Saudi women gear up for new freedom as driving ban ends

RIYADH - Women in Saudi Arabia took to the roads at midnight on Sunday, ushering in the end of the world's last ban on female drivers, long seen as an emblem of women's repression in the deeply conservative Muslim kingdom.

"It feels weird, I am so happy ... I'm just too proud to be doing this right now," said 23-year-old Majdooleen al-Ateeq as she cruised across Riyadh for the first time in her black Lexus.

The lifting of the ban, ordered last September by King Salman, is part of sweeping reforms pushed by his powerful young son Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in a bid to transform the economy of the world's top oil exporter and open up its cloistered society.

Women drove up and down a main road in the eastern city of Khobar and cheered as police looked on.

"We are ready, and it will totally change our life," said Samira al-Ghamdi, a 47-year-old psychologist from Jeddah, one of the first women to be issued a license.

The lifting of the ban, which for years drew international condemnation and comparisons to the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, has been welcomed by Western allies as proof of a new progressive trend in Saudi Arabia.

But it has been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent, including against some of the very activists who previously campaigned against the ban. They now sit in jail as their peers take to the road legally for the first time.

Women with foreign drivers' licenses only began converting them earlier this month, so the number of new drivers remains low. Others are training at new state-run schools, with 3 million women expected to drive by 2020.

Some still face resistance from conservative relatives, and many accustomed to private drivers say they are reluctant to take on the country's busy highways.

"I definitely won't like to drive," said Fayza al-Shammary, a 22-year-old saleswoman. "I like to be a princess with someone opening the car door for me and driving me anywhere."

ECONOMIC BOON

Concerns that women drivers will face abuse in a country where strict segregation rules usually prevent women from interacting with unrelated men prompted a new anti-harassment law last month.

The Interior Ministry plans to hire women traffic police for the first time, but it is unclear when they will be deployed. The public security directorate reported no unusual incidents one hour after the ban ended.

Riyadh resident Amr al-Ardi said the women in his family would wait to see how the system works before they start driving.

The decision to lift the ban in the tightly controlled kingdom - where once-forbidden cinemas and concerts have also returned - is expected to boost the economy, with industries from car sales to insurance set to reap returns.

The change should save families billions of dollars on chauffeurs while encouraging more women into the workforce and raising productivity, if only modestly at first.

Auto companies have produced theatrical ads marking the ban's end, while private parking garages designated "ladies" areas with pink signage.

Many Saudis celebrated on social media, but some reactions were derisive or expressed concern about social impacts.

One Twitter user said he would not allow his wife to take the wheel: "If she wants to drive she can go to her father and God willing she will drive lorries. Decisions like this depend on personal freedom #She_Won't_Drive."

Much of the kingdom's overwhelmingly young population supports Prince Mohammed's reforms, but many Saudis fear their speed could provoke a backlash from religious conservatives once seen as dominant.

ACTIVISTS ARRESTED

Activists and diplomats have speculated that the arrests of more than a dozen women's rights advocates over the past month were aimed at appeasing conservative elements or at sending a message to activists not to push demands too far.

The crown prince's modernization efforts have won praise at home and abroad, but he has also provoked unease with an anti-corruption purge last year, when scores of royals and top businessmen were detained at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh. Most were freed after reaching settlements with the government.

Billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, an early advocate of women driving who was detained at the Ritz for three months, tweeted a video of his daughter driving.

"Saudi Arabia has just entered the 21st century," he said to his granddaughters in the back seat in the video. "Thanks to King Salman for this achievement."

Even with the end of the driving ban, Saudi Arabia remains one of the most restrictive countries for women, who need permission from legally mandated male guardians for important decisions such as foreign travel and marriage.

Amnesty International said lifting the ban was "a small step in the right direction," but called for an end to other practices that discriminate against women.

Activists have already begun campaigning to end the guardianship system, which has been chipped away at slowly over the years. Prince Mohammed declared in an interview earlier this year that he believes men and women are equal.

But veteran Saudi activist Hala Aldosari says women remain second-class citizens and criticized the crown prince's "piecemeal approach" as serving the interests of the elite at the expense of women from more restrictive families.

"Worst of all will be if these small-scale reforms, and the silencing of feminists, slow the momentum for pushing the Saudi regime into making more meaningful change," she wrote in a U.S. newspaper. (Reporting by Sarah Dadouch and Stephne Kalin Additional reporting by Marwa Rashad and Reuters TV Editing by Ros Russell and Leslie Adler)

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Best And Cheapest Car Insurance In Virginia

$25,000 bodily injury per person
$50,000 per accident
$20,000 property damage

The province of Virginia enables drivers to pay a $500 Uninsured Engine Vehicle exp

Virginia requires that car insurance policies include:

Substantial Damage and Property Harm Obligation: this covers the driver in the event that they are in charge of making damage or harm someone else or property. Under protected/uninsured Scope: Under safeguarded pays on the off chance that you are engaged with a mishap and the other driver doesn't have enough scope to pay for harms. Uninsured spreads on the off chance that you are in a mischance and the driver has no scope.

Virginia State Law: How It Affects You

There are a few laws that are imperative to recollect when looking for auto insurance in Virginia. Auto insurance rates depend on driving records, and if these laws are broken they can influence your accident coverage rate.

In Virginia a DUI is viewed as a BAC (blood liquor focus) of 0.08%. A BAC more than 0.15% expands the punishment for DUI. Virginia has a few wireless/messaging laws that deny drivers from utilizing a phone while driving. Adolescent's can drive with an allow at 15 years and a half year. The province of Virginia utilizes a Graduated Driver Permitting framework for high schooler drivers. Visit a neighborhood DMV (Bureau of Engine Vehicles) office to get more data about authorizing your adolescent driver.

The territory of Virginia needs to enable drivers to get solid, and reasonable auto insurance. A speedy hunt on the territory of Virginia's DMV site will interface you with significant data on looking for auto insurance. A speedy web inquiry will associate you to the accident coverage organizations in the express that you can get cites from. The territory of Virginia has additionally settled the State Partnership Commission which gives aides, assets, and data on vehicle insurance agencies. This is a decent site to visit when getting ready to search for car insurance in Virginia.

Since you are outfitted with the data you require about auto insurance, in Virginia, at that point picked no less than three organizations to get auto cites from, and start shopping. With a little data and some time you can get the best auto insurance rate in Virginia, and be headed to safe driving.
ense in the event that they need to drive without insurance, and at their own hazard. This charge must be restored when the auto enlistment lapses. Drivers that don't convey accident auto insurance, or pay the state expense can have their driver's permit suspended, be required to round out a SR-22, or budgetary duty protection endorsement, and pay a restoration charge.
(By John Tahan)

source: theinsuranceinfo.ga

New California driving laws make holding cell phones illegal

Using your cellular phone while driving is now illegal in the state of California.

Starting January 1st, 2017, it is now illegal for drivers to hold their cellphones or other electronic devices while driving in the state of California.

Regardless if you’re using your phone as a GPS or talking with the speaker to avoid putting it up to your ear can warrant a ticket.

The California Highway Patrol explains where a driver can safely place electronic devices in the car if you have to use it while driving.

“It can be mounted on the dashboard as long as it’s not blocking your view, at the same time, on the windshield. Like where your GPS would go, there’s a small part in lower right-hand corner or lower left-hand of our windshield but the main thing is that it shouldn’t obstruct your view and at the same time you’re going to be holding it with your hands,” said Officer Art Montiel.

Drivers may only use one finger to tap or swipe the screen.

The CHP said they have been keeping their eye out for drivers already violating the law.

“A lot of times when they’re texting and driving it’s very similar to when they’re under the influence. They can’t stay in the lane. They’re swerving in the lane. So that’s when we approach because they are focused on their phone and not on their surroundings…especially with a motorcycle officer those are actually easier for them to look at the driver without them knowing they are there,” he added.

Another new law directs the CHP to create motorcycle lane splitting “educational safety guidelines”. However, it makes it clear that lane splitting by motorcyclists between freeway lanes is still legal.

“Going back to common sense, don’t split lanes at 40, 50 miles per hour. Only do it when traffic is stopped or going really slow and I wouldn’t go any faster than 10 miles per hour or the speed of the other vehicles that are traveling,” Montiel said.

According to the CHP, fines depend on the counties you live in but the base fine is 20 dollars and 50 dollars for subsequent violations.

Read more on Balitang America.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Uber launches driverless car service in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Uber launched a groundbreaking driverless car service Wednesday, jumping ahead of Detroit auto giants and Silicon Valley rivals with technology that could revolutionize transportation.

In an ambitious experiment, a fleet of cars equipped with lasers, cameras and other sensors -- but with no one's hands on the wheel -- were to be deployed by the web-based ride service on the challenging roads of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, steering themselves to pick up regular Uber passengers who are used to being fetched by cars driven by humans.

Four of the Ford Fusion hybrids with their ungainly rooftop load of technology will be deployed to select customers on Wednesday, with the company showing at least a dozen more ready to put on the streets.

The cars and their supporting technology have been trained on the city's complicated grid for less than two years, but demonstration rides ahead of the launch showed them very able to handle most situations -- as able as many drivers.

Still, the first riders will be joined by two company technicians to make sure everything goes right, one sitting behind the wheel, with hands at the ready to take over in sticky spots, while the other monitors the car's behavior.

The move has put Uber ahead of the rest of the auto industry in getting such cars out for the general public. The major automakers all have driverless car development programs, as do tech giants Alphabet (Google) and Apple.

What allowed Uber to get to the front of the pack was not auto engineering but rather its ability to accumulate and crunch massive amounts of data on road and driving conditions collected from the billions of miles driven by Uber drivers.

"We have one of the strongest self-driving engineering groups in the world, as well as the experience that comes from running a ridesharing and delivery network in hundreds of cities," said Uber founder and chief executive Travis Kalanick in a blog post Wednesday.

The introduction of driverless cars challenges Uber's image as an app-based service of the "gig economy" that gave millions of car owners around the world the chance to make money ferrying passengers without taxicab licenses or other permits.

Uber's vision now suggests a world of taxis on call by app with no drivers at all.

"Self-driving is core to Uber's mission," Anthony Levandowski, Uber's vice president of engineering, said.

That would be far away, Uber officials stress. Kalanick says the main aim is to create safer roads.

"Self-driving Ubers have enormous potential to further our mission and improve society: reducing the number of traffic accidents, which today kill 1.3 million people a year; freeing up the 20 percent of space in cities currently used to park the world's billion plus cars; and cutting congestion, which wastes trillions of hours every year," he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

SPORTS WRAP: Pirelli to host 'vital' meeting on F1 tyres

LONDON - Pirelli will host a meeting of Formula One's key stakeholders in Milan next week to discuss how the sport wants the tyres to perform in future.

Formula One is currently planning a rewriting of the rules from 2017 to improve the show with faster and more aggressive-looking cars.

Drivers have said repeatedly that they want tyres that let them race flat out from start to finish rather than the current quick-wearing ones that require careful management over a distance.

Pirelli said in a statement on Thursday that the meeting, to be held at the company's headquarters, would "discuss target tyre performance guidelines".

"Pirelli sees this meeting as being of vital importance in order to further consolidate the close collaboration that got underway last year with the (governing) FIA, FOM (commercial rights holder), and the drivers," it added.

Describing Formula One as their "biggest challenge", the sport's sole supplier said the technical aspects would become ever more complex in 2017 and that would require more on-track testing.

"This is a factor that has been extremely limited in recent years, despite the important evolution of the cars and subsequent increase in performance," the company said.

"All these are vital steps towards tyre development that takes into account the future evolution of the cars and added performance, which will be particularly notable in 2017."

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone told the BBC that the drivers would also be welcome at the Feb. 2 meeting with Pirelli.

"Whatever drivers want to turn up can turn up," he said. "Whatever teams want to turn up can turn up. It will be the president of Pirelli who is there, not a messenger." (Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by John O'Brien)

Brown and Loupe upstage big guns at Torrey Pines

American journeyman Scott Brown stole the limelight from some of golf's biggest names as he recovered from a shaky start to charge into a share of the lead at the Farmers Insurance Open outside San Diego on Thursday.

While defending champion Jason Day struggled after the turn to card a level-par 72 in the opening round at Torrey Pines and world number four Rickie Fowler carded a 73, Brown reeled off eight birdies in his last 11 holes to fire a 66.

Despite playing on the more difficult South Course, Brown caught fire over his closing stretch after making two bogeys in the first six holes to end the day level with fellow American Andrew Loupe, who set out on the easier North layout.

"I knew I was hitting it good," Brown, 32, told Golf Channel about his mindset after his stumbling start. "I was hitting good shots, I just made a couple of stupid bogeys.

"I hit a ball in the hazard and made bogey on a par-five but I really hit some close iron shots and fortunately made some putts. And it turned into me birdieing eight of my last 11 (holes,) so that was nice."

Brown, whose only PGA Tour victory came at the 2013 Puerto Rico Open, planned to maintain a strategy of attack on the North Course for Friday's second round.

"The rough is still high over there and thick and you've still got to drive it good to get yourself into position," he said. "But you can make a few more birdies over there so I'll just try to keep the aggressive mind-set."

Americans Billy Horschel, Patton Kizzire, Tom Hoge, Rob Oppenheim and Harold Varner III all opened with 67s on the North Course while three-times champion Phil Mickelson rebounded from a double-bogey on his second hole to card a 69 on the South.

"I really didn't feel the stress," Mickelson, who tied for third at last week's CareerBuilder Challenge in his first event of the season, said of his stumbling start on Thursday. "I knew that I had been playing so well.

"I tried to be patient ... and the round just slowly progressed. I just kept hitting good shots. I hit a lot more good shots on the back and had a few tap-in birdies. It was a good start."

American Fowler, who won the European Tour's Abu Dhabi Championship on Sunday, said of his 73: "Terrible. I think that sums it up pretty easily. It was just bad golf. I couldn't get anything going."

Australian world number two Day, who withdrew from the pro-am competition on Wednesday because of flu-like symptoms, looked fatigued throughout his opening round and declined to speak to reporters afterwards as he returned to his hotel room to rest. (Reporting by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Frank Pingue)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Uber launches car leasing unit

SAN FRANCISCO - Uber Technologies has launched its own auto leasing subsidiary in an effort to sign up more drivers, injecting the fast-growing ride services company directly into the financial services sector for the first time.

The move by Uber, announced as a pilot project on Wednesday, follows the end of its partnership with Banco Santander's U.S. lending unit earlier this year.

Uber announced the initiative but disclosed few financial details, though it said it would offer both new and used cars.

Uber launched a program in November 2013 to arrange manufacturer discounts and lenders for prospective drivers who lacked cars in the hopes it would boost vehicles driving for the app-based service.

At the time, Uber said it hoped to finance 100,000 drivers. Nearly 20,000 drivers have participated in the program so far, Uber said.

Santander Consumer USA Holdings declined to comment last week on why the Uber leasing deal ended. Uber continues to partner with other lenders for car purchases.

Andrew Chapin, head of vehicle solutions for Uber, this week said Uber wants to provide drivers with more flexibility than traditional leasing companies can offer. Participants in Uber's program can return their vehicle with two weeks notice and "limited additional costs," the company said.

One of the fastest-growing sharing-economy companies, Uber operates in 57 countries, with an estimated value of more than $40 billion. It has also tangled with transportation authorities across the globe, along with attorneys seeking to deem Uber drivers employees entitled to benefits.

Uber's entry into auto leasing brings it into contact with yet another set of regulators in a controversial business. The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau last month said it would oversee non-bank auto lenders who process at least 10,000 loans or leases per year.

The CFPB said it seeks to ensure such leases are marketed accurately, and that debt collectors operate fairly.

Santander has been criticized for its subprime auto loan business. The company disclosed a civil subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice and other regulatory agencies for documents related to underwriting and securitization of such loans.

Uber's leases will be held on the subsidiary's books during the pilot program, Chapin said, but that will change longer term. The company itself will not be a party to any lease between a driver and the subsidiary, so any change in driver rates would not alter the terms of a lease.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Car Insurance Quotes in Colorado

Car Insurance Quotes in Colorado

If you are resident of a Colorado and want to get car insurance quotes, then you need not have to worry because Colorado insurance providers offer a wide variety of car insurance quotes.

Each company provides different quote and features choose the quote that fits and meets your requirements.

Reliable and trusted company

People have to avail a quote on car before purchasing insurance. It is better to research on companies and the benefits they are providing before taking any insurance policy. There are countless car insurance companies, which provide quotes for their customers. It is better to stay away from the companies, which are not reliable and have less experience in this area. Most of the people make a mistake and will take quotes from the company that do not have experience and knowledge in this area.

How to choose the agent?

If you have decided to get a quote for you, then it is better to choose the agent who provides more options and speak with a local agent who have years of experience and good reputation in the market in your area.

Best place to find the right agent

There are many websites and resources, which provide information related to this car insurance and even provide contact details of agents of Colorado. People who would like to avail car insurance quotes can gather phone numbers from these websites and can contact directly.

Compare a wide range of companies before taking your car insurance quote and get suggestions from your friends and family members before taking insurance quote. In case, if your friends already have a quote with the same company get feedback from your friends and find out whether satisfied with the company or not. Check out for the company which is offering discounts and good-driver reward programs. A good insurance company will provide you great car insurance coverage benefits.

In general, insurance companies will ask personal information and they include how often you drive because, accidents usually occur if you use it more.

If you use your car for business, then you may have to get a commercial car insurance quote.

Make sure your car is equipped with safety and anti-theft devices before moving to next process. It helps you a lot and is the best way to enjoy maximum benefits.

Your insurance provider may also ask you how many cars you would like to insure. Because, they will help you and will give you exact estimated price. Some companies offer discounts for multiple cars in case if you insure at once and will give you quotes in the reasonable prices. In case, if anyone of your family members do not know how to drive properly you may remove from the policy. Some insurance providers will offer you coverage according to your age. Identify your needs and understand about car insurance quotes features and before purchasing them. Each company provides various benefits and it depends up on your car model and the company you have selected.

source: getinsuranceguide.org

Uber launches autorickshaw service in New Delhi

Dealing with the notorious autorickshaw drivers of the Indian capital can be a daunting task even for a seasoned Delhiite and a rather intimidating experience for an outsider when an army of drivers swoops down on him like vultures.

Passengers often complain about being taken for a ride as most drivers seldom charge by the government approved meters and often refuse to pick up short distance travellers.

Now, online cab-hailing company Uber plans to introduce some sanity into that world.

Uber will allow passengers in New Delhi to book autorickshaws, the cheaper three-wheeled taxis, as part of a drive to boost its presence and compete with a local rival in one of its key markets.

Under the uberAUTO service, the company will not charge a fee for booking autorickshaws, users will be allowed to pay for the journey in cash, and the pricing will follow government fare rules, Uber said in a statement on April 9.

And some of the drivers seeking an extra source of income have already signed up with Uber.

Abul Hassan, one of the first drivers to get trained by Uber in using their mobile app technology for Delhi's autorickshaws, said he is happy that he took the early plunge.

"If I have tied up with them then it is because it is beneficial for me. In my free time, I get passengers. Earlier I had to drive around looking for a passenger but now I get a message on my device and I get a passenger," Hassan told Reuters Television.

The launch of the service in New Delhi marks a shift from the company's global business model. So far, Uber's mobile application that connects riders with taxis in cities around the world has charged customers through credit cards or other electronic payment means, but not in cash.

Gagan Bhatia, general manager for Uber in New Delhi, told Reuters that autos were too big a pie to be left out in India.

"Autos are, it is a lifeline of Delhi. Autos are an absolute lifeline of Delhi. People in Delhi depend on autos. There are use cases which are fulfilled only by taking an auto - whether it is a grocery run or a bank run. People prefer taking an auto instead of taking their cars out or taking a taxi and we want to cater to that segment. We want to cater to all segments and democratize the entire Uber experience," Bhatia said.

The launch in Uber's largest market outside the United States comes against the backdrop of stiff competition with India's biggest online cab-hailing company Ola, which already lets customers hail autorickshaws.

Some of the autorickshaw drivers said not everyone interested in joining would actually benefit from the engagement as several of them were semi-literate.

Luvkush Soni, one of the drivers running a mobile auto app, said: "The details of a prospective ride come in English language and we get only five seconds to read and respond to that text message. If we do not read and click on that message within five seconds, then the option moves to another driver. So, for those drivers who are not educated or literate, for them it is a big problem."

Uber's Bhatia said they were aware of the challenges lying ahead and were devising ways to address them by localizing their content to suit the needs of the Indian customers.

He added that the business potential was immense -- there are nearly 200,000 autorickshaws running on the roads of Delhi and the entire National Capital Region comprising the satellite towns of Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurgaon along with Delhi is home to 25 million potential customers.

And if some of the customers are to be believed, they are already hitting the right gears.

Inayat Ramdas, a working girl and a frequent Uber user said she not only finds the app convenient, but also the ride safer.

"You download the app from the app store and you fill in your details, they register you online. They are very convenient - at the touch of a button you just order a cab and you can even see if they are nearby or how long it will take you to reach your destination, and the amount of money you will be spending. An app like Uber you can get your payment cut by your card as well, there is no cash payment, so, it is very easy," Ramdas said.

The launch comes at a time when Uber is battling regulatory uncertainty over how it will continue to operate in New Delhi.

Uber was banned in the city following allegations of rape against one of its drivers in December, but has found support from India's transport ministry.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Uber discloses data breach, theft of license numbers

NEW YORK, United States - Global ride-sharing startup Uber said Friday a data breach last year may have allowed a hacker to gain access to the license numbers of some 50,000 of its drivers.

Uber said in a statement it identified "a one-time access of an Uber database by an unauthorized third party" in September 2014.

"Immediately upon discovery we changed the access protocols for the database, removing the possibility of unauthorized access," the statement from data privacy manager Katherine Tassi said.

"We are notifying impacted drivers, but we have not received any reports of actual misuse of information as a result of this incident."

Uber said it also filed a lawsuit to be able to gather information to help identify and prosecute the hacker.

The investigation found the breach "impacted approximately 50,000 drivers across multiple (US) states, which is a small percentage of current and former Uber driver partners," the statement said.

The Los Angeles Times reported that some 20,000 of the Uber drivers impacted were in California.

Uber said it was offering free credit monitoring to those affected to guard against the license information being used for identity theft.

Identity theft is the largest single element in US consumer fraud complaints, according to a Federal Trade Commission report Friday which cited 332,000 cases in 2014.

Uber joins the ranks of other companies hit by data breaches including retailers Target and Home Depot and banking giant JPMorgan Chase, each of which saw millions of customers affected.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Budget-friendly tips for car maintenance

MANILA, Philippines - If you own or drive a vehicle, its operating and maintenance expenses can cost you a tidy sum. That’s because we spend a good part of our day on the road, and in traffic-choked cities like Metro Manila, this could mean more driving hours, which translate to higher fuel costs.

While there’s not much you can do about the cost of fuel, there are some ways that you can lower your car operating and maintenance costs.

There are three areas you can focus on: your choice of vehicle, maintenance, and your driving behavior. Taken together, your driving decisions will have a real impact on your motoring related costs.

Here are some practical ways to help you manage your car-related expenses:

Choice of vehicle:

Before getting a vehicle, consider what you are getting this for.

If this will be for personal use, consider your lifestyle so that you can pick the car that is most appropriate for your needs. For instance, if you will largely be using your car for city driving, you have no need for a very powerful engine. If you have a small family, you don’t really need a large truck that could fit many. Familiarize yourself with the different models, paying particular focus on fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

A second hand car?

Buying one can save you a big sum, but if you don’t know what you’re getting, a second hand car with issues may also mean higher maintenance costs. Before getting a second hand car, consult with a mechanic so that you have a good idea of the car’s real state.

Look beyond upfront costs when deciding on a vehicle and consider fuel efficiency.

One of the most basic decisions is the engine type. For this, you will have three choices: gasoline, diesel, or hybrid vehicles (which are not yet commercially available in the Philippines). When making your decision, compare diesel and gasoline prices. Also compare associated maintenance costs – some diesel engines may require more maintenance than gasoline-fed engines, for instance. Also look at the new technologies or gadgets that may have been used to bring down fuel consumption or make it more efficient.

Don’t forego insurance.

Considering the high incidence of road-related incidents, having a comprehensive insurance coverage will definitely help a long way in the event your vehicle is involved in any incident.

Maintenance:

Do preventive maintenance checks.

Regular tune-ups, change oil checks, and check-ups will definitely have an impact on your costs. A dirty engine increases fuel consumption. Start by changing worn out spark plugs and reduce consumption by up to 5%. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy by up to 10%. Also look at the oils and additives being used on your car as these can affect fuel efficiency by 1-2%.

Check your tires regularly.

If your tires are under inflated by just 1psi, fuel efficiency can be reduced by up to 3%. Check tires once a week or whenever you fill up. Also make sure your fuel cap is properly screwed on after every fill up. This prevents fuel, and effectively your money, from evaporating.

Don’t carry unnecessary baggage in your car.

Accessories such as roof racks and bicycle racks may look good, but they create a drag and reduce your fuel economy by as much as 5%. For every extra 100 lbs (45kg) you carry in your car, your fuel efficiency can drop by 1-2%.

Driving habits:

Plan your trips.

Make it a habit to know which routes to take and plan your day accordingly. Try to combine small trips so that you would spend less time on the road and consume less fuel. For instance, you can schedule a trip to the mall and a friend’s house if they happen to be in the same vicinity.

Keep windows closed.

Driving with your window open is not only unsafe, but it also slows you down. Because this creates a drag on the vehicle, you end up using more fuel in the process.

Drive smoothly and avoid high speeds.

Don’t drive aggressively. Again, this is unsafe and it also consumes more fuel. Try not to brake or accelerate too hard and keep your steering as even as possible. Remember that the faster you go, the more wind resistance you encounter. This forces your car to consume more fuel just to maintain speed. Industry experts estimate that going faster by 12 kmph can affect fuel economy by up to 23%.

Use higher gears.

Driving slowly in a higher gear burns less fuel. It’s best to change up a gear whenever you can. Avoid over-revving, which also brings up your fuel consumption. Change geasr only when you pull away or when you are accelerating.

Avoid excess idling.

Turn off your engine when you have to wait for more than 10 minutes. Idling wastes fuel and is also very environment unfriendly.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Modern Car Protection Plans

Modern automobile insurance companies try to make life easier for customers. Thanks to professional websites, customers can manage their insurance policies online. For example, monthly bills can be set up to be paid on a recurring basis. At the same time, it is possible to make manual payments for each monthly premium. Customers can also select to prepay for auto insurance ahead of time and receive major discounts.

A full detailed overview of an auto insurance policy is available for viewing online. Customers can also access menus featuring frequently asked questions. For example, all state mandatory policies may be explained in detail. Liability insurance is something that most U.S. drivers are required to carry. By contrast, comprehensive insurance is a type of coverage that is optional. Customers can explore their options and decide upon the best coverage that is appropriate for their needs.

Insurance companies even offer live customer service and technical support via real time chats in instant messenger format. Of course, clients can always pick up the phone and speak to an auto insurance agent at any time. The best auto insurance companies also have plenty of branches that are staffed by actual agents. Customers still enjoy the chance to speak with real people that sit in an office and take care of daily insurance claims and other issues.

Submitting claims with an automobile insurance company can also be done online. Customers may have to provide some detailed information about the incident or accident that is being claimed. When filing a claim for a car crash, a police report and other official documents may have to be presented. Of course, clients are hoping to receive a check from the insurance company as soon as possible. However, a certified appraiser needs to first check the damage of the vehicle that is being officially claimed. Shopping for car insurance by IFA Auto and other companies is an example of looking for vehicle protection in North America. The best auto insurance agencies also allow patrons to compare rates in real time. Instant quotes can also be provided for potential new clients.



source: 20smoney.com

Superb examples to explain you the concept of structured settlements

The mention of structured settlement might not be an entirely new term for you, but you wouldn’t be the only one who doesn’t yet have a crystal clear idea about exactly what these settlements are. Structured settlements, annuities, plaintiff, and defendant – all these terms could sometimes flummox you. The best way to understand the concept of structured settlements is to do so through the understanding of examples that are closer to real life than the legal jargon with is generally used to explain the concept. In this article, we try to drive home the idea of structured settlements through some fictitious examples of events which you are more likely to easily understand and envisage.

An elderly lady being badly injured in a road accident         
        
Take the case of an elderly lady, driving back from her daughter’s home in the evening. A reckless driver speeding an SUV from the wrong side rams his vehicle into the lady’s car. She ends up in severe pain, and a life threatening situation because of the injuries and blood loss. In the hospitals, the doctors declare that acute hip injuries would render the lady incapable of moving freely. The court awards her a structured settlement, under which she is entitled to get $3,800 per month, for a period of 15 years, beginning the next month. Also, the car insurance company is liable to pay her an amount of $500,000 in lump sum, when she turns 70.

This is a good example to make one understand how structured settlements can provide for a victim’s care for a long period of time. Also, the regular repeat payment amounts tend to be large when the time of the settlement scheme is not too long.

A 10 year old boy being badly injured in a dog attack

Johny, a bright young boy, was strolling around the park when his neighbor’s burly dog went mad and attacked him. In the attack, Johny had his face severely scarred, and also suffered fractures resulting from a fall during the struggle with the dog. The court decided that the dog owner was, without a doubt, liable to provide settlement amount to Johny and his family. The dog owner then sought the services of a structured settlement company, which further bought a structured settlement from an insurance company providing annual payments of $25,000 for a period of 5 years, beginning when Johny would turn 18. Also, the dog owner had to give an amount of $100,000 in 4 bi-yearly payments over the subsequent two years.

The above case shows how the structured settlement can commence from a later date in the case of the beneficiary being a minor.

A factory worker losing his life because of an accident in the factory

Mark, a 40 year old laborer, was working near the furnace when it suddenly started spitting flames. The fire extinguisher fastened to the adjoining wall was not working at all. An unfortunate Mark fell victim to the fiery flames. Thankfully, the fire was soon controlled without further damage. The court held the company in whose factory Mark was working responsible for the untimely death of the man, and awarded his wife a structured settlement under which the company was obliged to pay a sum of $40,000 per month for the subsequent 30 years. Also, his wife was given the flexibility to seek higher payments with 6 months prior notice to the settlement company, to provide for her medical care when she grew past 50. Now, after 15 years of the structured settlement period, the company issuing the payments goes bankrupt, and has to be liquidated. Mark’s wife is worried about whether she would continue to receive the settlement amounts.  Thankfully, the state government ensures that the company pays all outstanding payments to the intended beneficiaries from the receipts of liquidation.

This case exhibits how structured settlements can prove to be long term stability solutions for the families of victims of accidents. Also, these settlements are flexible enough to provide for contingencies.

The above mentioned three cases exhibit a lot about the circumstances under which a court can grant structured settlements to individuals. In such situations, the court generally tends to choose settlement mechanisms that provide for long term care of the victim, or the dependants of the victim of an accident whose responsibility can be attributed to an individual or a company. Moreover, these cases also amply exhibit the kind of amounts, and the time periods involved in structured settlements. Also, the fact that even if a structured settlement company goes bankrupt and has to be liquidated, the obligations towards structured settlement beneficiaries have to met first, is explained succinctly.

source: everythingfinanceblog.com

Should You Try Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance?

For several years now, car insurance companies have bombarded the nation with television commercials, beseeching consumers to sign up for what is commonly called pay-as-you-drive insurance, although some in the industry prefer the term "usage-based insurance." You'll also hear this type of insurance referred to as telematics, which describes the combined use of technology and information.

The idea behind pay-as-you-drive insurance is that if you are as good of a driver as you tell your family and friends, you shouldn't mind attaching a device to your car -- usually to your auto's onboard diagnostics port -- that collects information about how you drive, such as how you hard you brake and whether you tend to have something of a lead foot.

Should you sign up? After all, while these devices were once something of a curiosity, they're becoming more mainstream. Last year, a LexisNexis Risk Solutions survey of 2,072 U.S. residents found that 1 in 3 consumers are aware of usage-based insurance. And telematicsupdate.com, an industry website, estimates that about a million cars in the United States were using telematics devices at the end of 2012. It projected that by the end of 2013, there would be five million cars using these devices.

For those who have considered installing the gadgetry but have questions, here are some answers.

Who offers pay-as-you-drive insurance? Some of the big players include Progressive (PGR), Allstate and Esurance (ALL), State Farm, Travelers (TRV), the Hartford (HIG), Safeco and GMAC. That said, even if a company offers this insurance, it may not offer it in your state. Each state regulates its own insurance (there is no national standard), and each insurer is navigating each state's red tape allowing pay-as-you-drive or usage-based insurance to be offered to consumers.

How much do drivers save when they use these devices? Typically, insurers promise consumers that they'll save anywhere from 20 to 50 percent; just how much depends on your insurer. Some insurers offer an immediate discount, usually 5 or 10 percent, for simply installing the device.

Can a driver lose money by using the device? If a driver can lose money, the insurers don't mention it in their marketing, and some company spokespeople will flatly say the consumer will not be charged more money, or lose their policy, by using these devices. For instance, Sarah Inciong, the director of the Drivewise program, the usage-based insurance plan for Allstate, says: "The way our program is designed, it's only to reward people for good driving. The worst that will happen is that someone won't save much -- or anything."

Tony Hare, product managing director for Travelers, says the same thing -- that no discount is the worst-case scenario.

What exactly do these devices measure? It depends on the company, but most measure a car's speed, the time of day or night that driving is done and the mileage. Some, like Travelers' IntelliDrive, have a GPS component, in which you can track where you've been driving. Some critics have suggested that there's an ominous Big Brother aspect to this type of tracking, which is why most insurers aren't utilizing GPS. But proponents see the data, including the GPS information, as a "Big Parent" approach, one that their customer-parents will welcome. For instance, Travelers' IntelliDrive program can send speeding alerts to the consumer -- which can be helpful to know if your kid is out driving the car.




"Many customers use the alerts to help coach their teenage drivers," Hale says.

Inciong echoes the same sentiment. "A parent can log into the website and show their child, 'Here are patterns of risky behavior,' or maybe your teen is a really good driver, and you can show them, 'You're doing really well,' " Inciong says.

There is a limit to how much information these programs track. For instance, Inciong says, at least with Allstate's Drivewise program, if you're driving 10 miles faster than you should be in a 45-mph zone, your device won't know that.

Allstate's device only measures whether you're traveling faster than 80 mph -- something to consider if you live in a remote area where the highway signs read 75 mph, and you occasionally creep past 80.

Who will likely benefit the most from these devices? Naturally, insurance companies would like to see every consumer travel with a telematics device, but obviously, there is little incentive for aggressive drivers (you know who you are) to sign up. It also will likely pay off if you don't practically live in your car. These devices seem tailor-made for consumers who work out of their homes or have short commutes.

That is part of what likely appeals to customers of MetroMile, a startup in San Francisco that charges based on how much you drive, not how you drive. It's an insurance plan that uses a telematics device and so far is only offered in San Francisco, Oregon and Washington. According to Steve Pretre, the company's CEO and co-founder, "the Metronome device tracks actual miles driven, and your credit card is charged at the end of the month. If you drive less, you automatically pay less."

Pretre says his average customer in Oregon saves about $400 a year over what they were paying the year before. "While the national driving average is about 11,000 miles a year, about two-thirds of people drive less than 10,000 miles per year, which is the typical break-even point between MetroMile and a traditional insurance plan," Pretre says.

"Historically, because there was no way to measure use, insurance companies pooled pricing across drivers. In effect, the people driving less than 10,000 miles per year subsidize the minority of people that drive more," he says.

Pretre says a lot of his company's consumers are city dwellers who use public transportation or bike to work but use their cars for errands and recreational activities on the weekend. Many of the company's customers also telecommute.

"Another interesting profile is seniors, people who are on fixed incomes but don't drive much," Pretre says. "We give them the opportunity to have more control over their insurance costs."

That, of course, is the message insurers want to get out -- that consumers can use telematics devices to have more control over reducing their insurance expenses. Consumers, meanwhile, can only hope that the insurers don't someday use the data to drop policies -- or that insurers, especially those with GPS tracking, don't someday use the information they collect to make negative judgments about you or sell information about your driving habits to a third party.

And, of course, if you're in a car wreck, your insurer will know the time the accident occurred, how fast you were driving and how hard you braked, assuming there was time to brake. All of that information could work against you -- or in your favor. You may benefit from the device, but so does your insurer.

In other words, when it comes to usage-based insurance, you may be behind the wheel, but it isn't clear who is in the driver's seat.

source: dailyfinance.com

Want to Pay Twice as Much for Your Car Insurance? Have a Kid

It's no great secret that across the nation, insurance premiums are on the rise. Over the past five years, the cost of insuring a home against fire and other casualty has crept up about 10 percent a year -- every year. Health insurance increases, while they've been muted of late, still rose 4 percent this year.




But if you think those hikes are steep, get a load of this next one.

Congratulations! You're a Father! (Now Open Your Wallet)

Kids are expensive. If you're a parent, you know this already. If you're a parent of a kid who hasn't turned 16 just yet, you're on track to get another lesson in how expensive they can be. Because once your offspring passes the driver's test and receive a license to drive from the state, he's going to need to be insured -- and that will cost you an extra $2,000 a year, on average.

(By the way, if your kid is getting her driver's license, your wallet won't take quite as big a hit, girls being 25 percent less expensive to insure than boys on average. But it'll still be some serious coin.)



According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driving is a risky activity for teens. The are more prone to get into accidents -- about four times as likely as older, more experienced drivers, according to the Centers for Disease Control. And traffic accidents are the leading causes of death for Americans ages 16 to 19.

Between lives lost and property destroyed, this all makes insurance companies very wary of insuring teen drivers. And when they do agree to insure a teen, they make you pay through the nose.

According to a recent report posted on Bankrate.com's (RATE) InsuranceQuotes.com, across both genders, all age categories, and all 50 states, parents pay an average 84 percent more for their car insurance after adding a teen to their policy.

Stay Between the (State) Lines

Think that's bad? It might get worse.

Unless you're fortunate enough to live in a state like North Carolina or Hawaii, where legislators have passed laws that ban setting insurance rates based on factors such as age or gender, your rates may rise by more than the average 84 percent.

How much more? Take a look at the top 10 states hiking rates on teenage drivers by 100 percent and higher:

New Hampshire: 100.56 percent
Louisiana: 100.58 percent
Arizona: 103.65 percent
Washington: 104.66 percent
Maine: 105.23 percent
Idaho: 106.74 percent
Alabama: 110.61 percent
Wyoming: 112.11 percent
Utah: 114.62 percent
Arkansas: 116.34 percent

That's right. Put a teenage driver on your policy in any one of these states, and you can expect to see your insurance cost for the whole family more than double.

The news is even worse for parents in Louisiana. Although its teen drivers bring "only" the ninth highest rate hikes with them when they join a policy, Louisiana car insurance in general is already the most expensive in the land -- averaging $2,699 annually for a single male driver, according to Insure.com. Add a kid to that policy, and you'll be shelling out upwards of $5,400 a year.

What's to Be Done?

Is there any way to beat the system, and avoid these hikes? Not entirely, no.

Sure, you could move to Hawaii, where insurance rates rise least. Then again, Hawaii also has the honor of hosting the nation's most expensive housing market -- so you'll end up seriously out of pocket, one way or the other. On the other hand, North Carolinian insurance rates don't rise so much when you put a teen on your policy. That market might be worth a look, if you're willing to move to save money.

Patience Is a Virtue... That Pays

One solution suggests itself from InsuranceQuotes.com's offhand observation that certain teens cost more to insure than others.

In particular, if you put a kid on your policy as soon as he hits 16, well, new 16-year-old drivers tend to double an insurance bill no matter where they live, averaging 99 percent rate hikes.

But premiums tend to rise less when teens wait a bit before trying to drive. 17-year-olds joining their parents' policies average a 90 percent increase. 18-year-olds cost 82 percent more. By the time Junior is age 19 and ready for college, the rate hike is "only" 65 percent.

Meanwhile, the standard caveats still apply: No one's forcing you to accept "average" rate hikes, so now that you know the "average" scenario, shop around to see if someone will offer you a better deal. Ask if taking (and passing) a safe driver course might reduce your teen's rate. And of course, since we're talking student-age kids here, make sure to inquire about discounts for good students. Whether or not it makes sense, insurance companies -- like grandparents -- often favor kids who bring home A's.

source: dailyfinance.com

Black Box Car Insurance Offers Safer Driving Environment and Behavior Incentive

Young drivers are more likely to be involved in a car accident and that statistic is why insurers charge them more for coverage. The high risk of providing car insurance is why according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) almost three million drivers below the age of 25 pay an average of almost £2,000 in insurance each year. There is an escape of being targeted as one of many young drivers and being viewed as a high risk and that is the decision to use black box car insurance. With black box car insurance a young driver can prove they are a safer driver than the statistics would suggest and safer driving means lower risk and less expensive car insurance.

According to Amy Kilmartin, project manager with Co-Operative’s Young Driver Insurance Scheme, the black box insurance product allows young drivers to prove they are good drivers and there is the incentive of lower premiums to continue the behavior of good driving.

Ms. Kilmartin said, “This product treats the drivers as individuals and lets them prove they are safe behind the wheel and rewards them for it.

“We assess driving performance based on four criteria: speed, braking and acceleration, cornering and the time of day the driving is taking place.”

The data collected by the black box installed in the young driver’s car is assessed every quarter. If the driver’s data reveals they are a safe driver then they are offered a reduction in the monthly premium according to Co-Operative’s scheme.

The use of black box car insurance offers young drivers the incentive to be safer on the road and that incentive could lead to less accidents. The black box car insurance is a popular product with the British Insurance Brokers’ Association revealing that there was an increase of five-fold the number of black box products between 2010 and 2012. There is a forecast of more than 500,000 black box policy holders expected next year.

source: comparethebox.com

Traveling Abroad Requires a Check of Laws and Insurance

Driving abroad requires of a UK driver to be educated as to the local laws. It also requires that the driver make sure their insurance is adequate. What is covered while driving within the UK may not be so when driving within another country. Insurance coverage would be of vast concern and should be reviewed before taking a trip abroad. If one finds they are not covered by their current coverage it can be as simple as taking out extra coverage or a supplemental policy to assure they have car insurance.

It is also important to look into the laws covering driving in another country. If not prepared, a driving violation or accident could be not only time consuming from one’s business trip or vacation but it could be costly as well. To help those driving in foreign countries to be more prepared, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has launched a campaign to inform how to be safer when driving abroad. By staying informed of local driving laws one can remain safer on the roads. The FCO reported that there have been a high number of traffic incidents involving British tourists in popular vacation spots such as Australia, Thailand, and Spain.

UK ambassador to Thailand, Mark Kent commented “Accidents do occur and not all tragedies are avoidable, but the outcome could be very different with many lives being saved and critical injuries reduced if people adopted the same safety precautions abroad that they would naturally take at home.

“I have visited hospitals here and heard from doctors how many deaths could have been avoided by following the law and taking the appropriate precautions, such as safety helmets.

“You should check that your travel insurance specifically covers you for driving a scooter or any other vehicle abroad.”

The FCO has a new online tool to properly inform drivers so they are better prepared and can be safe on the roads. The online tool can be found at www.fcowidget.com.

source: comparethebox.com

GM cars to use Apple voice assistant Siri

LOS ANGELES, California - General Motors said Tuesday it will integrate Apple's voice-activated software Siri in some of its cars next year to allow iPhone users to perform hands-free tasks.

GM announced at the Los Angeles International Auto Show it will use the Siri intelligent assistant in the Chevrolet Spark and Sonic LTZ and RS.

"Through the cars' standard Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, customers with a compatible iPhone running iOS 6 can direct Siri to perform a number of tasks while they safely keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel," GM said in a statement.

"To further minimize distraction, Siri takes hands-free functionality even further with an eyes-free mode that enables users to interact with their iPhone using nothing more than their voice while keeping the device's screen from lighting up."

Drivers will be able to use the system to make hands-free calls, play songs in the iTunes library, or switch music sources from radio to iPod mode. They may also listen to, compose and send messages to people in their contact list.

Cristi Landy, Chevrolet marketing director for small cars, said, "Safe, easy, reliable and portable connectivity is a top priority for our customers, and Siri complements MyLink's existing capabilities to help deliver an incredible driving experience."

Apple announced earlier this year it was working with car makers to build Siri artificial intelligence technology into voice control systems in automobiles.

source: abs-cbnnews.com