When it comes to cars, Americans in particular practice extreme brand loyalty. Those who are financially successful often want a car befitting their success; a brand that reflects their appreciation for the finer things in life. When it comes to luxury cars such as this, nothing comes close to the BMW Car.

The BMW car had its beginnings in Munich, Germany in the year 1913. The Bavarian Motors Works company (BMW) was the brainchild of Karl Friedrich Rapp who wanted to build a solid, luxury vehicle that was unsurpassed in performance. As each year passed, the BMW experienced a bevy of design changes; but the principles fundamental to the company’s reputation remained the same –superlative craftsmanship and high quality materials.

Thought of in the same class as such fine vehicles as Mercedes Benz, Porsche, and Jaguar, the BMW car speaks volumes about luxury, elegance, and comfort. It’s no wonder that its place in the industry has lasted nearly 95 years. The modern BMW car continues to project the same high-quality image and, even today, nearly a century after its inception, BMW continues to be the pinnacle of car ownership for many people.

But the BMW car is not exclusive to those with limitless budgets; with a number of designs on the market at varying prices, owning a BMW car is well within the realm of possibility for many buyers.

Today’s BMW car offers a full line of vehicles that vary in features and price – everything from the compact I series and the classic 3 series, to the luxurious 5, 6, and 7 series. The modern BMW design has even been incorporated into an SUV model – bringing convenience and comfort along with the luxury and elegance BMW customers have comes to expect.

There are some things that never go out of style. The BMW car has a classic quality that transcends time; chances are that even far off in the future the BMW car will still be one of the most desired vehicles on the road.

The helmet is probably the only thing that can save the person who is involved in an accident. This is because the outer shell is made of strong material that can probably withstand the impact of a collision.

When people buy a helmet, putting it on the head won’t keep it from coming off if the biker stops suddenly or goes too fast. The only way this can be prevented is having the right lock securing the straps from one end to the other.

The right helmet lock should be the kind that has two rings that fasten together. This is because snap fasteners have a tendency to come off during an accident.

If the dealer doesn’t have a helmet that can fit the size of the owner’s head, the one the person got should be brought to a decal dealer so the original locking mechanism can be replaced.

Once this has been changed, it will be a good idea to wear it on for the next 30 to 45 minutes. The individual should shake the head from one side to the next or look up then down to make sure it won’t come off and is securely fastened.

If everything is ok, the bike owner can already leave the store and enjoy driving down the open road.

The right lock for the motorcycle helmet may come in black, blue or any other color that the customer wants. This will usually sell for about four to six dollars a piece that can also be purchased online for almost the same price.

People who know how to put on the lock after purchasing the item online can do the changes at home. Those who don’t can ask a friend or family who are familiar with motorcycle helmet straps for help.

The person must remember to change the motorcycle lock after a few months or a year since this is prone to wear and tear. The same thing goes for the helmet that should be changed every 5 years.

The motorcycle helmet is the only thing that can protect a person who is involved in a motorcycle accident. This may not protect the other bones in the body but this can surely protect the owner’s head. It is essential then to get the right kind of lock for the helmet because this could mean save the individual from serious brain injury or death.

Insurance—it’s everywhere. One can insure just about anything. Are tires an investment one needs to insure? Tire insurance, also called a road hazard policy, road hazard warranty, or tire reimbursement plan, is a rapidly growing industry in the automotive world.

Tire warranty plans pay in full or in part for the replacement or repair of damaged tires and/or rims from “road hazards.” Road hazards are defined as pot holes, debris, nails, wood, and other hazards found in the road. Curbs, sidewalks, and stone walls are not road hazards. This is an important distinction to consider when deciding if tire insurance is right for you (discussed further ahead).

Tire plans last for a specific period of time and tire wear tread-depth. Some plans last 2-3 years. Others can last 5 years or 60,000 miles. Several plans come with fixed amounts of coverage: $500 per year up to 4 years. Many contracts require three years of law school to comprehend. In terms of tread depth, a tire is usually considered worn out (and thus the plan null and void) at 2/32 to 3/32 of an inch.

Another important distinction is in the type of plan.

Tire reimbursement plans are just what they say. You, the plan holder, will be reimbursed after the claims process is finalized—usually 2-8 weeks. There is an out-of-pocket expense. These plans are often sold by new car dealerships. The prices can range from $300 to $600 dollars.

Road hazard policies operate similarly to reimbursement plans. However, some tire insurance providers, in partnership with the repair facility, may have a direct-pay relationship. Thus, there would be no out-of-pocket expense, except for applicable deductibles, and items not covered in part or in full. These plans are primarily sold by tire dealers and repairshops. The prices range from $10 to $30 per tire. They also can be based on a percentage of the cost of the tire: usually 12% to 15%.

Both types of plans have a number of variables, requiring a magnifying glass to read the fine print. Also, many are pro-rated warranties, covering only a percentage of the cost of the tire based on its wear.

Claims and Coverage: Depending on the plan, claims are initiated by the repair shop. The process is fairly smooth, although there can be a significant delay from the provider for authorization. This delay may be an hour or an entire weekend. This means that you’ll have to “ok” the tire replacement, and then hope it’s authorized for the full amount, or drive on your spare.

Some plans offer national coverage either among their service facilities or from other repair centers. Claims procedures will vary. Others only provide local coverage, or coverage at the selling facility.

Limitations: Tire insurance does not mean that everything is covered. Pro-rated warranties are based on the wear and tear of the tire. You may get 75%, 50%, or only 10% coverage depending on the tread-depth. You’ll pay the remainder. While there are plans that offer full coverage, even these have limitations, or they may conflict with a repair shop’s policies.

For example, many plans allow for a maximum of $30 to mount and balance one tire, and a maximum of $15 to repair a tire. However, sport tires often have significantly higher mounting and balancing fees—upwards of $50 per tire—and tire repair prices can exceed $90. There are also discrepancies on the tire and rim prices themselves, which in the end, may have to be supplemented by the service customer.

Although there usually is not an issue with the latter given the competitive market, the service center’s price mark up may be unacceptable to the plan provider. In this case, the service center needs to lower the price or you, the service customer, need to pay the difference—or go somewhere else. This does happen!

Rim Prices and Repairs: Rim replacement is becoming less frequent. With the high cost of aluminum wheels and sport wheel packages, tire insurers have opted to have them repaired. Repair will only be done if the rim does not hold air. What this means is that even if the rim is warped—enough to cause a vibration and even premature tire wear—they won’t replace it. Rather, they will send it out to be straightened and repaired.

Rims are replaced only if the damage is so extensive that the new tire, when mounted on the rim, won’t hold air. However, even in this case, especially if it’s an expensive sport wheel, they may still attempt to repair it.

Repairing rims is a bad option. While some rim repair is acceptable, badly warped or damaged rims will in no way ever be the same.

Alignments: If a car hits a road hazard hard enough, such as a pot hole, it’s wise to have the alignment checked. Road hazard policies and tire reimbursement plans do not cover alignments. The service customer will have to pay for this procedure.

Road Hazard Protection Positives: Some plans include tire rotations, wheel balancing, and nationwide coverage.

Myths:

1) “Can I pop all 4 tires and get a new set of tires?”

You can try. But this type of claim will trigger a number of red flags with the insurer. The policy holder will likely send out adjusters and/or require photographs. You will also have a difficult time explaining how a “road hazard” caused all 4 tire pop.

2) “New tires come with a road hazard warranty.”

New tires do come with a warranty by the tire manufacturer. However, it only covers defects in workmanship. New tire warranties do not cover punctures or damages from external sources. This is why “road hazard” protection is being pushed.

New tires are rarely defective. If there is a problem, it’s usually noticed when balancing the tire. Or, there is a drivability concern such as vibration or noise. If there’s a defect it’s generally caught right away, and the tire swapped out.

3) “It’s so cheap; it’s a no-brainer, right?”

Actually, the experts don’t agree with this statement.

The Economics of Tire Warranties: An article from the Washington Post by Terence O’Hara explains the economics of extended warranties and purchase protection plans in general. It is quite fitting for road hazard warranties. He writes:

“The decision to buy an extended warranty…defies the recommendations of economists, consumer advocates and product quality experts, who all warn that the plans rarely benefit consumers and are nearly always a waste of money.

‘[Extended warranties or purchase protection plans] make no rational sense,’ Harvard economist David Cutler said. ‘The implied probability [of having an issue with the product] has to be substantially greater than the risk that you can’t afford to fix it or replace it. If you’re buying a $400 item, for the overwhelming number of consumers that level of spending is not a risk you need to insure under any circumstances.’”

In short, road hazard warranties are a waste of money. Don’t insure that which you can afford to replace.

Numbers Game and Slim Chances: Like all insurance, tire insurance plans are a numbers game. However, this is a game you have a 98% chance of losing. Insider statistics show that the percentage of claims paid out by providers is as low a 2%.

Curbs: Another interesting note is that a lot of tire damage is caused by curbs. Curb damage is not covered under most road hazard policies. High granite curbs with sharp edges slice through tens of thousands of tires per year.

You Won’t Notice: Many people don’t even notice tire damage. Other than to see if the tires are holding air, who “really” looks at tires? Tires are subject to a whole host of external influences which cause bubbles, slices and gouges.

Despite the potential dangers of damaged tires, the damage very often does not translate into any noticeable drivability issue. The point is that if you don’t notice any tire damage you can’t benefit from the coverage.

Research Shows: Those raving about the benefits of a road hazard policy are the actual folks in the industry who stand to benefit from the sale. They’ll argue that it’s so cheap—only $10 to $20 per tire. Even so, for four tires, that’s $80 based on the “possibility,” the “chance,” of damaging a tire that meets the repair/replacement requirement protocols.

Auto Insurance: If a rim and tire has incurred significant damage, it’s quite likely that other problems have resulted as well. The first is that the vehicle may have been jarred out of alignment. Secondly, hub bearings, front end components: tie rods, spindles, ball joints, and a variety of other components may have sustained damage. In this case, auto insurance, which you are already paying for, will pay for everything—brand new.

Free Road Hazard Warranties: Many tires come with road hazard warranties FREE. In other words, in an effort to secure retailers, many tire distributors provide service centers FREE road hazard insurance. Some shops pass this on to their tire customers, others sell them. Ask if the tire “comes” with a road hazard protection policy. If not, request that one be provided at no additional charge. It’s worth a shot.

Also, some car manufacturers provide road hazard warranties FREE of charge for 12 months or 12,000 miles. If you’re buying a new car or even used, ask that the dealer provide a complimentary road hazard policy (after all the wheeling and dealing is done, of course), and just before you commit.

“What’s the best road hazard policy?” Money in “your” bank account.

Different states in the US follow different motorcycle helmet laws that cater to their own residents and constituents. Motorcycle helmet law has been instituted to provide safety and protection to motorcycle riders from different states.

But the helmet law being followed in one state may not be the same as those followed in another. There are even other states that do not have their own laws governing the proper use of motorcycle helmets. There are currently 4 states that do not have their own motorcycle helmet law.

These are Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire. Of the other 46 states, 20 of them follow full helmet law for all riders in their territory to follow. They are Alabama, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia. But each of these states’ motorcycle helmet laws may have differing definitions on what constitutes a safety helmet.

In the other remaining states, 19 have helmet laws that exempt adult riders. These are usually those riders who are 18 years old and over. These are the states of Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

There are seven states that require adult bikers at the ages of 18 and 20 to still wear helmets while riding their motorcycles. These states are Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Texas.

It is on these states that some bikers think that they are being discriminated upon because of the requirement for riders between 18 and 20 years old. But some motorcycle riders just would want to rid themselves of having to don their helmets while riding their motorcycles. But these riders should realize that helmets are there for their safety and protection.

Many motorcycle accidents have lessened rider mortalities, thanks to the protection offered by motorcycle helmets. DOT approved motorcycle helmets can help protect your head, most especially your brain from life threatening injuries in case of accidents. Your head is one of the most important parts of your body to protect while on a motorcycle because it houses the fragile brain.

Although your skull protects it, sudden jolts and stops can easily injure it. Such injuries can make your brain to swell due to internal bleeding and inflammation. And when it swells, it would not have enough space inside the skull for the extra volume and will bring more damage to some other very vital regions like the eyes.

Motorcycle helmet is used as a protective gear for the head to avoid severe injuries brought about by accidents. In some countries, wearing helmet is comparable to wearing seatbelts, regulated as part of the street ordinances as general safety measure. But of course, any promulgation imposed is debatable and others would drop the matter in every philosophical manner they can give reason against its use.

Looking at the physical make-up of motorcycles will not guarantee pure salvation in every imaginable trauma. When used, it can only lessen the severity. To have an understanding on its function it is important to know how fatal head injuries can disable a person in one incident. When it comes to serious matters like heavy impact, a helmet is nothing. The most important thing about skull fractures is to avoid the fragments from embedding the sensitive tissues of the brain, until then, most head injuries are not as fatal as expected. Basically, a full-blown impact on head can lead to permanent malfunctioning of the body system.

Another kind of fatal head injury caused by motorcycle accident is when the brain is stirred while there is no open wound in the head. In this case the brain bumps the side of the skull leading to small yet deadly movements and rotation enough to cause internal bleeding inside. The use of properly designed motorcycle helmet can help absorb the shock in the head after it sinks to its protective cushions. It must not be too soft to let the head crush through its hard interior walls at once. After that, the hard plastic will yield without control. Helmet design considerations are all about the tolerable impact the head can handle, which the soft linings provide as protection, and the exterior protection from punctures.

Types of motorcycle helmets for effective use come in different appearance:

FULL FACE - Covers the full area of the back of the head, chin but has a shield made of plastic in the eye area for visibility. It is usually ventilated though some still consider it warmer and lacking flow of air inside. It tends to isolate a rider and restrain hearing because of full head coverage.

OPEN FACE - Almost the same as the full face design except it has no chin cover, which means it has low protection for the face. It has a plastic shield open to particles during a ride. It can cause injuries out of trapped small debris caught on speed. Thus, it is advisable to wear riding goggles as additional protection for the eyes.

Motorcycle helmet may not give ultimate protection but it saved a lot of lives during minor injuries.

A help to millions of drivers, burdended by overbearing car insurance costs is on the horizon, and could be a reality very soon.

Pay-as-you-drive car insurance, a idea that allows motorists to purchase coverage on a per-mile basis, is getting lots of attention as one answer to rising gas prices and growing commuter traffic.

With the pay-as-you-drive concept, insurers will factor in such criteria as your driving history, vehicle type and geographic into a per-mile price, which will range between 2 cents and 10 cents a mile. Your mileage readings will be recorded with onboard sensors in cars or odometer readings.

People in favor of the plan say that if drivers could save on premiums by reducing distances driven, instead of paying a large annual or semiannual policy charge, whether the miles are driven or not, drivers would probably take fewer trips, or more likely use other means of transportation.

Several findings have determined the idea could reduce overall driving by around 10 percent.

Says Dean Baker, director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, in Washington, D.C., “It’s almost a no-brainer when you look at reducing gasoline use and conserving oil.”

The state of New Jersey has never looked into a “pay-as-your go” car insurance premium idea, even though it boasts the country’s highest average car insurance rates.

In the year 2003, the average person in New Jersey paid $1,188 a year for their car insurance premium, a whopping 44 percent above the average in the U.S. In that same year, state legislators passed a law that partially deregulated the New Jersey’s auto insurance market, which had, at that time, a reputation for excessive bureaucracy in the car insurance industry.

Study findings at the Georgia Institute of Technology found that 27 of 43 states would be legally permitted to offer pay-as-you-drive insurance. Those states included Alabama, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon and Pennsylvania. In other states, the study found that state laws would need to be revamped to allow pay-as you-drive insurance.

The automobile industry is seeing the sales of extended warranties jump as consumers become increasingly more aware of the need to protect their investments as they hold on to cars longer.

“I plan to give this car to my son in a few years when he is old enough to drive, so I need to make sure I keep it running,” Joseph Melillo, 36, Island Heights, NJ explains. “This is the first time I ever bought an extended warranty,” he continues holding an extended warranty for his Mercury Mountaineer.

Melillo, like many other consumers is moving away from the mindset that he does not plan to own the car long enough to need the extended warranty. “Car owners are realizing that they can’t predict how long they will actually own their vehicles and they are also realizing that extended warranties more than pay for themselves,” Richard Reynolds, GM, Griffin Ford explains.

“The reality is if you need only one or two repairs over the course of the life of your vehicle, the warranty pays for itself. Add in the fact that the warranty adds to the resale value and it has become a no brainer for many car owners,” Reynolds states.

With new and used car prices skyrocketing and being owned well beyond the expiration of the original warranty, consumers are looking to protect their investments. “I blew by my mileage allotment in ½ the years the warranty was for,” Melillo offers as explanation to purchasing an extended warranty.

Many car companies like Ford, Mercury and Lincoln have extended warranty programs that include the ability to have the vehicle serviced in any dealership in the country which puts domestic travelers at ease. “Ford, Lincoln and Mercury owners have the peace of mind that comes with having a warranty that is good anywhere they go in the country,” Reynolds states.

With consumers showing concern for longevity and protecting their investments in cars, homes and other big ticket items, the warranty and insurance industries are seeing an increase in sales. Retailers with a presence online are finding the biggest increase in sales, including Ford, Lincoln and Mercury extended warranty retailers like Griffin Ford. [PRWEB]