Do Online Car Insurance Estimators Really Work?

We see ads and plugs for online car insurance estimators all the time! “Get quotes now!” … “Find the lowest rate!” But these claims are rarely put to the test. So, do they work?

The short answer is “yes,” at least for a ballpark figure.

How We Put Them to the Test
In this case, we used the author's car: a late-model Honda Fit with several insurance-friendly extras, such as an anti-theft system. What we found was that quotes from online estimators were usually in the proper range, but did sometimes vary heavily depending on certain circumstances.

Comparison Sites vs. Insurance Company Sites
The problem with comparison sites is pretty simple: A lot of them don't even do the comparison for you. Many of them, when we went to the site, just spat out a bunch of websites that offered insurance in the specified state and made us go through the quote process for each insurance company. While that can be useful if you're not sure which insurance companies serve your state, it's hard to see where they fit in for legwork that's pretty easy to do yourself.

If you're wondering why they do that: They make money every time somebody is referred from their site to an insurer's, and in fact may make a little more if you buy a policy through that company.

So, on that end, we'd recommend avoiding these sites just because they add more time than they save looking for insurance, and you'll just have to go through the whole quote process on each site anyway. You might as well cut out the middle man!

The insurance sites themselves, on the other hand, tended to be a lot more useful. The quote process was fairly quick. Just as importantly, the quotes themselves were fairly accurate... at least in a ballpark sense.

The Drawbacks
Here's where we get to the nub of the matter: Many online insurance quote forms just aren't that detailed. Really, they're designed to get the general information of the customer and quote them a price range. We followed up on each quote with a phone call and quickly learned that prices can vary between the estimator and the actual price quote. Usually, the difference was fairly slight, and predicated on details such as that anti-theft system, so we're willing to say your average insurance company has a website that can offer you a ballpark quote.

The one problem for those who guard their privacy is this: You have to hand over your name and phone number, along with a few other personal details, to get a quote. There's a valid reason for this; they need to check your driving record. Nonetheless, those who don't hand that information out lightly may be slightly less than thrilled.

In the end, we do recommend going to an insurance company's website directly and using their estimator. It will give you a hard number to make your decision on. However, that decision should be which set of companies to call next and get a more specific number. But at least with the website, you'll know what league you're batting in.

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10 Cars in the Holiday Spirit … Maybe a Little Too Much

This time of year, some people like to decorate their vehicles for Christmas. You see some wreaths and bows on grills, plenty of festive antenna balls, and sometimes a few "antlers and red nose" combinations. It's a bit silly, but if it helps people get into the Christmas spirit, then it's a good thing.

And then there are those few who think that you can't put too much Christmas on a car. (By the way, they're wrong. So very wrong.) Here are 10 of the most egregious holiday offenders.

1. http://www.memoryjournalists.com/images/content/Christmas-car-lights-001.jpg, http://www.memoryjournalists.com/images/content/Christmas-car-lights-003.jpg

Okay, the wreath is fine, and the hood snowflakes are pushing it. But Christmas lights on the front bumper and rear half… and Snoopy and his decorated domicile on top? One thing's for sure -- if this driver accidentally tries to pull forward into that garage, his wife will tell him to go sleep in the doghouse.

2. http://www.carztune.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/santa_car_2.jpg, http://www.carztune.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/santa_car_3.jpg

A glowing reindeer secured by a wreath to the roof of a multicolor-lighted coupe? You'd think that the driver would see nothing but colorful reflections when he or she looks in the rearview mirrors. Although those candy canes could function as curb feelers as well.

3. http://hooniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Fullscreen-capture-12172011-10621-PM.bmp-700x540.jpg

Is this a Christmas-themed car or a psychedelic bug? The candy-cane-outlined hubcaps and colored strips along the exterior would be more than enough without slapping that contraption on top of the roof (which is what, exactly)? Plus, the entire vehicle is an overhead power line mishap just waiting to happen. Don’t tell the auto insurance company!

4. http://elitechoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/christmas-truck-1.jpg

Is this pickup truck covered in Christmas lights? Or did it somehow catch a rare yuletide disease and break out in a serious multicolored rash? (Bet you're starting to itch just thinking about it, huh?)

5. http://autombem.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Semi_Christmas_Art_Car.jpg

This trucker probably thinks his big rig décor is festive, but it looks more like the 18-wheeler that emerges from hell in the nightmares of a little boy. Merry Christmas!

6. http://chrisescars.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/502cd_christmas_car_decoration-vw.jpg

I can picture the conversation the owners had about decorating this Beetle: "Let's wrap up our car, like a present!" … "Great? Where's the wrapping paper?" … "Uh… we don't have enough. But we've got tinfoil!" … "That'll do!" It's a good thing they added the Christmas lights and the ribbon; otherwise, it just would have looked stupid.

7. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjXdLsfZ9KHtzVA-RmOE-yQJt_Fil64J7sq2TcK52NfJ5RhFzpwXyeEVMiJi5blmEH4l9c9EEQUVCTcH-9pi5kGBLt3d7PIDYodCBUNpZ8tUY0t_StouXNssW2r_IPUVkh-eSmL9Q47XA/s1600/smart-christmas1.jpg

Oh, how cute - somebody put a small bow and a tiny Santa hat on a matchbox car and… no, wait. That's a Smart Car. Well, the owner obviously spent a lot of time affixing the lights and snowflakes to the exterior to make the car look stylish and chic. (***snicker***)

8. http://www.topcarspicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/4.jpg

You wonder if this luxury car owner just woke up one day in December and thought, "You know, that wreath on my bumper isn't quite enough. Perhaps I should just have a dumptruck pour a few pallets of multicolored whiteboard markers over my car after I coat it with crazy glue. Brilliant!"

9. http://chopperpapa.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/9095_christmas_car_decoration1.jpg

Judging from the background, this car owner lives in a place which doesn't get much snow. So it's perfectly understandable if he misses the white stuff. But there's no excuse for this. It looks like a giant monster gobbled up a snowy forest and then vomited it all onto this car.

10. http://www.topcarspicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/6.jpg

Did this car just crash into a toy factory? It's probably better that we don't know.

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Norm Macdonald Featured on ABC Sitcom “The Middle.”

Norm Macdonald has had quite the successful acting career over the years. From anchoring Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live to memorable roles in movies such as Billy Madison, Norm’s humor has been portrayed on the big screen for many to see. Comedy Central even named him one of the top 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time!

Being the spokesperson for SafeAuto has given the state minimum auto insurance company a great boost. Norm fans are constantly tweeting about his commercial spots that air throughout the country on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Dave Williams, @bigdave0908 on Twitter said, “Norm Macdonald’s SafeAuto commercials are hysterical. #Fact”


While fans have been enjoying the Norm Macdonald SafeAuto commercials for the majority of the 2012 calendar year, the affordable car insurance company is releasing a brand new rotation of television, radio and billboard ads that are slated for release at the beginning of January 2013. Norm Macdonald will once again be featured making humorous observations about driving and car insurance in his trademark style.

The release of the commercials couldn’t have come at a better time for SafeAuto. Norm has recently been featured on the ABC sitcom “The Middle” in his recurring role as the dad’s quirky brother. The minimum coverage car insurance company envisioned a spokesperson that would provide maximum exposure, which is exactly what Norm Macdonald has done.

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Nearly 1500 Cars Sink Into The North Sea in Tragic Shipwreck

The North Sea is a cold, unforgiving stretch of water located smack in the middle of Europe. It's a major shipping route, but unfortunately, even the best-planned shipping does not always go according to plan. Witness the sinking of the Baltic Ace, a ship hauling nearly 1500 cars -- mostly Mitsubishi vehicles -- from Japan and Thailand to Finland. It’s a tragedy that shows the very real risks sailors take to make sure your car is sitting there on the lot.

We don't often think about the logistics that go into getting cars from one country to another, but that's often done by boat, and traveling on a boat is risky to say the least. This situation emphasizes just how risky: The Baltic Ace ran into the container ship, the Corvus J., and quickly sank from the damage.

Tallying the Damage

Of the 24 sailors on board, 13 were rescued, and five bodies were recovered. The remaining six men will not be searched for, as there's little chance they've survived the freezing waters and harsh conditions.

Before we continue, we'd just like to say our hearts go out to their families and friends during this difficult time.

The human cost alone emphasizes the risks to life and limb, which is why shipping is carefully planned, and accidents like this are rare. It's also an enormous financial cost whenever a ship full of cars is sunk.

First of all, the cars themselves are, obviously, completely flooded and therefore not worth the money to pull out of the ocean to try and sell. Mitsubishi, preferring to focus on the sailors, spent all of two sentences on the vehicles in their statement, simply stating that “the cars are lost.” Hopefully, they had some sort of auto insurance.

What Happened to All the Cars?

Even if it weren't utterly disrespectful to the families, there would be the fact that the cars themselves were completely ruined. Water in the engine can cause serious problems, wet upholstery can mold quickly, rust sets in due to the corrosive power of salt water... in essence, the cars themselves are worthless. It's estimated that the overall cost in lost goods alone will run roughly $2.1 million dollars, before factoring in any extras or costs, such as paying back customers for prepurchased goods.

This doesn't mean, however, that the cars or the Baltic Ace will sit at the bottom of the ocean. Depending on what was put in those cars, such as oil or anti-freeze, they could be a serious environmental risk to surrounding wildlife and the general ocean ecosystem. As an investigation into the accident is ongoing, it may be necessary to raise the ship to examine it and see if there's any evidence on board.

Similarly, there's a distinct possibility that those six men are down there in that ship, and if possible, their bodies should be returned to their families.

As we said, we don't often think about the process of getting a new car to its car lot, but it's a process that can be frought with danger and risk to others. This is a reminder that there are people risking a lot more than a little aggravation to make sure we get the car we want, and we should carry it with us, for the sake of the men of the Baltic Ace.

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Cheap Car Insurance for New Drivers

There are several steps that teens must take in order to become a new driver. They have to learn the rules of the road. They have to figure out the controls in a vehicle and how they work. Most importantly, they have to become skilled at not running into things (or people!) while driving a car.

But new drivers also have to obtain car insurance, as required by law. Naturally, these individuals will want to minimize the amount they'll have to spend on an auto insurance premium; but generally speaking, drivers with less experience cost more to cover than those who have been driving for a long time. Therefore, new drivers might have to work a little harder to find cheap car insurance.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Compare several quotes. Not all auto insurance providers are alike. Each company targets different types of drivers, and some may offer better deals to new drivers than others. So take the time to visit several websites and figure out which car insurance company offers the best price for your policy.

1. Buy only the minimum coverage. Every state has a minimum level of coverage which you are required to purchase in order to be allowed to drive there. But insurance companies offer additional types of policies (like comprehensive coverage or uninsured motorist coverage), above and beyond what the state requires. If you want to save money, don't purchase any of that additional coverage.

1. Take a driver's education course. Depending on what state you live in, this may be a requirement for your license anyway. In any case, be sure to tell your potential insurer that you have completed a certified driver's education course; the fact that you have done so will lower your premium.

1. Piggyback onto another driver in your household. If you have a spouse, parent, or other relative who lives with you and already has auto insurance, look into being added on to his or her policy. In many cases, it's often cheaper to become a second driver on an existing car insurance policy than to procure auto insurance for yourself.

1. Consider high deductibles. Each auto insurance policy mandates a deductible below which you are responsible for paying on an insurance claim. But if the deductible is higher, the policy premium is usually lower. So if you buy a policy with a $1,000 deductible, you'll pay less than you would for the same coverage that carries a $250 deductible.

1. Keep a lid on your mileage. The standard rule of thumb is that you'll pay less for auto insurance if you drive fewer than 7,500 miles per year, which averages out to about 144 miles per week. If you're just now getting auto insurance, chances are you've found alternative means of getting around for some time now. So just keep walking, bicycling, taking public transportation, or carpooling and resist the urge to drive everywhere you need to go.

1. Think about your car. Insurance premiums for different makes and models of vehicles are all over the map, so do some research into which cars or trucks cost less to inure. As a rule, older cars are cheaper to cover than newer ones; so consider opting for a used car instead of a new one.

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7 Hilarious Videos Of Non-Drivers Behind The Wheel

Cars can only be driven by adult humans, right? Wrong. Here are seven videos we found -- of everybody from babies to animals -- getting behind the wheel... and driving better than some adults we know. Car insurance companies, watch out!

1. Hey, At Least He Knows The Horn

OK, so this baby is “driving” a car being towed. Nonetheless, it is incredibly cute. Also, we like that he knows exactly what the horn does, and keeps trying to get it to go off. That either says something about his parents' driving, or way too much about the traffic he sits in.

2. Somehow We Doubt He's Licensed

Not everybody is a huge fan of the giant stuffed teddy bears you can get on boardwalks and county fairs across the nation. Some people find them a bit creepy. Imagine how much more creepy they'll seem when these cars are actually mobile!

3. But How'd He Start the Ignition?

We remain a bit skeptical of this one, for two reasons. One, we're not sure of the journalistic credibility of GossipBerry (call us crazy). Secondly, there's a moment in the video, specifically when the cameraman rests the “camera” on his thigh for a second, where they could have inserted a cut and put a human behind the wheel.

On the other hand, it's not out of the realm of possibility that there's a driving circus bear wandering the Russian woods. Or at least that's what we like to imagine.

4. Smart Boy!

This, on the other hand, is not a scam or special effects. A New Zealand animal shelter has actually trained dogs to drive specially-outfitted cars. Why? Well, to demonstrate that mutts -- which is what Porter, Ginny, and Monty are -- are not lesser dogs compared to purebred animals, and also that man's best friend has substantially more intelligence than people think.

Although, you'll notice they weren't training a Lab. They're not perfect drivers, but they're a lot better than some humans we could name!

5. But Doesn't He Get a Little Helmet?

True, a motorcycle isn't a car. But that's still an animal -- specifically a monkey -- driving a vehicle that he probably shouldn't be handling. We particularly like that his motorcycle is built to scale, but we have to scold him for not wearing a helmet. Even if it's not legally required, little monkey, it's still a good idea.

6. Cats Don't Have Licenses For a Reason

What did you expect Charlie to do? He's a cat. Cats don't drive. We're just impressed he could reach the accelerator.

7. Some People Take A Concept Just a Little Too Far

Finally, we've got this video, which, while staged, is easily the most elaborate one we've seen. That car prop was built to scale for both animals, placed in front of a green screen, and carefully matched to footage shot elsewhere. For, as far as we can tell, the owner's amusement.

Hey, at least it shows off how well-behaved their pets are!

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The Most Popular Cars in LA

Ah, the City of Angels. Home to movie stars, chic nightclubs, and weather that never fails to disappoint. Over 3.8 million people share space in Los Angeles, and they all have places to go and people to meet. So what types of vehicles do they use for these LA jaunts?

Let's find out! Here are the top ten most popular vehicles in LA as determined by auto registrations in early 2012.

10. Toyota Tacoma

True, pickup trucks are about half as popular in Los Angeles as in the rest of the country. But the Tacoma is the best of the bunch with its smart combination of durability and reliability at a modest price. Tall people may have trouble sitting in a Tacoma, but this is LA -- where all of the actors are short.

9. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The C-Class is the most popular choice in the luxury vehicle market in LA. Fun fact: more that 5 out of every 7 Mercedes vehicles registered in Los Angeles are leased, not purchased -- showing that Los Angeles residents like to save some money while they foster an illusion of stature and fame.

8. Nissan Altima

Both the Altima coupe and sedan are popular among Angelinos because they’re so responsive on the roadways and sport a little bit of flair. Plus, their quiet ride is ideal for commuters who like to listen to the Namaste Meditation Channel on satellite radio.

7. Hyundai Sonata

With a reasonable price tag, loads of standard features, quick acceleration, a comfortable cabin, and impressive fuel economy ratings, the Sonata has everything that an LA resident would want. Except an NFL franchise.

6. Honda CR-V

Like trucks, sport utility vehicles are scarcer in Los Angeles when compared to the rest of the U.S. But the CR-V is the top choice because it doesn't make Angelinos sacrifice fuel economy and cool features for enough cargo space to take their kiddos to the beach.

5. Toyota Corolla

It's a nice, basic car that gets you from point A to point B. It does the job without a lot of fanfare, and doesn't cost you an arm and a leg. So in LA, it's ideal for students, budget-minded drivers, and Clippers fans.

4. Toyota Prius

With the LA market share for Priuses exceeding that of the U.S. as a whole by 113%, the biggest surprise is why this car isn't at the top of the list. But because it's the most common alternative-energy vehicle in the city, Angelinos tend to use the term “Prius” ubiquitously to refer to any hybrid vehicle. Sort of like Xerox. Or Kleenex. Or Kevin Bacon.

3. Honda Accord

What's not to like? The Accord has been a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle for years, which is why it's popular among residents in the city. Plus, its high resale value lets owners get a whole lot for their money -- thus making it unlike everything else in LA.

2. Toyota Camry

The Camry has garnered this reputation of being "the car everybody buys." And we’re not sure that’s really fair, because it continues to get high marks for safety, user-friendliness, and fuel economy. Besides, no one in LA cares one iota about their image or conforming to the crowd, right?

1. Honda Civic

It's no shock that compact cars are more common in Los Angeles than the rest of the country. Lots of traffic and acreage makes the compact Civic an attractive option for getting around LA. Plus, the EX model comes with a power sunroof, which you can open up, sit back, and gaze dreamily into the smog.

So that perception that everyone in Los Angeles drives a hybrid or a luxury car? It's simply not true -- well, not completely, anyway. Most Angelinos try to save money on their vehicle payments and car insurance. But if they need to make an impression, there are plenty of places to rent an upscale ride for the evening or longer. That's the LA way, baby!

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The 8 Best Auto-Related Apps

You've got a smartphone. You've got a car. Surely, these two things can be made to work together. Here are eight apps that help you get the most out of your car. For those with different operating systems, we suggest a few equivalents, just to help you along.

For Buying A Car

1. Kelley Blue Book, Free, iOS and Android

Everybody has to go car shopping at some point, and it's good to have a financial point of reference. Kelley Blue Book, one of the most respected names, can always be in your pocket with this app.

2. AutoTrader.com, Free, iOS and Android

Similarly, why be chained to your desktop when looking at cars? Use your phone to keep track of deals and similar cars.

For Repair Help and Suggestions

3. Torque Pro, $4.95, Android

Torque Pro works with an OBD-to-Bluetooth transmitter, sold separately, to help you learn everything that's happening in your car. It essentially feeds you the raw sensor data to do with as you please, ranging from fault codes telling you what the car thinks is going wrong to the ability to tag precise GPS coordinates to your social media posts. For iOS users, try Carbonga.

4. Car Minder, $2.99, iOS

Want to know how your car is doing? Keep detailed records with Car Minder. You can track fill-ups and how much they cost (and how long you went between filling the tank). You can log oil changes, tire rotations, and other basic maintenance as it streams in, and get a sense of how your car is doing over time. It's a good way to track costs, and Android fans should try the similar aCar.

For Driving Around

5. Gas Buddy, Free, iOS and Android

Yep, the popular website for finding the cheapest gas possible is available as a mobile app. And, even better, it won't cost you a nickel. The app supports itself with advertising, and collects and updates data on gas stations across the country constantly. You can pitch in and do your part as well: Report local gas prices to help others on the road.

6. Take Me To My Car, Free, iOS

Admit it, you've done it. We all have. We've all gotten lost in the parking lot. So why deal with that time and time again? Just download Take Me To My Car; when you get out, fire up the app by tapping the screen. Then, when you're ready to come back, tap it again and you've got walking directions. Android users should try the similar Carrr Matey.

For Wrecks and Road Problems

7. iWrecked, Free, iOS and Android

In the moments after you get into a car accident, you may not be able to focus on what needs to be done. This is where this app comes in. iWrecked gives you a string of forms to fill out and photos to take that lets you gather all the documentation you need to get everything in order for your auto insurer... and in one place.

8. SeeClickFix, Free, iOS and Android

It's pretty simple: If you're driving around and you see a pothole, damaged guard rail or other road problem... simply click to take a photograph, and send it to the local road authority for a fix.

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5 Things We Learned At This Year's LA Auto Show

The L.A. Auto Show was last week; and like any auto show, there was a lot to take in. Most of it, however, we can distill down to five important points.

1. The Pace of Change Is Picking Up

Mercedes has always been at the leading edge of car technology. Unusual luxury items that come in a Mercedes now will likely be options or standard on your car in five to 10 years. Mercedes pioneered everything from in-car navigation to rear-mounted cameras.

And car technology is changing so quickly that in order to keep that edge, Mercedes is actually substantially overhauling the E-class series, with everything from new materials science to new toys built into the car. In other words, technology is moving so fast in cars that even the most staid carmakers have to refresh more extensively to keep up.

2. Electric Cars Are Here To Stay

If you read the car press, at least the business side, you're probably under the impression that electric vehicles were just a fad that, yet again, America wasn't ready for. Sales targets have been missed and forecasts are being cut, so why expect anything to change?

Fuel emissions regulations, that's why. Apparently many car companies see having electric, or partially electric, vehicles in their lineups as an effective method of hitting both state and federal emissions targets. The federal regulations call for a 54.5 mpg by 2025. So electric vehicles aren't just a fad... they're here to stay, and many suspect that the low sales are due to infrastructure problems, not consumer disinterest.

3. Car Companies Expect Diesel to Get Far More Popular

European car manufacturers have been dragging their feet about bringing their diesels to America, mainly because Americans are notoriously picky about gas prices, and diesel can be expensive.

But they've had a change of heart. Audi is bringing diesel options to several models and Mazda is making a diesel option available for the Mazda 6. It's all part of hitting that 54.5-miles-per-gallon emissions touchstone: Diesels are just more fuel-efficient. More importantly, diesels can be powered on non-fossil fuels with far less conversion.

4. Car Companies Have No New Concept Cars

It’s not that there wasn't plenty of neat technology and design on display, but as Jalopnik noted, there were also a lot of concept cars that were a bit... stale. The L.A. Auto Show featured a lot of the same cars we've been seeing, and frankly they're not that impressive anymore. If you want to impress us, guys, stop showing off the concepts and start building them. It's way more impressive to buy these things, anyway.

5. Acura Thinks There Is No Such Thing as Too Many Headlights

We're not kidding. The Acura RLX is fairly restrained in most respects, but somebody in the company loves headlights. A lot. Because the RLX has sixteen of them.

Yes, 1-6. True, they're LEDs, not sealed beams, but that's still a heck of a lot of headlight for a car! Who knows... maybe their increased safety will reduce auto insurance rates.

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The 5 Most (And Five Least) Beloved Cars

Many of us own a car, and we tend to have feelings about them: good, bad, and indifferent. Taken in aggregate, those feelings can tell us a bit about each car. Particularly when Consumer Reports does the survey, and comes up with the five most -- and five least -- likeable cars, according to their owners.

Most Beloved

#5) The Nissan Leaf

The first of quite a few fuel-savers tops the list. The Leaf is relatively expensive and has a short range... but those who bought it knew that going in, and they love what they're saving.

#3 and #4) Toyota Prius and the Prius C

Prius owners love their cars for one reason: fuel efficiency, fuel efficiency, fuel efficiency. The Prius saves its drivers a lot of money, and that's more than enough to put it a solid third on the list. The Prius C comes in fourth, and is popular because it's a bit more sporty.

#2) Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Camry Hybrid was incredibly popular, and it's not particularly hard to see why. The Camry is one of the most beloved and popular vehicles of the last few decades: it was already tough, fuel efficient and cheap. So now, it's tough, even more fuel efficient, (relatively) cheap, and saves you money on top of it. What's not to love?

#1) Chevy Volt

The Volt was extremely popular among its owners (92% would buy it all over again), topping the survey two years in a row. Why? It sips fuel; the Volt costs a lot, but it saves those who own it a lot of money. Despite the negative publicity surrounding the Volt over rumors its batteries are dangerous, its users love it.

Least Beloved

#5) Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander comes in at number five, thanks largely to its cheap interior and uncomfortable back seat. While it's fairly similar to other SUVs in its class in most other respects, it's still not exactly what many of its customers were looking for.

#4) The Suzuki SX4

With relatively low gas mileage -- getting as low as 22 mpg city with some versions -- and a cramped interior, the Suzuki SX4 is cheap... but cheerful it isn't, at least for its owners.

#3) Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada is exactly what it sounds like: A big, gas-guzzling SUV. And it's the gas-guzzling that makes it so unpopular; essentially the Armada isn't bad, but most consumers feel they get better pep and better interiors from competitors for the money they spend on gas.

#2) GMC Silverado and Sierra (V6 version)

The Silverado and Sierra V6 burns fuel, but doesn't offer a lot of oomph for your gas, it being a V6 and all. Generally, customers were unhappy with what they were spending on fuel versus what they were getting in power.

#1) Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa isn't a bad car, for what it is. But what it is is very, very basic, with fewer features than similar cars. The interior is cheap, it's got an understeer issue, and at high speeds, you'll be fighting it.

In short, this list tells us that it's always important to shop around. There's not much difference in sale price or car insurance rates between the cars in each class that were liked and those that weren't. But items such as interior made a huge difference, so if you think something's only “acceptable,” ... well, think again.

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The 10 Most Outdated Bumper Stickers Still on the Roads

It's hard to believe that bumper stickers are still prevalent in America today. After all, car lovers hate them because they deface a perfectly good machine. Auto dealers hate them because they're difficult to remove from trade-in vehicles. And since many bumper stickers are political in nature, that means about half of everyone hates the sentiment displayed on them (auto insurance companies probably aren’t happy about those angry drivers, either).

But what's even worse is the plethora of outdated bumper stickers that are still seen on motor vehicles today. Here are ten of the worst offenders.

1. http://www.bumperstickerz.com/images/1000035-09-09-09-00_lg.png

Okay, follow this logic: if people are close enough to your car to read this bumper sticker, they're probably in traffic. That means they'd probably rather be anywhere else than they are now. It's not an earth-shattering statement.

2. http://origin.kaboodle.com/hi/img/b/0/0/156/5/AAAAC682oJcAAAAAAVZQ_g.jpg?v=1305434781000

This stopped being cutesy a long time ago. And think about this: if you do have a baby in your car with you, he/she is less likely to harmed by a tailgating motorist and more likely to get hurt when you run off the road because you're too busy trying to keep the little rugrat happy.

3. http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/4/5/4/0/7/3/webimg/543339951_o.jpg

Remember when this was sooooo edgy? Today, this naughty word can be heard daily on cable programs (and even late-evening network shows). So it's about as novel as saying "H-E-double hockey sticks."

4. http://bighappyfaces.com/happy-face-bumper-sticker.gif

Believe it or not, this phrase was once a genuine expression of wishing someone well. Now, it's usually taken to be sarcastic and thoughtless. And, no -- the cheesy smiley face doesn't make it sincere.

5. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsXoMPkLl6YJUqhUJilyUIrTBBENf4Ohmue2FopBECapJTTZesheWVHeckJl6yVgVc1RNW9I3BkUMPnTVwP9xmlvH7rM925dzF70T8Yta3b0Tq4kT2N3d0u5Omo1Ktd_lExYqhVR8upc9/s320/calvin1.jpg 

Oh, look. It's "Calvin" relieving himself again on something that the vehicle's driver doesn't like. This motorist's idea of "highbrow comedy" must be fart jokes and off-color limericks. Stay classy, sir/ma'am.

6. http://largeself.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/bumper-sticker-1.jpg?w=584&h=146

What does this even mean, anyway? "The totality of your acts in your current state of existence just overran my theological doctrines to which I strictly adhere?" Wow. That's a real-knee slapper.

7. http://www.uwgb.edu/univcomm/photoblog/images/bumpers/brake.jpg

Yeah, anybody would. But it's not the unicorns part of this sticker that's annoying. Whatever the object of this prepositional phrase may be, it's natural to assume that you would apply your brakes if it jumped out in front of you. (Side note: saying that you "brake" for something does not completely eliminate the possibility that you will still run over it.)

8. http://www.calendarholdings.com/amazonimages/201100011146.jpg

Nothing against Airedales (I'm sure they're nice animals), but can we really put the "I Heart" quips to rest already? Think about this: if you want that someone special to say "I love you" more often (or at all), then don't implicitly encourage the abbreviation and undermining of saying the actual word by putting this stupid sticker on your car.

9. http://www.zazzle.com/honk_if_you_are_horny_bumper_sticker-128662657401640808

Please. A) If you're horny, nobody really cares. B) Nowadays, honking is more likely to get you the finger instead of "digits." C) If you want to be noticed by the opposite sex, lose the bumper sticker and drive a more expensive car.

10. http://www.magnetdog.com/images/product/medium/CS08FCA.jpg

This one takes the cake. So the fruit of your loins can get good grades in a public school. Bully for him/her! Do you think that actually makes you a good parent? Because chances are good that your kid is painfully embarrassed by you loudly proclaiming his teacher's-pet status to the entire freakin' world!

http://www.bumperstickerz.com/sku/1000035-09-09-09-00

http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/unique-baby-on-board-keep-distance--unique-3-in-1-design-bumper-sticker-sign.-you-can-also-cut-it-as-baby-on-board-or-keep-distance.-it-is-safer-as-it-wont-block-your-back-window-view....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-New-Decal-Bumper-Sticker-S-t-Happens-/250984749991

http://bighappyfaces.com/

http://craigtovey.blogspot.com/2007/06/license-plate-frames-and-other-ways-to.html

http://largeself.com/2012/06/27/bumper-sticker-philosophy/

http://www.uwgb.edu/univcomm/photoblog/bumpercrop.htm

http://www.irongarmx.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=622549&sid=8013ab8f3e107b18461c5273efdb0d8c

http://www.magnetdog.com/pc-112-41-my-child-is-an-honor-student-bumper-sticker-magnet.aspx

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9 Tips for Buying a Car With Bad Credit

With the recent economic downturn, millions of Americans have seen their creditworthiness deteriorate considerably. Unfortunately, these individuals still need to get to and from work and school, meaning they probably can't survive without a reliable vehicle.

Luckily, there are ways to purchase a car despite the fact that your credit is less than stellar. Here are some suggestions:

1. Obtain your credit report. It's important to know just how "bad" your credit is. So go to myFICO.com to see what your credit score is and get a copy of your credit report. There may even be some errors on the report which you can have removed to improve your score.

1. Try to get pre-approved for a loan. Many banks and lenders now serve subprime customers. Apply to two or three banks to see how high of a loan amount you'll be approved for and what interest rates you will be offered. Being pre-approved for an auto loan gives you a big advantage when shopping for a new vehicle.

1. Search for complaints. Before you actually agree to a pre-approved loan, do a little online research into your lender. If you find a long list of complaints about how they do business, consider going with someone else. A few institutions try to take advantage of subprime loan applicants.

1. Refinance later. Once you do secure financing, plan on checking into refinancing options later. It's not uncommon to find a better rate for your auto loan several months down the road. You may want to even mark your calendar well in advance to make sure that you don't forget to do this.

1. Budget your car payments. Now it's time to take a hard look at all of your bills and monthly expenses to see how much of a car payment you can afford. (There are also online calculators that can factor in loan interest rates.) If you don't know this figure, you're liable to purchase a car that's above your means.

1. Compare auto insurance rates. Some cars cost more to insure than others, so it's important to know this before you begin the actual car-buying process. And it's always smart to compare auto insurance quotes from several different companies to see if you can save some money (which can be put toward your car payment).

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3 Auto-Related Industries Benefitting From Hurricane Sandy

For every cloud, there is a silver lining. As terrible as Hurricane Sandy was, it could have been much worse in some areas. Plus, in the affected areas, at least a few industries are seeing something of a side benefit to the disaster. Namely, auto industries. About the only person unhappy is your auto insurer, but, hey, it's what we're here for.

Here are a few industries that are booming thanks to Hurricane Sandy.

1. Car Lots

Car dealerships had quite a financial write-down after Sandy. Two hundred and thirty thousand vehicles were destroyed, quite a few of them vehicles on car lots. Fortunately, most of those losses -- corporate or private -- were insured.

Which means, naturally, there are a lot of shoppers out looking for replacements. Car dealerships, both new and used, have simply been unable to keep cars on the lot, which is perhaps not surprising: New York state residents alone filed over 60,000 insurance claims due to Sandy-related damage, and that's a lot of new, or “new to you,” cars, even for a major metropolitan area.

Especially difficult to keep available are smaller, more fuel-efficient cars: It turns out that a lot of people who had decided to wait until their junker of a car died discovered a hurricane had come in and murdered it for them. We guess that tree strike has at least one upside.

1. Repair Facilities and Auto Body Shops

Of course, not everybody was so unfortunate (or fortunate, depending on the quality of your car) as to have their car entirely totaled by a tree branch, or flooded up to the windows by dirty water. No, many people just experienced the usual dings and scrapes that come with rough weather; some may have gone through a bit more than that, but came through with a car in perfect working order... just one that looked like it got stuffed in a sack with rocks and rolled down a hill. Or possibly one that needed some work done to be back in tip-top shape.

Hence, repair shops are humming with activity as fenders are dinged out, smashed windshields are replaced, and sodden carpet is ripped out and replaced with something that won't become a moldy nightmare in a few months. Shops are reporting waiting lists and long lines, and actually having to turn customers with minor complaints away.

1. Car Rental Lots

This brings us to the industry that perhaps least expected to get anything out of Sandy's strike: car rental businesses.

Hurricanes are back for car rental franchises: Destroyed vehicles may not be easily replaced, and their mechanics have to hustle to get damaged but usable cars back on the road. But, with so many people either looking for a new car, or having to put their old one in the shop, those in need of cars have been turning up in droves at car rental facilities.

None of this is to make light of the tragedy and troubles of Hurricane Sandy. These businesses suffered too. But, after a disaster, it's important to note that good things can come out of it, and that nothing is ruined permanently.

Except your car's flooded carpets. Those are ruined for good.

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Will You Die in a Traffic Accident? That Depends on Whether You Live in a Red or Blue State

We're a divided nation in many respects. But none, apparently, more so than traffic. Namely, traffic accidents: In one of those odd coincidences that are the stuff of far too many dumb Facebook jokes, red states tend to have more fatal traffic accidents than blue ones.

Needless to say, this isn't because of politics, unless there's some sort of secret conspiracy among voters to get in car crashes we are somehow being left out of. It turns out there are a few very strong, very important factors that simply weigh heavily on red states when it comes to staying safe on the road.

First and foremost...

Car Usage

It's fairly simple; blue states tend to be more urban. Urban areas have their downsides, but in terms of driving, it's usually big, well-lit highways or stop-and-go traffic (sometimes the one clogging up the other). It may be frustrating, but it's a lot less likely to get you into a wreck than narrow, twisty back roads in the dead of night.

More to the point, there are more options for getting off the road entirely: If you live in Wyoming, it's a lot more difficult to take the bus to work than it is if you live in New York City. The less you have to use your car, the less likely you are to be in a car accident. This ties directly into our second factor:

Total Miles Driven

Furthermore, urban areas are closer together, meaning that if you need to pick up groceries or decide to go out to the movies, you’ll spend less time on the road. Rural areas, which tend to go for Republican candidates, don't really enjoy that convenience. Even the most careful, conscientious driver in the most dangerous state is still likely to rack up a lot more miles on the road in places where they absolutely have to drive.

In addition to more time on the road, the more miles you rack up on your car, the more wear and tear is put on it and the more likely you are to experience dangerous malfunctions that put you at risk.

Law Enforcement

We're not going to say here that some states have better police than others. Really, when it comes to, for example, drunk driving, there's no state in America that can really argue it's got anything to brag about. Well, except Delaware, which in 2008 only had 215 DUI arrests.

But this ties into our point about law enforcement: Delaware is less than 2500 square miles, our second smallest state. Compare that to, oh, we don't know, Texas, which is more than 100 times as large. While there are plenty of state and city police officers doing a great job across America, they're only people, and they can't be everywhere, especially on smaller roads where people are more likely to misbehave.

When police have more ground to cover, almost inevitably, they're going to be less able to stop problems before they start. A police officer pulling over a driver weaving on the road is the difference between a sleepy driver getting in the back seat for some shuteye and a driver suddenly waking up right before something awful happens.

Of course, we can all do better on the road, and it's important that we try. But it's also important to remember some of us just have to drive more. Our auto insurance companies sure remember that when it’s time to set our rates.

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The 5 Best Cars For Millenials

Millenials are very, very hard to sell cars to, as automakers are learning. They've never known a time, in their adult life, where prices weren't a matter of comparing numbers on a website (i.e. they don't see the need to argue with a salesman over trim options). They aren't particularly interested in owning cars, as they tend to use public transit and car-sharing services such as Zipcar. And they don't want their dad's car, either, preferring something that sips gas, gets around cities with ease, and doesn’t require a huge auto insurance premium.

So, here are five cars, all under $20,000 that fit the bill.

1. The Honda Fit

Small, sporty, and fuel-efficient, the Honda Fit is one of the most popular small cars out there, and for excellent reason. It can fit five comfortably in the cockpit, which feels roomy due to its window layout, and can also be used to haul huge amount of stuff thanks to the fold-down seats. It's ideal for urban maneuvering, and although it's more expensive than some other cars on here, the price is still well below the American average at just $17,000. Best of all, that's where the hit on the wallet stops: It's an average of 35 miles to the gallon.

1. The Chevy Spark

One of the more popular cars overseas, the Spark was originally built for younger European and Asian drivers. It's better known to Korean drivers as the Daewoo Matiz, for example. It was designed to appeal to space-conscious drivers who wanted a car but didn't want the hassle of owning a car in a city: They wanted a small, reasonably-peppy, but easy-to-park vehicle. Thanks to years of development (the Spark's precursors have been on the road since 1998), the Spark is an ideal small car, especially for those concerned about gas prices: It's a fuel-sipping 38 mpg, and starts at $12,000.

1. The Smart Fourtwo

The Smart will never win any beauty contests, but it wasn't designed to. It was built to get around urban areas, and it does so with panache. It's similar to the Spark, although it has less cargo space, and it gets similar gas mileage.

But, more importantly, you can park it pretty much anywhere. And that, as any city dweller can tell you, is invaluable.

1. The Fiat 500

The much-mocked Fiat is finally available in the United States. And it's a bit more pricey than the other two door cars on here: It starts at $16,000. On the other hand, it also gets 40 miles to the gallon, on average, and the car itself is quite well-engineered, especially for a small city car.

1. Toyota Yaris

The Yaris is slightly less fuel efficient than some other cars on this list: It averages about 34 miles to the gallon. But it starts under $15,000, and, unlike some of the other vehicles on here, is a four-door hatchback instead of a two-door. In other words, if you've got a lot of friends to haul around, and aren't feeling a Fit, this offers a strong option that won't burn a lot of gas.

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Nate Diaz will Represent SafeAuto on UFC on Fox Bout vs. Henderson

The SafeAuto logo has become a staple inside the Octagon since the state minimum auto insurance company became an official sponsor of the UFC®. This Saturday, the brand will receive more tremendous publicity as the red SA insignia will be present on Nate Diaz’s trunks as he takes on Benson Henderson in a nationally televised UFC® on Fox bout for the lightweight championship. 

Diaz has been a part of the SafeAuto Fight Team for the majority of the 2012 calendar year. He even surprised fight fans in Dallas when he made an appearance at the SafeAuto booth at the DUB Car Show to sign autographs. This Saturday, it will be no surprise to see an action packed fight for the championship belt.

“I don’t think I’ve got a chance of winning any type of decision,” said Diaz to Inside MMA. “So I gotta go out there and do what I can do to try and finish my opponent, try to be the best fighter and win the fight.”

While fighters such as Diaz are contending for the championship, SafeAuto is always striving to be associated with championship caliber UFC® athletes. “It’s cool to be associated with a company that’s so involved with the UFC®,” stated Diaz. 

The championship fight in Seattle, Washington will certainly be a memorable one. Being associated with a championship UFC® bout is an event that the affordable car insurance company is very proud of. Be sure to tune in this Saturday on Fox to catch all of the action!   

VFD Sports Contributed Content to this Article.

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The 8 Worst Types of Music to Listen to While Driving

For almost as long as people have been able to drive, they have tended to do so with the accompaniment of music. However, just because you may have the capability to play all types of music on in your vehicle doesn't necessarily mean that it's wise to do so. In fact, here are eight types of music which you should probably avoid playing at all costs while you are behind the wheel. Your auto insurance company will thank you.

1. Lullabies. This one is fairly obvious. The soft, tranquil sounds of a lullaby are designed to bring on sweet slumber, which does not mix well with driving. The only exception to this rule may be if you are trying to persuade a baby or toddler to stop fussing and fall asleep (and you are so hopped up on caffeine that you couldn't possible follow suit).
 

2. Rap music. This one is actually backed by (pseudo-) science. In 2009, over 2,000 drivers were surveyed about their choice of music to listen to while driving. Almost half of them admitted that rap music causes adverse effects on their driving mood and behavior. But, in all fairness, they'd probably feel the same way if they were forced to listen to polka.

3. Death metal. Loud, repetitive guitar licks. Ground-quaking percussive beats. And unmelodious, growly howls from lead singers. It's a combination that's bound to raise your blood pressure and dull your senses -- neither of which are suitable for safe driving. In fact, death metal is only okay for weightlifting, home demolition, or axe-murdering.

4. Songs which have spawned popular dances. Remember the Macarena? Soulja Boy? Achy-Breaky Heart? YMCA? (Heck, even the Hokey Pokey?) They’re great tunes, but their respective dances involve hand movements and head turns. Meaning that when you sing (and dance) along with these songs while driving, you're just asking for an accident.

5. Sad songs. From Sinatra to twangy country to Adele, music has a long and storied history of melancholy-inducing melodies. They have their place, but if you are the type of individual who is overly emotional, the tears you produce while listening to a sad song can obscure your driving vision.

6. Songs with long notes in them. This category mostly applies to drivers who like to sing along with the stereo in their cars. You know those notes that some singers can belt out for eight, twelve, or sixteen measures without taking a breath? These crooners are skilled professionals who don't get light-headed due to a lack of oxygen. You, however, are not.

7. Opera. This could be classified as a subset of #6, but there's another danger inherent with this genre. If you are blessed with a high-end audio system, the stereotypically powerful high notes may cause your car windows to shatter suddenly. That's enough of a jolt to propel you into a light pole or an oncoming lane of traffic.

8. Songs about bad driving. Again, this is self-evident. Jan and Dean's "Dead Man's Curve." Roy Acuff's "Wreck on the Highway." The Ministry's "Jesus Built My Hotrod." And of course, this speeding anthem:

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