Posts Tagged ‘caa’

Auto Membership Offers Benefits That Eases Daily Living

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

Every year, our roads and highways are becoming more crowded with millions of vehicles. As well, many people are choosing to travel long distances by car. We no longer travel close to home, and work often involves road travel at all hours of the day and night. Our increasingly more mobile lifestyle has resulted in road travel problems such as vehicles breaking down on the side of the road and an increased risk of a vehicle accident. Fortunately, there has been a solution created to ease anxieties about vehicle problems when driving along our highways and byways. Purchasing an auto membership offers many benefits that will ease daily living.

During your daily routine, whether it is work or family activities, an auto membership will help ensure that you do not get in a stressful situation with no one to help. One of the biggest concerns about driving is having an accident or having a car break down in an isolated area with no one available to provide assistance. One of the major advantages of an auto membership is emergency roadside service.

The last thing you want is to be hurrying to a meeting or work, or taking your kids to school and have a car break down. If you have a car problem that requires a flat tire change, a tow service or a battery jump, with one phone call, someone will be dispatched to your location to help you get back on the road. Many times, a person can find them in such situations as lost or stolen keys, keys left in a locked vehicle, running out of essential vehicle fluids, or the gas tank runs empty. In these types of situations a person from roadside assistance will come to your location to replace a lost key, and add such fluids as anti freeze, brake fluids, motor oil…etc.

If you are a person who loves to vacation by car, an auto membership can be very helpful. If you are in an accident while traveling, some auto memberships will provide compensation for such expenses as transportation home, hotel, and food expenses. An auto membership can also provide such assistance as trip routing, discounts on recreational activities such as water parks, and discounts on cruises, hotels, restaurants, local attractions, theme parks, car rentals, and much more. They can even offer road maps and travel guides. As well, there are essential traveling products that one can acquire for their trip such as no-fee traveler’s checks, travel insurance, medical insurance, emergency check-cashing services, and much more.

There are auto club memberships where customer service representatives will help you find a new car. They will provide helpful information such as the history of maintenance and repairs, retail sticker prices, options, safety features, mileage, and more. There even auto clubs that can provide such insurance policies as auto, flood, medical, and life. They can also provide driver training programs.

Depending on the features you are looking for with an auto club membership, there is a plan that can meet each individual’s needs. By purchasing an auto club membership, your daily living routine and vacations will be much more relaxing and you will be reassured knowing that you are protected.

With CAA membership you get more than just roadside assistance and CAA car insurance. We also provide CAA travel packages and CAA travel insurance for your next exclusive getaway. Just one of the many benefits you get when you buy CAA membership.

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Check Your Vehicle Before Heading Out on a Long Trip

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Hitting the road for a long trip can be exciting and fun, as long as you are prepared. Plan early and use lists to get yourself organized, making sure you are packing everything you need for every member of your family. If you are bringing any pets along, make sure you pack items that you will need to care for them as well. Snacks, drinks, pillows, blankets, CD’s and magazines can all help make your time in the car go by faster. Before you head out, make sure your vehicle is all set to handle the distance. Checking your vehicle before departing for a long trip can avoid problems with your engine, radiator, transmission, brakes and tires. The following guidelines will help you ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape and ready to get you to where you’re going.

Check Your Oil So many problems result from the need for an overdue oil change! If your next oil change is coming up, make sure to have it done before your trip. If you don’t remember when your last oil change was, it might be a good idea to do it now. Otherwise, check your oil using the dipstick. Pull it out, wipe off the oil with a rag, then put it back in all the way. Check to see that the oil is up close to the “FULL” line on the dipstick. If the oil looks thick and black, you may want to have it changed.

Other Fluids Your car relies on various fluids to keep it running smoothly. One of these is automatic transmission fluid. Check this fluid with its dipstick, and note that if it looks dark and murky, it’s time to change it. Next, check your engine antifreeze level. It should be somewhere within the “MIN” and “MAX” marks on the coolant tank. Check the brake fluid, power steering fluid and make sure to top up the windshield washer tank with all-season windshield washer fluid.

Mechanical Components Look under the hood to see if there’s anything that looks out of place. Make sure the battery doesn’t have any visible rust or white residue. Check to see if any of the belts or hoses are cracked. Next, take your car out for a test drive to gage how well your steering and suspension are working. Keep the music off and pay particular attention to any sounds or noises coming from the engine or other mechanical components. Next, check your automobile’s lights and electrical systems and make sure everything is working. If any of you lights have burnt out, make sure to replace them before your trip. Don’t forget to check your tire pressure and tread so you wont need roadside assistance if you get a flat.

Safety … Emergency Equipment Make sure your car is equipped with a spare tire and jack as well as a wheel wrench. Also, make sure you have an emergency kit with flares, jumper cables, a flashlight and a simple tool kit.

We provide out-of-province travel medical and CAA insurance packages to ensure that you are protected while you travel. Just one of the many benefits to having an CAA membership.

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Tips For Keeping Your Driving Record Clean

Saturday, August 15th, 2009
by Amy Nutt

Keeping your driving record clean is essential to keeping your insurance premiums low and preventing a drivers license suspension. Drivers earn demerit points on their drivers license for such vehicle violations as speeding tickets, DUI, accidents when they are at-fault, moving violations, parking fines, etc. These violations can seriously damage one’s driving record. Too many accumulated demerit points can result in high fines, a drivers license suspension, and an increase in insurance premiums.

According to Adam Haber, CEO of InsuranceQuotes.com, “Driving infractions are the main reasons why auto insurance rates go higher.” Insurance companies have the ability to check your driving record, so it is essential to keep your driving record clean.

Traffic tickets such as speeding tickets can significantly raise your insurance premiums. It is important to drive the speed limit to avoid these tickets. If you receive a traffic ticket, there is a way a driver can keep it off their driving record. For instance, attending a traffic school can have a number of benefits such as canceling the traffic ticket. As well, if you attend a defensive driving school, your insurance company will give you a discount on your insurance premiums. It will also improve your driving skills, thereby decreasing the chances of having an at-fault accident. All states offer driver education programs, defensive driver programs, or traffic schools that every driver can attend. They can do this in person or on the Internet. When a driver completes the program and passes the tests, the demerit points will be removed from the driving record.

Taking an online driver safety program is a convenient way to keep your driving record clean. Classes are given using a virtual web-based program. Students are able to work at their own rate. Ask your insurance provider to recommend an online driver safety program that they will give a discount on your insurance premium once you complete the program. When you have approval to take your driver training program online, you just have to go to the site and register by submitting your information details to the driver training company. You can pay electronically using a secure web page. Once you complete payment, you will be directed to a web page where you will be provided with the program material. The course can either be taken online or as a downloaded software program.

Another way of keeping your driving record clean is to always pay your tickets on time. It could cause a lot more problems if there is an open driving infraction on your driving record. If you have an open driving violation, you may not even be able to leave the country.

The most important point to remember about keeping your driving record clean is to drive safely, don’t speed, and obey all traffic laws. A bad driving record can affect your ability to get a certain job, raise your insurance policies significantly, and even cost your ability to drive. As well, with current economic conditions being so unstable, a fine can really hurt the wallet. If you have a realistic argument to fight a ticket, it may be advantageous to take your case to traffic court. The numerous benefits of maintaining a clean drive record makes it as important as having a drivers license.

About the Author:
CAA insurance has got you covered for your insurance needs. Travel with a CAA membership so you can thoroughly enjoy your travels.

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Customizing Your Roadside Assistance Package

Sunday, July 19th, 2009
by Amy Nutt

If you own a car and do a lot of travelling, then you need a roadside assistance package. In fact, travels or not, it would be in your best interest to get one as it can be your lifesaver one day. Purchasing a roadside assistance package isn’t just about paying for a service, it is about paying for the right service. The packages vary and will only meet your needs if you choose rightly. Sadly, not many people give a thought to choosing any road side package. The reasons for this vary: for some, it is because they do not know that they need one; for another group of people, the truth is they just don’t care; and then you have those who know but do not know what procedures to take in getting not just a roadside package assistance but also, a customized one.

In case you are wondering what a roadside assistance plan is, it is the plan that will help get you out of a tough situation during your travels. How? For those who travel frequently, there are different risks involved and these can be anything from a flat tire to a broken axle. A roadside package ensures that if you get into any of these situations, there’s someone or a company that you can call who will come help you fix the problem, tow your car, provide fuel or provide you with alternative solutions.

But as with all things, there is no way you can have a general solution to a varying problem. Therefore, the packages or plans have got to be customized to your needs. To customize your roadside assistance plans, you need to take the following steps:

1. Shop around for options.

This is particularly important as it will give you an idea of what is available for you. In shopping, you can either look for a company that has the kind of package you have in mind or one that can meet your specific needs one on one. This is very important as a roadside assistance package for trucks will be different from one for minivans or SUVs.

2. Compare prices and options from different providers.

Since the rates will vary according to the client’s needs, look for that which would suit you. If you are not expecting any huge problems, you can go for the basic or standard package which isn’t very customizable as these are just basic problems that can be expected and fixed during your travels. This package consists of services such as key retrieval if locked in the car, refuelling if you happen to run out fuel during your travels, tire replacement if you have a flat tire, and vehicle towing if the problems cannot be fixed on the spot.

Some companies are flexible in allowing you add one or more cars to your initial vehicle plan. Therefore, if you feel you would be buying more cars, you could look for plans such as this. Varying your options and asking for advice from friends with roadside assistance plans can also help you choose a plan that will meet your needs.

About the Author:
CAA has built a reputation for excellence on its renowned emergency roadside assistance. At CAA insurance we recognize that having the proper travel insurance coverage provides peace of mind, so you can thoroughly enjoy your travels.

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Advantages Every Auto Club Member Should Know

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009
by Amy Nutt

Statistics show that across the country, car accidents and vehicle break downs along roads and highways are a common every day occurrence. Because there are so many drivers on the road, auto clubs now play an important role in ensuring driver protection. They now provide services that extend beyond covering a driver’s towing expenses.

There are many advantages to being a member of a reputable auto club that include:

Community Outreach and Education: Many auto clubs provide informational fairs or seminars to the public in an effort to provide auto educational information. For instance, outreach programs will often include educating teens about safe driving, demonstrating what it is like to be in a car crash, providing parents with information to prepare teens for driving, have their vehicle’s speedometer tested, learn about various car mechanisms, and helping people to decrease their fuel consumption, etc.

Reasonable Membership Fees: The costs of an auto club membership can range from around $50.00 and more. The price makes for a financially sound investment since that is usually about the price of having a car towed. One tow can pay for the annual auto club fee.

Roadside Assistance Benefits: With an auto club membership you can benefit from roadside assistance that can include: towing, bringing fuel and other vehicle fluids to the scene of a breakdown, changing a flat tire, replacing lost or stolen keys, and recharging the battery. Most importantly, your safety is ensured as you will not be stuck on the side of the road late at night. All you need is a cell phone to call the auto club, and the club will usually have a towing service or technician out in about 30 minutes. Those who travel long distances often will feel at ease driving knowing that they are protected.

Travel Discounts: When you are a member of an auto club, you will receive a number travel discounts on such things as hotels, cruises, amusement parks, campgrounds, tours, and vacation packages. If you travel a lot, saving 10 to 15 percent can eventually add up to the cost of an annual auto club membership.

Trip Accident Reimbursement: If you are in an accident and are a far distance from your home, some auto clubs will reimburse you for such expenses as car rentals, commercial transportation home,( train, plane, bus) and food and lodging.

Auto Pricing Service: Some auto clubs will help you shop for a car. They will provide such information as suggested retail sticker prices, options listings, maintenance and repairs, and more.

Additional Discounts: There are a variety of other discounts that come with an auto club membership that can include discounts on vehicle insurance, certain stores, restaurants, automotive repair shops, etc.

Legal Defense Benefits: Some auto clubs will provide legal fees for members who are charged with a traffic violation.

Hit and Run Rewards: Some auto clubs will offer a financial reward to any member who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a hit and run driver whose vehicle is responsible for an auto accident

An auto club membership is much like an investment because there are so many advantages and benefits for the amount you pay for the membership. It has become as important as having regular vehicle insurance. Auto club memberships vary from company to company so it is important to do your research and shop around before enrolling in an auto club.

About the Author:
Membership with an auto club not only gets roadside assistance, members also get to enjoy discounts on Las Vegas vacation packages

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Tips on Keeping Your Auto Insurance Rates Down

Saturday, April 18th, 2009
by A Nutt

Auto insurance can be quite expensive, especially when you want the right coverage. That is why it is very important that you do what you can to keep your auto insurance rates down. There are ways that you can do it and save yourself hundreds of dollars per year. Why would you want to keep your car insurance rates down? You want to keep your rates down so that you can keep more money in your pocket.

Tips you can use There are so many ways that you can use to keep your auto insurance rates down and some of them you can use at the same time as other discounts to maximize your savings.

Here are some things that you can ask your car insurance company for:

- Ask if you can receive a discount if you have more than one type of insurance with their company. For instance, you may find that you can have your auto insurance and your homeowner’s insurance with this company and they will provide you with a combined discount. Carry all of your insurance policies with them, such as auto, home, and life and you may find that you can get even more money off.

- If the driver of the car is a student or is listed as a driver on the car, you may find that you can get a good student discount. This is where the student maintains at least a B average on their report card. You may be required to take that report card to the insurance company each time it comes out, but it really pays off. If grades go down, the discount may disappear until the grades go back up.

- See if there are any safe driver discounts available. When you haven’t had a ticket or an accident, you may find that there are discounts available for you.

- If you are a senior citizen and you’ve not had any accidents in a specific amount of time, there may be discounts available to you.

- You can always raise your deductible to reduce your premium. However, you need to keep in mind that doing so will result in a higher out-of-pocket expense if an accident does occur. The standard deductible is $500, but some individuals will go as high as $2,000 to save some money on their premium. If you can pay $2,000 if an accident occurs, then that will work fine. Just make sure your deductible is not higher than what you can afford in case damage is done to your car and you need to pay it.

- You may wish to shop around. You may find a company that offers the same coverage for a lower price. You always want to compare before you make a commitment.

You want to use all of these tips so that you can save yourself quite a bit of money.

How you can compare When finding the right company to do business with, it is very important that you compare. You can do this by calling companies and recording the different rates that they quote you. You can also do this by going to their websites and filling out the forms on their websites to receive quotes for the car insurance you want. This allows you to compare in a much easier way. Take all of that information and make an informed decision.

When you have the right company and you have taken advantage of all possible discounts, you will get the best auto rates possible. That will help you keep more money in your bank account and will keep you and your family rather happy financially.

About the Author:
Provides Disney Theme park tickets and travel insurance for your next exclusive getaway. Just one of the many benefits to having an CAA membership.

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