Marzipan Santas, elves and stollen: Real deal or cheap fakes?

ScienceDaily (Nov. 30, 2011) — With the December holidays a peak season for indulging in marzipan, scientists are reporting development of a new test that can tell the difference between the real thing -- a pricey but luscious paste made from ground almonds and sugar -- and cheap fakes made from ground soy, peas and other ingredients. The report appears in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Ilka Haase and colleagues explain that marzipan is a popular treat in some countries, especially at Christmas and New Year's, when displays of marzipan sculpted into fruit, Santa and tree shapes pop up in stores. And cakes like marzipan stollen (a rich combo of raisins, nuts and cherries with a marzipan filling) are a holiday tradition. But the cost of almonds leads some unscrupulous manufacturers to use cheap substitutes like ground-up peach seeds, soybeans or peas.

Current methods for detecting that trickery have drawbacks, allowing counterfeit marzipan to slip onto the market to unsuspecting consumers. To improve the detection of contaminants in marzipan, the researchers became food detectives and adapted a method called the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -- the same test famed for use in crime scene investigations.

They tested various marzipan concoctions with different amounts of apricot seeds, peach seeds, peas, beans, soy, lupine, chickpeas, cashews and pistachios. PCR enabled them to easily finger the doctored pastes. They could even detect small amounts -- as little as 0.1% -- of an almond substitute. The researchers say that the PCR method could serve as a perfect tool for the routine screening of marzipan pastes for small amounts of contaminants.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by American Chemical Society.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Journal Reference:

Philipp Brüning, Ilka Haase, Reinhard Matissek, Markus Fischer. Marzipan: Polymerase Chain Reaction-Driven Methods for Authenticity Control. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2011; 59 (22): 11910 DOI: 10.1021/jf202484a

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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Cheap Auto Insurance Online – The Simple Way to get It

Discovering the best cheap auto insurance online can be a tough job, but it’s not impossible! Individuals think that finding cheap auto insurance online is an simple job. Most insurance agents whom they consult are only interested in obtaining higher commissions. So the best way to discover a cheap auto insurance policy is via an online search for quotes from different companies. For this a easy search for the term “cheap auto insurance online” will bring out some of probably the most reputed insurance companies which offers the best rates. Of course you will find a number of other factors which will improve the rates too. Still, you are able to discover companies which offers dirt cheap rates. This is still the best cheap auto insurance online so far and can be found on this link:

Most organizations will have an online application form that includes basic questions which are required for insurers to calculate the rates correctly. when this page is filled and submitted, instant rates will be obtained from providers, then you can compare various prices and decide which plan will best fit your budget. Comparing is really essential to make certain that you’re obtaining the cheapest rates. The more quotes you compare the more will probably be the savings.

Whether you’re a new or an experienced driver, you can never be too sure about your safety on the road. Accidents are unavoidable at times, that is why the US government puts too much significance on requiring drivers to have auto insurances. This really is for your own good. Car crashes and other road accidents trigger too much harm to you, your passengers, the bystanders and also the other things around the area. Being ready for these occasions is your greatest option.

The majority of new drivers are considered high-risk drivers particularly young males. This is because of the fact that national statistical surveys have proven that the majority of accidents are cause or are the result of young male drivers.

This means that young male drivers are regarded by insurance companies to become extremely high risk. The majority of insurance organizations also offer discounts to new drivers who are students. These discounts vary greatly and are more often than not based on the over all grade point average of the student in question. Auto insurance doesn’t usually have to cost you an arm and a leg.

When you’re shopping around for cheap auto insurance online the best thing to do is shop for the values that would be essential to you. If you are seeking for a company policy pay particularly close attention to the information you would like included within the policy you want to have. Keep in mind your insurance is going to become what saves you if you get into an accident and you need to make sure you are getting probably the most out of it.

Organizations that deal exclusively in auto insurance are much more probably to work with you on a policy simply because they are not hard pressed by other forms of insurance. This signifies that they have more freedom when it comes to rates and negotiation. This really is beneficial towards the buyer because these organizations, just like any other organization want to generate as much business as they can.

When performing a search for Cheap Auto Insurance Online quotes be sure to list your requirements and also check out the companies you ask.

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Look for Cheap Auto Insurance Online When Money Is Tight

If you own a car and drive it regularly, you most likely have auto insurance. It is against the law to drive a vehicle without coverage, but there are some who try to do it anyway. They have their different reasons, but many times it is because they feel they don’t have the money to cover the costs, especially during the past few years of difficult economic issues. However, there is another option than going without, and it is finding cheap auto insurance online. There are a number of insurance companies that provide reasonably priced policies.

There are different ways to find cheap auto insurance, which is by looking for it yourself, using an online agency or using an ordinary broker in your community. The first way may help you find the ideal insurance policy, but it might take you a great deal of time searching through websites. If you like working with someone you can talk to and meet with personally, you will most likely use a broker in your town. However, this won’t necessary provide the cheapest rates, and if you don’t have any insurance, you have to think of how you will get there.

The best way to find cheap rates is by going online. There are several different kinds of automobile insurance policies. There is the regular vehicle insurance, commercial vehicle insurance, motorcycle insurance and others. Some people like having roadside assistance. If you need help finding cheap auto insurance online, look for a quality online agency that can help you with all the different types and help you find the right kind of services at an affordable price.

There are countless reasons why vehicles should be insured, and if money is tight, look for cheap auto insurance online. This will make sure you are protected for a reasonable price.

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Use an Online Agency to Find Cheap Auto Insurance Online

If you are looking for cheap auto insurance online, there are many different payment options. The better the driving record, the lower the premium. You can decide if you want to pay the decided premium monthly or all at once. Sometimes the balance is slightly cheaper if you can pay it right away, but make sure to choose what works for you. The nice thing is you can change the time table if it is necessary.

There are also some minor variations on how an insurance rate is decided, as everyone’s is slightly different. Demographic information plays into the amount. The companies consider age group, vehicle type and driving records. When you are looking for cheap auto insurance online, it is best to find a quality online insurance group who will use the information and help people find comprehensive and inexpensive insurance policies for their customers.

There are other times when online professionals are needed for a person looking for insurance. If a driver is required to get SR22 auto insurance, specialized help is necessary for those also looking for a cheap rate. This is a kind of insurance assigned by a judge when the driver was in an accident and not insured. It has special restrictions and requirements, but the state keeps track of the person’s insurance and makes sure there are never any lapses.

The other nice thing about using an online insurance agency is you never have to leave home. You can do it via the Internet or on the phone. There is no need to go anywhere and meet a broker. Plus, looking for cheap auto insurance online makes sure that you have options. An online agency will use the information provided and look through all their sources to find the best deal and payment schedule along with the lowest premium

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Why Should You Buy Cheap Auto Insurance Online?

Believe it or not, there are still people who are wary about giving out personal information online. Although it is true that there are some scammers out there who will use your personal information for their own devious purposes, when you are shopping for cheap auto insurance online from legitimate agency web sites, your information is always safe.

There are many advantages to shopping for car insurance online, not least of which is that you can save a lot of money. Most people who shop for cheap auto insurance online find that they are able to save up to several hundred dollars per year on their policy. If they have more than one car, the savings are even more.

The one thing that the internet does that no single insurance agent can do is enable you to compare quotes from different car insurance companies. By shopping for cheap auto insurance online, you are able to compare quotes from different companies and adjust the coverage levels so that they fit your budget. Virtually no matter what it is that you want to pay, you can find a policy that will meet that price.

There are many methods of reducing the price you pay for car insurance, and by shopping online, it is much easier. You can decrease your coverage, increase your deductible, or even price insurance for different vehicles, and do it all in a matter of minutes.

Although the internet can be a dangerous place at times, when it comes to car insurance, it is the best place to shop. You will save money on the price of your policy, and make sure that you are working with a company that gives you the best service, the most coverage, and makes you feel safe when you are in your vehicle.

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Is Getting Cheap Auto Insurance Online a Good Idea

Some people will tell you that you get what you pay for, and that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is, but neither statement really applies when you are buying cheap auto insurance online. The internet has proven to be the best way for millions of consumers to buy car insurance, resulting in a better policy and a cheaper rate.

If you haven’t taken a look at your insurance policy in a year or so, then now is the time. You can buy cheap auto insurance online that will make you realize how much money you are actually throwing away right now. Most people who shop online find that they pay up to twenty percent less once they sign up for a policy online – and that is a lot of money in most households.

When you are buying cheap auto insurance online, you are not buying some sort of inferior product. In fact, it is quite the opposite. When you buy online and deal with companies who are “internet friendly”, you will have more interaction with them and usually be able to change your policy at any time. This is ideal for people who want to make sure that they are paying the lowest possible price at all times.

Perhaps the best feature of shopping for and buying your car insurance online is that you can compare policies and companies much easier. With the simple click of a button, you can have policies and their prices right in front of you. This makes it easy to choose among them, compare the coverage levels they are offering, and choose the company with the best reputation and the lowest price. Most people find that once they buy their first insurance policy online, they never have to talk to an insurance agent again

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Compare the Different Cheap Auto Insurance Online Options

If it is time to renew your auto insurance, you might want to check into the different cheap auto insurance online options. You might find better deals here, compared to the ones being offered by your regular insurance company. The reason is there are more options online, as these companies have less overhead and cheaper advertising rates. This makes it easier for them to offer better savings to their customers.

Many of these companies offer different discounts, some will even give you one for just buying their car insurance online. They want your business, because they don’t want you going the traditional route. It will help to shop around and see what kind of deals companies give, although you probably won’t want to take the first offer. Make sure to look at all their discounts, so you are aware of the options before they start handing out quotes. You also want to make sure you are getting an adequate rate. Some will try to give a standard rate and see if you will take it. Researching the cheap auto insurance online options makes sure you get the best choices.

When you find several companies you like, the next step is submitting all of your information. The online company will look at the information and compare it to their requirements. Some places will be able to provide several options, while others will only give you one rate. It will help to shop around. You might even want to compare the best rates with your regular insurance agency and see if they counteroffer.

Your goal is to find car insurance that meets your needs, as you purchase the best cheap auto insurance online option for your family. Make sure to not rush the process, as you might not get the best deal.

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Can You Find Cheap Auto Insurance Online for Motorcycles?

Cars and trucks of all shapes and sizes may share the road with motorcycles, but these two-wheelers are in a league of their own when it comes to insurance. Largely, the value of motorcycles is less than your typical car, although this isn’t always the case. So unless you have a huge medical or liability component to your insurance coverage, you may find that your insurance on your motorcycle is cheaper than on a car. However, whether you have an expensive, all-decked-out bike or an affordable street bike, you really should take some time to shop for cheap auto insurance online.

Many times when people are shopping around for coverage, whether it is for a car, a truck or a bike, they will call around to two or three of the big name insurers and then go with the best quote from those top companies. However, when you shop for cheap auto insurance online, you will have easy access to a wider variety of insurance companies, and many of these can provide you with far more affordable rates than those big name companies that initially come to mind. Many insurers have set up their websites to provide you with fast quotes over the internet, so the more time you spend shopping around, the more quotes you can get. You can save yourself some time shopping around by using the services of an auto insurance broker. With one call to a broker like this, you can get several great quotes back within a matter of days.

You can definitely save a considerable amount of cash when you shop for cheap auto insurance online and get the lowest rate on motorcycle insurance possible. With all of the cash you save on your premium costs, you can afford more gas for a road trip or you can even buy some great gear for your bike

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Cheap Auto Insurance: Online Quotes for Women

The battle between men and women over who is the better driver may wage on around the world, but insurance companies have resolved the issue through research, studies, and analysis of drivers’ data. The numbers of highway traffic tickets, citations, and even accidents don’t lie. In a world where a better driver is the safer driver, these numbers indicate clearly that women are far and away safer drivers than men, and insurance premiums largely reflect this across the various insurers. However, just because your premium as a woman is lower than your male counterpart’s premium doesn’t mean you are getting the best rate you possibly can. You need to shop for cheap auto insurance online to get the lowest rate possible.

Women of all ages are generally a little happier with their premium costs than men, and this is because their premium costs are typically considerably lower than men their own age. Insurance, for men and women alike, though, is still a considerable part of your budget each month, and so it is only wise to shop around for cheap auto insurance online to get the lowest rate possible. With a little bit of time and effort on your part, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that you can save money on your premium, even on a premium that is already lower than a male’s premium. If you don’t have time to shop around to get quotes, you can always put the services of an auto broker to good use. When you work with an auto broker, you simply spend a few minutes providing him or her with basic information about your car and your driving record, and then he or she will work to provide you with great quotes within a few days’ time.

It can certainly be a hassle to get quotes for insurance, and even more of a hassle to change insurance coverage. However, the ability to save money on your premium each and every month simply by shopping for cheap auto insurance online is a great incentive..

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Finding Cheap Auto Insurance Online for Sports Cars

Insuring sports cars is an expensive feat for several reasons. For one, these cars normally are higher in value than many other cars, and this means that if you have a fender bender – or worse yet, total the car – the insurance company has to pay a higher amount out than they would if you drove a different vehicle. Another reason these cars are so expensive is that they were made with speed and maneuverability in mind. Fast drivers zooming in and out of traffic inevitably cause a higher percentage of accidents, and they are also more likely to get tickets as well.

While the cost for insuring sports cars is higher than insuring other types of vehicles, the good news is that you can shop for cheap auto insurance online. Most people shop for premium quotes with the same core group of companies, and these are the big names that pop into mind when you think of auto insurance companies. However, buying the equivalent of name brand insurance inevitably will result in you paying more than you need to for coverage. You can take some time to shop for cheap auto insurance online and get quotes from some of the companies you likely have overlooked in the past. These are reputable companies with a customer service-oriented philosophy, and they offer very competitive premium rates to earn your business.

When you find quotes for cheap auto insurance online, you will want to take time to research the companies. This is especially true when working with any company that you are not familiar with. However, once you have done research on the companies and have great quotes for more affordable coverage, there is no reason not to pull the trigger and start saving money on your sports car coverage premium...

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Should You Buy Cheap Auto Insurance Online???????

Who doesn’t want to save a few dollars each month on the cost of their car insurance premiums? After all, your auto coverage is typically one of your most expensive budget items each month behind your rent or mortgage payment and maybe your car payment. Plus, with the economy so tight right now, people are trying to find ways to cut back on expenses anyway they can. The ability to shave , , or more off of their monthly premium will surely be welcome relief to a budget! However, in your quest to find more affordable auto coverage, should you buy cheap auto insurance online?

Some people will take the least expensive car coverage they can find purely so they meet their legal obligation to be an insured driver. However, so many people have heard horror stories about people with this type of insurance who wreck their car and then have a huge hassle trying to get their insurance company to pay out on their claim. Unfortunately, there are a few bad seeds that give cheap auto insurance online a bad name, but the truth is that there are some legitimate companies who provide excellent customer service when you need it most without charging you an arm and a leg for coverage. If you have a big name insurer covering you, you may simply be paying for their name and reputation without receiving any additional benefits. This means that you likely are overpaying!

So should you buy cheap auto insurance online? You can absolutely save money when you shop online for your coverage. However, just be sure to read some reviews about the companies you are looking into before you sign up to ensure they are reputable and honest. This is the perfect way to save yourself some much needed cash, so look into this option today.

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How to Buy Cheap Auto Insurance Online and Save a Bundle

The best way to get the best price for anything is to comparison shop, and it’s especially true when you’re trying to buy cheap auto insurance online.

In the good ol’ days, before the Internet, you had to spend hours on the telephone answering hundreds of questions just to get a handful of car insurance quotes. And then you had to decipher those quotes to make sure you were comparing apples to apples.

Now, it only takes a few minutes online in the privacy of your home to get a number of quotes so you can compare rates and get a cheap auto insurance quote.

There are a number of comparison sites that will give you rate quotes from top-rated insurance companies (see links below). When you go to one of these sites you’ll be asked some questions to determine what type of policy you need. Then you can decide which quote is best for you.

It’s quick, it’s easy, and best of all, it’s free.

Other Money-Saving Tips

* Before you visit a car insurance comparison site, have your policy handy so you can refer to it for some of the questions you’ll have to answer.

* Consider raising your deductible. This alone can save you up to 30% on your auto insurance premiums.

* If you drive an older model car, consider dropping your collision coverage. Collision coverage can cost upwards of 0 a year and may be more than the cost of repairing your car.

* Drop your coverage for medical payments if you already have medical insurance that covers you.

* Don’t just compare rates, compare ratings. You want to get the cheapest rate with the highest-rated company.

Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com or click on the following link to get free cheap auto insurance online quotes and and see how much you can save on your auto insurance. You can get more auto insurance tips by checking out their “Articles” section.

The author, Brian Stevens, is a former insurance agent and financial consultant who has written a number of articles on how to buy cheap auto insurance online.

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Find the Best Rates for Your College Student By Searching for Cheap Auto Insurance Online

Your child recently started college and entered an entirely new spectrum of life. They are growing up before your eyes, which is exciting, but also a little sad. The other sad part about this new stage in life is how the bills increase in size. You not only have tuition to worry about, but you also have higher car insurance and health insurance premiums. This is why it is important for families to take stock at what they currently have, making sure they have the best insurance for everything going on. If you want to know if you already have a good rate, then search for cheap auto insurance online. This will allow you to look at multiple sites in a short period of time, saving you time and energy.

Insurance can be expensive, and while you want the best for your children, this usually means paying out more money. Premiums raise as your children get older, and it is hard to know when it is time to let them be out on their own. If you have specific questions on what is best for your family, you might find it helpful to talk to your current insurance agent or call an online insurance agency. Many of them offer online chats, letting you get answers quickly and efficiently.

For one, you might find it is better for your child to stay on your current family car insurance plan. Other people discover it is better for their college student to be out on their own, as it is cheaper, but you also want to teach responsibility. Many suggest looking for the best rates by searching for cheap auto insurance online. You will also want to see if any of the plans include deductions for good grades or an excellent driving record.

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How to Discover Cheap Auto Insurance Online

Most people don’t fully understand auto insurance. Yes, they might comprehend the basic fundamentals, but they don’t know how to lower their rates by themselves. This is why many recommend finding a knowledgeable agent or doing some research so you know what you need when looking for affordable policies. This information is also important to know when you are looking for cheap auto insurance online.

The easiest way to look for cheap insurance is to type it into your internet search engine. This search engine tool is often located at the very top of your internet provider. Most of the time, what you type in will provide you with several pages of results, especially when you put in something like “cheap auto insurance online”.

What comes up on your search page, will be different lists of online car insurance companies. Some companies will provide short descriptions by their link, making it easier to find worthwhile possibilities. You can also find direct links to the more popular companies, which helps you fully check out all of the options.

The next thing you should do is type in your zip code, so you know which rate is appropriate for your state and city. These rates vary according to where you live, as the company has different factors to why it might be higher or lower. The things they consider are how many people live in your city and how many accidents have happened in the area.

The other thing that decides your final premium is if you qualify for any reductions and your level of driving risk. Companies will take the information you provide and come up with a final number. If you don’t want to comparison shop all by yourself, look for cheap auto insurance online by using a brokerage firm.

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Cheap Auto Insurance Online Helps College Students Save Money

Most college students quickly realize how expensive life is while they are attending school. They have tuition to worry about, books to buy, and room and board. Many of them have a car, which means they are also in need of car insurance. Some students still rely on their parents to take care of it for them, but others have to find it on their own. This is why many are looking into cheap auto insurance online, as they are in need of the best deal for the lowest rates.

It is nice if a college student can join the family’s car insurance coverage. On the other hand, it might be cheaper for them to go on their own, as this age usually gets hit with huge premiums. You need the lowest amount possible, especially with all of the other college costs. Every family is different, as is every family plan. This is why it is important to do some comparison shopping, because it will make sure you get the best deal.

The best way to discover cheap auto insurance online is through different insurance brokers. They can provide quotes for the family, as well as for an individual. They will do most of the work for you, eliminating the need for you to traipse all over town or all over the internet. However, some people like searching out the best rates, which is why they take their time exploring the websites. Many insurance companies will offer free applications, making it easy for you to discover which one will offer you the best deal before you end up accepting anything.

Finding cheap auto insurance online is a good learning experience for students, especially when they haven’t truly experienced the reality of bills – the working world is around the corner.

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Can You Really Get Cheap Auto Insurance Online?

Over the years, the insurance industry has changed the way it does business and if you are still meeting with your insurance agent to discuss quotes, then you are not only wasting your time, but your money as well. You can now buy cheap auto insurance online without having to take the time to meet with an agent. More importantly, you will save a lot of money along the way while still getting great coverage on your vehicle.

The greatest advantage of shopping for cheap auto insurance online is that you can easily compare quotes. There are web sites that will allow you to enter your information one time and then receive quotes back from different companies. This allows you to take a look at the quotes, side by side, to determine which one is the best bargain. You might be surprised to find that your current policy is not such a great deal at all!

All you need to start shopping for cheap auto insurance online is a compute, an internet connection and a few important pieces of information – you vehicle make and model, your Social Security number, your driver’s license number. You may also be asked to provide the VIN (vehicle identification number) of your car. This will be enough information for the companies to determine your premium. You can also sign up for a policy online which will instantly go into force, which is great if you are currently without coverage.

In most states, it is against the law for you to drive without some form of car insurance and the penalties can be enormous. By taking advantage of this service, you can get yourself the car insurance that you need at a price you can afford, in a matter of minutes. There is really no excuse now for not having insurance.

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Shop for Cheap Auto Insurance Online

When you are shopping for cheap auto insurance online, you will find a variety of different options in a few clicks of a button. It doesn’t take a lot of work and you will be able to find a new auto insurance policy for your family. However, it does require a bit of research. You will want to see how many reductions and discounts you can get on your policy, making sure you get the lowest possible rate.

When looking at different car insurance companies, you need to first ask them about their quotes. Make sure to provide them with all the same information. Then you will want to start contacting them and see if they will add any other reductions to make the policy even cheaper. The reason is most companies will give you a standard rate. The different things you qualify for in terms of reductions will help you make the policy affordable.

It will help if you haven’t had any claims on your current insurance policy or record. The standard is no claims within the past three years, but even longer is even better. This ensures that you are a safe driver and do your best to be careful on the road. Car insurance companies like people like you. It also means if you are a female, you need to find an online company that specializes in offering women cheaper insurance.

Some places will help you insure your child, giving you a deal if they have good grades. They will also give you a special discount if you have been a customer of the company for a period of time. This will make sure they get a cheap auto insurance online. This keeps your policy low, especially if the rest of your family has a good record.

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Look for the Best Cheap Auto Insurance Online Option

If you want to discover the best cheap auto insurance online option, you need to shop around. It is important to look for the best quotes, and this requires some patience. Every company will offer different discounts, and your job is to find the one that fits your needs. This means finding quotes that meet your list of requirements.

You need to make sure these requirements are specific, as this will lower the policy. For instance, if you are a woman, you need to find companies that offer women’s cheap auto insurance online options. If you are a senior citizen, look for places that provide deals for older adults. Many times the first rate given is considered a standard policy. You shouldn’t accept this rate, because it can be lowered with other discounts. Although, if you purchase a policy with a high deductible, the policy tends to be cheaper. A low deductible means you will pay more money.

Another way to reduce the cost of your policy is to make sure your car is fitted with the correct safety features, such as ABS braking, air bags, and anti-theft systems. Your coverage can be lowered even more if you maintain a good claims record or have taken advanced driver training. Ideally, you shouldn’t have had any claims for three years or better. However, these won’t automatically be added, you have to ask for them.

You should also check to see if the company offers any other forms of insurance. Many times if you buy more than one type of insurance, more discounts will come your way. This means things like home insurance, life insurance, or even health insurance. You can sometimes get the best cheap auto insurance online option if you purchase more than one kind of insurance from a company.

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