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What are the Primary Factors Used to Determine my Auto Insurance Rate?

February 10th, 2011

The most important factor in determining your auto insurance rate is your driving record. How many tickets have you had in the last three years? How many accidents have you been involved in – also in the last three years? Were the accidents your fault? What about major violations going back 10 (or more) years? These would be for drunk driving, reckless driving or other similar serious offences.

The next factor is your age or years of driving experience (in CA). The rate is fairly high until you reach 25 (or 9 years experience) and then pretty many levels out until age 70 or so when it goes back up.

Your gender is a factor that tends to modify the rate. In the early years men are usually involved in more accidents than women. That explains why the rate for teen-age boys is much higher than for teen age girls.  Your marital status is also a factor. Married people get in fewer accidents than single people. As our society changes to be more inclusive in the definition of marriage, this factor is also changing.

Another factor is the use of your vehicle and the miles driven. Common use classifications are commute, business and pleasure. Vehicles driven during the work day are rated for business. Commute means driven back and forth to work or school. Pleasure simply means not commute and not business.

Other factors which may affect your rate are:

• The state in which you reside. Insurance (and accident frequency) vary widely by state.

• The address where your vehicle is kept. This is called the garaging address and is determined by zip code. Depending on state, this could be a primary or a secondary factor.

• The type of vehicle you are driving. There are typically surcharges for sports cars, 4X4 pickups, and unusual (hard/expensive to repair) vehicles. These surcharges generally impact your collision and comprehensive (“other than collision”) coverage.

• Year/make/model of your vehicle. The more expensive the vehicle (cost new) the more expensive the rate.

Finally, in some states your credit score may affect your rate. This controversial factor is not used in all states (i.e. not in CA).  If you should have any questions, please contact a PoliSeek licensed agent at 866-540-7335. We are here to assist!

Benefits of Motorcycle Insurance

February 3rd, 2011

If you are driving a motorcycle on the road, you must have motorcycle insurance. This insurance coverage protects you in the event you are in an accident and you get hurt or you damage your motorcycle. For those that have recreational motorcycles that are not ridden on public roads and meant for off-road use only, you still may wish to consider motorcycle coverage. While it is not required by law, the benefits of having motorcycle coverage can far outweigh its modest cost.

When you purchase motorcycle insurance for your recreational bike, you are ensuring that you protect yourself while having fun. Benefits include:

Motorcycle repair, if it is damaged
Medical compensation, if you are injured
Theft protection

If you decide not to cover your recreational motorcycle and you get hurt, or damage your bike, you will be left with the full cost of replacement or medical bills. Motorcycle insurance is relatively inexpensive and can save you a lot of money in the long run if you end up hurting yourself, someone else or your bike.  For more information on motorcycle insurance and other insurance products, please contact Poliseek today.

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.

Advantages for Having Multi-Policy Discounts

January 27th, 2011

In today’s insurance market place many carriers are offering multi-policy discounts. Their reasoning for making this offer is the long proven fact that the more lines of coverage (types of policies) a company has with a client, the longer that client are going to stay with them (and pay premium). There are advantages to the client as well, however.

The first and most obvious is, of course, money. These discounts can be significant. A carrier may offer up to a 15% discount on their auto insurance if the policyholder also has a homeowner’s insurance policy with them. If that client had four cars and two teenage sons, this discount could be substantial, and in fact could be sufficient to pay the entire homeowner premium.

There are two other reasons that come to mind immediately. One has to do with coverage. If there is a dispute regarding coverage between the homeowner carrier and the auto carrier, it becomes academic if they are both the same company.

The other has to do with one’s relationship with the carrier. In the event that luck turns bad and there are several losses, the carrier may be more reluctant to cancel or non-renew the policy, if carrying multiple lines of coverage.

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.

RV Consignment Insurance

January 20th, 2011

If the time has come for you to sell your recreational vehicle, you may have found that selling it on your own can be a difficult task. You may not have the resources or knowledge to put your RV in front of people who are looking to buy. When you’ve had little luck selling on your own, you may turn to an RV consignment dealer. These dealers have the time and knowledge to put your RV in front of those who are looking for it. They have the networks and the resources to promote your RV more successfully than most people can do on their own.

When you have an RV consignment company sell for you, there may be some risk associated that you may not be aware of. Most RV insurance policies will not cover damage that can happen while your RV is on the consignment lot. If it is damaged by weather, during a test drive or even vandalism, you will have little recourse.

If you are planning on selling your RV in this way, you should consider purchasing RV consignment insurance. This added protection will give you peace-of-mind, while you are waiting to sell your RV. If something should happen to it, the coverage be very helpful.

If you need to purchase RV consignment coverage, do not hesitate to contact Poliseek RV. We can offer you a great policy at an affordable rate. Contact one of our sales representatives today at 866-540-7335.

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.

Insuring your Valuables with Homeowners Coverage

January 13th, 2011

One Thing many people don’t realize about a “standard” homeowners insurance policy, is that it may limit coverage on some especially valuable items that you may own. These items could include jewelry, rare musical instruments, furs or even collectable antiques.

In order to fully protect your valuables, you should learn more about an addition to your policy, called a floater. When you add a floater to your policy, it will increase your premium, but it is the only way to make sure you can get full reimbursement or replacement for your high value items.

There are a few different options you can choose. If you have single items that are worth more than $2500, you can buy an individual floater for each item. The threshold for the price of an item will vary by insurance company and type of property you wish to insure, so you will need to tell them your specifics when inquiring about a rider.

The other option is for when you have a collection or group of similar items. For a collection, you will want to inquire about schedule coverage. An example of a need for schedule coverage may be for a group of valuable items of jewelry

If you are in need of an additional floater for expensive valuables, please contact a qualified professional at http://www.poliseek.com or call 866-500-7335.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverage 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.

Mechanical Breakdown Protection

January 4th, 2011

Did you know that on average you are ten times more likely to have a major mechanical break-down than you are to get into a car accident? To prepare for just such an event, you’d be smart to look into getting what is known as Mechanical Breakdown Protection (MBP), especially if the warranty on your car is about to or has expired. Statistics show most mechanical failures occur after the expiration of the factory warranty.

Breakdowns rarely come with a warning and car repairs usually can’t wait. So having Mechanical Breakdown Protection will save you from the scramble and pressure of coming up with cash for any costly repairs. And this “peace of mind” costs less than your daily cup of coffee over the life of the plan.

There is a simple formula you can use to determine whether MBP is a good fit. First, take into account the age and miles on your vehicle. Then, consider the cost of replacing some of the bigger systems or parts on your car: the engine, the transmission, the air conditioner or a combination of repairs. Finally, ask yourself if you have the money to pay for these expenses if they were to occur.

Keep in mind, going with a MBP typically saves you more money than purchasing an extended warranty and provides you with more coverage and benefits. Visit our site to find a Mechanical Breakdown Protection policy that fits your needs.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverage 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.

Snowmobile Safety Information & Tips

December 22nd, 2010

With winter in full gear, snowmobilers across the nation are getting ready to hit the trails. Snowmobiling can be a safe sport, if participants follow necessary safety guidelines before they go out and explore. A few important safety tips are listed below:

• Always tell someone where you are going and when you are expected back. Do this so your family will know if and when to call for help if you haven’t returned.

• Do not consume alcohol while riding.

• Wear protective gear including a helmet, warm jacket and pants, gloves, and heavy duty boots.

• Take tools, a cell phone and emergency supplies. If you should breakdown, you may be able to fix the problem with a tool kit.

• Food and water should also be packed for your adventure in case you are stranded for a period of time while you wait for assistance. .

For more information about snowmobiles, including additional safety information, tips for riding with children, and more, please visit http://www.poliseek.com/dont-get-snowed-the-safe-riders-guide-to-snowmobiling.

Poliseek.com carries affordable snowmobile insurance to protect your investment. Protecting your snowmobile from damage and theft is the only way to ensure that you keep riding if something should happen. Please contact a qualified representative at www.poliseek.comtoday for more information.

Do I Need Insurance for my Snowmobile?

December 9th, 2010

It is that time of year again. The weather is cold and the snow is starting to fall in areas across the country. If the new, powdery snow gets you excited to go snowmobiling, you should take a moment to consider whether or not you have Snowmobile insurance.

Is Snowmobile insurance absolutely necessary, you may ask? Snowmobile insurance is not mandatory in all states, but it’s a good idea to have coverage. When you are riding at high speeds or are on trails within unfamiliar territory, insurance offers you protection should an incident occur. Due to the high speed capabilities of snowmobiles, an accident could result in severe injuries to you, any passenger and others. It surely will result in damage to the sled. If you go out riding and are involved in an accident, your insurance coverage will leave you with one less thing to worry about.

Snowmobile insurance coverage is similar to auto insurance coverage. There is often coverage for physical damage as well as for liability coverage. The cost of your policy will vary on a few factors, such as the make and model of your snowmobile, your completion of safety courses, and your experience driving the snowmobile. You will also need to consider your trailer, any parts, and if you want coverage during the off-season. PoliSeek RV has access to many quality insurance carries offering Snowmobile insurance in most states. Our representatives can work to find you the best quotes for the price and coverage.

Can You Insure a Vehicle You Do Not Own?

November 25th, 2010

As with many insurance-related issues, the answer to this question can vary by state and by insurance company.  In most cases, in order to insure a vehicle, you must be able to show that you have an insurable interest in the vehicle. Insurable interest means that you would suffer a financial loss if your vehicle were to be damaged. For example, if your car was damaged due to an auto accident, you would suffer a loss. On the other hand, if your neighbor’s car was damaged, you would not suffer a loss, as you would with your own. Insurable interest is required to prevent individuals from benefiting from the insurance on the property (or even lives) of others.

There are instances, however, where you can insure a vehicle when your name is not on the title. For example, your parents could loan you a car to drive for a few years and ask that you take care of the coverage. In this case, some insurance companies will require that the owner, in this case one of your parents, be listed on the policy as well.

There are other situations where you may be driving a car that you do not own and will need coverage. You may be driving a commercial vehicle owned by your company. In this case, you will often be covered on a commercial policy.  If you are renting a car, insurance can be purchsed through the rental company.  In addition, if you don’t own a car, there is a form of coverage that may be purchased called a non-owner operator policy, which will cover your liability while operating a vehicle you do not own.

Your unique situation may be different than these mentioned above.  If you find yourself needing converage on a vehicle you do not own, contact a PoliSeek representative. They can help you to find the right insurer to fit your needs.

Storing Your Vehicle for the Winter

November 11th, 2010

Now that winter is officially here, many people will be storing their summer only vehicles. These can include muscle cars, classic cars, or even cars that don’t handle well in the snow and adverse conditions. When storing your vehicle for the winter, there are a few things you should do in order to make sure that your car is protected and is ready to go when you take it out of storage. Here are a few tips you should follow when storing your vehicle for the winter months.

• Add fuel stabilizer and fill your car’s gas tank. Before storing your car, drive it a few miles to make sure the fuel and stabilizer have completed the fuel system circuit.

• Change the oil and filter.

• Connect a battery maintainer

• Lift the car with jack stands to take pressure off of the tires. If you do not have jack stands, let some air out of the tires so they do not develop a flat spot.

• If possible, store your car in a garage or a cocoon to protect it from paint damage and critter infestation.

Once your car is stored, you may also be able to save some money on your auto insurance by alerting your company that it will be off the road. Since you won’t be driving it for a few months, if possible reduce your coverage to only include, “other than collision” (comprehensive) protection. For more information about auto insurance, please visit PoliSeek.com or contact us at 866-540-7335.

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.