A Practical Guide To Cheaper Jaguar Insurance

Let’s face it; anybody that buys a Jaguar knows that they aren’t buying a vehicle that costs next to nothing to run! The good news is that today’s Jaguar cars are some of the most reliable vehicles you’ll ever see on the road. But the bad news is that, when things go wrong, they can be expensive to fix!

Still, if you buy a Jaguar one can make a safe assumption that you can afford to maintain such a vehicle. One thing that affects Jaguar owner’s wallets as much as those who own other marques is insurance.

To some, it’s the bane of their lives. And, to others, it can ruin the driving experience. If you’d like to keep your Jaguar insurance costs low (who wouldn’t!), this handy guide will share with you some tips on how to do just that. Here is what you need to know:

Don’t Modify Your Jaguar from Standard

Some car enthusiasts buy Jaguar cars for the sole purpose of extracting more performance out of their engines. Others aim to improve their vehicle’s aesthetics with aftermarket body kits and alloy wheels, for example.

Your Jaguar will likely be in a high insurance category. After all; it costs a lot to buy, and a lot to maintain. Modifications increase the price of insurance premiums for many reasons. The most notable is the increased risk of theft. In other words, if you add some extra bling to your car, some unscrupulous people might want to steal it!

Some Jaguar fans think a cardinal sin would get committed if you added aftermarket enhancements to your car! To be honest, I don’t understand why you would want to modify your “cat.”

After seeing the latest models at Jaguar Norwich, I would want to keep my new pride and joy standard to maintain that air of elegance and style.

Move to a Nicer Area

Car insurance premiums factor in where you live. If your home is in the middle of a ghetto, you can expect your Jaguar car insurance to go through the roof! But if you live in an affluent, low crime neighbourhood, you will enjoy cheaper premiums.

As extreme as it sounds, some people would have no issue moving home to get more affordable insurance for their cars! If car crime is an issue where you live, you will doubtless want to do whatever it takes to avoid being a victim of crime.

Join Your Local Owner’s Club

Jaguar is a marque seen in most countries. And in each of those countries, you are bound to find a dedicated owner’s club. So, how should joining such a club make any difference to what your insurance prices are?

The answer is simple! Some insurance companies offer reduced premiums if you can prove you’re a Jaguar club member. From an insurer’s point of view, you are less of a risk to them as you care about the safety and maintenance of your vehicle.

People often join owner’s clubs because they want to learn more about their cars. And they want to know how to fix stuff that’s broken.

HOW TO DONATION FOR CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION

he California Fire Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation’s mandate includes an array of survivor and victim assistance projects and community initiatives.

DONATE today to help support the following programs:

California Firefighters Memorial:

The Foundation designed, built and maintains this unique memorial to fallen firefighters at the State Capitol in Sacramento. Every year, the Foundation holds a special, annual ceremony to commemorate the bravery of those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Firefighters and Their Families:

The Foundation supplies emergency support to departments and families of firefighters killed in the line of duty and provides educational assistance to the children of fallen firefighters through the California Firefighters Endowment and Daniel A. Terry Scholarship program. The Foundation has given out over $100,000 in Daniel A. Terry scholarship awards to date. Additionally, the Foundation grants assistance to hopeful firefighters that show financial hardship when applying to take the Candidate Physical Ability Test, an international standardized test to measure a candidate’s ability as a potential firefighter.
 

Victim Assistance:

The Foundation recently launched its Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program in order to bring immediate, short-term relief to victims of fire or other natural disaster throughout California. Working together with the California Fire Foundation, firefighters throughout California distribute gift cards in the amount of $100 to eligible victims of fire or other natural disaster, so they may purchase basic necessities such as medicine, food or clothing.

Community Improvement:

The Foundation offers information about fire safety and conducts public outreach and education about fire safety issues through its Firefighters On Your Side program. Additionally, the Foundation contributes to other organizations that aim to enhance and improve the communities of California.

DONATE A CAR FOR CHAIRTY

Tips for Donating a Car to Charity

A charity that uses a donated vehicle for transportation or hauling goods obviously benefits directly from such a donation. However, in many cases donated cars will be sold en masse, either by the charity itself or by a dealer to raise funds for the charity. In the case of a dealer, the charity generally receives a flat fee per car, sometimes as little as $45 per car.

Listed below are tips for donors who would like to donate a car to charity. Beware that the donor's tax deductions for car donations may be limited to the price at which the charity sold the car.

• To receive the maximum tax deduction on your car donation, and to receive the satisfaction that the full value of the car benefits a charitable purpose, give it to a charity that will use the vehicle in its operations or will give it to a person in need. Otherwise, your tax deduction will not be based on the fair market value, but will be limited to the amount of money the charity receives from the sale of your car. If the charity you are donating to does sell the vehicle, ask what percentage of the proceeds they receive. See Car Donations: Taking Taxpayers for a Ride for more.
   
• Ask if the charity accepts car donations directly, without involving a third party. If possible, drive the vehicle to the charity instead of using a towing or pickup service. This will allow the charity to keep the full amount of any proceeds from selling the car.
   
• Make sure the charity is eligible to receive tax deductible contributions. Ask for a copy for your records of the organization’s IRS letter of determination which verifies its tax exempt status.
   
• Be sure that you get a receipt from the charity for your car donation.
   
• Be aware that non-cash donations are one of the most common triggers to an audit by the IRS, so you’ll want to document the value of the car and keep records of it.
   
• If the car is worth more than $500, the donor must complete Section A of IRS Form 8283 and attach it to their tax return. Donors are required to file with his/her tax return a written acknowledgement from the charity. If the charity sells the car, the charity must provide the donor with a certification that the car was sold at "arms length" between unrelated parties and the sale price of the car within 30 days. In this case, the donor's tax deductions will be limited to the total amount the charity sold the car for. If the charity does not sell the car, it must provide the donor with a receipt within 30 days of the contribution. The charity may also be required to provide certification to the donor stating how it plans to use or improve the car and stating that it promises not to sell or transfer the car. Penalties are imposed on charities that provide fraudulent acknowledgements to donors.
   
• If the car is worth $5,000 or more, an independent appraisal is necessary. The donor must also fill out Section B of IRS Form 8283. For cars worth less than $5,000, use theKelley Blue Book, the Hearst Black Book, or a guide from the National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) to determine the market value. Make sure you use the correct figure for the date, mileage, and condition of your car. Picking the highest figure for your car model and year without taking into account other factors may not pass muster with the IRS.
   
• Take pictures of the car and save receipts for new tires or other upgrades to verify its value.
   
• Remember, it is the donor, not the charity, who is obligated to value the car and who will pay the penalties if an IRS challenge finds your figure inaccurate.

Donate to charity for clean water

663 million people in the world live without clean water.

That’s nearly 1 in 10 people worldwide. Or, twice the population of the United States. The majority live in isolated rural areas and spend hours every day walking to collect water for their family. Not only does walking for water keep kids out of school or take up time that parents could be using to earn money, but the water often carries diseases that can make everyone sick.

But access to clean water means education, income and health - especially for women and kids.

Clean water changes everything.

Health

Diseases from dirty water kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war.

43% of those deaths are children under five years old. Access to clean water and basic sanitation can save around 16,000 lives every week.

Time

In Africa alone, women spend 40 billion hours a year walking for water

Access to clean water gives communities more time to grow food, earn an income, and go to school -- all of which fight poverty.

Education

Clean water helps keep kids in school, especially girls.

Less time collecting water means more time in class. Clean water and proper toilets at school means teenage girls don’t have to stay home for a week out of every month.

Women Empowerment

Women are responsible for 72% of the water collected in Sub-Saharan Africa.

When a community gets water, women and girls get their lives back. They start businesses, improve their homes, and take charge of their own futures.

How do we tackle the water crisis?

We work with local experts and community members to find the best sustainable solution in each place where we work, whether it’s a well, a piped system, a BioSand Filter, or a system for harvesting rainwater. And with every water point we fund, our partners coordinate sanitation and hygiene training, and establish a local Water Committee to help keep water flowing for years to come.

Access to clean water changed the lives of Hadjara, Umu, Natalia, and Devison. Read their stories.

How Much Car Insurance Do I Need?

For many people, the best auto insurance policy provides the greatest amount of coverage at the lowest cost. Because auto insurance has become commoditized, the focus often shifts to the premium amount as the primary point of comparison, which is fine as long as you don't lose sight of what it is you are trying to protect. Paying a $1,000 deductible for a dented bumper, while inconvenient, is not a game changer for many people; but a liability claim of $500,000 or $1 million can be a life-changer. Auto insurance coverage should provide the maximum amount of protection against that which poses the greatest possible risk. To determine how much car insurance you actually need, consider several types of insurance coverage.

Start with Mandatory Liability Coverage

Auto liability coverage is mandatory in every state except New Hampshire. Liability coverage includes bodily injury coverage, which covers injuries to others and property damage coverage, which covers the cost of damage to other people's vehicles or property. You are responsible for any liability claims resulting from accidents when you are at fault.

Each state sets a minimum coverage requirement, usually stated as a three-part number, such as 100/300/50. Each number represents a coverage amount in thousands of dollars. The first number is the coverage amount for bodily injury for a single person, while the second number is the total coverage amount for all individuals injured in the accident. The third number is the coverage amount for property damage. The state minimums for bodily injury coverage are as low as $20,000 to $25,000, and $40,000 to $50,000 for total coverage per accident. Property damage minimums range from $5,000 to $25,000.

How much liability coverage you need should be based on what you need to protect. If you have assets, such as a home, savings, investments or other property, you risk losing them if you don't have enough liability coverage. Considering that many jury-awarded claims exceed $500,000 (including medical costs and pain and suffering), your risk exposure would be extremely high if you only carry the minimum coverage. Since liability claims can potentially do the greatest financial harm, it is recommended that you carry enough coverage to protect your assets.

As for other mandatory coverages, some states have requirements for uninsured or underinsured motorist protection and personal injury protection. Check with your state insurance department for any other mandated coverage.

The Rest Is up to You

There are several other components to your auto insurance policy, but the decision as to whether you need the coverage or how much coverage you should have is up to you. For instance, unless you have a loan out on your car, you are not required to buy collision or comprehensive coverage. Other factors to consider in determining your car insurance needs include:

• Your age and driving record

• The age, make and model of the car

• Your ability to self-insure

The additional coverages you need to consider are collision, comprehensive, personal injury or medical insurance, and uninsured/underinsured coverage.

Collision Coverage

Collision covers the cost of repairing or replacing your car. Some auto lenders require this as part of your minimum coverage. If your car is worth more than what you could pay to replace it, it would be important to have collision coverage. If your car is more than a few years old and the loan is paid off, you could opt out of this coverage.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage is the cost of replacing your car or its contents for just about any other event besides an accident. Such events include car theft, weather damage or fire damage. If your car is more than a few years old, you may not need this add-on.

Medical Payments

Personal injury or medical payments covers expenses related to medical and funeral expenses for you or others injured or killed while riding in your car. With the exception of the funeral coverage, medical payments coverage may be redundant coverage if you have sufficient health care coverage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

Some states combine the two, while others make you choose one or both. This is especially important if you live in certain regions of the country with high percentages of uninsured or underinsured motorists. If you or your family members have an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist while in your car or on foot, you will be covered for all costs related to the accident.

Your Deductible

The deductible is the amount of an insurance claim you agree to pay out of your pocket before the insurance company pays the remainder of the claim. The deductible represents the amount of financial risk you are willing to assume. If you are willing to assume more financial risk in the form of a higher deductible, your premium cost is lower.

It might seem like the smart thing to do to take the lowest deductible, typically $500, because that would mean less money out of your pocket if you need to file a claim. However, if you never have to file a claim, that low deductible will have cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in higher premium costs over time. If you take the highest possible deductible, typically around $1,500, you could save on your premium costs, letting you put more money into an emergency fund that can be available when and if you need it for repairs. For some people, this can be a much better use of their funds.

5 Most Expensive Cities In The U.S. For Car Insurance

Maintaining a car can be a very expensive venture if you are not careful. From annual inspection and periodic upkeep to keeping the car fueled and insured, owning a car can easily deplete your bank account and leave you strapped for cash. One major cost associated with owning a car is paying for car insurance. Depending on where you live in the United States, car insurance could either be a small expense or take a dramatic toll on your budget. Here is a look at five of the most expensive cities in America for car insurance.

DetroitAccording to an article released by Yahoo! in January 2012, Detroit, Mich. has the highest car insurance premiums on average in the U.S. The Motor City's insurance rates are most unfriendly to cash-strapped car owners. According to Runzheimer International, the average car insurance premium in Detroit was $5,941 in 2011. That's nearly $2,000 more than the runner-up. The Motor City is filled to the brim with automobiles, and as a result of the high population of citizens and cars, along with a no-fault insurance system, its insurance premiums have stayed among the highest in the country.

PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia, Pa. is another city that is hit hard by high car insurance costs. Coming in just behind Detroit, the City of Brotherly Love is not feeling the love in regards to its high premium costs. In 2011, the average car insurance policy cost drivers $4,076, according to Runzheimer International. The cost is not nearly as high as Detroit's astronomical average premium of $5,941, but is considerably higher than the approximate $1,199 national average that HomeInsurance.com reported for December 2011. Due to Philadelphia's overcrowded streets and high population of vehicles, insurance rates have continued to climb.

New OrleansAnother American city that definitely gets the short end of the stick when it comes to saving on auto insurance is New Orleans, La. The Big Easy has one of the most expensive car insurance premiums in the U.S. According to a Runzheimer International study performed in 2011, New Orleans had an average car insurance premium rate of $3,599 in 2011. New Orleans' high premiums are not due to overcrowding but because of judicial ruling. In Louisiana, only claims totaling over $50,000 actually make it to a jury case. Claims less than that benchmark are settled out of court.
MiamiMiami, Fla. is another U.S. city that was unable to escape high auto insurance premium rates. The Runzheimer International study performed in 2011 marked the average car insurance premium in Miami at a hefty $3,388. Due to the city's no-fault auto insurance rule and an influx of fraudulent claims, Miami has experienced a significant premium hike in recent years.

Newark, N.J.Last but certainly not least, Newark, N.J. has one of the highest car insurance premium averages in the U.S. The city features an average auto insurance premium of $2,867. Newark's residents certainly have quite a hefty expense in order to keep their vehicles insured. Similar to Miami and Detroit, New Jersey has a no-fault insurance rule, and costs have risen as a result.

The Bottom LineCar insurance premiums vary substantially depending upon where you live. States with no-fault laws and higher populations are prone to have higher average auto insurance premiums due to the higher amount of accidents and collisions that occur. The numbers presented are based off studies, and it is possible to find less expensive auto insurance. Many factors apply when determining what your auto insurance rate is, including driver safety, your zip code and your age. Shop carefully when buying car insurance, and make sure you are getting the best rate possible.

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Cheap Car Insurance For Students

If you’re of college age – or have a college-age student in the family – you probably know it's a terrible time to buy auto insurance.

First, teens have higher premiums because of their inexperience behind the wheel. Statistics show that automobile accidents are the #1 teen killer with more than 3,000 fatalities and nearly 450,000 injuries annually. Second, money is tight. A higher premium charged to somebody just starting off in life makes the payment feel even larger.

Before you resign yourself to paying massive monthly premiums, take some time to do a little shopping. Following these tips could lower the rate significantly.

Keep Up Those Grades

Most auto insurance companies offer a discount for teens who have good grades. Normally somewhere around 10%, this discount is usually available to college students too – until age 25, depending on the company. That's why it pays to get quotes from several insurers before making your choice.

Safe Driving

No accidents, no speeding tickets and no other trouble could mean a sizable discount. Some companies say that your discount could be as much as 45%.

Defensive Driving Class

Take a defensive driving course and save another 10% at some companies. The length of the classes varies but 10% can add up fast, especially if you’re a college student trying to save every dollar.

Stay on Your Parents’ Policy

In general, you can stay on your parents’ auto insurance policy until you permanently move out of your primary home. If you’re living on a college campus, that is considered a temporary residence. It doesn’t hurt to compare an individual policy to a family policy, but most of the time you will pay less by staying on the family plan.

Install an Anti-theft Device

Just because it’s a school doesn’t mean that it’s safe. Auto insurance companies will often give you a discount for an anti-theft device. The size of the discount depends on the type of device you install. Remember, if your car is going with you to college, you have to inform your insurance company; the cost of insurance depends on where the car will be located.

Add Up How Much You'll Drive

If you'll be living on campus more than 100 miles from home – and you're not taking your car to college and nobody else will be driving it while you're away – tell your insurance company. Your parents' car insurance could drop as much as 30%.

On the other hand, if you're commuting back and forth to classes – especially a hour or more each way – you might want to up your coverage since you’ll spend a lot more time in your car.

The Bottom Line

If you’re in the market for auto insurance, practice good habits. Get multiple quotes, ask the insurance company about any special discounts for college students, and keep those grades impressive. It pays to stay safe, be responsible and achieve great things while away at school – and it keeps your auto insurance rates lower, too. For more money-saving tips, see How To Reduce Auto Insurance Costs and Beginner's Guide To Auto Insurance.

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Reduce Insurance Rates

A benefit of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may be a drop in car insurance premiums as health care providers shoulder more of the treatment costs tied to accidents and injuries, according to a new report from a leading think-tank.

The non-profit Rand Corporation says the rise in the number of people with medical coverage under the ACA, also known as Obamacare, could result in a "modest" drop in claims against auto insurers. In turn, the cost savings could be passed to consumers as insurance companies and state regulators evaluate and refine coverage rates, according to Rand's report, "How Will the Affordable Care Act Affect Liability Insurance Costs?"

"The Affordable Care Act is unlikely to dramatically affect liability costs, but it may influence small and moderate changes in costs over the next several years," says David Auerbach, a Rand policy researcher and the study's lead author. "For example, auto insurers may spend less for treating injuries, while it may cost a bit more to provide physicians with medical malpractice coverage."

Besides auto insurance rates, expenses tied to homeowners insurance, workers' compensation and general business liability insurance may also fall once the ACA further takes hold. But on the downside, expenses for malpractice coverage could rise, according to the report.

Obamacare to trim insurance costs by up to 5 percent?

"Researchers say the changes could be as much as 5 percent of costs (for auto, home and the other forms of liability insurance) in some states, but caution there is considerable uncertainty surrounding such estimates," the study notes.

Auerbach and Rand point out that liability insurers currently reimburse tens of billions of dollars each year for medical care related to car crashes and workplace injuries, among other claims. "For example, auto insurers collectively paid $35 billion for medical costs associated with accidents in 2007, about 2 percent of all U.S. health care costs in that year," according to Rand.

The reason for a possible jump in malpractice claims faced by doctors and health providers is simple: Rand says that more claims could be filed as more people get medical coverage.

"Insured individuals have more contacts with physicians, make more visits and receive more procedures," according to the report. "Such a shift could drive malpractice costs modestly higher."

The malpractice figures are already significant. The study points out that "In 2012, nearly 12,000 medical malpractice claims paid on behalf of individual physicians and other providers accounted for $4.3 billion in costs. A substantial additional number of claims were paid on behalf of institutions, such as hospitals, some of which self-insure, that are not included in the $4.3 billion number."

The study was sponsored by Swiss Re, which stresses the powerful effects the ACA may ultimately have on the insurance industry and elsewhere. "Businesses and policymakers need to understand how and why their risk profiles might change as the Affordable Care Act is implemented," says Jayne Plunkett, Swiss Re's head of casualty reinsurance, in a statement.

A surge in medical insurance enrollments

In a separate survey released this week, Rand says that 9.3 million more Americans have health insurance now than in September 2013, largely because of the ACA. While noting that any survey has a margin of error, Rand adds that its findings don't include the 3.2 million who signed up for coverage in late March and early April. That enrollment surge could "dramatically affect" the total figures, according to Rand.

Rand estimates that Americans without insurance fell to 15.8 percent, from 20.5 percent.

Of those who secured new medical coverage, 8.2 million didn't buy it on the ACA's federal or state-run exchanges, but through an employer. Rand says the increase is likely because of a drop in unemployment, which opened the door for many to be eligible for workplace plans, and ACA incentives encouraging employees to get coverage.

Rand adds that 3.9 million secured health insurance through the exchanges, 36 percent of them previously uninsured. The number is expected to rise as the March and April numbers come in, according to the survey.

In declaring the ACA an unfolding success, the Obama administration recently said that more than 7 million people have signed up for coverage through the marketplace exchanges.

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