#and my boss takes up like 1.5 parking spots

[shadow-dancing]

Guitar Man (Taeil)

Listen: Guitar Man ; Every time I’m With You ; New Kid in Town

Genre: white collar worker!Taeil, guitarist!Taeil, some angst, moonlighting Words: 2, 217 

It was another crowded night at Pandora's Box, the pub in town that your uncle owned. Lately there has been a guitar playing man who was drawing in hoards of people to visit, & your uncle couldn't be happier by the boom in business. You weren't into pubs or bars—the stale air & smell of booze was a big turn off for your sensitive sense of smell, & the songs that usually blared at a billion decibels were not your cup of tea. Your uncle was singing this guitar man praises every night when he came home from work, & it was driving you slightly mad.

Your friend, Taeyong, was absolutely floored that you have never heard this person live when your uncle literally ran the place. "Come on, Y/N, the guy's great! Just go listen once, trust me."

You gave in after 3 weeks, & visited the establishment on a Monday night where you hoped the crowds would be less compared to the weekends. The pub air hit your nostrils like a sucker punch & you silently gagged as you made your way to the bar. You recognized the bartender, it was Johnny, the gentle giant whom you've known since your uncle opened the place about 3 years ago.

"Hey Y/N! What're you doing here?" Johnny asked with a wave. He was aware you were not a big fan of pubs.

"Came to see the newest sensation, of course," you smiled wryly, sitting gingerly on the bar stool.

"Ah, Taeil. He's great, the bars been busier than Times Square on New Year's Eve these past weeks. I think boss is considering hiring him permanently," Johnny nodded. "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

"I'll get Kun to make some fish & chips for you."

Soon you were tucking into your fish & chips with some iced Ribena. It was starting to get really crowded, & Johnny eventually got busy enough that he was making 3 drinks at the same time. You were tempted to leave; the amount of people in the relatively large space was probably over the maximum capacity at this point, & people had to jostle their ways around trying to find seats. At 7:45 the band that was playing stopped, said their thanks, & got off the stage. A relatively short young man, clad in a striped shirt under an oversized denim jacket & his dark hair side swept, took their place, a black guitar case slung over his shoulder & a bottle of water in hand. The crowd started murmuring excitedly, which gave you all you needed to know—this young man was Taeil. You were startled by his appearance when he turned around—he was wearing a white half mask to cover the upper half of his face.

Taeil adjusted the mic to fit his smaller stature, & perched on the stool that had been brought out for him. You watched as he produced an acoustic guitar from the case, & tuned it. He cleared his throat, took a quick sip of water, cleared his throat once more, & leaned into the mic a little.

"Good evening everyone—"

The crowd interrupted him with hoots & cheers. You rolled your eyes. Let the man speak, dammit.

Taeil smiled politely as the cheers died down. "I hope you all enjoy yourselves tonight."

You pushed aside your empty plate, sipping your drink. A hush fell over the crowd as Taeil started playing.

"Are we going insane? Do we need to explain? I feel like we know it."

Your heart leaped. Taeyong & Johnny were wrong—he wasn't just good, he was damn good. The crowd slowed their activities, their eyes trained on him as he sang. The kitchen grew quieter as Johnny & Kun paused a moment to listen.

"I could lose it all it won't be daunting Somehow I don't think I'd even care Cuz every time I'm with you I feel wanted We could make believers if we dared"

As he finished the song, the people sighed; some wiped their tears & kissed their significant others, while others wallowed in loneliness. Taeil realized the mixed reaction & wanted to stammer an apology, but the crowd burst into applause & screamed for another song. He took a swig of water & started on the next song.

"Baby I don't know why, but somehow I always seem to get tangled up in my pride"

Taeil's set ended at 9.30, much to the dismay of the crowd. He waved shyly as he hopped off the stage & disappeared through a back door. Johnny & Kun resumed their work. & you gulped down the rest of your drink. Taeil's set was over, there no longer was a reason to hang around. As you lay in bed later that night, your heart was still pounding, the sweet vocals resonating in you ears.

You found yourself at the pub after work the next day. Johnny looked up as you approached, & you knew he could tell you couldn't get enough of Taeil. At the same time as yesterday, Taeil took the stage at 7:45, & today he asked the band to accompany him as he played a rendition of Got My Mind Set On You, Oh Pretty Woman, & Part Time Lover.

"Okay break time everyone! I need to hydrate!" Taeil laughed, leaving the mic.

He squeezed past his adoring fans & made it to the bar, where he asked for some lemon tea. Johnny handed it to him, & he downed it pretty fast, almost choking on the ice.

"You okay?" You asked, offering some serviettes.

"Yeah, fine. Forgot my bottle," Taeil reassured. He flashed you a smile, before heading off to the stage again.

--------------------------------------------------------

Taeil scrubbed a hand over his eyes as the sun started to hang low. Work was exhausting as always, & he was more than ready to just up & leave the place. He glanced at his watch—4:55PM. 5 more minutes & he could clock out. He looked around to see what his colleagues were up to; Jungwoo was yawning widely as he typed away at his laptop, Yuta was scrawling away busily on some paper, probably doodling, & Jaehyun had his earphones plugged in—Taeil could make out some TV drama playing on Jaehyun's Netflix account. Taeil exhaled, glancing at his watch again.

Another 2 minutes to freedom.

He pushed his papers aside, pulling out a binder full of guitar chords from his bag. He flipped through the sheets to find a song to play at the pub. Are You Lonesome Tonight seemed good for a first song, maybe for the second song he could play��

"Aw yes! Finally time to leave this place!" Yuta announced loudly, standing up to stretch his arms.

"Not so loud! Do you want the boss to hear?" Taeil hissed, putting a finger to his lips.

"He left like 45 minutes ago," Jungwoo pointed out, shutting off his laptop.

"What? Really?" Jaehyun asked, taking his earphones out.

"Seriously? I thought you were watching that stupid TV drama because you knew he was gone!" Jungwoo exclaimed.

"No, I watched it because I don't want to do work. Tomorrow's a holiday for heaven's sakes why are we even here when we could've taken the day off."

"Oh whatever let's just get out of here," Yuta grumbled, packing up. "The pool table at Daydream is calling my name."

"Taeil, you joining us for pool?" Jungwoo asked. "Yuta is gonna go up against Doyoung later."

"No it's fine, I have something to do tonight. I'll see you all tomorrow, bye," Taeil said as he walked out the door.

He quickly got into his car, & drove home for a quick rinse. He found a clean shirt & threw on a black jacket & was out the door again with his guitar in hand. He was glad the owner of Pandora's Box let him play; he was tired of the tedious routine of his work days, & playing for the crowd for 1.5 hours was the one thing he looked forward to everyday, even if it meant he had to take a 2 hour drive to the pub. He had chanced upon the pub after the previous place he used to frequent got shut down due to poor business. He didn't even realize the crowds got less, as he was so focused on his playing.

Traffic was lighter than usual today, to which Taeil chalked up to being related to tomorrow being a public holiday, & most probably took the day off to make it a long weekend. He parked in his usual spot, & entered the front discreetly. It was pretty early, so there were only a handful of people inside. Johnny, the bartender, looked up as Taeil approached.

"Hey man, you're early today," he noted.

"Yeah, traffic was good. Can I get some water?"

Johnny slid him a glass of water.

"Is that musician gonna play tonight?"

Taeil almost choked on his water as he accidentally eavesdropped on the conversation of the fellas at the table behind him.

"I should think so."

"Tsk. What's so great about him? He just sings songs & strums his guitar. Anyone can do it!"

"Uh, I mean, not everyone has the—"

"Pass me a guitar & I could sing as good as him."

"Can you even play guitar."

"Does it matter?"

"Yes it does, you nitwit."

Taeil was mildly amused by the exchange, but also by the fact they thought they might like to take his place. In no way did he believe he was superior over them, but being a musician wasn't as easy as prancing on the stage with a guitar.

He wowed the crowd as always that night, and at 9.25 he looked at his binder stuffed with sheet music. What shall his final song be?

You watched intently form your seat, Taeyong cheering next to you; Taeil was absolutely glowing tonight, & everyone was all ears. He sang Elvis, & even played Piano Man by Billy Joel. You noticed the crowd seemed to be a little thin today, yet it didn't faze Taeil. He adjusted his mask, & picked up his guitar. A familiar set of chords filled your ears, & you inhale deeply.

"There's talk on the street it sounds so familiar. Great expectations, everybody's watching you."

You bit your lip slightly. What could Taeil possibly mean by playing this song? Was it just a song for tonight or did he have some intention to sing it?

"Johnny come lately The new kid in town Everybody loves you So don't let them down"

The rest of the crowd did not seem to be worried by the song. After all, why should they? The guitar man was simply here to serenade them with his angelic vocals to help them forget about life for a while. You take a swig of your Ribena. You were probably just overthinking things. After all, this song was about fleeting romance. You glanced at Taeyong briefly, & he catches your eye. He smiles, & you feel your heart skip a beat.

"There's talk on the street, it's there to remind you Doesn't really matter which side you're on You're walking away, and they're talking behind you They will never forget you 'til somebody new comes along"

As the pub emptied for closing, Taeil sat at the bar with a glass of water. Johnny was mopping up the beer some patron had spilled all over the floor, grumbling about how uncouth some people can get. Kun was singing softly in the kitchen as he washed up the dirty dishes in the sink, while his kitchen assistants cleaned the stoves & countertops. Taeil thumbed the rim of his glass, suddenly tired. Boy was he glad tomorrow was a holiday cuz he intended to sleep in late.

"You did well today, Taeil," the bar owner said as he rearranged the tables & chairs.

"Thank you, sir."

"Is something wrong?"

"Not at all, sir, just tired," Taeil admitted.

"Not surprised, you did go all out tonight," the owner nodded. "If you're too tired to make the drive home I think Johnny can let you stay in his place, can you Johnny?"

Johnny gave a thumbs up.

"Nah, I think I'll be fine."

The lightbulb above Taeil flickered. The bar owner frowned at it, muttering he should get a replacement bulb for that. Taeil stayed until the owner had to escort his employees out. Sitting in the driver seat of his car, Taeil watched as the lights went out before starting his car. 

It was time to leave. 

--------------------------------------------------------

"Is the Guitar Man coming back?"

"I don't know, maybe."

"I hope he does. He was fantastic."

Johnny looked up. The crowds were less now that Taeil hasn't returned to play for the past 5 days. The boss had called Taeil out of concern 3 days ago, lord knows what could've happened that night that he insisted on driving back despite his tiredness, & Taeil answered that he’s gone elsewhere to play. The boss was disappointed, but understood that sensations tend to fade out after their 15 minutes of fame. 

Johnny returned to his chores; he too had been disappointed to hear Taeil left to go elsewhere to sing. Maybe one day the guitar man would return. 

[jensincometeam]

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[justkpopstuffinmyhead]

Yongguk - Dangerously Innocent ♥ [Part 9]

Member: B.A.P’s Bang Yongguk

Pairing: MafiaLeader!Yongguk &  You

Genre: Writing this made me sad.

Warnings: Swearing, Blood, Shooting and other Mafia stuff.

Words: 1,775

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Epilogue.

Over the next three months you spend considerably less time with Yongguk. After about 1.5 weeks your bruises have faded enough for you to be able to cover them up with make up so you can actually leave the mansion and go to work. When you arrived there your boss called you in and immediately noticed your unusually heavy makeup. “Y/N is everything okay?” You were so close to breaking down and telling her everything. At that point you hadn’t seen Yongguk in 3 days and the only person you actually could speak to other than him was Himchan. “Yeah I’m fine” You responded instead but it was obvious to you that she wasn’t buying it. “Please come and talk to me if something is wrong. To be honest – and I know that it is none of my business – but while you boyfriend really seems nice, he is also quite intimidating. Please be careful and know that I always have a place for you to stay at.” She explained and you felt tears sting in your eyes.  Most of your friend moved away to find new, better jobs and they left your behind. You struggled to become friends with you colleagues since they preferred to go out to drink and party on a Friday night while you usually just wanted to curl up in bed and read a book, maybe check out tumblr or watch some YouTube videos.  Knowing that she would be behind you made you feel safer. “Thank you. I will remember.”

You left the office and started your workday. When it was time for you to leave, you were picked up by Youngjae. “Where’s Yongguk?” Was the first thing you asked. “Hello to you too. He’s not here. He’s back at the mansion” You nodded and sat down in the back of the truck. When you arrived at the mansion you started looking for Yongguk but you were stopped by the guards. This is how it continued for the next weeks. And when you actually saw him his responses were single worded and cold. You understood that he had a lot to take care of but since he basically locked you up inside your room – since he came back to his room late every night he asked you to sleep in your own room – without anything to do. Every night you woke up from the nightmares but you figured out how to deal with them.  You dealt with everything. The loneliness. His coldness. But today everything got too much.  When he walks past you in the corridor – you are on your way to the kitchen, one of the few places you had people to talk to – and ignores you, you stop walking and turn around to look at him.  “Is this really how you plan on treating me? Cause if you do, you can go and fuck yourself!”You scream at him, making him turn around to you. “Can we talk about this later, Y/N? I really don`t have time to talk to you right now.”  His features show annoyance and this just makes you even angrier “You haven’t had time to talk to me in 2 months!” He turns to Zelo and Daehyun and signals them to leave so he can talk to you in private. They turn around and walk past you, looking at you with confusion and pity. “Y/N you know that I’ve been busy recently because of the other gangs. They are trying to attack me through you and I’ve been trying to fix this.” He steps closer carefully. “I seriously don’t care anymore at this point! It’s been almost months since we had a real conversation. You lock me up in here and don’t even talk to me anymore. I seriously can’t do this anymore. This makes me sick!” You scream. You had started doubting your relationship with Yongguk about a month ago. The first month he would at least go to bed with you and you had amazing sex. While he was with you, he would touch you constantly and show everyone how much he cherished you. A few days into the second month he got busier. He barely spoke to you. He didn’t touch you. He wouldn’t go to bed with you. Self consciousness started to bubble in your head and an ugly voice started telling you lies – and after a while you started to believe them. The voice told you that Yongguk got bored of you. That he doesn’t want you to stay in his room because he had other women over. Women with long, thick hair and slender bodies. With curves in all the right places. Yongguk steps closer to you, his face now soft. “Y/N. I want to spend time with you. I really do. I hate every day I am not able to do so. But I need to solve this first. . ” His dumb excuses make you sick and you step back. “It pains me to say this but I can’t believe you. I want to but I can’t anymore. ”He looks at you in surprise. It seems like he didn’t think that this situation is so serious. “Y/N. Please calm down. We can talk about this.”He says and is suddenly in front of you, your wrists in one of his hands. “No Yongguk. I tried to talk to you for the past two months. It’s too late” You try to free your wrists from him. ”I will leave today.” You say full of confidence. You usually never put yourself first. You always chose to ignore your feeling (And your sanity) if it would make everything easier for other people. But this situation has put a lot of strain on you and has seriously damaged your self confidence. It made you believe that you are not enough for the person you love. “You can’t leave now. It’s too dangerous.” His grip on your wrists tightens and you yelp in pain, making him let go of them. “I will leave. Today actually. Please don’t follow me. Just forget about me. ”You step back and take a deep breath.  “Y/N please. Don’t” His deep voice is only a whisper. He knows that he lost you. That he stepped over the line the last few weeks. He realizes that it’s too late to take a step back now and that forcing you to stay will only make you hate him more and ruin the small chance he has to get you back. You walk past him to you room, fill your suitcase with the things you brought here just a few months ago. Yongguk watches you silently from the doorframe. “Youngjae will bring you back to your flat.” Are the first words that break the silence. “I won`t be staying at my flat for now.” You spoke to your boss this morning and explained the situation. She told you that you could stay with her for a while. “Where will you be staying?” He asks, stepping closer. He is wearing his cold mask and what you don’t know is that he is panicking on the inside. His heart is beating like crazy but he can’t show that. “That does not need to concern you anymore.” You reply, your voice breaking. “Y/N you don’t need to do this.” Yongguks dark voice wavers. “I need to. For myself.” You answer as you close your suitcase. “Let me fix us.” He pleads with you but you shake your head. “No, Yongguk. Just let go.”  You take your phone and call a cab to a spot close to the mansion. “Good bye Yongguk” Is the last thing you tell him as you brush past his huge frame and leave the mansion and everything else behind.  

“Thank you for letting me stay here.” You tell your boss as she helps you out off the cab. “It’s not problem. We need to stick together.” She tells you and leaves you alone in her guest room. You get comfortable and lay down on the soft bed. The room is a light blue and the bedding is black and reminds you of Yongguk. You remember that you colleagues had invited you to go out with them to party and you message one colleague to enquire whether the invitation is still valid. She tells you yes and you tell your boss that you would like to go out tonight. “That’s a great idea. You need to get over him!” She helps you get ready and you two laugh a lot. You notice that it’s the first time you feel happy in a while. You call another cab to the club and meet there with your colleagues. You go inside, drink a bit and start dancing. It is more fun than you thought it would be. A handsome stranger comes closer to you and you start dancing with each other. The other girls in your group holler and you start laughing. The stranger you dance with is really handsome – dark hair with broad shoulders and strong arms - and you two have a lot of fun and actually realize that you have quite a lot in common. He introduces himself as Park Soohyun. You notice a familiar face among the crowd as you two make your way to the bar. On the other side of the club you see Youngjae, leaning against a wall. His eyes are watching you and when he catches you watching him, he tips his head in a greeting. Annoyance is written all over your face and you handsome stranger seems to notice and follows you gaze. “Someone you know?” You hear him shout over the music and nod in response. “A friend of an ex.” You answer in dismay and he wrinkles his nose. “How about we leave to go somewhere else?” He winks at you and you agree, thinking that you will probably just go to a bar to talk in peace. “Sure!” You both turn around; you quickly say your goodbyes to your colleagues and leave the club. “Let me bring you to my car. It will be easier if we drive somewhere.” You walk to the packed parking lot. There weren’t any people there at the moment but a lot of cars. You heard someone walk behind you but figured that it was probably just another couple that was making their way to their car until suddenly a piece of cloth covers your mouth. The fabric is drenched with a slightly sweet smelling liquid. You try to push the person behind you away but have no chance as you lose consciousness and fall into darkness.

[thesassybooskter]

BEAUTIFUL MISTAKE by Vi Keeland: Excerpt Reveal

AVAILABLE JULY 17TH 2017

The first time I met Caine West was in a bar. He noticed me looking his way and mistakenly read my scowling as checking him out. When he attempted to talk to me, I set him straight—telling him what I thought of his lying, cheating, egomaniacal ass. You see, the gorgeous jerk had wined and dined my best friend–smooth talking her into his bed, all along failing to mention that he was married. 

He deserved every bit of my tongue-lashing and more for what he’d done. Especially when that lazy smile graced his perfect face in response to my rant. Only it turned out, the man I’d just told off wasn’t the right guy. 

Oops.  My mistake. 

Embarrassed, I slunk out without an apology. I was never going to see the handsome stranger again anyway, right? That’s what I thought…until I walked into class the next morning. Well, hello Professor West, I’m your new teaching assistant.  I’ll be working under you…figuratively speaking. Although the literal interpretation might not be such a bad thing—working under Professor West.

This was going to be interesting…

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    Excerpt

The class was completely empty. I wasn’t even sure he knew I was still in my seat. If he did, he was good at ignoring me as he packed up his laptop.

“Contrary to the rumors you’ve probably heard, I don’t bite.”

I jumped when he spoke. Now that the lecture hall was no longer filled with students, the acoustics of the large space bounced his deep voice all over the walls.

I stood and began my walk of shame down to the front of the classroom. There was no doubt I owed the man an apology, even if he wasn’t a professor—a professor who would be my new boss for at least the next fifteen weeks. I wanted to kick myself in the ass for not apologizing last night before I left the bar. Now it would seem like I was only doing it because of the situation I was in.

Which was true, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t want it to seem that way.

I took a deep breath. “I’m so sorry about last night.”

His face was unreadable. “I figured you might be, right about now.”

“I obviously thought you were someone else.”

“So I assumed. You thought I was the asshole. The one with the big dick, was it?”

I shut my eyes. For the last ninety minutes, I’d replayed the entire exchange from last night over and over in my head. I thought I’d remembered everything I said, but apparently I hadn’t. When I reopened my eyes, Professor West was still watching me. His stare was pretty damn intense.

I started to babble. “My friend Ava went out with this guy Owen for a month or so. He was full of shit from day one, but she didn’t see it. Actually walked up to her when she was leaving work one night and said, ‘Do you mind if I walk you home? My mother always told me to follow my dreams.’ She fell for it, the entire act, from the first day. Then one Saturday, he was supposedly out of town on business, and she was across town running errands for her mother. She took a shortcut through Madison Square Park on her way back from the grocery store and ran into him. He was with his wife and kids.”

“And you thought I was him, apparently?”

I nodded. “She came in during my shift and started drinking Long Island iced teas. When Owen walked in, she pointed to where he was standing and said he was the one in the blue shirt.”

“And we were both wearing blue shirts, I take it?”

I couldn’t help but smile, thinking of Ava last night. “Actually, no. Ava’s not much of a drinker. Turned out she was more sloshed than I thought. Owen’s shirt was brown—not even black that could be mistaken as navy or something.”

I saw Professor West’s lip twitch.

“Anyway, I’m really sorry. I barely gave you a chance to speak, and then when I realized what had happened, I was so mortified I didn’t even stop to apologize.”

“I accept your apology for last night. Even though you shouldn’t be approaching a man in the hallway to tell him off alone, your intentions were admirable.”

I should have shut up and been grateful he’d accepted my apology. Should have. “Why can’t I approach a man in the hallway?”

He leveled me with a stare. “Because you’re five foot nothing in a loud bar, and no one would have heard you if I’d dragged you into the men’s room and locked the door.”

I folded my arms over my chest. “I can take care of myself.”

“I didn’t say you couldn’t. I said you shouldn’t put yourself in those situations.”

“But you insinuated that I couldn’t by making that statement.”

He zipped his leather bag closed. “Ms. Martin, I just accepted your apology for calling me an asshole last night. Would you like me to retract that acceptance?”

God, I really was an idiot. Being around this man seemed to turn me into a psychopath. “No. I’m sorry. I acted like a jerk, and I’d like to start over, if that’s possible.”

He nodded. “Everything prior to this morning is forgotten.”

“Thank you.”

“But this morning is not. I won’t accept lateness. Don’t let it happen again.”

I swallowed. “It won’t.”

He lifted his worn, brown leather laptop bag over one shoulder. “Meet me here at five tomorrow. We’ll go over the syllabus and the classes you’ll teach, as well as my grading rubric.”

That was smack in the middle of my shift, but I’d figure something out. “Okay.”

“Are you done for the day?”

“I am. I actually have to get to work. I’m covering Ava’s shift because she isn’t feeling too well after last night. We both work at O’Leary’s.”

“You waitress there?”

“Waitress, bartend, occasionally tell off patrons.”

That earned me a full smile from Professor West. God, he should do that more often. No, forget that. He definitely shouldn’t.

“I’ll walk out with you.”

We walked through the halls together and out to the parking lot. When we arrived at my car, I stopped. “This is me. So…five o’clock tomorrow?”

Professor West looked at my beat-up old Subaru. “You’re parked in a spot reserved for the Provost. You got a parking ticket.” He squinted. “Actually, it looks like you have two parking tickets. Was your inspection expired or something?”

Crap. “Umm…no. I keep an extra ticket in the glove compartment and stick it on my windshield when I’m forced to park illegally.”

His brows shot up. “Inventive.”

“Obviously it doesn’t always work.”

“Obviously.”

“They need more parking. When you’re late, it’s impossible to find a spot.”

He studied me. “Lateness is a frequent occurrence for you, I take it?”

“Unfortunately, it is.”

“Then I should clarify something I said earlier.”

“Oh, no, that’s not necessary. I won’t be late for your class.”

 He took a step closer and leaned in. “I’m glad to hear that, Ms. Martin. But that’s not what needs clarification.”

I swallowed. God, he smells good.

“Earlier I told you I didn’t bite students.” He smiled, and I felt the wickedness from it shoot down to some interesting places. “I don’t. But I make no promises about not biting feisty TAs.”

  About Vi Keeland

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times Bestselling author. With more than 1.5 million books sold, her titles have appeared in over eighty Bestseller lists and are currently translated in sixteen languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Pinterest

BEAUTIFUL MISTAKE by Vi Keeland: Excerpt Reveal was originally published on The Sassy Bookster

[biofunmy]

Jeremy Stoppelman’s Long Battle With Google Is Finally Paying Off

Amy Osborne for BuzzFeed News

Yelp CEO Jeremy Stoppelman in an elevator at Yelp headquarters in San Francisco.

The line outside Shizen, San Francisco’s hottest Michelin-starred hipster vegan sushi restaurant, is extremely long, but the wait is surprisingly short. After the doors open and the first wave of diners are seated, the line mostly disappears, despite it being one of the more popular spots in the city. Just a few people linger on the sidewalk. Why aren’t more people waiting to get in?

The line, or lack of it, is a weirdly effective real-world product demo for Yelp, the 15-year-old review site and local business directory. Shizen has put its reservation system and waitlist on Yelp. Which means that when impatient diners want to wait for a table, they can do so at a bar around the corner, or even at home, and then arrive just in time to be seated. In other words, you don’t have to stand in line to be in line. And so, before you know it, Jeremy Stoppelman, Yelp’s vegan CEO, is tucking into a roll made from beets, kale, and, uh, seaweed pearls. (Trust us on this one: 5 stars.)

Yelp bought a waitlisting company in 2017, and it rolled out new predictive wait times and notification features this year. It’s one of a slew of changes the company made in 2019, including introducing some new ways for it to make money. This follows years of moving beyond mere reviews. You can look up a restaurant’s rating, sure, but you can also use it to get a quote from a chimney sweep or order delivery through one of its partners.

“One of the most powerful companies in the world didn’t want us to succeed.”

And while rolling out new features and revenue streams, or even pivoting into completely different business models, are relatively normal things for tech companies to do, for Stoppelman and Yelp, it feels a bit existential.

“In Yelp’s case, it’s been the thing that I probably have been most focused on for the last decade,” said Stoppelman, “finding a way to survive knowing that one of the most powerful companies in the world didn’t want us to succeed.”

That powerful company is Google and its corporate parent, Alphabet. For most of Yelp’s history, it has been engaged in a painful and public spat with the search and advertising giant, with Yelp executives endlessly beating the drum about what they describe — in interviews, tweets, regular newsletters, and even cutesy animated videos — as Google’s anticompetitive practices.

For years, this seemed like a quixotic fight at best. Stoppelman or some other Yelp executive would take a swipe at Google, which Google would then more or less ignore as it casually snacked on YouTube or Motorola or Nest or Waze or Fitbit. But this view of Google — and big tech writ large — as too big and too powerful has gained traction in recent years both in Europe and the United States, and it is now facing multiple antitrust actions, and has already racked up billions in fines. In recent weeks, attorneys general from 50 states and territories (minus California) announced an antitrust probe into Google’s advertising and search business. The winds have shifted and are coming from the left and the right. The Donald Trump administration has been openly antagonistic toward Big Tech, and the president has said on multiple occasions in response to questions about Google that it might be a monopoly. Meanwhile Sen. Elizabeth Warren has a literal plan to break it up.

In short, the world has lined up behind Stoppelman, who, despite the changes he’s making to the site’s platform or the newfound seriousness with which his antitrust arguments are being taken, is basically doing what he always has. In a series of two wide-ranging interviews with BuzzFeed News, one at Yelp’s office and another at the vegan sushi place, he talked about the changes his company has been through the past 15 years. But mostly he talked about trust. Gaining it, losing it, and, of course, busting it.

Stoppelman is 41. He’s thin and athletic-looking, with cordlike veins that snake down his biceps and that hyperfit, low-body fat upgrade that tech execs seem to have all downloaded at the same time. A Virginia native, he moved to the Bay Area after college, in 1999, and went to work as an engineer during the peak of the first dot-com boom for @Home Network, which was in the early stages of a merger with the internet portal Excite, which Stoppelman said was “clusterfucked.”

“I finished all the coding ideas that my boss had. I’d be like, ‘Hey, I’m out of stuff. What do you want me to work on next?’ And he’d be like, ‘Oh, meet me at my desk at 4:45.’ I’d go by his desk and he’d be gone,” said Stoppelman. “But it was also late ’99, early 2000, so it was hopping in the Bay Area. I was getting recruiting calls already. My phone was ringing every day.”

One of those calls came from a recruiter at X.com, a banking and payments processing company founded by Elon Musk, who had already founded and sold a previous company. Stoppelman went in for an interview.

“At the end of it I met Elon, and I was blown away. I was like, I want to be like this guy! He’s only 28 years old but was much like he is today. He’s like, we’re going to take down Visa! He’s wildly ambitious and knows what he wants to do. Who knows if it will happen, but I’d never met anyone like that.”

They did in fact make it happen, succeeding beyond what was probably in any way realistic in those early days (although Musk himself was pushed out of the CEO role along the way to make room for Peter Thiel). X.com was renamed PayPal; in 2002, as the dot-com boom was going south, eBay acquired the company for $1.5 billion. Those early PayPal employees were suddenly quite rich.

This was the origin of the “PayPal Mafia,” so named for the group of former PayPal employees who went on to found a slew of successful businesses and invest in many others. In many cases they started companies together, or invested in each other’s startups. The group includes Musk, Stoppelman, Thiel, Russell Simmons, Max Levchin, Reid Hoffman, Keith Rabois, David Sacks, Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, Joe Lonsdale, and Dave McClure, among others. Together they would start some of the best-known companies in Silicon Valley, among them LinkedIn, Tesla, SpaceX, Palantir Technologies, and YouTube, while their capital investments helped give rise to Facebook, Uber, Lyft, Pinterest, Stripe, Airbnb, Square, and a host of others.

Stoppelman attributes much of their success to timing. The dot-com market correction began in early 2000, its deflation accelerating after the Department of Justice won a ruling against Microsoft in April that year, and continuing all the way through 9/11 and beyond. Once high-flying companies like Pets.com and Kozmo.com became nothing more than correction roadkill as the market sloughed off trillions of dollars in value. But the PayPal guys, on the other hand, did great.

“While the internet was collapsing around us, our company was successful. We didn’t go through the trauma of the dot-com bust,” said Stoppelman. “Everyone had some capital and confidence at a time when most people that had been anywhere near the blast radius of the internet were completely dismissive. The mainstream thinking was ‘Yeah, that internet. Maybe it’s a utility, but it’s not this exciting commercial thing we thought it was.’ That created a very fertile soil. You have people with capital, interest, confidence, motivation, all at the right time in their career — late twenties to late thirties — pretty good odds.”

In 2004, after he spent a year at Harvard Business School, Stoppelman along with Simmons, also of PayPal, cofounded Yelp with investment from yet another PayPal alum, Levchin. In its early days, it was going to have more of a social networking–style structure, where people could ask friends for recommendations. But as Stoppelman and Simmons absorbed a lot of what was happening elsewhere on the internet, particularly with blogging, Yelp settled on local business reviews as a sort of “directed blogging.” The focus was mostly restaurants and small businesses, but you could review just about anything you could think of there: plumbers, doctors, gas stations, cannabis clinics, hotels, parks, monuments, dog parks, you name it.

Problems began almost immediately.

Trust is hard to come by, especially on the internet, where everything anyone doesn’t like is fake. Facebook has spent years awash in fake news and misinformation. Amazon ratings and reviews are notoriously compromised by bad actors. Photos are shopped. Videos are doctored. That account is a bot. The chans have wormed their way into our brains. And even when we see the same stuff, we can’t always agree what happened.

For Yelp, the trust problem was fake reviews. Restaurants were paying people, or offering them discounts, to write nice things on the site. Or people would, for one reason or another, trash a restaurant they had never been to. Maybe it was a competitor, or maybe the owner was an outspoken Democrat. Yelp’s solution was to take an aggressive stance. Most of its users probably didn’t notice, but it created a lot of headaches for its relationship with the businesses it relies on for ad dollars.

But trust was also something Stoppelman and Simmons had thought about, extensively, at PayPal, a company whose entire business depended on getting strangers to send each other money via the then-new internet. In fact, they had seen PayPal’s business boom and were now rich precisely because it had cracked down on fraud and established consumer trust. They had a low tolerance for scammers.

“Within the first two weeks we could see some business owners generating obvious reviews for themselves. The fake content popped up pretty quick. We could tell that spam was going to be a problem,” said Stoppelman. “And we also looked at the competitor that we were up against in those days, Citysearch. They had a consumer review feature, but it was just totally spammed out.”

From those early days, Yelp focused on taking down reviews that it thought were spammy or bogus. Those takedowns became something of an arms race, and the company has sometimes gone to extremes to try to keep things in check. Yelp will publish consumer alerts on businesses pages when it detects inauthentic activity, for example, and even runs sting operations.

“We have a team that tries to buy reviews from people, and then also try to identify businesses that are buying reviews,” said Stoppelman. “If we catch someone red-handed, we’d take screenshots of correspondence and all that and put up a banner saying on their business page, saying, ‘Hey, this business is trying to game the system, and here’s the evidence.’”

It also takes action when people start reviewing businesses simply because they are in the news for other reasons, often political — because everything is political now. For example, in 2018, when the Red Hen restaurant in Lexington, Virginia, refused to serve then–White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, online mobs from all across the country turned to Yelp to pummel the restaurant with negative reviews — even though they had never set foot in the door.

This is a relatively common occurrence, and it doesn’t always take a national story. Local issues can also send people to a business’s page for punitive reasons, which means Yelp has to police these kinds of review-brigading all over the country, even when the company isn’t aware of whatever the issue is that triggered the action. So it has an algorithm to detect what the company calls an “unusual activity” alert that it adds to the business’s page until the activity subsides and it can mop up.

It also surfaces reviews algorithmically via recommendation software. It segregates reviews that the software flags for being solicited or biased, or because it doesn’t know enough about a user. Which means Yelp hides almost 30% of the reviews posted to its site, according to the company. This review filter is, to put it mildly, enormously unpopular among businesses. It has also led to a rash of false conspiracy theories (covered previously by BuzzFeed News) that the company takes down good reviews in order to get businesses to buy ads. It also means Yelp leaves money on the table — it could easily juice engagement and user numbers if it took a less aggressive approach to policing content. But here’s the thing: It works. The company is approaching 200 million reviews, and it may even have passed that milestone by the time it announces its quarterly results this week.

Moreover, when you see an average review number on Yelp, it’s a pretty good indicator. A 4.5-star restaurant is probably going to be pretty great. A 2-star restaurant? Not gonna eat there. You might also see an alert about a restaurant’s cleanliness on Yelp. In more than 30 states, it makes that information available right on a restaurant’s page. It’s another transparency measure that’s good for consumers but has probably cost the company money with the communities of small businesses that populate its site.

“If you optimize for maximum attention, you’re leaning into human nature of rubbernecking at train crashes, and all the worst stuff that humanity can provide.”

“I’m sure we could have been making a lot more money if we allowed ourselves to be compromised and just said: Anything goes on Yelp. You want 5 stars? Tell your friends to go write a bunch of reviews for you and they’ll be on Yelp and then you can advertise. And wouldn’t it be wonderful?” said Stoppelman.

Instead, Yelp went another route. It is vigilant about reviews, and has passed on some easy ways to make money from users’ data. It doesn’t let businesses target users who happen to be walking by with an ad, for example. Despite persistent rumors, it’s hard to imagine Yelp fitting in as an acquisition target for Big Tech — in just two interviews with BuzzFeed News, the outspoken Stoppelman took shots at Facebook, Amazon, and Google.

Which is all the more curious as Stoppelman is a member of perhaps the most successful circle of investors ever, in the PayPal Mafia, and yet his business runs counter to so much of the prevailing wisdom in Silicon Valley, which argues for growth at any cost.

“When I look out at other companies,” Stoppelman said, “I see other priorities, namely growing revenue as much as possible. So why didn’t Facebook crack down on certain types of content, or why did they allow sensational stories or stories that are not true to blast across the network and get amplified so much? Had they had the foresight to say, ‘Hey, this is bad for the world’ or ‘This is bad for our long-term brand, we should shut it down,’ it probably wouldn’t have turned into an eventually traumatic political issue.

“But at the end of the day, collecting attention is the way that they make money, and they dial up the algorithm — the same as YouTube, same for Google. You know, it’s like Google and Facebook did the same thing: Use the algorithm to optimize for maximum attention. And if you optimize for maximum attention, you’re leaning into human nature of rubbernecking at train crashes, and all the worst stuff that humanity can provide. And that’s where you end up. And I’m sure it was like rocket fuel for their business, but now we’re paying the price.”

Amy Osborne for BuzzFeed News

Stoppelman talks with Ronald Clark, head of investor relations, and Brigitte Ehman, manager of business operations and strategy, as they walk through the front lobby at Yelp headquarters on Sept. 20 in San Francisco.

Yelp’s headquarters are in the old Pacific Bell Building, once the tallest building on the West Coast, and the first skyscraper in San Francisco’s SoMa district. When Yelp moved in, it was an early tech colonizer of this particular section of downtown San Francisco, today known as the East Cut. Now, the East Cut is swimming with internet giants, and the Pacific Bell Building is dwarfed by the Salesforce Tower, just a few blocks away.

Yelp’s windows look out on that building and the park next door that bears Salesforce’s name. You can see the offices for Slack, Trulia, and Facebook as well, all of which ring the new multibillion-dollar park and transit center. LinkedIn and Google have offices nearby. To the west, on a blighted section of Market Street, are Uber’s and Twitter’s headquarters. Pinterest is a few blocks south. So is Airbnb. Yelp is hemmed on nearly all sides by tech behemoths.

Yelp is small compared even to Twitter. It’s endured years of ups and downs, including a stock slide last year over the way it sells ads. (It eliminated fixed-term contracts.) The company has a market cap of only about $2.5 billion — nothing compared to Alphabet or Amazon, both of which have market caps of nearly $900 billion. Or, for that matter, Apple and Microsoft, which have both blown past trillion-dollar market cap territory.

Yet Yelp is a tidy, profitable business that pulled in $55 million in profit on $942 million in revenue last year. Seventy-three million people open it up on their phones every month. One hundred million look at it on the web. That’s not shabby. But in 2019, in the era of billion-plus user companies, a mere 100 million people puts you at a disadvantage.

“Google didn’t stick to the plan.”

“The question is, is there a path to independence?” Stoppelman said. “Distribution is always the centerpiece. If you create a great product or service, how do you get it in the hands of the people? The problem with Big Tech is they control the distribution channels. Distribution is the key. If Google is the starting place for all of the people that are tapping into the web, to the extent they get in front of consumers and block them from finding the best information, it’s really problematic, and that can stifle innovation.”

To that end, much of what Yelp has been doing recently is aimed at connecting directly with its audience. In addition to things like reservations and waitlists, it also introduced new customization features, which let you set up dining preferences, dietary restrictions, and other personalized options. These are nascent but represent a big push for the company as it tries to provide individualized recommendations — which means that when you search for a place to get lunch in the near future, your results will be different than your coworkers’ at the next desk over. Yelp has rolled out new tools for businesses as well. A new “Connect” tool lets businesses communicate directly with people who have shown an interest in it — maybe they’ve checked in there or written a review. It also added features designed to help new businesses without many reviews reach audiences, and as a way to build new revenue streams outside of search ads.

But it is the roiling national debate about the role Big Tech plays in our lives — from the way it enables disinformation to how it relies on unfair business practices — that has thrust Stoppelman into the center of a national conversation. Yet he didn’t just end up there. Much of the newfound traction that the antitrust argument is getting is due to a long game from Yelp, which has leaned on regulators across the world for years now. The company began when Google’s business was under far less scrutiny.

“We really started Yelp to do something noble,” Stoppelman said. “We wanted to help people connect with the best local businesses. There was this platform called Google, and we essentially did everything that they said. We generated really fantastic content, we cultivated community, we did all these things that were expensive, that were hard to do, and required a lot of innovation. Google didn’t stick to the plan.”

Google tried to buy Yelp in 2009, but the deal fell apart. And so the larger company built out its own local business reviews, and today it promotes those above content from Yelp, TripAdvisor, or other competitors. Search for “Thai restaurants in Hollywood,” for example, and Google will spit back the top-rated ones from its own listings. Yelp’s listings will generally be there, but farther down the page.

“The only way that we could get them to do the right thing in the early days was by shaming them in the press. So that’s where this all began — they would do something egregious like steal our content and put it in every Android phone and the Google Places app. We would talk to TechCrunch or something, and someone would write it up, and they’d be shamed into doing something. And then eventually they got tired of that and … as we would shame them, they’d get less responsive. And so we would naturally progress to the next level, which was ‘Okay, the only source of power now that might be able to check them is government.’”

Google, via a spokesperson, denied these claims.

In 2011, Yelp’s senior vice president of public affairs, Vince Sollitto, gave a presentation to the Conference of Western Attorneys General, in which he charged that Google was engaging in anticompetitive practices that hurt its smaller competitors. Meanwhile, Luther Lowe, Yelp’s vice president of public policy, aggressively continued to make the antitrust argument to the press. (If you write about Google, Lowe is probably already lurking in your inbox.)

“What happened is that the government lost its will to prosecute.”

“I’ve always had a view that the government could and should play a role. I was born in the late ’70s, a child of the ’80s. My dad was an SEC lawyer who worked on insider trading cases. My worldview has always been government regulation isn’t the end-all, be-all, but the government can and should play an assertive role in shaping a market economy,” said Stoppelman. “But what happened is that the government lost its will to prosecute.”

Yelp’s effort has ramped up as Google began delivering more answers on the search results page itself — including local information that had been Yelp’s bread and butter — rather than linking out to third parties. As of this past summer, more than half of all Google searches now end without a click, according to a SparkToro analysis of Google’s clickstream data. That is, most of the time when someone searches for something on Google, they just get the answer they are looking for in the results themselves and don’t have to click through to another website (and see another website’s ads).

But who cares if I get my restaurant reviews from Google instead of Yelp or see hotel rankings right in a Google search rather than on TripAdvisor? The convenience of getting exactly what you are looking for without having to click out or wait for another page to load, especially in the era of mobile, is great. No question.

Yelp needed to show that Google delivering its own answers and own products above others hurt actual consumers, and not just Google’s would-be competitors. So Yelp launched a campaign to try to show how the search giant’s practices did just that. In short, Yelp’s argument is that when Google displays its own results it deprives consumers of choice and, worse, that Google’s local reviews are, well, not good.

“Google’s reviews… It is kind of comical that they call theirs reviews!” Stoppelman said. “Most, probably like 60% or 70%, of their reviews are actually ratings with no text. But they have to compete against us, so they’re generous with what they call a review.”

It’s been a slog. But there is also now real movement — and not just in Europe, which is more prone to regulation than the US — on the issue of antitrust. And on the issue of user trust, there have also been a litany of tech scandals that have roiled Google, YouTube, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, and Uber. High-profile startups like Theranos and WeWork turned out to be little more than elaborate cons. Tech, and Big Tech in particular, has few political friends on the left or the right. What was once one of the more admired industries suddenly seems more like a politically convenient punching bag.

There was a time when all that seemed to matter in tech was scale. Everything was about getting to a billion, and then the next billion after that. Growth was good for its own sake. And anyone who deviated from these lines was unrealistic, or flat-out irrational. But today those ideas are very much in retreat. Facebook and YouTube and Amazon are so large now that they seem almost beyond policing. Companies are increasingly being asked to defend their scale and practices. It turns out, when you put a billion people together on the internet and let them say whatever they want, the marketplace of ideas bends toward propaganda and Nazis.

Stoppelman seems to be playing a long game, counting on some of the scale we’ve let these companies stack up to be leveled off by government actors. It is often said in and around Silicon Valley that we are in the early stages of the internet. And the question before us now is really about how much control we want to place in a handful of companies, be they in the US, or China, or wherever.

“The first seven years or eight years, there was a lot of eye-rolling in Silicon Valley about Yelp being a complainer, or I’m a whiner, or this is a stupid issue,” Stoppelman said. “I think the reality is now the world has caught up.” ●

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we know of a family that is going through tough times. Mom works 3 jobs, daughter (18 y.o. works 2 jobs and goes to school full time) while the dad has two DUIs on him. Of course the daughter can't get insurance(because its too expensive). Around $2k a year. Know of any other viable options?? Its in California. Thanks!""

Do amended tickets affect car insurance? if so how bad?

I need to know if the tickets that i got last year, but had them amended to non moving violations, will still affect my car insurance.""

Is there some affordable health insurance plan in the U.S. that doesnt have a huge deductible?

Is there some affordable health insurance plan in the U.S. that doesnt have a huge deductible?

List of auto insurance companies who do not use credit scores in illinois?

im looking for car insurance and need help finding a good rate

How do you justify an insurance company raising rates by 39% for individual policies?

California insurance regulators asked Anthem Blue Cross to delay controversial rate increases of as much as 39% for individual policies, hikes that have triggered widespread criticism from subscribers and brokers -- and now from the federal government. In a rare step, the Obama administration called on California's largest for-profit insurer to justify its rate hikes, saying the increases were alarming at a time when subscribers face skyrocketing healthcare costs. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-anthem-obama9-2010feb09,0,4384044.story""

How much is insurance and a Aston Martin?

How much is insurance and a Aston Martin?

What is the cheapest insurance company for georgia drivers under 18?

What is the cheapest insurance company for georgia drivers under 18?

""Of these cars which has the best reputation for safety, cheap to insure, low maintenance, and high mileage?""

dodge charger jaguar XKR porsche boxster audi A5 cadillac CTS and for people about to say that if you can afford one of them why is being cheap to insure an issue, ive been saving up to buy a used one of these cars as i am still a college student thanks""

How does the good grades thing work for car insurance?

i am 17 and i have gieco...what do i do if i have good grades? and whats the minimum grade requirement?

Anyone have experience with ASDA car insurance?

Asda car insurance seems to be the cheapest by far in the comparison websites but are they reliable?

Does anyone know how much does car insurance cost for underage Drivers?????

Im applying for my permit and im 17 years old. the only thing im missing is my insurance. Please help i asked all my friends but none have insurance. Thank you for your time, Diana****""

Help i had a car accident driving a company car with no insurance?

i hit a car, unsafe start, i find out theres no insurance. I called my boss and he is furious and tells me i should put my insurance from my other cars to it and that i should pay for the accident. i dont know what to do i need help and advice""

Which company offers the cheapest car insurance for a 17 year old male?

im 17 and i need insurance and wanted to know the cheapest

Are jeep wranglers expensive to insure?

are jeep wranglers more expensive to insure than other cars? and how much is the average insurance rate of one?

Can I take my car to get repaired anywhere even if my insurance says no?

I got my window broken when someone broke into my car and I had an appt at the dealership where I bought to the car to get it repaired ASAP (and was going to) but my insurance nixed the idea. They said they wouldnt pay a dime if I did that. I HAVE to go to their suggested business. Now I have to drive to and from work with a taped up window for 2 more days till THEIR guy can fit me in. Is this legal??? It seems so unfair. BTW- I have Mercury auto insurance and I live in California.

Will my insurance go up?

Hi, yesterday i got into my first 'accident' driving. I was changing lanes and ended up hitting the person infront of me. The cop issued me a ticket for 'change lane - not in safety' its 115 dollar ticket and 2 points. Having only my g2 license i was wondering whats going to happen with my insurance? is my rate going to go up? please help. also i am a male and 17 so it doesnt help me either. p.s do you think i should take this to court and try to lower fine or get rid of the points?""

I'm a 17 year old guy wanting to earn some extra money to help pay car insurance what can i do?

I'm a 17 year old guy i'm looking at an extra way of earning some money sensibly to help pay towards my monthly car insurance i already hold a day job any help would be appreciated thanks

Smackover Arkansas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 71762

Smackover Arkansas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 71762

Is it hard to learn how to file insurance as an admissions person?

Is it hard to learn how to file insurance as an admissions person?

Auto insurance ???

who do auto insurance companies answer to? Auto insurance is a state requirement, but if an Auto insurance company makes a mistake of some sort who are they responsible to? everyone answers to someone...""

CAR INSURANCE FOR A 17 YEAR OLD?

would it be more expensive for car insurance for a brand new car or a used car.

Which cars/models have the lowest insurance rates?

Which cars/models have the lowest insurance rates?

Need cheap car insurance in NY?

Hi I'm in need of low car insurance in NY. I'm 22 female car is a 98 dodge caravan. Please i tried all those random websites that shows you insurance. I need names of insurance please =]

Why does car insurance go up if you have a 4-wheel drive?

I am thinking about getting a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4. My car recently broke down and it was a 2000 Chevy Suburban. My parents don't really want to get me the Jeep with 4x4 because they said the price of insurance would go way up. I want to know why is this and about how much would it go up?

How to get into a new Car Insurance?

About 1.5 yrs back my wife scratched another car while parking. The claim was settled using insurance. The expense was about $1500. Ever since that the insurance company, AAA, has been increasing our premiums by abt $35 on every renewal. Now I cannot switch or shop with other insurance company since they give quotes much higher than this company. But apart from this one incident we do not have anything else on our record. Also I get discount for Home+Auto insurance. The company increased prices on our Home Insurance too. I am badly stuck with this company now. I would like to buy Auto+home from one company itself. But I really cannot move my Auto Insurance. Please give suggestions.""

""Rear ended someone in a rental vehicle, will my premiums rise?""

I was in a rental vehicle when I tapped the car in front of me. I drove a '11 Toyota Corolla and he an old Chevy Monte Carlo. I came to a complete stop before absentmindedly loosening my foot on the brake, thus I tapped him at perhaps 2-3mph, and left a light imprint of the license plate on his red bumper. I offered to negotiate a cash payment on the spot, I was thinking of a couple hundred, but he insisted costs to be over 1,500. I did pay for damage insurance on the rental, but not liability. I'm insured with Safeco in Southern California, will this affect my rates at all? I talked to a body shop and showed them pictures of the imprint, and they figured that repairs would be around 150-300, depending. I heard that premiums won't necessarily rise unless damages are over 750? Is that true, and if so what are some tips to keep them from rising at this point? (this would be the first accident where I am held liable)""

Car insurance am I covered?

My 5yr old son got in driver seat and mashed my gas and held it and it blew up my engine.I have full coverage and wondered would this be covered.I know it sounds dumb but its gonna cost me over 3k to fix.

""18 Years old, car insurance, comprehensive?""

Right so if I get comprehensive car insurance at the age of 18, can I drive other peoples cars? With permission""

HOW TO GET MY CAR INSURANCE DOWN PLZ!!?

Hi Ladies and Gents, im 24 yrs old and turn 25 in august and my dream is to get a car to help my mum and dad sadly im not the best with technology or bargain hunting im a little bit naive if im honest. Anyway i thought as this will be my first car my insurance would be quite high and i thought 1500 a year would be decent enough paying monthly. so i tried some insurance sites but best i could see was around 2700 and i thought wow thats shocking! i need help from you guys if you can spare a moment please thanks, i dont need anything fancy just an A to B car to help mum and dad with life and me get to work ofcourse. I decided to start my lessons and drive an automatic car starting end of this month at payday! so ive listed some details below that i think you can help me to get a cheaper deal, thank you guys very much for being kind. ok... my car will be a cheap one maybe 1000 2nd hand automatic civic,corsa or something pref 3 door 1.4L is fine also i seen some on auto trader. annual miles 10k SD&P<<im sure thats rite social and work? fully comp i may hang off till i turn 25 if my insurance will go down and also i thought a little about going on someone elses insurance (my aunt has a mobility car for my mum) or adding someone to mine? not sure? also my sister and her BF have a car but im a little scared to ask them haha! so can anyone please help me get a cheap quote thanks a million,!""

Two car insurance policies?

My parents are trying to get me insured on their car which they already have a policy on but it is too expensive to put me on that. Is it legal for me to take out another insurance policy on the car in my name only?

What could happen to me if i didnt tell insurance company?

that i was done for drink drive 3 yrs ago... wana apply for my licence back have checked insurance and said i have a drink drive conviction will cost 1,790....when i dont say then it costs me 400 quid... what do i do and what can happen and how wld they find out and who can find out..... thanx all in advance x""

Life insurances?

types of insurance available in USA

What would insurance cost on a 2010 nissan versa?

I am getting my first car a brand new nissan versa approximately how much will insurance cost me i'm a male and a college student

""Does your primary car insurance extend to rental cars?If so, does it really cover all expenses of an accident?""

Ever since I switched to Geico, I have verified with them that my car insurance policy extends to rental cars whenever I rent them out. Which is great, because it saves me money by waiving all the extra rental companies insurance surcharges per day. However, a recent alamo agent informed me even though i maybe saving money and my primary carrier extends to the rental car sometimes geico may not cover everything. Such as time of replacement. The time lost to the rental car company when geico works out the replacement of a total loss rental car. This maybe a hoax for me to buy alamo insurance, but I wanted to know from those experienced should I worry? Does primary insurances really extend to rental cars and do they cover everything i may encounter if I was in an accident? Would my credit card rental car accident insurance cover what my primary wouldnt cover? Curious...thanks""

What is general insurance?

i want to know abt general insurance.

Car ratings for cost of insurance?

rating numbers car insurance companies use for insuring cars and other transportation.

Can you sell a car without insurance?

Hi all, Right, i want to sell my car. I have cancelled my car insurance and the car is parked on Private Land (off-road). The car DOES have valid TAX & MOT. If a potential buyer wants to view/test drive my car, will he be allowed to drive the car on the public road? As i have no insurance, would his Fully Comp cover my car to 3rd Party? The buyer will only be driving it for about 10-15 minutes. Thanx in advance!""

POLL: How much do you pay for car insurance?

i asked about how much car insurance costs but didn't get any great answers, so i'm just going to do a little survey""

Malpractice Insurance?

How much do Cardiothoracic surgeons have to pay in malpractice insurance. Are there certain rates for different specialties?

Cheap car for a 18 year old in the UK?

Hi, I'm turning 18 in few months and I wanted to buy a car. What is the best car with the cheapest insurance? (the only thing that is important to me is for me to fit in the car, I'm 6ft 9!) What should I look at when choosing a car if I want to have affordable insurance? My first choice was a old, old Mini but the insurance on that was over 5000 pounds, any suggestions? (I was using confused.com) Many Thanks Barboro37""

Individual eye insurance?

I am needing eye insurance for individual. Do you know any?

Just started boxing.. health insurance?

I am 21 and just started boxing again.. I know the basics and i can take a punch... but i am a little nervous about getting my nose or jaw broken.. even with headgear on... what is ...show more

Which is the best insurance which i need to take for my parents who visiting USA?

My parents are coming to US and need to take a medical and dental insurance for them. please advise

Smackover Arkansas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 71762

Smackover Arkansas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 71762

In california does a 16 year old new driver have to be personally insured to drive their parents car?

My sister lives in san jose and she was told by her parents that to drive one of their cars she has to pay for her own insurance. Is this true???

Young rider needs insurance help (motorcycle)?

Hello I am completing my motorcycle course this week and will be obtaining my m2 license, I was considering buying a motorcycle. I am a 18 year old male and was wondering if anyone could give me advice or some help for insurance in ontario?. I am aware it will be costly but was wondering if someone had any motorcycle suggestions that would be cheap on insurance or even insurance companies. Recent personal experiences would be nice. Thanks for the help!""

Question about car insurance?

Is car insurance cheaper the older the car is or is it the other way around?

What is the average insurance amount yearly for a mitsubishi eclipse?(1996-2000)?

What is the average insurance amount yearly for a mitsubishi eclipse?(1996-2000)?

Car insurance for audi a6 2.8 awd?

right now im under my parents Allstate car insurance, i pay around $90 a month it would be $60 but my parents added collision for the winter. im looking at this red v6 Audi for $5990. how much do you think it would be per month with Allstate??""

Which car insurance companies aren't on comparison sites?

I know direct line don't use them but what others don't? I've checked all the comparison sites but would just like to check the ones they don't cover. Thanks.

How much will my car insurance go up?

I received a speeding ticket today i was doing 56 on a 30 : /...balls. Now I obviously know that car insurance rates are different for everyone so i called my insurance company today and they said that my insurance would roughly go up by 2 points and that each point is roughly 100$ dollars each... I forgot to ask if that meant i would be paying 200$ plus each month or for the entire year, i tried calling again but they closed for the weekend. Anyone know or have an idea? I pay 125$ a month now, could I really end up paying 325 a month?!""

""When settling with an auto insurance company after a car accident, what is an appropriate amount to request?""

I hurt my neck (muscle strain, nothing broken) in a car accident and have exhaused the Personal Injury Protection with the insurance company. They said to call them after my physical therapy was completed to settle for the pain and suffering. The neck pain is still there and will most likely be chronic regardless of any additional physical therapy. I've heard that people are typically given 2X the amount of medical expenses. I don't want to hire a lawyer but don't want to get less than I deserve either. Any advice on how much to ask for would be appreciated.""

What's the best car insurance here in California?

in terms of price what's the cheapest car insurance nationwide or here in California? I am 26 years old and have two cars registered under my name with liability insurance only. I pay $400 every 6 months is that high or low? I also have only one speeding ticket on my driving record fyi. Can you guys tell me how much you pay for your car insurance? and what you think is the cheapest car insurance? I m trying to save money with this bad economy last I check California is in the most debt.

Looking for the best prices in auto insurance and Quick!?

I know there are some reliable auto insurance companies out there with killer rates. Anyone know something good?

I have no insurance but I want to get pregnant...?

My husband and I have been together for 4 years and we have been TTC for 2 years now. We have no insurance , so I've used 2 OPK's but all of the come out negative or with no results, and my periods have ALWAYS been extremely irregular so I can't calculate or predict my ovulation. I know we're gonna need insurance when and if I do get pregnant, here in the state of California you receive free health insurance for you and the baby while your pregnant and until the child is 18 or you get a different insurance carrier. I feel helpless and I don't know what I should do next... I find myself searching for clomid online but I know that is extremely dangerous with Dr. supervision. And we have looked in to other insurance carriers, but none of them cover fertility treatments. Please help!!! I need to know what my next step should be?""

Yes/No: Do you have health insurance?

Yes/No: Do you have health insurance?

VERY EXPENSIVE CAR INSURANCE?

I can't understand this issue. I have been living in the uk since 2008. I used to pay 900 for the insurance, then it raised to 1200 and now they ask me for 2300 for the third year renewal. I never made a claim and I have a full UK license and an international license for 11 years. I am 29 years old and I am an educated with MSc in medical sciences and I never drink or smoke. Is it because I am a foreigner. My friend is a British and he only pay 490 and he just obtained his license and we live at the same building. I can't find an answer for this problem only that car insurance companies are racist toward foreigners.""

Will car insurance cost more if i fail my road test?

I just failed my G1 exit test, and I am wondering if this will affect my insurance once I do pass""

Will obamacare lower health insurance premiums?

how will forcing more people to purchase a finite resource (increasing demand) cause the price to go down?

Car or 125cc motorcycle for 17 year old?

So I turn 17 soon and I was wondering whether to get a car or a 125. The main downside to getting a car is the driving lessons, it will probably end up costing 1000+ in just driving lessons/tests and is likely to take ages to past where as it takes a day to do the CBT to ride a bike. I am not interested in people saying Don't get a motorbike they're deathtraps! . So what should I do?""

""My friend has been driving for twenty years so many as taxi driver, he cant get cheap insurance?""

why can't he get cheap insurance for being an experienced driver. same as for example myself driving for 19 years no convictions or claims,only down fall being a named driver on spouses insurance. i know to get the no claims bonus i have to get insurance in my name. but wow what a fair wack, for being a careful and honest driver all these years.any info would be appreciated.i think it unfair that we should pay the same as a new and young driver with no experience. many thanx for any help""

How do insurance companys notify you when your insurance goes up?

i was in fender bender yesterday (not that much damage but basically ran into the back of a lady that stopped immediatley infront of me) but was under my grandmothers insurances at the time and driving her vehicle. people have been telling me that my insurance will go up now though, Im under my parents insurance, so will the insurance company send a letter to my house like tomorrow? or when insurance bill comes the next time to be paid it will be a little higher? Will it state why? Thanks""

At what age does a car qualify for Classic Motor Insurance?

At what age does a car qualify for Classic Motor Insurance?

How do I find out my cars auto insurance points rating system?

Insurance companys give cars a rating number to determine if one type of car pays more insurance then the other. Where can I find out what the number of my car would be?

What is the average cost of sr-22 insurance ??

i need to sr-22 to get my license back after 7 years w/o driving. i lost it in 2001 due to a dui, and haven't driven since. its finally time for me to start my life over, and this is a major step to do it. i learned from the dmv (ca) that i need the sr-22 + insurance, and just a 125.00$ reinstatement cost. i know there are a lot of factors to consider, but just an idea of the cost would be great.""

Outraged by auto insurance companies?

I had an accident on may 8, 2009, It was not my fault and the woman I had the accident with accepted her fault. I got the information of the insurance company. The loss defined by an automotive company, but never paid until now. More than three months passed,I always call insurance company, but they are always saying lies and fudging, is there anyone faced with same situation? I do not know what to do.""

Auto insurance with international driving licence in CT?

I'm a graduate student, I want to buy a car but I don't have a U.S. license yet. Does any one know how much auto insurance would cost in Connecticut with an international licence? I have only heard from people that its more expensive.""

Can my dad by a motorcycle and put it under his insurance for me to drive?

ok im conused about this whole thing i know for a 16 year old motorcycle insurance is crazy. So how would this work my dads been driving all his life(Harley-Davidson) and his insurance is cheap, now for me its gonna be alot of money so can he buy the bike and put it under his name then i just drive it so then it wont be so much $ on me? can this work or is that illegal for me to be driving someone elses bike? is there anyway like i stated above to make my insurance cheaper if this doesnt work?""

What are the cheapest cars to insure?

What are the cheapest cars to insure?

Smackover Arkansas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 71762

Smackover Arkansas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 71762

Do insurance company has a right to insure people even though costumer does not finalized the paper work?

We had shopped around for home insurance, we made a quote and compared the best company, and we purchase the policy to one of them. After a year, we received a call from collection agency saying that we owe some money for one of the insurance company that we did not chose. And when I called that company, they said that if I can show them, if I am insured and covered that particular period, then they will remove that bills. I think this is ridiculous, why such a company like this have a right to insure me, bill me and send that bill to collector? Without even notifying me first.""

How does Obamacare make health care more affordable when it only deals with insurance and not with costs?

The doctors and hospitals will still be charging an arm and a leg. How is regulating insurance going to lower what doctors and hospitals and pharmaceutical companies charge?

How much might they charge me for no insurance ticket in wyandot ks?

was following my boyfreind in my brothers car and I took a wrong exit near the speedway. I went down stateline rd looked for a gas station for directions. Found a gas station to ask for directions and the guy did not speak understandable english so tired and lost I took off down the road and forgot to turn my head lights on was puulled over and given a ticket for the lights and it turns out that my brother did not have insurance on the car and that I had forgot my purse way down in pittsburg. I am being told that I may have to pay a $1200 fine and get some weird insurance that cossts $300 or more a month and that it is possible htat they will take my liscense away. This can't be rite?!!? I have a clean driving record and only make $250 a month can't hardly pay rent. Sombody who knows awnser please!!!!!

Is it possible to put my dad under my insurance?

I just started a new job and in a few months ill be eligible for health insurance. I'm 19 my dad is 47 hes unemployed and not eligible for medicaid.

What is private health insurance?

My employer sponsored health plans were always referred to as PRIVATE. Is that just a New Jersey thing? When I look it up. The definition is an individual--not employer sponsored plan. There is even a commercial where thy refer to private or medicare insurance....which implies private is any other plan like blue cross or cigna. so can a group plan from an employer be correctly referred to as private.

I would like to know if i can get affordable insurance for melanoma treatment?

i am a low income single mother and need insurance for myself my kid is already covered

Why won`t insurance companies insure Nuclear power plants?

Why don`t insurance companies insure some drivers?

Typical renters insurance in springfield MA?

what is the typical amount of money you pay for renters insurance in springfield Massachusetts?

Who is California Insurance Comany?

MY BOSS WAS IN AN ACCIDENT RECENTLY, WHEN THE INFORMATION WAS EXCHANGED, THE OTHER PARTY WROTE DOWN CALIFORNIA AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY AND A POLICY #, NO PHONE NUMBER, HER NAME, MAKE OF VEHICLE, MODEL AND VIN#. HOW CAN I FIND OUT THE PHONE NUMBER WITH THIS INFO. ONLY?""

What companies are still insuring unoccupied and or second homes?

This seems to be a new trend. It seems that insurance companies are canceling Homeowner's policies of their customers who are selling their homes! Once the client has to move out to their new home the insurance company cancels the policy on the home that's still for sale. This is being done even if the customer has been a client for over 30 years and is using that company for the new home! Sellers are having a rough enough time with the real estate market these days! What can be done about this? Also suppose the seller decides not to sell but keep the home as a vacation spot? Are second homes being uninsured also?

How can i get relatively cheap car insurance?

I'm 17 and just passed my test as you know first time drivers is extremely expensive to insure. As none of my parents drive I cannot go onto their policy so I'm having to start my own policy where the prices are ridiculous for an old car, but my friends have been telling me how there siblings etc. have started there own policies for as little as 1800 an this is their first year driving when all i can find is stupid prices such as 18,000 can anyone help please, please please!""

I am looking for a good insurance company. Do you have any recommendations?

I am a full time student and require more insurance than just what I can get from being a student. Does anyone know of a good insurance company for the state of NC?

Motorcycle Insurance Fee?

Hi, My name is Johnny. I'm 19 years old and live in Santa Monica, CA. I currently have DL and I know I need to get Motorcycle License to drive Motorcycle. I've been driving for 9 months and had no accident at all. Although, I sometimes drive my parents' cars and have no insurance. I heard that driving motorcycle will cost me less on payment and insurance. I want to buy like, Harley Davidson model from 2006-2008. How much will it cost me for my insurance?""

Geico Car Insurance Down Payment?

Im looking at car Insurances and was wondering if Geico makes you pay a down payment when you first start off? I know you have to pay the first months payment but what about a down payment? Do you remember paying a down payment?

How much would u predict the insurance on a 98' eclipse with turbo cost?

i'm looking to buy this car. keep in mind that i'm also 17 years old...and i'm a male...althought i passed drivers ed with an A and i've been driving for almost 4 months with a license..accident free..i need help trying to convince my parents to let me buy this car

How much is insurance for an old mercedez?

About how much is insurance going to cost for a 2001 mercedes s500?

Question about how much you think my insurance will be??! please help?

I'm 17. I just got my license. I will be put on my grandmas insurace. She has one car. We plan to share that till I can get my own. the car is a 1995 sc400 lexus. how much do you think its going to be a month?!

Car Insurance?

I am just trying to get some quotes on maybe what my car insurance would be. I don't have the kind of car that I want yet but I was just trying to get an estimate and check and see what it would be around.. Can I get any quotes without the Vin Number?

Does anyone know the average cost for car insurance for a 18yr boy for a firebird?

Does anyone know the average cost for car insurance for a 18yr boy for a firebird?

Are there anyways of lowering my car insurance? 19 Yr Old Male.?

Im a 19 year old male and I have my own suzuki swift sport which I have worked hard for for the last few years. The only thing is my insurance is around 3000 a year (brand new car)........ I dont mind going on my mothers insurance for example, im not worried about not being able to build my own no claims bonus............................. I have done a small amount of research into going onto my mothers policy and it wasn't that much cheaper........................are there and other ways of legal going about this? Thanks for your time, Matt.""

What type of driving course reduces insurance?

What type of driving course from the driving school reduces insurance for new drivers?

Do you need auto insurance when your car is under Planned NON Operation ?

I have a old car that i am not going to use for the next 4 months till my wife comes back (she's out of country now). My Question is if i file for a planned non operation of the car with DMV, can i take this car out of my insurance. Currently i just have the liability on this old car. Is insurance mandatory even if your car is not driven / in public roads?. Please help.""

Can my fiance add me to his insurance plan?

and is it more convenient than individual? (insurance through his work)

Car insurance change of address?

My car is registered in upstate but I came to ny recently because of my recently wife. I just leased a brand new car like two weeks ago and they are asking me for proof of residency. I registered the new car in hicksville li not in upstate. So i want to change my car insurance to hicksville but after a week change it back to upstate. Will there be any conflicts with my car insurance? Please help..

What is the name of place where I can go to pass some test of driving and get lower prices for car insurance?

What is the name where I can go to pass some test of driving and get lower prices for car insurance? I remember smb told me if I go there and pass test they will provide me documents allowing me to decrease my insurance for car. Currently cause I just got my license and had no any experience of driving, I am paying about $780 for 6 months. How can I go down on that price?""

Smackover Arkansas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 71762

Smackover Arkansas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 71762

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/affordable-insurance-inc-mia-faber/"

[cyberdelusionphilosopher-blog]

Can I ask my previous insurance company for proof of my no claims bonus?

"Can I ask my previous insurance company for proof of my no claims bonus?

Hi I have been driving nearly 3 years and have 2 years no claims. I have sold my car and I am looking a new one. I have found a better insurance company that is a lot cheaper so I hope to move to them. The new insurance company have asked me for proof of my 2 years no claims. Do I have the right to ask my previous insurance company for the proof of my 2 years no claims ? Help please. I want to know where I stand before approaching them. Thanks

BEST ANSWER:  Try this site where you can compare quotes: : http://financeandcreditsolutions.xyz/index.html?src=tumblr 

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Hello I recently bought a car, I live in Ontario Canada Before that I used to drive in my dads car as a secondary hand driver in the insurance I want to know what is the cheapest way to get an insurance with my dads car My dad wanted to change the owner ship of the car to him so I can go as secondary hand driver on both cars, but my friend told me it doesnt matter who owns the car Now in my house hold there are two drivers and two cars, me and my dad has a full G driving license, I want to be able to drive both cars so is my dad What is the best way to do my insurance and what is the cheapest company to deal with Thank you""

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Im looking to buy my first car YAY my parents agrred that they would put a down payment if i get a NEW never used car they only thing i have to do is pay the rest of it off in the length. but i dont want it to be to expensive and what not, so i was looking at a a infiniti g35 coupe between 04-06 used under car specs all are under 100,000 miles range from 50,000-88k could you give me an estamite how much insurance would come to, b/c the cars are under12k so buying it will be really easy. im 17 full licence only drive to work,school, and home so i would say only about 40 miles a month Both my parents have outstanding drving records (they only pay 440 every 6 months)""

A 125cc Scooter in California?

I want to get a 125cc scooter just because it does use a lot of gas. In California, does a 125cc scooter need a license plate? Do I need to buy an insurance? Do I need a driver license? Do I have to ride on the bike lane? or I can ride as a car? How do I make a left turn? How do I park my scooter? park it as a car (occupy a car parking spot)? It's in California. Thank you very much""

Temporary car insurance...?

I'm wondering if it's possible to insure a car for about a week or two. The hypothetical plan is to buy a cheap car for a relatively short roadtrip, drive it for a couple weeks, then sell it. I figured this would be cheaper than renting, but once I considered licensing and insurance, I'm not sure anymore. Any suggestions, facts, and ideas would be appreciated!""

Report to insurance or not?

i was driving down the freeway yesterday and a rock hit my windshield. it now has two huge cracks. and i have to get it replaced i know it cant be repaired. my deductible on my insurance is $500, should i report it to the insurance or not? would it be cheaper to just fix it myself?""

Would the insurance be too much?

My mom gave me her Audi TT RS this week because she bought a new car. The deal was I get the car but I have to pay for insurance and gas. So, will the insurance be a back-breaker? I'm 17 right now and I've had my licence for well over a year. I haven't been in any accidents or altercations with the law.""

""Can i drive clients to appointments etc, i have business car insurance?""

my boss has asked me to take clients to appointments, not sure if this is right as i have only got business car insurance, which is for visiting clients, commuting to and from work, i was told to do a risk assessment as i only told my car insurance it was commuting to visit clients not sure if i will be covered, and many clients are high risk""

Policy for 17 year old driving on traders insurance!?

Can a 17 year old drive an Audi a1 1.4 sport on traders insurance?

How do you put someone on your insurance policy?

I have been insured for 3 years. My bf wants to get a car but with no no claims bonus he is getting quotes in excess of 3000 on the most basic insurance. I've tried to get quotes online to have him on my insurance but driving seperate cars and it seems I can't do this online. Do you have to actually phone them up? I'd prefer to do it online as it's less hassle.

Is geico really the cheapest car insurance for a 19 year old driving a sliver 2001 mustang?

Dont know which insurance is cheaper?

On getting a quote for car insurance I am not sure if i qualify for no claims bonus.?

I have been down as my granddads named mobility driver as in hes the main driver and im his named driver, I have been in this situation for 3 years with no crashes bumps speeding tickets, no problems what so ever, Now im finally trying to get car insurance for myself can i claim that I have had 3 years no claims ?""

""My truck got totaled, now the insurance wants to give me crap for payout. Can I negotiate?""

I had a 2000 Sierra that was probably the nicest truck in town. I have pictures of how it looked, videos of how it ran, and plenty of people to testify it was a nice ride. The insurance wants to give us crap for payout saying that the truck was average to poor condition. Even after stripping off most of my aftermarket stuff, I still have a few thousand $$ still on the truck. I know they don't cover aftermarket stuff, but if I can't take it off, I should be compensated for it. Can I negotiate with them or do I have to take what they offer me? I've already told them that I don't like what they offered me since my truck wasn't the junk car they are paying me for. Can they turn around and just tell me they won't pay anything since I didn't take the first offer?""

HElp With A PROJECT on CAR INSURANCE!?

ok so i have a project and all the car insurance places are closed and i can't finish it! so umm can anyone help?? this is all the information i have, i just need an estimate for a monthly payment 1996 eagle talon married couple 25 years old driver low milage on car car is paid for, goood driving history car is used for job too for dilivering pizza live in florida umm if you need any more information let me kno please helpp worth 20% of final grade in class!!!!""

2003 Hummer H2 insurance cost? For 16 year old? 10 points!?

How much will the insurance cost for this car? This car is FREE for me because it's my dad's and he wants me to have it as my first car. It only has 60,000 miles on it for a almost 10 year old car. It is practically new with a tv inside and nice rims. How much will insurance be?""

Car insurance question?

I'm 16, and im currently driving my parents car to and from school. im insured as a full time driver and have been driving since February. at the end of the summer i plan on buying my own car, and i was wondering if we cancelled my insurance on my parents car for me, and insured me on the new car would it cost more or less than it is now?""

What health insurance company is the best value?

I want to sign up for health insurance but I'm not sure which company to go through as there are so many. I'm a 21 year old male with little income (about $1200 a month) with no dependents or job benefits. I went through the healthcare marketplace from the federal government which just said I need to get medicaid. I'm in the process of applying for medicaid as well. But if the medicaid doesn't work out or isn't very effective what is anyone's opinion on the best insurance company for me. I'm looking to spend only around $100 for a monthly premium. Any feedback will help me narrow it down and know what to consider. Thanks for the help.

How much do teens have to pay for car insurance monthly?

I'm 17 and my mom has esurance. I have a job now and so now I'm allowed to get my license. They won't give us a quote until I actually have my license but I live in Littleton, CO 80123 and I'll be driving a 1997 Subaru Legacy""

Car insurance help?

Is it possible for you to put someone on your car insurance plan like to add a person on? Make sence?

What are the benefits of Antique Car Insurance?

Or Collectible Car Insurance, whatever you want to call it. And is it cheaper than typical insurance? (Though I doubt it)""

I might be getting a car and I need to know the insurance?

Ok, so I'll be 17, it'll be my first car, it costs 300 that's it :) all that needs doing is some rust work on the door. It's a 1987 D reg Saab 900 :D any ideas on how much my insurance will cost? I dont know the full license plate so I can't do it properly myself :/ but even just a rough estimate would be a great help :) thanks :)""

Getting car Insurance with a provisional license in Ireland?

I'm 17 years old and I just passed my theory test today (Woohooo!) I live in IRELAND and I'm wondering what would be the cheapest way for insurance? Insurance would be much too high to go on my own. My mom doesnt have a license or even a provisional license, she doesn't intend to drive either for personal reasons. There's nothing that can be done there is there? I could go on my brothers insurance,he has a full license for around 8 years. He lives a county away though so how would that work? What are the rules about me going under his insurance? I would appreciate any help as I'm new to this and I need help. Thanks!""

What is the cost of the insurance for the car i want ?

I want a Suzuki Ignis 1.5 sport im just about to start driving wants the insurance going to cost ?

How much would insurance cost?

I'm a 16 year old male who makes a's and b's in school and my parents just bought me a 2008 Gmc Sierra Denali and I'm currently driving without insurance how much do you think it would cost for me?

How Much for a 17 year old to have full coverage on a car?

I REALLY dont wanna be on my dads insurance anymore, because i want to get a car of MY own in MY name and im not sure what to do because of how much full coverage would cost for myself. Any suggestions. Can i have my car in my name and be on somebody elses insurance? or what? i just cant pay 350 a month for full coverage!""

The cheapest auto insurance in southern california?

The cheapest auto insurance in southern california?

Can I ask my previous insurance company for proof of my no claims bonus?

Hi I have been driving nearly 3 years and have 2 years no claims. I have sold my car and I am looking a new one. I have found a better insurance company that is a lot cheaper so I hope to move to them. The new insurance company have asked me for proof of my 2 years no claims. Do I have the right to ask my previous insurance company for the proof of my 2 years no claims ? Help please. I want to know where I stand before approaching them. Thanks

Ques about auto ins and traffic school in Los Angeles

I just got a ticket for a California Roll..(not complete stop at stop sign)...To do Traffic school it's gonna cost me around $130-$140 dollars...Would it just be cheaper or the same amount of money if I just don't go to traffic school and let my auto ins go up a lil. By how much is my insurance really gonna go up for that, especially when my driving record is otherwise fantastic.""

Car accident now what? insurance question?

I was in my first major car accident, my car was totaled. I was waiting at the light to make a left turn, the green arrow came on and i went and some one coming from the opposite side of the lane in the opposite way ran a red light and hit me, he claims on the report he doesn't know how the accident happened. I just wanted to know what do you think will happen? A witness was talking to the cops but his information is not on my police report. It has to go through his insurance what are the odds that they will know that he was in the wrong and not me??""

Cheapest car insurance?

Cheapest car insurance?

Cheap auto insurance for 18 year old?

Cheap auto insurance for 18 year old?

Question about insurance coverage?

Okay today my car was broken into at school and they shattered the drivers side window and stole my $150 radio and my $120 graphing calculator. I have full auto insurance coverage but what coverage does this fall under? Comprehensive coverage? I saw on this website that homeowners insurance would cover this but that didn't make sense to me. Does the car have to be home when the break in happened? WILL CHOOSE BEST ANSWER

Car Insurance Payments?

Is the car insurance still in act even if I don't pay for it on the day the payment is due, or does the insurance stop and resume until I pay for it? And, if I don't pay the car insurance on time, will they charge me until I pay them?""

""What percentage of your net income should you spend on all your bills including mortgage, car, insurance, etc.""

Live in New York, just about to buy a house and am wondering what other people are spending on all their bills as compared to their salary. I'm figuring about 55%-60% of my net ...show more""

Auto Insurance on a 16 year old Living in GA?

Can I Use My Dad Or My Mom Insurance to be cheaper it a 4 door

Should I have full coverage or liability only for car insurance on a 1997 Honda Accord?

The car is in very good condition with no major problems. The car is almost 13 years old but the re-sale of Honda cars are supposed to be good.

How do i find the cheapest car insurance ? can i go for 6 months rahter then 12 ?

i would insure 3 year old astra, my first car in uk, i have EU driving license for over 10 years""

Cheap car insurance for a 21 year old?

Okay, i am 21 and in August it will be 3 years since i got my New York State drivers license, Will insurance be chaper for me after the i have been licnesed for 3 years?""

Does a car insurance company need to know the state in which the car will be used?

I am buying car insurance for a 21 year old child who will attend graduate school out of state. Primary address will still be with me. Car will be in my name; child/student will be listed as primary driver. Child/student will live in an apartment while at graduate school. Does the insurance company need to know in what state the student will be?

Which car insurance companies only ask for 3 years convictions?

Can anyone give me a of list of car insurance companies which only ask for 3 years of convictions...? I have 6 points, I'm 22, passed my test 3 months ago, and accumulated these points 3 years and 2 months ago... Catch my drift? :)""

Car accident. how much will my deductable go up?

i might need a new bumper. i was stopped in a parking lot going into first gear when this lady backed into my bumper. she claimed fault for it and i have a signed statement from her. i am 16 years old and i live in the state of Ohio. perfect record and no pasted accidents. will this make my insurance go up? and if so by how much?

How much is the insurance for evo x 2008?

Im 18 years old i live in california

""What agency will investigate fraud, abuse or illegal activity in government medical insurance programs?

And how will the Judicial system be made affordable for persons who are living in poverty?

First car/insurance question?

http://westpalmbeach.craigslist.org/car/676277707.html im looking to buy this car for my first car, i currently have more than enough for it, plus i really have wanted a lancer. is that a good car? 2nd. do you need to pay insurance on a car that you dont use? im an avid driver, but i havent got my license yet, *2months exactly left*. if i get it, will i pay insurance for 2 months...without use? in the hypothetical scenario, where i wont even use my drivers permit with it with a parent of course.""

Cheap car insurance for a 17 year old boy on a UK full licence?

do you know any cheap insurance providers who could give a reasonable quote for a 17 year old, with a pass plus on a full UK licence, as go compare is giving quotes of 3000+ which if far too much for a student, plus this is only third party, please help!""

Good health insurance quotes websites?

Whats a good and reliable website where I can look up health insurance packages and quotes

Do I have to call my car insurance?

What If I accidentally hit reversed my car and hit a wall and I want to fix my car... Do I have to call the insurance company to tell them what happened..? Or can't I just fix my car without my insurance company knowing..? I don't want my Insurance to go UP!

Cheapest insurance in Washington state ?

Cheapest insurance in Washington state ?

Honda civic Si sedan insurance for a 18 year old?

Hi I have been looking into a Honda civic Si sedan and i have been trying to get insurance quotes online but they all say insurance would be almost 400 dollars a month does that seem way to high? i have had my licence since i was 16 and have no accidents and no tickets i have a clean record and drive less than 9k miles a year and im under my moms insurance plan

Can I go to a doctor and claim no insurance even though I have health insurance?

I don't want my father getting bills from the doctors office or his insurance company.

Do I need to buy car insurance if I am a tourist borrowing my friend's car which is insured?

I'm a tourist in the U.S, and I want to use my friend's car occasionally, her car is insured but my name is not on her insurance policy, do I need to be on it to be covered?, Also, in case an officer asks me to pull over, do I need to be on the car insurance or just show him the car is insured?""

Why would a African America have to pay more for car insurance?

Me and my friend writes for the school news paper. We did our own investigation like the local news will do sometimes.We both at two different times went to see a local and same agent for a car insurance quote . We are both the same age, No record of bad driving, No criminal record, also wanted insurance on the same car and same gender. The only different variable was race. I don't think time would of played part since it was only 1 hour apart. This offends me how the car companies can do this. I wondered why? Any information or missing links that can help us write this story?""

Can I ask my previous insurance company for proof of my no claims bonus?

Hi I have been driving nearly 3 years and have 2 years no claims. I have sold my car and I am looking a new one. I have found a better insurance company that is a lot cheaper so I hope to move to them. The new insurance company have asked me for proof of my 2 years no claims. Do I have the right to ask my previous insurance company for the proof of my 2 years no claims ? Help please. I want to know where I stand before approaching them. Thanks

Anyone know of affordable dental insurance for western Ky? ?

i need to have dental work done, but no insurance.""

Insurance help please?

Took a hpt and it was positive. I am going to the health dept to get another pregnancy test. I don't have insurance (I know it was stupid to get prego with no insurance) but I know I can get TennCare. If I take a note from the health dept nurse to dhs, when will my insurance start? Can I go see an ob right away? Or do I have to wait until I get a letter from dhs?""

Does car insurance get significantly cheaper when you turn 21?

Does car insurance get significantly cheaper when you turn 21?

About Health Insurance?

I just went for a job interview this morning, and it seemed to go well. When I was asked if I had any questions about the company, I inquired about their health plan. She turned a little red and said they offered Blue Cross Blue Shield (not uncommon in my region), but then went on to say The company covers 60% and the employee, 40%). She went on to give an explanation about how BCBS charges the company based on the average age of all employees (which in this company's case, is about 45 or something). Anyway, my question is this: What do you think about that? 60 to 40 equation? I'm thinking that my 'out of pocket' (for family - my son and I) will be quite high, and my co pays at the doctor/dentist will be as well... Can anyone help please?""

""How good would a 1.6 Renault Clio RXE for road tax ,insurance running costs be?""

How good would a 1.6 Renault Clio RXE for road tax ,insurance running costs be?""

How do I pay my life insurance premiums on line for Globe Life and Accident Insurance Co.?

I don't have the website written down to Globe Insurance correctly and don't know how to get to the correct one so I can pay my bill. All I need is the website that allows me to pay my premium on line

""How much would it be if got allstate insurance for a new 2009 nissan altima. im 20yrs old, live with my parets?

my parents have allstate. this is my first car under my name.

I involved in a car accident and that car insurance just expired few days ago?

I borrowed my brother in law car and unfortunately, i collided with another car. Then I realized that my brother's car insurance with GMAC has just expired few days ago. I don't have the same address with him, just borrow his car occasionally because i just moved here. I have my own car insurance in another state with AAA. What can I do in this situation?""

Hi my parents have allstate auto insurance...?

i was just licensed, and my parents have that car insurance. Will it cost less to have my car included into their insurance rather than having a separate one for myself? and if so approximately by how much less per month?""

200$ Car Insurance for 19 year old?

I was told that Car Insurance is usually around 1200$+ for people under 25 years old cause of risk. But I was curious exactly how much so I went to GEICO online for an insurance ...show more

Cheap cars and places to get car insurance for 17 year old ?

My 17 year old son has recently passed his driving test, we live in england in surrey and i want to know what the cheapest cars to insure are and what companies are cheapest to insure with?""

Looking for a good insurance company to represent in California?

I'm a licensed insurance agent in California. I've been through 3 firms in 3 years and did not make much money at all. Now I'm working retail waiting to get back in the game while my license is just wasting away. Please, no AFLAC or World Financial Group referrals. Training is non-existent at AFLAC and the WFG people were absent of integrity. Could anyone recommend a good company to work for that is structured and has a good training program. Thank you.""

Motorcycle insurance?

I have a 2007 Ducati Monster s2r800. I am 22, male. Clean driving record. will be used for commuting to school. What is an approximation as for what my insurance will cost me (liability and theft)?""

Traffic Citation: Insurance?

I received a traffic citation for speeding. I am not listed on my parents insurance card, but I am online. Online I appear as --- list only, driver under 21 never licensed my license number is not listed as well. Only my name and birthdate. -- Also it shows that I don't not have any rights as the insured drivers. Will their insurance rate increase even though I am not insured or listed as list only ? ** Included picture **""

How much would insurance be for a 1998-2001 mitsubishi eclipse for me?

im 16 and i need a car i would like to get a mitsubishi eclipse like a 1998-2001 model but I dont know how much my insurance would be. like i said im 16 and my grade point average is about a 2.5-3.0 (i get D and C) so if any one know plz share with me, thanks!""

Why did my car insurance with geico go up?

I'm always in a 6 month payment plan. My insurance just got renewed today. now i pay $208/month instead of $190/month and i didn't even get any driving violations for the past year. before i used to pay $250/month till they gradually decreased it to $190/month but now what happened? does anyone know where i can get a cheaper car insurance? I have a 2006 coupe cobalt and i'm 22 years old. Is geico trying to rip me off?

A few questions about SR-22 Insurance?

Alright, so I'm getting slightly annoyed of the DMV as I've visited them three times already an had literally no progress made in all those lame visits... Anyways, I only got insurance so I can drive, but my car has failed smog three times now so that wont be happening and I'm now paying non-owner SR-22 insurance. Here are a few questions I have about the SR-22 and any input would be much appreciated. 1) What are the exact consequences if I choose to cancell my non-owner SR-22 insurance? I acknowledge that I will have to restart the process all over again when I want to reactivate it, but will the price be raised even more and the time frame? 2) Who do I call to find out how long I have to have SR-22 insurance; DMV or Local Court? 3) When does the SR-22 officially get activated, when the judge orders it or when I first started paying for the insurance? (I'm asking this because the insurance company I'm with is saying I shouldn't cancel because it will restart; I got the DUI 2 years ago and acitvated the insurance about 2 mounts ago.) I'm planning on going to a 4 year college so I don't want to be paying not to drive...! *I live in California if that helps you answer the question.""

What is an insurance program?

I have heard the term, Programs Division, and Programs Underwriter. What exactly are Programs and how do they differ from the regular products an insurance agency offers?""

Smart roadster uk insurance.?

Slight problem, was looking up TPFT insurance quotes for a smart roadster: 500 excess. 7000 yearly premium. 7500 annuall mileage. The car's only worth 8500 it has a 0.7L engine. How do they justify this price gouging?""

Where can i get the cheapest insurance for my car?

Where can i get the cheapest insurance for my car?

What would the insurance be on a 2010 Camaro SS?

I know there are a lot of things that factor into the cost of insurance but if anyone could give me a ballpark estimate that would be great.

""Does any one know of any cheap car insurance, for my 18yr old son, whos just passed his test.?""

Does any one know of any cheap car insurance, for my 18yr old son, whos just passed his test.?""

Car insurance without a license? Help?

Hi. So my dad just bought me a car in Chicago. We live in North carolina. I need to transfer the title and get it registered, but i think i need insurance first. I also need proof of insurance to get my license. I dont know who will give me insurance without a license and a car that hasnt been transfered into my name yet in North carolina. So what do I do? what insurance companies have policies for somebody like me where i can spend a decent amount. I'm think 250 max a month. and yeah my parents dont wanna put me on their insurance.""

""Car insurance for a 17 year old UK, is it cheaper if i add my mum as a driver?""

Basically, If I add my Mum as another driver to my car on my insurance, does the price get lowered?""

Average teen car insurance?

I have a '98 pontiac grand am thats in nice condition. can someone just give me a rough estimate, or what their insurance is or was as a teen""

Can I ask my previous insurance company for proof of my no claims bonus?

Hi I have been driving nearly 3 years and have 2 years no claims. I have sold my car and I am looking a new one. I have found a better insurance company that is a lot cheaper so I hope to move to them. The new insurance company have asked me for proof of my 2 years no claims. Do I have the right to ask my previous insurance company for the proof of my 2 years no claims ? Help please. I want to know where I stand before approaching them. Thanks

Need auto insurance...please help for insurance agents?

My auto insurance will not be renewed due to a very bad judgment on my part (I own my mistakes) My car was stolen when I loaned it to my ex-boyfriend' in Mexico.....I freaked out and 'lied' about where the car was stolen from. The car was found by my ex-boyfriend a few days later and I notified my insurance; I told them the truth what happened owing to my lie and I dropped the clam. They are not renewing my insurance stating that I am 'high risk' My question is this....will I be able to get other insurance? I have NO tickets, accidents, no claims, no bad driver record anything. I am STILL covered now and seeking other insurance, does the new insurance have access to what the old insurance said? Again, I have coverage until the end of Jan. '09, and nothing else wrong EVER although I know what I did was very wrong.....I just freaked out. Please help....thanks""

Why does health insurance pay for doctor visits and teeth cleaning?

My car insurance doesn't pay for oil changes. Basic maintenance is up to me. As near as I can tell insurance is like an expensive savings account that you can take more money than you put in if needed.

What are some cheap insurance companies for new 17 year old drivers?

I've been using comparison sites. Mainly confused.com and the cheapest seems to be admiral, elephant or Quinn to insure a 1.0 nissan micra 2004 for a 17 year old female with a comprehensive policy. (Cheapest being 1239 with low mileage and parent on policy). However, I know some cheap insurance companies aren't on comparison sites and you have to go direct to them. So, any suggestions that I may not have found?""

Car insurance help?!?! I need advice!?

I am 20 year old single male in los angeles, california. I just bought a used 1993 toyota corolla for 1500 with financial aid money, after a tune up and some minor repairs I have 300 left in my pocket. I don't have a job, but I was planning on using this car to help me get one asap. I still need to get my car smog tested which will set me back $50 and registered which will put me back $150 leaving me with about 100 left. I don't know what to do at this point, I didn't think it would be this much. If I don't register it within 10 days am I subjective to late fees? I bought this car hoping it would help me get a job. I can barely afford gas. I have no idea what to do. I was told I need to get insurance before I can register my vehicle, which has no plates. (I got the pink slip and all the paper work) My question is what should I do, what insurance is the cheapest. If I don't register it within 10 days will I have to pay late fees? Please help me with any solutions. If I could register it next month it will save me so much grief. Is there anything I can do to make my situation easily until I find a job?""

16 yr old car insurance?

I'm about to turn 16, and about to get a car (Volvo cross country) I will have another 2 main drivers on the account. How much will it be in a roundabout? Also I will be 16^ I have a completely clean record C average And a male""

Cheap motorcycle insurance?

anybody noe of some cheap motorcycle insurance im only 17 and im planning on getting a 250cc dis coming summer and i cant spend 300 or more a month thats to much pls help.

""After one month, auto insurance gets cancelled?

I changed auto insurance after my other policy lapsed due to direct deposit mix up. I went with State Farm for both vehicles and paid about 20 dollars more per month for a better policy. I got a letter 2 weeks into coverage stating my policies are being cancelled due to not showing 30 days of coverage at the time of purchase. So I guess they can cover me for a month and ditch me? This don't sound right. I have zero tickets and zero wrecks and the same goes for my wife. My agent says the rate will go up from 138.00 per month to 245.00 per month! ! ! ! ! WTF?

Speeding ticket question on car insurance and notifications.?

Alright, so recently I recieved a speeding ticket out of my state while driving my friends car. I was wondering if this makes either his or my car insurance rates go up. Also, is there any way that our parents would be notified of this ticket? I heard a notification gets sent in the mail. Also, in the event that it does affect car insurance or a notification is sent in the mail, is there any way our parents would find out where the ticket took place? Thanks""

What is the cheapest liability insurance for teens? ?

Hi, im 17 years old and i am looking for liability insurance for my jeep cherokee. im a guy, not a girl... What would be the cheapest liability insurance for me?""

How much does the insurance usually go up on a 2door car?

How much does the insurance usually go up on a 2door car?

""State farm just dropped me for poor driving history, what insurance company should i go to now?

the title says it all...Statefarm told me they would no longer insure me after my last accident. So now i need to find an insurance company that would cover me. I live in California. i drive a sports car. and my driving record isnt pretty :/

""I have AETNA insurance full coverage, and my hospital bill is $42,519, will my insurance pay all of it???""

i was in a sever car accident, lost control hit a tree. and my hospital bill is $42,519, for only 5 days in the hospital. No broken bones, no surgies. i only had a minor head concussion, and a few bruises. i have AETNA full coverage insurance and i am a full time college student. now will aetna pay all of the hospital bills..or do i have to pay some. im really confused.""

How much does renters insurance usually run?

I'm 25 and this is a pretty new concept to me. My new landlord (a management company) suggested that everyone get it For our own Protection. I just need a ball park number. Thanks.

In CANADA - Why is car insurance cheaper for women?

I understand that women are less liability statistically, but to base car insurance rates on gender is a violation of the Charter of rights and Freedom - despite the fact all regulations, policies and laws are suppose to be constituted by it ... One of two things can be the case, either: 1) The Charter is a piece of paper as important as the toilet paper which I use to clean myself after excrement. 2) There is something which I am not understanding. Someone please offer a good explain and ill give ten points.""

What is a good low cost health insurance plan for my family?

I am 27 and my wife is 26. I am currently a full time college student and my wife is bartending until I finish school. We have no kids but also not a lot of money. I don't mind ...show more

Car insurance please help me out?

Oh right lol my query is as follows .. In July 2012 my daughter took out a pay monthly insurance policy with close premium 139 per month which was paid from my bank account every month on time for 12 months. When due for renewal August 2013 the insurance company sent her a quote saying payments were 168 per month! In view of this she decided not to insure her car and didn't use it. Shortly afterwards she receives a letter from close premium saying Hastings insurance could cover her for 100 per month but she never accepted this offer. In September 2013 Hastings took payment from my account so I contacted bank and recalled the payment. She now has a recovery agency acting on behalf of Hastings claiming she owes 400 . I can't see how she owes this money ? Do we have to pay this when we never accepted the policy and close premium passed on my bank details without my knowledge ? ( hope this makes sense)

What are the chances my daughter could get good health insurance?

That's affordable? She has a few preexisting conditions. Spina Bifida (birth defect) asthma and Chiari Malformation. She only has one kidney. Right now she's receiving ...show more

What does comprehensive insurance mean?

I am trying to apply for state insurance for my daughter, who is currently on her fathers insurance through his work, and the rates have just gone up considerably. In the FAQ, it says that families who voluntarily drop employer based comprehensive insurance must wait 6 months to apply. Can someone please tell me what this means? Thank you""

Hi what is the best 600cc sports bike for an 18 year old bearing in mind the insurance?

I need some help with choosing my first 600cc bike at the moment i ride a skygo 125cc (yes chinese lol) but i turn 18 in a couple of weeks and am looking to buy my first big bike. iv had a look at the cbr 600 but not to keen on the shape to be honest and dont really like the shape of the r6 so im looking at the kawasaki ninja / suzuki gsxr 600 and 750. any ideas would really help insurance would play a big part for me to so i need the cheapest really and what price would i be looking at ? if anyone has any other bikes to suggest i would apreciate that aswell ?

Health insurance for 18 year olds?

im 17 turning 18 in may and im wanting to know what are some affordable or good health insurance for an 18 year old

How much will my car insurance drop when i turn 25?

How much will my car insurance drop when i turn 25?

What is the cheapest car to insure for a 17 year old girl?

My daughter has started driving lessons and will soon be looking to take her driving test, we are looking to buy a car for her, but want to start with what are the cheapest cars to insure""

How does health insurance work in the USA?

I wanna visit but I keep hearing crazy stories of how going to a hospital makes you bankrupt :/

How should I insure a car? Or should I?

Hello Everyone, I'm 17 years old and have just recently gotten my license (G2). I would love to have a car of my own as it would make my life so much easier due to my strange schedule in school. I have banked enough money to buy a nice car but am still drawing a blank when it comes to insurance. What im really wondering is whats the cheapest/best way for me to insure a car. My mom and dad have both cars insured under there names but they are in use. If I was to buy my own car would I be able to insure it under their name? or under my dad's private business? I can't afford to pay 9k a year in insurance atm but would really love to have my own car sooner rather than later. If you could let me know the best way to get around the monumental cost I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance, Geoff""

How much would insurance on a v6 01-06 mustang be for a 16 year old boy?

i know MPG isnt that good but id have a good job. I make straight A's and i know that counts as something and then id be taking drivers ed.

Can I ask my previous insurance company for proof of my no claims bonus?

Hi I have been driving nearly 3 years and have 2 years no claims. I have sold my car and I am looking a new one. I have found a better insurance company that is a lot cheaper so I hope to move to them. The new insurance company have asked me for proof of my 2 years no claims. Do I have the right to ask my previous insurance company for the proof of my 2 years no claims ? Help please. I want to know where I stand before approaching them. Thanks

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mortgage-unemployment-insurance-quote-paul-bishop/"

[harlansheadwest]

RV Adventure: Day 3

Grand Canyon today. And I still can’t process how awe-inspiring it was to finally see something that, all my life, I’ve only seen in photos.

We were worried about getting a parking spot with the RV but even though we didn’t pull into the park until around 10am, we still managed to snag one of the last spots in the main parking lot. The girls picked up Junior Ranger books in the visitors center, and we walked out to the first observation point. I purposefully kept my eyes down because I wanted to get to the railing before I actually saw it. It was worth prolonging that moment, to see the vistas of canyons and rock formations and cliffs spreading out as far as I could see. At the bottom, we could glimpse a wedge of the Colorado river, green as jade, and even from so far away you could see the white froth of the rapids. Chip told me later that he’s heard that many people get swept away in the river each year because the current is so strong. I guess that makes sense, since it’s strong enough to carve a canyon!

We walked along the rim a bit, stopping every little bit to marvel at how the perspective changed. I was so glad we had our binoculars with us, because at certain points, we could make out rafts on the shore of the river, the cottages of the lodge at the bottom, and the trails on the other side leading down from the North Rim.

One observation point had a geology museum, which was basically a window that turned the view of the canyon into an exhibit, with signs and illustrations below the window explaining what the different rock layers were. On the drive to the park, my mom and Gillian and I had read a kid’s book I found at the library, about how the grand canyon was formed and the different rock layers that had formed over millions of years.

Just like friends had told us, the main observation points of the Grand Canyon were mobbed, but as we got further away from the main visitor’s center, it thinned out drastically. And the park is so well-organized, with four routes of shuttle buses that can take you to different trailheads, lodges, and observation points. We took a shuttle to Bright Angel Lodge, which is by a trailhead of the same name that we wanted to attempt. Everyone was getting hungry, though, so first we ate in the restaurant, a surprisingly delicious and not-overpriced lunch!

Then we refilled our water bottles with the taps of Grand Canyon spring water that they had available throughout the park (I’m still kicking myself that I didn’t refill some of our gallon jugs for the RV, that water was so good!), and headed for the trail.

Bright Angel trail is the most popular trail, according to all the research I’ve done, and you can take it all the way to the bottom. But people like it because there are also rest points at 1.5, 3, and 6 miles, with restrooms and water. The night before, a lady who’d overheard us planning, had warned us that Bright Angel was steep and challenging, but we wanted to at least give it a try.

It turned out to be a wide, gravelly trail, and although there weren’t guardrails, there was plenty of room to steer clear of the edge. I was scared for Gillian at first and wanted to hold her hand, but she was being cautious and eventually I relaxed. We hadn’t gone more than a few minutes before we had to stop and let a line of mules pass. Part of me thinks it’s cool that they still offer mule rides to the bottom, but part of me feels sorry for those mules – what a crappy life they must have!

After the mules passed, we continued down. It was not hard at all, but I could see from the red faces and exhausted expressions of the people heading back up, that we needed to make sure not to go too far. The girls were happily nibbling on baggies of Jelly Bellies (Thanks for the suggestion, Emily!), but I was worried that once they ate the last one, their enthusiasm for the hike would wane.

After walking about 30 minutes, we decided we should probably turn around and head back up. I had visions of Chip having to carry an exhausted Gillian back up!

When we turned around, it was amazing to look up and see how far we’d already descended. The Grand Canyon is a mile deep, so we had barely made a dent, but it did seem like an impressive distance.

The hike back up was definitely MUCH harder than going down, and harder than I thought it would be! Within a few steps, my heart was pounding! They say it takes twice as long to get up as it does to get down, and that’s for sure. We took it slow, stopping along the way to sip water and rest in the shade. I was so impressed with Gillian! She often complains that she doesn’t like hiking (and at one point earlier in the day, when I cajoled her to go out onto an overlook to admire the view, she’d snapped, “I’m sick of the view!”), but she was a trooper. At one point, I looked across the cliff to where the trail wound to the other side, and I could see her and Chip, way ahead of us, and her striding along like a boss. I think the fact that I’d gotten the kids their own Camelbacks, really helped. I wasn’t constantly having to give them water from bottles I carried myself, and they liked the novelty of the sipping straw.

After resting behind Bright Angel Lodge for a bit, we piled into Jake’s car to drive to the last thing we wanted to see, the Watchtower at Desert View. This was about 25 miles northeast of where we were, and no shuttles went there. Along the way, we saw elk grazing, and the smoldering remains of a controlled fire that the rangers were doing. Jake joked that it looked like Mordor! It certainly was otherworldly.

The Watchtower was definitely worth the drive. It’s an old stone building, looking like something Rapunzel would’ve lived in, designed by Mary Coulter in 1932. I read later that she studied Native American building techniques in order to design the tower, and the insides are covered with Native American pictographs. We climbed up the 70-foot tower to get even more astonishing views of the Grand Canyon. By then it was much later in the day and it was beautiful to see parts of the canyon in shadow, plus the sky was dramatic as there were scatterings of rainshowers passing through – in fact, as we were getting back into the car, it started raining cold, heavy drops!

We were too tired to spend any more time in the park, but part of me wishes we’d planned to be here for two days so we could have seen one of the ranger talks (a requirement to get the Junior Ranger badge, so the girls ended up not being able to get their badges!), seen the canyon at sunset, or checked out some of the other westernmost viewpoints. We also never saw Grand Canyon Village, but Chip was pretty shopped out after our afternoon in Sedona.

Besides, we have to save something for next time, right? I have fantasies of doing a rafting trip or a hike down to the bottom when the girls are in college.

We got back so late, and had promised the girls a swim in the pool, so I threw together a quick dinner of hot dogs and baked beans. Then, the promised swim at the indoor pool in the hotel that’s connected with our RV park.

Tomorrow we head to Utah, hopefully by way of Horseshoe Bend!

[cover2covermom]

On Saturday April 8th, I attended the 10th annual Ohioana Book Festival.  This event takes place in Columbus Ohio (about 1-1.5 hours north of where I live) every year, and focuses on featuring & promoting Ohio authors.

Continue on to read about my experience, which books I hauled, and which author I had an “awkward encounter” with…

I ended up flying solo to this event.  There are pros and cons to going to a book event alone…

Pros: you are the boss • you can come/go when you please • you can listen to an audiobook on the commute…

Cons: no one to fangirl with • no one to take your picture with the authors • no one to watch your crap while you use the restroom • you have to pay for all of the gas/parking • no one to discuss panels with • no one to people watch with • no one to sit next to you and ward off creepy men (this actually happened) • you look like a loser without any friends…

Basically going solo was fine, but I would have preferred to have my bookish partner in crime with me.

Source: Ohioana Library Twitter

I spent the majority of my time at the festival attending the author panels.  I find author panels absolutely fascinating.  I love that each author typically has such different writing processes, motivations, inspirations, etc.  I also enjoy getting new insights into books I’ve read or plan to read.   I am going to be giving a little snippet of each of the panels I attended, however I am going to limit it to the authors that drew me to the panel in the first place.  This is not to say that I was not interested in what the other authors had to say, but in the spirit of keeping this post relatively short I can only include a few authors.

I started my day off with my first panel, Masters of Mystery.  This eneded up being an all male author panel that comprised of Dan Andriacco, John Hegenberger, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, Robin Yocum.  Now, this may come as a big shock, but I am not a big mystery reader.  So why did I attend this panel?  I wasn’t really interested in any of the other panels during this time slot, so I figured why not?  The only author I had heard of in this panel was Robin Yocum.  I had heard good things about his book A Brilliant Death. 

*Unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures of this panel because I didn’t have a good vantage point #BookBloggerFail

Robin Yocum

» The first thing I have to get off my chest about Robin is that he resembles Sylvester Stallone with a touch of Mel Gibson.  Basically, he is Sylvester & Mel’s love child.  I thought about telling this to him when I visited his booth after the panel, but I didn’t want him to think I was a werido… which it totally true, but he doesn’t need to know that :)

» It generally takes him 8 months to 1 year to write a book.

» He knows how the book is going to end before he begins so he can write towards that ending.

» He writes everyday and shoots for at least 500 words minimum.

» He likes to utilize the voice to text app on his phone to dictate notes, ideas, plot points, etc. while he is driving in the car.  The app then emails him the notes.

*This is brilliant!  Take note all you aspiring authors!

» “The first 10,000 and the last 10,000 words are easy.  It’s the middle 80,000 words that are hard.”

» A Brilliant Death, A Welcome Murder, and one other book (yet to be published) actually sat in his closet for 15 years before they were published.  He wrote these books 15 years ago!

See what I mean?  He is totally Sylvester & Mel’s love child

  My next panel, Out of the Past: Historical Fiction, was my favorite panel of the day.  Authors Jennifer Chiaverini, Linda Kass, Mary Doria Russell, and David Selcer sat on the panel.  This was actually a “record breaking” panel for the Ohioana Book Fest, as there were over 70 people packed into one small room, which is the most in the history of the event.

Source: Ohioana Library Facebook Page

  *Can you spot me in the front row? I’m on the right hand side of the room to the left of the lady in the long braid.

As you can tell from the picture, this audience was an older demographic.  I was probably the only person under the age of 40 in attendance… BUT if you know me, then you know that historical fiction is my favorite genre.  I went into this panel specifically for Jennifer Chiaverini and Mary Doria Russell.

*I would like to note that the pictures I took at the actual event are not the best quality because they are taken on my phone.  Sorry in advance :)

Jennifer Chiaverini

» Personal observation: this woman is ridiculously pretty.  She is one of those naturally beautiful women we all wish we were.

» She was inspired to write Fates and Traitors by all the gun violence in society today.

» She fangirled hard core over Mary Doria Russell.

» She wanted to write Fates and Traitors from the view points of the women who knew and loved him best, as they were the first ones to be judged.

» In historical fiction, oral histories are crucial sources of info as personal experiences vary.

» She loves that in historical fiction, you have the added gift of emotion and can evoke empathy in readers.

» She recommends Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell

Mary Doria Russell

» Mary is such a character.  She was very charismatic and FUNNY!  I also found it hilarious she was wearing a planet necklace… That isn’t some type of brand name, she was wearing our solar system on her neck.

» Once shared a taxi with David Mcullough.

» Recommends A Friend of Mr. Lincoln by Stephen Harrigan.

» She starts with research BEFORE she decides any characters, plot points, etc.

» She has to be in love with the characters, or she will not write the story.  She had contemplated writing about Abraham Lincoln and Edgar Allan Poe, but didn’t because she doesn’t like them.

I did have a rather awkward encounter with Mary.  I pondered about if I should mention it or not, but it is my blog, so I’ll do what I want :)

Since Mary had a stack of her books (multiple copies of a few of her books) with her during the panel, I went up to the table after the panel was over to enquire if I could just get the books I wanted now (as opposed to going upstairs and potentially waiting in line).  Mary seemed very hesitant and slightly annoyed with this request, not really looking at me or trying to engage me in conversation.  I quickly said that I could just wait and get the books upstairs, but she was already signing her name into the two books I had pointed to.  At this point she then handed them to me and said “I’m going to trust that you are going to pay for these.”   I was a little taken aback by this comment.  I assured her that I would, and quickly left the room feeling a little embarrassed.  It had never crossed my mind that this was the reason that she was hesitant to give me the books she had brought with her to the panel… I guess I just assumed that the reason she brought multiple copies of each of her books was in hopes of selling some to those who attended the panel.

I would be lying if I said that this situation didn’t upset me, HOWEVER I am going to give Mary the benefit of the doubt here.  The panels were held downstairs (near the exits) and the check out registers were upstairs… Maybe she has had books stolen at festivals before?  Maybe the festival had some type of strict rule not to give people books at the panels? Was it the fact that I look younger than I am (despite the fact that I’m now 30 and officially old) and was wearing ripped jeans and a t-shirt?  Did I look suspicious?   I really hate to have a bad taste in my mouth over this, as I really enjoyed listening to Mary on the panel and was so excited to read her books.  Is it possible that I completely misjudged the situation?  Maybe.  Do I really believe that?  Not really.

Just for clarification I did go upstairs and pay for the two books at FULL price.

My next panel, Writing and Publishing for Young Readers, included David FitzSimmons, Anne Vittur Kennedy, Edith Pattou, and Carmella Van Vleet.  This panel included the author of my favorite book that I read for the Ohioana book festival, East by Edith Pattou.

Edith Pattou

» Well first off I would like to brag that Edith Pattou remembered my name from when I had gone to her booth earlier in the day to pick up a copy of East to get signed.  When she had arrived at the panel, she had forgotten to bring a copy of one of her books to put on display.  She saw me sitting in the front row and said “Amanda..” (I’m assuming to ask to borrow the copy of her book she knew I had) but the moderator cut her off and produced a copy of East for Edith.  That’s right, Edith and I are basically BFFs now.

» Edith just finished revisions on a SEQUEL to East!  I had no idea this was in the works.  Anyone want to take a stab at what the title is?  If you guessed West, then you are correct! ((Edith- I’m totally available to read an ARC of West in exchange for a review… call me!))

» She writes for 4-6 hours a day.  She has to get out of the house to write, so she goes to her local library.

» Her favorite childhood book is A Wrinkle in Time

» She lucked out in the publishing process: she pitched her first book and the first publisher picked it up.  This is NOT the norm in the publishing world.

» She doesn’t write with a specific audience in mind, she just writes the story that speaks to her.

My final panel, Submitted for Your Approval: Sci Fi, Fantasy, and Horror, included Gary Buettner, Mark Dawidziak, Terry W. Ervin II, and Leanna Renee Hieber.  Not going to lie, I had never heard of any of these authors before, but I figured why not?  This ended up being the most entertaining panel.  I laughed the entire time.

» “If you read only within one genre, you’re inbreeding.” -Gary Buettner.  Obviously you needed to be there to understand the context of this comment, but Gary was a hoot!

» Mark Dawidziak is totally Mark Twain.  Mark hates labeling.  He feels that labeling minimizes authors: Not a “horror writer,” just a writer.

» Terry Ervin writes the books that he would like to find on the shelf and read.  Advises aspiring authors to write for themselves, not with the intent to make millions.

» Shirley Jackson is such a fascinating woman!  She walked into the room in full on Victorian era get-up, complete with a feather headpiece.  I really wish I had gotten a picture of her outfit.  She looked stunning.  I was even more intrigued when she said that it wasn’t a costume, it is how she normally dresses.  Shirley writes “gothic Victorian fantasy” for a female forward audience.  She was heavily influenced by the Brontë sisters and Edgar Allan Poe.

»  Book recs from the panel: The Shinning by Stephen King (and many more by Stephen King), The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty, and The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson.

Follow Cover2CoverMom on Instagram @Cover2CoverMom

» The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

» East by Edith Pattou

» A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell

» A Brilliant Death by Robin Yocum

» The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

» Fates and Traitors by Jennifer Chiaverini

Would you (or have you) ever attend(ed) a book festival solo?

Have you ever had a “awkward” encounter with an author?

Have you read any of the books I hauled?  What did you think?

Comment below and let me know :)

I talk about attending the #OhioanaBookFestival and share my #BookHaul. #BookBlogger #Bookworm On Saturday April 8th, I attended the 10th annual Ohioana Book Festival.  This event takes place in Columbus Ohio (about 1-1.5 hours north of where I live) every year, and focuses on featuring & promoting Ohio authors.

[usfcaexperience]

My story: Fighting against no-fault eviction threat since last summer.

My story: Fighting against no-fault eviction threat since last summer.

In the past five or so years, eviction rate in SF has gone up by 60%. My family and I have been facing a no-fault eviction threat since last August, when the sale of our rental property was announced.

I went to a free legal consultation at the SF tenant union, whose lawyer advised us not to be absent during the open house as much as possible, in order to avert the illegal lock out and/or any property damage.  Since our building was put on market for sale, there had been weekly open house where 30 to 70 brokers and potential buyers come and walk through our apartment including the times when my 3 years old son was very ill and needed to rest at home.  They all looked at us as if we're annoying pest to exterminate.  They kicked our son’s toys and our belonging to make their way into our living room.  Our sense of security has been compromised and our son kept asking me, “Whose house is this, mama?”  We already pay pretty high rent for this 2 bedroom as we moved in only a few years ago when our son was born.  But right now, most of comparable unit now costs 700 to 1,000 dollars more than we pay, which we cannot afford.

  Last year, we have lost our child caregiver unexpectedly as she also faced a threat of no-fault eviction herself and needed to start a new job which pays more than what we could pay her.   It was not easy for us to replace her or to secure a spot in daycare in such a short notice.  My husband ended up taking many personal days from his work to take care of our son so that I don't have to cancel classes (I was teaching 3 classes on MWF).  His boss did not like his absence.  As a result, he was marginalized at his office and harassed by his boss to the point that he was led to leave his job. In this competitive economy/job market, taking his personal days to care for his child was not acceptable or permissible even if it is legal.  We have no family member to rely on.  In fact, our aging parents need a financial support from us. 

  Now my husband commutes 1.5 to 2 hours each way to get to his new job outside the city.   As the population increases in bay area, the traffic has gotten far worse in the past a few years.

  Last fall, my son started a preschool. We applied 8 schools in the city and got accepted to none.  The number of childcare facilities in the city is not keeping up with the population increase at all.  Thus, getting into a preschool that offers full day care is extremely scarce thus competitive in SF right now.  I applied three of those schools when my son was only 2 months old!  Keep in mind that these are just ordinary preschools and daycare catered toward working parents.  So we end up deciding to send him to preschool near my husband's work outside the city for two days a week while he goes to day care with younger children for the rest of week.  When he goes to preschool, my son does the same commute with my husband – 1.5 to 2 hours each way.  　

  As we are facing this no fault eviction threat, we started looking for a new housing outside SF with a hope that we could find something less expensive than in the city.  But it does not look very promising for us at all.  The areas where the decent public school district exist are far beyond our financial mean. Due to the scheduling requirement by USF, I have to teach at least one class during non-prime time slot schedule in order to help our department. This poses a serious limitation on where we can live.  Because it means that my husband has to be in charge of dropping our son at school as he cannot leave his work before 5pm, while I have to be in charge of picking him up.  We cannot live too far away from each other's work to manage this.  Anywhere close to SF or South Bay where my husband works is no longer affordable to us.  And if we are to pay a current market rate housing, we cannot afford to hire any additional help for childcare, either.  Unfortunately, while I do appreciate the university's childcare subsidy, it is unfortunately just a drop in bucket right now. 

  As the financial pressure looms so rapidly, my husband and I hired a financial planner last year.  While she agreed that both my husband and I make respectful amount of salary as professionals and she was impressed by how modestly we live, nevertheless it is not enough to "survive" in the bay area, considering rising cost of childcare, education, health/medical cost and housing.  We were told to buy a house in next a few years and if we cannot pull it off, then we were advised to consider to leave the bay area and look for another job elsewhere if we wish to save enough for our retirement, medical cost and our son’s college.  Call me naive, but I really did not expect to face this prospect after I worked so hard earn my promotion with tenure at USF.

  Getting 2% raise essentially means a substantial pay cut to us unless our inflation miraculously improves immediately.  But existing data does not seem to suggest the inflation will improve or even stay constant as the last year.   How could we take a pay cut when we are already struggling?  If our inflation remains constant or gets worse, this essentially means my household will have to cut down further.  As my financial advisor pointed out, we have no more excess to cut down as we already cut it down as much as possible and if anything, she said we were not saving nearly as much as possible for our future – retirement, medical cost, life insurance, and our only child’s education. 

Since the last recession, our family (aging parents) have lost their substantial saving and income.  My husband and I have been sending money to help them but if this pay cut is put in place, we could no longer send our help to their way.

By committing to serve for USF in midst of this hyper housing inflation, we have been already making a great financial and personal sacrifice beyond our mean.  Making any further sacrifice would mean two dire consequences.  First, we are setting ourselves for further financial demise in both short and long term.  Second, this seriously hinders our ability to serve USF and most importantly our students.  If I cannot afford child care, parking fee and gas to commute daily, it means I have less time to spend with my students outside classroom and our regular office hours.  How could I do that to students who is taking enormous amount of student loan to receive a private Jesuit education?  Needless to say, I will also have significantly less time and money to conduct an international research which seriously compromises my ability to deliver a globally competitive and comprehensive teaching at USF.  If I cannot deliver the best quality of education to my students, why am I struggling to stay with USF?   That is the question that I would like to ask our President and Provost.  That is why I advocate for livable wage from USF.  I do not ask the university to solve my hardship or problem, but I do expect them to understand why this “new normal” is not acceptable to us.