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Car insurance is a must if you own a vehicle, and you’ll be glad you have it after an accident. But you don’t want to spend a penny more than necessary on a policy, and you shouldn’t have to. By knowing exactly what affects your auto insurance rates, you can figure out how to save on car insurance and get good coverage without breaking the bank. Here are eight ways to help you lower your car insurance costs. 1. Shop around Car insurance rates vary by hundreds of dollars a year among insurers for the same levels of coverage, so it’s important to check rates. Rates vary by hundreds of dollars a year for the same levels of coverage. A good driver with good credit can save more than $100 a month, on average, by finding the cheapest insurer instead of the most expensive in the state, a NerdWallet analysis found. Savings can be even bigger for drivers with poor credit or a recent at-fault accident. Those drivers might lower their car insurance costs by more than $200 a month, on average, by picking the cheapest insurer instead of the costliest. On average, rates from a state’s cheapest widely available insurer are less than half the rates from the priciest one, according to our analysis, which compared sample rates for 40-year-old drivers buying a full-coverage policy. But the company with the lowest rates in one state can be the most expensive in another. And the cheapest company for a good driver with good credit might not be cheapest for someone with poor credit or a recent accident. To make sure you’re getting the best rates for you, get quotes from several companies once a year. NerdWallet’s car insurance comparison tool can help you find the best deal. 2. Take advantage of car insurance discounts Every insurance company offers special ways to lower your car insurance premium. To make sure you’re getting all the discounts you’re entitled to, ask your agent to review your possible savings. Here are some discounts offered by the four largest car insurance companies. But remember to compare quotes based on your own situation. Just because an insurer offers many discounts doesn’t mean it offers the lowest overall price. Allstate offers discounts based on vehicles, coverage options, lifestyle and driving. They range from a 5% discount for setting up automatic premium payments to a 35% good student discount. In some states, the company also offers Drivewise, a usage-based insurance program, and Milewise, a pay-per-mile program. Some drivers could save up to 39% by allowing Allstate to track their driving through these programs, the company says. Geico offers discounts for vehicle equipment, driving history and habits, driver training, customer loyalty and membership in one of 500 “affinity” groups, such as organizations and employers. In addition, military members may be eligible for up to a 15% discount, and federal government employees and retirees may be eligible for up to an 8% discount. Progressive offers discounts for owning your home, starting your quote online and signing documents online when purchasing coverage. The company also offers Snapshot, a usage-based program that tracks mileage and driving habits. Most customers earn a discount with Snapshot, but some customers may pay higher rates at renewal time if their driving data reveal risky habits. State Farm offers discounts for students, vehicle-safety equipment and safe driving, among others. The company’s Drive Safe & Save usage-based program gives customers an initial 5% discount for signing up. Safe drivers who log relatively few miles can save as much as 50% on car insurance, the company says. The program and discounts vary by state. 3. Drive safely Traffic tickets and accidents drive up car insurance premiums. If you get a ticket, you may be offered the opportunity to go to traffic school to get it dismissed or reduce the number of violation points that go on your driving record. If you can keep the violation off your driving record, the time spent in class could save you hundreds of dollars over several years. 4. Drop car insurance you don’t need If you’ve got a clunker, it might be time to drop collision and comprehensive insurance, which pay for damage to your vehicle. Collision insurance pays to repair damage to your car if it crashes into another vehicle or object, or flips over. Comprehensive insurance pays if your car is stolen or damaged by storms, vandalism or by hitting an animal such as a deer. If your car is worth less than your deductible plus the amount you pay for annual coverage, then it’s time to drop them. Collision and comprehensive never pay out more than the car is worth. Evaluate whether it’s worth paying for coverage that may reimburse you only a small amount, if anything. If you drop collision and comprehensive, set aside the money you would have spent in a fund for car repairs or a down payment on a newer car once your clunker conks out. 5. Drive a car that’s cheap to insure Before you buy your next car, check car insurance rates for the models you’re considering. The vehicle you drive affects your car insurance premium, particularly if you buy collision and comprehensive coverage. Safe and moderately priced vehicles such as minivans and small SUVs tend to be cheaper to insure than flashy and expensive cars. 6. Increase the deductible You can save money on collision and comprehensive by raising the deductible, the amount the insurance company doesn’t cover when paying for repairs. For example if the repair bill is $2,000, and you have a $500 deductible, the insurer will pay out $1,500. Savings vary by company, so compare quotes with different deductible levels before you decide. 7. Improve your credit Your credit is a big factor when car insurance companies calculate how much to charge. It can count even more than your driving record in some cases. (This is not true in California, Hawaii and Massachusetts, where insurers aren’t allowed to consider credit when setting rates.) To improve your credit for better car insurance rates, focus on these three steps: Make all your loan and credit card payments on time. Keep credit card balances well below your credit limits. Open new credit accounts only when necessary. Applying for too many credit cards can hurt your score. 8. Don’t drive a lot? Consider usage-based insurance If you don’t drive much, consider an insurer that offers a usage-based or pay-per-mile driving program. These policies base rates in part on how much you drive and, in some cases, how well you drive. To participate, you install a small device in your car that transmits data to the insurance company. You score a discount for low mileage and, with many programs, safe driving habits. Metromile, Allstate, Esurance, Nationwide and Mile Auto all offer pay-per-mile insurance in some states. With pay-per-mile coverage, you typically pay a base rate plus a per-mile rate. Several other insurers, including State Farm, Progressive, Safeco and Travelers, offer usage-based insurance programs. With these programs, the insurers track your driving habits such as speeding and hard braking and offer discounts or reduced rates for safe driving. In some cases you can get a discount just for signing up. Some companies, including Allstate, Esurance and Nationwide, offer both types.  Barbara Marquand is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: [email protected] . Twitter: @barbaramarquand .

Why is my homeowners insurance so high? If you’re a new homeowner, this question has probably crossed your mind. Unfortunately, there are many things about your home that can’t be changed (i.e. its location and build) that will inevitably drive up your homeowners insurance costs. Despite these pre-existing conditions, however, there are ways you can minimize risk and possibly obtain lower rates in the future.  Those house hunting for a new home should also be aware of home attributes and structural features that affect homeowners insurance costs. While it’s easy to get caught up in a home’s marble countertops, curb appeal and updated appliances, you should know that its structure and bones have a major impact on the overall costs. If moving to a new part of the country, make sure to research regional concerns before browsing properties. For instance, if moving from the mountains to the beach, you should look at how living in a flood prone area will affect your insurance costs. Of course, every insurance company’s policies are different, so be sure to obtain multiple insurance quotes before settling on a policy. Want a better understanding of what drives up your insurance costs? Here are 7 features that commonly affect homeowners insurance rates. Build and Age From wood-frame to brick construction, the first thing to consider when assessing a home’s risks is its build and structure. Many potential homeowners consider this to be the most important factor when buying a home. In general, the older the home and the worse its condition, the higher the insurance premiums will be. In some cases, insurance companies may flat out refuse to insure a home simply because it’s too risky. A few things to keep in mind: houses made of wood are considered to be more flammable and therefore, riskier. Insurance rates for these homes will typically be higher than for a brick home. Location Of course, where you live will affect your homeowners insurance costs. The riskier your home’s location, the more expensive it will be to insure your abode. For instance, those living in areas of the country prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes or other natural disasters may have to pay higher insurance rates. However, if you do live in a region where natural disasters occur, you can minimize insurance costs by purchasing a home built to withstand the elements. For instance, many Florida residents prefer to live in a CBS home (concrete block structure) as opposed to a wood-frame home due to insurance costs. Since CBS homes are less vulnerable to hurricane-force winds than their frame counterparts, the risk of damage is lower, which means insurance premiums will be lower as well. Those living in hurricane-prone areas may also need to purchase additional flood insurance. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to eliminate this risk if you live near the coastline. So when searching for a house, carefully assess the home’s location and its subsequent risks before making a purchase. Home Safety Do you live in a neighborhood where crime rates are considerably higher than average? Be aware that this may affect your homeowners insurance costs. Oftentimes, homes located in high-crime areas are less expensive. However, high insurance costs could offset these savings, so be sure to consider whether the price of the house is really worth the move. Of course, you could potentially lower your rates by amping up your home security. Installing a home security system, new locks and surveillance cameras could all help reduce your homeowners insurance costs. Condition of the Roof Many house hunters forget to consider the condition of a home’s roof when searching for a new house. However, this big ticket item can have a major impact on your insurance premiums, as well as your bank account. Replacing a roof can cost up to $25,000 or more, depending on the materials and size of the home. In addition, a roof that isn’t structurally sound is less likely to provide adequate insulation. This results in decreased efficiency of your HVAC system and higher energy bills. In general, the older and more damaged the roof, the more expensive the homeowners insurance will be. To minimize your risks, be sure to conduct routine maintenance and repairs. Additionally, opt for a roof that best fits your specific climate and geographical location to help to lower insurance premiums. For example, those living in hurricane-prone areas may choose a home with a metal roof, as this roofing material can withstand high winds. Pools and hot tubs If you’re one of the millions of people who have a pool or hot tub in their backyard, be prepared to pay higher insurance premiums. Unfortunately, pools and hot tubs carry serious risks to homeowners and anyone else swimming in these backyard features. For this reason, insurance companies consider pools to be “attractive nuisances.” To protect themselves from pool-related lawsuits, many pool owners will need to purchase additional liability protection, which (cha-ching!) can add up to high insurance costs. According to Value Penguin , typical policies include “$100,000 of liability protection.” However, policyholders must often purchase an additional $500,000 in order to protect against potential lawsuits from swimming pool injuries. Keep in mind though that certain preventative measures, such as adding perimeter fences around the pool and/or alarms on the doors, may help keep liability protection costs low. Trampolines Trampolines are found in thousands of backyards all over the country. Despite their popularity, though, this recreational feature means high insurance premiums for homeowners. Due to the risks associated with trampolines, homeowners must typically purchase additional liability protection. According to Allstate , “a homeowners insurance policy may provide coverage for a trampoline, assuming you have certain safety precautions in place.” These safety precautions usually include the installation of an enclosed trampoline safety net around the trampoline to protect children and adults from falling off. However, Allstate also points out that trampolines may be excluded completely from a homeowners insurance policy. This means “your policy would not provide protection for trampoline-related claims.” If you own a trampoline, make sure you have a thorough understanding of your insurance carrier’s policy regarding these features. Wood Stoves Do you have a wood-burning stove in your home? If so, this could increase your homeowners insurance costs. Given that wood-burning stoves are more likely to start a fire than modern appliances, owning this type of stove increases your risk of fire damage (at least, in the eyes of many insurance carriers). However, you may be able to find a carrier that doesn’t consider a wood stove to be a risk when shopping around for the best price. You may also be able to get a better rate by purchasing a fire extinguisher, adding smoke detectors near your kitchen and hiring a licensed technician to perform routine maintenance on the wood stove. Ready to move? You’ve assessed a potential home’s insurance risks, and you’re ready to make the move. Congrats! To find a reliable moving company, check Moving.com’s extensive network of movers . Our website makes it easy to find and book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Good luck and happy moving! Written By: Martin White https://www.moving.com/tips/7-features-that-drive-up-homeowners-insurance-costs/ \

When you’re buying a car, it’s important to do your research. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever thanks to online resources like car reviews and consumer forums.  However, all that information does little good if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. Shopping for a car, whether it’s new or used, means digging a little bit deeper to make sure that you know as much as possible about the car to make an informed choice. Once you’ve found a car you’re interested in, follow this checklist of items to make sure you’re getting a safe vehicle. 1. Go beyond the standard test drive A quick drive around the block won’t tell you everything you need to know about a car. Spend more time in a vehicle to see if it’s truly going to suit your daily driving needs. Things like a cupholder that’s hard to reach or a sun visor that doesn’t quite suit your sight line can irritate you over time or even keep you from driving comfortably, which may compromise your safety. Here are some tips on how you can make the most of a test drive . 2. Don’t let the vehicle history report fool you Getting a vehicle history report should be a priority when you’re considering buying a used car. This document gives you the service history and other important facts about the car. But be aware that it may not tell the whole story. Often times, accidents or damage to a vehicle are not reported and therefore will likely not be disclosed. For example, some unscrupulous sellers might resell flooded or damaged vehicles that they’ve failed to report, and if the work was done by the owner that won’t be included on the report. Look for things like stained carpet and debris in between the seats that could indicate flooding. Another way to spot possible past damage, is to stand in front of the car and ensure the paint on the hood matches that on the sides. If it’s mismatched, it may mean the car has been in an accident. Of course, you should always consider taking a used car to a reputable mechanic for an inspection to ensure there is no hidden or major damage. 3. Find out what IIHS and NHTA say about the car Both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration oversee automobile safety in the country. Review reports from both organizations; they conduct different types of crash tests and use different criteria to rate vehicles. Then, look for a car that has the approval of both. 4. Let Edmunds and Kelley be your guides Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds guides can provide you with a broad range of information, from reviews and safety ratings to the cars’ actual values. This can help you get the right car both in terms of safety and your budget. 5. Know what safety equipment is standard Older cars don’t have the same safety equipment as newer ones. Research when certain features, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control, became standard. Certain safety features will not only protect you on the road, but they can also lower your car insurance costs. 6. Check for open recalls Unfortunately, neither car dealers nor private sellers are legally required to tell you is a car is subject to recall. In this situation, it’s definitely “buyer beware,” and you should always check to see if the particular car you’re looking at has any open recalls. Use the NHTSA website to check. 7. Don’t forget the tires Always check the tires before you buy; even though they should be in good enough condition to drive, that’s not always the case. In addition to looking for standard wear, look for tread wear on one edge of a tire, which can mean the wheels are out of alignment. If the tires have erratic tire wear, have the car’s shock absorbers or suspension checked. 8. Look closely at older and foreign cars Because safety standards have changed over the years, look carefully at older cars and any vehicles built outside of North America. They may not meet certain EPA standards or may lack safety features that are currently required by law. 9. Consider how it fits your life It’s easy to fall in love at first sight, but it’s also important to be realistic. Look at things like fuel consumption, required maintenance (which may be higher on an older car as parts start to wear out) and how you plan to drive it. A classic 1975 VW Beetle may be cool, but is it going to be reliable as a daily driver or on a road trip? 10. Trust your instincts After you’ve reviewed everything else on this checklist, do a “gut check.” If you feel something isn’t right with the car, it’s okay to walk away. Making safe decisions when you’re purchasing a car is an important way to ensure you get a vehicle that keeps you secure for years to come. Learn more about other essential safety features that your new car should have. source: https://blog.nationwide.com/car-safety-check-before-you-buy/

When it comes to buying auto insurance, there are several different types of coverage that make up your policy. Some are legally required and some aren’t, and it can be confusing to understand which kinds of car insurance you really need and which you can do without. Uninsured motorist insurance , also called uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage and often shortened to UM/UIM , is required in some states and is optional in others, but it should be a serious coverage consideration for everyone buying car insurance. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage generally only adds a few dollars to your monthly premiums, but the amount of coverage it gives you can be life-changing in the result of a tragic accident. What is uninsured motorist coverage? Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re in an accident with an uninsured motorist. Underinsured motorist coverage, which is sometimes combined or offered separately, protects you when you’re in an accident with a motorist whose insurance limits aren’t high enough to pay for the extent of the damage he’s caused. There are two categories of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) UMBI pays for pays for injuries to you or your passengers when an uninsured driver is deemed at-fault; it also pays if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run driver. This coverage includes medical expenses and lost wages; it may even pay for rehabilitation and funeral costs, if you or a passenger die in an accident.. In addition, UMBI offers coverage if you’re hit by an uninsured driver while riding a bike or walking. Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) UMPD pays for damages when your car or other property is hit by an uninsured driver. Not all states and insurance companies offer both types coverages. UMBI is the more important of the two, and is often referred to simply as “uninsured motorist insurance.” How uninsured motorist insurance compares to other coverage types Uninsured motorist coverage can have some overlap with some other coverage types under your auto policy or other insurance policies you may have. In each instance, uninsured motorist insurance offers more robust coverage, but it’s good to understand how the coverage compares: Uninsured motorist liability coverage vs. personal injury protection (PIP) Uninsured motorist coverage pays for medical bills if you’re injured by an uninsured driver, but there are is another auto coverage type that may also pay your medical bills in that situation: personal injury protection (PIP). PIP is another type of car insurance coverage that is optional in some states and required in others. PIP coverage pays for your medical bills (and those of your passengers) in case of an accident, no matter who is at fault. If you have PIP coverage, it would apply if you are injured by an uninsured driver, but PIP coverage limits are usually low. Uninsured motorist coverage would pay your medical and other expenses after your PIP limits are met. PIP and UM also both can pay for lost wages if you’re injured in an accident. Though again, PIP limits are generally lower than the coverage offered by uninsured motorist insurance. Uninsured motorist liability coverage vs. health insurance If you’re injured in a car wreck, your health insurance will pay for your bills, up to your limits and minus your deductible and coinsurance costs. That’s true whether the wreck was your fault or not, so if you have good healthcare coverage, and know that any regular passengers of your vehicle do as well, you may feel comfortable forgoing uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist liability coverage vs. disability insurance Disability insurance replaces roughly the amount of your take-home wages if you can’t work due to an injury, illness or disability. Many people have short-term disability coverage through their employers and many others purchase long-term disability insurance independently. If you’re seriously injured in an accident and unable to work, disability insurance may cover some of your lost wages after a waiting period; UIM would be able to cover you before disability insurance kicks in (usually after 90 days, for short-term disability policies). Uninsured motorist property damage coverage vs. collision coverage Uninsured motorist property damage pays for damage to your car in an accident with an uninsured driver; collision coverage pays for damage to your car when its in an accident no matter who is at fault. Many people choose between uninsured motorist property damage coverage and collision coverage when buying insurance. But if you have collision coverage, you likely don’t need UMPD. Collision coverage is more robust than UMPD — for example, if you crash your own car into a tree or get in an accident where you’re at fault, collision coverage would still pay for the damage to your car, while uninsured motorist property damage only pays if the uninsured driver is at fault. Who needs uninsured motorist coverage The main reasons to buy uninsured motorist coverage: because it’s required, either by law for by your vehicle lease or finance company, and because it offers you more protection if you’re hit by an uninsured motorist than any other coverage can offer. 1. People who live in states where it’s required by law Some people need uninsured motorist coverage because it’s required by law. Auto insurance is required in most states, but the types and amounts of insurance required vary. Bodily injury liability coverage is the most commonly required insurance, but nearly half of states also require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Find out your state’s auto insurance requirements , including the minimum required amounts for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The most common amounts of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage required by states who mandate it are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, the same as most states’ liability coverage limits. But as with all state car insurance required amounts, these minimums are likely too low for most people and could leave you open to risk. 2. People leasing or financing their cars Many leasing and financing agencies, including dealerships and banks, require that your insurance policy include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. 3. People who want to be protected against uninsured drivers Even if uninsured motorist insurance is not required in your state, you may decide you want uninsured motorist coverage to reduce your own risk. (Most experts recommend it.) About 13% of drivers in the United States are uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute, and in some states, that number creeps up to 20% (Tennessee and Michigan), 21% (New Mexico), 24% (Mississippi), and 28% (Florida). If you get hit by one of these drivers and sustain injuries or damage to your vehicle, you could be the one who has to pay the price — even if the collision wasn’t your fault. (That’s not to mention the drivers who are underinsured and may not have enough coverage to pay for extensive damages or injuries.) When it comes to buying auto insurance, there are several different types of coverage that make up your policy. Some are legally required and some aren’t, and it can be confusing to understand which kinds of car insurance you really need and which you can do without. Uninsured motorist insurance , also called uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage and often shortened to UM/UIM , is required in some states and is optional in others, but it should be a serious coverage consideration for everyone buying car insurance. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage generally only adds a few dollars to your monthly premiums, but the amount of coverage it gives you can be life-changing in the result of a tragic accident. Link: https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/do-i-need-uninsured-motorist-insurance/

Owning a home is usually a great experience. But it can also be a hassle, especially when unexpected issues pop up—whether you have a minor breakdown or a major catastrophe, it's almost certainly going to require time and money to fix.  In many instances, however, those "unexpected" issues shouldn't really be a surprise at all, because they're often caused by a lack of maintenance or other oversights by homeowners. And not just new homeowners, either: It's common for people who have been in a home for years to neglect even some of the most basic tasks that can prevent problems down the road. Here are five mistakes we often see homeowners make—and tips from experts to help you avoid them. Home insurance can be confusing but a seasoned broker can help answer any questions that may come up. Forgetting about (or ignoring) the small stuff. The toilet that runs constantly? That faucet with a slow drip? The little crack in that one board on the deck? They might not seem like big problems, but they can turn into bigger issues over time. For example, a leaky faucet or running toilet might mean your water bill is higher than it should be. And that small crack can lead to rot, which could lead to having to replace the board—or the entire deck. When you see "small" things around the house, take steps to address them as soon as you can, because it likely will be a lot easier (and cheaper) today or tomorrow than a year from now. Not doing regular checks around the house. Speaking of seeing things around the house, how often do you look around the house? You'd be surprised how many homeowners haven't been in their attic or crawlspace for years. It's a good idea to do a walk-through periodically to look for issues such as leaks, areas of wear or other problems. And don't forget to go outside! How is your roof looking? Do you see any cracks in your siding? Are the seals around your doors and windows solid? It’s important to catch those things before the rainy season begins in fall and winter Skipping maintenance on your appliances. Not only will keeping your appliances in good shape ensure they work effectively and prolong their lifespan, maintenance also can prevent serious risks. For example, when was the last time you cleaned out your dryer exhaust vent? No, not the screen you pull out when you're doing laundry, but the one on the back or side. Too much lint buildup there can cause a fire—so clean it out at least once a year. You also should check the hoses connected to your washing machine and dishwasher. Are they worn? Do they need to be replaced? Do it now, before one fails when you're not at home and causes significant water damage. Other tips: Clean your refrigerator coils at least once a year. Clear out your dishwasher’s food filter regularly. Vacuum up dust and other debris in window air conditioners before you start using them each year. Remember to test your smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors twice a year, installing fresh batteries each time. Neglecting other systems. Your HVAC system needs attention so it won't fail when you need it most. Having your furnace, heat pump and/or central AC unit serviced each year before you start using them heavily will alert you to any potential problems. You don't want to find out that your furnace is out of whack when it's 30 degrees outside, or that your AC is on the fritz when it's 95. Change filters at the appropriate intervals, and if it's been a while since you've had your ducts cleaned, consider that as well. Not having a home warranty. Despite your best maintenance efforts, that air conditioner might break down, leaving you sweltering in the summer. The water heater could stop working, meaning cold showers every morning. Or the refrigerator suddenly won't get very cold any more. These things sometimes just happen, and if your appliance is out of warranty, you're on the hook. Consider discussing coverages available under the American Home Shield® Home Warranty product, available through Safeco. This product covers breakdowns of appliances and systems, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on repairs or replacements. Learn more here . Your home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make, so it pays to be diligent about caring for it. Keep your eyes open around the house. Don't hesitate to get out the tools, or call a professional if needed. Remember, prevention is the best medicine—and that old saying holds true just as much for your home's health as it does for yours. https://www.safeco.com/blog/homeowners-mistakes