Purchasing a vehicle usually comes with the standard jargon. You sit stressed out in the finance manager’s office while he or she lectures you about how much you “need” a warranty for the vehicle you just purchased. Initially, most car buyers feel that a warranty is unnecessary; however, that isn’t the case. A warranty is similar to car insurance. Insurance safeguards your vehicle if you’re in an accident, and an extended vehicle protection warranty cares for your vehicle whenever it breaks down, which they all do at some point. This is why you eventually need an extended warranty.  

Deciding whether to buy a warranty for your vehicle is a major decision that most people don’t think about until the sales manager gives them the option to accept or decline the extended warranty. Here are some things to consider when making that decision.

•Do you have the finances to make an expensive repair if necessary? It may seem far-fetched now; however, cars don’t break down at opportune moments.

•What does the warranty cover? Purchasing an “exclusion policy” is the best choice, because it simplifies everything. This type of policy tells you what the warranty doesn’t cover. If it’s not on the list, it’s covered.

•Does the warranty cover substantial damages? For example, your power steering pump breaks down. This creates problems for the power steering rack. Does the extended warranty include both parts?

•Does the warranty cover electronics or technology like GPS and mobile phones? This is a very important point to consider since most new vehicles have the latest technology already installed. 

•Is there a deductible? Most warranties come with a deductible. This may not be a deal breaker, but it’s something you should know. 

•Where can you get your car serviced? Some warranties allow you to service your car only at specified repair shops. 

•Will the repair payment come directly out of your pocket? A reputable company pays the repair shop directly for your repair. This saves you worry about paying first and hopefully being reimbursed later.

3 Reasons to Purchase an Extended Warranty on your Vehicle

Now that you have an idea of the things to consider when deciding about whether to purchase an extended warranty, here are three good reasons why you should purchase an extended warranty for your vehicle.

1. Economics

You might think that an extended warranty plan is too expensive. However, it’s actually amazingly affordable! First of all, many policies come with a “no fee” payment plan. This means that no tax, interest, or other fees are added to your payment. The average repair bill can be pricey. Extended warranty policies pay for themselves before the first year is up. 

2. Complete Protection

With extended warranty protection for your vehicle, you’re completely covered. In addition to covering the cost of repairs due to a mechanical breakdown, you also receive other benefits. For example, extended warranties include around-the-clock roadside maintenance, battery charges, fuel delivery, towing, flat tire changes, and much more. Some include free rental cars and lodging accommodations as well! 

3. Peace of Mind

An extended warranty is similar to health insurance. Your health insurance protects you in case of illness; your extended vehicle warranty protects your vehicle if it becomes “unwell.” Many car owners reason that if any repair is needed, they will deal with it when the time comes. Unfortunately, it rarely works out that way. Once the car leaves the repair shop, it could break down again, at any moment. With an extended warranty, when one thing goes wrong, you’re still covered if something else breaks down too.     

Overall, purchasing an extended warranty for your vehicle is the more prudent thing to do. With extended vehicle protection, you decrease the anxiety that comes with wondering what to do if your vehicle breaks down!

About the author:

Doug Climenhaga is president of SVI International, Inc., a leading supplier of parts for industrial lift equipment, including brake lathe parts. With more than 20 years experience in the hydraulic and automotive lift industries, he holds two patents and has designed scores of problem-solving products. 

Quality car care does not have to include oily footprints, scraped knuckles, or dirty fingernails. When you follow these 10 car care tips, you keep your vehicle running smoothly for a long time and save much of the money you now pay to mechanics while still keeping your hands clean. 

The First Five Tips

1.Take road trips regularly. People enjoy short work commutes, but cars do not. It is important to drive a car for a minimum 15 minutes at least every one or two weeks. Start counting the 15 minutes after the coolant has reached its operating temperature. This allows the engine oil to get hot enough to boil off the moisture that builds in the engine.

2.Once you've stopped, don't move. When your car is home to stay for an extended period of time, park it in its permanent spot. Otherwise, you run into the same problem mentioned in the previous tip: the unhealthy blending of oil and condensed moisture.

3.Give your car an appropriate amount of time to "wake up." A car requires two or three seconds to wake up before you start driving it. Practicing a responsible driving routine when you start your car, such as buckling your seat belt and checking your mirrors, gives the car ample time to warm up. However, a long warm up period is not necessary and can be even more harmful to the environment than a warm up that is too short. Give the car the time it needs and then start driving.

4.Practice stretching exercises. During the first few minutes of a drive, keep the road speed and engine speed or revolutions per minute (rpm) low and avoid hard acceleration. This process allows the car's lubricants to spread out appropriately.

5.Keep the revs down. This concept applies to cars with manual transmissions and drivers who fiddle with automatics to pretend that they have manual transmissions. As long as a car is able to accelerate within a gear, there is no reason to downshift. High-rpm running in either 2nd or 4th gear puts an incredible amount of stress on the engine.

Five More Great Pieces of Advice

1.Pay attention to car smells. Just about every unusual car smell indicates an issue. For example, a sweet odor most often comes from antifreeze, which can point to a weak radiator hose, failing water pump, or heater core issue.

2.Pay attention to car noises. Similar to smells, noises and vibrations almost always point to car problems. Many people struggle to describe the noises to their mechanics so instead of mimicking the sound, try using descriptive words such as growling, grinding, squealing, thumping, whining, and screeching.

3.Inspect your parking space. The only fluid that should be in a car's parking space is clear water that occasionally drips from the air-conditioner. All other fluids point to car issues and are also environmental hazards.

4.Change the fluids regularly. Many car owners pay attention to their engine oil but do not think about additional fluids that need to be replaced regularly. Cars require regular changes for transmission fluid, coolant, differential oil (rear-drive cars only), transfer case oil (for 4-wheel drive cars only), brake fluid, and power-steering fluid. Check your owner’s manual for the schedule recommended for your vehicle. Did you recently buy a used car? Have a mechanic inspect the fluids and make any necessary changes.

5.Replace the rubber components regularly. Every rubber piece in a car needs to be replaced at some point. The most important rubber components are the tires and windshield wipers. Other rubber parts that you may need to replace include radiator hoses, brake line hoses, fan and accessory belts, steering rack boots, and heater core hoses. 

About the author:

Doug Climenhaga is president of SVI International, Inc., a leading supplier of parts for industrial lift equipment, and other repair parts including tire machine parts. With more than 20 years experience in the hydraulic and automotive lift industries, he holds two patents and has designed scores of problem-solving products. 

The name confuses a lot of people. There's a good reason. "No fault" implies no party is at fault following an accident. The fact is, someone is always at fault, and the person or persons responsible are likely to see their car insurance rates increase.

So, what does no-fault mean? More to the point, how does it affect you in the event you are involved in an accident? We'll clarify these and other important points below. You'll learn what no-fault insurance is, how fault is determined after a collision, and what happens if you are found to be responsible for the incident. If you find that your insurer treats you unfairly, it may be time to request quotes from other companies.

Basics of no-fault auto insurance

The basic premise under which no-fault insurance works is that you deal with your own insurer following an accident. It does not matter whether you were responsible for the incident, or another driver caused it. All parties involved file claims with their respective insurance companies to receive compensation for injuries and damages to their personal property. There is no need for you to contact the other driver, or the individual's insurer for compensation.

One of the reasons Ontario and a number of other provinces have adopted a no-fault insurance system is because of the high cost of litigation. In the past, when two drivers got into an accident, their insurers would often disagree regarding who was to blame. The matter would oftentimes be settled in court with the injured parties left to wonder about the outcome. This process, along with its high cost, can often be avoided with a no-fault system. 

Proponents of this system claim policyholders enjoy lower overall rates. Given that rates have continued to rise over the last several years, this assertion is questionable.

The main benefit for consumers is that claims for compensation for injuries and property damage are paid out quickly. There is no need to wait for the insurance companies to determine who was at fault.

How is fault assigned for an accident?

It is important to realize that a police officer's opinion regarding which party caused an accident is all but irrelevant to insurers. An officer's perspective of the incident is limited to whether charges should be brought against any of the involved parties. It has little to do with how blame is ultimately assigned by insurance companies.

Insurers operating under a no-fault system rely on fault determination rules established by regulators for their provinces. For example, Ontario's fault determination rules were created by Regulation 668 under the Insurance Act. These rules are very clear, and include detailed examples that address the most common types of collisions. They simplify the insurer's task of determining who is at fault. They also help to ensure determinations of fault are applied fairly and consistently.

An example of how insurers determine fault

Suppose you are traveling along the highway, and a second car is traveling in the same direction a safe distance in front of you. But the driver of the other car slows suddenly and unexpectedly without notice to make a right turn. Because you had not expected him to do so, your vehicle accidentally rear-ends his car. Who is to blame?

Further suppose the police officer who arrives on the scene learns the details of the incident, and concludes both you and the other driver are at fault. According to the officer, the other driver should have turned on his right indicator light and slowed more gradually. On the other hand, you should have been more careful.

Your insurance company will not take the police officer's opinion into account. It will instead refer to the fault determination rules established for your province. If you live in Ontario, the rules for this particular scenario indicate you are 100% at fault. 

What happens if you are found at fault?

It is worth noting there are circumstances for which fault is shared between parties. Keep in mind, as long as you are partially to blame for an accident, you will be affected by it. 

The incident will be added to your insurance record. In most cases, you can also expect your rates to rise when your policy comes up for renewal. An exception might be made if your insurer offers accident forgiveness, a feature that protects your premium if you cause an accident. The feature is usually reserved for drivers with clean records and few claims.

Once an accident has been added to your driving record, it remains there for six years. It will continue to affect your rates until it drops off.

Insurance companies have different approaches to changing their policyholders' rates after an accident, regardless of whether they operate in a no-fault environment. Call your insurer, and ask the representative to explain your company's approach. This might be a good time to shop around and compare quotes from other insurers.

The days of calling insurance companies and asking for their rates over the phone are long gone. Today, a growing majority of consumers request quotes from insurers online. Doing so is more convenient. You can submit a request at any time, day or night, rather than waiting for normal business hours. Moreover, comparing rates online is more efficient than doing so over the phone. You'll save time since you'll have all of the information you need in one place to make an informed decision about your coverages.

Having said that, requesting quotes on the internet requires taking a methodical approach. The only way to obtain accurate information is to provide insurers with the right details. Below, we'll offer several tips to help you find the best set of coverages for the lowest possible car insurance rates.

Compare Quotes For Identical Packages

The main purpose of comparing quotes is to find the lowest premiums. But that goal is only relevant if you're comparing the same set of coverages, limits, and deductibles. Otherwise, it will be impossible to determine which company is offering the best deal.

For example, suppose you request quotes from three insurers using different criteria. From one company, you ask for collision and comprehensive coverages. From another, you request lower deductibles. From yet another, you ask for higher coverage limits. Given this scenario, there is no possible way you'll be able to tell which insurer has the lowest rates.

When requesting quotes, make sure the set of coverages you're requesting them for is the same.

Provide Accurate Information About Your Vehicle

Your premiums are based partly on the vehicle you drive. The same set of coverages for two different cars is almost certain to produce different rates. 

A lot of insurance companies subscribe to the Canadian Loss Experience Automobile Rating (CLEAR) system. The CLEAR system evaluates each vehicle based on its claims history. The volume of past claims, as well as their costliness, are taken into account. These factors are used to identify the level of claims risk associated with each car, based on its model, make, and year.

If you submit inaccurate details about your vehicle, the quotes you receive from each insurer will be unreliable. Even a small error, such as the wrong model year, can have a dramatic effect on rates.

Be Truthful Regarding Your Driving Record

There is no benefit to hiding traffic violations and collisions from insurance companies when requesting quotes. The quotes you receive are based solely on the information you provide. They are not binding. Before an insurer will agree to extend coverage to you, it will check your driving record to ensure it has accurate information. Only then can it evaluate the risk of covering you.

When asked to provide the number of accidents you've been involved in, be honest. If asked about speeding tickets or other traffic violations, do likewise. The clearer picture you provide insurance companies about your risk profile, the more confidence you can have in the quotes they offer.

The More Quotes You Compare, The More You'll Save

The premise behind comparing quotes is that every insurance company is different, and thus rates vary between them. It's important to realize that there are thousands of insurers. For this reason, it does little good to only solicit quotes from a few of them. Doing so will not provide a useful perspective of the entire range of premiums that exists for a given set of coverages.

Instead, compare quotes from several insurance companies. The more, the better. That way, you'll have a much better glimpse of the true range of rates that are available for the set of coverages you need.

Compare Auto Insurance Quotes Often

A lot of people become accustomed to paying their premiums each year, and neglect to check whether lower rates can be found elsewhere. Some assume they are already receiving the best rates possible from their current insurance providers. Others believe they'll pay the same premiums regardless of which company covers them.

In reality, there is usually a substantial difference in premiums from one company to the next. Although insurers take the same factors into account when calculating their policyholders' rates, they weigh them differently. For example, one company might consider the type of vehicle you drive to be more important than another company. Also worth noting, each insurer offers a different set of discounts.

Compare quotes from insurance companies at least once a year; do so a month or two before your policy expires. Do a similar comparison whenever your life undergoes a major change, such as getting married, retiring, or buying a home. You may find that the rates you're currently paying are higher than those offered by other insurers.

This article was written by Kanetix.ca - Canada's leading online insurance quote comparison service. Since 1999, Kanetix has helped millions of Canadians save time and money on insurance.

Purchasing car insurance is one of those tasks few people look forward to, and most can't wait to get over with. It essentially entails buying a product you hope never to have to use. This motivates a lot of consumers to disregard important details, some of which can expose them to financial disaster down the road. 

With that in mind, we'll take a look at six of the most common mistakes consumers make when they purchase car insurance. If you manage to avoid them, you'll save money while ensuring you, your family, and your vehicle are adequately covered.

#1 - Buying Too Little Insurance

The less coverage you purchase, the lower your rates. But resist the temptation to purchase as little as possible just to save money unless you have very few assets to your name. Otherwise, you might lose said assets via a court judgment.

For example, suppose you cause an accident that results in severe injuries to the other driver and her passengers. Further suppose their injuries require surgery, medications, and weeks of rehabilitation. They may even need months before they can return to their jobs. Your minimum third-party liability coverage limit may not be enough to cover these costs. 

If you live in a province that allows for the right to sue for pain and suffering, and economic loss, your assets may be in jeopardy via a court judgment. The point of insurance is to protect you from financial loss. Thus, buy as much as you need, and not a penny more.

#2 - Buying Excessive Or Unnecessary Coverages

In the same way many people purchase too little insurance, some purchase too much. There's no need to invest in high coverage limits that don't reflect your assets. Doing so merely increases your premium.

A lot of consumers also buy optional coverages they don't need. Two of the most common are collision and comprehensive coverages. One pays for damage resulting from an accident. The other pays for damage resulting from everything else (vandalism, falling rocks, etc.). Both are suitable for new vehicles. But given their high cost, they're difficult to justify for older, low-value cars.

#3 - Neglecting To Review The Policy

Auto insurance policies contain a lot of important details. For example, they explain the events that are covered and those that are considered exclusions. Most people neglect to read their policies, thinking there's no reason to do so. They assume they know what is contained in them. Oftentimes, this sets the stage for an unpleasant surprise when they file a claim.

Make sure you know what is in your policy. If you have any questions, contact your insurer or broker.

#4 - Failing To Request Every Possible Discount

Nearly all insurers offer discounts to policyholders who meet certain criteria. For example, you might receive a discount for being over the age of 65 since that implies you are retired and likely to drive less. Or, your insurer may agree to reduce your rates if you have an anti-theft device installed in your car.

Some discounts - e.g. being over the age of 65 - are applied automatically. Others are only applied if you inform your insurance company that you qualify for them. For example, your insurer cannot know you have an alarm system installed in your car unless you tell them.

Before you sign your policy, ask your insurer to describe every discount they offer. If you are eligible for some of them, make certain they are applied to your policy. Together, they can add up to significant savings.

#5 - Providing The Insurer With Inaccurate Data

Some consumers lie to their insurance companies in the hope of receiving lower rates. For example, they might claim their odometer is at 40,000 miles when it is actually at 80,000. This implies they drive very little, and thus "deserve" a lower premium. Others neglect to tell their insurers that several people drive their vehicles, rather than just them alone.

Although it is possible that an insurance company may never learn of the lies, taking the chance is risky. If an accident occurs, the truth may be uncovered, prompting the insurer to revoke the policyholder's coverages.

#6 - Not Shopping Around / Not Comparing Quotes

For reasons that belie logic, consumers willingly compare prices when buying household goods, groceries, and clothes, but fail to do so when purchasing car insurance. The difference between the lowest and highest rates for a given set of coverages can reach several hundreds of dollars per year.

Your policy expires once a year. One or two months before its expiration date, request quotes from several car insurance companies. Compare them side by side. Doing this alone can reap major savings each year.

Buying auto insurance will always be a necessary nuisance. But keep in mind, the coverage can help you to avoid a financial catastrophe in the future. Avoid the six mistakes above to ensure you're covered at the lowest rate possible.

This guest post was provided by Kanetix.ca – Canada’s leading online insurance quote comparison service. Kanetix has been helping Canadians save time and money on insurance since 1999. For more tips on saving money on insurance, read this article - Common Insurance Coverages And Endorsements.

Thousands of people drive around with invalid motor insurance policies, even without their realization. Such people buy their insurance policies through illegal insurance advisers commonly referred to as "ghost brokers";. Unscrupulous intermediaries use their cunning ways on clients who lack experience in the sector such as young people or visitors in the country. The vehicle insurance industry is continuously growing and therefore provides a very lucrative deal for the fraudsters, who see the potential of pocketing large sums of money. The insurance policies usually feature attractive deals that trick consumers into paying for insurance policies that do not even exist. The most common swindle in the car insurance field features cheap vehicle auto insurance.

The fraudsters promise their customers large savings on their insurance policies through advertisements featured in local newspapers, flyers distributed outside shopping centers and classified websites like Gumtree. The crooks approach cash-strapped drivers with claims of very low rates that one is very unlikely to have quoted in the past. Some of these advertisements do not feature basic information like the name of the insurance company, broker, or the sales agent. This should be a clear warning that the company is a fraud. In cases where such details are provided, they are usually fraudulent. They often obtain these details by giving false information to insurance companies. Sometimes the policy certificates are even forgeries. Drivers should think twice before settling for an insurance policy that offers large financial benefits, although a good number fall prey to such scams due to desperation. Since having a motor insurance policy is compulsory, the fraudsters target the poor and vulnerable members of the society. The number of fraudulent insurance policies may be much more than estimated because people may not even realize until they actually need a cover from the insurance policies.

The Con Artists

Auto insurance scams take many forms, in one of the cases the fraudsters would pretend to be a licensed auto insurance agent. They offer to provide insurance coverage packages at much lower rates than the ones clients are likely to have encountered. They charge for the service and seek information about the driving history of the clients. They later contact licensed insurance companies and give the personal details of their clients. They usually alter the information given by clients such as the driving history and the personal information. They give information that would classify the clients for lower insurance rates. People who encounter such crooks usually fail to receive full coverage in relation to what they had paid for, when they encounter accidents.

The Escapists

There are fraudsters who are worse in the sector. They feature fraudulent yet promising advertisements in print media and provide a contact number. They give a quote to the customers who contact them; those who accept the quote are requested to send either partial or full payments to the insurance agency. Some also accept cash payments by arranging meetings with their clients. Such crooks disappear with the money without delivering the auto insurance policies.

The Referrers

Some vehicle repair bodies pay tow truck drivers to tow their damaged vehicles in the trucks. This business is illegal although many tow truck drivers are either owned or controlled by vehicle repair shops. Many insurance companies do not deal with such shops. Shops that do not deal with insurance companies would transfer vehicles to other shops for towing. Before doing this they first charge their clients for the towing service, storage and even other administrative fees. The charges can go as high as thousands of dollars and if clients refuse to pay the money, they resell their vehicles to cover the fees. The referral fees pile up and the clients are the ones who end up catering for all these costs. Clients should avoid getting into such traps by checking for municipal licenses numbers, police contracts, and ensure the tow truck is associated with reputable affiliate companies. They should also ask for all the information regarding to the towing such as the repairs shop and the towing process. Reading all the outlined details carefully before signing the forms is very essential.

The harsh reality however is that most of these customers fail to realize that they are dealing with fraudsters. The first warning should be the great savings offered which even appear unrealistic in some cases. The second proof should be identified with the payments demanded. Licensed insurance agents or brokers normally do not charge a fee for their services, as they receive their payments from insurance companies. Drivers should avoid paying insurance policies through money transfer or wiring services as legitimate insurance organizations do not operate this way, this is the third signal of a fraudulent insurance policy. Such insurance policies are fraudulent as they offer less packages than the clients either deserve, or completely fail to deliver the packages. Those offering fewer packages give false information to insurance companies while the ones that fail to deliver their packages are non-existent. Some drivers may realize that they do not have a valid insurance policy if they do not receive proof of their insurance, which in most cases is the pink card. Others realize their situations a little too late, like after being stopped by the police, when charged for driving without insurance or even worse after they have encountered an accident.

Driving without a valid auto insurance policy, whether knowingly or unwittingly is illegal. Drivers should be careful when selecting the vehicle insurance that suite them best, as the law does not compromise any illegal offense. Drivers should not allow agents or brokers to complete the insurance forms on their behalf, if they do, the drivers should confirm the accuracy of the details before signing the forms. They should ask for proof of whether the legality of the individuals they are dealing with. If by any chance clients suspect that they are dealing with fraudsters, the initial step should be to contact the police.

Insurance swindles cost everyone whether directly or indirectly. Informed consumers not only avoid vehicle insurance frauds, but also largely contribute to the elimination of the scams in the society. Clients should report any fishy things they identify with vehicle insurance agents or brokers so that the government takes the appropriate legal action against them.

Resources:

http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/auto/brochures/Pages/brochure_scams.aspx

http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/auto/Pages/targeting_fraud.aspx

http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/auto/brochures/Pages/brochure_scamtips.aspx

http://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2011/07/cracking-down-on-auto-insurance-fraud.html

This article was written by Kanetix.ca - Canada's leading online insurance quote comparison service. Since 1999, Kanetix has helped millions of Canadians save time and money on insurance. The article below was inspired by Kanetix's previous article on Top Five Botched Insurance Frauds Of 2005.

Since everyone needs to buy insurance at some point, there are a lot of different myths out there in the market. While some of the myths are based on truth, there is undoubtedly a lot of misinformation out there as well. If you're in the market for an insurance policy, here are a few myths by Kanetix.ca that you need to have a basic understanding of.

All Auto Insurance Policies Cost Pretty Much the Same

Some people think that insurance policies all cost approximately the same. In reality, there are large differences between policies, and some people pay a lot more than they should for coverage. There are policies for people who don't drive that much, policies for those with good driving records, and a lot of other types of policies. Many different variables go into figuring out how much you will pay for your auto insurance premiums. 

Paying More Means You're Getting Better Coverage

There is also a common misconception in the insurance market that paying more for your premiums means that you are getting better coverage. In reality, this simply is not true. Sometimes, you might end up paying a lot more and get less coverage. When you are comparing insurance policies, make sure that you compare the actual coverage limits that you're getting as well as the premium prices.

Switching Will Cost You Money Because of the Loyalty Discount

Although many insurance companies do give you a discount for being a loyal customer, it doesn't necessarily mean that switching will be a bad deal. If you find a company that's going to give you a lower premium than what you are currently paying, it doesn't really matter if you're getting a loyalty discount or not. You should only be concerned with the bottom line, and not with the names of the different discounts that you are getting from the insurance companies.

I'll Have to Pay More Because of My Driving Record

It's true that insurance companies base their rates partly on your driving record. However, just because you have a poor driving record, that does not necessarily preclude you to a life full of high insurance rates. If you will do little bit of shopping around, you can still get competitive and affordable rates. Insurance companies don't all target the same drivers or have the same overhead costs. Because of this, they all charge different rates for their policies.

The Colour of My Car Affects Insurance Rates

One of the most common myths in the insurance industry is that the colour of your car will have an impact on your insurance rates. In reality, the colour has no impact on the amount that you have to pay in premiums. For example, some people think that having a red car means you will pay more in insurance premiums. The insurance company does look at factors like the year and the model of your car, but the colour shouldn't have an impact.

If Someone Else Wrecks My Car, It Won't Affect Me

Although your car insurance should pay for the damage your car when someone else is driving, that does not necessarily mean it will not affect you in the future. Even if someone else is driving your car, any damage that they do will still go on your insurance record. This means that you may have to pay higher auto insurance rates, because of something that you didn't even do.

One Sex Pays More Than the Other

Another common myth in the auto insurance industry is that one sex pays more than the other for car insurance coverage. Some people say that men pay more for insurance, while others say that women do. In reality, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for this question. Some insurance companies charge more for women while some charge more for guys. You really just have to get a quote and see who costs more.

Cheap Cars are Cheap to Insure

While this may be the case in some instances, it's not a hard and fast rule. Sometimes, cheap cars cost more to insure than a more expensive model. For example, if your cheap car has a very heavy engine, you might have to pay more for coverage than you would with a different car. When buying a car, don't automatically expect to pay less for cover just because you go with one of the cheaper cars on the lot. 

Croatian-born Canadian multi-millionaire Robert Herjavec made his money by selling an internet security company to AT&T for $100 million in 2000. Because one of his passions is cars and he now has the financial resources to enjoy them, he has invested in a collection of some of the most exclusive automobiles on the planet. Herjavec has an eight-car garage with lifts, and doesn't just keep the same cars forever. He's planning to sell his BMW 7 series soon, so that he can make room for a new vehicle.

Herjavec's current cars are:

    Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

    Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

    Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster

    Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

    Smart ForTwo Edit10n

    Aston Martin DB7 Vantage

    BMW R1200C Motorcycle

    Cadillac Escalade

    BMW 7-Series

Many of Herjavec's vehicles have history that makes them especially interesting to him. The BMW motorcycle doesn't work and Herjavec's motorcycle license is expired, but he holds onto it because it was in Tomorrow Never Dies, a 1997 James Bond film. The Rolls-Royce coupe once belonged to the famous rapper 50 Cent.

Herjavec's Vehicular Past

In the past, Herjavec has owned everything from a Nissan 300ZX to a Formula One racing car that he personally drove. 

Herjavec's past cars have included two Bentleys, another Lamborghini, a Ferrari, a Porsche, a Mazda, an Acura, a Trans Am, a Corvette and more. His future plans include purchasing a used 1976 Cadillac Eldorado, a car that his father owned briefly when Herjavec was a child. His father couldn't afford the car and it had to be returned, but now Herjavec wants to buy one of his own.

He also has plans to buy a Porsche Panamera Turbo, which has the appeal of being a 4-door sedan which can go faster than his sports cars, he says. It would replace his BMW 7 series as an everyday kind of vehicle. He's not in love with the back end of the car, though-- he says it has a horrible design but he's now gotten his mind around it.

Why He Loves Cars

Herjavec says that he loves the performance of a vehicle, though he can also appreciate that other attributes are important. His sports cars are not for driving to fancy events, he says, and his wife vehemently agrees. A 30-minute trip wearing a tux and gown in his Lamborghini Murcielago convinced them both of that.

A neighbour in Herjavec's exclusive Toronto area says his cars are gas guzzlers that he doesn't understand the appeal of. Herjavec says that he doesn't understand the appeal of $2 million dollar paintings that look like something his kids could have done, so they'll just have to agree to disagree. His cars are just a passion, like any other. 

http://www.kanetix.ca/auto-insurance

Natural Resources Canada has set-up a program to teach and instruct people on how to be more fuel efficient on the road.  I attended one of their seminars located at the Downsview Drive Test Center that focused on how to choose a fuel efficient vehicle, fuel-efficient driving techniques, vehicle maintenance, and idling to name a few.  

The Canadian government’s target is to hit an average of six per cent emission reduction by the end of 2012. With the escalating cost of gas, it’s imperative for the government to promote a smart driver program aimed at reducing the amount of money spent at the gas pump.

The Natural Resources Canada seminar was highly interactive and focused on the many ways one could save on gas.  It’s incredible how many different ways a simple change to your car maintenance routine can save you money.  It’s as simple as maintaining the appropriate tire pressure, which will prolong tire life and save energy and reduce emissions.  Other measures to reduce gas consumption would be driving within the speed limit on the highway, turning on the heat and air conditioner when only necessary, and not making extra car modifications.  Even if you were to roll down your window only after building up enough temperature in your car could save you in the long run.  

The key is getting to know your car a little more.  Get familiar with how many kilometers it took for your car to consume a full tank a gas, what type of gas is preferred for your vehicle, and read through the vehicle manual fully for recommendations.  I will say the three hour seminar is a time well spent.

The seminars trainer was Michele Joslin, who took her time in going through the different techniques of effective gas savings. With her experience as a commercial license holder and trainer she displayed the mathematical calculation of how much a driver can save from not Idling a car or truck.  Joslin stressed that idling achieves nothing, can be very costly, and contributes to environmental degradation.  

Natural Resources Canada’s office of Energy Efficiency plays a leadership role in helping Canadians reduce energy consumption. The three-hour seminar was well worth it and I recommend it to anyone who’s fed up with spending so much on gas.  It will provide you some education, save you money, and help out the environment for a better future.  With the price of gas reaching its highest point in decades, now would be the time to learn how to conserve gas and at the same time lessen your maintenance expenses.

In 1994, Ontario introduced a graduated licensing system that made parallel parking a requirement to get a final “G” license.  Fast forward 18 years, many drivers still avoid parallel parking like the plague.  And if they do attempt it – many parallel parking attempts end after second or third attempts still without full satisfaction.  

The reasons for these failures may be attributed to the fear of hitting another vehicle; a confidence issue to properly parallel park; and the embarrassment of people watching your multiple failed attempts.  One bad parallel park in the eyes of family and friends can instantly make you feel like a less than average driver.

How do we do eliminate your fears and perform a flawless parallel parking? There is no scripture or exact science to it; however these simple three steps can be your guide to impress everyone.

The approach:  Sometimes we want a certain spot right in-front of our destination or have trouble finding a spot, so we try to squeeze in to the impossible small spot.  In those instances, we’ve failed before we began, so be sure to find a space that your vehicle can fit in. Once your spot is located, signal to indicate your intention to other road users, lower your speed to a minimum level and check the traffic from all directions.

The process: Align your car with the other parked vehicle preferably mirror to mirror. Signal and check all mirrors for on-coming traffic and for any pedestrians in your blind spots. Change gears into reverse and start turning your steering wheel to the right for a full 360 degrees and slowly move your car backwards until you can see the plate number of that parked vehicle.  At this point you should be at an angle of 45 degrees in a “V” shape. When your passenger door is aligned with the rear bumper start to slowly turn the steering wheel to the left until your car is straight. If you are not straight you should still have the space to rock your vehicle forwards and back until you reach a straightened position.  Put your car into park, pull up your hand brake and you are finished. 

The resumption: Start your car, signal, check for traffic, lower your hand brake and put your vehicle in reverse.  Reverse back to see the back tire of the parked car in your front and then put your car into drive and slowly accelerate out.  Cancel your signal and keep driving. Remember, the more you practice the easier it will be and the more skilled you become. Good luck!

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