high net worth.

Do I really need to buy an umbrella insurance policy?

This type of insurance is just right for someone who has a high net worth and faces a major risk of being sued. If you have a lot of assets, you may want to buy a policy of this type. You may also want to consider it if you face a higher risk of accidents because of the place where you live, your profession, routine, way of life, or hobbies.

Another important consideration is how much importance you attach to being prepared for all eventualities and having peace of mind. For a few dollars a day, you can get appropriate liability coverage for the risks you face for.

Get a better deal

This type of coverage may cost less if you buy it from the same insurer who provided the original policy. You can save by knowing about the type of coverage you need and shopping around for the best offers. Compare quotes obtained from a few reputable insurers before you sign up.

Ask them to provide estimates for the same type of coverage, so it will be easier to compare the offers. Online reviews will help you to compare the ratings of different insurers. Get free, no-obligation umbrella insurance quotes from the top insurers now.

You can save hundreds of dollars by exploring your new car insurance options before you buy a car. You need to be covered before you can drive your new vehicle out of the dealership. If you are replacing a car or are purchasing another car, your existing car insurance may cover the new vehicle for a certain period of time even if you don’t inform the insurer about the new purchase. Get free, no-obligation new car insurance quotes from the leading insurers now.

Is it necessary to inform my present insurance company in advance?

If you already have a car, it is best to contact your current insurer to find out about your options. Some companies provide coverage for 30 days after you purchase the new vehicle even if you don’t notify them. If you don’t inform your insurer within the specified period, some types of coverage may no longer apply.

Can I transfer my existing car insurance to my new vehicle?

You may be able to transfer your existing car insurance coverage to your new vehicle as it is. This means that if you only had liability coverage for your old car, you may only get liability coverage for your new vehicle. If you take a loan to buy your new car, your lender will probably insist on collision and comprehensive coverage.

Insurance companies have different rules regarding replacing a vehicle or adding of a new vehicle to an existing policy. That’s why it is best to contact your present insurer before you buy a new vehicle.

Get the coverage you need

Decide on the type of coverage you need for your new vehicle. You need to have the minimum amount of liability coverage required in your state. Add on other types of coverage based on your needs. If you face significant risks and have a high net worth you could ask for additional liability coverage.

You can add collision coverage if you drive in conditions where damage is likely. It covers damage caused by collisions with objects or other vehicles. Comprehensive coverage is for losses due to reasons other than collisions, like theft, storms, vandalism, hitting an animal, or fire.

Shop around for the best offers

We can help you to get car insurance estimates from the top insurers. You can make major savings by comparing quotes. Your present insurer may be charging much more because of a minor accident or because of an outdated credit report. If you ask for competitive quotes, you may find that other insurers are ready to offer much lower rates.

Take time to understand your coverage options before you request quotes. Ask a few reputable insurers to provide quotes for the same type of coverage, so you will be able to compare them easily. Browse through online reviews to check the ratings of the insurers. Get free, no-obligation quotes for car insurance from the leading insurers now.

Understand your auto car insurance options

You need to carry the minimum amount of liability coverage required in your state. This will cover you against liability for property damage or injuries caused by you to someone else in an accident. Collision coverage is for damage resulting from a collision with an object or vehicle. Comprehensive auto insurance pays for damage to a vehicle due to reasons other than a collision, like hitting an animal, vandalism, natural disasters, fire, and theft.

If you have taken a loan, the lender may insist on collision and comprehensive coverage. You can consider dispensing with collision and comprehensive coverage if you have an old vehicle. Medical coverage pays for treatment of injuries caused in an accident. It can cover you and your passengers as well any family members who are driving the covered vehicle in the event of an accident.

Uninsured / underinsured driver coverage pays for injuries or property damage caused by a motorist with no insurance or insufficient insurance. You can get coverage for towing and roadside assistance that will be needed if your car is disabled on the road. Coverage is also available for car rentals in case your car is disabled in an accident and is being repaired. Get free auto insurance quotes from the leading insurers now.

Pick the right deductible

You will be eligible for a lower premium if you opt to have a higher deductible, but this will mean that you will have to pay a larger part of any loss. The deductible is the part of a claim that you have to pay before your insurer pays for the rest of any loss. You need to be sure that you can afford to pay for a bigger part of any potential loss before you opt to have a larger deductible.

Find out about the different types of discounts

You can get a discount if you have installed anti-theft or safety devices in your car. A clean driving record will help you to qualify for a discount. Young drivers who have completed approved training courses and students with good grades can also get discounts. You can get a discount by bundling your auto and home insurance policies. Completing a defensive driver course can also help you to get a discount.

Compare quotes to find the best deals

You can get a better deal by shopping around for the best offers. You need to ask a few reputable insurers to provide quotes for the same type of coverage, so the quotes will be easier to compare. Go through online reviews to check the ratings of the insurers. We make it easy for you to get estimates from the leading insurers. Get free, no-obligation auto insurance quotes from the top insurers now.

Are you paying too much for your auto insurance?

Your present insurer may be charging a higher premium because of something that is no longer relevant. An outdated credit report or an accident that occurred several years ago could result in a higher premium.

You may be losing money only because you never had the time or inclination to shop around and compare estimates. Study your present policy to see what is covered and how much it costs. Other insurers may be willing to offer much rates.

Get the coverage you need

You can dispense with expensive coverage that may not make sense for you. For example, you may not need additional liability coverage beyond the minimum requirement in your state unless you are exposed to a high level of risk and have a high net worth.

Comprehensive coverage and / or collision coverage may not make sense if you have a very old vehicle. You can consider dispensing with coverage for towing and roadside assistance as well as car rental reimbursement if you feel you don’t need them. Don’t let your insurance agent talk you into buying expensive coverage that you may not need.

Find out about applicable discounts

You may be losing a lot of money because you are not aware of the discounts for which you are eligible. Discounts may be applicable if you have had a good driving record for a certain period of time. You can get a discount if you have completed a defensive driving course. You can benefit by clubbing your home policy with your auto policies.

Discounts are also offered if you pay your premium in full. Arranging for recurring payments from your checking account can also help you to qualify. If you drive for small distances, you could be eligible for a discount. Good students and young people who complete approved training courses can also get discounts.

You can reduce your premium by opting to have a larger deductible. However, you will have to pay a larger part of any loss before your insurer will pay the rest of the claim.

Compare quotes for auto insurance

You can request quotes within minutes via the Internet. Ask a few insurers to provide estimates for the same type of coverage, so it will be easier for you to compare the quotes. Go through online reviews to check the customer ratings of the insurers. All this takes very little time and it can help you to save hundreds of dollars on your annual premium. Get free, no-obligation insurance quotes auto from the leading insurers now.