Although every driver is required to have some form of auto insurance, you might be surprised to learn just how must the monthly premiums can differ from person to person. Some factors are more obvious, and include things like age as well as driving history. It does make sense that a teenage driver who has been in several accidents should pay more for auto insurance than a middle age driver with a perfect driving record. However, there are starling discrepancies in what two people with similar ages and driving histories might have to pay for their insurance. Here are four reasons why you might be charged more for car insurance.

Your Gender

Women typically pay less for car insurance than men for several reasons. On average they are less likely to get into serious car accidents, as well as less likely to be found at fault for these accidents. In addition, women are found be to more likely to follow posted speed limits and obey traffic laws. This payment discrepancy also has something to do with the fact that on average, women drive fewer miles per day in their vehicle as less women work outside the home than men.

Your Zip Code

This might seem unfair, but the truth is that certain areas of the country are more likely to have car thefts and traffic accidents. If you like in a city, you are much more likely to be involved in an accident and need to repair your car with your car insurance policy. In contrast, drivers who live in smaller neighborhoods where each car resides in a garage are bound to have fewer thefts, accidents and damage in general. However, this can unfairly target those lower-income drivers who have no choice but to live in urban areas where car insurance costs so much more.

Your Credit History

A driver’s credit rating will have a significant influence on their car insurance premiums, although in reality there is not often a correlation between driving ability and rate of accidents. However, some insurance providers believe that a poor credit rating might be a negative characteristic for a driver, charging higher monthly payments. Unfortunately this can mean that even drivers with a very safe driving history and no recent accidents can be stuck with a policy that quite simply charges too much.

Your Occupation

It might seem strange that a person’s occupation has anything to do with their car insurance payments. Unless you are a stunt car driver or long distance trucker, it should not matter what your career choice when it comes to getting a car insurance quote. However, insurance providers use an extensive algorithm when predicting the likelihood of accidents, and career is one of the determining factors.

If you receive a car insurance quite and you believe it to be unjustly high, read through these factors and determine if one or more might be the reason for your costly car insurance payments each month.

Christopher Jensen is a writer and car enthusiast offering advice on how to get cheap auto insurance quotes for anyone searching for savings on maryland auto insurance coverage.

Though they only make up about four percent of the US auto fleet, semi-trucks have been identified as the leading producer of CO2 greenhouse gas emissions. This is due to a lack of regulation on two issues. First, truckers often idle their rigs for long periods, as they are used for sleeping and eating while on the road. A few states have issued anti-idling laws, but there is no indication of how well these have curbed the problem. There are more cost-effective options to idling, and these can result in significant savings for owner-operators.

Another problem is that older trucks only get about four miles per gallon in normal use. With an average trip total of 250 miles, and the fact that trucks supply goods to most American communities, the total gas used approaches 13 percent of US fuel purchases. Newer trucks are not well represented on the road, and efficiency improvements are modest with six mpg.

There are steps every trucker can take to reduce emissions and save money on the increasing costs of fuel. Some will even help prolong the life of the truck and prevent costly repairs. Newer models offer extra benefits beyond better gas mileage, but using these requires becoming familiar with technological advances.

Cut the Idling Time

Consider that six hours a day of idling over a 300-day operation will burn a total 1,800 gallons of diesel fuel. This represents costs of over $4,000 at the pump. The cost-benefit analysis for idling versus cutting the truck off was done back in the 1980s when fuel prices were lower, and it no longer applies. The ATA has found three solid reasons to stop idling the truck beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations.

* The gas spent on idling increases air pollution significantly.
* Truckers are exposed to this air pollution much more directly, since there is no air flow.
* Idling results in twice the amount of wear on the engine than normal operation.

The primary reason for truck idling is to stay comfortable during mandatory rest periods. A far more economical option is to purchase an auxiliary power unit to run appliances during stops. Even a small gas generator will be more efficient and lead to savings on maintenance and repair of the truck. In some parts of the country, a small solar unit can provide even more savings.

Modernizing the Engine

Newer model rigs provide six miles per gallon, and the savings from this can support the decision to upgrade. Another upgrade to truck efficiency is not scheduled until 2018, so waiting may not be a cost-effective option. Other advances in technology can be used regardless of the model, however. An electric block heater can reduce warm-up time in cold weather substantially.

Emissions and fuel usage in the modern trucking fleet are in excess of the much larger consumer fleet. There is room for improvement, even without federally-mandated increases in engine efficiency. Reducing emissions will also benefit truckers by saving money at the pump and on repairs.

Patrick Johnson is a finance writer who understands the cost of semi truck insurance for those with trucking jobs.

Finding a broadband internet provider in your locality may be simple as you may only have one or two choices. For major urban areas, however, choosing between the various providers can be overwhelming. The good news is that competition often drives prices down and you can be assured of getting a good deal if you shop around. Here is how to get the best price for broadband internet service:

1. What Do You Need?

Many broadband internet providers offer tiered services. Lower speeds are available for lower prices and higher speeds for higher prices. The first step in choosing a provider is determining how you will be utilizing the internet. Do you need an internet connection that will provide access to email and light web-surfing? Or do you need lightening quick access for gaming and streaming videos? Determining the type of bandwidth you require will go a long way in choosing your provider.

2. Get Reviews

Talk to your family and friends and find out who they use and what they pay. It’s not worth a low monthly payment for shoddy connection and inadequate speeds. You also don’t want to pay exorbitant rates for poor service. Ask your family and friends if they would recommend their current service or if they, too, are looking for a new provider. You can also look for customer reviews on the Internet.

Make sure that you look for reviews of the company’s customer service as well. You don’t want to have to wait for hours on the phone to speak to someone or for days when you need service. While no company can please everyone all of the time, some are worse than others when it comes to customer service.

3. Look for Special Offers

Once you’ve created a short list of broadband providers that you are interested in, scour the internet for special offers. Most companies will offer discount prices to attract new customers. Be careful, though; many of these special offers come with the requirement of a contract. You may not want to get tied into a two year contract until you know that you are happy with the service.

4. Ask for Price Matching

If you’ve found a great deal from one broadband provider, but would like to sign up with another, call customer service. If you talk to your desired provider and tell them you would like to go with them but can get a better rate from XYZ, they may offer to price match for you. It doesn’t hurt to try; the worst they can do is say no. If they do, you’ll simply need to decide if you are willing to pay a few dollars more to sign on with the company you desire.

Choosing a broadband internet provider isn’t as simple as it once was, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Shop for broadband service just like you would anything else: do your research, ask around and make an informed decision.

Tony Alvarez is a computer tech and writes for broadbandcomparison.org, a site where you can learn about fibre optic broadband deals, and also compare broadband rates and values for your business or personal use.

Image by cogdogblog

There are two major reasons that diving watches are so popular at the moment. The first is the most obvious, and is simply because divers require a watch that is proven to be water resistant even at certain depths under the water. This waterproof benefit is also a plus to people who simply wear their watches throughout the day and don’t want to take it off in the pool or in the shower.

The second reason that dive watches are so popular is because they look attractive and are becoming increasingly trendy. Both divers and non-divers appreciate the aesthetic appeal of a high quality diving watch. If you are in the market to buy a new diving watch either for yourself or for someone else, look for these three characteristic to ensure it is a reliable watch.

Adjustable Strap

It is very important that a high quality diving watch fits very well on the wrist. If it is not able to adjust perfectly, it may not fit over the wetsuit or it may even be too loose and fall off while in the water. Look for straps that can be adjusted to fit a range of wrist sizes. If for some reason a great watch does not come with an adequate strap, then replace the strap with a better one.

Glow in the Dark Face

A watch face needs to be seen even in the dark, especially if the wearer happens to be diving underwater. There are several ways that manufacturers create this glowing watch face. Some materials need to be exposed to sunlight briefly in order to charge and glow later on, while other are painted with a special material that stays lit indefinitely. Budget will determine the type you choose, but ensure that the watch will glow and be seen in a dark setting from several feet away for safety reasons, especially if the wearer is indeed a diver.

Rotating Bezel

Although the bezel might be viewed today as simply a convenience or an attractive element to a diving watch, in reality it was once a life saving benefit to the wearer. In the past, the diver would turn the bezel counter clockwise in order to set the amount of time for which he had air underwater. This allowed him to know in just a quick glance how much time he had left to be diving. The bezel only turns in one direction to avoid lengthening the amount of time left. It is possible to shorten the time, but lengthening the time might result in lack of air and potential death. The bezel should only turn counter clockwise, so ensure that is the case before buying any watch. This one characteristic is the mark of a true, authentic diving watch.

Before purchasing any diving watch, ensure that it is a high quality reliable device that includes an adjustable strap around the wrist, a glow in the dark face or hands and a counter clockwise rotating bezel.

Author Tanya Peterson resides in NYC and is a content contributor for watchrepairny.com, a Manhattan provider of fine services such as Tag Heuer watch repair and engraving since 1978. Tanya’s grandfather was in the antique watch business and it’s been a fascination with her since childhood.

Image by Jametiks

Queen Mary Hotel

A permanently docked ocean liner in Long Beach, California is one of the haunted hot spots you can add to your list of places to visit. This luxurious hotel isn’t home to just one ghost, either. Apparently, the hotel has so many ghosts that they actually offer haunted history tours. You can learn the stories of two women who have drowned in the First Class swimming pool, and feel the negative vibrations that plague the changing rooms near the doomed pool. A young woman wearing a white dress frequents the Queen’s Salon, and the ghosts of playing children have been seen in the Forward Storage Room.

The Queen Mary hasn’t always been a hotel. It saw service during WWII. While evading the Nazis, the Queen Mary once sliced through a ship that was escorting her. Three hundred men plunged into the water, but the ship was not allowed to stop and retrieve survivors. The men drowned, and pounding can be heard on the wall in Bosun’s Locker.

Stanley Hotel

Stephen King’s stories don’t always spring from the depths of his own imagination. This hotel in Colorado inspired the Shining. The mountain views are impressive, the history is palpable, and the ghosts are part of the package. Most of the ghostly activity takes place in the ballroom, where people report hearing parties only to find the room empty. There have been numerous reports of the piano playing when the room was empty, and it’s believed that the pianist may be the wife of Freelan O. Stanley, the man who built the hotel. The activity is consistent enough that the Ghost Hunters show was able to record some activity, including a table that jumped more than two feet in the air.

Crescent Hotel and Spa

Dating back to 1886, the Crescent Hotel and Spa of Arkansas is loaded with ghosts and apparitions. The hotel offers a book detailing the activity. Called the Walking Tour Book, it will provide you with all the information you need regarding hauntings and paranormal activity. Regular visitors include an Irish stonemason named Michael who fell to his death while the hotel was under construction. The hotel is proud to cater to ghost chasers, offering guided tours, pictures, and even a midnight theater featuring the story of Norman Baker. Known as one of the greatest frauds in history, he operated a cancer-curing center in the hotel in the 1930s.

Flanders Hotel

Situated near Ocean City in New Jersey, the Flanders Hotel only has one really famous ghost, but she definitely gets around. Rather than being confined to any one area of the hotel, you never know where you might see the Lady in White. Known as Emily, this lovely lady has been seen on every floor except the ninth floor. She prefers the lobby and the Hall of Mirrors, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding her.

There is no shortage of haunted hotels in the United States. While they book up during the spooky season of Halloween, they are actually open year-round. Book a weekend trip so you can take in some sights, enjoy visiting a new place and maybe even catch some paranormal activity.

Author Travis Peter writes for jerseyshoreguide.net, a consummate listing of Jersey Shore Vacations, as well as everything you may need, from restaurants to a Sea Isle HVAC contractor.

Credit History

Payment history comprises 35 percent of a score. From a creditor’s perspective, an individual who pays any type of financial obligation late is a risk. They figure that such individuals are more likely to avoid repaying a new debt in full. Although bankruptcy is one of the worst blemishes on a payment history record, collections are also very bad.

Outstanding Debt

The amount of money an individual owes plays a considerable part in a credit rating. Credit cards, mortgages, vehicle loans, lines of credit and several other types of accounts are all items that appear on a report. In addition to this, the amount of available credit each person has is considered. For example, a person who has 10 different cards with a limit of $5,000 each has $50,000 in available credit. As a rule, people who have plenty of available credit tend to use it. Creditors analyzing a report are less likely to offer financing to individuals with large amounts of available credit.

Account Types

The mix of account types an individual has comprises 10 percent of his or her credit score. Higher scores are awarded to people who have an even blend of account types. For example, a person with a balanced amount of revolving credit and installment credit will have a higher score than a person with only installment accounts. In the eyes of a creditor, someone who has a balanced account variety is a better steward of money.

Recent Inquiries

If there are multiple recent inquiries on a credit report, this indicates a risk to potential creditors. These inquiries may hint that outstanding accounts will soon appear. Since most lenders realize such borrowers are unable to afford credit payments, they are hesitant to extend financing.

Stability

When lenders review the past addresses of applicants, they prefer to see very few results. From their perspective, an applicant who is more stable is also more responsible with money. Lenders also favor homeowners. Since they acquired financing for such a large commitment, homeowners are more likely to honor a repayment agreement. However, employment is one of the most important factors. Individuals who remain at the same job for several years are more likely to gain approval for credit accounts.

Length Of Credit History

To get the clearest picture of a person’s creditworthiness, a creditor needs a considerable length of time to compare incidents against. People with a short history or no history are less likely to gain approval. However, if individuals have a lengthy credit history with the same financial institution, they receive more points. Recent information is also important, so it is best to have at least one account that was updated within the past six months.

Avoiding the negative aspects in the previous paragraphs contributes to a better score. It is also helpful to avoid using more than 25 percent of available credit. For example, a person with $100,000 in available credit should use no more than $25,000. When numbers start nearing 25 percent, focus on paying off some debts. It is also important to check credit scores regularly. Each person is entitled to one free copy of his or her credit report every year, so take advantage of this opportunity.

Author Harvey Wakefield is a financial counselor and writes for creditcardhelp.com.au, a site offering credit card comparison help, and reviews of rewards programs and instant approval credit cards.

1. It would be wise to get a good explanation. You should pick a body shop that will have a good worker that will give a thorough explanation as to what needs to be fixed or replaced and why. This is helpful for two reasons. First, they will explain why this repair or replacement is necessary, and what that part does for the vehicle. Another reason that this can be important is that the worker will be a great resource to use against insurance companies that may not want to pay.

2. Parts that have been used before can be perfectly acceptable. They may also be referred to as aftermarket parts. These parts cost less and often do the job just as well as new parts can. You can ask the body shop employees and the insurance company to submit in writing whether each part may be a used part or an aftermarket part. A shop may insist that you use aftermarket parts, in which case you should ask them to get parts that are approved by the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA).

3. You should bring the estimator to the shop and inspect the work when it’s done. An insurance estimator can help you out when the car is seriously damaged, and you should take advantage of their services whenever possible. More seriously-damaged cars obviously require more work, but you will get a more accurate estimate of the damage from an estimator. Also, you should inspect any work that is completed before you leave the shop with the vehicle. You would be surprised how easy it is to spot an unprofessional job. You can tell whether parts are smooth or if the paint is the right shade and brightness.

4. It may be a good idea to take a vehicle to another shop if you’ve just had major work done. Ask the shop that did the work for a written copy of the step-by-step procedure they used to fix your vehicle, complete with parts. Take the car and the list to another shop and ask them to inspect the work that was done by the other shop. Getting expensive repairs that are done incorrectly is a disaster that nobody wants to deal with.

5. Don’t pick the first shop you encounter. It’s generally a good idea to get several estimates and compare them. Also, you’ll want to know how much your insurance will cover each estimate. If possible, you’ll likely want to pick a shop where your insurance covers the entire cost. If you need major repairs, however, just pick the shop where the insurance will give you the most coverage.

Body Shops can be a boon or a bust. Keep an open ear to the streets and you’ll hear why people like or dislike certain body shops. There may be reasons that you wouldn’t know by looking at the shops as to why they do or don’t provide great service.

Image from webmove

Marcie McDonald is an insurance consultant who writes for cheapestcarinsurance.org.uk. She recommends checking online for cheap car insurance quotes and also to compare the best car insurance firms before making your choice.

Given this constant turnover in the mobile market, it’s not uncommon for tech lovers to grow excited as their upgrade eligibility date approaches. But whether you have a preferred brand, specific specs you’re looking for or have your next phone already picked out, smartphone owners should be aware of a few things before their next upgrade.

Research, Research, Research

This point holds true for any purchase, whether it’s a new car or a new phone. Sales reps usually work on commission, so the quicker they get your signature and can move on to the next client, the better.

But that’s only the half of it. If you’ve ever endured a service call with a representative from your wireless provider, whether it was to dispute a charge or report a lost device, their programmed responses and overall lack of helpful information is at times mindboggling. So if you’re looking for a new device, it’s best to not depend on a company representative to offer sage advice on what phone is right for you.

Instead, you should perform your own research. Be sure to check:

• Tech blogs for detailed reviews and comparisons of the latest phones

• Your account information to determine what your options are and what services your wireless provider offers

• Offers from other wireless providers to determine who has the best deal

Going in as an informed consumer is the best way to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Leverage Yourself

Many wireless service providers have exclusive deals targeting new customers. If you’re looking for a better deal than what’s being offered by your provider, threaten to take your business elsewhere. Whether hollow or not, since most sales reps work on commission they will take it at face value and try to match their competitor’s offer. However, though your threat may not be real, make sure the offer you’re citing is.

Additionally, if there is no better offer, take the traditional route and complain about the service. JD Power and Associates conducts an annual survey on the quality of service offered by the top wireless companies. This graphic provides a breakdown of the top 4 wireless companies and their overall performance based on a 2011 survey. Citing publicly available information and including your own personal experience will give credence to a complaint that might very well translate into a discounted offer.

Don’t forget that you always have the option to follow through on that threat if you feel a competitor has a better deal and offers better service. Most wireless service providers allow customers to transfer their phone number, so unless you have to pay a fee to break a contract, switching providers shouldn’t be a problem.

Get Free Stuff

As a new customer, even as a returning one, upgrading a phone usually means starting or renewing a contract, which means a new sale. Some companies, like T-Mobile for example, allow their sales representative to offer free accessories to solidify a sale. Two ways to exploit this little-known fact are:

• Opt for advanced features in exchange for free accessories; the sales rep doesn’t need to know you’d sign up anyway

• Simply ask for a free case or complimentary headset

The Best Deal is Yours to Make

As the consumer, we have more power than companies are willing to admit. So when it’s time for your next upgrade, keep these tips in mind and you’ll walk away with more than just a new phone.

Author Stephanie Sanders is a communications consultant and writes for a UK mobile phones site, offering all the latest phones and plans.

1. Not everyone needs life insurance

This kind of insurance is specifically designed to provide for your dependents after your death. If you don’t have anyone depending on you, or if your kids are all out of the house, you may not need additional coverage.

2. Age determines the price

Investing in a term life insurance policy when you’re young will significantly reduce the premium, but as stated above, there probably isn’t a need to invest before you have people depending upon your income.

3. Both spouses need life insurance

Even if one spouse is a primary caregiver for your dependents, that doesn’t mean they don’t need to be covered. Think of the money you would have to come up with to cover those expenses if that person wasn’t there to do it anymore. Child and elder care, housekeeping and food preparation, even the cost of hiring transportation to school and extra curricular activities. Many full time parents contribute at least as much, if not more than a full time job worth of labor and services.

4. Pick the right term for your situation

Term life insurance is more affordable than whole life, and usually a better investment. As stated above, most people only need life insurance while they have dependents, so choosing 10, 20, 30 year term will give you the coverage you need for the years you need it. When your retirement income is available, or your children leave the nest, you can reevaluate your situation.

5. Shop around on the internet

You can shop hundreds of companies and policies by surfing the web. Write down all the information you’ll need for both you and your spouse, and decide on the amount you’ll need before you start. Then go get dozens of quotes and try to get a feel for options and prices. When you don’t feel like you’re uninformed and floundering, then open the phone book and compare your gathered quotes against those offered by live people and make an informed decision.

Contemplating one’s mortality is not fun, but like any kid who had eat all his vegetables will tell you, we all have to do things we don’t like. Take your time, do your homework, and don’t let a salesperson dazzle you with fast talk. By making it a priority and spending a few hours facing the unpleasantness, you can rest assured that your family will be taken care of if the unthinkable should happen.

Photo credit: Family portrait 2 by Gary Robson./flickr

Gina Hamilton is an insurance consultant and content contributor with Kanetix®, a site with comparisons and rate quotes for all the major companies. Check out this list of cars that don’t get stolen.

How Much Do You Owe

It may surprise you to find that once you’ve graduated college you aren’t aware of exactly how much you owe. Don’t worry, this is common. Very few people keep track of what they’ve borrowed while making their way through graduate school. Pull out all of those notices that your financial aid office and lenders have sent you and start getting them organized. Make note of exactly who you owe and how much you owe them.

Loan Forgiveness

If you are willing to put off full-time employment for a year or two, you can have some of your debt paid off by any number of organizations. By volunteering your time to an organization, you may earn a stipend and a portion of your student loan debt may be paid. Organizations include:

- Americorps
- Peace Corps
- Vista
- Military Reserves
- Teach for America
- National Health Service Corps
- Equal Justice Works

Repayment Plans

Once you’ve decided to begin paying off your loans, research the various options for repayment. Do remember, though, that the longer you take to payback your loans, the more interest you may accrue. Here are some of your options:

- Long-Term Payment: take up to 30 years to repay your loans, plus interest, by making monthly payments
- Income-Based Payment: you can take up to 15 years to pay off your loans if you choose this option that calculates monthly payments based off of your income
- Graduated Payment: if you land a great job out of school with the potential to earn more in the coming years, this option is for you. Your payments will start low and then increase every two years for the next ten to 30 years
- Standard Payment: pay your loans back in full within 10 years to get the best interest rate. The downside: your monthly payments will be high
- Pay in Full: if you are able, paying your loans off in full will save you interest charges. This is typically not an option for many.

Understand Hardships

If you have a hardship you may qualify for deferred payments. Medical illness and the lack of finding gainful employment are just two of the hardships recognized by the Department of Education. If you have a legitimate, provable reason that you cannot make your student loan payments on time, fill out a Statement of Financial Status form.

Consolidation

Speak to a financial representative and find out if consolidating your graduate student loan debt is in your best interest. This option works well for some but not for others, which is why professional advice is important. By consolidating your loans, you can cut your monthly payments in half and may be able to extend the time of repayment.

Defaulting

Defaulting on your loans can have serious consequences and should never be considered as an option. Not only will you ruin your credit rating, which can make it difficult to find a great job, you run the risk of having your wages garnished, the Federal government filing a lawsuit against you and your Federal tax refunds being held until your loan is paid in full.

Paying off your student loans as quickly as you can is important, though you don’t want to put yourself in dire financial straits to do so. Be sure to sit down, create a budget and set up a repayment plan that you can stick to. You’ll be out of debt before you know it.

Andy Anderson is a career counselor who writes for BusinessMBA.org, a site featuring extensive information and listings for the best accounting MBA programs available.