Confession: I hate to pay for parking. Unless it’s as hot as Iraq or raining cats and dogs, I will do whatever it takes to find a legal space on the street, preferably free. And I’m good at it. It mainly takes faith, patience and experience. Recently, I found a spot on Chicago’s North...
5 Unexpected Ways to Drive Up Car InsuranceMost drivers know their car insurance premiums will increase if they drive recklessly, cause an at-fault accident or receive too many speeding tickets. But many cautious policyholders don’t realize that other activities, such as texting while driving, can also cause their premiums to rise. Auto...
5 things you should never tell the insurance companySome words are red flags to insurers and using them could mean that your claim might be delayed or even denied. 1. “I Think …” Never begin a statement regarding a claim with these words. If you aren’t sure, don’t guess. What you say could cause your claim to be delayed or...
5 common car insurance mistakes to avoidRecently Five for the Money took a look at some of the biggest mistakes consumers make when buying life insurance. This week we’ll tackle car insurance. Auto insurance isn’t as fraught a subject as life insurance; buying a sensible policy doesn’t need to be a reminder of inevitable...
Drive less? Pay less for auto insuranceIf you have a car that spends most of its time parked in a garage, a couple of insurers have a deal for you: auto-insurance rates based on how much you drive, among other factors that suggest you present a lower-than-average risk. The thinking behind the mileage-based discounts offered by Progressive...
Health care aid from unlikely sourcesWhen a serious medical crisis occurs, your insurance company may provide more than hospital coverage. A growing number of plans offer specially trained case managers to help patients during a major illness. Different from disease-management programs, which focus on patients with a chronic condition such...
The 5 most and least expensive cars to insureFrom seeking greater fuel efficiency to carpooling, some American drivers are looking for ways to save on ownership costs. But one thing most can’t do without is car insurance. Each of the nation’s 50 states has laws that require drivers purchase liability insurance or provide enough “proof...