Many motorists neglect to put enough effort into shopping for car insurance.  Often, people just grab the first price they encounter or accept rate increases that are routine without shopping around the market for the best deal.  Consumers need to compare the coverage in addition to the price of the policy.  It’s disappointing when you file a claim and then realize that your policy doesn’t have a specific type of coverage that you need.

According to studies by Progressive Insurance, six-month rates for auto insurance vary a great deal depending on the company, with the average low being $481 and the average high being $586 across the nation.  What this means is that a driver could be quoted $1,256 for an insurance policy from one company, and $775 from another, both with identical policies.  Another study by Progressive showed that just 20% of respondents had shopped for better insurance prices in the last six months.

Motorists often make the mistake of not spending enough time on their car issues.  This includes shopping around for auto insurance, roadside assistance, an auto warranty, and maintenance.  Just making a few extra phone calls can save consumers a lot of money in the end.

The Pontiac G8 GXP with 402 hp will give performance sedans that are already established a run for their money.  The GXP is listed at $37,610, which is at least $1,000 cheaper than the Dodge Charger SRT8 and you still get an impressive auto warranty.

The GXP has a 402 hp, 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 402 pounds of torque, which is the most powerful Pontiac of all time.  This vehicle has a six-speed automatic transmission that comes standard, however you can also get a six-speed manual for an extra $695.

For those of you who might think the 361-hp G8 GT already had enough power under the hood, don’t forget added horsepower isn’t the only impressive change to the GXP.  This car has a track-tuned suspension and steering, a unique interior, Brembro brakes and new car warranties.

Some people have suggested that the GXP is a BMW M5 killer, however, this car is such a great bargain that you could purchase one for you and your friend and still end up shelling out less than you would for a M5.

Most people believe that SUVs are the safest vehicles on the road; however, recent test results show that midsize SUVs may not offer the best safety.  In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that a lot of cars produced better results in crash tests than six midsize SUVs.

The SUVs tested were the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Xterra, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner.  These vehicles were tested in a front collision at 40mph and a side impact.

All of these vehicles showed improvement since the last IIHS test.  In the instance of the front collision, five out of the six vehicles were rated Good.  The Trailblazer was rated Acceptable.

However, the results of the side-impact tests weren’t as good.  The Trailblazer and Grand Cherokee didn’t protect the torso because they are only equipped with standard side airbags to protect the head.  The Pathfinder, 4Runner, and Xterra had better performance with side impact because they include side airbags that protect the torso as well as the head.  However, cars had better ratings on side impact.

If you’re looking to purchase a midsize SUV, purchase one with high crash ratings.  For instance, the Ford TaurusX and Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Pilot, and Subaru Tribeca are the highest rated midsize SUVs.  Although these SUVs are durable, it’s necessary to purchase an auto warranty to protect yourself from repair costs down the road.  After all, no vehicle is full proof.

Almost every vehicle that has front wheel-drive uses car struts on the front.  They aren’t just shock absorbers.  They integrate many different suspension parts into one assembly.  Included are the spring seats, coil spring, shock absorbers, steering knuckle, and strut bearing.

The shock absorber is the part of the strut that is commonly serviced the most.

The strut has many different purposes that it serves.  Because of the spring, the strut can support the vehicle’s weight while it’s traveling and allows for adaptations of road irregularities.  The shock absorber that is internal will dampen the spring’s movement while it is compressing and rebounding.

The function of the strut housing is structural.  It connects the bearing in the upper strut to the ball joint down below.  This allows the whole assembly to pivot as someone turns the steeling wheel.

It is a good idea to have your vehicle’s suspension system checked by a service technician that is qualified.  The struts in a car should be checked once a year, along with the alignment of wheels.  You never know when car parts will wear out, so an auto warranty, as well as regular maintenance is a necessary part of your routine.

Car accidents are scary and usually happen unexpectedly.  An accident leaves motorists feeling shocked and stunned, and often, they don’t know what to do next.  Here are some important steps to take in this situation.

Of course the first thing to do is call 911 in the event of an injury.  Also, always contact the police and then place a call to your road service program.

Next, call your insurance agent.  They can inform you about what information to exchange with the other motorist, and help you survey the scene.  Be aware that you shouldn’t admit fault at the scene of the accident, the insurance companies will determine this.

Also, you will need to read the information in your insurance policy, so you file your claim within the specified time limit.  Often, if the vehicle damage is more than $750 you need to file a SR1 form, which can be found on the DMV website of the state that you live in.

It is always scary to be involved in a car accident, but unfortunately it happens to all of us at one point or another.  It is essential to know what to do in this case.  To alleviate stress, have all of your important documents ready, such as your insurance policy and auto warranty.

Why buy a sports car?  Sports cars are not made to be practical, they are made to be fun.  They are available in various models, such as two-seat roadsters and hatchbacks.  Many models have relatively small cargo space, while others offer ample rear cargo room.  Here are some things to consider when deciding which car model to purchase.

Even car models that fall in the same categories can vary greatly in fuel-efficiency.  Make sure to do comparisons to see which models will save you money at the gas pump.

A lot of sports cars have small doors and limited head room that make getting in and out difficult.  If you’re looking for a little more ease, you might want to look for a four-door hatchback or sedan.  They often have easier access.

A sports car can have from two to five seats; depending on what model you look at.  Even cars with five seats often have a middle rear seat that is too tight for adults.  Make sure to try out the seats for comfort.  Also, consider a three-point seat belt instead of a lap belt for a seat in the center rear.

A sports car is a great choice for motorists who want an exciting ride, and aren’t concerned about cargo space.  However, it is always important to purchase an auto warranty to protect your wallet in case of unforeseen repairs down the road.

Most people realize that hypermiling is not the safest practice; in fact it leads to car accidents. However, many people still do it.  Well now, AAA is weighing in with their view on the subject.

AAA has released a very strong warning saying that practices to save gas, in which illegal driving techniques are used, are dangerous, and therefore shouldn’t be used.  They are referring to practices like drafting off of other cars by tailgating, rolling stops, and turning off the car while driving.

Other gas saving practices toe the line of acceptability.  For example, motorists who have manual transmissions sometimes cruise in neutral to conserve fuel.  This practice is fairly common, yet safety advocates express concerns about motorists not having complete control of their cars.  Also controversial is the practice of utilizing neutral with automatic transmissions, however some drivers who do this say that they can do it safely.  AAA also doesn’t bring up the fact that there are numerous local laws having to do with improper driving, like not keeping your vehicle in gear.

Although motorists are tempted to do anything possible to save money on gas, including skimping on an auto warranty, people need to realize the danger involved in illegal driving techniques.  Unfortunately, hypermiling has been known to lead to car accidents, which is why it is important to have roadside assistance. In addition, drivers should have good used car warranties to avoid unnecessary repair costs, should they arise.

Smart cars are becoming more and more popular because of the downsizing trend.  But many consumers have reservations about the safety of this car because of its 8 feet long, 5 feet tall dimensions.  So how does the Smart car measure up in safety?

According to crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Smart car received the highest rating possible in side and front crashes and the second highest in rear crashes.  The Smart car comes standard with front-end airbags on the passenger and driver side.

Also, motorists can feel good knowing that the Smart Car is made by Mercedes.  The Mercedes name has earned consumers trust, and they have always had excellent safety.

In the Smart Car the passengers are essentially sitting on top of a roll cage.  This is an iron frame that surrounds the car and provides a buffer zone in crashes.

Although the Smart Car has excellent safety features, the IIHS reminds consumers that cars are ranked in their class, determined by the size and weight of the vehicle.  This means that the Smart Car is in the top of its class, but this doesn’t mean that the car is as safe as vehicles in other classes.

Consumers are taking safety into their own hands by purchasing safe cars with an auto warranty.  The Smart Car is a great choice for its class based on its safety features.

There are millions of traffic tickets issued out every year in the U.S., which often cost over $100.  This is a billion dollar business in our country.  Paying the ticket through the mail is essentially admitting that you’re guilty.  Also, you will have the ticket on your record at the DMV for up to three years.  So, is it possible to wiggle out of a speeding ticket?  Here are a couple of things to try.

First of all, if you get pulled over for speeding, stay in your vehicle.  You should never get out.  When the policeman approaches your window, try to look remorseful.  Make apologies to the officer and be polite.  Be nice, and ask for a warning.  Don’t try to answer questions, such as: “Do you know why I pulled you over?”  Tell the officer you aren’t sure.

Don’t pay the speeding ticket by mail because it means you are admitting you’re guilty.  In the U.S. you are considered innocent until proven guilty, so show up at court.  Often, the police officer will make mistakes leading to the dismissal of your ticket.  For instance, the officer might not go to court.  Many times you will get your ticket changed to a lesser charge by showing up at court.  For example, they might change it to a parking ticket from a speeding ticket.  This is beneficial because it won’t increase your insurance and will give you fewer points on your license.

Many motorists assume that if they are given a speeding ticket that they should just pay it through the mail.  However, it is a much better idea to make an effort to get out of it so you don’t have to pay an increased insurance premium.  After all, we factor in costs such as an auto warranty and maintenance costs, but don’t consider speeding tickets and raised insurance.

Tribal has launched a new site that provides customers with a true life-like car shopping experience without ever leaving their homes.  Volkswagen.co.uk allows people to virtually sit in and walk around new cars.  Tribal created this web site because customers often feel that buying a new car can be confusing.

Research shows that people who want to purchase a new vehicle do most of their research on the Internet.  This means that trips to showrooms are cut in half.  Volkswagen responded to this by giving buyers a virtual experience from the comfort of their own homes.

The site features a car configurator that is very sophisticated.  It has 3D models of the new Volkswagen range.  Visitors are able to change every option that alters the appearance of the vehicle.  This lets people create the car of their choice.

In the future, people who visit the site will have the ability to book test drives by accessing the booking systems of retailers.  In addition, they will be able to see the availability of models at specific retailers.

Volkswagen has responded to customers needs by allowing people to shop for a vehicle from the comfort of their own homes.  Also convenient, is that customers can purchase new car warranties online from a wide range of providers.  An auto warranty is a smart way to protect your new investment.