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Blackwell Insurance Agency
23002 Lake Center Dr #200
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Getting a good deal on a new car takes a little patience, a bit of research and some luck. If you’re in the market for a new car, check out the following tips:
Finding the right car
Visit some dealerships and search for the car of your dreams. Also, most car companies offer Internet sites for you to visit. You can flip through electronic brochures full of facts and figures, photos and prices in the comfort of your own home. Once you’ve selected some candidates, take a test drive.
A little research goes a long way!
Once you’re down to two or three vehicles, research their actual cost (as opposed to the dealer’s or Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price). In other words, try to find out the cost that the manufacturer charges the dealer. Obtaining this information isn’t as hard as you think. In fact, some online sites (search Kelley Blue Books for New Car Prices) offer free, comprehensive reports showing vehicle options, dealer invoice and suggested retail price information. Also, most automobile clubs (as well as some popular consumer magazines) offer this information (some charge a nominal fee). Ask for a breakdown of the various options to determine if a package of options is better than selecting them individually. And of course, don’t forget to call us at Blackwell Insurance Agency to give you a quote to see how your new car purchase will affect your rates. It only takes a few moments and could help make your decision easier.
Making your move!
Some people say that the best time to make a deal on a new car is the last day of the month or year. Salespeople often have monthly and yearly quotas and incentives to meet. They may be more willing to give in on price if they think they can make up their loss in other ways. When you meet with the salesperson and discuss the car (and options you want), the price quoted by the salesperson may be very close to the Dealer List Price on your printout! You can then reveal your printout and tell the salesperson what you are prepared to offer: the actual cost of the car plus what you think is a fair percentage for commission. (This commission percentage is a personal choice and only you and the dealer can determine what’s fair)
A note about trade-ins
Again, knowledge is power. During your research phase, ask your local Auto Club (or check the Net) for the value of your old car. You should receive (for free) the average trade-in price as well as the price you could expect if you try to sell it on your own. The price to sell independently will be higher, but it will also require time and effort you may not want to expand. After you negotiate the price for your new car, ask the dealer to offer a trade-in value. By waiting, you won’t mess up your new car negotiations with other confusing variables…keep it all separate. Knowing the price of an average used car (and the current condition of your trade-in) will give you some leverage when negotiating a fair trade-in agreement.
Some final thoughts
Some negotiations go better than others. There are many abstract variables that can come into play. Did you wait for the best possible time to make an offer? If it is a slow sales month, your dealer may be motivated to move some cars. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your first dealer, shop around. The best consumer is an educated consumer!
Good luck and have fun dealing!
Figuring out the best insurance policies for you is a catch-22. You want the most coverage possible- for the most reasonable price. Toeing the line between cost and coverage can be difficult; here are some tips to make your home insurance premium more cost-effective while not compromising coverage.
Choose your insurer wisely.
There are several benefits to developing a strong relationship with your insurer. Consolidating your policies with a central insurer can sometimes save you money overall. In addition, oftentimes insurers will give a discount for long-time clients.
Don’t confuse what you paid for your house with rebuilding costs.
The price you paid for your house is not the same as the cost to rebuild it. You may have upgraded or remodeled since then, or the cost of materials and labor has increased. It could be significantly more expensive to Improve home security. Home theft is an opportunity crime. Smoke detectors, burglar alarms, and deadbolt locks all boost your home’s security.
Make your home more disaster resistant.
You may be able to save on your premiums by reinforcing your roof or buying stronger roofing materials. Older homes that have higher risks (and thus more expensive to insure) can be retrofitted so they can better withstand earthquakes. Investing in your home can not only save you money, it mitigates the risks you face as a homeowner. For example, modernizing heating, plumbing, and electrical systems to reduce the risk of fire and water damage.
Review the limits in your policy and your possessions every year.
While you want a reasonable premium, you don’t want to cut corners and find out the hard way you’re missing crucial coverage. Reassess your home and possessions against your current policy on a regular basis to make sure you are getting the correct coverage.