Tampa Auto Insurance » faq

Hiring a car in Florida

admin — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 11:41:23 +0000

Going to Florida this Sept/Oct and hiring a car…should i be wary about what car and insurance to get?

As the question says going to Florida 22nd sept to the 8th oct and we want to hire a car but im unsure of what type of car to get and what type of insurance, are their different levels or insurance to get, is one car suitable but for the extra few pounds/dollars per day its worth getting a different car?

If anyone could help id appreciate it as I have never hired a car before for this length of time and we do intend to go all over and do as much as possible i.e. down to Tampa, keys maybe etc etc.

Is one car type better than another for that sort of mileage? If it is an extra few dollars/pounds a day i dont mind paying extra for an upgrade but there are only 2 of us going, my girlfriend and myself so i dont want to pay out for a Yukon as you can imagine?

Thanks

Start with what kind of car can you drive comfortably for long periods at home. Then look at all the car rental company options. I’m a big fan of Thrifty so I check out their UK website and forund they have a US car rental package (3 actually). Here’s a link: http://prepaid.thrifty.co.uk/packages-usa.cfm
From there, start the reservation. I assumed Orlando as a starting point (many Brits ask about Orland on Y!Answers so I guessed). You can get a Ford Escape which is a small SUV for 407.19 GBP inclusive of tax and ins. for the time period. It will be very comfortable for 2 people with luggage and whatever stuff you accumulate along the way.
A Ford Fusion should be more than adequate and get better gas milage. Gas (Petrol) is practically free in the US compared to UK so I wouldn’t worry about gas milage much if I were you. There are a bunch more choices so look over each and pick which will be most comfortable for you.

If you do decide to go with Thrifty, before you make a reservation, sign up for the Blue Chip Program. Most rental companies have something similar. If you go with another company, sign up for their’s. It will give you the opportunity to set up much of the paper work early (before you leave home) and when you arrive, there is a separate line (usually shorter) for Blue Chip Members (or which ever company equivalent). It saves a fair amount of time and headaches.
That’s all I can think of at the moment. If you have more questions feel free to email me.

Florida Auto Insurance

Do I need to change car insurance?

admin — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 06:41:23 +0000

Right now Im going to school in tampa while my home town is about 2.5/3 hours away. Im currently residing in the dorms on campus but next semester (january) I was going to move into an apartment. I know Ill have to change my drivers license but will I have to change my car insurance policy too? I know one of my classmates did and it went up considerably because of the move to tampa.

Probably not.

If you’re curious, you should probably talk with your insurance agent/company. It would really suck if you didn’t change your insurance then found out that you needed to after the collision.

While you’re talking to them, ask about renter’s insurance, too.

Affordable Car Insurance

Where to find inexpensive auto insurance in Tampa?

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:40:35 +0000

I just moved to Florida and I’m trying to find decent, inexpensive auto insurance near Tampa. I have one accident at fault. I am married. Please help.

Your best bet is to just go ahead and compare quotes from different companies. Go ask your local agent, pick up the phone and ring companies directly. Of course you can do it online too, just go to:

Compare Tampa Auto Insurance Quotes

Don’t forget you can always use the old trick – “Company A gave me a discount, what is your company willing to offer in order to win my business”.

Condo Insurance in Tampa, Florida Needed ASAP?

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:04:08 +0000

Now that State Farm Insurance will no longer be providing home or condo insurance, does anyone know another company that has reasonable insurance? I am not necessarily looking for the cheapest but want a reliable one that will PAY if I actually have a claim!

Jenny K, Home insurance covers lots of different things. I’m not familiar with all the fine print of my policy, but my homeowners insurance agent is always helpful. Try calling your agent or a agent in your town. http://www.insurancehut.net They will be able to help you.

Sue for auto insurance deductible?

admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:54:50 +0000

Location, Tampa Fl. Approx 2 years ago my car broke down on the side of the interstate in a legally parked area. (I have police report) I left with a taxi for 10 minutes to get jumpers and came back to a completely totaled car. The driver was 18 and NOT under his parents insurance (whose car he was driving). Since then, my insurance has taken care of settling as far as paying off the totaled car (w/gap insurance) and also covered for my rental car at that time. However, I was just now notified by my insurance company 2 years later that they were unable to recover any money from the responsible party/at fault insurance company (which i guess they are fighting out at their level) and that i am entitled to pursue my $500 deductible. Where do i begin?? I have researched as much as possible and am unsure who, where, and what to do. My insurance company has absolutly no guidance they are able to give me on this matter except for all paperwork involved.

Thanks in advance.
Thanks for all the prompt responses. I never thought to call the individuals personally to give them the option. As far as i can tell, their insurance company is a scam type of deal. Even when the accident happened it took weeks for my insurnace to contact theirs. And with this happening recently, I’ve tried to contact them as well myself and left several messages to no avail. I have 4 years from the date of accident to sue by Florida law. I appreciate the input as far as what forms and sites would help me. Thanks again so much, all this information really helps me alot! I’ll try to call the parents and see what they have to say, but as I recall when i spoke with them soon after the accident, they were very rude and uncooperative. It’s not the $500 for me.. it’s the principle. They should own up to their responsibility.

First off, you should attempt to contact the individual who totaled your car. If you’re only requesting $500, the driver might pay up. You should start with a strongly worded letter explaining that you are entitled to recover the $500 deductible from him since he was at fault.

If he fails to respond and pay the $500, you will need to file a claim in Small Claims Court. The filing fee is modest, no more than $50. You will need to fill out a form entitled “Statement of Claim.” Also, bring any relevant evidence to the courthouse with you. If you do not have a police report, obtain one from the police department.

The “Statement of Claim” form is here: http://www.hillsclerk.com/PublicWeb/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=2022

A help file is available here: http://www.hillsclerk.com/PublicWeb/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=1918

(Both forms are PDF)

Any Florida (Tampa) insurance agents out there (auto)????

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:54:50 +0000

Well its pretty simple i have a car now and i know how much insurance i am paying now but i have a few questions since i am going to change cars in a few months i am looking at getting an Suv something like a jeep srt-8, trailblazer ss, maybe acura RDX but im not sure what kinda things make insurance cheaper like AWD vs FWD or RWD, auto vs manual etc so if you are an insurance agent and could help me please email me or im me. Thanks

BTW some background info:
17 years old
Male
no accidents, no tickets
right now i have a 2005 mitsubishi lancer that i got brand new when i turned 16 in 2005 and my insurance was at 4k then now it has dropped to $3500. Would an SUV make that big of a difference?
right now i have a 2005 mitsubishi lancer that i got brand new when i turned 16 in 2005 and my insurance was at 4k then now it has dropped to $3500. Would an SUV make that big of a difference? And as of now my dad has me on his policy with a few of his cars (2) and my credit would have no way to be bad if i even have any since both my parents are over 800 and my siblings who are 24 and 21 are also very good for how long they have their credit.

I really hope you get the car or SUV you want.. but I’ve worked in insurance for 20+ yrs… and I have found that if you are worried about the cost of the insurance you probably can’t afford the vehicle.

Sorry.

But at 17.. you have great ambitions…..

Save your money.. stick with the car you have..keep your record clean.. then when you’re 21 go and get the SUV of your dreams.. the insurance will be a fraction of what it is now. And you won’t be sweating it.

Is there an insurance company that will insure my auto, home in Tampa, Florida?

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:54:50 +0000

Homeowners is a really, really tough line of business in Florida. Citizens is the only rated carrier, that I know of, writing homeowners. They do NOT write auto.

If you’ve check with some local, independent agents, and they can’t help you, you’re not going to be able to do it that way.

Try this site

http://www.insurancehut.net