Insurance payment lapse may lead to tag loss

DAYTONA BEACH -- On his way home from a wedding rehearsal one night, Millard Gillen lost his car.

No, he wasn't drunk. And no, he hadn't crashed into anyone.

The 44-year-old simply had not paid his auto insurance on time.

As a result, Gillen's license tag was seized because he was driving with a suspended license, a police report shows. Because his tag was confiscated and his driver's license was useless, his red Chrysler convertible was swiftly towed away from the 500 block of International Speedway Boulevard just after 8 p.m. Sept. 5.

Accompanied by his two youngest children -- an 8-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy -- Gillen was left red-faced and confounded. His children meanwhile, were frightened, having just been stopped by a policeman and watching their family's car hauled off by a tow truck.

"I found out that my license was suspended when I got pulled over," said Gillen of South Daytona. "I'm 44 years old and I've never not had a license. I've had one since I was 15 years old."

In Florida, being late with your auto insurance payment is verboten. Because Florida is a no-fault state, all motorists must carry Personal Injury Protection -- better known as PIP -- and property damage liability, said Ann Nucatola, spokeswoman for the state's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in Tallahassee.

When your auto insurance company fails to receive your payment, they must notify the state. State officials then send out a letter asking if the motorist has changed insurance companies and, if so, inform the state of the change, Nucatola said.

"We try to give people enough notice and a chance to respond," she said. "We realize that people do change insurance companies and all they have to do is notify us of the change."

If the state doesn't receive a response, the motorists' license is automatically suspended and a seize-tag order is put into effect. Nucatola said Gillen never responded to a letter sent to his home on July 6. He was given a month to reply.

And it's not the first time either.

"This is the third time this happens to Mr. Gillen," Nucatola said. "His license was reinstated on Oct. 29."

And the third time was no charm for Gillen, who ended up paying more than $800 in towing charges -- his car was in the tow yard for 35 days because he couldn't afford to bail it out -- as well as a higher reinstatement fee for his driver's license, records show.

According to state statute, the reinstatement fee is $150 for the first offense; $250 for the second; and $500 for the third and any subsequent offenses.

Ironically enough, Gillen was not pulled over because of his suspended license or the seize-tag order. He said he was stopped because he had swerved slightly over the dividing line as he headed home along ISB that evening after a wedding rehearsal for his brother's upcoming nuptials.

When Daytona Beach Officer Timothy Blowers checked Gillen's license plate, he discovered there was a seize-tag order from the state and that Gillen's driver's license had been suspended, the report shows.

Gillen said he had a six-month auto insurance policy at the time that was automatically debited from his checking account each month; he said he just assumed it had been done.

"The whole thing was just a nightmare," Gillen said.

Michigan House Democrats OK auto insurance bills

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan House has passed legislation that would change how auto insurance rates could be set in the state.

A bill that would prohibit using a driver's education level, credit history or occupation to determine rates passed by a 57-47 vote Wednesday. Another bill would prohibit rate increases for drivers who are not at fault in accidents.

The House did not vote on a measure that would require companies to get prior approval from the state insurance commissioner before raising rates.

Majority Democrats say the bills are designed to protect consumers and lower rates.

Opponents including the insurance industry say the proposals would drive up costs for motorists and jeopardize jobs. The measures are unlikely to be taken up in the Republican-led Senate.

Going to university? How to get the best car insurance quotes

With over 500,000 students getting their A-level results today; many will be venturing off to college or university and probably leaving home for the first time. Many will also be looking to take their car with them, unaware that as they move into student accommodation or halls of residence their car insurance premiums could increase.

A list of the top 5 tips for students to follow to help fight any increase in premiums that may arise as a result of leaving home to study:

1. Consider how many miles you will be driving. When buying your car insurance the number of miles driven per year will have a major effect on your premium, so be accurate and make sure you don’t over estimate. Although be honest, if you “lie” to your insurer you could potentially invalidate a claim.

2. Look at where it is parked overnight. If you’re lucky enough to have off road parking or even a garage at your accommodation then use it as this will help to reduce your premium. If the vehicle is kept on the road, look to add some extra security such as alarms and immobilisers (if not already fitted) and steering locks. You may have no option but to park on the road, however you can still help reduce your annual costs by adding extra security.

3. If you are the main driver or registered keeper of the car, don’t insure it in your parents name and put yourself down as a named driver. As well as being false economy as you are just delaying the building up of your no-claims discount, more importantly this is illegal and is known as “fronting” and if you were to be in an accident it could mean the claim is not paid. Worse still, if it’s proven you’re guilty of fronting you are open to prosecution which is likely to be around 3-6 points on your licence and a hefty fine.

4. If you’re a new driver or under 25 consider taking the Pass Plus test. This will consist of some additional lessons which see’s you experience motorways, night driving and towns to name a few different situations. By completing the Pass Plus test you can then get discounts with various insurers of anything from 5% of your car insurance premium upwards.

5. Shop around for your car insurance policy and consider paying a higher voluntary excess in the event of a claim. Although you pay out more if you claim, your premium can reduce quite considerably if you agree to share more of the risk with your car insurance company

Younger drivers may want to also consider the type of car they buy. The GTi badge and the spoilers may look attractive, but the insurance premiums for younger drivers of such cars aren’t quite as appealing. By quickly looking at the insurance group applicable to the vehicle type, and avoiding anything that has “Sport” or “GT” in its name.

Whether you’re going to university, or starting your first step onto the career ladder this autumn, younger drivers can make some significant savings by shopping around for their car insurance and following our tips to get cheaper premiums.

Read this, then read your car insurance policy

Let's say you have a brand-new car and you're the victim of an accident or vandalism that requires you to get the car repaired. Fortunately, you have insurance, so you can count on the car being made good as new. Right?

Wrong.

In 2003, while serving in the state Senate, I wrote the law that gives consumers the right to select the collision repair facility of their choice. This law was necessary because insurance companies routinely make deals with preferred shops to use cheaper used or "after-market" parts rather than parts made by the vehicle manufacturer. Sometimes the imitation parts work fine, but too often they don't fit the vehicle or are made of inferior metals and plastics. The law made it illegal for insurers to steer policy holders toward specific shops.

But that's all about to change because of an industry-sponsored bill and a recent legal ruling that are conspiring to make consumers the least important person involved in car repair decisions.

Assembly woman Mary Hayashi, D-Hayward, has introduced AB1200 to roll back California's consumer protections by allowing your insurance company to pressure you into choosing their shop even after you have selected where you want your vehicle fixed. A major insurer recently directed its shops to stop using factory parts on any vehicle with more than 12,000 miles or more than a year old. Never mind the fact that the non-manufacturer parts could void your warranty if it is deemed to cause some future problem - such as a substandard component of your car's transmission leading to larger transmission failure.

But wait, there's more bad news for California drivers.

Let's say that you are able to withstand your insurer's pressure tactics and demand that your body shop use factory parts. You still may not be protected. Because buried in many policies is a provision where the insurer reserves the right to use either factory or aftermarket parts, whichever is cheaper. This month, a Los Angeles County appeals court upheld an insurer's right to limit payment to a claimant who chose not to use a shop favored by the insurer. It is my guess that most drivers in California spend more time writing premium checks than they do reading their insurance policies. Well, I'm afraid we can't afford that luxury anymore. I urge you to go get your policy, pour yourself a cup of coffee and read it. Make sure that you are entitled to new, manufacturer parts whenever your car is repaired and that you can go to the shop of your choice, without arm-twisting from your insurer. If you can't find the language in the policy, call whoever sold it to you and make them go through it with you.

Finding an auto repair facility that you trust isn't always easy, but there are plenty of skilled and honest mechanics and body shops out there. However, they may soon go out of business if insurance companies get their way, squeezed out by the corner cutters and dealmakers.

There are two ways to stop this from happening: Read your policy to make sure your rights are protected, and tell your state lawmakers to stand up for consumers and reject AB1200.

Auto Insurance Quotes - Compare Car Insurance Rates And Quotes

With the economy being in a slump many auto insurance carriers are feeling the pinch as well and having to lower their car insurance rates to stay competitive in the market. This is great for the everyday consumer that wants to cut monthly costs. A new orlando based website launched that gives consumers in all 50 states free auto insurance quotes by entering their zipcode and pressing go at
orlando-auto-insurance.org. This save users a lot of time from having to invidually search for rates.

It use to be a hassle to search for car insurance quotes by opening up the phone book and dialing each provider and answering the same questions over and over only to find the rates weren’t all that good. That all has changed with the internet being a major resource for people and allowing them to get insatant auto insurance quotes.

"looking for auto insurance was alway something I dreaded because I hated getting on the phone and having to get bounced around to all the different departments and the hard selling tactics they tried to use on me, when I just wanted a quote. Now I can get car insurance quotes in minites using the internet" -Sandra Graham

Some website make you fill out lenthly quote forms but orlando-auto-insurance.org only needs you to enter your zipcode and press go so they can provide you with the most affordable local insurance companies in your area.

"I am now saving over $217 on my auto insurance for my family of 4 drivers. I didnt realize getting quotes was so easy and since my 2 kids have had clean driving records our rates have gone down substantially. I wouldn’t have been saving this money if I didnt get free car insurance quotes" -Bob Shridell

Consumers throught the united states are now saving alot of money by switching to cheaper car insurance and getting free car insurance quotes online is the best way to get started. Many people are saving $598 or more on their auto insurance.

Auto Insurance: Additional Auto Insurance Coverage

When shopping for auto insurance rates you should also consider additional auto insurance coverage beyond the minimums set by the state you live in. Most states require you to have bodily liability and property liability coverage.

The minimum bodily coverage will probably be around $15,000 for death or injury of any one person, any one accident and $30,000 for all persons in any one accident. The minimum amount of property liability coverage will probably be around $5,000.

Auto Insurance
Getting the bare minimum amount of coverage isn’t recommended. You will be liable for any property damage and medical expenses beyond the auto insurance coverage you have if the accident is your fault. You can and probably will be sued if you don’t have enough insurance coverage.

That being said, we definitely recommend getting the most coverage you can afford. Yes, your auto insurance premiums will be higher but at least you will be able to sleep at night knowing you are adequately insured.

You should also consider additional auto insurance coverage. Insurance companies must also offer the following types of coverage with your automobile insurance policy.

Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage
Uninsured and Underinsured motorist coverage is a must. This type of car insurance provides liability insurance when the other driver does not have the required minimum liability coverage. This will also cover you if the other driver’s auto insurance coverage is insufficient to cover the injuries you sustained in an accident and if the other driver doesn’t have insurance.

Some auto insurance companies will also offer the following optional coverages. Payments for Medical, provides for the payment of medical and similar expenses without regard for liability.

Collision Insurance and Comprehensive Insurance
Physical Damage, collision and comprehensive. Collision covers damage to your auto caused by collision with another vehicle or with any other object, regardless of fault.

Collision car insurance also covers you when a vehicle overturns, but does not cover bodily injury or property damage liability. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your car caused by reason other than collision, such as fire, theft, windstorm, flood, vandalism, etc.

Auto Insurance Riders
Auto insurance riders for after-market additions on your car like special tires, rims and sound systems. Coverage for towing and rental reimbursement especially if you only have one vehicle.

USAA Auto Insurance Reduces Auto Rates 7% for Californians

USAA Auto Group announced it is reducing rates an average of 7 percent for auto policyholders in California.

The 10th largest auto insurer in the state, USAA insures nearly 1 million vehicles in California, covering approximately 3.5 percent of the auto insurance market, according to the California Department of Insurance. Under the newly approved rates, USAA's California policyholders will save an average of about 7 percent, or about $104 per policy per year -- a total of $47.6 million. New rates apply to policies written or renewed after August 5, 2009.

Under the newly approved rate cut, USAA customers in Los Angeles County will save an average of 15 percent, or $262 per year, per policy, the DOI said. USAA customers in San Francisco will save an average of $157 per year, and San Diego policyholders will save an average of $104 each year.

Auto Insurance: Insuring a Teenage Driver

Getting auto insurance for a teenage driver in your home is costly. The increased cost for auto insurance is justified by insurance companies for the simple fact that teenagers are a in higher risk category than everyone else.

Do you know the crash rate per mile driven for 16-19 year-olds is four times the risk for older drivers? This risk drives the cost of your automotible insurance a lot higher.

There are some steps you can take to keep the increased insurance premiums down.

Find the Best Auto Insurance Rates Here

Have your teenager take a defensive driver course if the state you live in doesn’t already require a defensive driver course to obtain a drivers licence.

Add the teenage driver to your auto insurance policy, this is cheaper than having your teenager get their own insurance.

Consider combining your home insurance and auto insurance if you haven’t already. Most insurance companies will give you a discount on your insurance if you have more than one type of insurance coverage.

Shop around for the auto insurance rates. Since you’re adding a teenage driver and maybe another car now is probably a good time to comparison shop for car insurance rates.

Vehicle dealers not last stop for auto insurance

A Mumbai resident who recently bought a midsized car was stumped when the dealer demanded Rs 48,000 premium for the annual comprehensive car insurance. “I did some online research independently and got several quotes from insurance companies, one of which was as low as Rs 25,000. I went back to my dealer who then matched it.’’

In other words, if you plan to buy a car, you don’t have to necessarily pick up motor insurance from the dealer. You could approach insurance companies directly and negotiate a lower premium and secure up to 50% discount on what your dealer offers. According to Delhi-based consumer expert Bejon Misra and former General Insurance Council secretary general K N Bhandari, dealers are known to mark up premium.

While insurance companies TOI spoke to deny knowledge of such a practice, Bhandari says, “Higher the premium, higher the commission. There is a need for consumers to assert themselves even to the regulator to enforce greater surveillance and more stringent implementation of insurance guidelines.’’

Another Mumbai resident who just bought an SUV says, “When people take an LPG connection, they think it is compulsory to pick up a gas stove from the dealer. The same mindset works here.’’ He too managed to bring down the dealer’s quote from Rs 38,000 to Rs 14,000. “The range of quotes is shocking,’’ he says.

Importantly, the dealer did not mention that he was entitled to a no-claims bonus as well, considering he had not made a single insurance claim on his old car. The bonus is transferable across insurers and vehicles-provided you sell your old vehicle.
Says Rahul Aggarwal, CEO at Optima Insurance Brokers, “The bonus is on percentage basis and not in rupee terms. It changes every year. The minimum is 20% on own-damage premium and maximum, 50%.’’ The percentage remains unchanged even when one upgrades from a smaller vehicle to a large one, assures Aggarwal.

An official at the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), while asking consumers to be more aware, says, “Dealers are neither agents, brokers nor insurers. What they quote is what they get from insurers. They can’t quote more or less than that.’’ Consumers should cross-check the price offered by various insurers, says the official. “Nobody should get carried away. No dealer can force you to get insurance.’’

Budget Measure Requires Drivers Get Auto Insurance

MADISON, Wis. -- A provision requiring drivers to have auto liability insurance was signed into law on Monday as part the state budget.

By July 2010, every driver will be legally required to carry auto insurance. The amount of liability insurance also goes up in January.

Critics say the move will raise rates for everyone, but those who support it say it's a move toward more consumer protection.

"It really is more updating some of the limits you have, what are called financial responsibility limits, that had not been changed in 25 years," said Sean Dilweg, the state insurance commissioner. "And those are being increased two-fold, which really, if you think of medical costs, really falls in line with what people face," said Dilweg.

After July, New Hampshire will be the only state in the country that doesn't require drivers to be insured.

Beating the Rate Hike on Car Insurance

Gas prices are down by a third from a year ago, but the costs of owning a car may be heading up, courtesy of your auto insurance. After two years of staying flat, rates rose an average of 2.5 percent in 2008 and could rise up to 7 percent this year—the biggest increase in more than five years, according to brokerage firm Stifel Nicolaus. Some tips to avoid the jump:

Bargain hard
Insurance companies may refuse to budge if you ask for a rate rollback. But “there’s always room to bargain,” says Michael McRaith, director of Illinois’s insurance division. One thing your underwriter might do is apply new discounts. Some carriers offer discounts for professional degrees—even a master’s in education may qualify—while others may apply a “persistency” credit just for being a longtime customer. If you’ve started working from home or get laid off, let your insurer know you’re no longer commuting by car. You could save up to 10 percent, for example, if you now drive less than 10 miles a day.

Tweak your policy
Most experts don’t advise going with your state’s minimum liability coverage, since a lawsuit over a severe bodily injury could then wipe out your net worth. But opting for a higher collision deductible—from $500 on a typical policy to $1,000—could knock 5 percent off the premium on that line of the policy, analysts say. Most consumers file claims only once every eight to 10 years, so you’ll probably come out ahead in the long run, says Jeanne Salvatore, senior vice president at the Insurance Information Institute. Bundling your auto and home insurance with the same carrier could shave a few bucks too, as could trading in your car for one that’s less costly to insure.

Get smarter about credit
Underwriters use a credit-based score to help calculate your premium—and if you have a few black marks on your record, you’ll probably get hit hardest. Paying overdue bills and fixing errors on your credit report are good places to start. Using less of your available credit can hike your score too, according to Fair Isaac, the big credit-scoring firm. Insurers such as State Farm may also give you a break for a hardship such as a job loss, divorce or identity theft. Only certain hardships qualify, and only if they negatively affect your score. But you won’t get a break if you don’t ask.

Bank holiday warning issued by car insurance firm

The AA is appealing for drivers to ensure they take regular breaks when on road trips this bank holiday weekend.

According to research from the car insurance provider, one in 10 motorists admit to falling asleep while at the wheel with 28% saying they keep driving while tired in order to reach their destination quicker.

The study revealed that nearly half of those questioned drive through the night, when the body is in a naturally more relaxed state.

Andrew Howard, head of road safety at the AA, said: "The risk of death or serious injury from falling asleep at the wheel is greater as the grim fact is that these accidents tend to happen at higher speed, as drivers don't brake before crashing.

"Many of the motorists driving this weekend will not regularly drive long distances, so there will be a temptation to skip breaks and keep driving. If they do this while tired, they are in danger of becoming a statistic."

The AA advises drivers to plan journeys before setting off and make sure take stops at regular intervals.

Safe young drivers 'deserve better insurance deals'

The insurance industry should recognise the efforts of young drivers who are trying to improve the standard of their driving, one insurer has said.

According to the AA, young drivers who can demonstrate they are driving safely and therefore less likely to end up claiming need to be rewarded.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said that young drivers face high premiums as figures from the firm show that they are 10 times more likely to be involved in a serious collision than an experienced driver.

"But that doesn't mean all young drivers are reckless or careless when behind the wheel. I believe the industry must work together to find a formula that recognises those who are able to demonstrate they take a responsible approach to driving," he added.

The AA said that many insurers will not provide cover for some drivers under 21, or even 25, which means premiums become higher and could encourage more fraudulent claims.

Drive Smart, a new campaign to encourage young people to drive safely, has recently been launched by the insurer.

During recession consumers should keep insurance

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Barry Miller figured he was saving $100 a month when he scaled back his disability insurance. After all, he was healthy.

"It just looked like the policy was too expensive," said Miller, who was paying for his own disability insurance carried over from a previous job. "Sometimes you don't know what will happen."

What happened was this: In January, he was diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a condition that causes facial paralysis. Now, at 61, he has left his job as a sales manager for a girls' accessories company, and the Ridgewood, N.J., resident is out $3,000 a month in disability payments.

This is the summer of the new frugality. Americans everywhere are clipping coupons, searching for freebies and finding all sorts of creative ways to save money. Saving money is chic; another way to impress the neighbors. But others are making far tougher choices that threaten to cost them far more than they save.

Reducing insurance coverage, whether it's a consumer or a small business making the cuts, does mean instant cost savings. But it's proving to be problematic for some people, leaving homes and businesses underinsured and their owners facing huge monetary losses should disaster or illness strike. It's also making families vulnerable to financial hardship because some are giving up their life insurance.

"The economy is prompting a lot of people to reassess or re-evaluate everything everywhere and they are looking to make sure they are getting the most for their money," said Mark Gibson, assistant vice president of advertising for State Farm Insurance Cos. "Our industry is no different."

That creates something of a buyers' market. Many consumers are shopping around for the best price.

After receiving a rate increase notice last year for polices on two automobiles and two homes, Justin Gregonis decided to leave his current insurance provider and go with a cheaper company. Gregonis, of Phoenix, said he was able to get the same amount of coverage without changing his deductibles for a savings of about $1,200 a year.

"I was willing to go with whomever was going to get me the best rate and have the best coverages," he said. "Insurance in itself is just basically like playing the lottery. It's just a gamble, but you have to have it."

Consumers' willingness to abandon their insurers is making some companies work with customers to try to retain them.

Companies like Allstate Corp. and Travelers Cos. are introducing new discounts and lower priced products. But consumers need to be careful about discounts, for example, when carriers offer lower prices to customers who buy both homeowners and auto policies.

To help consumers, President Barack Obama has been advocating health care reform, which could pressure private insurers to keep premiums reasonable. And state regulators limit how much insurers can charge for coverage such as auto and homeowners insurance.

But many consumers are still cutting back on all types of insurance.

Al Tobin, managing director and leader of Aon Corp.'s property practice, said some clients aren't renewing the same limits on what are known as specialized policies, such as California earthquake coverage, because they can't afford them. Aon, an insurance broker, helps companies find commercial insurance coverage.

"We have seen a trend for quite a few months where clients are buying less," he said.

Insurers don't release figures on how much their customers are reducing or ending their coverage. But according to an Insurance Resource Council survey that questioned 1,000 adult consumers by telephone in December, 28 percent with at least one vehicle shopped for lower auto insurance rates, while 9 percent said they had canceled or decided not to renew their auto coverage.

Five percent of homeowners surveyed said they had canceled or not renewed their homeowners insurance, as did 14 percent of renters.

Tips for planning your motorcycle trip

Anyone planning a long motorcycle trip knows the unique feeling experienced in the days just before you “head out.” Call it anxiety, nervousness, excitement or worry, we’ve all felt it. We’ve checked the bike and the gear, usually multiple times. Then we’ve thought about checking the bike and the gear many more times! We think: “Did I miss something? Did I forget something? Is the bike ready? Am I ready, and am I sure I really want to do this?”

As we head into the summer riding season, I thought a check-list might help plan that long trip. This list is by no means inclusive. I started this list before my trip from Maryland to Arkansas last year and have added to it as ideas and experience have dictated.

Off-road warning after gate crash

Police have warned riders of motorcycles and quad bikes against riding off-road on public paths after a biker was injured crashing into a gate.

The accident happened on a canal tow path at Tomnahurich Bridge, Inverness. The man required hospital treatment.

Northern Constabulary said riders using tow paths were partly behind increasing complaints about off-road riding.

Officers said irresponsible use of the bikes could lead to them being seized and even destroyed.

'Worst case'

Sgt Gus Stewart said the force wanted to ensure public paths and tracks were safe.

He added: "We ask that if you are using any such vehicle you seek approval of the land owners first or seek to find approved clubs or tracks in the area.

"I would also like to remind riders, if your motorcycle is being used on a road or public place it requires to be covered by a policy of insurance.

"If you don't, you run the risk of being reported, your motorcycle being seized, and in the worst case, it thereafter being destroyed."

Drivers look to bikes to save money on insurance deals

Drivers are contemplating exchanging their cars for mopeds or motorbikes as a way of saving money on their insurance deals, one financial services provider has claimed.

The Post Office stated that the benefits of swapping to two wheels can be seen in lower premiums, no congestion charge, road tax starting from £15 and less fuel consumption.

Research from the organisation showed that 31% of men are attracted by lower fuel costs while 27% are considering a change as they think it will be easier to travel.

Richard Pennant-Jones, Post Office head of general insurance, said: "At a time when many people are stretched financially, switching from four wheels to two is one way to save money.

"Using mopeds or motorcycles over the spring and summer can help reduce day-to-day transport and running costs, including insurance which could be significantly cheaper for motorcycles and mopeds than cars."

Until the end of July, Post Office Motorcycle Insurance is currently offering new customers an extra month for free when they purchase a year-long policy.

Motorcycle class keeps riders safe

MONTEVALLO — Mike Newton celebrated his 50th birthday earlier this year by fulfilling a lifelong dream: buying a motorcycle.

“I always wanted a bike, all my life,” said Newton, who lives in Forestdale. “I waited until I turned 50 and thought I would go for it.”

To learn more about biking, Newton enrolled in Motorcycle Safety Foundation training at the Alabama Traffic Safety Center. The class was taught May 29-31 on the University of Montevallo campus.

“I want to know how to get the most enjoyment out of the bike, and keep myself out of trouble,” said Newton, who teaches English at Wenonah High School in Birmingham.

About a dozen people took this weekend’s basic rider course, designed for people who have limited or no riding experience.

“The last thing I want to hear about is somebody wrecking, especially due to lack of training,” said Rick Randolph, program manager at the traffic safety center.

Randolph retired from the Air Force a few years ago and has taught vehicle safety at Maxwell Air Force Base.

“Motorcycling is just like a baby learning to walk,” Randolph said. “They learn by mistake — they fall. Rarely do they get up and dosado.”

An avid biker, Randolph said the course quickly helps people decide if motorcycling is really something they want to do.

“If someone is entertaining the thought of riding, take the class and find out,” Randolph said. “You don’t want to spend $7,000 on a motorcycle and realize this is not your cup of tea and then have payments for years. This may not be something for you; it isn’t meant for everyone.”

Eddie Zedaker, a 22-year-old Auburn student, enrolled in the class hoping to ride with his father.

“My dad just purchased a second bike; I want to ride with him,” said Zedaker. “This is my first time to ride. This helps you with just getting the feel of it.”

The traffic safety center also offers classes for more experienced riders. The advanced training focuses on cornering, braking, emergency maneuvering and carrying a passenger.

“I hear people say, ‘Dude, I’ve been riding for years, and I don’t need that,’” Randolph said. “I rode for years, but I was an uneducated rider. I thought I knew what I was doing, but I wasn’t always trained in the best way.”

Randolph said proper training is more essential now than ever before.

More and more people are turning to motorcycles, commuter bikes and scooters due to great fuel efficiency, Randolph said.

The state witnessed a 51 percent jump in motorcycle registration from 2000 to 2007. But more bikers on the roadways also mean more fatalities, accidents and property damage, Randolph said.

Alabama is the only state that doesn’t require motorcycle drivers to pass a skills test to earn a license. Currently, 38 states use the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course as their skills test.

Passing the course often earns drivers a discount on their motorcycle insurance, as well as better driving skills.

Customers demand Yamaha’s YBR250

Yamaha’s YBR250 has been available in Europe before however it’s only now, following on from customer demand, that Yamaha have now decided to introduce into their model line up for this year.

Imported in limited numbers, this stylish single cylinder 250 four-stroke motorcycle is the perfect answer for those riders who like geared bikes, but also want to bridge the gap between a 125 and 600cc machinery. The YBR250 is economical, attracts low insurance premiums, is easy to ride and with its comtempory design, has a low seat height (805mm) too.

BIKE INSURANCE NEWS Motorbiking Abroad: What's the Bike Insurance Frontier?

There's a lot of confusion about insurance when it comes to taking a motorbike abroad. Rob Balls of Bikesure, one of the UK's leading motorcycle insurance brokers, offers advice on what's covered, what isn't and how far bikers can go.

Will my UK bike insurance provide cover for motorcycling in Europe?
"Most policies should offer up to 30 days cover in the EU in any 12 month period. At Bikesure we usually offer 90 days. We are also able to give longer periods of cover, depending on the policy. Some offer up to 150 days and one of our underwriters will provide cover in Europe for the full 12 months.

"If you plan to travel much during the year, talk to your insurer when you take out the policy – it may well be that their recommendation will change if you're going to be away for more than 30 days."

What about breakdown cover?
"Many insurers now offer breakdown service insurance as an add-on to motorbike cover. It's just like being a member of a standard roadside assistance service, such as the RAC or AA, but usually it will be cheaper. Bikesure's breakdown policy costs £49 per year and covers roadside assistance, home start and recovery to home. It also covers the policyholder for up to 30 days biking on the continent, in most European destinations, including hotel accommodation and replacement vehicle options."

How far can a biker go?
"Each policy is different so you need to check with your provider. At Bikesure most policies cover the EU plus certain other European countries. We can also cover (depending on the insurer) Israel, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey. Most insurers will probably want to know how long you are likely to be in any non-EU country. Frankly it's much easier if you can stick to the EU!"

Will travel insurance provide personal accident cover for bikes hired abroad?
"Lots of people hire a bike when they are away. The bike provider should arrange bike insurance, but personal accident (PA) cover is different. If you think you might hire one then be sure to check with your travel insurance provider to see if they'll offer it in the event that you have an accident while riding a hired motorbike. With many policies, PA cover could be invalid while riding a motorcycle.

"At Bikesure we offer a travel insurance policy through our parent company, Adrian Flux Insurance Services, that provides up to £25,000 PA cover as standard, even if riding a hired motorbike. For a motorcycle of 125cc or more the policy requires that the driver holds a current licence which allows them to ride a motorcycle of this size."

Motor insurers out to stop claims from piling up

MUCH finger-pointing has gone on in trying to lick the problem of rising motor insurance premiums.

The one pointed by insurers is at rising motor claims, which hit $742 million last year, pushing motor underwriting losses to an all-time high of $214 million.

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It is partly the result of exaggerated claims from unscrupulous quarters, they say.

The General Insurance Association (GIA) has gone on the offensive against a trend that it does not see anyone else interested in curbing, even though motorists are crying foul about high premiums.

Last year, it made it mandatory for motorists to report accidents - no matter how minor - within 24 hours.

Then in January, it asked motorists to supplement these reports with photographs.

And in yet another move, it is proposing to have accident vehicles on expressways and arterial roads towed exclusively by tow-trucks assigned by the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

The idea to rope in the LTA's Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System (Emas) trucks is to stem workshop touts, who often turn up at accident sites offering 'free' towing services if the motorist agrees to patronise certain workshops.

Insurers suspect some of these touts are also involved in staging accidents by, for instance, having an accomplice veer into a driver's lane and braking suddenly.

The LTA has confirmed that the GIA has approached it 'to explore ways to deter touting of private vehicle workshop services on expressways'.

'One idea is to authorise Emas recovery teams exclusively to tow away vehicles,' an LTA spokesman said, but added that 'it is too premature to comment on this suggestion at this point'.

GIA president Derek Teo said insurers cannot lick the problem of inflated motor claims alone. They need the cooperation of the police, the courts and, last but not least, individual motorists.

Mr Teo, 58, a 34-year industry veteran, said: 'Even if they are not at fault in an accident, they should not be party to inflating claims because the additional cost will come back to them eventually in the form of higher premiums.'

Inflating claims is typically not as blatant as feigning injury or letting workshops claim for parts undamaged in an accident.

'A workshop might say, let me do the job and you don't have to pay the excess,' Mr Teo said, referring to a nominal sum that policyholders usually have to foot themselves.

The workshop then makes a higher claim to cover the excess sum. Lawyers are often engaged to file it - sending costs spiralling even more.

But motorists will eventually pay the price in higher premiums, which have soared from an average of $672 in 1998 to $1,013 last year. And premiums could post another double-digit rise this year.

Policyholders should also speak up if they feel a claim filed by a third party against them is exaggerated, and if their insurer is giving in to such claims.

Are policyholders prepared to go all the way with insurers to fight a fraudulent claim? 'Most people won't be bothered because of time and effort,' Mr Teo said.

Bogus claims on repairs are not the only trouble spot the GIA has identified.

The number of injury claims is rising alarmingly, almost doubling to 16,174 last year from the year before.

Such claims are typically at least three times heftier than property damage claims - and rising.

'The average bodily injury claim is about $15,000 today, up from $11,000 to $12,000 just a few years ago,' Mr Teo said.

AIG close to 2-billion-dollar sale of unit

NEW YORK (AFP) — US taxpayer-bailed out insurance giant AIG is in "advanced talks" with Zurich Financial Services to sell its US personal lines insurance business for about two billion dollars, the Financial Times said.

The negotiations between AIG and ZFS, the subject of much speculation in the economic press for the past two months, "could still fall apart" but "a deal could be announced in the next few days," the British newspaper reported, citing people close to the matter.

US insurer MetLife was also said to have shown an interest in AIG's unit.

The unit includes car, motorcycle and commercial vehicle insurance. Its sale would help AIG repay 100 billion dollars in federal government aid "and maintain a chance of a future outside government control," the Financial Times said.

The federal government has pumped some 180 billion dollars into the coffers of AIG, now nearly 80 percent owned by the government under the bailout. Under government pressure, it is working to shed assets.

AIG chairman and chief executive Edward Liddy said that the company, once the world's largest insurer, has struck agreements on the sale of 10 businesses in recent months and that "several" other transactions were under discussion.

Bike insurance reminder

Motorcyclists have been warned of the potential risks of getting back on their bikes after a long winter rest.

With the clocks set to go back and the weather steadily improving, thousands of bikers are expected to head out onto the nation's roads over the next few weeks.

And while a vast majority are skilled and safe riders, many could be a bit rusty after spending the winter indoors, prompting AA Motorcycle Insurance director Simon Douglas to advise people to take extra care.

"We have all heard of road rage, but at this time of year the big danger to bikers is 'road rust' among drivers who have lost the habit of looking out for bikes," he said.

"The skills of many motorcyclists need polishing too after a long lay-up, so it's important for both to be aware of the risks as the results can be tragic."

Figures from the AA suggest that insurance claims involving motorcycles rise by around 40% each spring.

Kick Start For World Trials Championships Announced

A world championship motor cycle event will kick-start in Northern Ireland later this year, under the title of the Adelaide GP of Ireland.

Jack Challoner, winner of the 2008 Youth Trial World Championship is pictured getting in some practice in the shadow of the Mournes for the prestigious event which takes place on 4 - 5 April.

It will see motorcycle champions from all over the world race into Newcastle to compete in the first two rounds of this year's SPEA FIM Trial World Championship.

At the press launch in the Slieve Donard Hotel the Lightweight Motor Cycle Club (LMCC) - which is hosting the event - revealed that for the first time the opening rounds will be held in Northern Ireland, in the all-new venue of Donard Park, Newcastle.

The world's top trials riders will all compete for the first points of the 2009 Championship under the watchful eye of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts.

Such luminaries as Toni Bou, Adam Raga, Dougie Lampkin and Takahisa Fujinami will come to south Down to take on the best of what the Mourne Mountains can throw at them.

An LMCC spokesman said they were extremely pleased to be working with Down District Council at this new venue, and excited about what this special event will bring to the town.

Offering a town centre location with seaside resort facilities, Donard Park will give fans the chance to see some of the World's best trialing sections only a few minutes walk from the promenade.

Donard Park itself is mostly thick forest, interspersed with rivers and streams carving their way from the Mourne Mountains to the sea, and also a large quarry area which overlooks the town, and marks the change from forest to open mountainside.

The club also announced a new title sponsor of the event, Adelaide Insurance Services, Northern Ireland's long-standing premier motorcycle insurance provider.

Adelaide were voted 'the UK's favourite motorcycle insurance broker' by the annual Rider Power 2008 survey.

The club spokesman also took the opportunity to thank the other sponsors whose continued support has made the event possible, including Uhire, a Newtownards based Plant Hire company, and Barkley Murphy Building & Shop Fitting incorporating O'Hares Bar & Lounge Newcastle, as well as numerous section sponsors.

Last year's Northern Ireland rounds were held in Bangor, Co Down, and brought over 15,000 spectators into the area over the weekend.

The upcoming trials seem well on its way to exceeding this footfall, with interest building for several months within motorcycling circles, all eager to find out where the new venue for the beginning of this year's World Trial would be.

See: www.worldtrialni.co.uk/

Georgetown / Hutto / Taylor Impacts - February 2009

1. New transit station
Construction of a new Capital Area Rural Transportation System transit station is underway at 3620 S. Austin Ave., just north of SE Inner Loop. The CARTS station, which is expected to be complete by fall 2009, will serve as a stop for regional buses, freight vehicles and private carriers such as Greyhound. A new park-and-ride lot will also be available. Visit www.ridecarts.com.

2. Awarding experience
GTX Awards and Engraving, offering personalized engraved items for sports teams and businesses, opened under its new name Jan. 1 at 1915 N. Austin Ave. Formerly Yours For Keeps, the store was purchased by Ty and Crystal Gipson, owners of Minuteman Press, and Georgetown Sporting Goods owners Brian and Cindy Burkhart. Call 868-5881 or visit www.gtxawards.com.


3. Same digs, new treasures
The owners of His and Her Treasures, 112 W. Eighth St., have added a walk-in cigar humidor to the shop’s selection of Mexican pottery, Willow Tree Angels and other custom-made crafts. Call 868-3288 or visit www.hisandhertreasuresgeorgetown.com.

4. Chantal’s is back
Chantal’s Bistro, 204 E. Eighth St., celebrated a grand re-opening Feb. 5. The restaurant is now open for dinner Thursday to Saturday 4:30 p.m. to closing and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch. Call 535-6143 or visit www.chantalsbistro.com.

5. Rest insured
The Square is now home to the new office of Nationwide Insurance/The Dollar Agency, which opened at 109 W. Seventh St. Jan. 12. The agency specializes in home, auto, life, boat and motorcycle insurance. Call 869-2211.

6. Georgetown sounds
Aspiring musicians have a new venue in which to sharpen their skills. Georgetown Music Studio opened Jan. 12 and is now signing up students of all ages for lessons in piano, guitar, drums, violin, fiddle and accordion. The studio, 2544 Shell Road, Ste. A, currently employs six instructors who teach private and group sessions. Call 868-2255 or visit www.georgetownmusicstudio.org.

7. Start the presses
Work was completed in January on an expansion project at Minuteman Press, 1011 Leander Road. Incorporating the space formerly occupied by Budget Optical, the new floor plan allows the business to include large-format sign making. Call 931-2211 or visit www.mmptx.com.

8. Through the grapevine
Georgetown Winery, formerly known as D’Vine Wine of Georgetown, will relocate to 715 Main St. in February. In addition to selling locally made wine and gifts, the business also hosts winemaking classes and private events. Call 869-8600 or visit www.georgetownwinery.com.

Spur of the moment
After the City of Georgetown took over maintenance of Austin Avenue/Business 35 from Leander Road to Williams Drive, the Texas Department of Transportation renamed its portions of the road. The section from SE Inner Loop north to Leander Road became Spur 26, and from Williams Drive north to NE Inner Loop became Spur 158.

Downtown Wi-Fi
Visitors to the Square will be able to access the internet wirelessly with the launch of a free city network unveiled Feb. 10. In development since the summer, the Wi-Fi system covers the Square with signals from four access points. Laptop owners who connect to the network will be automatically redirected to a website with log-on instructions. Call 930-3652 or visit www.georgetown.org.

Fite fire with fire
Robert Fite has been selected to serve as the new chief of the Georgetown Fire Department. Fite last worked as a battalion chief in Richardson, Texas. He fills the position vacated when former chief Anthony Lincoln retired in May. For more information, call 930-3723 or visit www.georgetown.org/departments/fire.

Bike Insurance News: Make Sure You Are Protected When You Hit The Road

Bike Insurance News: Make Sure You Are Protected When You Hit The Road
Bikesure's Helmet and Leather policy encourages rider safety.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) January 23, 2009 -- Nobody wants to fall off their motorbike but sadly most people will at some point in their biking careers, so they need to make sure they have good quality protective clothing. Modern motorcycle clothing offers impact and abrasion protection from the moment riders hit the road until they come to a stop. It can significantly reduce injuries and, as a rule of thumb, it is recommended that bikers should spend between 15 to 20% of the value of their bike on protective clothing.

But after an accident some, if not all the clothing will need replacing - especially the helmet if it has taken a knock. Helmets and leathers can now cost on average around £500 and many cost significantly more, so taking out insurance for these expensive accessories is very important. For just £20 per year Bikesure offers a Helmet and Leather policy that gives cover up to £1000 on all leathers, including jacket, trousers, boots and gloves, and helmets (subject to a £50 excess).

"We recognise that good quality helmet and leathers are an essential part of a motorcyclist's safety kit," says Robert Balls of Bikesure. "We want to make it affordable for bikers to ride safely. Our Helmet and Leather policy makes it possible for them to easily replace damaged kit after an accident."

Bikesure is 100% British owned and based. It has a huge range of specialist policies for the motorcycle enthusiast, including cheap bike insurance schemes for performance and custom bikes, scooters, trikes, quads and bug riders. For details freephone the Bikesure quote line on 0800 089 2000, email the company at bikesure(at)adrianflux.co.uk or visit www.bikesure.co.uk

Helmet and Leather safety.doc – Jan-09
Press Enquiries:
Toni Turner or Alison Haynes at The Publicity Works
Tel: 01263 761000 Email: bikesure(at)publicityworks.biz
Robert Balls at Bikesure Insurance Services: 08700 771377
Press information, digital files, photos etc., available on request from bikesure(at)publicityworks.biz

Bennetts withdraw from BSB

The British Superbike Championship is without a title sponsor with less than three months until the new season opens at Brands Hatch.

The motorcycle insurance company Bennetts has ended it's four year association with the series.

It's another indication of the problems facing motorsport in general with the global downturn beginning to really bite.

The news follows Ducati and Rizla Suzuki pulling the plug on their involvement in British Superbikes.

There has been no word from British Superbike organisers Motorsport Vision about Bennetts ending their sponsorship.