A Woman's Insurance Buying Guide

A Woman's Insurance Buying Guide
Save On Your Car Insurance with an Insurance Friendly Vehicle

Women often feel vulnerable when purchasing a car because they sometimes think they will be taken advantage of in the car buying process. As a woman, if you feel like you can't haggle a price or just don't like to, you can at least purchase a car that will give you a low car insurance rate. And, because of the characteristics of insurance friendly vehicles, they are often the less expensive cars to buy anyhow. So, if you are a woman looking into getting a car insurance quote for a new vehicle, make sure to consider first what car you want to buy.
The cost of a car insurance quote should be at the top of the list when a woman is considering the total price of purchasing a new vehicle. Just because she buys a smaller, cheaper car does not insure a cheaper insurance rate. And, although car insurance for women tends to be cheaper than for a man, a woman's driving history is another of many factors that are considered when determining a car insurance rate. Characteristics of the vehicle being purchased plays a large role in insurance costs.
Below is a list of features or types of vehicles to avoid to get the best stretch out of your insurance buck.
For a Cheaper Car Insurance Quote Stay Away From:
Vehicles With a Lot of Horsepower
Sports Cars
High Performance Vehicles
Luxury Vehicles
Vehicles With Added Technology Features
Large SUV's
Very Small Vehicles
Vehicles With a High Theft History

Collector / Antique / Classic Car Insurance Guide

If you are fortunate enough to own a classic car - or any collectible automobile - then you want to ensure that your luck does not run out because of having inadequate insurance coverage. Call it covering your butt - or covering your "asset" - but by all means, call one of the major providers such as American Collectors, Hagerty, or Parish Heacock insurance companies and let them put you in the driver's seat in terms of professional protection of your cherished automotive investment.
How to "Kick the Tires" on Classic Car Insurance
The whole idea of insurance is that it needs to do what you expect of it in an emergency, when the rubber really hits the road. And classic car insurance is as different from conventional auto insurance as, well, a classic car is from your run of the mill generic vehicle.
When you buy a classic car insurance policy, you are essentially purchasing protection for those times when - God forbid and knock on wood it doesn't happen - disaster strikes in the form of a fire, a collision, or an act of theft or vandalism. Just as we now have modern airbags to save us in the event of a crash, we also have collector's car insurance, to protect us with adequate moneybags when calamity throws a wrench in the works.
The time you invest in choosing the right classic car insurance coverage is well worth the value and peace of mind that a quality collector's insurance policy delivers for owners of classic motor cars.
Stipulations or requirements normally encountered while shopping for collector car insurance or classic car insurance:
* A decent driving record.* At least 10 years driving experience * No teen drivers on the policy or drivers with poor driving records* Secure and out of the weather garage * Proof that you have another car for daily transportation * Collector vehicle insurance is sometimes limited by the age of your car, and if your car is too young it may not qualify for a particular policy.* Limited mileage. You probably don't want to drive your creampuff car all the time, and your insurance company doesn't want you to either. Mileage limits have increased recently, though, so if you can live with 250 miles a month you're probably okay.
"Value" and Collector Car Insurance
Three kinds of value are important to understand when buying your policy.
1) Actual cash value:
This is what you usually get with ordinary insurance, and is based on replacement cost minus depreciation.
2) Stated value:
The insurance company pays up to the stated value of the car, but may not guarantee the full stated value. And deductibles of up to $1,000 usually apply.
3) Agreed value:
In most jurisdictions, those who provide collector car insurance or classic car insurance are allowed to insure for a value that you and your insurer agree upon. And for most autos, there is no deductible. If your $100,000 vintage Rolls get trashed, you get a check for 100 grand, plain and simple - which is exactly why collectors use special classic car insurance coverage.
The Nuts and Bolts of Classic Car Insurance Coverage
Collector car insurance is not the same as the insurance you buy for normal coverage of your daily transportation. Collector car insurance, or classic car insurance, is made especially for the needs of the car collector. And while ordinary insurance does offer some protection, no matter what you drive, it can leave you high and dry in the event of a loss that it not effectively covered by the terms of the insurance contract. For example, you may have a garage-kept 1970 Camaro Z28 Rally Sport (four speed with 4.11 gears), that you bought back in 1978 for $2,000. Now dealers are offering you $15,000, and you saw another one sell at an auto show for $22,500. If you don't have special collector car insurance or classic car insurance, and the car is totaled, you will be lucky to get your "original" $2,000 back for it. Don't let this happen to you. Don't procrastinate....get proper classic car insurance coverage today!!Do a periodic review of your coverage limits, because classic car prices are rising. What you insured your cherry classic for ten years ago may be a fraction of what it's worth today. And if you are restoring a vehicle, ask your agent to give you appropriate insurance.
There is no need to pay extra based on mileage statistics, if your car is up on blocks with no engine inside it. And as the car's value increases thanks to your hard work of restoring it, you should raise the coverage to keep up with the added value of the restoration.
Keep all your receipts and paperwork - for everything from parts and labor to expenses incurred to take it to a classic car show - so that you can document the total investment your collector's car represents. And take photos and keep them updated, for the same reason.
And Last But Not Least: Special Savings Opportunities
As long as you meet the criteria in terms of how you use and take care of the car, you can usually buy a policy.
Traditional insurers will either refuse coverage, offer only a replacement value based on the nuts and bolts (minus heavy depreciation) of the car, or will charge you a prohibitive amount for the premium. But many collectors find that special collector's coverage saves them money - as much as half - while insuring them for higher limits, sometime three or four times what a traditional company gave them.
Yes, it's possible to get collector's insurance coverage for full market value for your car, and save up to 50 percent off of the premium you'd pay with ordinary insurance. That makes classic car insurance a must-have for any serious car buff.
Below are links to summary pages about three of the most reputable and dependable collectors and classic car insurance companies in the USA

Risk Factors and its Effects on Car Insurance Premiums

The premium that drivers pay for auto insurance depends on certain factors, specifically called risk factors. Based on previous driving records, miles driven per year, age, etc, a driver’s risk factor is evaluated and is directly proportional to the insurance premium he or she must pay. To make sure you pay the lowest premiums possible, think about these factors and what you can do to make them advantageous for your situation:Driving Violations and AccidentsInsurance companies have one thing in mind: a significant number of accidents or moving violations equals to greater accident risk. Some insurance companies even penalize drivers with a bad record, which usually lasts for a number of years. Bottom line is, the more driving violations you have, the higher the premium. If you want your premiums to decrease, keep your record clean. Vehicle TypeThis is where insurance companies and car owners understand each other’s demands. Car owners of the latest, most expensive models usually get insurance with better coverage, which means higher premiums. Cheap cars cost less to insure because car owners have the option to disregard other types of coverage that are not applicable to their vehicles. OccupationNo, they don’t check your salary. Not yet, at least. For insurance companies, a significant relationship exists between the business use of your vehicle and the premium you must pay. If your job description includes long hours of driving such as being a door-to-door salesman, expect a higher premium. Credit RatingA better credit rating will save most drivers from higher premiums since many insurance companies believe that poor credit history is susceptible to higher risks. GeographyThe place where you reside can also dictate your insurance premiums. Living in congested cities or areas with a lot of traffic prone to vehicular accidents raises the risk factor of drivers. High crime rate, specifically of vehicle thefts, also leads insurance companies to charge higher premiums. EducationDrivers with higher educational attainment are charged with lower premiums. OthersYears of driving experience, lower miles driven each year, theft protection devices and multiple cars and drivers also offer opportunity for premium discounts. Some factors which cannot be adjusted, such as age, gender, and marital status can also affect a driver’s risk factor. Most insurance companies see drivers under the age of 25 with higher potential risk of being in an accident. Women are also considered as safer drivers than men, while a married person has lower premiums compared to a single one with the same driving record. By calculating your risk factors, you can easily get lower premiums which could save you a lot for the years to come. Just remember though, each insurance company has a different take on insurance premiums, so it’s always best to compare the rates of multiple companies for your particular situation.

Auto Refinancing

Written and sponsored by rateGenius Auto RefinancingAuto Refinancing is like mortgage refinancing, but with distinct differences. One is that a house appreciates in value, cars do not appreciate, therefore, you cannot extract cash from your auto loan. In fact, most people are upside down when they refinance. Auto refinance is basically paying off your current high interest auto loan with a better, lower interest loan.
The Auto Refinance ProcessYou want lower payments, a lower interest rate, and maybe a short payoff term, but what does the process entail? The steps in the auto refinancing process include:
Auto Refinance Application - sending the information about your financial and auto situation
Identifying the lender that best matches your refinance needs
Talking to a loan specialist, who will explain everything from loan changes to your approximate savings
Getting you to complete the loan forms and mail them back
The title transfer, loan payoff, and warranty and insurance paperwork is completed
There is no cost to you. Any fees by the state, extended warranties, and/or GAP insurance are added into the loan balance.
BenefitsRefinancing not only frees up money in your pocket, but can also have a positive impact on your credit.
Some other benefits to refinancing your car loan include:
Car loan monthly payment savings
Interest rate savings on current loan
Up to 60 days of deferred payments - take a break from paying!
Opportunity to purchase GAP insurance and an extended warranty, all added into your loan for long term savings
The service should be completely free!
Things You'll Need
18 years of age or older
Car Info
Make, Model, and Year (no more than 5-7 years old)
Mileage (no more than 80K miles)
Packages and Options
VIN (if you have it)
Loan Info
Current Lender Name and eventually the Account Number
Current Payoff Amount (must be over $10K for most lenders)
Current Interest Rate
Current Monthly Payment
Financial Info
Monthly Income (must be over $1800 per month)
Monthly Debts
Employment Background
Social Security Number

Insurance Litigation in Latin America

Insurance Litigation in Latin America: What lawyers need to know?
When industries suffer large-scale accidents and the production losses are estimated in hundreds of millions of dollars the insurance market is seen as the remedy when an event of this nature takes place. Learning about how insurance mechanisms operate is increasingly important, not only for the companies involved in the claim but also for the public, press and the companies’ advisers: including, of course, the attorneys of all of those involved in the accident.
Attorneys can face questions on the sense and scope of exclusions in policies, limits and sub-limits of coverage, how the reinsurance sales systems work and particularly the content of the contracts between the insurer, assignor and reinsurer – as well as the implications that these contracts may have for the company and for the claim which they may eventually face.
The expansion of the Latin American economy over the last years has been driven by the strong demand for raw materials, especially from Asian countries.
It is well known that since 2004, China in particular has become the exporting countries of Latin –America’s biggest customer. The increase in demand from such a large country has driven the price of some raw material to prices never seen before. As the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL in Spanish) has pointed out, world economic growth and the increasing participation of China, India and other Asian economies has boosted trade for South American countries by 31 per cent since the 1990s.
The same organisation has also pointed out that manufactured goods coming from some Latin American countries have shown a sustained growth reaching almost 20 per cent in 2005. For example, in Brazil, exports of manufactured goods currently represent 56 per cent of the country’s total.
Many of these Latin American companies, either private or state, are coping with this high demand by working at the top of their productive capacity. Some trade on their future assets and most sell practically all the commodities – unimproved raw materials which require short transformation processes as metals, energy, food and consumables – they produce daily.
With companies producing high commercial value goods at a pace never seen before, with a secured demand and sales with amazing profit margins, it’s not hard to imagine how catastrophic any event which might totally or partially paralyse this production would be.
Thus, in the case of a mining company which produces three million dollars in copper a day, or in the case of an oil company which could produce twice that, interrupting their operations could cost them several hundred million dollars. In high price periods such as now, two or three months of discontinuance would have a severe impact on a company, even when all necessary measures have been taken to mitigate the losses.
It is then that all thoughts turn to insurance, particularly those policies which cover loss for business interruption and which indemnify damages for discontinuance of production. Increasingly, insurance programmes to protect physical goods and contracting are just a small chapter in the complex insurance process of big businesses. Precisely due to the high daily production level, insurance for protection from loss for damages for business interruption has become these businesses’ risk managers’ greatest worry nowadays.
The policy Contract
The value of the amounts insured and the technicality of their structure make these policies especially complex, not only in their design but also in their interpretation. This complexity is added to by the re-sale mechanism of insurance companies, which is often unfamiliar not only to the companies but also to their lawyers. This re-sale occurs because in business interruption insurance for big companies in mining, oil, energy, manufacture and even in-bond assembly of various goods, the insured amounts are usually so huge that it is impossible for the local insurance companies to take the risk by themselves. They must resort to the coinsurance mechanism, through which they share the risk with other local insurance companies, and more importantly they resort to reinsurance, a mechanism through which they assign part of the risk to foreign reinsurance companies which generally operate from the sophisticated European and American markets.
The participation of these entities in the insurance chain makes insurance contracts more complicated for the companies’ legal counsel, especially when clauses which establish deductibles, sub limits, exclusions, coverage conditions and specific mechanisms for the calculation of loss are incorporated in these contracts. If a serious event affects the operation of such a mega-business, not only are the insured company’s own mechanisms for these contingencies activated, but also the mechanisms of local insurance companies. Legal counsel will also quite certainly be expected to consider the procedures that the reinsurer in London, Zurich or New York has established for such great claims of policyholders with operations in Latin American countries.
The risks are usually so big that the number of reinsurers intervening in the sale of reinsurance of just one company can add up to 10 or even more. Each one has not only its own contingency policy and specific procedures but also its own language and ruling law, making claim management many times more difficult than at first may seem.
Once a claim of this kind occurs, it is not only the law firms advising the insured companies for whom the scenario is particularly complex. Reinsurers’ lawyers often lack knowledge of the regulation of Latin American markets, and this ignorance of insurance law of each country can mislead them. For example, when interpreting local insurance contracts, it is natural for reinsurers’ lawyers to apply reasoning using their own legislation, which sometimes opposes the regulatory processes of the local markets.
There is another layer of dissociation between the company making the claim and the reinsurers. The local insurance companies which take this kind of risk are usually international companies, with strong technical support and well constituted procedures. They are cautious in selling on reinsurance contracts, since the seriousness and solvency of the reinsurer is their guarantee of payment. Many productive companies trust this process, and contract their insurance through brokers or examine only the primary policy without worrying very much about what happens further on in the reinsurance contract. However, this may be where the final fate of their claim will be seen.
Negotiating the maze
What should a lawyer focus on when faced with a difference of opinion between policyholder and insurer, and the negotiations this kind of problem implies, or a possible insurance lawsuit?
First, it is fundamental to know and completely understand the insurance policy under which the claimed risk is covered. This, which at the beginning seems elementary, does not turn out to be simple when there are differences in the interpretation of a word, a number, a paragraph or exclusion. Such a difference could mean the policy is no longer self-sufficient, and lawyers will need to go back to its history, to its underwriting process and to the record of negotiation among those who participated in its emission and contracting. In this regard, the broker’s responsibility turns out to be particularly relevant since, especially in Latin American countries, they usually act as sole connection between insurer and policyholder.
In such cases, lawyers must also be apprised of the particular laws on insurance contracts, as well as some special civil laws of each country which go further than insurance matters and which regulate, for example, the way to construe contracts. Familiarity with local insurance regulators’ administrative regulations, many of which monitor the detail of contracts and the mechanisms for entering into an insurance contract, is also essential.. But this analysis of these layers of regulation related to the link between policyholder and insurer does not end in the direct insurance contract when dealing with million-dollar claims and great risks. The terms of the reinsurance contracts between the local insurer and the reinsurer will be the determining factor in deciding the claim. Every lawyer for a claimant in such a case must know the laws regulating the contracting of reinsurances, as well as the reinsurance mechanism applied to the specific risk about which the law firm is advising.
In general, in Latin American countries, reinsurance does not alter anything in the contract the direct insurer and the policyholder, and the claim payment may not be deferred because of reinsurance. Strictly speaking, reinsurance keeps obligations between local insurer and policyholder inalterable. However, modern reinsurance contracting practices often makes the role of the reinsurer in the claim payment decision fundamental - and even beyond that which local legislation allows. This is mainly due to the inclusion of Claim Control Clauses and Claim Cooperation Clauses in reinsurance contracts.
The Claim Control Clause establishes as a precondition to coverage that the local insurer get written authorisation from the reinsurer to make any payment or to even reach any agreement regarding a payment which may affect its responsibility. For this reason, if there is a complaint on the policy, the direct insurer must usually submit to the guidelines the reinsurer lays down regarding the adjustment and payment process of the claim.
The Claim Cooperation Clauses are less restrictive for the direct insurers. They do not impose direct control over the pay-off process, since the condition of requiring written authorisation is eliminated. Simple notices or information relay is all that is required. Some clauses are stricter than others, depending on the requirements imposed by the reinsurer.
Both of these clauses, which are part of every modern reinsurance contract, force the local insurer to be very careful in managing the claim. Reinsurers can refuse indemnification payment, and this has a direct effect on the policyholder. This situation is even more complex for the insurance company and its lawyers when, for the same risk, there are two or more different reinsurers, or when foreign legislations and jurisdictions come into play - or even a mix of both.
Neither the lawyer of a policyholder nor the lawyer who in each country is advising the reinsurers should or may remain indifferent to the contracting mechanisms of reinsurance. Much less can they disregard the reinsured-reinsurer conflict or its effects on the company which has contracted the insurance and which has suffered the claim. There is absolutely no doubt that some of the insurance mechanisms and the reinsurers’ support allow these productive Latin American companies to concentrate their effort on the development of their business, knowing that their assets and products are backed by sound and well structured insurance contracts. Equally, it is important to accept that just as the world of business in general is not exempt from conflicts; neither does the world of insurance lack them. Quite often lawyers are required to guide their clients through these difficulties in the best way possible.
Whether your client is in the energy, mining, or agriculture sectors, or one whose line of business is to award insurance or reinsurance, the lawyer who defends a client in an insurance conflict will sooner rather than later realise that it’s an exciting world where there also is a lot lo learn.

Car Accident: Should you give a recorded statement?

Usually, several days after a car accident, an insurance adjuster representing the other driver’s insurance company will contact you by phone. The adjuster will ask you to consent to a recorded statement where she will ask you questions over the phone, record it and then type up the questions and answers for later use. If you consent, they will proceed to ask you about the circumstances surrounding the wreck, your injuries, the medical care you received and the nature of your claim. Frankly, there is no limit to what they may ask. While it may seem harmless at the time, these questions have been developed by large insurance companies with years of claims handling experience. They are designed to minimize their exposure (i.e. financial risk) and consequently reduce your recovery (i.e. financial settlement). They are not designed to help you and often cause considerable damage to your claim.

In most states, the insurance company for the opposing driver does not have the right to require a recorded statement from you and you are under no duty or obligation to provide one. Our firm usually declines to make our clients available for recorded statements except under certain conditions. You should do the same until you have consulted with an attorney. The reasons for this are simple. The risk of harm from a recorded statement far outweighs any potential benefit. You may inadvertently leave out an important detail; you may forget to mention some injury that you are suffering from; or, your injury may not have manifested itself as of yet; you may even accidentally agree with some fact that is incorrect. That is why some preparation is required and you can only adequately prepare with a professional who knows what they are likely to ask and the best way to answer. Your attorney will also force the adjuster to stay on track, politely interrupting and refusing to allow you to answer when the questions veer off topic. Don’t forget, the purpose of this statement is so the insurance company can use it against you later—be careful.

Another consideration is this: if you are going to voluntarily give a recorded statement to the other insurance company, isn’t it only fair that your lawyers be allowed the same courtesy? Sometimes, we will agree to a recorded statement but only if the insurance company reciprocates by making their insured available so we can question him/her also. After all, if the whole purpose of the statement is to get the facts so the claim can be properly evaluated—as the insurance company is prone to suggest—then isn’t it important for you to do the same? For example, what if the truck driver that hit you fell asleep at the wheel because his company forced him to drive well in excess of the hours permitted by DOT? That could bring punitive damages into play; isn’t that something you should know before you settle? The insurance companies usually decline this offer of reciprocal good faith—a telling tribute to just how harmful these statements can be. Information is a two way street—get a lawyer, get prepared and insist on a reciprocal statement.

Don’t be confused, however, about who is asking for information. Typically, you do have a duty to cooperate with your own insurance carrier. After an automobile accident, you should immediately contact your agent or your insurance company and report the accident. Your insurance company has a right to investigate the accident, which investigation may include obtaining a recorded statement from you concerning the circumstances surrounding the accident. Your insurance policy, which is a contract between you and your insurance company, obligates you to cooperate with them in a reasonable manner. Read it and see what is required of you.

DISCLAIMER: Every automobile wreck presents a unique set of facts and circumstances. These suggestions, on the other hand, are very general in nature and may or may not be appropriate in your particular case. Therefore, these suggestions are not intended as legal advice for your case and should not be relied upon as such.

What does "no-fault" insurance mean for car accidents in Ontario?

If you've been hurt or injured in a car accident in Ontario; there's a complicated set of rules that you need to follow if you're planning on making a claim for your injuries, lost wages, damages for pain & suffering or just getting the insurance company to fix your car. Keep in mind that insurance companies won't pay for any of these things if you don't report the accident. So if you plan on collecting from the insurance company, you will need to report the accident to them. If you don't; you're risking losing out on valuable benefits described in greater detail below; not to mention any monetary damages which you might be entitled to.

Ontario has what's called a "no-fault" set of rules for car accidents. What this means is regardless whose fault the accident is, you're entitled to a wide variety of benefits to assist you when you need it most. These benefits are generally paid for by your own car insurance company. If you didn't have car insurance at the time of the accident, the Insurance Act provides a series of priority rules to set out who is responsible for paying for your benefits.

The benefits which are paid out under Ontario's "no-fault" system are called "accident benefits". Accident benefits are a wide variety of benefits which cover a wide variety of categories. These categories include such things as:

Medical/Rehabilitative Benefits
Income Replacement Benefits
Caregiver Benefits
Housekeeping/Homemaintenance Benefits
Attendant Care Benefits

Medical/Rehabilitative Benefits cover such things as the costs of physiotherapy treatment, chiropractic treatment, massage therapy treatment, gym memberships, assistive devices, aquafit clases, and any other medica/rehabilitative treatment, or devices which are found to be reasonable and necessary for your post accident care. Other devices may include therapeutic beds, wheelchairs, canes, ramps and even modified vehicles to accomodate accident victims. In order to recover these benefits, a health care professional like a physiotherapist, massage therapist or a doctor will have to fill out a "treatment plan". This is a standard form which is submitted to the insurance company, and it's up to them whether they approve or deny the treatment plan. These benefits are NOT unlimited. For what are called "non-catastrophic" cases, you are entitled to $100,000 in benefits over 10 years in med/rehab benefits. In "catastrophic cases", you are entitled to $1,000,000 over the course of your lifetime.

Income replacement benefits are supposed to do exactly what their name says; replace your income if you're unable to work following an accident. You're entitled to 80% of your net pre-accident income which is averaged from your last year's pre-accident earnings, or 26 of the 52 weeks before your accident. The maximum income replacement benefit under a standard auto policy in Ontario is $400/week. Some people chose to pay higher premiums to increase this amount. The problem which most people have in claiming income replacement benefits is that they problems showing that they were working before the accident, or they have problems quantifying their pre-accident income. Claiming these benefits can get particularly tricky if you have access to a private short term or long term disability policy which is designed to supplement your income.

Caregiver benefits are for people who, at the time of the accident were the primary caregiver for a dependant, such as a young child, elderly person or sick person. As a result of the accident, these people are no longer able to care for their dependants. To claim these benefits, you don't have to show that you made any income before the accident. You just have to show that you were a primary caregiver. Caregiver benefits are $250/week, with an additional $50 for each extra dependant.

Housekeeping/Homemaintenance benefits are benefits to replace the accident victim's ability to do chores, housekeeping or homemaintenance. These benefits are for assistance with such things as cleaning the dishes, preparing meals, dusting, mopping, taking out the garbage etc. These benefits are $100/week. In order to be claimed, you need to submit reciepts or invoices to your insurance company. If you don't submit the reciepts, you won't get these benefits, regardless of how hurt you are.

Attendant Care Benefits provide compensation for people, often family members, who perform attendant care services for accident victims after they are injured. These benefits are desinged to pay people for their services in caring for accident victims in activities like grooming, bathing, grocery shopping, brusing hair, putting on clotes, brushing teeth etc, when the accident victim is no longer able to do so as a result of their injuries. In order to recover these benefits, you will need to have a health care professional like an occupational therapist complete what's called a "Form 1" which shows exactly how much attendant care an accident victim requires following their accident. Not all accident victims require the same levels of care. Some accident victims require minimal amounts of care; others require 24hr care. It all depends on the extent of the injuries sustained in the accident and the specific facts of each case.

This "no-fault" system of insurance was introduced for a wide variety of reasons. One of those reasons was to provide accident victims a wide variety of benefits to foster their rehabilitation. Another reason was to reduce the amount of claims being litigated against insurers. Whether or not this system has worked depends on who you ask.

These accident benefits DO NOT cover damages for pain & suffering, or your future loss of income. In order to make a claim for these things, you will have to retain a personal lawyer to bring a tort action. This tort action is advanced against the other driver who might have caused the accident. In order to advance a tort claim, your injuries will need to be "serious and permanent". If your injuries are not found to be "serious and permanent", then you will not be able to advance a claim. This barrier to claiming in tort is called the "threshold". The threshold is subject to judicial interpretation and is defined by the courts. Because courts hear threshold cases on a frequent basis, the judicial interpretation of the threshold is changing, and it all depends on the facts of the case and the way the case is presented. The threshold was implemented by your government. Most accident victims do not know that it exists, until they need a lawyer.

Each accident victim in a motor vehicle claim has 2 cases; a no-fault case against his/her own insurance company; and a tort case against the person/insurance company for the driver who may have caused the accident. Sometimes there's an accident benefit claim and no tort claim; sometimes there's a tort claim and no accident benefits claim; sometimes there's both an accident benefits claim and a tort claim. It all depends on the facts of the case, and the extent of the injuries.

This article is NOT intended on to be legal advice. Consult a lawyer for legal advice. If you need a lawyer, call Brian Goldfinger of Goldfinger Personal Injury Law at 416-730-1777 for your free consultation. This article does NOT create a solicitor-client relationship.

Brian Goldfinger is the directing lawyer of Goldfinger Personal Injury Law. Goldfinger Personal Injury Law is Ontario's premier personal injury law firm, dedicated to assisting Ontario's accident victims and their families.

Truck Driving Questions: How To Find A Job After An Accident

Often times a new driver will make a mistake. I should say all the time all drivers make mistakes. But if you have limited experience and you get in an accident or get a couple of tickets, you may find it especially difficult to find a job right away. Well, don't sweat it! If you get a DUI, fail a drug test, of get a reckless driving ticket you may be in big trouble. It may be time to look for a different career for a while. But an accident or a couple of tickets is certainly not the end of the world - or of your career. Here is a question from a driver trainee:Hello Brett,My name is David and I have a major dilema with finding a truck driving job. I have a class A cdl and I graduated from National Tractor Trailer School in Buffalo, NY and was hired as a company driver for Werner Enterprises and I have recently been terminated by Werner for an unsatisfactory safety record due to an accident and four citations which are ; 40mph in a 30mph zone,while my trainer was sleeping ; overwidth ; failing to obey traffic signals, and as a result of my accident failure to maintain a safe lookout. My accident occured when I was merging from the center lane to the right lane and there was a car to my right in my blind spot which caused my tractor to bump the car resulting in minor damage to the car. There were no injuries. Now I am having a hard time finding a job. I feel like this is unfair because Werner did not properly train me, for example while I was in training my trainer was in the sleeper sleeping while I was driving due to Werner running us like a team, not like a student and trainer, I feel very strongly that if I had been properly trained I would not be in my current situation. I mean, I got a speeding ticket while I was in training! I am really hoping that you know of some trucking companies that will consider me for employment. I am also open to any advice you may have for me in my hunt for a job. Thank you for your time. I am anxious to hear from you.Thanks,DavidAnswer:Hi David. You would not believe how common it is for a new driver to have a minor accident within a few months of coming out of school. Happens all the time. And every time it does, they have a bit of trouble finding a new job. But fear not - you'll be back out there before you know it.Now the citations are going to be as big a concern for the companies you apply to as the accident. So your situation is a bit sticky, but can certainly be overcome. Getting a DUI, failing a drug test, getting in a major accident with injuries, or getting tickets for reckless driving are nearly impossible to overcome. But yours are not. First, understand that many companies - especially the larger ones like Werner, have minimum hiring guidelines that they absolutely can not, and will not break. So if their criteria states 'no accidents within the past 6 months' then you might as well beat your head against the wall as try to get a job there. Not only will their safety department not allow it, but often times neither will their insurance company. So goal number one - find a company with more lenient hiring standards. Unfortunately that will likely mean a company of a slightly lower quality than others that are out there. But hey, you've gotta do what you've gotta do to get back out there and get rolling again. So goal number two - once you're out there rollin again, stay at whatever company you are at for one year and do everything possible to keep a clean record. If you can stay at a company for one year with a clean record, you will pretty much be free to go anywhere you like at that point. So even if you have to settle for a company that is less than ideal for now, you do it. That's what it's going to take. So now the question is how do you find a company that will hire you? Well, nobody knows more about the different companies out there and the requirements each one has than a driver referral service that has been around for a long time. I always recommend 1-800-drivers because that's the one I always used and they did an excellent job for me. If you look on my site you'll notice there are not any advertisements or promotions for their company. I have no affiliation with them and I do not know anyone there personally. They have done a great job for me in the past and I believe they will for you too. They have very long-standing relationships with a broad range of companies all over the country and will be able to find you a job I'm rather certain. Their service is free to use and they are incredibly helpful. They get paid to get drivers hired - so its in their best interest to find you a job. That's how they make their money so they're going to do everything in their power to help you out. Give them a call and they'll get you going.Also, here are two links to trucking jobs that we currently have listed on our site:Here is our list of truck driving jobs in New York State Here is our list of truck driving Jobs in Buffalo, NY specifically. While 1-800-drivers is working on your application for you, rifle off some quick applications to any companies that sound like they might work for you on these pages. The key here is getting a bunch of applications out there - the more places you apply, the better your chances of getting out there sooner - pretty simple.Next, I would write a letter to submit with any application you put in explaining the circumstances. If you feel the trainer wasn't watching over you closely enough, then tell them that. Be very thorough with your explanation of the circumstances, and be honest. These companies have heard every lie a billion times and they will see through it right away. I have been fired from a number of different companies, mostly for too many logbook violations, and was always honest with companies I was applying to about what had happened. One time I even had a recruiter tell me that they weren't happy with the fact that I had been terminated from a previous job, but they checked with the previous company and saw that I had been honest and up front with what had happened and so they were willing to give me a chance. She said if I had lied about it, they wouldn't have hired me. I was pleasantly surprised by that for sure - a good learning experience.Not all companies will feel that way, but none of them will take being lied to very well at all. So be honest. Also, make sure the letter is well-written. If you are not confident in your writing skills, have someone write it for you. It needs to look and sound professional. These recruiters are not dock workers or ditch diggers. They are used to dealing in a professional environment and a sloppy letter will not look good for you at all. Lastly, I would do all of this as quickly as possible. The busy season is soon coming to an end. Right now these companies have a lot of freight because Christmas is coming. But by mid-December, a combination of a slow economy and the normal seasonal slowdown will make it much, much more difficult to find a job. So take advantage of the current busy season and get those applications out there. Call 1-800-drivers and apply to jobs on our site ASAP and get the ball rollin. Best of luck to you. Stay positive, keep firing off those applications, and be persistent. You'll be back out there before you know it. It may take a bunch of applications, it may not. But stay at it, and hurry. The busy season is your friend right now. Don't let it pass you by. Look forward to hearing from you soon.Sincerely, Brett AquilaComments,ratings, and reviews on this knol sure would be greatly appreciated!!!

How much does car transport cost?

Car transport costs can be high, and the companies you find online or in the phone book are often questionable. But soaring gas prices and other expenses associated with cross-country driving, as well as the convenience of dependable shipping, may make auto transport the right option for you. Keep reading to learn how much car transport costs.
Car transport costs vary according to the size and condition of your car, the shipping season and your shipping preferences. For a cross-country transport, expect to pay a minimum of around $1,000, all fees included. This cost will rise quickly if you have time restrictions, prefer a closed carrying container or wish to ship a high-end car. Transit time depends on many factors, including pickup and drop off location, distance, and how many cars are on the carrier, but you can expect a regular cross-country move to take anywhere from one to two weeks. Most car transport Web sites provide free price quotes tailored to your needs, but beware of hidden costs, as these can take a hefty, unexpected toll on your wallet.
Car Transport Insurance
Though car transport costs can seem expensive, they are a small price to pay to have your car arrive safely. To this end, make sure that your car is properly insured for its cross-country jaunt. As mandated by law, reputable auto transport companies include basic insurance in the price of car shipment. This insurance should cover your car for the Blue Book value and protect you in the event of damage or theft. Be sure to verify that your auto transport company has an up-to-date insurance certificate, and make sure you receive written confirmation of your coverage. Your own insurance policy may also cover auto transport, or your insurance company may be able to offer you a short-term policy, so check those options as well.
Exotic Car Transport Costs If you have an exotic or classic car, you'll want to choose a company that specializes in transporting those types of cars for your car transport needs. Alternatively, you can also choose premium services offered by general auto transport companies to ship your exotic, high-end or classic car. These companies will use closed containers and employ experienced drivers to transport your exotic car. You can expect to pay significantly more than the average transport costs for these services, however. CostHelper.com , for example, estimates that the average cost is anywhere between $800 and $3,000 extra for exotic auto transport. So you can expect to pay a minimum of $1,800 to transport this type of car cross-country.
Choosing a Car Transport Company To ensure that the car transport company is legitimate and reliable, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recommends that consumers consult the Better Business Bureau, which accredits reputable businesses and provides information about previous complaints and lawsuits. A basic Internet search will also yield many hits, but should you choose to find a car transporter using this method, be sure to check their licensing with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can confirm the licensing of a car transporter by entering their docket number into the appropriate page of the FMCSA's Web site

Used Car Inspection Checklist: Bring This Along When You Buy Your Next Used Car

Buy a used car instead of a new one and you could unearth a real gem of a deal. But there’s also the possibility that the brightest, shiniest gems you find turn out to be nothing more than camouflaged lemons.
How do you sort out the duds from the studs in your search for used cars? A professional mechanic you trust should perform an inspection on any used car you’re thinking of buying. This applies not only to used cars for sale by owner, but to vehicles from used car dealerships as well.
But before you make an appointment to take that used Honda, used BMW, or whatever kind of used car for sale that has piqued your interest to your trusted mechanic, you could perform a basic inspection yourself. If you spot a lemon early enough, you can skip the professional inspection, saving you time and money.
So make sure you bring along a flashlight, some paper towels, a hand-held mirror, and a small magnet. It’s a good idea to bring a notebook and writing utensil as well to record your results and some hand sanitizer to clean up. If the car has a stereo, you might want to bring a CD or cassette, too, to test to see if the system still works. With all of this on hand, here is used car inspection checklist for the eleven points you should inspect before deciding to buy the used car. It could also help you in your negotiations depending on the issues you find.
1. Check the car history report
Ask for the used vehicle’s VIN number. The seller should have the number available on his or her insurance card or the vehicle title. But you should still confirm the number yourself. The number is typically located beneath the vehicle’s windshield. Use this VIN number to order a car history report. You can visit an online service like Carfax or AutoCheck to get a full history report on the car. This step is crucial; accident and repair history are essential in determining if that shiny coat of paint is hiding something!
2. Check the condition of the used vehicle’s body
Walk around the entire length of the car and bend down and use the flashlight and mirror to look at some out-of-sight seams. Are the gaps around the doors even? Are there signs of rust, particularly above the tires? (This is likely due to salt on the roads in the winter, but it could be signs of a previous accident.) Is the color mismatched in any place? Use the magnet to see if the body is actual metal or Bondo, which is often used in vehicle restoration.
3. Check the tires
What’s the brand of the tires? Are they worn? Are there any cracks? What about the condition of the rims?
4. Check the engine
Make sure the engine is off (and has been for a time) and pop the hood. Bring along your paper towels. Is the engine relatively clean? Are there any signs of rust? Pop off the oil filler cap. Are there any thick black deposits? (This isn’t a good sign.)
5. Check the engine’s oil
Make sure the car is still off. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it as clean as you can with the paper towel, insert the dipstick back into the engine, and pull it out again. There should be “full” and “low” indicators. How high is the current level of oil? Is it a pale amber color (good) or a dark, sludgy color (bad)?
6. Check the automatic transmission fluid
Make sure the car is level, the transmission is in park, and the parking break is on. Turn on the car’s engine. After it idles for a time, pull out the transmission dipstick and wipe it with a paper towel. Place it back and pull it out again. If the car had just been turned on, the fluid should be in between the “cold” indicators. (If it had been driven for a time directly prior to this check, expect it to be within the “hot” indicators.) It should also be a clear reddish color. A brown, sludgy color means it has not been maintained.
If the transmission is manual, you can skip this step. However, when you take the used car for a test drive, make sure that all gear shifts are smooth and that, when driving in second or third gear, a sudden acceleration doesn’t make the clutch slip.
7. Check the brake fluid level
If it’s low, it could be leaking and/or the brake pads could be wearing.
8. Check the engine coolant
Make sure it’s relatively full and a yellowish-green color.
9. Do a final under-hood check with the flashlight and mirror
Does the fan belt look worn? Is anything rusty or leaking? (The air conditioning condenser may be leaking slightly if it has just been used, but this is normal.)
10. Check the interior of the car
Are the seats worn or stained? How about the flooring? Do the visors and cupholders stick? What’s the condition of the seatbelts?
11. Test the electrical features
Make sure to try the car’s indoor lights and the power window controls. Turn on the car to test both the air conditioning and the heat. Here’s also when you can test the music system with the CD or cassette and rock out while you decide if you’ve got a real gem or lemon on your hands!
For more information on used cars, visit blog.iseecars.com which provides tips, advice, and commentary on searching and buying used cars. The blog is written by the team at iSeeCars.com, a search engine for used cars for sale, created by guys who think buying used cars are better than buying new and who are passionate about building a better tool for users to search for used cars.Start writing here.