Many consumers wish to know how to buy used cars at the best possible price. Many also feel that car payments are unavoidable, so they might as well buy a newer car instead of choosing to buy used cars.  There have been significant improvements in the quality of cars over the years, which means that well-maintained cars should stay reliable for at least 100,000 miles and ten years. The United States Department of Transportation states that the average life span of a motor vehicle is 128,500 miles or 12 years. However, surveys have shown that a person sells or trades in a car when it is only on average 4 1/2 years old with only 41,000 miles.

That means that there are a lot of potential vehicles to choose from when you buy used cars that have plenty of life left in them. When looking for a relatively new model, it can be a great deal to buy used cars that are the same style. About 20% of a new car’s monetary value is lost in the very first year of ownership, which means that if you buy used cars , you pay significantly less for a small about wear. Car accessories such as power assists, stereo systems, and other convenience options are also far less a factor when looking at resale pricing. In addition, by the time a motor vehicle is a couple of years old, small problems in the particular model should have been found and corrected.

With the average cost of a new car going up every year, it is understandable that the quickest growing section of the automobile industry is the used car market. Over the last decade, used automobiles have become even better values. When you buy used cars, you can save thousands of dollars in comparison to buying new cars, especially when the price of new cars keeps going up. The first step to take when you buy used cars is to decide on the make, year, model and the options you want on the vehicle. Consider what you will be using the car for, for example if you are a student who needs an economical model, or if you need a family vehicle. You should also decide what accessories you would like to have or you need. After you decide to buy used cars and you choose a specific model vehicle, you should also think of other back up models as well. 

If you are having difficulty choosing models before you buy used cars, you can take a look at Consumers Reports which publishes excellent information regarding both new and used cars. These reports include repair and maintenance information. You can narrow your choices of different vehicles as much as possible with this. You should make sure to note the following features of each vehicle when planning to buy used cars:

• Safety features

• Visibility

• Comfort

If you wish to check the “recall record” of a motor vehicle before you buy used cars, you can call the United States Department of Transportation Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at (800) 424-9393. The department will tell you if a particular model has ever been previously recalled and will send you any information regarding that particular recall. Additionally, you can you can obtain technical service or recall bulletins on different models online from different services.

Many different price guides are used by dealers, lenders, and individuals to figure out the monetary value who sell or buy used cars. You can check the check the Official Used Car Guide from the National Automotive Dealers Association to find the book value on your trade-in vehicle. This book may also be found in local banks and credit unions or public libraries. The publication is released every month the National Automotive Dealers Association and with provides average loan, wholesale, trade-in, and retail prices for almost every car sold in the last seven years.

These publications are not intended to provide a definitive price for a vehicle, but rather to serve as a reference point when negotiating with the seller of the vehicle. The information found in the book can be also obtained at the reference section of your public library or through services which provide invoice prices for a small fee. You can look at classified ads in your local newspaper to figure out what advertisers in your local area are asking for the specific models when you buy used cars. The difference between retail and wholesale value will be your ideal bargaining range.

You can check with local credit unions and banks for financing options in order to make better comparisons with dealer financing when you plan to buy used cars. Be sure to figure out the amount that the credit union or bank will finance for a specific model vehicle. Also consider getting preapproved credit, which would get rid of dealer pressure on when you buy used cars. You should check your current insurance company for a price quote on particular vehicles when you buy used cars. You should consider whether you can afford the car payments and insurance payments and whether there is room in your budget for any unexpected vehicle repairs. 

You can check with your local Consumer Affairs Office, Better Business Bureau, and other related government agencies for more information on automobile dealerships in your area. You should make sure that any dealers you plan to buy used cars from are licensed with the respective Division of Motor Vehicles of your state. You can also ask if the dealer belongs to any professional associations, such as local dealer associations or the Chamber of Commerce and how long the particular dealership has been in business. 

When you buy used cars, you are making a major purchase, which requires proper comparison shopping for both price and value in order to find the best deal possible. There are many different sources to buy used cars from:

• New car dealerships

• Used car dealerships

• Leasing companies

• Rental car companies

• Private individuals

New car dealers usually only keep the best cars and will give them a very thorough inspection. Additionally, when you buy used cars you should consider purchasing from a dealer who can handle the particular brand you are interested in purchasing. You should look for full service departments who are well-stocked with parts for that model. These dealerships may also be able to offer a parts and labor warranty. You should visit several different automobile dealerships.

Rental returns, which are also called program cars, can also be an excellent value when you buy used cars. These cars are usually less than two years old, and are well maintained and equipped, with good warranties. When you buy used cars, you may want to look at luxury dealers for mid-priced sedans or domestic dealers for used imports. 

You can also buy used cars from private individuals. However, it may not necessarily be a better deal to buy used cars from a private party. Buyers might end up overpaying for a vehicle because somehow they assume it will be a better deal from the private party. One major benefit of purchasing from a private seller is that the buyer can meet the seller in person and ask about any mechanical problems the car may have, find out who was the main driver of the car, why it is being sold, and ask for maintenance records of the vehicle.

When buying a car from a private party, you must be cautious since there are no warranties. When you buy used cars from private parties, it is strictly “buyer beware”. Additionally, the buyers must provide their own financing pay cash for the vehicle.

Check the vehicle during the day as darkness can hide exterior problems. Make sure not to check out cars in the rain, which may hide scratches and nicks, as well as making worn, thin paint appear slick. You should concentrate on big defects rather than minor repairs which can be made inexpensively and easily.

You should also prepare a checklist for the interior as well as the exterior of the car and things when driving. Take a basic look around the exterior of the car. One practice that is very common is to have the car carefully detailed to increase the appeal. Usually this process includes a full cleaning inside and out, waxing the vehicle, and repairing minor cosmetic items that may hide the vehicle’s wear.

Look at both sides of the vehicle from a distance, in the front and the back. Check for waves, ripples, mismatched colors, and poorly fitted panels, all of which can indicate that work has been done on the body of the vehicle. Check for rust or dents near the bottom of the fenders and doors. Any bubbles along the chrome or molding indicate that there is rust underneath. Check under the vehicle for any rust as well. If it has gone through the metal, it can require major repairs.

Look for welding spots on the car’s frame which can indicate serious damages or repairs before you buy used cars. Open and close all of the doors, the hood, hatchback and the truck. Be sure all of them properly fit and are very easy to close without having to slam and without any sagging or sticking.

Stand back around 10 to 15 feet from the vehicle and check if the car is level. When one corner appears lower than the others, it may mean a broken spring or other suspension or chassis issues.

Before you buy used cars, check that the tires of the car are in good shape and do not have sidewall cracks. If there is uneven tire wear, it may mean that there are worn front end components, tired shocks, or improper wheel alignment. Additionally, you should check the inside of the tires in case there is brake fluid leakage, which indicates leaking wheel cylinders.

You can check the shocks by pressing down on each corner of the vehicle and then letting go. The car should only bounce upward once and then settle to the original position. If the vehicle bounces many times, the car may need new shocks.

When you buy used cars, you should check under the car for any oil spots, or leaks from the power steering, shock absorbers, or transmission. Open the hood and take a look at the belts and hoses for wear or cracks. Take off the radiator cap and check that the coolant is a clean, greenish (or yellow or blue, depending on coolant brand) color. If there is brown sludge in the radiator neck, it can indicate poor maintenance.

Take out the oil dipstick and check if the oil is grayish or gummy, which can indicate serious problems with the engine. If there is any black buildup near the very top of the dipstick, you should smell it. If it smells like it is burnt, this means the transmission or engine has been run hot. The automatic transmission fluid must not be black or brown, but rather reddish and clear in color. Low fluid level or the burnt smell indicates neglect. Be sure to also check the level of fluid in the master cylinder. If there is a low level, look for leaks and get the brake pads checked. Check the trunk for an inflated spare tire, a lug wrench, and a jack.

Buy Used Cars: Inspecting the Car’s Interior

The inside of a car can give you an idea of the overall condition of the vehicle and how well it has been maintained. You can check these before you buy used cars.

Look at the mileage of the car to check that it has been used a reasonable amount considering the asking price when you buy used cars. You should also compare the service stickers found under the hood or on the door jamb to check if the recorded mileage seems consistent with the vehicle’s odometer reading. 

Before you buy used cars, check the seats, carpeting, and belts’ condition. Shoulder harnesses and lap belts should be in good shape without any rips, frayed webbing, or tears. The upholstery of the car should be clean without any large cracks or rips.

Check all the windows to see if they easily open and close. Manual windows should smoothly crank while power windows should not at any point hesitate. All glass should not have any serious scratches or cracks.

Check at the clutch, brake, and accelerator. These pedals must work smoothly without making any strange noises and without binding. Check exterior lights and flashers to ensure they work properly. Start the car’s engine and check the gauges and warning lights as well as all accessories to ensure they work properly. Ensure that the air conditioning can blow very cold air.

Check for the owner’s manual in the glove box. The manual has maintenance information and important information regarding fluid capacities, replacement parts, and engine tuning.

While a used car does not depreciate in value as quickly as a new car, it is still possible to get a “lemon” car. Be careful of extra and hidden costs, like rustproofing or extended warranties which you may not want to have.

There can be additional charges when you buy used cars, such as charges for processing paperwork, which are called conveyance fees. You should also be weary of credit insurance policies.  These policies will pay off your loan if you die or become disabled. You cannot be forced to purchase insurance as a loan prerequisite. 

Extended warranties are also generally offered to cover major parts such as the engine, transmission, or the transaxle, by manufacturers at an extra cost. These warranties can include a deductible which is paid by the owner. There are also “wrap-around” warranties and service contracts that are offered by warranty companies and manufacturers. 

When you buy used cars, you should check how the car drives. Start the engine and press the brake. The pedal should go down about an inch or two and must feel firm and solid, rather than spongy. Press on the brakes for an extended period to see if the pedal slowly sinks, which may indicate a master cylinder leak. As the car engine warms up, you should listen for noises such as ticking, rattles and knocks, which can indicate engine issues. Put the car in neutral and then rev the engine. Check in the rear view mirror for any smoke coming from the exhaust. White or bluish smoke can indicate that engine needs overhaul.

When idle, the car engine should be quiet and smooth. Punch the gas pedal to check if the car engine responds without any hesitation and then goes back to normal idle. When first starting, slowly drive to get a feel for the car. The automatic transmission should not jerk, slip or hesitate. A manual transmission should not grind, but rather shift smoothly between gears. The clutch should disengage and engage smoothly without chattering or grabbing. Drive on a smooth, flat road and slightly lift your hands from the wheel. The vehicle should be stable without vibration and track straight. If the vehicle pulls in either direction, front end repairs such as an alignment might be necessary.

To test the car’s brakes, accelerate to around 30 to 40 miles per hour in an area with no cars behind you, and step on the brake pedal hard, without locking the wheels. The brakes must grab evenly and the car should decelerate in a straight line. If the vehicle pulls to the right or left, it means the car needs a system re-build or a brake adjustment. A grinding noise means that there are badly worn pads or linings. 

Next, accelerate to 45mph. If the front end of the car vibrates or shapes, the tires may need balancing. Quickly drive over a rough street and listen for loud rattles or squeaks. If the car bangs or bounces over small bumps, it indicates worn shock absorbers. After driving the car for a while, check for high reading on the temperature gauge or if the temperature warning light comes on. These can indicate cooling system troubles, which can be very expensive.

To test the response of the engine, accelerate hard on an empty street. The car should immediately respond. Stop and then hit the gas once more. There should not be any smoke or hesitation from the car and should smoothly accelerate without any strange noises. Check how well the car drives over steep hills. If you notice significant power loss while climbing, the car may require a tune-up or an overhaul. While on the hill, test the hand brake to ensure it holds the car. After finishing the test drive, it’s a good turn off the car for a few minutes and then restart the engine to check how well it turns on when hot. Check again for any leaks beneath the car and under the hood. Sometimes leaks will only show up after driving. Check the tailpipe for any sooty black oily deposits. If there is a powdery, white residue, it can indicate good fuel combustion.

A vehicle’s odometer reading is an accepted way of determining the monetary value of a car. If the vehicle is in unusually good condition, items may have been replaced because of excessive wear. Check for scratches on the dashboard or odometer, digits that are misaligned or stuck, or loosely fitting odometers when you buy used cars. Any of these can suggest odometer tampering. 

If you think that the car’s odometer has been rolled back, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles or local law enforcement agency. If you think odometer fraud has happened with a vehicle you have already bought, the Department of Motor vehicles can help you in finding a record of previous odometer statements from all dealers involved in the car’s history. If you find out that odometer fraud has occurred, you will have to hire an attorney to file suit against the fraud violator. Because of the importance of the car’s odometer reading in calculating the condition and value of a car, both state and federal laws make it illegal to tamper with the odometer. It is illegal to:

• Drive with the odometer disconnected or with a non-functional odometer

• Turn back the odometer

• Disconnect the odometer

It is against the law for anyone to sell a motor vehicle without giving a written statement of the actual vehicle mileage at the time of vehicle transfer. Exemptions from this include:

• Vehicles that are over 10 years old

• Vehicles that have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating exceeding 16,000 pounds

• Vehicles that are not self-propelled

Ask if the car has ever been in any crashes or accidents. Learn as much about the maintenance record and prior history of the car. If you are buying the car from a dealer, contact the car’s previous owner to verify the condition and mileage of the car. If the dealer refuses to provide information, take note of the vehicle identification number, which can be used to find out who the previous owners were.

The National Automobile Dealer’s Association can run title searches on a vehicle for a small fee, which is important when you buy used cars. The search will provide information regarding previous registrations and if the vehicle has been recalled, flood damaged, salvaged, or if the odometer has been rolled back.

After you have thoroughly inspected the car, you should take the car to a trusted mechanic before you making a final decision when you buy used cars. When you buy used cars, the best place to inspect a car is at the dealership that services and sells that specific make of car. These mechanics will be knowledgeable with the car and will know what problems to check for. 

If the vehicle does have any problems, ask the approximate cost for fixing these defects. Minor problems that can easily be fixed may be used to negotiate a lower selling price but a vehicle with any major problems must be avoided. 

By federal law, all car dealers are to adhere a “buyer’s guide” in the window of each car offered for sale. This guide notifies any potential buyer that there is a warranty on the vehicle or that the car is being sold “as-is,” which means there is no warranty on the vehicle of any kind.

When you buy used cars, you should be aware of whether you are buying an “as-is” car. After you drive the car from the dealership, it now belongs to you, despite any mechanical issues the car may have. If the car breaks down only after a few minutes of driving off the dealership lot, the repairs are now your responsibility.

The biggest and important difference between vehicles might not be in the extra equipment provided or under the hood, but instead is somewhere in the product packaging, or the Warranty Card. Although you may think nothing can or will happen to your newly bought vehicle, problems can and often do surface. The better the car’s warranty, the less you will have to pay for any unexpected repair bills.

When you compare warranty policies, longer policies are better. However, be aware of policies that have unrealistic requirements or are too long. You should be sure to ask the following questions regarding the vehicle’s warranty:

• Are all of the car’s parts covered under the warranty?

• Is there a co-payment for the warranty?

• Under the warranty, am I only allowed to have repairs done only at certain garages?

• Does the normal service need to be accounted for in the warranty?

• Can vehicle service be done at a repair shop of my choosing or only at certified repair shops which are designated in the policy? This can be particularly important if you live far away from repairs and service locations.

• If the warranty is misused, is coverage completely voided?

After you buy used cars, you should keep your warranty records safe with any other receipts. Make a copy of the warranty and keep it in a different location. While some companies are more relaxed, other will require you to provide the original warranty if you have to get repairs done. Be sure to be very specific in adhering to the warranty requirements of the manufacturer.

The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 requires that car warranties be available to read before you buy used cars. Unfortunately, many companies do not follow this requirement. While no reputable dealer will completely disobey this law, they may make their administrative procedures for getting this information incomplete. Under the federal law, you may sue these companies based on breach of the express warranties, implied warranties or a breach of the service contract.

Essentially, when you buy used cars you should carefully read the warranties and the fine print. Be sure to get copies of all documents you sign. Make sure that any other documents you sign are the same as what you agreed to. There have been situations where a “buyer’s guide” states that there is a warranty, but the actual contract states an “as-is” transaction. In this situation, government agencies will call this transaction an “as-is” sale. All warranties and agreement are only valid if they are in writing and are signed by all involved parties. 

You should not sign any blank forms under any circumstances. You should get copies of all signed paperwork that are involved in the sale of the vehicle at the time of preparation. Make sure not to lose control of the vehicle’s title during a trade.

In many situations, once the deposit is made, the customer can lose the deposit if he or she changes his/her mind and chooses not to buy the used car. When buying used cars, make sure that your contract and/or your receipt specifies a refundable initial deposit. Also make sure that you fully understand all the terms discussed in the contract.

Many contracts when you buy used cars are written pending the credit application. Deposits are often made with credit application fees. The trade-in value of a vehicle is provided and the car purchased is then brought home. The credit application is may then be processed and denied. In this case, the application can then be processed once more with another agency through the car dealership, but it will be done at a higher interest rate. Because of this, make that you get everything you agreed on regarding terms and interest rate if you are denied credit when you buy used cars. Check to see if the dealership has a license to finance vehicles by verifying with the Division of Banking & Finance if you have any concerns or questions.

After you buy used cars, have the vehicle seller write a receipt that is marked “Paid in Full.” This receipt must include the vehicle identification number, model, make, the buyer’s name, the seller’s name, and the amount paid for the vehicle.

Dealers are only allowed to charge the actual amount of fees when charging for tags, title transfer, and taxes. Normally, these fees are not included in the purchase contract when you buy used cars. However, sometimes dealers will charge a handling or processing fee. If they do so, this fee must be disclosed separately. You should make sure you properly understand all the terms of your contract.

A licensed dealer is required by law to transfer the title and tags within 30 days. If a car dealer issues a second temporary tag for the vehicle, the buyer should start asking questions regarding the delay in transfer. If the car dealer issues another temporary tag after the second, the seller should contact their local Division of Motor Vehicles immediately, since they may be illegal depending on the state and jurisdiction.

You should make sure you have proof of insurance for the car. Most states require vehicles that are licensed within the state to have some sort of liability insurance that is accepted within the state. Without providing proof of insurance when you buy used cars, the dealer will not be able to complete the transfer of the car’s title and registration into the buyer’s name.

Nearly every car loses value as time goes on. Large luxury cars as well as subcompacts tend to lose value at the quickest rates. Domestic cars usually depreciate faster than their comparable imports.

Used cars that have the highest resale value are often the best-selling new car models, particularly when they have desirable options such as power steering, cruise control, and air conditioning. If you wind up paying a bit extra than you had expected for the perfect used car, it is not a big concern. In the long run, you will be much better of having a car that you are happy with rather than one that was a bit cheaper. 

Tailgating is the act of driving to the vehicle in front on the front, at a given distance which does not guarantee that the car can stop to avoid collision if necessary. Nearly one third of rear-end collisions are the result of a person tailgating. In many jurisdictions, tailgating is illegal and is punishable by a fine. However, because of its vagueness within the law, tailgating laws are very rarely enforced, which allows the behavior to continue.

Tailgating can often occur due to of a lack of perceived risk by so doing. Because of this, it is done negligently or unconsciously, often by those who think that they are safe drivers who usually obey the rules that apply to driving on the road. 

In its worst form, tailgating can be a very violent form of road rage as well as a form of intimidation on the road. An example of this situation would be if the tailgating driver threatens to damage the leading vehicle and cause injury to its occupants through aggressively driving, in conjunction the use of the horn and headlights in order to bully the driver of the leading vehicle to get out of the tailgating car’s way. The driver who is being tailgated may not wish to comply, especially if it would result in breaking a traffic law, for example by increasing the car’s speed beyond the speed limit of the road or by changing lanes without proper regard for safety. However, it is important to note that in some jurisdictions flashing high beams can be considered a polite and normal method used to signal the driver’s intention to overtake the vehicle. Tailgating can also be extremely dangerous to the tailgater, particularly if he or she is driving too closely behind a very large vehicle, like a gas tanker or a tractor-trailer. If the leading vehicle suddenly decelerates, for example as a result of a traffic light, pedestrians, or a traffic jam, the tailgating party has a very high risk of causing a rear-end crash.

A driver can switch into a lane in front of another car, but he or she must first have adequate clearance. Without it, the second driver is now unintentionally “tailgating” the first car, although this is the result of the first driver’s unsafe driving. Doing this is considering cutting off the second vehicle.

Another form of intentional tailgating known as slipstreaming, also called a draft-assisted forced auto stop. This is a technique used by people in order to achieve greater fuel economy. This form of tailgating requires the driver to turn off the engine and glide in neutral while tailgating a much larger vehicle, by doing so taking advantage of the reduced wind resistance. This practice is very dangerous and increases the chance of a collision since the power for power brakes may be gone after a few applications of the pedal. With older cars, this pressure can also causes power steering to stop functioning as well.

In order to avoid tailgating, you should be actively aware of whether you would be able to avoid a collision if the vehicle in front of you breaks suddenly. Some tips to avoid tailgating and a collision include the following:

• During the day, you should allow no less than 2 seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you.

• You should allow more leeway for other conditions: 3 seconds at nighttime, 4 seconds during bad weather conditions such as during snow, ice, or rain.

• Be particularly careful when approaching intersections, stop lights, and when you are changing lanes.

• Anticipate any possible hazardous situations that may cause the driver in front of you to suddenly stop.

Car insurance is often one the largest expenses associated with driving and owning a motor vehicle. For individuals whose cars are paid off, it is typically the second largest bill after gas for the vehicle. For young drivers or those with sporty cars, high auto insurance rates can be even more expensive. This is why it is important to try to get the most cost effective auto insurance rates for your policy. 

It is first important to understand what factors an affect your auto insurance rates.  There are many different factors that are directly correlated to your auto insurance rates. Some of the most significant ones include:

• Age: Young drivers usually have higher auto insurance rates since they are more inclined to get into car accidents. Likewise, senior drivers pay sine of the lowest auto insurance premiums, since according to driving statistics they are less likely to get in collisions than younger drivers.

• Gender: Statistically speaking, females tend to be more cautious drivers and are less likely to cause a serious accident on average. Because of this, women are usually favored by insurers, which results in them having lower average auto insurance rates than their male counterparts.

• Address: The amount of car theft and potential collisions vary greatly depending on area. Typically, drivers living in smaller cities and suburbs enjoy lower auto insurance rates than drivers who live in urban areas. This is why most auto insurance providers will ask you for your zip code before quoting auto insurance rates.

• Driving experience: The longer you have had your license, the lower your auto insurance rates will be. Additionally, insurance companies will also check how many years you have been insured. If you were insured under a one company for many years, the company will often provide you with lower auto insurance rates as you are thought to be a more reliable driver.

• Traffic claims and tickets: All insurance providers will ask if you have ever received any tickets or if you have made any traffic claims in the last three years. They will also ask if you have been in a traffic collision that was your fault.

• Make, Model, and Year of the vehicle: Each auto insurer has statistical data compiled of collisions and theft for each specific car model. They utilize this data to figure out which models are cheaper and which models are more expensive to provide insurance for. Not only the make and model of the vehicle makes a difference, but the year and a trim level affects your auto insurance rates as well. 

• Vehicle use and annual mileage: Insurance companies will have you estimate how many miles you put on your car each year. The more you drive your vehicle, the higher your auto insurance rates will be. Because of this, you should accurately estimate your annual mileage in order to qualify for discounts for low mileage use. Likewise, you will have to specify how exactly you will use the motor vehicle, for example whether you will use it to commute from school or work or if you will use it for business.

When it comes to auto insurance rates, finding the best coverage and the most affordable rates is very important. You should consider how your policy protects you, your family, and your valuables carefully before deciding on a policy. Licensed insurance agents will try to provide you with the most competitive rates since they are competing with other companies locally, but to get the best deal you need to look into what terms they are offering you and which of those are the best for you. You should choose exactly what sort of coverage you need, and decide on what coverage you will not need. This way, you will purchase only the coverage that is right for you, and your auto insurance rates will be reflected in this. Here are some different forms of coverage that can affect your auto insurance rates:

• Bodily Injury Coverage: This type of coverage is required in nearly all states. If you are in an accident and the other involved party wishes to sue you for their medical bills, your policy will cover this part the cost. However, if you do not have bodily injury liability coverage in your policy, and the other party wins a suit, you may lose large amounts of money and potentially your personal assets, like your house. This type of coverage is one of the most important parts of your policy, so when considering your auto insurance rates you should consider how you are protecting your family and your possessions in conjunction to the cost. You should discuss just how much coverage you will need with your insurance agent.

• Property Damage Coverage: While bodily injury pays for the other party’s property damage and medical bills in the event of an accident, liability coverage covers the other party’s vehicle replacement or repairs. Replacing a vehicle can potentially be as high as $40,000, depending on what type of vehicle is involved. This can add up to significant financial losses if you do not get this coverage as a part of your car insurance policy.

• Personal Injury Protection: Personal Injury Protection (sometimes just referred to as PIP) is also another component of insurance that is needed in some states that affects your auto insurance rates. Personal injury protection is a part of your auto insurance policy that will pay for any medial cost you or your family incurs if you are involved in an accident. Even if the other party is at fault in the accident, they may or may not have the coverage or the money to cover your medical bills. However, your health insurance may cover this type so make sure to check your medical policy before buying additional coverage on your automobile policy since this coverage will increase your auto insurance rates.

• Collision Coverage: This type of coverage will pay for the replacement or repair of your car if it is involved in an accident. As your vehicle gets older, it will depreciate in monetary value. Be sure to discuss with your agent about the best collision coverage at the best rate. The amount of coverage you actually need may vary for different vehicles in your household, particularly if you have a wide variety of vehicles in your home, such as trucks or motorcycles. Your auto insurance rates will also vary if you have both new and older vehicles.

• Comprehensive Car Insurance: If your vehicle is stolen, damaged by a natural disaster, or vandalized, comprehensive coverage can pay for these losses. Like collision insurance coverage, the value and age of your vehicle should also be considered so that you do not overpay for insurance and have a policy with higher rates.

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you are involved in an accident where it is the other party’s fault, but that party is either underinsured or uninsured, you may find yourself with serious financial issues. Although the best car coverage might not cover the full amount of your vehicle’s injuries or damages, uninsured motorist coverage will cover you no matter what sort of insurance the other party has. This part of your policy will pay for any bills associated with the accident regarding property damage. There are many motorists that drive with no or very little coverage even though it is not recommended or sometimes even illegal. 

Every insurance company provides different discount packages in their auto insurance policies. One way to find the lowest auto insurance rates and price for your car insurance is to compare different companies and see what discounts they provide that you would qualify for. Some common discounts for your policy include:

• Multi-Vehicle Discounts: This discount is one of the most common ones. You can be qualified for this when you insure more than one vehicle on the same insurance policy. Doing so lowers the administrate work for the insurance company and helps keep your premiums lower than insuring the two vehicles separately.

• Safe Driver Discounts: You are usually qualified for safe driver discounts in your auto insurance rates if you have not been filed a claim due to an accident (usually in the last three years). You may also be eligible for the safe driver discount if you have participated in a driver’s safety course. 

• Defensive Driver Discounts: Participating in defensive driving courses is a way to get discounts that can lower your auto insurance rates. While not all companies offer this discount, it is a fairly common discount so you should ask your insurer if you qualify. This discount can result in up to 10 percent off on your insurance premium.  The defensive driver discount can also be an incentive for you to study more if you are already enrolled in a program since doing well can result in a great discount. Furthermore, you may learn some important defensive driving techniques which can help you avoid an accident in the future, which would save you money in the long run.

• Academic Discounts: This discount, sometimes called the student discount or a good student discount, is one that varies between insurance companies. In general, if you qualify under the category your provider considers as the “good student discount” you can save money on your insurance policy. Some companies provide discounts in excess of 10 percent. The idea behind this insurance discount is that good students are more likely to be better drivers. Usually this discount only applies to current full time students. The requirements to qualify vary from company to company. For certain companies, the GPA must be either above a 3.0 or in the upper 20 percent. For others, the discount is applied when the student makes the dean’s list. Typically, there is an age limit to this discount, but it is usually applicable to both high school students and college students. 

• Safety Equipment Discounts: Purchasing a vehicle with security or safety equipment can help you qualify for discounts to your auto insurance rates. Even installing certain items after purchasing the vehicle can help you save money on your policy. Most of this depends on the specific insurance company and the type of equipment, but it is still beneficial to discuss these discounts with your insurance company. 

• Anti-theft Device Discounts: There are often discounts for your auto insurance rates that are similar to the equipment discounts. In this case, these discounts are for drivers that install alarms or other theft prevention equipment on their vehicles. For example, some vehicles that are equipped with tracking devices or devices that turn off the vehicle off a certain amount of miles if it was hotwired may qualify you for a discount. These discounts are specific for each insurance company, so you should ask your insurer if you meet the requirements.

• Club Membership Discounts: Certain organizations and clubs work out deals with different insurance companies to provide discounts on auto insurance rates for their members. Some of these insurance discounts can be applied to your auto insurance rates, as well as other types of insurance coverage you may have. Not every organization or club has these deals in all areas and not every insurance company will honor them. Usually, it is worthwhile to at least check with any organizations you belong to see if they provide any discounts, and if so, which companies will honor them.

• Low Mileage Discounts: If the average miles you have driven is lower than many other drivers, you may be eligible to receive low mileage discounts. The purpose of this discount is that since you drive less, you are less likely to get into a car accident, so you are less likely to cost the insurance company any money. Although not every insurer offers these discounts, those that do may allow you to save up to 10 to 15 percent off your auto insurance rates. If you have recently changed jobs to a closer location and your daily commute is now shorter or if you are no longer using your car as often, you should make sure to contact your insurance agent to check if the reduction in your estimated weekly mileage helps you qualify for a discount. 

• Military Discounts: If you have served in the military, you know that many businesses, even outside of insurance provides different military discounts. Many insurers provide discounts for both former and current members of the military as well as their families on their auto insurance rates. Who specifically qualifies may vary between different companies. Generally, current members of the military are eligible for these discounts.

• Payment Method Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts if you set up a specific form of automated payment in order to pay your monthly insurance bills. This payment is often an automatic debit payment from a checking account. You can check with your specific insurer to see if any discounts are available, if you qualify, and what the terms and conditions of each offer are. 

• Preferred Parking Discounts: While this is a less common discount, some insurance providers will give you a discount on your auto insurance rates based on your parking. Some companies would prefer to avoid paying for you if someone else causes damage to your vehicle in a communal lot, such as an apartment parking lot. Having a private parking, or some other form of secured parking may make you eligible for the parking discount for your auto insurance rates.

• Retiree Discounts:  Depending on the particular area you live in, the retirement age may be either at 55 or 65 years of age. Some insurance companies provide discounts to retired drivers. This is because retired drivers typically spend less time on the road in comparison to other drivers. Without having to commute daily, retirees usually put less mileage on their vehicles than their working driver counterparts who have added mileage with their daily commutes. If you are 55 years of age or older, you should ask your insurance agent if there are any discounts you qualify for. A retiree discount on your auto insurance rates can make a big impact on the amount you pay each month on your premium. This is a discount that is often offered outright by insurance agents, so it is important ask about to potentially save you money.

Many drivers overpay on premiums and end up with higher auto insurance rates because they do not take the time to get insurance quotes from more than one auto insurer. Many drivers are simply not aware of just how easy it is to obtain multiple car insurance quotes. Getting many quotes for the best auto insurance rates is even easier with the use of the internet and computers, which makes the entire process very quick and efficient. Within 15 minutes you can find the auto car insurance rates for your car. Switching to the least expensive or best value policy auto insurance rates can usually save you significant amounts annual premium or provide you with more adequate coverage. By shopping around, you can see what auto insurance rates are provided by different companies, what ratings a company has in an area, how quickly each company will process a claim, and more.

The next thing you can do to decrease your auto insurance rates is to increase your deductible. This is the amount you have to pay out of pocket when you make a claim before your insurance coverage starts applying to your claim. This is applicable to both collision and comprehensive coverage, but not your liability coverage. Increasing your insurance deductible can give you lower auto insurance rates, but you should be careful if you decide to do this. You must be able to afford the high deductible in the case you need to make an insurance claim. If you increase your insurance deductible from $200 to $500, you might potentially lower your premium anywhere from 15% to 30%. If you increase the deductible on your vehicle insurance beyond $1,000, you could potentially save up to 40% on your auto insurance rates. When you are getting quotes for auto insurance rates, be sure to inquire if your deductible will provide you with you more affordable auto insurance rates. But always think about whether you can afford to pay for your insurance deductible out of pocket before you decide to raise it to save on your auto insurance premiums.

Another way to lower your auto insurance rates is by dropping or lowering some of the coverage, but only if doing so is reasonable. Being under-insured may end up costing you more in the end in the case you are ever involved in a car accident. It only makes sense to drop some of your coverage to lower your auto insurance rates if you are driving an older model vehicle. If your vehicle is worth less than ten times the amount you pay for your insurance coverage, you should consider dropping your comprehensive and collision coverage altogether. These two kinds of coverage may account for 40 decent or more of your total cost of your premium while only covering your vehicles value. If any insurance claim payment you would possible receive in the case of an automobile accident would not exceed your premiums substantially, excluding the deductible, than it is most likely not worth the comprehensive and collision coverage. Eliminating this coverage is a great way to lower your auto insurance rates and get the lowest price. 

A more direct way to get lower quotes for auto insurance rates is by first purchasing the right kind of vehicle. If you are planning to buy a new car, you should consider the expected vehicle insurance premiums into the sticker price of the particular vehicle. You can compare different auto insurance rates online to see if your ideal car will provide you with more affordable auto insurance rates. Vehicles that have some of the highest theft rates and rates of repair will costs will cost more to insure in comparison to those that have smaller chances of theft or repair. There are many different factors that are considered when you decide to purchase a specific vehicle aside from these so you should not but so much focus on them at the beginning of your search. However, once you narrow your choices down to just a few different vehicle models, you should take the time compare what your auto insurance rates may be. This comparison between rates can help you make your decision on what car to purchase. 

If it is possible, you may want to consider moving to a lower crime area. The location of your residence as well as where your daily commute to your work is also considered by insurance agents when figuring out your insurance premiums and auto insurance rates. This is consideration because of many different reasons. Those who live and par their vehicle in wealthy neighborhoods are less likely to have their car broken into, damaged, or stolen while it is parked overnight. Secondly, those who have more brief commutes to and from work are less likely to have their vehicles involved in an auto accident when they spend less time on the road in comparison to drivers with longer commutes to work. This is why insurance agents always verify your home address as well as telephone number. Insurance agents use this information when calculating your auto insurance rates to figure out if you live in a low-risk or a high-risk neighborhood, and they also compare with your employer’s information to figure out how long of a commute you have each day going to and back from work. These factors will determine your exact auto insurance rates and the cost of your insurance.

If you currently have many different insurance policies through many different insurance companies, you may be able to consolidate all of these policies so that you only need to work with one insurance agent for your insurance. For example, individuals may have different policies for their car, their boat, and perhaps even their boat or recreational vehicle. When you consolidate all of these separate insurance policies into one policy, or if you at least at least choose one company to handle these policies, you can eliminate many different hassles regarding insurance. Consolidation can also lower the total amount of money you pay for premiums each month on all of your insurance policies. Other types of insurance policies include health, life, travel, and dental. Depending on the insurance company you are working with, you might be able to consolidate these different insurance policies in order to receive cheap car insurance and lower auto insurance rates as well. Doing so will save you more money on a monthly basis.

If your car or vehicle is used as a seasonal or show vehicle, you might not need full insurance for the entire year for the vehicle. For any vehicles that are put in storage for a certain amount of time, it is better to purchase storage insurance, which is the best option for inexpensive car insurance. It is important to note that you cannot legally drive your vehicle if you only have storage insurance, but it will pay out in the case your vehicle is damaged during its time in storage. Depending on the exact model and make of your vehicle as well as the type of damage that has occurred to the vehicle, repairing the vehicle without any insurance can end up costing you much more in out-of-pocket expenses than having storage insurance. As long as you maintain your storage insurance policy on the vehicle while it is being stored, you can save yourself a lot of frustration, money, and time if something happens to your vehicle.

Your credit score directly affects many things in your life, and auto insurance rates are no exception. If you are looking for low auto insurance rates, one of the best courses of action you can take is to fix credit score if it is low. Having a bad credit score can be potentially costing you thousands of dollars each year on your auto insurance payments. You should keep your credit score clean by always paying bills on time, always paying back loans on time, and making sure to avoid maxing out any of your credit cards. Any bounced checks or bank overdrafts can also negatively affect your credit score as well. You should make sure to request a copy of your credit report from the three credit reporting bureaus on an annual basis, even if you think your credit report is clean. You may have been a victim of identity theft without even knowing, or there can be an error in your report that results in a lower score. By having these fixed, you can potentially lower your auto insurance rates and save money.

One of the most important ways to lower your auto insurance rates or keep them low is by maintaining a very clean driving record. Your first accident can result in as much as a 40 percent increase in your monthly premium, so you should make sure to drive very carefully while on the roads to help you’re your car insurance as affordable as possible. Many insurance companies offer discounts for safe drivers, although the criteria and definition of safe driving and having a clean driving record usually varies from agent to agent as well as from company to company. It is important to remember that agents are not likely to mention this discount if you do not say anything, so you should not be hesitant in asking if you are qualified as long as you think you have a clean driving record to support it. Also remember that if you end up getting in a collision while you have this discount, it will be incredibly difficult to maintain or regain the safe driving benefits and you will most likely see an increase in your auto insurance rates for at least for the first few years.  If you ever get a ticket, driving school may also help lowering your auto insurance rates or at least may excuse you from paying your ticket.

Auto insurance is a form of insurance that is purchased for cars, motorcycles, trucks, or other road vehicles. The primary purpose of auto insurance is to provide a level of financial protection against any physical damage or bodily injury which results from traffic collisions and to protect against any liability that could also come from the accident.  Auto insurance absorbs most of the risk of any financial liability or loss of a vehicle that the owner might face if their motor vehicle is involved in an accident. In the United States, all states require an owner to have some minimum level of insurance, with the exception of Virginia, where any uninsured vehicles must be paid for to the state directory.

A vehicle owner usually pays insurance companies a monthly fee, called an insurance premium. The premium a vehicle owner pays is typically determined by many different factors such as the type of vehicle, the gender and age of covered drivers, the driving history of the drivers, and the area where the vehicle is usually stored and driven. Many insurers offer discount auto insurance, or discounts on the premium based on these factors and more. Other factors that can affect your chances of getting discount auto insurance include the following:

• Safety rating for your specific vehicle

• Safety features that your vehicle may have such as air bags or anti-lock brakes

• Anti-theft features such as cut-off switches or computer chip keyed ignitions

• Age of vehicle 

• Your driving record

• Natural disaster claims for the location

• Estimated annual vehicle mileage 

• Ease of replacement or repair for damaged vehicles

• The national averages for the cost of injury

• Thefts and accidents

Because insurance can be very expensive, it is important to be a smart shopper and take advantage of anything that can result in a more cost effective insurance policy. Many different insurance companies provided discount auto insurance, which is cheaper than their normal policies. However, in order to receive discount auto insurance is by carefully shopping around or qualifying for different discounts.  The best way to receive discount auto insurance is to shop around very carefully for a policy. Many companies offer different insurance premiums depending on the historical losses for a specific geographical area. Other companies offer lower rates in specific geographical areas which they are trying to penetrate while other insurance companies will offer lower insurance rates in areas where they have established good relationships with repair facilities, claim adjusters, and brokers.

There are many different ways to save money on your premium with discount auto insurance, and by knowing even a few techniques can help you save your money drastically. After you understand how discounts can apply to your insurance, you will be in full control of your insurance rates, and you will be assured that you can get excellent and affordable coverage while keeping your deductibles low and your levels of coverage high. You will also be able to create a good relationship with your national car insurance company or local insurance agent who is offering discount auto insurance.

If you want to get discount auto insurance, you should make sure to discuss different discounts with your potential insurer that you may be qualified for. Here are some different discounts that may help you get discount auto insurance.

You can get this form of discount auto insurance if you have not been in a car accident within the last three years or if you have not been filed any claims due to an accident. You can also be eligible to receive this discount auto insurance if you have taken a driver’s safety course. 

If you take a defensive driving course, you may qualify for this discount. Although not all insurance companies provide this form of discount auto insurance, it is still very common so you should ask your insurance agent if you can get this discount auto insurance. Getting it can mean a 10% discount on your insurance premium.  

This type of discount auto insurance is one of the most common one. You may be qualified to receive this particular discount for this when you insure multiple vehicles under the same policy. Doing so reduces the administrate work necessary for the insurance company and results in you having lower premiums and discount auto insurance.

Many different insurance companies can provide you with discount auto insurance if you decide to set up an automatic monthly payment for your insurance premium. In order to qualify, you usually have to pay your insurance premium through some sort of automatic debit payment which takes money from a checking account. It is a good idea to see if your specific insurer has these discounts available and what the specific terms are. However, this is not a good decision for individuals who do not consistently have money in an account. You should be confident that you will always have enough money to pay your premium before signing up for this service

Discount auto insurance is usually available for drivers who install alarms or theft prevention equipment in their vehicles. Some vehicles which have tracking devices or devices that turn off the vehicle off a certain amount of miles if it was hotwired qualify for discount auto insurance. These discounts are usually specific to the insurance company, so you make sure to find out from your insurance agent if they have any of these discounts and if you qualify for them.

If you buy a Car with some sort of security or safety equipment included, you may be able to receive this sort of discount auto insurance. You may also qualify if you installing certain items after purchasing your vehicle as well. Eligibility depends on the terms of the insurance company what the equipment is, but it is still a good idea to see if you qualify for this discount auto insurance by asking your insurance agent. 

While this discount auto insurance is uncommon, some insurance providers do offer it. These insurers give a discount based on where you have to park your car on a regular basis. Insurance companies do this because if a client has private parking, it reduces the chances of someone else causing damage to your vehicle in comparison to a communal lot or a public street. 

This is sometimes called the good student discount or just the student discount. This form of discount auto insurance is not always offered by all insurance companies, and when it is, the terms can vary drastically. Generally, you can qualify for this form of discount auto insurance and receive discounts of 10% or more. Typically this discount auto insurance is only given to current full time students. For some companies, a student’s GPA must be above a 3.0 or it must in the upper 20%. Other companies may base the discount on the student qualifying for some honor, such as the dean’s list. There is often an age limit to qualifying for this discount, and usually only high school and undergraduates are qualified.

If the amount you usually drive in a year is significantly lower than other drivers, you might be able to receive discount auto insurance because of it. The idea of this discount auto insurance is that because you drive less, there is less of a chance to be involved in a car accident. While not every insurance company provides these discounts, the ones that do may give you anywhere between a 10 to 15% discount. If you have changed jobs and your commute has become shorter, or you just generally do not use your vehicle often, it is best to call your insurance agent and ask if your low average annual mileage makes you eligible for any discounts. 

Individuals who have served in the military or are currently enlisted may be entitled for military discounts and discount auto insurance. Some insurance companies will give discount auto insurance for both military personnel as well as their immediate families. The eligibility for this discount auto insurance can vary between companies. Usually, current members of the United States military are eligible.

Certain clubs or organization set out deals with certain insurance companies to provide discount auto insurance for their members. Some insurance discounts may be applied to your auto insurance or even other insurance policies you may have on your home, or your life. While not every organization will have these agreements with insurance companies, it is good to see if any organizations or clubs you are involved in have them. 

Depending on your geographic area and the normal retirement age, you will usually retire either at the age of 55 or 65 years old. Some insurance companies give discounts to retired drivers. Since retired drivers often spend less time driving because of a lack of commute, insurance companies consider them less likely to be involved in an accident. A retiree discount auto insurance can lower insurance premiums significantly, which can be very helpful for a person who is no longer working and receiving a large, steady income.

If you already have some sort of insurance policy, for example life insurance or homeowner’s insurance, you might be able to save more by grouping these policies together through consolidation. You can ask the same insurance company for discount auto insurance on a second policy for your motor vehicle. By doing this, you can be offered a 10-15% discount for using the same insurance company. Some insurance companies also take a look at your credit rating when considering extending discount auto insurance, so a poor credit rating can greatly affect your chances of getting discount auto insurance. 

The insurance companies provide quotes based on your credit score, just as they would also check your driving record. You should check your credit rating to make sure that no unfavorable errors exist, and if they do you can correct them. Your safe driving record is the biggest contributor to qualifying for discount auto insurance by far. If you have not had any previous moving violations or auto accidents in the past three years, your insurance premiums will decrease up to 40% through safe driving discounts.

You may also try to get discount auto insurance is by dropping or lowering the specific coverage of your current auto insurance if you believe that some of them are unnecessary. However, you should make sure that you are still adequately protected. Being under-insured in certain areas of coverage can result in your having to pay even more if you are involved in an automobile accident.

It is only a good idea to reduce the coverage of your insurance policy if the benefits of having discount auto insurance outweigh the potential of expensive damage. This occurs usually if the motor vehicle is worth not worth more than 10 times the amount that you pay for your insurance coverage under your policy. If that is the case, it may be worthwhile to lower your coverage by specifically dropping your comprehensive coverage and your collision coverage. These two parts of your insurance coverage can be half of the total premium you pay, but they only cover the value of the vehicles. In the case that you have to file an insurance claim and the maximum payment would not exceed your premium by much, while not including the deductible, having comprehensive and collision coverage is not as important for the vehicle. 

Ultimately, if you want to get discount auto insurance, make sure to be a smart shopper. Do research on different available plans, and be objective about what forms of insurance you need. Consider what providers are in the area and what sort of reviews they get by consumers. You should also be careful of choosing a discount auto insurance provider who is slow with filing claims. Be prepared to compare different policies and see what discounts are available to get the best discount auto insurance.

In order to get Alabama license plates for your vehicle, you have to go through the Alabama Motor Vehicle Division. This is the department that is responsible for issuing titles for vehicles in Alabama and maintaining vehicle registration information.

You can search and reserve personalized Alabama license plates online at the Alabama Motor Vehicle Division of the Department of Revenue for a small reservation fee of $2.

If the license plate number you want is available, the Department of Revenue must approve it. After requesting a specific message, you will have five days to visit your local DMV, place your order for the specific license plate, and pay the necessary fees. Afterwards, you will receive a temporary tag along with the proper month and year decals to be put on the new tag once it arrives in the mail within 4 to 6 weeks. For a personalized Alabama license plate, you will have to pay the standard registration fees ($23 for private passenger cars) depending on your type of vehicle, plus the additional annual fee for motorcycles or passenger cars for any personalization. Together, the registration fees can range from $23 to $890 depending on what type of vehicle is being registered. There is also a $50 fee for personalized Alabama License Plates.

If you also with to get a specialty Alabama license plates, there are many different ones available, such as those for different organizations, professions, or causes.

You can find more information about Alabama License plates here.

The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles requires all motor vehicles to have two license plates, with the current month and year tabs on the back plate. Motorcycles and trailers require only one license plate, and it must have the current month and year tabs.

The Division of Motor Vehicles will issue a set of Alaska license plates for your new vehicle that has a unique set of letters and numbers. Since nearly all new vehicles are bought through a dealership, the dealer will usually handle the paperwork necessary in order to have Alaska license plates issued.

The state of Alaska provides many different styles of Special Issue License Plates that can be personalized. These specialty plates include but are not limited to:

• Amateur radio plates

• Church exempt plates

• Disability plates

• Commemorative veteran plates

• Firefighter plates

• Military plates

• Iditarod finisher plates

• Veteran plates

• Vanity Plates

If you are looking to obtain vanity plates in Alaska, you can do this through the Alaska Department of Administration Division of Motor Vehicles. Their online DMV website provides a service to create personalized Alaska license plates that can have different designs and license plates numbers. When personalizing an Alaska license plate, the plate can contain the letters from A through Z, numbers 0 through 9 and spaces. However, it cannot contain the following:

• Ham radio call signals

• Ethnic, vulgar, racial, or indecent implications

• Duplicates of currently active personalized plates

• Special symbols like %, &, -, etc. 

The California lemon law states that a purchaser or lessee of a vehicle has certain rights under both federal and state law if the motor vehicle does not perform as stated under an express warranty. The laws regarding express warranties can be complicated, and it is nearly impossible to describe it briefly. California lemon law is within the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, which discusses the laws regarding warranties in California.

The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, which begins with Civil Code section 1790, provides consumers with protection when they buy or lease new motor vehicles. The law, which is more casually called the California lemon law, requires that if a manufacturer or the representative in the state of California, for example an authorized dealer, is not able to repair or service a new motor vehicle in order to meet the explicit terms of an express written warranty after a sensible amount of repair attempts, the manufacturer is then required to promptly replace the motor vehicle or return the purchase price of the vehicle to the buyer lessee.

The purchase price that must has to be returned includes the amount paid for manufacturer-installed items and its transportation but the price does not include the amount paid for non-manufacturer items that were installed by the dealer. The buyer or lessee is completely free to decide whether to accept the refund or the replacement. Regardless of this choice, the manufacturer is equally responsible to pay for use or sales tax, licensing, vehicle registration, and any other official fees as well as incidental damages that the buyer or lessee may have incurred as a result of the finance charges, towing, repair, and rental car costs.

The buyer or lessee can be charged for the use of the motor vehicle regardless of whether the motor vehicle is replaced or the vehicle’s purchase price is refunded. The amount that can be charged for the vehicle’s use is calculated by taking the actual price of the new vehicle and multiplying it by a fraction having as its denominator 120,000 and its numerator the amount of miles traveled by the motor vehicle before it was first purchased in for correction of the issue. For example, if the car had traveled 12,000 miles before it was brought in for the first time for correction of the problem, the buyer or lessee could be charged 10% (12,000/120,000 = 10%) of the actual purchase price for usage.

The California lemon law applies for the full period of your vehicle warranty. For example, if your motor vehicle is covered under a 3-year warranty and you find a defect after 2 years, the manufacturer is responsible for replacing the vehicle or reimbursing you if the manufacturer or a representative is not able to satisfy the vehicle’s condition to the express warranty even after a reasonable amount of attempts to do so.

The California lemon law is not applicable if the vehicle’s problem was the result of abuse after the motor vehicle was delivered. You must follow the terms of the vehicle’s warranty for maintenance and proper use of the motor vehicle in order to be covered under the California lemon law.

Although there is a 4-year statute of limitations under the California lemon law to bring a lawsuit for the manufacturer’s breach of warranty or for any violations of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, you should act quickly to try to resolve the vehicle’s problem fairly and without legal action if it is possible.

What is thought to be a reasonable number of repair attempts for your vehicle under the California lemon law will depend on the situation and the seriousness of the vehicle’s defect. For example, two attempts to repair may be thought of as reasonable for certain serious safety defects like brake.

 The California lemon law helps determine what exactly is a reasonable amount of repair attempts for a problem that significantly impair the value, use, or safety of the motor vehicle. The California lemon law applies to these issues if they come up during the first 18 months after the buyer or lessee receives delivery of the motor vehicle or in the first 18,000 miles on the vehicle’s odometer, whichever one happens first. During this period, California lemon law presumes that a manufacturer has had an adequate number of tries to repair the motor vehicle if one of the following occurs:

• The same issue results in a vehicle condition that is likely to result in death or some serious bodily injury if the motor vehicle is driven and the vehicle problem has been subject to two or more repair attempts by the manufacturer or its representatives, and the buyer or lessee has directly notified the motor vehicle’s manufacturer at least once of the necessity for the repair as provided in the owner’s manual or warranty.

•  The same issue has been subject to repair 4 or more times by either the manufacturer or its representatives and the vehicle’s buyer has directly notified the manufacturer at least once of the need to repair the problem as stated in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or warranty.

• The motor vehicle is out of service due to the repair of any amount of problems by the manufacturer or its representatives for a total (cumulative) of more than thirty days since the delivery of the motor vehicle.

The California lemon law assumption is more of a guide rather than an absolute rule, so it is possible for a judge or arbitrator to assume that the manufacturer or its agents has had a reasonable number of attempts to repair the motor vehicle if all of the right conditions are met. However, the manufacturer has the right to attempt to prove that it should be provided with additional attempts to repair the problem, and the vehicle consumer has the right to prove that less repair attempts are reasonable under the specific circumstances.

It is important that you make sure check your owner’s manual and warranty for further instructions in order to be covered under the California lemon law. You might be required to notify the manufacturer directly of your motor vehicle’s problem or problems. It is a very good idea to also send your written notice regarding the issue to the motor vehicle’s manufacturer at the address shown in the owner’s manual or warranty by certified mail and request a return receipt so that you have written proof that your letter was received by the manufacturer. You should also keep a copy of all correspondence with the manufacturer in case you need it later for legal proceedings.

If the motor vehicle’s manufacturer has a state-certified arbitration program, you as the consumer must submit the dispute of the warranty to the state-certified arbitration program before you can take advantage of the presumption in the court system. Arbitration is an alternative to taking your case through court proceedings. The consumer can assert the presumption during the arbitration process. If your manufacturer has a state-certified arbitration program, he or she will discuss in further detail in the owner’s manual of the vehicle or the warranty of the vehicle.

However, not every vehicle manufacturer maintains a state-certified program to handle arbitration. If you wish to find out whether your particular vehicle’s manufacturer has one that can be utilized instead of dealing with court proceedings, you can check with the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Arbitration Certification Program. You can get more information either by calling (800) 952-5210 or by visiting their website at www.dca.ca.gov/acp. Not only will they provide you with information regarding state-certified arbitration programs, but you can also get more information by asking them for the department’s free pamphlet which explains more about the arbitration process called “Lemon Aid for Consumers.”

• Better Business Bureau Auto Line: (800) 955-5100

o AM General, Aston Martin, Audi/Volkswagen, Bentley, BMW (Mini Cooper), Ferrari, Ford (Lincoln, Mercury, and RV Chassis), General Motors (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Geo, GMC, H2, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn), Honda (Acura), Hyundai, Infiniti/Nissan, Isuzu, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lotus Cars, Maserati, Mazda.

• California Dispute Settlement Program: (888) 300-6237

o Toyota (Scion)

• Consumer Arbitration Program – Motor Vehicles: (800) 279-5343

o Porsche and Workhorse Custom Chassis

• Consumer Arbitration Program – Recreational Vehicles: (800) 279-5343

o Airstream Incorporated, Thor Motor Coach Incorporated, and Winnebago (this includes all models with the exception of those placed on a GM or Ford chassis and towables).

If there is no state-certified arbitration program for your motor vehicle, you can pursue your California lemon law rights through the court. Alternatively, you may try pursue mediation for your California lemon law rights through the New Motor Vehicle Board. If you wish to this, you can visit their website at www.nmvb.ca.gov or call them at (916) 445-1888.

The California lemon law applies to all new motor vehicles that are bought or used mainly for personal, household, or family purposes. The California lemon law also applies to all new motor vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight that does not exceed 10,000 pounds that is used or bought mainly for business purposes by an individual, including a limited liability company, association, corporation, partnership, or some other legal entity, to which there are no more than five vehicles registered to in the state of California.

The California lemon law looks at new motor vehicles. Under the California lemon law, the term new motor vehicle not only includes new motor vehicles but demonstrators as well. This includes the propulsion system, chassis, and chassis cab of a new motor home. The California lemon law also covers other motor vehicles that are sold with the manufacturer’s new car warranty. For example, a one-year old used car that is sold with the remaining two year portion of the manufacturer’s three-year new car warranty is thought of as a new motor vehicle under the California lemon law. The phrase “new motor vehicle,” however, does not cover motorcycles or vehicles that are used exclusively off-road.

Although the normal provisions of the California lemon law that are discussed above are applicable to new motor vehicles, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act has many overall rules and regulations that are applicable to vehicles and any consumer product that are sold with an express written warranty. As a result, despite the California lemon law not explicitly covering certain other vehicles, there is still important coverage for the living quarters of a mobile home, motorcycles, any used vehicles that are sold with an express written warranty from a dealer, any lemon vehicles which are repurchased by a manufacturer and resold to consumers with an express written warranty that covers the defect, and all motor vehicles that are sold with a service contract.

While a full description of consumer warranty rights is beyond the scope of the California lemon law, you should be very aware that the coverage under the California lemon law of used cars is not completely identical to the coverage for new motor vehicles under the California lemon law. For example, a warrantor who is not able to adapt a motor vehicle or a consumer product to the express warranty of the product within a reasonable amount of attempts is then required to replace the product or good, or refund the consumer purchase price or less than an amount based to the consumer’s use of the product. Unlike the special regulation son new motor vehicles, there are no set regulations for calculating the charge for the consumer’s use of a product before the discovery of the product defect, and the California lemon law presumption does not apply to used vehicles.

After registering your vehicle with the Arizona Department of Transportation, you will receive your Arizona license plates. For a standard Arizona license plate, there are no special requirements or fees required. Usually, you will only be issued one regular Arizona license plate. However, if you choose a personalized plate, you will receive two.

Depending on the type of Arizona license plate, you may be able to personalize it with a number and letter combination of your choice. Many special Arizona plates are also available online. Some are available at a MVD or an authorized Third Party office. Other ones must be ordered specially, through an office or by mail. In order to personalize your Arizona license plate through the mail or at an office, you will have to fill out Form #96-0143, which is the Special Plate Application. The maximum amount of characters that are allowed varies depending on the plate type. Any personalization must be approved by the Arizona Department of Transportation. 

 The cost for Arizona license plate personalization is a $25 initial application fee along with a $25 annual renewal fee, in addition to any other regular registration fees and other special plate fees. Each year a special plate renewal fee must be paid at the same time as the registration of the vehicle. The first payment is your vehicle registration is renewed, even if that period of time has been less than twelve months since the initial purchase of the plates. 

Reckless driving is a serious moving violation that is often treated as a misdemeanor. Individuals who face conviction for reckless driving may receive a penalty which can include fines, time in jail, deportation depending on their citizenship status, revocation of parole, and the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license. In some jurisdictions, the penalties for reckless driving can vary depending on the circumstances and the specific details of the offense. The law may also have several categories of reckless driving set up.

In order for a person’s driving to be considered reckless driving, the activity on the road has to show an exhibited disregard for the safety of people, property, and animals. A person who is engaging in reckless driving can have a willful disregard for safety, or can simply have a wanton attitude towards the rules of operating a motor vehicle on the roads. In either situation, in order for someone accused of reckless driving to be successfully convicted, the court must demonstrate the complete disregard for safety in the form of testimony from other witnesses regarding the defendant’s driving. For example, police officers may testify about seeing a person engage in many reckless acts while driving.

Different acts of reckless driving can result from ignoring basic safety laws, like ignoring laws that forbid drivers to pass oncoming traffic, ignoring laws that prohibit the crossing of train tracks while there is an oncoming train, or disregarding laws that regulate driving speeds. Drivers who exceed the local speed limits by a significantly large amount can also be considered reckless drivers since by disregarding the speed limit, they are putting other drivers in imminent danger. Likewise, any driving activities such as driving repeatedly through red lights, swerving, or operating a vehicle with the intent to elude a law enforcement official are grounds for being charged with reckless driving.

The main concern with reckless driving is that reckless driving poses a risk to both driver and to individuals in the surrounding area. Other people can be harmed if the reckless driving results in an accident, including children, pedestrians, other drivers, and pets. Additionally, drivers may cause property damage when committing reckless driving by driving into buildings. 

There are different defenses which those charged with reckless driving can use. One defense is if the defendant is able to demonstrate that an emergency situation required excessive driving speeds. If you are considering to charges of reckless driving instead of pleading guilty to them, you may wish to consider seeking the advice of an experienced attorney who specializes in traffic law and reckless driving cases to see if there are other possible defenses or approaches to your case which could significantly improve the outcome of the case.

Arkansas License Plates: A Comprehensive Guide

Arkansas license plates are an essential item for every vehicle owner in the state. Not only do they provide a unique identity to your car, but they also serve as proof of registration and help law enforcement agencies keep track of all registered vehicles. In this article, we will take a closer look at Arkansas license plates and related information, including types of plates, how to apply for personalized plates, and more.

Types of Arkansas License Plates

Arkansas license plates come in various types, including standard plates, personalized plates, and specialty plates. Let’s take a closer look at each of these types in detail.

Standard Plates

Standard plates are the most common type of license plates, and they come in two types: regular and motorcycle plates. The regular plates are white with a dark blue background and have the word “Arkansas” and the state’s silhouette printed on them in blue. The motorcycle plates, on the other hand, are smaller in size and have a white background with a dark blue trim. They also have the same design as the regular plates.

To obtain standard plates in Arkansas, you must register your vehicle with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV). The cost of the plates varies on the type of vehicle, its weight, and other factors. The OMV will issue your license plates once you’ve completed the registration process.

Personalized Plates

Personalized plates in Arkansas allow you to customize your license plate numbers and letters. You can choose any combination of up to eight letters and numbers for your personalized plate. However, according to the Arkansas DMV, certain combinations are prohibited, including any combination that is offensive, derogatory, or sexually suggestive.

To apply for personalized plates, you must fill out an application form and submit it to the Arkansas DMV along with the appropriate fee. There is an additional fee for personalized plates, and it depends on the length of your registration and the type of plate you choose.

Specialty Plates

Specialty plates in Arkansas are designed to promote various causes and organizations. These plates come in a wide range of designs, including college plates, military plates, and special interest plates. Some of the most popular specialty plates in Arkansas include:

– University of Arkansas Razorback plates
– Arkansas State University plates
– U.S. Armed Forces plates
– Breast Cancer Support plates
– Trout Plates
– Arkansas Children’s Hospital plates

To obtain a specialty plate in Arkansas, you must first fill out an application form and demonstrate that you meet the eligibility requirements for the particular plate you are seeking. Additionally, there is an additional fee for specialty plates, and it varies depending on the plate type.

Renewing Your Arkansas License Plate

In Arkansas, license plates must be renewed every year. The renewal process is simple and can be completed online or through the mail. To renew your license plate, you must provide the following information:

– Your license plate number
– Your driver’s license number
– The date of your last registration
– The current mileage on your vehicle

Once you have provided this information, you will be able to renew your license plate either electronically or through the mail. In most cases, the new license plate will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Replacing Your Arkansas License Plate

If you need to replace your Arkansas license plate due to damage, theft, or any other reason, you can do so by contacting the OMV. To replace your license plate, you will need to provide the following information:

– Your license plate number
– Your driver’s license number
– The date of your last registration
– The reason for the replacement

Once you have provided this information, the OMV will process your request and send the new license plate to you.

Transferring Your Arkansas License Plate

If you sell your vehicle or purchase a new one, you may be able to transfer your Arkansas license plate to the new owner or vehicle. To do so, you will need to contact the OMV and provide the following information:

– Your license plate number
– Your driver’s license number
– The date of your last registration
– The new owner or vehicle information

Once you have provided this information, the OMV will process your request and transfer the license plate to the new owner or vehicle.

Conclusion

Arkansas license plates are an important part of vehicle registration and help law enforcement agencies keep track of all registered vehicles. In this article, we covered the different types of Arkansas license plates, including standard plates, personalized plates, and specialty plates. Additionally, we discussed how to renew, replace, and transfer your Arkansas license plate. If you have any additional questions or concerns about Arkansas license plates, visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s website or contact your local DMV office.

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Registering your vehicle in Arkansas is done through the Office of Motor Vehicles Department of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. After completing the registration process for your vehicle, you will be issued Arkansas license plates.

Specialty Arkansas License Plates

There are over 60 different specialty Arkansas license plates. Depending on the specific style, there are different eligibility requirements for each one. Some of the different plates available include the following:

• Amateur Radio License Plate

• Ambulance License Plate

• Antique Vehicle License Plate

• Arkansas State University License Plate

• Arkansas Tech University License Plate

• Armed Forces Reserve License Plate

• Church Bus License Plate

• Cold War Veteran License Plate

• Ducks Unlimited License Plate

• Fire Fighter License Plate

• Handicapped License Plate

• In God We Trust License Plate

• Organ Donor Awareness License Plate

• Professional Fire Fighter License Plate

• Support Our Troops License Plate

• University of Arkansas License Plate

In order to get a specialty Arkansas License plate, you can request one through the Special License Plate office of Arkansas. This office also takes care of replacements and transfers of personalized Arkansas license plates. Alternatively, you can call the toll free number 1 -800-941-2580, mail the Department of Finance and Administration, or use Arkansas’ online STAR system to renew an Arkansas license plate.

Depending on the type of specialized Arkansas license plate, you will have to pay the standard registration fee as well as other additional plate fees and personalization fees. These fees will vary depending on the specialized plate chosen. Some styles will also require special forms to be filled out as well.