Tips : How to negotiate your car insurance

This is Tip for the Save $1,000 in 30 Days Challenge. (See past tips.)

Today’s tips is to negotiate your car insurance. Most of us pick a rate once, then never go back again. But if you do, you can save hundreds of dollars each year.

First, check to see if you have the right amount of coverage. Nobody teaches us about this stuff, so when you bought car insurance, you may not have known which coverage options to choose.

Second, figure out what kind of coverage you currently have and how much you’re paying. Don’t be lazy — do this. If you don’t have your current info in front of you, how can you hope to save? Either call your car insurance company or use their website.

Third, it’s time to start shopping around. I prefer the phone because I can usually sweet-talk the rep into telling me about other deals that the websites don’t offer. Computers, however, seem to be immune to my charm.

Fourth, be an expert caller by asking these questions.

With each call, you should say, “AAA (or whoever) is offering to insure me for $XXX less” (silence). See what they do. (Note: Getting lower rates using this technique is much harder to do with car insurance companies than banks, so don’t expect very much from this.)

How much would I save if I insure my car and house with you?

What about renewal discounts? How long have I been a member with you? What can you offer me as a discount for long-term membership?

Can I save money by pre-paying my entire year up front?

Let’s check my car. I know other firms offer discounts for features like anti-lock breaks. What about you?

What kind of low-mileage discounts do you offer?

If I enrolled in a defensive-driving course, what kind of discount would you offer? Oh, really? Which courses qualify?

What about discounts for my employer? (Tell them the specific name of your employer?)

Some insurance companies offer discounts for low-risk occupations (engineers). What kind of competitive rates do you offer?

Am I paying for roadside assistance? What other additional “benefits” am I paying for? (If you already pay for AAA, you don’t need roadside assistance through your car insurance. Also, check your credit card: They may offer roadside assistance (but call them and ask how much it really costs if you have to use it – some of their offers for “roadside assistance” really mean “we will assist you by calling someone for you and then charging you out the ass”).

Can you walk me through the deductible changes I could make to save money? (Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you more than 40%. Before choosing a higher deductible, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.

AAA, Costco, credit cards, large employers, associations (AARP, teachers’ union): Many of these offer discounts on car insurance. Log onto their website and browse to “perks.”

Don’t forget: Insurance is not a commodity. If you pick the cheapest provider to save $50/year and they end up not fulfilling your claim — which you could have reasonably known by searching out reviews for the company — it’s your fault. Pick a good company because it can be worth thousands of dollars.

As you’ve seen, “negotiating” your car insurance is mostly about keeping up with the changing rates and making sure you’re wringing every last benefit from your policy, so set a calendar reminder to do this once per year.

Try it out and let me know what you find in the comments.

Total savings: $25 to $100 per month

Last thing to do
1. Check out the other tips in the Save $1,000 in 30 Days Challenge
2. Leave a comment on this post describing how much you’re saving with this tip and any unusual techniques you use to make this tip work.
3. Want to submit your own savings tip? Submit a money tip here. Most of the tips you guys submit are absolutely horrible, so if I use your tip, I’ll send you something cool.

MotoGp : Stoner's recovery progressing well

Casey Stoner says his recovery is progressing well following surgery to his wrist, and the former MotoGP champion will begin training soon

MotoGp : Suzuki positive of winter progress

Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen are confident that the factory Suzuki team will make significant progress with the GSV-R over the winter following a successful three days of testing at Phillip Island in Australia this week, before the testing ban comes into force until the end of January.

The pair sampled a host of prototype parts for the 2009 bike and also conducted two race simulation runs each to test next season's proposed single spec Bridgestone tyre.

"I really enjoyed the test because we tried a lot of things and were able to get through a lot, which produced very clear and positive results," said Capirossi. "We compared many things, tested two new chassis and lots of new parts, and we now understand much better how they work together.

"We were able to compare the old and new bikes and the 2009 prototype is definitely better, especially when the tyre is worn we can maintain a better lap-time, so this is a good step. We still have some work to do - especially to improve the engine still further – but it has been a really positive three days for us."

Vermeulen added: "It was a good test and I think I managed to get almost 250 laps done in the three days, which is about 1100km.

"We had a lot of new parts from Suzuki to try including, front forks, rear linkages, new frames and swinging arms and we also tested some control tyres from Bridgestone - which look like they will be the spec tyre for next year - and they worked pretty well with the bike straight away.

"We have definitely taken a step forward with the bike. I am really looking forward to the first test of next year and being able to use the new stuff that Suzuki will be able to develop from the results we have had here."

Valentino Rossi: Fastest time mentally important

Valentino Rossi says it was psychologically important to set the fastest time in the final test of 2008 at the Jerez circuit.

The world champion worked with both the 2008 and a prototype of the 2009 Yamaha at the Spanish circuit and just edged Honda rival Dani Pedrosa near the end of the final day of testing.

Pedrosa was also riding a 2009 prototype and Rossi reckons it was important to beat the Japanese squad to the top of the times ahead of the testing ban.

"We've done a good job. I concentrated on the new bike, and managed to end 2008 ahead of everyone. It's been an extraordinary and wonderful year for me, I'll remember it forever," Rossi was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"From a certain point of view, to be quickest here meant nothing, but from a psychological aspect it's important.

"Indeed, when I got the fastest time, Pedrosa got back on the track to beat me, but didn't manage to. Going on vacation in first place is a lot more relaxing."

He added: "We tried different parts for the engine and worked on the frame, and in the end we found a set-up I liked. After this test, they'll have a lot more indications to build the 2009 M1 in Japan.

"I was the quickest, but Pedrosa was overall more consistent than me with the hard tyre. That means Honda looks strong, even though Dovizioso didn't go too well.

"Stoner, Ducati's strongest rider, is missing, but the good laptimes set by Hayden and test rider Guareschi confirm that the GP9 has improved.

"The first proper test with the new tyres went fairly well. Surely it will be difficult for Bridgestone to choose the right tyre to bring to each track. The problem is that two compounds only are too few. The riders asked for one more choice, but didn't get it."

Why Loeb and Sarrazin swap cars for a day

World rally champion Sebastien Loeb and former Le Mans Series champion Stephane Sarrazin swapped cars in France yesterday with Loeb taking the wheel of a Peugeot 908 HDi at Paul Ricard and Sarrazin sampling a Citroen C4 WRC on a nearby gravel stage.

Loeb, who contested the 2005 and 2006 Le Mans 24 Hours in an LMP1 Pescarolo, drove five laps of the circuit in a specially-converted two-seater 908, before taking 15 laps on his own - lapping just over a second off a time set by Sarrazin.

"It was great fun and I'm delighted that Stephane and I were given this opportunity to test our respective cars," said Loeb. "What is always impressive about sports prototypes and single-seaters is their speed and the amount of downforce they generate, but I have to say that I was struck by the amount of torque delivered by the Peugeot's diesel engine.

"I was a little surprised by the restricted visibility you get from the closed cockpit, but I soon felt confident enough to start pushing a little harder and I savoured every minute of the experience. The time passed so quickly and I didn't want to give the car back afterwards."

Then Sarrazin, who competed in the WRC for Subaru in 2005 and 2006, was given a passenger ride around the 3km stage in Domaine de Riboux by Loeb before taking over behind the wheel for 12 runs through the course - setting similar times to Loeb.

"It's been a tremendous thrill to drive the C4 today," said Sarrazin. "Maybe we could swap places for an event? Sebastien could take my place on an endurance race and I could drive his car on a rally!

"Compared with the rally cars I have driven in the past, I was impressed by its overall balance and more especially by how easy it was to set up into the corners.

"It really is a very efficient machine, and very predictable - you immediately feel confident enough to start pushing hard. It was great and I would love to have carried on a little longer."

Both Loeb and Sarrazin will contest the final round of the French Rally Championship - Rallye du Var - this weekend. Loeb will be co-driven by his wife in a Citroen C2 Super 1600, while Sarrazin will be joined by Jacques-Julien Renucci in a Peugeot 207 RC Rallye.

What happened to Kimi Raikkonen?

Kimi Raikkonen had a poor season by his own standards, and ended up playing second fiddle to Felipe Massa. But occasional flashes showed that his speed is still in there somewhere, so what went wrong? Edd Straw explains

Giancarlo Fisichella: No doubts about 2009 seat

Giancarlo Fisichella insists there are no doubts about his continued presence at the Force India team in 2009, despite the deal with McLaren-Mercedes.

"The line-up has been announced in China in October by Vijay, and I trust people who trust me," Fisichella told the official F1 website.

"I originally signed a two-year contract which was reviewed in September to incorporate the McLaren deal. In a few words, the team offered me a better car and a different package.

"I accepted their proposal and both sides signed the new document between Singapore and China. This is why Dr Mallya made the announcement in Shanghai," added the Italian.

Although team boss Vijay Mallya said both Fisichella and Adrian Sutil would stay on next season, speculation about their future was rife after McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa tested for the team for two days earlier this month.

Force India signed a technical deal with McLaren and Mercedes and the Silverstone-based squad will use the German engines in 2009.

Fisichella said he was not surprised by de la Rosa's test.

"The only thing I know is that in September we were told that Pedro could test and we could not say before it was made official so I was not at all surprised," he added.

"As for the rest - I am not really interested in F1 gossip!"

The Roman admitted he is looking forward to next season, as he has been promised he will have a strong car.

"A competitive package, that's all I want and what I have been promised. And that is a very good reason to drive for the team in 2009."

Salom wins penultimate CEV Buckler round

Spaniard wins in Valencia to keep championship challenge alive.

Runner-up in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in 2008, Luis Salom tasted victory in another championship this past weekend, winning the penultimate round of the CEV Buckler Spanish Championship. The Spaniard overcame some familiar faces to World Championship fans in Sunday´s 125GP event, held at Valencia.

After a furious final lap, Salom edged out fellow countrymen Efren Vazquez and Adrian Martin as the podium places were decided, with former 125cc World Championship rider Pere Tutusaus just missing out on the rostrum.

Salom´s victory reduces the championship advantage held by Vazquez to just nine points, with Alberto Moncayo´s fifth place in Valencia ruling him out of the title running.

The final round of the CEV Buckler takes place on November 16th in Jerez, where the 2008 series winner will be decided.

Source

Final 2009 Rookies selection event takes place at Estoril

The sun was out on Saturday in Estoril for a beautiful second day at the final selection event for the 2009 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.

Riders came from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Malaysia and across Europe from Sweden to the Czech Republic, putting their talent on the line at the Portuguese Grand Prix circuit of Estoril over the weekend, for the last selection event of the 2009 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.

Hiroshi Aoyama, a Grand Prix winner who finished second in Estoril in 2006, was on hand to give the young riders the benefit of his experience and commented, `It is very nice to see so many young riders here enjoying themselves. I have never seen anything like it. We certainly did not have it in Japan when I started riding. There is so much talent here and they are so young, they have so much possibility for improvement it is very difficult to pick the right riders to go forward to the Rookies Cup.´

The riders come from very different backgrounds, some with a good amount of experience on 125cc Grand Prix style machinery, others had to learn new skills in a short time. One example is Arthur Sissis, the 13 year-old Australian, more accustomed to racing speedway who thrilled everyone with some sideways moves on the 125cc. `It´s great to be here, a fantastic experience,´ he enthused. `I´m having great fun on the track. I think the most difficult part was the tight twisty section, that´s a real test of skill.´

For others the travelling itself was something new as it was for Syafiq Omar, the 16 year-old Malaysian. `This is the experience of a lifetime for me, to come to such a great track and get the international experience. It is all very new to me and not easy of course but I am learning the bike and the track. It is a lot of fun and I am trying very hard to get into the Rookies Cup. That would be fantastic.´

On the other hand some of the youngest participants already have lot of racing under their belt including 12 year-old Briton Fraser Rogers. He has been racing since he was six but said that the Estoril Circuit was the best he has seen, `I like Anglesea and Donington but this is more fun I think. It is also more technical and it´s warmer here. I like this track´s tight twisty corners but it is also flowing.´

`At home I race an RS125 Aprilia but the Metrakit is smaller, faster and nicer really. I like it. I really want to get into the Rookies Cup, it´s wicked, I want to race on the same tracks as the MotoGP guys and be in the same paddock. I´ve learnt a bit of Spanish and French, enough to order food and say if the bike is good or not,´ said Rogers, obviously well prepared for the life of an international superstar.

The two days of testing resulted in a list of nine riders who will be invited to take part in the 2009 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup joining those from 2008 who have been invited to return.

Invited riders from Final Selection Event:
Robin Barbosa (FRA)
Brad Binder (RSA)
Xavier Figueiras (ESP)
Taylor Mackenzie (GBR)
Alexander Kristiansson (SWE)
Manuel Pardo (ITA)
Alex Rins (ESP)
Fraser Rogers (GBR)
Arthur Sissis (AUS)

Provisional 2009 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Entry List
Robin Barbosa (FRA)
Brad Binder (RSA)
Deane Brown (GBR)
Kevin Calia (ITA)
Alessio Cappella (ITA/NGR)
Xavier Figueiras (ESP)
Hayden Gillim (USA)
Daijiro Hiura (JPN)
Taylor Mackenzie (GBR)
Nelson Major (FRA)
Florian Marino (FRA)
Dylan Mavin (AUS)
Leandro Mercado (ARG)*
Jakub Kornfeil (CZE)
Alexander Kristiansson (SWE)
Manuel Pardo (ITA)
Alex Rins (ESP)
Fraser Rogers (GBR)
Daniel Ruiz (ESP)
Mathew Scholtz (RSA)
Arthur Sissis (AUS)
Benny Solis (USA)
Harry Stafford (GBR)
Nico Thöni (AUT)
* TBC

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