You have the basic idea outlined; a vacation somewhere warm and tropical but not boring. The landscape should be beautiful in an interesting way, and the ambiance should be welcoming and a little on the spicy side. You’d prefer not to experience culture shock by having to seek out a rare English-speaker just to make your way around, but you would like to expose yourself to new and delightful customs, sights, and sounds. The place you are thinking of has a name: Puerto Rico. This eclectic and densely populated island is a mixture of so many things; old and new, traditional and unconventional, natural and man-made, and above all, it is defined by the influences and flavors of a colorful collection of nations. To visit Puerto Rico is to fall into a vibrant and multi-hued celebration of diversity, so be prepared to be impressed by the welcoming spirit of this vast community as well as the physically remarkable features. Now that you’ve made the choice to take an island retreat to a not-so-average island, you’ll want to find a place to stay that will help you to squeeze every ounce of enjoyment and relaxation from this trip. You might never have stayed in one before, but a vacation rental would be the perfect choice to complement the “get away from it all” attitude that you’ll be adopting as soon as you set foot on Puerto Rico’s rich soil. Perhaps you’ve heard that San Juan is the place to be when it comes to architectural sight seeing, people-watching, and of course, all the beach activities you’d care to engage in. If this is the case, then check into renting a condo in the Ocean Park area. Here, you’ll be close enough to the water to go swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling at the drop of a hat. The ocean breezes will lull you to sleep at night, and the thought of a gorgeous tropical sunrise will have you out of bed earlier than you would have thought possible. This location will have you feeling the pulse of the town, as well, and a short walk will allow you to dine, dance, and shop to your heart’s content. Take pictures of the commanding fortresses that once guarded the city, or tour the ornate cathedrals that have been welcoming spiritual solace-seekers for hundreds of years. The food will leave your taste-buds tingling, and be sure to wash it all down with some locally produced rum, as it will be the finest you’ve ever had. If you’re ready to immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness, take a drive to El Yunque Rain Forest a few miles away. The lush environment ensures the coexistence of plants and wildlife unlike any you’ve ever seen. You’ll hear the cricket-like chirp of the ubiquitous Coqui frog and catch glimpses of hundreds of species of colorful birds as you make your way through the tropical, seemingly enchanted woods. Taking off in other directions will lead you to different geographic extremes, like caves, deserts, and karst formations, so save some time to visit each side of this multi-faceted island. No matter where you’ve been during the day and what amazing things you’ve seen, nothing compares to returning to home base certain of the fact that you have chosen the right place to stay. A comfy sofa to recount your adventures on, a kitchen in which to have a snack, and a patio that invites a casual cocktail hour to take place will further heighten the mood of what’s turning out to be one of your most outstanding vacations ever. After a day of tiring yourself out in the most satisfying of ways, you and your traveling companions will appreciate having plenty of room along with a few unexpected amenities, like an entertainment center or a bookshelf filled with beach-worthy paperbacks. Being in Puerto Rico will bring out your independent, adventure-seeking side, so avoiding the pitfalls of a nondescript hotel experience will seem like the natural route to take. You’ve made the choice to do something different, so take it all the way. Choose a Puerto Rico Vacation Rental that will enhance your journey to the lively land of friendly faces and incomparable culture. HomeAway.com has a wide variety of vacation rental listings, and will surely point the way to the one that is perfect for you.

Are you going to be renting a car in the near future? Do you understand exactly what you will be charged for? Many times there are additional costs added to your daily rate. In many cases you are forced to buy extra insurance in addition to your daily rate. The purpose of this article is to explain what types of car insurances there are and explain which ones you should and should not buy. One of the most common types of car rental insurance is for collision. This is to cover you in case you have an accident. The rates vary. Sometimes, the insurance rate is low but you have to pay the first 500-1000 dollars in damages to the car regardless of who is at fault. One thing you should definitely look into is if your credit card offers insurance for rental cars. Many of them do and it could save you loads of money. Another type of car rental insurance is comprehensive. Generally, this is optional but you are responsible for the car in the event it is stolen. Again, look into what insurance your credit card provides. You may find they offer full coverage. If you’re planning to have others drive the car in addition to yourself, they must be covered. You must list all drivers and have insurance for them. It is important that you do this. In the event of an accident, if the other driver is not listed, and he or she is driving, the insurance company will refuse to pay for the damages. This will leave you liable for all of the costs. When renting a car, be careful of the types of insurances you buy and what they do. Only get what you need but don’t ignore them. They will cover you if something should go wrong. For more information on Car Rentals visit http://www.allcarrentals.info .

Renting budget cars online is the best way to save next time your rent a car or minibus, whether it s for business or pleasure. There is plenty of competition in this business, so you may have trouble finding a good place to rent from. There are many websites that offer budget car rental to online customers. If you look at some companies you will find they have chosen reputable advertisers for their sites, as when you are looking to rent a budget car online, you should make sure the company you re dealing with is reputable. They have measured cost, reliability, customer service, and selection of vehicles. Price is the basic thing to consider when looking to rent a car. You should try to get something within your budget. If you rent online, you ll save quite a bit on the rental cost, so it s by far the best option. The issue of reliability is important. A reputable car rental firm should fulfill its obligations on the contract to the letter. Make sure you get the right kind of vehicle for your trip. Don t get a car when you really need a minibus. Online car rental will get you great competitive prices. Make sure you understand what all the costs total up to before you commit to anything. There are several different rates for car rentals: daily rates with some free distance, daily rates with the distance billed separately, daily rates and no limit on distance, or an extended period of free distance. These companies will charge variable amounts for different types of cars. Remember to book or put in your request well in advance, to get the best deals. Most of the minibus and van rental companies will have deals on rentals, especially over the weekend. You always have to remember local taxes depending on where you are visiting. On international car rentals, 10% to 30 % is typically added on top of the standard charge. When you drop your car off in another city, many car rental firms will ask a fee for the drop-off. Ask whether or not the drop-off rate is included in their regular rate. There are different policies on fuel among rental companies. Most will ask for money up front and you ll be able to return the car with an empty tank. The cost of insurance is important thing to consider. You re able to buy temporary insurance at the car rental company. Go for the extended cover so you will have piece of mind if the worst happens. Renting a car or minibus online helps you save lots of money on your rental expenses. But remember to make sure that you re not overlooking some hidden costs. You ll end up paying more if you aren t careful. Ray Onions is a travel writer specialising in niche resource management. He travels the world looking for new and exciting places to stay. His articles can be found at http://www.holiday-hire-car.co.uk He can be contacted at ray@holiday-hire-car.co.uk

Fond of traveling? Always on the go? If you re the quintessential jet setter, then you definitely should go for this - travel reward credit cards. It s the brand-new, ultimate solution to the ultimate globetrotter who always needs to be on the go. But what really are travel reward credit cards and how beneficial are they for the cardholder? Getting to Know Your Travel Credit Card Travel reward credit cards give airline mile rewards to cardholders for availing the card. The cardholder accumulates points depending on the dollar amount of his purchases with the credit card. Once the number of points has been reached, the cardholder is entitled to an airline travel or any such related reward. There are actually three categories or types of travel reward credit cards, the airline miles earning card, the travel point card, and the hybrid card, a combination of the first two types. Airline mile earning cards earn 1 mile for every dollar spent while a travel point card earns 1 point for every dollar spent. The points can then be redeemed at the credit card s travel agency. The hybrid card earns 1 point for each dollar spent and can be exchanged for airline miles or used as travel points. The jet-setter or the frequent flyer should consider an airline mile card or a hybrid card. With an airline mile credit card or a hybrid card, one can avail of free trips in first class even faster. Cards like Aerogold Visa and Royal Bank British Airways Platinum Visa can convert those economy trips to first class. On the other hand, for those who are not frequent flyers, the ideal choice to go for is the travel point card, or even the hybrid card. While these cards may not give free trips in a year, it can, however, provide discounts on your travel needs. As they offer points for every dollar spent which are redeemable as cash equivalent discounts through the credit card company s travel agency or reward center. Most cards offer $50 off for every 5000 points redeemed. These discounts can come in handy when the times come for that much-awaited trip or vacation. Depending on the type of card, the reward may also cover purchase of gas, auto rentals, hotel accommodations and even purchase in shops and boutiques. They also provide cash advances when you re on the road. There s also travel insurance that would include worldwide emergencies like medical evacuation, lost luggage, and emergency expatriation. Travel Reward Credit Card SOS The important thing with travel reward credit cards is you determine the frequency of your travels as well as your own spending habits. Before choosing which credit card to go for, assess the possible uses of these travel reward credit cards. Then, look for cards that offer the biggest savings on the types of purchases that you most probably will be making. If you re not the only one traveling, travel reward credit cards offering airline or car rental perks are good to go because it benefits, not only you, but your travel companion as well. Know also the schedule and value of the travel rewards these credit cards offer. Of course, don t forget to read the terms and conditions, like the airline miles you gain for every dollar spent, or the airline miles you need to accumulate before qualifying for a free airline ticket or other rewards. And lastly, they come with an annual fee, so check to make sure that you know the charges to your account. Michael Ziegler is a sales person and website owner. He manages a website, http://www.usa-credit-card-guide.com where you can find the best credit card offer for your needs and apply for a credit card today!

The most important thing you should remember when you go in search of purchasing a used or even a new car is that the person selling the car wants to sell the car. They may not come right out and lie to you about the car in question; however, they may not mention any problems if you do not ask and yes some may even lie to rid themselves of a lemon. The number one thing you should do before searching for a used car is to know what type of car you would like or at least have some models and types in mind. You can search online or talk with car dealerships to learn what the price might be for the make and model of the car you are seeking. You can even look up the car in the NADA to learn what the car is worth by year, make, and model. This is a good estimate on what you would get if you traded that car in to a dealer. Okay, now you know how much money you need for the different cars you have in mind. Now, where do you go to find out about reliability and other factors for this car? You can search online for reviews at car forums, with consumer reports, or chat with others that have the car now or owned one at sometime. Ask pertinent questions such as what parts were replaced, gas mileage, and even questions regarding comfort. It is always in your best interest to take any used car to your own mechanic prior to purchasing instead of going on your love for the car. Just because you have always dreamed of owning a 1962 corvette and the one you found looks awesome, does not mean that it is mechanically sound. Pop open the hood, look for worn hoses, wet spots on the engine, and look for corrosion around the battery posts. You may not be able to tell much this way but you will at least get an idea if you may have to change hoses, battery cables, or if there could be a leak somewhere such as coolant or oil. When you take the car on a test drive, listen for any unusual knocking, hissing sounds or other noises that you are not familiar with, and then when you talk with your mechanic he may know what these sounds might be. Check that the lights work properly low and high beams, brake lights, turn signals, horn, air-conditioning and heating system. You may not be thinking about staying warm if the temperature outside is 95 degrees, but you will really enjoy a warm car when the north wind starts blowing. Many times if you are purchasing a used car from an individual you will not have any type of warranty, however, if you purchase through a dealer you should get some type of warranty. Many times, this warranty will be for a certain amount of months or miles put on the car. In most cases, the warranty will state exactly what items are under warranty such as the engine or transmission, for a certain amount of months and the dealership will cover all parts and labor. If the warranty only covers the transmission, then it does not cover replacement of a water pump, fuel pump, or other parts to do with the engine and the same applies for any limited warranty. Also with a dealership instead of an individual, you may be able to apply for a payment plan if you would rather pay monthly payments until the car is paid for. Many times, you will need a down payment or good credit in order to receive a loan. You should however, be careful when applying for a loan of any kind. Be sure that you are getting the best deal around. You may be able to apply for a personal loan at your bank and receive better interest rates than you would at a car dealership. Another thing to remember is to shop around. If you found one car you like, you will more than likely find another that is the same or better and you may be able to find it for less money or in better condition. When you are ready to purchase, read the total agreement. Do not just glance over the large print. Be sure that you understand everything in the agreement and if you do not - ask. It would be best to learn upfront if your warranty will end before you have the car paid off. Dennis is the owner of Mr. Car Quote and will help you find the best New and Used Car price quotes.

Buying a car needs not just investment but deep thought. The market is overflowing with choices and temptations. Buyers need to think, what kind of car and can I afford it? Think, what do I need transportation for right now and what will I need two years from now? Do I want a car as a status symbol or as something that makes my life easier? Will the car be a commuter vehicle, or to transport children? Would a van with cargo space and high clearance be more suitable for a growing family? Should the car be a two-wheel or four-wheel drive? What kind of terrain will I be driving in most of the time? Go through auto magazines as well as consumer reports to get a clear picture of the world of cars. 1. Work on your finances and determine what you need to spend each month on transportation. A car should not cost more than 10% of your net pay per month. If it is more, then consider leasing a car instead of buying one. 2. Before you finalize anything, find out what the target price is. Four figure discounts are available with almost every make. 3. Never sign an arbitration clause or blank financial forms. Try and get finance from a separate source, a bank or financial institution. 4. Haggling will get you a good deal apart from shopping around for finance. The market is competitive be sure to check dealer fiancé, high street, internet lenders, as well as other options. 5. Try and ensure a large down payment thereby reducing the loan to be paid. Work out your finances and choice of car such that the term of loan is for the shortest period. 6. Find out what buying incentives are on offer. These vary from audio systems to cash back offers, and 0% financing. Ask what extras and add ons will cost in addition to the price of the car. 7. Be sure to evaluate your old car independently if you are considering a trade in. Pay attention to ‘cost to change’, the difference between what the new car costs and what the old one is worth. 8. Find out about warranties, taxes, and insurance. These can eat into your budget. 9. Vet the contract well. Read the fine print. Make sure that paying off the loan before time will not carry any penalty. 10. Check out at least 3-4 dealers to gauge what the best offer is. Test drive the vehicle before you finalize the deal and go through the car booklet page by page to understand all that the manufacturer needs to tell you. Be clear what is under warranty and what is not. Never choose vehicle based on a picture or dream. It is not how you look in the car that’s important but how well the car will fulfill your needs. Be practical and sensible; do not buy a model because the dealership is offering a holiday for two or a low interest scheme. Identify a vehicle that suits your needs before subjecting yourself to an onslaught of marketing. Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1866Cars.com , the premier website to find help on Cars including topics on car rental, national car rental, thrifty car rental, online car rental, pickup trucks rental, cargo van rental and more. He also freelances for the premier Insurance Quotes site http://www.1888Insurancequote.com

So you want to go to Dubai but have heard how expensive it can be for both vacationers and business travelers alike? If that s what you ve heard, then whoever told you hasn t experienced Dubai. Here are some money saving tips that can cut your Dubai budget in half. Shopping in Dubai If shopping is your pleasure, then Dubai is your dreams come true. Not only do you have some of the biggest malls in the world with all the major brands, but Dubai, being originally a trading hub between the east and west offers you one of the most fascinating shopping experiences on the globe. From traditional souks (where you can find jewelry and cloth, among many others things), to the Indian markets in Deira, finding everything from spices to electronics. Ask around in the back-alley stores and you can even find that satellite decoder that opens all the paid channels. Don t forget to haggle, they never turn away a customer, and you ll know when you ve hit the lowest price. Communication Avoid high phone charges in the hotel room and get a pre-paid calling card which you can use from any phone booth and private lines to call international. If you are expecting to stay for a while, get a pre-paid GSM card (WASEL) for Dhs.165 ($45). Limit your outgoing calls and get free incoming calls for a year (more info ). The WASEL GSM line must be purchased from an Etisalat office (don t forget to bring a passport copy), but pre-paid cards can be purchased from any convenient store, gas stations or tobacco store. Food For cheap eats, it s hard to beat the Indian restaurants serving the city s largest working population. Try the buttered chicken with buttered ‘nan bread, and you ll have cravings for it for years to come. For a $3 meal, expect to eat with your hands, but you can always politely ask for a fork or spoon. The occasional foreigner is expected and well-cared for. If you re on a tight budget, only eat at hotels when they have meal deals, otherwise, you ll be paying too much. Find Open Buffet specials starting at $10 per person, some Friday Brunch offers include use of the swimming pool for the day. You can find excellent Meal Deals here . Drink It might come as a surprise to you, but Dubai is a Party Town. With all the long hours at work, many people like to go out and chill during the week. For the budget traveler, look for Ladies Nights and Happy Hours happening in Dubai. Guaranteed you ll find one for every night of the week. Check out Time Out Dubai or Dubai Look before going out. If you don t have access to the internet, you can buy the “Time Out Dubai” Magazine from any store which includes the full listings for the month. Sun and Sand Want to spend a day by the pool at one of the exclusive hotels in Jumeirah, but not pay the high prices of the rooms? Almost all the hotels sell vouchers for a day s access to the hotel s beaches, pools, health club and spa. Sleep in a cheap hotel, spend the day in pure luxury… no one will know. Prices start at $10 and can go up to $60 depending on the hotel. There are many public beaches, but for only Dhs. 5 ($1.40) you can spend the day at Jumeirah Beach Park on the beach road in Jumeirah. Not only do you have access to the beach with life guards, but you also have gardens, play areas for children, showers and barbecue areas. Note that Saturdays are for women and children only. (Call 04-3492555 for more information) Transportation Want to save on transportation? Dubai cabs can be costly for tourists. So, until the Dubai metro gets up and running by year 2009 for the first line and 2015 for the second line, try the buses. Waiting for the bus can take a while, especially since they are hardly on schedule. In the summer months, the heat can become unbearable during the wait and most bus stops don t have a covered waiting area. But taking the bus can turn out to be quite an experience, don t be afraid and make sure you budget the time for the trip as it can take 3 times the amount to get there over taking a taxi. Renting a car? Don t use the international rental companies. Local companies, especially ones in Sharjah give you rates much less than the big brand names. They will provide drop off and pick up in Sharjah and Dubai. But if you do have problems with renting a car from a no-name car rental, then Budget Car Rental is the best choice for Dubai. Book early from an online booking service to guarantee the best prices and availability. And the best part of renting a car in Dubai? Gas is Cheap! Entertainment Dubai Shopping Festival (mid January to mid February) and Dubai Summer Surprises (end of June to beginning of September) hosts free entertainment all month long. Hundreds of shows and events all crammed into one month. You and your kids, if they are tagging along, will not get bored. Fireworks, raffle, street markets, clowns, monster trucks, are just some of the highlights. Go here for more information. Horse Racing at Nad Al Sheba is held from 28th of October until the 26th of March. Each Race Night stages 6 or 7 individual races, the first starting at 7pm (or 9pm during the Holy Month of Ramadan). Public access to the races is free. Don t forget the world s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup held in March. (www.dubaiworldcup.com ). Unless you want to sit in the VIP section, entrance to the public enclosures is also free for this spectacular event. Christine Petrosa is a Dubai resident, business professional and a contributing writer for BusinessinDubai.com which contains information on setting up a business in dubai, real estate news, business travel, new projects, jobs in dubai, web links, telephone and addresses directory and a business forum. This article may be freely reprinted provided the Author information remain part of the article. Links should be active when published on the internet.

Getting an auto insurance quote is not a very easy task, as there are hundreds of companies providing different schemes. One should always do their home work first and then choose an insurance cover best suited to them. This plan has to start even before you buy your car. Here are some points that determine the auto insurance quotes: 1. The Condition Of Your Car It is a very important factor, better the condition of your car, lesser will be your insurance premium. A well maintained car is less likely to be involved in damages and accidents. 2. Your Driving Records Insurance companies are more comfortable with safe drivers. If you have a neat driving record, you are more likely to sign on a lesser premium amount. On the other hand, if you are prone to accidents, you will probably get involved in accidents often and keep making claims. This results in a higher premium. 3. Your Age, Sex And Health Your age and health condition is also a very important factor in determining the insurance amount. It is believed that young drivers are usually very fast and so get hit more often. Hence, they are at a bigger risk of accidents. Also, if you suffer from chronic health problem, then you are not good enough to be insured. In both of these cases, the premium amount increases many fold. However, there are specialized sites and companies providing low quotes to young, aged or ill drivers. Also, the insurance industry is of the view that women drivers are safer than men, hence they get into fewer accidents and make lesser claims. So, if you have a woman in your insurance list, cheaper will be your quote. 4. Registration Area Of Your Vehicle The safety of the area of your car registration is also significant as it determines the threat of theft or vandalism. Registration in a suburban city is recommended for cheaper insurance quotes. It helps if the building where your car will be parked most of the time is well protected. 5. Your Car Model If you are planning to buy a big flashy car with a huge engine, you ll end up with a massive auto insurance quote. Such a car is more prone to accidents, damages and vandalism, so more claims may be placed for them. It is also advised to avoid buying an imported vehicle, as the repair costs associated with it will be high. This too will seek high premiums. If you are looking for cheap auto insurance , there are many companies providing best auto insurance quotes . However, there are some factors governing the auto insurance quotes . It can be sometimes area specific too, like New York car insurance.

If you are looking for a car rental in Ireland, there are a number of options available to you with regard to pick-up locations and type of vehicles. In general car rentals in Ireland is a competitive market and you would be best to look around all the main companies, and even the smaller ones that are specific to Ireland as it is not uncommon for them to be offering the best value. In terms of locations of your car rental in Ireland, the two main cities, Cork and Dublin, are covered by all the car rental companies, and in general Dublin Airport, Cork Airport and Shannon Airport are also covered by all companies. If you are picking a car rental up at one of the major airports you may fill in much of the paper work in the airport itself before getting a bus to the car park which in most cases is located just outside of the airport grounds. When it comes to renting a car in Galway, Sligo, Tralee and Rosslare you options are going to be greatly reduced with Hertz and Budget being the only operators. In general the vehicles are top notch, and cars are generally well less than a year old. The range offered starts at Group A with a Toyota Yaris up to a Lexus IS200 or Mercedes E200. Most people travelling from America are used to air conditioning, but in Ireland it is not necessary and most vehicles do not have advanced climate control. As regards driving in Ireland, the main roads are good but not up to continental standards and while motor ways are becoming more and more common, Ireland still lags behind in this department. Crucially cars drive on the left of the road in Ireland and for those who are used to driving on the other side, it takes some time to get used to. One tip that works quiet well is to always make sure to keep your right hand to the centre of the road. The only time this is ever an issue is at cross roads. The other thing that our foreign visitors should bear in mind is that roundabouts are used extensively and in many cases with traffic lights. Speed limits in Ireland are in kilometres per hour and are strictly enforced even if the Police coverage on the roads is not as much as perhaps in other countries. In built up areas the speed limit is 50km while on motorways the speed limit is 120km. Speed signs are along every road so there should be no concerns about not knowing what speed limit the road you are travelling on is. Ronan Menton is the webmaster for a number of travel related websites and has been for some time in Ireland, associated with search engine optimisation in the Irish travel industry. He spends two months a year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and now sees it as his second home. Among the many sites he is currently working on are the following: Celtic Car Rental and e Car Rental Ireland .

Okay so it’s all about crime, bad guys, bad cops, guns, drugs and prostitution. But Miami and Southern Florida tourist authorities are hoping for a positive impact upon the release of the film, which is set to be one of the highest grossing releases of the year. The Michael Mann film , which follows the eventful escapades of two Miami police officers, showcases Miami with a lavishly shot production featuring the city in what the tourism authorities are hoping will prove to be a 115 minute promo video for Miami. Miami, and Southern Florida generally, are long established tourist hotspots with Miami itself regarded as one of the most fashionable and exciting cities in the USA. The film plays on this, featuring well known locations in the city to a point where the city itself becomes a central character in the film. Downtown Miami, Coconut Grove and Miami Beach are all heavily featured in the film and it is no wonder that the Miami city fathers believe that the film itself could be a lucrative money spinner for the economy. But the anticipated tourism bounce is hoped to reach beyond Miami city limits. Southern Florida boast a number of top drawer tourist attractions including the keys and the Florida Everglades. Tourist chiefs are hoping that the Miami Vice factor will encourage higher numbers of tourists to venture further south, away from the lures of Orlando. In particular, tourism boards are promoting Southern Florida as an ideal fly drive location featuring a city break in Miami, adventure with the Everglades and relaxation, sun, sand and sea with the Florida keys. Indeed, they may have a point, flights to Miami from Europe and internally from the States are frequent and car hire in Miami is abundant, with most of the major car rental firms having a presence in the city. A fly drive holiday to Miami and Southern Florida would have lots to offer. With a strong Cuban population, Miami is steeped in Latin American influence and this is reflected in the culture of the city, from the architecture right through to the food and music. The Everglades offer the opportunity for adventure with airboat tours traversing the waterways and the infamous Florida alligators in full view. The Keys offer sun-kissed beaches and teaming nightlife offering as much or as little excitement as you like. Just be sure to look out for the white suits, red Ferrari and Phil Collins soundtrack! Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh rugby club .

There are a number of reasons why the insurance company may not be able to meet your claim: It could be possible that your insurance company, after examining all the facts, may hold you partly culpable for the cause of the accident and so might meet only a part of your claim. You might not be able to claim for all your losses such as in the case of personal injury, your time off work as a result of the accident, or vehicle hire while your car is being repaired. If this is so, then you will need to look to the third party s insurers for recompense. It may even be necessary to take legal action so as to acquire general and special damages for personal injury and for uninsured losses. It might turn out that you are not in possession of a valid driving licence. It might transpire that you were driving someone else s vehicle for which you were not insured to drive or, on the other hand, it could be that someone else was driving your vehicle for which he was not insured. If it is established that your car was not roadworthy e.g. faulty brakes/ poor headlights etc. and is therefore the cause of the accident. You may not have been aware that the car you purchased was actually a stolen item. Finally, your insurance company may have folded its business and ceased trading altogether. In this type of event, you might be able to receive compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Do keep in mind that even if your insurance company might not be able to meet your claim for the reasons outlined, they will still have to meet the claim of the third party if it transpires that you were to blame for the accident. Syed Abedin is a mortgage broker and personal credit expert. His e-mail address is syzab(a)btinternet.com Credit Cards UK

Driving in Australia can challenge all of your senses, emotions, natural instincts and concentration, especially if you are from America or Continental Europe where driving on the right side of the road is literally the right side . Here are a few of the When Driving in Australia things to consider: 1. Australian s drive on the left hand side of the road which may be right for them but when you get behind the wheel of an Australian car remember that oncoming traffic will be approaching you on your right hand side. It is not uncommon for travelers arriving in Australia from left hand drive counties to have accidents soon after they leave the airport in their shiny new hire car because they have managed to get themselves on to the wrong side of the road. This also occurs more frequently around popular tourist destinations such as the Great Ocean Road along Victoria s south coast. 2. Australia s exotic wildlife love to physically confront cars, particularly appearing in front of them as dusk settles or in the middle of the night. While a collision with a heavy set kangaroo or wombat will most likely leave your vehicle un-drivable, do not, if you are confronted with any wildlife, try to steer around it. If it is safe for you to slow down then do so, but do not swerve to avoid it as you may well end up driving off the side of the road and into one of those huge majestic Australian Gum trees, which while being home to the cuddly Australian koalas are unforgiving in any impact with a vehicle or into oncoming traffic. Yes this means let your vehicle hit the animal if you cannot safely avoid it. 3. Vehicles made specifically for Australia often have the indicators and the windscreen wiper levers on the opposite side to European made right hand drive vehicles. So while you are almost guaranteed to turn the wipers on when wanting to turn left or right, or the indicators on to clear the water from the windscreen, familiarize yourself with the controls so at least you will be able to quickly correct any mistake. 4. Speed limits in Australia are a contentious issue even for Australian drivers and can vary a number of times in a short distance in residential areas and leading into or out of regional towns. There are also different speed limits during certain times for school zones and different states across Australia may also have different maximum speed limits. All speed limits are well sign posted so just watch for the signs and you ll be ok. 5. If you are traveling to Victoria and venture into the city of Melbourne you will see signs for what are called Hook turns . These Hook Turns have nothing to do with pirates, rather they are designed to encourage the flow of traffic and require drivers to turn right from the left hand lane. Yes it does sound up-side-down but take a moment to remember where you are. So here s how it works: If you want to turn right at an intersection which is denoted with a Hook Turn sign, safely get into the left hand lane and enter the intersection. Once in the intersection slow to a stop in the far left hand side of the left hand lane (with your right indicator on). Wait for the traffic lights in front of your to turn red and, after checking over your right shoulder for other vehicles, complete your right turn into the intersecting road and continue as normal. If you are hiring a car ask the reception staff to explain it fully with examples. 6. Australia is a huge country and many remote country roads are long and rarely used. If you are using any of these remote roads be sure carry a supply of water and food in case of emergencies. If your vehicle breaks down, never, never, never (did I say “NEVER”) leave your vehicle. Search crews are more likely to be able to find you with your vehicle than if your decide to head off on foot and expose yourself to the often extremely high day-time and low night-time temperatures. 7. Finally, Australia is a great country to travel and discover with your own vehicle. Whilst the items above may make driving in Australia sound dangerous, they are just some of the little challenges we face as travelers when visiting any country which is not our own. They are more about saying be cautious when driving in an unfamiliar environment and return home safely with some great tales of driving on the wrong side of the road! Australia is well represented by a number of hire car companies including the well know Budget and Drive Now. There are also a number of other operators who can provide everything from small cars to large fully self contained and transport vehicles. Echuca is a great regional Australian town to visit. Companies renting or hiring cars in Australia include Budget Car Hire and DriveNow

As a car owner, rather you have a new car or an older one, it is important to find the best care insurance quote for your vehicle. There are so many different car insurance companies and each one has something different to offer you. These could be extras that seem great, but they are designed to get you to buy their insurance. Before you go with any insurance company, you will want to be able to determine who is genuine and who is not when looking for insurance. The most expeditious method of finding the best insurance quote is the internet. There are a multitude of websites that will do all the work for you and give you a list of insurance companies that fit your budget, driving record and other specifications. Quite often these websites will return information on several insurance companies, allowing you the opportunity to compare companies, services and features against each other at the same time. Of course, you still have the option of talking to your local insurance agent as well. They can sometimes offer you the best car insurance quotes as well. In fact, you may want to look into a broker specifically, they do not work for just one company, they work for many and will do what it takes to find you the best offer out of all of those companies. Of course, you should remember that the minute you start to search for internet, the phone calls, emails, and postal mail will start pouring in with different offers from insurance companies. Once you find a few companies that have what you re looking for, you can then play them against each other. Many companies offer the promise that they will meet or beat their competitor s prices. The catch to that is, that you need to show proof of the competitor s price in writing. This can work to your advantage as you can then let the two insurance companies compete against each other for your business. You want to be sure that you re getting the coverage that you need, as well was good quality customer service. You don t want to go with the company that will charge you an arm and a leg just so you can wait an extra 30 days for your claims to be processed. You do not have to get insurance from big name companies, high quality insurance does not have to cost you a lot. Most insurance companies are all too happy to provide you with a quote over the telephone and free at that. You will make to make sure that you have some information ready such as basic and vehicle information. If you have this ready, they may be able to give you the quote you need, perhaps while you are on the telephone waiting. So to find the best car insurance quotes, be sure to check all avenues. This is the best way to compare quotes and get as many offers as possible. You don t want to go with the first offer that sounds good nor the last. You want to weigh your options evenly, and see what each company has to offer. Your best bet is to check both online and with local companies to make sure you have covered all your bases. The time you spend doing this will pay off in the dividends by knowing you have found the best car insurance quote for your particular situation. Just ensure you are comparing apples to apples when you are comparing quotes to make sure you are comparing the same things, then make your best decision. For more insights and additional information about finding your best Car Insurance Quote as well as getting a free no-obligation car insurance quote online, please visit our web site at http://www.tips-for-car-insurance.com

By now, I think the stories of airlines charging more money for niceties like blankets and pillows have circulated to us, the lack of snacks and drinks on most flights, and a general rise in associated costs across the board. It is interesting how people react to these increases in which usually in one of two ways: they thereby to blow except the or they will actually make a conscious choice not to fly because they feel it is simply too expensive. Well, I would like to say that there s a more favorable option than the two previous reactions described above. If you are looking to save money, and who hasn t, on your next vacation or business trip, I suggest you do your homework online and shop around for the best deal. Over the last few years, many great websites have sprung up that offer outstanding airline travel fares that beat what most agencies and ticket brokers can offer. These websites might seem a bit daunting at first look, but once you get comfortable and realize how to navigate it and how to submit your questions, you ll no doubt be able to enjoy outstanding airline travel fares in a relatively short time. Here s a quick peek of what you may see from a typical travel website. Firstly, you ll you ll see that the sites offer a whole lot more than just airline travel deals. The vast majority of them also offer hotel and car-rental as well, which makes sense because they do a pretty much go hand-in-hand. In fact, many websites offer even greater price breaks if you book your entire vacation package rather than just air tickets. This is a great alternative and outstanding way to save some serious money. A second thing you will see is that the majority of websites have an user-friendly interface that lets you to pick the best airline travel deals for your departure and arrival dates. All you have to do is enter the city that you re leaving from, where you re going to, and the dates you will be traveling. What you get back then is a listing of all the airline travel tales at that site has to offer at that particular time. This is a great way to shop and compare the various rates and find the one that best fit your needs. And lastly, and believe me because I m speaking from experience when I say booking air, hotel, and car reservations online is a safe and convenient process. I have never once had any sort of problem as far as theft of my credit card number is concerned. I love the convenience of being able to make all of my travel plans at any time, day or night from the comfort of my own home. I ve been poking my airline travel deals on the Internet for many years now, and I have never experienced a problem with last-minute cancellations, mixed up reservations, fraudulent charges, or anything similar to that. If you re fed up with paying skyhigh prices for airplane tickets, then I recommend hitting the Internet and searching for airline travel deals online. Once you start saving money this way, you ll never buy your tickets the traditional way again. Morgan Hamilton offers his findings and insights regarding the world of travel. You can get interesting and informative information by visiting

Purchasing auto insurance online is highly recommend for lowering your monthly premium cost. There are many good possibilities to consider including: Fast and convenient process Receive multiple quotes from the same form filling process Easily shop for lower or better policies Start, save and finish it later if needed No pressure to make a commitment Most consumers are overpaying for their auto insurance, mainly due to lack of shopping around. Experts agree that auto insurance online is the greatest way to save on policy premiums. The only thing needed to get started is an Internet connection and about a half hour of free time, depending on number of quotes you wish to look over. Before searching for another insurance company you may be able to gain a larger discount through the provider you already have, by combining car, home and life insurance into the same policy. All of these purchased as a group will often times end up costing less than if bought separately. Concerns about privacy with purchasing auto insurance online are unneeded. Information that is required to fill out the online form is kept secure with encryption technology and not given to other insurance providers unless you agree to allow it. Applying for free auto insurance online dose not affect your credit score either. Auto insurance online is great because once you have found a quote you wish to buy just accepting it there or have it mailed to your residence. Saving money is easy and safe with online auto insurance rates, and as long as you be as accurate as possible with the information you provide then the hardest thing to do is figure out which provider to choose. Make sure the auto insurance provider you are looking at provides for the state in which you reside, and then look for excellent customer service and a simple application process to begin your money saving journey. To find out more about auto insurance online and receive fast answers to your important questions, check out this website Auto Insurance Companies Free Quote . Saving Money with Progressive Car Insurance Quote Online . More tips can be found at the popular website Auto Insurance Companies Free Quote

Are you planning an overseas trip and considering hiring a car? You may find this article useful, as we outline some tips for cost effective and safe car hire. Hiring a vehicle in a foreign country is not always just driving on the other side of the road. There are many other factors to consider, such as insurance and liability, driving permits and road rules. When traveling by car in a foreign country, ensure that you get a good deal on car rental, and take some time to investigate your destination s driving requirements. Firstly, booking your car rental in advance will ensure you get a better deal. When you travel, you will find that booking flights in advance can also help save money, car hire is the same concept. Special deals and promotions are available to you, rather than to clients who make last-minute bookings over the counter. Booking in advance allows you to review your car rental agreement and understand the “fine print”. At the time of your hire car booking, find out about age requirements. Each country is different, and your age and driving experience may affect your insurance. Be sure to find out about the driving permits you need and whether your driving license is accepted in your destination country. You may have to purchase an international driving permit. Be aware of the distances you need to cover on your holiday as this may affect the type of car you choose to hire; a smaller car is more economical with petrol. Take into consideration the type of transmission you require, whether it is manual or automatic. The internet is a great source of useful information for travelers wanting to hire a car. Here you can find car rental companies that service your holiday destination. Websites often have special promotions and deals that you can take advantage of. The internet will also give you information on the countries petrol charges, allowing you to budget for your trip. Find the countries embassy or consulate online and investigate international driving permits and road rules. Safety is vital when driving in a foreign country. Be sure that you are covered personally with your own travel insurance, and ensure that your hire car company provides you with comprehensive insurance. Ask about roadside assistance, such as AA services, as this is very useful when traveling long distances. Purchase a good map, and don t waste time going off course on your holiday. Lastly, enjoy the flexibility and freedom that a hire car provides. Get to remote areas and cover large distances. Travel at your own pace and in comfort with your hire car. Get a great deal on your rental car and travel in safety. Reference: http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=25&category=2

Expert s Interview Advice Insights from the Inside - An Employer s View of the Interview Everyone has, at one point or another, been faced with the prospect of sitting down and speaking with one or more individuals who will decide whether or not you have the skills and abilities to become their newest employee. The thought alone is enough to make the strongest among us tremble and break into a cold sweat. “It s not fair,” you theorize. “One mistake or misplaced adjective during the interview and I m back on the street, back at the end of the line, searching for the one intangible which will bring me job security and a financial well being. What did I do wrong?” In an effort to give you that one intangible, we sat down with three professionals who make those hiring decisions on a daily basis. In return for their anonymity, they have agreed to give us their insights on how to master the interview. The Introduction “I hate to say it, but I will develop either a positive or negative attitude about an applicant within the first minute of the interview”, comments Julia, a human resource manager with a large IT consulting company. “The way an applicant addresses me and how they introduce themselves leaves a lasting impression on me. I m looking for confidence and a quiet sense of determination. I want to see a firm handshake and I want them to look me straight in the eyes.” “Don t forget their attire,” comments Robert, a businessman who owns four rental car establishments and two restaurants in a busy metropolitan area. “If an applicant, even one for an entry-level position, does not come to the interview properly attired, I will not consider them. If they can t take the time or the consideration to be dressed correctly for something as important as an interview, I can only imagine what they would do on a daily basis.” All three professionals agree that first impressions are important. Dressing properly, displaying a subtle confidence and maintaining eye contact with each interviewer is the first step. Impress Me “I realize the interview process ranks right up there with having a tooth pulled on the enjoyment scale, but it s not easy for the interviewer either,” added Jonathan, a hiring professional for a large healthcare association. “If an employee that I hire does not produce, I m the one with egg on my face. If I make a few bad choices it will be me on the other side of that table. Believe it or not, I m not looking to turn an applicant away, I m looking for someone who will impress the heck out of me and make my decision easy.” “I agree with Jon,” added Julia. “My day is hard enough. I want someone who I will feel confident about, someone who I know can do the job I give him or her. I think any employer feels this way. I m afraid some applicants think we enjoy watching them squirm and deciding their fate. Nothing could be further from the truth.” Be Prepared Preparation for an interview is vital, all three professionals agree. Exhibiting an aura of confidence will come more naturally if you are practiced in the art of the interview. Do mock interviews with friends or family to familiarize yourself with the procedure. The more times you practice, the more relaxed and confident you will become. “If you want to impress me, tell me something about my company or industry that shows me what you can bring to the position,” comments Jonathan. “Someone who can demonstrate that this position means enough to them that they will spend time gathering information on my company, means that this person will probably stay late on a Friday if the work requires it. THAT will impress me! “That reminds me of the time I was hiring a general manager for one of my car rental agencies,” Robert added. “This woman came in armed with industry figures that I didn t even know myself! Needless to say, she is now in charge of two of my establishments.” At the very minimum, each interviewer expects the applicant to bring extra copies of their resume and a completed job application form if required. Emphasize The Positive Now is not the time to be bashful about your skills and abilities. If you can t show the employer why you are the best candidate for the position, well then you won t be. While the interviewer may claim to be an astute judge of character, they don t realize that you can manage a multi-million dollar budget, prioritize workflow to maximize production and streamline inventory to save millions of dollars, unless you can show that on your resume and reiterate that in the interview. “The interview process is short,” commented Jonathan. “I want to know what this person sitting in front of me can do for my company. Tell me your skills and provide examples of what you have done in the past. If you don t, I have 10 other applicants who will. Be confident in yourself and if you can convince me of your skills, the job is yours.” Robert went a step further. “The hiring process is part deduction and part intuition. I want to see your skills and talents laid out on a resume, but I also need to see and hear you explain to me why you are best suited for the position. I want to be impressed with your delivery. If you can t sell yourself, how can I expect you to sell my cars?” It Starts With The Resume “As I m sure you understand, Jim - with you being in the industry, the entire hiring process hinges upon the resume,” Julia emphasized, and both Robert and Jonathan agreed. “I see many, many resumes during the week, ranging from the barely intelligible to the professionally produced documents like your company provides. The only way you will ever see the inside of my office is if I like what I see on your resume. It may be a bit harsh, but it s a reality in today s business environment. What s on that piece of paper could mean the difference between us landing that million dollar account or not. It s no wonder my hair is turning gray already!” The people in the room laughed, with Jonathan agreeing and pointing to his thinning and graying hair. When mailing a resume to a prospective employer, mail the document(s) in a manila envelope and do NOT fold or staple the resume. The employers also want to see a cover letter included. You may attach a cover letter to the resume with a paper clip in the upper left-hand corner. “I will scan each resume quickly, seeing whether or not it s even worth a closer look,” Robert added. “If I like the layout and looks of the resume, I will then read it in greater detail. I can t stress enough the importance of the resume.” In Closing While first impressions may last, last impressions may be the first factor on whether or not you show up for work on Monday. “When the interview is coming to an end, I will always ask the applicant if they have any questions,” remarked Jonathan. “If I had a nickel for every time the response was “No, I think I m fine”, I d be rich. If you want to impress me, ASK QUESTIONS! Let me rephrase that - ASK INTELLIGENT QUESTIONS! Believe it or not, If you ask me what the long-range plans of the association are, I will take that positively. I recommend you go into the interview with two or three questions in mind, than ask one or two additional questions on follow-ups to the interview.” Ask the interviewer what qualities they are looking for in their next employee. Then tell them how you can best meet those needs. This is an excellent way to explain why you are the best person for the position. At the completion of the interview, stand up, shake each interviewer s hand and thank them for taking the time to consider you for their position opening. Final Thoughts When each of the three hiring professionals were asked what was the most important aspect of the interviewing process they would like to convey to our visitors, they each replied with a different answer, thus validating the belief that the interview is a subjective experience requiring that each applicant utilize their talents to the fullest. Julia: “Show me why I should hire you.” Robert: “Come prepared.” Jonathan: “Ask questions and give me intelligent answers.” By James Aure Author of Expert s Interview Advice and many other job and resume related articles - James Aure would be honored to assist you with your career resume, CV, cover letter and other job search needs. Please contact James at webmaster@aandaresume.com , 1-800-947-2410 or visit A and A Resume at http://www.aandaresume.com

Most business valuations are driven substantially by the company s historical financial statements, tempered by other factors such as: location, brand name, management and such. In truth and in fact, the dealership’s balance sheet represents less than half the information necessary to properly value an automobile dealership. The balance sheet is but a starting point from which a number of factors must be added and subtracted in order to determine the true value of the assets. Valuing new car dealerships has to do with projecting future profits and opportunities based upon the “dynamics” of the particular dealership being valued and of the automobile business itself. The Internal Revenue Service recognizes that valuations include more than financial statements: “The appraiser must exercise his judgment as to the degree of risk attaching to the business of the corporation which issued the stock, but that judgment must be related to all of the other factors affecting the value.” Revenue Ruling 59-60, Section 3.03 . DEFINITION OF MARKET VALUE The definition of market value according to the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, is: “The most probable price in cash, terms equivalent to cash, or other precisely revealed terms, for which the appraised property will sell in a competitive market under all conditions requisite to fair sale, with the buyer and seller each acting prudently, knowledgeably, and for self interest, and assuming that neither is under duress.” American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal . (Chicago: American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, 1984), 194 195. In Revenue Ruling 59-60 , the Internal Revenue Service defines “fair market value” as follows: “. . . the price at which the business would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller when the former is not under any compulsion to buy and the latter is not under any compulsion to sell, both parties having reasonable knowledge and relevant facts.” The purpose of Revenue Ruling 59-60 is to outline and review in general the approach, methods and factors to be considered in valuing shares of the capital stock of closely held corporations. The methods discussed in the Revenue Ruling apply to the valuation of corporate stocks on which market quotations are either unavailable or are of such scarcity that they do not reflect the fair market value. The Ruling goes on to state that no set formula can be devised to determine fair market value of closely held stocks and that the value will depend upon such considerations as: (a) The nature of the business and the history of the enterprise from its inception. (b) The economic outlook in general and the condition and outlook of the specific industry in particular. (c) The book value of the stock and the financial condition of the business. (d) The earnings capacity of the company. (e) The dividend-paying capacity. The ability to pay dividends is often more important than a company’s history of distributing cash to shareholders, especially when valuing controlling interests. (f) Whether or not the enterprise has goodwill or other intangible value. (g) Sales of the stock and the size of the block of stock to be valued. (h) The market price of stocks of corporations engaged in the same or a similar line of business having their stocks actively traded in a free and open market, either on an exchange or over-the-counter. With respect to an individual dealership sale, the best comparable is the amount the public company paid or received for buying or selling a similar dealership, not what the public company’s stock value or earnings multiple, per se, that is reflected on the stock exchange. In practice, in arriving at the fair market value of a new car dealership, several different formulas have been used: 1. Return on Investment (or earnings valuation) Formula : The value of a business to a particular purchaser based upon a return on investment analysis. This value varies from purchaser to purchaser according to the purchaser’s investment criterion and it may or may not reflect fair market value. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) refers to this value as “Investment Value.” A Dealer Guide to Valuing an Automobile Dealership , NADA June 1995, Revised July 2000. The capitalization rate is determined by the stability of the dealership s earnings and the risk involved in the automobile business at the time of sale, investment, or valuation. This method is highly subjective as the capitalization rate is based upon the particular appraiser s perception of the risk of the business; consequently, the lower the appraiser perceives the risk, the lower will be the capitalization rate and the higher will be the price he would expect a potential purchaser to pay for the business. In short, the capitalization rate is the appraiser s opinion as to a rate of return on investment that would motivate a prospective purchaser to buy the dealership. Considerations include those specified in Revenue Ruling 59-60, as well as available rate of return on alternative investments. 2. Adjusted Net Worth Formula : Net worth of the company, adjusted to reflect the appraised value of the assets used in the day to day operations of a business, assuming that the user or purchaser will continue to make use of the assets. To this “net worth” value will be added blue sky or goodwill, if any. The “Adjusted Net Worth Formula” is the most common method used in purchasing and selling a new car dealership. 3. Orderly Liquidation Formula . This method values the assets as if all of them had to be sold – not at a “fire sale,” but in an orderly manner and without time constraints. Normally, if the dealership is profitable, some value will still be placed upon goodwill. 4. Forced Liquidation . The lowest of all values, forced liquidation means that all of the assets must be sold at a forced sale such as an auction, creditors sale or by order of a bankruptcy court. A bankruptcy proceeding regarding a new car dealership almost never brings goodwill. This might be the most appropriate formula if the dealership has no lease (or only a short term remaining on its lease) and cannot, as a practical matter, relocate. 5. Income Formula . The income formula is basically taking the store’s earnings and multiplying it by an appropriated capitalization rate. The trick here is the definition of “earnings.” In determining “earnings” a perspective purchase could use any combination of the following: (a) current earnings (b) average earnings – add the last five years together and divide by 5 (c) weighted average earnings – usually an inverted weight with the current year multiplied by five, last year by four, the year before last by three, four years ago by two, five years ago by one, then adding them together and dividing by 15 (d) cash flow – net income plus agreed add-backs such as depreciation, LIFO, personal expenses, excess bonuses and such (e) forecasted earnings – future projected earnings discounted to present day value. 6. Fair Value . NADA also refers to a third value in addition to “Market Value” “Investment Value,” which it calls “Fair Value.” NADA describes “Fair Value” as being “. . . primarily used when a minority shareholder objects to a proposed sale of the company in assessing liquidating damages.” and defines it as: “The value of the minority interest immediately before the transaction to which the dissenter objects, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the transaction and without reference to either a minority or non-marketability discount.” The NADA guide states: It is not common for auto dealers to run across this particular valuation standard. This author has never used, nor has ever seen this value used with respect to valuing automobile dealerships. As can be seen in this report, this author in discussing valuations excludes what NADA describes as “Fair Value”. 7. The Greater Fool Theory . The National Automobile Dealers Association publication ( A Dealer Guide to Valuing an Automobile Dealership , NADA June 1995), bemuses, in part: “A Rule of Thumb is more properly referred to as a greater fool theory. It is not ‘valuation theory, however.” (In its “ Valuing an Automobile Dealership: Update 2004 ” NADA dropped the reference to “fool” and simply states that the theory is “. . . rarely based upon sound economic or valuation theory,” but advises sellers to “Go for it, and maybe someone will be stupid enough to pay [it].” The considerations for valuing new car dealerships are more complex than those used for valuing most other businesses. Dynamics such as the unique requirements of automobile manufactures and distributors can limit the amount of monies that may be paid for a dealership, regardless of what perspective purchasers may offer to pay for the store. Therefore, the value of a new car dealership varies based upon the needs and ability of the purchaser and, consequently, the same dealership could have two different values to two different purchaser and both values would be correct. Thus, our valuation of the subject dealership should be considered in the context and limitations of the facts and history of new car dealership sales as delineated herein. Although the terms “blue sky” and “goodwill” are sometimes used interchangeably, in our experience they are two separate items. ” Goodwill ” reflects the intangible value, over and above the hard assets (net worth) of a going concern, when the business is run profitably. It has to do with the operation of the business. It reflects the fact, for example, that the day the purchaser closes on the purchase of a dealership, customers will be lined-up in the service drive, the dealership’s phone number will already be listed in the yellow pages, existing customers will have relations with employees of the store, the back-end (parts and service) will have an established gross profit, and a plethora of other advantages that do not exist with the opening of a “new point.” ” Blue Sky “, on the other hand, is the intangible value of the business opportunity itself. It is the value, for example of being able to own a particular franchise with a certain retail sales potential, or having a business in particular location, or the fact that a particular franchise or location will complement other franchises or locations of a potential purchaser, or the fact that there are few competitors in the area, or the fact that the franchise is ideal for a certain location. Examples of pure “blue sky” would be the purchase of a letter of intent (LOI) to establish an heretofore non-existent dealership, or the difference in value between a Subaru franchise in snow country, versus the desert, or the difference in value of a domestic franchise in Flint, Michigan versus Marin, California, or vice-versa, the difference in value of a Nissan store in Marin, California versus Flint Michigan. In short, “blue sky” may exist whether or not the business is profitable, or even “dormant”, as with a LOI. When a store is profitable, however, the distinction still exists, although the term becomes blurred as dealers generally use the terms “blue sky” and “goodwill” as synonymous. In valuing an automobile dealership, it is common to : • use the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal and the IRS Revenue Rulings 59-60 definition of “Market Value” and we used the Adjusted Net Worth formula with “Market Value - Continued Used” when valuing the assets; • use “blue sky” and “goodwill” synonymously, as the dealership is profitable; • assume an “asset sale” and (1) add the assets of the corporation a buyer would normally purchase to the blue sky and goodwill values to determine a sales value, (2) then add and subtract from/to that value the assets and liabilities that will remain with the seller. • consider the unique requirements of the industry with respect to the ownership and capitalization of a new car dealership; • value blue sky/goodwill based upon what the seller could reasonably expect as a sales price, if the seller s interest were actually sold pursuant to the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal definitions of “Market Value”, but with regard to what the factory and a lending institution would require to approve the sale and issue a flooring line. • consider, if appropriate, a minority discount • land and buildings are valued separately. Note too : NADA states that in valuing an automobile dealership, “market value” is interchangeable with “fair market value” unless specified otherwise. NADA refers to this value as being used for computation of taxes, divorce, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) and shareholder agreements. See: National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) publication: A Dealer Guide to Valuing an Automobile Dealership , NADA June 1995, and Revised July 2000. NEW CAR FRANCHISES CANNOT BE SOLD The term “sale” of a new car franchise is a misnomer, in that a new car dealership franchise cannot be sold . Each and every factory and distributor issues a contract called a “Dealer Service and Sales Agreement” which is entered into between the dealer and the factory and which agreement specifically states the franchise cannot be sold. What actually occurs in the “sale” of an automobile dealership is that the parties sign a Purchase Agreement with respect to dealership assets or stock and give the Agreement to the factory for factory approval of a number of approvals that must be obtained before the sale can be consummated and the purchaser appointed as the seller s successor dealer. These approvals include: (1) the purchaser s character; (2) the operator s experience; (3) the dealership s location, with respect to current demographics; (4) the adequacy of the facility, with respect to current planning volume; (5) the dealership s capitalization; (6) the dealership’s projected viability as a profitable entity; and (7) the investor s source of funds Consequently, the fact that a particular prospective purchaser has “the highest offer” does not mean that a dealership can be (1) sold to that prospect or (2) that the dealership has the value offered. A new car dealership may only be sold to a candidate that meets all of the qualifications of the manufacturer and distributor with respect to capital, experience and projected viability. Although many courts, especially bankruptcy courts have attempted to ignore this rule and value the dealership at the value placed upon it by the highest bidder, the fact that the highest bid does not establish the value of a new car dealership has been upheld by state and federal appellate courts in every jurisdiction in the United States, including bankruptcy court. See: In re Pioneer Ford Sales, Inc. , 729 F.2d 27 (1984), where the Bankruptcy Court, 26 B.R. 116, had approved the transfer, which ran from Pioneer to Pioneer s principal secured creditor, to Toyota Village. The Court of Appeals reversed both the bankruptcy court and the district court finding that Ford s disapproval was not unreasonable. See too: Ferrari v Simms , US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Case No: 9916059, April 27, 2000, wherein: the US Bankruptcy Court approved the sale of a bankrupt Ferrari dealership and Court of Appeals reversed stating: the manufacturer “. . . did not unreasonably withhold its consent.” Thomas M. Pitegoff, in his article: Franchise Relationship Laws: A Minefield for Franchisors , THE BUSINESS LAWYER, Vol. 45, No. 1, November 1989, states at page 289. “A franchisor at common law and under the Sherman Act may also withhold consent to a transfer on the basis that the price at which the franchisee is offering to sell the franchise is so high that it would jeopardize the financial stability of the business and hinder the transferee s ability to succeed. It is well established that the franchisor has an interest in ensuring that the purchaser will have a chance to realize a reasonable return on his investment.” See: In re Beverage International, Ltd ., [1986-1987 Transfer Binder] Bus. Franchise Guide (CCH) ЂЂ 8636 (Bankr. D. Mass. 1986); Walner v. Baskin-Robbins , 514 F.Supp. 1029 (D. Tex. 1981); Hawkins v. Holiday Inns , 634 F.2d 342 (6th Cir. 1980), cert. denied, 451 U.S. 987 (1981); Kestenbaum v. Falstaff Brewing Corp ., 514 F.2d 690 (5th Cir. 1975), cert denied, 424 U.S. 943 (1976); Hanigan v. Wheeler , 504 P.2d 972 (Ariz. 1972). REAL PROPERTY AND FACILITIES Insofar as the operations of a new car dealership are concerned, a factory/distributor will not approve the “sale” of the dealership without passing upon: (1) the condition of the physical facility; (2) the rent factor; and (3) the lease. Furthermore, the value of real property and facilities to a manufacturer and to a new car dealership does not necessarily relate to the market value of land and buildings in the market area. See: John Pico “Buying and Selling Automobile Dealerships”, National Legal Publishing Company (1986). There are “per car” rental factor and percentage of sales formulas used to determine whether or not a dealership could even survive servicing a proposed rent factor. Additionally, unless there are extenuating circumstances (such an anticipated move in location), manufacturers and distributors generally will not approve a sale without a candidate securing at least a five year lease on the dealership on an “approved” facility. In some instance, the prospective purchaser’s problem with relocating could be that the state has a mileage law. CURRENT STATE OF THE DEALERSHIP ECONOMY There are three major factors to consider when discussing “the economy”: (1) The health of the national economy; (2) The health of the local economy; and (3) The fiscal health of the franchise and its dealers. IMPORTANCE OF LOCATION The strategic importance of location in valuing a dealership, especially this dealership, cannot be overstated. Michelle Krebs and Donna Harris, Staff Reporters for Automotive News , wrote an article on January 21, 2002, detailing the importance of a dealership’s location stating that location, always an important asset, has become even more so in valuing a dealership. See too: Dealer Magazine, June 2000, “Defining Blue Sky”; Beers and Cutler, (beersandcutler.com), “Auto Dealer Report”, Issue 2, 2001; and MerillLynch, in its April 19, 2004 report on Auto Dealers wrote: THE CONDITION OF THE FACILITY See the Donna Harris’ Automotive News article of January 27, 2003 entitled: “Showroom renewal”, wherein she states “More makers than ever want dealers to remodel their stores.” She quotes Lou Porreco, president of five dealerships in Pennsylvania and Florida, is at the top of the district in customer satisfaction and sales volume: “When there is a buy-sell agreement, and a new dealer is coming in or a dealer is getting a new franchise or a dealer wants to relocate, the factory makes it contingent on remodeling.” See too: Michael Bradford’s February 4, 2004 Automotive News Article entitled: “Dealers Respond – Redesigns”, whose investigative reporting reached the same conclusion. ONE MAN SHOWS Revenue Ruling 59-60, Section 4.02 (b) states: “A sound appraisal of a closely held stock must consider . . . The loss of the manager of a so-called ‘one-man’ business may have a depressing effect upon the value of the stock . . . In valuing the stock of this type of business, therefore, the effect of the loss of the manager on the future expectancy of the business, and the absence of management-succession potentialities are pertinent factors to be taken into consideration.” POTENTIAL PURCHASERS Public Companies At this time, public companies are no longer the darlings of the industry and as a rule are no longer spending huge sums remodeling dealership facilities they once were and many manufacturers and distributors are rejecting offers by public companies to purchase their dealerships. For example, in 2005 Ford Motor Company refused to approve a public company s $87 million offer for the a Dealership Group. The rejection was upheld by both the California New Car Dealer Board and the state courts. In 2005 Mercedes-Benz blocked another public company from purchasing one of its dealerships by exercising its right of first refusal. In the same time span, Ford Motor Company repurchased yet another public company’s Ford dealership and turned it into a company store. In addition, manufacturers and distributors have limited public companies to a specific number of franchises they may own (for example, Lexus only allows a company to own a combined total five Lexus dealerships in the entire United States) and they have implemented rules prohibiting companies from owning dealerships in the same market. COMPARABLE DEALERSHIP SALES Comparable sales are relevant to the extent that the stores being sold are truly “comparable” to the dealership being valued, with respect to potential, facility, location, brand, demographics, and so forth. As no two stores are truly identical, the blue sky paid for each “comparable” store would need to be adjusted for the each of the factors mentioned in this article in order to accurately reflect a “comparable” value. John Pico has a Doctorate in Jurisprudence and is a vice president of Automotive Advisors. He has completed over 1,000 dealership transactions and published the first books copyrighted in the Library of Congress on Buying and Selling Automobile dealerships. You can obtain his biography and more information, sources and references at http://www.automotiveadvisors.com/johnpico.asp

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Not so long ago being compelled to give fingerprints meant only one thing - you were a suspect in some wrongdoing. Now, however, it seems you are obliged to give your fingerprints when doing something as innocent as hiring a car; and that s just the beginning as biometric identification enters more aspects of everyday life. Anyone wishing to hire a car at Stansted airport is now compelled to give a fingerprint before collecting their cars, and whilst it s not yet a prerequisite of car rental at London s two major airports - Gatwick and Heathrow - at the smaller Essex airport it is compulsory, under order of the police! All customers fingerprints are collected as part of a new scheme between the hire companies and the Essex Constabulary - taken so that if the car is subsequently used in a crime or simply stolen then the fingerprints will be collected from the hire firms and the criminal tracked down. The scheme has been introduced in an attempt to combat a rise in criminals targeting car hire firms at airports. The crooks have recently taken to presenting forged passports, credit cards and driving licences and then, once they have taken possession of the hire vehicle drive it away, never to be seen again. By taking customers fingerprints the police believe the process will act either as a deterrent to the criminals, or as the first clue in tracking them down. Waving off protests that taking fingerprints is excessive when simply hiring a car, Detective Sergeant Vic Murphy, based at the CID unit at Stansted airport said: “It s not really intrusive. It s different - and people will need to adjust. This isn t big brother, it s about protecting people s identities. These prints will never see the light of day unless a crime is committed.” He insists that the extra checking is already reducing fraud, and at least one of the hire firms taking part in the pilot is said to be keen to roll out the scheme to the rest of its airport locations. Despite the increase in biometric identification around the country - and this scheme in particular - there are no plans as yet to introduce compulsory fingerprinting for car hire at Gatwick Airport , or indeed at Heathrow, but if the scheme at Stansted significantly reduces crime or leads to more successful convictions, then it may well follow, however vociferous the complaints of the civil liberties groups. Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys traveling.