How Auto Insurance for Expensive Vehicles is Different

When it comes to auto insurance, everyone wants to save some money because this is an added expense for something that might happen i.e. accidents, your car breaking down etc. While most people looking for cheap auto insurance try to get the best rates, there are some who are lucky enough to afford expensive vehicles and of course be able to get such vehicles insured but how are expensive vehicles different from a regular car?

Many keep raising the issue on why it is often better to get an expensive car rather than a regular one. The reason behind this argument is that most of these cars are so modern that they have the best safety features that regular cars do not have and they also usually have better performance. Such cars however are expensive to insure because they usually are costly to repair thanks to their exotic and unique parts. It is interesting to note though that there are cars from major automakers i.e. not the makers of exotic cars that are quite expensive to insure. Why is this so? According to experts in the car insurance industry, a car owned by someone who lives in a Metropolitan area can cost as much as 500% more than the same make and model owned by someone who lives in a sleepy town. While many would say this is unfair, insurers have reason to believe that they are more at risk for paying for a stolen car or a car that needs to be repaired due to a traffic accident if that car is driven around in a crowded area where there are typically more cars than say in a small town.

When it comes to high performance vehicles, there is a need to look for an insurance company that specializes in insuring exotic or expensive cars because odd as it may sound, some traditional insurers do not approve coverage to high performance auto owners. This isn’t just because of the car though because other things are factored in which includes one’s age, sex, where one lives, among others but if you own a high performance car and have maybe a few violations, you can be sure that a traditional auto insurance company will turn you down because you are driving a high risk model and you’ve had a few violations on the road.

How Auto Insurance for Expensive Vehicles is Different

Types of insurance policies and cheap car insurance

Looking for cheap car insurance can sure take a lot of time and make you believe that it’s hard to get. Well, this can be true if you’re looking for a cheap variation of an expensive policy type. That’s right, there are different types of insurance policies available on the market, and depending on which of them you choose the cost of insurance will vary among different amounts of money. That’s why it is crucial to understand the main concepts of basic types of policies and the differences between them if you really want to get adequate and cheap car insurance. Here’s a short description of each basic policy type:

Coverage using third-party liability

The most stripped down policy type features only the essential coverage type you need to legally drive a car in most states. This coverage will pay out only in case of an accident that you’ve caused, and will cover injuries and damage inflicted to the other party. Since this policy type is stripped of any additional options, it’s the cheapest you’ll find on the market.

Coverage using third party, fire and theft

This policy type extends the range of situations when it covers you. Except the usual third party liability, it also features fire and theft coverage to address some of the most common perils a car may be subjected to besides collision. This type usually costs a bit more and will best suit drivers who have either paid out their loan or financed their purchase on their own.

Fully comprehensive insurance coverage

If you’re looking for a policy that has it all, this is it. Fully comprehensive auto insurance policies usually include the entire spectrum of coverage options an insurer is ready to provide you with, and doesn’t require you to be at fault in the accident. Naturally, this policy type will rarely grant you cheap car insurance, since it’s the most expensive you will find. And at the same time, it’s the most common policy type in the USA because lending institutions make it a requirement when giving out an auto loan. Still, you might want to shop around to see if there are more affordable offers on the market.

Opting for specialized coverage

Special car types require special policies that cater to the need of their owners. Such is the case of retro, customized or unique vehicles. These policies are usually expensive due to their limited nature and include various requirements that aren’t featured in any other policy types.

Types of insurance policies and cheap car insurance

Misfortune on roads at the holidays can result in increasing your car insurance costs

Not many people are aware that all those hazards which are typical during the hectic holiday season can actually put an end to your previously cheap car insurance. There are a lot of reasons why driving at the holidays can prove more dangerous, but there are steps you can take to help keep your auto insurance quotes low.

Be Careful at Shopping Destinations

During the holiday season, parking lots in shopping centers and at major department stores become much busier. There are not only a lot more cars, but there are a lot more pedestrians as well. Plus, many kids have school breaks around the holidays, which means keeping an even sharper eye out for fast-moving foot traffic. At this time of year, it’s a good idea to take extra precautions when you’re out getting shopping done.

Drive Safely

There never seems to be enough time for anyone during the holidays, and this translates into unsafe driving habits. Feeling rushed and stressed trying to get everything taken care of means other drivers aren’t practicing the type of caution they normally would on the roads. People also might have their car really loaded up with boxes and packages which limit their visibility. Take a few deep breaths before starting your engine so you can remain a calm and safe driver, and keep an extra eye out for less cautious or distracted drivers.

Watch for Walkers

The foot traffic really increases during the holidays. Whether people are out shopping more, looking at the seasonal decorations, or giving their families a quick tour of the town, there are definitely a lot more folk who are out and about. Much like drivers, pedestrians at this time of year are often distracted or rushed, and not paying as much attention as they normally would to their surrounding conditions. As a driver on the road, practice being more observant during this time frame. Double-check your blind spots and try to keep from being too distracted on the roads yourself.

By following these three tips during the holidays, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe and happy time with your family. Plus, avoiding any mishaps or accidents is a surefire way to help keep you auto insurance rates at a reasonable level.

Misfortune on roads at the holidays can result in increasing your car insurance costs

Back-to-school season: Drive safely and you can keep your premiums down and your record point free

It’s the end of he holiday season and the time we get back into the grove. Along with getting back into the grove children and young adults all over are getting back into school. This means you will have competition on the road during your morning commute.

School bus stops change from year to year depending on where the children live. Consequently bus drivers have to learn new routes with stop variations, and the children have to get used to the new schedule as well. When the stop and go stutter traffic of the school bus reduces your morning commute to an exercise in fortitude, keep your composure.

In many states, the bus driver has the right to issue you a summons if you pass the bus inappropriately. Understand, they are not out to get you. However, nationally thousands of school busses are passed, or cut off every day. Thousands of students are injured every year due to bus accidents. Moreover, on average 20 children die a year when they are entering or departing school buses because of careless drivers. Many school districts are placing cameras on the buses to record the information of people driving illegally around the school buses. The cameras are attached to the STOP arm actuated when the red blinking lights are put on. The cameras can identify and record a car up to 100 yards away.

Depending on the state you live you can be fined several hundred dollars, and or have your license suspended, and or spend several months to years in jail. For example in NJ, you will receive 5 points on your driving record, minimum of $100 fine and up to 15 days in jail or community service. In Virginia it can be up to 11 years imprisonment.

There are things you can do to make the back to school transition period for you as a driver and auto insurance policy holder a bit easier. Get up a little earlier and leave plenty of time. If you are not rushed you are less likely to try to pass the bus as it is coming to a stop. Watch for children on the streets approaching the bus stops, and always defer to the directions of the crossing guard. You take the time to review your auto insurance policy to make sure you aren’t overpaying on your auto insurance premiums. Take the time to drive safely and you can keep your premiums down and your record point free.


Back-to-school season: Drive safely and you can keep your premiums down and your record point free

Looking for Cheap Car Insurance Rates

The cost of practically everything seems to be rising constantly. For this reason, consumers are always on the lookout for a great deal. And everyone wants cheap car insurance. Finding low rates for a good policy is the challenge. There are several ways you can look for low rates from reputable insurance companies.

Referrals from Friends and Family

Many drivers, especially young ones, simply use their parents’ insurance provider. Or they might ask a friend for a referral. You might initially get a lower rate because of the referral, but your premiums will probably be higher after the first year. If you decide to go with a referral, you should still take the time to review the insurance provider before you purchase a policy. Just because your friend or family member has had a good experience, do not assume the company has a high score with rating agencies.

Individual Insurance Companies

Advertisements for insurance companies are everywhere: television, radio, and the Internet. If you see or hear a commercial or advertisement for a particular insurance company that seems reliable, you can contact the insurance provider directly. All major insurance companies provide free online quotes to customers. However, this can be very time consuming if you plan to compare car insurance quotes from multiple providers as you will need to contact each separately.

Online Quote Comparison Sites

These sites allow you to get multiple quotes from a variety of insurance providers that are approved to serve your community. Using this type of site is exceedingly convenient as you can compare rates at any time of the day in the comfort of your home. You simply provide basic information to get a list of offers that you can review at your leisure. When comparison shopping, it is best to select comparable policies. It does not make sense to compare a standard policy against a full coverage policy. You also want to review deductible requirements as well as annual premiums.

When looking for cheap car insurance rates, you have several ways to find great policies. Using a quote comparison site that provides quotes from trusted insurance companies is the safest way to comparison shop. You get accurate cheap car insurance quotes that are good for a specified period of time so you can review quotes at your convenience.

Looking for Cheap Car Insurance Rates

On the road in a rented car with toddlers how do you manage the feeding problem?

Of course, those of us with a good credit score can rent an RV and cook whenever we need food for the toddlers. That way, we can always take the emerging food preferences into account without undue waste and expense. It’s the same if we decide to go the route of camping. We can either pick the sites with cooking facilities or carry our own gas rings. Remember starting real fires in the middle of our current hot summer is not likely to endear us to Park Rangers and others trying to prevent wildfires from starting. So this gives you a shopping list of possible makes and models to shop for at the car rental companies if you propose carrying outdoor cooking equipment.

Otherwise you load the people into the vehicle and set off into the wild blue yonder, full of the joys of the road and hope in your hearts. Those of you with toddlers will know they are just learning about the world and beginning to take some control over how they relate to it. One of the first symptoms of toddler control comes in emerging taste preferences. This is not to say any child should have a say over what gets put on the plate, but practical reality may call for some negotiation over how much is eaten. Most children go through phases of being picky. Many never seem to emerge from this phase. If you’re lucky, the child will only eat something available at every diner or restaurant. This may be macaroni cheese which has the benefit of being relatively cheap and nutritious, or it may be junk food which will encourage faster growth around the waist. Either way, you need food storage in the vehicle you rented so that, if there’s a mutiny and all outside food is refused, you can fall back on snacks when the real hunger kicks in.

Hopefully, the car rental companies offered guidance on the diners and restaurants offering child-friendly portions at reasonable price. If not, spend time on the internet searching out the likely places to eat. Never assume all diners will cater for your toddlers.


On the road in a rented car with toddlers how do you manage the feeding problem?

Using cheap car rental how to defend yourself from alleged claims of damage

An increasing number of people who take a rented vehicle out on the public roads are discovering a problem when they return home. Having left the vehicle in what they believed was the same condition as when they drove it away, a bill for repairs then arrives (often with an additional administrative fee to boost the total). Not surprisingly, most renters think themselves the victim of a scam but what should the reaction be and how can you avoid the risk in future?

With the economy doing badly, cheap car rental companies are feeling pressure on their profits and so resort to a little exaggeration to keep themselves solvent. This means an employee will go over your vehicle with a fine tooth-comb and any damage, no matter how trivial, will be billed. So write and ask the renter for evidence of the damage and independent quotes for repairs. This may not deter the companies from pursuing you, but it will make it more difficult if you appear willing to pay for damage that’s proved to have occurred and for labor charges that are verified. It’s useful to ask for your own expert to be allowed access to the vehicle to verify the damage. If you paid for the rental using your credit card, ask what insurance cover is available. It’s also worth asking what insurance the rental company has in place.

The next time you rent, take pictures of the vehicle when you collect it and ensure the pictures have a date and time code. If you see any marks, no matter how trivial, make a note on the rental documents before you drive away. When you return the vehicle, take a second set of pictures showing whether there are any new marks. If there are none, ask the representative of the cheap car rental company to certify no new damage in writing or on camera. Only if you get good quality evidence that the vehicle was not damaged while in your possession can you effectively resist these usually spurious claims. Never be in a hurry when you pick up or drop off a rental vehicle. Protect yourself!


Using cheap car rental how to defend yourself from alleged claims of damage

How to Keep Safe on Roads and Get Cheaper Rates: Top 4 Tips

Whether you have a new car or an old one, it is imperative that you take into consideration certain safety measures to ensure that you and your family is safe while riding the said vehicle. Staying safe on the road and being road safe i.e. a safe driver also can get lower car insurance premiums. Here are the top 4 tips to keep in mind if you want to be safe while driving and for you to get a lower premium on your car insurance.

Safety Features

All the safety features of your car should always be in good, working order. Your airbags should be working, the seatbelts should be maintained and your brakes should always be checked by your mechanic. To ensure that you get the best car insurance rates, you should also make sure that your car has an alarm system in case someone tries to drive away with your vehicle.

Maintain a Clean Record At The DMV

Follow all traffic rules. If you always get a speeding ticket or a ticket because you keep beating the stop light, you will never get a clean record at the DMV. Keeping a good record at the DMV is not only good for your driving reputation but will also ensure that you get a good deal from your insurer because the safer driver you are, the lower your car insurance premiums will be. Driving under the influence does not help in maintaining a good, clean record at the DMV and this gets a special mention because a number of Americans get arrested for drinking under the influence. If you are drunk, have your spouse drive or have someone to come pick you up.

Fluids

Regular checking of leaks in your engine is a good way for you to make sure that everything is working fine. Your engine oil should be changed every time too it reaches a certain number of miles. All fluids such as antifreeze, engine oil, brake fluid etc should all be in good working order.

Take It Slow

Doing it the fast and the furious way is only made for the movies and these guys have a lot of money to spend on gas. If you drive slow, you are less likely to be involved in an accident and you get to save on gas too!


How to Keep Safe on Roads and Get Cheaper Rates: Top 4 Tips

Quotes may be risen due to an internet attacks on the carinsurance company

In the good old days before the internet, people who were aggrieved by their treatment at the hands of large corporations had only little voices to complain. The only chance of getting any compensation was if the newspapers picked up the stories. Except this didn’t happen often because the large corporations were advertisers and had leverage over the editors’s decisions on what to print. With the arrival of the internet, you now have a louder voice, but the ability to publish your own content does not give you any better visibility. Tens of thousands post content every day so, to get noticed, you have to have a good story and luck. If lightning strikes, your complaint goes viral and all the social media amplify your voice. Now this is a PR disaster and the large corporation has no choice but to act. But, more often than not, the lone posting on the personal blog or the Facebook page or the complaints site goes unnoticed and the victim stays a victim without compensation.

To understand this, we need to go back to 2010 in Baltimore. An underinsured driver passed through a red light and killed another driver on the junction. The deceased driver had an car insurance policy that was supposed to pay out up to $100,000 if an uninsured or underinsured driver caused injury or death. The insurer decided to believe the “other” driver’s version of events. The law of Maryland allows an insurer to refuse payment if their own driver was in any degree to blame for the accident. In a trial on the issue, the insurer therefore paid an attorney to argue its own policyholder was 1% to blame for the collision by driving through traffic lights on green. Needless to say, the jury was not impressed.

Thanks to the firestorm, the insurer has now reached a settlement with the family of the deceased but, if it now becomes more generous in its settlement strategy, the car insurance quotes must rise. It kept car insurance quotes low by being Scrooge. Now the internet has forced it to act, we may all have to pay more.


Quotes may be risen due to an internet attacks on the carinsurance company

Increasing fraud becomes the reason why we pay more expensive annual premium rates

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is liaising with state government agencies, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies in an attempt to produce coordinated strategies to reduce the amount of fraud as it affects the insurance industry. The current national situation is increasingly serious with several billion dollars a year being syphoned out of insurance companies by fraud. Because they are not charitable organizations, these insurance companies react by increasing the annual auto insurance premium rates for all. Before the fraud became serious, it was possible to find cheap auto insurance. Now all insurers are increasing their rates, we are all paying more.

This should not happen. The criminals who steal all this money should be behind bars but this does not happen as often as it should. Why is this? The answer comes from the dire state of individual state’s finances. It takes time and money to investigate all allegations of criminal wrongdoing. The more crime reported to the law enforcement agencies, the more investigators are required. So, to pay for this when states are running a deficit, should we lay off teachers and close down some schools? It’s choices like this that mean most states cannot afford to recruit more police officers. When the insurers know there will be no investigation, why bother to report the suspected frauds? It’s easier to pay out and collect higher premiums from the rest of us.

For those citizens who want to protect themselves, here are a few hints. If you are involved in an accident, take pictures of the damage and of the people in the other vehicle. If they are claiming to be injured, call an ambulance. Call the police in any event. Should a tow truck stop and offer to take your vehicle to a garage for repair, refuse. If anyone suggests you should make a claim even though you are not injured, report them to the police. You can help preserve getting cheap auto insurance for honest citizens only if you actively protect yourself from becoming involved in a fraud.


Increasing fraud becomes the reason why we pay more expensive annual premium rates

Finding cheap car insurance using comparison shopping

There are many ways to find out about different insurance companies. You can search online, you can visit agencies in person, make phone calls, or get referrals from family and friends. The best, and fastest, way to find cheap car insurance is by comparing quotes online. By doing this, you can make sure you are getting a good deal and not getting ripped off. You can also make sure the policy has the best coverage, and compare any added perks.

Your personal situation will determine how low your premium can go. If you have had tickets or accidents in the past, you will likely have a higher premium than someone who has never had an accident, even if the accident was not your fault. However, even if you have multiple accidents, your car insurance quote will vary among agencies – which is why comparison shopping is important.

How much different factors are weighed will vary from company to company, even thought the factors that are involved in calculating an auto insurance quote are generally universal. In addition, some companies will add many different fees when you have had tickets, and some will just add a small fee. You won’t know what you can get if you just go with one company, you must look thriough multiple car insurance companies.

Many times after requesting a quote you may be hounded by insurance agents trying to make a sale. They want to get to you first and perhaps slightly pressure you into making a purchase. Do not be fooled by these tactics – you’re decision should be based on price and coverage, not pressure tactics. If you shop in person or by phone, it may be harder for you to turn down these deals. Shopping online puts a barrier between you and the company, and many websites allow you to research multiple quotes at once – saving you time and money.

It is also important to research policy quotes each time you renew your insurance. It may not necessarily be the case that company you are with is offering you the cheapest car insurance policy even though it may have been when you originally signed up.

Nobody likes to pay for auto insurance when there are other, more fun things, you could spend your money on. Therefore, you might as well save as much money as you can! Shopping online is the easiest and most beneficial way to do this, and will only cost you a couple of minutes of your day!


Finding cheap car insurance using comparison shopping

Using comparison shopping to find cheap car insurance

There are many ways to find out about different insurance companies. You can search online, you can visit agencies in person, make phone calls, or get referrals from family and friends. The best, and fastest, way to find cheap car insurance is by comparing quotes online. By doing this, you can make sure you are getting a good deal and not getting ripped off. Ensuring the policy has the best coverage, and comparing any added perks is also something you can do.

Your personal situation will determine how low your premium can go. If you have had tickets or accidents in the past, you will likely have a higher premium than someone who has never had an accident, even if the accident was not your fault. Your car insurance quote will vary among agencies, however, even if you have multiple accidents, which is why it is so important to comparison shop.

Although the factors involved in calculating an auto insurance quote are universal, how much each factor is weighed varies from company to company. In addition, some companies will add many different fees when you have had tickets, and some will just add a small fee. You won’t know what you can get if you just go with one company, you must look at multiple policies.

Many times after requesting a quote you may be hounded by insurance agents trying to make a sale. They want to get to you first and perhaps slightly pressure you into making a purchase. Do not be fooled by these tactics – you’re decision should be based on price and coverage, not pressure tactics. If you shop in person or by phone, it may be harder for you to turn down these deals. Shopping online puts a barrier between you and the company, and many websites allow you to research multiple quotes at once – saving you time and money.

It is also important to research policy quotes each time you renew your insurance. Even though the company you are with may have been the cheapest car insurance when you signed up, it may no longer be.

Nobody likes to pay for auto insurance when there are other, more fun things, you could spend your money on. Therefore, you might as well save as much money as you can! Shopping online is the easiest and most beneficial way to do this, and will only cost you a couple of minutes of your day!

Using comparison shopping to find cheap car insurance

2012 Honda CR-V Review and Road Test

It has become clear in the last few years that the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Rav4 are no longer guaranteed to be at the top of buyers lists. The Koreans have made major inroads into the small SUV market and so has GM with their Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. In response to this Honda has brought out a brand new CR-V for 2012. The styling has been updated, or if ask many people its been made much worse. One of the new CR-Vs claims to fame is the fact that it will read out your text messages to you. That sounds great until you find out that it is not iPhone compatible. Never the less Honda seems to be selling a fair number of these, so we should see them sanctimoniously blocking left lanes across the country for years to come. With its somewhat high price and unimpressive standard feature list many buyers are wondering if the CR-V should still be on their shopping list.

Inside the 2012 CR-V seems well-built but lacks any distinctive styling. Sitting in the driver seat you are surrounded with a sea of uniform plastics. Granted they are of a good quality but they lack any distinctive design. A welcome feature is a standard back up camera that provides a good view of what is behind you. In the centre console you will find a USB port as well as a power point and audio line in. In terms of electronic connectivity the CR-V is well equipped even in the base model. To the left of the steering wheel there is a green "econ" button that when engaged will slightly improve the overall fuel economy. The steering wheel is nice to handle and is slightly smaller than most in the class, offering a sporty touch. Rear seat room is adequate but not the best in class. The rear cargo area is small when compared with competitors like the GMC Terrain. Special mention must be given to the system that folds the rear seats down. Instead of a laborious process to get the seats to fold it is quite effortless. When standing a the rear of the vehicle you see two small handles on either side of the cargo area, simply pull one of these and the seat folds its self down using a spring-loaded mechanism. It is an innovative and very convenient feature.

On the road the CR-V is pleasant to drive. The ride is quiet and steering feels easy to use. Acceleration is adequate from the one available engine, a 2.4L 4 cylinder engine. Rated at 185 horsepower it is powerful enough for most daily use but returns above average fuel economy for a small SUV. Honda may want to consider a turbo version of this engine for the many buyers out there who want a little more power. The CR-V takes corners well even at higher speeds, which is impressive given its hefty weight and high centre of gravity. At highway speed the CR-V handles well with little drama. Overall the driving experience is like being in a high-up midsize sedan. The available all-wheel drive system is automatic and will distribute torque to each wheel as needed without any input from the driver. Parking the CR-V is easy thanks to the standard back up camera. There are a few blind spots at the rear which is typical in this segment due to styling.

Delving Into the Honda Accord Coupe

The 2006 Honda Accord Coupe is yet another freshened vehicle for the mentioned model year. It holds two doors and it is a family coupe or a sports coupe. It has the capacity to take in a maximum of five passengers in its spacious cabin. It has also been made available in a couple of trim levels which ranges from the LX to the EX.

Upon its introduction, the Honda Accord LX 5 speed MT comes equipped with a standard 2.4 liter I4 engine. It has the capacity to produce some 166 units of horsepower and can attain 26 mpg for driving in the city and some 34 mpg for travails on the highway. Made standard for this trim level is a five speed manual transmission system with overdrive. As per the EX V6 five speed AT with Navigation and XM radio, this trim level comes with a standard 3.0 liter V6 engine. This engine has the capacity and capability to create some 244 horsepower. It can attain and achieve 20 mpg for driving in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Made standard for this trim level is a five speed automatic transmission system with overdrive.

Despite the great power and performance that this vehicle model holds, the Honda Accord Coupe still has been created with preserving the environment in mind. Truth is, Honda, the automobile manufacturer, has constantly been crafting vehicles that are focused on meeting the environmental challenge. And the company believes that their goal is to produce environment friendly products that still hold a wonderful performance and superb appeal to the market. Aside from that, the company still assures its customer base that just like all Honda vehicles, the 2006 Honda Accord Coupe is easy to own and fun to drive as well.

Insight Into the Honda Insight

The Honda Insight is a hybrid car that represents something automotive analysts understand to be true: the car is as much innovative as it underscores a missed opportunity by Honda.

Honda introduced the two seat Insight to the U.S. market just ahead of the Toyota Prius in 1999. Both cars had been on sale in Japan for a few years, but the Insight beat the Prius to the market by a matter of months. This would be the only time that the Insight finished ahead of the Prius as the latter now is the best selling hybrid model in the world.

Ultra High MPG

That first generation model was sold from 2000 to 2006 and offered outstanding fuel economy, even better than what the Toyota Prius offered. However, with a polarizing body style and room for just two passengers and cramped room at that, not enough people embraced a car despite its 60 plus highway mpg rating.

The original Insight was powered by a 1.0-liter three cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Later year models also offered an automatic transmission, but that option dropped fuel economy considerably, by at least 10 mpg on the highway. Throughout its first model run, the Honda Insight featured a nickel-metal hydride battery system.

Crash Concerns

In an effort to save weight, much of the original Insight's body is made of aluminum with plastic used for its front fenders. This car met America's rigorous crash test requirements, but it barely afforded occupants the protection needed to withstand a crash with a large vehicle. Some common concerns with the car is that it fell short in the handling department when crosswinds were present, a concern of any driver passing over a bridge or being passed by a semi for that matter. Still, if you managed the car right, upwards of 70 mpg on some trips was possible enthusiasts contend.

And the Award for the Luckiest Russian Alive This Month Goes To…

Somewhere in the Russian city of Orenburg lives a man who should feel extremely lucky and grateful to have walked away unscathed from a very violent accident that took place at a gas station last week.

It all began when a thoughtless driver of a dump truck attempted to turn into the petrol station at the same time that a bus full of passengers was coming from the other direction.

Read more »

Scoop: Is This the All-New 2013 Seat Leon Mk3 Hatchback?

A Spanish forum has posted what they claim to be the first undisguised photo of the third generation Seat Leon hatchback ahead of a rumored official debut next week and well before the car's world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September.

The photo shows the rear end of the car, the sharp styling of which appears to be inspired by the 2010 Seat IBE sports hatch concept.

Read more »

Spy Shots: 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Also Being Readied for a Nip & Tuck

Our spy shooters have spotted the facelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe on test in Germany, just a couple of months after we first viewed a prototype of the refreshed E-Class Estate.

As it turns out, the entire E-Class family that includes the four-door sedan, station wagon and the coupe models will drop the quad headlights and obtain a single-unit headlamp on each side, likely incorporating the LED daytime running lights (instead of being mounted on the bumper).

Read more »

Carscoop is Looking for New Writers

Are you a news and internet junkie with an obsession about cars who would like to share his or her automotive insights and thoughts with the world?

Well, we may just have something for you as we are seeking new writers who wish to join our motor-head team here at Carscoop.

If you happen to be interested, then by all means, click through the jump to learn more about the details and how to apply for the position.

Read more »

New Videos of Aston Martin Vanquish and V12 Vantage Roadster

The two newest models from Aston Martin come into focus in these latest videos, which were filmed under different circumstances.

The first clip is from an exclusive presentation of the new Vanquish at Frankfurt's trendy Klassikstadt, while the second film is from a YouTube user who spotted the also new V12 Vantage Roadster parked on the streets of London.

Read more »

Hartmann "Primes" Up the Volkswagen T5 Van

The Volkswagen T5 is one of the German tuning industry's favorite models with dozens of companies offering all sorts of cosmetic and power upgrades for the fifth generation of the Transporter series.

Hartmann's treat for T5 owners goes by the name "Prime" and promises to enhance the looks and performance of the mid-size Volkswagen van.

Read more »

These Ladies Should Consider Themselves Lucky

The accident you see here and which was caused by a reckless driver of a Renault Laguna could have ended much, much worse for the two ladies that were standing on the corner of a street, presumably somewhere in Russia.

The Laguna driver foolishly tried to overtake a car that was already turning at the crossroad and as a result, it was catapulted towards the unsuspecting women.

Read more »

PSA Peugeot-Citroen Group to Slash 8,000 Jobs in France as its European Sales Tumble

French automobile group PSA Peugeot-Citroen has announced a major restructuring plan that will see the company shutting down one factory and axing some 8,000 jobs in its home market as a response to dwindling sales in Europe.

For the first time in two decades, the company will close a factory in France, the Aulney production site near Paris, which will result in the loss of 3,000 jobs. The company will also shed 1,400 jobs from the Rennes factory and some 3,600 positions in other French sites.

Read more »

A Brief Look at the History of the BMW 3-Series

For the past 30 years or so, the 3-Series has been to BMW what the Golf is to Volkswagen: the most popular and brand-defying model in its lineup.

BMW has released a video that takes us on a short tour throughout the history of the 3-Series, starting from the E21 in 1975 and finishing with the newly launched F30.

Read more »

2013 SRT Viper Earns its Stripes – Literally and Metaphorically

The new generation of the Viper sports car may have made its world premiere back in April at the New York Auto Show, but up until now, we have only seen the same pre-production model finished in a candy red metallic paint.

Today, the SRT brand released a new picture of a different engineering prototype that the automaker says just "passed its dry-track stability control testing with flying colors".

What makes this pre-production model newsworthy is the new paint job that couples a red hue for the body with twin racing stripes in white running from bumper to bumper.

Read more »

Motorbike Racer Stops to Celebrate Win One Lap Too Early…

Someone ought to tell Italian motorcycle racer Riccardo Russo that one should wait for the chequered flag before slowing down and celebrating a win.

In what is surely to be remembered as his most embarrassing professional moment ever, Russo began his celebration ride at the 2012 Italian CV Championship race at the Mugello circuit one lap too early.

Read more »

Hyundai Prepares for the Zombie-Apocalypse with Mad Max-Style Elantra Coupe

This is it, Hyundai's ultimate "Zombie Survival Machine". Following the release of a handful of teaser photos from the development phase earlier today, the South Korean carmaker blew the covers off the customized model at San Diego’s Comic-Con fest.

The Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine is the design work of the creator of "The Walking Dead" comic series Robert Kirkman, with Southern California-based fabricator Design Craft taking the project from paper to reality.

Read more »

New Lexus GS F Sport Sedan Tuned by Wald International

If the factory-tweaked F Sport version of the new Lexus GS sedan isn’t doing the trick for you in the styling department, Japan's premium tuner Wald International is preparing a new assortment of cosmetic accessories.

The tuner said it is currently putting the final touches on its new "Executive Line" aero package for the 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport, as evidenced by the photos below.

Read more »

2014 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup Truck Video Teased for the First Time

General Motors' bestselling pickup truck is due for a redesign next year and to prepare us and create some buzz before the unveiling of the new generation of the Chevrolet Silverado, the Detroit carmaker has dropped a short teaser video showing a camouflaged prototype model put through its final paces on the road.

The new Chevy Silverado and its GMC sibling, the Sierra, will likely be based on a modified version of GM's current GMT900 body-on-frame platform for full-size pickup trucks.

Read more »

New 2013 Ford Focus ST gets an EPA Rated Fuel Economy of up to 32mpg

Ford has announced the official fuel economy numbers for its new 2013 Focus ST hot hatchback.

The five-door model with the 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine rated at 252 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft will return an EPA-estimated 23mpg (10.2lt/100km) in city driving, 32mpg (7.35lt/100km) on the highway and a combined label of 26mpg (9.0lt/100km).

Read more »

Scoop: 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Filmed in Spain by a Bicyclist

For the second time this year after a bicyclist inadvertently stumbled upon an undisguised A-Class hatchback that had not yet been revealed, an upcoming Mercedes-Benz model has been caught on film by a biker.

In this case, it's the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class saloon, which was nabbed on camera while entering a guarded residential area in Berlin Spain.

Re`d more »

Manufacturing 3 Million Vehicles By Maruti Alone

The country’s biggest car maker Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, to transmit one-third of its production by rail have gotten fixed as Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corp. Ltd (HSIIDC) hasn’t capable to obtain the land needed to put down dedicated tracks from Patli station in Manesar to the company’s plant 18km away.

The compact, intense on dropping its trust on road transport as output is set to rise to three million units a year in the next three-four years, is pushing Indian Railways to set up an option. Besides saving on expenses, wear and tear, transporting vehicles by rail divides the transit time.

Maruti Suzuki official said that the Maruti alone will be developing three million automobiles by 2015-16 and all these automobiles cannot go by road. So a practical option is required.

M.M. Singh, chief operating officer (production) at Maruti Suzuki said that besides ground achievement problems, there is also a question on whether the project should be dedicated wholly to Maruti or be thrown open to other companies. Singh also heads a team of professionals from the automobile industry looking for to increase teamwork with the railways. “Initially, the plan was to get the railway line to Manesar as we plan to move 35% of our total production through (the) railways,” he said.

Maruti, which has industrial unit in Gurgaon and nearby Manesar, now transfers 5% of its production by rail. The quantity of cars that it sends by rail is controlled by the lack of services.

Petrol price hike: Many dump cars, rush to enter public transport

Most recent in circles of petrol price hike has prompted commuters to dump their vehicles and exchange to public transport. In the last 4 days, over 20,000 commuters have switched over to Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport service (AMTS).

Officials in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) say the average number of passengers travelling by the BRTS was about 1.08 lakh. Since May 25, this has increased to about 1.13 lakh for every day.

On May 23, about 1.06 lakh passengers travelled by BRTS and on May 25 this increased to 1.13 lakh. AMC officials say more people will switch giving the fact that more air conditioned buses were being introduced. The traffic will further increase by about 18,000 passengers after schools and colleges reopen.

Similarly there was a increase of about 15,000 passengers for every day in the AMTS buses. Officials said the daily passenger traffic in AMTS buses was about 9 lakh. This has touched 9.20 lakh ever since the petrol prices were hiked. Rajesh Patel, who stays near Subhash Bridge says, "I have to travel from Chandkheda to Paldi. I earlier used my two-wheeler but with the increase in the petrol prices, I have decided to use the BRT. I walk for nearly 500 metre to board a BRTS bus."

Holden Inks agreement to Ship Commodore ‘Muscle Cars’ To America

Holden will hit American roads again after more than 15 years of absence in the region, GM Holden report on Friday, and the North American incarnation will come in the form of Australia's venerable sedan, the Commodore.

According to Holden's engineering chief, Greg Tyus, the Australian carmaker will assemble the VF Commodore on its South Australian factory and will start shipping out early 2013.

The United States will welcome the Aussie vehicle as General Motors' Chevrolet SS high-performance sedan, which initially will be deployed on the race car circuits of America's hugely popular and lucrative NASCAR.

Commodore, according to Mr Tyus, will compete in the Daytona 500 if plans push through.

Then, further units will be assembled to mass marketing, with General Motors reportedly planning to sell each Commodore unit as a new generation muscle car, an automotive market segment that Holden said lately has been seeing resurgence in the United States.

Cars with an efficiency equal to train

The slightest contaminate cars on sale at the end of this decade will be so well-organized that they match the cleanest of today's speedy electric trains, Richard Parry-Jones told an clever move conference in London.

Parry-Jones, one of the industry's most appreciated engineers, guesses that by 2020, the car trade is targeting just 40g/km of tailpipe carbon, which interpret to 25g/km per passenger when the standard number of tenant in cars - 1.6 - is factored in. That number is similar with today's most professional electric trains; "that's `n outstanding growth when you think that the typical average was 140g/km in 2000," said Parry-Jones.

He also expects that bright cars that inter-communicate with one another and traffic management systems are the future of the car trade. In addition to this he said that the networked vehicles below digital power are going to become the future of car manufacturing.

The previous Ford engineer is now top of the industry-government Automotive Council and chairman-designate of Network Rail.

The transport minister Justine Greening at the conference said that the British road network needed improvement to manage with a potential 44 per cent boost in traffic. He also said that the passage increase like that would put our country under a crippling damage. Around £1.5bn will be used up on national and local road improvements with a further £2.3bn mark down for major roads. 

Though, hope for road development may center on public-private finance initiatives. Greening told that, “With the Treasury we are looking at attracting extra economics from private financiers”.

The government is trying to convince British pension’s finances to spend in transportation in return for trustworthy, long-term financial returns. She said that they are also in need to use these roads more cleverly.