Author: mine

When you buy a car, you have to do automobile insurance on it so that in case of any accident you can get coverage for any type of damage.

If there is any accident you should know how you will claim for your damage. So know everything in details, how you can claim your automobile insurance. 

What to do for filing insurance claim 

To get compensation for the loss incurred in an auto accident, you need to under the following steps: 

1.Understand your policy before the accident: When you’re doing automobile insurance with a company, you should understand all the terms and conditions and what type of coverages they are offering. You should also know the detailed process of filing a claim, if an accident occurs.
 
2.Exchange personal information: If you meet with an accident then note down the other driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance information and license number. If he wants, you should also provide him with your personal information. 
 
3.Identify witness: If there is any witness when the accident occurred, get their names, addresses and phone numbers. This may come useful if their account of the accident is needed during the processing of the claim.
 
4.Have medical treatment: If there is any injury do not neglect it. You can either go to a nearby hospital for immediate treatment or call 911 if the injury is life threatening.
 
5.Report the accident: You should immediately file the accident report with the local law enforcement officials and ask them to have the accident report prepared.
 
6.Notify your insurer: You should immediately notify your insurance company about the accident and the damage incurred. If the accident occurred due to the other driver’s fault, his insurance company will review the accident report and will give you compensation for the repair and replacement of your car. If you get insurance compensation from the other driver’s company, you don’t have to file for claim with your insurer and you don’t have to pay a deductible.
 
7.Agree to have an evaluation on your damage: You should allow the insurance company to evaluate the damage and estimate the cost towards repairing and replacement. When they are evaluating, you should also be present there so that no damage will get overlooked.
 
8.Do not release your insurance company in a hurry: Until and unless you are completely satisfied with the settlement for your damage, do not release the insurance company. In case of bodily injury you can demand money for the treatment. In case of damage to your car, the insurance company should pay for the repair and replacement of your car.
 
If you follow the steps mentioned above in filing your automobile insurance claim, you will get compensation for the damage of your car.  

Thank you Martha for the guest post!

Change The Oil In Your automobile. A great video tutorial showing you the basics of car maintenance; that of changing your car’s oil. This simple guide will increase the lifetime value of the automobile. Learn how to carry out the perfect oil change.

Please follow this steps and than check the video guide:

Step 1: Setup

Find level place to work. Let engine run to warm up the oil. Drive car slowly onto the wheel ramps.

Step 2: Brake Wheels

Set parking brake and brace the back wheels.

Step 3: Get Down

Get under car and locate the oil drain plug on oil pan.

Step 4: Position Container & Drain

Lay down old newspapers to protect ground, then position container so it will catch the oil. Then unscrew the oil plug and let it drain into the container. It could take upto one hour to let drain completely. When oild no longer drains, replace the oil plug.

Step 5: Remove Old Oil Filter

Always replace oil filter when changing the oil. Use oil fliter wrench to unscrew. Be careful!! Oil filter contains hot oil. So use the gloves and handle with care.

Step 6: Replace New Oil Filter

Coat the rim of the new filter with new oil. Screw into place, but don’t over tighten.

Step 7: Fill Her Up

Find oil fill cap near engine, then remove. Place funnel into hole. Pour into the proper type and amount, as listed in your car Owner’s Manual. Then check oil by re-inserting and removig the dipstick.

Step 8: Clean Up

Replace the fill cap, carefully dispose of the old oil filter, clean up any excess drippings on the engine or the ground. Don’t forget to dispose of your old oil at the local recycling facility.

(by VideoJug)

Learn how to jack the rear of the car to change its oil as an expert mechanic demonstrates his oil changing technique in this free car maintenance video.

Please check the following YouTube video regarding a comparation between some expensive and attractive SUVs. Land Rover LR4 versus Lexus GX 460 and Mercedes GL450.

What if all of your friends are the same age as you, have similar driving records and credit reports, and own vehicles like yours?

Believe it or not, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will have the same auto insurance premiums. Wouldn’t you like to be the one who gets the same policy, but gets it cheap?

All it takes is some know-how, and realizing what to look for when shopping online for your auto insurance.

Shop around—and online
Consumer groups tell us that the primary reason people don’t get cheap auto insurance is because they don’t comparison shop. It is the simple truth that there are so many auto insurance companies out there, you’ll never find the same insurance quote twice. That’s why shopping online is the single best way to find cheap auto insurance.

Online services offer quotes from multiple insurance companies, often within minutes. You can then choose the carrier that offers you the same policy at the cheapest rate.

Your neighbor may be sticking with the same auto insurance company out of habit, but his failure to shop online for a cheaper rate is his first mistake.

Get all the discounts
When you are shopping online for a cheap auto quote, make sure and read about the discounts that are offered. Most insurance companies offer, for example, a multi-car discount. In addition, there may be a good student discount that makes the policy cheaper for youthful drivers.

Don’t think you or your kid will qualify? Read the fine print. Often, the good student discount isn’t as hard to get as you may think.

Have you had insurance for the past six months? By providing the online service with proof of prior insurance, you may also qualify for a cheap rate with your new insurance company. What about your house—do you own it?

If so, many auto insurance carriers also offer homeowner insurance, or even insurance for your boat or other property, and that discount can bring that rate down to a level cheap enough to make even your brainy brother jealous.

Check your driving record
Many people pay the pricey amount that shows up on their bill, never realizing that an error in their driving record is the culprit.

Your insurance company usually gets an electronic copy of your driver history and applies any auto accidents and tickets toward your premiums.

If you take the time to get a copy of your record and find an error, you can easily have it removed, bringing you closer to your dream of cheap auto insurance. Additionally, make sure that you have gotten credit for any safe driver courses you have taken in the past.

Ditch the spouse and kids
No, you don’t have to leave your family to get cheap insurance. But your auto insurance company may allow a split policy, which could get you a cheaper premium. If there is a “certain someone” on your auto policy that has a bad driving record, the rates may be higher for everyone.

Additionally, if there are any youthful drivers on the policy, they may be keeping the more experienced drivers from qualifying for the best rate. In many cases, it is just a matter of moving the offending driver to their own policy, and presto, cheap insurance!

Make sure you know your options and check them all out when you’re shopping online for auto insurance. Even if you’ve got the best car on the block, the smartest kids, and the biggest house, there’s just something about buying cheap auto insurance that can make you feel superior.

Author: Codrut Turcanu

The Wörthersee Tour in Reifnitz, Austria is the largest gathering of VAG enthusiasts in the world.

For more than two decades, this charming lakeside village has hosted millions of enthusiasts, who come to appreciate the most innovative and trendsetting VWs and Audis in Europe.

Wörthersee, as this event is most commonly known, derives its name from the beautiful lake that dominates this popular vacation area.

Wörthersee Festival brings together cars and fans of these beloved marques in a truly authentic European atmosphere.

Latest news from Wörthersee

This year, Volkswagen is presenting fans in Reifnitz with the Golf GTI Excessive. This concept car illustrates the great design potential of the Golf GTI and how it might develop in the future.

The Golf GTI Excessive is painted in the same fire-red “Firespark Metallic” as the Golf GTI Wörthersee 09. However, this time fire-red is not the only colour

Check some photo gallery from Wörthersee

Photo by Autowereld

The Audi R8 GT may be making its first official public appearance at the Wörthersee Tour 2010 this week, but the big push for Audi is unarguably the new A1.

Of the 19 cars that Audi is showing, nine are the new A1 mini-car. Seven of those have been customized with special wraps and interior treatments running the gamut from an Austrian police car to an airport guide vehicle.

Of special note is the white-walled, flame-sprouting low-rider riding on black steelies. With this display, it’s clear that Audi wants to go after the same audience that has been applying personalized finishes to modern Minis for the past decade.

To help that effort, Audi will be offering a variety of “competition kits” of interior and exterior bits that will be available when the A1 goes on sale later this year.

Are you sure you need a new car? I’m sure you want the newest safety features and modern styling that a new car offers.

Perhaps you need a larger vehicle to fit your growing family. You probably feel that your old car no longer fits your life. But how about cost?

From an economic perspective, you’re better off keeping your old car. It could save you thousands of dollars. Taking better care of your current car may make much more sense in the long run.

You’re probably thinking – those repair bills are really adding up. But the cost of repairs will never exceed the cost of a new car.

Changing your oil, replacing brakes, belts, and hoses are nothing compared to monthly payments on a new car. Even costly repairs like rebuilding an engine makes good financial sense.

If you’ve paid off your car, it is still in great shape and needs only a few modest repairs, there’s no need to throw it away. Enjoy your freedom from car payments. Enjoy lower annual taxes, insurance rates and license fees on your old car.

Buying a new vehicle would mean several years more of monthly principle and interest payments on a loan.

You can feel secure knowing that modern vehicles last longer. Not too many years ago, a vehicle’s useful life did not exceed 100,000 miles.

Today, many vehicles can breeze right past that 100,000 mile mark with no more than a tune-up, or maybe a new timing chain or fuel pump.

Older cars generally cost more to maintain and are more likely to break down. Repairs can be frustrating and expensive. But on the other hand they’re cheaper to own and operate. They lose most of its value in the first five years of their life. Your used vehicle won’t depreciate as much, saving you thousands.

Unless you’re rolling in cash, I’d say keep your old clunker.
Comfort yourself knowing that one day you’ll be able to easily afford that costly new ride.

Source

Auto insurance is a legal requirement in every US state and Canadian province. Costs are continuing to rise. How can you reduce some of these expenses and still get the best coverage?

First, get multiple quotes from the Internet and your neighborhood broker. You can shop for different types of quotes from a direct-sell insurance companies and offline and online brokers.

Auto insurance that is cheapest isn’t always the smartest move.
Ask yourself, is the company financially secure? Are they reputable and will they pay out if you have to make a claim.

The first piece of the policy is almost always liability insurance.
If you only have minimum liability coverage and you injure someone, their attorney can go after your personal assets. Many insurers feel that minimum liability is a gamble. In fact, that is why it is often only a little more money for more protection.

Auto insurance varies on car types.
Coverage for a sports car is very different from insuring the family sedan or mini-van.

If you are looking to buy a car, consider buying a car that “looks good” to insurance companies. For instance, insurance companies know what kinds of cars are prone to problems.

They also know what kinds of cars are most often stolen. If you haven’t purchased your car yet, find out what cars make this “good list” among auto insurers.

Consider how much coverage you really need to buy and the price each of these coverages will pay. Think about collision and comprehensive coverage, which is how much you will be reimbursed for the loss or destruction of your vehicle. Are you carrying $30,000 worth of collision coverage for a $12,000 vehicle?

If your car was totaled, would you be able to afford to replace it? If not, you will want comprehensive and collision coverage.

The decision to buy this coverage is usually based on the value of your car. Guidelines usually suggest that if your car is worth less than $2,000, it won’t be worth it to buy comprehensive and collision.

If you own a $50,000 car though, it would most certainly be worth it to pay an extra $200 annually or so to insure that your car will be replaced if you get in a serious accident.

If you’re driving a used car from 10 years ago, dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage can usually give big savings.

Run through various scenarios such as if I totaled someone else’s car, will my insurance cover it? How much will I have to pay out of my own pocket?

Paying a higher deductible can also keep your policy costs down. Remember, the deductible is what you pay out of own pocket when making a claim.

Buying a low mileage car and insuring with a good driving record, will all help bring insurance rates down. Don’t speed, don’t drink and drive and you’ll save.

Single, young males under the age of 25 get the short end of the stick in this deal so if you fall into this category make up for this price increase by purchasing a more sensible vehicle. Consider delaying the purchase of that cherry red Mustang until after you’re 26 and married.

Keep yourself adequately covered.
You can get away with having the bare minimums required by each state to keep you in compliance with state laws, but that may not be enough to protect your assets if you have a major incident.

Insurance experts recommend that you review your insurance policy often and thoroughly.

Many insurance companies offer discounts for anti-theft devices and advanced driver-training courses.

Source | Good luck!

For motorcycle enthusiasts, it could really be heaven’s gift if motorcycles come from packages delivered by the storks…

This is the kind of fantasy for those wishing hard for a baby. And indeed, once you have your dream motorcycle, we doubt if anything would prevent you from considering it as your baby.

But the point of this is that, you have to go over the tough decision of buying your dream motorcycle.

So how do you go about this business and get the greatest deal and bargain of your lifetime? Well, here are several insights of the choice you can consider in the process of buying your motorcycle…

• Considering buying a used motorcycle – if you are a new rider, it is quite preferable for you to start out with a used motorcycle. This used motorcycle will do nicely up until you get trained and have plenty of practice to spread over.

This could take at least a year. Since new riders are likely to take a few spills early in their motorcycle riding, a new bike in which to practice on might run you into thousands of dollars in repairs.

This incident will definitely not be something that will instill confidence in a rider that’s just starting out honing their skills.

Where can you get to buy your used motorcycle?
Four options can be had:

1. From an auction – you can keep yourself posted for this event and inspect the motorcycles to be auctioned before the bidding starts

2. From a Classified Ad – Not only in local newspapers, you can also check out motorcycle want ads in the internet. You can also check out the classifieds on the various motorcycle forums. Have a local and trusted mechanic check out the motorcycle for sale before deciding to buy it.

3. From a friend – or acquaintance – Tell your buddies, family friends or motorcycle club co-members that you’re on the lookout for a motorcycle that’s for sale. They may know of someone else who has a bike for sale. What’s more your motorcycle club members particularly can be relied upon in choosing the one in good condition.

4. From a dealer of used motorcycles – Consider visiting your local dealer. Trade-ins that are in good condition might be up for sale in a price that would fit your budget. You can also mention your interest to buy to several motorcycle sales people that you know. They might just find you the one you’re dreaming of.

• At last! You earned the right to acquire a brand new motorcycle! Where can be the best deals? Here’s several options:

1. From the Internet – you can use the Internet to do research on the new motorcycle you specifically want to have. There are manufacturers’ Web sites and dealer Web sites where you can read road test reviews, participate in forum discussions about motorcycles you’re interested in.

You can also chat in chat rooms, check out the price ranges and dealers who will sell a motorcycle to you on the Web. Be extra careful, in dealing through the Web. You should meet your motorcycle dealer in a face-to-face decision before deciding to buy altogether.

2. From a dealer – If you’re pretty dead set in buying certain models that are in high demand, dealers can be unwilling to budge on its price. Some are even inclined to charge over the MSRP for the bike. Harley-Davidson dealers can either sell away over MSRP with short or no waiting period or sell close to MSRP with a long waiting period or sell close to MSRP with a long waiting period.

If you decide to buy from a dealer, know what you want first. Make sure it fits your needs and look around and compare before having that talk with a dealer.

• Finally, you are closing the deal on the dream bike you have chosen to buy! What do you do, now?

1. You’ll find that although you’re much too eager to get over and done with the dealing as soon as possible it’s still a good measure to play hardball with the salesperson.

Emphasize that once you have bought your motorcycle you have started a relationship. It’s worthwhile to hint of giving them your other business such as apparel, repairs, and accessories. You’ll get on admirably over the bargains.

2. Always do your homework, not only before buying your motorcycle but during the actual buying process.

Remember that you are up against a pro in negotiations and lack of preparation will cost you big. Get them to throw in some extras after hinting that this is but the start of your business relationship. Take advantage of the dealer’s desire for future business opportunities and sales with you.

Buying a motorcycle is composed of many different ways with lots of choices at hand. You can always choose what would best work for you Use what works for you.

Try to work your way to the best deal or bargain you will fondly remember every time you look at your motorcycle and will give you great pride once you’re riding in it!

Source | Good luck

This brain-bending invention could be the holy grail of transmission technology – it allows you to smoothly move through gear ratios from top gear all the way through neutral and into reverse without ever disengaging the engine.

Plus, there’s no friction drive component, so the power is always transmitted through gear teeth – there’s never any slip or friction losses.

In fact, the D-Drive’s main difficulty is that it’s so damn hard to understand that people don’t really know what to do with it.

So here’s a close-up look, which will hopefully get a few people thinking.

The Dacia Duster is the first crossover SUV developed by the Romanian automaker Automobile Dacia.

Officially revealed on 8 December 2009, it became available in Europe from 18 March 2010.

Based on the B0 platform, the Duster measures 4.31 metres (169.7 in) in length, 1.82 metres (71.7 in) in width and has 210 mm (8.3 in) of ground clearance. Its luggage space has a volume of up to 475 litres (16.8 cu ft), while with the rear benchseat folded and tipped forward, its carrying ability can exceed 1,600 litres (57 cu ft).

The Duster is offered with two-wheel or four-wheel drive. The 4×4 variants make use of Nissan’s all-wheel drive system which allows the driver to choose from three different driving modes: Auto, in which the front/rear torque split is calculated automatically as a function of available grip, Lock, whereby 50 per cent of torque is consistently fed through the rear axle, and 4×2 where the transmission is locked into two-wheel drive for maximum fuel efficiency.

Source: Dacia, video review by Autocar

Compact and puristic The Detroit showcar

Audi is showing an uncompromising purist compact sports car with all-electric drive at the first major auto show of 2010.

The Detroit showcar Audi e-tron is the name of this 3.93 meter (154.72 in) long and 1.78 meter (70.08 in) wide but just 1.22 meter (48.03 in) tall two-seater; just a few months after the debut of the Audi e-tron at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, this is now the second electric concept vehicle from the brand with the four rings.

Coupled with the Detroit showcar Audi e-tron’s low gross weight of around only 1,350 kilograms (2976.24 lb), high-torque power units driving the rear wheels guarantee commensurate road performance.

Two electric motors with a combined output of 150 kW (204 hp) and 2,650 Nm (1954.54 lb-ft) accelerate the coupe with ASF-design aluminum body from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 5.9 seconds. The Audi e-tron accomplishes the sprint from 60 to 120 km/h (37.28 – 74.56 mph) in a mere 5.1 seconds.

Photo gallery via Audi

Audi e-tron concept (video review)

Source: Audi

Hyundai’s new Accent was the star of the companies exhibit at this year’s Beijing Auto Show, but the debut of two new engines and a new automatic transmission will have broader implications for the rest of the company’s lineup.

In addition to the 2.4L GDI four-cylinder in the Sonata (pictured above), two new gasoline direct-injection engines were unveiled at Beijing, a 1.6L four cylinder putting out 138 horsepower, a 28 horsepower bump over Hyundai’s current 1.6L four banger. The 1.6 GDI should appear in the Accent, Elantra, certain Kia models and the upcoming Veloster compact sports car.

Even more enticing was the mention in a product video that the 1.6 could potentially be turbocharged and paired up with a dual-clutch gearbox, though no timeline was given for either technology.

Hyundai’s long awaited GDI version of the Lambda V6 was also previewed, although the engine was only rated at 296 horsepower, which is a few ponies less than the current Lambda makes in Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe.

One can assume that there will be different variations, and that the engine will see a bump in power when it comes Stateside. Hyundai also joins Lexus in the elite 8-speed automatic club, and it’s a sure bet that the Genesis Sedan and Coupe will get the new 8-speed auto option.

Hyundai Lambda V6 GDI Engine

Source: Hyundai

How to build a Ferrari. Ferrari’s Factory

Ferrari S.p.A. is a sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929 as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street-legal vehicles in 1947 as Ferrari S.p.A..

Throughout its history, the company has been noted for its continued participation in racing, especially in Formula One, where it has enjoyed great success

Maranello is a town and comune in the region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy, 18 km from Modena, with a population of 16,841 as of 2009. It is best known as the home of Ferrari S.p.A. and the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One racing team. Maranello was also home to coachbuilding firm Carrozzeria Scaglietti, now owned by Ferrari.

Maranello has been the location for the Ferrari factory since the early 1940s, when Enzo Ferrari transferred operations from the Scuderia Ferrari Garage and Factory in Modena, which had been his base of operations dating back to Scuderia Ferrari’s days as an arm of Alfa Romeo, due to bombing during World War II.

Initially the factory in Maranello was a base not only for Scuderia Ferrari but also for Auto Avio Costruzioni, the machine tool manufacturing business started by Enzo to tide the company over whilst Alfa Romeo’s ban on Enzo Ferrari’s making cars bearing the Ferrari name was in force.

Ferrari Factory – view from inside, photo gallery

The public museum Galleria Ferrari, which displays sports and racing cars and trophies, is also located here. The Ferrari 550 Maranello and Ferrari 575 Maranello are named after the town. Maranello Kart, an Italian kart chassis, is also named after the town.

Near Maranello is the town of Fiorano Modenese where the Fiorano Circuit is located, a private track owned by Ferrari for its car testing. (from Wiki)

Thank you Cris for the email!

Auto Industry Bailout was the Right Thing to do

President Barack Obama is using GM’s recent loan repayment and Chrysler’s operating profit as proof that his “unpopular” auto bailout decision was the right thing to do.

“I knew this wasn’t a popular decision. But it was the right one,” Obama said. Without the bailout, the American economic outcome could have been much more disturbing.

“General Motors and Chrysler…were on the brink of collapse. The rapid dissolution of these companies — followed by the certain failure of many auto parts makers, car dealers and other smaller businesses — would have dealt a crippling blow to our already suffering economy.”

Obama went on to justify the risky bailout by explaining that, even though the companies were to blame for their own downfall and it could have been viewed as “throwing good money after bad”, the bigger issue was keeping families’ income on the table.

If anything were to happen to the companies, upwards of a million jobs could have been lost.

The Detroit News explains one way in which the White House hopes to cover taxpayers’ losses: “collecting a fee from the nation’s 50 largest banks to pay for the taxpayer losses from financial and auto bailout.”

As expected, the GOP is putting up tripwires, wondering why the banks should be responsible for covering taxpayers’ losses. Maybe it’s because the banks were responsible for initially losing taxpayers’ money.

Obviously that’s an oversimplification, but social responsibility isn’t a one-way street, guys.

via | via

First Peugeot RCZ commercial

Peugeot has launched the first advertising spot for RCZ, which opens the way premium brand model “Hors Series. According to the ad, French coupe owner chooses and not vice versa.

Check please the YouTube commercial now,

More Peugeot news!

Drive the Nissan 370z at the Top Gear Track

Drive the Nissan 370z at the Top Gear Track. The Stig will be there to show you how.

The Nissan 370Z (known as the Fairlady Z in Japan) is a sports car manufactured by Nissan Motors.

It was announced on October 29, 2008 and was first shown at an event in Los Angeles ahead of the 2008 Greater LA Auto Show, before being officially unveiled at the show itself.

The 370Z is the sixth-generation of the Nissan Z-car line, succeeding the 350Z.

Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid to Debut in New York

Making their North American debut, Porsche will be bringing the highly-anticipated Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid to the New York Auto Show next week as well as Cayenne base model, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo.

The second generation Cayenne made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month.

The automaker will sell the Cayenne S and Turbo in the US this July, with Cayenne and Cayenne S Hybrid models hitting the market later in the year.

The hybrid version combines a supercharged 3.0-liter 333-horsepower (249 kW / 337 PS) V6 engine with a 47-horsepower (34 kW / 48 PS) electric motor. Combined output is 380 hp (283 kW / 385 PS), with maximum torque of 428 ft-lb. The engine and motor are mated to a decoupling clutch, with the SUV intelligently choosing between both driving modes.

Added to this, the vehicle can travel on all-electric up to 60 km/h (37.2 miles), with the electric motor providing a power burst during hard acceleration.

Weight reductions along the entire Cayenne line also lead to better fuel economy and reduced emissions.

We’ll have more on the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid when the vehicle is introduced in New York on March 31.

Porsche Cayenne 2010 S Hybrid

The Cayenne S Hybrid may be Porsche’s first gas/electric vehicle, but it won’t be the last.

Porsche says a similar system will be available for its first sedan, the 2010 Panamera, which bows with conventional V8 power in 2009. The hybrid version follows about a year later as a 2011 model

Source

The Best Sport Roadster Comparison

The Motor Trend Editors leave the test gear behind and take four hot roadsters – the 2010 Audi TTS, 2009 BMW Z4, 2010 Nissan 370Z and the 2009 Porsche Boxster S – to the hills of Southern California to determine which is the best of the group.