SafeAuto Insurance Offers Tips for Thanksgiving Travel

SafeAuto Insurance Company offers tips to make sure drivers - and their cars - and are ready to be able to make in the long run, the feast of Thanksgiving. SafeAuto, the company provides that the minimum insurance cover uninsured drivers, provides advice to consumers based on more than ten years of experience in the automobile insurance industry.

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"Traveling to see family and friends on Thanksgiving is the American tradition, and this year in the economy and cost cutting top of mind for all drivers," said Jon P. Diamond, president of SafeAuto. "SafeAuto proud to maintain our customers legal for less and helping all consumers" Play It Safe ". With the following tips Safe Auto's, drivers have the highest chance of reaching out to their Thanksgiving destinations with a minimum of hassle."

Auto recommended securing the following tips to ensure a safe, successful Road Trip:

- Carry out the necessary repairs and maintenance. Cars that appear to be minor problems during high-speed drives around town may become a serious problem during the long journey. If the vehicle has been in small, unreported accidents that have an impact on productivity, please contact your auto insurance provider to see what can be covered by repair works.

- Check the various accident liability laws of countries along the route. This is a good idea to be prepared for the consequences of what happens after the accident in any country, even if you are unlikely to have one.

- Winterize your car. Tire pressure monitor. Cold air causes tires to contract, reducing traction. If traveling in the area prone to heavy snow, invest in tire network. Make sure that Windshield wipers are in good condition and wiper fluid is topped off. Similarly, ensure that your car window defrost vents are clear and functioning, and the rear window defoggers.

- Make sure that auto insurance is valid. Do not leave on a trip without your insurance premium paid and, if necessary, make arrangements to pay at the time of travel, if scheduled payments will be due. If the insurance policy does not lapse, a current carrier will not renew it, be sure to get insured before getting a circle.

- Be prepared for the split. Even the most reliable vehicle may develop engine problems, get flat tire or lose its battery charged. Make sure that water and snacks, activities aimed at addressing child travelers, as well as emergency plan including access to a mobile phone fee, road markers and roadside assistance.

- Let people know your itinerary at home and at your destination.


For more information, visit www.safeauto.com

Car Insurance Stands to Rise

Thousands of Georgia drivers can see them in substantial increases in auto insurance rates - as many as 81 percent for some - such as insurance companies begin fixing its own rates under a law that came into force on 1 October.

Who's Going UP?

Nineteen insurance companies have set new rates that renewal or new customers will encounter, 14 enacting increases averaging between 2 percent and 11 percent, depending on the state Insurance Commissioner's Office.

The increases are much higher for some drivers. A 28-year-old man with a DUI conviction, accident or other infringements, which is insured by the Central mutual What can you expect the rate to climb 81 percent.

Drivers insured by 21st Century Insurance Co. will see their rates climb at least 9 percent, up by 7.5 per cent increase in the insurer received in August, when the state still had authority to review and approve insurance rates earlier.

"We are seeing a lot of companies coming in very serious fluctuations," Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine said.

The biggest increase from 24.5 per cent and 81 per cent, would affect about 60,000 drivers.

Six of the companies raising rates, in the 21st Century, are owned by insurance giant American International Group, or AIG, which is in line for the multibillion-dollar rescue of the government. AIG officials did not respond to a request for comment. \

WHO'S NOT GOING UP?

The four companies will lower their rates to a fraction of a percent, including State Farm Mutual Insurance Co. Association, the state's largest insurer with 1.4 million policies. Lincoln General Insurance SA will cut rates the most, by 10 percent. \

Why change the law?

When state lawmakers debated the law, supporters said allowing insurers to set their own rates would spur competition and improve prices for consumers. It passed the House and Senate with only 13 votes against.

Mr. Oxendine fought the change, which was added to the bill to allow drivers to enhance their insurance uninsured drivers.

Mr. Oxendine said Friday that he doubts the law will be more and increased competition.

"These companies may come back every few months and raise rates if they wish," said Mr. Oxendine. "I think that the key will be what happens next year."

Sen. Jeff Chapman, R-Brunswick, voted against the bill. He said he hoped eventually to be carried out rates down.

"It is obvious, I do not want to see anyone get taken advantage of," Mr Chapman said.

AIG to Rebrand US Auto Insurance Unit to 21st Century Insurance, and Cut Jobs

American International Group, which has been bailed by the U.S. government, plans to remove its name from the AIG unit of U.S. auto insurance, aigdirect.com and rebrand it as a 21st Century Insurance in January 2009. Auto unit also plans to cut 6.6% of its workforce.

According to media reports, Nicholas Ashooh, spokesman for American International Group (AIG), said that the change of name is to reverse at AIG, which has acquired 21st Century in 2007. The company expects to launch the new logo and website on 5 January 2009.

Bloomberg announced that the auto insurance unit employed around 5500 workers by the end of September 2007. Earlier, in a statement to its employees, AIG said that it plans to close offices in 12 cities.

Ukraine Insurance Market Could Decrease By Third in 2009

The number of insurance companies in Ukraine may be reduced by one third in 2009; the chairman of the National Commission for the Regulation of Financial Market Valery Alyoshiin said a press conference in Kiev on Thursday.

"For the moment, most contributions are collected by a third party to the market, which means that there are more than 150 companies, which define the Ukrainian insurance market and therefore, if one third or half the number of left disappears beyond this limit, there will be no significant changes in the portrait of the Ukrainian insurance market, "said Alyoshin

More accurate data will be received at the end of 2008 - in the first quarter of 2009, he said.

30 September 2008 in Ukraine was 475 registered insurance companies, he said.

The total amount of premiums collected by the Ukrainian insurance companies may be reduced by 10% in 2009 compared to 2008 the expected rate Alyoshin said. "[It] is not a scientific assessment on the basis of certain methods, but the assessment to reflect existing trends," he added.

"Everything depends on many subjective factors," said the head of the Commission.

"There will be no serious downturn, if we manage to employ administrative leverage in auto insurance, and to establish control over mortgaged property insurance, insurance, because today covers only the first year of the loan," Alyoshin said