Sunday, July 5, 2009

Living in Fargo North Dakota

This young town presents a whole lot of options for yuppies who want to settle. With a population several thousands shy of 100,000, Fargo, ND is a good place to start building your family. You will be with young couples establishing themselves in a community that is known as one of the most dynamic cities in the Northern region. While the median income of families in Fargo, ND is a bit lower than the average in the country's best cities, the relatively lower cost of living in the city well compensates for this. Residents of Fargo enjoy a cost of living of almost 20% lower than the average cost of living in the entire United States. It would be a good idea to check out Fargo home mortgage opportunities if you are looking for a place where you can raise your own family.

There are good numbers of schools in Fargo starting from Pre-K to college. The teacher to student ratio is a sparse 17 students for every teacher making it possible to teachers to attend to the learning needs of each one of the students. The government spends about $5,120 per student in Fargo's public school. Most of Fargo's residents are college educated and are employed. More job opportunities in the future are foreseen with the job growth in the city pegged at 3.31%.

Living in Fargo is healthy. The city has one of the highest air quality ratings in the country with its air quality index staying at the healthy levels for 96.4% of the year. The temperature swings that those living in Fargo can experience range from a high of 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit to a frigid 4 degrees below zero in the coldest month of January. Despite the relatively healthy environment in Fargo, 92.4% of those living in Fargo have their own health plan with standard premium rates. The auto insurance premium rates are likewise at the state average of about $1700.

Looking for a Fargo home mortgage facility would be a good option if you want to purchase a home in Fargo. About 60% of Fargo's properties are unoccupied with only about 32% owned and the rest being rented out. The median home cost in the city of Fargo is only $156,200 - this is about 50% lower than home costs in most of the best cities in the United States. Home values have appreciated by a scant third of a percentage in the past month. Property taxes are a tad more than the average in most of the best cities in the country. Other taxes such as sales taxes and income taxes are about average. Crime rate is at about 3 incidences per 1,000 in terms of personal crimes. Crimes against properties were logged at about 30 incidences per 1,000. Transportation facilities and traffic management is efficient in Fargo. It only takes about 12.9 minutes in average commute time for people living in Fargo to get around.

The family will not be bereft of things to do in Fargo. Entertainment and recreational activities abound in the city. Movie theatres, restaurants and bars, golf courses, and ski resorts are available in the city. Several libraries and an AAM-accredited museum house the city's collection of education materials, resources, and cultural treasures. A hodgepodge of restaurants serving Mexican, Asian, Indian, European, and other international food fare can satisfy your family's gustatory cravings. Take the whole family to Sunday brunch of Huevos Rancheros at the Acapulco Mexican Restaurant or to Friday night pizza and wings at Sammys Pizza and Restaurant.

Living in Fargo means living in a safe and dynamic community where you can build the foundation of a happy and comfortable family life. Look for a Fargo home mortgage provider to make living in Fargo an even more convenient prospect for you.

What Is The Average Cost Of Auto Insurance?

What is the average price paid to insure an automobile? Providing an answer to such a question would be difficult. It is based for the most part on where you reside, instead of on the type of auto you own, as many believe.

City dwellers or people in urban areas need to spend more than those who reside in the country. There will be a greater chance of an accident if there is more traffic on the road.

A lot of factors play into the amount of premium an insurance-seeker will have to pay, including their age, but the most attention is given to the likelihood that the insurance company will have to pay out a claim.

Based on studies gathered by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the median cost of car insurance fell, as a whole, by 1.It was 7% in the year 2006. Recent reports cite the ten states with the highest premium costs as well as the ten least expensive states to live relative to the cost of auto insurance. There is a significant difference between the highest and the lowest.

For people in Washington, DC the average annual payment is $1,164. The average in North Dakota is $530, which is less than 50%. If you are considering moving to lower your insurance rates, you may want to consider Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Idaho, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Nebraska. In a good number of states the cost to insure a car is lower than six hundred dollars annually.

However, a point to take note of, the typical cost of a homeowner's in North Carolina is higher because of hurricanes that frequent the coast. There are many factors to think about when you are picking a new place to live.

States that have the most high rates include New Jersey, New York, Florida, and Delaware. Those states expend more than $1000 each year. Different cities also have different rates. The state average rate is driven up by cities with higher rates

Just two years ago, people residing in Detroit could expect to pay over five thousand dollars a year for auto insurance. However, the median amount statewide was under $1000. Michigan is a large state containing plenty of countryside areas. People living in rural areas pay much less than those who live in Detroit.

Which firms are the biggest sellers of car insurance? You may be interested in knowing which companies are the top auto insurers in the United States. The top 3 include Progressive, State Farm, and Allstate. Go online to compare quotes from these three as well as many others.

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR CAR INSURANCE

So you're shopping around for auto insurance. What do you need to know? Well, there are lots of ways - at least 11 - that you can save money. Many of these money-saving ideas may apply to you.

1. One Insurer, Multiple Policies - Do you have a homeowners or renters insurance policy? If so, is it with the same insurance company that provides your auto insurance? If the answer is no, you're paying too much - for both policies.

Almost every insurance company that sells auto insurance wants its policyholders to also buy homeowners or renters insurance from that company. These insurers offer so-called multi-policy discounts. Usually, these discounts are at least 10% and some insurers apply the discounts to both the auto and the homeowners/renters policy.

* Tip. Talk to your agent about multi-policy discounts.

2. Good Driver, Good Price - It's no secret that the better your driving record, the less you will pay for auto insurance. But did you know that most people qualify as "good drivers" and are eligible for discounted premiums? Some good drivers pay a lot more than others, however.

Many auto insurers are actually a collection of several insurance companies in which each caters to a certain type of driver. The worst drivers go in one company, the best in another, and a lot of people wind up in one of the middle companies. These middle people pay less than the worst drivers, but more than the best.

The thing is, many of these middle people have driving records that are just as good as those who are insured by the companies that offer the lowest rates. Yet these middle people are paying more. Why?

The usual reason is that they don't know any better. No one told them which insurance company in the group had the best prices. And, probably, no one told them there was even a group of insurance companies. If you have a spotless driving record, there's no reason you shouldn't be paying the lowest price a group of insurance companies has to offer.

* Tip. Make sure you're getting the best discount for your driving record. Talk to your agent. And remember, be a safe driver. It will save you money.

3. The Beauty of the Bus (or Other Mass Transit) - Do you drive to and from work? If you do, you are literally paying a premium to do so. Insurance companies charge you significantly higher premiums if you drive to work. And, the longer your commute (in miles, not minutes), the higher the premium.

* Tip. Some drivers should consider mass transit. Yes, there's a price there, too. But you will reap the savings of gas and lower insurance costs.

4. Low Mileage, Low Price - On average, people drive 1,000 to 1,250 miles a month. That is what insurance companies consider average use.

* Tip. If you drive less than the average, you could be eligible for low-mileage discounts, which some insurers offer.

5. High-Profile, High-Cost - The type of car you drive is a major factor in what you pay for insurance. Is your vehicle a magnet for thieves? Is it more expensive to repair than most cars? If the answer to either of the last two questions is yes, you're paying more than the average car owner for insurance.

* Note. To get detailed information on your vehicle(s) - or a vehicle you're thinking of buying - write to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety at 1005 North Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA 22201 and ask for the "Highway Loss Data Chart."

6. Raise Your Deductible - The deductible is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in if you have a claim. For example, if you have a $250 deductible and you have an accident in which your car sustains $1,000 in damage, you pay the first $250 and your insurer pays the balance, $750. The lower the deductible you choose, the more you pay in premiums. If you have assets, you can probably afford to absorb at least $500 and probably $750 if you have a claim.

* Tip. If it's been years since you've had an accident, you may be better off raising your deductible and paying less each year for insurance.

7. Drop Unnecessary Coverages - Let's say you have an older car, one not worth very much. There's really little point in having collision and comprehensive coverages. You don't have much to protect. Remember, too, that you have to subtract your deductible from any potential payout you might get.

* Tip. As a general rule, any car worth less than $1,000 shouldn't have collision and comprehensive coverage. Between the deductible and the extra expense of these coverages, the cost is probably greater than the benefit. How much is your car worth? An auto dealer can tell you, or there are plenty of books that have values of vehicles going back many, many years.

8. Discounts, Discounts, Discounts - Auto insurance companies offer several discounts for a variety of reasons. The car has automatic seat beats, air bags, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, etc. The driver is a good student, which is especially valuable if you have teenage children who will be on your policy.

* Tip. Make sure you are taking advantage of all the discounts available to you!

9. Taking the Defensive - Many insurance companies also offer discounts to those who have taken defensive driving courses recently.

10. Low-Cost and High-Cost Areas - Are you planning to move? If you are, you should take into account the cost of insurance. Generally, the more urban the area, the higher the premium. The costs can vary even within a community.

* Fact. Rates can really vary from state to state. If you're living in New Jersey, Massachusetts or Hawaii, you're paying several times more, on average, than you would in North Dakota, South Dakota or Idaho.

11. Credit Where Is (Or Is Not) Due - Is your credit record better than your driving record? If you have a good credit record, you could be eligible for discounted premiums from several auto insurance companies.

* Fact. Many insurers now use your credit history as a major factor in determining what to charge you for auto insurance. In some cases, with some companies, you could save money by shifting your business to an insurer that uses credit as a rating factor - even if you have a so-so or poor driving record. There is another side to this coin. If you have a poor credit history, you could save money by moving your auto insurance to a company that does not use credit as a rating factor. Many insurers do not use credit as a factor.

* Tip. Regardless of your credit status, you should talk to your agent to make sure you have the best situation given your credit record, good or bad.

Whatever your driving record or coverage needs, you should shop around, or let an experienced insurance professional shop around, for the best deal for you. There are literally thousands and thousands of coverage options from hundreds and hundreds of insurance companies.

In addition, not only should you try to get the best deal you can, you also need to make sure you have all the coverage you want/need. Using an Independent Insurance Agent is usually your best bet to get the most value for your auto insurance dollar.

Friday, July 3, 2009

What Is The Average Cost Of Auto Insurance?

What is the average price paid to insure an automobile? Providing an answer to such a question would be difficult. It is based for the most part on where you reside, instead of on the type of auto you own, as many believe.

City dwellers or people in urban areas need to spend more than those who reside in the country. There will be a greater chance of an accident if there is more traffic on the road.

A lot of factors play into the amount of premium an insurance-seeker will have to pay, including their age, but the most attention is given to the likelihood that the insurance company will have to pay out a claim.

Based on studies gathered by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the median cost of car insurance fell, as a whole, by 1.It was 7% in the year 2006. Recent reports cite the ten states with the highest premium costs as well as the ten least expensive states to live relative to the cost of auto insurance. There is a significant difference between the highest and the lowest.

For people in Washington, DC the average annual payment is $1,164. The average in North Dakota is $530, which is less than 50%. If you are considering moving to lower your insurance rates, you may want to consider Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Idaho, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Nebraska. In a good number of states the cost to insure a car is lower than six hundred dollars annually.

However, a point to take note of, the typical cost of a homeowner's in North Carolina is higher because of hurricanes that frequent the coast. There are many factors to think about when you are picking a new place to live.

States that have the most high rates include New Jersey, New York, Florida, and Delaware. Those states expend more than $1000 each year. Different cities also have different rates. The state average rate is driven up by cities with higher rates

Just two years ago, people residing in Detroit could expect to pay over five thousand dollars a year for auto insurance. However, the median amount statewide was under $1000. Michigan is a large state containing plenty of countryside areas. People living in rural areas pay much less than those who live in Detroit.

Which firms are the biggest sellers of car insurance? You may be interested in knowing which companies are the top auto insurers in the United States. The top 3 include Progressive, State Farm, and Allstate. Go online to compare quotes from these three as well as many others.

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR CAR INSURANCE

So you're shopping around for auto insurance. What do you need to know? Well, there are lots of ways - at least 11 - that you can save money. Many of these money-saving ideas may apply to you.

1. One Insurer, Multiple Policies - Do you have a homeowners or renters insurance policy? If so, is it with the same insurance company that provides your auto insurance? If the answer is no, you're paying too much - for both policies.

Almost every insurance company that sells auto insurance wants its policyholders to also buy homeowners or renters insurance from that company. These insurers offer so-called multi-policy discounts. Usually, these discounts are at least 10% and some insurers apply the discounts to both the auto and the homeowners/renters policy.

* Tip. Talk to your agent about multi-policy discounts.

2. Good Driver, Good Price - It's no secret that the better your driving record, the less you will pay for auto insurance. But did you know that most people qualify as "good drivers" and are eligible for discounted premiums? Some good drivers pay a lot more than others, however.

Many auto insurers are actually a collection of several insurance companies in which each caters to a certain type of driver. The worst drivers go in one company, the best in another, and a lot of people wind up in one of the middle companies. These middle people pay less than the worst drivers, but more than the best.

The thing is, many of these middle people have driving records that are just as good as those who are insured by the companies that offer the lowest rates. Yet these middle people are paying more. Why?

The usual reason is that they don't know any better. No one told them which insurance company in the group had the best prices. And, probably, no one told them there was even a group of insurance companies. If you have a spotless driving record, there's no reason you shouldn't be paying the lowest price a group of insurance companies has to offer.

* Tip. Make sure you're getting the best discount for your driving record. Talk to your agent. And remember, be a safe driver. It will save you money.

3. The Beauty of the Bus (or Other Mass Transit) - Do you drive to and from work? If you do, you are literally paying a premium to do so. Insurance companies charge you significantly higher premiums if you drive to work. And, the longer your commute (in miles, not minutes), the higher the premium.

* Tip. Some drivers should consider mass transit. Yes, there's a price there, too. But you will reap the savings of gas and lower insurance costs.

4. Low Mileage, Low Price - On average, people drive 1,000 to 1,250 miles a month. That is what insurance companies consider average use.

* Tip. If you drive less than the average, you could be eligible for low-mileage discounts, which some insurers offer.

5. High-Profile, High-Cost - The type of car you drive is a major factor in what you pay for insurance. Is your vehicle a magnet for thieves? Is it more expensive to repair than most cars? If the answer to either of the last two questions is yes, you're paying more than the average car owner for insurance.

* Note. To get detailed information on your vehicle(s) - or a vehicle you're thinking of buying - write to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety at 1005 North Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA 22201 and ask for the "Highway Loss Data Chart."

6. Raise Your Deductible - The deductible is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in if you have a claim. For example, if you have a $250 deductible and you have an accident in which your car sustains $1,000 in damage, you pay the first $250 and your insurer pays the balance, $750. The lower the deductible you choose, the more you pay in premiums. If you have assets, you can probably afford to absorb at least $500 and probably $750 if you have a claim.

* Tip. If it's been years since you've had an accident, you may be better off raising your deductible and paying less each year for insurance.

7. Drop Unnecessary Coverages - Let's say you have an older car, one not worth very much. There's really little point in having collision and comprehensive coverages. You don't have much to protect. Remember, too, that you have to subtract your deductible from any potential payout you might get.

* Tip. As a general rule, any car worth less than $1,000 shouldn't have collision and comprehensive coverage. Between the deductible and the extra expense of these coverages, the cost is probably greater than the benefit. How much is your car worth? An auto dealer can tell you, or there are plenty of books that have values of vehicles going back many, many years.

8. Discounts, Discounts, Discounts - Auto insurance companies offer several discounts for a variety of reasons. The car has automatic seat beats, air bags, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, etc. The driver is a good student, which is especially valuable if you have teenage children who will be on your policy.

* Tip. Make sure you are taking advantage of all the discounts available to you!

9. Taking the Defensive - Many insurance companies also offer discounts to those who have taken defensive driving courses recently.

10. Low-Cost and High-Cost Areas - Are you planning to move? If you are, you should take into account the cost of insurance. Generally, the more urban the area, the higher the premium. The costs can vary even within a community.