Archive for December, 2008

Be Prepared When You Apply For A Credit Card

Auto Date Wednesday, December 31st, 2008

Getting and having a credit card can be a beneficial thing for most people. You will have a big advantage when you have a credit card. A credit card can be especially useful when you want to purchase items remotely. Think how much easier it is to make purchases online, and reserve plane fare or hotel rooms over the phone when you have a credit card. It can also come in handy when you just don’t happen to have cash when you decide to make a purchase. However, there is a flip side to having a credit card! A credit card can cause several problems if you don’t watch your spending habits closely. When you get and use a credit card, you should recognize that you have taken on a big responsibility with some very serious consequences. Following the simple tips below can keep you out of trouble when using your credit card and allow you to enjoy all benefits:

1. A charge on your credit card is the same as taking out a mini loan! Keep track and make sure you don’t overcharge on your credit card, as you have to be able to pay back all whatever amount you have borrowed.

2. Watch the balance on your credit card and keep a record of the balance from month to month. Keeping track of what you have already spent will help you make the decision of whether you can use your credit card for any additional purchases. Even the small $5 purchases you make here and there can add up on a credit card if you don’t watch out…and then the interest will also add to your balance owed.

3. Keep your credit card receipts until the end of the month and compare them to your monthly credit card statement. This practice will allow you to catch any incorrect charges, or sometimes you may catch a purchase you never made! If you do find discrepancies between your receipts and your statement, call your credit card company right away.

4. Neither a lender nor a borrower be! That is a good motto when it comes to your credit card or credit card number. Don’t give these out to anyone! Even though you may trust your family and closest friends, you cannot keep track of purchases you are not making.

5. Make it your habit never to charge more than you can pay back. When you do charge more and don’t pay it back, it can hurt your credit rating and will affect your future chances of getting credit approval. This can include important purchases you may make in the future, like car loans, home mortgages and other kinds of loans.

6. Pay your bills on time! When you pay on time, you will save on accruing interest and extremely high finance charges for late payments. If you miss a payment, finance charges and interest just keep adding up, making your balance get higher and higher.

7. Try to pay all of your credit card balance in full each and every month. Put credit card payments into your monthly budget, and don’t purchase more than that allotment each month.

8. Remember you are responsible for $50 of any unauthorized charges on your credit cards.

9. Keep your credit card for new purchases only. Don’t pay off other household bills with your credit card. This will inevitably lead to more charging and higher balances.

Sintilia Miecevole has a host of experience regarding credit cards. She has a site www.flycreditcard.com to provide you with the information you need to use your credit card wisely. Be sure to visit www.flycreditcard.com for an expert resource of features with information for personal and business credit cards.

Are 0% Credit Cards Reaching Their End?

Auto Date Monday, December 29th, 2008

Are Credit Card companies starting to feel the pinch? We all know that the Credit Card companies make their money by charging us interest on the money we borrow. With all the 0% balance transfer offers that we have seen over the last few years its no wonder these companies are concerned they aren’t making any money. Many customers who take advantage of these offers move once the 0% period has expired.

These credit card companies are now using smart tactics to grab back a chunk of money that they have lost through these deals. One of the ways they are doing this is by reducing the interest free period, meaning you have less time to pay the balance off. If you don’t pay it off by the time your 0% period ends you are charged interest backdated to when you made the balance transfer.

If you do find yourself in this predicament and you decide to transfer the outstanding balance to another 0% credit card you will unfortunately now be charged a fee for making the transfer by the Credit Card Company you had the original offer with.

These are all tactics that are now being used to make sure the Credit Card Companies make some money off of you.

Here are some points that may help you to beat the new rules that are being implemented plus other ways to save on your Credit Card fees:

• The most obvious advice that can be given is to be disciplined and try to pay off the full balance off every month.

• If you fall in the remaining 85% of us that are not able to do this then you should opt for a Credit Card that has a low transfer rate which stays low no matter how long it take to pay off the balance.

• If you are in danger of exceeding your credit limit and being charged £25 then contact your Credit Card provider and get an increase on your limit. In most cases they will fall over themselves to do this. Once you are back on your feet get the amount reduced. Remember discipline!

• Whatever you do avoid withdrawing cash from your credit card. These services will cost you from 2% upwards of the amount drawn.

• Set up a direct debit. This will prevent you from ever being charged a late payment fee. Even if this is for the min balance due every month. This is one of the biggest money makers for Credit Card Companies.

• Don’t take out Credit Card protection. It’s not worth it and its over priced for what you get. This is a topic for another article. My advice, steer clear.

• Avoid using your Credit Card abroad. This is a sneaky way for charges to be implemented. The rate of exchange is not always the best and you get charged for the convenience of using your card in a foreign country.

• Don’t be fooled into applying for a Credit Card that offers cash back and loyalty points. While some may be good the majority expect you to spend large amounts before you even qualify for any significant cash back. The incentives may be high but then so is the APR.

We all need Credit Cards for day to day living to get by so advising on not having them is ridiculous. All we can say is be disciplined. Keep a close eye on your fees and charges and manage them very closely. Check you balance statement every month. Fraud is rife at the moment so don’t get caught out.

Grant Marwick is a freelance writer and owner of http://www.only-credit-cards.co.uk where you will find advice and more articles on Low interest and 0% Credit Cards

Need Credit Repair? Do it Yourself and Save Your Precious Money

Auto Date Sunday, December 28th, 2008

No matter what many credit counseling scam artists may try to tell you, no one can legally remove any information that is up-to-date and accurate from your credit report. They can’t do it, and you can’t do it yourself. However, you CAN request an investigation of anything you find in your credit file that you believe to be either incomplete or inaccurate. That is perfectly legal, and can be done at NO cost to you. In fact, anything that a credit repair company offers to do for you can be done yourself, generally free or for a nominal fee.

The good news is that just because you may have some negative information in your credit report doesn’t automatically mean you can’t get credit at all. Most creditors have their own guidelines when it comes to granting credit, which means that each company will look at your credit report in a slightly different way. For instance, it’s not uncommon for companies to lend more credence to the most recent information in a credit report. That way, if you experienced some financial difficulty a number of years ago, but then were able to get back on an even keel and have been exemplary since that time, you’ll be more likely to receive the credit you’re seeking with those companies. It might even be to your benefit to have an informal discussion with a potential creditor to discuss how they interpret credit reports–even before you apply for credit.

You’re entitled to a free credit report every twelve months, and it’s worthwhile to take advantage of that fact, just to see what information is contained in your file. Many financial advisors and consumer advocates suggest that you review your credit report periodically, because erroneous information can sometimes get into your report inadvertently and can affect your chances of getting a loan or qualifying for insurance–as well as how much those will cost you, in terms of interest rates or premiums.

So request a free credit report from one of the Big Three: Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion, and make sure that all the information it contains is up-to-date and accurate, especially if you’re about to apply for a major purchase, seek insurance, or apply for employment. Checking your credit report on a regular basis can also alert you to identity theft, which is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world today. Inaccurate or incomplete information in your credit report can have a significant impact on your chances of obtaining loans, insurance, or a job, so it’s well worth the effort to make sure everything in your report is exactly as it should be.

If you’re having trouble with your credit report and need help finding assistance, you can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for help. Find them on the Web at www.ftc.gov, or you give them toll-free at 1-877-FTC-HELP. Their TTY number is 1-866-653-4261. They maintain an online database that lists hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S., and they’ll be able to steer you toward the help you need.

Copyright © Jeanette J. Fisher

Jeanette Fisher teaches how to get out from under credit card debt, how to use credit to make money, and six ways to build strong credit to finance your first home and multiple investment properties. For free credit advice and free ebook “Credit Tips for Mortgage Financing,” see worryfreecredit.com

SuperCharged Secret 1 of 5 - Credit Card Utopia

Auto Date Saturday, December 27th, 2008

I AM THE CONSUMER. AND I HAVE LOW-RATE SUPER-POWERS!

Note: The following is part 1 of a 5 part series. Over the course of these next 5 articles, I am going to introduce you to several methods for maximizing the use and benefits of the best Credit Cards and offers on the market today. This information, when used in conjunction with one another, is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. I like to call this approach, the “5 SuperCharged Secrets to Credit Card Utopia.”

  1. SECRET 1: I AM THE CONSUMER. AND I HAVE LOW-RATE SUPER-POWERS!

  2. SECRET 2: INTEREST BEWARE, THERE’S SAFETY IN NUMBERS!

  3. SECRET 3: TURBO-CHARGED KILLER RATE SAVING INFORMATION!

  4. SECRET 4: YOU SCRATCH MY BACK, AND I’LL BUY SOME MORE BEER!

  5. SECRET 5: LIVING IN CREDIT CARD UTOPIA

Without further Ado, let’s get started:

SECRET 1: I AM THE CONSUMER. AND I HAVE LOW-RATE SUPER-POWERS!

1) How would you like a zero interest credit card?

WHAT? Did you say ZERO interest? That’s like 0.00%, or .0000000%, or nothing, or nada, or no interest? Tom! Can’t be!!!

2) Actually, that’s exactly what I mean.

You can have zero interest on a perfect day, or, can you live with 4% interest? I just received a credit card offer for 4% interest (which I turned down…), but if I needed it, that is completely reasonable, don’t you think?

3) You see, you are the consumer, and you have Low-Rate Super Powers!

This is a hot, credit-hungry market we’re in. There are banks and lending institutions that would do just about anything to entice you in to their little web of plastic loanery.

4) Here’s Secret #1 revealed:

Credit Card companies are competing with each other, by offering consumers like us, low-interest, to no interest, balance transfers on already existing debt. Granted, these are usually (but not always…) limited to a time period like 6 months…

But, what do you care? 6 months of zero interest is certainly MUCH better than 6 months of 19% interest, RIGHT?

5) The first, most important thing you need to do, is examine if you have outstanding balances on other credit cards. If you do, then wisen up!

Let me be your Dad for a second…”Stop being lazy!” Go shop for a new credit card, and ask them if they offer balance transfer opportunities. Virtually ALL OF THEM DO! When you get the answer you’re looking for, apply. They’ll send you a nifty letter in the mail with a bunch of blank checks. Have a feel day! Go pay off your other credit cards, transfer the balances, and start enjoying zero to low interest! Pretty cool, huh?

6) But TOM, what do I do in six months?

Oh please. You know what you need to do. Mark your calendar, or your Franklin Covey, or your PDA, or whatever you use, and repeat the procedure again in 6 months (hot-tip: look for no-time limit zero interest balance transfers.)

This is easy stuff, folks. But it does take a couple extra steps.

That’s why people AREN’T DOING IT, if you can believe that!

Well, it’s your turn to be the smart consumer, right? Take this BIG, HUGE, sensible first step, and you are well on your way to the pearly gates of Credit Card Utopia!

We’ve enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.

Publisher’s Directions:

This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author’s information, disclaimer, and an active link (where possible) are included.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.

About The Author

Tom Levine provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services. You can check out Tom’s website here: http://loanresource.org, or you can email Tom at info@loanresource.org.

The Credit Card Debt Termination Scam

Auto Date Saturday, December 27th, 2008

“Legally terminate credit card debt! You can be debt-free in 4-6 months!” Advertisements like this are for a new type of program that has spread via the Internet over the past few years. It’s called “Credit Card Debt Termination,” and victims are paying $1,000s for this bogus service. One victim I spoke with lost more than $15,000! In this article, I’ll review the principles behind this program and explain exactly why it’s a scam to be avoided.

First, let’s get our definitions straight. The scheme I’m describing here should not be confused with Debt Consolidation or Debt Settlement (also known as Debt Negotiation), both of which are legitimate and ethical methods for debt resolution. The easiest way to distinguish the Credit Card Debt Termination scam from other valid programs is based on the central claim that you really don’t owe any money!

With Debt Consolidation, you pay back all of your debt balances. With Debt Settlement, you pay back a lower amount (usually around 50%) while the creditor agrees to forgive the remaining balance. However, with the bogus Credit Card Debt Termination program, promoters claim that you won’t need to pay anything at all (except their outrageous fees, naturally). They make the surprising claim that you can legally wipe away your debts simply by using their super-duper magic documents. Based on some legal mumbo-jumbo, the claim is made that you really didn’t borrow any money from your creditors!

In order to understand this scam, a little background is necessary. Remember the tax protest movement back in the 1970s? People were claiming that the IRS tax collection system was unconstitutional, and based on their misinterpretation of the tax code, they refused to pay taxes. The IRS came down hard on the tax protest movement, and through the court system, they blew holes in all the legal arguments put forth by the protesters. The Credit Card Debt Termination scam is a lot like the tax protest movement. In fact, among collection professionals, it’s called the “monetary protest movement.”

Just like the tax protest movement, there is a common theme that runs through all of the promotional materials issued by the monetary protestors. The basic idea is that our Federal Reserve monetary system and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) do not permit banks to loan out their own money. Therefore, according to their interpretation, the credit card banks are the ones running the scam on the American public.

Stay with me here, because the logic is pretty strange. If a bank cannot lend its own money, how does a credit card bank extend credit? The claim here is that your credit card agreement itself becomes a form of money (known as a promissory note) the moment you sign it. The idea is that the bank “deposits” your agreement as an asset on their books, and then any credit you use is offset as a liability against that asset. In other words, the core concept here is that you literally borrowed your own money from the credit card bank.

So let’s say your balance with ABC Credit Card Bank is $10,000, which you borrowed against the card to make everyday purchases. The scam promoters say all you need to do is notify the bank that you want your original “deposit” back. However, you will permit the bank to offset the amount you borrowed against the amount you have on “deposit.” Presto! You don’t owe the balance anymore!

Now, as you can imagine, the banks don’t take kindly to such tactics. Many of the consumers using this technique are getting sued by their creditors. But the scammers have more tricks available, as if the “smoke and mirrors” financial nonsense wasn’t enough. One of their techniques is the use of bogus “arbitration” forums. Arbitration is of course a legitimate system that allows businesses and individuals to resolve disputes without going to court. What do the scammers do? They coach people on how to set up a fake arbitration forum, for the express purpose of making a dispute against their creditors! Naturally, the creditors will not send representatives to some non-existent arbitration forum, so the consumer gets to rubber-stamp their own arbitration award. If they get sued in a regular court, they present their bogus award to the judge in the hopes that the creditor’s lawsuit will be dismissed.

There are other techniques used by promoters of this scheme, but the key point to remember is the central claim that your credit card debt does not really exist. Of course, it’s all nonsense based on a misinterpretation of our monetary system, and if you step back and think about for a minute, the truth seems pretty obvious. What these scammers are saying is that the entire $700 billion credit card industry is operating on an illegal basis! Even if the legal theory used by the promoters were true (which it isn’t), do you think for a moment the government would allow this giant industry to go under? That’s exactly what would happen if the promoter’s claims were proven true and used on a widespread basis.

The Federal Trade Commission, which has jurisdiction here, hasn’t stomped on these con artists yet, but it’s only a matter of time. Unfortunately, in the meanwhile, consumers are being bilked out of millions of dollars for a worthless program that will only get them into deep trouble with their creditors. If you are approached by someone offering to wipe away your debts using this system, I strongly recommend you run in the other direction while you hold on tightly to your wallet or purse.

Remember, you can eliminate your debts if you take a disciplined approach to your finances, make a budget and stick to it, and don’t use your credit cards unless you can pay off new balances in full each month.

Charles J. Phelan has been helping consumers become debt-free without bankruptcy since 1997. A former senior executive with one of the nation’s largest debt settlement firms, he is the author of the Debt Elimination Success Seminar, a five-hour audio-CD course that teaches consumers how to choose between debt program options based on their financial situation. The course focuses on comprehensive instruction in do-it-yourself debt negotiation & settlement designed to save $1,000s. Personal coaching and follow-up support is included. Achieves the same results as professional firms for a tiny fraction of the cost. Visit www.zipdebt.com for more information.

Find The Best Credit Card Type

Auto Date Thursday, December 25th, 2008

There are a variety of credit card types, each claiming to offer you the best possible deal. Finding the programs and incentives that works best for you is key to maintaining a good credit card history.

Each type of credit card offer different benefits. Some are geared toward the individual consumer, while others are set up to work for small businesses. To find the type of card that best fits your needs, let’s review some of the options.

Business Cards

A business credit card offers the business owner an opportunity to keep business and personal expenses separate. The card may offer special business rewards and saving opportunities that go above and beyond what the individual card owner has. Since money management is essential for running a business successfully, this card may offer an expense management service that helps track outgoing money. You can obtain additional cards for employees who may need them for travel expenses and such. You may also have a higher credit limit than you normally would on an individual card.

Student Cards

Many credit card companies will issue student cards with lower credit limits and fewer incentives, helping new card users to keep their spending in check. However, note that many college students now graduate with credit balances averaging from $3,000 to $7,000. With high interest rates, these debts can be a real problem to pay off.

Debit Cards

Prepaid debit cards are 1 type of credit card that has grown significantly in recent years. Although it works like a traditional credit card when making a purchase, that is where the similarity ends. With a prepaid debit card, you actually set the credit limit yourself by depositing money into the debit card’s account. The amount you deposit determines the credit limit on that card. This is a great way to have the convenience of a credit card without the possibility of charging more than you can afford to pay off.

Cards for Bad Credit

Even with bad credit, it is possible to obtain a credit card. These cards come with some restrictions not typically found on other types of cards. Your credit limit will be lower and your interest rate higher. Some may require you to have a secured card, meaning you have to maintain a savings or some other type of account that will cover the expenses on the credit card. Once you have established that you will be responsible in your credit handling, some, if not all, of your restrictions may be lifted.

Cash Back Cards

Many cards will now offer you cash-back incentives for using their cards. Depending on how much your balance is, and how often you use the card, you can earn cash back for your purchases. Some companies offer 1% off your balance while others, like Sears, will offer you cash off purchases made in their store. Either way, if you are planning on using a card, finding one that will offer you a cash incentive is a smart choice.

Low-Interest Cards

One of the more recent additions to the credit card world is the low-interest credit card. These cards offer a significantly lower interest rate than most of the older cards you may already have. As balance-transfer cards, most of them offer you the option of transferring a balance from a higher interest rate card and, for a specified period of time, your transferred balance will be at either 0% interest or something quite low. This can save you a fair amount of money if your plan is to pay it off.

Reward and Incentive Cards

Since credit cards have become such a lucrative business, many corporations have jumped on the bandwagon. Even airlines now offer credit cards that come with a certain amount of frequent flyer miles attached, depending on your balance and purchases. If you do a fair amount of traveling, this can be a real bonus. Along these same lines, reward credit cards are growing in popularity. Competition is stiff, and many card companies are now offering different reward or incentive options for using their cards. Once you accumulate enough points, the rewards pour in. These can be anything from travel insurance to small appliances. If you use a card regularly, finding one with a reward program can really pay off.

Instant Approval Cards

Another form of credit card is the instant approval card. Once you fill out the application, a quick background check will be done and you will have your approval almost immediately. Regular cards can take up to 2 weeks to process. Although you can get instant approval, this does not always mean you can get instant credit. Some companies will supply you with a temporary credit card number and allow you to begin making purchases immediately, while others will not, due to an increase in credit card fraud potential.

Protect Your Credit

Since there are so many options in choosing a credit card, you should do a little research before you apply. Decide what type of card best fits your needs and apply for that one. Don’t go overboard, though. Applying for too many cards will negatively affect your credit rating.

And, above all, once you get your new credit card, use it responsibly.

Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit http://www.forex4u-now.com to learn more about this fascinating trading vehicle.

History of Airline Credit Cards

Auto Date Thursday, December 25th, 2008

Airline credit cards have not been around for as long as you may think. In fact, they are a fairly new option available to credit cardholders. Nonetheless, airline credit cards have quickly gained in popularity and can be found partnered with every major airline.

The First Airline Credit Card

The first airline credit card to be offered to consumers was the City AAdvantage MasterCard. When it came out, the card allowed consumers to earn miles with every purchase made. These miles could then be redeemed for free air travel through a variety of airlines. This card remains one of the major players in the airline credit card industry. Today, you can redeem your airline miles at over 25 different airlines. In addition, you can redeem miles for discounts at numerous hotels and car rental companies.

Airlines Follow Suit

Realizing what a great idea airline miles credit cards was, airlines started following suit and partnering with credit card companies to create their own airline credit card. The United Airlines Plus card was next. This card was the first airline credit card to be specific to an airline. Although the card did not offer the flexibility of receiving discounted tickets with numerous airlines, those who frequently traveled on United Airlines enthusiastically embraced this United Airlines credit card.

Not to be outdone, Continental Airlines unveiled its airline credit card, the Continental Airlines World MasterCard, shortly after United Airlines. Both airlines still offer their own airline miles credit cards, but provide their own special incentives to set them apart from the competition. Today, the United Airlines Plus Signature Visa Credit Card offers 17,500 bonus miles after the first purchase with the card, a certificate for a free one-way 1,000 mile one-class upgrade, and a $25 certificate for discount travel. The Continental Airlines World MasterCard offers 15,000 OnePass bonus miles after completing your first purchase. In addition, you can earn double OnePass miles with purchases made at Continental Airlines and with partner merchants and a 5% discount on Continental Fares purchased at their website using the card.

Airline Miles Credit Cards Today

Today, airline credit cards are in abundance. Every major airline has partnered with a credit card company in order to bring their own airline credit card to the consumer. In addition, competition to gain and to retain flying customers is fierce. Therefore, airline credit cards offer a number of incentives, bonuses, and special deals to entice customers into acquiring their credit card.

In addition, the number of “generic” airline miles credit cards is on the rise. It is not unheard of for an airline credit card to allow the consumer to choose from over 200 different airlines when redeeming earned miles. Many of these airline credit cards also offer other discount options, such as hotel, car rental, and vacation package discounts that can be purchased with earned miles.

The Future of Airline Credit Cards

With the competition being so strong when it comes to airline customers and credit card customers, the future of airline credit cards looks bright for consumers. In all likelihood, the number of incentives and bonuses will continue to rise in order to draw in new cardholders. A trend that is currently starting to develop are special low APRs and annual fees. Traditionally, airline miles credit cards have had annual fees and high APRs when compared to credit cards without rewards programs. While this remains true, more and more airline credit cards are starting to offer competitive APRs and waiving annual fees in an attempt to attract more customers.

One thing is for certain: airline miles credit cards will continue to be popular among consumers, particularly for those that can pay off their balance in full at the end of each month and take full advantage of the special rewards.

For more on airline credit cards, Robert Alan recommends that you visit CreditCardAssist.com.

Auto Insurance - Find The Best Company For You

Auto Date Wednesday, December 24th, 2008

When it’s time to shop for auto insurance, make sure you take time to compare. There are vast differences between auto insurance companies. Taking time to compare before you buy will ultimately save you time and money.

These days it’s a lot easier to compare auto insurance companies. Using the internet you will be able to do research on a number of companies and discover for yourself the best auto insurance company for you. Just remember that you will need to compare more than just the rates.

One of the things you should be looking at is the risk rating of the insurance company. This will affect their ability to pay your claim. Paying low premiums to a company that won’t be able to settle claims against you won’t do you any good.

So, what if you happen to be paying premiums right now to one of these low-rated auto insurance companies? Shop, compare and then make the switch to an auto insurance company that is right for you.

In addition to having a poor risk rating, there are other reasons for switching auto insurance companies. Obviously, you will want to find an one that charges premiums that fit your budget. Make sure you are comparing identical coverage levels when comparing premiums. The default coverage levels might vary between companies. Make sure you have enough coverage for your unique situation.

Premiums are often based on that auto insurance company’s claims experiences with different policyholders in your same coverage group. The coverage group is determined by the type of vehicle, age group, number of claims filed, etc. For example, if owners of a specific vehicle file a large number of claims in a given year, premiums of auto insurance companies will rise for that vehicle. The same is true if drivers who are under the age of 21 file a large number of claims. This will affect you, if you happen to be in that group.

These experiences are often unique to each specific auto insurance company. That’s why premiums might be higher with one company than another for each coverage group. That’s why it’s smart to shop around.

While you are shopping for another auto insurance company, don’t be tempted to stop paying premiums with your current company. Any gap in coverage can cause you big problems. Many companies will ask to see proof of current coverage before canceling an active policy. Be safe and keep your current coverage active until after you switch to the new auto insurance company.

Once you have switched to a new insurance company, you can cancel coverage with your current one, simply, by putting your request in writing and specifying the date of cancellation. It’s probably easiest to switch when your old policy is close to renewal. Most auto insurance companies will send a renewal notice about one month before a new policy period starts. Use this time to research your options and choose your new insurance company. Make sure you have your new policy all lined up before your current policy renews. Then notify your current company that you will not be renewing coverage. Although it’s easier to cancel your policy at the time of renewal, you may cancel at any time. As long as you give proper notice, auto insurance policies contain a provision that gives you the right to cancel your policy at any time. You do not have to wait until renewal to switch to another auto insurance company.

It’s not difficult to switch auto insurance companies, but it takes a little time and research to find the one that’s best for your situation. The time you spend researching will be well rewarded with the money you will save on premiums and the comfort you will get knowing that the one you choose will be able to handle any claims you make.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Insurance

Michael Russell - EzineArticles Expert Author

Self-Completion Surveys Competencies

Auto Date Wednesday, December 24th, 2008

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Buying Auto Insurance Doesn’t Have To Cost A Fortune With These Simple Tips

Auto Date Wednesday, December 24th, 2008

Buying auto insurance can be very expensive these days but it is possible to reduce the overall costs a little and still make sure that you have all of the necessary insurance coverage for your car or automobile just in case you ever need it. Of course, on of the main things to consider when it comes to finding cheaper auto insurance is the type of car that you drive. After all, if you are driving a large powerful sports car that goes extremely fast and normally tends to encourage people to drive in an accelerated manner then chances are good that you will be required to pay a much higher car insurance premium based on the tendency for sports car owners to more then likely make insurance claims. So naturally, if own a smaller and less powerful car then it will most likely be cheaper for you to insure that vehicle based on the history of those types of car owners.

Another thing to consider when buying auto insurance is the amount of the deductibles that are on the insurance policy. This can make quite a difference to the overall insurance rate or premium when you are applying for your insurance and it might be worth taking a few risks although you could end up paying more if you do need to make a claim against your auto insurance policy sometime in the future. However, this is one of the easiest and best ways to significantly reduce your monthly out of pocket cost for your car insurance, if you are a very safe driver. Unfortunately, If you are prone to having accidents then this may not be the best way for you to try to keep your costs down.

One of the main things that is most likely to affect the cost of your monthly insurance premium or rate when you are buying auto insurance is the way that you drive. If you have made a lot of auto insurance claims in the past then the costs are going to be higher. Learning to drive more carefully is not only good and safe for you; it also has the potential to drastically reduce your auto insurance rates if you can show a pattern of safe driving. This means no vehicle accidents and very few if any speeding tickets from your favorite law enforcement officers.

But the single most important thing that’s most likely to save you money when buying auto insurance is to carefully shop around. Of course it is a pain and not a very fun or good way to spend an afternoon, but it can really save you a lot of money in the long run on your automobile insurance premiums. When your insurance needs to be renewed it is very tempting to sign the check and not check for better rates elsewhere, but this could be costing you a great deal of money. With a bit of effort you can achieve or realize a real savings on your auto insurance and this can make your driving a lot more affordable.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Top Auto Insurance Providers. A website that specializes in providing auto insurance advice to include easy ways to find cheaper auto insurance online that you can research in your pajamas in the comfort of your own home.