La Auto Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Who is the best auto insurance in La Puente,Ca?
   I am trying to get insurance on two vehicles, but the rates i am getting are way out of range

   • ANSWER:
     this is the BEST
     http://www.esuperfind.com/natcar.php

2. QUESTION:
   What college gives course to get auto insurance license in CA near LA?
   I am planning to get auto insurance license in State CA. Can you recommend any college or institutes that teach? Any good online courses?

   • ANSWER:
     here there is a search that you can do under the department of insurance!
     http://interactive.web.insurance.ca.gov/providercourselookup/index.jsp

3. QUESTION:
   what's the cheapest and most reliable auto insurance company in LA?
   i'm with state farm and it's kinda expensive, so i'm thinking of switching to another insurance company.
   how about ais insurance? iv heard that several times on the radio.
   i mean Los Angeles

   • ANSWER:
     It all depends on your situation (driving record, car ect. ) as all companies but different emphasis on different factors. Best thing to do, would be to get a online insurance quote that would compare all insurance companies in LA, and give you the best prices.

     Go to http://www.auto-insurance-knowledge.com/24-hour-insurance-quote-auto.html for a online quote

4. QUESTION:
   Recommendation for Auto Insurance in Los Angeles Area?
   I just moved to LA from Illinois. I have Allstate auto insurance in Illinois. I found if I switch to an Allstate CA auto policy, I need to pay as much as twice of my current payment.

   Allstate is based on Illinois, that might be the reason it is cheaper in Illinois.

   Any suggestions for good auto insurance company in CA?

   Thanks in advance.

   • ANSWER:
     Mercury Insurance will be the cheapest unless you have problems with your record. You can also check with Progressive.
     Good luck.

5. QUESTION:
   What companies can I get appointed with in Louisiana to write Home Insurance for my Insurance agency?
   I have an Indepenent insurance agency in Houston, TX and I am opening a branch office in Louisiana to offer home and auto insurance for LA residents. However, I am having a hard time finding companies that are appointing agents or writing home insurance other than Louisiana Citizens. Does anyone have any suggestions on some companies that I am able to get appointed with ???? Please help!

   • ANSWER:
     aaron t, I found a big list of Louisiana insurance agencies. http://www.findinsuranceagency.com/Louisiana-Insurance-Agents.html I'd try visting one or two of them and see if they can assist you. A insurance agent should be able to help you.

6. QUESTION:
   Why do Liberals always bring up the Auto insurance analogy to defend the Health Care bill?
   I was reading through the comments on the given article and I thought, why use the auto insurance analogy? Driving is a privilege, you don't need auto insurance if you don't own a car.

   http://www.latimes.com/health/la-na-obama-healthcare-20110201,0,6803044.story

   • ANSWER:
     Because liberals are a bunch of morons. They don't think things through.

     I've also seen them try to compare it to Medicare. LOL! Medicare is a TAX! The government can tax you anytime it wants. Obamacare on the other hand is a requirement that everyone buy a commercial product.

     For some reason, liberals don't understand the difference.

7. QUESTION:
   Licence renewal pentialities for lapse auto insurance?
   New Orleans la. states I have to pay 590.00 because I let my auto insurance lapse. Is this true and how to fight it

   • ANSWER:
     You fight it, by proving that you did NOT let your insurance lapse. That lawyer you'll need, will cost you a heck of a lot more than 0, though.

     If you DID actually let your insurance lapse, you can hire a lawyer and fight it all you want, but all you're doing is throwing money away (and annoying the traffic judge), because you won't win that fight.

     You cannot renew your driver's license or registration, until you've paid that fine.

8. QUESTION:
   who offers cheapest auto insurance for 25 year old males in la?
   give insurance estimates

   • ANSWER:
     Your age and location is too much of a generalization to determine an estimate for your car insurance. It all depends on your driving records, type of car, the safety features it carries, the exact location where you live, whether or not you park your car in the garage, driveway, or street. It also depends on your credit, if you go to school, if you took defense driving lessons, if you are in the military, and the amount of coverage you want for your car whether you want full coverage or not. Other things depend also, but that's the majority of it. Try browsing online for insurance and get quotes so you can compare and choose which insurance is best for you.

9. QUESTION:
   Bristol West Insurance charged me for two months even though i sent a cancellation letter, what do i do?
   Two months ago i sent Bristol West a cancellation form through LA Auto insurance. I was charged twice, one time it went in unnoticably because i used the card heavily (many small purchases), the second time i noticed it and called LA Auto basically asking why am i still being charged.

   LA Auto claims they sent the letter two months ago and Bristol claims they didnt get it. Well regardless, LA Auto sent the cancel form again and basically told them i am to be refunded for the two months they charged me. So i called Bristol and asked them if i will be refunded, they said i have to get LA Auto to admit they made an error and then i will be refunded. So i call LA Auto and they tell me it was Bristol error for supposedly not receiving it. It seems neither side will admit any mistake thus me not getting my money back.

   I just got a letter saying I owe Bristol for a early cancellation fee. I knew their was an early cancellation fee and i was willing to pay it. I was also told it would be taken out from the two months they over charged me.

   So what do i do? Do i ask my bank to block the charges or maybe reverse the two charges (if they even will but i doubt it)? Do i take them to small claims court? La Auto says their gonna handle it monday and ask them why i was sent the letter but i have a feeling its gonna be a bullsht reason as to why i now have to pay .

   I refuse to pay the if i indeed do get a dumb reason as to why i have to pay it. I will definitley fight that out of my credit report since they threaten to pursue "appropriate legal action" if i dont.

   A word of advice, DO NOT do business with Bristol West Insurance or LA Auto Insurance.. having my much needed money taken like that is something that shouldn't have happened especially in these expensive times where a part time job barely pays anything to begin with. So what do i do to end this and get it sorted?

   • ANSWER:
     Bristol West is a terrible company. You ask your bank to reverse the charge.

     Then you file a complaint with the Department of Insurance.

10. QUESTION:
    What is the most amount of money that someone has had to pay for liability auto insurance (per yea r ?)?
    In central LA, with a good driving record, it costs a 36 year old female 3500$ per year.

    • ANSWER:
      Insurance has so many variables that there is not a way to tell you what the maximum amount anyone might pay could be. Also, different companies approach to underwriting differently as well. Some examples of rating variables might be your age, gender, location, credit history, marital staus, driving record, employment status and commute distance. The best way for you to get a valid answer to your question will be to call around for quotes.

11. QUESTION:
    cheap auto insurance in the USA on an English drivers license?
    Currently living in LA, have bought a car which is insured through my wife at the moment. Charging 0 a month!! due to me only having a UK license, even if I change to US license the price only comes down --all help and advice appreciated.
    Thank you

    • ANSWER:
      haha that's nothing the answer for that question is really easy all you have to do is call the following number ask for Arthur i promise you that he will do the best and give you the least min. price ever + great insurance it is not that famous like Triple A insurance, 21st insurance, Mercury insurance and stuff.... but they can also do good.... i am age 16 new driver i have a sport's car Mazda Mx6 and the insurance i am paying for 6 months is 0.... 0/ month that is nothing because i got quote from many insurance company's everything i could find was 00, 00 for 6 months i think for that much money it's worth buying another used car.... if you want you can tell them that i reffered you name Monish Abraham or My father's name is Abraham Alex... I live in Stockton, C.A. itt doesnt matter where you live because they have offices in many place's.
      Arthur # 562-868-8898
      A&M insurance
      http://www.aminsurance.com/

12. QUESTION:
    Pay-as-you-drive auto insurance: do you think this is a good idea?
    An alliance of insurance companies and environmentalists wants to bring a new kind of mileage-based auto insurance to California and charge motorists only for the number of miles actually driven.

    Called pay as you drive, the option is available from a few insurers in 34 states ... as well as Canada, Japan and Europe.

    One company, GMAC Insurance Group, says its customers -- whose mileage is tracked by General Motors Corp.'s OnStar system -- have reduced the premiums they pay by 13% to 54%....

    The system could cut motoring costs, protect the environment and reduce traffic congestion, boosters say. Opponents, mainly privacy advocates, say they fear that insurance companies could begin tracking more than just a driver's mileage. High-mileage drivers could also see higher rates.

    from the Los Angeles Times

    http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-carinsure15-2008jul15,0,6970018.story

    • ANSWER:
      General Insurance Agent

      I'm sorry but you and the linked Los Angeles Times article have totally misunderstood the entire matter. It is not "Pay as You Go. All Insurers already consider your annual estimated mileage. Most people estimate 13k to 20k or so miles a year as their average. So some of us underestimate and others over estimate on our insurance appplication. An insurer currently rarely ever requires you to verify your annual mileage.

      Most people never even update the application they signed years ago when they first applied for insurance. In the end it all pretty much washes out in the claims presented to the company,

      For those who currently overestimate their annual mileage, Knowing the actual miles driven can help them save some money.

      With the guy featured in the article as an example, He probably originally had all three of his vehicles rated for regular use. Since he's only one guy and can't drive all three vehicles simultaneously, he can have one vehicle which is probably his daily driver rated fro regular use, the other two vehicles can likely be rated as occassional use and/or recreational use easily resulting in the savings mentioned.

      Anyone with multiple vehicles can do the same, Just talk to your agent about it.

      The drivers at the highest risk for an accident and other claims are young drivers and drivers who live in concentrated population centers regardless of the miles driven. Not people who drive more miles.

      This is not any exciting revolutionary new concept, in fact it's not anything new at all, it's not a new type of coverage or concept of coverage and it's not a pay by the mile system.

      It is however, A good publicity stunt on the part of the named insurer and it's sister company.

      Take Care.

13. QUESTION:
    17 year old auto insurance? new york?
    okay so my parents don't drive...(my bro does tho...except he moved to LA for business for the next year ) so my parents want to get me a car...you know so i can chauffeur them places and stuff. thing is i'm 16 and i have a class DJ license (i was able to take the road test because i took drivers ed. ) i'll be 17 pretty soon and i'll have a regular class D license. So i wanted to know even thought my parents don't have licenses and don't drive can they legally buy me a car and auto insurance?

    please answer! can't find anything online!

    • ANSWER:
      Most Insurance companies are charging the same money for similar cars for insurance. So you should play on what insurance policy you want to get. You can take either a comprehensive insurance or a crash only/minimum/third party insurance .,..

14. QUESTION:
    Was in a fender bender, not my fault but I have no auto insurance...advice?
    I live in LA, California. I was hit at a gas station -- a car backed into my front left door... My car was the only one with noticeable damage. However, I have no auto insurance. I also don't have a lot of money to get either cars fixed. I don't really care to get my car fixed since it's a 92 nissan stanza about to die out on me. I just don't want to get in trouble for not having insurance...Their auto insurance has already called and sent a letter to have my insurance rep contact them to work out a deal to fix my car. They are already claiming it to be their fault....
    Should I call their insurance rep and let them know that I do not want to put down a claim? Or call the guy who hit me personally and let him know I don't want to put down a claim? Could they find out that I have no insurance and figure out a way to get me in trouble? I only gave them my name, address, phone number and driver's licence number.

    Side note: The car is registered under my sister. Her registration and license have been suspended due to a DUI. Will they find out about this and find a way to get me/us in trouble?

    • ANSWER:
      They have accepted fault. Call them so you can make arrangements for them to inspect the vehicle. In CA, your lack of insurance doesn't matter, they still owe you for your loss.

      But please do the rest of us a favor and get insurance. You are costing the rest of us millions in higher premiums.

15. QUESTION:
    Transfer auto title from my brother in NC to LA?
    I have a brother who left his car with me after being stationed in the Germany for 3 years. He no longer wants his car and wants to donate it to me. How would we transfer ownership and title being that he is now in Germany? The car was originally registered in North Carolina and is now in Louisiana. Insurance and inpection have since expired.

    • ANSWER:
      Assuming your brother is the title holder, and the vehicle is free and clear of any liens because of financing, he would sign the title as the seller, have it notarized, and ideally also make out a bill of sale that he is transferring his interest in the vehicle to you at no charge. Many states don't charge for transfers between family members.

      You would take those documents to the DMV, where you would get a title issued in your name, and information as to how to get tags on it and get it back on the road. Do not drive it until you have insurance in place of course.

16. QUESTION:
    I am sued for an auto accident that involved a car I previously owned and was sold.?
    I am being sued by an Insurance Company for an auto accident. It involved the car that I previously owned. The car was sold to a dealer about a month before the accident. Which party should I contact?
    Should I contact the Plantiff's attorney?
    Who should I prove my innocence to?
    Should I contact LA County Dispute Resolution Programs Act (DRPA) Contractors that are listed on the back of the Summons?

    Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      If you have been served with papers, I believe you have to answer the complaint in a timely manner. Failing to do so would end up in you losing by default. My recommendation would be to contact an attorney. As soon as you or your attorney file your answer, and I would include exhibits showing the title was transferred prior to the date of the accident, I would think they would drop the suit. But remember as long as they don't drop the suit, you HAVE to answer it if you have been served.

17. QUESTION:
    Should you respect a minority in the USA that has no respect for the laws of the USA?
    True summary of illegal activity from long term illegals

    Here is a true summary of illegal activity from long term illegals, and as you can see it's not just about sneaking across the border, and it's not just careless breaking of the law, it's carefully planned to cheat Americans.

    1. Illegal entry into the United States - Misdemeanor - deportable offense.
    2. Failure to register as a foreign national - misdemeanor - deportable offense.
    3. Fraudulently applying for a state driver's license with counterfeit ID - misdemeanor
    4. Applying for work or working in the United States without a work visa - Misdemeanor - Deportable Offense.
    5. Fraudulently operating an unregistered business under a false name - misdemeanor - Deportable Offense
    6. Fraudulently applying for and accepting welfare using counterfeit ID - Felony - Jail Time- Deportation
    7. Fraudulently applying for and accepting food stamps using counterfeit ID - Felony - Jail Time - Deportation
    8. Fraudulently applying for and accepting mother's assistance using counterfeit ID - Felony - Jail Time - Deportation.
    9. Fraudulently applying for work using counterfeit or stolen Social Security Number - Felony (Perjury)- Deportation
    10. Fraudulently claiming excessive deductions for Federal Income Taxes to avoid paying any taxes - Felony - Jail Time - Deportation
    11. Registering to vote in states with Motor Voter programs and voting without being a US Citizen - Felony (Perjury)- Deportation
    12. Buying counterfeit auto license tabs instead of paying the sate - Misdemeanor
    13. Buying phony auto insurance from Mexican operatives so automobile with counterfeit tabs can be registered - Misdemeanor
    14. Claiming poverty in a household with high income (for you less than informed - illegal households can easily make as much 0,000 a year tax free) so children can apply for free lunches at school - misdemeanor
    15. Claiming poverty to get free medical care from free clinics - Felony - Fraud (hundreds in LA alone) and using first class hospital emergency rooms as family doctors for non-emergency medical - ALL ILLEGALS HAVE 100% MEDICAL COVERAGE AT NO COST TO THEM - PERIOD - Misdemeanor - Deportation.
    16. Traffic citations and accidents - Illegals have no real name or address - if they are get a citation or are involved in an accident - they just disappear and surface again with a new counterfeit license and address- and good luck with your insurance company - misdemeanor - Deportation
    Etc, Etc, Etc,
    By the way no one said anything about hating anyone because of who they are are where their from it's HOW they got here!just pointing out the facts!

    • ANSWER:
      Respect is earned not given..... a free ride on the backs of middle-class Americans doesn't earn much respect.

      But then neither do the actions of our "elected class" as they boost them on our backs!

      Show your feelings at the voting booth...from the municipal elections right up to the presidential election. PLEASE

18. QUESTION:
    state to state insurance changes for autos?
    I have moved from LA to AL. I heard that AL has lower rates than louisiana does. I was thinking about changing my insurance over...BUT...

    A family member has been driving my car for several months now. Just here and there. (I've now got a company car that I use) But the car is in LA still. They are not in a position to buy and I feel like it's worth it to let someone drive.

    I owe on the car so it is fully insured. My cost is 1 every 6 months.

    Should I just leave things alone? Or do I need to get my AL license, re-register car to new address, AND change over insurance?

    • ANSWER:
      Talk to your LA agent about where the best place to insure the car is. Since it's principally garaged in LA, I'm inclined to say you would insure it there.

      However, since your relative is the regular user of the car, you will need to list them on the policy as a driver. Otherwise, coverage could be denied if your relative were in an accident while driving the car.

      Since you are living in AL - you will have to get your drivers license changed over to AL.

19. QUESTION:
    ex wives, child support, How much more can she take??
    I have 2 children. The oldest is 18 and just moved in with me in Louisiana to attend college. The other is 16 and lives with her mother in Texas. I bring home 781.00 a week. I pay trucknote for my son of 232.00 & auto insurance ,207.00 plus his gas, provide home, food, etc. but b/c he is 18 it doesnt count for anything im assuming in the eyes of the court.

    My child support was set in La. at 600.00 a month 10 years ago for both children but now my ex wife who has since moved to TX, makes at least or more than I do. I dont know exactly what she makes but its somewhere between 80-100K a year.

    My 16 yr old daughter now wants a car and I was going to buy her one and pay the insurance for her as well but I thought the only fair thing was to cut the child support in half (300.) since I am raising my son. xwife sent me a msg. saying that she was going to take me back to court because she wants the total amt + more since its only 1 child & if I dont buy the car she will poison
    Poison my daughter against me. My daughter will get mad b/c and not speak to me b/c I bought my son a car and paid his insurance and now I cant do the same for her. She is very manipulative in that regard. I know I need legal advice but it is very expensive and its hard to live on what I have now. I am at wits end. I am trying to spend all I can on my kids but I hardly have anything left to give. Its never enough. Please any advice would be appreciated.
    600.00 child support for one child, 232. car, 207.00 insurance, 200.00 gas, plus another car (6,000K) plus another 200.00 a month insurance...were talking over 1400.00 a month. almost two checks a month. And all she does it have one 16yr old live with her!!!! Is something wrong with this picture?
    She moved to texas 5 years ago to chase a man and make more money. She is an RN and could make double the money she could make here. She owns a nice house in "ritzy" Kingwood and I cant even afford to buy a home...I still rent. She trys to "keep up with the Jones's" on my money. Only buys namebrand clothes for the kids, etc.

    Let me also add - her sister is an attorney and does all her legal work for free. Ive always been at a disadvantage where this is concerned as well.
    Last year I gave my son a credit card so he could have a way to take his girlfriend out to eat or emergencys....my ex wife stole the credit card from him and charged over 400.00 on it...so I had to cancel the card. It really never ends.

    Thanks for all the advice....I just needed to get all this off my chest

    • ANSWER:
      If you are paying directly to her make sure you are documenting every penny you give her.
      If you pay by check in the memo make a VERY detailed list of what the money is for.
      Keep copies of checks, receipts of anything purchased.
      Good record of all payments.
      Make payments on time.
      Do not give cash if you do then go get a money order and document on it and the money order receipt a detailed message what it is for.

      If your court order states that you stop paying when child turns 18 then you no longer are obligated to pay for that child.

      You need to file a motion to modify.

      Here is a web site that can be helpful to you.
      It is for incarcerated folks so don't get upset that I gave it to you. It has good info.

      http://www.fcnetwork.org/library/p3ChildSupport.pdf

      A lot of this you can do through your local child support enforcement office. Just talk to them. Be confident...

20. QUESTION:
    Where does it all go?
    Just having recently moved from Texas to Louisiana - I am trying to figure out where all of the taxes from LA go, its sure aint to the roads, bridges or schools, where in the heck is all of this money going and why the hell did my auto insurance double?

    • ANSWER:
      Some of the most corrupt politicians in the country, comparable to those in Chicago.

21. QUESTION:
    Why do Illegals from Mexico think we owe them a free lunch with all of our welfare programs?
    They come her, they steal out identity. (I am a victim of this, and the IRS says I owe ,500 and counting for taxes I paid in 2007. I keep getting the run around from the IRS, but each time they demand I pay.)

    They come here and pop out a baby and instantly become eligible for entitlement programs.

    When they get on welfare, they steal someone's identity, apply for Credit Cards, run them up. Once the credit is shot and they can no longer squeeze another dime from the victim's name, they walk away.

    Instead of buying a bottle of cold medicine these people are so thoughtless they go to the ER, get it there, and run up a ,000 bill instead.

    A man that makes ,000 per year who pays all his taxes will have almost nothing left in the state of California after living expenses vs an Illegal Alien who does not pay taxes, working for ,000. Because remember, this Illegal Alien had a baby that entitled mom, pop and the rest of the family to a free home, and pays very little in expenses. Most these disrespectful jerks won't even get auto insurance, and end up killing a family because drinking and driving is OK in Mexico. When questioned after and accident, they shrug their shoulders and say, "No speak English"

    And remember, Spanish was NEVER a native language of America. In fact, never has it been the Native language of Mexico, Central or South America. 100's of different Indian languages are, and always have been, and always will be. This will never change because you cannot change history. Spanish is and always has been the Native language of Spain. So when a La Raza type says, "Go back to Europe, Gringo". Laugh in their face and tell them the same.

    • ANSWER:
      - I said in another thread when California dems were squawking, what would you cut out of the budget, then they said it isn't that easy. I said illegal benefits for one item. They pay or get deported. We could balance our budget in California easily. Why do American citizens lose their homes and savings when they do not have healthcare but illegals walk away free?
      The California initiatives we are to vote on in the upcoming election, read them carefully. It is stealing from one to give to another. It is not budget reform. It does not address illegals and the costs to each of us. I am voting NO on all and making them go back to the drawing board and cut for real. None of this stealing to make themselves look good.

      In one instance, the money had to be specifically set aside for children's services. No other reason it could be used legally. The communist's found a way to place some of those services in part of a program funded by other tax dollars, then took the funding that was not intended but has no legal terms because they knew they could. So they will say they are still offering the service just in a different fund.

      The lottery borrowing will never be given back. We will be taxed for the loss in schools. When the 00.00 per family hits in new taxes maybe we can get some conservatives elected. My understanding is the lottery pays for benefits to the teachers now. Remember when the lottery could not go to teachers and had to go to children's programs? But they will appeal to the public, union in their pockets, you would deny teachers benefits rather than pay a little more in taxes?

      Oh wait, ahhhnoollld said he was a conservative. Liar. Watch him switch parties whichever way the wind blows when he leaves office. dems high in elections he will become a dem. Conservatives he will lie and say he has always been a conservative.

      sorry for my rant. I am sick of paying for bleeding heart liberal programs while we work like crazy and get punished for their mistakes...

22. QUESTION:
    What say you Group supports illegal immigrant "driver cards"?
    ALGOMA - A new push in the area toward allowing immigrants regardless of status to have "driver cards" - a limited purpose driver's license. The idea was part of the state budget plan last year, but was removed.

    Thursday, a group that has tried to get the cards approved before held a forum in Kewaunee.

    Allowing an illegal immigrant to get behind the wheel legally in Wisconsin is something Cindy Bruening would like to see.

    "I think it will help make our roads and communities more safe," said Bruenig.

    Bruenig represents Voces de la Frontera, and coordinates sessions like one held Thursday night in Algoma for the Coalition for Safe Roads.

    "I think people will have access to education, to know the rules of the road," said Bruenig. "They'll have greater access to be able to get auto insurance in order to make sure that no one is having to pay greater costs for having uninsured drivers on the roads."

    The legal status of immigrants is something federal, not local, law enforcement deals with. The Kewaunee County Sheriff likes the idea of "limited purpose" drivers licenses.

    "All again we can do is deal with the reality of those persons traveling on our roads, operating on our roads, and do what we can to create once again that safe environment," said Sheriff Matt Joski, Kewaunee County. "We hope that maybe through this, this opens up the conversation and that sooner or later there will be an addressing of that bigger issue."

    "I just can't understand what part of illegal don't people understand," said State Senator Alan Lasee, R - De Pere.

    Lasee notes the issue is being raised a few weeks before an election. He also says the idea of driver cards "flies in the face" of people who immigrated legally.

    "I'd be really cool toward the idea, only because if illegal aliens are illegal why then try to give them the appearance of a legal status by having a driver's card. That would be a bit troubling I would think," said Lasee.

    Neither the senate nor the assembly will be considering the issue at least until the new legislature, elected next month, convenes in January.

    The Coalition for Safe Roads is holding forums in Milwaukee, Madison, and Eau Claire in the next few weeks. After that, organizers say they will evaluate their next steps.

    http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/lakeshore/group-supports-immigrant-%22driver-cards%22

    • ANSWER:
      Just one more bill we CITIZEN tax payers will have to foot to support the poor ILLEGAL immigrant law breaker. I have a better idea, why don't we tell them we have a "driver card" and when they show up to get it, an ICE agent is standing there waiting to deport their @ss.

23. QUESTION:
    Chevy Aveo, Honda Fit, or Toyota Yaris?
    I'm just sold my 2004 Chevy Aveo and am looking for a new car that's similar to it. I loved my Aveo dearly, but it had quite a few issues and wasn't the most reliable. Otherwise I loved the car and it suited my needs perfectly. It was sad to see it go and I originally bought it brand new when the Aveo first debuted.

    I'm looking at a Toyota Yaris hatch, Honda Fit, or a new Chevy Aveo5. I just need basic transportation (as long it has seats and an engine I'm happy) that's fuel efficient, reliable, comfortable for my 6'5'' frame, and something I can fit my surfboard onto. After looking around at recent auto shows here in LA, I narrowed my choices down to these three cars, but I'm not sure which one is better. I'm a college student and don't have a lot of money for a new car.

    I really like the Honda Fit, but it's a bit over my price range (-13k) and has power windows/door locks standard, but I've never been fond of them. I actually prefer the simplicity of manual windows. Also the base version doesn't have an MP3 player or a cargo cover in the trunk. Those items are much more important to me than the power accesories, considering the higher price. Also the insurance is quite a bit higher than the other two. However, the car drives very nicely and probably has bullet-proof reliability and great resale.

    My best friend has a Yaris hatch and it's a really good too. It feels very solid, is fun to drive, and is excellent on gas. I've gotten used to the center-gauges and love all the storage in the dash. Also the price is lower than the Fit and local Toyota dealers have huge discounts on them. And it is really cute. However, the hatch only comes in two-door form and I'd much much rather have a four door (not fond of the sedan). The Yaris also holds a lot less cargo than the other two and there are no surfboard racks available from Toyota, and without the extra doors, I can't put a "soft-rack" (strap-on ties for the board) on the car, so no surfing with the Yaris.

    And then there's the Aveo. As mentioned, I love the Aveo's style, roominess, versatility, performance, features, and the price is right, and GM has huge discounts. Ever since they came out they were a perfect fit for what I need in a car. I would love a new one, but am wary of the reliability again. My old one was one of the first made and it's not uncommon for them to have defects, especially for GM/Daewoo. I'm hoping the 2007 may have the bugs worked out and be more reliable, and GM now has a longer warranty on the car, but it's still a big question mark.

    Any thoughts on which one you'd buy given the circumstances?
    Good suggestion on the Versa. I did look at it and test drove one, but the trim quality was kinda tacky and it felt a bit cheap for the price.

    The other car I looked at was the Suzuki SX4. It was really impressive and the dealer had good discounts. But the fuel economy (28mpg highway) was lousy for a small car. Granted it has AWD, but I don't need that in LA. Otherwise, it's an awesome little package and the warranty is excellent
    Looked at the XA. It was good but I'm really tall and my knees were right up against the dashboard, it felt really cramped to me.

    • ANSWER:
      Here are my opinions.

      Both Toyota, Honda, and Nissan over the past few years have built some lemons. It just goes to show that no auto manufacturer can build 100% reliable vehicles ALL the time.

      One of the big things that you need to consider is what the manufacturer does after the problems that start occurring. Did Chevrolet satisfy you with the repairs that they made on your GM/Daewoo Aveo? So the question is did they earn your trust to get back your business? Do they deserve your money/business. GM was offering 5 year/100K warranties on their vehicles (check your location to see if this is still the case), which were fully transferable to whoever you sell the car too. It may be worth giving Chevrolet another try, especially if the cars initial start up cost is cheaper, and they will warranty the vehicle for 5 year or 100K miles.

      Also consider how much you sold your vehicle for. This is one of the reasons American cars aren't as appealing. The depreciation on American cars always seems to be faster. So say you spend 10K for an Aveo today and a few years from now you sell it for 5K. There was 5K in depreciation. While with a Honda or Toyota, you may spend 13K today, but still be able to sell the car for 10K in a few years. You only lose 3K in depreciation costs. (There are other things to always consider, like opportunity costs and all, ie what else could you have gotten today for the 3K difference, and what it would be worth in the future).

      My thoughs are go with what you are comfortable with. But don't expect the fact that just because it's a Toyota or Honda that it will be 100% reliable.

      Oh, and the GM vehicles that are Toyota/GM joint ventures is the Pontiac Vibe. GM uses Honda V6 engines in their Saturn Vue (only the 6cylinder version and I belive the Hybrid Vue is also Honda tech, but don't quote me on that one).

24. QUESTION:
    what is your oppinion???
    If illegal aliens all took the day off and were truly invisible for one day, there would be some plusses along with the mild inconveniences:

    Hospital emergency rooms across the southwest would have about 20-percent fewer patients, and there would be 183,000 fewer people in Colorado without health insurance.

    OBGYN wards in Denver would have 24-percent fewer deliveries and Los Angeles’s maternity-ward deliveries would drop by 40 percent and maternity billings to Medi-Cal would drop by 66 percent.

    Youth gangs would see their membership drop by 50 percent in many states, and in Phoenix, child-molestation cases would drop by 34 percent and auto theft by 40 percent.

    In Durango, Colorado, and the Four Corners area and the surrounding Indian reservations, the methamphetamine epidemic would slow for one day, as the 90 percent of that drug now being brought in from Mexico was held in Albuquerque and Farmington a few hours longer. According to the sheriff of La Plata Co
    Colorado, meth is now being brought in by ordinary illegal aliens as well as professional drug dealers.
    If the “Day-Without-an-Immigrant Boycott” had been held a year earlier on May 8, 2005, and illegal alien Raul Garcia-Gomez had stayed home and did not work or go to a party that day, Denver police officer Donnie Young would still be alive and Garcia-Gomez would not be sitting in a Denver jail awaiting trial.if the boycott had been held on July 1, 2004, Justin Goodman of Thornton, Colorado, would still be riding his motorcycle and Roberto Martinez-Ruiz would not be in prison for killing him and then fleeing the scene while driving on a suspended license.If illegal aliens stayed home—in Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, and 100 other countries—the Border Patrol would have 3,500 fewer apprehensions (of the 12,000 who try each day).Colorado taxpayers would save almost ,000,000 in one day if illegals do not access any public services, because illegal aliens c
    on I-70 and other highways.On a Day Without an Illegal Immigrant, thousands of workers and small contractors in the construction industry across Colorado would have their jobs back, the jobs given to illegal workers because they work for lower wages and no benefits. (On the other hand, if labor unions continue signing up illegal workers, no one will be worrying about Joe Six-Pack’s loss. Sorry, Joe, but you forgot to tell your union business agent that your job is as important as his is.)
    If it fell on a Sunday, Catholic Churches in the southwestern states might have 20-percent fewer parishioners at Mass if all illegals stayed home, but they would be back next Sunday, so the bishop’s job is not in danger. The religious leaders who send people to the marches and rallies will never fear for their jobs, because illegal aliens need their special “human-rights” advocacy and some priests and nuns seem especially devoted to that cause. The fact that most Catholics disagree with the bis
    The fact that most Catholics disagree with the bishops’ radicalism doesn’t seem to affect their dedication to undermining the rule of law.

    All of this might be a passing colorful episode in the heated national debate over immigration policy if it weren’t for an odd coincidence: The immigration-enforcement agency responsible for locating and deporting illegal aliens is also taking the day off today. Of course, they didn’t call it a boycott. It is just (non)business as usual.

    —Tom Tancredo is a Republican congressman from Colorado
    "nationally, in jails its mostly white-nationally on welfare-its mostly white"

    do the math! do the ratio of whites on welfare and in prison,then try saying this again retard!

    • ANSWER:
      Nobody likes to hear the truth, and the truth is just by being an Illegal forces them to do other illegal stuff, like drive with out a license not pay taxes etc etc... This country needs to stick together. If you now an Illegal turn them in. Keep pushing the INS until something is done, do not be afraid. the Minutemen should be an inspiration to us.

25. QUESTION:
    Can anyone explain to me how cash for clunkers was a good thing?
    Ignore all the gas crap and just look at how the stupid car buyer got taken to the cleaners:

    If you traded in a clunker worth 00, you get 00 off for an apparent "savings" of 00.

    However, you have to pay taxes on the 00 come April 15th (something that no auto dealer will tell you). If you are in the 30% tax bracket, you will pay 50 on that 00.

    So, rather than save 00, you actually pay an extra 0 to the feds. In addition, you traded in a car that was most likely paid for. Now you have 4 or 5 years of payments on a car that you did not need, that was costing you less to run than the payments that you will now be making.

    But wait; it gets even better: you also got ripped off by the dealer.
    For example, every dealer here in LA was selling the Ford Focus with all the goodies, including A/C, auto transmission, power windows, etc for ,500 the month before the "cash for clunkers" program started.

    When "cash for clunkers" came along, they stopped discounting them and instead sold them at the list price of ,500. So, you paid 00 more than you would have the month before... (Honda, Toyota , and Kia played the same list price game that Ford and Chevy did).

    So let's do the final tally here:

    You traded in a car worth: 00
    You got a discount of: 00
    ---------
    Net so far +00
    But you have to pay: 50 in taxes on the 00
    --------
    Net so far: -0
    And you paid: 00 more than the car was selling for the month before
    ----------
    Net -50

    We could also add in the additional taxes (sales tax, state tax, etc.) on the extra 00 that you paid for the car, along with the 5 years of interest on the car loan, but let's just stop here.

    So who actually made out on the deal? The feds collected taxes on the car along with taxes on the 00 they "gave" you. The car dealers made an extra 00 or more on every car they sold along with the kickbacks from the manufacturers and the loan companies. The manufacturers got to dump lots of cars they could not give away the month before. And the poor, stupid consumer got saddled with even more debt that they cannot afford.

    Obama and his band of merry men convinced Joe consumer that he was getting 00 in "free" money from the "government" when in fact, Joe was giving away his 00 car and paying an additional 50 for the privilege.
    Think this was stupid for those who were crazy enough to swallow this wonderful scheme?

    Just wait until we get health care with no additional costs over what most of us now pay for health insurance and the best medical care in the world. Think that scheme might be designed by the same people who came up with Cash for Clunkers?

    • ANSWER:
      It wasn't. Do you know that many of those so called "clunkers" had 50,000 miles or less on them? Many of them had good tires and running gear, and some still had engines in them that were running well, but yet the engines in those vehicles were destroyed. We have people, in this country, who would have given their right arm to own one of those "clunkers" that were deliberately destroyed. Just another example of our political stupidity! It was a terrible waste. Those vehicles should have gone to needy families instead of being broken up and ending up on a landfill.

26. QUESTION:
    If a lien holder has a Lien on your car after accident do?
    I was in an auto accident not my fault and statefarm deemed my car a total loss my car is payed off but i put it up for collateral to get a loan so it has a lein holder the insurance called me to go over some numbers with me so I have not returned no calls my question in will they still pay me out even though the car has a lien on it I am makeing payments to the lien holder and will continue to do so until the loan is payed off how does that work I am in la ca any advice is great thanks

    • ANSWER:
      If you had to list the leinholder as "loss payee" on your insurance, then, depending on how much the lein is and how much the insurance gives you for your car, it will go againist the lein. Whatever the balance left is up to you to pay. If there is no lost payee on your insurance, the the check goes to you and its up to you to pay the lein off or buy another car.

27. QUESTION:
    i need a used car, which one should i get?!?
    hey i am a 19 year guy who is attending college in LA, California, i have saved up two thousand dollars (00). i just got my drivers license and want a used car. i have three cars in mind, toyota corolla (1990-94), honda accord (1990-94), and a classic vw bug (1966-73).

    i have two older brothers and one has a classic vw bug and the other a 94 honda accord. i have rode in both of them, the vw bug seems to very unconfortable because of the suspension, and the stick shifting but i just love them (since i was 16). on the other hand, my other brothers honda accord is very comfortable with ac/heater and is an auto, not to mention that it seems way safer. for the corolla my aunt had a 90s one and she has said the car seems to like taking beatings.

    so with a 00 budget, what should i get?

    i was told vw bugs are cheap to maintain, and that some get good gas mileage.

    i like the way the accord handles, but are they expensive to fix? and are they problematic?

    i have on my own researched corollas and tercels, some people seem to find them convenient, are they?

    please keep in mind that i am only a college student, i have no job yet, but my father is willing to pinch in for the insurance. also i live only about four (4) miles away from college, and i plan to work close, also ill rather spend on gas than on public transit (10$ a week).

    sorry for making it that long but i really want advice from some experienced car owners, thanks for reading

    • ANSWER:
      With only 2,000 dollars, I do not think you can really get a reliable car. But if you really must get a car, then get a honda civic or toyota corolla. They are cheap in parts.

28. QUESTION:
    Mortgage Math Question?
    Can someone help me figure this out?! Any information or help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

    1.) Marsha and John smith of LA, Ca have an annual income of ,000 and want to buy a home.

    A. Using a 28% front-end ratio, what is the total expenditure (the principle and interest on the mortgage plus the real estate taxes and insurance) for which they would qualify?

    B.) What would be the target mortgage payment given that they have an auto loan payment of 0/month and a student loan of 0/month?

    2.) The smiths found a property with a price of 0,000. They are willing and able to pay 20% as a down payment. Also, they have to pay plenty or fees during closing. The total closing costs the Smith's are going to pay are approximately 4% of the amount of the mortgage loan.
    A.) How much is the down payment?
    B.) The amount of the mortgage loan?
    C.) The closing costs?

    • ANSWER:
      2)
      a, 320000 * .20 =64000 (20% of price)
      b. 320000 - 64000=256000 (price - 20% down=mortgage loan)
      c.256000 * .04 = 10240 (4% of mortgage loan)

29. QUESTION:
    Why did thousands of uninsured workers line up at LA free clinic forum?
    I thought Everyone is insured under the free market?

    One volunteer dentist who spoke to the local media said that conditions in Los Angeles were worse than in Brazil, where he has done equivalent charity work. “They have a nice system of public hospitals and clinics,” he said, referring to Brazil. A volunteer doctor, when asked about the difference between Third World conditions and those in Los Angeles, responded, “Here the people speak English.”

    According to local press accounts, among those seeking help at the clinic were:

    • A homeless man who camped outside in order to get glasses
    • An unemployed grocery clerk needing a root canal
    • A laid-off auto mechanic with back pain
    • A laid-off office worker uninsured for two years
    • A cancer patient who had exhausted her benefits under her HMO plan
    • A community college student with sinus problems and blurred vision
    • A laid-off security guard who needed glasses
    • An unemployed grocery clerk with a toothache
    • A woman whose children are covered under the state Medi-Cal plan but lacks insurance for herself
    • A county government worker whose dental insurance deductibles were too high to afford treatment for her husband and three-year-old daughter
    • A retired welder who lost his coverage while he was in the middle of getting dentures
    • A couple, both employed, who between them needed dentures, a general physical, a breast exam and a pap smear
    • A diabetic amputee who could not afford to buy needed drugs
    • A retiree needing an X-ray for a lung problem
    • A 70-year-old Vietnam vet who put off a root canal for two years because the VA hospital was overwhelmed with more urgent cases
    • A 63-year-old woman who received her first new pair of glasses in five years
    • A 46-year-old woman who had an abnormal pap smear last year but was unable to follow up because Medi-Cal denied her coverage.

    • ANSWER:
      there were plenty that had jobs and insurance.