What many people don’t understand about auto insurance premiums is that they are not solely determined by your previous driving record or the type of vehicle you drive. One big factor that most insurance companies will look at in many states is your credit score.

The reason your credit score is so important is because insurance companies believe, based on studies of their data, that there is a correlation between your score and the number of claims you might have. If you have a higher credit score, you are less likely to file a claim. If you have a low credit score, there is an increased chance that the insurance company will lose money. To protect themselves, an insurance company may charge a higher premium to someone with a lower score, compared to someone with a higher score.

Factors that insurance companies will use when determining your credit score can include the following:

1. Past payment history.

2. Public records such as bankruptcy, collections, foreclosures etc.

3. The length of your credit history.

4. The number of open lines of credit you have.

5. Unused credit. This is how much you owe compared to how much credit you have available.

For more information about auto insurance and your credit history, please contact a qualified professional at PoliSeek.com .

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

With the economic challenges we are facing, the government and auto dealers are sweetening deals to encourage people to trade in their old cars for new ones.  Many people are taking advantage of these offers to purchase a vehicle that gets better gas mileage and is more reliable.  For some, this will be their first new car, and with that brings questions about how to transfer an auto insurance policy from the old car to the new one.

In some cases, your auto insurance policy will transfer exactly as it is to your new vehicle.  This means if you have limited coverage, you may not be protecting your new car sufficiently.  Also, if you don’t have enough insurance to cover the new car completely, a bank will not issue a loan to purchase it.  When shopping for a new car, it is important to let your insurance company know what you are looking to buy so they can give you the proper documentation to show the bank. Ask your current insurance provider any questions to make sure that you are covered and are not presented with any surprises.

It is very important to report to your insurance company all of the specifics of your new car.  Since your new car will likely be more valuable than your old one, there is a good chance that your premium will increase.  If you have a bank loan, or financed the purchase through a dealership, you may also be required to carry certain coverages you did not previously with your old car. 

Buying a new car is a big step and a big investment.  Notifying your insurance company and ensuring that your new car is covered properly will make sure that you and your car are protected in the event of an accident.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Car accidents happen. The probability of you being involved in some sort of driving accident within a period of a few years is very high. So, if you get into that situation and you feel that you were not responsible for the incident, keep in mind that the person who is “at fault” is determined by the authorities, not by you. Even if you didn’t claim liability for the accident and you plead with the police, generally the person who receives the ticket will be the person considered to be “at fault”.

Depending on your state’s laws and the circumstances surrounding the accident, the “at fault” factor is often the most important one in determining the amount of compensation you may receive or the amount of money you will have to pay after an accident. Even though it may have been “cut and dry” as to who was responsible, an insurance company would still have to determine how much you or the other party was “at fault”.

If you want to be totally sure of who is responsible for the accident in question, you should always perform your due diligence and request a copy of the police report from the traffic division of the police department. You never know, but the police officer who wrote the report could have mentioned some infraction that the other party committed and therefore could help you in your case. Keep in mind that every insurance company has its own policies, so you should always take note of your specific coverage to see what kind of recourse you have when it comes to any change in premiums. You should also check your state laws for any support in your case. Remember, you can never strengthen your side of the story too much; try to get that “official” support for your argument.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Let’s face it; some of us tend to speed a little when getting to where we need to go is important.  While some drive close to the posted speed limit, others use that posted sign as a guideline for the minimum speed they must drive.  Excessive speeding is not only dangerous, but it can cost you plenty of money to keep up with this bad habit.  Driving well over the posted speed limit can drastically reduce the gas mileage your car achieves, and if you get caught, a speeding ticket will impose a large fine and can cause your car insurance premium to increase.

Some may think that if you are in another state and you get a speeding ticket, it won’t show up on your home state record.  This is not the case.  A speeding ticket received in any state will affect your driving record and insurance premium no matter where you live.

If you are in the market for new auto insurance, it is important that you report any traffic violations that you have received, in state or not.  Not reporting them initially may get you the quote price you want, but eventually those infractions will show up, forcing your premium to sky rocket.

For more information about auto insurance and speeding tickets, please contact a qualified agent at www.poliseek.com.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Many people want to know the answer to this pressing question. If someone borrows my car are they covered under my policy?  Letting someone borrow your car takes a lot of trust, and you want to make sure that you, your car and the person borrowing your car are protected. 

In many cases auto insurance is attached to the car, not the driver.  This means that regardless of who is driving the car, they are usually covered, at least for liability coverage.  While most drivers will be covered, there are issues that may affect your policy that you should consider.

Did you give permission for that person to drive the car?  This is to protect you should your car be stolen or borrowed without your permission.  If this is the case, the illegal driver’s insurance company will have to pay for the damages and your policy should not be affected.

Does your policy exclude that person or others from driving your car?  Some insurance companies will charge a higher premium to allow multiple drivers to drive one car.  Know your policy before you let someone borrow your car.  If you allow someone to drive your car and they are not covered, you may have to pay the damages and this could increase your premium.

You will also want to be aware that ever if someone else is driving your car, if they get into an accident, it could affect your rates. 

If you are in an accident the owner of the car’s insurance is usually what covers the accident. However, if they have little or no insurance, your policy may be triggered once the other policy’s limits are exceeded.

As always, be sure to know your policy and contact your insurance specialist for details.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Making changes to your policy does not have to be difficult, as long as you have the right company behind you.  So many people try to save money by going with a second rate insurance agent.  What they then notice is that when they try to make any changes to their policy, it is either very difficult, or will cost them extra.  At Poliseek.com, making changes to your policy can be quick and easy.  If you need to talk to a representative, one is always available. 

If you just need to make quick changes to your policy, Poliseek.com offers an online interface that can help you make the changes you need.  Simply visit http://www.poliseek.com/service and a host of options are there for you.

On this page you can do the following:

•             Add or change a driver
•             Add or remove a vehicle
•             Change and manage your policies (Auto, Home)
•             File a claim
•             Make a payment

 If you need to do something, or need an answer for something that is not seen in the main section, you can visit the frequently asked questions page, http://www.poliseek.com/questions, or if you still need further assistance, you can use the contact page, http://www.poliseek.com/contact to find the appropriate number to call.

Rest assured that PoliSeek.com is devoted to customer service and wants to make purchasing and managing insurance policies an enjoyable experience.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

While much the country is still enjoying summer like conditions, a few states in the west have already received their first snow fall of the year. So far snow has only been seen at higher elevations and drivers have not yet had to face adverse conditions. However, snow in the mountains means that it won’t be long before most of the country has to deal with winter driving and getting their car ready for snow.To help you better prepare, here are some car maintenance tips and winter driving considerations.

Car Preparation Tips

• Before the snow falls, check your tires. Ensure that you have proper tread. Also, if you have summer tires, put on your winter tires, or change to all season tires.

• During the winter, make sure you always have at least a half a tank of gas in your car. This can help it to start up more easily in the morning and can also keep you safe if you get stranded. If you get stuck and have to wait for help, your car is your source of heat.

• Change your windshield wipers and check fluid. If your windshield wipers do not clear your window appropriately, it can make it difficult to see. Also, making sure that you have windshield wiper fluid specifically for winter can help to melt ice and frost that builds up on your window.

• Always have a phone charged and readily available in case you should get stuck and need to call for assistance.

Winter Driving Tips

• Drive slower. Leaving more room between you and other cars is essential because snow makes roads slippery and you will not be able to stop as fast.

• Learn the capabilities of your car. Know how to handle your car if it is front wheel, all wheel, or rear wheel drive. Also be aware if your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS). Understanding your cars capabilities will better help you to avoid accidents.

• If your car does not have daytime running lamps (DRL) turn your headlights on when driving to increase your visibility to other drivers.

When the kids get out of school for the summer, this leaves families with more time to take to the open road for vacations, sight seeing and other road bound adventures.  Since the weather is less threatening in the summer compared to the winter, drivers often neglect to perform the necessary safety checks before they hit the road.  Below are some things that you can do to ensure that your car is properly maintained to avoid ending up  in an unsafe situation while driving.

Tires - Before you hit head out, be sure that all five of your tires have the correct tire pressure.  That’s right, 5 tires.  Don’t forget your spare.  What good is a spare if it is not properly inflated?  Tire pressure can also help you to attain better gas mileage.  Tire pressure varies with temperature, so it especially important to check the pressure if there is a drastic temperature change.  Next, check the tread of the tire.  The channels in the tread are what help to channel the water away from the tire when it rains.  If you don’t have the proper tread, water will not channel away quickly enough and this could cause you to hydroplane in wet conditions.  A good trick is to use a penny as a gauge.  If you can see Abe’s head when you put the edge of the penny into the tread, it’s time for new tires.  While examining the tread, look for uneven wear patterns.  If the tread is uneven, you should have an alignment performed on your vehicle.  This will create the proper set up to ensure the right balance.  This will help with the car’s handling and braking ability.

Fluids and Leaks – When it is time to hit the road, you need to make sure that all the fluids in your vehicle are full and there are no leaks.  Change your oil, check your coolant and be sure that your windshield wiper fluid is full.  You will also want to check all the hoses to make sure that they are not rotted or corroded.  Bad hoses lead to leaks and can drain important fluids very fast.  These routine services can all be performed by local oil change services. 

Air Conditioning – It is extremely uncomfortable traveling in a car without air conditioning during the hot summers.  If you live in a cooler climate, at the beginning of the summer travel season, you may not have run your A/C in a few months, so it is recommended to test it before it gets too hot.  If you turn it on and the air does not feel cool, you should have it checked.   A/C malfunctions can sometimes lead to bigger issues.  If your compressor fails, it could cause alternator problems because most often, the belt runs in the same loop.

Driving Speed – While this actually applies in all seasons, it is a great tip.  Slowing your speed can help you to be a safer driver, save gas, and it allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way. 

Summer is a great time to get out and explore the country.  Just remember to have your car in tip top shape to ensure safe travels! 

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein.  No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

When you purchase an insurance policy there are generally two types of costs associated with the policy: the premium and the deductible.  The premium will likely be either twice a year or in monthly installments.  This rate is based on your driving history, what kind of car you drive, etc.  The deductible is the portion that will not be covered by the premium.  Usually the minimum deductible is $500.  Typically, if you choose a lower deductible, your premium may be higher.  If you choose to have a higher deductible, your premium should be lower.  The costs vary so that insurance companies can stay competitive with their rates.

A typical deductible will cover claims that would arise from damage to or the loss of the owner’s vehicle.  The damage can be caused by accidents, vandalism or theft.  When damage occurs, the policy holder is responsible for the deductible, and the insurance company will be responsible for the rest, depending on the policy.  Let’s look at a simple example.

If you were to get into a car accident and the total damage was $2500, with a deductible of $500, the policy owner pays the $500 and the insurance company would pay the remaining $2000.

Insurance is essential to saving money.  If you don’t have insurance and you are in an accident, you can be held be responsible for all damages and medical injuries as a result of the accident.

For more information please contact your PoliSeek insurance policy representative.  

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein.  No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

It’s in the news.  It may have occurred to a friend or a family member.  Odds are, it can also happen to you.  Identity theft has affected the lives of over eight million Americans according to the 2007 Identity Fraud Survey Report from the Javelin strategy and research firm.  How can you protect yourself against identity theft?The first place you can look is to your existing homeowner’s insurance policy.  Depending on your insurance provider and your policy, you may have an identity theft clause.  This protection typically comes at no additional cost you and usually provides a fraud specialist.  This specialist can help you to restore and protect your identity in the event of theft.

If your current policy doesn’t have an identity theft clause, your insurance company may offer an identity theft rider or endorsement policy.  For an additional cost this rider can be added to a homeowner’s insurance policy.  An identity theft rider will cover any expenses accrued during the process of restoring your credit.

Another area of coverage can come from your credit cards.  In addition to checking your homeowner’s insurance for identify theft coverage, be sure to check what coverage your credit card companies can offer in case you have your identity stolen.  By knowing what coverage you already have under your homeowner’s insurance or credit card agreements, as well as your options if you need to add an identify theft rider, you will be better able to protect yourself in the event your identity is stolen.

NOTE: The purpose of this article is to provide general information on the law, which is subject to change.  If you have a specific legal problem, you may want to consult your lawyer.  For any auto insurance related questions, you may wish to consult your insurance company or insurance agent.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein.  No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.