Sunday, August 28, 2005
Eleven Money-Saving Auto Insurance Tips for Senior Drivers
Like all drivers, senior citizens (or as I like to call them “seasoned citizens”) want to get the best rates on their auto insurance policies. What they may not be aware of is that older drivers may present a higher risk than other drivers, usually leading to higher auto insurance rates.
Following a few simple tips and taking these measures will ensure that you are getting the lowest rates possible on your auto insurance policy.
1. Avoid more Accidents, Pay Close Attention at Intersections. Auto accidents involving seniors often occur at intersections. Make sure to look ahead if you plan to quickly change lanes after an intersection. Pay attention to protected left turn lanes with their own arrows, and always keep your tires pointed straight ahead when stopped, so that a rear-end accident doesn't push you into oncoming traffic.
2. Follow the flow of traffic, Drive at the at or near the speed limit. Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding, especially when entering or exiting interstates or freeways. It can also trigger dangerous "road rage" in less patient drivers. You don’t have to be Mario Andretti, but keeping to the right and following the flow of traffic is the safest bet.
3. Many violations include failure to yield right-of-way, improper turning or incorrect lane changes, so keep current on the traffic laws relating to new traffic designs.
4. Sit high enough in your seat so that you can see at least 10 feet in front of your car, advises the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If your car seat does not adjust to allow this, add a cushion. This will make it easier to see pedestrians and bike riders, and reduce problems from oncoming headlight glare at night.
5. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses when driving at night. For many older drivers, night vision is reduced, so safety dictates not driving at twilight or after dark.
6. Make sure you learn how to operate a New Car. Things like Anti-lock brakes, for example operate differently in slippery situations. If you have never driven a car with anti-lock brakes, sure to get training on proper use.
7. Senior drivers can refresh their skills and knowledge -- and get a discount on auto insurance in many states -- by taking a refresher driving course, such as the eight-hour "55 Alive" course offered by AARP. More than two-thirds of states mandate auto insurance policy discounts for such courses, and many insurance companies offer the discounts voluntarily.
8. Look for cars with rear-view mirrors that automatically dim and filter out headlight glare.
9. Air bag technology has become more advanced, with sensors that deploy air bags based on the weight of the occupant, reducing air-bag-related injuries. Some new cars also have side air bags in the seats or door frame that offer better protection.
10. Consider fit and comfort in your new car. Seat belts that comfortably fit over your shoulder and low on your lap will keep you safer. Automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes require less physical effort.
11. Last but definitely not least, Check to see which companies offer specific ‘Senior Discounts’ While shopping around for the best auto insurance rates is important, which insurance company you choose might depend on how they treat senior drivers. You'll get their best rates if you're healthy and drive a safe, modern vehicle.
About The Author
Matt McWilliams is one of the co-founders of HometownQuotes.Com, an online insurance quotes web site. He is originally from Pinebluff, NC and attended Middle Tennessee State University in 2002. He is considered an expert in the field of online insurance shopping and finding new ways to help consumers save money on their insurance. For more information visit http://www.hometownquotes.com.
Following a few simple tips and taking these measures will ensure that you are getting the lowest rates possible on your auto insurance policy.
1. Avoid more Accidents, Pay Close Attention at Intersections. Auto accidents involving seniors often occur at intersections. Make sure to look ahead if you plan to quickly change lanes after an intersection. Pay attention to protected left turn lanes with their own arrows, and always keep your tires pointed straight ahead when stopped, so that a rear-end accident doesn't push you into oncoming traffic.
2. Follow the flow of traffic, Drive at the at or near the speed limit. Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding, especially when entering or exiting interstates or freeways. It can also trigger dangerous "road rage" in less patient drivers. You don’t have to be Mario Andretti, but keeping to the right and following the flow of traffic is the safest bet.
3. Many violations include failure to yield right-of-way, improper turning or incorrect lane changes, so keep current on the traffic laws relating to new traffic designs.
4. Sit high enough in your seat so that you can see at least 10 feet in front of your car, advises the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If your car seat does not adjust to allow this, add a cushion. This will make it easier to see pedestrians and bike riders, and reduce problems from oncoming headlight glare at night.
5. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses when driving at night. For many older drivers, night vision is reduced, so safety dictates not driving at twilight or after dark.
6. Make sure you learn how to operate a New Car. Things like Anti-lock brakes, for example operate differently in slippery situations. If you have never driven a car with anti-lock brakes, sure to get training on proper use.
7. Senior drivers can refresh their skills and knowledge -- and get a discount on auto insurance in many states -- by taking a refresher driving course, such as the eight-hour "55 Alive" course offered by AARP. More than two-thirds of states mandate auto insurance policy discounts for such courses, and many insurance companies offer the discounts voluntarily.
8. Look for cars with rear-view mirrors that automatically dim and filter out headlight glare.
9. Air bag technology has become more advanced, with sensors that deploy air bags based on the weight of the occupant, reducing air-bag-related injuries. Some new cars also have side air bags in the seats or door frame that offer better protection.
10. Consider fit and comfort in your new car. Seat belts that comfortably fit over your shoulder and low on your lap will keep you safer. Automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes require less physical effort.
11. Last but definitely not least, Check to see which companies offer specific ‘Senior Discounts’ While shopping around for the best auto insurance rates is important, which insurance company you choose might depend on how they treat senior drivers. You'll get their best rates if you're healthy and drive a safe, modern vehicle.
About The Author
Matt McWilliams is one of the co-founders of HometownQuotes.Com, an online insurance quotes web site. He is originally from Pinebluff, NC and attended Middle Tennessee State University in 2002. He is considered an expert in the field of online insurance shopping and finding new ways to help consumers save money on their insurance. For more information visit http://www.hometownquotes.com.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Finding Fast Life Insurance
Since the widespread growth of internet usage and database building it’s never been easier or quicker to find fast life insurance. There was a time not long ago that the project could drag out forever. The process began with phone colds and lots of dialog between you and agents about various policies, options and underwriting requirements. Today fast life insurance is possible.
You simply kick off your shoes, grab your favorite drink, boot up the computer and log in to the internet. Then you type in what you're looking for and bang the results pop up on the screen for your review. That alone saved you a lot of time and talk.
Then you review the sites for quotes and results. Most of these services provide you data on the most aggressive carriers available. They aren't biased generally speaking as they make their money regardless of which program and so forth that you buy.
This entire shopping process can be done in less than an hour and finding the best offers as well. If you have questions there's normally a phone number or email address for you to use.
You simply fill out and online application and you;'re almost done. If your age and amount of insurance require a medical examine you'll be contacted immediately and schedule for someone to stop by for probably a half hour to take your blood pressure, obtain a urine sample and ask you a few questions.
This whole process is very simple and as you can see that’s pretty fast life insurance.
About The Author
Rolf Rasmusson teaches you the how of finding fast life insurance. You'll also be able to unveil the very best rates for your needs. 2 simple steps and poof that's it. Visit: www.insurance-stuff-4u.com.
You simply kick off your shoes, grab your favorite drink, boot up the computer and log in to the internet. Then you type in what you're looking for and bang the results pop up on the screen for your review. That alone saved you a lot of time and talk.
Then you review the sites for quotes and results. Most of these services provide you data on the most aggressive carriers available. They aren't biased generally speaking as they make their money regardless of which program and so forth that you buy.
This entire shopping process can be done in less than an hour and finding the best offers as well. If you have questions there's normally a phone number or email address for you to use.
You simply fill out and online application and you;'re almost done. If your age and amount of insurance require a medical examine you'll be contacted immediately and schedule for someone to stop by for probably a half hour to take your blood pressure, obtain a urine sample and ask you a few questions.
This whole process is very simple and as you can see that’s pretty fast life insurance.
About The Author
Rolf Rasmusson teaches you the how of finding fast life insurance. You'll also be able to unveil the very best rates for your needs. 2 simple steps and poof that's it. Visit: www.insurance-stuff-4u.com.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Reverse Mortgage Benefits
Reverse Mortgages are a very safe way for seniors to release the equity trapped in their homes. A Reverse Mortgage is a Federally regulated and insured loan that uses home value and age as a calculator to extract a portion of the equity that Seniors have built in their homes. A good way to estimate the amount that can be received is to subtract the amount of purchase price and current mortgage from the estimated sale value. This is the equity that can be reasonably expected to be obtained with a Reverse Mortgage. Reverse Mortgage Nation provides a free online calculator.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Why a payday loan has higher interest than a bank personal loan
Ever wondered why a payday loan interest rate is higher than a bank's personal loan The truth is, payday loans don't have an interest rate... instead a fee is charged.
Why is a payday loan interest rate higher than a bank personal loan?
A payday loan is a short term, high risk loan, and is offered to anyone with no credit checks. Generally, payday lenders do not charge an interest rate, but instead charge a "flat fee" based upon the loan amount and the date the loan is repaid. Because of the lender's high risk and the short term of the loan, by comparing the fee to that a typical bank personal loan, the interest rate calculation is higher.
Typically, payday loans are short term advances which are due on the following payday, unless the payday is four or less days away from the loan date. In such instances, loan repayment becomes due on the subsequent payday, with a maximum loan term of 16 days.
A payday loan charges a flat fee, which is fixed per loan amount. This causes the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) to vary depending on the number of days between the date the payday loan was activated and the date it was repaid. There is no refund of fees for early repayment.
Payday loans are short term advances which recipients should repay quickly. Although payday lenders charge a flat fee, they must provide calculations as to their interest rate. Due to various Truth-in-Lending laws, disclosures must be expressed as an Annual Percentage Rate (APR), or the cost of the credit advanced expressed as an annual rate. This requirement provides uniformity among various lender resources, so borrowers can compare rates.
Most payday loan lenders require an active checking account, but some will offer a bank savings account payday loan. And there are lenders who offer a no fax payday loan.
Submitted by Toni Phelps of http://www.creditfederal.com/
Why is a payday loan interest rate higher than a bank personal loan?
A payday loan is a short term, high risk loan, and is offered to anyone with no credit checks. Generally, payday lenders do not charge an interest rate, but instead charge a "flat fee" based upon the loan amount and the date the loan is repaid. Because of the lender's high risk and the short term of the loan, by comparing the fee to that a typical bank personal loan, the interest rate calculation is higher.
Typically, payday loans are short term advances which are due on the following payday, unless the payday is four or less days away from the loan date. In such instances, loan repayment becomes due on the subsequent payday, with a maximum loan term of 16 days.
A payday loan charges a flat fee, which is fixed per loan amount. This causes the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) to vary depending on the number of days between the date the payday loan was activated and the date it was repaid. There is no refund of fees for early repayment.
Payday loans are short term advances which recipients should repay quickly. Although payday lenders charge a flat fee, they must provide calculations as to their interest rate. Due to various Truth-in-Lending laws, disclosures must be expressed as an Annual Percentage Rate (APR), or the cost of the credit advanced expressed as an annual rate. This requirement provides uniformity among various lender resources, so borrowers can compare rates.
Most payday loan lenders require an active checking account, but some will offer a bank savings account payday loan. And there are lenders who offer a no fax payday loan.
Submitted by Toni Phelps of http://www.creditfederal.com/