With gas prices continuing to rise, chances are, you are looking for any way you can to save on your car costs. I think we are all well aware of the growing popularity of hybrid vehicles and are conscious of the "green movement" currently happening in the US. There is a bunch of hype surrounding hybrid vehicles right now, but after you look past it, you may find that choosing a fuel efficient car can be good for your wallet. Although the asking price of hybrid cars can be quite steep, you may be surprised to learn that they can save you quite a bit of cash in the long run.

The most obvious benefit to a hybrid car is the money you will most likely save on gas. Not every hybrid will have better gas mileage than your average vehicle- unless you drive an SUV, you will be seeing big savings on what you pay at pump. Although Hybrid SUVs do exist, their gas mileage is not much better than regular SUVs. On most hybrid sedans, you can get an average of 40-50 mpg.

A hybrid can also save you quite a bit by providing you with discounts. Owning a hybrid can get you a federal tax "incentive", and put more money back in your pocket. Also, many states offer parking and toll incentives to hybrid drivers. Your hybrid vehicle might also qualify you for discounts from certain insurance agencies.

Whether you choose to purchase a hybrid or not you should take another look at your auto insurance to make sure you are getting the discounts that you qualify for. If you choose to go hybrid, you could quality for a 10% discount or more on your auto coverage. Payless Auto Insurance can help you find comprehensive coverage at an affordable rate. Visit our Virtual Insurance Office today to learn more.

Memorial Day is quickly approaching and you are probably looking forward to your well-deserved three day weekend. Many will sit back and relax the day away; others will make the trip to visit family members they haven't seen in quite some time. To cut costs in this rough economy, it would make sense for more individuals to opt to use their cars to go see their loved ones- rather than paying for plane or train tickets.

No matter what the distance, if you are going on a trip, it would be good for you to get your car looked at before you leave. The daily stresses of life can cause you to forget about the routine maintenance procedures that keep your car running smoothly. If you have put off getting that oil change, tire rotation, or new battery, your impending trip may be the perfect reason for you to put some money into your ride.

Despite your routine maintenance, the only true way to protect yourself- and your car- is to purchase a comprehensive auto insurance plan. Although you may think of auto insurance and automatically see your hard earned dollars disappearing before your eyes, you may be surprised to learn how affordable a policy can be. In order to save money, it may be best for you to choose an independent agent. By choosing an independent insurance agency, you will be choosing a company that can shop the country to get the best rates for YOU. If you are thinking about changing providers, or purchasing a new auto insurance policy, stop by the Payless Auto Insurance Virtual Insurance Office. Once there, you can learn more about your insurance options and get a free online Oregon auto insurance quote.

Of all the widely known insurance companies, AIG (American International Group) has spent the most time in the current national headlines. Although you have surely heard that the insurance giant has fallen on hard times, you may not be aware that they have started tightening their belt by selling their auto insurance unit.

Zurich Financial Services Group recently announced their purchase of AIG’s auto insurance division. If you formerly had auto insurance through AIG, and news of the sale is sending you into panic mode, you have no need to worry. Throughout the sale of AIG’s Auto Insurance unit, you will be protected. Zurich is a global company- and sells auto insurance in the U.S. through Farmers Insurance Group. Farmers is the third largest property and casualty insurer in the United States, meaning that the switch of your auto policy from AIG to Zurich will result in you being serviced by a company with a long and profitable record of insuring cars and homes. And if you still worry about your auto policy changing hands, you should be confident that your state will protect you. Companies that are licensed to sell auto insurance in your state are regulated by your state department of insurance- which dictates how each insurance company can invest your money, and how much money they must have on hand to pay for future insurance claims.

The current Presidential Administration has promised that stricter Federal regulations of insurance companies will be coming- but it will be a process that will take time. If you are still concerned that your auto insurance investment may not be protected, contact Payless Auto Insurance. At our Virtual Insurance Office, you can learn more about your car insurance options, and get a free online auto insurance quote.

Many individuals would agree- a car is a pretty large investment. Because you are putting out some serious money to secure your new ride, it’s important to find someone you can trust to care for your new baby. Although you may feel that finding a mechanic you can trust is impossible, there are certain steps you can take to find someone who is both reliable and qualified.

The best thing you can do in your search for a new mechanic is to make sure to start looking before your car absolutely HAS to be serviced. Having to opt for the closest repair shop when your car’s transmission fails or muffler falls is not the best way to start your search. Before you are in a “must fix” situation, it is best to establish a relationship with a mechanic by bringing your vehicle to him for your regular needs- like oil changes and brake pad replacements. In finding a mechanic, it would also be smart for you to rely on the following pointers:

• Great word-of-mouth reviews from friends and family.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB) descriptions.
• Cheaper service doesn’t always mean better service

If the service is good, the staff is friendly, and the repair shop is need and clean- congratulations! You may have found your go-to mechanic! After work has been performed to your car, be sure to keep all receipts and service records. And if you are extremely pleased with your service? Spread the word! You can be certain that friends are always looking for reliable car repair for a friendly staff.

Although a mechanic can do the work of a magician, accident repairs are rarely cheap. To protect your vehicle in the event of an accident, be sure that you purchase auto insurance. If you feel you are spending too much on your auto insurance, or have concerns about your coverage, give Payless Auto Insurance a call at 800.586.3714. We can give you a simple, free quote over the phone, or through our Virtual Insurance Office at www.paylessautoins.com.

You have worked hard to get to a place where you can retire comfortably. Now that you are in your golden years, your wealth is probably at a very comfortable level. Since you have made your money already, it is now time to switch your focus to your investments, and look to stretch your savings as far as possible. In order to save all you can, and enjoy your retirement, taking another look at your insurance expenses could do much to ease your transition into the easy life.

With age comes experience- and discounts on your auto insurance. Were you aware that older drivers tend to be some of the safest drivers on the road? Because they tend to have fewer accidents and often purchase safer cars, insurance companies offer discounts to drivers between the ages of 50 – 70. But after the age of 70, the safety records of older drivers tend to decline-causing many insurance companies to raise their rates. Individuals in the 70+ age range have one of the highest rates of dangerous and fatal accidents. As a 70-year-old senior who is an excellent driver- what can you do to prove your competence? Completing a driver refresher training course all but guarantees that you will continue receiving your discounted auto insurance rate.

Seniors are some of the most experienced drivers on the road. You have worked hard to get to a point where you can enjoy life; you shouldn’t have to worry about high auto insurance premiums. Payless Auto Insurance cares about seniors. Our Virtual Insurance Office is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week- or you can call our friendly agents at 1.800.586.3714. Payless Auto Insurance’s friendly agents will walk you through the insurance shopping process and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more about your insurance options, or get a free quote on auto insurance right now.

Your car is your baby. You’re steadfast in doing all the right things for her; oil changes every 3,000 miles, annual tune-ups, tire pressure checks every week, and regular waxings to name a few. But when was the last time you updated your vehicles auto insurance coverage? Analyzing your auto coverage could help reduce your premiums saving you a bundle. And with the current economic status, we could all use a few extra bucks.

Follow some of these money-saving tips from Payless Insurance:

1. Look for special discounts. Insurance companies will reward those who live and drive responsibly. If you make a lifestyle change or a change to your vehicle, notify your independent agency. For example, if you put in an anti-theft system or even if you quit smoking, you may be available for reduced rates.
2. Jack-up your deductible. Be realistic and don’t get crazy, but raising your deductible can lower your premiums considerably. Just make certain you can afford it.
3. If your car’s value is next to nothing, consider dropping your collision coverage. If the cost of damages exceeds the value of the vehicle itself, collision coverage may not be needed.
4. Insure all your vehicles on the same policy. Similarly, consider using the same company for other policies. Combining policies can save you up to 30%.


So when you’re going through the regular maintenance stuff, revise your auto policy to spot any gaps or overlaps in the contract. Contact Payless Insurance today to review your auto insurance options. We will shop the top carriers in the country to find you a policy that fits your driving needs.

Although prices have declined lately, car costs are still the highest they have ever been. In addition to the actual cost of the car, soaring gas prices and high repair bills contribute to making the car-buying process an expensive one. Yet, cars remain a necessity for most of us. If you are like me, you are concerned about a declining economy and higher living costs and are looking to save money when you can. If you are thinking about purchasing a car, or cutting costs on your current vehicle, it is important to to make smart decisions about your care and coverage options.

These tips can save you a considerable amount of money on your next auto insurance policy:

• Consider getting a high deductible – paying a higher deductible will lower your premium costs.
• Remove towing as an option – always, always, always be aware of your surroundings. Don't lock your keys in the car, keep your gas tank at a safe level, be consistent with oil changes, have a good spare tire
• Remove car rental
• Get an insurance quote on a car BEFORE you purchase the vehicle. Most people assume that a Hummer is costs more to insure than an Accord. This is not always the case. Insurance companies consider multiple factors when insuring a vehicle.
• Many carriers will give you a better rate based on your credit score. Basically, the better your credit score, the more money you can potentially save.
• Combine policies with Payless Auto Insurance and receive up to 30% off your insurance needs!

Payless Auto Insurance is an independent insurance agency providing comprehensive auto insurance from the top carriers in the country. We work for our clients to provide them with policies they need, at the rate they deserve. Contact Payless Auto Insurance today to compare your current auto coverage or fill out our online quote form to receive a free Auto Insurance quote.

It's a fact that companies that provide great group benefits keep loyal employees longer. Employees who have benefits also work harder and are more satisfied at work. But did you know that group benefits are also great for the employer, besides the obvious reasons of happy employees with high morale?

Employers who choose to provide group benefits for their staff will see that benefits can be provided in exchange for monetary compensation, and expenditures toward group benefits are tax deductible as a business expense.

It's important to reward your employees when they do a good job, just as it's important to provide group benefits to bring in new employees. With group benefits, everyone gets something in return.

For more information on group benefits and what they can offer, contact us today. We're PayLess Insurance, based in Salem, Oregon.

Maybe you’re still not a homeowner, but we’re sure you still have a good amount of possessions. Everything you own must be worth thousands of dollars, at least. A recent survey reported that the average American has about $20,000 worth of items.

But what’s surprising is that so many renters don’t have a shred of insurance for all those items. Why is it? Maybe because renters have the mentality that their things are already covered by the landlord. But don’t think that way – if there was an accident in your building, such as a grease fire or a neighbor’s leak from above, and your things were damaged or destroyed, and you have no insurance for them, that’s it. No reimbursement, nothing. You would have to start from scratch. That goes for robbery and weather damage as well.

Renters insurance is generally very affordable and worth every penny in the event that your things are stolen, damaged, or ruined. You can even get a discount on it if you use the same insurance carrier as you do for your auto insurance.

If you’re not sure how much your things are worth, make a list of everything you have, and estimate how much it’s worth. (Example: DVD collection, $2800; computer equipment, $5,000, etc.) If you have a camera, an even better way to measure everything’s worth is to film or take pictures of all that you have, noting its worth as you go. Obviously, once you have the photos or the footage, keep it in a place away from your apartment or condo, and update it as needed.

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, you still need to protect your personal possessions. For more information on renters insurance, contact us today! We’re PayLess Insurance, based in Salem, Oregon.