Although scouting for a good company that lives up to its reputation and advertising message will take some work, in the long run it is well worth the time and effort. It is important to thoroughly scrutinize the reviews and feedback of a company before approaching them for a policy. Fortunately for the consumers, some companies have consistently maintained and upheld the best industry service standards.

Amica Mutual

The company has been ranked in the top spot by leading market analysts JD Powers and Associates. Insurance firms are ranked on five different criteria to ascertain their commitment to quality and service which includes overall satisfaction, price, policy offerings, billing and payments and contact with the insurer. A lot of clients complain of being treated mechanically by their insurance providers; however, Amica has managed to infuse a personal touch in their service by training their employees to treat every client as an individual. Apart from this, the company’s products are reasonably priced and they have a good record of claim payment.

Geico and ESurance

Do not let the firm’s unusual name fool you, the Geico’s are no cavemen and they do mean business. The company is known to offer superlative service. In fact, the company’s exceptionally large base of consumers makes it possible for them to offer the best rates to existing and new clients with truly low premiums. ESurance is another popular name in the insurance sector; the hot cartoon girls in their ads make the company hard to miss and forget. However, behind this light hearted advertising is a company that is strict about offering the best customer service and support in the industry.

USAA Auto Insurance

The United States Automobile Association or USAA is a well known body that offers a range of services including auto insurance. Auto coverage products from the establishment have been very well received by consumers across the country and have earned excellent ratings from most reliable automobile publications. Unfortunately, not everybody can avail the benefits of a USAA policy since it’s only open to former military personnel and their families. However, the fantastic feedback on this company will certainly make you consider joining the armed forces.

American Family Auto Insurance

The name says it all; although smaller than some of the other major player in the insurance market, in terms of their service and product quality, American Family is second to none. The company aims to please with their easy application procedure, commendable support, quick claim payments, affordable product prices and reliable dealings. This has earned the firm fabulous reviews from most industry watchers. Unfortunately, the company does not have a nationwide presence; in fact, they only offer their services in 19 states. However, if you are in a state served by this company, there is no cause to look beyond the firm when shopping for car insurance.

Liberty Mutual and AAA

An old and eminent member of the insurance industry, Liberty Mutual is a conservative but an extremely reliable firm that prides itself in its reputation. The old world way of doing business that is still followed by the firm guarantees a personal touch and competitive pricing with little waiting when it comes to claim payments. Tripe AAA is a name that most motorists across the United States have heard; however, few know that they also offer insurance products. In fact, their auto insurance is excellent in terms of pricing, service and claim payment.

These were just some of the reliable and reputable providers in the insurance market today. With a little bit of research and by getting cheap car insurance rates from multiple vendors, it is possible to find a company that will best suit the coverage needs of the buyer and his/her budget.

Auto manufacturers took the hardest hit when the economy went spiraling down in most parts of the developed world. The US auto market which is often considered to be the barometer of economic health and consumer sentiments has seen its most taxing time in the last 3 years with even the major players in the market like General Motors and Ford grappling under the financial woes. Fortunately, government aid and radical management decisions have helped these car manufacturers stay afloat.

The Seven Auto Manufacturers that Were Impacted the Most by the Economic Downturn

The massacre has been uniform across the auto sector with US, European and Japanese car makers suffering equally. While Chrysler, Ford and General Motors had to bear the brunt of the recession stateside, in Europe auto makers like Fiat, Skoda and Chevrolet have experienced their fair share of troubles amidst plunging markets. Although Japanese car makers like Toyota and Suzuki have suffered losses amounting to billions of dollars, they have been slightly shielded due to their stakes in the Indian and Chinese markets.

Government Aid to the Big Two

The problems of these auto makers have been so serious that the United States government had to interfere to prevent companies like Chrysler and GM which were teetering on the brinks of bankruptcy from falling over. Federal aid was granted to two of three major auto manufacturers of the US to the tune of $24.9 billion. The fear among lawmakers was that the demise of these companies would add gravely to the unemployment figure making an already precarious economic situation worse. However, while the bailout package has helped these companies, they have not been able to contribute to the job market in the country.

Administrative Measures that Helped!

One of the conditions of the federal aid was that these auto manufacturers would have to reduce the number of brands that they offered. And in accordance with this term, GM is left with half of its 8 divisions and brands like GMC, Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac. On the other hand, a majority of the stakes in Chrysler are now owned by Italian car manufacturer Fiat. Apart from streamlining their brands, the companies have also undertaken other drastic cost cutting measures including closing down some manufacturing plants and workforce cuts. Austerity is the name of the game that these companies are playing at this point.

Shielded by the Emerging Markets

While GM does not have a lot of brands in India, the Asian markets; which have not crumbled under the economic pressures, have offered reprieve to most auto makers. However, in order to cater to the Asian consumers, the auto companies will not only have to follow the usual run of the mill management tactics including savvy marketing but also they will have to price their products to make them seem attractive to the segment. Needless to say, the low cost expected is eating into the profits of these companies. However, they are just happy to have a buyer base and are waiting to offset the lower prices in Asia by the anticipated need for vehicles in the developed countries when growth kicks in again.

The Advantage of their Product

Finally, an important consideration is the sheer demand and need for the product that these auto manufacturers are offering. While some cars may be slotted as luxurious acquisitions, an automobile is a bare necessity that most people need to have. Unlike some other products that consumers can do without, a car is required for day to day travel and living in most cities. Add to this the fact that cars have a defined life span beyond which they cause higher losses in the form of increased fuel consumption and maintenance requirements and it’s easy to understand why people are still interested in new vehicles.

Although most car manufacturers are relying on the promise of an economic revival, the fact is that only meticulous planning and beneficial macroeconomic policies will be able to salvage the future of these companies. While cost cutting measures like outsourcing may have worked in the past, in the recent future they have bled the economy of employment and income. Auto makers and other organizations will have to understand that only employment and income can augment consumption and jump start the economic growth.

With car industries effected by the recession it would a smart idea to compare auto insurance. Many companies could be adjusting their costs in order to increase their sells, making it easier for you to get a better deal on your teenage car insurance, women car insurance, or senior car insurance.

People who are in the market for a new vehicle inevitably come up on the raging debate about American cars vs Foreign cars. While there are proponent and opponents on both sides, the fact is that both imported and home made cars have their fair share of pros and cons. So, there is no one car maker or model that is better than the others in all aspects and the buyer should choose a vehicle based on his specific preference, requirements and usage. Here is a few pros and cons for American cars vs Foreign cars.

The Pros of Buying an American Made Car

Contrary to popular belief most American cars cost the same as their Japanese counterparts but the Korean makes are still cheaper than homemade vehicles. However, any buyer who is looking for a sturdy car with a strong initial build and a powerful engine and body will appreciate the offerings of American automobile makers. Also, locally made vehicles are built larger than foreign cars and offer more passenger comfort including enhanced shoulder and leg room than foreign cars. Another benefit of investing in an American car is the lower coverage rates of these vehicles.

The Cons of Buying Vehicles from American Car Makers

A lot of people assume that the parts of homemade cars will be cheaper than those of Japanese or European cars; however, the cost of the engine and vehicle components largely depends on where they are manufactured. In fact, parts made in the US usually cost more than those made outside the country owing to the high cost of labor in the States. Another distinctive disadvantage of buying a vehicle from the Detroit car makers is that American automobiles devaluate faster than European and even some Japanese brands. Finally, despite the tag of ‘American-made’, many vehicles from US auto companies are in fact assembled outside the country.

The Pros of Buying a Foreign Made Car

One of the primary advantages of buying vehicles from foreign manufacturers is the large array of luxury models; particularly from European auto manufacturers like Daimler Chrysler, Ferrari, and Lamborghini etc. For customers who are keen on sports cars, foreign car makers offer a greater selection of vehicles in the category as compared to American car manufacturers. The resale value of Japanese and European cars is typically higher than that of home made vehicles and the parts of foreign cars generally cost less. Also, Japanese and Asian car makers are well known for making more optimal use of space inside the vehicle including small cars.

The Cons of Buying a Foreign Made Car

One of the biggest disadvantages of investing money in a foreign car is that the buyer is inevitably fueling the Japanese, Asian and European auto industries. Thus, local consumers play a role in the resurgence of non-American car makers and help them to develop technologies which will aid them to gain an edge over home companies. From a non-economic point of view, foreign vehicles, particularly Asian offerings are built lighter than American vehicles, so they naturally have less powerful engines. Finally, a Japanese or European vehicle will cost significantly more to insure given their higher theft rate.

While the car make and model is largely a choice that depends on personal preference, in light of recent developments, American consumers do stand to gain more by investing in a locally made vehicle. In fact, the biggest benefit of choosing American made cars over their foreign counterparts is the payment protection plan rolled out by the BIG Detroit 2, GM and Ford. Without any charges levied on the owner, these companies will cover the monthly payment on the vehicle for several months if the buyer loses his/her job. It is up to you now to make the call with American cars vs Foreign cars.

It is also up to you to find the right car insurance company. Great insurance rates are out there you just need to compare auto insurance and you can find them. The form at the top of this page could help you find those rates you need whether it be teenage car insurance or car insurance for women.