Des Moines Car Insurance
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Car Insurance Ratings

The nature of a car insurance company is such that you might not discover their true stripes until you need to call on them in a crisis, but car insurance company ratings are an extremely useful way to find an insurance carrier that won’t let you down when worst comes to worst. We might hope that we never need to call upon the insurance we’ve taken out, but it’s still not a service we can do with out, and finding reliable and unbiased car insurance company ratings can be our first step in locating an insurance provider that will be everything we need it to be if that dreaded accident ever occurs.

There’s little doubt that it can be difficult to find insurance company ratings that are fair and balanced. Of course the company themselves are unlikely to show you their less than positive side – they will point you in the direction of glowing testimonials, but are a little more behind the door in admitting their shortcomings. And there are a lot of factors to take into consideration when choosing a car insurance company. Price is important, of course, but so are customer service, and the ease with which you can make a claim in the event of an accident. Finding an insurance company that offers all of these can be a daunting affair – that’s why it’s so great that someone has registered our needs and come up with automobile insurance ratings that we can trust.

One of car insurance company ratings is offered in a company’s reputation, and carriers such as Allstate, Nationwide, and State Farm, well-known companies that have managed to hold onto some clients for years, are a fairly reliable bet. That’s not to say, however that smaller, less well-known companies don’t offer a great service, so for an inside look on how the big companies are really rated, and to find details of those you might not have heard of, check out J.D. Power and Associates.

J.D. Power and Associates rates insurance companies in terms of the variety of coverage they offer, rates, claims processes, and customer service, helping you compare insurance companies in all these important categories. Other services that have grown up in recent years are Amica and Erie, who have posted the best rankings with J.D. Power. These companies have secured rave reviews for finding ways to cover claims. Another extremely useful source for car insurance companies ratings is A.M. Best and Standard and Poor's who offer insights into an insurer's financial strength by displaying ratings that determine an insurance company's ability to pay claims.

Thankfully there are great resources available to help us find the car insurance companies ratings we need to help us make the best decision for ourselves and our families. Before you sign on the dotted line, you want to know which insurance provider is the best for you, so be sure to check these resources out before you put pen to paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    where do I go to find ratings for car Insurance companies in Canada?

    • ANSWER:
      You do realize there are about 600 of them I presume! Some are in several provinces, some in only one. You don't mention whether you are looking for ratings for reserves, claims payments, premiums, but insurance brokerages have access to large books of ratings in many different areas, most of which are incomprehensible to persons who haven't completed several university level courses in insurance.

  2. QUESTION:
    car ratings for cost of insurance?
    rating numbers car insurance companies use for insuring cars and other transportation.

    • ANSWER:
      Go to Allstate.com and you will find a table that tells you categories and ratings for different vehicles.

  3. QUESTION:
    what are ratings of car insurance companies?
    einsurance ratings?

    • ANSWER:
      They are usually what is called a best rating. Best is an insurance industry standard (they also do a magazine) that is how insurance companies are rated (service, fairness, etc...)

  4. QUESTION:
    What would be the highest insurance group car i could insure when im 17?
    What would be the highest insurance group car i could insure when im 17? like the 1-20 ratings?

    • ANSWER:
      Being young it is best to start with a car in the of 5 and under. (most people usually go for 3 ro 5 and then work their way up) However this is only down to money, if you are willing to pay a lot then you can insure something like a ferrari.

      The average insurance for 17 year old males i know is about £1300+, and that is only for a very small, basic car.

      Hope you have good fun driving!

  5. QUESTION:
    Where do I find car ratings?
    I'm looking into several cars which include the 05 Infiniti G35 Sedan, the 05 Mercedes c230, and the 01 Mercedes two seater SLK. Which of those are most practical on gas and insurance for a 18 year old girl? I don't want a Honda, a toyota, or of those cars so please dont suggest that.

    • ANSWER:

  6. QUESTION:
    Question about my car insurance... What should I be paying? Good companies?
    I am a young driver -17- and I have been driving for a little over a year now. I have a silver 2004 Huyndai sonata that has great saftey ratings, and I have an absolutley perfect driving record. I am with Travellers insurance now, which has great coverage, but 0/month is kind of alot for me to fork over each month. (I had a nice summer job that earned me some cash, but I am a student afterall.) What should I be paying? Are there any companies that I can switch to that with save me some cash? Which ones? Please help me if you can!
    I have full coverage.

    • ANSWER:
      Look for an independent car insurance agent in your area who represents several companies. The agent can help you compare different insurers and also tailor your coverage to exactly what you need and no more.

      You could also try the free online services that get you competitive quotes from several insurers. They're like the automated equivalent of an agent. Here's a page that lists some of them...

  7. QUESTION:
    what would car insurance payments be?
    im 18 still in high school no tickets no wrecks been driving since 16 what would my ratings probly be and the price per yar for an average car insurance?

    • ANSWER:
      fill out this thing and you can find out: http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1995821-1519856

  8. QUESTION:
    70-74 Plymouth Duster insurance ratings?
    I am 15 and a big fan of mopars. I have less than a year till i can get my license. I am going to be looking at 70-74 Plymouth Dusters and Dodge Darts on craigslist. My price range is about 6500 dollars. Whatever engine it has wheter it be the 318, 340, or 360 just depends. It will probably be a 318 or 360 though, but maybe if I get lucky I will find a 340. Regardless of what engine I get I want to do a semi rebuild with a new carb, intake, heads, headers, etc., so even if i have a 318 it will still have performance. Anyway In all the articles and videos I have seen about the Plymouth Duster they have said back then insurance saw it as an economy car even with the 340. Is it still considered and economy car by insurance today? If not what kind of insurance do you people who own these cars have to pay.

    • ANSWER:
      Usually the older the car the less you have to pay...Since it,s alot easier to fix an older car than a newer.Go for the basics...It seems you are mechanically inclined so tell them you,ll fix it youself if you are in an accident...Your age is the only thing that will hurt you...The insurance will be alot cheaper than if you bought a new challenger or camaro...Don,t forget to check out the 70 and 71 demons also...I,m a fan of the demons because they only made them a couple of years and the trim packages(taillights) look better...Mopars are cool...I got a 67 gtx that i,m buliding for a street /srtip car,,,,

  9. QUESTION:
    does exersizing gap insurance coverage reflect negative with regard to credit history or ratings?
    i had an accident a few years ago and came to find out that i didnt have the proper insurance on the car. the damage would not be covered but it was/is on lien and have continued to pay since. i recently found out that i can exersize the gap insurance optioned for when accepting the auto loan but am afraid to degrade my credit rating since im looking to buy a home in the very near future. advice?

    • ANSWER:
      No, it doesn't affect your credit history or claims history.

      Keep in mind, though, that gap only pays the DIFFERENCE between the actual cash value of your car, and the loan balance. So it doesn't pay from dollar zero, if you weren't carrying collision insurance.

  10. QUESTION:
    Are the Smart Fortwo car's insurance cheaper?
    it got good crash ratings and a cheap car.

    • ANSWER:
      Call your agent and ask.

  11. QUESTION:
    Abbreviations in used car adverts?
    Can anyone direct me to a site which explains all the abbreviations etc. on ads for used cars including the ratings for insurance and road tax ratings (UK).I'll appreciate any help.

    • ANSWER:
      4wd - four wheel drive
      4ws - four wheel steering
      a/wheels - alloy wheels
      air/con - air conditioning
      abs - anti-lock braking system
      c/coded - colour coded
      c/con - cruise control
      clim/con - climate control
      c/l - central locking
      e/m - electric mirrors
      e/seats - electric seats
      e/s/r - electric sunroof
      e/w - electric windows
      esp - electronic stability programme
      ffs/r - factory fitted sunroof
      fsh - full service history
      fdsh - full dealer service history
      gc - good condition
      h/l/w/w - headlamp wash wipe
      h/seats - heated seats
      immob - engine immobiliser
      lhd - left-hand drive
      lpg - liquified petroleum gas (fueled)
      lwb - long wheelbase
      mpv - multi purpose vehicle
      ono - or nearest offer
      ovno - or very nearest offer
      pas - power assisted steering
      p/x or p/ex - part exchange
      r/cass - radio cassette
      r/h/r - rear head restraints
      r/s/b - rear seat belts
      r/w/w - rear wash wipe
      satnav - satellite navigation system
      s/r - sunroof
      suv - sports utility vehicle
      swb - short wheel base
      t/glass - tinted glass
      t/win - tinted windows
      t&t - taxed and tested
      vgc - very good condition

  12. QUESTION:
    4X4 Insurance Claim? Ratings?
    I have a 1995 Holden Frontera and on the weekend I was driving it and had an accident in it. No other cars were involved, I was on a quiet country road and drove too close to the edge and tipped the car. My friends and I managed to tip it back up and drive it home. I am on a rating one insurance plan and haven't claimed against my insurance before. When I claim this they will write it off because the entire side of it is ruined. How will this effect my insurance? Will I drop back to rating two? I'm actually scared to claim it!!

    • ANSWER:

      first,you should collect some resource by searching the relevant keyword in search engine,if you got good luck there ,then your problem solved.however,if you are not able to find the ideal answer by doing that,here http://www.CarInsuranceFree.info/free-car-insurance.htm is the resource i recommend.

  13. QUESTION:
    What type of car would be perfect for a college girl driving on the freeway everyday?
    My dad wants me to drive a big car (like an SUV) so I wouldn't get hurt badly if I were ever in an accident on the freeway. But, I want a regular sedan that saves gas, saves on insurance, and that I can take to school everyday. My parents don't want to hear about small cars passing with 5 star crash ratings because they think those are lies for people to buy small cars. What type of car would be perfect for a 5'4" girl like me to drive to school everyday?

    • ANSWER:
      take a look at the chevy malibu maxx lt. its a great car for smaller drivers because it has power drivers seat, adjustable foot pedals and tilt/telescoping steering wheel. my wife is 5' tall and it fits her great, she loves to drive it. lots of other safety features including the fact that it weighs about 3,400lbs. its a 5 door sports wagon with fold down back and front passenger seat so there is lots of room to haul stuff and the back seat also reclines with good leg room for passengers.

      it drives like a sports sedan on the hwy thanks to its saab suspension system.

      even comes with heated front seats to keep you warm in the winter..

      200hp v6 that gets well over 30mph hwy (we get up to 35mpg)

      and it did get 5stars on the crash test (6 air bags)

      hope this helps

  14. QUESTION:
    What's a cool or sharp looking car for a new driver?
    Call me spoiled or whatever you want, but I can get a first car for about -K, after insurance costs, and I'm looking for something that wouldn't blend in with the tons of Toyotas, Honda Accords, or whatever like that on the road. I know they would make good first cars, but I can't stand them.

    I'm therefore looking for 2 door cars with backseats, that aren't overpowered, have excellent safety ratings, and have luxurious interiors, or at least, not cheaply made ones. I was thinking of 5-6 year old BMW, since I'm into German vehicles, they are quite luxurious, have excellent safety ratings, and I could always get one that's not overpowered.

    However, I know the repairs are expensive and as a new driver, I'm likely to damage it.

    What cars do you recommend?

    On a side note, is it even worth customizing your first car?
    That's what I'm saying, which is getting an 04 or 05 Mustang, and people are telling me it's too much of a car to handle, and it shouldn't be a first car.

    I also hear that the interior is cheap, there's little power, which doesn't matter much now, it handles like crap, especially under weather conditions, overall being a cheaply made car.

    • ANSWER:
      Well atleast you know your spoiled (;-)) and are smart enough to understand that being new you'd be better off with a car that is not new. For repairs reasons if that is an issue your going to want to go with an amarican car, yes most forren models can be easily repaired but they are still not cheap. If you insist on a sports type car, get an automatic Ford Mustang (late 90's-03) or a Thunderbird about the same age. Why automatic, because both models are sporty, but the automatics are 4 speed and have less power than the manual. Its been my experiance that they are also fairly safe for being sports cars, but you'll have to look into that.

  15. QUESTION:
    Whats the best 1st time car to buy?
    i recently passed my driving test and am looking for a car (obviously) i was wondering what the cheapest would be taking insurance ratings, engine size and so on into account. the ones that keep coming up are corsas, puntos an clios but i dont know what model and year of those cars people are talking about when they're saying they are the cheapest cars to run. any tips on how to reduce insurance quotes and so on would also be appreciated.
    thanks

    • ANSWER:
      I would suggest you to go for Astar. Its the best small car; i think so.

      and if you are looking for some kind of used cars then try used cars classifieds to buy any one. I am mentioning a link below where you can find many used cars in good condition.

  16. QUESTION:
    Ways to lower my insurance rate?
    Hey, Im in highschool at the moment and im not reaching my "car dilemma" Im a male at the age of 16 (not looked well upon by insurance companies I hear) and I am insured by Statefarm. I was wondering if someone could help me out by telling me how i could lower my monthly insurance rate. The car im getting has side airbags and good crash test ratings, and im going to be adding mods to it (either rsx type-s or volkswagon golf gti) and i would most likely be installing rollover bars. Would this help my insurance rate go down? What other steps could I take? Thank you!

    • ANSWER:
      dont mention that youre going to mod it, and i dont think the rollbar is going to help any. go for a 4 door if possible, get good grades in school and ask for a good-student discount (they really do exist) and take a dirver's safety course. that should help, but basically you wont have low rates for another 9 years. i know, it sucks, but theres not much to be done about it. but be careful with doing the drivers safety course. if you take the class then get a ticket later on, you cant take the course to get the ticket removed if youve taken the class in the last year (if thats the local law there. i think thats kinda standard, but i could easily be wrong).
      and dont speed. trust me. ive had plenty of tickets and i still cant break the habit that started in high school. believe it or not, it doesnt make you look cooler to your friends, and if you do modify your car, dont go around flooring it all of the time. then everyone knows exactly what youve got. drive around like a granny car, and not only will the cops leave you alone, but youll have rumors going around that your car is must faster than it actually is.

  17. QUESTION:
    What vehicle should I buy that has good safety ratings and great MPG?
    I'm looking to buy a safe car, preferably a sedan (cheaper for insurance), that also gets great gas mileage. Under 70,000 miles; used. Color doesn't matter, preferably not purple though:) If anyone has any ideas of what car I should look into or has a car similar to what I'm looking for that wants to sell, please let me know.

    Thank you!!

    • ANSWER:
      One of the best all around cars is the Subaru Impressa (non-turbo), also by the way Honda Fit, VW Rabbit, Mazda 3 and the Mazda Protege.
      If you want a little bigger car Ford Fusion, Mazda 6 and the Mercury Milan.
      Now I have not included the Toyota models that made the list of many reasons, the edition of Consumers Reports that has this list was published before a lot of the news came out.

  18. QUESTION:
    finance & insurance in Houston?
    hi, I'll be moving to Houston next month from Australia and would like to ask a local which are the best banks and (auto)insurance companies. Of course, one can always go directly to Chase, BoA or Wells Fargo but do these offer the best service? The net banking is probably the feature I am most interested in. Also, in terms of car insurance, what is your experience. Based on my research and ratings I was contemplating Amica or Nationwide. Much appreciated thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      I liked Progressive car insurance because they were fast and thorough, but they were more expensive. Jim Ott at Wells Fargo can probably help you with banking. Brian Claunch at Merrill Lynch can help you with finances.
      Best restaurant: Vic and Anthony's downtown / Clary's,Galveston
      Best piano bar: Post Oak Grill / Claudio's in Kemah
      Best hotel: 4 Seasons downtown of course.
      Car rental : Enterprise
      Shopping: Galleria
      Wecome to Houston.

  19. QUESTION:
    advice on credit ratings, trying to get my dead husbands car repossessed?
    My husband had a car on finance with large balloon payment after 3 years, I'm now left with no money and wondered whether if I persue the repossession order on his car, will it affect my credit rating in the future or will it affect the house. The car was in his name. I am trying to prioritize my finances following his death - 2 small children etc, no mortgage protection or insurances to speak of

    • ANSWER:
      If you are in the UK, the liability on the finance agreement would have died with your husband. You should therefore notify the finance company of his death and ask them when they are coming to collect the car.

  20. QUESTION:
    Why does a "Credit Rating" have anything to do with Auto insurance?
    To be honest I don't feel that a persons credit rating have anything to do with car insurance. A quote should be an honest quote of what it cost per month and per year. Either you pay your car insurance or not. What risk is this to the Insurance company? It can be canceled by the company if payment is not made. The company doesn't pay for an accident that occur if the policy is not in force. There is no loss to them. What is the point of making someone pay a higher premium if they haven't had an accident nor was it their fault. This is unfair racking it in. Who made this policy to base it on your credit rating? The economy is in a depression right now so many people will have bad credit ratings and those who have fallen into this mess now will have higher payments and have never had an accident or it wasn't their fault. They are not responsible for the deficit we have today. All rates should depend on Make, Model and Year of your car. A Credit Rating has nothing to do with paying your monthly amount for coverage. Can you tell me why, if no accidents have been caused? It doesn't have a feasible answer to me.

    • ANSWER:
      In a nutshell, (statistically) people who have a poor credit score are more likely to file a claim.

      Actuarial studies show that how a person manages his or her financial affairs, which is what an [insurance score] indicates, is a good predictor of insurance claims. Insurance scores, plus other factors such as age, driving record, make and model of your car, and how many insurance claims have been filed in the past, are used to help insurers differentiate between lower and higher insurance risks and thus charge a premium equal to the risk they are assuming.

      The goal of every insurance company is to correlate rates for insurance policies as closely as possible with the actual cost of claims. If insurers set rates too high they will lose market share to competitors who have more accurately matched rates to expected costs. If they set rates too low they will lose money.

      Some states ban the use of credit scores as a consideration. This might been seen as benefiting those in lower economic groups -- but others in the risk pool are subsidizing these people (from a statistical perspective).

  21. QUESTION:
    Why does ones Credit Rating have anything to do with Auto insurance?
    To be honest I don't feel that a persons credit rating have anything to do with car insurance. A quote should be an honest quote of what it cost per month and per year. Either you pay your car insurance or not. What risk is this to the Insurance company? It can be canceled by the company if payment is not made. The company doesn't pay for an accident that occur if the policy is not in force. There is no loss to them. What is the point of making someone pay a higher premium if they haven't had an accident nor was it their fault. This is unfair racking it in. Who made this policy to base it on your credit rating? The economy is in a depression right now so many people will have bad credit ratings and those who have fallen into this mess now will have higher payments and have never had an accident or it wasn't their fault. They are not responsible for the deficit we have today. All rates should depend on Make, Model and Year of your car. A Credit Rating has nothing to do with paying your monthly amount for coverage. Can you tell me why, if no accidents have been caused?

    • ANSWER:
      Insurance companies are in the business of insuring risk. There is a strong correlation between credit history and insurance risk, it may seem these are unrelated but people who make bad decisions in one area of their life tend to make bad choices in other areas also and are higher risk.

  22. QUESTION:
    Is a 2003-2006 Toyota 4Runner V8 Sport a good first car?
    Does it have good crash test ratings so the insurance wont be that bad (if you know about how much insurance is please tell me)I'm looking to be able to tow 2 seadoos.

    • ANSWER:
      its a great car i test drove it yesterday, my lease is up soon and that's one of the cars I'm considering the only thin i dont like is when your merging and you give it gas theres a delay of about 1 1/2 seconds then the power comes, but that car is so nice it has these mirrors in the back cargo area so you can see all around you when backing up, so much power i test drove the v8 and v6 and the v6 has plenty of power for towing 2 seadoos. i will most likly get the 2008 4 runner sports its very nice SO MUCH F***** POWER

  23. QUESTION:
    Can someone help me find an extremely safe car?
    Well, I'm looking for my first car, so the most important aspect of the car is safety. For an insurance breaks, it also must have side air-bags and anti lock brakes. I was looking at Mercedes and Volvo, and trust me, I still am. They were what my parents had suggested and I can't complain. But It's been very difficult to find a newer car within my price range. The best I can find is a 2001 ML320, and that is still stretching my budget. So just out of curiosity, I want to see what other options I have available. I've started to look into a Buick Park Avenue tonight, and I really like them. But I'm worried because It was the only Buick I found to recieve a GOOD in all categories on the IIHS crash test ratings. every other Buick did not. Basically, as far as my parents are concerned, I should be driving a tank (If I could I would lol) or a padded room. So I need help looking, thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      Someone who already answered recommended the new volvo XC60, that car is one of most advanced in terms of safety, the first of it's kind in America. This is because the car comes with an available system called 'city safety' where it will stop itself if it detects a crash is imminent under 18 mph. Volvo's are usually a good bet, just watch the side impact rating on the S60 I believe.

      Two sites for ratings: safercar.gov and iihs.org
      The safer car site comes from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), and the IIHS is the insurance institute for highway safety. Surprisingly they both come up with different ratings every now and then.

      Mercedes, Lexus, Volvo, Honda, Subaru - all safe companies. Other car companies will have certain cars that are safe as well. You mentioned the buick. Don't be worried if that car excels and the rest of buick's models don't, the ratings are accurate and independent of each other. The park avenue is still only getting 4 out of 5 stars though.

      If you're worried about price, I can throw some cars out there that are relatively safe. A honda civic. Larger would be a toyota camry. Subaru's to my knowledge all have flawless ratings. Smart cars you want to stray away from because of the size. They did excel and receive perfect ratings but the head of the IIHS himself mentioned that the size makes the passengers more susceptible to injury. Mercedes usually have innovative features, along with toyota and volvo. As I said before, volvo has the new XC60 that will stop itself, along with a host of other features like blind spot identification, lane departure, and collision warning. Toyota/lexus have in some of their models a twin chamber airbag on the passenger side which reallocates the impact forces to the shoulders. Toyota hybrids/Lexus also have the most advanced stability control system on the market - VDIM. Mercedes has models that will close windows if a crash is considered imminent. All of these car companies usually rate well.

      Things you need to look for in your car safety-wise are as follows.
      As you said, anti-lock brakes and side airbags. Make sure the airbags are side curtain, along with the inclusion of side torso for the front passengers. Try and see if the manufacturer mentions dual stage, multi stage, or 'smart' front airbags. This means they're adaptive depending on the force of the crash, whether occupants are wearing seatbelts, weight, etc. Also look for stability control. Each company calls it by a different name, wikipedia has all of the names as they pertain to each company (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stability_control#Product_names)

      I hope this helps, let me know if you have further questions. If you're going to go with an older car, I would personally recommend the civic or a subaru.

  24. QUESTION:
    What car is better, 2008 Acura TL or 2009/2010 Volkswagen CC?
    I am looking to by a new care within a few months. I've narrowed down my choices to the Acura TL and the Volkswagen CC. I was leaning towards the Acura because I'm use to driving Hondas and know they're good cars. Then again I'm leaning towards the CC because I love the way it looks and also because its different. In my area I have only seen 2 on the road. I don't want to drive something that everyone else is driving (i.e. camry, civic, accord, etc.)

    I already know I can't go wrong with the Acura but is there any reason I should not consider the Volkswagen CC. I was told they have great safety ratings which will help when I get insurance.

    Which car is better in terms of repair costs? Reliability? Mileage? I will mainly be commuting to work each day. Any and all responses are greatly appreciated.

    • ANSWER:
      The VW will be lots of fun. You won't enjoy going to the repair shop but you can live with it.

  25. QUESTION:
    What newer-model SUV will give me low insurance quotes?
    I've recently begun looking for a new-ish SUV (2005-2007). I recently found a great car, but the insurance quote from a broker was ridiculous. My driving isn't that great. So now my only option is to change the car I want for more affordable insurance. Are there specific models or brands that will yield more affordable insurance rates? Maybe due to safety ratings or reliability or something? Also, once I turn 25, how much will that affect my insurance cost (I'm 23 now)?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    • ANSWER:
      At 25 you ins. should go down. Now your rates are mostly affected by safety ratings. Toyota's are the safest, according to Ins. Institute. And no 4 x 4's, that will really hike your rate.

  26. QUESTION:
    I'm looking for combined home/auto insurance in CA...Any recommendations?
    Price and corporate ratings will be the determining factors. Can you help me in determining the best insurance for my home and car? Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      I would look for companies that have local agents in your area. Try here: http://www.insuremyhouse.com
      They have a directory of local agents.

  27. QUESTION:
    does anyone know how to do this please help 10 points! thanks for your help:)?
    1. There is a great deal of difference in interest rates between _____. (1 point)
    new cars and used cars
    new cars and refinanced cars
    excellent and poor credit ratings
    used car excellent ratings and refinanced car excellent ratings
    2. Insurance companies usually charge _____. (1 point)
    penalties
    base rates
    transaction fees
    underwriting
    3. You go to the Whome Insurance Company for auto insurance. They charge 5.00 as a base rate for six months of insurance for your vehicle. They offer a 15% discount for safe driver habits, and a 10% discount for an excellent credit rating or 5% for a good rating. They increase the rate by 5% and 10% respectively for a fair or poor credit rating. You have a fair credit rating and qualify for the safe driver discount. How much does the insurance cost you per month? (1 point)
    .09
    .90
    .38
    .88

    • ANSWER:
      1. C-excellent and poor credit ratings
      2. B-base rates
      3. A-.09
      4. D- 2.33

  28. QUESTION:
    do you think this is a decent car for a 17 year old?
    my parents are saying the only way i can get on there insurance is to get a car thats under 5 grand because i wont toy with it even though i will. i love toying with cars...hell thats how i make my money fuck wendys or wherever she told me to work i make 100 bucks an hour fixing peoples rides
    my last truck wasnt practical, a 1997 chevy silverado z71 with a 502 big block under the hood, riding on a 6 inch lift with super swampers i strapped a blower to it and when tuning it on the dyno, it blew up wish i never did that, ive poured SO much money in that truck but whatever its gone now
    and then i brought a 2009 subaru home the day after, that i bought for 50 grand cash it has a twin turbo whatever engine they put in there now i havent paid much attention to the car making about the same ratings as my truck did
    and there like
    what do you think your gunna do with that? i said drive it heres 2 thousand dollars now imma go leave you deal with the insurance people keep the change and my mom yelled at me for like 5 hours and i cant drive it so like 5 weeks later my mom said that i could buy a practical normal car that teenagers drive and...this is practical and normal
    http://www.stevesautosales.us/index.php?option=com_ezautos&task=detail&id=313&Itemid=
    do you think this is decent?im prob gunna buy a turbo and strap it on that mofo or a power programer if they even make em for those or something i freaking hate stock cars they piss me off but yeah

    • ANSWER:
      wait u bought a car 50 grand in cash?? huh..seriously??

      but yes that a nice car IMO it's a good for a starting car and if ur as good with cars as you say then you can soup it up nicellyy

  29. QUESTION:
    i am getting a new car soon & i can't figure out what to get?
    i'm 16 years old, going on 17, and i drive a 2008 mazda3 s grand touring. it's really nice, and i love it's features. but my mom recently told me that i will be getting a new car soon. i want something that has some "get up & go" & all of these do. it also has to have halogen or xenon headlights, i know i'm picky, but i have to get something i'm going to be happy with. but i can't decide what to get, but i have a few in mind.
    1. 2011 Scion tC
    2. 2011 Honda SI Coupe
    3. 2011 Kia Optima EX or SX
    4. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SEL
    - i have done a lot of research about those cars, and after reading about them i can't decide between the 4. i want something that is sporty, but i don't want my insurance to skyrocket when i get a new car.
    1. the new tC is sporty, and has a lot of room but i think it's made really cheap. i have read a lot about this car, and my brother has an older model. but they raised the price and it seems to be made cheaper. even though it has a bigger engine. it's lower on my list.
    2. the honda SI coupe is really nice, and i like it a lot. but i'm just not so sure i'm going to be happy with it. i love it's engine though. 197 hp is nice but as for the rest of the car, i'm not so sure. it's probably the lowest on my possibilities list.
    3. i really like the optima. & that might be weird for a 16 year old boy, but it's really nice. i want the EX turbocharged model, or the SX turbocharged model. it doesn't really matter to me which one, even though i prefer the SX. it has really good safety ratings which is good insurance wise. & it gets good gas mileage, and takes unleaded gas. & with gas prices these days, that's one of the main things for me. the cheapest gas with good gas mileage. i love the way it looks, it's a sporty sedan. which i like. i like how it has 4 doors, and a lot of room. 274 hp is nice too. it's really got the engine i'm looking for. i just don't know if it would be weird to be a 16-17 year old boy driving a kia optima. is it a mom's car? i don't see a lot of them around. & i think it's pretty reliable, but i don't know. a lot of people say that kia's are pieces of crap.
    4. i am really considering this new jetta too. i really like the way it looks, the SEL model is right in the price range for me, and i like it so much better than the S or the SE. my mom drives a jetta GLI which i love, but i can't have it because of insurance. this one is a sporty sedan as well, and i don't think it's too much of a "mom's car." i really like the way it looks, and i can see myself driving it. it has 170hp, so it will get me down the road pretty quickly. & it has good gas mileage too.
    -- i am pretty much just deciding between the jetta & optima, and possibly the tC. the honda SI, i just don't think so. i just don't want to drive to school next year in my new optima, and people be like "is that your mom's new car?" i really love it though. i just need something that will last me for a long time. i'm going to be an RN so i won't be hurting, i can always get me something else out of college. but i want to keep it for as long as i can, so it needs to be reliable. anyone have any thoughts on which car i should choose & which fits my age group? thanks for the help!

    • ANSWER:
      Jetta definitely. The Jetta looks sporty, acts sporty (Suspension), Is a young mans car, gets great gas mileage, and no one will expect your mom to roll up in it lol. Also, you could always do simple upgrades to the jetta that most likely won't void the warranty (check first). If you put in a cold air intake, headers, and a good exhaust system, you could boost your car by 20-30hp. Though it'll probably cost around a grand or more. If your only gonna do one, get a cold air intake. It'll boost your Hp between 10-15 for under 200 dollars. (cheaper on Ebay). Good luck with the search man!

  30. QUESTION:
    Which car would you recommend?
    I am looking to buy a new (or slightly used) car.

    Which car would you say is an overall good deal where you get value for your money; taking the following factors into consideration:

    - High safety ratings
    - Miles per gallon > 30
    - Station wagon or station wagon like car (plenty of space in trunk)
    - Low insurance premium
    - Well-suited for a family (me, my wife and our 2 kids)
    - Low depreciation rate
    - Low maintenance

    • ANSWER:
      The Honda Fit has a surprisingly large amount of room inside and it meets your other criteria. Take a test drive to see how you like it.

  31. QUESTION:
    Driving without insurance in UK?
    I asked this question earlier but didn't get the answers i was looking for. I know that driving without insurance is wrong but please hear me out!!! This Sat night the cops followed me home and said that they had done a check on my car and said that it has no insurance, unfortunately this is true. They didn’t arrest me, but said that I would get a court summons in the post and probably a fine, the cop never gave me anything on the night, like a ticket or anything, was he supposed to?

    Has this happened to you or anyone you know? Do you know what will happen to me as I am quite worried? I am female, 21yrs old, in the UK. What will they say in court and how long does it take to receive a court summons in the post? Please help and answer truthfully, and without any stupid answers, if you give silly answers you'll get bad ratings!
    I will get insurance and wont be driving without it again, so please don't be mean in your answers!

    • ANSWER:
      People who drive without any insurance should be banned for life. You have nobody to blame but yourself, and you were trying it on. What would have happened if you'd lost control and ploughed into a crowded bus queue full of mothers and children. Think on.

  32. QUESTION:
    Insurance on a Smart phone?
    I have the motorola Defy. Just gotten it and love it. I have 14 days to decide if I want to get insurance on it for .99 a month with T-mobile. I know there is a 1 year manufacturer warranty but is it worth getting the insurance? I predict I'd like to keep this phone a while. What are the defect ratings of this phone breaking?

    Also, what are some options if it does break outside the warranty.. Does the manufacturer repair it for a charge? Or do you have to get it fixed on your own.. To my understanding, most the time they send you a refurbished one anyhow. What are your guys suggestions based off experience. I know most the time these insurances are a waste..... But .99 a month seems cheap. I usually never buy insurance on anything but my car.. (For obvious reasons)..

    • ANSWER:

  33. QUESTION:
    best car for new driver (UK)?
    My son recently passed his test and I want to buy my him a half decent car instead of him buying some £500 death trap.
    The most important factors to me are safety (ncap ratings etc) and costs (purchase, insurance, reliability etc). He wants something which is fairly "cool" and not to small – he’s 6ft 2.
    He also doesn't want a corsa as he learnt in one and know wants to move on.
    Up to £12000 ish
    We have narrowed it down to;
    Mini one
    Golf
    Fiat Panda (my choice)
    Ford focus

    Other suggestions welcome.

    • ANSWER:
      a small engined focus has to be the choice, with him being 6ft 2, safe reliable and a little roomier than the others.

  34. QUESTION:
    I was planning on buying a 2008 yaris but I am torn now after seeing the rear seat low safety ratings.?
    I have a child and as a brand new driver, safety is what is most important. I love the look of the yaris and have a few friends who have them and love it. The aveo has better safety ratings. 4 stars in the rear over the 3 stars for the yaris. It is cheaper, insurance is cheaper. But from what I read, toyota lasts longer than gm. I also found cheverlot was on the worst car list. I like the honda fit but the ratings were under the aveo as well and a little too expensive for me. Any input would be appreciated. Safety will sway my decesion 100 percent.
    its not people that i've talked to, its poste
    its not people that i've talked to, its posted on safety and car magazines and government related sites, that honda and toyota rank high on long lasting cars and quality. Im a single parent, this my first car so I dont want to buy a car that I will breakdown once the warranty is out :)

    • ANSWER:
      The public has an impression that Japanese cars are better, and that was true in the 1980s. But today that's more like an urban legend. So if you poll 100 people they'll say Japanese are better. But real data will tell a different story. It varies by model and brand, of course. For instance VW Beetle owners just love their cars, but if you look at hard data, they're terribly unreliable.

  35. QUESTION:
    09 challenger SE Vs. nondescript used car?
    im coming into some money in december for my 18 birthday, and ive done my research, and have thought about getting a challenger SE. it will be my first car, BUT i have been driving my moms BMW 325 XI for about a year, power wise i think they are about the same.
    some people are saying ill be wasting my money getting one and should jsut get a used car and just deal with the problems that arise with having a used car, but im sold on the challengers safety features and ratings, their rare to find where i live, plus it looks great. im not the young reckless driver type, and dont even want my family driving this if i get it. i plan on keeping my challenger in the garage under a cover just in case, and learning to change oil and am fronting the first years worth of insurance. but I am wondering about the price depletion, the repair and maintenance costs.
    the dealership said if i wanted i could pre order mine now and have it set aside, not sure if its worth it, since i want a reliable, safe, and sturdy car that wont suck up all my money.
    which would be the better deal?

    used cars im thinking of: volvos

    • ANSWER:
      Ask the dealer what the required maintenance schedule is for the new car, they can be quite expensive. (You can't do your own oil changes, etc if you want to keep your warranty). If you're interested in maintenance, a 2nd hand car would be good, as you can work on it yourself. Why not convince mum she needs a newie, and try and get the Beemer?

  36. QUESTION:
    Questions about buying a new car? ?
    My husband and I have started an account specifically to save money for a brand new car. We have decided that we do NOT want anymore car payments. Nor are we interested in buying another used car. I've started the initial research, and I've found quite a few cars that would fit our families needs. But the final decision won't be made until I do more research on the make, model, pricing etc. Plus test driven the make and model I may want to buy. I've found a great website called the insurance institute for highway safety, and I've looked at their ratings and recommendations as well.

    Now onto my questions:

    1: Is the power-train warranty worth the purchase price? I've heard conflicting opinions.

    2: How do you "haggle" with a car salesman about coming down on the purchase price without being rude?

    3: IF you found the vehicle that you wanted in a different state for say ,000-,000 cheaper would it be worth the the time and travel to buy that vehicle?

    6: Would you consider buying a vehicle in a state that didn't have any sales tax?

    7: Should I consider buying a vehicle with all of the bells and whistles, because I have young children?

    8: What part of year is the "best" time to buy a new car? The beginning of the model year or the end of the model year?

    9: What are some makes/models of vehicles that are COMFORTABLE to drive?

    10: Should I consider fuel efficiency over the size vehicle that would make my family more comfortable?

    11: What are some makes/models of the more fuel efficient vehicles?

    I would appreciate any positive feedback.

    Oh one more thing? Are there any websites that help people like me compare vehicles? For example: Putting in price, size of family, type of vehicle?
    Should we consider buying a vehicle with a good resale value?

    What are some reputable nationwide places to take your car for all of your repair needs?

    • ANSWER:
      1: Is the power-train warranty worth the purchase price? I've heard conflicting opinions.
      Generally no extended warranty is worth the purchase price. Consumer reports did a study and 78% of the time you will never incur as many covered expenses on the extended warranty vs. what you will pay for it, upfront.
      Regarding the powertrain, if you truly are getting a 'new' vehicle, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi and GM all have 100K powertrain warranties. You just have to make sure and service your vehicle per the owners manual or they can void it for negligence.

      2: How do you "haggle" with a car salesman about coming down on the purchase price without being rude?
      You can't worry about feelings when negotiating. The dealer is definitely not thinking of your feelings. Their goal is to sell the car for as much as they can.
      Just know what you should be paying for the car. Go to edmunds.com and do a search and be firm with your offers. Generally speaking, a car dealer will always sell you their product as long as they are making any sort of profit. If you really know what you want, for , you can go to consumerreports.com and get the 'bottom line' price. Although you will never know what the dealer paid for the vehicle, this is the closest thing to it.
      Note that Scion and Saturn will not negotiate on new vehicles, period.

      3: IF you found the vehicle that you wanted in a different state for say ,000-,000 cheaper would it be worth the the time and travel to buy that vehicle?
      That will not happen on a new vehicle. It may be ,000 cheaper at the most for a new vehicle, but you have to also consider your time and and transport fees. It may be worth it, but typically it is not.

      6: Would you consider buying a vehicle in a state that didn't have any sales tax?
      It doesn't matter where you buy the car. You have to pay sales tax on where you live (register the car), not where the dealer is located.

      7: Should I consider buying a vehicle with all of the bells and whistles, because I have young children?
      You should buy a safe vehicle with whatever bells and whistles you need. Children don't need things like leather seats or navigation. Children do need side airbags, ABS and traction control.

      8: What part of year is the "best" time to buy a new car? The beginning of the model year or the end of the model year?
      Between now and the end of the year is the best time to buy a 2008. The 2008 stock is going down, though, so your choices will get more limited unless you want to buy a 2009 model. Of course, the 2009 may not have the same incentives.

      9: What are some makes/models of vehicles that are COMFORTABLE to drive?
      Different cars are made for different people. If you have small children, I think you should think safety first. Good models that are both reliable and safe include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata.

      10: Should I consider fuel efficiency over the size vehicle that would make my family more comfortable?
      That is a personal choice that noone can answer except you.
      If size and fuel mileage are important, you may want to check out a vehicle like a Mazda 5. It is reliable, seats 6 and gets 27 mpg highway. Other good alternatives of smaller, functional vehicles that seat at least 6 and drive like cars are the Kia Rondo and the Ford Taurus X.

      11: What are some makes/models of the more fuel efficient vehicles?
      Depends on how many people you want to seat. If you only need room for 4, look at the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Chevy Malibu and Ford Fusion.

      If you need room for at least 6 - Mazda 5, Kia Rondo, Ford Taurus X.
      If you want something larger - Ford Flex, Mazda CX-9

  37. QUESTION:
    what used car should i get, needs top safety, fairly good looks, at least 5 years old, for around 5K?
    I am 16 years old and am looking for my first car. My mom very concerned about safety so i need a safe car to please her. So this means not only driver and passenger airbags, but also side air bags and a good crash test rating, BUT I do not, whatsoever, want a Volvo. And when i asked them about a civic or corolla, they think of them as being like tin cans and unsafe, but if i can show them a good safety rating then its a possibility. Now my dad is more concerned about money so it needs to be around 5K, and have a fairly good fuel economy. And he doesn't want it to bring up the insurance very much. Also, the mileage doesn't have to be perfect if its a reliable car, so under 100K would be great, and under 120-130K is acceptable. Now, for me, i want it to be a good looking car, and that's pretty much it. I was thinking more on the line of getting like a 10-15 year old Lexus, such as an es300 or a sc300. They can be pretty cheap but i wasn't able to find safety ratings, but i think in general Lexus makes a pretty safe and reliable car. So if you have any ideas of possible cars to live up to all these standards (or just most of them), which might be impossible, then thank you very much.

    • ANSWER:
      http://tcp3.com/rq27
      - here's a good website to look for real cheap quality car from government auctions!

      I bought my Honda Civic for just 50 with a milage of 5,270!
      And it's been already a year I'm riding my car and it's still doing well!

  38. QUESTION:
    What's the best car for a responsible teenager?
    Okay so right now I just got my Driver's handbook and am turning 16 in September. I think it's time that I get a car. My mom wants to give me her old car which I know from experience isn't reliable whatsoever. When I told her no and why she said I was so ungrateful. So I said I didn't expect her to pay for it, I'd get a job and pay for it. So she told me no.

    Now she's talking about getting me a car.
    I was thinking:
    A Ford Edge
    Suzuki XL-7
    Mazda CX-9
    Honda CR-V
    GMC Acadia
    Chevy Traverse
    Chevy Equinox

    Something like those because they're not light on the ground and have high safety ratings. Also I have to take space into consideration. I have two sisters and 4 cousins that I would probably have to drive around on weekends. But I don't want a minivan or van or pickup truck. I was thinking a crossover or an SUV. It just can't be too big or bulky.

    I'm still planning on getting a job this summer and maybe into school. I plan on paying for my own insurance, and setting aside 0 to 0 just in case something comes up with the car.

    I've been able to maintain a 4.00 GPA my WHOLE school life. I'm ranked #2 in my Freshman class. I have never have to study a day in my life. So I don't think that an after school job will really be much of a burden. Just in case it would be I plan only to work weekends but like 8-12 hours maybe? Every other weekend because I'm part of the debate team.

    So I know I'll be able to afford a car because of some already saved up money and I'm not thinking of a brand new one, just buying one off of an old family friend for an EXTREME discount.

    Which car should I go with? Is there one not here that you think would make a better choice?
    Thanks for all the help :D and not just with the whole car advice but with the insurance and other things. You all were a ginormous help.

    • ANSWER:
      Some of the SUV's your looking at are serious family cars... i mean 7 passengers? thats a ton...

      Your mazda Cx-9 is virtually built for the dad with a family. it gives him power. handling and just that jerk he can when he wants to get the kids to school faster. the CX-9 is based on power.

      Of these i like the Honda CR-V i used to have a 2005, and i liked it. Though my friend had a honda element and he got better gas milage, (WAY BETTER) and it still sat a few. As for a "light" car... I imagine your worried about slipping off the road? heavier cars usually slip more... and also they are worse on gas. lighter cars dont blow away in the wind. cars now a days are built light, and more aerodynamic to help them stay firmly planted on the road. also lighter cars stop faster then heavier ones... seeing how there breaks and tires dont work as hard as the lighter cars do....

      These cars are all very nice family SUV's. Though if you are going to be driving 5 days out of the week by yourself. get something that for you... Id seriously look into a actual car. something you could enjoy. or instance a new Honda Civic. and you can still play taxi on the weekends. or, you could look into a volvo wagon. those usually sit a few more then your typical sedan. Im a firm believer that one should buy an suv if it wont be utilized fully. if it doesnt have.
      1. A strong powerful engine
      2. rock solid transmission
      3. 4 wheel drive, or (AWD)
      4. the "L" gear
      5. high enough off the ground.
      6. and of course, high safety features.

      You dont want to just look at the seats and the safety features... seeing how they wont matter if the car is on recall or broke the majority of time.. look up the car reviews and they'll often tell you the problems with the cars.. go test driving with your mother. she'll also help you decide seeing how she has had more experience.

      The best of luck.

  39. QUESTION:
    We want to buy a Jetta for our daughter about to go off to college. NEW vs. USED???
    My daughter has been driving for a few years now and is a very good driver. She handles herself well in town, Chicago toll roads, long trips on interstate, etc. We have no concerns with her driving her 3 younger siblings around. We are at a point where she really needs her own car. She works part time is able to help each month with the cost of a car and insurance (she can help with 0- 0 a month) We like the size, safety factors, and MPG ratings of the 07' Volkswagon Jettas (,000). The Jettas seem to hold their value. We are torn between a new one for her (pts. being: lower interest rate, we know how car will be cared for from the start, full warranty, car will carry her thru college and first job) OR a used car with low mileage and a little warranty left on it (how do I know previous owner has taken care of car/is honest about it). The used Jettas that are 2 & 3 yrs. old still sell for at least ,000.00 & have a higher interest rate. Help me think this thru, NEW/OLD?

    • ANSWER:
      Buy used, from an individual. Why should you pay the 00.00 ++ hit as soon as you drive the Jetta off the lot?Have an independent mechanic check out the private owner's car. There are some companies, like one I used once called Car Checkers of America, who make a business of examining used cars for people. Edmunds.com is very accurate as to the exact value of used vehicles. There are other appraisal systems, but Edmunds seems to be right-on every time I use it. Before you buy any car, new or used, always check out Consumer Reports' reliability ratings on that exact year and model. It is an eye-opening experience. Some states (mine for example) do not charge sales tax on purchases between private individuals, so that may help sometoo.

  40. QUESTION:
    i need help on a research paper !!!!?
    i have this paper due on drivers ed and i have no idea how to get started on this , i am going to copy and paste the instructions for the paper below , if you guys could help in any way possible that would be great :)

    Your Aunt Crazy has just hit the lottery and has decided to give you money to purchase a car.  She has decided to give you 0.00 a month towards your purchase.  This money needs to be used to purchase a car and pay for insurance (“Your Fault” is not an insurance company).  You now have the opportunity to buy any car that will fit into your budget.  Before you begin, you are asked to trade in any car in your family to help with your finances.  Enjoy the shopping experience!!
     
    Task
    Your cover will consist of a title.  You may use any title you wish.  This page must also include your name, class period and date.  Be creative and design a cover that is colorful and interesting.
    Your second page will be the specifics of your new car.  This will include all of the options and the price that were quoted by the dealer.  You may add a picture of this car if you can find one.
    The third page will be specifics on the vehicle that you traded in, including the price that was suggested by Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds.
    The fourth page will explain the payment for your new car including the insurance that you will purchase for the car and the monthly breakdown for both payments.
    The fifth page will be economy information on your car such as mileage in city and open roads.  Also included on this page will be a safety rating for your trade-in vehicle and the new car that you are purchasing.  You must provide two examples of cars that have the safest rating and two that have the poorest ratings.  Give a brief explanation on why two cars you chose have a poor rating.  Also on this page, you are to explain the "Lemon Law" and provide information on this law that protects consumers.
    The sixth page will be dedicated to scams.  You are to search the resources to find 4 dealer scams and 4 insurance scams that you should be aware of when purchasing a car and insurance.
    The seventh and final page will consist of a detailed explanation on how to jump start your car.  You can also find this information in the resources provided for you.  Lastly, you must give credit for information that you borrowed from a source.  Always give credit where credit is due!!
    Resources
    Remember to use the sites search option if you are unable to find the information that you are looking for.
    Trade In Sites
    HYPERLINK "http://www.edmunds.com/" Edmunds
    HYPERLINK "http://www.kbb.com/" Kelley' Blue Book          
     
    HYPERLINK "http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/" National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Automobile Safety Ratings/Crash Tests
    HYPERLINK "http://carbuyingtips.com/" Car Buying Tips - Lemon Law Information/Dealer Scams/Jump Start/Loan Spreadsheets
    HYPERLINK "http://www.calcbuilder.com/cgi-bin/calcs/AUT5.cgi/aol_auto" Calculate Financing - Gives monthly payment for a car being financed
    HYPERLINK "http://rd.com" Reader's Digest HYPERLINK "http://rd.com" - Safety ratings and other important car information
     
    FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
    1.  Must I use the recommended resources to complete this assignment?
            You may use any web resources that you would like to use.  Just keep in mind that the sites that you choose must be within the guidelines.
    2.  Do I have to credit my resources?
            Yes you must!!  It is very important to give credit where credit is due....Make sure you copy and paste the web sites address of all sites that you use on the last page of your assignment.  This includes any pictures or text that you borrowed from another source.
    3.  Can I use a digital camera or scanner for parts of my project?
            You most certainly can!!  Use anything that you want to put pictures in your project.  The more creative you are, the better your grade will be.

    • ANSWER:
      Oh this is an easy one. Take the most expensive car your family owns for trade in. Look up the kelly blue book price online. This can be a jumping off point. Then go to somewhere like vehix.cm and look for the kind of car you like in a reasonable price range (like 9 a month) then go to like progressive and get a free rate quote. The hardest part is making the numbers fit, but I guess the point of the paper is to simulate real life.

  41. QUESTION:
    Should I quit making payments on my credit card debt?
    I owe about 10 grand. Why not just forget about it? My credit rating would drop in a hurry, that's for sure. But why do I need good credit? I only know of two or three reasons to maintain a good credit rating.

    1. You can borrow money on good terms.

    2. Companies sometimes check the credit ratings of people they are thinking of hiring. So, bad credit could your chances of getting a good job.

    3. Some car insurance companies will give you better rates if your credit is good.

    Another way to state my question: Would you pay ,000 for a good credit rating?

    I would just rather keep the money than pay it to the credit card company. That's all I'm saying.

    • ANSWER:
      continuing reasons for good credit

      4. Landlords check credit ratings - if you want to rent an apartment, it is better to have squeaky clean credit.

      5. Mortgage lenders check credit ratings - as do hire purchase companies and increasingly often, utility service providers including cellphone contract / cable providers.

      So, if you want to live on the streets with none of your present home comforts and no chance of a good job, keep thinking the way you do.

      Another way to state my view - I would pay the k just to get the lenders off my back. Running up huge debts and having to pay interest to match is a fool's game. and I'm no fool. Credit cards are a convenience if you use them wisely - pay them off in full every month - otherwise they are a burden. I have enough on my shoulders without extra burdens. Refusing to pay what I owe is the same as stealing. I'm no thief either.

  42. QUESTION:
    fake safety ratings on 2009 VW bugs?!?!?
    i drive a brand new 2009 VW bug--
    im the first owner..
    && i recently got T-boned directly in the drivers door.
    the car has normal airbags as well as side impact airbags.

    when my parents bought me this car the sticker said "5 star side crash test safety rating."

    i was hit in the drivers door with a SUV.
    from the drivers door up is completely messed up-smashed in and the impact broke the shocks and everything.

    Im wondering why NONE of the air bags deployed.

    could this be a fake safety rating?

    a local body shop is fixing my car because most of the damage was from the drivers door up and not really anywhere else---the insurance did not total it.. even thought it was no where near driveable.

    but im wondering if i should still feel as safe in my car knowing that the airbags may not work.

    • ANSWER:
      if you have side airbags they should deploy. Your accident may have been severe but not severe enough to deploy the bags. I doubt the rating is "fake" but keep in mind the safety rating are determined in a lab, not in the real world. There is no way they can test all types of crashes. The fact your car was hit that hard by a much larger car and you are still here to tell about it should speak well of your car.

  43. QUESTION:
    does one believe that a person can be sized up like profilers do?
    I do not think that the 6 Billion people on the planet can be divided up and separated into cookie cutter molds, humans are complex by nature and have many differences I have very little faith in the way agencies make there decisions on who did what where and when and how. I do admire how far humans have come in their achievements with science and technology and i believe it is much better than days of yor yet I feel that there is a sense of urgency and finances that make the final determinations of ones out come and I am not just talking about the justice system it is in all facets of this world.insurance studies say if you are 16 and have a red car your insurance rate will be high, if you own a volvo you are more likely to commit insurance fraud if you are 45 with a white station wagon the rates will be low. In 1930 one might have gained employment by their de meaner and general Presentation of self, the same person in today's world would be subjected to a barrage of computer screenings based on background checks ranging from criminal , medical and even credit ratings etc. I feel compassion for the younger ones who have been subjected to so much of this modeling , they have been video taped since childhood over medicated based on to many studies rather than checking for the root causes. sometimes we need to slow down and look at people for what they are and not what historical and psychological studies say they are or what they should be or will be.

    • ANSWER:
      As humans, we wear many hats and that tends to lead me to believe that no one can ever be truly known completely as it depends on what "hat" they are wearing!

      Now, I do believe that certain body gestures and such gives clues about a persons thoughts. Only thoughts, not who they are as that is way too broad to classify anyone.

      I know that I was different with my husband than I am with my children. This is why I believe it would be very difficult to ever truly label millions as one in the same!

      We are all unique and this alone complicates the science of labeling!

  44. QUESTION:
    what does a low rating mean?
    or a high one? for an auto insurance company,

    if small cars have higher ratings compared to larger cars,
    what does that mean for the insurance company??

    • ANSWER:
      it generally means risk factor.
      low is "good", high is "bad"
      a vehicles rating takes into consideration a number of factors including: age and size - which are worked in with availabilty of parts/cost of parts, desirablity to thieves, how likely it is to get in a collision and the average cost of each collision.

      for example Honda Civics are one of the most popular cars stolen in NA so it would be rated higher than say a Ford Taurus.

      however if you are talking your own personal insurance rating - high is good, low is bad

  45. QUESTION:
    Kia Forte Koup or Optima?
    I'm looking to buy a new car in the coming months, and I've narrowed my possibility to these two kia models. The Optima (2011, mind you) LX Automatic trim costs roughly the same as the Forte Koup SX, while the Optima has better safety ratings, making the insurance rates lower. Which one of these fine cars do you think I should get?

    • ANSWER:
      Optima, in several ways.

  46. QUESTION:
    Can Republicans/ Tea Partiers Answer These 10 Questions?
    1. Can you be against Big Government and not press for reductions in the vast military budgets, fraught with bureaucratic and large contractors’ waste, fraud and abuse? Military spending now takes up half of the federal government’s operating budgets. The libertarian Cato Institute believes that to cut deficits, we have to also cut the defense budget.

    2. Can you believe in the free market and not condemn hundreds of billions of dollars of corporate welfare-bailouts, subsidies, handouts, and giveaways?

    3. Can you want to preserve the legitimate sovereignty of our country and not reject the trade agreements known as NAFTA and GATT (The World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland) that scholars have described as the greatest surrender of local, state and national sovereignty in our history?

    4. Can you be for law and order and not support a bigger and faster crackdown on the corporate crime wave, that needs more prosecutors and larger enforcement budgets to stop the stealing of taxpayers and consumer dollars so widely reported in the Wall Street Journal and Business Week? Law enforcement officials estimate that for every dollar for prosecution, seventeen to twenty dollars are returned.

    5. Can you be against invasions of privacy by government and business without rejecting the provisions of the Patriot Act that leave you defenseless to constant unlawful snooping, appropriation of personal information and even search of your home without notification until 72 hours later?

    6. Can you be against regulation of serious medical malpractice (over 100,000 lives lost a year, according to a study by Harvard physicians), unsafe drugs that have serious side effects or cause the very injury/illness they were sold to prevent, motor vehicles with defective brakes, tires and throttles, contaminated food from China, Mexico and domestic processors?

    7. Can you keep calling for Freedom and yet tolerate control of your credit and other economic rights by hidden and arbitrary credit ratings and credit scores? What Freedom do you have when you have to sign industry-wide fine print one-sided “contracts” with your banks, insurance companies, car dealers, and credit card companies? Many of these contracts even block your Constitutional access to the courthouse.

    8. Can you be for a new, clean system of politics and elections and still accept the Republican and Democratic Two Party dictatorship that is propped up by complex state laws, frivolous litigation and harassment to exclude from the ballot third parties and independent candidates who want reform, accountability, and stronger voices for the voters?

    9. If you want a return to our Constitution—its principles of limited and separation of power and its emphasis on “We the People” in its preamble—can you still support Washington’s wars that have not been declared by Congress (Article I Section 8) or giving corporations equal rights with humans plus special privileges and immunities. The word “corporation” or “company” never appears in the Constitution. How can you support eminent domain powers given by governments to corporations over homeowners, or massive week-end bailouts by the Federal Reserve and Treasury Department of businesses, even reckless foreign banks, without receiving the authority and the appropriations from the Congress, as the Constitution requires?

    10. You want less taxation and lower deficits. How can you succeed unless you stop big corporations from escaping their fair share of taxes by manipulating foreign jurisdictions against our tax laws, for example, or by letting trillions of dollars of speculation on Wall Street go without any sales tax, while you pay six, seven or eight percent sales tax on the necessities you buy in stores?

    • ANSWER:
      I wish there was a 'Best Question' option. I would choose yours in a snap! Nicely done.

  47. QUESTION:
    European Sports Cars Under 20k?
    I'm graduating this year, and I'm getting 20k to spend on a car as a graduation gift!!! And of course I want a really cool European sports car even though the insurance and maintenance costs will kill me, I think I should get one while I'm still young and don't need to worry about things like back seats and safety ratings. The best thing I found so far was a 2002 Porsche Boxster, Do you think that's the best thing I'll find or should I keep looking? Do you have any suggestions (or ideas even)?
    I live in MI and the winters are insane (another reason I shouldn't have a sports car) and I would LIKE to use the car in the winter but I will have access to others if the weather is bad. And I have found a 2003 BMW 530i and a 2005 Audi TT, which I'm really considering, but the Porsche is kind of my budget dream car, so it's a really tough decision.
    I actually looked for a lotus, the only things i found were an old esprit and an elise 10k over my budget, besides, I think a lotus might be a little too small and overly exotic for my taste.
    How is there no definite answer? I'm asking about cars that I could find under 20k, is there no car that i can definitely buy under 20k? even the Honda for sale for 2k down the street? 2k isn't definitely under 20k? Are you sure? I'm going to check on my calculator, oh look there must be something wrong with my calculator, it says if I had 20k and spent less than 20k I would DEFINITELY have money left over. So I guess I might as well ask a second question here, Dear yahoo answers community, how do I fix my calculator?

    • ANSWER:
      Keep looking! Porches are nice but where do you live? Does it snow if it does do you want that car in the winter? I would look around becuase when you find that car you want you probably won't have to ask to keeo looking. Audi that are quattro are really nice and some of them have gorgeous lines on the body of the car! I also really like BMW's and Mercedes you can find a good deal. I have been looking at really expensive car dealers that sell like lambos and bentley's and they have really really reasonable priced imports that you could afford becuase they make so much money on their high end cars. GOOD LUCK!
      Hope to help!
      Sarah

  48. QUESTION:
    Should I get a kia forte koup or 2011 optima?
    I'm looking to buy a new car in the coming months, and I've narrowed my possibility to these two kia models. The Optima (2011, mind you) LX Automatic trim costs roughly the same as the Forte Koup SX, while the Optima has better safety ratings, making the insurance rates lower. I really like the styling on both, but i like the forte koup's slightly better. I don't necessarily need four doors, so that is not a factor for me. I'm just looking for quality of the cars and features. Which one of these fine cars do you think I should get?

    • ANSWER:
      I was really impressed with the write up of Optima in Motor trend.
      I think its a great car.
      MT was critical of the 'artificial feel' of the steering - but I think only an expert can tell the difference.
      I have the same components in a Hyundai Tucson and am happy with that.

  49. QUESTION:
    IAM TRY TO BUY 2003 ACURA TL FROM NJ ?
    HELLO EVERY ONE
    CAN YOU PLEASE HELP OUT HOW MUCH IT COST TO FIX EVAP EMISSION PLEASE THANK YOU PLEASE REA THE CARFAX AN PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOUR THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH IS WORHT TO BUY IT PLEASE THANK YOU AGAIN

    2003 ACURA 3.2 TL TYPE-S
    Sedan 4 DR
    Front wheel drive

    CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2003 ACURA 3.2 TL TYPE-S. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used ACURA.

    CARFAX Safety Section One Safety:

    This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

    * NHTSA Crash Test Results
    * IIHS Crash Test Results
    * IIHS Low Speed Damage Repair
    * HLDI Injury, Collision, & Theft
    * NHTSA Safety Recalls

    CARFAX Safety Section Two Reliability:

    Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.

    * J.D. Power and Associates Ratings
    * Identifix Reliability Ratings
    * Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating
    * Original Manufacturer Warranty
    * New Car Test Drive Automotive Review
    * Awards

    Let us do the work!
    Be the first to know about 2003 ACURA 3.2 TL TYPE-S vehicles just listed for sale in your area.
    Heading Graphic

    NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
    Divider image

    Frontal Crash: Rating: NHTSA Five Star Legend
    Driver Rating 4 of 5
    Passenger Rating 4 of 5
    Side Crash: Rating:
    Front Seat Rating 4 of 5
    Rear Seat Rating 5 of 5
    Rollover Resistance: Rating:
    Rollover Resistance Rating 4 of 5

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.

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    IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
    Divider image

    Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating: 4 star legend
    Overall Evaluation G
    Structure/Safety Cage G
    Injury Measures
    Head/Neck G
    Chest G
    Leg/foot, left G
    Leg/foot, right A
    Restraints/dummy kinematics G
    Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

    The Acura TL was redesigned for the 1999 model year.

    Dummy movement was well controlled. After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, it rebounded into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury. Measures taken from the head, neck, chest, and left leg indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the right tibia indicate that injuries to the lower leg would be possible. 2002 Acura 3.2TL 4-door 3475 front seat-mounted torso airbags 108 193 71 3.2 L V6 19 29

    Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

    Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2003 ACURA 3.2 TL TYPE-S . The crashworthiness data for this 2003 ACURA 3.2 TL TYPE-S was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.

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    Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
    Divider image

    Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
    Front into flat barrier Not tested by IIHS
    Front into angle barrier Not tested by IIHS
    Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
    Rear into flat barrier Not tested by IIHS
    Rear into pole Not tested by IIHS
    Average Damage Per Test Not tested by IIHS

    Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2003 ACURA 3.2 TL TYPE-S bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.

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    Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
    Divider image

    The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) does not provide injury, collision or theft information for this 2003 ACURA 3.2 TL TYPE-S .

    Index: Score: Rating:
    Injury Index No data from HLDI No data from HLDI
    Collision Index No data from HLDI No data from HLDI

    • ANSWER:
      ,000 cash. The Carfax says the car is "clear"..

      I know they will never sell for that price but a brand new Kia Rio is ,000 with a 5 year warranty and it runs great and is fun to drive. That is not always true for a 2003 car..

  50. QUESTION:
    sporty cars that look like sports cars but aren't?
    my mom is an insurance underwriter and so there is no way I can get an actual sports car, but I like the look of the 350 Z, so does anyone no a car that looks sporty but isn't really considered a sports car or a sports car with REALLY good crash and safety ratings?

    • ANSWER:


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