AUTO INSURANCE 

 A Necessity of Life

by Todd Garrison 

 

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   Introduction     Task    Resources     Process    Evaluation     Conclusion


INTRODUCTION

    Many of you will be purchasing your first car within the next few years.  What kind of car are you going to purchase? Before you answer this question, can you name all the additional costs involved in purchasing a car?   Do you know what type of insurance to buy?  Do you know how to obtain an insurance quote?   Are you aware of ways to cut costs in auto insurance?  Unfortunately, many teenagers underestimate the costs involved in buying an automobile.  This project will enhance your knowledge and alleviate any concerns you have about auto insurance.

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TASK

To keep this project focused on auto insurance, we will assume your automobile has already been purchased.  We are trying to determine whether you can financially purchase auto insurance for your car.  In order to create "realistic" scenarios, you will need to choose from the following three drivers.  Please select the driver that my best represents your situation.  You may team in pairs and collaborate your responses.  Also, each of you will be expected to purchase "full coverage" for your automobile.  Your parents paying for your insurance in NOT an option.

Select ONE driver

Drivers

Financial Situation

 

Driver 1

This student works about 30 hours a week @ $8.00 an hour.  He/she has approximately $4000 in the savings.  He/she also performs many jobs during the week for an average of $50 a week.

     * determine net pay to be 80% of total wages for the week  -   for all drivers

 

 

Driver 2

This student is involved in many extra-curricular activities.  He/she works about 15 hours a week @ $7.50 an hour.  He/she has approximately $500 in the savings.

 

Driver 3

This student performs baby-sitting, dog-sitting, and house-sittings duties for friends and neighbors.   He/she puts in about 25 hours a week @ $3.50 an hour.  He/she has approximately $400 in the savings.

 

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RESOURCES

One-line Insurance quotes:

   State Farm Insurance 

   American Family Insurance

   Farm Bureau Insurance

   All State Insurance

   Net Insurance Company

   Progressive Insurance

   Esurance.com

   Geico Direct

   Auto Insurance Car Quotes

   To find your favorite local Insurance company by phone - search the yellow pages 

 

Tips on how to save money on automobile insurance:

   Auto Insurance Car Quotes

   All State Insurance

   Most Choice Insurance

   Auto Insurance Tips.com

   State Farm Insurance

 

Terminology  -  Auto Insurance:

  http://www.iii.org/media/glossary/

 

New and Used Cars - if still shopping:

   Link 1 - Edmunds.com

   Link 2 - Kelly Blue Book

   Link 3 - CarPrices.com

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PROCESS

1.      Select a driver (previous table) that best represents your financial situation.  If you do not earn an income or have additional concerns, please notify the teacher for assistance.

2.      Determine your yearly salary and estimate your monthly net (after taxes) income.

3.      Establish the type of automobile you would like to purchase.  If you are unsure as to what type of car to purchase, search the sites listed in the research section of this webquest.

4.      Find at least 5 quotes using the links provided.  Important - you must select a quote that best represents your financial situation.

5.      Save and print a copy of the quote you are going to apply.

6.      Develop a spreadsheet that defines the terms in your policy (full coverage please), amounts you will pay for each coverage, and 5-10 tips that will help you lower your insurance costs.

7.      Give a 2-3 minute presentation about your findings.  Please make sure you discuss:

·             Type of car purchased

·             Monthly income

·             Dollar amount of quote you selected and how you are going make payments

·             What is covered in you policy and the terminology.  Very important -  know what Full Coverage encompasses.

·             Payment options (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually)

·             An example of an accident -you select the accident (be sure to mention the term      deductible)      

·             Some tips you incorporated to save money on your policy

·            What you learned about auto insurance   

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EVALUATION

 Evaluation Rubric

Attribute

Excellent

20 Points

Good

17 Points

Fair

14 Points

Poor

11 Points

Spreadsheet

Completely detailed and presented with all terminology clarified.  

Completed with most terminology detailed.

Missing information and not well presented

Too many terms not defined and inaccurate information.

Insurance Quotes 

Completely relevant to financial situation with all information submitted.

Mostly relevant to financial situation with most information submitted.

Missing important information and not relevant to financial situation.

Not at all relevant to financial information and did not follow directions (full coverage)

Presentation

Completely detailed and presented with all terminology (and directions) clarified.  All information presented within the time framework provided.

Presented with most terminology (and directions) clarified. 

Some activities and directions presented.

Incomplete with too many directions ignored.

Use this rubric as a guide to what will be expected 

From you on this assignment.

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CONCLUSION

     You have successfully purchased auto insurance! Hopefully you are well conversed with insurance terminology and have a better understanding of how to save money.  Remember, we did not account for payments for the automobile, license plate costs, fuel costs, repair costs, and many other expenditure associated with owning a car.  Study hard and drive safely!!!

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Last Updated March 2005 by Trisha Armstrong