1st-insurance-tips

Tips To Decoding your Car’s VIN Number?

2006-12-19T16:50:00.003-08:00

A car's vehicle identification number (VIN) is the automotive equivalent of
human "DNA".

It sets their vehicles apart from the millions of vehicles out there. In later years it is reflected in 17 digit characters. It displays a car's uniqueness and heritage and provides a form of factory to scrap yard identification. It can be used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage. Each character or digit has a particular purpose.

Tips to understanding your vehicles serial (VIN) number

They are as follows:

1^st character- Identifies the country in which the vehicle was manufactured.
For example: U.S.A.(1or4), Canada(2), Mexico(3), Japan(J), Korea(K), England(S), Germany(W), Italy(Z)
2^nd character- Identifies the manufacturer. For example; Audi(A),
BMW(B), Buick(4), Cadillac(6), Chevrolet(1), Chrysler(C), Dodge(B),
Ford(F), GM Canada(7), General Motors(G), Honda(H), Jaquar(A), Lincoln(L), Mercedes Benz(D), Mercury(M), Nissan(N), Oldsmobile(3), Pontiac(2or5), Plymouth(P), Saturn(8), Toyota(T), VW(V), Volvo(V).
3^rd character- Identifies vehicle type or manufacturing division.
4^th to 8^th characters- Identifies vehicle features such as body style, engine type, model, series, etc.
9^th character- Identifies VIN accuracy as check digit.
10^th character- Identifies the model year. For example: 1988(J), 1989(K), 1990(L), 1991(M), 1992(N), 1993(P), 1994(R), 1995(S), 1996(T),
1997(V), 1998(W), 1999(X), 2000(Y)------2001(1), 2002(2), 2003(3)
11^th character- Identifies the assembly plant for the vehicle.
12^th to 17^th characters- Identifies the sequence of the vehicle for production
as it rolled of the manufacturers assembly line.

Understanding the cars vehicle identification number has become very popular with car collectors for new and old vehicles alike. Collectors can confirm a vehicles uniqueness, collectability and date of production. Consider this- owning one of the last cars off the assembly line for a certain year or model or how about owing one of the first 50 of a new model off the assembly line. Car collecting has become an immense world wide hobby/business and knowing how to read and understand a VIN is a very important aspect.

Are you looking for more tips on decoding Vehicle Identification Numbers?
Check our full list of articles click here

Vintage , Classic, Collectable Cars

In a sense, insuring a classic auto is like insuring any other kind of antique. You see, a classic car may be often made of irreplaceable parts.

To get an idea of the situation lets look further!

When you need to file or make a claim on your 1993 Cavalier, the claims adjuster has a little book that that tells him how much the car is basically worth. Combine that with calls to some local car dealerships and the estimates for repairs and .............bingo..........you know where you stand! Or pretty close!

But the value of your 1967 Corvette may be a bit harder to determine, especially if you've put a lot of work into the car. That's why it's often best to hire an appraiser when you decide to take out a collectable car policy. Before you do so, though, shop around to see who will provide this kind of policy and even if your car qualifies. Different companies have different standards , rules, conditions and claims procedures. Some will only provide coverage on a special rate for a car over 25 years old. Some may not provide coverage to operators under 25 year old. Some policies may seriously restrict the use and type of use the vehicle may have. For example- parades, car club activities(if you're a member) yearly mileage

Some insurance companies offer riders or endorsements that let you add the vehicle to your regular policy and and some companies have separate policies.

Ask your broker these questions:

1) How old does my car Have to be?
2) Is this a stated value or agreed upon value?
3) Do I need to hire an Appraiser?
4) Do you need to approve the Appraiser I hire?
5) How often can I use My car?
6) Are their restrictions?

But with all these questions and hard work come some serious advantages!

Price for example.

You'll usually pay less than a regular auto policy with the same value vehicle because the insurance company usually recognizes and expects that you will use the car in a certain manner and care. Every day use is gone. They become good weather , sunny day vehicles. No snow storms! No icy roads! Less risk ------less cost! But quite often the limited use is a key factor. Not driven to work every day regardless of the weather helps keep cost down. The vehicle is usually stored in a locked garage at home and the chance of theft is often reduced this way as well.

At a first glance, it may seem a bit unreasonable for an insurance company to tell you how to use, when to use, and where to store your car. But, most owners of these vehicles take these precautions anyhow.

It seems the last thing they want to do is get damage to their"baby"!

It pays to appraise your car on a regular basis!
A collectable car doesn't depreciate it increases or ..."appreciates" with time!

Ask any owner.....they appreciate....... their beauty!

Mini Van Mania Hits Canada!

Say Good bye to the days of the station wagon and hello...............to the minivan!

The all purpose vehicle that revolutionized the auto industry in the mid - 1980's topped a quarter million sales for the first time in Canada last year. The minivan's popularity took off in 1984 with the introduction of a Chrysler model that offered more room but still fit in a garage. It turned into a spectacular success with Canadian sales surpassing 100,000 in 1989 and 200,000 in 1997. Now, more than a dozen models compete in the segment.

Statistics Tell The Story!

Statistics show sales and leases of new minivans across the country jumped almost 24,000 or 10.5% to a record 251,673 last year! That outpaced the over-all vehicle market which climbed 8.1% to 1.5 million vehicles leased or sold.

Today, minivans represent 16% of the Canadian market and only 8% of the United States market. The minivan has evolved into more than family vehicles.

For example older people who like to travel and motorists

active in sports and outdoors are active buyers of the vehicles .What has driven the market also is the competitiveness of manufacturers to get their share of the market. This competition has brought affordable pricing to this vehicle segment. Research shows Canadian households on average own 1.6 vehicles while American households have 2 vehicles. U.S. statistics suggest the popularity of minivans in the U.S. peaked in 1998.

It is believed that new minivan buyers are generally coming from the compact car category and are looking for more room and uses in a vehicle for their families that compacts can't provide.

In fact,

three auto makers produce minivans in Ontario, Canada.

1) Daimler Chrysler produces the Caravan model at the world's biggest minivan plant in Windsor

2) Ford assembles Windstars in Oakville and

3) Honda makes the Odyssey model in Alliston.

Quarter million leased or sold last year!!!

8 Ways to Avoid an Accident

2006-12-19T16:50:00.001-08:00

Over 90% of automobile accidents can be avoided.

Here are common causes.........avoid them and you may avoid an accident!

Intersection Errors..........Over 65% of urban accidents occur at intersections. Look around very carefully. Proceed with caution and don't assume anything.

Inattention...............Not maintaining close concentration on your own driving, other drivers, pedestrians, and driving conditions.

Following too close...... A generally safe and easy rule is to look at your speed in km and stay at least that many feet behind the vehicle in front.

Vehicle Malfunction..... Have regular checkups, particularly of wiper fluid, brakes , and tires, and replace wiper blades whenever they are worn.

Maintain your vehicle and you may avoid and accident.

Dangerous Roads...Ice, snow, fog, and rain conditions require slower speeds and much greater caution.

Unsafe Speeds... Exceeding speed limits, or driving too fast for traffic conditions.Excessive speed reduces reaction time and greatly increases impact and injuries.

Improper Lane Changes... Before you change, check all mirrors, and signal long before you change. Also, watch for the other vehicles.

These items may seem so simple and standard to drivers, but, in today's hectic driving world they are often overlooked ,forgotten or simply ignored.

Reporting An Accident

Here's a checklist of 9 items of information to record in the event of a accident:

1) Policy number, insurance company and name of the person the policy is in with addresses and phone numbers of the vehicle owner

2) If the driver is not registered owner then get drivers name, address, drivers license and telephone number

3) Date and time of the accident

4) Location of accident

5) Year, make & model, color and license plate number

6) Number & Name of Passengers in each car with telephone numbers and home addresses

7) Name of responding police -fire-ambulance and report number

8) Road conditions -diagram of road, weather, traffic flow, signs, etc.

9) Witness- get names ,addresses, telephone numbers

8 Steps To Take If Involved In An Accident

If you are involved in an auto accident, take the following steps:

1) Don't leave the scene

2) Call for medical assistance if there are injuries.

3) Call the police- The Ontario Highway Traffic Act was revised as of January 1, 1998 and accidents over $1,000 must be reported to the police. This is not per car ,but, for the entire accident and all vehicles involved.

4) Drivers involved in a collision must now exchange drivers license numbers and pertinent insurance information in writing, as well as, license plate number and registered owner information.- Please consider this simple tip----------Keep paper and a pencil in the vehicle for this reason.

5) All collision with personal injury must be reported to the police and insurance company immediately. Do not make statements to the other insurance company involved until you have talked to your own insurance company and adjuster.

6) If the collision doesn't involve personal injuries police may direct motorists to a Collision Reporting Center or local police station. Report to that Center and provide all necessary details and get a copy of the report for your records and your brokers records.

7) Never pay cash for a claim -to the other person involved in the accident at the scene. Don't pay cash to the tow truck driver without a receipt (you may be reimbursed by the insurance company)

8) Look for witnesses. Record the names of any witnesses who saw what happened. These people are very important if your participation in the accident is questioned at a later date. Preferably look for people that are not in your car, but, were situated near the accident scene at the time and saw what happened.

Tips For Safe Driving in Ontario in Winter

You can drive safer! Here are some general tips for safe driving in Ontario (Canada) winter weather. Watch for ice! Shaded areas, bridges and overpasses tend to freeze first and stay frozen long after the sun starts to shine. If you see or detect a thin layer of shiny "black ice" ,as its often referred to , ahead then carefully slow down and drive smoothly and steadily trying not to brake suddenly. Hard packed snow can often be as slippery as ice. In such conditions, slow down and avoid sudden stops, braking or acceleration which might cause a skid.

When hit by blowing snow or whiteout conditions, slow down and make sure there ......lots of space or distance between you and the vehicle in front. It often makes sense to get off the road totally and enjoy a cup of coffee or drink and wait awhile to hit the road. This allows the emergency vehicles to properly plow the road, sand or salt it, or perhaps to let the wind reduce down to safer driving conditions. This is obviously the most safe position but, unfortunately not usually the most thought of. But if you must travel on always use low beam headlights when snow is falling, as it is believed that high beams reflect back off the flakes and hamper vision.

Always leave trucks with lots of space. A heavily loaded tractor trailer truck may have better traction but can cause havoc if it has to brake or swerve suddenly to avoid smaller cars that try to squeeze into its path while overtaking or merging.

Remember also to look out for hydroplaning when roads are wet with slushy puddles. It is wise to check your vehicle as often as possible and to clear the mess or guck out of the wheel wells and fender areas which may help you steer better.

Always take the time before starting out on a trip or a drive around the corner to properly clear ice and snow off your car windows, hood and roof. Don't forget to clean your lights as dirty lights can reduce illumination of the roadway by half. You won't be able to see as well and the other traffic won't be able to see you. To combat moisture buildup on windows, open a window slightly giving enough room for air to circulate. Still use the heat blowers and defoggers to clear.

Good winter tires give 50% better traction over what is referred to as all-season tires. This may mean 50% better handling and braking. Follow your car manufacturer's tire air pressure recommendations exactly and check pressures regularly outside. Avoid checking them in a warm garage as it may affect the results. Under inflation is very hard on tire life and reduces control of the car while over inflation reduces contact with the road and creates a safety hazard, especially in rain or snow. A drop of 11 degrees C reduces tire pressure apparently by 2 psi.

One of the most common winter accidents is sliding into another car because there just wasn't enough room to stop. So space your distance from other vehicles generously.

Allow for extra time to get to your destination. One of the most common causes for accidents are believed to be the desire to rush to make it on "time". Poor weather driving conditions while extremely dangerous to whether you even make it to your destination "alive" means you should allow generously for time. Live earlier and don't worry if you arrive late. People will understand why your late! What they won't understand is why you were rushing and got in an accident and got hurt. Allow for lots of extra time in bad weather.

It's better to be safe.......... than sorry!

Also Consider This!

* Let your windows fully defrost before your drive. People are becoming more aware of idling engines and their hazards on the environment and usage of gas but sometimes personal safety must come first.

If you warm up your car before you drive, make sure it is in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide build-up.

* Keep towels in the car to wipe off headlights when they become dirty and snow covered. But remember never to pull off on the shoulder on busy roads to clear the dirt. Instead, carefully drive to a safe and spacious spot ( garage/gas station, restaurant) to avoid collisions with other drivers and severe personal injury.

* Maintenance checks- Coolant- make sure it is properly mixed and will not freeze-Engine oil- use lighter weight oil to ensure easier starts-Washer Fluid- make sure it has an antifreeze, smear, agent in it and keep extra fluid in the vehicle- Battery- have it tested and replace it if it is not at peak performance as cold weather wreaks havoc on batteries

*Remain vigilant even though your car has ABS brakes and traction control-pumping the brakes on cars equipped with ABS will reduce the effectiveness of the brakes. Refer to your owners manual for specific instructions on your vehicles's braking system.

Tips To Understanding - "Betterment & Depreciation"

2006-12-19T16:49:00.003-08:00

What is betterment and how does it affect me?

It was a hot sunny day, mid July, when Tom came out to his car in
the parking lot after shopping. But much to his surprise and disappointment there now was a scratch about 8 inches long on the fender. "I'll just have the insurance company pay for repainting the whole car" he said. But such may not be the case! Otherwise, the owner would be advantaged by the accident through a new paint job.

In cases where the repairs or replacement as a result of an insurable loss end up giving the insured something better than
he or she had before the loss ...the difference is known as "betterment". The concept of insurance does not allow the
insured to profit or "better" from the loss. Then an appropriate value must be agreed on as to the owner's contribution towards the betterment.

This is a difficult concept to explain or understand when someone has suffered a loss. Especially after an accident or loss when the policyholder played no role in the event. They have paid insurance premiums and now have the inconvenience of repairs. On older cars

it's simply not realistic to expect an update on a vehicle without some cost to the owner. Remember also that insurance companies rates are usually based on losses. This then would probably result in higher insurance rates for everyone. So the insurance company would have the 8 inches or so fixed and repainted, but, not the whole car.

Unfortunately, there may exist an attitude or misunderstanding
sometimes that the insurance they were purchasing in their policy guaranteed them that their property would be repaired at no personal cost.

What is depreciation and how might it affect me?

Let's look at the same situation, except that Tom finds his car tires have been slashed by vandals. Does Tom benefit from new tires on his car? You bet he does! So the insurance company would take into consideration, the mileage, wear and tear of the tires and Tom would have to pay the difference to get new tires on his car. After all, Tom had tires that had 20,000 miles on them and now he has new tires with zero mileage. In new condition. Tom won't have to replace or worry about them for awhile.

Betterment and depreciation decisions on claims are made on a individual basis. They are dependent on the specific facts of each case. Always though, the object of the claim is to return the vehicle to its pre-accident/loss condition and shape and includes the body, tires, etc..

Interesting Tips.......Believe them or not!

2006-12-19T16:49:00.001-08:00

Road deaths drop in '98

Transport Canada says statistics for 1998 show that fewer people are dying in traffic accidents. What is increasing though is the number of motorcyle and bicycle fatalities.

Statistics reveal that

Nearly 3,000 people died and 217,614 were injured.

There were 150,919 traffic accidents in 1998.
That's a 4.7% drop in fatalities and 1.7% drop in injuries compared to 1997.
This means that road fatalities across Canada were at their lowest levels in

43 years.

The deaths include 1,479 drivers, 729 passengers, 401 pedestrians, 166 motorcyclists and 76 bicyclists.

Motor bike deaths were up about 35% from the year before and bicyclist fatalities increased about 14%.

Are Sports Utility Vehicles Safe? You decide!

The National Highway Traffic safety Administration(U.S.A.) reports

that the rollover rate for SUV's is 98 per 1,000,000 which is double that of all vehicles which is 47 per 1,000,000.

Between 1991 and 1994 about 9,000 people have died from rollovers. In fact, 10,000 people died in 1996 alone. Apparently, the Sports Utility Vehicle tends to tip over and roll due to the swerve/counter-swerve with its high-gravity point. SUV's were specifically built to drive at slower speeds and clear larger obstacles and difficult terrain. They have a higher center of gravity. This interesting trait is deadly when combined with faster driving and defensive street driving such as attempting to avoid an obstacle by swerving.

Are Airbags Effective?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

more than 2,920 people owe their lives to airbags. Driver deaths have been reduced by 14% and passenger deaths reduced by 11%. When combined with the proper use of a
seatbelt it reduces the risk for serious head injuries by 75%. Where seatbelts alone have a 38% risk factor.

However, since 1990 there have been 105 deaths that have been reported and a majority of these were children.

Believe it or not!!!

MORE INTERESTING STATISTICS

Despite a crackdown by York Regional Police(Ontario, Canada) it appears fatalities are on an increase. The statistics recently released are as follows:

Forty one people lost their lives in traffic Fatalities collisions in 1999, compared to 33 in 1998.
Eight of last year's (1998) fatal collisions were double fatalities.
It appears speed is the single biggest contributor. Last year, it accounted for 36.4 %, compared to 26.7% the year before.
Alcohol was a contributing factor in 21.2 % last year. This was up 16.7% in 1998
Failing to stop at a stop sign was responsible for 9.1% of last year's fatal collisions, up from 6.7% a year earlier.
Misadventures of carelessness dropped to 3%, from 13.3% the previous year
Pedestrian actions accounted for 9.1% of fatals in 1999 which is less than half the 20% total in 1998.
Weather was a factor in 9.1% of fatal accidents in 1999 compared to 3.3% in 1998

Now................according to RIDE statistics:

There were fewer vehicles stopped in 1998. 29,856 to 32,480 in 1998
575 roadside breath tests were administered which was up from 448 the year earlier
99 (12 hour) suspensions were handed out. This is double the 51 in 1998
17 (90 day) suspensions were handed out. This is up from the 11 handed out the year before.
5 impaired driving charges were given which was up from 4 in 1998
15 charges of driving with more than the legal limit of alcohol in the bloodstream were handed out.

This was up from 10 the year before.

11 drivers were charged with other criminal code violations. This was up from 1 the year before.
18 people were charged with failing to wear seat belts. This is up compared to the 1 charge the year before.

Ironically for all the stepped up public safety efforts which includes a 40 % increase in traffic enforcement over 1998 the increased carnage and trauma during 1999 is very alarming. It appears that people don't seem to get it and that they should not drink and drive.

Fatal accidents not only devastate family and friends, they affect emergency crews and the attending police officers. It's effects are far reaching and troubling.

Canadian Insurance Industry Facts of Interest

Total Property/Casualty Insurance Companies operating in Canada are 237.
Total Property/Casualty Insurance Agencies and Brokerages in Canada are 7,213

Total estimate of people employed in the private Property/Casualty industry in Canada:

Insurance Companies 35,555
Brokers 56,885
Adjusters/Appraisers– 3,865 (1997 stats)

6 Tips to Reduce your Automobile Gas Bills

1) Always keep your engine well tuned. A poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by 50% experts say.

2) Avoid fast jackrabbit style starts. They're bad for your tires and terrible for your fuel consumption.

3) Don't let your engine idle if you're waiting for someone or in a line at a fast food restaurant. One minute of idling uses more fuel than restarting your vehicle engine.

4) Install a block heater to help warm your vehicle engine. A warm engine means easier starting with fewer emissions and less need for idling.

5) Plan you shopping and errands to combine multiple tasks on one outing to avoid several different separate trips/outings which can waste a lot of fuel.

6) Check your tire pressure regularly. Under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption as much as 5%

Interesting Tips.......Believe them or not!

2006-12-19T16:48:00.001-08:00

Road deaths drop in '98

Transport Canada says statistics for 1998 show that fewer people are dying in traffic accidents. What is increasing though is the number of motorcyle and bicycle fatalities.

Statistics reveal that

Nearly 3,000 people died and 217,614 were injured.

There were 150,919 traffic accidents in 1998.
That's a 4.7% drop in fatalities and 1.7% drop in injuries compared to 1997.
This means that road fatalities across Canada were at their lowest levels in

43 years.

The deaths include 1,479 drivers, 729 passengers, 401 pedestrians, 166 motorcyclists and 76 bicyclists.

Motor bike deaths were up about 35% from the year before and bicyclist fatalities increased about 14%.

Are Sports Utility Vehicles Safe? You decide!

The National Highway Traffic safety Administration(U.S.A.) reports

Are Airbags Effective?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Believe it or not!!!

MORE INTERESTING STATISTICS

Despite a crackdown by York Regional Police(Ontario, Canada) it appears fatalities are on an increase. The statistics recently released are as follows:

Forty one people lost their lives in traffic Fatalities collisions in 1999, compared to 33 in 1998.
Eight of last year's (1998) fatal collisions were double fatalities.
It appears speed is the single biggest contributor. Last year, it accounted for 36.4 %, compared to 26.7% the year before.
Alcohol was a contributing factor in 21.2 % last year. This was up 16.7% in 1998
Failing to stop at a stop sign was responsible for 9.1% of last year's fatal collisions, up from 6.7% a year earlier.
Misadventures of carelessness dropped to 3%, from 13.3% the previous year
Pedestrian actions accounted for 9.1% of fatals in 1999 which is less than half the 20% total in 1998.
Weather was a factor in 9.1% of fatal accidents in 1999 compared to 3.3% in 1998

Now................according to RIDE statistics:

There were fewer vehicles stopped in 1998. 29,856 to 32,480 in 1998
575 roadside breath tests were administered which was up from 448 the year earlier
99 (12 hour) suspensions were handed out. This is double the 51 in 1998
17 (90 day) suspensions were handed out. This is up from the 11 handed out the year before.
5 impaired driving charges were given which was up from 4 in 1998
15 charges of driving with more than the legal limit of alcohol in the bloodstream were handed out.

This was up from 10 the year before.

11 drivers were charged with other criminal code violations. This was up from 1 the year before.
18 people were charged with failing to wear seat belts. This is up compared to the 1 charge the year before.

Fatal accidents not only devastate family and friends, they affect emergency crews and the attending police officers. It's effects are far reaching and troubling.

Canadian Insurance Industry Facts of Interest

Total Property/Casualty Insurance Companies operating in Canada are 237.
Total Property/Casualty Insurance Agencies and Brokerages in Canada are 7,213

Total estimate of people employed in the private Property/Casualty industry in Canada:

Insurance Companies 35,555
Brokers 56,885
Adjusters/Appraisers– 3,865 (1997 stats)

6 Tips to Reduce your Automobile Gas Bills

1) Always keep your engine well tuned. A poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by 50% experts say.

2) Avoid fast jackrabbit style starts. They're bad for your tires and terrible for your fuel consumption.

3) Don't let your engine idle if you're waiting for someone or in a line at a fast food restaurant. One minute of idling uses more fuel than restarting your vehicle engine.

4) Install a block heater to help warm your vehicle engine. A warm engine means easier starting with fewer emissions and less need for idling.

5) Plan you shopping and errands to combine multiple tasks on one outing to avoid several different separate trips/outings which can waste a lot of fuel.

6) Check your tire pressure regularly. Under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption as much as 5%.

Simple Tips.....How To Avoid Auto Insurance Problems

2006-12-19T16:47:00.001-08:00

Not knowing how the automobile insurance system works can cost you money.
Here are a few Tips to watch out for!

1) Have all drivers listed!

Check your policy carefully on each renewal to make sure that all licensed operators of your vehicle are listed and shown on the policy.

For example - The vehicle and insurance is shown in the husbands name yet no where on the policy is the wife's name even mentioned though she has driven for 20 years accident free. What if another car was bought for her and she has no previous insurance experience to confirm? Under age drivers(25 yrs old) might be another
area of concern. People might believe they are saving money by not showing them as operators? But what happens when they do get their own vehicle and can't provide accident free insurance experience. And they will get their own auto- it's just a matter of time.

2) NSF Payment Cancellations.

Be responsible on payments for your auto insurance. Cancellations for non payment, non sufficient fund cancellations can be very negative and costly to you. It may even limit what insurance company you can place your insurance with! Be responsible and if a cancellation problem arises deal immediately with your broker to resolve it. Don't ignore it!

3) Depreciation - what may happen on a claim.

Being prepared and knowledgeable can make a big difference with the results of a auto claim.

For example- If your car tires are stolen and you report a loss under your comprehensive coverage would your tires be replaced at full value. Not likely!
Such factors as age, condition, usage, wear and tear come into play. It only makes sense! Your tires might have 20,000 miles on them and yet you would be getting new tires. But how do you protect yourself so the claim is fair for you and the insurance company. A tip- keep the original bill of sale and have written on it the actual mileage of the vehicle at the time of installation by the tire installer!

4) What can I do to keep the cost of insurance down.

Contact your broker and discuss how your use of the vehicle(s) at present is rated and how your insurance company classes are determined. A potential problem could arise at the time of loss if your use is not properly classified. Also, you could be paying extra money by being wrongly rated.

Are you rated properly as your circumstances are today..... not in the past!

People Withholding Information!

Figures released by the Insurance Advisory Organization (IAO) suggest that a significant percentage of both personal and commercial policyholders are not disclosing past claims to their insurers when arranging insurance. The I.A.O. commercial based Claims Tracking System shows non-disclosed claims on more than 50% of inquiries while about 20% of the 150,000 monthly inquiries made to the Habituation Tracking System (home, etc.) uncover omissions. What that means is even if these figures are only half accurate then too many people are withholding insurance claims information and not disclosing it when arranging insurance.

In fact , statistics revealed that "seven to eight cases a day show up as suspicious". I can think of three possible reasons perhaps for this outcome.

1) One would be that some people simply don't give the information as they believe they can hide it.

2)The second possible reason is that people simply forget to mention a particular claim or incident.

3) The third possible reason is the insurance broker did not ask the right questions.

But, whether the non-disclosure occurring is due to genuine errors, insufficient information being requested , or deliberately omitted, the real problem might end up with the insurance companies basing their rates on inaccurate data. Thus, someone might enjoy lower rates for car insurance as having no claims when in fact they had at- fault claims and should be paying a rate based on that actual record.

While their might be the odd company which does not check the data base for each and every new application for any past claims experience, the simple fact is most do! Most do it with no exceptions.

To combat fraud and misrepresentation, the ICPB's Aspect system is linked to the U.S. National Crime Intelligence Branch, recording all vehicle movement across the border. ICPB's advises that false stolen vehicle claims have been uncovered utilizing the system

Warning! Is Your Driver's License Still Valid!

In Ontario (Canada) all new drivers, regardless of age, must complete a two level "Graduated Licensing" program before they qualify for full license privileges. These drivers have a maximum of five (5) years from the start date of their Level One License to earn full license privileges. If they do not receive their Class G license ( full license) within this 5 year period, they must reapply and start the licensing process over again.

According to information provided by the Ministry of Transportation, an estimated 125,000 Ontario drivers will see their Level One and Level Two licences automatically expire this year. If you received your Level One or Level Two license in 1994/95 and have not "graduated" to a Class G License, your license may have already expired. This means you could unwittingly end up driving without a licence. Please check your license and with the local registration licensing office.

Auto Insurance Shopping Tips

2006-12-14T19:45:00.000-08:00

Auto insurance regulations vary from province to province, state to state, country to country, which means you’ll have to purchase different amounts and types of coverage's depending on where you live. Most provinces or states have a law which requires people to have auto insurance.

The rules of common sense also dictate that you buy, at the very least, reasonable limits of liability insurance. Because if you cause an accident and its your fault you going to have to pay for those damages. If you don’t have liability insurance then you may eventually end up paying for those damages with your assets, such as your home and your wages.

Know what you’re buying

The first thing you need to do is educate yourself about the thing you’re buying. Find out which coverage's are required in your province, which coverage you really need, and which coverage's you can do without.

Keeping costs down

Regardless of where you live or what you’re required to buy, there are some things you can do to make sure you’re getting the best deal. The most important thing to do is shop around. Call as many agents as possible. Yes, I know that it’s a drag and it takes a lot of time. Yes, I know that you may have to answer the same questions repeatedly. But look at it this way.---- Would you walk up to the first house you see and buy it?

Doing a little research can save you money. But value is the most important "Factor". Does the broker meet and exceed my expectations. Do they offer things of value to me and serve my best interests. It’s important to look at the company that’s actually going to be paying my claims, How do they compare for service? How do they compare in size and volume? What are their objectives, ideals and mission statements? Years ago these features were very hard to find, but, the computer and internet has change all of this. Visit their web sites and view them first hand.

Here are a few insurance shopping tips:

* Maintain a good driving record

* Ask about all discounts and what you would qualify for!

* Take the highest deductible that meets your needs

* For cars with low market value consider forgoing comprehensive and collision insurance

* Keep the documents from previous insurance companies

* Make sure you’re a listed driver on an automobile policy somewhere

* Make sure you’re a listed driver if you use a company vehicle most of the time

* Ask if accident waiver coverage is available- this optional coverage is available with several insurance companies and protects future increases in insurance costs due to at-fault losses

* Maintain your vehicle

* Make sure you’re not getting coverage that is unnecessary to you- for example, rental car coverage if you own several vehicles and some sit unused most of the time

US--News--Insure chief launches revamp of high-risk driver system

2006-12-14T04:59:00.000-08:00

By Bruce Mohl, Globe Staff December 14, 2006

With three weeks remaining before a new governor takes over, the Romney administration yesterday launched a major change in the state's auto insurance system that will take three years to implement and could affect one of every four drivers in the state.

The state insurance commissioner, Julianne M. Bowler , said she was moving to a system where drivers that no carrier wants to insure would be assigned to individual companies rather than placed in a pool where their losses are shared.

Under Bowler's assigned-risk plan, premiums for drivers assigned to a carrier would not change, but those drivers would lose the ability to select their own insurance company and could lose access to pricing discounts offered by their current insurer.

Bowler offered no estimate of how many drivers would be affected, but said insurance companies would be barred for at least the next three years from not renewing the policies of at least 75 percent of the state's drivers, those with clean records for the last three years. The state has approximately 4 million drivers.

State Senator Andrea F. Nuciforo Jr. , a Pittsfield Democrat and the cochairman of the Legislature's Financial Services Committee, criticized Bowler for trying to revamp the state's auto insurance system on a piecemeal basis.

"We should leave it to the next governor to take a comprehensive look at this," said Nuciforo, a critic of the Romney administration's auto insurance proposals.

A spokeswoman for Governor-elect Deval Patrick , who could scrap the Romney assigned-risk plan, declined to comment pending further review.

In her decision and in a statement, Bowler defended her decision to move ahead so late in Romney's term and noted an assigned-risk plan has been in the works for close to four years, stalled repeatedly by court challenges from several of the state's largest automobile insurers.

"Reform is long overdue," she said. "Companies will now be responsible for all their policies, forcing responsible management of losses and a greater incentive to fight fraud in the marketplace, which means lower rates for drivers."

The Massachusetts Insurance Federation, which represents most of the automobile insurers pushing for sweeping changes in the state's auto insurance system, said an assigned-risk plan would keep carriers from leaving the state. Sentry Insurance of Stevens Point, Wis., left in July 2005, citing concerns about the unfair distribution of drivers no company wants to insure.

"The structure and unfair operation of the Massachusetts high-risk pool has been a principal reason why two-thirds of the companies that were operating here in 1990 have withdrawn from the market or gone out of business," said James T. Harrington , executive director of the federation.

Under the current system, agents representing many of the state's higher-risk drivers are assigned to companies based on market share. The client base of many of these agents varies dramatically, so many companies have been unfairly saddled with a disproportionate share of the highest-risk drivers.

The existing system also lets companies dump individual drivers they don't want to insure into a pool, where losses are shared based on company market share. Drivers never know whether they are in the pool.

Under the assigned-risk plan, companies will be allowed to choose which drivers they want to insure using virtually any criteria they want. Those drivers that cannot obtain a policy from a company will be assigned to a carrier for coverage, with assignments based on market share.

The process will start April 1, with newly licensed drivers or drivers moving here from out of state. It will expand on July 1 to include drivers with very poor driving records, 10 or more points.

On April 1, 2008, all other drivers will be included, except those who have had clean driving records for the previous three years. The clean drivers will be subject to assignment on April 1, 2010, although Bowler directed a quasi-government industry group to come up with a system that would give companies an incentive not to designate those drivers for assignment.

Stephen D'Amato , a consultant to the Center for Insurance Research in Cambridge, said eventually insurers will be able to put as many as a million drivers up for assignment for virtually any reason. He said the phase-in period only delays the adverse consequences for consumers.

"It's like lengthening a fuse on a bomb," he said. "Eventually the bomb explodes."

Bruce Mohl can be reached at mohl@globe.com.

Safety Tip!

2006-12-14T01:50:00.000-08:00

Thieves often watch shoppers take parcels to their cars. They know once a customer returns to the mall, they will have a few moments to make their move. So ...if you have more shopping to do, it would be wise to move your vehicle to a completely new location in the parking lot. Any thieves watching will think you have finished your shopping for the day and will focus their attention on other potential victims. I know this is a hard concept to do, but, it certainly is better than coming out to find your window broken, truck pried open and your parcels all gone. It can happen in a matter of seconds!

Some Tips To Protect Yourself from Parking Lot Break-ins

Make sure you don’t become the next victim of a parking lot break-in. Here are some tips to help keep you, your family and vehicle safe from break-ins at shopping malls and parking lots.

#1- Always park near other vehicles and in well lit areas, if possible near the front of the stores and roadways.

#2- Do not park next to large vans or trucks that can block your vehicle from plainview. Thieves will often use large vehicles as cover to break into unsuspecting cars.

#3- Never leave children unattended at any time. Even for a matter of seconds.

#4- Common sense dictates that you should never leave your vehicle running or even leave the keys in the ignition, however, it frequently does happen. Probably a lot more than you think and of course the vehicles get stolen. So why make it easy for the thief! Also don’t do it even to run into a corner store. Also, you would think that common sense would stop you from leaving a wallet or purse in the car but people still do it.

#5- Never leave items inside the vehicle in plain sight for people looking in the car. Parcels, cell phones, brief cases, suit cases, sports equipment such as golf clubs, portable CD players and even CDs left in the open are a calling card for thieves.

#6- Remember, the safest place to leave parcels and valuables is in your trunk and out of clear sight. Follow these simple precautions and your items are more likely to reach their intended destinations with you and........... you will avoid being a victim of a parking lot break-in.

Protecting Your Family

Buckle Up! Recent good news from Transport Canada statistics show an increase in seat belt use across

Canada. Ontario laws for the average person makes seat belt use mandatory. Seat belts have proven to save lives and reduce injuries. Newfoundland, Quebec and Saskatchewan lead the country with usage rates in excess of 90%. Ontario and British Columbia followed closely behind. In addition, all ten provinces achieved seat belt usage rates of more than 83%. So buckle up!

What Someone Else Is Doing..To Protect You!!!

Smile your on Candid Camera! Candid cameras to catch crazy drivers? It’s true.Automatic cameras that take pictures at traffic intersections are an effective tool for reducing the number of drivers running red lights, the Federal Highway Administration (U.S.A.) An automated enforcement program for red light running people should translate into at least 20% and as much as a 60% reduction in violations. It is also believed that the new technology might also reduce the number of crashes in intersections.. Each year, red light running accounts for about 260,000 car crashes. It also accounts for about 121,000 injuries and more than 800 deaths across the United States. This information is from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Fatal crashes at intersections with traffic signals have risen 24% from 1,888 in 1992 to 2,344 in 1997. A significant number of these violations are in rush hour traffic when people are in a hurry. When a car speeds through a red light, a magnetic relay beneath the pavement sends a signal and the camera’s shutter opens. A computer notes the time, date, vehicle speed, and amount of time the light was red. While the ticketing process varies from system to system, usually a technician retrieves the film from each camera daily and has it developed or scanned into a computer. After license plate information is processed, the police print and verify a ticket which is then mailed to the registered car owner. In most states, drivers can go to court and testify they weren’t behind the wheel, but in New York, the registered owner is liable. Most of the programs used traditional film equipment, but some have experimented with digital cameras. Statistics show that about 250 cameras are set at intersections across the country and that number is expected to double per year.

A New York City program started in 1993 resulted in a 38% decrease in violations at 18 monitored intersections. Cameras in most states take photographs from the rear of the intersection, so the driver can’t be seen, but in California the system also used a picture of the driver’s face for identification. The cameras were used at crossings for a light rail line running between Los Angeles and Long Beach. Between 1990 and 1997,there were 353 crashes between trains and cars. They resulted in 33 deaths. At the initial three crossings using cameras the number of drivers running red lights dropped 92%, 78%, and 34% respectively.

Warning sings alerted drivers to the presence of the cameras. Based on the positive results, the county

transit authority decided to install the cameras at 17 rail crossings.

Drivers who run red lights are involved in 89,000 crashes a year, causing nearly 1,000 deaths!

3 Important Things You Can Do To Protect You and Your Family

2006-12-14T01:49:00.000-08:00

You can have the peace of mind and security that you and your Family Deserve! I’m really excited about revealing to you some important tips about insurance. Tips that I feel offer you and your family protection.

Here they are.

Tip #1. Have an insurance specialist conduct a risk analysis on your automobile, property and family. You live in a complicated world. Your life probably has more risk than you’d dream of.

Tip #2. Use an Independent Insurance Broker. Do you know the difference between a broker and agent? An Agent represents only one insurance company. A broker (such as ourselves) offer policies from a number of different companies. Some have different features.You want a good price! You want good protection! You want good value! Use an Independent Insurance Broker to shop the market for you for the right coverage ,protection and price.

Tip#3. Don’t trust the financial protection of your family to an insurance agent who is not a specialist with automobile insurance. Insurance is a large industry. There’s insurance for almost everything. Anything you can have, do, own, manage or imagine - there’s probably insurance for it. Insurance is a very technical business. Policies, coverage, endorsements, exclusions. It has a language all its own. And the insurance needs of each person are highly specific and unique to each. You know your automobile is probably one of your biggest assets.

But did you know...........it can be a deadly liability too?

Protect yourself and your family by using an insurance broker who is willing to listen, evaluate, explain and recommend.

P.S.- For most people, automobile insurance is a mystery. They don’t understand it until something happens directly to them!

Life Insurance Buying Tips

2006-12-14T01:45:00.000-08:00

If life insurance buying is approached in the proper manner it can be very beneficial to yourself and your family. You need to take the time to give some thought to a subject that can be very unpleasant. I guess that is why most people don't think about it, or at best think about it only after they have had a brush with death, or when a life insurance professional brings up the subject.

Sometimes these people wait until it is too late to do something about such a critical matter. They find themselves uninsurable when they discover they have some critical illness. People should give life insurance buying serious thought at least once per year as ones situation may change and you find that your need for life insurance may change as a result.

These are the questions any good life insurance agent would ask. Your answers would help him or her come up with an accurate amount that would be a perfect fit for you. Here are the questions.

Should I buy life insurance to pay for funeral expenses when I die or do I prefer to have this taken from accumulated cash?

Do I need a policy to pay estate taxes? This is for people with an estate in excess of $1,500,000. Estate taxes may be repealed in the near future. The congress is looking at this matter at the present time.

Do I want to leave a lump sum for my family and how much? If the beneficiaries are well practised in handling large sums of money then this may be a good idea, otherwise, it may be wise to provide an income.

What about an income? Should I set up an income for the lifetime of the beneficiary, or should the income derived from the proceeds of the life insurance policy be paid out for a limited number of years? Should I let the insurance company hold the principal and pay out an income to the beneficiary?

How about life insurance on my spouse? Would that be a good thing? What about the children, is there a need for life insurance?

If you have a business, is there an employee that you could consider a key person? Should you have some life insurance on him or her? If your business partner died, what would happen to his shares? What would happen to his family?

Ask yourself these questions before doing your life insurance shopping and you will know whether or not you need life insurance, and if you do, how much you should buy.

Auto Insurance Shopping Tips

2006-12-12T19:45:00.000-08:00

Know what you’re buying

Keeping costs down

Here are a few insurance shopping tips:

* Maintain a good driving record

* Ask about all discounts and what you would qualify for!

* Take the highest deductible that meets your needs

* For cars with low market value consider forgoing comprehensive and collision insurance

* Keep the documents from previous insurance companies

* Make sure you’re a listed driver on an automobile policy somewhere

* Make sure you’re a listed driver if you use a company vehicle most of the time

* Ask if accident waiver coverage is available- this optional coverage is available with several insurance companies and protects future increases in insurance costs due to at-fault losses

* Maintain your vehicle

* Make sure you’re not getting coverage that is unnecessary to you- for example, rental car coverage if you own several vehicles and some sit unused most of the time

Now That I Have Saved Some Money What Should I Do?

2006-12-12T19:42:00.000-08:00

After you have applied some of the information from the "7 Money Saving Tips" now what should you do?

Maybe have dinner out in a restaurant or buy a gift or something of that nature. But, perhaps an option more practical would be to increase your present liability coverage. For example - the minimum required by law in Ontario, Canada is $200,000 and you could increase this to $300,000, $500,000, $1,000,000 or perhaps $2,000,000 coverage if you don’t already have that protection. Another option is to perhaps increase your optional accident benefits coverage to reflect your actual financial income or situation.

The bottom line is quite simple .....and that is..... to review your policy and coverage. Ask your broker questions and let your broker know your financial circumstances, income, and occupational information so that you both can evaluate your situation and overall choices to protect you and your family from hardships resulting from an accident. Have you considered Personal Umbrella Liability Insurance

Personal umbrella liability is not just for the executive. It should form an important part of your overall insurance program. It is usually provided in combination with your home insurance as an optional and separately purchased type of insurance.

If you currently carry liability insurance on your automobile, your house, boat, etc. with limits of say $1,000,000 you may not have sufficient coverage in the event of a catastrophe. A personal umbrella liability policy can increase your amount of liability insurance at a reasonable cost and give you additional protection and peace of mind.

Umbrella liability policies can also provide coverage for areas not normally covered by a liability policy.

Some examples are:

* Personal injury including liable and slander

* False arrest

* Wrongful conviction

* Defamation of character

* Liability for volunteers to non-profit organizations such as service clubs or minor sports associations

* Liability for the use of water craft that you don’t own

* Liability you have agreed to accept under a contract or agreement

Please note that there are many different personal umbrella liability policies on the insurance market. Call to discuss the one that best suits your needs.

Question: Must I buy automobile insurance?

Answer: Yes! Laws everywhere in Canada require all owners of automobiles which are driven on Public roads to obtain certain basic coverage's and insurance.

In British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, you can’t obtain your vehicle registration unless you purchase the necessary basic insurance at the same time.

Question: Must I buy $1,000,000 liability coverage?
Answer: No! The minimum liability coverage required to be carried in Ontario(Canada) Is $200,000. But, the difference in cost is minor to the benefits of the increased Coverage. Remember! People have the right to sue in certain circumstances now and with the advent of 7 & 8 passenger mini van it makes common sense to see that if several (say 4 0r 5 or more) people are injured in the other vehicle involved in the accident and it was your fault the minimum liability would be no were the ideal protection to have. It makes good sense to carry more than the minimum liability coverage.

7 Money Saving Ideas

2006-12-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

#1) Raise your deductible.

Your "deductible" is the amount you pay when you make a claim before your insurance company pays. The disadvantage of raising your deductible is that when you do make a claim, you’ll pay more. The advantage is that your insurance costs yearly go down. Go a number of years saving money without making a claim and your ahead. This tip can be applied to collision and comprehensive sections of your insurance policy.

#2) Drop your collision and/or comprehensive insurance on older autos.

Sometimes it’s just not worth paying for these kinds of insurance- if your car is not worth that much to begin with. That’s because the amount you pay for the deductible plus the amount you pay for the insurance may not be more than the value of the car itself. An auto dealer or certain automotive magazines can help you determine the value of your auto.

#3)Buy a "lower profile" vehicle.

Part of what determines the coat of insurance is the kind of vehicle you drive. Some are favorites for thieves. Some are more expensive to repair. Generally these vehicles will cost more to insure. It pays to do your research before you buy.

#4) Take full advantage of low mileage or distance discount rating

Some insurance companies give discounts to people who drive less than a pre-determined number of miles each year or drive certain distances to and from their place to work.

#5) When you move, consider the cost of insurance

Yes, the cost of insurance varies from place to place, even right here in York Region. Some areas can be considerably higher. Keep your broker informed and this may save you money. The right territory!

#6)Make sure the rating and use of your vehicle is correct.

Many manufacturers offer similar model names for vehicles and insurance costs can vary. Even 2 or 4 doors or the wrong model can effect the cost .

#7)Have your broker check other insurance company discounts

Insurance companies try to reward good risks. That’s the kind of driver they want. A lot of companies offer discounts to drivers who also have other kinds of insurance with them such as their homes. This is called a multi-policy discount. Other discounts available might be - multiple vehicles, anti-theft devices, retirees, drivers education, abstainers from alcohol, age, and distance to university/colleges for students. To name a few. Check with your broker to all that are available---- it will save you money!