You might wonder why you would ever need to find out if a car is insured. After all, if the car is yours, you probably are already well aware of every detail of the insurance, especially the costs and coverage. But how about in those instances when you are not the owner of a car, but perhaps the potential buyer, or a temporary driver. Or perchance you’ve inherited the car, or found it amongst the belongings of a recently deceased relative’s, and aren’t quite sure of its antecedents, and whether you should be driving it around. Wouldn’t you want to be secure in the knowledge that the car you’re driving is insured?

And in the case of a potential purchase of a vehicle, wouldn’t you want to know the car’s history, including accident record, any damages, recalls or customer complaints, structural damages, services and repairs, title information, odometer readings, whether it has or even had a lien on it, and that it is not or has never been stolen that it actually is the property of the person who is selling it to you? Sure, the car’s papers should be able to prove these details to an extent, but there is no harm in being absolutely certain and the way to do that is by running the car vehicle identification number, aka VIN, and obtaining its vehicle history report (VHR). And in case you are not the first owner of a car you are planning on selling, and yourself do not have complete knowledge of the vehicle’s past, whether it has been in an accident, was ever reported stolen, etc., you can improve your chances of sale with an interested party by being transparent and furnishing the vehicle’s history.

First off, where do you find your car’s VIN information? The driver’s side, inside dash is the most common place where the VIN will be etched, followed by the front of the engine, under the car’s hood. Other places to check if these two don’t yield results is the trunk under your spare tire, the rear wheel well, or the driver’s side door jam. You can find websites or services online that will give you a VHR for free, and though that may not be the complete history, it will give you a glimpse of the big picture. For a thorough report, you can go for a paid service.

You need to have car insurance in order to drive your car every state mandates a certain basic insurance coverage. If you don’t have the money to spend on additional coverage, then, even though most experts and car insurance groups would not recommend it, you can go with what is the minimum mandated coverage for your state. But if you have a nicer or newer car, and you don’t want to take a risk by having only the bare minimum, or even want full coverage for a younger or newer driver in the family, well, don’t despair! You can still get yourself cheap car insurance that won’t break the bank.

Today, there are numerous players in the car insurance space, including the well-known and established car insurance groups like State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, to name a few. There are also players who have established themselves later on, and built a reputation for offering highly competitive rates, oftentimes the cheapest and most affordable option, like Geico and Progressive. There are also numerous smaller players that specialize in providing cheap car insurance, and you can find most of them online.

Researching online is really the best way to go when you want to compare and shop around between the various car insurance groups’ offerings. Not only can you head to individual car insurance group company sites and do an online check to see what kind of rates they offer for your bracket and driver demographic, you can also make use of the information on aggregator sites that have offer you side by side comparisons from many different players, so you can make sure you’re aware of what the cheap car insurance options available to you are. They even categorize them across different demographics like accident-free drivers, low income drivers, young drivers, seniors, and of course, neighborhood or zip code, and states. The last is needed given that some states have no-fault clauses (example, Florida) or a ton of regulations governing car insurance and insurers (Massachusetts), which makes it trickier and also costlier for the car insurance groups.

Opting for a higher deductible, bundling your car insurance with other insurance (homeowners insurance, for example), skipping collision for an old car, and perhaps most important, maintaining good credit by paying bills on time and not defaulting on loans are all good ways to help keep your car insurance costs down and get cheap car insurance for yourself.

A classic car insurance usually covers your collectible vehicle for a guaranteed price that is mutually agreed by you and the auto insurance company. The value of the automobile is based on the collectible car valuation guidelines. Collectible car insurance generally has an increased value of insurance if the vehicles are very well preserved.

Most automobile insurance companies categorize classic car insurance on the basis of the type of the collectible car. The definition of a classic car is subjective for different auto insurance companies. This subjectiveness is mainly because some insurance companies consider a car to be termed as classic if they were manufactured before a certain year that is specified by the insurance company itself. The terms “classic” and “collector” are used interchangeably with car insurance. Some of the most common types of classic (or collector) car insurance are mentioned below:

Classic car insurance
This type of insurance is given by most insurance companies for cars that are 20 to 25 years old. These cars should be restored and must be in good condition with all their parts intact. However, there are some classic cars that strictly consider cars manufactured between 1925 and 1950 to be “classic.”

Antique car insurance
Some auto insurance requires cars to be strictly older than 25 years and in good working condition. Different states have different rules that require a car to be considered “antique.” The Antique Automobile Club of America regards a car to be antique only if its 45 years old.

Modified car insurance
Modifying a car’s engine, body, chassis or interiors from its original setting might change the value of the car positively or negatively. For instance, most of the auto insurance will not provide collectible coverage for those vehicles whose transmission line and powertrain have been modified.

Collectible car insurance
Collectible car insurance is very much like conventional auto insurance. It has a policy term of 12 months and provides coverage for liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured and underinsured motorists, and medical payments.

Following are some coverages offered in classic car insurance.

Roadside Assistance
This type of coverage only includes towing only with a flatbed tow truck. This is to prevent wear and tear while transporting a damaged car to a servicing garage or back home.

Auto show medical reimbursement
It is used to cover expenses in case someone sustains an injury while exhibiting or featuring your car in an event. This coverage is unlike the medical payments offered in a homeowner’s insurance policy, wherein medical expenses are covered regardless of the fault.

Coverage of spare parts
This type of coverage provided in a classic car insurance covers for backup parts of your classic car. They would provide coverage for these parts for an agreed value in case these spare parts are stolen or destroyed.

It is important for you to know the types of classic car insurance and the coverage provided before you select the type of insurance for your classic or antique car from a renowned auto insurance agency.

Florida ranks fourth in the United States, and it is considered as one of the most expensive states to insure a vehicle. So getting car insurance in the state can be an expensive affair, especially when you’re moving there from a state where the rates are much lower and the regulations less stringent.

What makes Florida more costly than the majority of the states in the continental United States, when it comes to car insurance? Well for one, Florida has a high number of senior or elderly drivers it is the retirement capital of the country after all! The state also has no-fault laws which obviously impact car insurance rates. But don’t dismay there are definitely ways to get affordable car insurance quotes in Florida that won’t break the bank or make you regret owning a car. All you need is some patience and a little time to go comparison shopping for the best car insurance quotes Florida.

You will be asked the following details when you’re getting quotes on car insurance, so make sure to have the information ready: zip code, age, marital status, driving record. All the major car insurance companies, like State Farm, Geico, Allstate, Progressive, Travelers, MetLife, and Liberty Mutual, amongst others, offer car insurance in Florida. In order to make sure you are getting the best possible deal for yourself, go to all the car insurers’ websites, enter your details and get yourself a quote. You may find that there are significant differences in quotes from the different companies. Why, you ask? Well, even though they all ask you for the same information, each insurer weights them differently, so the overall costs will definitely vary. And by person. So the great deal your friend got may not work out to be the best for you. Also be aware that different cities within the state of Florida will have different rates of insurance, as will the type of neighborhood you live in.

It is always better to have more than the state mandated minimum coverage, so here’s what Florida requires as the basic coverage for drivers to insure their vehicles in the state. $10,000 in property damage liability per accident, with $10,000 in personal injury protection are required. The personal injury protection is important to note for a state with a no-fault clause, since this means that whoever is at fault in the case of an accident is irrelevant, and drivers must claim from their own insurance company for personal injury protection.

So, you’ve decided to skip the whole car buying routine, and are instead leasing a vehicle. Well, there are distinct advantages to this choice. For one, it is overall less money you put on the table. For another, leased cars are generally much newer, if not brand new, and they also are a way to drive around a more expensive and fancier car that you maybe would not splurge or even be able to afford as a purchase. And these days, the economics are in favor of a lease, given that rates of interest being extremely favorable for leasing.

When you lease, you get to drive a nice car, for a stipulated period of time, and then hand it back to the dealer when you’re lease is up. But how does insurance work, in such a situation? Is it like when you rent a car, and it is something you get or purchase alongside the car lease? Or is it more like when you’re the owner of the vehicle, and you get insured? The answer is that you must absolutely have lease car insurance for your leased vehicle, and that coverage must be purchased and in place from the moment you start driving the car.

Now, while a lease on a car is a great way to save money, this savings does not apply to the insurance. In fact, a lot of times, having a certain level of insurance is a requisite and part of the lease agreement. Which, if you think about it, makes perfect sense. Since you are not the owner of the vehicle, the company leasing it out has to make sure it is covered in the event of theft of its property or if the leaser gets in an accident. Without adequate insurance coverage, leasing companies would find themselves liable a lot! So, expect to have to get proper coverage, befitting the make, model and newness of the car you’ve chosen to take on and lease.

In fact, while liability of a certain level is a requisite in most states, expect to have to buy and maintain more than the basic, since most leasing companies will have a requirement for liability that exceeds the state mandated minimum amount. You may also have to spring for collision and comprehensive coverage in order to be able to lease a car, since unlike when you’re the owner and can decide to forgo that level of coverage and take a chance, that won’t work as a leaser.

Commercial truck insurance is just one of the many expenses you will incur as an owner of a successful transportation or logistics business. It is not advisable to skimp on insurance as accidents can happen at any given point in time and without warning.

Consider the following factors before you buy an insurance policy.

Certification
Standard certification is one of the factors to consider before buying any type of commercial truck insurance. Common industry standard certifications similar to ISO are important to separate the best policies and plans from hundreds of providers in the market. Apart from certification, rating agencies issue ratings that deem the insurance companies prudent to issue policies that are backed by good financials.

Claims and settlement
Filing claims and recovering the amount due are two separate things. You may be able to file a claim with the relevant authorities, however, the process of recovery will take both time and a lot of efforts. Check to see if the commercial truck insurance provider offers cashless claims in the garages that form part of the insurance network. A cashless claim process is easy to follow and convenient to manage when the time comes for settlement.

Coverage
Read the policy and compare carefully to identify general and specific coverage with possible exclusions from the terms and conditions. Read the fine print carefully as the devil is in the detail, hidden from plain view. Factors like driving record, different types of cargo, and even route options can also affect coverage.

Type of policy
There are many different types of commercial truck insurance that vary accordingly depending on the service provider. You can get online quotes and compare before narrowing down policies from the top insurance providers. For more details, you can contact insurance agents and get quotes.

Credit record
Your credit record will influence the terms and conditions of any commercial truck insurance policy you plan to purchase. Insurance companies review credit ratings and do a thorough background check of applicants to screen potential candidates. A clean and accurate credit report or rating will ensure a smooth screening process.

The condition of the vehicle
The premium that will be applicable for insurance policies will also be determined by the condition of the vehicle. For high end and luxurious semi rigs or trucks, the premium will be higher in comparison.

Customer support
At the end of the day, customer support is crucial. An efficient system to tackle consumer grievances and manage queries for current claims or process is necessary. The insurance company must be able to facilitate all your requests every step of the way right from the day you purchase the policy.

Vehicle insurance takes care of the cost of repairs and any damages, not to mention legal expenses if you were involved in an accident with damage to property and self. It is a smart investment now to save money and cover vital liabilities and expenses if the need ever arises. Knowing where to buy the best insurance policies is the next step when it comes to securing your financials. The following insurance providers rank among the top companies in the country.

Progressive Commercial Truck Insurance
The company is among one of the largest insurance corporations when it comes to commercial insurance plans. Basic coverage includes damages for liability, injuries to your body, property damage, uninsured or underinsured motorist protection, any medical payments for recovery, and collision coverage. The insurance also provides protection for cars, SUVs, utility vans, bus, motorhomes or RV and different types of commercial trucks like bucket, catering and refrigeration units.

Esurance Commercial Truck Insurance
The basic coverage is very similar to that of Progressive insurance, but Esurance also provides comprehensive coverage for pet injuries, fire, theft, loading, unloading, towing, and labor costs for additional coverage options. Additional coverage is possible with affiliate partners through Commercialinsurance.NET with options available for many types of automobiles. A financial rating is one of the most important points to consider before buying insurance plans and Esurance has a favorable A+ rating.

State Farm Commercial Truck Insurance
Commercial business protection that includes coverage for employees, deliveries and many types of commercial vehicles are among primary features of insurance plans by State Farm. Personal injury, medical expenses, liability, and damage to property are services offered for the plan. State Farm also offers discounts for personal auto insurance. Note that discounts for commercial vehicles will differ and must be verified before you purchase.

Allstate Commercial Truck Insurance
Allstate may have the best customer services backed by a good financial rating and reputation, but there are limited options when it comes to truck-specific coverage. However, the insurance company underwrites its own policies and has a decent A+ financial strength rating. Additional coverage includes rental reimbursement for hired and non-owned automobiles also.

Nationwide Commercial Truck Insurance
The company offers flexible insurance policies custom made for every client. Apart from insurance coverage, the Nationwide commercial also offers plans for investments, banking, annuities, and even your retirement. While most insurance companies don’t offer an online quote, Nationwide provides a number of online quotes with the package or multipolicy discounts.

Other popular commercial truck insurance providers include Titan Insurance, Farmers Insurance, Travelers, The Hartford, and Liberty Mutual insurance.

So, you’ve bought the bike of your dreams and can’t wait to take it out? There is one important thing you must consider before you can start riding your bike insurance. Insurance is very important as it will protect you and your bike in case of an emergency and will help meet expenses if the bike needs repairs. Your insurance depends on different factors like the bike type and engine size. Insurance companies classify motorcycles differently. It can have a huge difference on your insurance bill.

Here’s how you can buy affordable insurance for your bike.

• Enroll in a training course:
  Enrolling in a training course could help you get a discount on your insurance. It is especially a good option for a new rider or for someone who has had an accident.

• Become a preferred operator’:
  Become a preferred motorcycle operator buy having a clean record. Avoid accidents, tickets or other violations. Find out what qualifies as a clean record and whether you qualify.
• Tailor your coverage:
  Alter your coverage according to your usage. If you plan to use the bike over the weekends, your insurance could be cheaper than someone who decides to take it to work every day. Inform your insurer of this to get the right kind of coverage. For example, if you plan to not use your bike during winters, you might save a lot.
• Tap into your network:
  If you are part of associations and clubs, take advantage of it while buying insurance. As it could gain you an extra 10% discount. Associations that qualify you for a discount are American Motorcycle Association, Honda Riders Club of America, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Harley Owners Group, Gold Wing Riders Association, Motorcycle Touring Association and BMW Motorcycle Owners of America.

• Adjust your deductible:
  Consider higher deductible if you can afford it which gives way for a lower premium. Deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket after an accident. But make sure your funds are in order so that your costs are covered in the event of an accident.

• Shop around:
  It goes without saying that like for any service, you should shop around for bike insurance too. Browse the Internet and do some comparison shopping, look for similar products and compare prices.

• Check your credit score:
  This is very important. A bad credit will have an impact on your insurance premiums. Consider taking a closer look at your credit report. If you find your credit score is low, work to raise it so that you are able to find a lower premium. It takes just a little time and research to lower your motorcycle insurance costs and yield big savings down the road.