Friday, December 11, 2009

How to avoid Internet Fraud

How to avoid Internet Fraud (continued). There are pit falls to this type of shopping, however. New rules to learn and new buyer beware tricks. You are not the only one using the auction sites to hunt down the perfect bargain. Con artists are using the same sites to hunt for their next mark; luring people off the sites, posting illegitimate ads, or sending spoof E-mails. Con artists are looking for people just like you.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Who are better drivers - Men or Women?

For years, it's been the same argument. Men are better drivers than women. Despite the lack of any real proof, there are few men that would honestly put their hands on their hearts and admit that their wives or girlfriends were better drivers than they are.
So, who is more likely to get a traffic violation? Or be in a fatal accident? When the question is asked that way, it might give even the most proud male driver a moment of pause.
Insurance companies have already made up their minds on the matter—and they have the data to back it up.
"All the evidence points to young males having riskier driving habits than young females. Men between the ages of 16 and 25 are much more likely to be involved in accidents, or be cited for traffic violations," explains Insurance.com VP, Sam Belden. "Insurance companies bear this kind of behavior in mind when quoting rates."
Insurance.com's own data supports this, too. Based upon information provided by consumers in the first half of 2008, Insurance.com reports that 68% of women have no traffic violations versus 64% of men.
Of those reporting violations, 30% of women have 1–3 traffic violations versus 33% of men, and 2% of women have 4+ traffic violations versus 3% of men.
The Official NumbersAccording to TrafficSTATS, a risk analysis study by Carnegie Mellon for AAA in 2007, men have a 77% higher risk of dying in an accident compared to women. The study, using information from both the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the National Household Travel Survey estimated fatalities per 100 million trips to be 14.61 for men and 6.53 for women. The total number of fatalities between 1999 and 2005 were 175,094 for men and 82,371 women.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 14,512 male drivers died in 2007 compared to 5,865 female drivers, and even though there tend to be more male drivers on the road than females, the numbers strongly support the TrafficSTATS report.
“All the evidence points to young males having riskier driving habits than young females. Men between the ages of 16 and 25 are much more likely to be involved in accidents, or be cited for traffic violations.” —Sam Belden, Insurance.com VP
Age MattersMales aged 20 to 24 were more likely to die in an accident, while females aged 16–19 were slightly more likely to be killed than females 20–24. Many auto insurance industry experts would agree with the theory that males, especially young men, tend to drive more aggressively than women and display their aggression in a direct manner, rather than indirectly. And, experts agree that male drivers break the law more, and take more risks when driving.
On the flip side, IIHS also reported that from 1975 to 2007, female deaths in motor vehicle crashes increased 1 percent compared to an 11 percent decline for male motorists during that same period. IIHS attributes this to "increased exposure" with more women licensed now than in the past.
Doomed to Pay More?Although younger drivers are more likely to pay more for their car insurance, it's not always driving habits that make the difference. Many other things are taken into consideration by insurance companies, not always in a bad way.
"It's important to bear in mind that not every insurance company evaluates risk in exactly the same way," reports Belden. "This makes it even more important for younger drivers, of both genders, to compare rates before buying. There could be a considerable difference in premium between one company and another."
The argument is likely to continue, but as far as car insurance companies are concerned—for now, at least—young men are the riskier drivers.
Safe Driving CoursesAccording to data provided by IDriveSafely.com, a provider of online driving courses, the split between males and females completing such courses favors males by 55% to 45% in 2008. This is across all age groups, and includes those drivers seeking potential discounts on their car insurance policies. The percentage of males taking courses has been steadily increasing over the last five years. Does this mean that men realize that they need more help than women? Are they becoming safer drivers because of this?

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

New Web Site Enhancements to Kerry Wilson Insurance

Kerry Wilson announces new enhancements for http://www.kerrywilson.com, the web site for Kerry Wilson Insurance:

A video has been added to the Home page explaining that getting insurance with Kerry Wilson Insurance is as EZ as 1,2,3. First, click on the quote icon. Next, fill out the quote request form. Finally, one of the representatives at Kerry Wilson Insurance will handle the rest.

Other enhancements include: A FAQ page explaining SR-22. What is SR-22, who needs one, how to get one, tips on getting your drivers license reinstated.

A Service Page has been added where you can get a quote, submit an Endorsement Request, or make a payment.

A list of all of Kerry Wilson Insurance's carriers has been added on the Our Carriers page, with links and phone numbers and NAIC numbers for all of the carriers.

Meet the staff on the Our Staff Page. Photos and emails addresses of all of the staff at Kerry Wilson Insurance, and a photo of the Kerry Wilson Insurance Service Center.

Ever wonder what the definition of terms like: aggregate, bodily injury, beneficiary, or concealment? Find out on the Glossary Page, which lists dozens of insurance terms and definitions.

Kerry Wilson has also added a Directions Page and a Links Page.

Check out http://www.kerrywilson.com for the lowest price car insurance in Alabama.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Conterfiet Money

Be ware of conterfiet $5 bills. We saw one in our office today that marked brown with the detector pin. We check all bills.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

EZ Pay Insurance - Down Payment $10 higher than Kerry Wilson Insurance

EZ Pay Insurance charges a down payment that is $10 higher than Kerry Wilson Insurance (http://www.kerrywilson.com 256-546-2811). In addition, EZ Pay charges an additional $5 monthly payment fee - something they don't tell you on the phone.

Drivers License Reinstatment Information

Drivers License Reinstatment Information: Fees, Address of State Trooper Offices, can be found at:
http://www.dps.state.al.us/driverlicense/reinstatement.aspx

Applications and Endorsements over the Phone

We can now accept most auto and motorcycle applications, endorsements, and payments over the phone, by calling Kerry Wilson Insurance at 256-546-2811 or 800-575-3779 (800-57-KERRY).

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

New Service From Kerry Wilson Insurance - Crash Reports

Kerry Wilson Insurance is going to order all accident reports needed for Underwriting or claims information. We will collect the fee from the customer, but we will obtain all reports.
Besides claims. Crash reports are needed when an accident is displayed on your Motor Vehicle Report, that is not your fault. When that happens, the underwriter will assume that the accident is your fault, unless you supply the accident report. Until now, it has been the customer's responsiblity to obtain the report and furnish it to Kerry Wilson Insurance. Now, we will collect the required State of Alabama Fees and a convenience fee for a total of $20 and obtain the report for you. This will save the policy for being rated up or cancelled due to the reports not being sent to the underwriter on time.
For more information contact: Kerry Wilson Insurance, 108 S. 5th Street, Gadsden, AL 35901 phone: 256-546-2811 http://www.kerrywilson.com . We have the lowest rates on car insurance in Alabama. We shop with 29 different companies to give you the best price for Auto Insurance in Alabama.

Order Accident Crash Reports Online

Breaking News! Wreck reports available online. You may now order crash reports from the Alabama Public Safety at: http://dps.alabama.gov. Click on a link to "search for reports. You need Driver's license number, Driver's name or crash report number. Fees: $15, plus $2 for processing.


Alabama Department of Public Safety
Source: dps.alabama.gov

11 Ways to Save Money on Insurance

The circle of safety: How Do You Get the Most for Your Money? 11 Ways to Save Money on Your Car Insurance...

By Kerry Wilson
Kerry Wilson Insurance

11 Ways to Save Money…
So you’re shopping around for auto insurance. What do you need to know? Well, there are lots of ways – at least 11 – that you can save money. Many of these money-saving ideas may apply to you.

1. One Insurer, Multiple Policies – Do you have a homeowners or renters insurance policy? If so, is it with the same insurance company that provides your auto insurance? If the answer is no, you’re paying too much – for both policies. Almost every insurance company that sells auto insurance wants its policyholders to also buy homeowners or renters insurance from that company.
These insurers offer so-called multi-policy discounts. Usually, these discounts are at least 10% and some insurers apply the discounts to both the auto and the homeowners/renters policy.
* Tip. Talk to your agent about multi-policy discounts.

2. Good Driver, Good Price? – It’s no secret that the better your driving record, the less you will pay for auto insurance. But did you know that most people qualify as “good drivers” and are eligible for discounted premiums? Some good drivers pay a lot more than others, however.
Many auto insurers are actually a collection of several insurance companies in which each caters to a certain type of driver. The worst drivers go in one company, the best in another, and a lot of people wind up in one of the middle companies.
These middle people pay less than the worst drivers, but more than the best. The thing is, many of these middle people have driving records that are just as good as those who are insured by the companies that offer the lowest rates. Yet these middle people are paying more. Why?
The usual reason is that they don’t know any better. No one told them which insurance company in the group had the best prices. And, probably, no one told them there was even a group of insurance companies. If you have a spotless driving record, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be paying the lowest price a group of insurance companies has to offer.
* Tip. Make sure you’re getting the best discount for your driving record. Talk to your agent. And remember, be a safe driver. It will save you money.

3. The Beauty of the Bus (or Other Mass Transit) – Do you drive to and from work? If you do, you are literally paying a premium to do so. Insurance companies charge you significantly higher premiums if you drive to work. And, the longer your commute (in miles, not minutes), the higher the premium.
* Tip. Some drivers should consider mass transit. Yes, there’s a price there, too. But you will reap the savings of gas and lower insurance costs.

4. Low Mileage, Low Price – On average, people drive 1,000 to 1,250 miles a month. That is what insurance companies consider average use.
* Tip. If you drive less than the average, you could be eligible for low-mileage discounts, which some insurers offer.

5. High-Profile, High-Cost – The type of car you drive is a major factor in what you pay for insurance. Is your vehicle a magnet for thieves? Is it more expensive to repair than most cars? If the answer to either of the last two questions is yes, you’re paying more than the average car owner for insurance.
* Note. To get detailed information on your vehicle(s) – or a vehicle you’re thinking of buying – write to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety at 1005 North Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA 22201 and ask for the “Highway Loss Data Chart.”

6. Raise Your Deductible – The deductible is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in if you have a claim. For example, if you have a $250 deductible and you have an accident in which your car sustains $1,000 in damage, you pay the first $250 and your insurer pays the balance, $750. The lower the deductible you choose, the more you pay. If you have assets, you can probably afford to absorb at least $250 and probably $500 if you have a claim.
* Tip. If it’s been years since you’ve had an accident, you may be better off raising your deductible and paying less each year for insurance.

7. Drop Unnecessary Coverages – Let’s say you have an older car, one not worth very much. There’s really little point in having collision and comprehensive coverages. You don’t have much to protect. Remember, too, that you have to subtract your deductible from any potential payout you might get.
* Tip. As a general rule, any car worth less than $1,000 shouldn’t have collision and comprehensive coverage. Between the deductible and the extra expense of these coverages, the cost is probably greater than the benefit. How much is your car worth? An auto dealer can tell you, or there are plenty of books that have values of vehicles going back many, many years.

8. Discounts, Discounts, Discounts – Auto insurance companies offer several discounts for a variety of reasons. The car has automatic seat beats, air bags, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, etc. The driver is a good student, which is especially valuable if you have teenage children who will be on your policy.
* Tip. Make sure you are taking advantage of all the discounts available to you!

9. Taking the Defensive – Many insurance companies also offer discounts to those who have taken defensive driving courses recently.

10. Low-Cost and High-Cost Areas – Are you planning to move? If you are, you should take into account the cost of insurance. Generally, the more urban the area, the higher the premium. The costs can vary even within a community.
* Fact. Rates can really vary from state to state. If you’re living in New Jersey, Massachusetts or Hawaii, you’re paying several times more, on average, than you would in North Dakota, South Dakota or Idaho.

11. Credit Where Is (Or Is Not) Due – Is your credit record better than your driving record? If you have a good credit record, you could be eligible for discounted premiums from several auto insurance companies.
* Fact. Many insurers now use your credit history as a major factor in determining what to charge you for auto insurance. In some cases, with some companies, you could save money by shifting your business to an insurer that uses credit as a rating factor – even if you have a so-so or poor driving record. There is another side to this coin. If you have a poor credit history, you could save money by moving your auto insurance to a company that does not use credit as a rating factor. Many insurers do not use credit as a factor.
* Tip. Regardless of your credit status, you should talk to your agent to make sure you have the best situation given your credit record, good or bad.
Whatever your driving record or coverage needs, you should shop around, or let an experienced insurance professional shop around, for the best deal for you. There are literally thousands and thousands of coverage options from hundreds and hundreds of insurance companies.
In addition, not only should you try to get the best deal you can, you also need to make sure you have all the coverage you want/need. Using an Independent Insurance Agent is usually your best bet to get the most value for your auto insurance dollar.


At Kerry Wilson Insurance, we take a personal interest in our customers. We like to share information that helps you protect yourself and your family from financial loss. If you have any questions, regarding this information or your insurance coverage, please don’t hesitate to give me a call 256-546-2811 or e-mail me personally at kwilson@kerrywilson.com or visit us at Kerry Wilson Insurance, 108 S. 5th Street, Gadsden, AL 35901

Kerry Wilson Insurance does not charge cash payment fees

If you have automobile insurance with an independent agent in the State of Alabama, and you are making monthly payments, you are probably paying an additional $5 monthly agency payment fee.
Kerry Wilson Insurance does not charge fees for cash (or check) payments made in our office. Most other agencies do, including EZ Pay Auto Insurance of Gadsden.
Bring your automobile insurnace billing notice to Kerry Wilson Insurance at 108 S. 5th Street in Gasdsden, AL 35901 and sign a new application and pay at our office. There will be no additional charge - just make your normal payment.