Car Insurance

New Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage For Alabama

2009-11-05T05:15:00.000-08:00

When the Government sets a minimum coverage, it could tell us two things.

1 - How safe our roads are. If the minimum coverage increases, then we can assume that the government thinks the roads are less safe.

2 - It tells us how much cover we need to realy be covered.

Drivers in the state of Alabama are now expected by law to have a minimum of $20,000 for physical injury for an individual, $40,000 to cover all involved in the accident and $10,000 for property damaged.

That's quite a tidy amount to be covered for though some states have higher minimums that these. These amounts are high, what do I do?

You need to find an insurer that would give you this coverage at the best rates. Get quick auto insurance quotes from quotes comparison sites by filling out the online form. You would of course be asked to give some details. Be sure to provide correct information as this would help you get the right information.

You may also want to find out what discounts are available with your insurer and other insurers. if you qualify or can qualify for a number of discounts, then you would have succeeded in further reducing your rates.

That the state of Alabama has set these minimums does not mean that you have to stick with these for yourself. You could decide that you need more coverage either for yourself or for any member of your family say for example your teenage children. Whatever the amount of coverage you need, get it at a lower rate by getting and comparing quick auto insurance quotes.

Get covered at a lower rate and stay covered at a lower rate.

Author: Chimerenka Odimba
http://insurance.getting-ahead-in-life.com/Autoim.html

Optional Auto Insurance Coverages

2008-12-28T08:39:00.000-08:00

Optional Auto Insurance Coverages

Collision coverage pays for physical damage to your auto as the result of your car colliding with an object, such as a tree or another vehicle. This insurance coverage is based on the value of your car and can be costly.

Car insurance policies only require the company to cover your financial losses, not to replace your car. In the case of an accident involving an older vehicle, the cost of repairing it can quickly exceed the value of the auto and your insurance carrier will pay you what the car was worth rather than fix it. In severe cases, the value of the vehicle may be less than premiums paid for the insurance coverage. Therefore, if your car is worth less than $2,000, there is little reason for you to purchase collision coverage, because you are likely to pay more money in premiums than you would ever receive as a result of your claim. This coverage may not pay the full replacement cost of the car or may not satisfy the balance of your auto loan.

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle from almost all other causes besides a car accident, including fire, severe weather, vandalism, flood and theft. Comprehensive insurance coverage also will cover broken glass, such as windshield damage.

Uninsured motorist coverage pays if you incur losses from a driver who does not have auto insurance or a hit-and-run driver. This coverage, when in effect, takes the place of the insurance that the other driver should have had but did not. The coverage comes at an automatic $250 deductible for property damage, regardless of the deductible you may have on your other insurance coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage will have policy limits. It does not protect the other driver. Your insurance company may sue the other driver for any money the company pays to you because of the other driver’s negligence. You must have made a police report about the car accident in order to make a claim under an uninsured motorist policy.

Under-insured motorist coverage protects you if you are involved in a car accident that is not your fault and the other driver does not have enough insurance coverage to cover your loss. This coverage does not pay for damage to your car.

Towing and labor coverage pays the cost of towing your vehicle to the repair shop subject to the limit of your policy. Premiums for this insurance coverage are very inexpensive. However, if you are a member of an auto club, you probably already have this service.

Rental reimbursement coverage usually pays the cost to rent a vehicle after an accident, subject to the policy's terms. The premium will vary from insurer to insurer.

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Tips: Car Rental Insurance

2008-12-18T07:28:00.000-08:00

Tips: Car Rental Insurance

Ask your insurance agent or car insurance company if there are any situations in which your existing insurance policy would not cover a rental vehicle.

If your current insurance policy doesn’t offer coverage for a rental car, see if an insurance rider can be added for a small fee.

Ask your credit card company if it provides rental car coverage and, if so, what the limits are. Many credit cards include some level of collision and theft protection. In most cases, these benefits are secondary to your personal car insurance or the car rental company’s insurance, meaning the credit card company will only pay claims after other insurance coverage has been exhausted.

If you lack personal car insurance and your credit card does not provide benefits, then it might be wise to purchase the liability insurance and collision damage waiver at the car rental counter.

Keep in mind that if it is a longer-term rental, there might be limitations on the coverage your existing car insurance policy provides. Check with your auto insurance company or agent for details.

When traveling on business, a personal car policy will generally not apply, so check with your employer for guidance.

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Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

2008-12-06T04:10:00.000-08:00

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

There are many different types of auto insurance coverages available to meet your car insurance needs. Some are required and some are optional. Here are brief descriptions of the available coverages:

Liability
This covers bodily injury and damage to property that you cause to others while using your vehicle.

Personal injury protection
This covers a limited amount of medical and hospital costs, income continuation, funeral expenses, and loss of services. Coverage limits are defined in the policy.

Medical payments
This covers medical and funeral expenses (not all companies offer this coverage).

Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
This covers injuries an uninsured or underinsured driver causes to an insured person.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage
This covers property damage an uninsured or underinsured driver causes to your insured car.

Collision coverage
This covers damage to your car that is caused by a collision.

Comprehensive coverage (other than collision)
This covers damage to your car - except by collision. For example, this covers your vehicle if a tree falls on it or someone vandalizes it.

Emergency road service
This covers towing when your car breaks down.

Car rental expense
If you have a claim that is covered under your car insurance policy, this coverage pays to rent a car. Be sure to check your policy for any limitations.

Death, dismemberment and loss of sight
This pays for death and certain injuries to people named in your policy due to a car accident.

GAP coverage
In the event your vehicle is a total loss, this pays the difference between the current market value of your car and the amount you still owe the lender.

Custom equipment coverage
This covers direct and accidental loss to custom furnishings or equipment.

Many companies also offer other endorsements (additional coverage). Ask your auto insurance agent or broker about:

Trailer/camper body coverage
Snowmobile coverage
Limited Mexico coverage
Joint ownership coverage
Auto loan/lease coverage

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UIM - Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage

2008-11-27T08:23:00.000-08:00

UIM - Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage

Underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage is available in some states, where it is often mandatory. It is available in Washington as well and as an endorsed Umbrella coverage.

This type of car insurance coverage pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages when you or your passengers are injured in a car accident caused by a driver who has insufficient car insurance coverage.

This kind of auto insurance coverage typically pays the difference between the coverage limit you select and the other driver's bodily injury coverage limit. The amount covered by underinsured motorist bodily injury is capped at the limit you choose when you buy your car insurance policy.

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Teenager Car Insurance

2008-11-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

Teenager Car Insurance

Why do I need a Teenager Car Insurance?

The first thing you should know is that you must complete driver education to be eligible for a probationary license.

To drive legally you also must comply with a law called “Financial Responsibility”. This law requires each driver to demonstrate an ability to pay for injuries to other people or damages to other people’s property if the driver causes an accident.

Most drivers comply with the financial responsibility law by purchasing car insurance. Types of coverage under auto insurance are described below:

• Liability insurance pays claims if you hurt someone else or damage another’s property.

• Uninsured motorists coverage pays claims for your injuries and damage to your vehicle if a driver without insurance hits you.

• Collision coverage (if you buy it) pays you if your own vehicle is damaged.

• Medical expense coverage (if you buy it) pays medical expenses for you and your passengers.

If you don’t have teenager car insurance, you could end up spending a lot more than the insurance would have cost.

Anytime you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation or other reason, the officer will ask you for financial responsibility proof.

When you buy auto insurance, the company will send you a card as proof that you are insured. Keep the card in your vehicle so you can show it to a police officer when requested.

If you cannot prove financial responsibility your license will be suspended and your vehicle will be impounded. It will cost you a very large sum of money to regain your teenager driving privileges.

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Motorcycles Insurance

2008-11-14T19:02:00.000-08:00

Motorcycles Insurance

A motorcycle owner and driver is required to carry the same minimum amounts of bodily injury protection, property damage and personal injury protection as any other vehicle. But motorcycles insurance companies often suggest different policies for motorcycle owners:

When inquiring about an insurance policy, an agent may give you a quote based on the minimum personal injury protection coverage (PIP) limit of $15,000, but with a $15,000 deductible. That means, unless you deliberately choose otherwise and pay an additional premium, you will essentially have no PIP coverage, as the coverage limit of $15,000 will be reduced to zero by the deductible. Consider other options which come at a higher premium but with lower deductibles.

A motorcycle insurance policy may provide only limited benefits. For example, a lower premium policy may provide medical and lost wage benefits for only those accidents which occur (a) on a highway and (b) when there is actual physical contact with another vehicle. To receive coverage for a greater range of potential accidents, you will likely have to pay higher insurance premiums. Ask your agent about the difference between restricted personal injury protection coverage and unrestricted PIP coverage.

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Car Insurance Costs

2008-11-14T18:09:00.000-08:00

Car Insurance Costs

Car insurance companies base auto rates on a variety of factors. The premium you pay consists of a “base rate.” The base rate is adjusted based on factors such as your age, sex, marital status, driving pattern, claims history, location, credit history, and the make, model and year of your vehicle. When you shop for car insurance, remember that each company uses these factors differently.

Age: Statistics show drivers under the age of 25 have more accidents than adults between age 25 and 65. As a result, insurers charge young drivers and families with young drivers in the household higher rates. Statistics also show that senior citizens are more likely to be involved in a car accident.

Credit history: Under federal law, car insurance companies can use credit history as one factor that impacts your auto rate. They may assign you an insurance score based on your credit history. They use your score as one factor to decide whether to accept or decline your coverage, or how much to charge you. However, the law limits the use of certain information in credit scoring.

Driving patterns: The number of miles you drive per year can increase your car insurance costs. For example, if you drive a total of 7,000 miles in a year, you will normally pay lower rates than if you drive 15,000 miles in a year. Auto insurance companies consider the distance you commute to work as additional miles you add to your non-commuting, pleasure miles.

Driving record and claims history: Most companies apply a surcharge to drivers involved in an accident or convicted of multiple traffic violations. Likewise, the more claims you file, the more likely your rates will increase.

Gender: Young men under the age of 25 are involved in more accidents per miles driven than any other population group.

Location: A higher number of accidents in a highly populated area will raise both liability and collision premiums. Higher crime rates in urban areas can also raise premiums for comprehensive coverage.

Marital status: Statistically, married couples have fewer car accidents than singles and generally pay lower auto insurance rates.

Vehicle type: Generally, the more expensive your car, the more you will pay for comprehensive and collision coverage. Also, because sports cars and high-performance cars are involved in more accidents, cost more to repair, and are stolen more often, they cost more to insure.

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Tips On Lowering Your Car Insurance Premiums

2008-11-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

Tips On Lowering Your Car Insurance Premiums

1. Shop around and compare prices.

2. Maintain a good driving record.

3. Take the highest deductible you can afford on collision and comprehensive coverage. A higher deductible will mean lower premiums. But remember that you will be responsible for the deductible amount if you have an accident.

4. Take defensive driving.

5. Before buying a vehicle, call an agent for a quote on the cost of insuring it. Sports cars, luxury cars and more expensive cars cost more to insure. A quote is only an estimate of the premium.

6. Review your policy periodically and update coverage accordingly. As a car gets older and loses value, you may not need as much insurance for it. With some cars, it may make sense to only carry minimum coverage.

7. Ask whether there are discounts offered for:

a) Multiple cars on a policy
b) Good student drivers
c) Mature drivers
d) Airbags, anti-theft devices and other equipment
e) Accident-free record
f) Other insurance with same company

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What can affect your car insurance rates in Delaware

2008-11-03T06:46:00.000-08:00

What can affect your car insurance rates in Delaware

Amount of coverage: If you choose to carry coverage above the mandatory minimum, your premiums will be higher.

Deductible amount: Choosing a higher deductible will reduce the premiums of your auto insurance. However, your out-of-pocket expense will be higher if you have an accident.

Discounts: Auto insurers may offer premium discounts for numerous reasons, including for people who have taken an approved defensive driving course. Ask your agent what discounts are available to you.

Driving record: Drivers with previous violations or accidents are considered to be a higher risk.

Gender and age: Men have more accidents on the road than women; certain age groups tend to have more claims.

Marital status: Claims history shows that married persons tend to have fewer claims.

Type of vehicle: Luxury and sports cars average a higher number of claims; also the more expensive a vehicle, the more expensive it is to insure.

Usage of vehicle: The more you drive, the higher the risk and so the higher the premium.

Where you live: Urban areas have more claims than rural areas and some areas have more frequent accidents than others.

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List of California Insurance Companies - Toll Free Numbers and URLs

2008-10-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

List of California Insurance Companies - Toll Free Numbers and URLs

Insurer Name -- Phone Number -- Web Site Address

21ST CENTURY CASUALTY COMPANY -- (800) 211-7283 -- www.21st.com
21ST CENTURY INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 211-7283 -- www.21st.com

AIG INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.aigdirect.com
AIU INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.aigdirect.com
ALLIED PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 282-1446 -- www.alliedinsurance.com
ALLSTATE INDEMNITY COMPANY -- (800) 557-8283 -- www.allstate.com
ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 557-8283 -- www.allstate.com
ALLSTATE PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 557-8283 -- www.allstate.com
AMCO INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 282-1446 -- www.alliedinsurance.com
AMERICAN ECONOMY INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 472-3326
AMERICAN HOME ASSURANCE COMPANY -- www.aigdirect.com
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA, INC. -- www.aigdirect.com
AMERICAN STATES INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 472-3326
AMERICAN STATES INSURANCE COMPANY OF TEXAS -- (800) 472-3326
AMERICAN STATES PREFERRED INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 472-3326
AMICA MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 242-6422 -- www.amica.com
ATLANTIC MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.atlanticmutual.com
AXA RE AMERICA INSURANCE COMPANY -- (866) 729-8999

CALIFORNIA CASUALTY INDEMNITY EXCHANGE (THE) -- www.calcas.com
CENTENNIAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.atlanticmutual.com
CLARENDON NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 333-5553
COAST NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 888-0080

DANIELSON INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.naicc.com
DANIELSON NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.naicc.com
DEERBROOK INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 349-7342 -- www.deerbrook.com
DEPOSITORS INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 282-1446 -- www.alliedinsurance.com
DELOS INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 203-1179 -- www.delosinsurance.com

EMPIRE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 228-9283
ENCOMPASS INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.encompassinsurance.com
EVEREST NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.everestnational.com

FARMERS INSURANCE EXCHANGE -- www.farmers.com
FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.chubb.com
FIDELITY NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- (866) 699-1885 -- www.fnf.com
FINANCIAL INDEMNITY COMPANY -- www.unitrinspecialty.com
FIREMAN'S FUND INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 633-6006 -- www.firemansfund.com
FIRST NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA -- (800) 472-3326

GEICO CASUALTY COMPANY -- (800) 841-3000 -- www.GEICO.com
GEICO GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 841-3000 -- www.GEICO.com
GEICO INDEMNITY COMPANY -- (800) 841-3000 -- www.GEICO.com
GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA -- (800) 472-3326
GLENS FALLS INSURANCE COMPANY (THE) -- www.encompassinsurance.com
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 841-3000 -- www.GEICO.com
GRANITE STATE INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.aig4auto.com
GUIDEONE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- (877) 448-4331
GUIDEONE SPECIALTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- (877) 448-4331

HARBOR SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 233-2442
HARTFORD CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.thehartford.com
HARTFORD UNDERWRITERS INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.thehartford.com
HORACE MANN INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 999-1030
HORACE MANN PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 999-1030
HUDSON INSURANCE COMPANY -- (866) 836-7064 -- www.hudsoninsgroup.com

INFINITY INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 782-1020
INTERINSURANCE EXCHANGE OF THE AUTOMOBILE CLUB -- (877) 222-1445 -- www.aaa.com

KEMPER INDEPENDENCE INSURANCE COMPANY -- (877) 252-7878 -- www.ekemper.com

LIBERTY MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 837-5254 -- www.libertymutual.com

MARKEL AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 236-2862
MARYLAND CASUALTY COMPANY -- (800) 208-1003
MERCURY INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 956-3728 -- www.mercuryinsurance.com
MERASTAR INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 637-2782 -- www.merastar.com
MGA INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 552-2463
MID-CENTURY INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.farmers.com

NATIONAL AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA -- www.naicc.com
NATIONAL INTERSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 929-1500 -- www.nationalinterstate.com
NATIONWIDE INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA -- (800) 282-1446 -- www.alliedinsurance.com
NORTHBROOK INDEMNITY COMPANY -- (800) 349-7342 -- www.deerbrook.com
NORTHERN INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK -- (800) 208-1003
NORTHWESTERN PACIFIC INDEMNITY COMPANY -- www.chubb.com

OREGON MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 444-7012 -- www.ormutual.com

PACIFIC INDEMNITY COMPANY -- www.chubb.com
PACIFIC PROPERTY AND CASUALTY COMPANY -- www.anpac.com
PACIFIC SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 303-5000 or (800) 828-3003 -- www.psic-onespot.com
PERMANENT GENERAL ASSURANCE CORPORATION -- (800) 582-6401 -- www.pgac.com
PROGRESSIVE CHOICE INSURANCE COMPANY -- (888) 464-3841
PROGRESSIVE WEST INSURANCE COMPANY -- (888) 464-3841

REDLAND INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 937-3965

SAFECO INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA -- (800) 472-3326 -- www.safeco.com
SAFECO INSURANCE COMPANY OF ILLINOIS -- (800) 472-3326 -- www.safeco.com
SAFEWAY DIRECT INSURANCE COMPANY -- (888) 581-3700 -- www.safewaydirect.com
SAFEWAY INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 807-2339 -- www.safewayins.com
STANDARD FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.travelers.com
STATE FARM FIRE AND CASUALTY COMPANY -- www.statefarm.com
STATE FARM GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.statefarm.com
STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.statefarm.com
SUTTER INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 530-1124 -- www.sutterinsurance.com

TOKIO MARINE & NICHIDO FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD -- (866) 791-7571
TWIN CITY FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.thehartford.com

UNITRIN AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE COMPANY -- (877) 252-7878 -- www.ekemper.com
UNITRIN DIRECT INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 253-7744 -- www.unitrindirect.com
UNITRIN DIRECT PROPERTY & CASUALTY COMPANY -- (800) 253-7744 -- www.unitrindirect.com

VICTORIA FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY
VIGILANT INSURANCE COMPANY -- www.chubb.com
VIKING INSURANCE COMPANY OF WISCONSIN -- (800) 334-0090

WAWANESA GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 640-2920 -- www.wawanesaus.com
WAWANESA MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY (THE) -- (800) 640-2920 -- www.wawanesaus.com
WESTERN UNITED INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 207-3618
WORKMEN'S AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY -- (800) 737-1757

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Why Should You Buy Car Insurance?

Connecticut: Auto Insurance Discounts for People Over the Age of 60

2008-10-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

Connecticut: Auto Insurance Discounts for People Over the Age of 60

The legislature has made it easier this year for individuals over the age of 60 to be eligible for auto insurance discounts - by completing a safe driver course. The legislature has also eliminated the requirement of an in-person final exam for people using an Internet course. The minimum discount is 5 percent and shall apply to the premium charges for the automobile for at least 24 months. Some insurance companies provide a discount of more than 5 percent.

Contact your insurance company for more information. Those interested in an approved course should contact AARP, AAA or the Western Connecticut Driving Institute for details. If you meet the requirements for this premium discount, by law you cannot be denied the minimum discount regardless of your driving history.

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Auto Insurance: Total Loss Replacement

Auto Insurance: Total Loss Replacement

2008-09-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

Auto Insurance: Total Loss Replacement

You filed a car insurance claim and just found out your vehicle is totaled. Now what? Most auto insurance companies will cut you a check, then cut you loose. Not Progressive. We recognize shopping for a new car may not have been on your agenda. That's why we offer Total Loss Concierge, a complimentary service that anyone whose vehicle is totaled in a car insurance claim with Progressive can use.

With Total Loss Concierge, we shop for a vehicle replacement so you don't have to. You simply tell us what you're looking for, and we'll contact a network of car dealers and lenders to find a vehicle that meets your needs with finance options that are right for you.

Then you decide if you want to test drive, buy or pass on the cars. In most cases, we've found vehicles that meet customers' needs within 6 days.

Who Can Use This Service: Anyone whose vehicle is totaled in a car insurance claim with Progressive can use our Total Loss Concierge service. You don't have to have a policy with us to take advantage of this option.

Financing Options: Once you pick your replacement car, our network of lenders can help you choose how to buy or finance it. If your new car costs less than the settlement amount we give you, you keep the difference. If your new car costs more, you can work with our lender network to arrange financing or find financing on your own.

Total Loss Replacement / Company: Progressive Casualty Insurance

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Why Should You Buy Car Insurance?

2008-09-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

Why Should You Buy Car Insurance?

If you cause a car accident, you may be responsible for the losses of the other people involved. A claim may be made or a lawsuit filed against you for those losses. You may have to pay not only for the property damage you cause, but also for the medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering of any injured person. The amount of money you may have to pay could be substantial.

If you don’t have an auto insurance, anything of value that you own, including your home, savings, future wages, and other assets, may be taken to pay for those losses. Auto liability insurance can help protect you so that this doesn’t happen. Liability insurance also pays for an attorney to defend you against any claim or lawsuit that may be payable under the policy.

You can also buy auto insurance to cover damages to your car. This optional coverage will help pay for your losses whether or not you were at fault.

Insurance is based on the theory that only a small portion of all drivers will be involved in accidents. The premiums paid by all drivers during the year are used to pay for the losses of those drivers who have accidents. When you buy auto insurance, you receive financial protection in case you become involved in an accident. You also make sure that a person injured through your fault will recover for losses you cause.

Teen Car Insurance in Florida

2008-09-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Teen Car Insurance in Florida
by Nicholas Vernon

Florida is a no fault state. This means that there are some requirements that Florida might have that other states do not. If you are currently looking into getting insurance to cover your teen that just got their license, here are some things to keep in mind. Some of us have not had to purchase insurance in a while.

Florida Requirements:

Your teen must have a learners permit before being able to obtain an official license. Not only do they have to get a learners license before, they have to carry it for a whole year.

After you have your license and ready to drive, you need to get the following:
1) PIP coverage, also known as personal injury protection.
2) Bodily Injury Liability: $10,000.

(Note: you must always check with an insurance agent to see if there have been any changes).

Although the minimum requirement is not that much, if you were to be in an accident, you could find yourself in a compromising position. Being that you are insuring a young, inexperienced driver, it is especially important to make sure you have all your ducks in a row and covered on all fronts in case of an accident. We hope our children and ourselves will not ever have to experience an accident. Often, more times than not, a person will experience an accident or "fender bender". This is a higher risk with teens. Numbers show that teens are at a much higher risk for causing accidents due to negligence. Distraction such as friends, phones, etc. are very prevalent amongst kids that age. Finding the right balance for your teenager's car insurance coverage and your wallet is sometimes a challenge.

It is recommended that along with the required insurance, you should carry: Uninsured motorist, Comprehensive, Collision, and Bodily Injury Liability. If you are making payments on a financed car, it is already a requirement that you must carry full coverage. Depending on the year and condition of your car, it might not make sense to carry collision or comprehensive insurances. Sometimes, book value for cars is much less than the deductible it would cost to get the car fixed. Or, in another instance, if your car were totaled, you would have put more into coverage than your car is even worth. Check the specifics on all the different options available.

Also, make sure you take advantage of the money savers stated before. Good grades and a safe vehicle are a good way to reduce a teenager's car insurance rate. As a policy holder yourself, you can look into multi-car discounts, insuring your home and car through the same company, if applicable and making sure you are getting appropriate discounts for the safety features in your car. Another common money saver that people tend to over look is AAA. Although AAA is not the only auto club; it is the most recognized. Sometimes clubs can save you money on an car insurance policy just as they do for an amusement park ticket.

7 Ways to Save on Auto Insurance

2008-09-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

7 Ways to Save on Auto Insurance
by Phillip Fogliani

Auto insurance can be confusing. Most insurance companies calculate their own rates and premiums based on complex algorithms that take many factors into account. Thankfully, there are some simple tips you can use to guarantee lower rates across the board when obtaining car insurance quotes. Here are seven ways to save money.

1) The most important factor for car insurance rates is your driving history. Drivers who have been involved in collisions will inevitably see higher rates than those with spotless driving records. One accident should not wipe out your bank account, but several accidents can hurt. By law all driving records renew every seven years. That means if you avoid moving violations, you will see your rates improving within a couple years.

2) Insurance companies also factor neighborhoods into car insurance quotes. It is a statistical fact that cars tend to be damaged and stolen more often in high-crime areas. Most insurance companies want protection of such elevated numbers. Moving to a better area can have a positive effect on your premiums, even if everything else about your life remains nearly the same.

3) Credit scores make a significant difference as well. This may come as a surprise to some people. This makes sense when you consider that insurance companies are actually betting on your overall responsibility, including your ability to make the annual premium payments. Good credit can get you discounts of 20 percent or more. So make sure you take care of your credit.

4) Next, the car is an important component of car insurance calculations. Newer cars and more expensive cars will cost more to insure and maintain over time, while older makes and models represent far less expense. There is some truth that your car's color and amenities can affect the premiums too. Red sports really do get into more accidents than gold minivans.

5) The best way to save on auto insurance is to do your homework and seek estimates from as many carriers as possible. Once you have all the information at your fingertips, you may be able to negotiate more favorable rates from your insurance company of choice.

6) You should also buy home or life insurance in addition to car insurance with the same company. This will likely get you better rates by combining several policies.

7) Finally, take action and use an insurance quotes calculator to see if you can save money by changing companies. This is something you can do right now.

Shopping For Car Insurance Tips

2008-09-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

Shopping For Car Insurance Tips
by Brenda Williams

When you get your license for the first time before you begin driving you need to get auto insurance as it's mandatory to have auto insurance while driving. Auto insurance can be rather expensive, especially for new drivers which is why you'll need to ensure that you're getting the best deal possible for your money. Insurance companies differ quite a bit in the range of insurance policies they offer and you can always find lower rates and fees when shopping around for auto insurance. When you first shop for auto insurance you should make sure you're not trying to be ensured for a sports car or something similar because these vehicles cost a lot more to get insured due to the higher risk of getting into an accident.

There are always many companies you can shop around with for auto insurance and you shouldn't typically choose the first offer you receive because it's often not the best offer you'll find. Instead you should do research on the different available options and find the insurance policy that will best fit your needs. Your monthly payments will rise based on how much coverage you need among some other factors, so make sure that you're not buying a plan that is giving you too much coverage. If you feel that you're being ripped off in anyway then make sure you leave immediately and move onto the next insurer.

There are a lot of smaller insurance companies that claim to sell auto insurance but in fact they only sell fake insurance and if you get caught with it could land you in a lot of trouble. To avoid this you should use a company with a good reputation and many satisfied customers. The bigger and more reputable to company the more you'll end up paying but having real insurance is vital and with some of the smaller companies you might think you're getting a deal but in fact you're only getting fake insurance.

Fake insurance policies are being sold like hot cakes to people and most don't even know that they've been ripped off until they get pulled over and the officer notices. This is why shopping for auto insurance is important and you shouldn't skimp on the researching because it could potentially cost you. You don't need to use the biggest company as they'll be typically a lot more expensive then competitors but if you can find middle sized company that is reputable with good rates then that's the ideal situation.

Auto insurance isn't cheap but you absolutely need it if you plan on driving so make sure you have proper insurance. If you get into an accident without insurance you can face fines and jail time depending on whose at fault and if there are any injuries or not. It's not a joking matter and you could end up paying in jail for not paying for auto insurance while in the real world. You can find auto insurance through your local yellow pages or also online through many different websites.

Bad Credit: How Can You Lower Your Car insurance

2008-09-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

Bad Credit: How Can You Lower Your Car insurance
by Kian Chong

You already know that if you have a car then you are legally required to have car insurance coverage, but what happens if you have bad credit? If you find that you are suffering from bad credit, there is a good chance that your car insurance quotes are going to go up, but you'll find that just by keeping a few things in mind, you can still get car insurance coverage that is good for you. Getting the right car insurance coverage can make a big difference to your monthly bills so make sure that you think about some of the following information.

The first thing that you have to do when it comes to getting the low car insurance that you need is that you have to shop around. Don't just stop by looking at one or two car insurance quotes. Keep in mind that not all car insurance plans are created equal, and where one company might give you a pricey quote, they won't all do so. Take some time and really think about what your options are when it comes to looking at the numbers in front of you. Shop online and shop in person, and you'll soon figure out what quotes are going to do the best for you.

Another thing that you can do when you are looking for low car insurance quotes is that you should drop your collision and comprehensive coverage. Remember that this is to protect your car if your car is relatively new. If your car is not something that is going to be worth repairing in the event of a wreck, you should make sure that you should drop this coverage. Remember that you will need to think about making sure that these numbers drop if you are going to get the best price.

You'll also find that you can get much lower car insurance quotes simply by making sure that you have consolidated your insurance policies. When you get renter's insurance or homeowner's insurance from the same place that you are getting your car insurance, you'll see a drop in insurance quotes across the board. Take some time and really think about what your options are when you are looking to make sure that you can get right quotes that you need.

Finally, think about your deductible. If you are willing to raise your deductible, you can drop the monthly payments. There are definitely drawbacks and concerns about this tactic, but keep in mind the fact that you have many different options in front of you, and some combination thereof will give you the right prices that you need, no matter what bad credit you might be dealing with.

Affordable Auto Insurance Quotes

2008-08-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

Affordable Auto Insurance Quotes
by Alisdair Cosgrove

In the USA all drivers must have the mandatory car insurance in order to protect them from law suits which are a result of an accident or some other infraction of the traffic laws. Maintaining affordable and adequate car insurance coverage should be a priority for all drivers.Reasonable car insurance quotes for the sufficient coverage can be found on internet websites.

You could drive without car insurance coverage, but you will be at risk for a big fine or perhaps being sent to prison as a bad result of being liable for losses caused by an accident.Property damages caused by a driver are covered by car insurance if the driver happens to be involved in an accident on the property.

In order to save yourself some time and aggravation, there are a few common sense ideas to keep in mind when looking online for an insurance quote for your car.

By gathering a large number of car insurance quotes and comparing the benefits of one against the benefits of another and taking time to narrow them down to the most reasonable one you will end up with the best deal for you.By doing all your own comparisons of the insurance quotes it will take less time than having an insurance agent explain things to you and you will gain a better understanding of what you are getting.When you are not being pressured by an insurance salesman, you will be more likely to shop around and make wiser decisions.

It is important to make sure that the online car insurance sites you use to find quotes on have updated information on all of the rates and benefits of each company.After finding what you consider to be the right car insurance quote, it is very stress inducing to discover that the services and rate quotes are no longer available, but this probably will not happen if you use an established insurance company that keeps their website updated.

There are various factors that will have an influence on what is to be paid on each premium and these things should be remembered when you are looking through several car insurance quotes.Services like towing or car rental and the total cost of premiums, and the level and quality of coverage offered are all things to keep in mind.

If you are using the full range of car insurance quote sites, there will be lots of information provided to you by many insurance experts and these informative people can help in a big way when you want to find your best and most affordable insurance coverage.Although it is a fact that inexpensive insurance quotes can mean that their coverage will not be adequate or satisfactory, we still do not want to pay more for car insurance than necessary.

The online car insurance websites are there to do their best to assist you in finding the best and most affordable insurance coverage so you need to examine each quote carefully to reassure yourself that you are receiving the best coverage for your circumstances.

Car Insurance For Young Drivers

2008-08-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

Car Insurance For Young Drivers
by Kian Chong

Car insurance is expensive enough but when you add a teenage driver to your policy don't be surprised to see your insurance rates skyrocket. Unfortunately, young drivers are always going to cost more because they are viewed as a higher risk by insurance companies. The good news is there are ways to reduce those costs.

Good Grades
Many companies will offer car insurance discounts for drivers who maintain an "A" or even a "B" average in school. The amount of the discount and the requirements for eligibility do vary from company to company but that's why you should always call around before choosing car insurance coverage for your child.

You should also find out if those discounts will also apply for good grades in college because young drivers will be paying more until they are at least 25 years old.

Drive a Less Expensive Automobile
If your car insurance company allows you to choose a primary driver for each of your family's cars or if you opt for a auto insurance young driver policy, then make sure your teen is driving the least expensive car in the family. The greater the risk of loss the higher those premiums are going to be. Plus, some cars are just naturally going to cost less to insure, regardless of the driver's age.

Complete a Driving Course
Another way to possibly receive relatively cheap auto insurance for your child is by having him or her complete a driving course. These courses are usually offered through private companies and often through vocational colleges. The course may cost several hundred dollars but that might be an excellent investment depending on what your child's insurance rates will be without the course. Feel free to ask your insurance agent for quotes both ways before you make a decision.

Besides the savings, the driving course can be a valuable source of information and training for young drivers. They'll usually have hands-on experience, plus lessons in safety that will reduce their risks of having an accident.

Boost the Safety Features
If you want to buy a car for your child and are concerned about the car insurance premiums, make sure to look for safety features. The more features the car contains that will protect your child during and from an accident the lower the premiums are going to be. You should also avoid any cars that are considered dangerous or that typically provoke dangerous driving, such as sports cars.

Opt for a Higher Deductible
Another way to secure more affordable insurance for your teenage driver is by increase the deductible on the policy. Doubling the deductible can provide a significant reduction in the cost of those premiums but you'll want to make sure you can afford that extra out-of-pocket expense if something does occur.

If you already have a high deductible, you may want to avoid this option and instead start shopping around for a different policy. You may be surprised at the lower prices you and your teen driver can find.

Group Auto Insurance Benefits

2008-08-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Group Auto Insurance Benefits
by Ian Wright

If you're part of a group based in the same place, like a household or a business office, you can qualify for drastic car insurance discounts. It can cover several individuals and several autos too. There are additional benefits as well, so individuals seeking this type of car insurance would be well advised to consider it carefully.

Many insurance agencies offer special discounts, called a multi-car discount, to individuals who drive different cars and who have the same address. It is somewhat similar to buying in bulk. You get a lower costing auto insurance policy because you are buying more of them. This is a good way for a family to keep their rates low.

Group insurance can help in the same way in business situations. If individuals apply for and purchase insurance from one provider, the company is able to lower the individual rates since it is selling a number of policies at once.

However, it's important to note, that one person with a bad accident, multiple traffic violations, or requiring auto repairs, may very well increase the rates of everyone under the same policy or plan.

You should always consider any possible solutions and make sure coverage is available to you when purchasing any type of coverage, including group insurance. People are usually pleasantly surprised by the affordable solutions they can find just by browsing around and comparing rates to find the best one. One very affordable choice that you may want to consider is a group car insurance policy.

Fuel Cell Analysis: Honda FCX Clarity

2008-07-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

Fuel Cell Analysis: Honda FCX Clarity
by Richelle McGinnis

Honda is changing the vehicle market as we know it, by making a vehicle that emits water vapor. Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell car is the new breed for green cars. This car has some similarities to hybrid, but nothing compares to its new fuel source hydrogen. Besides hydrogen it runs with an electric motor that generates electricity to the fuel stack and a lithium ion battery. The lithium ion battery serves as a supplemental power source. The lithium ion battery charges up while braking and decelerating. Some questions might arise when thinking about this new fuel cell vehicle, like what makes this car better than the other hybrid cars? What are the Honda FCX Clarity strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats?

One of the biggest strengths about this new fuel cell vehicle is that it emits water vapor and is designated as a Zero emission vehicle (ZEV). The environmental protection agency (EPA) has given this vehicle the lowest possible emission rating. It also can be driven up to 280 miles before being refueled with hydrogen. Honda FCX Clarity is achieves an energy efficiency of 55% which is twice the energy efficiency of the hybrid vehicles and three times the efficiency of regular gas vehicles. Since Honda FCX Clarity is more energy efficient it has been one of the first fuel cell vehicles to receive certification from the EPA and the California Air Resources Board. Unlike the hybrids the Honda FCX Clarity doesn't need to be plugged in to be charged up and there is no need for regular gas.

Honda has many opportunities with this new fuel cell vehicle. First off Honda is designing a home refueling station. No more worrying about going out and getting refueled at the pump. Home refueling stations will elevate the stress at the pump. Also, Honda could make this fuel cell vehicle a household name and market this vehicle all over the globe. Honda just needs to get out there to show off their new vehicle. Honda is starting to market the new fuel cell a little bit. Honda has just released the Honda FCX Clarity for Japan.

One of the few weaknesses for this fuel cell vehicle is its limited availability in the United States. Southern California and Japan are the only two areas where this new vehicle is available. Honda plans to release around 200 vehicles in 3 years in California and Japan. Honda believes that this new fuel cell vehicle will be able to be mass produced by 2018. I think this is one Hondas biggest downfall is the limited release and so few refueling stations.

This car is a little small it's only able to carry four people. The cost of the Honda FCX Clarity is about 600 a month on a 3 year lease. It seems a little steep for someone who is middle class to afford that payment. Not anyone is California will be able to lease this new vehicle. These people who are selected live near the refueling stations and they make a limited amount of commutes.

Basically Toyota and GM vehicles are Hondas biggest threat. With so many new hybrids and small gas efficient cars, this creates a problem for Honda. Another threat is Chevrolet. Chevrolet has developed a fuel cell SUV "the Equinox" and it has already arrived at New York City, Washington D.C. and Southern California. With this being said, it becomes a race between Honda and Chevrolet with the new fuel cell technology. How would the new fuel cell Honda FCX Clarity size up in popularity? The lack of mass production and refueling stations, Honda won't have a chance.

I think Honda has come up with a good concept car with its new fuel source. The new fuel source needs to be researched further before they should market this vehicle. This car is for people who are willing to go green and have the money to do it. The whole problem is making this car available to the public and easily accessible.

On the other hand Honda has a comparative advantage because of their home refueling station. There is no other vehicle out there that you can just plug in and refuel at home. Hybrid vehicles rely on battery and gas to run. You have to plug the hybrid in to recharge the battery.

Car Insurance For Used Cars

2008-07-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

Car Insurance For Used Cars
by David Hunter

The experience proved that individuals usually think there is noticeable difference between obtaining insurance for new and used autos. Actually both are almost the same. To say in other words, the major principles are alike, but the details, of course, differ.

Still, there is one key difference - car insurance companies charge fewer premiums for used auto insurance. The main reason for this is that if a used car is either stolen or damaged so that it is impossible to repair, the insurance company survives to lose less money than on a new auto in the same condition. That sequentially means that the insurer can charge fewer rates for comprehension and accident coverage that certainly lowers the payment.

Used car possessors might consider raising their deductibles in response for a lower payment. For a new auto, lower deductibles seem right as the price of the car is higher. Though, for a lower-price used car, paying a high payment is of no profit. You might take into account, although, that the high the deductible, the more you are out of pocket amounts for insignificant repairs and request clearance. On the other hand, the accepted tendency for most car buyers is to save on the premium for a used car at the probability of paying extra at the moment of managing a claim.

Driving history is very important asset in this case; it is mainly similar for both, used and new cars. The majority of car insurance companies also consider the history of the car under consideration when giving a used car insurance estimate. Obviously, an unstable driving history with lots of black points will lead to a higher payment, so it might be sensible to try and recover the record as best as you can, previous to setting out to obtain your used auto insurance. The easiest way to make this, naturally, is to drive watchful.

Another feature that most auto insurance companies consider is the location where you'll do your driving mainly and the parking arrangements for your used auto. Logically, if you limit your trips to quiet uptown areas, you take less possibility of getting in an accident than if you speed in the mean city roads that stands for a lower premium. Likewise, if you are parking your car in an auto-theft area, you will not achieve sympathy with insurance companies, who would rather choose a private garage in a quiet place of city any time.

Lastly, the type of automobile you buy will also have an affect on your auto insurance rates. Hence, a car with high performances will lead to higher premium as the risk of theft raises in the eyes of insurer.

Therefore, my advice is to buy a protected, family car, owned by a safe and stable person. Nothing makes insurers happier than care and caution. Second hand cars also cost less to insure and should be a significant issue in your concluding purchase decision.

California Auto Insurance Quotes

2008-07-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

California Auto Insurance Quotes
by Terry Edwards

Auto insurance in the state of California is traditionally among the most high priced of any of the 50 states with only a few exceptions. Shopping around for California auto insurance quotes then only makes good sense.

The state of California requires that you purchase a given amount of some types of insurance prior to being able to license your car in the state. You must provide proof that you have that amount and type of insurance before you may register a vehicle in California.

Additionally, your automobile loan may require that you keep a certain type of insurance on the vehicle. This is most likely collision as well as the state required liability, so that they are assured of receiving their money if the car is destroyed or damaged in some way before you've completed the payment process.

While some types of insurance coverage are going down in the state, some others have requested and received a hike in their overall coverage costs.

This makes it certainly worth your while to request and to review many California auto insurance quotes prior to purchasing your next round of insurance coverage. You could also do this for any new vehicle, and to check into a auto insurance quote when your current contract ends.

Many people believe that it is not in your best interests to change auto insurance companies however, this is not the case at all.

Your auto insurance company cannot penalize you for changing companies and you will not be, as is often believed, placed on a high risk policy automatically when you begin a new policy with a company. Unless you have not had insurance for more than thirty days preceding the purchase of this insurance, or this California auto insurance quote.

If you have proof of insurance up to the day that you apply, or that your insurance expired less than thirty days ago, chances are that your rates will go down dramatically.

If you are dissatisfied with your California automobile insurance rates, and would like to seriously look into a new policy with a company that will offer you a better cost on the auto insurance that you are required to have, it's in your best interests to visit an insurance broker. Ask for prices, or to get California auto insurance quotes for more than one insurance company, so that you can compare notes and shop wisely for your auto coverage.

The reality is that we shop around for nearly everything else, and pay close attention to where we get the best service and the best price for any given item. When it comes to our insurance, very often we simply stick it out with a company that is charging us a good deal more than we need to be paying. The reasons may be because ..."My parents used this company", or, "I've always had my insurance with them".

With the cost of everything vehicle related nearly astronomical in nature, fuel prices skyrocketing and automotive repairs out of the ballpark, we do have some control over cutting costs. We can do so by getting the best deal we can on our automobile insurance coverage. To do that, we need to look into California auto insurance quotes and then act on them.

Car Insurance For Convicted Drivers

2008-07-15T16:57:00.000-07:00

Car Insurance For Convicted Drivers
by James Robinson

Is it still possible to find cheap auto insurance rates even when you are a convicted driver? Let's face it; everyone makes mistakes at some point in their life. Some people make mistakes when they are teenagers that lead them to detentions or referrals in school, suspensions, court and even jail. Some other people decide to break the law while driving which leads them to getting their license suspended or being convicted of reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. Because we all deserve second chances, I'm here to tell you that if you are a convicted driver you too can be someone with cheap auto insurance. With the number of vehicles on the roads of the United States increasing and a not so perfect driving record it will be a little harder to find the low cost policy that every convicted person is looking for when is time to drive. However, do not panic because in order to get the best deal out there you will have to be patient and spend a little time and effort searching for that perfect quote you have been dreaming of.

In the United States a person may loose his or her driving privilege (that is when they take your drivers license away and they don't allow you to get another one) for many reasons. One of them is conducting a crime involving a motor vehicle in which the result is the revoking of your driver privilege (cases such as DUI's and DWI's). You can also lose your license if you fail to meet the requirements of a probation or fail to pay traffic citations issue to you, over a specified period of time. Last but not least, you will be without the privilege to drive if you accumulate more points than those allowed in your respective state (for more information on this go to your state's Department of Safety and Motor Vehicle website).

Although it is difficult to not be able to drive and to lose your privilege, a convicted driver should always be looking forward to the day when he or she will be able to once again take the car on the road. Because of this it is important to start researching what they will do when that time comes. The key to finding any cheap automobile insurance policy is to go out and shop around, or to do so within the comfort of your own home. If you are going to do it personally make a list of the local insurance agencies that you want to visit and a list of questions regarding your situation, so you can ask the agent what you should do when time comes. If on the other hand you are doing the shopping around online it is important for you to visit as many websites as possible (company websites) so you can get quotes from each of them and find the lowest price possible. You could also visit an online comparison website that will allow you to see the different between the many companies in the market. If you do this last one however, make sure that you are one hundred percent certain that the website is independent and it does not have a contract with any big auto insurance company.

If you are a driver convicted of a DUI make sure you ask insurance companies if they have some sort of classes you can attend to in which they go over the dangers of drinking and driving. This will not guarantee that your policy will be any cheaper, however; most of these classes will take points of your driving records and show the auto insurance companies that you want to change and start new without making any mistakes.

Another thing you can do in case of being convicted is asking for any special discounts that you insurance company will be willing to give you. Because discounts vary from company to company and in each state, it is important for you to know which ones apply to you. For a driver convicted of reckless driving or even DUI a defensive driving course discount would be the best choice. This discount focuses on the techniques of driving, how to avoid accidents and how to be alert at all times when behind the wheel. An insurance company will take note of this and give you a big discount on your auto insurance rates to reward you for being proactive and attending a class to improve your driving skills.

Another discount that a person can apply for is the safety feature discount; this will allow them to save some money if they have safety equipment such as air bags and anti-lock brakes in the car. If all those discounts are not enough try to drive a little less miles when you do hit the road. Most insurance companies reward what they call "low mileage" drivers and if you stay low and don't do a lot of driving in the first months after you get your driving privilege back, you will be able to save some money.

If everything else fails try to drop some coverage's or bundle your insurances. If you already have health insurance through an independent company then simply drop the medical part from your automobile insurance policy. You can also add your auto insurance to other types of insurances (life, health, homeowners, renters) if you do have them. This is what experts called bundling insurances because you will have all your services under one insurer. This will save you a lot of money because the insurer treats you as an special customer and will give you what is called the "multiple lines" discount.

As you can see being a convicted driver is never easy and finding cheap policies after a conviction could take a little time. However, if you are patient and follow the advice given above you will be able to find the lowest priced auto insurance policy in the market.

Car Insurance - A Brief Guide

2008-07-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

Car Insurance - A Brief Guide
by Colin Cherry

You have probably invested a lot of time,money and effort in your classic car, but have you invested in proper classic car insurance?

When it comes to classic car insurance, the underwriting is different from that used when insuring your more usual family car. If you want to protect your classic auto investment then it is vitally important that you insure with an insurance company that specializes in classic car insurance.

Having said that, there a few things to bear in mind when looking for the best classic car insurance quotes.

Firstly, garaging is important. Most insurance companies will insist that your classic auto is kept in a locked garage or parking area when it is not being driven. Also it has been known for some insurers to deny a claim when the vehicle has been left unattended in a car park or parking lot. This even extends to when and if you take your car on holiday. Parking in the hotel's lot may void any claims.

Secondly, most specialist classic auto insurers offer a choice of valuation methods, the most common being:

1. The Agreed Valuation Method. Here both the insurer and the insured agree a fair market value for the vehicle that is reviewed each year upon policy renewal. This is considered to be the fairest valuation method, but remember that unlike the usual family vehicle, classic cars can increase in value. This will be of course be reflected by a proportionate rise in premium.

2. The Actual Cash Value Method. With this method, the insurer will only pay out the current market value for the car. The problem with this is that the current market value means the original price of the car when it was brand new less depreciation. Lets say you have an e-type Jaguar that would of cost (for the sake of argument) $2000 in 1968. Today after depreciation the market value used by insurers would be (again for the sake of argument) $300 and this is all you would get if you made a claim.

3. The Stated Amount Method. This method involves the insurer setting the maximum amount that they would pay in the event of a claim. But this maximum amount would be the lesser of either the amount to repair the vehicle, the stated amount or the actual cash value. Once again this method does not take into account the true value of your classic auto and so should be avoided.

Thirdly, how you use your classic auto can have a great bearing on your insurance. A standard classic car insurance policy may only cover you whilst driving to and from classic auto shows. It you intend to use your classic car for more than this then make sure your policy covers you.

It's a sad fact of life that insurance companies will do their utmost to avoid paying out on claims so it is in your interest to make sure that have a cast iron policy. When looking for quotes always read the terms and conditions before handing over your cash. If you have or are thinking of getting a classic auto then don't forget to protect yourself if the worst should happen.

How Fuel Cells Work

2008-07-03T02:34:00.000-07:00

How Fuel Cells Work

In essence, a fuel cell works by catalysis, separating the component electrons and protons of the reactant fuel, and forcing the electrons to travel though a circuit, hence converting them to electrical power.

In mobile applications, such as energy sources for vehicles and small appliances such as cell phones and laptop computers, fuel cells offer much the same advantages as batteries, namely, noiseless, non-polluting, and vibration-free operation. For this reason, they are natural candidates for use as battery replacements. However, fuel cells offer the additional advantages that they are much lighter in weight than batteries and are not energy storage devices that require recharging after use. Rather, fuel cells take advantage of the high energy density of fossil fuels compared with the conventional low energy density associated with batteries.

Fuel Cells are electrochemical devices that generate electricity by directly converting the chemical energy associated with the oxidation of a fuel into direct current (DC) electricity. The chemical processes by which the electric current is produced are electrochemical, rather than thermochemical, in nature. Since no combustion reactions are involved in these processes fuel cells do not produce any of the undesirable products normally associated with the oxidation of fossil fuels in conventional energy conversion systems. As a result, fuel cells do not emit CO2, SO2, oxides of nitrogen, or particulate matter. Thus, fuel cells are environmentally friendly.

The primary fuel used by fuel cells is hydrogen and the oxidizer is oxygen, either in its pure form or in its more readily available form mixed with nitrogen and other gases as air. In some fuel cell types, the hydrogen fuel is derived from a fossil fuel, such as natural gas or gasoline, and the oxidizer is supplied as air. In these cases, the fuel cell must be fitted with a device, known as a reformer, that extracts the hydrogen from the fossil fuel.

The hydrogen gas is continuously fed to the anode (negative electrode) compartment while the oxygen is continuously fed to the cathode (positive electrode) compartment. Inside the fuel cell, the anode and the cathode are separated from one another by an intervening medium known as the electrolyte that serves as an ion conductor. The anode and the cathode are also connected together electrically by means of an electric circuit external to the fuel cell that serves as an electron conductor. In a typical fuel cell design, at the anode, the hydrogen is broken down into two components: the hydrogen nucleus (also known as a proton) and an electron. The electron represents the electric current and is transferred from the anode to the cathode through the electric circuit. This electric contains the load such as an electric motor. The proton migrates from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte. At the cathode, the proton meets up with the electron coming from the load and the oxygen. They all combine together to form water as the only chemical product of the fuel cell.

The electrochemical reactions that take place at the two electrodes (anode and cathode) need to be facilitated by another component of the fuel cell known as a catalyst, usually platinum. At the two electrodes, the electrochemical reactions occur on the catalyst surface where the electrolyte and fuel (or oxidizer) meet. This interface is often referred to as the triple interface, or three-phase interface, since in some fuel cell designs the fuel (or oxidizer) is a gas, the electrolyte is a liquid, and the electrode/catalyst surface is a solid. The state of this three-phase interface plays a critical role in determining the electrochemical performance of a fuel cell; hence, this triple interface has been the focus of much research in improving fuel cells. Figure 1.0 below illustrates the operation of a fuel cell.

Depending upon the manner in which the electrodes and the electrolyte are configured and the nature of the ionic species transported through the electrolyte, fuel cells can be grouped into six basic designs: (1) phosphoric acid fuel cells (PFAC) in which the electrolyte is phosphoric acid (H2PO4); (2) alkaline fuel cells (AFC) in which the electrolyte is a base such as potassium hydroxide (KOH); (3) proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) in which a polymer membrane serves as the electrolyte; (4) molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) in which molten carbonate, primarily in the form of potassium carbonate (K2CO3), serves as the electrolyte transporting carbonate ions rather than protons; (5) solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) in which the electrolyte is a solid such as yttria (Y2O3)-stabilized zirconia (ZrO2) that transports oxygen ions rather than protons; and (6) direct methanol fuel cells which are similar to PEMFC in that a polymer membrane serves as the electrolyte but the methanol/hydrogen reformer is built in to the anode.

Each of these fuel cell types has a particular set of characteristics with a set of applications for which it is appropriate. In general, the applications can be grouped into two broad categories: stationary applications and mobile applications.

In small scale stationary applications, such as distributed energy sources for residential application with power levels on the order of 10 kW or less, fuel cells, such as PEMFC, offer the advantages of noiseless, non-polluting, and vibration-free operation while at the same time eliminating the need for a loss making, wide area distribution network. In intermediate applications in the range of 10 kW to 250 kW, PAFC have found widespread use in facilities such as hospitals and telecommunications installations. For larger stationary applications at the level of 10 - 100 MW, MCFC and SOFC, offer the additional advantage over conventional power plants of co-generation of both electric power and low grade heating.

The Benefits of Hydrogen Fuel Cells

2008-06-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

The Benefits of Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Why do we care about fuel cells?

Because they produce electricity in a very efficient manner.

Vehicles that use hydrogen with fuel cell technology instead of gasoline are the cleanest around because they emit only water vapor into the air we breathe. These cars simply do not pollute. They can also use hydrogen from domestic energy sources, reducing our dependence on oil. And driving fuel cell vehicles significantly reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, helping to slow the increase in greenhouse gases.

100% Hydrogen Fueled Car: The New Honda FCX Clarity

2008-06-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

100% Hydrogen Fueled Car: The New Honda FCX Clarity

Acceleration in the Honda FCX Clarity is smooth and powerful for a great overall driving experience.

Information gleaned from multiple generations of Honda fuel cell vehicles pays off right now. Compared to the previous model, the powertrain on this next-generation FCX Clarity:

Is over 397 pounds lighter
Has 120% better power-to-weight ratio
Is 20% more fuel efficient
Has a powertrain that is 45% more compact and 10% more energy-efficient

Does the Honda FCX Clarity run on gasoline?
No. The FCX Clarity does not use any gasoline whatsoever. It runs on clean, domestically produced hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe.

Free and Clear
First, the basics: a fuel cell vehicle is powered by an electric motor running on electricity generated by a hydrogen-powered fuel cell stack. The Honda E-Drive electric motor lets you drive with peace of mind knowing that you are helping to reduce the amount of CO2 being released in our atmosphere. The compact coaxial motor is quieter and works at higher rpm, for greater efficiency and speed.

Get Vertical
The Vertical Flow (V Flow) fuel cell stack is one of Honda’s greatest breakthroughs in this area. The new design is smaller, allowing for better packaging efficiency. With a smaller stack, there’s room for more people. This ingenious design allows higher cell voltage stability and reduces the amount of heat generated. Gravity also helps with drainage of the excess water.

Added Power
The compact, high-efficiency lithium-ion battery pack is used as a supplemental power source capturing lost energy during deceleration and braking. The new lithium-ion battery delivers improved performance and energy recovery in a more lightweight, compact package. The new battery is significantly lighter and smaller than the ultra-capacitor of the 2005 FCX, allowing it to be stowed under the rear seat. This gives the car more passenger space and a bigger trunk.

Low Profile
Stylish? Definitely. It’s time to take another look at the FCX. This new model has a lower floor and sleeker overall design thanks to integration of the more compact stack and smaller powertrain. Thin A-pillars allow better visibility. A flat-bottom underbody reduces aerodynamic drag and increases efficiency.

Hybrid Cars: The next generation of hybrid electric vehicles - Plug-in Hybrids

2008-06-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hybrid Cars: The next generation of hybrid electric vehicles - Plug-in Hybrids

Compared to standard hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles offer even greater fuel economy and diversity and fewer emissions.

Plug-in hybrids have a larger battery pack than a standard hybrid electric vehicle. This allows plug-in hybrids to operate predominantly on electricity for short trips. For longer trips, a plug-in hybrid draws liquid fuel from its onboard tank, which provides comparable driving range to a conventional vehicle. The vehicle's onboard computer chooses when to use which fuel most efficiently.

Unlike a battery used in a standard hybrid electric vehicle, the plug-in hybrid battery can be recharged using a standard electrical outlet at home or even at the workplace. And the electricity used to recharge its battery can be generated by a renewable energy source, such as solar, wind, or biomass. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can also draw from an alternative fuel in its onboard tank.

Fuel: Alternative Sources - Eco-Friendly and Cheaper

2008-05-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

Fuel: Alternative Sources - Eco-Friendly and Cheaper
by Scotie Keithlow

As responsible human beings it is our moral duty that we leave this world a better place than we got it from our ancestors. There is an ardent need for saving the environment that is being polluted by emissions given out by the extensive use of gasoline.

The conventional and traditional fuel sources are becoming more and more expensive to extract and their indiscriminate use in the past century has resulted in their depletion. Alarm bells have already started ringing that these storehouses of natural fuel sources will reach critically low levels and precipitate a crisis much earlier than we think.

However there are promising discoveries that give hope that before any crisis occurs, mankind would have perfected and commercialized alternate sources of fuel that will be eco- friendly and affordable too.

Bio-diesel is one such alternate fuel source that is extracted from plants. Also known as E 85, bio-diesel is partly renewable. Its contents of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol mean that it is at least better than using pure gasoline.

Although such alternate fuel sources like E 85 score above gasoline, they still pollute and require a vast amount of corn to be grown which in turn translates into availability of lesser land for growing food for people.

Presently, electric cars seem to be the best alternate fuel source that we have, if we are to conserve our natural fuel sources. They are efficient because all of the electricity that they need can be generated at one central location. It is a much better option than consuming petroleum derivatives and polluting more by using small and inefficient combustion motors. Electricity can be produced in any manner that suits the needs on a particular location depending on the resources it has. One can use coal, hydro-electric or wind to produce this electricity that is required for electric cars.

The ultimate alternate fuel source, of course is your own legs on bike peddles. Peddle power is becoming increasingly popular as none of the other alternate fuel sources has completely panned out. Bio-diesel is not widely available and the power that the electric cars allow has not been perfected as yet. The bike is really a flawless machine for short to medium commutes. You will be in better shape, save some money, and do the environment a favor as well.

So, before switching on the ignition of the vehicle, ask yourself if it would not be easier to walk or ride.

Autos: A Car Buying Story

2008-05-20T22:20:00.000-07:00

Autos: A Car Buying Story
by Michael Thornessen

Generally, I wasn't too happy with the variety of models in Canada. When it comes to family cars, the choices are quite simple - you go for a mini van or, as of lately, for an SUV. No big deal. But I thought that mini van is a waste of money if you have only two kids and don't run a repair business. SUV has a fun, all-terrain drift to it, but it too is a waste if you don't use it. What I was looking for is a smaller multi-purpose, single-volume vehicle, and there aren't many of them here. Domestic makes are better in that respect than imports. I almost got to think that the selection is such that it forces you to either buy a big car or two cars.

I'm mostly saying this because I've seen plenty of such versatile models in Europe. For example, you can find a new Civic in 5 door trim - diesel!

Or a highly unusual, but apparently very versatile and practical Fiat Doblo (a wide spacious crossover) that looks somewhat like Honda Element, only it's a bit smaller and proportionally wider.

Wagons and generally single volume vehicles are very popular in Europe. Half of Fiat's fleet are such cars. And of course, the diesel option - everybody has it. I was really sorry I did not find a suitable one here.

Anyhow, that is what it is. This is my overview of different models I've looked at:

Honda Accord
I drove Accord '89 for years, and I can testify to its quality. The engine was just great, even with 230,000 km on it. Every year when I need to perform Air-Care, all I'm thinking is: "Is it going to be slightly better or slightly worse than last year?" In the first couple of years I used to drive a bit before the air-care to warm up the engine, but later abandoned that practice - it was simply unnecessary. Anyhow, Accord was my first thought, and always a backup plan: "if I don't find anything I like, I'll just buy Accord".

And the latest Accord (model 2003) was in all aspects a very good choice. Good space, good quality, safety, fuel economy, pretty much everything. It wasn't that sleek and pretty as I would hope, but that's really not big a deal. Also, it did not have the perfect safety scores (in couple of tests it had 4 out of 5) - and I was kind of expecting perfection from my favourite make. In the end, the current model was just about to be replaced, the 2008 is completely redesigned, and I was expecting major improvements with the new model. So the current model seemed somewhat an outdated choice.

Honda Civic
Haven't really thought of Civic before - to me it was a city car for singles or a first family car that you replace quickly. However, the new Civic (model from 2006) made a strong impression on me.

Pros: A lot of new features, some quite advanced. Top safety: impact-absorbing body, all 6 airbags, ABS, sensors, and all of that in the base version. Excellent fuel economy - just slightly worse than Corolla (which is top in that respect). Although a smaller car, it grew over time. The passenger space is very good even for a taller person. I even tried moving the driver seat all the way back and then sitting behind it, and it was ok. It's quite wide inside - it's no minivan, so don't expect wonders, but perfectly acceptable.

Also, the options are created reasonably, so all I had to add was AC - it had everything else. The design is sleek, the interior very pleasant, and very enjoyable for a driver. Driving a Civic (manual transmission) is just a beautiful experience.

Cons: The only flaw I found was small trunk space. Trunk is smaller than most of the cars I've looked at. Corolla has 40L bigger trunk which is not negligible especially in smaller cars. The shape of the trunk is good which means you can put in different robust pieces, but the total volume is simply small.

Honda CR-V
A completely new model (2007), bigger than before, and very nicely designed. I generally did not shoot for SUVs, but if I decided to get one, CRV would have been a serious candidate. The only flaw for me was that it doesn't come with manual transmission.

Honda Hybrid
I have also considered hybrid cars, but gave up generally for one reason: the batteries occupy a good part of the trunk space, and that was already an issue with non-hybrid models. And with the price, I decided to pass on those nice modern things this time.

Toyota Corolla
Towards Corolla, I had similar feeling as to the pre-2006 Civic - seems as a city, young/small family car, only even more than Civic. For my current situation, I was seriously considering it. What I didn't like was the way it was sold: the base model did not have ABS, only front airbags, and generally some other nice safety features were missing. Now the options are managed in such a way that if you add those things, you also get plenty of those that you don't need (e.g. sunroof), and it's not that affordable anymore.

On the other hand it had a lot to offer: good space for a smaller car, the best fuel economy, proven quality.

But I gave up on it mainly because of the lack of safety features.

Toyota Matrix
Similar to Corolla, with very similar and annoying option structure. I mean, it goes up to $28,000 if I add features I want (ABS, Airbags, AC, ...). That is because you also get leather seats, sunroof, and some other options.

Now Matrix was conceptually exactly what I wanted - a single-volume, not too big, but practical, multipurpose car. But it has been built on Corolla chassis, and to me it had a certain "incomplete" feeling to it. And almost some cheapness as well.

Toyota Camry
I did not like it very much. I mean, it seems to be a great car - it's big, spacious, amazingly soft and comfortable. It's a bit heavy which you can feel on acceleration, but again, it's a bigger car, so it's no surprise. Generally, Camry is starting to look and feel as a regular 6 cylinder large American car, which is perhaps exactly what they are trying to do. I did not like that much - I like cars such as Accord better; it's sleeker, more dynamic, a bit harder on the road, more sporty.

Anyhow, except for the fact that I did not need a big limousine-like car, I have nothing really against it.

Nissan
Nissan is an excellent car that simply did not flare any particular interest with me. This is of course just a personal taste. Altima is in particular very nice, well made and affordable car. Sentra is less so - I found it below similar sized cars. Maxima is a great full sized car - but similar to Toyota Camry it was a bit larger sedan that I'd go for.

Hyundai
Now this is a puzzle. Sonata has a beautiful and very elegant style. It looks fairly high-end by appearance. And it has excellent features and plenty of them. For example, a latest trend - Shiftronic transmission or CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) that pairs the best attributes of manual and automatic mechanisms. I've heard that the fuel economy with CVT is almost as good as in the manual one; actually Volvo claims that in one of their models, on a highway, CVT performs even better than manual. But to me, driving a car with CVT was not that impressive experience.

Hyundai obviously has a lot of latest features for a highly affordable price. And although it does look good, you can still tell that it's an affordable car. When Hyundai entered the American market it was known as the worst car - people say it would last you for about a year. But in the past 5 years they have made such a good progress, that in some independent ratings (Such as Consumer Report's) they rate better in some aspects than Honda or Toyota.

All in all, I did not spend much time on it, although I've considered both Sonata and their SUV Tucson as an option.

Mazda
I was looking mainly at Mazda 3 Sport. By the way, the name is completely misleading - for a long time I did not even consider it because I simply thought it's a sport edition not suitable for a family. But when I did looked at it, I was surprised to learn that it actually isn't - the term "sport" apparently came up only because "hatchback" was too "boring". Silly - I don't think they really thought this one through well.

Anyhow, I learned it has almost all I needed, and on test drive it felt really good. The dealer told me they sell mostly manual versions because it's a performance car. I doubt this is really true, but it is true that the car is pretty sporty - very responsive, fairly strong, and in general a pleasure to drive. Nevertheless, it has good space inside, and generally is suitable for a family.

But the trunk was small, i.e. narrow. The width of the trunk is virtually the same as the width of the trunk door. This I simply don't understand - seems as if they purposely did not use all the available space.

In addition, its crash ratings (from the tests) were not the best. And as a smaller flaw the seat covers felt a bit unpleasant.

But it is generally a very good car and I was considering it very seriously

Mazda 5 also caught my attention because it was a bigger family car, yet not a mini van. I was comparing it to Matrix. However, it looked to me that the goal with an unusual "crossover" design was not really achieved (or completed), at least to my personal taste. The third row is too small for anyone except kids to use for any longer drive. With the third row up, the trunk is too small. Although not a mini van it is still fairly heavy and "lazy" on the road.

It's generally a very interesting vehicle, worth looking at.

Subaru
Ah, Subaru...

Subaru was the most pleasant discovery for me. I didn't know much at all about this make, only a few vague facts. But after I learned a bit about it I figured that this make is simply excellent. And they have recently been gaining more and more popularity. Then I went to US for a weekend and saw that there are as many Subarus (mostly Outbacks) on the road there as there are Honda Civics in Canada. Every other person owns it!

So I explored the models a bit and figured that Forester and Outback are most appealing. Forester as a smaller and cheaper option and Outback as a bigger and more expensive. Impreza was too small and a bit too much sporty - it's a performance car used for racing. Legacy, built on the same chassis as Outback and very similar as well was ok, but Outback simply looks better.

I took Forester on a test drive - although it has older look, and is boxier, jeep-like, I liked it somewhat better than Outback. Actually this comparison is a bit like comparing apples and oranges - both look very nice and are conceptually different in exterior design. Perhaps I liked Forester a bit better exactly because it looks like a small SUV. It drives just beautifully. It's not really an SUV, because it's smaller and lower than, say CR-V, but it does feel like one because you sit higher above the road than, say, in a sedan. This gives you an excellent visibility of the road in front of you. The space was good, but not too good - in particular the shoulder and hip room is comparable to even Corolla and Civic. So two car seats and an adult can fit in the back, but it wouldn't be too comfortable on a longer, hour%u2019s long trip. Other dimensions including the trunk size are just fine.

An interesting little side feature of the Boxer engine (horizontally opposed pistons): When you turn the ignition on, Forester "shakes" just a wee bit, just as if you were sitting in a truck. This is not too noticeable, but it gives you a bit of a nice feeling of strength.

Security with Subaru vehicles is the one of the strongest points. Their cars have straight 5 on all tests (front impact, side impact and rear impact). This is not accidental - they have systematically developed this quality. They've been known in the past to put a lot of effort in security, so much that even they admitted they did it on account of the style. Thus, even the Forester that does not have the curtain airbags at all, protects rear passenger better than some vehicles that have the curtain airbags. However, I found that lack of those airbags was too serious flaw for me - as I mentioned, my first priority was safety and I did not want to compromise in that respect even a bit. Outback on the other hand has all 6 airbags, but it's also considerably more expensive.

Another security feature resulting from the engine design, i.e. the Boxer style, is that it has very low center of gravity, lower than ordinary engines. For this reason, the risk of rollover with Forester is comparable to a sedan, rather than any SUV.

Subaru vehicles are not true gas-savers. Specifications claim they spend 10.7L/100km. I drove Outback for 24 hours, and it spent 12L/100km. This is understandable; you'll never get the fuel economy from the spec, especially with brand new car. However, compared to Corolla's 7.1 or Civic 7.8, it is almost 50% more.

I didn't choose Subaru for a couple of reasons, although I was so close to buying one. Forester does not have curtain airbags, and new Forester model is planned for 2009. Outback is not cheap - with taxes and PDI and the rest of the fees it comes up to $38,000. Buying Outback in US would cost me somewhat above $30,000. Forester would be somewhat below $30,000. So, I'd have to pay good money, and wouldn't be happy with either lack of airbags or not the best fuel economy. But I think my next car might easily be a Subaru.

Volvo
No need to say it's a great make, and one of my personal favourites. However, affordable or close to affordable Volvo's (such as S40, V50) are small, and larger ones (S70, XC70) are expensive. If it wasn't for the price I think I wouldn't even analyze it - I'd just go and buy it.

Volkswagen
I know VW was always a good car - when I was a kid half of my hometown was driving VW. I know features of Golf models from Golf I to Golf IV. And I drove it a bit too. But my main interest in VW was that I was looking for a diesel car. I was disappointed to find that VW dealers in Canada do not sell plenty of diesel models. There is TDI (here and now it means Jetta TDI) - that's it.

Then I also discovered that City Golf and City Jetta are amazingly affordable - they are cheaper than Civic and Corolla. And they are good cars! I almost decided to go for one of them!

But Golf is small for a Canadian family, in particular, the trunk is too narrow - I can't even put the kid's stroller in straight, but have to incline it a bit. I started wondering how did the half of my hometown raise kids with a Golf? (And the other half of the town drove smaller cars.) But those were different times...

City Jetta is better in that respect, but not too much. It is an old Jetta model, first designed several years ago. It's still the same with all the small improvements made over the years, but nothing major.

Major redesign of Jetta went into the Jetta model (without "City") that is some 8 grand more expensive and looks more like a Passsat (actually so much so that on the road I have trouble telling Jetta from Passat). Jetta is an excellent car, has excellent security features, lots of space (very, very comfortable inside). And there is diesel (TDI) option.

Generally, an excellent option - only a summary of all features and price decided against it, and not by far at all.

+ Nine Lies Car Insurance Adjusters Might Tell You

Nissan Titan 2008 Review - Test Drive & Pricing

2008-05-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

Nissan Titan 2008 Review - Test Drive & Pricing
by Brian Lebow

The Good: Nissan's half ton grows even larger with a new long-wheelbase version and exterior styling has been updated a bit!

The Bad: Lacking powertrain options (like a V-6) or a single cab option

Overall: Though it's not as versatile as the Tundra, Silverado or F-150, the Titan has a lot going for it, including a spacious interior cab, also now available, a full 8.2-ft bed and great technology. But can it bite into the American Truck Segment that's predominantly occupied by legends like the F series truck from Ford? Nissan hopes so...

We're on the Road in the 2008 Nissan Titan

Trucks are part of our culture here in America. In certain parts of the country it's required to have a truck with a gun rack or optionally a large dog in the back, some parts of the country you can't have one without the other. In late 2003 (2004 Model Year) Nissan debuted in the segment with challenging the domestics in this typical American market segment. What's more American than good old fashioned competition?

Since 2004, the Titan has been updated, the 2008 model got even larger. The Titan's exterior was updated this year and a new PRO-4X trim level is available. Nissan's Titan is offered in four models: XE, SE, PRO-4X and LE; two cab styles - King Cab and Crew Cab; four bed lengths - 5'6" and 7' for Crew Cab, 6'6" and 8' for King Cab; 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations; and continued from last year, Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) capability (E85 Ethanol) as a no-cost option. That's a lot of variations, but still no regular cab or V-6 engine option is available. The newest colors available in 08 are Desert Stone and Timberline.

Powertrain/Transmission: The heart of any work truck of course is the powertrain and though the Titan offers only one option, it shoots above the average. The Powertrain consists of a 5.6-liter V-8 good for (an improved) 317-horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, with available tow/haul mode and shift on the fly 4-WD system. The five-speed automatic shifts are somewhat slow, but it's got enogh hp to compensate and the slow shifts rarely detract from the passing ability or driving experience. The 30 year segment leader F-Series trucks from Ford, have many more powertrain options, starting with the 4.2-liter V6. The Titan's shifts are sluggish, but there's power to compensate. If you regularly have heavy loads the slow shifting might be more of a consideration. For everyday 'light duty' driving, it's not an issue.

Given gas prices what they are, you can't overlook the large segment of consumers (those that don't need a work truck) turning away from larger engines. For the construction worker or those that need a serious work truck, we don't have a problem recommending the Titan. With the optional tow package, the Titan can pull up to 9,500 pounds (the Crew Cab maxes out at 9,400-lbs.) Rear and four-wheel drive models are available.

Exterior: This year the Titan got a couple of upgrades, like the extra cargo box length for the long wheelbase models. Other updates include: the new grille and headlights. The standard wheelbase bed options are: 5.5-foot cargo box (Crew Cab) or a 6.5-foot bed (King Cab), and the long wheelbase models can have the 7 or 8.2-foot bed, respectively.

The trucks lines are hard and fresh, making for a nice looking, modern truck. The Pro-4X trim level gets the Rancho shocks, more skid plates, all-terrain tires, a locking rear-differential, and Pro-4X logos. There's also Titan's available spray-on bedliner which helps prevent scratch damage and corrosion to the bed and inner tailgate surface. Thinner than drop-in bedliners or typical aftermarket spray-on applications, the Titan bedliner also maximizes bed volume. It is the first offered by any original equipment manufacturer and is covered by the Nissan warranty.

Jump Inside the Nissan Titan and find seating for five or six (depending on whether you opt for the captians chairs or bench up front). There's really a great deal to enjoy inside the Titan, you can add the Mobile Theater System for about $1450, which will quell the kids on long rides and there's the Nissan Nav System which is pretty useful on out of town trips, it'll run about $1,800. and you'll probably want to add the VDC package which also adds supplemental airbags. There's some really nice touches inside the Titan.

Safety: The Titan earned the highest possible result, "Good" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for front impact, while side impact tests have not been conducted.

Reliability Issues: Consumer Reports the Titans two wheel-drive model predicted reliability is 'worse than average', while the four wheel drive Titan was rated "Much Worse Than Average." We certainly did not experience any problems during our test drive, the vehicle was over 13,000 miles and no problems were discovered as we put the truck through it's paces.

While most trucks in the segment still offer a lap belt for the front center position (when you get the bench up front), Nissan's Titan steps up to a three point belt in this position. All-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and active front head restraints are standard. Optional equipment includes: side-impact airbags for front seats, side curtain airbags and the power-adjustable pedals.

The Way you feel Inside: This updated Titan has some nice modern amenities, things you wouldn't find in your old pick-up, like available Bluetooth connectivity, moonroof, satellite radio, heated power seats, and rear seat dvd entertainment system. The Titan has an innovative bedside storage compartment located behind the rear driver's side wheel. The bedside storage bin is designed to hold common truck items such as work gloves, rope, road flares, first aid kit or a hitch ball. It's about the size of a kids lunchbox inside. The compartment is double-sealed to help prevent the intrusion of water and dust (though the compartment is not designed to be waterproof in case of submersion) and uses the ignition key for un/locking - see photo. Also helpful is the rear sonar system that helps you back up and the extending tow mirrors with dual mirrors.

Though the Titan does have a great deal to offer, it's what's missing that stands out. The lack of a V-6 option plus you can't get it in a regular cab could be stumbling blocks for some consumers that don't need the power of a V-8 and the additional passenger space. If you do need the power and space, the reliability issues noted from Consumer Reports might be enough to make you think twice. We certainly had no issues with our nine month old test truck (a 4x4 LE), which had over 14,000 miles and performed very well.

By the numbers

The Nissan TITAN (V-8) is rated at 12 mpg city/17 highway on dual fuel, Ethanol (E85) which can be 20 -30% less expensive than gas, which you can also use to fill the largest in class 37 gallon tank.

The 2008 Nissan TITAN - MSRP Price

The 2008 Nissan Titan King Cab and Titan Crew Cab are offered in four models - XE, SE and LE, each with a choice of 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations - and PRO-4X (4WD only). Each offered with list of standard equipment including a powerful 5.6-liter Endurance V8, 5-speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul mode, power rack-and-pinion steering and 18-inch wheels and tires.

Titan XE models are equipped with a standard 40/20/40 split front bench seat with a center seat fold-down armrest storage bin, split fold-up rear seat and three-point seat belts for five positions. XE and SE 2WD models are available with a Traction Package (standard on LE) that includes 2-wheel limited slip (ABLS) and front tow hooks. The new PRO-4X grade adds 18 x 8J alloy wheels with off-road-style center cap, largest-in-class* P275/70R18 off-road tires, body-color front and rear bumpers and grille, a lockable bedside storage box, unique interior features including unique meters and gauges, splash guards, the off-road equipment detailed above and auto on/off headlamps.

Titan SE models include standard 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and P265/70R18 tires and chrome steel center bumper, while LE models add 6-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels, standard high-utility bed, leather-appointed seating, Rockford Fosgate?-powered audio system with eight speakers, dual-zone auto-climate control system and power folding mirrors with heat, power adjust, auto dim, and integrated turn signal.

Optional SE equipment packages include a Popular Package (equipped with split bench seat or bucket seats) including upgraded audio system with steering wheel audio controls, rearview mirror, temperature and UGDO, proximity sensors and adjustable pedals; and Popular Rockford Fosgate Package, which includes Popular Package contents plus premium sound Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system and, new for 2008, Bluetooth? hands-free phone system and XM? satellite radio tuner.

Other available equipment and packages include sunroof, Navigation Package with DVD-based navigation system and Utility Bed Package with C-channel tie down system, bedside storage, rear bed lighting and power point and spray-on bedliner. The Titan's Tow Package includes receiver hitch, lower final gear ratio, additional 7-pin wiring harness plug, trailer brake prewiring, transmission temperature gauge, extending mirrors and heavy-duty battery

The 2 wheel drive King Cab XE starts at $24,390 and standard features include a six-speaker CD stereo, cruise control and air. The rear wheel drive SE starts at $26,650 and adds upgrades like remote keyless entry, allow wheels and power windows, door locks and mirrors. The Pro-4X models have off-road upgrades and start at $31,980. The LE gets 20 inch wheels, heated power seats, leather upholstery and more. Depending on configuration (2 or 4-Wheel Drive / Bed Length) you can spend up to $46,000 on a Titan when you add nav, rear seat entertainment, rear parking sensors, and other options.

Our test vehicle - the 4x4 LE - 7'3" bed - with Nav, rear seat entertainment the Tow Package, Side-Air Bag Package with VDC, Moonroof, Step Rails and Sliding Bed Extender had an MSRP of $44,900.

+ Ford Focus 2008 - Test Drive & Pricing

Cars: Luxury Hybrids Vehicles

2008-05-12T22:13:00.000-07:00

Cars: Luxury Hybrids Vehicles
by Thomas Jones

Do you know what luxury hybrid vehicles are available on the market today? Do you get confused when you see advertisements on the television for the many different makes and models? You're not the only one. Hybrid vehicles are becoming more and more popular in today's driving world and the choices are growing each and every day. This handy guide will give you - hopefully - a clearer look at the variety of hybrid vehicles that are available for consumer purchase.

BMW
The racing market has been cornered by BMW and its HR2 hybrid. They also have a line of consumer hybrid vehicles which include the BMW C-1 scooter, BMW X6 hybrid, BMW SUV hybrids, and the BMW X3 hybrid.

Lexus
Luxury vehicle manufacturer Lexus offers consumers two hybrids in the sedan style: the GS and the LD. The RX is their SUV hybrid. The LS sedan is one of Lexus' top line models with a hefty price tag of$104,000.00 MSRP. The GS comes in at $54,900.00 MSRP, and the RX SUV starts at $41,280.00 MSRP.

Mercury
Mercury is the working classes luxury automobile and their Mariner SUV hybrid is a four-wheel drive starting at $28,945.00. The full wheel drive model is $27,195.00. Mercury's prices for their hybrids are staying to close to the MSRP for their conventional models even though most hybrids go for an average of $10,000.00 more.

Porsche
Deep pockets drive Porsches in the first place and they are getting into the hybrid market with the introduction of the Porsche Cayenne SUV sometime in the 2008-2009 automobile season. Considering a fully loaded Porsche SUV sits around $93,700.00, plan on bringing your bank book. This will probably not be the only hybrid Porsche will develop. Many people will be interested in the sedan line the company offers and that will probably be the next offering after the Cayenne.

Mercedes-Benz
While they still don't have a consumer hybrid on their dealership lots yet, Mercedes is planning on bringing one out in 2009. One of the S-Class cars, this hybrid will not be cheap. Estimates are already placing cost between $127,000.00 an $195,000.00. Hybrids tend to be more expensive overall so don't be surprised if it goes over that $195,000.00. If it goes well, Mercedes will bring out more by 2010.

Just because you don't see your favorite car line on this list, that doesn't mean they do not have a hybrid available. Toyota and Ford both have models on the lots and there is rumor circling that Volkswagen will begin producing them as well. As a matter of fact, it will probably just be a matter of time before most major automobile manufacturers have a hybrid in their 'stable' of vehicles.

Also, car manufacturers are constantly adding to the product line and rolling out new models every year. If you have a little bit of patience, you will be able to find the perfect hybrid for you. It doesn't matter if it is an SUV or car - maybe even a truck - hybrids are the way of the future and there will more on the road as the years go by.

Car Insurance Basics

2008-05-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

Car Insurance Basics
by Amy Danise

Car insurance is a contract that protects your financial security in case of an accident. Although it is not mandated by federal law, the purchase of auto insurance is usually a requirement in most states; every state (with the exception of New Hampshire and Wisconsin) have minimum insurance laws.

These two states, instead of having insurance requirements, have mandated financial responsibility laws, so that the owner of a car is required to show that he has sufficient funds to pay any necessary claims. If said owner cannot produce proof of satisfactory assets, then he must buy an auto insurance policy. Regardless of the law, having good car insurance is practical for the driver who wishes to avoid lawsuits or immense repair bills.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), a basic auto insurance policy is comprised of six basic types of coverage. While some of these types of coverage are required by state law, some are considered optional.

These are: 1. Bodily injury liability 2. Property damage liability 3. Medical payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) 4. Collision 5. Comprehensive 6. Uninsured/Underinsured motorists coverage

Liability Insurance
Liability coverage is the foundation of any car insurance policy, and is required in most states. If you are at fault in an accident, your liability insurance will pay for the bodily injury and property damage expenses caused to others in the accident, including your legal bills. Bodily-injury coverage pays for medical bills and lost wages.

Property-damage coverage pays for the repair or replacement of things you wrecked other than your own car. The other party may also decide to sue you to collect "pain and suffering" damages.

Liability insurance (both bodily injury and property damage) is the foundation of most car insurance policies and is ideal if you are seeking a low cost car insurance policy. Every state that requires auto insurance mandates the purchase of property damage liability, and Florida is the only state that requires car insurance but does not call for bodily injury liability. If you are at fault in an auto accident, your liability coverage will pay all the expenses, bodily injury, property damage, and any legal bills. The bodily injury coverage would pay for medical bills and lost wages; the property damage coverage would pay for any auto repairs, or replacement. Property damage liability usually repairs damage to other vehicles, but can also cover damages to things such as lamp poles, fences, buildings, or anything else that your car may have struck.

Remember, although purchasing only the minimum can get you a cheap car insurance rate, if you cause a serious accident, minimum insurance may not cover you adequately. That's why it's a good idea to buy more than what your state requires. If you own a home and have nest egg and a savings account, you should consider more liability insurance because, in most states, drivers are allowed to sue other drivers who injure them in car accidents. If you're sued and your liability insurance doesn't pay for all of the damages, your personal finances are on the hook, and it's likely you'll become a target.

Collision and Comprehensive Coverages
If you cause an accident, collision coverage will pay to repair your vehicle. You usually can't collect any more than the actual cash value of your car, which is not the same as the car's replacement cost. Collision coverage is normally the most expensive component of your car insurance rate. By choosing a higher deductible, say $500 or $1,000, you can keep your premium costs down. However, keep in mind that you must pay the amount of your deductible before the insurance company kicks in any money after an accident.

Insurance companies often will "total" your car if the repair costs exceed a certain percentage of the car's worth. The critical damage point varies from company to company, from 55 percent to 90 percent.

Comprehensive coverage will pay for damages to your car that weren't caused by an auto accident: Damages from theft, fire, vandalism, natural disasters, or hitting a deer all qualify. Comprehensive coverage also comes with a deductible and your insurer will only pay as much as the car was worth when it got wrecked.

Because insurance companies normally will not pay you more than your car's book value, it's helpful if you have a rough idea of this amount. Check the Kelley Blue Book or the National Automobile Dealers Association. If your car is worth less than what you're paying for the coverage, you're better off not having it.

Neither collision nor comprehension insurance is required by any of the states, but some lenders, when the owner finances the car, may require the purchase of collision and comprehensive in the loan agreement. Even when it is not required, collision and comprehensive coverage is highly recommended by the insurance industry, so that in the unforeseen event of damage or theft, the owner of the car can avoid heavy bills. Theft of cars is not as unusual as some people may think. In 2004, a car was stolen in the United States every 26 seconds, and a car had a 1 in 190 chance of being stolen.

Medical Payments, PIP, and No-fault coverages
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage will pay for your and your passengers' medical expenses after an accident. These expenses can arise from accidents while you're driving your car, someone else's car (with their permission), and injuries you or your family members incur when you're pedestrians. The coverage will pay regardless of who is at fault, but if someone else is liable, your insurer may seek to recoup the expenses from him or her.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is an extended form of MedPay. PIP may cover expenses that are related to injury, but not necessarily medical, such as lost wages, childcare and funeral costs. PIP coverage is currently required by sixteen states. If you are already insured under a good health insurance policy, then fortunately, there is no need to buy more than the minimum required amount of PIP or MedPay insurance.

If you have a good health insurance plan, there might be little need to buy more than the minimum required PIP or MedPay coverages, if at all. And, if you already have disability insurance, there's little reason to purchase higher-than-minimum amounts of PIP.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverages
Uninsured motorists (UM) coverage pays for your injuries if you're struck by a hit-and-run driver or someone who doesn't have auto insurance. It is required in many states.

Underinsured motorists (UIM) coverage will pay out if the driver who hit you causes more damage than his or her liability coverage can cover. In some states, UM or UIM coverage will also pay for property damages. Similarly, underinsured motorists insurance will cover any damage caused when you are struck by a driver who is not insured for a sufficient amount.

If you are hit, as a pedestrian, underinsured coverage will cover the expenses. Uninsured motorists insurance is currently required by twenty states, and Underinsured motorists coverage is required by only four: Connecticut, Minnesota, Maine, and Vermont.

You'll probably want to have at least the minimal amount of UM/UIM because if you can't find the other driver, you'll at least have some coverage for pain-and-suffering damages.

Add-on Features
Several supplemental auto coverages are available, either as separate premium items or included in augmented policies. -Rental reimbursement, a common add-on, covers vehicle rentals required because your car is damaged or stolen. -Coverage for towing and labor charges in case of a road breakdown is also common. -Gap coverage for your new car will pay the difference between the actual cash value you receive for the car and the amount left on your car loan if your vehicle is totaled in an accident.

Basic auto insurance is required by virtually every state and is typically the cheapest auto insurance in the marketplace. Proof of insurance is required at different times throughout the life of a vehicle.

You may be asked for proof of insurance at any and all of these times: at vehicle registration, at the time of an accident, and any time when driving the vehicle. It is suggested that the owner of the car keeps proof of insurance in the car at all times, instead of on his or her person, so that it can be available at all times, no matter who is driving.

Any violations of state law regarding car insurance could result in, at best, a hefty fine, and at worst, suspension of your driver's license and/or time in jail. The dire consequences of driving while uninsured are not worth the neglect of paying for insurance. The chance that an uninsured driver will avoid detection is slim; he is likely to be caught and strictly punished.

Nine Lies Car Insurance Adjusters Might Tell You

2008-05-01T21:48:00.000-07:00

Nine Lies Car Insurance Adjusters Might Tell You
by Dave Williams

This fact can’t be disputed or denied: Insurance adjusters often lie to consumers, hoping their antics will cause them to become discouraged and accept a smaller settlement than they are rightfully owed. While it is true, mistakes occasionally happen and some adjusters pass untruths out of ignorance, many others are handsomely rewarded for routinely telling blatant and deliberate lies to claimants.

In this article you will learn nine of the most frequent lies car insurance adjusters tell. Beneath each lie, you will learn the truth.

1. You must get your car repaired

It’s your car and no one can make you do something with it that you don’t want to do. If you choose not to repair damage that is covered by insurance, as a general rule, the insurer still owes you for the full value of necessary repairs that would be required to put your vehicle into its preloss condition. But, be forewarned. If you choose not to repair accident damage on your car, your insurance company would not be required to continue insuring the car for its full retail value. In fact, if you play hardball, your insurance company may decline to insure your car altogether forcing you to shop for other insurance coverage at a time when your driving record may be marked by an accident.

2. You must go to the insurer’s preferred shop

If you choose to have your car repaired, most state’s laws allow you to authorize work at the shop of your choice. However, if you encounter problems with a shop you selected, the insurance company will be quoting the old lyric, “I told you so,” and will be little help in procuring your satisfaction. If, on the other hand, you go to a shop selected by an insurer and get deceived, or don’t receive the level of repair you are entitled to, you will be in a much better position to negotiate with the insurer, especially if there is threat of a bad faith lawsuit against them.

3. You must turn the claim in to your own company if we disagree

If you are the victim of someone else’s negligence and their insurer is trying to get you to settle for less than you are entitled, you might consider sending a demand for payment to the person that caused the damage. The fact that the negligent party bought lousy insurance coverage does not relieve them of the responsibility and obligation they have to indemnify you of damage they caused. Therefore, if the third-party insurance company doesn’t want to make full restitution to you on their policyholders’ behalf, you are under no obligation to deal with them. Simply insist on payment directly from the negligent party or pay your deductible and file a claim under your own insurance policy.

4. Repairs will restore your vehicle to its preloss condition

There are many factors that prevent a car or truck from being restored to its preloss condition. The same would be true for anything that is damaged and reconstructed. Think for a moment about a valuable vase that gets broken. Although the vase could be glued back together, even to the point that the damage is unrecognizable, it could never be as sound or as valuable as it previously was because there is a potential for failure after the accident and repair that didn’t previously exist. Likewise, during auto repairs it is economically impractical to test every component and part on a car to guarantee that it’s performance and durability are unaltered. In addition, many of the tests that would be required in making this determination are destructive by nature making them unfeasible to perform. What if the crash affected sealed electronics in your car’s dash or clutches in your car’s transmission causing premature failure of these expensive parts? What if your car’s metal becomes fatigued from being beaten, stretched, hammered, and welded on causing it to fold easier in a subsequent accident and causing late deployment of airbags? What if…

5. You Don’t need a lawyer

Insurers, oftentimes, do not take consumers, without legal representation, seriously. Let’s face it; where there is no threat of danger, there is little motive for action. As an example, you could enthusiastically warn me by shouting, “beware of the dog” until you lose your voice. But until you take the chain off or open the gate to the pen I probably wouldn’t run. In fact, I might not run even then if you have a terrier or a poodle. If however, you are saying “sic-um” to a ferocious pit bull, I’ll have a much different attitude. Insurers are no different. They pick and choose their fights. If they think you can mount a good defense against them, they will usually pay you everything you are owed. If they think you can’t afford a lawyer or a proper defense, they will most often bully you and stall your claim, sometimes forever. As in the analogy of the dog, when you unleash a lawyer that commands insurer’s respect, you will get action. But even then, don’t expect results quickly. Often, deals are made on the courthouse steps just prior to a trial. The months and sometimes years leading up to that point can be very frustrating for claimants.

6. Your car will be just as valuable after the accident and repairs as before

Most people are alike in that given the choice between two cars identical in every way with the exception being that one has been involved in an accident and the other has not, most would prefer the car with no damage history. This is true even if repairs to the car not chosen are of such good quality that you can’t tell it apart from the undamaged one. With the number of used car certification programs growing and damage disclosure to potential buyers a legal requirement in many states, the only way wrecked cars sell is if the price is cut low enough to offset the risk car shoppers take when purchasing damaged goods. The loss in market value a car suffers after being wrecked and repaired is known as diminished value (DV).

7. We don’t pay Diminished Value (DV)

In third-party claims, insurance companies are obligated to pay diminished value to claimants who prove the amount of their losses. Proving a loss is not difficult. It will, however, require that you have a post-repair inspection performed on your repaired vehicle - unless, of course, you want to take the insurer’s word for the amount you are owed. Since one of the biggest factors lessening the value of repaired cars and trucks is poor quality workmanship, it is easy to understand why it is impossible to determine the amount of diminished value without a detailed and thorough examination of the property following completion of the repairs by a body shop.

It is usually more difficult to collect diminished value under your own policy than it is in third-party cases where another person’s insurance is paying. The reason for this is that many consumers, unbeknownst to them, purchase insurance policies that have diminished value exclusions written in them. By virtue of being bound to this contract that they purchased, these consumers will be forced to forgo this portion of their claim. But, even in these cases, consumers that have purchased a post-repair inspection will often have proof that repairs failed to restore a vehicle to its preloss condition. Faced with this proof and the obligation to indemnify the policyholder, insurers are often forced to make a monetary concession - though rarely will they call it a diminished value payment.

8. You must go back to the same dishonest and/or slothful shop for rerepairs

If you didn’t have to get your car repaired in the first place, why would you feel obligated to return a second, third or forth time to get the job done right? You don’t have to and you shouldn’t. You are under no more obligation to go back to an auto collision repair shop that butchered your car than you are to go back to a barber shop or beauty shop that butchered your haircut. Some courts have even taken the position that if you go back after knowing the limited capabilities of the shop or knowing that they might be less than honest, then you deserve whatever treatment you get the second time. You know the old saying, “Get me once, shame on you; Get me the second time, shame on ME!”

9. Insurance direct repair shops are the best places to get your car repaired

Direct repair shops (DRP) are not chosen for their ability to perform high quality work. Rather, insurers choose these shops to work with based on the amount of concessions and discounts they are willing to give them in exchange for referrals. In effect, DRP shops see insurers as their customers instead of vehicle owners. Given the choice, most will favor an insurer to keep work coming in the door, even if it means lying and cheating long-time customers. There are many ways DRP shops favor insurers. As an example, many DRP agreements and contacts mandate that repair shop estimators overlook certain damages that would not be blatantly obvious to a consumer's untrained eye. In addition, it would not be uncommon for them to try to talk you into accepting an appearance allowance that represents an amount less than the actual cost of repairs to forgo repair of some damaged panels or parts. This would often be presented to you in such a way as to convince you they are doing you a favor.

Reality is, whether or not you get your car repaired, you are entitled to full value for the cost of repairs necessary to restore your property to its preloss condition. You shouldn’t settle for less!

This information is general in nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal or insurance advice. Readers are encouraged to consult specialists in these fields who have an understanding of legal and insurance issues on a local, state, and national level.

Car: Should You Buy New or Used

2008-04-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

Car: Should You Buy New or Used
by Dennis James

When you decide to purchase a new car, there are many things you must take into consideration. First there is the car's make and model. There are small hatchbacks you can buy, family cars or, if you prefer, large SUVs.

It all depends on your personal needs and your budget, the bigger the car, the more it will cost and the more gas it will consume. Think about the future when buying the car, not only on your current financial position. Then what kind of car you will buy: a new one or a used car.

Both situations have their pros and cons. Buying a new vehicle has the main advantage that you will be the car's first owner. You will be the first one to drive it, it will smell like new and you can be considered the proud owner of a brand new vehicle.

Another important fact is that a new auto with a two or three year guarantee, so the manufacturer ensures you that the car will function properly this entire time. In addition, if sometimes breaks, it will be covered by the warranty and the vendor will change that faulty item free of charge.

However, all these advantages come with a price. A new car is always going to be more expensive than a used one. In addition, not only do you pay a lot more when you buy it, but also the car will loose its value very fast. In fact, a new car looses about 15% of its initial value each year. In addition, when you will want to sell it after a couple of years, you will see that you have obtained a lower price than hoped.

On the other hand, a more convenient way of purchasing a car is to buy a used one. Not everybody has the money to buy a new car and an used vehicle is the perfect solution for them.

A car is more than a luxury object nowadays, it is indeed a necessity. If you have kids, you can even go as further as to say that a car is vital. You can go anywhere you want anytime you want, you can do the shopping very conveniently and you can carry more things than before. And a used car is a great solution, especially if you can find a car in good working condition.

When it comes to buying second hand cars, there are many solutions available. While you can read the newspapers and follow those ads, you can buy a used car in a more convenient way.

Many good cars can be found in online auctions. There are many online cheap repo car sales and if you are lucky, you can even find a car up to 95% off its retail value.

Repo cars are in perfect condition but they are very cheap as these vehicles have been repossessed, for various reasons, from their initial owners. Usually these cars have traveled few miles and for the past recent years they have stayed in a garage and not on the streets. Choosing a cheap repo car can be the perfect solution for you, especially as you can be sure of the car's origin and about the fact that the car has not been hit or damaged.

Hybrids: How to Select the Best Hybrid Vehicle

2008-04-25T18:34:00.000-07:00

Hybrids: How to Select the Best Hybrid Vehicle
by Darren Williger

Environmentalists are fans of the hybrid vehicle. Customers consider them in high regard. Manufacturers feel the demands of the consumer market and can't wait to manufacture more variations of these vehicles. Mixture cars are becoming all the more popular. The constant variations in the prices of gasoline have meant a lot of benefits for the manufacturers of hybrid vehicles. People who purchase mixture vehicles are flooding the market in order to determine whether these vehicles are worth the prices that they are being sold at.

Estimated projections have shown that in the next decade or so there will be a substantial number of alternative fuel vehicles in the global automobile market. This is quite a large difference from the minimal number of hybrid vehicles in existence a while back. Despite this fact, the main thing that people who are out to buy alternative cars should do is try to understand what these are about.

What Is A Hybrid Vehicle?
A hybrid is a vehicle that is between an electric vehicle and a gas powered engine. Hybrids have an internal combustion engine as well an electric motor that has a backup battery. Most typical mixture vehicles tend to share both gas and electric energy at the same time. What this means is that traditional mixture vehicles are actually a whole lot more fuel efficient than they are environmentally friendly. Another thing that consumers should be aware of when buying a hybrid is that they should know that two main hybrid types exist. These hybrid types are the mild hybrid and the full hybrid. Buyers of such cars should also decide how important it is to save on energy before choosing one energy saving vehicle or the other.

Mild Hybrid Vehicle
Mild hybrid vehicles predominantly use gas as a means of power. The electric motor is only used in cases where additional power is needed to support the gasoline engine. Mild hybrid vehicles therefore rely on a whole lot more gas than their full hybrid vehicle counterparts. Because of this reason they only offer a small reduction in the amount of dangerous emissions that they release into the atmosphere. When you compare these hybrid vehicles with traditional vehicles on the other hand, they still offer a greater financial and environmental benefit.

Full Hybrid Vehicle
When most people think about hybrid vehicles they are actually thinking about the full hybrid. This is because the full mixture vehicle is more in line with what people feel mixture vehicles are supposed to be all about. These vehicles allow the electric motor to work independently of the gasoline or the traditional engine. A full hybrid can solely be powered by electricity thereby eliminating the release of dangerous substances and saving the costs of gas as well. When you make an idle stop such as you would before a traffic light, the full hybrid switches power entirely to the electric motor. The full hybrid is great for town driving and allows the electric motor does most of the work when you're travelling at slow speeds. Most people often think that hybrids must be plugged into a recharging source at one time or the other to recharge their batteries, the truth however is that these vehicles recharge themselves by using the internal battery pack while you're driving.

Why Buy A Hybrid Vehicle?
Regardless of current claims by certain researchers that alternative automobiles don't save as much gas as the manufacturers of these vehicles claim. These same researchers agree however that these vehicles tend to use half as much fuel as their traditional gasoline counterparts. Newer models may be heavier and this requires more gas to run but hybrids remain much more environmentally friendly and cheaper than other vehicles.

Do You Carry Your Closet In Your Car?

2008-04-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

Do You Carry Your Closet In Your Car?
by Alex Gregory

Female motorists are putting themselves at risk by carrying an excessive amount of personal items in their vehicles.

Research by Sheila's Wheels shows an average of £129 worth of personal items are left in cars on a daily basis by female motorists - with 38 per cent of women drivers admitting to leaving four personal items in their car and 18 per cent leaving seven or more.

Leaving personal belongings unattended in a car increases the chances of a break-in by opportunist thieves who could force a lock or smash a window. This in turn could lead to an expensive auto insurance claim that could wipe-out or reduce a no-claims bonus and increase annual premiums.

It's not just the increased risk of theft that female motorists should be aware of, however. More than 189,000 women have been injured in a crash as a result of being hit by a loose object.

The items most commonly carried in cars range from clothing (27 per cent) to shoes (35 per cent) and books (39 per cent). However, female drivers should be especially wary of clearing up their clutter as ten per cent have had an accident or 'near-miss' due to stray items rolling beneath their pedals. The most common include empty drink bottles, deodorant cans, food packaging, lipstick and hairbrushes.

Consequently, female drivers should regularly clear out their vehicles and be careful to leave any personal possessions out of sight to discourage thieves.

Women should check their auto insurance too, to see how much personal possessions cover is included in their policy. Most insurers will offer cover for around £200 worth of items.

Liability: How to Avoid Liability Once the Car Is Sold?

2008-04-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

Liability: How to Avoid Liability Once the Car Is Sold?
by Khalid Mustaffa

You can no longer call the car that you have been trying to sell my car any more. Depending on how attached you were to the car, and your future plans this may be the toughest or happiest moment in the process. It is now time to kiss the car goodbye, but I am about to provide you some last minute tips that may save you some money, and future liability.

Make sure that you secure the payment; I understand how anxious you may be to get rid of the car, and go on with your plans, but remember you don’t want to end up without the car, nor the money. If you had accepted a check or money order make sure it clears. On the other hand had you used an escrow service, you should wait until you get a confirmation of money receipt.

On a different note, so long you described the car to the best of your knowledge, and did not deliberately hide information, mechanical problems or prior accidents you shouldn’t be liable for those you were not aware of. Most state laws around the nation assume that private-party sales have a built in “as-is”, however, it will only make you feel safer to get that understanding in writing, make sure that both parties sign off before the transaction is complete.

However, it is to your best interest to protect yourself in writing and include an as is statement in the bill of the sale, or have the buyer sign a paper stating that he or she is aware that you the seller are not responsible for any future breakdowns.

Ford Focus 2008 - Test Drive & Pricing

2008-04-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ford Focus 2008 - Test Drive & Pricing
by Shaun Davidson

The Focus' outward looks were starkly similar to what I had driven as a rental the last number of years. Not very encouraging news for Ford, nor for the shoppers looking for different pastures. I found the styling to be ultra conservative, a should have been Focus in 2003 as opposed to today as this segment has a lot more attractive vehicles for the money. The overall impression however, is one of middle of the road, the exterior quality was just good enough for me. The rearward fascia is more noticeably different in contrast to it's predecessor. I thought Ford could of spent much more time at the clay mold to make a much more radical design. Ultimately, I could see about 700 of these at the airport terminal rental car depot on any given day.

The interior landscape was no less different than what was outside, and I was further disappointed at the lack of creativity and craftsmanship. Seating was pseudo-comfortable, if not stiffer than I liked it. Just imagine sitting in a folding card table chair, consumers will want to get up every 15 minutes to stretch. Controls were easy to use and required very little automotive education to get the general idea of the layout, it was smart simple. I give strong kudos to the Sync system, this a slick piece of hardware for the radio, one I've been especially looking forward to in automobiles. If consumers ever consider the Focus, try out the Sync, it's incredible! My cheap test model had the crank windows, automatic transmission, c/d player w/sync, a wide array of cup holders and power outlets. It was decently equipped for the money and had everything that a commuter looks for in this class. Rear seating was taught, not suv in space, but was good enough for medium sized car poolers. In the end of my interior visual inspection, it was bargain based in design with an extra surprise element that had no added elaboration.

Lastly, overall performance for the California freeways was a little too average for my tastes. The powertrain seemed like it had to work harder for me than some of my other small cars I've driven lately. The recently reviewed 2008 Hyundai Elantra felt more rigid and powerful in my interstate testing. Pricing for this model is market competitive, but only if consumers were just looking at the Focus. My test mule rounded out at just under $16k with the specified equipment. And expect anywhere from $700-900 between invoice and MSRP, but the end product will leave buyers wanting more. It was difficult to leave the Ford lot disappointed, especially when I expected such huge things for the auto company. It's a good car in need of market attention, the 2008 Ford Focus will find it's buyers no problem. I would hope Ford will not give up on a segment that sells so many cars with the gasoline situation, it is just too crucial to have a competitive economy car.

Cars: Choose the Best Hybrid Vehicle

2008-04-07T17:10:00.000-07:00

Cars: Choose the Best Hybrid Vehicle
by Joseph Then

In the past there was not a lot of option in hybrid motor vehicles. You were very limited to a few manufacturers and a few choices in models. Today, though, almost every major manufacturer has started seeing the potential in hybrid cars and they offer some choice in hybrid cars.

You can find hybrids in everything from sedans to SUV's. Your choices are not limited anymore. You will be able to choose a hybrid that meets your needs so you do not have to sacrifice just to be able to drive green.

There are some basics that you should understand before setting out to shop for your hybrid car. You will need to understand these basics so you can get the most out of your shopping experience and up with the hybrid car that meets your needs.

Weight is a big factor when it comes to hybrids. The way the engine and motor in a hybrid work is that when your vehicle needs more power the gasoline engine takes over. In order to allow for the benefits of the electric motor the goal in a hybrid is to reduce the weight so that the electric motor runs more then that gasoline engine.

If the hybrid is too heavy then it defeats the purpose of the vehicle being a hybrid. Hybrid SUV's, for example, are usually kept much lighter then the gasoline counterparts. The easiest hybrids were all cars and smaller models were made. As technology advances, though, hybrids are evolving and weight is becoming less and less of a factor.

You should also be aware that you will have choice. As mentioned, technology ha advanced and manufacturers have been able to develop a wider range of hybrids in many different styles and models.

You can always check the sticker for gas mileage and other factors of a hybrid to see what you are getting. That is a smart idea if you are choosing a hybrid for a specific reason over a gasoline car.

Shopping around is your best way to get a good hybrid vehicle. You can see what is available and gather information that can be useful to you in making your decision. You should check out reviews and the manufacturer's information on the vehicles you are considering. You can also look into pricing so you can try to negotiate the best deal once you get to the dealer.

Make sure once you do get to the dealer that you test drive the vehicle. Also get some quotes first from various dealers so you can have a bargaining edge.

Car Buyers Bill of Rights (And Wrongs)

2008-04-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

Car Buyers Bill of Rights (And Wrongs)
by Peter W. Robinson

On July 1st, 2006, a landmark consumer protection bill became law in California. Known as the Car Buyers Bill of Rights, this bill has been more successful at confusing the public than it has been at eliminating predatory dealer practices. In it's final realization, it is an abject example of what can happen when well-meaning consumer groups make unrealistic proposals and settle for impractical solutions. Key features of the bill include:

Imposing a limit on the interest rate markup allowed to dealers when arranging an auto loan.

Setting more specific criteria for cars that are to be sold as 'certified'.

Establishing a two-day return option for buyers of used vehicles.

Requiring dealerships to disclose to customers, in writing, their credit scores and the source of the information.

The GOOD: Capping the interest rate markup on loans arranged by dealers is the most important feature of this bill. This legislation places a markup limit of 2 1/2% on loans of 60 months or less, and 2% for longer terms. These are fair numbers for all concerned, and are close to the self-imposed limits that many respectable dealers had placed on themselves. It is worth noting that the original proposed legislation sought to eliminate this fee altogether, which would have placed dealers in the position of working as loan brokers without compensation.

The BAD: This legislation was originally aimed at all car dealers, but the 'cooling off period' is available only to used car buyers. So, if your new car does not please you...too bad! The 'cooling off period' does not apply to new car buyers.

Being 'forced' to reveal the credit score to someone who did not check it out before trying to buy a car seems....well, let's face it: If you did not check your credit before going out to buy a CAR, either you are A) rich and don't care, or B) have perfect credit, or C) Your credit is so bad that it doesn't matter what the number is...you just want to buy a car!! A raw credit score does not mean anything whatsoever to someone who does not approve loans for a living.

The UGLY: Talk about "fine print"! Car dealers are allowed to charge for the two-day return option! In other words, instead of creating a protection for buyers who feel they have been victimized , this bill has created another profit source for the dealership!

" Mr. Jones, for only $300 you can have the peace of mind..."

For a vehicle priced at more than $10,000 , a $500 restocking fee may be charged. This is assuming that you came back within 48 hours, drove fewer than 250 miles, and were able to comply with all other provisions, stated or not. Who will go through all of that? Not many, even if they are not happy with their deal. Who will pay for the 'concept' of the right to go through all of that? Quite a few do. It is difficult for folks to consider the implications of these "only $5 dollars a month" options when they come flying at them out of the blue. "This is only to protect YOU" or " This is an option the state requires us to offer for your protection". See what I mean?

As always, the best advice is to deal with people you know and trust. The typical car buyer will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars buying cars in their lifetime. It is essential to develop relationships with the sellers of vehicles. Talk to people you know, check with the Better Business Bureau, know where and from whom you will be buying your car from before you go out to do it!. DO NOT go driving from lot to lot hoping to find a car that "speaks to you". If the car really could speak to you, it might tell you to run away.

Geico Auto Insurance: Is It Really the Cheapest?

2008-03-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

Geico Auto Insurance: Is It Really the Cheapest?
by Alexis Jensen

I love the Geico gecko. The animation is really quite amazing and the voice is absolutely perfect. But is that enough of a reason to buy their auto insurance? It shouldn't be - not if cost is one of your primary concerns. There's a better way for you to save a bundle on your car coverage without buying it from an animated reptile.

In fact, there are several simple things you can do that will reduce the price of your monthly premium by as much as 40% over what you are currently paying. Let's start with a few simple ones first and then I'll tell you what you can do to cut the cost of your coverage a whopping 30% or more in one fell swoop.

First, understand that it costs a lot of money for your company to print and mail you a bill every month. It may not seem like it, but it costs your company several dollars to send you that monthly statement. If you pay your premium automatically every month, directly from your checking or savings account, you save your company the expense of mailing you a bill they'll gladly pass most of that savings along to you.

Parking your car on a street or even in your driveway at night exposes it to the possibility of theft, break-in and vandalism. You can save money each and every month if you simply park in a garage at night.

Women pay less for their car coverage than men do. If you are married you can take advantage of this fact by simply listing the wife as the primary driver on each vehicle and the husband as the secondary driver.

You pay a fortune for every rush hour mile that you drive back and forth to work every month. Cut those miles in half and you'll save a small fortune on your monthly insurance premium. How can you do that? Simple. Join a carpool at work. Joining a carpool with just one other driver cuts your rush hour commute in half every month - not to mention the good you'll be doing for the environment.

Increasing your deductible always lowers your premium. Just be certain that you don't agree to pay a higher deductible than you can really afford.

The biggest way to save money on your car insurance - by far! - is to simply buy your policy online. Simply buying your policy online will save you as much as 30% instantly. Just be sure that you are buying from an online source that offers you a true choice of companies and prices.

Is Auto Insurance Really Needed?

2008-03-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Is Auto Insurance Really Needed?
by Rick Dupont

As you are driving along full of confidence you tell yourself that you are a good driver and have for many years successfully traversed your neighborhood streets without any problems. You know that on many occasions you have escaped some close encounters, so you must be an expert driver.

Knowing that you are an expert driver you want to think that you can now get by without insurance. Just think of the money you could save if you put that auto insurance money towards a worthwhile cause. You could go on holidays to a more exotic location for example. You know that most of the other people on the road are insured and if they hit you then their insurance will cover you.

BUT WHAT IF!

That's right as with any major decisions about financial things, there is something that must always be kept in mind when deciding if car insurance is really needed.

1. What Happens if the person that smashes into you, does not have insurance

2. What happens if on the off chance you actually make a mistake?

The fact is as soon as you get rid of your car insurance, you will most probably have an accident, this is just the way nature works and you can bet that, it will be your fault.

I'll tell you a little story , many years ago after 10 years of driving and not having had an accident I decided not to renew my insurance. I thought I am a perfect driver and very safe, don't speed , obey all the rules, so it is just plain common sense to save that insurance money for a better car.

We'll about 2 weeks after my policy lapsed I was cruising down a highway and took a wide sloping corner and you guessed it, parked in the middle of the highway doing a turn was a late model Toyota Celica. I slammed straight into the back of that car doing 2000 dollars damage to my car and 3000 dollars damage to his car. Fortunately it wasn't a BMW or a Ferrari but still $5000 hard earned bucks, fortunately the other person was quiet understanding and allowed me to pay of the bill and because both cars were drivable we didn't get the police involved although the accident was reported.

Now having experienced the Impossible, I can say with some authority that Insurance is an ugly necessity, even if just for some back of mind confidence. I hope when you ask yourself Is Car Insurance really needed, that you remember my brief story and have a long hard think.

After saying all that, one thing to remember shop around and make sure that you have the best possible insurance rates as this is one sure way of saving money the sensible way. There are some great sites on the internet for your information, a quick search of Google and yellow pages will provide a long list. Don't be afraid to call as many as you can and Interview them if you will, while this is time consuming, I believe the resultant insurance decrease will be directly related to the effort you put in researching this most important subject.

Women's Auto Insurance Presents Unique Opportunity

2008-03-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

Women's Auto Insurance Presents Unique Opportunity
by David H. Thomson

Auto insurance protection continues to get more and more tailored to individual customers. By looking at the customized needs of various target markets, insurance specialists have looked to develop specific programs more appealing to markets. Women's car insurance is a great example of customized insurance coverage that recognizes the unique needs of women, as well as the qualities they offer as drivers. Many companies now have customized protection plans tailored for women, which emphasize the strengths of women drivers.

Although men and the media often like to perpetuate the notion that women drivers are worse than men, statistics strongly dispute this notion. In fact, not only do women tend to have fewer accidents, their accidents are usually less damaging to vehicle and person, which is better for insurance providers. Simply by being safer, women offer a less risky customer group to insurance carriers. Brokers can help women find unique protection plans with lower premiums based on their stereotypically safer driving traits.

Another reason women offer a safer coverage group is that they drive shorter distances, on average. This may be based on a desire by women for shorter commutes for work or the greater likelihood that women are still the stay at home parent in a one-income home. Insurers like shorter driving distances because they offer less distance and potentially for getting into an accident.

Women drivers also drive slower than men, according to surveys and research. Again, the slower the driver, the more likely they are to react to troubling situations and to avoid aggressive driving. Even though driving slow does not prevent all accidents, since women are more likely to drive slowly, they are better equipped to maneuver around rough patches in the road.

Female drivers also have a much lower rate of convictions for driving while intoxicated. Like the other statistics noted, this factor, by definition, puts women at less risk as a group for accidents caused by the influence of alcohol. Insurers like to know that claims will not be filed because a motorist made a poor decision behind the wheel. This is another great reason behind the increased popularity of women's car insurance.

All of the factors mentioned have lead to a greater availability of women's motor insurance products customized for women. Insurers have determined that based on their overall unique safety statistics, women should have access to more economic insurance options. There is no question that some women are more of a safety risk than others, but all women can benefit from the overall performance of drivers in their market segment. Other unique benefits and prices are available to other markets with similarly strong driving abilities or traits in various settings.

Women should embrace the opportunity they have to find better insurance rates and customized coverage options. Ultimately, each driver must maintain a good driving record to keep low priced service. Women's auto insurance is a great starting point for women. To men, the low price protection plans available to women may seem unfair, but to insurance providers, they seem practical and sound as a business move.

UK: Compare Auto Insurance Quotes

2008-03-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

UK: Compare Auto Insurance Quotes
by Henry R. Bell

In the UK, before buying a car it is important to think about the insurance as without it, driving it on the roads is not allowed. The people who are intent on buying a car often get stuck in the hassle of getting an insurance deal. It is therefore suggested that they compare the auto insurance quotes and get a suitable deal.

Through the search, the owner of the car can get a variety of deals available to him through the online mode of researching. He can then compare the quotes that he receives for car insurance UK. The online mode of research also helps in getting the insurance deal without any wastage of time in going to the insurers personally and deciding on the loan deal.

When applying online, the car owner is offered two types of coverage for the car and the owner can choose according to his need. The comprehensive cover provides insurance against accidents, thefts, natural calamities, technical faults, engine breakdowns etc. The other type of cover which is the collision cover provides insurance in case of any accidents that happen with the vehicle.

The cost and the model of the car becomes a key factor when the premium of the insurance is being decided. As it is, high cost luxury cars are a more common aim for thefts etc, they are charged with a higher premium. However, a clean driving record lowers the premium for the car insurance.

To compare all the quotes for motor insurance UK, the borrower needs to apply through the online mode and this makes all the difference for the car insurance deal. Low premium rates are especially available due to competing insurers who are present in great numbers online.

Car Of The Future: Hydrogen Fuel Cells

2008-03-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

Car Of The Future: Hydrogen Fuel Cells
by Fei Lim

Imagine a world where you don't have to pay $3 to drive twenty or thirty miles, where trucks belching diesel smoke are unheard of, where you can walk down the road without inhaling the fumes of a thousand vehicles, where thousands of cars pass you and you hear nothing but a gentle hum and whoosh, and you have an idea of where hydrogen fuel cells will be taking us.

Fuel cells were invented in 1839 by Sir William Grove, who figured out that you could separate hydrogen and oxygen from water through hydrolysis, and suggested that the procedure could be reversed to create clean energy, with a by-product of water. Back then, it was called the gas voltaic battery; only in 1889 did it get the name fuel cell.

How Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work

Like batteries, fuel cells use chemical processes without combustion to create energy with a clean by-product. Because they do not work with the process of combustion, fuel cells never have partly used components, and therefore do not produce poisonous by-products (combustion engines produce carbon monoxide and a wide variety of other poisons, in contrast.)

They are very different from batteries in that they are not self-contained. Instead of counting on an enclosed chemical process that ends when all the components are used up, fuel cells have a constant inward flow of their fuel, usually but not always hydrogen and oxygen. In the case of automobile fuel cells, this means you need a storage tank for water or a hydrocarbon fuel and a place where hydrogen can be separated (this place, called a reformer, has its own technological development problems), as well as an exhaust system that directs used water out of the car or back to the original storage tank.

There are several types of fuel cells right now, but currently the most favored model is the polymer exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). This cell uses precious metals like platinum to create atom-thin layers of oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen gas, at this time H2, is split into two protons and two electrons at an anode. The electrons are conducted along a path to do useful work - in this case, run your car - before returning to a cathode where they are recombined with their protons and with oxygen, producing water as a by-product. Right now, the typical fuel cell produces less than a single volt of electricity, so several cells must be piled into a stack in order to produce enough energy to do useful work. Currently, the cost of creating each of these volts is prohibitively high, and technology is focused on making fuel cells more cost effective.

The big problem with the fuel cell is separating water into its constituent components to begin with. Elementary physics dictate that you cannot create or destroy energy, and entropy will cause energy to be lost. In addition, you're using up some of the energy from the fuel cell to run the car. So where does the initial energy to split the water molecules come from?

Currently, instead of using water as a base fuel, we have to use other technologies to produce hydrogen, which is then transferred to the car's storage tank. This is costly, and we have no infrastructure for delivering hydrogen the way we can deliver gasoline. It's also dangerous to handle flammable hydrogen in large quantities; remember the Hindenburg?

Freezing and boiling are also problems. Most forms of fuel cells, including the PEMFC, require water to function properly, but if your fuel cell is frozen or heated above 80 degrees Celsius, it may be destroyed.

Who Is Working On Fuel Cells

Researchers all over the world are working on fuel cell technology; it is potentially a very lucrative field. The United States Department of Energy supports many different fuel cell initiatives with block grants, and it also supports work at its own Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York. Most car companies that have a reasonably forward-looking research and development arm are also working to create fuel cells for their own vehicles; this includes companies like Daimler AG, Honda, Ford, and General Motors.

Governments are also becoming increasingly sensitive to the need to have alternative fuel cars. Leading politicians like Newt Gingrich, who is rarely considered a leader in green technology, has spoken out for years about the need for government to support alternative fuel initiatives. Look for this to become the norm in the political future.

When Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars Will Be Available

We currently have several fuel cell cars in production as prototypes, including the DaimlerChrysler Necar, which drove cross country in 2002 from San Francisco to Washington DC. The trip was beautifully successful despite the extremes in temperature the car had to endure. At that time, Chrysler predicted no fuel cell cars would be available commercially before about 2010.

However, the Honda FXC Clarity is scheduled to be available in limited quantities in late summer 2008, leasing for about $600 a month (they will not be available for sale at all, only lease). It will not use gasoline at all, but instead fill up at hydrogen stations; these stations will be available primarily in Southern California at first. Honda is working on developing home fueling stations that will allow you to generate your own hydrogen at home using electricity.

Dealing with Car Insurance Companies

2008-03-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

Dealing with Car Insurance Companies
by David Hunter

Once you have arranged an appropriate motor insurance coverage for your vehicle, you're supposed to relax. Though, regarding the fact that you are not the only driver on the road, having to share it with some negligent or drunk drivers, be cautious, as being involved in an auto accident or having your car stolen isn't the only frustrating problem to deal with. Legal consequences-filing a claim, abiding by the time limits set by the insuring company, being aware of your rights and privileges, etc.-are found to be more difficult jigsaws to be handled with after the accident.

Initially the method for filing claims wasn't meant to be tedious and complicated. Making a claim, estimating the loss, issuing the check of reimbursement and that's it. But in reality ambiguous car insurance policies, complex laws with various lap-holes in them enable insurance companies avoid some responsibilities committed before their customers. Thus taking a good accident attorney is really worth considering, as he/she will support you through legal minefields and act as your personal shield against deceptive insurance agents-if you'll have to deal with some. As a result you'll procure the best financial compensation for every single inconvenience caused by the accident.

But before referring to a certain lawyer, there are several things that everyone should be aware of. Take into mind that you're entitled to file an action against the driver who has caused the accident. In order to make him/her pay for your personal injuries, damages to the vehicle, moral distresses, lost wages, etc. you must be able to prove that your injuries are the direct result of the other side's negligent or imprudent behavior on the road. Following tips would act as a valuable aid in the process of asserting your innocence and other driver's culpability consequently: take notes of the road conditions, location, weather, time, visible damages to your vehicle and other property, etc. Ask for a copy of the police report as well.

Having a disposable camera for such cases would be a great asset. After dealing with all the above mentioned, you'll have to contact your auto insurance company. The sooner you do it the better, because some insurers have certain deadlines for notifying them and the failure in complying with these limits will definitely result in annulling the car insurance policy.

As for the stolen cars, the process of filing an action in this case is much longer, as considerable amount of time is assigned to the police to trace down the stolen vehicle. You should keep in constant contact with the police and immediately inform both the positive and negative results of the investigation to your auto insurance company.

And the last thing worth considering is to double-check your policy regarding the rental coverage. If you are not the one to be accused for the accident, you will be authorized to get a rental car paid by the insurer of the other driver while your car is being fixed. Rental reimbursement coverage is advisable if the mishap was your own fault.

Thus, taking all the above mentioned tips into account will significantly elevate the tiresome process of dealing with insurance companies.

Maryland Car Insurance Quote

2008-03-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

Maryland Car Insurance Quote
by Nathalie Fiset

Every car owner should get a Maryland auto insurance quote form the various insurance companies in the area before deciding on which companies to get his car insurance from.

Choosing insurance companies and getting a Maryland auto insurance quote used to be time consuming and frustrating considering the number of calls one has to make to be able to get that perfect insurance company. However, getting a Maryland auto insurance quote is now as easy as clicking the mouse of the computer.

Getting a Maryland auto insurance quote is literally just a click a way thanks to the advent of the Internet. A car owner only needs a computer unit and an Internet connection to be able to browse all the sites that can give him a Maryland auto insurance quote.

There are various sites that can easily do the job of getting a Maryland auto insurance quote for every car owner. These sites can easily match the requirements of any car owner with several car insurance companies competing to get lots of clients who will be interested in getting a Maryland auto insurance quote.

It is even possible to get several Maryland auto insurance quotes in just one sitting. Think of the amount of time and effort saved just by using the online sites and the services they offer.

All car owners should be aware of the importance of getting car insurance for their vehicles. Most owners disregard the fact that car insurance guarantees them a helping hand in case they figure in any accident. They only realize the value of car insurance once they get into an accident and they are faced with medical and auto repair bills.

There are a lot of auto insurance companies in Maryland, at least two hundred of them, and anyone can get Maryland auto insurance quote from these companies in a jiffy. However a car owner should be wary of the kind of auto insurance he is getting.

A car owner should not only be concerned of the price or the amount of premium he is getting for his auto insurance. Of course the cost of getting car insurance will always be a consideration but there are other important considerations as well like the type of coverage he will be getting for his car insurance policy.

The best thing to do is to always shop around for the best car insurance company before committing to one company. Get car insurance quotes from the different companies that have been short listed. When this is done, a car owner has to compare the coverage being offered by car insurance companies with the lowest insurance rates.

The car insurance company which offers the lowest rate is not necessarily the best car insurance company. A car owner should be critical in evaluating what he can get from the car insurance package he will be paying for.

If still unsure about the benefits of one or two car insurance proposals then it would be a good idea to ask questions from friends and other people who have gotten car insurance from the said companies. Ask those who have already availed of their policies and evaluate how the car insurance company responded to their needs.

It would be more advantageous to the car owner if he chooses a car insurance agency with a premium that is a notch higher than the other auto insurance agencies if the said agency is prompt in responding to the needs of their clients in case of accidents.

It is also advisable to be familiar with the different car insurance law sin Maryland so that the car owner is assured that he is getting the car insurance policy that is in sync with what the state law requires.

Maryland requires all drivers to get certain car insurance coverage with a minimum amount. It is up to the car owner if he wants to get additional benefits or coverage which is beyond the minimum requirements of the law.

Car owner may be in a hurry to get any car insurance company just so he can comply with the requirements of the law. However, it is still wise to get a Maryland auto insurance quote from various companies and then evaluate the quotes as well as the benefits offered by each policy before finally deciding on an auto insurance company.

BMW: Hydrogen Fuel Quest

2008-03-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

BMW: Hydrogen Fuel Quest
by Matthew Keegan

German automaker BMW is on a quest, one that may likely make them the first automaker in the world to produce a fleet of vehicles capable of running on hydrogen fuel. That’s right, BMW is leading the way and if all goes as promised the first hydrogen cell powered production BMW will hit the streets in 2008.

Back around 2000, General Motors announced that they would work toward building a fleet of vehicles that could run on hydrogen power. When that announcement was made few thought that hydrogen technology could be successfully tapped and used in a car. However, if it was to come about, most people thought that it would take at least 20 years to come to pass.

In 2004 BMW announced that they, too, would bring hydrogen powered cars into production. But, the automaker said that they would accomplish this feat much sooner – by 2008! As it stands today it looks as if BMW may be well on the road to meeting their lofty goal as automotive blogs are currently commenting on recently surfaced photographs showing what appears to be a hydrogen powered BMW. Specifically, a V12 powered BMW 7 Series has been spotted being tested in Germany and it was learned that this particular test car also had a working alternate fuel source available, namely hydrogen.

Several things still need to occur before hydrogen fuel cells are a readily accepted and available alternative to the internal combustion engine. These include:

The cost of developing hydrogen fuel cells
Currently, the price of fuel cells is prohibitive but technological advancements are lowering that cost. When the cost drops below that of outfitting a vehicle with an engine, than hydrogen fuel cells will become a viable alternative.

Production and storage concerns
Currently, significant amount of fossil fuels must be used to develop hydrogen cells. In addition, storing hydrogen can be a problem and transmitting the fuel through existing natural gas lines doesn’t look possible given the fuel’s negative interaction with steel. Hydrogen proponents are calling on the U.S. government to authorize “Manhattan Project” type funding to create an all new distribution system across the country. Speculation on the cost of implementing a hydrogen infrastructure is in the hundreds of billions of dollars, perhaps well over one trillion dollars.

Should the day come when hydrogen powered vehicles are produced and some sort of distribution system is created, two big benefits will emerge: American dependency on foreign oil will evaporate and greenhouse gas emissions will drop considerably. These two reasons alone may be enough for BMW, General Motors, and other automakers to continue with hydrogen fuel cell development. Will the government step in to help out? That remains to be seen.

California's Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law

2008-03-03T11:39:00.000-08:00

California's Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law
by James Hyder

California car auto insurance is weaved into the state's Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law. This law obliges owners and operators of vehicles to take financial responsibility for their actions. This may seem like a very difficult law to enforce, especially if the actions of an individual have expensive ramifications.

Fortunately, auto insurance makes following this particular law relatively easy. The state of California has statutory minimum limits of liability insurance that all owners and operators of motor vehicles must have. These minimum limits are the bare bones of vehicle coverage for a person living in this state.

California Car Auto Insurance Minimums
The policy needs to include at least $15,000 of coverage for death or injury of any individual in a single accident. The policy also needs to have $30,000 for all persons involved in a single accident. This coverage assures everyone involved in the accident that they will receive compensation for their injuries or losses.

Property damage coverage is also necessary when involved in an accident. Hopefully, this is the only harm done in any accident. California auto policies require a minimum of $5,000 property damage coverage for a single accident. This ensures that there will be at least $5,000 worth of repairs delivered after an accident.

How to Achieve Financial Responsibility
Drivers who live in California are required to have at least the minimum liability insurance or they can opt for another approved means to pay for property damage and injury in case of an accident. There are four ways to ensure financial responsibility that are approved by this state.

A person can make a cash deposit of 35,000 dollars with the Department of Motor Vehicles. This is a very expensive approach to assuring financial responsibility but it is an option. Another approach involves a 35,000 surety bond that is issued to a company licensed to conduct business in California.

Some drivers choose to be self insured if they own fleets of more than twenty-five vehicles. These individuals need to have a certificate proving their self-insured status with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Drivers can also opt to simply purchase auto coverage policies instead. California car insurance is the most popular approach to establishing financial responsibility in this state.

Hydrogen Fuel: Today's Hydrogen Production Industry

2008-02-29T19:02:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen Fuel: Today's Hydrogen Production Industry

Today, most hydrogen in the United States, and about half of the world's hydrogen supply, is produced through the steam reforming of natural gas.

The U.S. demand for hydrogen currently is about 9 million tons per year. Of this amount, about 1.5 million tons is merchant hydrogen production that is sold to refineries and chemical plants.

In refineries, hydrogen is produced as a by-product of naphtha reforming, and any supplemental hydrogen is produced from steam reforming of natural gas. The chemical industry also uses hydrogen, mostly to manufacture ammonia and other nitrogen-based fertilizers. Hydrogen for the chemical industry is also produced from steam reforming of natural gas, although some chemical plants use coal gasification (i.e., partial oxidation) to produce hydrogen. In total, about 95 percent of U.S. hydrogen production for supplemental refinery needs and the chemical industry is produced from natural gas using steam reforming technology.

Steam Reforming of Natural Gas

Steam reforming is a catalytic process that involves a reaction between natural gas or other light hydrocarbons and steam. The result is a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water that is produced in a series of three reactions:

The first reforming step catalytically reacts methane (the chief chemical constituent of natural gas) to form hydrogen and carbon monoxide in an endothermic (heat-absorbing) reaction.

The carbon monoxide is then "shifted" with steam to form additional hydrogen and carbon dioxide in an exothermic (heat-releasing) reaction.

The carbon dioxide and trace amounts of carbon monoxide are removed using one of several adsorption processes, leaving hydrogen separated for its commercial use.

Current Coal-Based Technology

Today, hydrogen is produced from coal by gasification and the subsequent processing of the resulting synthesis gas. This approach is currently used primarily to produce ammonia for fertilizer. At one plant, the Eastman Chemical Complex in Kingsport, Tennessee, the coal-derived synthesis gas is being converted to methanol for use as an intermediate for chemical production, but it could also be used as a hydrogen carrier for subsequent applications.

In its simplest form, coal gasification works by first reacting coal with oxygen and steam under high pressures and temperatures to form a synthesis gas consisting primarily of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This synthesis gas is cleaned of virtually all of its impurities and shifted to produce additional hydrogen. The clean gas is sent to a separation system to recover hydrogen.

Cost - The Primary Hurdle

Although natural gas will likely provide the earliest affordable feedstock for hydrogen, today's costs are prohibitively expensive. The cost of producing and delivering hydrogen from a small scale reformer of natural gas for a fuel cell vehicle could be as high as $40 per million BTUs with today's technology. This would make hydrogen about four times as expensive as gasoline at the pump untaxed.

The Energy Department's Office of Fossil Energy, therefore, has begun a new effort to develop new technologies that can dramatically lower the cost of producing hydrogen from coal.

Supercars: Ferrari

2008-02-17T11:23:00.000-08:00

Supercars: Ferrari

Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello and Modena, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929 as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street legal vehicles in 1947 as Ferrari S.p.A.. Throughout its history, the company has been noted for its continued participation in racing, especially in Formula One, where it has largely enjoyed great success, especially during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, late 1990s, and 2000s.

After years of financial struggles, Enzo Ferrari sold the company's sports car division to the Fiat group in 1969 to ensure continued financial backing. Enzo Ferrari retained control of the racing division until his death in 1988 at the age of 90. Earlier that year he had overseen the launch of the Ferrari F40; the last new Ferrari to be launched before his death.

Ferrari also has an internally managed merchandising line that licenses many products bearing the Ferrari brand, including eyewear, pens, pencils, perfume, clothing, high-tech bicycles, cell phones, and even laptop computers. Financial Times named Ferrari number one on its 2007 list of the 100 Best Workplaces in Europe.

Source: WP

Important Things To Know About Automobile Insurance

2008-02-17T11:09:00.000-08:00

Important Things To Know About Automobile Insurance
by Levi Quinn

In order for you to get the best coverage for your vehicle, it's best to shop around before you make a decision. Just like you shop for a vehicle, you should do the same for auto insurance. This is important because you need to know what kind of budget you're looking at.

To start off, you will have to know what coverage you'll need to get for your vehicle. In the United States, it is mandatory that you have liability insurance, if nothing else. Liability insurance is used when the coverage is required to pay for damage from an auto accident. No one can escape getting this insurance coverage. Otherwise, you'd be facing a lawsuit, for sure.

There are other parts of insurance coverage you can get, but are not mandatory like liability insurance:

Collision - This is insurance coverage that is used to pay for your vehicle if it has to be repaired or replaced in the event of a car accident. Depending on how your coverage is set up, you may have to pay a deductible prior to this coverage kicking in.

Comprehensive - This is insurance coverage that is used to pay for damages or loss due to anything other than a car accident. This can be in the form of a theft, fire or a collision with a deer. As with collision insurance, a deductible can apply.

A deductible is what you as the insured, has to pay according to the insurance policy. You as the insured choose the amount of the deductible. The deductible is then included with your collision and/or comprehensive insurance coverage. If you have a lower priced deductible, then expect to pay more for your insurance premiums.

You should research the insurance companies that you're thinking about getting coverage with. In addition to getting the best premium for your money, you will want to know whether or not they use credit scores as a factor. If they do, it may mean the difference between a higher premium or no premium at all. Contact the insurance companies that interest you and get quotes. You can also get insurance quotes online by filling in some information.

When you have enough information, start calling the companies in question. Get more information for each one to see which deal would be the best for you. Write down the information and do some comparisons. Ask about discounts. Some, if not all auto insurance companies offer discounts on seat belt drivers and people who don't smoke.

When you settle on an auto insurance policy, make sure you understand the lingo that goes with it. You should know how your policy works because you will need to know what you have in the event you need to use it. If there are any gray areas, consult with your car insurance provider.

God forbid, if you have to file an auto insurance claim, make sure you know what to do. Your auto insurance provider should be contacted, regardless of who is at fault. They will be able to tell you what to do from there.

Legally Minimize Your Car Insurances Premium

2008-02-16T06:12:00.000-08:00

Legally Minimize Your Car Insurances Premium
by R. Schmidt

Whatever your budget, car insurance is something you don't want to waste an extra dime on. But having some form of car insurances is compulsory in all states, except for New Hampshire and Wisconsin. Car insurances are required in order to license a vehicle.

Why are vehicle insurances required?

Why are vehicle insurances required by law and not other types of insurance? The law does not want you to buy car insurances to cover damages to your automobile. Compulsory car insurance laws protect others from the expenses of injuries and property damage that may result from a car accident with you.

Laws on motor insurances

While some types of coverage are required by state law, some are considered optional. So what are the optional components you can dismiss to reduce your car insurances premium? Purchasing car insurances is required in nearly all states. Except Wisconsin and New Hampshire every state has laws defining minimum requirements for your car insurance. Only the two states mentioned don't have insurance requirements. Instead car owners are required to show they have enough money to pay any claims that may arise from an accident. So even there it is no good idea to drive without any car insurances and you should have at least a liability car insurance. Liability car insurances protect you in two ways:

paying on behalf of the insured for injuries and property damage (also called indemnification)
defending the policyholder legally if there is a lawsuit against him

You see: Regardless of the law, it is absolutely necessary to have at least a car liability insurance if you wish to avoid expensive repair bills and/or lawsuits.

Penalties and Car insurances

Penalties for non-compliance with car insurance laws may vary from state to state. They often involve license or registration suspension or even revocation, big fines, as well as jail in some states.

Auto insurances with a legal minimum premium

All car insurances are based on liability coverage. And it is a legal requirement in all states- except New Hampshire and Wisconsin. These states have financial responsibility laws: the car owner is has to show he has sufficient funds for paying any necessary claims. As these claims can get really high, even there having at least a car liability insurance is a practical solution to avoid expensive lawsuits or immense repair bills. The bottom line: common sense and in most states the law demands that you have minimal car insurances. But you can seek and select the cheapest of car insurances. For best results, check out the terms and conditions applicable under the law of your state - before you decide on the car insurance policy.

5 Reasons to Consider GEICO Car Insurance

2008-02-12T09:08:00.000-08:00

5 Reasons to Consider GEICO Car Insurance
by Travis Morgan

Geico car insurance is an extremely well known insurance company. They are an inspiration to all insurance companies whether they want to admit it or not. Geico is famous for their adorable talking Gecko in their commercials and more currently, the cavemen. They insure everything from motorcycles, automobiles and even boats.

Geico is considered a leader in insurance, and provides insurance to hundreds of thousands of people, but this company may not be what you’re looking for. But, if you are looking for a great insurance company, Geico would be a smart decision.

Geico is an acronym for Government Employees Insurance Company. Geico was founded by Leo and Lillian Goodwin in the 1930’s during the Great Depression. The company soon surpassed its competition and became one of the best companies in the United States as well as multiple other countries. Geico is the type of country people dream about having.

Some things you should know about Geico:

Geico is rated the #1 property casualty insurer.
Geico is #3 in the U.S. for customer satisfaction
Geico was rated superior by consumers in 2007
Rated #1 as the most desired insurer
Geico has AAA’s across the board

Geico is a very reliable company, but what do they have to offer?

Geico has many discounts including multiple car discounts, discounts for cars with airbags, seatbelts, etc., and discounts for a membership in one of almost 300 organizations. Geico also has great customer support. Including 24/7 services on phone and online, and claims are settled fast and fairly. When choosing car insurance, it is important to know what they offer.

All in all, Geico exceeds standards in car insurance. They have very low rates and great customer satisfaction. If you want the best insurance, then Geico is a good option for you. But, there are other companies out there that you can be just as satisfied with and that offer cheaper rates. I know Geico is tempting, and there is no reason why you shouldn’t think about Geico, but Geico isn’t your only option.

Research is very important. Look at other insurance companies like Allstate that provide great car insurance as well. Everybody knows they need auto insurance, but it’s best to choose a company that will make you happy in the long run.

This article was written by Travis Morgan, an expert on the types of car insurance available.

Airbag Benefits, Injuries and Fatalities

2008-02-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

Airbag Benefits, Injuries and Fatalities

Air bags supplement the safety belt by reducing the chance that the occupant's head and upper body will strike some part of the vehicle's interior. They also help reduce the risk of serious injury by distributing crash forces more evenly across the occupant's body. Airbags protect you by applying a restraining force to the body that is smaller than the force the body would experience if it hit the dashboard or steering wheel suddenly, and by spreading this force over a larger area.

Air bags involve the extremely rapid deployment of a large cushion. While air bags can protect a person under the right circumstances, they can also injure or kill. To protect occupants not wearing seat belts, U.S. air bag designs trigger much more quickly than air bags designed in other countries. As seat belt use in the U.S. climbed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, auto manufactures were able to adjust their designs. Today all air bag control units recognize if a belt is used and set the trigger time accordingly.

Newer air bags trigger at a lesser speed; nonetheless, passengers must remain at least 25 centimeters (10 in) from the panel from which frontal air bags deploy to avoid injury from the bag in a crash. While driving, a driver must be seated so that the center of their chest remains 25 centimeters (10 in) from the center of the steering wheel hub. The design of side air bags means occupants of a vehicle must not lean against the inside of the car window or doors, the pillars or place objects between themselves and the side of the vehicle. Despite many cars still featuring hooks on passenger assist grips, these can not be used when side thorax ,and in particular, curtain air bags are fitted.

In 1990, the first automotive fatality attributed to an air bag was reported, with deaths peaking in 1997 at 53 in the United States. TRW produced the first gas-inflated air bag in 1994, with sensors and low-inflation-force bags becoming common soon afterwards. Dual-depth air bags appeared on passenger cars in 2005. By that time, deaths related to air bags had declined, with no adults deaths and two child deaths attributed to airbags that year. Injuries remain fairly common in accidents with an air bag deployment.

Car Auto Insurance Ratings: Help or Hindrance?

2008-02-05T17:58:00.000-08:00

Car Auto Insurance Ratings: Help or Hindrance?
by Adam Hefner

Many auto insurance companies offer claims about providing excellent customer service, efficient claims processing, and good insurance coverage to the public. Some advertise the lowest available rates for insurance. All of these claims make it difficult to discern which company actually offers the best product. To help people sort through all of these companies, one organization has developed an auto insurance rating system.

This rating scale, which was created by J. D. Powers and Company, provides a comprehensive evaluation of the most popular insurance companies as seen by their clients. Each insurance company is scored on 5 different criteria, and given a rating in each area between 2 and 5, with 5 being the highest possible score.

The first criterion in which companies are scored is that of overall satisfaction. Customers are asked to offer their perspective on their overall experience with the identified company as being positive or negative. Although this can be helpful, it is more indicative of a company's long-term relationship with the customer than with individual customer service and effectiveness issues.

Each company is also evaluated with respect to the variety of policies it offers, and how thoroughly each of these policies meets individual customers' needs. This can assist prospective customers to evaluate the company's flexibility, but a good company that provides only a few different types of policies is penalized if this method of rating is used.

Companies are also rated concerning pricing. Customers are asked whether they believe that the policy they have selected offers a good value for the money spent. This can be a good indicator of customer satisfaction; however, the scoring will be erroneous if some companies provide excellent policies at a higher cost. Customers who desire only basic insurance may not appreciate paying a higher premium for a higher quality of policy.

A fourth area that is used to rate companies is that of billing and payments. Customers are asked how promptly they feel their insurance statements are sent to them, and how streamlined the billing service is. This can be useful, especially if one company has extremely poor customer service or many billing problems are frequently problematic for its customers.

The last area in which companies are scored is in the customer's individual interactions with company representatives. This criterion, which reflects customer service, is used to evaluate the agents, telephone representatives, and online support offered by the company.

Although these criteria are excellent in evaluating customer service, or potential service problems, they do not provide extensive information about other aspects of the insurance organization. Issues such as claims coverage and adequacy of insurance, billing reimbursement for repairs or medical expenses, or other problems are not addressed. While this system is not comprehensive, however, it does offer some system for rating the companies and assisting potential customers to consider which ones are most desirable. Although auto insurance rating systems are not 100 percent inclusive of all facets of a company, they can be very useful.

Having so many choices can making the best choice difficult. Car insurance ratings compare the quality of the companies to let you know of there performance. Here at www.Auto-Insurance-101.info we show the consumer where to look and what to look for. From Car insurance agents to top leading companies in the industry, we have what you're looking for.

Virginia Auto Insurance Requirements

2008-02-04T13:28:00.000-08:00

Virginia Auto Insurance Requirements

Virginia has a financial responsibility law, Motor Vehicle Code 46.2-706, that requires all Virginia registered motor vehicle owners to have motor vehicle liability insurance or enough money to pay for any losses that may result from an automobile accident.

The financial responsibility requirement can be met in one of several ways:

1. The vehicle owner can insure the motor vehicle with minimum liability coverage thru a policy issued by an insurance company licensed to do business in Virginia.

The minimum liability coverage is as follows:

Bodily injury/death of one person $25,000
Bodily injury/death of two or more persons $50,000
Property damage $20,000

Or

2. The vehicle owner can show proof that a Surety Bond has been duly executed, by depositing cash or securities with DMV, or apply for and receive a self-insurance certificate from DMV.

Or

3. The vehicle owner must pay the Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee.

Every person registering an uninsured motor vehicle shall pay a fee of $500 at the time of registration. Payment of this fee allows a motor vehicle owner to operate an uninsured motor vehicle. Payment of this fee does not provide the motorist with any insurance coverage. If involved in an accident, the uninsured motorist remains personally liable. The fee is valid for twelve months but may be prorated for the unexpired portion of the registration period.

Note: If liability insurance coverage on a vehicle terminates or cancels during the registration period, the vehicle owner must either reinsure the vehicle, pay the uninsured motor vehicle fee or surrender the license plates to DMV.

Every person applying for registration of a motor vehicle and declaring it to be an insured vehicle faces stiff penalties if the motor vehicle is subsequently found to be uninsured. DMV suspends all driver's license and registration certificates and license plates issued to the owner of the motor vehicle. These items are suspended until the person pays a $500 statutory fee (collected by DMV and deposited into the Uninsured Motorist Fund), furnishes and maintains proof of financial responsibility (form SR-22) for three years and pays a reinstatement fee, if applicable.

Hydrogen Power: A Fuel Cell

2008-01-31T18:32:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen Power: A Fuel Cell

NASA has been relying on hydrogen fuel cells since the 1960s. Because they produce abundant electrical power while only emitting heat and water, fuels cells are ideal in a space shuttle environment. In fact, hydrogen fuel cells are so clean astronauts in space actually drink the water by-product. Just imagine what this technology can do for us here on earth.

A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device that uses hydrogen or other fuels to produce electricity, water, and heat.

A fuel cell operates much like a battery, but, unlike a battery, it doesn't consume electrode material or require electrical recharging. In fact, a fuel cell can generate power almost indefinitely, as long as fuel is supplied. Plus, a fuel cell can be scaled to power everything from cell phones to automobiles to entire buildings.

The Conversion Process

The basic structure of a fuel cell consists of an electrolyte layer in contact with an anode and a cathode.

Typically, fuel is fed continuously to the anode and an oxidant (e.g., oxygen from air) is fed continuously to the cathode. The electrolyte layer acts as a one-way door, allowing either positive or negative ions to travel across, but not electrons, forcing electrons to travel through the external circuit (electric current). This resulting electric current can be used to power electrical appliances.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell

A hydrogen fuel cell electrochemically combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, water and heat. There are no other emissions. Different types of fuel cells use different electrolytes with different electrochemical reactions occurring, but the overall reaction is the same.

Science Terminology

Anode: the negatively charged terminal of an energy cell or storage battery
Cathode: the positively charged terminal of an energy cell or storage battery
Proton: a positively charged hydrogen ion
Electron: a negatively charged sub-atomic particle
Electrolyte: a chemical compound that allows conduction of ions, but not electrons
Electrochemical Conversion: an electrochemical process that converts chemical energy to electrical energy

Car Insurance Firms Punish Serial Offenders

2008-01-29T09:20:00.000-08:00

Car Insurance Firms Punish Serial Offenders
by Karl Bantleman

Recent research gathered by top insurers has shown that drivers who have points on their license are likely to be penalised by nearly a third of insurers. People may complain about speeding fines and the leeway given but if a driver has two speeding convictions, research shows that the price raises by around 25%. It gets worse for people who receive a six month ban; their premiums can rise by 50%.

This makes finding cheap car insurance extremely hard for these drivers so the need to drive extra carefully is increasingly more important. With the possibility of being discounted by nearly third of insurers, drivers will have to shop around to find the best price for them, especially with the increase possibility of crashes in January and premiums likely to rise. When these drivers disclose their information, insurers are likely to make increases on their premium; however, some insurers will increase the price more than others but be prepared to pay more than the usual.

I suppose the important fact to take from this, is by driving carefully and by sticking to the relevant speed limits, you can give yourself the best chances of finding car insurance prices that match your requirements and your pocket. Do not try and withhold any information from the insurers because they will find out and are likely to void your insurance.

With the extra methods now in operation it is impossible not to have motor insurance. For drivers with points and convictions, for the moment, you will have to pay for the higher premiums; for the drivers who have no points and a clean license, make sure it stays that way so you can carry on paying the lowest premiums available to you.

Searching for cheap car insurance can be difficult but for drivers with blemishes on their records it is even harder. This is because car insurance companies will penalise drivers with points on their license, so shopping around for the right motor insurance quote is increasingly important.

Hydrogen Power: The Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Solution

2008-01-27T08:36:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen Power: The Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Solution

Heralded as a viable clean air alternative, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies offer a long-term solution to many environmental problems. By reducing GHGs and pollutants in our environment, hydrogen and fuel cell systems will help prevent pollution-related illnesses, lower health care costs, and improve quality of life in urban areas throughout the world.

Reducing Air Pollution
Generating only electricity, water and heat, hydrogen fuel cells do not release NOx and SOx or any other pollutants for that matter. As they replace internal combustion engines and other conventional energy systems in a variety of applications, we will see a significant reduction in air pollution and its associated problems, provided the hydrogen is generated from water, using renewable and sustainable energy sources.

Reducing Greenhouse Gases
Producing no greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions themselves, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies offer a significant improvement over internal combustion engines if the hydrogen is produced from low-GHG sources.

Today, fuel cell power plants generally use natural gas as the source of the hydrogen. In this case, the fuel cell power plant will emit carbon dioxide, but far less than conventional systems, since fuel cells boast higher energy efficiency. Even fuel cells that use fossil fuels as their hydrogen source are expected to reduce GHG emissions by as much as 85%, on a wells to wheels basis, because of their high efficiency.

Hydrogen Fuel: The Energy of Tomorrow

2008-01-25T10:17:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen Fuel: The Energy of Tomorrow

The ratio of hydrogen to carbon in the fuels we use has increased over the years along with our increased use of natural gas (as opposed to oil or coal). That's good news for the environment and humankind.

When we burn fossil fuels such as natural gas, the two primary products are carbon dioxide and water. The higher the percentage of hydrogen in a fuel, the less carbon dioxide and more water produced.

As the hydrogen content of our fuels increases, they become cleaner. With supplies of many other fuels diminishing, our reliance on the most abundant element in the universe makes even more sense.

Most scientists and environmentalists agree that hydrogen will be an important energy carrier of tomorrow, along with electricity. Eventually, hydrogen and electricity will be the major energy carriers, used by a greater number of people for a greater number of applications than any fuel in use today.

In the early stages, hydrogen will be produced from natural gas and other fossil fuels. Eventually, it will be produced from a variety of energy sources, including renewable hydro, wind, solar and nuclear power.

Historically, the ratio of hydrogen to carbon in the fuels we use has increased with the development of new fuels. A pure hydrogen fuel is the natural next step.

Cars: Geico Auto Insurance Quotes

2008-01-22T22:18:00.000-08:00

Cars: Geico Auto Insurance Quotes
by Josh Neumann

Finding Geico Quotes Will Help You Decide Whether They Are Best For You

It is very easy to obtain Geico auto insurance quotes to help you find out how much using GEICO would cost you for your car insurance. In fact, simply going on the Internet will help you find some quick information and obtain a quote immediately. You no longer have to wait hours on end to talk to an agent; now all you have to do is go to their website and get a quote very quickly.

However, just because Geico is easy to find out a quote for doesn’t necessarily make it the right company for you. Here are some tips and information to help you to make this determination.

First of all, Geico is one of the most popular and affordable car insurance companies today. They have been ensuring millions of customers successfully for years on end, and they are one of the largest companies in the United States. They used to only offer insurance to government agents, but they have quickly become a popular insurance company among the general population as well.

One of the many ways you can save money through Geico auto insurance is by using multiple vehicles within your insurance policy. They will allow you save a lot of money by giving you a discount because you will be a repeat customer; therefore, when you put multiple vehicles on your insurance policy, you are giving them more business and this is in their best interest to do so.

Of course, many insurance companies offer this feature, so this doesn’t necessarily set GEICO apart. How do you know if Geico is right for you?

One of the biggest things to keep in mind when looking for auto insurance is the satisfaction rate. Geico’s customer satisfaction rate stands at 97%, and you certainly can’t do much better than this. Their customer service is very good, making them one of the rare car insurance companies to have this distinction.

The bottom line is this: Geico auto insurance is great for some, but it is not right for everybody. If you are happy with your current insurance provider then switching probably isn’t worth it. As with anything, it all depends on your specific situation. Therefore, attain Geico auto insurance quotes via the phone or their website, and find out for yourself if Geico is right for you.

For more auto insurance terms, check out http://www.mycar-insurance-tips.com, and learn about car insurance in USA and around the world.

Auto: Getting Cheap Car Insurance Quotes

2008-01-22T12:33:00.000-08:00

Auto: Getting Cheap Car Insurance Quotes
by Jason Hulott

When obtaining cheap car insurance quotes it is most time and cost effective to use a specialist website. One that can easily give you access to the marketplace from which to gain the best range of cheap car insurance quotes.

It is best to use an independent specialist website that can offer a wide range of insurance suppliers, including the top providers. Then you simply enter your details the once and the results are available in a matter of minutes. The information can then be assembled in a format that best suits your needs, saved and accessed later at any time and with no cost to you.

When reviewing the quotes, it is prudent to read carefully the contents of the cover provided to avoid nasty surprises later, the inconvenience of not having a free courtesy car should your vehicle be in the garage for repair after an accident, or not having free repair of a windscreen. It is also wise to take into consideration that certain factors can influence the price of the policy. Motoring convictions and accidents within the last five years, plus the lack of a no claims discount can all add to the price.

You should also be aware that the method of payment you chose often affects the price. It is cheaper to pay an insurance premium annually rather than monthly, as there is frequently a surcharge for making payments by installments. You should also be alert to the fact that the means with which you pay can also affect the price. There maybe a fee if you pay by credit card rather than debit card but you can be assured that any payment on-line using this specialist website will be secure. Alternatively, there is always payment by cheque, but that can mean that the insurance cover will not start until the cheque has cleared.

It is possible to alter the price of car insurance quotes by increasing the amount of excess you are prepared to pay should you make a claim. By increasing, the excess amount from £50.00 to £500.00 can reduce the premium considerably. The age and sex of the driver is also a contributing factor to the price. Should you require quotes for a specified section of the population, such as women drivers or young drivers, then using this specialist website has great advantages. Simply set the criteria to reflect the type of driver and the website, with its comprehensive range of insurance suppliers, will provide results from the most competitive insurance providers, allowing you to select the best deal.

The ability to retrieve information and alter details with ease on this specialist website is effortless and saves so much precious time. It is simplicity itself to compare equally the price and features of the cheap car insurance quotes. Then when a decision is made, you can just purchase the chosen policy without having to re-enter any of the details. There is also the assurance that the information provided by this specialist website is impartial, allowing you to make an informed decision when choosing between the cheap car insurance quotes.

Jason Hulott is Business Development Director of Protection Insurance, an internet based insurance business dedicated to getting consumers the best rates and the best products. Visit us for Low Cost Insurance.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Applications

2008-01-20T10:11:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Applications

Hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines (ICEs) and turbines present potentially viable, low-emission systems that will be an important bridging technology in the transition to a hydrogen economy.

Hydrogen-powered ICEs are not only benefit the environment by reducing emissions, but their technology will stimulate the creation of hydrogen infrastructure and the development of codes and standards . When hydrogen is the fuel used in an ICE, the main pollutants are oxides of nitrogen formed from air in the hot zone of the combustion chamber.

With automobiles contributing significantly to the global air pollution, fuel cells that can generate 10 to 200 kW while emitting only water offer an attractive solution to a growing problem. Not surprisingly, in recent years auto manufacturers have taken a leading role in the development of fuel cell engines for cars.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell vs. The Internal Combustion Engine

Cars powered by fuel cells offer significant advantages over internal combustion engines (ICEs). Fuel cell engines are:

Cleaner
Fuel cell engines produce zero harmful emissions.

Safer
Fuel cells are safer than ICEs, which are hot and break down chemical materials inside the hot combustion zone.

More Efficient
While litre for litre, hydrogen generally generates less energy than gasoline, a fuel cell's efficiency is typically more than double that of an ICE. So a fuel cell car can get you just as far on hydrogen as an ICE powered car.

Quieter
Could a process called Scombustion be anything but loud? Fuel cells, which don't use combustion and have few moving parts, are virtually silent.

Lower Maintenance
With so few moving parts, there's less to maintain with a hydrogen fuel cell car. Maintenance will consist mostly of changing air filters and maintaining pumps. And because a fuel cell car doesn't idle when stopped, there is far less wear and tear.

Multipurpose
No need to bring that generator along on your camping trip. Fuel cell powered cars can also be designed to power other electrical devices when they're not in use, such as outdoor lighting and stereo equipment.

Auto: The Importance of Car Insurance

2008-01-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

Auto: The Importance of Car Insurance
by Joseph Kenny

Why is car insurance so important? Most older drivers understand the importance of car insurance but some newer drivers may not.

For many newer drivers car insurance is more a pain than a benefit, with the pain part being located in the higher premiums they have to pay. Here are some of the main reasons car insurance is important.

The state in which you live in and drive in probably requires that you carry a certain amount of car insurance on your vehicles. The amount of car insurance that you must carry as a minimum on each vehicle varies from state to state.

States will also mandate what type of auto insurance is required. In some states, you only need liability, while other states may require more.

Drivers should understand that in many states if you are pulled over by the authorities and found to be without auto insurance you run the risk of having your vehicle impounded on the spot. In some states it is literally illegal for the police to allow you to continue driving once they know you do not have the proper automobile insurance.

In addition to having your vehicle impounded you may also find yourself being charged heavy fees and fines by the courts. Of course, in addition to all these troubles, you may have your driver's license suspended or revoked for a certain amount of time.

Car insurance protects you from personal liability should you be in an accident. Aside from the legal requirements, this is the main reason you want car insurance. If you are in an accident and you are at fault you can be held personally responsible for the costs of medical bills if a person is injured and major monetary awards if a person is killed. These costs can all but ruin most families.

It can mean selling your home, selling your stocks and bonds, or selling other assets in order to pay the costs. It can also mean years of future payments in the event you cannot pay them all at once, which most people cannot do. Depending on the amount of the rewards, you could spend the rest of your natural life paying them off.

But what about you? What if you are hit by someone who does not have insurance? If you do not have insurance either, chances are good you will be faced with your own medical payments. You can, of course, sue the other person but what if they are destitute and cannot pay? Your own car insurance will usually help with those payments.

In addition, depending on the type of car insurance that you have, your vehicle can be repaired or replaced, thus saving you the out of pocket expense of replacing it yourself.

The last reason for having car insurance has to do with repair of the other vehicle if you hit someone. As you know, vehicle repairs can be very expensive. If you are shown to be at fault in an accident you may be required to pay for the repairs or the replacement of the vehicle that you hit. Again, this is money that has to come out of your pocket.

As an aside to this, you are also responsible for any real property damage that you might cause. For example, if you run into a house and cause a wall to collapse, you would be required to make payment for those repairs. One single accident can all but force you into bankruptcy court if you are not protected by automobile insurance.

Joe Kenny writes for Only Stop, compare car insurance in the UK, visit them today for great travel insurance quotes from the leading UK insurance providers.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

2008-01-17T21:28:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Fuel cells and their ability to cleanly produce electricity from hydrogen and oxygen are what make hydrogen attractive as a "fuel" for transportation use particularly, but also as a general energy carrier for homes and other uses, and for storing and transporting otherwise intermittent renewable energy. Fuel cells function somewhat like a battery—with external fuel being supplied rather than stored electricity—to generate power by chemical reaction rather than combustion. They typically consist of numerous small cells in layers though, rather than a single large one. There are several different types of fuel cells using different catalysts (chemicals, in this case probably metals, that trigger a chemical reaction without themselves being used up by it) and electrolytes (non-metallic conductors of electrical ions, classically in a solution, but for fuel cells more likely in a solid membrane). In one type, for example, however, hydrogen fed to one catalyst-containing electrode splits to a positively charge hydrogen ion (proton) and a negatively charged electron. The positive ions travel through the electrolyte to the other catalyst electrode where they combine with oxygen fed to that electrode—and electrons—to produce water and heat. The necessary electrons are drawn through an electric circuit external to the cell, creating the electrical generation.

Source: NREL

Hydrogen Fuel: Hydrogen Basics

2008-01-15T20:29:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen Fuel: Hydrogen Basics

Fill vehicle fuel tanks with hydrogen instead of gasoline. Pipe it to homes for heating and cooking instead of natural gas and to generate electricity onsite instead of sending electricity through transmission lines. And emit only water vapor where it is used. Fuel cells that electrochemically combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity and heat offer the promise of making hydrogen an ideal universal fuel. Make that an ideal energy carrier rather than a fuel, because while hydrogen does grow on trees and fall with the rain, it does not occur naturally by itself. It cannot be mined or harvested. But other energy sources can be used to make hydrogen, and then the hydrogen transported or stored for use where and when needed.

Most hydrogen production today is by steam reforming natural gas. But natural gas is already a good fuel and one that is rapidly becoming scarcer and more expensive. It is also a fossil fuel, so the carbon dioxide released in the reformation process adds to the greenhouse effect. Hydrogen has very high energy for its weight, but very low energy for its volume, so new technology is needed to store and transport it. And fuel cell technology is still in early development, needing improvements in efficiency and durability. The challenges researchers are working on to help make a hydrogen economy a reality include:

Fuel Cells — Improving fuel cell technology and materials needed for fuel cells.

Production — Developing technology to efficiently and cost-effectively make hydrogen from renewable energy sources.

Storage — Developing technology to efficiently and cost-effectively store and transport hydrogen.

How Airbags Work?

2008-01-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

How Airbags Work?

The purpose of an air bag restraint is to decelerate the occupant during a crash and absorb energy, and reduce the potential for impacting passenger compartment strike hazards (e.g., dash, doors, windows, steering wheel). It will usually activate during a crash greater than 10–15 mph.

Timing is crucial in the airbag's ability to save lives in a head-on collision. An airbag must be able to deploy in a matter of milliseconds from the initial collision impact. It must also be prevented from deploying when there is no collision. Hence, the first component of the airbag system is a sensor that can detect head-on collisions and immediately trigger the airbag's deployment. One of the simplest designs employed for the crash sensor is a steel ball that slides inside a smooth bore. The ball is held in place by a permanent magnet or by a stiff spring, which inhibit the ball's motion when the car drives over bumps or potholes. However, when the car decelerates very quickly, as in a head-on crash, the ball suddenly moves forward and turns on an electrical circuit, initiating the process of inflating the airbag.

Once the electrical circuit has been turned on by the sensor, a pellet of sodium azide (NaN3) is ignited. A rapid reaction occurs, generating nitrogen gas (N2). This gas fills a nylon or polyamide bag at a velocity of 150 to 250 miles per hour. This process, from the initial impact of the crash to full inflation of the airbags, takes only about 40 milliseconds. Ideally, the body of the driver (or passenger) should not hit the airbag while it is still inflating. In order for the airbag to cushion the head and torso with air for maximum protection, the airbag must begin to deflate (i.e., decrease its internal pressure) by the time the body hits it. Otherwise, the high internal pressure of the airbag would create a surface as hard as stone - not the protective cushion you would want to crash into.

Hydrogen Fuel: Hydrogen Production and Fuel Cells

2008-01-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen Fuel: Hydrogen Production and Fuel Cells

Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen can be produced using diverse, domestic resources including fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal (with carbon sequestration); nuclear; and biomass and other renewable energy technologies, such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydro-electric power.

The overall challenge to hydrogen production is cost reduction. For transportation, a key driver for energy independence and therefore the hydrogen economy, hydrogen must be cost-competitive with conventional fuels and technologies on a per-mile basis in order to succeed in the commercial marketplace.

Fuel Cells
Fuel cells are an important enabling technology for the hydrogen economy and have the potential to revolutionize the way we power our nation, offering cleaner, more-efficient alternatives to the combustion of gasoline and other fossil fuels. Fuel cells have the potential to replace the internal combustion engine in vehicles and provide power in stationary and portable power applications because they are energy-efficient, clean, and fuel-flexible. Hydrogen or any hydrogen-rich fuel can be used by this emerging technology.

Hydrogen Fuel: The Future of Hydrogen

2008-01-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

HYDROGEN FUEL: THE FUTURE OF HYDROGEN

There are about 6.5 billion people in the world. The U.S. makes up 5 percent of that total, and yet uses 25 percent of the oil produced in the world. We import over 55 percent of the oil we use. This means we rely on other countries for our oil needs.

Of the 20 million barrels of oil Americans use each day, we consume two-thirds for transportation. Today, some 800 million people around the world own motor vehicles. By 2020, that number may increase to more than a billion. The world’s demand for energy is projected to double by 2050.

Can fossil fuels meet these demands? Some say the production of oil will soon decline. Others say oil will run out in 200 years. But one thing that everyone can agree on is that it makes sense to look for cheaper and more affordable fuels.

Many fuels can be made from renewable energy resources, such as ethanol, solar power, wind power, biomass, geothermal and hydropower. Hydrogen is one alternative renewable fuel source. It can be generated from multiple sources and holds a lot of promise for the future.

WHAT IS HYDROGEN?

Hydrogen is the simplest element known to man. Each atom of hydrogen has only one proton. It is also the most plentiful gas in the universe. Stars are made primarily of hydrogen.

The sun is basically a giant ball of hydrogen and helium gases. In the sun's core, hydrogen atoms combine to form helium atoms. This process—called fusion—gives off radiant energy.

This radiant energy sustains life on earth. It gives us light and makes plants grow. It makes the wind blow and rain fall. It is stored as chemical energy in fossil fuels. Most of the energy we use today came from the sun's radiant energy.

Hydrogen gas is lighter than air and, as a result, it rises in the atmosphere. This is why hydrogen as a gas (H2) is not found by itself on earth. It is found only in compound form with other elements. Hydrogen combined with oxygen, is water (H2O). Hydrogen combined with carbon, forms different compounds such as methane (CH4), coal, and petroleum. Hydrogen is also found in all growing things—biomass. It is also an abundant element in the earth's crust.

Hydrogen has the highest energy content of any common fuel by weight(about three times more than gasoline), but the lowest energy content by volume (about four times less than gasoline). It is the lightest element, and it is a gas at normal temperature and pressure.

HYDROGEN - AN ENERGY CARRIER

An energy carrier is a substance or system that moves energy in a usable form from one place to another. Electricity is the most well-known energy carrier. We use electricity to move the energy in coal, uranium, and other energy sources from power plants to homes and businesses. We also use electricity to move the energy in flowing water from hydropower dams to consumers. It is much easier to use electricity than the energy sources themselves.

Like electricity, hydrogen is an energy carrier and must be produced from another substance. Hydrogen is not widely used today but it has great potential as an energy carrier in the future. Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of resources (water, fossil fuels, biomass) and is a byproduct of other chemical processes. Unlike electricity, large quantities of hydrogen can be easily stored to be used in the future. Hydrogen can also be used in places where it’s hard to use electricity. Hydrogen can store the energy until it’s needed and can be moved to where it’s needed.

HOW IS HYDROGEN MADE?

Since hydrogen doesn't exist on earth as a gas, we must separate it from other elements. We can separate hydrogen atoms from water, biomass, or natural gas molecules. The two most common methods for producing hydrogen are steam reforming and electrolysis (water splitting). Scientists have even discovered that some algae and bacteria give off hydrogen.

Steam reforming is currently the least expensive method of producing hydrogen and accounts for about 95 percent of the hydrogen produced in the United States. It is used in industries to separate hydrogen atoms from carbon atoms in methane(CH4). Because methane is a fossil fuel, the process of steam reforming results in greenhouse gas emissions that are linked with global warming.

Electrolysis is a process that splits hydrogen from water. It results in no emissions but it is currently a very expensive process. New technologies are being developed all the time.

Hydrogen can be produced at large central facilities or at small plants for local use. Every region of the country (and the world) has some resource that can be used to make hydrogen. Its flexibility is one of its main advantages.

USES OF HYDROGEN

About 7.8 million metric tonnes (17.6 billion pounds) of hydrogen are produced in the United States today, enough to power 20-30 million cars or 5-8 million homes. Nearly all of this hydrogen is used by industry in refining, treating metals, and processing foods. Most of this hydrogen is produced in just three states: California, Louisiana, and Texas.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the primary user of hydrogen as an energy fuel; it has used hydrogen for years in the space program. Liquid hydrogen fuel lifts the space shuttle into orbit. Hydrogen batteries—called fuel cells—power the shuttle’s electrical systems. The only by-product is pure water, which the crew uses as drinking water.

Hydrogen fuel cells (batteries) make electricity. They are very efficient, but expensive to build. Small fuel cells can power electric cars. Large fuel cells can provide electricity in out of the way places with no power lines.

Because of the high cost to build fuel cells, large hydrogen power plants won't be built for a while. However, fuel cells are being used in some places as a source of emergency power to hospitals and to wilderness locations. Portable fuel cells are being sold to provide longer power for laptop computers, cell phones, and military applications.

HYDROGEN USE IN VEHICLES

There are currently about 200 hydrogen-fueled vehicles in the United States – mostly in California. Most of these vehicles are buses and automobiles powered by electric motors. They store hydrogen gas or liquid on board and convert the hydrogen into electricity for the motor using a fuel cell. Only a few of these vehicles burn the hydrogen directly (producing almost no pollution).

Hydrogen vehicles are starting to move from the laboratory to the road. One California family has recently leased a hydrogen car for personal use. The U.S. postal service, a package delivery company, a few Florida Park rangers, and a few private utility companies are also using hydrogen vehicles. It will probably be at least 10 years, though, before you can walk into your local car dealer and drive away in an affordable hydrogen-powered car.

Even then, you will need a place to refuel your hydrogen car. Currently, there are about 25 hydrogen refueling stations nationwide. This is the so-called “chicken and egg” problem that hydrogen developers are working hard to solve. Namely: who will buy hydrogen cars if there are no refueling stations? And who will pay to build a refueling station if there are no cars and customers?

One possible solution is to eliminate refueling stations entirely. Automobile manufacturers have already designed a refrigerator-sized hydrogen generator for your garage that works off electricity. Consumers would simply refill their cars with hydrogen each night while it is parked.

THE FUTURE OF HYDROGEN

Hydrogen has great potential as an environmentally clean energy fuel and as a way to reduce reliance on imported energy sources. Before hydrogen can play a bigger energy role and become a widely used alternative to gasoline, many new facilities and systems must be built. We will need facilities to make hydrogen, store it, and move it. We will need economical fuel cells. And consumers will need the technology and the education to safely use it.

Hydrogen Fuel: Using hydrogen for energy

2008-01-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen Fuel: Using hydrogen for energy

Hydrogen basics

Hydrogen is the most abundant element on earth. With only one proton and one electron, it is also the simplest, lightest element. And hydrogen has the highest energy content by mass of any known fuel. Stars are made mostly of hydrogen and helium, including our sun.

Hydrogen gas (H2) is not found naturally on earth. It can, however, be extracted from other compounds. Hydrogen always combines with other elements to form new compounds like water, table sugar, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen is considered one of the building blocks of life.

Hydrogen is abundant and full of energy. But using hydrogen for energy presents some challenges.

Using hydrogen for energy

Hydrogen has to be extracted from other sources or compounds. This requires energy. For example, let's look at a water molecule, H2O. It is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The atoms share electrons to make a molecular bond. This bond is so strong that it requires electricity to break it, in a process called electrolysis. It is possible to extract hydrogen in a classroom. The activity uses electricity from a battery to separate the water molecule (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2).

Fuel cells use a process that is the opposite of electrolysis. Instead of breaking apart a bond, fuel cells create new bonds. This process generates electricity. Here's how: The catalyst in the fuel cell breaks apart O2 and H2 molecules. The fuel cell forces some of the electrons from the atoms to travel through an electrical circuit to generate electricity. The oxygen and hydrogen atoms re-form as water molecules (H2O).

How do we get hydrogen for fuel?

The United States imports more than half of the oil it uses. That means we buy most of our oil from other countries. And, the price of oil is going up. Economists think the price of oil will continue to rise. Also, fossil fuels are non-renewable, meaning that once they are used, they are gone forever.

Researchers are looking for new sources of energy so we can use less fossil fuel. Homes and businesses already use electricity harnessed from the sun, wind, water, and biomass. However, powering a vehicle needs a different solution. The power source needs to be portable, and it needs to allow the vehicle to go at least 300 miles before recharging or refueling.

Hydrogen could be one of the solutions. Since there are so many sources of hydrogen, more hydrogen fuel can be created as it is needed.

By-products: Pure hydrogen is already being produced in many manufacturing plants. Petroleum refining and chemical production create hydrogen as a by-product. Fossil fuels, such as natural gas, can be reformed to produce hydrogen gas.

Electrolysis: Renewable energy sources such as windmill farms, solar collectors or hydroelectric generators can supply electricity for electrolysis. Electrolysis is used to split water molecules into pure hydrogen and oxygen.

Nuclear power: Nuclear energy can produce large amounts of hydrogen. Nuclear power does not give off greenhouse gases or other harmful air emissions. The nuclear reaction used to make hydrogen does not use carbon-based materials, a common source of pollutants. Nuclear power does create radioactive waste from spent fuel rods.

New research: The U.S. Department of Energy has used photosynthesis to create pure hydrogen. In an experiment, plant enzymes were able to split water molecules, creating the hydrogen. In another experiment, glucose from plants was used. Glucose can also come from waste, like paper mill sludge, cheese whey and wood waste.

Hydrogen fuel: Sun and hydrogen “to fuel future”

2008-01-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen fuel: Sun and hydrogen “to fuel future”

Capturing sunlight to make enough hydrogen fuel to power cars and buildings has been brought a step closer by a British research company.

Hydrogen Solar says it has managed to convert more than 8% of sunlight directly into hydrogen with fuel cell technology it has specially developed.

For an energy source to be commercially viable, it must reach an efficiency of 10%, which is an industry standard.

Hydrogen power, a renewable energy, has the potential to replace fossil fuels.

"Over the last couple of years we have doubled efficiency.

"We are not yet in the hydrogen economy, but it has the potential to take over when the oil economy becomes untenable," Dr David Auty, chief executive of Hydrogen Solar told BBC News Online.

Nano hand

Depending on how it is produced, hydrogen fuel is a clean, green source of power that can be easily stored.

Its potential has been recognised for well over 100 years, but it requires energy to extract hydrogen from water, or any other source.

The Tandem Cell technology developed by Hydrogen Solar uses two photocatalytic cells in series which are coated with a nano-crystalline - extremely thin - metal oxide film.

Having a nanoscale coating makes the surface area far greater and means that hydrogen can be produced efficiently without the need for polluting fossil fuels.

The cells capture the full spectrum of ultraviolet light - the Sun's rays - and, via the novel coating, the electrons are captured and carried away on conductors.

This electrical current is then used to separate the hydrogen from water which is stored for use.

The key to the process has been the advances in novel coatings brought about by recent developments in nanotechnology.

The size of the molecules in the coating is 15 to 20 nanometres (a nanometre being a billionth of a metre).

When they are stacked in layers, the property of the substance changes to produce large surface areas.

"It turns out these devices work because we are using nanocrystalline layers. It is the move to nanotechnology which has brought this technology forward," explained Dr Auty.

He added: "If we look five years ahead and we have a few square miles of hydrogen farm in a desert, we think we could produce hydrogen that is competitive with coal and oil."

Once production costs have been scaled down, large hydrogen cell farms could produce hydrogen, untaxed, at $1.80 to $3 a kilo.

That is equivalent to a third of the price of the same amount of power produced from untaxed gasoline, he thinks.

There has been huge amount of work in fuel cells for buses, cars, houses, and other buildings.

But Dr Auty envisages the car industry making the best use of the technology in modified combustion engines.

"Using a 10% cell, we say that a seven-metre squared array will power a Mercedes A class car for 11,000 miles a year [in LA sunlight conditions] without going to power station," said Dr Auty.

Motor future

Hydrogen power can also be produced from hydrocarbons, like oil and gas, but these have downsides in their byproducts.

Pollution-free hydrogen cell technology is predicted to be the next wave in emissions-control after the hybrid electric motor, currently used in the automotive industry.

Research into hydrogen power has been pumped with funding in the US in particular.

In 2003, President George Bush announced an $1.7bn investment to turn the US into the world leaders of hydrogen-powered automobiles.

With increasing concern about the instability of the oil market, the development of a commercially viable alternative energy source has attracted interest.

"The potential lack of oil is the reason we are doing this," Dr Auty said.

"There are huge amounts of carbon released through coal and other hydrocarbons."

General Motors (GM) said it planned to be the first to sell a million fuel cell vehicles in the next decade.

Other automotive giants have also championed hydrogen fuel.

DaimlerChrysler, Ford and GM have spent about $2bn on fuel cell cars, trucks and buses. The first products came out last year, and many UK cities have deployed hydrogen buses.

Ford's Chairman William Clay Ford Jr went so far as predicting fuel cells would end the reign of the internal combustion engine.

But there have been a number of technical and financial stumbling blocks - including taxation - which have prevented its large scale adoption, and Dr Auty thinks there need to be more political will to push the technology forward.

"There is a chicken and egg issue here," he said.

"Who is going to build a car before they have filling stations, and who is going to build stations before we have the cars.

"It has to be strategically thought out and driven by government. There is a political will in US, but I think the UK is a bit behind the pace."

"The key about all of this is that all predictions about crude oil are pretty much going to be in our lifetimes," said Dr Auty.

"But if you talk about infrastructure change, these things don't happen overnight."

Source: BBC

Hydrogen Fuel: The next steps to a hydrogen economy

2008-01-01T21:46:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen Fuel: The next steps to a hydrogen economy

In the last 40 years, fuel cell technology has taken man to the moon and back. Space exploration has proven that fuel cells work. In the not-too-distant future, fuel cells will power our cars, homes and office buildings. Fuel cells will be more efficient and have less impact on the environment than burning fossil fuels.

The term hydrogen economy describes what our society could look like if we used hydrogen fuel instead of fossil fuels. Hydrogen is a clean fuel and it can be extracted from renewable resources. Think about how your life would be different if we used hydrogen as a fuel.

Before hydrogen fuel cells are used for energy, there are still a few puzzles left to solve. We need to make enough hydrogen to power vehicles, homes and businesses. We also need ways to store and distribute it widely. And we need to bring down the prices of fuel cells, so that enough people will be able to buy them.

Making the change from fossil fuels to hydrogen fuel cannot happen overnight. It will take time to solve the puzzles and to make changes in the fuel infrastructure. Infrastructuremeans all of the structures that allow fuel to be delivered where it is needed, such as refineries, pipelines, pumps and delivery trucks. How will hydrogen fuel be delivered to buildings for energy? How will cars and trucks be filled with hydrogen fuel? One answer may lie in the infrastructure that already exists to deliver natural gas to homes and businesses, and today’s network of gasoline stations. With some changes, this infrastructure can be adapted for hydrogen fuel.

We often take for granted how safely our vehicles can carry 300 miles worth of fuel and how easy it is to fill our vehicles with gasoline. Researchers are looking for ways to make hydrogen tanks smaller than current hydrogen tanks, and easy to refill. They are studying several different hydrogen storage systems, including liquid and compressed hydrogen.

The cost of fuel cell stacks has decreased tenfold in just three years. GM’s latest fuel cell concept vehicle, the Sequel, has a lower-cost fuel cell stack than the earlier Hy-wire concept vehicle. But the price is still too high to make a vehicle that costs the same as today’s vehicles.

Hydrogen refueling stations will be expensive because new technology needs to be developed to store and pump hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen needs to be kept either super-cold as a liquid or as a compressed gas. The gasoline pumps used today cannot be used. A hydrogen pump and nozzle will need a way to clamp securely to the vehicle. Without a tight seal, compressed hydrogen will escape and liquid hydrogen will warm and evaporate. The seal reduces wasted hydrogen and keeps refueling safe.

As you can see, major challenges remain before we can become a hydrogen economy. Businesses, researchers, governments and individuals must work together to make these systems better and less expensive. Governments can help by providing money for research and establishing common standards for the fuel cell infrastructure.

Source: GM

Hybrid Cars: Ethanol-Fueled Hybrid Vehicles

2008-01-01T21:35:00.000-08:00

Hybrid Cars: Ethanol-Fueled Hybrid Vehicles

Ford Motor Company: As part of a national energy strategy to tap the potential of renewable fuels, we've committed to doubling the production of vehicles in our fleet capable of running on renewable fuels, such as ethanol and other bio-fuels, by 2010.

To reach this goal, we've developed myriad new technologies. Starting in June 2007, we'll begin delivery of 20 new hybrid flexible fuel research vehicles to officials in six states. Development of these vehicles is just one way we're helping to reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Best of Both Technologies

The Ford Escape Hybrid E85 is a demonstration vehicle marrying two petroleum-saving technologies: hybrid-electric power and flexible fuel capability.

The Escape Hybrid E85 is the world's first hybrid vehicle capable of operating on blends of fuel containing as much as 85 percent ethanol, a renewable fuel that can be produced from American-grown corn or sugar beets. And ethanol use releases no fossil-based CO2, so using ethanol in place of gasoline reduces the release of greenhouse gases.

Leading the Way Forward

As a leader in both hybrid vehicles and vehicles capable of operating on ethanol-based fuels, we're the right company to bring both technologies together for the first time.

We have three full hybrid-electric vehicle models on the road today—Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Mazda Tribute. Two additional hybrids, Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, will soon be available.

We produced 250,000 ethanol-capable vehicles last year, including Ford F-150 pickup truck, Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car.

From the Heartland of America

E85 is a fuel blend that contains 85 percent ethanol and only 15 percent gasoline. Ethanol is a completely renewable fuel that, in the United States, most commonly is made from corn.

If all of the nearly 6 million flexible fuel vehicles now on America's highways operated on E85, more than 3.6 billion gallons of gasoline could be saved a year.

Additionally, ethanol-fueled hybrids could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Ford Escape Hybrid would produce about 25 percent less carbon dioxide if operated exclusively on renewable E85 ethanol fuel instead of carbon-rich gasoline.

Filling Up with Ethanol

Last year, we partnered with VeraSun Energy Corporation to create the Midwest Ethanol Corridor, increasing the number of E85 pumps along two major highways to encourage greater availability of E85 fuel at retail filling stations. Today, E85 is most commonly available in parts of the Midwest.

Source: Ford

Hydrogen Fuel: Filling Up Your Hydrogen Tank

2008-01-01T21:27:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen Fuel: Filling Up Your Hydrogen Tank

We (Ford Motor Company) believe in the potential of hydrogen to power vehicles. However, we also understand that development of a hydrogen refueling infrastructure is necessary before hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will become commercially viable.

Working under a U.S. Department of Energy contract, our researchers found that a factory-built hydrogen refueling station capable of supporting 100 vehicles could produce hydrogen at a price competitive with gasoline. These hydrogen-refueling stations would produce hydrogen by using steam to reform natural gas or through electrolysis of water, either of which would use existing natural gas and electric power infrastructures.

Cost estimates for natural gas steam reformer stations are near $1.5 million per station, but costs could drop to less than $250,000 per station if they were mass-produced. Sufficient infrastructure for mass-production would require between $3 billion and $15 billion in capital investment.

We predict that the conversion of 10 to 15 percent of conventional filling stations in the United States would be sufficient to support mass production of direct-hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

So far, we've helped build hydrogen filling stations in Hiroshima, Detroit and Berlin.

Source: Ford

Hydrogen Vehicle: FreedomCAR

2008-01-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen Vehicle: FreedomCAR

In the quest to become less dependent on foreign oil, we're (Ford Motor Company) participating in the FreedomCAR program. FreedomCAR is the joint partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy and the auto industry.

Creating a Hydrogen-Powered Transportation System

The "Freedom" in FreedomCAR represents the following:

Freedom from petroleum dependence
Freedom from pollutant emissions
Freedom to choose the vehicle you want
Freedom to drive where you want and when you want
Freedom to obtain fuel affordably and conveniently

The "CAR" in FreedomCAR stands for Cooperative Automotive Research. The DOE and USCAR (a partnership of Ford Motor Company, DaimlerChrysler, and General Motors) represent the government and industry in FreedomCAR.

The ultimate vision of FreedomCAR is a transportation system powered by hydrogen.

Demonstrating Hydrogen's Potential

The demonstration program begins this year with the goal of validating hydrogen-powered vehicles and infrastructure in real-world operating conditions. We expect to participate in the demonstration with Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicles as the cornerstone of our participation.

To ensure that interim progress towards improving energy efficiency continues, FreedomCAR also has active research programs in battery development, lightweight materials, clean combustion and power electronics.

Currently, there are seven technical teams working on the FreedomCAR project:

Advanced Combustion and Emissions Control
Electrochemical Storage
Electrical and Electronics
Fuel Cells
Hydrogen Storage and Vehicle Interface
Materials
Systems Engineering and Analysis

Ford: Building a Hydrogen Transportation System

2008-01-01T17:41:00.000-08:00

Ford: Building a Hydrogen Transportation System

Ford Motor Company is committed to developing alternative vehicles that produce fewer emissions while still delivering outstanding performance. We believe in the potential of hydrogen to deliver these results.

The Promise of Hydrogen

When petroleum-based gasoline is used in a traditional internal combustion engine, gasoline produces hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to environmental pollution. However, if gasoline is replaced by hydrogen, neither hydrocarbon nor carbon dioxide emissions are produced.

With further research to reduce tailpipe output of potentially smog-forming emissions to below ambient conditions in many cities, the air leaving a hydrogen internal combustion engine's tailpipe could actually be cleaner than the air coming into the engine.

In addition, a hydrogen engine can attain overall efficiency of 38 percent, approximately 25 percent better than a gasoline engine.

Overcoming Obstacles to Develop a Hydrogen Vehicle

Designing a gasoline engine to burn hydrogen fuel has typically resulted in significantly lower power output - until now. Ford researchers have shown that with supercharging, the hydrogen internal combustion engine can deliver the same power as its gasoline counterpart and still provide near-zero-emissions performance and high fuel economy. The centrifugal-type supercharger provides nearly 15 pounds per square inch (psi) of boost on demand.

For hydrogen to be widely adopted, a hydrogen refueling infrastructure must be developed so vehicle owners can fill their hydrogen tanks. With the help of our partners, we have already opened hydrogen fueling stations in Detroit, Berlin and Hiroshima.

What's on the Road Now?

In addition to developing a hydrogen combustion engine, the Model U, and conducting research to develop the FreedomCAR, we have developed a hybrid hydrogen vehicle, the Ford Focus FCV. The Ford Focus FCV is powered by hydrogen and has a fuel cell instead of a battery to produce electricity.

Initially, we will market the Ford Focus FCV as fleets to organizations that have the ability to install hydrogen-refueling stations. The Focus body was chosen for the Ford fuel cell vehicle because it best meets our target customers' needs for performance, comfort and utility.

We have delivered the Focus FCV to public officials in the United States, Canada and Germany as part of a 7-city, 30-car program to conduct real world testing of fuel cell technology.

Source: Ford

Hydrogen Car, Hydrogen Vehicle

2008-01-01T17:24:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen Car, Hydrogen Vehicle

A hydrogen vehicle is a vehicle that uses hydrogen as its on-board fuel for motive power. The term may refer to a personal transportation vehicle, such as an automobile, or any other vehicle that uses hydrogen in a similar fashion, such as an aircraft. The power plants of such vehicles convert the chemical energy of hydrogen to mechanical energy (torque) in one of two methods: electrochemical conversion in a fuel-cell, or combustion :
In combustion, the hydrogen is burned in engines in fundamentally the same method as traditional gasoline cars.
In fuel-cell conversion, the hydrogen is reacted with oxygen to produce water and electricity, the latter of which is used to power an electric traction motor.

The molecular hydrogen needed as an on-board fuel for hydrogen vehicles can be obtained through many thermochemical methods utilizing natural gas, coal (by a process known as coal gasification), liquefied petroleum gas, biomass (biomass gasification), by a process called thermolysis, or as a microbial waste product called biohydrogen or Biological hydrogen production. Hydrogen can also be produced from water by electrolysis. If the electricity used for the electrolysis is produced using renewable energy or nuclear power, the production of the hydrogen would (in principle) result in no net carbon dioxide emissions.

Hydrogen is an energy carrier, not an energy source, so the energy the car uses would ultimately need to be provided by a conventional power plant. A suggested benefit of large-scale deployment of hydrogen vehicles is that it could lead to decreased emissions of greenhouse gases and ozone precursors. Further, the conversion of fossil fuels would be moved from the vehicle, as in today's automobiles, to centralized power plants in which the byproducts of combustion or gasification can be better controlled than at the tailpipe. However, there are both technical and economic challenges to implementing wide-scale use of hydrogen vehicles, as well as better and less expensive alternatives. The timeframe in which challenges may be overcome is likely to be at least several decades, and hydrogen vehicles may never become broadly available.

Honda's All-New Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Electric Vehicle To Debut at 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show

Honda's next generation hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, November 14, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

Based on the FCX Concept that has impressed journalists at multiple test drive events over the past year, this all-new fuel cell vehicle will be marketed to fleet and retail customers in the U.S. and Japan beginning in 2008. The Los Angeles Auto Show represents the first opportunity for potential U.S. customers to preview the new car.

In an effort to appeal to real world consumers, Honda's recent breakthroughs in fuel cell technology will enable levels of performance, room, comfort, and dynamic styling previously unattainable in a fuel cell car.

As the most advanced expression of the electric vehicle concept, Honda's hydrogen fuel cell vehicle utilizes electricity generated by combining hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell stack, and electricity stored in its lithium-ion battery pack to power the vehicle's electric motor. Honda is the first and only automaker with a fuel cell vehicle fully certified to meet all applicable federal government emissions and crash-safety standards. Additionally, Honda is the first and only automaker to lease a fuel cell vehicle to an individual customer with a second customer added in 2007.

Insurance Information and Enforcement System

2007-12-16T18:36:00.000-08:00

Insurance Information and Enforcement System

The Insurance Information and Enforcement System is a system used, in the United States, by many Department of Motor Vehicles agencies to track people who might be driving without automobile insurance. Since many jurisdictions forbid uninsured driving, a system like this is necessary to keep track of any applications and cancellations of policies. The system was created largely because many people try to trick the DMV into thinking they're keeping their car insured by registering a car with a policy and then cancelling the policy soon after to keep the plates.

Car Insurance Types - What You Need to Know?

2007-12-06T22:34:00.000-08:00

Car Insurance Types - What You Need to Know?
By Marilyn Katz

We all want to save money and do things the most affordable way. But when it comes to car insurance shopping, we need to make sure that we buy the right protection because that can save us lots of money and trouble in the long run! However, we also need to make sure we are not purchasing coverage options that we do not need, or that are not worth the money. Take a minute to learn about the basic options on your policy so you can be prepared to shop for the best possible coverage!

Bodily injury liability: Covers injury and death claims against you, and legal costs, if your car injures or kills someone.

Property damage liability: Covers claims for property that your car damages in an accident. Because liability coverage protects the other party, it is required in all but three states.

Medical payments: Pays for injuries to yourself and to occupants of your car. This is optional in some states. In "no-fault" states, personal injury protection replaces medical payments as part of the basic coverage.

Uninsured motorist protection: Covers injuries caused to you or the occupants of your car by uninsured or hit-and-run drivers. "Under-insured" coverage also is available, to cover claims you may make against a driver who has inadequate insurance. In some states, as many as 30 percent of drivers are uninsured.

Collision coverage: Covers damage to your car up to its book value. Collision coverage carries a deductible, which is the amount per claim you have to pay before the insurance takes effect. The lower the deductible, the higher the premium. While it is legally optional, a lending institution or leasing company usually requires collision coverage.

Comprehensive (physical damage): Covers damage to your car from theft, vandalism, fire, wind, flood, and other non-accident causes. Comprehensive also carries a deductible.

We usually refer to the first two as liability insurance, and that is the minimum coverage we need to drive legally in most states. Every US state requires a proof of financial responsibility in order to drive a car, and that is usually satisfied in this way.

The other types of coverage may not be required by the law, but collision coverage may be required by a lender if you still owe money on your car. In any case, if you cannot afford to pay for property and medical damage for yourself and passengers, it would be prudent to have some coverage!

Learn More About Car Insurance and Accident Coverage and of course, make use of our free online forms to compare insurance quotes!

Auto Insurance On Line: Easy Way of Getting a Car Insurance Quote Online

2007-11-10T16:18:00.000-08:00

Auto Insurance On Line: Easy Way of Getting a Car Insurance Quote Online
By Carley Swift

If you are looking at getting a car insurance quote online then there are a lot of companies out there that can help you find the best competitive rates. When searching for a way to save via the Internet you will want to check out the car insurance companies that are willing to share their rates against others. The best known for this is Progressive. If you are going to be checking places which do not offer this service, then you should be looking at sites which are known for competitive pricing, such as GEICO.

Once you find a car insurance company website and are ready to fill in your information there are a few things that are needed to begin. You will need to know and will be helpful if you have them prepared.

Personal information
Vehicle information
Driving record
Information about your drivers license

When getting a car insurance quote online honest and accurate answers are going to give you the best results.

You can take your time filling out online forms and carefully answering and reading questions, so you can relax and think of correct answers. This will help act as a script before meeting with a car insurance agent for the first time, be it in an office, at your home or over the phone. Having researched and being prepared with quick answers and knowing competitors rates will aid in making the most out the limited time the agent can spend with you.

When you are finished getting your car insurance quote online, be sure to print off and save a hard-copy for your records. This will serve as a way to keep the information you have entered on a single form for easy future referencing on your next quote or explaining to an agent.

For additional information on getting a car insurance quote online and finding more answers to additional questions check out the following web the popular website http://www.auto-insurance-companies-free-quote.com.

Quick tips and fast answers about Saving Money with Progressive Car Insurance Quote Online can be found at the popular website Auto Insurance Companies Free Quote.

+ OLCIQ Online Car Auto Insurance Quote

Car Insurance - Full Coverage Isn't Full At All

2007-10-28T17:11:00.000-07:00

Car Insurance - Full Coverage Isn't Full At All
By Kate Ross

These questions don't have an easy answer as policies vary from one insurer to another but there are certain guidelines that can help you understand what full coverage really implies and up to what extent you will be protected by it.

This is an important issue because many people think that they can just feel confident and act recklessly because the auto insurance that they have purchased fully covers all damages and liability. Not only it is not true but knowing the degree of protection that your particular policy offers is essential for you to be really safe when driving your car or letting someone else use it.

Full Coverage

Full coverage consists of two separate coverage types: liability coverage and property coverage. Property coverage is also divided in two: comprehensive coverage (which can also be subdivided) and collision coverage. We will explain each type later on but it is important to keep this in mind to know what insurance companies mean when they offer you FULL coverage.

Therefore, full coverage implies that you will be protected for almost all if not all the risks associated to owning and driving a vehicle. The problem is that each type of coverage protects you up to a certain extent. There are amount limits that will determine how much the insurance company will pay in the event of an accident on each and every category included in the full coverage.

Property Coverage

Property coverage protects you against losses of the vehicle and, as stated above, can be divided into comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. Collision coverage protects you against damage, partial or total destruction of the vehicle due to a car crash. Depending on the type of policy you may get your car replaced or an amount paid to cover for all the loses.

As regards to comprehensive coverage, it refers to almost all the other causes of property damage like theft, wreckage and fire. In the event of such hazards occurring, the insurance company will, just like with collision coverage, repair the car or replace it if possible or eventually, provide the funds needed to fix the vehicle or purchase a new one depending on the type of policy you purchase.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage protects you against the loses you can cause to property or people during a car accident or because of your car. Liability coverage completes the protection provided by full coverage as there are little to no extra risks that remain not covered. The problem is that liability coverage protects you only up to a certain extent. Most liability coverages have limitations in terms of amount and people. Therefore, if the damage caused is more expensive or there where more people affected, the liability coverage may not fully protect you.

The only solution you have is to raise the coverage to higher amounts which implies of course, higher premiums. But nevertheless, you will only be more protected, and never fully protected. Therefore, remember: full coverage implies that you are covered from all possible risks but only up to a certain extent and thus, conscious driving, safety measures and eventually a good legal advisor are a must.

Kate Ross is a professional consultant at Speedybadcreditloans.com. Read more useful articles on her website and contact her if you need financial help.

ABS: A Success Story

2007-10-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

ABS: A Success Story

The ABS (antilock braking system) first brought to market by Bosch in 1978 prevents wheel lock during full braking. This ensures that the vehicle can still be steered and moved out of the way of unexpected obstacles.

“ABS substantially improves driving stability and usually shortens the brake path as well,” says Wolfgang Drees, member of the management board at Robert Bosch GmbH and head of its Chassis Systems division. Today, more than two thirds of all new vehicles manufactured worldwide are equipped with ABS.

Bosch filed a patent application for an “Apparatus for preventing lock-braking of the wheels of a motor vehicle” as early as 1936.

In 1978 Bosch was the world’s first automotive supplier to present an ABS system ready for mass production. By October that year, the ABS 2 was available on the market for the first time in S-Class cars from Mercedes-Benz. Integration in the BMW 7 series followed in December.

Since the components of the system had been cut to 140, its micro-electronics now displayed the reliability needed in cars.

In the following years, the main aim was to make the system smaller, lighter and more effective. In 1989, Bosch engineers successfully installed a control device built on the hybrid construction principle directly on the hydraulic aggregate. Complex connections were no longer required, and this generation of the ABS 2E was also far lighter.

In 1993 Bosch developers built the generation 5.0 with new magnetic valves. It was followed by the 5.3 and 5.7 versions. Additional functions were added, e.g. electronic brake force metering which replaced the mechanical brake force proportioning valve on the rear axle.

The current ABS generation is the ABS 8 introduced by Bosch in 2001. This is a modular system which permits the ABS, TCS and ESP® braking control systems to be implemented as an integrated product family. This has resulted in optimal use of synergies in production and development.

These technological advances have led to higher performance, less components and lower weight of the ABS. Whereas the ABS 2 (1978) weighed 6.3 kg, the ABS 8.0 of 2003 weighs a mere 1.6 kg.

Since production-line manufacturing of ABS took off in 1978, Bosch has delivered 100 million ABS systems worldwide.

Vehicle Safety: Ford Taurus

2007-09-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Vehicle Safety: Ford Taurus

The Ford Taurus has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's highest 5-star rating for not only the front crash test (driver and passenger) but also the side crash test (front and rear outboard passengers). That's complete 5-star protection in the spacious and comfortable Taurus family sedan.

Only vehicles that earn a "Good" rating in all three of the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety's (IIHS) tests are given top honors. The innovative vehicle structure of Ford Taurus, equipped with optional electronic stability control, made it a unanimous "Top Safety Pick" of the IIHS.

SPACE™ stands for Ford's patented Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement architecture. This advanced engineering feature utilizes advanced crash force management techniques designed to help channel impact forces around and away from the passenger cabin. It also provides a raised mounting point so you can sit higher for a more commanding view of the road.

2008 Ford Taurus provides as standard equipment the Safety Canopy™ System with rollover sensor and side curtain airbags, the Personal Safety System® featuring dual-stage front airbags and other advanced technology features, plus side-impact airbags. Because compromising on safety is not an option.

Ford Taurus with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) comes equipped with standard Traction Control system, which improves your grip on the road by limiting wheel spin. For even greater traction, go with the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system with Traction Control that automatically distributes up to 100% of torque to the wheels with the most traction when conditions such as mud, gravel, snow and ice require it. Also available is the AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control System on Taurus with FWD or AWD.

Whether your Taurus is Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive, the anxiety you'd ordinarily feel when driving on slippery surfaces will be greatly reduced with the knowledge that the optional AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control System is constantly at work monitoring road conditions and automatically responding to them.

Exclusion laws: Alcohol

2007-09-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

Exclusion laws: Alcohol

Alcohol exclusion laws permit insurance companies to deny claims associated with the consumption of alcohol. They were passed in the 1940s in the United States to discourage people from drinking alcoholic beverages and to save insurance companies money from alcohol-related claims (Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol Problems, George Washington University Medical Center, 2007). It was believed that people would be less likely to drive while impaired or intoxicated if insurance companies could deny medical payments or other claims associated with any injuries associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages. 41 states currently allow alcohol exclusions in health care insurance policies.

There is to date no scientific evidence that alcohol exclusion laws discourage drunk driving. In fact, some argue that these laws discourage physicians and hospitals from testing accident victims for possible alcohol in their blood (BAC). That’s because insurance companies can refuse to pay doctors and hospitals for treating patients found to have alcohol in their bodies (Rivara, 2000). In short, screening for alcohol could lead to the loss of payments from insurance companies. Because of this, there is concern that alcohol exclusion laws help drunken drivers avoid detection and increase the likelihood that they will repeat their crime in the future (American Medical Association, 2004; Cimons, 2004; Gentilello et al, 1999). Nine states now prohibit alcohol exclusions and several more are currently considering such action.

The insurance industry supports alcohol exclusion laws. On the other hand, the professional organization which regulates that industry, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, has voted unanimously to recommend the repeal of alcohol exclusionary laws. Other groups supporting their repeal include the National Conference of Insurance Legislators, the American Bar Association, the American College of Emergency Physicians, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the National Commission Against Drunk Driving, and the American Medical Association.

Source: WP

Car Insurance: Coverage Available

2007-09-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

Car Insurance: Coverage Available

The consumer may be protected with different coverage types depending on what coverage the insured purchases.

In the United States, liability insurance covers claims against the policy holder and generally, any other operator of the insured’s vehicle, provided they do not live at the same address as the policy holder and are not specifically excluded on the policy. In the case of those living at the same address, they must specifically be covered on the policy. Thus it is necessary for example, when a family member comes of driving age they must be added on to the policy. Liability insurance sometimes does not protect the policy holder if they operate any vehicles other than their own. When you drive a vehicle owned by another party, you are covered under that party’s policy. Non-owners policies may be offered that would cover an insured on any vehicle they drive. This coverage is available only to those who do not own their own vehicle and is sometimes required by the government for drivers who have previously been found at fault in an accident.

Generally, liability coverage does extend when you rent a car. Comprehensive policies ("full coverage") usually also apply to the rental vehicle, although this should be verified beforehand. Full coverage premiums are based on, among other factors, the value of the insured’s vehicle. This coverage may not apply to rental cars because the insurance company does not want to assume responsibility for a claim greater than the value of the insured’s vehicle, assuming that a rental car may be worth more than the insured’s vehicle. Most rental car companies offer insurance to cover damage to the rental vehicle. These policies may be unnecessary for many customers as credit card companies, such as Visa and MasterCard, now provide supplemental collision damage coverage to rental cars if the transaction is processed using one of their cards. These benefits are restrictive in terms of the types of vehicles covered.

Source: WP

Auto Insurance Risk Selection

2007-09-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Auto Insurance Risk Selection

Auto insurance risk selection is the process by which vehicle insurers determine whether or not to insure an individual and what insurance premium to charge. Depending on the jurisdiction, the insurance premium can be either mandated by the government or determined by the insurance company in accordance to a framework of regulations set by the government. Often, the insurer will have more freedom to set the price on physical damage coverages than on mandatory liability coverages.

When the premium is not mandated by the government, it is usually derived from the calculations of an actuary based on statistical data. The premium can vary depending on many factors that are believed to have an impact on the expected cost of future claims. Those factors can include the car characteristics, the coverage selected (deductible, limit, covered perils), the profile of the driver (age, gender, driving history) and the usage of the car (commute to work or not, predicted annual distance driven).

The 6 Parts of an Auto Insurance Policy

2007-09-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

The 6 Parts of an Auto Insurance Policy

An auto insurance policy can contain 6 parts. Depending on the state in which you live, you may be required to purchase some, if not all, of these parts.

Bodily Injury Liability
Pays damages when other people are injured or killed in an incident involving your vehicle. This coverage is required in most states.

Property Damage Liability
Pays when you damage the property of others with your vehicle. This coverage is required in most states.

Personal Injury Protection (or Medical Payments Coverage)
Pays medical costs and other damages for injuries to you and your passengers. This coverage is required in some states, optional in others.

Collision Coverage
Pays for loss or damage to your vehicle from a collision with another vehicle or object, when you're at fault. States do not require this coverage. However, companies that loan you money to buy a car or agree to lease you a car, may require this coverage.

Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for loss or damage to your vehicle caused by fire, theft, vandalism, hail, windstorms, riots, falling objects, floods and certain other perils. States do not require this coverage. However, companies that loan you money to buy a car or agree to lease you a car, may require this coverage.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays for damages to you and your passengers when injury or death is caused by an uninsured, under-insured or hit-and-run motorist. It also pays for damage to your vehicle from a collision with another vehicle or object, when the uninsured motorist is at fault. This coverage is required in some states, optional in others.

Source: Countrywide

Car/Auto Insurance: Telematic systems

2007-09-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

Car/Auto Insurance: Telematic systems

Conventional rating systems are primarily based on past realized losses and the past record of other drivers with similar characteristics. More recently, telematic systems have been introduced whereby the actual driving performance of a given driver is monitored and communicated directly to the insurance company. The insurance company then assigns the driver to a risk class based on the monitored driving behavior. An individual, therefore, can be put into different risk classes from month to month depending upon how they drive. For example, a driver who drives long distance at high speed in one month might be placed into a high risk class for that month and pay a large premium. If the same driver drives for short distances at low speed the next month, however, then he or she might be placed into a lower risk class and charged a lower premium.

Norwich Union is currently offering a type of telematic auto insurance in the United Kingdom called Pay as You Drive. This system employs a combination global positioning system (GPS) and cell phone in a car to monitor driving performance and communicate risk factors to the insurance company. Drivers are offered a discount if they exhibit safe driving. Trials conducted by Norwich Union in 2005 have found that young drivers (18 to 23 year olds) signing up for telematic auto insurance have had a 20% lower accident rate than average.

In the United States, Progressive Corporation is offering a form of telematic auto insurance to residents of Minnesota called TripSenseTM. The TripSense system consists of a black box that the driver plugs into their car's OBD-II port. The black box monitors the mileage driven, speed, time of day and other parameters, but not the car's location. The user then checks the black box once a month on their home computer. The home computer tells them if they qualify for a discount. If they do, they can download the information to the insurance company and get the discount. If they don't they do not have to download the information.

Other insurance companies are offering telematic auto insurance products in Germany, South Africa, and Japan.

Source: WP

5 More Ways To Save Money On Car Insurance

2007-08-30T04:47:00.000-07:00

5 More Ways To Save Money On Car Insurance
By Ara Rubyan

What with the price of gas going up and down like a roller coaster, you need to save money on your automobile expenses any way, you can.

Here's some additional ways to save money every year by cutting your auto insurance costs.

Shop Online
It is worth it to make the effort because you can save substantial amounts of money. If you have a clean driving can record statistics show that the average online auto insurance shopper will pay anywhere from a third to almost out one half less than someone who doesn't shop around.

Chill Out
According to the National Foundation for Highway and Traffic Safety, angry aggressive drivers cause 90% of all accidents. In turn, they pay a third to three quarters more in car insurance premiums. So whether you're an aggressive driver or not, you can save money by driving safely.

Go Back To School
And even if you have some points on your record, sometimes you can get a discount by taking a defensive driving course. These courses are sponsored by your insurance company. Call your local community college and see if they offer these courses.

By the way, if you're not sure how many points you have on your license, call your local Department of Motor Vehicles and have a look at your record. The more points you have a higher your insurance rates are going to be. Sometimes you can qualify for the defensive driving courses simply by having enough points on your record. In other words, most states will offer free or almost free courses in return for reducing the number of points on your license. But that doesn't work if you've got drunk driving infractions -- so make sure you check the fine print before you sign up.

Drive A Boring Car
Another way to get a discount on your auto insurance is drive a car that doesn't get stolen a lot. Car insurance companies will charge you a higher rate if you drive a really hot car that people like to steal. So if you drive a Civic or an Accord that's good. If you drive a Lamborghini or a Porsche, that's not so good. Of course, if you can afford a Porsche, you can afford the auto insurance, right?

Join The Club
And lastly, another way to qualify for discounts on your auto insurance is by joining a group like AAA or AARP.

Conclusion
There you have it: 5 more ways to save on your car insurance. And make sure you read some of the other articles on my website (see below), because I've got lots of other ways that you can pocket the money that you're currently paying for your car insurance.
For more info on Low Cost Car Insurance, visit Ara Rubyan's Auto Insurance Guide.

Ara Rubyan does sell auto insurance, he is not a part of the auto insurance industry in any way, nor does he pretend to be an insurance guru of any kind. Instead, he is like you: an insurance consumer who has been researching the industry so that he could make an informed decision about the best auto insurance package for his needs. Now, he's put all his research (so far) in one convenient location and he's sharing it with you, no strings attached.

Source: Ara Rubyan

What determines the price of my policy?

2007-08-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

Auto Insurance Information: What determines the price of my policy?

What determines the price of my policy?

There are many factors that influence the price you pay for auto insurance. The average American driver spends about $850 a year. Your premium may be higher or lower, depending on:

Your driving record
The better your record, the lower your premium. If you've had accidents or serious traffic violations, you will pay more than if you have a clean driving record. You may also pay more if you haven't been insured for a number of years.

The number of miles you drive each year
The more miles you drive, the more chance for accidents. If you drive a lower than average number of miles per year, less than 10,000, you will pay less. For instance, some companies will give discounts to policyholders who carpool.

Where you live
Insurance companies look at local trends, such as the number of accidents, car thefts and lawsuits, as well as the cost of medical care and car repair.

Your age
In general, mature drivers have fewer accidents than less experienced drivers, particularly teenagers. So insurers generally charge more if teenagers or young people below age 25 drive your car.

The car you drive
Some cars cost more to insure than others. Variables include the likelihood of theft, the cost of the car, the cost of repairs, and the overall safety record of the car.

The amount of coverage
Of course, like anything else, the more coverage you have, the more you pay. However, you may qualify for discounts.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Volvo Cars: Volvo Safety

2007-08-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

Volvo Cars: Volvo Safety

Anatomy of A Car Crash

Your car's passive safety systems have only half a second to help you in the event of an accident. In a frontal collision, the car's nose will deform to absorb the impact energy. Simultaneously, the driver and passenger airbags will be deployed with a force that varies according to the size of the impact.

The pre-tensioners on the three-point, inertia-reel safety belts of all new Volvo cars tighten the belts, while at the same time, a force limiter allows the belts to give a little when they are subject to a predetermined force. This helps to cushion the wearer in a controlled manner.

The anti-submarining seats help to prevent any injury to your abdomen by preventing you from sliding under your belt.

It’s a Belter

In 1959, Nils Bohlin, a Volvo safety engineer, invented the three-point safety belt we know so well today. The following year, it was fitted as standard on the Amazon and the PV544. So important was this invention considered to be, in 1985 it was named by the West German patent office as one of the eight inventions of most benefit to mankind to appear in the last 100 years.

In the real world, a crash can occur in many different ways; it can occur at different speeds, take place in different traffic environments and the passengers inside the car may encompass a range of different sizes.

The Complex World

Volvo Cars intends to take into account various different traffic situations and different traffic environments that can be encountered globally when designing the safety elements built into its cars. In addition to Volvo’s own work, independent crash-test rating institutes perform standardised crash tests under certain predicted conditions.

The Whole Picture

Well-being and Preventative Safety Systems
This technology helps you to avoid accidents by enabling you to drive more safely. Some of this technology, such as ABS anti-lock braking systems, has been around for many years, but Volvo continues to develop safety systems that may make driving in the future safer than ever. Volvo believes that a comfortable, focused and secure driver is also a safer driver.

Protective Safety Systems
These are all of the systems on Volvo cars that are called into play at the moment a crash is unavoidable. Examples on passive safety systems include safety belts, airbags, and WHIPS whiplash protection system.

Security
This area of research includes the development of security items such as the latest alarm technology and anti-theft glass, but also includes research into the well-being of drivers and passengers. The result of research into well-being has led to the development of a range of new technologies including orthopaedically developed seats and hypo-allergenic interiors.

Cutting-Edge Safety

What is the Volvo Safety Centre Test Laboratory?
It is the most technically advanced crash-test facility in the world and a mammoth project in its own right, as 65,000 cubic metres of rock had to be moved to build it. The total investment was US$86 million at its launch in the year 2000.

How does it work?
The main hall is like a giant hub to which two tunnels are attached. The first tunnel is fixed; the second can be moved by up to 90 degrees so that a variety of different crash-test angles can be produced. Cars are propelled down the tunnels to collide in the central hall using laser instrumentation so accurate that it can control the point of impact to within a few centimetres. The cars can also be crashed into a special crash barrier in order to replicate many different types of collisions. The crash barrier itself weighs 800 tonnes and can withstand the huge impact of a 12-tonne truck hitting it at 80 km/h.

What happens on impact?
At the point of collision, special Stalax high-speed cameras capable of shooting 3000 frames per second capture it on film. The use of up to 30 cameras ensures that every important angle is captured. The data that is captured is then analysed in detail by the research engineers.

How is the tunnel moved?
The 108-metre tunnel is moved on a series of tracks that utilise air-cushion technology in order to lift the tunnel's 600-tonne weight. The same technology is also used to move the 800-tonne crash barrier.

How do the cars move down the tunnel?
Technicians use a system normally used in the mining industry to hoist mine carts – although whereas the propulsion system in a mine is used vertically, the same technology is used horizontally in the Safety Centre. The system can propel the cars at speeds of up to 120 km/h.

Testing

Within the Volvo Cars Safety Centre, there is a unique piece of safety-testing equipment. The crash simulator is derived from the type of machinery normally used to test a building's resistance to earthquakes, but here it is used to test the steering wheel, airbags and safety belts without damaging the car body.

The parts are attached to the bare shell of a car and put onto a sled where a giant ram pushes it backwards with enough force to simulate the impact of a car crash.

The sled can also simulate the forward-tipping motion of the car and the deformation of specific components that take place in a collision in order to replicate more accurately what happens in a whole car crash.

Did You Know?

Volvo's supercomputer is so fast that it is capable of undertaking up to 45 fully simulated crash-tests every 24 hours. In addition, before it takes part in a real crash-test, each Volvo undergoes many virtual crash-tests on the supercomputer.

Volvo Cars: Volvo Safety

Clever Negotiation Can Bring Cheap Car Insurance

2007-08-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

Clever Negotiation Can Bring Cheap Car Insurance
By Allan Elvin

It takes a long time to accumulate the amount that one needs to purchase a car. Leave alone the swanky, scintillating ones, even an average car costs a lot. And how long does it take for a car to be badly damaged! Well, sometimes it may take years and others it may not take seconds. Probably because of this, car owners go for insurance. Even those who cannot afford to buy costly policies do not refrain from taking cheap car insurance deals.

The problem is that there is no such hard and fast rule which makes an insurance deal cheap. In fact, it depends upon the person himself to find out a policy that covers any kind of damage to his car yet does not necessitate big premiums. In that case, gathering some knowledge on how the insurance market works and what are the tips that can bring in a cheap car insurance policy are required.

One can make his car insurance deal cheap by purchasing a personalised policy. To do so, he can exclude some of the damages or minor theft from the policy. However, one should take care of the fact that in his pursuit to find a cost-effective insurance deal, he does not miss out important losses. For example, alloy wheels are being stolen very frequently in the UK. So, it does not make any sense to exclude theft of wheels from the insurance policy.

In similar fashion, you may miss out important losses that the insurance policy should cover. So, before you choose a deal that you think is the Cheap Car Insurance policy you are looking for, take your time and find out what are the damages and losses it must cover. Also, negotiate cleverly with the insurance agency. You can take quotes from various agencies to equip yourself better and negotiate with confidence.

Allan Elvin is an MBA in Finance and has a rich experience of writing on topics related to finance. He professes special interest and expertise in Cheap Car Insurance and in guiding you on its various details.

Source: Allan Elvin

Clever Negotiation Can Bring Cheap Car Insurance

How to Get Affordable Automobile Insurance in Arkansas

2007-08-16T15:54:00.000-07:00

How to Get Affordable Automobile Insurance in Arkansas
By Larry Nez

You must have automobile insurance if you want to drive on any public roadway in Arkansas. It’s the law and Arkansas is very strict about enforcing that law.

In fact, if your car does not have insurance, or if your insurance premiums are not paid and your policy coverage lapses, your insurance company notifies the state of Arkansas immediately and your car’s registration can be canceled. The penalties for driving without insurance are too severe to risk.

So that means that if you want to drive you really need to find a way to get affordable automobile insurance in Arkansas. Fortunately there are several easy steps you can take to help you on your way.

The first thing you need to do is to understand that driving is not a right, it is a privilege, and that driving safely and legally is everyone’s responsibility. And doing so can save you a ton of cash.

A speeding ticket or a ticket for any moving violation can increase your automobile insurance premiums for several years. A conviction for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or a conviction for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) can sky-rocket your insurance premiums for a minimum of 3 years. A second conviction for either offense and your insurance premiums are nearly unreachable.

Older drivers can benefit from a special driver’s refresher course. If you are 55 or older ask your insurance agent if your automobile insurance company has such a program. Passing it can save you a good deal on your premium each month.

Younger drivers, those under 25 should stay in school and strive for at least a 3.0 grade point average. Such students can qualify for a Good Student Discount on their automobile insurance.

Make sure you don’t have any unused vehicles on your policy. Every year people collectively waste millions of dollars insuring vehicles that are never driven.

Insurance companies seldom pay out more than the Kelly Blue Book value on a vehicle, so if you own a car or truck that has little or no Kelly Blue Book value you are wasting your money paying for collision or comprehensive insurance on that vehicle since your insurance company won’t pay you anything regardless of how much you are paying in extra (wasted) insurance premiums.

Consider carefully how much you could afford to pay to repair your own car if you had a claim. The more you can afford to pay – in other words the higher your policy deductible – then the less you will have to pay each month for your automobile insurance.

Now it’s time to go online and find at least three different websites on which you can quickly compare different automobile insurance policies from different insurance companies.

Since none of the sites allow you to compare every single insurance company in Arkansas you’ll need to take the extra time to make your comparisons on at least 3 different sites before you can feel confident that you have found the most affordable policy in Arkansas.

It’s a little extra work to make the multiple comparisons, but the result is that you’ll know without any doubt that you have gotten the most affordable automobile insurance in the state of Arkansas.
Recommended sites for low rate insurance

Affordable Automobile Insurance in Arkansas
Instant Car Insurance Quotes for Younger Drivers

Source: Larry Nez

How to Get Affordable Automobile Insurance in Arkansas

Auto Insurance Basics

2007-08-15T02:04:00.000-07:00

Auto Insurance Basics
By Marilyn Katz

At the most basic level, auto insurance is simply a contract between you (the first party) and your car insurance company (the second party). The third party to this contract has not come into the picture yet, because he or she is probably somebody you have not met yet. That would be the other guy or gal involved in a car accident.

Liability Insurance

No matter how carefully you drive, over your driving last, you will probably have an accident. Even a minor car accident can cause thousands of dollars worth of property damage. And again, no matter how carefully you drive, there is a good chance that you will have a car accident that is your fault.

This is where a liability insurance policy comes in. Your car insurance policy probably covers a certain amount of property and injury coverage. One covers damage to the other person's car, and the other one covers damage to the other person's body.

Almost every state requires a minimum amount of liability insurance. Even those states without such a law, require drivers to have a “proof” of financial responsibility when they operate a car. The most common type of proof consists of liability insurance. You pay the premiums, and your insurance company agrees to pay a certain amount of damages if you cause an accident.

Make sure that your liability insurance actually covers the assets you are protecting. If you have a lot of assets, the state minimums may not even be enough. Furthermore, if you use your car for your work or business, the state minimums probably will not be enough. In that case, you may want to look into commercial car insurance.

Now that you have protected yourself from the other claims by the other guy, also consider passengers in your car. If they are hurt, and the accident is judged to be your fault, they could make a claim against you. Be sure to consider the personal injury and medical payment coverage for yourself and people in your car!

Uninsured Motorist

The last basic insurance to consider is uninsured or under insured motorist protection. Even if you do not cause the accident, when the other driver does not have insurance, your odds of collecting for damages drop like a stone. You really want to rely on your own insurance company to pay your bills and attempt to collect for damages.

Collision and Comprehensive Insurance

Of course, collision insurance pays to repair your own car, and not the other guy's, in case you cause an accident. If you cannot afford to repair or replace your car, collision insurance is an affordable way to protect yourself! Many people tell you to consider the car's book value, but I would tell you to consider the replacement cost! If you cannot replace it, insure it. A collision policy should also pay for a rental car while your own vehicle is being replaced. That is a big convenience.

Comprehensive insurance covers damage or loss that is not covered by a car accident. Examples of comprehensive insurance include theft or storm damages. Make sure you understand your own coverage.
Now that you understand the basics of car insurance, be sure to check out our Car Insurance Guide.

Find the best deals on top insurance plans at http://www.247quoteus.com

Source: Marilyn Katz

Auto Insurance Basics

Auto Insurance: Cut Down Your Car Insurance Costs

2007-08-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

Auto Insurance: Cut Down Your Car Insurance Costs

By Daniel Keogh

No one likes having to buy car insurance, let’s be honest; it is a necessary evil that we grudgingly admit offers important protection.

However that doesn’t mean we want to spend all our hard earned cash on motor insurance, have you ever met anybody who didn’t want to save money on their premium?

While, as motorists, we have no choice about whether or not we buy car insurance we do have a lot of choice when it comes to the policy we take out. It is here where we can make our savings.

Start by shopping around as much as possible, don’t just request car insurance quotes from one or two companies, the chances are you will miss out on the best deals. Of course you don’t want to spend too much of your valuable time on this so take advantage of price comparison websites to search for multiple quotes in one easy move.

This gives you a great overview of the market and increases your chances of finding the best premiums on offer.

When you’re comparing car insurance prices online try different searches to get your quote as low as possible; could you limit and lower your mileage, do you really need fully comprehensive cover, could you clean out the garage and park the car their overnight? All these factors could help to lower your motor insurance quote and save you money.

Most importantly don’t forget you, as a customer, are a valuable commodity to car insurance companies. The market is terribly competitive so use this to your advantage and haggle down the price as much as possible, even try playing two or three providers of against each other; you will be amazed how far they will go to get your custom.
For more information on motor insurance read the car insurance blog for the latest news as well as tips and ideas for finding the best premiums at the lowest prices.

Source: Daniel Keogh

Auto Insurance: Cut Down Your Car Insurance Costs

Cheap Car Insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada

2007-08-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

Cheap Car Insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada
By Deborah Mills

Living in Las Vegas, Nevada would be a dream come true for many people. To be able to walk down the strip each night soaking up the ambiance and excitement seems like a wonderful way of life. Although the day to day routine in Las Vegas may be different than in other cities, there are some things that are the same regardless of where you live. One of these things is car insurance. Trying to find cheap car insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada is something most residents strive for.

Although comprehensive and collision coverage are optional for drivers in Las Vegas, liability coverage is mandatory. This means that everyone, regardless of what their driving history is or what vehicle they drive, must have at minimum some liability coverage. Although this is certainly satisfactory and acceptable to many drivers, others need more substantial coverage.

There are certain discounts that are available to residents of Las Vegas that can help them enjoy a cheaper car insurance rate. Many insurance agents don’t ask about these discounts so it’s important for individuals to be aware of them, so they can question their agent about how they apply to their rate.

One discount applies to homes where several people drive. Often when two people marry each will continue to use their own auto insurance company. They likely have never considered that by combining their vehicles into one policy they could actually enjoy a substantial savings. It’s a good idea when one policy is up for renewal to ask about the added cost of the other vehicle. To do this you’ll need to know the make and model of car that your spouse drives as well as their recent driving record. The same is true of parents who have children who drive. Adding the child to the policy may be costly depending on their age, but it can also prove beneficial in many cases.
Recommended sites for low rate insurance

Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Las Vegas, Nevada
Instant Auto and Home Insurance Quotes

Source: Deborah Mills