Future Thought: Insuring the Cars of the Future

Let�s face it, we've all grown up �knowing� that flying cars were going to be the next biggest thing coming in the future. We haven�t seen them yet, and that�s for a good reason. The current infrastructure of our roadways just can�t practically support a flying car; however, it is more than capable of supporting smarter and more efficient cars. As our population grows, more and more people own cars and sometimes people own more than one car. The problem being that as our population grows; our country stays the same size. Many, if not all concept designers involved in the future of car technology have an elegant solution to the overcrowding problem facing us today: Smaller cars.

Slow adoption...at first

Now, having a tiny car is going against the grain of our American egos, but we could be convinced to adopt the more future-forward and practical smaller vehicle if it could make our lives significantly easier and safer. Regardless of how big your ego is, you can�t argue against taking the option that will keep you and your family safe on the road. Car insurance companies may balk at first as well, but once they see the light, they will embrace a computer driven vehicle faster than the average driver could even dream.

NAME is turning heads

Here is a first look at an exciting vision of a future car that was making waves at the CeBit technology show in November. It�s called the NAME, and it�s based on technology that�s available today.


This video has been produced by DFKI, German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence.

We see here a utilitarian view of the future of automotive transportation. It is a vision of a car that is as technologically advanced as it is realistic. The reality of driving today is that our cars are inefficient, large, and tough to maneuver in small spaces, all of which are problems that are solved by the NAME car and the many others like it in production today.

Here�s what the NAME can do:

• Smart battery system that increases battery life and charging ability
• Autonomous driving
• Completely wireless autonomous traffic flow integration
• Cars can lock together and form a single train-style driving pack 
• Interlocking expansions for the car to add passengers or storage capacity
• 90 degree tire wheel rotation that allows the car to travel side to side as well as backwards and forwards
• Collapsible frame that allows for parking in very small spaces and garages
• Wireless internet integration with advanced navigation technology
• Software that reports traffic and road conditions anonymously to a main transportation hub

Self-driving cars reduce the possibility for human error

One would think that the idea of insuring a self-driving car would be a waking nightmare for insurance companies. The first question that comes to mind is that if the car is driving itself and there�s an accident, then who�s responsible? The artificial intelligence that drives the car wouldn't be able to take out an insurance policy or even pay the premiums so it would still depend on the customers. The intelligence software suites that will (and have been) powering self-driving cars are monumentally robust and, above all, safe. The word �safe� is music to an insurance company�s ears, especially if it means that more and more customers are going to be paying their premiums with fewer and fewer claims due to driver error.

Computers do it faster

As any parent of a teen driver can testify, we humans are not perfect when it comes to driving. The phrase �accidents happen� is so commonly used that it�s no surprise when we or someone we know has a collision behind the wheel. But, what if a super smart, self-driving car could eliminate almost ALL of the probability of an accident? Computers are far from perfect, but their reaction times are light years ahead of ours. If you need further proof, just look at the Jeopardy faceoff between Ken Jennings, Brad Rutter, and IBM�s Watson that aired back in 2011. Watson completely schooled its human competitors in terms of pure reaction time. Even when Jennings and Rutter were continuously pushing down on the signaling devices, they were still slower than Watson, whose signaling device was controlled by a robotic arm connected to the artificial intelligence.

Faster reaction time means safer driving

In terms of reaction time while driving a vehicle, the difference between a two second reaction time and a .01 second reaction time could mean the difference between life and death for thousands of people each year. Artificial intelligence models today are equipped to send signals to apply brakes and perform evasive driving manoeuvres at even fractions of the .01 second reaction time. That�s exponentially faster than any human could ever perform, which means that it has the possibility to be exponentially safer than any human operated vehicle. The great thing about car insurance companies is that they are practical. Not only are they practical but they are one of the world�s best collectors of safety data. Once they are able to run the numbers on computer-driven future tech cars, then adopting the concept will be a no-brainer for them. After all, why wouldn't they jump at the chance to avoid insuring another teen driver?

Edward Oberg is a former insurance consultant, a blogger and a happily married man. When he�s not writing about automobile insurance, he�s reading Steven King or playing with his dog, Sebastian.

Insurance and Modified Cars: The Unpleasant Truth

Before we get to the gnarly truth, let�s first open with pleasant lie. You know that car modification that you finally found the funds, guts, and time to add to your vehicle? Well it will definitely not increase your auto insurance premium. Don�t even bother calling it in to your insurance agent in Dallas or Montreal or New Orleans. Just get in that car and hit the roads. Let�s stop here for a moment and face down an unpleasant truth.

The Unpleasant Truth about Modified Cars 

We love modified cars. There is something about the knowledge that our car is different than every other run-of-the-mill vehicle on the road that appeals to us. Unfortunately indulging in that desire is not without its consequences. Insurance agencies base their insurance premiums on the monetary worth of your car and the risk it will be to insure.

Car modifications often add value to your vehicle and make it more appealing to thieves, for that reason car modifications can and often do increase the auto insurance of the modified car.

Many car enthusiasts who discover this fact may be tempted to prevent this increase in their premium by failing to report the modification or outright lying about whether or not their car has been modified. If you find yourself tempted to omit or lie about a modification, READ THE NEXT SECTION FIRST.

The Unpleasant Truth about Failing to Report Modifications

For an individual who just spent thousands of dollars tricking out there car, an increased monthly premium can be an unneeded expense. You should be aware that the failure to inform your insurance company about the modification can be disastrous. Why? Your insurance is a contract. Your insurance company agrees to help you pay for damages, and injuries when your vehicle is involved in an accident. In return you agree to pay your monthly premium on time and provide honest information to the company.

By not informing your insurance agent about a modification that might change your car�s value, performance, or aesthetic appeal to thieves, you have broken the contract. Even if the breach of contract is the result of ignorance, you are still committing insurance fraud. Insurance fraud will lead you down one of two paths when you finally need to file an insurance claim:

1. The company may decide to pay only for the value reported instead of the current value.
2. The company may deny your claim. If you are particularly unlucky they may sue you for committing insurance fraud.

The point of insurance is to protect yourself financially when you are involved in a car accident. As a driver, you spend thousands of dollars a year on insurance. The decision to misrepresent your vehicle will mean that you will have spent thousands of dollars on an insurance plan that is invalid. The cost of not informing your company about a modification that will increase your insurance is far higher than an increase in your premium.

Ending Notes: Not all modifications need to be reported, but it is far safer to run the modification by your insurance agent. You should report all modifications that alter your car�s value, performance, aesthetic appeal to thieves, or changes the engine size. Your insurance agent will inform you how your insurance will be changed based on your modifications. 

Car Death or Injury: What to Do When Your Modified Car Gets in an Accident

�Ferris, my father loves this car more than life itself.�

�Ferris, he never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper!�

As car enthusiasts we often spend years restoring and modifying cars. We invest our money, sweat, and time into the car. Like Cameron�s father from Ferris Bueller�s Day Off, we can become a tad obsessed�although we prefer to think of it as passionate. We may not love the car more than life itself, but it might be one of our most prized possessions. We may not spend our free time admiring the sleek paint job and polishing it with a diaper because that would be crazy�

Ok, I admit, I do spend hours each month polishing my car with a cloth. 

Unlike Cameron�s father though, I do drive my car occasionally. It is a nerve wracking process, but what is the point of owning a car if we cannot go on adventures together? We have two choices, hide it away to protect it, or drive while proactively looking out for the negligent or incompetent drivers.  There is only so much you can do to protect your car from the outside world. Eventually an accident might happen.

What to Do Immediately After the Accident?

At this point there is nothing you can do to prevent the accident. What you need to do is follow the law to the �T�. State automobile law is on your side, as long as you are not at fault. As soon as the accident happens you need to complete these steps:

Stop your car. Pull over to the side of the road if no one has been injured.

When you talk to the other driver stay calm. You may feel like blowing a gasket, but you and your car are better served by being calm and meticulous. In no circumstances should you say anything that might be construed as admitting guilt. Don�t even say a polite �I�m sorry.� The time for niceties has passed.
Call the police about the accident. The police will catalog any injuries and damage to the vehicles.

Collect the other driver�s information and ask the police officer for a copy of the accident report.
Survey the scene and take pictures. Spend a few moments after the accidents taking notes. This is important because monetary compensation hinges on who was at-fault for the accident, and it is important to record critical details while your memory is fresh.

What To Do After

Ensure Your Insurance Company is Fair

At some point, you will need to inform your insurance company that you have been in an accident. Do so immediately after, but do not sign anything, provide a recorded statement, or allow a claims adjuster to look at the vehicle before consulting a car accident lawyer. Insurance agencies may protect you, but they are also a business who can lose money if they pay the full value for every claim that comes across their desk.  Lawyers can ensure that your insurance or the other driver�s insurance company will not cheat you out of the money necessary to return your car to working order.

Look Into Seeking Monetary Compensation from the Other Driver

You may also want to consult a lawyer to talk about filing an accident claim against the other driver. Whether or not the other driver has insurance, they can still be held responsible for the injuries and damages acquired during the accident. If the other driver is uninsured or under insured in an at-fault state, you will be able to file a lawsuit to receive compensation for injuries, monetary loses, and damages. If you live in a no-fault state, who caused the accident is not considered. You will not be able to file a claim against the other driver. You will need to collect your claims from your insurance company.

Car accidents can be hard. They can be made harder when a car is damaged or destroyed that you spent years building and modifying. With the proper preparation and after-the accident strategy, you can receive enough compensation to rebuild the car or begin to modify a new car. It�s not fair, but it�s something.

No One-Size-Fits-All Insurance Policies for Your One of a Kind Ride

There is a collection of goods and services that are often sort of hand-me-downs. For example, in my case I used the same barber, mechanic, dentist and doctor that my parents had, and I did so for years because I just didn't really think about it. That�s just where you went when you had to have your hair cut or transmission checked. I also used the same car insurance.

When I started to drive I was bundled into my parents� family plan and when the time came I just switched over to a personal plan with the same provider.

That is- until I began restoring a classic Corvair (the one deemed �unsafe at any speed� by Ralph Nader). I found that the classic/antique/specialty insurance offered by my company wasn't that great. It just didn't fit for me. I was right on the cusp of shrugging, biting the bullet and signing up when I had a revelation: I didn't have to use the insurance I always had!! I could shop around! It opened a whole shining world of personal shopping scenarios for me and changed my life forever! OK, maybe it wasn't that dramatic but it was certainly a convenient realization for my wallet and insurance coverage.

Anyway, like me, I have the feeling car insurance isn't really something people spend loads of time contemplating. It�s understandable- car insurance isn't exactly the most mind-blowingly thrilling topic in the world to consider but it�s an important one. And it suddenly becomes an all-important topic when the car you've put dozens of hours and thousands of dollars into is blindsided by a bar-hopping party animal.

When I started looking into insurance options for a specialty car my experience was that the big three insurers (the ones with commercials featuring a bubbly, streak-haired, price-gun wielding hipster woman; a British talking gecko and disaster/mayhem personified) didn't have the greatest specialty policies. That too is understandable- they�re huge and accordingly have a huge cut of the market, which means millions of customers, the great majority of whom have convenience and transportation vehicles and the generalized coverage to match. So it�s just not a system that�s really set up to accommodate more personal, specialized policies.

After the shortcomings of the big three became apparent to me, I focused my search for good specialty insurance on the less well-known providers. What worked best for me was to hunt among the companies that weren't so obscure I�d never heard of them, because that made me a little nervous, but weren't so huge that their focus was necessarily on standard insurers. The best bets were reputable and established insurance houses that weren't known for their car insurance and as such offered great policies to compete with the big three monoliths.

The example that comes to mind is a place like the Hartford. They meet the criteria- reputable and established but they don�t pop to mind for car insurance despite the fact that in 2012 they topped JD Power and Associate best car insurance provider list, came in at number three on MSN Money�s ranking and ranked among the top five on pretty much every other list of the kind. They also have a personalized antique/classic/specialty package that�s specifically tailored to a specific car and its owner.

Not that I�m suggesting necessarily that you run out and sign up with them immediately or anything, just that it�s those sorts of places where the best deals are found. In fact, after the research I've done, my advice is: the insurance-provider ranking lists I mentioned above are a great source for finding a great provider. They usually work with data that�s been culled from surveys that involved thousands of customers giving feedback. Once you've narrowed down a list of places that sound good and rank well, look over their specialty policies, get in touch with their agents and find the one that�s right for you! Good luck and good driving.

Author Bio

Edward Oberg is a writer who blogs on everything he finds interesting. While that covers a pretty broad range of possible topics, his writing focus often finds its way to anything automotive, water sports and fishing-related, travel and entertainment. He has a wonderful wife, a beautiful daughter and a friendly, rotund pug named Wallace.

Five Things You Need To Know Before An Accident Happens

Car accidents are scary. The worst part is that they often occur when you least expect it. Being involved in a crash could mean living with permanent physical injury, psychological instability, or worse. Even when it is impossible to prevent a car accident from happening, there are ways to prepare yourself for the worst before it happens. Here are five things that you should be aware of, the next time you enter your vehicle.

1) Keep a notepad and pen in your glove box

It's always a great idea to have pencil and paper in the car because you never know what you might need to jot down. If you find yourself in a mess of metal and glass, record important bits of information so that the whole thing can be sorted out more quickly later. Document the time of the accident, the date, the location, and nearby businesses or landmarks. If you are involved in a crash with another vehicle, write down the license plate number, driver's license number, driver's name, and anything else you find to be important. All of this information can be very useful for rescue workers, law enforcement, legal workers, or anyone else who is called to the scene.

2) Ask witnesses what they saw

When two vehicles collide, it is usually the fault of one of those drivers and not both. Being blamed for an accident can have some unsavory consequences, like getting an increase in car insurance rates and not having the cost of the car damage covered by your insurance provider. To help get the story straight on your end, talk to bystanders to get their accounts of what happened. If you can have someone confirm your story in court, you should be in the clear.

3) Purchase car and health insurance if you don't already have it

If you don't have this "cushion" in place before the blow, you might find yourself in deep financial trouble. Having to pay for car damages out of your own pocket, and medical bills can become overwhelming. Be sure to look in depth at any insurance agency and what policies they can get for you.

4) Store a first aid kit in the car

Car crashes can cause minor to major physical trauma. You could suffer anything from a small scratch or bruise, to severe puncture wounds and lacerations. A first aid kit can be used to sanitize a wound, control the bleeding and more, keeping one on hand could mean the difference between life and death.

5) Have a car accident attorney on call

Car accident attorneys can be extremely helpful during your time of greatest need. These lawyers specialize in helping you get compensation for injuries and vehicle damage. You will find them to be of major assistance if you are involved in a major car accident. Find one easily by doing a local search like, �Car Accident Lawyer Pensacola�.
+Brooke Chaplan 

The World Is Yours - At Least With The Right Travel Insurance

There is nothing holding you back from anything if you have the right travel insurance. That is the beauty of it. Yes it is one of those boring, bureaucratic chores that you will more likely feel the need to completely forget about when you are planning for the trip of a lifetime, but truth of the matter is, sometimes you have to eat your vegetables as well.

So this is what you are looking at: a big juicy steak that is the trip itself, and the side order of steamed vegetables that is the travel insurance. It is easy to just focus on the red meat since that is what you have been dying to sink your teeth into for a long time, but deep inside, you know that the vegetables are a necessary food group to meet the demands of acquired vitamins for your inner organs and your bloodstream.

Cheap travel insurance (or as the Danes say Billig rejseforsikring) is not sexy. Nobody is trying to sell it off as if it was. It is the sensible and mature thing to do. Now, you may consider yourself a bit of a rebel, but there is no contradiction between being smart and still being a rebel. The rebel in you will not lose face because you sign up for an adequate travel insurance, quite the contrary; the rebel in you will likely go down on hands and knees thanking you when push comes to shove and some tropical disease starts doing a number on your internal organs.

Now the fiscal issue may be another factor that weighs in when you are considering travel insurance. Maybe you are starting to get cold feet because you feel like signing up for an insurance plan may take a larger chunk out of your tightly knitted budget than you originally had planned for. Well as valid of a concern that is, you have to balance the risk against the potential damages in the future.

People that have gotten away medically Scot free when they have undertaken a longer journey are an exception to the rule, so the odds for you making it are not in your favor. Having solid travel insurance is an easy way of securing yourself a little bit of piece of mind as you venture into the unknown.

So considering this tasty dish of life that any type of travelling is, whether it is the fast food extraordinaire of an all-inclusive package or the stew of a long trip that has been left to gently brew so all the different ingredients have blended together in an explosion of tastes, you have to listen to the voice of your parents instilled into your backbone, saying that you are not allowed to leave the table until you have finished your vegetables as well.

There is nothing cool about risking it all and leaving without travel insurance, it is just a spur of the moment decision that may come back to haunt you for as long as you live.

Author Bio:

This article is written by Mark Neyton. He is curently living in Denmark with his family and he is a writer interested in various topics like finances, leasing, home improvement. If you want to find more information about Mark you can follow him on Twitter.
+Mark Neyton 

Keep the cost of driving down

Driving is an expensive business these days and when the cost of living is increasing, keeping costs down has never been more important. Here are some simple ways you can drive your costs down...

Consider a smaller car

Do you need an estate car these days or is it just excessive now? There are many benefits in having a smaller car so consider downsizing. Smaller cars are cheaper to run, cheaper to insure and easier to drive therefore you are likely to use less fuel as you try to park or get around town.

Drive Economically

There are a number of things you can do to drive more economically to reduce your fuel costs. Try and go on longer drives so bundle your to-do list together to a bigger list as it takes a lot of fuel to get the car going so lots of short drives is not good for it. Additionally try and reduce harsh braking by slowing to a stop as this will reduce fuel consumption also. Also travel light, reduce any additional weight to the car as this will just add to your fuel consumption.

Compare Car Insurance

This is such an obvious one but is often ignored. Many people are not good at shopping around to see if they can get a better deal for their car insurance. When your renewal comes in, get onto a car insurance comparison site to see what deals you could get. You might be applicable for a multi car insurance deal for you and your partner. This can save you a lot of money so consider these deals when comparing prices.

Learn about your car

Now we are not suggesting that you get a degree in mechanics but if you take the time to learn a bit more about your car, it can really help when it starts having issues. It could even be as simple as learning how to change your tires in case you have a puncture at the side of the road and have to fork out for the AA man to come and rescue you! Just learn some general maintenance for your car so you can help keep it healthy between services.

Regularly service it

Your annual mileage service is not there to make you spend MORE money on your car, it is there to help keep costs down and to keep you safe. As soon as there is a problem with the car, get it checked out. Generally the longer you leave it, the more expensive it will be as it reacts with the other parts of the car. If you are worried about the costs of a garage, look into your local garage who are likely to have lower costs. Chat to your neighbours and get advice from them about where they go.

Consider a hire car

If you already have one car in the household, do you need a second one? Or is it just on the odd occasion you really need it? Consider all the costs involved with buying and running your own car... do you need it? If you can afford to get rid of it, you can always hire a car or lift share with someone else. Definitely consider it.

There's no denying that owning and driving a car is expensive but if you are clever and economical about it, you can save yourself some money.

How To Get the Best Deal on Your Car

If you are ready for a new car, chances are you know exactly what you want. Whether it be a battered old classic you intend to lovingly restore or a brand new sleek sports car; it pays to do some research ahead of time to make sure that you get the best deal possible. Whether you having been squirreling away the pennies for some time or you have secured yourself 0% car finance; there's no sense in wasting your hard earned money by buying a car on impulse. It doesn't matter if the car you want is second hand or brand new, rolling straight off of the production line and onto your driveway; doing some groundwork will make sure you don't get ripped off. After all, when you are cruising around town or meticulously polishing your car you want be able to be that extra bit smug knowing you secured a good deal.

 

Scout Out Second Hand Deals in Other States

As with all significant purchases, shop around. If you are buying a second hand car, you may well want to consider buying one from out of state. Different cars demand different prices in different states. It all boils down to the availability of the particular car you require. This in turn is often dictated by the climate of a particular state. For example, in regions which have a climate which renders cars prone to rust, obviously a second hand car which is rust free will command a higher price. Therefore if you live somewhere where cars start to rust up after their first winter, consider traveling further afield to get a deal on a rust free used car.

The road trip home after collecting your car from another state could be the ideal opportunity to get to know your new purchase. However, make sure you accurately calculate the cost of flying to pick up your car in addition to the fuel costs for the journey home and add this value to the price you are paying for the car when deciding if you have found yourself a bargain. If you are buying from out of state, make sure you do your research into the various tax and registration implications; for example depending when you will get the title and whether the car is registered, you might be required to get an interstate transit permit to make sure you are legal on the drive home.

Be Prepared

Before going ahead with your purchase, do your research and have everything in place. Knowledge is power after all, so you are in the best position to grab a bargain if you have spent some time doing some research. If you are buying a used car, trawl the internet (online auctions, forums and car trading websites) as well as local auctions, classified listings and dealers for a bargain. Once you have found something suitable and at a good price, give the seller a call and fill in the details that might be missing from the ad such as the car's history and specific questions relevant to the make, model and age, e.g. has the timing belt been recently changed? If you are buying brand new, chat to people who already own the type of car you are thinking of purchasing in online forums. This way you can find out which optional extras might be worthwhile additions or which are all looks and no substance. If you are buying from a dealer, see if you can find reviews from people who have bought from them and definitely check out their returns policy.

Whether you are buying new or second hand, you need to set a budget and stick to it. Use resources such as the Kelly Blue Book to see what you should be paying for a new or used car. Calculate running costs such as servicing, fuel consumption, tax and insurance. Again, hit the forums to find out what people are really paying to run your particular vehicle. Once you have your budget ironed out, you need to ensure you have the right finances in place. If you have diligently saved for this day, then make sure the funds are easily accessible. Alternatively, consider guaranteed car loans from a car finance specialist to ensure you obtain the funds you require without any hassle. Having the finances in place ahead of time (and the cash in your back pocket if necessary) will mean you have one less thing to worry about and can swoop in when you see a good deal.

Negotiate

Once all the ground work is complete, bagging yourself a bargain is all about negotiating. Many people shy away from driving a hard bargain and this is what car salesmen bank on. If you have done your research you should have the confidence to go in and negotiate yourself a good price. When buying a second hand car, it is worth taking a mechanic or someone with a good working knowledge of cars (if you don't have that yourself) with you. If they find something requiring expensive work, you can negotiate the price down accordingly. When buying new, often it is worth buying your car towards the end of the month when the cut off for sales targets is looming and staff want to get one more deal in before month end. Similarly, if a new version of the model you are buying is due to be released soon and you are happy with the existing model, you may well find that a dealer is eager to see their old stock sold and may be more amenable to negotiation. However, if you sense that the sales person is not going to go any lower on the price, start haggling over extras; even something as small as a tank of gas or a set of mats equates to money in your pocket.

Precautions While Purchasing Used Car

The economic recession is one of the main causes for the development of used cars market. Nowadays, most of the individuals opt for buying used or pre-owned vehicles because according to them, it is not practical to spend on new autos when the economy is not in a good shape. If you are also considering purchasing a pre-owned car then it is good to check out some of the most significant aspects before actually finalizing the deal.

The very first thing that you should consider before buying used car is your budget. Now, after deciding your budget, next thing to consider is the size that directly depends on the number of persons you have within your family.

After preparing the list of cars you are considering for, you must pick a good dealer who has used cars of the selected models. Once you have short-listed the cars, next task you have to do is to check the years of registration of the cars. Purchasing a vehicle that has run almost more than 17,000 Kilometers is not worthwhile. While carrying out such task always remember to check the functioning of odometers.
Take a test drive along with your own mechanic; it will enable you to check the various parts including the engine plus the transmission whether they are functioning properly or not. In some countries such as the United States, you can avail Car Fax reports & from them, you can further find out the complete history of the automobiles. Through these reports you can also check out the particulars of the accidents if any. Car Fax reports also tell the service history of the cars.

You should always keep in mind to monitor the cooling system, the radiator, the alternator & the starter of the automobile, especially the second hand car. The radiator should be free from any kind of leaks. The working of the Brakes should also need to be monitored. It is always recommended that you should visit the dealer with your own mechanic.

Nobody desires a very cheap auto but at the same time one cannot actually go very far. It is then very much essential that one should inspect autos� general condition before actually purchasing it. Numerous things that include the make, design, model, & color should only be less important. If you want to buy used or second hand cars, you must consider its functionality as well as affordability!!!

About The Guest Author: 

Sofia Williams writes for www.lahondaworld.com. She is a freelance content contributor and likes to write about various spheres like Social Media, technology trends and her secret favorite � cars and automobiles. She is a keen observer and contributor for various auto forums and the online auto space.

How To Keep Your Car From Rusting

 

 

Don�t Let Your Car Rust

One day suddenly you find some rust on your car. Rusting occurs when iron or the steel reacts with water with the heat and the salt in the air.

Don�t worry if the rust is at a small place, under the car or at a place where it does not show. The paint is not only for the car to look nice but also prevents rusting. You should be careful in case there is a scratch as that could lead to a bigger repair problem. Make sure you keep your car away from oxidation.

How do you notice the rust?

�    When you clean or wash your car, check for rusting in the wheel wells and all the corners.
�    Look around the car antenna, mirrors, moldings, trims, under the car body with a torch or some light.
�    If you stay near the sea or the ocean or where it rains a lot check the metal of the car regularly for rusting.
�    Ask your service mechanic to properly check under the car for rusting when the car is on the hoist.

Observations:-

�    You might find the paint is darker at some places �� might be that it is rusted below the paint.
�    If you have a scratch or a place where the paint has come off, apply the paint and don�t let it rust.
�    Use the rust removers at the pitted areas.
�    Rust settles at place where there are salt deposit and dirty places.

How to handle the rusting:-

�    Rub sandpaper or a razor at the rusted area. Be careful you do not spoil the paint around the rusted area. You could use a brush to dust the scraped rust.
�    Apply the rust resistor so that the rust does not spread further.
�    Then paint it with a brush or a spray gun depending on the area after applying primer.
�    At some places where the rust is really bad and you need to change that area, take an estimate from the mechanic and decide if it is worth the money spent keeping the life of the engine in mind.
�    You can use the rust removing equipment available

How to avoid rusting

�    Wash your car once in 2 weeks and maybe once  a week where there is salt in the air .
�    Every six months you should wax your car.
�    Make sure that you clean your car from inside as sometimes spilled things can start rusting.
�    Wash your car properly under the car and in between the wheels.
�    You could use the rust preventing sprays if you live at places which have salt in the air, like the areas near the oceans and seas.
�    Keep your car dry as far as possible.
�    Cover your car if the car stays more in the open.
�    Try to keep the car indoors
�    Always clean the rust the minute you notice it.
�    Applying the primer with the machine electrically run, has a better and a long lasting result.

You can save your car from rusting and causing major damage by checking it regularly and repairing the rust the minute you observe it.

Author Bio :- 

John Polk writes for www.markkia.com. He is a freelance content contributor and likes to write about various spheres like Social Media, technology trends and his secret favorite � cars and automobiles. He is a keen observer and contributor for various auto forums and the online auto space.

How To Find Good Family Cars

The buying of cars today has been made so easy. There is need however to understand the current market trends because every so often there are news of manufacturers recalling a model because of a problem that affects its performance. This doesn�t help in painting a reliable picture of themanufacturer in the eyes of the general population. Finding good family cars will therefore involve knowing exactly what you are looking for before going to the website or to the car dealers to ask for a car quote.

Many people will agree that being indecisive when buying something as important as a car might eventually lead them to buying something that they never wanted or needed in the first place. Doing some research, comparing the ratings, the prices, the features and many other features is important. Research can be easy when one has an idea of the class of family cars they want to own and this will definitely help them in getting the right car.

Reviews have become one of the best ways through which many people get vital information to base their decision on. It is highly unlikely that a car which is being advertised as extremely good to own can be bought by many people if the reviews it is receiving from the people who have already owned it are all negative. It is for this reason that many people are going for the established known brands of family cars and at the same time basing their decisions more on what other people say of them.

Visiting the yard for a test drive is a good thing that every person who has settled on a particular car must do. Test drives are generally for short distances but there would be no harm in hiring the car for a day and testing its capabilities at no one�s impositions.  Taking the car for a day helps one to test its practicability, long distance driving comfort, behavior on steep roads etc. All of these would definitely be hard to test if the car was tested with the car salesperson sitting in the passenger seat. This type of drive testing helps one come up with the best type of car out of a large pool of family cars (it�s interesting that the Danish word is familiebiler).

The cost is one of the main determinants of what type of car one can buy or not.In fact, it is the only determinant that dictates what category of cars one should dare look at. This however, does not mean that one can�t get an ideal car based on their needs and family preferences. Having considered all the factors that people consider important, it is not hard to see that there are good family cars in every cost category and all one has to do is compare and contrast the cars� benefits with their needs. Using these tips will most likely make one end up behind the wheel of a car that makes them smile more.

Car Mods That Will Lower Your Insurance Costs

Even before The Fast And The Furious made it�s debut, car modifications were popular. Not only were car mods a great way to increase your car�s performance, they also increased your car insurance premiums as well. Adding more horses under the hood or tricking out your body kit are almost guaranteed ways to jack your premiums higher than your chassis. That doesn�t always have to be the case, though. There are plenty of things that you can modify on your car that will actually lower your car insurance premiums.

Green Mods

Converting your engine to a bio-diesel, or a gas/electric hybrid are great ways to improve your gas mileage and save money at the pump. In many states, car insurance providers will also give you a �Green Car Discount� of up to 15% on your premium. Saving money two ways for one modification is never a bad idea. Even if you paid a lot up front for your green conversion, you can save a lot of money on gas the first year alone. If you take the average car�s gas mileage of 20MPG and convert it to the average hybrid�s gas mileage of 53MPG, that will net you an average yearly savings of $1,438. Now, factor in a 15% savings on your insurance per year and you�ll be racking up some serious cash.

Tracking

Installing a hidden GPS tracker in your car is a great way lower your insurance and give you the confidence of knowing where your car is at all times. Even if your car does get stolen, you can pull up an app on your smartphone and see exactly where your ride went within seconds. Just give that information to the police, and you�ll have your car back soon and there will be one less car thief on the streets to worry about. Getting a GPS tracker installed is almost a public service to your community.

Anti-Theft

Any anti-theft devices that make it more difficult for thieves to successfully steal your vehicle are a good idea. Many cars today come standard with a few basic anti-theft devices, but adding to those will go a long way to giving you peace of mind and a fatter wallet. Some anti-theft devices include:

•     Car alarms
•     Electronic locks or keyless lock device
•     Tubular locks. These locks that can only be unlocked by a tube-shaped key with over 50,000       tumbler combinations.
•     Non-passive fuel cut off devices
•     Many more. Consult your provider to see what anti-theft mods qualify.

 Author Bio:

Mark McCrell is an auto aficionado who loves to drive his 1974 Buick LaSabre around town and write about all things auto.  He currently blogs for the website AutoInsuranceQuotes, which specializes in cheap auto insurance.

Car Doc Fee

After so much research, thinking, discussions, numerous visits made to dealers showroom you zeroed down the car you want to buy. Then the D day comes when you went to the showroom to buy your dream car. After hours of negotiation all settlements have been done, you are about to sign the final documents. Within few minutes that shinning twilight purple metallic 4 wheel machine will be yours. But as you read the papers and go down you will spot a fee of $595 which you were not aware with an unfamiliar phrase describing it as �Dealer Service Fee� or some call it �Delivery Fee� or some car dealers charge it as �Document Fee� or �Doc Fee�.

First reaction of yours will be �What�s this is for?� �Nobody told me about this earlier!�
If the dealer from whom you are buying the car doesn�t have a Full Disclosure Policy, will not disclose this fee earlier. It will be introduced at the last moment. Exhausted you after spending half of the day in the showroom waiting for the deal to be closed, car to be ready, will pick up the pen and will sign after little bargain.

But do you have to? Is it necessary to pay this fee? And what exactly is this thing called a �Document Fee?�

It�s easy to answer the second question first. �Doc Fee� is a cost charged by dealers for preparing the documentation at the time of new car buy. To some extent, this is legit. We may not have given attention to it but there are line of people from lower level to high cadre whose job is to see that all the documents submitted dealing in car sale purchase are in correct order and accurate. So this is their labor fee. But being frank it also includes the profit margin of the dealers. In some cases it is huge, means huuuugee!!

Doc fee varies from location to location. In some places it ranges from from $295 to $695 whereas in some other it can cost up upto $2000. So it is clear the ones who are paying such huge doc fee the dealers of that area are earning huge profits. But to my surprise, in some states doc fee is being regulated by the state and can be charged maximum to $50. I am sure there will be some areas where NO �Doc Fee� is charged on new car purchase.
 

But the question arises how the car dealers get away with this? It�s pretty simple if all the dealers in your area will charge the fee. It will be horrible inconvenient for you to go and buy new car from some other state. So customers pay the fees demanded by the dealers.
 

But more important question is. Do you really need to pay this FEE?

It all depends upon dealerships in that particular area. In my experience 99 out of 100 dealers charge it so one left out will start charging it eventually. And if ardent customer refuses to pay that Doc fee, the dealers refuse to sell the car and you have to go home without your dream car. As a customer you can only equalize this not so required fee by doing good bargain in getting discounts from the car dealer. Like ask for $595 discount or equivalent free car accessories to make up for the $595 doc fee which you have to pay.

Now here comes the rider and the hidden cost. If you think you have managed to land an awesome deal for yourself. A deal which may only be break even or cost to cost for the dealer. You may still be required to pay the doc fee and this might be the only fees that the dealer would be earning on the deal. This might be the money that might be allowing him to stay in business and the dealer�s only profit source.  Now you might think that is not a fair business practice and borders on the business ethics as all fees and charges should be disclosed to the customer before closing the deal. The customer should raise his voice for the deceptive tactic used by some. We provide a full disclosure and all charges and transaction costs are laid in front of the customer beforehand so that they do not feel cheated and shortchanged later on when they sign the cheque.

Bottom line is that don�t get caught off guard by this Fee introduced by dealer at last moment. Expect such thing to happen and be prepared to deal with them. Be upfront and ask your dealer for all the prices included in the final cost.
Good luck!

About The Guest Author: 

Sofia Williams writes for Mark Kia. She is a freelance content contributor and likes to write about various spheres like Social Media, technology trends and her secret favorite � cars and automobiles. She is a keen observer and contributor for various auto forums and the online auto space.

 

Protect Your Vehicles: Use a Roller Garage Door

The opening of the garage through which the vehicle can be parked as well as driven out needs to have protection from environmental hazards such as dust, rain, snow, direct sunlight and so on. For such a problem a simple solution is a roller garage door. For those who need a large space for easy movement of the vehicle a roller garage door is the perfect answer as they roll vertically.

Design:

The roller doors are usually made out of corrugated steel. The doors are designed in such a way that some free space is available for the smooth to and fro motion of the vehicle. They are available in different colors. The opening action of the door is performed by rolling the steel door coiling around the drum wheel. 

Security:

When security is considered as an important aspect then these roller doors will fulfil it for sure as they have locking system. This lock can be opened only by the specified keys. There are also bars present on the doors which create a virtual impression that it is impossible to open the door when it is closed.

These doors are available in different sizes from which the necessary size can be selected. They have a high durability that does not require frequent services. They can be used for a year or two without any servicing. However there will be a small obstacle that arises with frequent usage of the door that is, the spring may get lose resulting in the shutter getting closed faster. For this there a simple answer, the spring can be replaced by a new one so that the shutter becomes fit for rolling. The maintenance of the door is elementary which does not consume much human effort.

Insulated garage doors are the new generation garage doors that have upgraded features when compared to normal garage doors. They provide warmth during winter times and as well as keeping your vehicle safe and secure a garage door will also improve your insurance premiums. There are even remote controlled garage doors that are available for reducing human actions. It offers convenience and ease for the user to operate. The cost varies depending upon the quality, sizes and features. There are many companies that are offering the sale of roller garage doors which can be utilized by customers.

Browsing online and comparing will ensure customers make the best choice for their needs.

Author Bio:

Hi this is Amy Jackson.  My passion is to write on Home & Garden and Travel Blogs reach me @eBizVenture.

How Safe Is Your Car?

Car safety has become one of the key selling points in today�s automotive market, and rightly so as the nation�s road toll continues to have a devastating impact on families and emergency services. Huge advancements have been made in terms of safety thanks to the likes of airbags, traction control and brake assist, which combined with design give every new vehicle an ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) rating out of five stars. The more stars a vehicle has, the safer it is.

ANCAP (Australian New Car Assessment Program) is an independent body that conducts crash tests on new vehicles and those with sound structures and better safety systems score best. When buying a new car, it should be stated what its ANCAP rating is. Ask the dealer if it�s not. When buying second-hand, there are plenty of websites that will tell you how the vehicle stacks up. Car makers put a high value on the ratings as they can make or break sales - a competitor with a higher safety rating in the same segment is likely to show more sales. Cars with four or five star ratings are highly recommended. Vehicles with higher safety ratings should also have lower car insurance premiums. Here is a guide as to what helps make a safer car.

Sound structure:

A vehicle with good structural integrity will absorb and dissipate energy in the event of a crash. The passenger compartment should keep its shape and the doors should stay closed but be capable of being opened after a crash for the safe exit of passengers. Other parts of the vehicle such as the steering column, dash, foot pedals and pillars should not experience significant movement.

Air Bags:

The more of these life-savers, the better. They inflate in the event of a crash and significantly reduce the risk of serious injury. A vehicle with driver and passenger airbags, plus curtain airbags (they are deployed from above the side windows in the event of a side impact) are going to be the safest. Airbags can deploy in impacts as low as 25kph and they can be costly to reset, so when getting car insurance quotes, check out if a cost such as this is covered.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC):

This helps reduce skidding and over-steer and takes effect when the driver loses control. Computer-controlled technology is used to help bring the car back on track and has proved to be highly effective in single car crashes. It also comes into play during sudden manoeuvres and can enhance handling and traction on gravel and icy roads.

Anti Lock Braking (ABS):

This system prevents the brakes from locking and wheels from skidding when sudden pressure is put on the brake pedal, such as in an emergency. It allows the driver to maintain control and is highly effective on slippery surfaces and in the wet. ABS works hand-in-hand with ESC and having the two together greatly increases the car�s handling in emergencies.

Seat belts:

They first became compulsory � both in the front and rear of vehicles - in Victoria in 1970 and the rest of Australia soon followed. Since then they have been responsible for saving thousands of lives and are the single biggest safety factor in a vehicle. There are stringent guidelines for seatbelts, meaning they must lock in an accident and are not susceptible to fraying and tearing. Unfortunately, seat belts only work when worn and people still die needlessly on the roads because they forget to buckle up.

Business Car Rental Best Practice- Shopping Around in Australia for Good Deals

You can get excellent business car hire deals in Australia if you know where to look. Car hire can be a great alternative to regular car ownership, particularly if you�re doing a lot of traveling and don�t want to carry the costs and risks of wear and tear on your own vehicle. It�s also deductible, meaning you�re making a bit extra on your travels. The trick is to compare car hire deals and actively hunt for the best.

Car hire issues


When you hire a car for business purposes, you need to consider all your needs before you spend a cent. Do you need?

•  A big vehicle for transporting sales materials? 
•  A luxury car?
•  A good reliable car you�ve driven before, just a more recent model?
•  An off-road vehicle?
•  A good city runabout?
•  A car that can double for business and domestic use?
•  A van? 
•  Automatic or manual?
•  How many passengers?

Finding a good car rental site

These basics are really all you need to find your preferred car. Some online searching will find you a range of options, but- You can get a much better deal by being picky. The best business car hire companies in Australia are the major league companies like Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, Redspot and Europcar. These companies can provide you with any type of vehicle you need and standardized competitive rates. Now some very good news- The best Australian car rental sites include specialist sites which act as booking agents for the big car hire firms. These sites will give you a range of selections of types of car, prices and car hire companies. The best of these websites also provide a �cheapest� option, and can find the car you want for the lowest price. That�s good for the budget, and it also simplifies your search for the right car. If, for example, you want a luxury SUV with a lot of space for your materials, lots of features and good performance, you select your car from the range of options and the website then checks for the best deals in this range. You can find yourself with a great SUV to drive and a discount offer which cuts a lot off your net outlay. You can also get extras like optional insurance, baby seats if you need them and other features, so you�ve got everything you need laid on, with no need to go looking for these things. The websites also provide customer service, so if you�ve got questions you can get all the answers you need with an email. The national car hire companies have another big advantage- You can pick up and drop off your hire car anywhere in the country. If, for instance, your itinerary is taking you around the country, you can simply arrange to pick up your car from the designated place by your car hire in Melbourne and drop it off in Brisbane and fly home. This is very simple, very convenient, hassle-free car hire at its best. Before you do anything, check out and compare car hire deals. You�ll save time and money, and get the best deals available.

Tips For Buying Car Insurance Online

The internet has made shopping around for car insurance easier and far more convenient than ever before � it saves time and you don�t even have to leave your home or office to get the information you need. It works just the same as if you were looking to get a car service in Sydney � shop around until you find what suits you best in terms of price and inclusions. Here�s a guide as to the best way to navigate around the internet when searching for a policy online.

Get As Many Car Insurance Quotes As Possible

A simple Google search for car insurance quotes is going to be a pretty good starting point. It will list a wide range of companies and you can then click on the links to your heart�s content � the more car insurance quotes you get, the increased chance of getting the best deal. Websites offer a quick quote service so you will need to have some information ready, including make and model of vehicle, year of manufacturer, and ages of drivers.

Make Sure You Understand What Is Included

Once you have entered all of the required information, you will be presented with a quote. It�s important that you use this as a starting point for deciding on your preferred policy. Cheapest isn�t necessarily going to be best, so read the policy and see what features it includes and if it covers exactly what you require. Think of it like getting a car service in Melbourne � you would want a written report on the work that is done, so you would want in writing what the policy includes. It�s also important to be honest when answering questions, such as the last time you made a claim, because it will have an effect on the premiums.

Look Closely At Each Company

While getting a quote online, have a look at what else each company has to offer on their website. They could have general insurance and motoring advice, information about themselves and links to other websites. It will help give you a good feel for who they are and what they offer, which will help you make an informed decision. Website security is excellent these days and companies are well aware of privacy issues consumers have, so be sure that your information will be treated in confidence.

Seek More Information 

Don�t be afraid to fill in an online form, send an email or call a customer service number if you need more information. The website should have at least one of these, if not all. Don�t jump in to a policy without fully understanding every part of it. If you can�t find out what you need on the website, speak to someone.

Once You Have Decided

When the time comes to actually purchasing a policy, you can do it several ways. The most important thing first is to get a copy of the quote in writing. If you are doing it online, the company should be able to send you an email. Review the information again before committing to purchasing the product. Quite often you can opt to save your quote online and go back to it when you are ready to purchase the policy. Follow the prompts online to organise the policy and payment (make sure it is a secure site by looking for the secure symbol or the web page starting with https://), or alternatively you can call the customer service line to finalise details.

How to get the best deals on car rental

Getting the best deal on your car rental doesn�t have to be difficult. It�s just a matter of knowing where to look, how to compare car hire companies and keeping your ear to the ground about great deals. Here, we�ve listed the sure-fire ways to ensure the next time you hire a vehicle, you�ll be bragging to your mates about what a great deal you got:

Do your research

Knowing what�s on offer and by who is the first step to being able to decide between what is a genuinely good deal and what isn�t. Do some research and find out what each of the car rental companies have to offer. Some may specialise in providing a different range of rental services.


Let others do the work for you

Don�t have time to spend hours looking from website to website? Why not use a hire car comparison website to ?nd out which company is offering what you want? There are now websites that help you compare different car rentals so you can make your choice faster. For the time poor, why not put your faith in the experts?


Don�t leave it to the last minute

Last minute bookings always lead to overpriced fees. Give yourself as much time as possible to ?nd a great deal well in advance to avoid having to settle with an expensive car rental company a few days before you need the vehicle.  


Join loyalty programs


Apart from frequent ?yer points, many car rental companies offer loyalty specials and offers only to those who are registered for their newsletter or loyalty system. This is a great way to ?nd out about deals that aren�t necessarily advertised.



Through Work

Many companies have longstanding relationships with car rental companies. Use this to your advantage. You may be able to get a great discount on a rental car simply by presenting proof that you are an employee of your business.


Ask for a referral from a trusted source

If you have a friend or relative that has recently hired a car from one of the companies offering the best car hire Melbourne has to offer, why not ask them how would they rate their experience with that company? Referrals from friends and relatives are the best way to get a genuine opinion on businesses and their services.


Negotiate

It's not always appropriate, but in some instances you may try to negotiate your rental deal with the car hire company. Remember, all they can say is no, so there is no harm in trying.

Jump on a good deal when you see it

Similar to cheap ?ights, cheap car hire gets snapped up fast so if you are lucky enough to come across a great deal, jump on it before it's gone!
Getting the best car hire deal is easy if you know where to look. I hope our tips on how to snag a great vehicle hire deal has given you some useful ideas for the next time you are in need of renting a car.

5 Tips For Car Window Tinting

Body

Having your car's windows tinted can provide several benefits. These include reducing the amount of piercing light entering the car and limiting ultra-violet rays. Selecting the right mechanics or auto industry professionals to do the job is an important decision. Take time to ponder the process and requirements, in order to make the right choice.

Light Reduction

Having the bright sun shining right into a driver's line of vision is not only irritating, but can also be dangerous. One of the main benefits of car window tinting is substantially reducing this amount of light. Not only can this assist with vision issues, it also helps reduce infrared light and ultra-violet radiation, sometimes almost totally. Some window tinting professionals will have figures on just how much UV rays and the like can be reduced, so it's worth investigating.


Privacy

Window tinting also brings privacy benefits to a car. While the driver and any passengers can see clearly out of the car, those on the outside have great difficulty looking in. This can help reduce theft, by keeping internal contents pretty well hidden. With different gradients of darkness, it is imperative to ensure that the level you choose meets local standards. Law enforcement want to ensure that drivers can see clearly through window tinting at night, when visibility may be impaired. Police officers may also want to identify those in a vehicle themselves.


Installation

While it is possible to apply window tinting by oneself, unless you are absolutely sure what you are doing, you could end up with a sub-standard result. The reason being is that the work can be a bit tricky, particularly with the glass of car windows which is curved and needs special application. Cutting and sizing window tinting film to match properly can be a challenge. Applying window tinting film to car windows poorly can result in bubbled film, or tinting that separates from the glass. Specialised tools are also needed for this type of work, so embark on any do it yourself venture with caution.


Warranty

Should you choose to use the experts, check what sort of warranty window tinting installation comes with. Employing those that install window tinting daily should give a consumer extra confidence that the job will be done right. Some good operators offer lifetime warranties on their work, giving extra peace of mind. This is important, as one doesn't want to be left with a home type job, without any recourse.


Removal

Hopefully most customers are happy with the results of having their car windows tinted, and would never want or need to have it removed. If for some reason it does need to be removed, a few words of caution are required. Just like installation, removal on your own can get quite messy if you are not careful with what you are doing. Some window tinters remove whole plates of glass in order to put on the window film, so removing this at home may be a challenge. One can sometimes remove tinting with a hair dryer and some ammonia, but for a worry free removal, consult the experts.

Window tinting has some clear benefits, and the result looks pretty cool too. Be familiar with the options and regulations before shopping around. Just like with your regular car service, award the job to a reputable operator.