Checkers Insurance Helpfull Hints Did you know that good student discounts make signifigant savings in the price for insurance for people under twenty five. That means that going to school will not only get you a better job but also a better insurance rate.

Auto Insurance

What is an SR-22?

Are you wondering what an SR-22 is? you are not alone. An SR-22 is a certificate of insurance that serves as proof that you have purchased the minimum liability auto insurance required in your state. An SR-22 is issued by an auto insurance company – and they will automatically notify your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles that you are in compliance with demonstrating financial responsibility. The SR-22 is in addition to the liability policy you must purchase in order to add the SR-22 filing.

Though many people associate an SR-22 with the consequences of driving under the influence, it is not necessarily the case. Indeed, a driver who is cited for a DUI offense will likely have to maintain an SR-22 on their record, but other reasons may include: repeat traffic offenses, being at-fault in an accident with no insurance, having a driver license suspended or revoked, or severe endangerment of other drivers or pedestrians.

Although the SR-22 requirements vary from state to state, generally a driver who is required to maintain an SR-22 on file needs to do so for three continuous years. You can contact Checkers Insurance ( 909-888-9100 ) and we will tell you how long you must have the filing. If there is an interruption of this liability coverage, the insurance company that issued the SR-22 is required by law to inform the DMV that you are no longer in compliance. Failure to comply with the terms of the SR-22 may result in the suspension of your license. Should this happen, you can likely reinstate your driving privilege by renewing your SR-22.

Commercial Insurance

Commercial Fleet Auto insurance Tips.

Commercial insurance tips for operating a safe fleet you need to ensure your business's vehicle fleet is insured properly and you are getting the cheapest insurance rates possible. (NC)—When small businesses first get underway, it is common to have one or two vehicles as the primary methods of transportation for the company. And while this may work in the short term, transportation requirements can change dramatically as a business grows. Once a business is operating five or more commercial vehicles, that business is also managing a fleet. “When business owners become fleet managers too, they need to review their commercial auto insurance policies to ensure they are properly covered and getting a good rate,” says John Checkers,Manager and Owner at Checkers Insurance in San Bernardino California. “At the same time, take advantage of the risk management advice an experienced fleet broker and insurer can provide to help prevent accidents and contribute to the overall success of a business.” Continue reading ...

Auto Insurance

How Your Credit Score Drives Your Auto Insurance Rates

Find out How Your Credit Score Drives Your Auto Insurance Rates. Vehicle insurance companies can use your credit score as a factor in your car insurance costs.

 



(ARA) - You know that where you live, what you drive and how you drive can affect how much you pay for auto insurance.

But did you know that your credit score can also influence how much your insurance company charges you for coverage?

Most vehicle insurers now use your credit score as one of many factors when determining your level of risk, and how much to charge you for insurance. Generally, the higher your credit score the more likely you are to be eligible for an insurer's best rates. If your credit score is low, you could get auto insurance quotes that are thousands of dollars higher than those given to consumers with high credit scores.

While some consumer advocacy groups object to the practice, insurance companies say research supports the use of credit scores as a predictor of potential risk. The practice is rooted in the idea that people who manage personal finances responsibly are more likely to be responsible in other areas as well - including behind the wheel.

If you plan to buy a car, apply for new insurance or just want to lower your auto insurance rate, here are some things you should know about vehicle insurance and credit scores:

* Most vehicle insurance companies do consider your credit score when determining your auto insurance quote. Don't forget, however, that your credit score is just one factor; your driving record, the type of vehicle you drive, where you live, how many miles you drive each year, your gender and age, even your education level are all other factors that insurance companies consider.

* A vehicle insurer looks at your credit score differently than the way a potential lender might. For example, an insurer is likely going to be more interested in how reliably you pay your bills than in how many different types of credit are on your credit report. Insurance companies try to use your financial reliability and sensibility, as reflected in your credit score, to predict how reliable and sensible you're likely to be as a driver and vehicle owner.

* Your credit score is a fluid number that changes. Whenever a change occurs in your credit report, your score can change - going up or down, depending upon the change and its impact on your finances. If your score has improved significantly since the last time you applied for auto insurance, it may be worth it to see if your improved score will qualify you for a better rate. The Motley Fool website recommends you check your credit score to see how it might be affecting your auto insurance rates.

* Checking your credit score is fast and easy, thanks to online resources like Freecreditscore.com. The website allows you to access a credit score when you enroll in credit monitoring membership. While this score is not the specific scoring model an auto insurer may look at when reviewing your policy application, it can help educate you about your credit standing. By monitoring your credit you'll be able to see how changes in your credit report can affect your score, and you'll receive credit score alerts whenever your score changes.

One of the main complaints consumer groups have made about the practice of using credit scores to set auto rates is that credit reports may contain errors. By monitoring your report regularly, you can help ensure it remains error-free and that your insurance company is looking at the most accurate possible snapshot of your credit history.
Auto Insurance

Money saving Tips on Auto Insurance

Always get at least three quotes before you commit to a specific company. Not all companies’ rates will be the same, and we’re talking hundreds of dollars so make sure you shop around to save on auto insurance!

 Save on auto insurance, auto insurance, man driving

#2 Get a quote BEFORE you Buy the New Car

 The car you choose will have a huge impact on your insurance rate. Most people know the key to cutting costs is to stay away from the new, expensive and sporty models. Even similar practical and safe cars can look very different under the insurance companies’ “risk” microscope. So if you have a couple of cars in mind, use an online insurance comparison site like InsWeb.com to compare free insurance quotes online for different models before you buy.

#3 Hike up the Deductible

 This is the quickest and most surefire way to save on auto insurance costs. According to National Association of Insurance Carriers (NAIC), going from a $250 to a $1000 deductible can save you up to 40% on the collision portion of your policy.

#4 Don’t Over-Insure Older Cars

 If you’re paying for comprehensive and collision coverage on an older car, you may be paying more for insurance than the car is actually worth.

 The NAIC suggests the following formula to determine if you’re overpaying:

 Combine the amount you’re paying for comprehensive and collision coverage and multiply that number by ten. If your car is worth less than that, cut cut cut. It could save you a bundle on auto insurance.

#5 Care About your Credit

 Not paying your bills on time could cost you big time. Recent studies have shown a correlation between credit history and a driver’s level of risk to insurance companies. So it’s no surprise that bad credit could increase your car insurance rate by 50% (NAIC).

#6 Drive Less, Pay Less

 A lot of insurance companies will give a discount to drivers who have a lower than average annual mileage. If you have a short commute, participate in a carpool or do anything else that translates into driving fewer miles, a discount may be in store for you.

#7 Ask About Group Insurance Discounts When Working on Auto Insurance Savings.

 

You could be part of an organization that gets discounts and not even know it! Members of certain organizations and professions (teachers, veterans, engineers) are often given group discounts. Give your company a call and ask for a list of the groups they offer discounts to and save save save!

#8 Special Discounts

 Special safety features on your car, good grades on your young driver’s report card and even reaching senior citizen status could land you big time savings on auto insurance.

#9 Keep Cover

 Even if it’s short, a lapse in your coverage could disqualify you from getting discounts. Don’t skip premium payments and if you're switching insurers, don’t cancel your old policy before the new one takes effect.

#10 Pay up Front

 Breaking your premium into monthly installments can get expensive. Most carriers charge administrative fees to consumers who pay in installments. So when looking to save on auto insurance, pay in a lump sum.