With hundreds of auto insurance companies writing policies offering a variety of coverage options, shopping for a policy has become such a confusing ordeal that many people don’t bother to comparison shop, ending up paying more than they need for premiums.

Driving expensive high-performance cars, getting stopped for moving violations, putting a lot of miles on your car each year, and having a young driver at home can run up your insurance costs sharply. But how big a premium you pay also depends on the levels of coverage you buy, so consider your choices carefully.

There are discounts available to auto owners that could help shave dollars off your premium. In most instances, you’ll have to inquire about the rate reductions for which you may qualify; agents don’t always volunteer this information. To help you save money on your premium, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona suggests you consider the following:

• Combine policies with one carrier. Most owners with two or more cars will know that it makes sense to insure all their vehicles under one policy. But you can also get a multi-vehicle discount if you insure a trailer or recreational vehicle on the same policy as your car. Also, many auto insurers will reduce your car premium if you buy other coverage from them, such as, homeowners’ and life insurance. But don’t switch carriers unless the rates for the other policies are competitive.
• Buy a car that costs less to insure. Expensive high-performance cars are fun to drive, but they’re costly to repair and the premiums can run two to three times higher than less expensive cars.
• Equip your new car with safety gear. An approved alarm system or other devices that deter thefts can get you a savings of five to ten percent. Air bags for both driver and passenger can reduce injury, and costly medical bills in an accident, and may qualify you for a discount.
• Maintain a good driving record. No claims or traffic tickets for 36 months may qualify you for a reduced premium. Drivers over the age of 50 with a clean driving record may also claim a rate reduction.
• Use public transit or a carpool to get to work. Drivers who hold their driving below 7,500 miles a year generally qualify for a discount, and lessening or eliminating your use of a car to commute can trim your premium.
• Having a teenage driver in your home with a good academic record, can qualify you for a discount. Also if your child attends a college that is more than 100 miles from home and doesn’t take a car along, that may qualify you for a discount. If you own more than one vehicle ( and your insurance company allows it), add the teenager to your policy as the occasional driver of your least expensive car – and make sure he or she drives that car only.

For more consumer tips and news you can trust visit www.tucson.bbb.org.

Nowadays, it seems like you can’t watch or open a news report without hearing harrowing stories of devastation and survival. Southern Arizona residents are especially aware of this because of the recent wildfires afflicting the region.

Living through such an ordeal takes an emotional toll. But if consumers are not prepared for the unexpected, Better Business bureau of Southern Arizona advises that the experience could also trigger financial disaster.

After making sure your home is well-built, suited for your environment and properly maintained, homeowner insurance is the best line of defense for your home, financial stability and peace of mind.

Standard homeowner insurance policies include four main categories:

• The structure – purchase enough insurance to rebuild your entire home at current construction costs
• Your personal belongings – take an inventory to determine how much insurance is needed – consider videotaping or photographing your home and its contents to help document your possessions
• Liability protection – don’t cut corners – this covers damage or injuries inflected on others in your home (or by your pet) – short-changing coverage puts you at risk of out-of-pocket expenses (more…)

The winter weather across Southern Arizona this week is freezing plumbing lines in commercial and residential buildings as temperatures remain surprisingly low. To prevent pipes from freezing, bursting and causing water damage, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona urges all home and business owners to take extra precautions by following the tips below provided by industry experts:

To prevent your pipes from freezing:

• Wrap all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of the home.
• Remove garden hoses from outside faucets.
• Cover vents around the foundation of your home.
• Drip outside faucets 24 hours a day (5 drops per minute).
• Open cabinet doors under sinks adjacent to outside walls to allow heat in from inside the home.
• Shut off the water to washing machines in unheated garages.

If your pipes freeze and burst:

• Cut-off the water valve. If you are unable to locate or operate your cut-off valve, call your water provider immediately for help.
• Call your insurance agent to file a claim. Be sure to ask for specific procedures or paperwork needed to move forward with repairs.
• If possible, take photos of any water saturation. An insurance adjuster may need to see what’s been damaged in order to process your claim.
• As soon as the majority of water is drained away, all wet items should be discarded or cleaned and thoroughly dried within 48 hours of flooding to prevent the growth of mold, according to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

If hiring a plumber to help with repairs:

• Be wary of plumbers who show up unsolicited at your door offering to make repairs. Most reputable companies are too busy right now to solicit work in this manner.
• Beware of price gouging. Some businesses may be marking up their products or services by as much as 500 percent due to the high demand of plumbing services in the cold weather.
• Take time to shop around for plumbers get competitive bids, and check references and licensing requirements. Check a company’s rating with BBB to determine your level of trust.
• Request a written contract, detailing all services, materials and labor. Be sure the plumber signs your copy before you make any payments.
• Never pay for all repairs in advance and do not pay with cash.

To check the reliability of the company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.tucson.bbb.org.