Auto insurance is often viewed as just another bill—something you have to pay each month because the law says so. But the truth runs deeper. Accidents happen every day. Roads are unpredictable, and even the most careful drivers can’t control weather, other drivers, or random bad luck. That’s where auto insurance becomes more than just a legal checkbox; it becomes a safeguard for your finances, your health, and your peace of mind.

In this article, we’ve discussed the real reasons why car insurance is more than a legal formality – it is absolutely critical.

1. Financial Protection from Expensive Repairs and Medical Bills

One of the most immediate reasons people purchase auto insurance is to protect themselves from the high cost of accidents. Even a relatively small crash can result in thousands of dollars in damage. A broken headlight, bent frame, or airbag deployment can all lead to expensive repairs. If injuries are involved, costs increase dramatically. Hospital visits, surgeries, therapy, and medications can pile up quickly. Without insurance, those bills come straight out of your pocket.

Having auto insurance means you don’t have to carry the entire financial burden alone. Your provider helps pay for repairs, covers medical bills, and ensures that a single incident doesn’t leave you deep in debt.

2. Legal Compliance and Peace of Mind

Driving without insurance isn’t just risky—it’s illegal in most states. The specific requirements vary by location, but nearly all states mandate some level of car insurance. If you’re caught driving without it, the penalties can be severe. Fines, license suspension, and even impoundment of your vehicle are real consequences.

Staying insured keeps you compliant with the law and gives you peace of mind. You don’t have to worry about what will happen during a routine traffic stop or in the event of a collision. Knowing you’re covered legally means one less thing to stress about when you’re behind the wheel.

3. Coverage Against Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

Not everyone on the road is responsible. Despite legal requirements, many drivers either don’t carry insurance or only purchase the bare minimum. If you get hit by someone who lacks adequate coverage, you could end up paying for the damage yourself.

That’s where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage comes into play. This type of protection helps you avoid financial disaster when the other driver can’t cover the costs. It’s especially important in areas with high numbers of uninsured drivers. With this added layer of coverage, you’re protected even when someone else drops the ball.

4. Safeguarding Against Natural Disasters and Theft

Accidents aren’t the only threat to your vehicle. Natural events like floods, wildfires, and hailstorms can cause serious damage. Theft and vandalism are also real risks, especially in urban areas. These situations fall outside the scope of basic liability coverage but can be handled by a comprehensive insurance policy.

Comprehensive coverage helps repair or replace your car in these unexpected circumstances. It offers a level of protection that goes beyond collisions and ensures you’re not left scrambling to cover losses from weather events or criminal activity. This type of insurance can be especially valuable for those living in regions prone to extreme weather or high crime rates.

5. Liability Coverage That Protects Your Assets

Being at fault in an accident carries more than just emotional stress—it can also put your finances and personal assets on the line. If you cause an accident that injures another person or damages their property, you may be held liable. Medical costs, repair bills, and even legal fees could become your responsibility.

Liability insurance covers these expenses so that you’re not personally on the hook. It’s designed to protect your income, your savings, and your future.

Without it, a single mistake could wipe out years of hard work.

6. Rental Car and Roadside Assistance Support

When your car is gone for repairs after an accident, you can’t hit the pause button. You still need to get to work, school, or appointments. That’s why rental car reimbursement is such a valuable part of many auto insurance plans. It keeps you mobile while your own vehicle is being repaired.

Roadside assistance is another underrated feature. Flat tires, dead batteries, and accidental lockouts happen to nearly everyone at some point. Having roadside support through your insurer means you don’t have to call for a tow or fix the problem yourself. It’s comforting to know help is just a phone call away when you’re stranded.

7. Coverage for Legal Costs After an Accident

Sometimes an accident doesn’t end with a repair and a handshake. Legal issues can arise, especially if there are serious injuries, questions of fault, or disputes over damages. A lawsuit can be expensive, even if you aren’t responsible. Think about those legal defense costs—attorney fees, court appearances, settlements, and more.

Most car insurance policies include liability coverage that extends to legal defense. Your insurance provider takes care of the legal side, so you’re not left navigating court procedures alone. This kind of protection is crucial in avoiding personal financial exposure during a lawsuit, which can otherwise drain your savings or even threaten your livelihood.

8. Helping You Get Back on the Road Faster

After an accident, dealing with repairs can be a hassle. You have to coordinate with repair shops, negotiate costs, and possibly wait weeks to get your car back. But with the right insurance provider, that process becomes much smoother. Many insurers work directly with certified repair facilities and streamline the entire workflow.

This means faster approvals, direct billing, and often guaranteed repairs. You don’t have to worry about being overcharged or delayed. You can focus on getting back to normal while your insurer handles the logistics. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes benefits that you only truly appreciate when you need it most.

The Key to Stress-free Driving

Auto insurance isn’t just about meeting legal requirements or fixing dents—it’s about protecting everything that matters when you’re on the road. From your finances and health to your legal security and savings, the right policy brings stability in moments of chaos. Life is full of unexpected turns, and when it comes to driving, you never know what’s around the corner. But with comprehensive auto insurance, you’re not facing the road alone. You’re backed by a system designed to support you when it counts most. And that peace of mind? That’s something no driver should be without.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post The Real Reasons Auto Insurance Is Critical appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

If you are an active driver or owner of any particular vehicle, it may be best to understand all the basic necessities that follow such a profession as well as the constant changes that you will need to monitor across a regular basis that can often provide for a difficult period of ownership.

There are several minor and major details that often follow the purchase of any vehicle that a driver intends to use for a consistent duration of time.

A majority of avid car enthusiasts are often highly knowledgeable when it comes to breaking down some of their all-time favorite vehicles available today.

Some may often sight out a fair few particular inclusions that will make their shortlist for dream cars to buy in the future for reasons that do not just necessarily focus solely on the model’s overall design or interior luxury.

However, whilst many will fantasize about the possibilities of one day being able to drive a Bugatti or Lamborghini, that luxury does not always present itself to the average resident.

The reality process and long-term period of car ownership is actually a much more stressful and demanding role to occupy, meaning that any everyday car owner will have to be aware of the basic background surrounding their car’s overall information and performance.  

• Basic knowledge that you should know about your car:

There are many things that any car owner should be notified of when purchasing a new vehicle, for instance:

Are you aware of the insurance cost of your car, and whether this is truly an auto insurance policy?

Do you have a true estimate as to how much fuel economy your vehicle consumes with every use?

Is your car in a vast state of depreciation? If so how much value would it be expected to bring in should you decide to sell it?

These are just some of the many aspects that car owners must remain vigilant about for a prolonged period of time since their initial investment.

Another crucial part of owning a car is to balance the economic options/upgrades that can be made for your own personal tendencies.

These assets can include body parts for your vehicle such as a new fitting of tires from the Mastercraft Buying Guide  which provides a full listings of applicable wheels that are both affordable and of great quality.

• Other important information that car owners should remain aware of:

Alongside valuing the importance of upgrading your car’s gear and aesthetic, there is always a common law among drivers to keep spare kit on hand in the case of an emergency.

Keeping valuables on hand such as a spare tire, windshield wiper blades and vehicle fluids is considered of great value to improve the safety of your journey should you come to an impromptu stop at any moment, for the various related kit reasons listed above.

Drivers should also have a common knowledge and an overall sense as to how their actions are likely to affect traffic both ahead and behind their vehicle whilst driving.

It’s always important to avoid dazzling other cars with headlights or approaching too close for a prolonged period with the best method being to keep the required timed second gap between any vehicles, which is subject to vary depending on the active weather conditions.

Any driver is also responsible for checking their car in for regular maintenance checks with professionals that will ensure that there are no glaring deficiencies with the car itself.

Whilst this is an expensive process, it is of crucial importance that regular maintenance checks are carried out on a consistent basis with the owner’s manual, found in the vehicle, providing a full listings of service interval’s that will need to be attended to.

It can be a daunting task to monitor your own personal vehicle across a set period as there are plenty of required tasks that need to be fulfilled and other variables that are likely to affect your car’s overall performance, meaning that any active driver must understand all the common amenities to uphold whilst the vehicle is still in the owners’ possession.

Image Source: TheCarExpert.co.uk

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Car lovers: How well do you know your stuff? appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that each driver is responsible for the damages in an accident, no matter who is at fault. As a result, most insured Floridians already carry at least $25,000 and $50,000 in bodily injury coverage.

If you’re looking for a company for the best car insurance in Florida, you’ve come to the right place. This blog post will talk about four tips to help you find the right provider for your needs.

It’s essential to do your research before choosing a car insurance company, as not all providers are created equal. However, by following some tips, you can be sure to find the best coverage at the best price.

1. Do Your Research

According to reports, Florida also has a high population of uninsured drivers, with 20.4 percent of drivers estimated to be driving without insurance. It is dangerous and illegal to drive without car insurance, and if you are caught, you could face serious penalties. That’s why it’s important to make sure you have the right coverage for your needs.

There are several ways to research car insurance companies. First, you can start by asking friends and family for recommendations. You can also check customer reviews for information like:

– How easy is the company to work with?

– What is their customer service like?

– Do they have a good selection of coverage options?

2. Compare Quotes

The best car insurance in Florida quotes may vary based on factors like:

– The type of car you drive

-Your driving history

-Your age, gender, and marital status

-Where you live

-Whether or not you have any accidents or violations on your record

3. Look For Discounts

Discounts may include safe drivers, good students, anti-theft devices, etc. In addition, some insurers offer discounts for taking a defensive driving course.

You can get a discount if you’re retired or over a certain age (usually 55 or 62).

There is a possibility that one may qualify for a safe driver discount if they have an accident-free record for a certain period.

If you’re a student, you may be able to get a good student discount if you maintain a certain GPA.

Deductibles are the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance company pays for any covered losses. Some insurers offer discounts for features on your car, like airbags and antilock brakes. You may also get a lower rate if you agree to pay a higher deductible.

When shopping for car insurance, be sure to ask about discounts so you can save money on your premium.

4. Check The Financial Stability Of Providers

It is essential to check the financial stability of your potential providers. By visiting the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Consumer Information Source, you can do this. The NAIC is an organization that regulates the insurance industry and provides information to consumers.

On the NAIC website, you can access a company’s complaint ratio. The number of complaints filed against a company compared to the number of policies it wrote in a year. Therefore, choosing a company with a low complaint ratio is important.

A good way to check if an insurance company has complaints is by visiting the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s website. The OIR is responsible for regulating the state’s insurance industry.

Conclusion

Auto insurance is one of the most important investments you can make for yourself and your family. By following the tips above, you can be sure to find the best company for your needs in Florida.

Image Credits: Pexels

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Selecting The Best Car Insurance Company In Florida: 4 Useful Tips appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Moms have a lot to deal with. Not only do they have to take care of their families, but they also have to worry about the safety and security of their homes. That’s where Progressive comes in. We offer a wide range of insurance products that are designed specifically for moms. Check out these five benefits for moms when choosing Progressive as your insurance provider.

1. Get affordable rates, even for high-risk drivers

Most parents would agree that their children are their most precious cargo. That’s why it’s so important to have good insurance when you’re driving them around. Unfortunately, many insurance companies charge high rates for drivers who are considered high-risk, which can make it difficult to afford the coverage you need. 

However, there are companies like Progressive that offer affordable rates for high-risk drivers. With Progressive, you can get the coverage you need without breaking the bank. So if you’re a taxi mom, be sure to read Progressive insurance reviews to see what other people have to say about their insurance programs. You’ll be glad you did when you have the peace of mind knowing that you and your children are covered should anything ever happen while you’re on the road. 

2. Customize your coverage to fit your needs

When it comes to car insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all policy. The type and amount of coverage you need depends on a variety of factors, including your driving habits and the use of your vehicle. If you only use your BMW car for personal needs and occasionally drive your kids to school or extra curricular activities, you may not need the same level of coverage as someone who commutes to work or drives for a living. 

If you’re considering switching car insurance providers, it’s good to know that you can customize your BMW insurance policy to fit your needs. This can help you save money on your premium whilte still getting the coverage you need. Talk to a Progressive agent about tailoring your policy to fit your driving habits and needs. You may be surprised at how much you can save.

3. 24/7 customer service and support

Being a mom is one of the hardest jobs in the world. Not only do you have to worry about your own needs, but you also have to care for your children 24/7. This can make it difficult to find time to chat with customer service agents during regular business hours. 

That’s why we offer 24/7 support and customer service. You can chat with our agents any time of day or night, even after the kids have gone to bed. We understand that moms are busy and sometimes need a little extra help. Our agents are here to provide that help, anytime you need it.

4. Claims process is simple and straightforward

Moms have enough to worry about without having to stress over what will happen if they get into an accident. That’s why the Progressive Claims process is designed to be simple and straightforward. We understand that when you’ve been in an accident, the last thing you want to deal with is a complicated claims process. We’ll work with you to get your claim resolved as quickly and smoothly as possible, so you can get back to focusing on your family. 

Whether you’re filing a claim online, over the phone, or through our mobile app, we’ll be there to help every step of the way. And in the unlikely event that your claim is denied, we have a team of experts who can help you appeal the decision. You shouldn’t have to worry about whether you’ll be taken care of if you’re in an accident – and with Progressive, you won’t have to.

5. Driver discounts available for good students and safe drivers

Learning to drive can be a rite of passage for many teens, but it can also be a stressful experience for both parents and children. In addition to the potential for accidents, there is also the risk of getting pulled over by the police. However, there are ways to help make the experience less daunting. For instance, many insurance companies offer discounts for good students and safe drivers. 

Progressive is one such company, and they offer various driver discounts that can help to offset the cost of insurance. In addition, there are also many online resources that can provide helpful tips on how to teach your child to drive. With a little preparation, you can help your child master the art of driving in no time.

Progressive is a great insurance company for busy moms. The company offers excellent coverage and has an easy-to-use app that makes it simple to file claims. In addition, the company offers a variety of discounts that can help reduce premiums 

If you’re a mom who’s looking for great insurance coverage, Progressive is definitely worth considering.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post 5 Benefits Of Progressive Insurance For Moms appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

All of us are aware of the number of vehicle accidents that happen every day across the country. We see thousands of accidents being reported regularly and they could happen to you or your loved ones, at no fault of yours. It is stressful to get into a vehicle accident, especially if there is an injury. There could be physical, emotional and financial repercussions of an accident. The first few steps after the accident are necessary to ensure that you seek help right when you need to. As much as it is important to know what to do, it is equally important to know what you must not do if you ever meet with an accident. Here are some things you must keep in mind and avoid doing in case of a car accident.

1. Driving away

It is a crime to leave the accident site after getting into a car crash. If you have been in an accident, it is important to stop and take a look at the situation you are in. Even if you think no one has been harmed, you need to take a moment and access the situation. If you fail to stop and leave the accident site, it will become punishable and you may have to pay for it.

2.  Not Collecting the information

If you get into an accident, do not forget to gather the personal as well as insurance details of everyone that was a part of the accident. It includes the other pedestrians and drivers. You should have their name, phone number, address, vehicle registration number, details of the auto insurance company, and driver’s license number. A lot of people feel disoriented after a crash and it is very normal. But you will have to share information with the others involved. It will help file an insurance claim and it will also help seek compensation from the at-fault driver.  In case there are witnesses to an accident, you can exchange information with them.

3.  Not calling 911

You must ensure your safety and of others who are in the accident. It is your topmost priority when you get into an accident. When you see anyone who is injured, immediately call 911. Even if you are not sure if they are injured or if the injury is not very serious, you need to call for medical attention immediately.

4.  Not informing the police

Whether the accident is minor or major, it is important to contact the local authorities to report the incident. It will ensure the safety of everyone involved in the accident. When you get a police officer at the scene to file the accident report, it can help gather their information and more details about the accident on the records. In the case of a severe accident, neglecting to inform the police can be punishable.

5.  Admitting fault

A lot of people who get into a car accident immediately apologize and accept some of their faults. It is a huge mistake and should be avoided at all costs. A declaration of a fault will be used against your insurance company or you. It will affect whether you receive compensation or not. Before you make any statement, you must contact an attorney who has expertise in handling car accident cases. They can assess the situation and guide you on the ways to prepare the statement based on your case.

6.  Speaking to the third party without the lawyer

Speak with your lawyer first and not to the other driver’s insurance company. An expert at County Line Chiropractic, an accident injury clinic in Miami Gardens states that all insurance companies are not the same and they may not handle the case in good faith or with your best concerns. This is why you must speak to your lawyer first. He will create a statement for the third party’s insurance company or speak to them for you. This will help avoid any dispute and will protect your rights.

7.  Not reporting the accident to the insurance company

You must not forget about your auto insurance and it is one of the first people you must inform after the accident. Report the accident to the insurance company to enjoy maximum coverage. If you fail to do so, it will give the insurance company a legal ground to deny your claim. Do not indicate any acceptance of fault and be honest with what happened.

Keep these things in mind whenever you are driving and even if it is a minor accident, you should avoid doing these things to ensure maximum insurance coverage and protection. Do not drive away from the scene under any circumstances and inform the medical professionals, insurance company, and lawyer without any delay. If you take the right steps after an accident, you will increase the chances of receiving compensation.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post 7 THINGS Not To Do After a Car Accident appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Keeping up with the maintenance and repair costs on your car is already expensive enough. So, when something unexpected like a serious accident occurs, it could really throw your finances out of whack. Depending on the extent and severity of the damage, it could cost you several thousand dollars to get your BMW back in tip-top shape. Since you need a reliable means of transportation, fixing it is your only option. But how?

File an Insurance Claim

One of the first options you have for covering the cost of your car after an accident is an insurance claim. If you have full-coverage insurance, your policy will cover the cost of repairs (within predetermined insurance limits). All you’ll be required to do is pay the deductible. To get your insurance claim approved you’ll need to provide a statement and send in supporting documents like the police and medical reports.

The claims adjuster will review the information, gather any other necessary information, and make a determination on how much they’re going to cover (if not, all of it). They will then recommend that you take your vehicle to a mechanic in their network and get an estimate on the repairs needed. You can then schedule an appointment and have the repairs done and the payment will be sent directly to the mechanic.

If you were involved in a serious accident and sustained injuries, you’ll have to file an insurance claim with the insurance company of the alleged responsible party. This can get a bit more difficult to navigate, which is why you may want to work with car accident lawyers. They can talk to insurance adjusters on your behalf to try and get your claim expidted.

Look for a Good Deal

If the damages aren’t covered by your insurance or the amount you received is not enough to cover the full cost of repairing the damage, looking for a good deal is highly recommended. Take your car to at least three mechanics or auto body shops to get an estimate. You’ll likely pay less if you work with independent shops than going to a dealership or large-chain brand.

Purchase the Parts Yourself

After finding a good mechanic to complete the repairs on your BMW, you can save even more money by purchasing the parts yourself. Sometimes, consumers can get better deals on aftermarket parts instead of going with the mechanic’s supplier. Ask the mechanic for a list of the parts that will be required to fix the BMW. Then, search online or visit an auto parts store to get the parts you need and compare those prices to the cost of parts in your estimate from the mechanic. If the parts are cheaper to purchase yourself, grab them and provide them to the mechanic so they can make the necessary repairs.

Sell Some Unwanted Items

If your budget is tight and your short on cash for your car repairs you can make a few extra bucks by selling things you don’t want. Your house is likely filled with things from toys and clothes to furniture and electronics that you no longer use. Gather these items and sell them online, through a specialized buyer (gold buyers or cell phone buyers), or hold a yard sale.

Consider Selling Your BMW

If the damage to your car was extensive enough, it may not even be worth fixing. This is especially true if your BMW is older or was already giving you trouble. If the estimates in repairs costs too much for you to afford, your next best option would be to sell it. You can place an ad in the online classifieds or through a used car database and sell to interested parties. Though you’d be selling the car as-is, there are plenty of people that might be interested in putting the work in to get your BMW back up and running. You could also sell your car to a junk car buyer and get paid a few hundred bucks which can be used towards the purchase of a new car.

If your BMW was damaged in an accident, paying for repairs is sure to be expensive. Be that as it may, there are several steps you can take to get the costs down. Start with filing an insurance claim, however, if that doesn’t work (or isn’t enough) you can use the above-mentioned advice to reduce your out of pocket expenses.

The post Ways to Cover The Cost of Damage to Your Car After an Accident appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

There are many big decisions that come with buying a new car, such as who will be using the car and what level of spec you want in your vehicle. When considering these factors, it’s important to remember that there will be ongoing costs associated with the vehicle that you choose. One of the most important of these costs is insurance.

The car you drive – age, cost and model – affect your insurance premiums, so you need to make sure that you choose a new car with this in mind. BMWs are a popular choice with many car purchasers, thanks to their high performance and reliability levels and their luxury interiors. If you are thinking of joining the large number of BMW owners across the country, you need to understand whether they are more expensive to insure than other vehicles.

BMWs not the most expensive vehicle to insure

In short, there are other vehicles which are more expensive to insure than a BMW. According to research, Mercedes-Benz models are the most expensive to insure. Various models of this brand take up the first three spots in the 20 most expensive cars to insure.

BMWs are at the luxury end of the market, so they are expensive to insure. For instance, the BMW 750Li comes with an average premium of $3,222. There is good reason for these high premiums as luxury cars like the BMW come with high repair or replacement costs, should the worst happen. It’s also worth remembering that there are several factors which determine how much you will pay to insure a BMW.

What helps to determine your BMW insurance premiums?

As with other vehicles, there are several factors which combine to decide what level of insurance premiums are attached to a BMW.
• The model chosen
Insurance rates can vary greatly between different BMW models. They can even vary between different incarnations of the same model.
• How old the vehicle is
Once you know which model of BMW you want, it may be better to buy a vehicle that is a few years old, as insurance premiums should be lower. However, you need to remember that certain, more modern, safety features could actually reduce premiums, so it’s a balancing act.
• Value of the car
Obviously, high value BMWs are more expensive to insure. This includes the value of any additions to the vehicle and not just the purchase cost.
• Personal factors

It’s possible for different people to buy the same model, version and age of BMW and still pay different rates of insurance. This is due to the personal factor. Insurance providers take into account factors such as how well you drive (do you have any driving penalties), how old you are and where you live.

All of these factors are put together to create an insurance premium that is personal to you. However, overall BMWs are not the most expensive vehicles to insure, although newer models do usually attract high premiums.

The post Is a BMW More Expensive to Insure than Other Vehicles? appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

When you want to take out a car insurance policy, you can choose between three different levels of cover: third party; third party, fire and theft; and fully comprehensive. Though third party coverage is the bare minimum requirement for legally driving on UK roads, you might find that the highest level – fully comprehensive – is actually cheaper, as high-risk drivers can often favor third party only.

Taking out “fully comp” cover, as it is colloquially known, would also assure you that you are covered for repairs and replacements to not only third parties but also your own vehicle. However, it would still not cover you for every single eventuality. To make up for this, you could opt for various “add-ons”, too – and even use of a rudimentary policy could incur fees and charges like those cited below.

Example add-ons to… add on to an insurance policy

Once you are holding a policy, you can usually expect it to provide you with a courtesy BMW should your customary vehicle be damaged and so need to be left in the garage while it is repaired. However, policies can differ in whether they could indeed guarantee a replacement BMW and, if they could, whether that vehicle would be like yours in both size and make.
If the policy would only provide a basic vehicle as a temporary replacement, you might be attracted to enhanced courtesy car cover, which enables you to improve what would be available. Meanwhile, if your BMW car keys are lost, replacement keys – and locks to go with them – could be funded by what is known as key insurance. Breakdown cover is yet another example add-on cited on the Which? site.

Watch out for hidden little expenses

You might prefer to forgo any add-ons in an attempt to rein in the expense of your car insurance as much as possible. That’s your decision to make, but you could still be caught out by various little fees and charges that eat into your budget in a way for which you originally hadn’t accounted.

For example, if you hold a policy that you would like to change, actually tinkering with it would likely incur what can be called an adjustment fee. Changes capable of bringing fees of this type include changing your name on the policy – a possibility if you get wed – and adding a second driver.

The added expense of paying monthly for a policy could also elude your notice. You might have theorized that chopping up the cost of insurance into monthly chunks would surely let you spread that expense. However, going down this route would entail you taking out a loan to which a high rate of interest is attached. Sometimes, the APRs of such loans can reach 40%!

To what extent can you avoid such costs?

It’s easy to be cynical about insurers’ tendency to charge such easy-to-overlook fees. In March, the Daily Mail reported that UK insurers were yearly making £800 million from “rip-off extras”. Furthermore, that’s only considering the income that was publicly disclosed; as not all of the leading insurers are transparent, they could be helping to conceal a much higher total haul.
There remain clever means through which you could bring down the price of car insurance. Those means include waiting for a policy to expire before you switch insurers; otherwise, you could be hit with a cancellation fee, the Which? website warns.

When looking for a new policy, use a broker like Call Wiser. Visit the Call Wiser website to learn more about how this company’s services could help.

The post Car insurance: add-ons, fees and charges appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

5 things to consider when switching car insurance

Switching your car insurance provider is relatively easy and yet, many of us just roll our policies over with the same company without shopping around for a better deal at renewal time. It’s not just about the lowest price, though. You need to shop around and compare like-for-like policies. Below, we outline the five things you need to consider before switching.

No Claims Bonus

A No Claims Bonus can be a very important factor in anyone’s motor insurance policy. Protecting it with step back protection is something you should consider when you switch provider, especially if you have spent years building it up. Adding this type of feature will typically increase the cost of your quote.

Breakdown Assistance and Windscreen Cover

Breakdown assistance and windscreen cover are often included as standard, but can raise the price of your premium. Consider whether you really need them. If you have bought your BMW through a hire purchase or PCP agreement, you may already have cover for breakdown assistance in your contract.

Fully Comp or Third-party, Fire and Theft

The need for Fully Comp or Third-party, Fire and Theft really depends on the car you drive. Replacing parts on high-value cars can be very expensive, so a Fully Comprehensive policy may make more sense for you.

If you do make a claim, it’s worth remembering that some companies will allow you to pay off that claim before the expiry of the policy, which will then be marked as a no-fault claim. This will be beneficial to your no claims bonus on your next policy.

Make sure there’s no gap in your cover

It’s vital that you don’t leave a gap in your cover if you’re switching providers. Check the details of your current policy and make a record of the exact time and date of when it expires. You should use that time and date as the starting time of your new policy.

If you are buying a new cars, make sure to notify your broker or insurer beforehand so that your new vehicle is covered. Remember to do this with plenty of time as it can be difficult to arrange last minute insurance, particularly on the weekends when some brokers and insurance companies close.

Take your time and make sure your cover is right for you

While it may be quick and easier than ever to get an insurance quote, it isn’t something that should be rushed into. There are lots of different policies and insurers out there and it’s important to make sure that you have the cover that suits you.

Take your time to read the details and see if it includes everything you need, expected or assumed it would have. Don’t hesitate to call and enquire about the policy if you have any questions or if there is a part of it you are unsure about.

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Each year, the popular magazine Auto Trader publishes a listing of the five top cars for the past year in the UK. Looking at the entire market, they indicated these five cars were the most popular in the UK for 2011.

1. Audi A4 – sold as a compact car for executives, the A4 delivers the traditional and somewhat eclectic style and sophistication of Audi with massive versatility and performance. The A4 has been part of Audi’s range since 1994. It not only looks the part, yet easily meets the requirements of a bustling, growing family.

2. BMW 3 Series – introduced to the market in 1975, the BMW 3 series has proceeded to earn a reputation as being a car that performs superbly in many ways; it looks quite sporty, yet serves quite well as a family car too.

3. Ford Focus – a regular high performer in the UK, this is considered one of the best family vehicles put on the market in the last ten years. It has a sporty look and feel (similar to the BMW 3 series), with some versions offering higher performance. The Ford Focus has garnered the appeal of a wide range of different people in the auto buying market.

4. Vauxhall Astra – this car is sporty, trendy, fast, and handles well, and has thus grown to be quite popular with the younger crowd. As they get older however, they discover how practical the Astra is with lots of room in the cabin and spacious boot.

5. Volkswagon Golf – similar to the Astra in many ways: popular with the younger drivers because of its sporty look, yet can also serve the needs of a growing family quite well.

Some of these cars come with a choice between 2-door and 4-door models. Young people typically like the sportier looking 2-door coupes, though the 4-door sedan provides much more space for cargo and passengers for those starting a family.

Though these vehicles are popular as well as affordable (generally ranging from about 16,000 to 35,000 pounds), purchasing them outright is still outside the budget of many buyers. Financing in some form is often necessary to get into one of these cars.

Financing, whether it’s hiring, leasing, or a loan, gives buyers the opportunity to drive one of the most popular vehicles in the UK in 2011 without needing to provide the entire cost up front. At least one of these financing methods is suitable for the vast majority of those in the car buying market in the UK. Because of the popularity of these cars, it’s quick to compare rates between various car insurance companies. This means you can easily be driving around in a car that you truly want instead of one that just gets you from here to there.

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