Thursday, 23 May 2013

Auto insurance Primer



Auto insurance Primer


What is auto insurance? Auto insurance (or car insurance, motor insurance) is insurance consumers can purchase for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Its primary use is to provide protection against losses incurred.
By buying auto insurance, depending on the type of coverage purchased, the consumer may be protected against:
* The cost of repairing the vehicle following an accident
* The cost of purchasing a new vehicle if it is stolen or damaged beyond economic repair
* Legal liability claims against the driver or owner of the vehicle following the vehicle causing damage or injury to a third party.

Liability insurance covers only the last point, while comprehensive insurance covers all three. Even comprehensive insurance, however, doesn't fully cover the risk associated with buying a new car.
Due to the sharp decline in value immediately following purchase, there is generally a period in which the remaining car payments exceed the compensation the insurer will pay for a "totaled" (destroyed, or written-off) vehicle. So-called GAP insurance was established in the early 1980's to provide protection to consumers based upon buying and market trends.

The escalating price of cars, extended term auto loans, and the increasing popularity of leasing gave birth to GAP protection. GAP waivers provide protection for consumers when a "gap" exists between the actual value of their vehicle and the amount of money owed to the bank or leasing company.
In some countries including New Zealand and Australia market structures mean that people are more likely to buy a nearly new car than a new car so this is less of a problem.

In the United States, liability insurance covers claims against the policy holder and generally, any other operator of the insured's vehicle, provided they do not live at the same address as the policy holder and are not specifically excluded on the policy.
In the case of those living at the same address, they must specifically be covered on the policy. Thus it is necessary for example, when a family member comes of driving age they must be added on to the policy.
Liability insurance generally does not protect the policy holder if they operate any vehicles other than their own. When you drive a vehicle owned by another party, you are covered under that party's policy.

Non-owners policies may be offered that would cover an insured on any vehicle they drive. This coverage is available only to those who do not own their own vehicle.
Generally, liability coverage does extend when you rent a car. However, in most cases only liability applies. Any additional coverage, such as comprehensive policies, i.e. "full coverage" may not apply. Full coverage premiums are based on, among other factors, the value of the insured's vehicle.

This coverage may not apply to rental cars because the insurance company does not want to assume responsibility for a claim greater than the value of the insured's vehicle, assuming that a rental car may be worth more than the insured's vehicle. Some states, such as Minnesota, may require that it extend to rental cars.
Most rental car companies offer insurance to cover damage to the rental vehicle. In some regions, the costs associated with not having access to the vehicle ("Loss of Use") is also covered. by: Belinda Waters

All about Toyota Mirrors: Functions, Importance and Buying guide



All about Toyota Mirrors: Functions, Importance and Buying guide


Most auto parts are important in the proper operation of an automobile. Meanwhile, some play a more important role in keeping the vehicle and its occupants safe.

Auto Mirrors are some of the most important safety features of any automobile. We most often associate mirrors with vanity, but in automobiles, mirrors serve primarily for safety.
Mirrors serve as a second pair of eyes for the driver by giving a good view, with a slight glance of the eye, of what is happening behind the vehicle without taking his eyes of the road. Visibility is always important and mirrors make sure that whatever is beyond the normal periphery of the driver's vision is made visible.
Thus, the driver can react appropriately to whatever is happening behind him and avoid any accidents.

There are two basic types of auto mirrors: the rear view mirror and the side mirrors. The rear view mirror is a wide rectangular mirror that the driver's use to view anything behind the car. With a rear view mirror, the driver doesn't have to turn around to see what's going on behind the car. By simply glancing upward, the driver is able to see whether another car is coming too close or whether the rear of the car is about to hit something, for example,
when parking. Rear view mirrors are indispensable in the safety of any car. In some cars, a "day/night" selector switch adjusts the tilt of the mirror so that it would divert most of the light striking it upwards to the car's headliner. This makes the mirror more useful as it minimizes the glare.

The other important types of mirrors are the side mirrors. Side mirrors are further divided into two kinds: driver's side mirrors and passenger's side mirror.
The driver's side mirror is located at the driver's side of the car's body. As with the rear view mirror, the driver's side mirror provides an important view of whatever is behind or beside the car without the driver having to turn around. The mirror can be adjusted to match the necessary visibility position.

The driver's side mirror is often adjusted manually outside the car. In some cars, the mirror can be adjusted inside the car by a series of cables. At the other side of the car's body is the passenger's side mirror, which has the same functions as the one on the driver's side.
Auto Mirrors are very important parts of any automobile. Without them, the safety of the vehicle and its occupants is greatly compromised. Thus, defective or damaged auto mirrors must be replaced at once so that the safety of the car and its passengers is not endangered. Replacement auto mirrors are some of the most common auto parts available.

Toyota vehicle owners would find that Toyota Mirrors are readily available. If you are looking for aftermarket Toyota Parts such as Toyota mirrors, you should purchase only from a reliable and trusted auto parts supplier. Auto Parts Inner is a leading auto part store offering excellent quality Toyota Parts such as Toyota A/C Condensers, Toyota Fuel Tank, Toyota Bumpers, Toyota Floor Mats, Toyota Catalytic Converters, Toyota Headlights, Toyota Radiators and other essential auto parts. With their low prices, fast and efficient service and the durability and superb quality of their Toyota auto parts, Auto Parts Inner is your ultimate online auto parts shop.by: Terry Brown

Auto Parts Corner Promotes Safe and Responsible Driving



Auto Parts Corner Promotes Safe and Responsible Driving


When you drive, you are not only responsible for your own safety but as well as the safety of your passengers and other people including drivers of other cars, their passengers, pedestrians crossing the road and those on the sidewalks.

Having responsibilities as huge as these isn’t a joke; thus, one must be serious in following traffic rules and keeping his auto away from accidents as much as possible.

Auto Parts Corner values your safety more than other auto parts stores do. It promotes safe and responsible driving by featuring the finest safety car parts for various makes and models in its site, believing that car accidents can be prevented by using auto parts that are reliable and durable.
This top-notch Auto Parts Wholesale store uplifts drivers’ awareness of their responsibilities by emphasizing the importance of quality of the parts more than their affordability.
Even so, Auto Parts Corner offers the best deals on all its parts including the best line of Ford parts, Mercedes parts, BMW parts, Volkswagen parts, Lexus parts and Land Rover parts.
As it encourages auto users to use replacement auto parts that have passed the industry’s highest standards and have been made by the most experienced auto parts manufacturers, it keeps its prices within reach of ordinary consumers.
What are in store in this comprehensive Auto Parts Wholesale shop?
Headlights. Many accidents happen due to lack of visibility resulting from the car’s poor lighting; thus these auto parts are essential to every driver’s safety. Driving without them especially at night, in poorly lit areas or in worst weather conditions is extremely dangerous.
Install high quality lamps for your car, truck, minivan, or SUV. You can find in this store high beam Toyota headlights, Ford Headlights, Chevy tail lights, Honda tail light and more.
Bumpers and fenders. During a collision, the body parts are among the most prone to damages. They get smashed beyond repair in many instances. Because of this, they need to be extra tough and durable so as to prevent further damage to the vehicle’s interior and most especially to the occupants.
The store offers high grade Jeep bumpers, Mazda bumpers, GMC bumpers, BMW fender flares, Chevy fender flares and thousands of other durable body parts for various car makes and models.
These parts are also excellently crafted giving your vehicle a stylish look.
Mirrors. Like auto lights, these small auto parts are essential to safe driving. They serve as your “eyes” while driving. Some areas in the vehicle may not be visible from the driver or the passenger’s seat but with the help of mirrors, you can see them and thus, avoid bumping or hitting other cars, pedestrians, or any obstruction in the road. Check out the store’s featured Jeep mirrors, Ford mirrors and Volvo mirrors and exciting deals on all these car parts.

Auto Parts Discount Features



Auto Parts Discount Features


Both front and rear lights play significant roles in keeping you safe as you drive so keeping them in tiptop shape and condition is necessary.
You can do this by keeping them clean and by regularly checking its connections to other parts of the vehicle.
Although they usually last longer than other auto parts, the headlamps, fog lights, tail lights, corner lights, side marker lights, sealed beam, projector headlights, parking lights, turn signals and other lights in your car need to be replaced as well since they dim as they get older.
The leading Auto Parts Discount store, Auto Parts Wholesale, proudly features its top of the line automotive products including the best replacement Dodge Headlights, Chevrolet Tail lights, Toyota Corner Lights and other high quality auto lights for Ford, Jeep and Honda.
All these premium class automotive products are available in great discount deals as Auto Parts Discount stays consistent with its tradition of providing the biggest discounts without sacrificing the quality of its products.
Auto Parts Discount makes auto light replacement a lot easier and affordable by giving you wide array of choices from stylish auto lights for passenger and luxury cars to high output lights truck and SUV lights fit for off-road use.
Among the finest of these products are the Mazda fog lights, Volvo corner lights, Ford taillights, Chevrolet sealed beams and Toyota turn signal lights.
See more of Auto Parts Wholesale, the number one Auto Parts Discount store’s top-notch replacement and aftermarket auto parts including bumpers, radiators, floor mats, catalytic converter, ac condenser, grilles, lamps, mirrors, spoilers for various makes and models.
Meanwhile, here are some tips for you on how to prolong the use of your auto lights and how to make them look like new as much as possible.
Tips on How to Take Care of Your Lights

1. Dirt increases the heat in the lamps so clean them more often. Remember that heat is the number one cause of lighting failure.
2. Protect your lamps against corrosion with lubricants and sealants.
3. DO NOT pierce or cut the wire insulation when troubleshooting the lighting system; if it is inevitable, make sure you properly and carefully seal it afterwards.
4. Check connections to the electrical system to prevent low voltage and lighting problems.
5. Make sure the lights are properly grounded.
6. To avoid too many expenses, properly check your lamps before discarding them; be sure not to dispose of lamps that are still in good operating condition. Examine the bulbs carefully to see the cause of the lighting problem. If you see dark and metallic finish, you may consider now replacing them since this means that the lights are already old and may soon wear down

Auto Parts Fast Features



Auto Parts Fast Features


We can't deny it; we all need cars for us to live life normally everyday. Even if we have to go back to the basics to cut high costs of living, we cant really do without cars.
They have become necessities in life through the years. However, some vehicles are harder to maintain and consumes more fuel; thus for some, they are pain in the neck—and the pocket—rather than helpful driving machines.
But don't worry, there are many ways to improve gas mileage; though you may have to replace some of your stock auto parts.

Auto Parts Fast, one of the country's top auto parts dealers features the best quality replacement and aftermarket parts, which can help you solve gas mileage problems.
If you are particularly looking for Honda parts, you can find here a comprehensive line of premium quality Honda engine parts, Honda cooling system parts, Honda body parts and Honda performance parts that can enhance not only your fuel economy but can also help you reduce harmful emissions and significantly improve performance.

The first thing you can do to improve fuel economy is to check on your engine. Make sure your engine is receiving enough air for the combustion and for its cooling.
If it is not able to breathe in more air, replace filter or use bigger throttle body and premium quality performance intake manifold. Likewise, check on the way your engine exhales through the exhaust system. You should use a high-flow muffler to boost the car's performance as well as to improve fuel mileage.

Like other exhaust system parts of your Honda, the Honda Catalytic Converter improves performance and fuel mileage too as it converts gaseous wastes produced after the combustion into less harmful emissions.
A clogged cat prevents exhaust gases from flowing smoothly out of the engine; thus, it won't be able to clean them properly.
This in effect would require the engine to work harder thus, more fuel is consumed. If you're starting to smell something like rotten eggs, you already need to replace your Honda catalytic converter.
If you are in need of Honda catalytic converters, you can shop at Auto Parts Fast, your most trusted online dealer of millions of top quality auto parts.
You can find here high-flow catalytic converters for Honda Accord sedan, Honda Accord coupe, Honda Civic, Honda CR-V and other Honda models for just about half the original price.

A Rookies Guide to Car Rentals



A Rookies Guide to Car Rentals


Renting a car can be a lot of fun, just plain fun. Car rentals offer the renter the opportunity to drive a car, truck or SUV that they normally would not or could not buy.

Renting a car is for a weekend get away, to impress someone or just to have something different to drive for a couple of days are some of the most popular reasons to visit a rental company. However, as fun as it is to rent cars, there are some not so fun things that must happen before you drive it off the lot.

1- Keep in mind that most rental companies will not rent to any driver under the age of 25. If you fall under that magic number, you more than likely will need to get an older relative or friend to sign the actual contract for you.

2- You will of course, need a valid drivers license to rent the car. If you do not have a license, they will not rent to you under any circumstances. Most companies will also require you to reserve your car with the use of a major credit card, however, you can pay in cash if you would prefer.

3- You do not need to have personal auto insurance to rent a car; they will ask you if you would like to purchase their insurance for the duration of the rental contract. If, however, you have your own insurance policy, be sure to call your agent to see if you are covered during your use of a rental car. If your personal auto policy covers you, there is no need to purchase a policy from the rental company.

4- It is wise to call several car rental companies to inquire about prices, car availability and specials. Ask about options such as upgrades, pick up and drop off services, unlimited mileage and weekend versus weekly rental prices. Many companies will also offer special deals to customers who are members of other organizations (i.e. credit unions, warehouse clubs, etc).

5- After you have called around, found the best deal and reserved your choice car; it is time to pick it up. Be sure to have all of your personal paperwork with you, including your auto policy if you will not be buying theirs. Before you sign the contract, read through it and ask any questions you may have.
by: John Mancini

Car Color Trivia





The color of car a driver chooses reflects their personality
and perhaps their favorite color. But the choice of color
in a vehicle can be much more important as well.
According to a study by researchers at the University of
Auckland in New Zealand silver cars are 50 percent less
likely to be involved in a crash resulting in a serious
injury as compared to white cars.
The least safe colors are brown, black, and green according
to Reuters.

While, yellow, gray, red and blue cars ranked in the middle
range.
According to optometrists, red is the most difficult to see
color.
Red is the most controversial of colors. Many drivers claim
that by driving a red car they get stopped less for speeding
and have less accidents. On the other hand, red car drivers
complain that because they drive red cars they are stopped
more often for speeding and are moving targets for
accidents.

White is actually the easiest color to care for. Half of
the white car drivers claim that white cars don't look dirty
as quick as colored cars, while the other half complain that
they have to wash the car more often just to keep them
looking clean.
Black, red and most other dark colors absorb more
ultraviolet rays than light colored cars so they are more
susceptible to sun damage.

At night white is the most visible and red is seen as black.
Owners of both red and black cars say the interior warms up
faster than in other colored cars. This is due to the
absorption of heat rays from the sun. Depending on season
and locale this may be good or not so good.

Accident statistics show that gray cars are the most
invisible in foggy conditions.
Lime yellow is best seen on cloudy days and in snowy winter
conditions.
No matter what color the car is, keeping a car in excellent
working order and keeping it clean are the most important
for safety concerns. by: Marilyn Pokorney
by: Marilyn Pokorney