Insurance rates are determined using a variety of factors, and over time those factors may change, resulting in changes to the premiums. Although in some cases a driver might see a rate decrease, for the most part it is insurance rate increases that are most noticed. An auto insurance rate increase can happen for a variety of reasons and InsuranceHotline.com would like to inform people that the most common reasons are changes within the insurance company?s claims experience, something that has appeared on a driver?s record or a change to how and when the car is used.

Rate Changes From Within the Insurance Company

Insurance companies review their rating systems on a regular basis, ensuring that they are up to date with current statistics and trends. This can mean that an insurance policy will increase simply because the manner in which the insurance company determines the rates for that particular policy has changed. It could be that the vehicle is more commonly stolen, or the cost to repair it has increased due to rarity of parts.

?Company-wide rate changes are the hardest to accept for many drivers, but they are also often the reason a driver decides to take the time to obtain insurance quotes and shop their insurance policy around,? states Tammy Ezer from InsuranceHotline.com.

Insurance Rate Increases Due to Driving Record

People will likely see an increase in their car insurance rates on the first insurance renewal date following an incident that affects their driving record. There are two ways in which a driver?s record might change, causing an insurance rate increase:

1. A moving violation which the insurance company considers chargeable

2. An accident in which the driver has been found at fault

Not every moving violation is chargeable, which means that drivers won?t see a car insurance rate increase for every possible ticket an officer can give out. Common tickets which insurance companies consider to be chargeable are speeding, running a red light, failure to obey a traffic sign and other similar moving violations. Most car insurance companies will not increase rates for things like parking tickets, but each insurance company determines their own rules.

An at-fault accident will almost always result in an increase unless the driver has accident forgiveness coverage on the policy. Even then, not all accidents fall under the forgiveness conditions ? only the first at-fault accident.

Rate Increases Due to Other Factors

There are a number of factors aside from driving record that can result in a rate increase on an insurance policy. These are just a few of the common items that might change over time, causing the insurance company to change the rate for which they will insure the vehicle:

Where the vehicle is kept, including your postal code and security of parking
Commuting distance and number of days the vehicle is used for commuting
Who primarily drives the vehicle

When any of these items changes due to a move, a new driver being added to the policy or a new job that changes commuting habits, rates can increase.

Whether a rate increase is the result of changes within the insurance company, getting a ticket or being at fault for a car accident, shopping around for insurance quotes can result in saving on insurance premiums. Since each insurance company determines their own rates and can change them frequently ? drivers should always shop around for car insurance as the first step to finding a better price.

About: InsuranceHotline.com is a free online insurance rate comparison service that directs consumers to its large network of more than 30 insurance companies and licensed insurance professionals and provides quotes based on the lowest rates available through its network. In business since 1994, InsuranceHotline.com does not sell insurance, is not a licensed broker, and is not owned in whole or in part by an insurance company, agent or brokerage; ensuring consumers get a truly unbiased quote.

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DealerFire, a custom automotive website provider and digital marketing firm based in Oshkosh, WI is excited to announce they recently were the recipient of “Top Rated” Website Provider award in the third annual DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards, presented in conjunction with the 2012 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention and Expo.

Owner and Founder Eric Hoopman was present to accept the award. “Achieving this level of satisfaction from our customers and earning this award is very much attributable to our strong Midwestern, hometown values. I think it shows day in and day out within the support from the DealerFire team, we love what we do and we have a lot of fun doing it. It?s a great mix for an exceptional customer experience,” said Hoopman.

For over ten years, DealerFire has been working side by side with dealerships, successfully assisting them as they grow and expand their digital presence. The distinction they create in the industry with their custom automotive websites and automotive digital marketing strategies keeps them, and their clients, performing as leaders.

The DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards measure dealer satisfaction by allowing dealers to rate and review their vendors at DrivingSales.com Vendor Ratings, the industry?s only neutral, comprehensive vendor rating forum featuring real-time peer reviews and honest competitor comparisons. Only vendors who achieved top rankings in dealer satisfaction in each category, as determined by the thousands of auto dealers who are part of the DrivingSales.com community, received awards. The awards also incorporate the results of the 2011 Vendor Ratings survey, which was deployed to nearly 18,000 dealerships nationwide.

?We are proud to present a DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction ?Top Rated? Website Award to DealerFire for achieving the most coveted accolade of all, the satisfaction of its dealer customers,? said DrivingSales CEO and Founder Jared Hamilton. ?This award, based on the direct input of the dealer community, recognizes service providers like DealerFire who are leading the way in innovation, performance, and customer service. We congratulate DealerFire on their excellent results and for achieving the satisfaction of their dealer customers.?

“Our team is looking to 2012 with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm! With a focused management team, sharpened internal processes and an exciting product release schedule in place, we feel well positioned to offer great value to our dealer customers and all of their digital marketing efforts.” said Hoopman

For more information about DealerFire’s award winning custom automotive websites and digital marketing, please visit http://www.dealerfire.com

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The economy may not be rebounding quite as fast as Americans would like, but that?s not stopping one local used car dealership in Portsmouth, VA. Prestige Auto Brokers pledges to do what it can to help local consumers.

Prestige Auto Brokers, Inc. of Portsmouth is celebrating its 25th year in business this year, and the company has announced that it will slash down payments on every car on its lot to just $ 99 to help area consumers get back on the road.

?This economy has been tough on honest Americans. Many people have been hit hard, and lots of people are driving vehicles that are no longer safe or that need to be replaced. We also are seeing an influx of returning servicemen and women, and we?re pleased to be offering them any vehicle on our lot for just $ 99 down,? says Ben Mahgerefteh, owner of Prestige Auto Brokers.

Since 1987 Prestige Auto Brokers has specialized in offering high quality used cars for sale to Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and other residents of the Hampton Roads and surrounding areas. Mahgerefteh says his inventory includes the most popular imports and domestic models.

?We want to celebrate our family?s success by helping our community. Today, that means making it easier to purchase a clean, well-maintained automobile that fits with their lifestyle. We take great pride in finding the best pre-owned cars and offering them to our customers at fair prices,? he said.

Prestige Auto Brokers is a family business, something that is becoming less and less common in the highly competitive car business. Mahgerefteh says pre-owned cars have become more popular in recent years as gas prices and insurance costs have risen, making automobile ownership more expensive for everyone.

?We?re excited to offer this $ 99 down deal to our community? Mahgerefteh says.

The complete inventory of available cars, trucks, vans and SUVs is available online at http://www.prestigeva.com/index.php. For more information, stop by the dealership at 4125 Portsmouth Blvd., Portsmouth, VA or call Ben at 757 399 2414.

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Oakland Companies, a locally-based full-service insurance agency in Troy, Michigan, has been awarded Encompass Insurance?s Agency of the Year Award for Territory 3 based on outstanding accomplishments in only 8 months.

Oakland Companies has earned the stature of #1 in Michigan?s territory 3, ranked #15 countrywide and a client retention rate unparalleled to other agencies. As a result of these achievements, Oakland has been awarded the Gold Key designation for their dedicated partnership.

Corey Wilson, personal lines manager for Oakland Companies, is enthusiastic about how this reflects on the commitment and growth of his department. ?Receiving the Agency of the Year award from Encompass was a great honor! We believe in the product that Encompass provides and have recommended its package policy for many of our clients,? said Wilson. ?Here at Oakland, we strive to be different than the rest and receiving such an honor tells us we on the right track to providing the most for our clients. We look forward to 2012!?

Encompass Insurance, formerly CNA Personal Insurance, operates as a subsidiary of the Allstate Corporation, thus expanding its services for personal and business clients. Oakland Companies plans to continue utilizing all that Encompass has to offer to ensure that their clients are receiving the best products available.

About Oakland Companies:

For over 10 years, Oakland Companies has a history with Michigan insurance. As an independent insurance agency, Oakland Companies has the ability to customize insurance policies to their customers? unique needs. The company has a firm belief that they should treat each and every client with the respect they deserve and strive to secure the most comprehensive and effective insurance solutions. Selecting an insurance policy can be a daunting task, and Oakland Companies wants residents and businesses across the region to feel comfortable in the agency?s ability to match them with the best plan possible.

About Encompass Insurance:

For over 25 years, Encompass insurance has worked with more than 3,200 independent insurance agents who delivery quality products and services that can fit any customers needs. The company offers protection to provide Michigan home insurance, Michigan auto insurance, Michigan recreational vehicle insurance, Michigan boat insurance and more under one policy. Encompass?s Universal Security Policy allows clients to combine their coverage needs to make their insurance experience simpler. One policy, one insurance agent, one premium, one bill, one renewal date. The Power of One with Encompass Insurance.

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Most consumers understand that they aren?t going to get a courtesy call from their auto insurer telling them they qualify for a better deal. Yet they still fail to review their policies or contracts each year to make sure they?re getting the lowest rates possible. The reality is that cheap Florida car insurance is possible.

Savings experts at InsureonaBudget.com discovered that a few criteria can qualify Florida drivers for quick discounts. For example, driving less than 25 miles per day, or having no car accidents over the last 12 months, and no DWI/DUI record, likely qualifies drivers for many hidden discounts on their car insurance. The problem, as Robert Hunter of Consumer Federation of America describes it, is that ?insurers aren?t required to let you know when you?re eligible for a lower rate?so it is very difficult to be sure that you have the best price.?

An interesting fact Florida drivers should know is that most times it is quite easy for one insurer to be half the price of another, even in the same group of insurers. Obviously, auto insurers would like policy holders to pay the highest premium possible. Finding the best auto insurance deal can be easy with a few guidelines:

1) Compare Florida auto insurance quotes across multiple insurers who will try to offer users their best deals right away.

2) Calling the present insurer and asking for a better deal than the best quote received from any comparison search.

3) Call the other car insurers and ask if they can match or beat the deal just offered.

4) Consumers should specifically ask their insurer ? not the agent ? whether they were being offered the lowest rate they qualify for.

The above tactic paid off well for Thomas Mitchell who, according to the New York Times, ?slashed his hefty auto insurance premium from $ 2,537 a year to $ 1,207?. This should provide the much needed incentive for any Florida driver to take advantage of the pricing loophole for better deals.

To compare car insurance quotes and get the best Florida car insurance rates, visit InsureonaBudget.com

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Videotel, Inc. announces they will exhibit at Infocomm 2012 for its very first time.

Infocomm 2012 is where you can find the latest innovations, business solutions and the hottest technologies with training and educations sessions on every industry topic, all under one roof.

Videotel will display and demonstrate the company’s unique industrial dvd player along with it’s full suite of digital signage players.

Vice President of Videotel, Inc. Mr. Schneider, member of Infocomm International says that, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to Exhibit to the thousands of AV professionals in search of a unique and simple approach to digital signage.”

Mark Schneider says that both industrial DVD players and digital signage players are preferred within museums, universities, retail stores, restaurants, hospitals, hotels, cruise ships, airports, and recently recognized within other system integrations. Learn more

Videotel plans to reveal its new industrial VP71 HD 1080 media player. It is described to automatically turn on, auto play and auto repeat. The VP71 is also RS232 Communication ready and allows for simple stand alone video triggering with a simple dry contact cable. Videotel will also demonstrate their additional looping media players; V68, VP70, VP77.

Videotel’s highlighted customers now include Mitsubishi Motors, Siemens Medical, The Briad Group, Royal Caribbean, Gold’s Gym, MTN Satellite Communications, Novell and Kaiser.

You can find Videotel, Inc. on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.

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Legislation in the state of Washington that will eliminate asbestos in brakes is a step in the right direction, said an attorney of Shrader & Associates, L.L.P. The leading national firm is committed to helping individuals harmed by toxic chemicals, including the carcinogen asbestos, attorney Robert Shuttlesworth said. The fibers are sometimes used in brake pads as well many other industrial and commercial products.

The Better Brakes Law is Washington?s attempt to protect its auto-mechanics and environment from exposure to asbestos and other toxins. Under the rule, brake pads and shoes produced after 2013 cannot contain asbestos. After 10 years, distributors must stop selling any remaining inventory of asbestos-containing brake parts.

?In the 1960?s and 70?s, information that asbestos was harmful became more public and regulations were made,? Shuttlesworth said. ?Still, until all asbestos products are declared illegal, mesothelioma remains a threat for people in the United States.?

Mesothelioma, cancer of the lung?s lining, is caused by exposure to asbestos. Mechanics and other industrial workers are most at risk because they are most frequently in contact with asbestos materials, but anyone exposed to airborne fibers is susceptible. In brakes, fibers can become airborne when the friction surface is worn down or manipulated. The EPA currently recommends that mechanics treat every brake as if it contains asbestos.

?Men and women who work with these brakes have no way to tell which types are safe,? Shuttlesworth said. ?Mesothelioma patients are often just people who were exposed to asbestos while working hard and following instructions.?

Shuttlesworth said he is always glad to hear about proactive legislation at the state level, but that the United States is overdue for a nation-wide asbestos ban, ?the sooner the better.?

In the meantime, Shrader & Associates, L.L.P., works to win compensation for those who may already have developed mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos. The firm offers a free complimentary legal consultation to help families understand their legal rights. For assistance with this choice, individuals should call (888) 637-6236 or online at http://www.shraderlaw.com.

Shrader & Associates is a leading national law firm that specializes in representing individuals harmed by dangerous products and toxic chemicals. These dedicated professionals have extensive experience handling personal injury and product liability lawsuits.

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While the 2011-2012 Winter storm season has been relatively mild, it is much too soon to write off Old Man Winter and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) encourages motorists and homeowners to remain prepared for severe weather conditions.

Winter storms can cause significant damage for both motorists and homeowners. Although weather forecasting has improved over the years, the intensity of a winter storm can be difficult to predict. Within hours heavy snow and ice can leave streets nearly impassable and downed utility lines can cause power outages. In these hazardous conditions there are often many auto accidents and homeowners can have problems with roofs and frozen pipes.

The winter months produce more traffic accidents than all of the other months of the year combined and storms this time of year are the third largest cause of catastrophe losses, behind only hurricanes and tornadoes. Whenever severe weather occurs, insurers are prepared to work with consumers to minimize the inconveniences and help make the claims process go as smoothly as possible. Insurers encourage property owners to report their claims as soon as possible to begin the recovery process. If there is damage make temporary repairs and keep receipts, as those costs may be reimbursed under your policy.

PCI offers consumers the following tips for winter storms:

Winter Driving Tips

Hazardous road conditions make it even more important to take safety precautions and drive defensively.

Winterize your car by checking your antifreeze, battery, tires and windshield wiper fluid. Make sure your headlights, taillights and emergency flashers are working.

Prepare an emergency travel kit with items such as blankets, jumper cables, a shovel, a flashlight, salt, flares and other emergency supplies. A toolkit, bottled water and snack food are also useful items to include.

Keep at least half of a tank of gas in your car at all times.

Slow down and keep extra distance between your car and other vehicles.

Cold Weather Homeowners Tips

Frozen water pipes represent the biggest potential problem for most homes. A little advance planning will usually prevent frozen pipes.

Insulate pipes, especially those leading to the outside, and plug holes around the pipes with insulation or spray-in foam. Make sure there is warm air flowing around pipes that are located near an outside wall. Check pipes under sinks to make sure they will get adequate heat.

Set the heat in the home warm enough to avoid problems. At night, the heating system needs to circulate water through radiator and baseboard heating units to avoid freezing.

Make sure there is clear access to the main water shut-off valve in case there is a leak or a pipe suddenly bursts.

Open the water faucets in your sinks enough to allow a slow trickle of water to maintain the flow of water in the lines and help prevent freezing. Make sure your sink drains are open.

More information is available at PCI?s Web site: http://www.pciaa.net/web/sitehome.nsf/lcpublic/686?opendocument

PCI is composed of more than 1,000 member companies, representing the broadest cross-section of insurers of any national trade association. PCI members write over $ 180 billion in annual premium, 38.3 percent of the nation?s property casualty insurance. Member companies write 44.3 percent of the U.S. automobile insurance market, 31.6 percent of the homeowners market, 36.3 percent of the commercial property and liability market, and 42.6 percent of the private workers compensation market.

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Dobango, Inc., a social gaming company, today announced ?10-For-Love? Valentine?s Day prizes free to all players. The company will offer 10 free prizes from 10 national chains all with a Valentine?s Day theme.

Players compete for prizes by playing play2Win, the Dobango gaming suite. The prizes and the games are available on Dobango?s Facebook page, its iPhone app, and at its web site, http://www.dobango.com.

?The ?10-For-Love? prizes program catches the excitement of the Valentine?s Day retail season,” said John Flood, vice president of business development at Dobango. ?We?re the only company on the Web offering free Valentine’s prizes like gourmet chocolate, gift cards for restaurants, flowers, and music,? Flood said. ?Ten-For-Love winners redeem their prizes in any region of the country.?

Dobango is the only social gaming company that offers rewards and prizes with the power of mobile, Facebook and the Web with fun, casual games. Players select a prize and play, like, share and challenge friends. In addition to its national offers, Dobango offers prizes from local restaurants, coffee shops, auto repair shops and health care practitioners.

Dobango launched its 30-second play2Win gaming platform in 2011. The company has added more than 200 retail establishments and restaurants including the Gordon Biersch Brewing Company of San Jose, Calif., and BlueLight Cinemas in Cupertino, Calif.

Android and iPad versions are in development. The Facebook application can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/dobango.

The ?10-For-Love? programs starts at midnight Feb.1, EST and ends at midnight Feb. 14, EST.

About Dobango, Inc.

Dobango is a social gaming company that makes it fun for customers to connect with business. The company has a suite of arcade-style games on the Web, Facebook and mobile devices. Dobango also provides OEM opportunities for companies looking to extend their offerings to mobile and social platforms. Dobango is privately held and is based in Sunnyvale, Calif. For more information, call (800) 479-0127, or go to http://www.dobango.com.

Media Contact:

John Flood

Dobango, Inc.

1250 Oakmead Pkw, Suite 210,

Sunnyvale, CA 94085

(562) 447-4939

johnf(at)dobango(dot)com

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Last week 3 CAD Software products were showcased at the CADavenue AHR EXPO booth. The 2012 AHR EXPO continues to be the largest HVAC trade shows in the world.

With over 50,000 visitors from all 50 states and over 120 countries the show provides a way for leading software companies like CADavenue to show their latest innovations.

The following coupon code: ahrexpo-100off, was distributed at the show to promote CADavenue’s top Engineering Software products at the AHR EXPO. These included Mech-Q, AViCAD and Plate ‘n’ Sheet which were exhibited to trade show attendees from all over the world.

Victor Abela, CADavenue’s President, said ?Initially we were very excited to reach out to new HVAC companies who would be seeing our new products for the first time. But I must admit we we did not understand the enormity of the trade show and how many visitors would eventually find our booth. In fact over a thousand of our demo CD’s we distributed first day of show.?

The U.S. based CAD engineering software company showcases complete programs and Add-ons for various applications such as AutoCAD? and IntelliCAD. Recently CADavenue announced AViCAD, a new Alternative for engineers using either AutoCAD? and AutoCAD? LT.

?Last week at AHR our AViCAD product was extremely well received by many existing AutoCAD? users at the show. They we really excited to see an affordable and viable alternative to AutoCAD? that includes a built-in engineering suite? Victor explained.

Victor continues “the AHR show confirmed to us that CAD users just don’t have the time and resources for training like they used to. AViCAD offers a refreshingly simple to use dialog interface that get the job done very efficiently. It’s meant to provide users a straightforward and easy approach to drafting and design.”

More about the Promotion:

From January 23rd through the Feb 28th, 2012, the AHR CADavenue coupon can be redeemed by entering use ahrexpo-100off at checkout. The promotion is available to all CAD users worldwide and AHR attendance is not required.

Download trials of CADavenue’s Engineering Software products are also available it is to create 2D and 3D mechanical drawings.

More About CADavenue:

CADavenue is a CAD software company that provides simple solutions for small and large firms worldwide. They specialize in low cost mechanical engineering software for AutoCAD, IntelliCAD and AViCAD. Industry specific utilities offered include: Piping, Ducting, Steel Beams and Mechanical tools.

For more information visit their website at http://www.cadavenue.com. For video demonstrations, please visit http://www.cadavenue.com/videos.

CADavenue is located in Bend, Oregon USA and is open for tech support and sales questions between 8-5 M-F PST.

Erik Zetterberg

Tel: (888) 271-7121,

sales(at)cadavenue(dot)com

In Europe contact: sales(at)asvic(dot)eu

In Australia/Int’l contact: sales(at)asic(dot)com(dot)au

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