Archive for December, 2009
Modern Auto Repair Shops Offer Much More Than Vehicle Body Repairs
Auto repair shops are about as much fun as going to the dentist. However, many shops today are taking the pain out of the process. Most repair shops offer coffee while you are waiting, and with scheduled appointments at times that suit your schedule, you don’t have to take a day off work to have your car repaired. Some shops are even open on Saturdays.
Many auto repair shops offer prevention and maintenance packages. These packages can include a look at the engine, transmission, brakes, steering, lights, and starter. As well, most packages will include topping up fluids; washer, anti-freeze, transmission fluid, power steering and an oil and filter change. Other items that may be checked on a maintenance check are belts, hoses, battery and water pump. The chassis of the vehicle is given a check; the struts and shocks, fuel lines, brake lines and exhaust system. Tires are important to the safe operation of any vehicle. Most drivers don’t check the tire pressure often enough, and don’t recognize when tires are bald. A maintenance check will ensure that the tires are properly inflated, and have usable tread. Tire rotation is often included in a maintenance package, giving more even wear and increasing the life of the tires.
There are auto repair shops that offer a maintenance check for free, with a written report, so that you know the state of your vehicle, and know what to expect. There is peace of mind in knowing ahead which components are likely to need attention, before anything breaks down and requires major work.
Many auto repair shops offer the convenience of booking an appointment on-line. You choose a date and time that you will drop the car, and specify what service you want performed. As well, many auto repair shops with a web-site give details on the services they perform, which makes of cars they are equipped to service. Some shops make it easy to drop your car off before they open. Others offer courtesy drives to your workplace or home. Others have rental cars available if your repair will take longer than a day or two. Others offer a free tow with a repair. Some have a shuttle that will take you to a nearby mall or restaurant while you wait.
There are auto repair shops with web sites that offer an on-line record of repairs and maintenance on your car, with e-mailed reminders of oil changes and maintenance service. Those records can be accessed on-line anytime and give you and the shop a complete picture of the condition of your car.
There are other auto repair shops offering customer loyalty cards; credit cards that can be used at their locations, and accrue points with every purchase. Those points can then be applied against future services. Some offer senior discounts.
Don’t forget to ask questions about the services and prices offered. Make sure you get a quote, not just an estimate, or that the shop will phone with a quote before proceeding with work. Be clear about what exactly will be done and don’t settle for vague answers.
Take the time to check out an auto repair shop. They offer much more than vehicle body repairs
Tags: Auto Repair, Insurance
Review Car Insurance Policy To Save Money
How long has it been since you have thoroughly reviewed your car insurance policy? For many people, it has far too long and this may mean that you are paying more for insurance than you would have to pay. Here are some ways that you may be able to save some money.
Begin by evaluating your current insurance needs. If you only have the state minimum amount of liability insurance, you may not have enough insurance to meet the current possibilities if you are involved in an accident. Many automobiles are worth far more than your states minimal liability, and even thou you may drive an old clunker; you could be involved in an accident with an almost new expensive vehicle. Be sure that you have enough liability insurance to cover the replacement of that vehicle.
In addition, you could be held responsible for the medical expenses of the passengers in the other vehicle. Once again many states have a minimum liability that is far too low to meet the medical needs of persons seriously injured in an automobile accident.
On the other hand if your old clunker has declined in value to two thousand dollars or less, then you may want to drop all the coverage on the vehicle other than the liability that would take care of the other vehicle and its occupants during an accident. This is because insurance on your own vehicle has a deductible amount. Once that amount is taken from your insurance settlement, it is not likely that you would get enough money to pay the premium difference.
Once you have decided exactly how much insurance you need, you will have to contact several insurance companies and ask for insurance rate quotes. Tell the person you are speaking with what you require for insurance and ask for a free quote. If an agent asks for a fee for the rate quote, move on. There are plenty of insurance companies and agents that offer free rate quotes.
Many insurance customers have found that the internet is an excellent way to get the rates for no charge in order to compare insurance companies and their rates. Using the internet allows you to get the quotes without the high pressure often present on the telephone. It also helps to avoid waiting for agents to call back and give you the requested price quotes. Finally, internet quotes allow you to easily print the quotes for comparison with other insurance companies.
If you choose to change insurance companies, make sure that the new policy is written so that it becomes effective the minute that the old policy expires. Many states have become very strict in requiring that there be no lapse in your insurance coverage.
Insurance companies must now notify a state if your insurance coverage ends. Some states will then send you a letter that you must respond to quickly showing that you had a new policy in place at the time of expiration, or there may be severe consequences.
Tags: Car Insurance, finance, Policy, quote