How do car insurance companies calculate settlements? Well I have an scrutinize opener for you! Being an ex-car insurance representative I have the low down on what the car insurance company doesn’t want you to know.
The first step they teach an insurance representative is to reach every situation with a skeptical eye. We make definite that all the specific policies were followed:
- Stay on the scene of the accident.
- Contact the police and have them fill out an accident report.
- Take pictures of the accident.
- Contact your insurance company immediately.
The insurance company has several checks and balances in place to insure (no pun intended) they are a profitable business. When the initial report comes in the insurance company will tell the claimer on the next steps to assume. Depending on the type of coverage the claimer has for their vehicle depends on the next steps. If the claimer has liability insurance only. Well they are out of luck for their car. Liability only covers any damage the claimer does to other persons or property. Comprehensive coverage is a different story. In that case we will ask the claimer to get three estimates. If the damage succeeds the value of the claimer’s car then they’re only getting paid for the value of the claimer’s car.
If the claimer is an individual making a claim to another insurance company then this is a totally different sage. If the claimer broke any traffic violations then do not count on getting paid. For example if the claimer was parked outside the yellow lines and someone backs into their car. The claimer will have to make a claim to the person who hit their car insurance company. They will tell the claimer to get estimates. When the police report comes in and says the claimer was parked outside the yellow lines the claimer will not get paid.
There are many leaps and bounds that a claimer trying to resolve with an insurance company must over advance. The insurance companies try to be as customer friendly as possible while quiet being a business and making money. It is always the best to check with your insurance company’s policy. Then if an unfortunate situation such as an accident arises you will be prepared. Being prepared for the worst, having a calculated plan, and knowing your insurance company’s policy saves the claimer a lot of headache in the long run.
Filed under Car Insurance Questions by on Mar 15th, 2011. Comment. 
The first reaction most people have when thinking about buying a used rental car is “absolutely not!” This is evidenced in their lower resale value than non-rental brethren (CARFAX reports will tell you if a car was once a rental) and the fact that most people have a “close friend” who tells them about how people love to jam rental car transmissions into reverse at 65 miles per hour (that can’t happen).
The truth of the matter is that, despite their occasionally high mileages for their age, most rental cars are very well taken care of. Unlike some owners, rental car agencies follow the maintenance schedules exactly as required by the manufacturer. Why wouldn’t they? Do you think they want that Chevy Aveo in a repair shop getting a original engine or out infuriating the abominable sod who just rented it?
While some old-fashioned rental cars are sold at lots urge by rental companies like Hertz and Enterprise, others are sold off wholesale to car dealerships to be sold on their used car lots. Again, the best contrivance to find out if the used car you are looking at is an ex-rental is to check the CARFAX report.
If your car is an ex-rental most car value guides like The Black Book or Kelley Blue Book will mark down the value accordingly. So as long as you aren’t scared of buying a used rental car you can get quite a hefty discount on a used car if you know how to leverage that information with the dealer.
There are some pitfalls that ex-rental car buyers can fall into, however. First off some rental car agencies have their fill body shops where they can take care of the occasional fender bender and not have to run it through a major insurance company. (This is what happens if you buy the rental company’s insurance when you sign the contract.)
In doing so this can mean an accident might not show up on a CARFAX report so be aware of any signs of paint respraying or abominable fitting body panels. If you know a mechanic or car expert you can bring along to check the vehicle then all the better. Most major car rental agencies like Hertz and Enterprise don’t mess around with such things so sometimes it is better to buy directly from a major firm rather than from “Ed’s Local Rent a Clunker.”
Buying a used rental car also doesn’t mean you have to drive something that is an utterly soul-less econobox. Many companies like Hertz carry sports cars like the Nissan 350Z roadster and luxury cars like the Saab 9-3. There are also economy choices like the stalwart Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla as well as oddballs like the Kia Rondo. Colossal SUVs and minivans are also very approved on rental car lots and many of these cars can be bought for thousands of dollars less than used cars owned or leased by a private party.
If you choose to consume from one of the rental car agencies own lots you are essentially looking at the cream of the crop of their own collection. These are not the cars that someone smoked in or dropped a Expansive Gulp on the passenger seat. Often times the rental cars in abominable condition wind up at those semi-seedy extinct car lots you score in the bad part of town. Neither a rental car agency nor a dealership really wants to deal with a filthy car that could easily become a lemon.
For example, at Hertz each car undergoes a full mechanical inspection and comes with a 12 month/12,000 mile powertrain (engine and transmission) warranty in addition to whatever manufacturer warranty is left. Most of their rental cars are sold when they have about 30,000 miles on them but you can easily find models with less.
Here are just a few examples of models and prices available from some of the major rental car agencies at their lots in Southern California. If you check used listings for similar private party used cars at dealerships you will find the cost for similar mileage vehicles is much higher. So as with any used car, be a smart shopper and be sure to do all your homework. (And always be sure to check the CARFAX report!)
(Note: The following are all model year 2008 or 2009 vehicles and are to be considered examples only. Visit rental car sales agency websites for exact prices and offers.)
HERTZ CAR SALES:
Hyundai Sonata GLS: (31,274 miles)–$13,995
BMW 328i: (25,724 miles)–$23,995
Toyota Sienna: (34,725 miles)–$15,995
Honda Civic: (28,775 miles)–$14,995
Infiniti FX35: (27,661 miles)–$22,995
Nissan Altima S: (38,225 miles)–$13,995
Enterprise Car Sales:
Toyota Tundra: (15,274 miles)–$23,995
Nissan Maxima: (23,924 miles)—$22,995
Pontiac Vibe: (12,276 miles)—$12,995
Nissan Quest: (20,787 miles)—$17,995
Filed under Infinity Car Insurance by on Feb 23rd, 2011. Comment.
So what to make of this headline on the Blaze.com….“Podesta: Obama Can Use “Armed Forces' to Push Progressive Agenda.” Catch that folks? If it did not produce the hair on your neck bristle, open your eyes and read it again. If after reading you just shrug, click off and go away, unless ya either agree with Podesta, or as myself, assume Podesta needs to be hauled before Congress to explain this.
Careful folks….I know the Blaze is Beck's site, but guess what? Hate Beck as so many seem to love to do, call him a liar, etc., but the article links directly to this report. And this report is prepared by the Center for American Progress, whose motto is “Progressive Ideas For A Strong, Just and Free America.” (my emphasis). The Center For American Progress (CAP) is a progressive think tank largely funded by George Soros and run by John Podesta, one of Clinton's venerable Chief's of Staff. Heard of these clowns? If not, you will.
The report basically advises Obama to circumvent the will of the people and the Congress, especially the new Republican controlled House, by using Executive Orders, and possibly his role as C-in-C of the Armed Forces.
Let's eyeball this brain storm….First, the report does not address Obama so much but instead “the President” in a clever effort at pretending this is general advice for all American Chief Executives. Get valid! This is Podesta, backed by Soros and the nuts, telling Obama “do whatever and we'll support ya.” I have covered this conception in articles before, but lemme retrace a bit of that territory.
Ever heard of OathKeepers? They are an organization of current and former military, law enforcement types, who have sworn to CONTINUE to uphold their oaths to the US Constitution. In so doing they have clearly stated they will not follow illegal orders to allow their power to be used AGAINST law abiding Americans exercising their rights under the Constitution and Bill of Rights. For example, if a protest against Obama were to fall on DC, say 3 million strong, the OathKeepers would not comply with an order to disperse or dissuade the crowd from lawful assembly, no matter what they were ordered to do.
For those NOT in the know, there is firm US law under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) that NO armed forces member can be ORDERED to commit an ILLEGAL ACT. For example, to murder POW's or civilians under the order of a military commander is ILLEGAL and therefore the soldier, sailor, Marine or Airman CANNOT be made to comply with an illegal order. In fact, under the UCMJ it is their duty to DISOBEY said illegal order and to report it to higher authority – it's the law! Acquire it?
It is ILLEGAL for US military forces to be used on American soil under “Posse Comitatus.” Unless we are engaged in war on our soil the US military cannot be extinct on American territory…are we clear?
Now let's examine Podesta's concepts in the light of past statements of mine. I have informed readers that tens and tens of millions of armed Americans will resist with extreme prejudice, any attempt to circumvent law to place the progressive agenda into law by means of hook or crook. Need I be any more determined or is my meaning getting through the thick skills to whom it is directed? I have repeatedly stated, get it done legally, lawfully and with the consent of clear majorities and I'll have to live with it, whatever “it” is. Of course the SCOTUS will rule on it and however they rule is the law of the land…END OF DISCUSSION!
Like Hansel & Gretal, there is a dangerous slump to be undertaken. As we leave the bright sunshine behind us we enter the sad and foreboding wood. Every step further in the wood is one more step from the light we left at our backs. Soon, with enough steps into the dark wood, we will be unable to see the light anymore.
For me the light is the truth of the American Constitution, the dark wood are progressive ideological wishes. For example, Woodrow Wilson led us into the darkness; FDR led us farther into the abyss with SSI; JFK allowed public employees to unionize and we were deeper in the vines and brambles; LBJ pushed us father with his social programs and entitlements and suddenly almost all the light from outside the wood is snuffed out.
Now we find true, dyed in the wool, progressives at all levels of leadership…Pelosi and Reid, Obama, the Czars, the lefty think tanks like the Center for American Progress (Don't make me laugh) and all the rest passing down policy and suggestions to completely alter, by subterfuge mind you, the traditional and LEGAL methods of the US conducting it's economy, government and society. Read the first page of the Podesta/CAP Report for yourself and see my meaning. Consult the Executive Summary and it's all summed up.
Folks, this is as blatant an attempt at usurpation as our nation has seen in the last 5 generations…this is like Woodrow Wilson all over again. This report is admitting that the people will not tolerate this and addresses this situation in light of the midterm rejection of the Obama/progressive agenda. The progressive respond is to say essentially, “To Hell with the will of the dumbassed citizens. Let's use 'X' methods to get our agenda so deeply ingrained that we will essentially win by doing an slay run around Congress, the law and the will of Americans.” (my interpretation)
Maybe those who read this and wonder what I mean should open reading a blog or two, especially the more conservative ones to get a feeling for what I am saying here. The comments of conservatives are clear, and allow me to sum up the totality of what the blogs and commentators are saying in the ether:
1. We are armed, and NOT vexed to use those arms to preserve this nation.
2. The law will be strictly adhered to or we will FORCE them to abide by it.
3. American Armed Forces CANNOT BY LAW be used on American territory unless in time of war declared by Congress.
4. OathKeepers have sworn to NOT obey any illegal orders and under no conditions will they allow themselves to be used to deny American's their rights to their Constitutional protections.
5. Most of the American military dislikes Obama and progressivism and is dead set against any orders from the C-in-C that may in any way deny American's their Constitutional protections.
As I read over and over on the blogs, and I read about 15 of them yesterday in regard to this topic, people have talked with their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, father's and mother's about “Would the military obey orders to confront American citizens? ” The UNIFORM answer was 'NO!!!!!!!!!' Can I be any more emphatic for them? “NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!” Derive it? And the “NO” was from the military members themselves, who in confidence told their loved ones they would instead turn on any leader who tried to get them to commit any act against the Constitution and the oath they swore to uphold.
I have two personal appeals to those who think the Podesta/CAP characterize is right on…. First, PLEASE, DO NOT DO THIS! ADVISE YOUR LEADERS TO NOT DO THIS! Please, don't go there with this nation…please?
Secondly, if you decide to ignore the pleas for order and law to be strictly adhered to, here is the result: Scores of millions of armed Americans willing to risk it all to force compliance to the laws. And this isn't crazy Whiplash boasting of his gain feelings or intentions, although these are indeed my feelings, and if cornered, my intentions – I am repeating in my own words what I have been reading for a couple of years now.
People in this nation are exasperated as Hell at our will being ignored. We are mad as Hell at being called ignorant, racist, stupid and all the rest for not favoring the progressive agenda. We are damned angry that when we expressed CLEARLY our will against noteworthy of the major progressive legislation of the last two years, we were laughed at and denigrated and they did it anyway.
And most of all we were shrinking, saddened and now ever more determined when we heard the sycophant cheer leading of many of the rank and file progressives to “Drag 'em to it kicking and screaming.”
I implore progressives to advise AGAINST this in no uncertain terms. I implore them to express to their leaders that this is a non-starter. I implore them to stand up and scream to their leaders that no matter what, the Constitution and all traditional manners of governance be adhered to.
My suggestion to progressives is to keep up with your traditional method – under cloak of night, slowly install each little usurpation, like SSI, get folks used to it and then maybe in another 8 or 10 generations you will have succeeded in destroying the greatest nation on Earth. Get froggy, get arrogant (well, MORE arrogant than usual), regain pushy and try to deny us our rights or try to use illegal methods to win and there will be a Hell unleashed upon progressives they cannot imagine.
Is it hyperbole when I and MILLIONS of others express “I'd rather be dead than a slave? ” Keep accepting, or worse, advocating, progressive leaders do whatever they can get away with – legal or NOT – and we'll see, now won't we? Do they not contain the adage “There is nothing more definite than a man fighting to hold and protect his home, his life and his family? ”
Attempting to take or circumvent our rights to Constitutional protections are tantamount to pointing a gun at us, and we will acknowledge in kind. Again, this is my broad mouth having the guts to say what scores of millions feel, but won't say. I believe in giving fair warning in hopes of preventing. Go ahead now…take my forewarning as a boastful primitive man mouthing off. Go ahead.
Sorry for the length, but this must be said, ugly and unwanted as it may be. I implore readers…every word herein is dead on true. Believe it or reality will make a believer out of one. Your choice.
Stock up folks! Looks like we're gonna need it.
SOURCES: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/podesta-obama-can-use-armed-forces-to-push-progressive-agenda/
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2010/11/executive_orders.html
http://dailycaller.com/2010/11/17/podesta-calls-on-obama-to-circumvent-congress/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_Keepers
http://oathkeepers.org/oath/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posse_Comitatus_Act
Filed under Car Insurance Wikipedia by on Feb 20th, 2011. Comment.
Several companies now offer the ability to get multiple insurance quotes online. These web sites tend to require enough information from you to allow them to continue to pursue you to attempt to gain your business. While this model makes sense from a business perspective, most consumers want to get as many quotes as possible with the least amount of information being divulged. This can make for a tough situation when searching for car insurance quotes online.
Look for sites that will at least let you have some idea of what companies will be quoted.
One of the main differences between these online web sites is whether they will tip their hand regarding whom they represent. Car insurance companies will always quote their maintain rates, but the other company's rates may not be revealed until after you have given them your name, address, email and telephone number. Sites that act more like a broker in directing you toward a mix of companies will frequently display at least a partial list of companies that they represent after only a zip code is entered. This helps your anonymity remain intact if that is your desire.
There are other advantages to having a list of the companies that will be quoted revealed before additional information is required.
By showing consumers this list, it allows the person to settle if they want to do business with these insurers or not before seeing the quotes. If you have been actively looking for insurance for a while, you may look only companies that you have already received bids from on the list. There is little reason to expect a dramatic change in insurance quotes from these companies. This can save you time and the nuisance of being contacted for the next few weeks by agents trying to design a sale.
Most online sites that quote rates for several companies are easy to spend.
Because these sites want people to be able to utilize their site to get the quotes that they need, insurance sites are generally well made and simple to navigate. Because of this, the list of online web sites that offer comparison shopping for insurance is lengthy. A couple are worth noting. However, simply doing a search on car insurance rate comparisons will yield several respectable sites.
Auto Insure USA is a good site that will show you a few companies without requiring much information.
Just entering your zip code will bring up a list of companies that will be quoted. The site is fairly simple and easy to follow. Another site to consider is CarInsurance.com. This site will reveal a longer list of companies that will be ragged in the quote process than AutoInsureUSA.com.
Be realistic about what to expect from these sites.
No insurance quote can be right without the type of car, typical miles that you drive per year, the use of the vehicle and extra safety devices that may be installed. To generate a rate, an insurance comparison site will eventually have to know the ages and genders of the drivers. Finally, for the best quotes, you will have to be upfront about your driving history. If you are uncomfortable sharing this much information online, you may not find this route to get car insurance quotes particularly satisfying.
Filed under Car Insurance Reviews by on Feb 18th, 2011. Comment.
The Best Local Auto Body Shops In The Minneapolis-st. Paul Area
Crunch! As we were painting the exterior of our Minneapolis area home, the neighbor backed out of his driveway and directly into one of our cars. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the car didn’t fair too well. We exchanged information and took pictures. Then he was on his way and we were left wondering what to do next.
A big portion of accident follow up is getting repair estimates from local auto body shops. Not knowing where to begin, we read through Yahoo! and Google reviews as well as Better Business Bureau ratings. That helped us to pare down our list of possible shops. Next came the legwork: getting estimates.
From our experience in visiting several local auto body shops, we found three that stood out as the best in customer service in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area:
LaMettry’s Collision Repair
From the moment I stepped in the door of the Burnsville region, I felt welcomed. They offered refreshments while I waited for someone to personally speak with me. However, the response time was so quick that there was no time to waste eating a snack.
With six locations throughout the Twin Cities, LaMettry’s is locally owned and family operated. They offer free estimates in person or online for all auto body repair including accidents and hail damage. LaMettry’s in Burnsville is located at 14601 Burnhaven Drive and can be reached by phone at 952-898-1636.
Southport Autobody
Finding Southport Autobody in Apple Valley, Minnesota, was a minor challenge as it is located advance an auto dealership. But any inconvenience was quickly put to rest by the true, friendly service. Quick to answer any question, my concerns were put to rest as I was put at ease.
Providing full-service collision, glass and auto repair, Southport offers free estimates online, at the shop or even offsite if requested. The I-Car certified technicians handle domestic and import models and work with all insurance claims. Located at 7640 146th Street in Apple Valley, Southport can be reached by telephone at 952-891-1540.
Fairway Collision and Automotive
As an independent, family-owned company, Fairway Collision in Vadnais Heights is committed to providing quality service and achieving the highest level of customer satisfaction. Further, it supports local sports teams, community programs and charitable organizations. The commitment to customers and to community is evident in how they welcome people as soon as they walk in the door.
From paintless dent removal to auto body repair to tune up to tires, Fairway provides full-service collision and automotive repair. With numerous certifications, the highly trained staff works on your car and works with your insurance company. Located at 125 East County Road F in Vadnais Heights, Fairway can be reached by phone at 651-483-4055.
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Filed under Car Insurance Reviews by admin on Feb 25th, 2011. Comment.