Save On Your Car Insurance

By Bobbie Sage,

Women often feel vulnerable when purchasing a car because they sometimes think they will be taken advantage of in the car buying process. As a woman, if you feel like you can't haggle a price or just don't like to, you can at least purchase a car that will give you a low car insurance rate. And, because of the characteristics of insurance friendly vehicles, they are often the less expensive cars to buy anyhow. So, if you are a woman looking into getting a car insurance quote for a new vehicle, make sure to consider first what car you want to buy.

The cost of a car insurance quote should be at the top of the list when a woman is considering the total price of purchasing a new vehicle. Just because she buys a smaller, cheaper car does not insure a cheaper insurance rate. And, although car insurance for women tends to be cheaper than for a man, a woman's driving history is another of many factors that are considered when determining a car insurance rate. Characteristics of the vehicle being purchased plays a large role in insurance costs

Below is a list of features or types of vehicles to avoid to get the best stretch out of your insurance buck:

For a Cheaper Car Insurance Quote Stay Away From:
* Vehicles With a Lot of Horsepower
* Sports Cars
* High Performance Vehicles
* Luxury Vehicles
* Vehicles With Added Technology Features
* Large SUV's
* Very Small Vehicles
* Vehicles With a High Theft History (Go to nicb.org for theft history information)

Station wagons and vans are the best choices---not to big to cause large amounts of damage to the other car but big enough to cause less damage to their own passengers and, in addition, both have lower repair costs and less theft history. To save even more on car insurance check out the Auto Savings Checklist.

Taking Your Car With You

By Diane Schmidt

If you're moving to another country, in particular one that is not within driving range, you may consider taking your car with you. This is not uncommon, and although it can be costly, it may be more economical than purchasing one in your new country.


To find out what the best option is, check with your favorite car manufacturer for price comparisons or go online for the current price tag. If you're moving to Europe, you may consider buying locally as European cars are smaller, more fuel efficient and easier on the environment. And with the cost of fuel in Europe ranging from approximately $2.72 per gallon to over $3.11, this may be your best option.

A good place to start the debate is to find out how much it will cost to ship your car and what exactly you need to do to ensure it makes it to the other side. 

There are many companies who offer a port-to-port service, getting you through the process painlessly. Quotes are available online with prices determined by size, weight, origin and the destination. And just like choosing a moving company for your household belongings, check out each company thoroughly. A car is a big ticket item you don't want to lose.
After you receive some quotes, take a look at what you need to do to legally and safely export your car from your present residence. There are several key points you need to keep in mind.


Gather Required Documents
U.S. Customs requires either the original title or certified copy of the title. Only the original certificate of title, or a certified copy of the original, is considered valid proof of ownership. If a certified copy is provided, the certification of the title can only be made by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

If there is a lien on your vehicle, you need to provide a letter from your lien holder. The letter needs to indicate the vehicle's year, make, model, VIN and must state that you have the authority to ship your car to the destination country. The letter must be printed on original letterhead, be dated and signed and provide a contact name and telephone number.

If your car is new and has never been titled, you can export it by submitting the manufacturer's statement of origin instead of the vehicle's title. You can obtain the manufacturers statement of origin from your car dealership. The original, plus two copies must be presented to Customs.


Prepare Your Vehicle
Customs states, for your own safety, security, and convenience, do not use your car to carry any personal belongings. Your belongings are susceptible to theft, and the entire contents of the car must be declared at Customs. In addition, using your car to export or import illegal substances is subject to seizure and possible personal penalty. It's a good idea to take an inventory of your vehicle's contents and keep that list with you.


Most carriers have specific rules and regulations surrounding what can be left in vehicles. Such items usually include those that are part of the car, such as the spare tire, factory-issued hand tools, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and permanent accessories. Check with your shipper to determine what they will allow your vehicle to carry during transport. Also, ask how much fuel is allowed to remain in the car as most companies prefer the tank to be less than 1/4 full.

And finally, clean your car inside and out. Make sure the undercarriage is free from dirt and debris. Customs will inspect your car thoroughly, checking for pests and soil that could potentially contaminate local agriculture.


Purchase Marine Insurance
You should purchase marine insurance to cover your car for the actual time it will spend on the ocean. The ocean carrier will have insurance to cover the goods it's transporting; however, it is minimal and will not replace your vehicle should damage or loss occur. Ask your carrier what is covered, then weigh the cost of purchasing additional coverage.

And as with any move, before you purchase additional insurance, check your current policy to see if they cover marine insurance or if you can purchase it through them.


Find Out About Customs Duty, Taxes and Additional Charges
Before you leave, contact the Consulate of your destination country to find out the rules and regulations surrounding customs duty and sales tax. Paying these costs sometimes depend on your employment status, residence status and how long you've owned your car. Your carrier should also be able to help you by either providing you with the importation requirements or with a name of someone you could contact in your destination country. Either way, find out ahead of time, so you're prepared. 

Also find out from your carrier if there will be any port handling charges. Most ports will charge fees for terminal handling, off-loading and for documentation. Each port varies in amount charged, so ask your shipper for an estimate of these fees and add them to your total moving cost.

7 Easy Ways To Slash Your Auto Insurance Costs

The law requires you buy auto insurance. So if you must get cover, how can you reduce costs ? Here's 7 easy ways to get the best possible auto insurance deal. 

* Multiple Quotes 
Get multiple quotes - use the internet and call a few brokers. It's easy to gather some good comparison quotes. 

Remember to get different types of quotes e.g one from a direct-sell insurance company; another from an offline broker who keeps a database of quotes; and a couple from the internet. 

Cheapest might not mean best. Will they pay out if you make a claim ? How financially secure ? How reputable ? Check around with family and friends, and look for online reviews. 

* Different type of car 
Insurance costs vary depending on car type. Obviously, that $100k sports model costs more to insure than your average runabout. If you're planning to buy a new car, check insurance costs before you buy. I once set my heart on a beautiful, high performance, highly tuned Pontiac. 

Luckily I checked the auto insurance before I bought it, because I couldn't get insurance. Every broker, every insurance company flat turned me down because I lived in a high car-crime area. So I had to forget the car of my dreams until I moved up-town. 

* Age and Value of Car 
Maybe you're buying a used car ? Maybe your car saw better days a few years ago, and now values much lower ? So why pay for high-priced auto insurance ? In particular, do you still need fully comprehensive coverage ? 

A good rule of thumb multiplies insurance premium by 10, and compares that figure with your car value. So if you're quoted $1000 premium and your car is worth less than $10,000 you may want to think if comprehensive represents good value. If you drop collision and/or comprehensive coverage, you should get big savings. 

* Higher deductibles (excess charges) 
Most auto insurance companies use deductibles to keep policy cost down. Deductibles, or excess charges, show what you pay before your auto insurance policy kicks in. Try requesting quotes with different levels of deductibles, and see how your quotes vary. 

Most internet quote forms contain a box where you can specify preferred level of deductibles. Ask your broker his recommended level. For example, going from $250 to $500 deductible can slash your insurance costs by 20% or more. Go to $1000 and you save a lot of money. But you must pay the deductible if you need to make a claim ! 


* Multiple Insurances 
I guess this might come under the 'Get Multiple Quotes' heading, but it's still worth mentioning separately. You usually get an insurance break if you buy multiple policies with the same insurer. 

This might mean multiple vehicles, or homeowner and auto insurance. Either way it's worth asking about multi-policy discounts. 

* Low Mileage 
More and more people work at home. No more commuting. Fewer business trips. Low mileage on your car. Maybe you do travel to work, but car pool ? 
Either way, look for low mileage discounts. 

* Good Driving Record 
A good driving record always reduces your auto insurance costs. Keep a clean drivers license. Don't speed, don't drive dangerously, and you'll save money (apart from other benefits !) 

* Bonus Tip 
Okay, I said '7 Ways...', but here's some extra tips. Fit anti-theft devices to your car. Go on an advanced driver training course. Use daytime running lights. If you're a college student away from home, consider adding to parents policy. 

This short article covers the things you must consider when shopping for auto insurance. Follow these tips and you'll slash your auto insurance costs. 

Top 10 Deals of the Month for April 2007 — Cars

Looking for a bargain? We've got 10. The following cars are our TMV® Deals of the Month, and they represent the best values we found in the marketplace (visit our Learn More About TMV page for more info about TMV). 

To determine these rankings, we compared TMV prices with dealer invoice prices; we also considered current incentives and rebates (check our Incentives and Rebates page for further information on the various offers available). Once incentives are factored in, many of the cars on our list can be purchased below invoice. 

But our evaluation wasn't merely quantitative. We also took into account our impressions regarding each vehicle's overall quality and value offered for the money. When the dust settled, these are the cars that came out on top.

2007 Lincoln Town Car Signature: Though dated in some respects, the Town Car offers a smooth ride, a spacious cabin and a relatively affordable price. This month's king-size incentives only add to its appeal. 

2007 Dodge Charger RT: Looking for a midsize sedan that transcends the ordinary? The Charger does just that, with an enticing blend of performance and functionality. Current incentives make it a bargain. 

2007 Ford Freestyle SEL: It's a bit underpowered relative to the competition; still, with a well-laid-out cabin and generous cargo room, the Freestyle offers the sort of versatility many buyers will appreciate. Robust incentives make it especially attractive this month. 

2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring: The PT Cruiser's appeal goes deeper than its retro-themed looks; it also offers a roomy cabin and a pleasant ride. Healthy incentives make it one to consider this month. 

2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i: With a balanced ride and outstanding build quality, the Outback offers the sort of overall competence that's sure to please. Great incentives make this an excellent time to buy. 

2007 Chevrolet Cobalt SS: The Cobalt trails segment leaders in areas like handling and overall refinement. Nevertheless, this Chevy has its strengths, such as decent acceleration and solid crash test scores. Rich incentives sweeten the pot. 

2007 Honda Accord Special Edition Sedan: With superb reliability and all-around competence, the Accord has established itself as the one to beat in the midsize segment. Affordable TMV prices make it a great time to buy. 

2007 Toyota Camry Solara SE Coupe: If value and overall refinement top your list of must-haves in a coupe, you owe it to yourself to check out the Camry Solara. This month's low TMV prices make it a steal. 

2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LT: The Monte Carlo's strong points include a spacious interior and an affordable price tag. Its affordability gets a shot in the arm this month, due to rock-bottom TMV prices. 

2007 Volkswagen GTI: Offering hatchback versatility and a potent turbocharged engine, the GTI does a fine job of delivering both functionality and bracing performance. Low TMW prices make it even more tempting. 

More info, please visit: http://www.edmunds.com

What real women are saying about the 2007 Toyota Camry

Review: "This is my fifth Camry, and definitely the best yet. Very comfortable seating position for both me and my husband. Smooth shifting. Good acceleration for engine size, and good mileage, especially when highway cruising around 70 mph (33-34 mpg). Lots of nice standard features. Steering wheel controls for stereo mode, presets, volume, temperature, Bluetooth, computer info. Great dual zone climate control. Customizable features which don't require dealer help like some brands (auto lock modes, interior light modes, etc.) Reclining rear seat." 

Favorite Features: "Sliding center arm rest, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted controls, auto- dimming mirror, climate control. All of it"

Suggested Improvements: "Upgrade power passenger seat so it has the same controls as the power driver's seat. Move Bluetooth microphone to steering wheel."

Review: The appearance of the new camry is great. I had a 1995 camry and loved it. This 2007 camry does not live up to the camry tradition. Gas mileage is poor, 25 mpg. The gas pedal & transmission are out of sync. At lower speeds when you try to give it gas an intermittent delay occurs between the gas pedal & transmission. This is dangerous. When it finally decides to engage the auto jerks forward. Car looks good but it is seriously dangerous. Dash also rattles. 

Review: Seventh Toyota I have owned, This is the fourth Camry along with two Avalons. This is easily the best Camry I have owned. A little stiffer ride than the xl and xle models I have had, but still comfortable and quiet. Heard many complaints about noisy plastic when cold. I have noticed that a little until the car warms up. Acceleration or transmission shifting: if you have owned a Toyota four cylinder before this will not be an issue. You can drive it in 4th and have less shifting on its own. I will take about a week to adjust. Handles well especially flat in the turns. Accelerates well into traffic. If you have owned other camrys or even an avalon I cannot see you being disappointed in this car.

The Best Family Hauler, SUV, Wagon, Minivan, or Crossover?

By Joanne Helperin 

OK, folks. The 2005 models are out and about, packed with an ever-expanding array of safety and convenience features. Now it's time to face the music: Will you choose a wagon, an SUV or a minivan? (For the basics about vehicle types, check out our Buying Guides.) 

That choice is getting tougher every day. It's enough to make your head spin: Minivans and wagons are trying to adopt the SUV's cool look and taller stance, while SUVs are trying to drive more like wagons and minivans. (Click to see our Crossover graphic.) And everyone is trying to add more configurable seats that fold down, flip up or hide in the floor. Perhaps your decision will rest on the "carpool factor" — how many people are you trying to carry? Only one thing is certain: The "type" of car you drive is no longer defined by the number of cupholders. 

SUVs: The Big Granddaddy 

Many of the early SUVs, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder weren't great people haulers. Backseats were typically cramped and there often wasn't much seat-track travel up front. Built on pickup truck platforms (body-on-frame construction), traditional SUVs such as the Chevy Suburban and Toyota 4Runner gained a reputation as macho off-roaders that were good at hauling stuff. 

These early SUVs had pretty horrific gas mileage, and driving them on pavement was neither easy nor fun. What's more, manufacturers discovered that only 5 percent of SUVs were taken off-road: their low-range gearing was largely going to waste as people used SUVs as cooler alternatives to the minivan. 

So why would you buy traditional SUVs like these? If you need off-road performance, the SUV's raised suspension, all-wheel or four-wheel drive and strong underpinnings are better for the task than any other type of car except a pickup. Towing performance is another area where traditional SUVs excel. Their larger engines and stout frames are better suited to cope with the additional strains of pulling a trailer. There are plenty of folks who love their Expeditions and Suburbans simply because they can swallow up all the kids and their gear while towing a ski boat in back. But as gas prices continue at record levels, the large SUV option has become more of a luxury. 

SUV/Wagon Crossovers: A Softer Touch 

Spotting a need in the market, manufacturers began putting SUV bodies on wagon/sedan platforms, the result is the so-called "crossover" SUV. By using sedan underpinnings and SUV bodies, crossovers are able to offer carlike handling while maintaining the size and practicality of SUVs. While they don't tow (or often carry) as much as their traditional SUV brethren, they ride, handle and park more like cars. (In fact, it's only in the last few years, with the popularity of car-based SUVs, that traditional SUVs like the Jeep were softened to become legitimate family haulers.) 

Not all SUV/wagon crossovers are created equal — some are more "SUV-like," and some are more "carlike." For example, the Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi Endeavor and Volvo XC90 are closer to their traditional SUV cousins, as they are tough enough for light off-road adventures. Vehicles like the BMW X3 and X5, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander can tackle a gravel road but really are happiest when driven on pavement. Even further in the wagon direction — but still in the crossover category — are the Audi allroad, Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70. These cars already look and drive like wagons (and basically that's what they are), but due to their heavy-duty raised suspensions, they have as much ground clearance as their car-based SUV competitors. In fact, the Outback is better at off-roading than most of its peers. 

Wagons: Reinventing the Wheel(s) 

It's just a hop, skip and a jump from this last group of crossovers to the true wagons. But even in this category, manufacturers are trying for the SUV utility and look. (Don't call them "station wagons" — that image is too stodgy. The phrase of the day is "sport wagon.") For example, the Pontiac Vibe has seats that fold down flat and a wipe-clean plastic load floor in the cargo area with adjustable tie-down points. Others, such as the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, Dodge Magnum, Mazda 6, Subaru Legacy, and Volkswagen Passat, are closer to what we think of as "traditional" wagons. But even they are starting to offer options like all-wheel drive and, in the case of the Magnum, a reversible load floor. Additionally, the Malibu Maxx has rear seats with adjustable seat tracks. 

So why buy a traditional wagon when crossovers are available? Wagons boast better fuel economy than the SUV/wagon crossovers and in many ways are the more practical solution. Though they lack the "lifestyle" look that so many SUV drivers crave, these are not your moms' station wagons. Today's wagons offer strong performance (many with AWD), safety and handling far superior to their predecessors. 

Minivan/Wagon Crossovers: Best of Both Worlds 

This leads us to the next crossover category, the minivan/wagon. While everyone knows a minivan when they see it, the Chrysler Pacifica tries to bring the most important minivan features to a more attractive wagon frame. The Pacifica can be configured with second-row fold-and-flip or captain's chairs and a third row that folds flat into the floor — just like a minivan. The Ford Freestyle, which has more cargo room than the Pacifica and has two-tone sheet metal, actually is more of a category-busting SUV/minivan/wagon blend. (All it lacks, unfortunately, is sufficient power.) The Pacifica and the Freestyle give you a lot of the minivan goodies without the wishful thinking that often accompanies the soccer mom stereotype. 

Minivans: Desperately Seeking Style 

The traditional minivans — Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and so on still lead the pack when it comes to total cargo and passenger volume (some models hold eight people) and overall practicality. The redesigned Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan improves on the basic minivan design with an industry first: Stow 'n Go seats that allow the first two rows of seats to fold flush into the floor and provide convenient storage space when the seats are upright. The ultramodern Nissan Quest has innovative options like Skyview windows, which allows all three rows of passengers to see through the roof, fold-down second-row seats (although not as flat as the Dodge's) and a space-age-looking center console. Other minivan makers are working hard to incorporate more SUV features, like GM's new "crossover sport vans" (read: a slightly cooler-looking minivan), which have more trucklike front ends and higher-sitting cabins. Still, a minivan is a minivan is a minivan. 

So why buy a traditional minivan if there are so many cool choices available? Think about how they're used. If you're driving carpool, kids and their backpacks can load and unload more quickly and easily than in SUVs. Sliding doors make it easy to get in and out of, especially in tight parking situations. Minivans generally have the best safety ratings, have flexible interiors and great fuel economy. So what are the drawbacks? To be honest, it's mostly a style issue. Nothing screams "soccer mom" more than a minivan. 

SUV/Minivan: Trying to Have It All 

We've come to the final crossover category, the SUV/minivan. How do you do that? By building an SUV with minivan features. Like the Quest, the Buick Rendezvous and the Pontiac Aztek are built on a minivan platform and carry tons of cargo. Unlike the Quest, though, these crossover vehicles have hinged rear doors. This will be either a pro or a con depending whether you're looking for style or practicality. The Honda Element moves even further toward the SUV with its water-resistant seats and wipe-clean interior panels. Unlike the others, it only seats four and has reverse-hinged rear doors, which makes it a bit impractical. All these vehicles have optional AWD, though none of them can tackle off-road trails like true SUVs. Unfortunately, none of them quite lives up to their attempts at being the perfect family car. It will be interesting to see if and how import brands rise to this challenge.

Best Cars for Kids in Car Seats

By Erin Riches, Senior Content Editor , Edmunds.com 

"We're expecting a baby and we need to buy a car. What should we get?" 

Whether you're about to welcome your first child into the world or just became a family of five, this question is bound to come up at one time or another. Safety features are certainly important to keep in mind when shopping for a family car, as are crash test scores. However, as you zero in on models with all the latest airbags and technology, you should also think about getting a car that fits your kids — and their car seats.

The easiest way to do this is to bring your car seat(s) — and if possible, your children — with you when you go to test-drive your short list of candidates. Key things to look for:


Deep, flat seat-bottom cushions. The flatter the seat bottom, the easier it is to get the car seat to sit level and securely fastened to the seat. The heavily contoured seats in many sport sedans and coupes can make the installation process harder.


Placement of the seatbelts and LATCH points. The placement and angle of the seatbelt hitch and receiver can greatly affect your ability to get a car seat cinched down to the seat. And the only way to know if a particular seatbelt is going to be a problem is to try it out with your child's car seat. Even if you have a newer, LATCH-compatible seat, you should still check to see that the location of the anchor points allows for a snug fit.


The angle of the seat back cushion. All minivans, and many SUVs, offer a recline feature for the second-row back cushions, allowing you to adjust the seat to a position that is secure and comfortable for your child. If you're going to buy a car that doesn't offer this feature, check to see that the angle of the seat back works well with your car seat.


Ease of access. Wide door openings allow you to maneuver bulky car seats in and out of the car with a minimum of twisting and turning. They also make it easier to get your child in and out. Additionally, the few inches of extra ground clearance offered by minivans, car-based SUVs and tall wagons can reduce the back strain that parents experience when repeatedly bending over to buckle in and retrieve little ones. Some carmakers offer rear seats with fore-and-aft adjustment, allowing you to slide the seat back when you need to climb in to tend to a baby and slide it forward when you need to make room for a double stroller in the cargo bay.


Availability of automatic locking retractor (ALR) seatbelts. Most newer cars have automatic locking retractor seatbelts in the backseat, such that when you pull the belt all the way out, it locks as it retracts. Some manufacturers use a special mechanism that locks only the lap portion of the belt. Either way, it ensures a much tighter, safer fit for car seats. For more information, see our article, "How to Install a Car Seat." 

Several of our editors are parents of young children, so they've had the unique opportunity to try their car seats in all the newest models. Here are 10 cars that they say make for easy car seat installation:

Chevrolet Equinox: This value-packed small SUV offers reclining back cushions and fore/aft adjustment in the second row, as well as the ability to fit three car seats across (depending on the size of your kids and their restraints, of course).

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx: A deep, flat seat bottom, wide door openings and fore/aft adjustment in the second row make the midsize Malibu wagon a good bet for families.

Dodge Magnum: The Magnum looks hip on the outside, but inside it's all about practicality — lots of second-row legroom and deep, flat seats make for easy car seat installation.

Ford Five Hundred: Magnum not big enough for you? You can get even more room in the Five Hundred, along with the biggest trunk in the sedan world (20 cubic feet). A slightly elevated ride height also makes it a good bet for parents with bad backs.

Ford Freestyle: Although down on power, the Freestyle compensates with its positively cavernous interior. You can get a roomy bench seat in the second row or opt for twin captain's chairs that offer fore/aft adjustment.

Honda Accord: With plenty of legroom in the backseat and perfectly contoured cushions, you can't go wrong with this well-rounded family sedan.

Honda Odyssey: Always a good bet for families, thanks to its deep, flat, multiadjustable seats, the latest Odyssey adds a neat feature to the mix — a pop-up seat between the second-row captain's chairs, allowing you to carry three kids across in a pinch. 

Scion xB: On a tight budget but still need a lot of room? The Scion xB makes an ideal starter-size minivan. This boxy wagon has a comfortably raked rear bench and more legroom than you ever thought possible in a compact car.

Toyota Camry: Like the Accord, the Camry offers lots of rear legroom and soft, flat seat cushions that can readily accept a bulky car seat. Juice box holders in the doors are a nice bonus for those with preschoolers.

Toyota Sienna: Roomy and comfortable rear seats and the availability of both seven- and eight-passenger configurations make the Sienna a good bet. Models with second-row bench seats were specifically designed to accommodate three car seats across.