The escalating tainted baby milk scandal is more than a tragedy for China.
Two babies have died, and more than 1,250 have been sickened with kidney stones after drinking formula that had been contaminated with melamine, a chemical banned in the food industry but added to raw milk to boost the appearance of the protein content, Chinese health officials say. Many of the sick infants have mild symptoms, but 53 are said to be in serious condition.
In all, health officials say, 10,000 babies may have consumed the formula, which was distributed mainly in three provinces: Hebei, Jiangsu and Gansu, where the two deaths occurred. A small quantity was also exported to Taiwan.
This is not China's first baby formula scandal in recent years. At least 13 babies in Anhui province died in 2004 after consuming fake formula.
This latest scandal is how long it took the affair to come to light--and the roundabout route by which it did so. It suggests that product safety reforms put in place following a series of scares last year involving toys, toothpaste, food and other dangerous exports took shallow root.
The dairy that sold the formula, Sanlu Group, one of China's largest, received complaints about the tainted milk powder in March (kidney stones are rare in infants) and had confirmed the presence of melamine in some batches early last month. It was the same chemical found in contaminated pet-food exports last year that caused scores of U.S. animals to die. But a product recall for the baby formula didn't start until last week.
Fonterra, a New Zealand farm cooperative that owns a 43% stake in Sanlu Group, says it recommended a recall on Aug. 2. However, neither company executives nor provincial health authorities in Hebei, where Sanlu is headquartered, took any action.
On Monday, Helen Clark, New Zealand's prime minister, said it wasn't until after Fonterra alerted her government, and it in turn contacted Beijing through diplomatic channels, that ministry officials forced Sanlu's hand. "I think the first inclination was to try to put a towel over it and deal with it without an official recall," Clark said on TV New Zealand.
Since the central government stepped in, 19 people have been detained for questioning and four milk brokers have been charged with producing and selling toxic and hazardous food. None are company employees, but Sanlu Group's chairwoman and general manager Tian Wenhua has been fired. She also lost a Party committee post she held in Hebei.
Pointing the finger of blame at milk brokers, who buy from family farmers and sell to agricompanies like Sanlu, underlines a more systemic problem. Latest reports speak of tainted formula being produced by at least 22 companies across China.
A tainted food scare coming just days ahead of the opening of the Beijing Olympic games on Aug. 8, would have been a PR nightmare for the Chinese authorities--and the central government's Propaganda Department had given Chinese media guidance not to report on food safety among several issues for the duration of the game. But the appearance of a cover-up at the local and provincial level now emerging will undermine the extensive work done by central government to clean up China's reputation on product safety.
This has included global recalls of Chinese products, steps to improve oversight and inspection of production facilities and some exemplary punishments. Sanlu Group, as one of the biggest companies in its industry, was expected to act as a role model. It has been ordered to stop production and to destroy more than 10,000 tons of baby formula seized by police in the investigation, according to state media.
More exemplary punishments are likely to come. Sound familiar?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Melamine found in more milk
Baby milk food produced by more companies are contaminated with melamine, a chemical blamed for causing kidney stones in more than 1,250 infants, two of who have died.
Till Monday, only Sanlu products were found with melamine, but tests conducted over the past week showed that 69 of the 491 batches were contaminated, said the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).
A woman breastfeeds her child on Tuesday as she waits, along with hundreds of others, as the Sanlu Group headquarters in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, to get a refund fro the milk food she bought. [Agencies]
Which means products of 22 of the 109 milk food firms have failed the AQSIQ tests. All the tainted batches have been recalled and will be destroyed, the AQSIQ said in a report.
Apart from Hebei-based Sanlu Group, the firms whose products are contaminated include such dairy giants as the Yili and Mengniu groups, both based in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, and Shanghai-based Bright Dairy.
The AQSIQ report, however, said no contamination was found in samples of milk food exported or supplied (exclusively by Yili) to the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic villages.
The Guangdong-based Yashili Group is the only tainted firm to have exported some products to Bangladesh, Yemen and Myanmar, the report said. But tests on the export batch samples found no melamine.
Ministry warning
The Ministry of Health yesterday warned that the number of ailing infants could rise as the search for victims expands.
And Vice-Minister of Health Ma Xiaowei urged all medical agencies to be prepared to treat babies for kidney stones as more cases are likely to come to light.
Last night, the AQSIQ ordered a thorough investigation into all the tainted firms, and said quality control officers would be sent to all the 1,500 dairy firms in the country to conduct inspections.
All liquid milk packaged after Sept 14 is safe for human consumption, the report said, but it did not give the tests' results before that date.
Sanlu took its first administrative action after the milk food scandal broke out by sacking its board chairman and general manager Tian Wenhua.
The highest concentration of melamine was found in Sanlu products. Tests show every kg of Sanlu milk food contains 2.56 g of melamine, which can make milk appear rich in protein in quality tests. The chemical is usually used to make plates, bowls, mugs and sundry other products, but is banned from being used in the food industry.
The other tainted products contain between 0.09 mg to 619 mg of melamine per kg.
Two more arrested
Two more milk dealers were arrested in Hebei late on Monday for allegedly adulterating the products they sold to Sanlu to earn more money, taking the total arrest to four.
Twenty-two others have been detained for their alleged involvement in the scandal, Shi Guizhong, a spokesman for Hebei provincial public security bureau, said.
The newly arrested dealers, both in the early 40s, were identified just as Ma and Zhao.
Ma, a resident of Luquan city, ran a farm in his hometown where some 400 cows gave about 3 tons of milk every day. Last November, Ma bought about 200 kg of melamine, which he used to mix with the fresh milk to artificially raise its "protein" content. Police have seized about 15 kg of melamine from his house.
Zhao, a native of Jinzhou city, worked as manager of a cattle-breeding farm in Dahe township of Luquan. Police said he bought four bags of melamine, 80 kg in total, to mix it with milk.
The Centre for Food Safety (FSC) of Hong Kong Tuesday said melamine had been found in an Yili ice bar sample in the special administrative region.
After testing 27 ice cream and milk samples, the FSC found a Shanghai-manufactured Yili product "Natural Choice Yogurt Flavored Ice Bar with Real Fruit" (90ml) to be contaminated with 15 ppm of melamine. Fifteen ppm means 15 mg in a kg.
"It will not cause huge health risk under normal consumption," a spokesman for the FSC said.
Chen Junshi, a senior researcher with the National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, said the tests show it has been a common practice in the industry to mix melamine with dairy products.
Till Monday, only Sanlu products were found with melamine, but tests conducted over the past week showed that 69 of the 491 batches were contaminated, said the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).
A woman breastfeeds her child on Tuesday as she waits, along with hundreds of others, as the Sanlu Group headquarters in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, to get a refund fro the milk food she bought. [Agencies]
Which means products of 22 of the 109 milk food firms have failed the AQSIQ tests. All the tainted batches have been recalled and will be destroyed, the AQSIQ said in a report.
Apart from Hebei-based Sanlu Group, the firms whose products are contaminated include such dairy giants as the Yili and Mengniu groups, both based in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, and Shanghai-based Bright Dairy.
The AQSIQ report, however, said no contamination was found in samples of milk food exported or supplied (exclusively by Yili) to the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic villages.
The Guangdong-based Yashili Group is the only tainted firm to have exported some products to Bangladesh, Yemen and Myanmar, the report said. But tests on the export batch samples found no melamine.
Ministry warning
The Ministry of Health yesterday warned that the number of ailing infants could rise as the search for victims expands.
And Vice-Minister of Health Ma Xiaowei urged all medical agencies to be prepared to treat babies for kidney stones as more cases are likely to come to light.
Last night, the AQSIQ ordered a thorough investigation into all the tainted firms, and said quality control officers would be sent to all the 1,500 dairy firms in the country to conduct inspections.
All liquid milk packaged after Sept 14 is safe for human consumption, the report said, but it did not give the tests' results before that date.
Sanlu took its first administrative action after the milk food scandal broke out by sacking its board chairman and general manager Tian Wenhua.
The highest concentration of melamine was found in Sanlu products. Tests show every kg of Sanlu milk food contains 2.56 g of melamine, which can make milk appear rich in protein in quality tests. The chemical is usually used to make plates, bowls, mugs and sundry other products, but is banned from being used in the food industry.
The other tainted products contain between 0.09 mg to 619 mg of melamine per kg.
Two more arrested
Two more milk dealers were arrested in Hebei late on Monday for allegedly adulterating the products they sold to Sanlu to earn more money, taking the total arrest to four.
Twenty-two others have been detained for their alleged involvement in the scandal, Shi Guizhong, a spokesman for Hebei provincial public security bureau, said.
The newly arrested dealers, both in the early 40s, were identified just as Ma and Zhao.
Ma, a resident of Luquan city, ran a farm in his hometown where some 400 cows gave about 3 tons of milk every day. Last November, Ma bought about 200 kg of melamine, which he used to mix with the fresh milk to artificially raise its "protein" content. Police have seized about 15 kg of melamine from his house.
Zhao, a native of Jinzhou city, worked as manager of a cattle-breeding farm in Dahe township of Luquan. Police said he bought four bags of melamine, 80 kg in total, to mix it with milk.
The Centre for Food Safety (FSC) of Hong Kong Tuesday said melamine had been found in an Yili ice bar sample in the special administrative region.
After testing 27 ice cream and milk samples, the FSC found a Shanghai-manufactured Yili product "Natural Choice Yogurt Flavored Ice Bar with Real Fruit" (90ml) to be contaminated with 15 ppm of melamine. Fifteen ppm means 15 mg in a kg.
"It will not cause huge health risk under normal consumption," a spokesman for the FSC said.
Chen Junshi, a senior researcher with the National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, said the tests show it has been a common practice in the industry to mix melamine with dairy products.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
How to Add Custom Decals to a Car
Adding custom decals to your car is the cheapest way to give your exterior a very unique look. It is not as permanent or complicated as a new paint job and can be done at home in about an hour.
Step1
Wash and wax the car, then let it dry completely.
Step2
Plan out exactly where you wish to apply your custom decals on your car.
Step3
Recruit a friend or family member to help you.
Step4
Use scotch tape to place the decal approximately where you want it. This is where a helper comes in handy because car decals are usually very large and difficult to line up.
Step5
Peel off the backing on one side of the decal and being slowly sticking it to the car. Leave all of the backing on except for right where you are working.
Step6
Ask your friend to help you make sure the decal is going on straight as you slowly continue to apply it.
Step7
Place the decal directly over any cuts in the body, like door lines. Ignore them for now.
Step8
Cut the stickers at these body lines and wrap the loose part around the edges on the body line or frame.
Step9
Scrape lightly with a plastic spatula to press the bubbles out of the decal.
Step10
Remove any excess scotch tape.
Find Real Lovers
Step1
Wash and wax the car, then let it dry completely.
Step2
Plan out exactly where you wish to apply your custom decals on your car.
Step3
Recruit a friend or family member to help you.
Step4
Use scotch tape to place the decal approximately where you want it. This is where a helper comes in handy because car decals are usually very large and difficult to line up.
Step5
Peel off the backing on one side of the decal and being slowly sticking it to the car. Leave all of the backing on except for right where you are working.
Step6
Ask your friend to help you make sure the decal is going on straight as you slowly continue to apply it.
Step7
Place the decal directly over any cuts in the body, like door lines. Ignore them for now.
Step8
Cut the stickers at these body lines and wrap the loose part around the edges on the body line or frame.
Step9
Scrape lightly with a plastic spatula to press the bubbles out of the decal.
Step10
Remove any excess scotch tape.
Find Real Lovers
Monday, August 25, 2008
How to Add Brake Fluid to the Clutch Master Cylinder
Cars with manual transmissions use either a clutch cable or a hydraulic system. If your car has a hydraulic clutch, you must check and add brake fluid to the clutch master cylinder when you check all the other fluids. See your car owner's manual to find out what grade of brake fluid your car requires (DOT 3 or 4).
Step1
Find the clutch master cylinder's reservoir. It looks like the brake master cylinder's reservoir, but it's smaller and usually closer to the driver's side fender.
Step2
Clean the top of the reservoir with a rag so debris won't fall in when you open the cap.
Step3
Remove the cap and check the level (see illustration). The cap may screw off counterclockwise or may pop off. There may be low and full indicators. If not, the full level should reach the top of the reservoir.
Step4
Add brake fluid if the reservoir is low, using a funnel to avoid any spills.
Step5
Replace the cap.
Step6
If the fluid was low, recheck it weekly for a few weeks to make sure your car doesn't have a leak.
Find Real Lovers
Step1
Find the clutch master cylinder's reservoir. It looks like the brake master cylinder's reservoir, but it's smaller and usually closer to the driver's side fender.
Step2
Clean the top of the reservoir with a rag so debris won't fall in when you open the cap.
Step3
Remove the cap and check the level (see illustration). The cap may screw off counterclockwise or may pop off. There may be low and full indicators. If not, the full level should reach the top of the reservoir.
Step4
Add brake fluid if the reservoir is low, using a funnel to avoid any spills.
Step5
Replace the cap.
Step6
If the fluid was low, recheck it weekly for a few weeks to make sure your car doesn't have a leak.
Find Real Lovers
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
How to (easily) get the snow off your car
Have you ever used a long-handled ice-scraper in a failed attempt to "sweep" the snow off your car's rooftop? No more. These are not made to sweep effectively. Here's how to achieve a snow-free vehicle before you trek to work.
Articles resource
Step1
First thing to do is to start your engine and turn your defrosters on. This is to warm your vehicle to the proper operating termperature, and effectively loosen some of the frozen snow if applicable. Put your gloves on and grab a plastic-bristled, long-handled kitchen broom.
Step2
Start at the very middle of the roof and push the snow from the driver side to the passenger side, effectively causing the snow to fall off onto the ground. Continue on the roof until all of the snow is pushed off.
Step3
Next, sweep off the back of your vehicle, including window/hatch/bumper, etc. After that, sweep off the hood of your car including your windshield and bug deflector, if applicable.
Step4
Last thing to do is clear-off the sides of your vehicle, simply sweeping in one long stroke. The snow just falls off. Make sure you sweep off your mirrors as well.
Find Real Lovers
Articles resource
Step1
First thing to do is to start your engine and turn your defrosters on. This is to warm your vehicle to the proper operating termperature, and effectively loosen some of the frozen snow if applicable. Put your gloves on and grab a plastic-bristled, long-handled kitchen broom.
Step2
Start at the very middle of the roof and push the snow from the driver side to the passenger side, effectively causing the snow to fall off onto the ground. Continue on the roof until all of the snow is pushed off.
Step3
Next, sweep off the back of your vehicle, including window/hatch/bumper, etc. After that, sweep off the hood of your car including your windshield and bug deflector, if applicable.
Step4
Last thing to do is clear-off the sides of your vehicle, simply sweeping in one long stroke. The snow just falls off. Make sure you sweep off your mirrors as well.
Find Real Lovers
Friday, August 15, 2008
How to Find Insurance Records from a Previous Owner of a Car
Obtaining relevant documents, including insurance papers, about a used car from the previous owners often seems difficult. Often the difficulty arises after the car's previous owner has sold it. Insurance records often are not readily available or accessible. That can complicate things when the new owner attempts to renew insurance coveraage. Additionally, in case of an accident, the absence of relevant documents could lead to delays and complications in processing your claim. The best way to avoid these problems is to collect all relevant information and documents before making any deal.
More articles......
Step1
Contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and request a copy of the last title transfer of the car you are buying. Depending on where you live, this report can cost between $12 and $18. This report will give you accurate details on the current and or previous owner, his or her name and the contact information.
Step2
Contact your state's Department of Insurance for sources that can provide this information. If you can locate the previous owner, ask him or her to provide the details. The previous owner is likely to oblige since he or she already has sold the car. In some cases, the documents obtained from the DMV may identify the prior owner's insurance company.
Step3
Call the insurance company's customer service number, usually listed on the Internet or in the Yellow Pages.
Step4
Ask the company to provide all information or a photocopy of the previous owner s insurance coveage and any prior claims.
Step5
Make sure that you request the information only for the car you want to buy, not for any other car possessed by the previous owner.
Step6
Seek more professional help by spending a few dollars. Provide the information about the car that to a professional agency such as CARFAX. It will send you reliable details about the car you want to buy.
Find and buy tickets by states
More articles......
Step1
Contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and request a copy of the last title transfer of the car you are buying. Depending on where you live, this report can cost between $12 and $18. This report will give you accurate details on the current and or previous owner, his or her name and the contact information.
Step2
Contact your state's Department of Insurance for sources that can provide this information. If you can locate the previous owner, ask him or her to provide the details. The previous owner is likely to oblige since he or she already has sold the car. In some cases, the documents obtained from the DMV may identify the prior owner's insurance company.
Step3
Call the insurance company's customer service number, usually listed on the Internet or in the Yellow Pages.
Step4
Ask the company to provide all information or a photocopy of the previous owner s insurance coveage and any prior claims.
Step5
Make sure that you request the information only for the car you want to buy, not for any other car possessed by the previous owner.
Step6
Seek more professional help by spending a few dollars. Provide the information about the car that to a professional agency such as CARFAX. It will send you reliable details about the car you want to buy.
Find and buy tickets by states
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
How to Know if Your Insurance Covers You in Someone Else's Car
Insurance coverage is compulsory for all vehicle owners and obtaining an insurance policy appears to be very simple. Understanding all the clauses mentioned in the policy can be a cumbersome process for the people who drive the car. The two basic insurance policies usually available are Liability and Comprehensive . In most states, coverage for damage to non-owned vehicles, such as rental cars, is no longer provided under the liability clauses. A comprehensive policy provides more coverage for at least one of your personally owned vehicles in order to claim compensation. You will not be covered for damage to vehicles that you rent or borrow under the Liability policy. The best way to determine this is by asking your insurance agent or the company at the time of purchasing a policy.
Find Real Lovers
Step1
Contact an insurance company or agent before purchasing a policy. Convey all the points that you want to include in the coverage.
Step2
Be sure that you understand all the clauses mentioned in the policy you are purchasing.
Step3
Get clarification from the agent or insurance company that the policy will cover driving a third-party vehicle.
Step4
Find out how much the additional collision and or comprehensive coverage will cost you.
Step5
Consult legal experts, if necessary, before paying the stipulated premium.
Step6
Choose wisely.
Find and buy tickets by states
Find Real Lovers
Step1
Contact an insurance company or agent before purchasing a policy. Convey all the points that you want to include in the coverage.
Step2
Be sure that you understand all the clauses mentioned in the policy you are purchasing.
Step3
Get clarification from the agent or insurance company that the policy will cover driving a third-party vehicle.
Step4
Find out how much the additional collision and or comprehensive coverage will cost you.
Step5
Consult legal experts, if necessary, before paying the stipulated premium.
Step6
Choose wisely.
Find and buy tickets by states
Monday, August 11, 2008
How to Insure Someone Else s Car
Most insurance companies have their own set of rules when it comes to insurance policies and sometimes there is an ambiguity about whether or not you can insure someone else's car. According to some legal experts, an individual is not allowed to insure in their name any property belonging to someone else. This effectively means that you cannot insure a car belonging to your friend or a rental company. The person who owns the vehicle has to get it registered under his or her name and only then would they be eligible to obtain insurance coverage. However, if you drive someone else's car occassionally, then you can seek a non-owner's insurance policy. Typically, such policies include liability, medical and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Non-owner's insurance policies generally do not include comprehensive coverage, monetary protection against collision or reimbursment for towing and rental charges. This applies to all vehicles you might rent or borrow with permission. You can also take out insurance for somebody else s car when it has been in your custody for one one reason or another. Follow these steps to determine if you can insure someone else's car:
Step1
Determine that the vehicle you are planning on insuring is registered under the name of the owner. It may belong to a friend, relative or rental agency.
Step2
Go online and visit the Web sites of several insurance companies to learn about their policy options. Read the information carefully and thoroughly.
Step3
Set aside the names of insurance companies that offer non-owner s insurance.
Step4
Use the customer service phone number mentioned on the Web site of each company to contact an agent or customer service representative to learn more about your options.
Step5
Tell the agent or representative that you wish to use a car owned by your relative, friend or a rental agency, whichever the case may be.
Step6
Inform them of the situation clearly and explain that you are planning to obtain separate insurance coverage for the vehicle in question. Be sure to mention that you are interested in getting a non-owner's policy.
Step7
Follow the procedures for obtaining non-owner's insurance offered by the company if the quote is acceptable to you. If not, contact other providers untill you get one that is.
http://www.freewebtown.com/howtodothing/cars/4.htm#1
Step1
Determine that the vehicle you are planning on insuring is registered under the name of the owner. It may belong to a friend, relative or rental agency.
Step2
Go online and visit the Web sites of several insurance companies to learn about their policy options. Read the information carefully and thoroughly.
Step3
Set aside the names of insurance companies that offer non-owner s insurance.
Step4
Use the customer service phone number mentioned on the Web site of each company to contact an agent or customer service representative to learn more about your options.
Step5
Tell the agent or representative that you wish to use a car owned by your relative, friend or a rental agency, whichever the case may be.
Step6
Inform them of the situation clearly and explain that you are planning to obtain separate insurance coverage for the vehicle in question. Be sure to mention that you are interested in getting a non-owner's policy.
Step7
Follow the procedures for obtaining non-owner's insurance offered by the company if the quote is acceptable to you. If not, contact other providers untill you get one that is.
http://www.freewebtown.com/howtodothing/cars/4.htm#1
Friday, August 8, 2008
How to Compare Car Insurance Companies
When it comes to shopping for an auto insurance provider, it becomes apparent that not all of the policies are created equal. Some insurance companies will approve your claims with great speed and efficiency, whereas some may get on your nerves with a series of questions and paperwork before getting your claims processed. It's important to compare car insurance companies to get an overall idea of their market reputation, credibility and accountability.
Step1
Compare ratings between different companies to get an overall view of their reputation. Organizations such as A.M. Best provide ratings and analysis of insurance providers. These ratings are comprehensive and provide up to date information on each company s track record including strengths and weaknesses, coverage options and claims handling. You can also visit Standards & Poor s or Fitch ratings for more information. (See Resources, below.)
Step2
Compare the reviews of customers and policy holders. J.D. Power and Associates is one of the oldest names in customer views and reviews. Search for the company from which you wish to buy your policy. Then, go through the reviews posted by policyholders and customers to determine whether or not they are satisfied overall with the insurance company and its services. Similarly, search for other providers you might consider and compare the reviews.
Step3
Discuss insurance with your friends, family members, colleagues and business associates to get their opinion on various car insurance companies. They might have had a favorable or unpleasant experience dealing with a particular company and would be able to provide personal insights on companies.
Step4
Compare customer service options for each insurance company you are considering. Those with a large network of offices, claim centers, agents and 24/7 support over telephone as well as email will ensure that you get treated properly as a customer.
Step5
Ask the car insurance companies you are comparing for quotes with or without any claims bonus protection.
Step6
Find out if it is cheaper to pay on a monthly basis to the insurance company through personal checks or to pay it off with a credit card. Numerous insurance companies have direct or indirect alliances with various financial institutions (banks or credit card companies) which may make your insurance significantly cheaper.
http://www.freewebtown.com/howtodothing/cars/3.htm#1
Step1
Compare ratings between different companies to get an overall view of their reputation. Organizations such as A.M. Best provide ratings and analysis of insurance providers. These ratings are comprehensive and provide up to date information on each company s track record including strengths and weaknesses, coverage options and claims handling. You can also visit Standards & Poor s or Fitch ratings for more information. (See Resources, below.)
Step2
Compare the reviews of customers and policy holders. J.D. Power and Associates is one of the oldest names in customer views and reviews. Search for the company from which you wish to buy your policy. Then, go through the reviews posted by policyholders and customers to determine whether or not they are satisfied overall with the insurance company and its services. Similarly, search for other providers you might consider and compare the reviews.
Step3
Discuss insurance with your friends, family members, colleagues and business associates to get their opinion on various car insurance companies. They might have had a favorable or unpleasant experience dealing with a particular company and would be able to provide personal insights on companies.
Step4
Compare customer service options for each insurance company you are considering. Those with a large network of offices, claim centers, agents and 24/7 support over telephone as well as email will ensure that you get treated properly as a customer.
Step5
Ask the car insurance companies you are comparing for quotes with or without any claims bonus protection.
Step6
Find out if it is cheaper to pay on a monthly basis to the insurance company through personal checks or to pay it off with a credit card. Numerous insurance companies have direct or indirect alliances with various financial institutions (banks or credit card companies) which may make your insurance significantly cheaper.
http://www.freewebtown.com/howtodothing/cars/3.htm#1
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
How to Put Car Insurance in Your Parent s Name
Getting a car insured under your parent s name can save you a lot of money. The premium is usually low for people in their mid-forties and fifties. They are considered safer drivers because studies show they take fewer risks on the road. Although their insurance rate may go up, the additional cost will be cheaper than the cost of getting insurance in your own name (especially if you are under twenty).
Step1
Ask your parents to call their insurance company and get a personal quote for adding a household member to their existing policy.
Step2
Ask them to call various insurance companies to compare rates. Often, other companies may offer a lower rate and it may be worthwhile to switch insurance companies.
Step3
Get quotes on insurance rates if you were to take the policy in your name and compare this with the above rates--even if you just to appreciate the difference.
Getting Insurance on a New Car
Step1
Register the new car in your parent s name if you are above the age limit required by your parent's insuanrce company. You can register a new car in your name and obtain coverage through your parent's company if you meet the company's age limit standards.
Step2
Ask your parents to call their insurance company and get a personal quote for adding a household member to their existing policy.
Step3
Ask them to call various insurance companies to compare rates. Often, other companies may offer a lower rate, and it may be worthwhile to switch.
Step4
Call to find out insurance rates if you were to take the policy in your name and compare this with the above rates--even if you just wanted to see the difference.
http://www.freewebtown.com/howtodothing/cars/2.htm#2
Step1
Ask your parents to call their insurance company and get a personal quote for adding a household member to their existing policy.
Step2
Ask them to call various insurance companies to compare rates. Often, other companies may offer a lower rate and it may be worthwhile to switch insurance companies.
Step3
Get quotes on insurance rates if you were to take the policy in your name and compare this with the above rates--even if you just to appreciate the difference.
Getting Insurance on a New Car
Step1
Register the new car in your parent s name if you are above the age limit required by your parent's insuanrce company. You can register a new car in your name and obtain coverage through your parent's company if you meet the company's age limit standards.
Step2
Ask your parents to call their insurance company and get a personal quote for adding a household member to their existing policy.
Step3
Ask them to call various insurance companies to compare rates. Often, other companies may offer a lower rate, and it may be worthwhile to switch.
Step4
Call to find out insurance rates if you were to take the policy in your name and compare this with the above rates--even if you just wanted to see the difference.
http://www.freewebtown.com/howtodothing/cars/2.htm#2
Saturday, August 2, 2008
How to Get Insurance on a Sports Car
Speed, thrill and passion these are the qualities that attract us to sports cars. There are also the reason sports cars cost to insurance than other mainstream cars. But to come up with the premiums, companies and states define a sports car differently. Some say it is any car with pricey replacement parts or specifications such as two-door, manual transmission and greater horsepower. A vintage auto may also be a sports car depending on how old and rare.
Step1
Think through your buying options well ahead of your purchase. Talk with other sports car owners about their experience, driving and handling a sports car as well as their experience getting insurance.
Step2
Ask your dealer before purchasing if the car you are considering buying is classified as a sports car.
Step3
Get insurance quotes from more than three insurance companies or agents. The car classification database of a company may see some as sports cars, but another company's may not. So, see how it stacks up as multiple sources categorize your car.
Step4
Lower your premium by giving all relevant information such as the condition of the car, automatic seat belts and anti-lock brakes.
Step5
Do not give wrong information about your car. Be upfront and honest with the insurance company about the specifications.
Step1
Think through your buying options well ahead of your purchase. Talk with other sports car owners about their experience, driving and handling a sports car as well as their experience getting insurance.
Step2
Ask your dealer before purchasing if the car you are considering buying is classified as a sports car.
Step3
Get insurance quotes from more than three insurance companies or agents. The car classification database of a company may see some as sports cars, but another company's may not. So, see how it stacks up as multiple sources categorize your car.
Step4
Lower your premium by giving all relevant information such as the condition of the car, automatic seat belts and anti-lock brakes.
Step5
Do not give wrong information about your car. Be upfront and honest with the insurance company about the specifications.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
How to Compare Car Insurance Policies
Insurance policies come with many terms and coverage options. You need a bit of legal and financial knowledge to choose a policy that best fits your needs. Most insurance agents are ready to give you information about multiple options and quotes for possible coverage. But they want you to buy a policy from them, so shop around and get information from different agents.
Step1
Look at the brand name of the company while comparing quotes. A company with weight in the marketplace makes the company credible and accountable, which helps you when making claims.
Step2
Look at the deductible when reviewing the quotes. Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums. Depending on the type of insurance you want, choose a policy based on higher premiums and lower deductibles OR lower premiums and higher deductibles.
Step3
Put all cars that you own under a single policy and check which ones offer you the lowest premiums. Also, ask about multi-policy discounts if they are available.
Step4
Compare the amount of insurance coverage of different policies.
Step5
Check for the total covered for bodily injury and liability insurance. Choose one with the highest dollar value for the best price.
Step6
Compare the levels of other coverage, such as rental cover, PIP, medical, full-glass, towing and comprehensive collision. Ask for multiple quotes with your preferred combinations and go for the policy with the lowest quote.
Step7
Check the level of coverage for underinsured or uninsured motorist.' With the number of uninsured motorists on the road, there's a good chance you may need need this kind of insurance coverage.
Step1
Look at the brand name of the company while comparing quotes. A company with weight in the marketplace makes the company credible and accountable, which helps you when making claims.
Step2
Look at the deductible when reviewing the quotes. Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums. Depending on the type of insurance you want, choose a policy based on higher premiums and lower deductibles OR lower premiums and higher deductibles.
Step3
Put all cars that you own under a single policy and check which ones offer you the lowest premiums. Also, ask about multi-policy discounts if they are available.
Step4
Compare the amount of insurance coverage of different policies.
Step5
Check for the total covered for bodily injury and liability insurance. Choose one with the highest dollar value for the best price.
Step6
Compare the levels of other coverage, such as rental cover, PIP, medical, full-glass, towing and comprehensive collision. Ask for multiple quotes with your preferred combinations and go for the policy with the lowest quote.
Step7
Check the level of coverage for underinsured or uninsured motorist.' With the number of uninsured motorists on the road, there's a good chance you may need need this kind of insurance coverage.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
How to Add Your Child with a Learner s Permit to Your Insurance Policy
The minimum approved age to get a learner s permit for a boy or girl is 16 years. This permit can be converted into a valid driving license only when your child reaches 18 years of age. Although your insurance premium increases significantly, a child with a learner s permit could be added to your own policy as an occasional driver. Note that it is not mandatory to add your child with a learner s permit to your insurance policy. Consider the following steps to add your child with a learner s permit to your insurance policy.
Step1
Call your insurance company and inform them that you wish to add the name of a family member to your existing policy. Usually at the time of providing insurance, the company tries to find out if other members of the family will drive the same car.
Step2
Talk tactfully to the company representative. The name of your child will be added in your policy, making them eligible to drive in the United States. Depending on the age of your child, your insurance premium will be readjusted.
Step3
Ask for a reduced rate. If your child is only going to drive occasionally, companies may offer a lower increase in your premium.
Step4
Enroll your child into a good driver s education course. This can help in reducing your premium increase.
Step1
Call your insurance company and inform them that you wish to add the name of a family member to your existing policy. Usually at the time of providing insurance, the company tries to find out if other members of the family will drive the same car.
Step2
Talk tactfully to the company representative. The name of your child will be added in your policy, making them eligible to drive in the United States. Depending on the age of your child, your insurance premium will be readjusted.
Step3
Ask for a reduced rate. If your child is only going to drive occasionally, companies may offer a lower increase in your premium.
Step4
Enroll your child into a good driver s education course. This can help in reducing your premium increase.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
