Every person that you come across tells you how cheap their car insurance is, and that makes you feel really lousy because you have the nagging feeling that you might have just gotten on a plan that is too expensive.

Well, you are not alone. Every other driver makes this mistake sometimes, because they jump on the first auto insurance quote that they come across without comparing quotes from other companies.

So what should you do in order to avoid paying so much for the rest of the months?

If you wish to continue with your current insurance plan, then it’s time you sit down and review your plan and see what other discounts you may qualify for. Contact your insurance agent and ask whether there are any more discounts that you are still not aware of that will help reduce your current premiums.

There are some advantages that you may qualify . If you have homeowner’s policy too with the same insurance company, let them know and you might qualify for combined policy savings. Many people are also not aware that most regulated automobile insurance providers offer discounts on your auto insurance premiums for successfully completing a state approved defensive driving course. So if you have the certification, it may save you 10% off your auto insurance premiums.

If you have kids on your insurance plan, it could also be the major reason that you are paying more for your auto insurance. But in this case, you can’t take them off the plan as you wish, as they will be driving too, so you may have to consider comparing auto insurance quotes among a few companies to see which one can give you the best rate.

Even if you sign up for the same type of coverage, different companies will quote you various prices, but as they are all hoping to get your business ultimately, you will have the customer’s advantage of choosing the best deal.

Comparing Auto Insurance Quotes Austin is a must for every driver, in our opinion. Why waste extra money every month when you can save it? It is highly recommended one start doing so when you are already on the lookout of buying a car. At least it will save you the heartache of paying too much car insurance and dealing with the hassle of changing auto insurance carriers later.

A smart shopper will shop around to compare prices before he signs on the dotted line. Depending on individual factors like age, driving history, type of car you drive, different insurers actually quote you different rates. Why settle for the first quote, when these automobile insurers are all vying for your business? In every type of business, we know the best quotes will usually win the favor of the customer, so when there is competition, the customer often gains at the end. Make use of this competition to secure the cheapest quote that suits your needs.

Well, there are a few factors that could also help you lower your car insurance rates. Probably you can try to use them to your advantage.

Increase your deductibles
Consider increasing your deductibles to lower your monthly premiums. The higher the deductibles, the more you can save monthly. But also make sure you can afford the cost of repair in the case of any accidents.

Buy a car that will help you “save”
Look at the car that you are buying insurance for. Does it belong to the high profile category? Buying a sports car not only cost you more upfront, but will also affect your insurance rates. Statistics have shown that flashy cars are more likely to attract thieves, and in an accident, repairs will also tend to cost more, as compared to normal sedan cars. Automobile insurers will rate these high profile cars as more “risky” to insure, and thus you the owner will end up paying for higher premiums.

Get the type of coverage that you really need
Besides the minimum required auto insurance, sometimes insurance companies may suggest adding a few more types of coverage for a more rounded package. Think about it carefully. Are all these types of coverage what you need? If they are not really essential in your opinion, you may want to negotiate to take them out of your policy so that you do not have to pay a lot more.

Keep your car safe
You may get discounts in auto insurance just by being proactive! If you show the insurance companies that you made an effort to park your car safely, for example, locked up in your own garage, and also install anti-theft devices, it is possible to get a lower insurance rate compared to those who never do so. This may be a one-time cost, but you save on car insurance in the long run.

These four tips are just some of the advice that you can use to get cheaper car insurance in Austin Texas. The internet has made it so convenient for you to compare car insurance quotes. Just take some time to fill up a simple form online and you will have access to quotes from many companies all at once.

Whether you have an existing insurance plan or are looking for a new one, make a wise decision of comparing quotes today.

Automobile insurers often view young single males typically below the age of 25, a high risk group to insure. This sounds pretty stereotyped, but it is unfortunately true. Male drivers who fall under this category are viewed as being more reckless, more likely to get into trouble with their car, and thus the insurance they take up will likely be higher than the rest. Strangely, this does not apply to young female drivers as they are looked upon as more careful and responsible.

The easiest way for young drivers to get their car insurance cheaper is to tag along mum or dad’s insurance policy. Insurers will view your parents as a lower risk group and attaching your policy with theirs will save you quite a bit of money. But there are terms and conditions you have to follow. The car must be registered under your parents’ name and you must still be living in the same home as them. If you cannot fulfill these conditions and would rather register the car in your own name and get a separate policy, then you will have to accept the fact that you will incur higher auto insurance premiums for your group.

Another way to negotiate for lower car insurance rates is to get married! It does sound really ridiculous for some, but if you are a young, but married, driver, the truth is automobile insurers will view you as a lower risk group compared to the young, but single, driver. They will see you as mature young adult who has the responsibility to commit to a marriage, as well as the tendency to be more careful on the road because now you have a spouse and probably kids to look after. Of course, you don’t get married just to get cheaper auto insurance, but if you are already planning to get married very soon, maybe you can consider buying your car only after your marriage as it will save you some money.

Well, there are also factors that you can also bring to the attention of your automobile insurers, like having good grades in school, clearing the necessary driving exams, having a good driving history with no violations and chalking up less mileage. They will consider these factors as well when making an assessment and may probably agree to reduce your auto insurance by a significant amount.

Getting the cheapest car insurance for young drivers is no mean feat, but we, at Austin Texas Auto Insurance, can help you compare free car insurance quotes online before you decide which deal is the best for you.

Many people buy cars for practical reasons. They need to drive long distances to work, they need to ferry their children around, etc. Cars have become an integral part of their lives, not as a luxury item, but as a necessity. Since it is not possible to save on buying cars, why not save on its auto insurance instead?

Here are a few ways you can cut down your auto insurance monthly costs in Austin Texas and make it cheaper to the pocket.

Firstly, get a less flashy car. It’s usually more expensive to insure a car that attracts the wrong attention (with car thieves) or a car that is more expensive to repair in case of any unfortunate damage. Well, this actually makes a lot of sense, don’t you think so?

Secondly, you can consider raising the amount of your deductibles. If you increase your deductible significantly, you can reduce your monthly premium costs by a large percent. Even $200 to $600 makes a lot of difference!

Thirdly, ask for discounts that could apply to you. If you have a clean driving record, no violations of any kind, it is possible to get a discounted monthly premium rate. Customers who are older and retired can also be entitled to additional discounts too, so no harm asking!

Lastly, if you don’t use your car very often and chalk up only low mileage, you could also check if you qualify for “low mileage discounts” with the automobile insurer. Take public transport sometimes or carpool to work. It may save you money not only in insurance premiums, but also gasoline too!

Well not to worry, here are some tips to help you manage the fear and anxiety of buying your very first auto insurance in Austin Texas!

First of all, it would be good to talk to your family members or friends who have done it before. They might have bought their auto insurance with different insurers and may have their experiences to share. Otherwise the internet has also many resources where you can do your research. Try to familiarize yourself with the type of jargon that is used first so that when you talk to an insurance representative, you will be in a better position to discuss the nitty-gritty details of your insurance plan.

Secondly, don’t rush into buying your auto insurance. Give yourself adequate time to shop around for auto insurance quotes. Ask yourself, do you need just the basic minimum coverage required by the state of Texas? Or would you prefer to have more comprehensive coverage? How many drivers would you be insuring in the policy? These are typical questions that automobile insurers need to know in order to recommend policies that will meet your needs. It will be easier when you have assessed your own needs and thought about the type of coverage you would like to include in your plan before comparing quotes.

Thirdly, work out how much you can put into your auto insurance premiums without sacrificing your needs. The most expensive auto insurance does not mean it is the best. But rather, work out a plan that you are comfortable with and also, affordable within your reach.

Lastly, always compare quotes before signing on the dotted line. You may be very tempted to take up the first offer that comes to you, but this is a mistake you may regret later. We recommend comparing three to four quotes before deciding. Give yourself a day or two to go through the proposed plan and quotes. You may also check which insurer offers a more flexible plan in case you wish to make some changes later in the year. Some insurers may allow you to upgrade your coverage with no penalty attached.

Buying auto insurance in Austin may seem like daunting task for first-time buyers, but with the right help, it is actually not difficult at all. You can shop for auto insurance quotes online at ease just by filling up a simple form which does not require your personal details. Then you can compare quotes from many insurers all at once fuss-free and with no obligations. It’s the most convenient and time-saving method of getting quotes and definitely nothing intimidating for new buyers at all!

Starting Jan. 1, it will be illegal for drivers within Austin city limits to use a cell phone for most operations other than making a phone call.

The ordinance was passed by Austin City Council earlier this year.

“You won’t be allowed to text. You can’t use it for GPS, unless it’s a permanently installed device, [and you can't do] any kind of scrolling through the Internet,” Austin Police Department Commander Stephen Baker said.

To allow Austin drivers some time to get familiar with new rules, the ordinance begins with a 30-day grace period.

“If we observe these violations, we’ll be making the stops, talking to the drivers, and issuing a written warning,” said Baker.

After the 30 days, a violation of the ordinance could come with a penalty of up to $200.

The ban does not prohibit talking on the phone, and it does allow drivers to check texts while at stop signs and red lights and in emergency situations. The ordinance also applies to bicyclists.

Officers said they’ll be on the lookout for drivers and bicyclists looking down at their phones for an extended period of time.

To demonstrate why officers are gearing up to enforce the ban, APD Officer Jim Riley maneuvered a golf cart while texting Monday.

By the time Riley made it around the course, he had knocked over a few orange cones and his text message read, “Laf I meedvu tn gry?”

“I was trying to say, ‘Pat, you need to get me out of here,’” Riley said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to get into a crash serious enough to hurt themselves.

Source: News 8 Austin

The testing went well for Capital Metro, but Austin drivers didn’t necessarily pass with flying colors.

In plain view of police, several drivers took the risk of stopping on the tracks. Fortunately, no trains came through in those instances.

“We’ve been out in the community for more than three years now, educating schools, parents, neighborhood groups. We’ve been working really hard to make sure this community is going to be safe when we start service,” Capital Metro spokesperson Erica McKewen said.

Capital Metro said police are supposed to be handing out tickets. However, plenty of vehicles could be seen stopped on the railroad tracks, and police officers parked nearby did not issue citations or warnings.

“I think they should get with the program. I don’t know if it’s a matter of being lackadaisical or what, but I think that the police officers should do their job,” area business worker Cheryl Balintfy said.

From 3 to 8:30 p.m., the trains glided, at top speed, up and down the Red Line tracks. The test simulates a real working day for the commuter rail.

Capital Metro said it will continue running the train at that same time Monday through Friday until January. Cap Metro hopes to get the rail open for passenger service by the spring.

Source: news8austin.com

Three of the last five traffic fatalities in Austin have involved a driver running a red light.

Many drivers say not turning right on red is out of the question, especially at the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Interstate-35.

“No, I don’t turn on a red light. But I see other people turning,” driver Jewell Patricio said.

Driver Lonnie Williams was asked if he ever turned right on red at the MLK and Interstate-35 intersection. He sarcastically answered, “‘No never there, no, no.”

There are two signs posted at the intersection at MLK and I-35, and one further down the road.

Many drivers say they simply don’t see the signs. This makes officers fearful of what other things or people drivers aren’t seeing.

“That’s scary when somebody says that because that makes you realize how many people are there on the road that just don’t see things, that just don’t see that person on a bicycle coming by,” Perry said.

One officer said that during a six hour shift he usually writes more than 20 tickets at MLK and Interstate-35.

It’s a similar situation at 11th and Congress Ave. Cameras have been placed at the intersection in hopes of reducing drivers that run red lights.

The cameras do not account for turning violations.

“I don’t know that there’s a better way to enforce it. We’re out here. There’s signs. The signs are huge,” Perry said.

Perry said the large signs have been placed at certain intersections for a reason.

“You can’t see the traffic that’s coming 40 to 50 miles per hour on this [MLK] road. You pull out right in front of them, someone’s going to end up getting seriously hurt or killed,” Perry said.

Paying closer attention to signs placed at intersections could not only save drivers a couple hundred dollars–but could also save a life.

Source: news8austin.com

The government, releasing final data on the car incentives, said Wednesday that dealers submitted 690,114 sales totaling $2.88 billion, bringing the program to a close under its $3 billion budget. Japanese auto manufacturers led American companies in new car sales through the program, which ended late Monday.

Many dealers are still waiting to be repaid for the Cash for Clunkers incentives they gave car buyers and were allowed to submit paperwork seeking reimbursement until late Tuesday.

Despite the summertime frenzy at dealerships, analysts said the growth in auto sales may be short-lived. Sales in July rose to 11.2 million when converted to an annual rate, the first month in 2009 in which sales had risen above the 10 million level. A drop in consumer confidence late last year sent sales plunging to depths not seen since the early 1980s, prompting lawmakers to create the program.

The biggest industry beneficiaries were Japanese automakers Toyota, Honda and Nissan, which accounted for 41 percent of the new vehicle sales. That outpaced Detroit automakers General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, which had a share of nearly 39 percent. Toyota Motor Corp. led the industry with 19.4 percent of new sales, followed by General Motors Co. with 17.6 percent and Ford Motor Co. with 14.4 percent.

The Toyota Corolla was the most popular new vehicle purchased under the program. The Honda Civic, Toyota Camry and Ford Focus held the next three top spots. All four are built in the United States.

The program, which began in late July, offered consumers rebates of $3,500 or $4,500 off the price of a new vehicle in return for trading in their older, less fuel-efficient vehicles to be scrapped. The trade-in vehicles needed to get 18 miles per gallon or less.

It proved far more popular than lawmakers originally thought. Congress added another $2 billion to the original $1 billion budget when the first pot of money nearly ran out in a week. The extra money was supposed to last through Labor Day, but the funding only lasted about a month.

A grace period was in effect Friday, one day after the city announced that drivers who incorrectly display a parking pay stub will first receive a warning.

Austin in late July began installing new meters, including directions on where to put the stubs indicating the driver had paid. The correct location is inside the vehicle, attached to the curb side of the windshield, for easy reading by parking attendants.

Since then more than 600 tickets have been issued to people who incorrectly displayed the stickers.

A spokeswoman says the city will refund fines, between $15 and $30, and stop issuing tickets until the operation is better understood by drivers.

Source: AP