Posts Tagged ‘Travel Tips’

Automotive Air Conditioners

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

It’s August, the car is jammed with kids and luggage, and you’re finally on your way to the cottage. Suddenly you realize that your car’s air conditioning system is on the fritz, and your family vacation really starts to heat up.

Automotive air conditioning systems were first introduced in 1940 to address customer demands for relief from unbearable heat. These systems use refrigerant to cool the air and remove the heat from the car’s passenger compartment. Air conditioning also cleans the air that enters the car, and removes excess moisture as it dehumidifies the air.

There are three basic components to any automotive air conditioner system:

1. Compressor–Considered the heart of the air conditioning system, the compressor transfers and compresses refrigerant gas to let the heat out of the car.

2. Condenser–removes heat from the refrigerant and cools down the high-pressure gasses.

3. Evaporator–Acts as the heater core of the air conditioning system. The evaporator removes the heat from inside the car. The refrigerant then condenses the air and transforms it into water.

Cars manufactured in 1995 or later have been equipped with R-134A air conditioning system. These ozone-friendly units do not contain CFCs, are nontoxic and nonflammable.

Prior to 1995, automotive air conditioners came with R-12 refrigerant, most commonly Freon. During that time, a car owner experiencing air conditioner problems needed only to visit a local retailer to purchase a recharge kit. With a can of Freon and basic knowledge, the average driver could easily repair his or her own air conditioning system. When studies confirmed that R-12 systems were contributing to the damaged ozone layer, many countries including the United States banned their manufacture.

Common Problems The most common complaint about automotive air conditioners, particularly R-134 systems, is the odor that permeates from the A/C vents. Mechanics and car manufacturers have concluded that accumulated bacteria and fungus in the evaporator core likely cause the odor. Because the air conditioning system is loaded with moisture, it attracts microbes. The solution offered by automakers is to make the blower motor effective in drying out the evaporator after the A/C system is turned off. General Motors introduced this breakthrough, called Electronic Evaporator Dryer.

This solution might offer relief to some car owners, but not to all. Installing this system can cost hundred of dollars. As a result, many car owners have resorted to finding alternative methods of fighting the odor. Using antibacterial chemicals such as Lysol can be an effective short-term solution. Keeping a can of Lysol handy can go along way for your odorous air problem. Just spay the Lysol inside the car, and in the air intake once a week, for temporary relief from the problem. Another way to help eliminate the odor is to shut off the A/C unit at least one mile before reaching your destination. This will allow enough time for the evaporator to dry out, essentially doing away with the moisture and microbes that cause odor. This can be the easiest and least expensive method in combating the issue.

Caring For Your A/C System

* To keep working efficiently, your automotive air conditioner must be recharged from time to time, depending on how often it is are used. Consult your mechanic or your owner’s manual for information about system recharges.

* Call your mechanic if you see water leaking from the A/C system’s condenser, as this can affect the refrigerant. Have the system repaired before refilling it.

* Replacing the filter once every three months will also help to maintain the performance of your automotive air conditioning system. This is where dust builds up when the A/C system is running.

* Setting the gauge at one specific temperature will also help it perform well. If you constantly switch from one temperature to another, your system will have trouble adjusting accordingly.

Automotive air conditioners can be a driver’s best friend, whether you’re traveling across town or from coast to coast. Keep your A/C unit well maintained, and keep your cool on the road.

This article brought to you by car rental adelaide airport in conjunction with 7 Seater Car

All About Hybrid Cars

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Environmental issues have never been in the spotlight as much as they are today. Consumers are becoming much more environmentally conscious and companies are scrambling to appease them. This is also very true of automobile companies and this trend has lead to the development of hybrid cars.

As the name suggests, hybrid cars are just that - hybrids. They do not run on one specific type of propulsion or fuel system. Rather, hybrid cars can typically use at least two propulsion systems. While many systems have been investigated, the most common hybrid cars are those that can run on either gasoline or electricity in the form of a battery. Most recently, hybrid cars have been manufactured which can use an ethanol derivative, commonly termed Flex Fuel.

Inventors have long been conducting experiments to create hybrid cars, without success. In fact, the first experiments were conducted in the 19th century when manufacturers were attempting to phase out steam-driven vehicles. The first successful hybrid car wasn’t created until the turn of the 20th century, but it was more than 90 years before the hybrid car was released for public sale.

Typically, hybrid cars contain the main components of an everyday gasoline-driven car. There is a fuel tank, a transmission and a gasoline engine. However, today’s hybrid car also contains electric mechanisms such as a battery and an electric motor. In some cases, the battery of the hybrid car is powered by solar energy. That way, the battery can recharge itself during the day. Some owners of hybrid cars prefer to switch propulsion systems depending on whether it is day or night. Amazingly, recent developments in hybrid cars have allowed for the kinetic energy created by the gasoline engine to be used to recharge the battery.

Hybrid cars are riding a wave of popularity. Most of the major car companies, including Toyota, Honda, and even Lexus, have introduced their own hybrid cars to the automobile market. With their smaller gasoline engines and reduced output of emissions, hybrid cars appeal to any socially responsible individual. The decreased size of the engines in hybrid cars have also led to new, sleeker designs and the incorporation of much lighter materials. So, the efficiency and power are quite satisfactory for the typical user, with hybrid cars reaching a horsepower of as much as 90. With the advancements in modern technology, it can only be expected that the hybrid cars of the future will be more efficient, cheaper and in great demand.

This article brought to you by 6 Seater Car in conjunction with Car Hire Adelaide

Advantages To Buying Cars Online

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Deciding to buy a car is a major decision, given that the purchase itself is such a major one. Buying a car online has many advantages. There are many car sites available such as http://www.buyyourcar.co.uk. Sites such as this one will give you many choices without having to go to a number of different dealerships, which can take a lot of time. But buying a car online can seem risky to some and there are often many questions associated with making this kind of purchase online.

The first thing many people want to know when buying a car online is how these websites work. Websites that sell and advertise cars online work as middlemen between the consumer and the dealership selling or advertising the car. Because they have market leverage, they can often negotiate a better price for the car than you could by yourself. The website will then advertise and sell you the car for less than you could obtain the car for direct; the car will be cheaper than buying directly from a dealer. These websites than either charge the dealer per sale or a set advertising cost, either way you can save loads of money.

Because there are so many online websites out there, it’s possible to buy a car from somewhere that is not in your local area. Sometimes, this may mean buying a car that is from the other side of the country. There are many companies that will be glad to deliver the car to you and sometimes this is a service that the online dealers will provide free of charge.

However, you can also search for cars within a certain area. This is another advantage to buying cars online. Doing this is not only easy but it is also very quick. The search will narrow down for you the type and model of cars that you are looking for and will let you know which ones are available in your area. This can quickly narrow down your search, taking the time and hassle out of buying your car.

Another advantage to buying your car online is you can often register at the online sites. Registering usually requires some very basic information and this allows for the company to not only find out what kind of car you are looking for but they will also often send you email updates when a new listing comes in on a car of your choice. This can help the consumer get a better deal faster.

There are numerous advantages to buying a car online. It saves the consumer from being pressured into high sales tactics while giving them more time to find exactly the car that they are looking for. Searching online for a car also gives one opportunity to look at cars from different areas, broadening their search and making sure that they really are getting the best deal available.

This article brought to you by 7 Seater Cars in conjunction with car rental adelaide airport

Automotive Experts List Cool New Rides Under $18,000

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

With the average price of a new vehicle passing $25,000, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing you have to spend a small fortune to drive anything worth writing home about. Unless you’re all about impressing your friends, neighbors and co-commuters with the size of your monthly payment, the entry end of the market is filled with a higher concentration of cool cars, trucks and SUVs than ever.

After putting together a list of all the vehicles available for less than $18,000, the editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com then picked the 10 coolest. Instead of reporting based on vehicles’ Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs), the list is based on each model’s New Car Blue Book value, the price buyers are typically paying in the market. Your actual payment will be determined by the down payment on the vehicle and the finance rate.

The Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000

• Toyota Yaris-With a long history as a best-seller in Europe, the Toyota Yaris migrates to the U.S. as the least expensive vehicle in the Toyota lineup. Sporting unusually cool styling, Toyota quality and a 34/city and 40/highway MPG rating, the Yaris’ value more than exceeds its under-$12,000 starting price.

• Scion xB-The xB has proven to us that, these days, it’s cool to be square. Not only does its slab-sided styling set it apart, but its boxy dimensions also mean this diminutive and fuel-efficient vehicle is a surprisingly commodious hauler of people and stuff.

• Dodge Caliber-Caliber changes the small-car game by offering a larger, more flexible interior filled with way-cool features like an air-conditioned storage bin to keep drinks cold, rear speakers that flip down to project outward from the open tailgate, a 110-volt outlet for powering small electronics and a self-charging flashlight.

• Kia Sportage-When buying your first SUV, bang-for-the-buck is a very cool thing to find. Pricing out the Kia Sportage is almost fun when you get to include a sunroof, a great stereo and a tire pressure monitor all for under $16,500.

• Chevrolet HHR-As cool as the 1940s-style exterior is, the Chevrolet HHR is equally cool for its efficient use of space and worthwhile features like remote start and the increasingly requisite iPod connector. It offers hauling ability like a compact SUV, yet it handles like a car.

• Ford Fusion-Size does matter, so getting a well-styled, contemporary midsize sedan with the roominess and comfort of the new Fusion is cool. Even better is the unexpected level of equipment for the price, including remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel and cruise control.

• Nissan Frontier-Utility is in, and nothing’s more utilitarian than a pickup. The Frontier backs up its sharp styling with excellent ride and handling.

• Mazda3-Available as a hatchback or sedan, the Mazda3 is a deft one-two punch to the compact-car segment. We can’t decide which model we like better, but the combination of fine driving dynamics, upscale interior and arresting looks make this a “cool cars” list repeater.

• Honda Civic-You know how U2 were cool, then in the mid-90s they weren’t so cool, and now they’re as cool as ever? Well, the Civic has traveled a parallel path to regain its stature as arguably the finest economy car ever built–and cool once again.

• Scion tC-If you’re cool enough to appreciate it, the slick styling and fashionable features in the tC deliver Lexus-like technology in an affordable package. This year, the improved audio features stand out, including steering-wheel gauges and iPod connectivity.

This article brought to you by Car Finance Company in conjunction with 7 passenger crossover

Workplace Health - AIDS And Sex

Friday, July 30th, 2010

The government and private sector looks to workplace health as becoming a key issue in lowering healthcare costs. Because the majority of men and women are at work a whopping one third of their lives, health programs are easily the way to go in decreasing healthcare costs of the country. Aside from this, having health related programs at work improves overall employee health thereby improving productivity and increasing company bottom line.

Workplace health is as said, very influential as it can affect entire populations. Employees who learn and are educated in the office can pass down the learning to their children, as everything eventually boils down to the family level. Thus, it?s safe to say that to tackle the issues of healthcare today, both public and private sectors of the country should work hand in hand.

This article discusses common workplace health programs that not just affect companies but entire nations. Some of these programs deals with smoking, breast cancer, cervical cancer, AIDS and diet and nutrition. In the end, readers should have a better understanding of what they can do themselves to promote good health in their own respective fields of work.

The only way to eradicate AIDS is by creating awareness among the public, and companies can do their fair share by implementing AIDS program at work. Employees should know what AIDS is, why it is deadly and why safe sex like using condoms is the key to preventing it. With workplace health programs like this, it?s possible that AIDS can be gone in this century.

Company workplace health programs should take into account specific women health issues since women make up a significant portion of the workforce. Issues like breast cancer should be included in any company health initiative. Employers should also set up regular mammography screening for women so early breast cancer signs can be treated immediately before it is too late.

Cervical cancer is very common among women, and companies should place it high in their agenda to create awareness regarding it. Promoting the cervical cancer vaccine is a another great way in assisting its women workforce. Workplace health programs should continue to provide or encourage Pap smear tests for its employees as the effectiveness of vaccines is not a hundred percent.

Even though everyone knows smoking is bad, everyone continues to do so. The workplace is no exception and in fact even encourages people to smoke even more, as smoking is believed to help relieve stress. Companies should have a zero tolerance on smoking as its workplace health policy as smoking is proven to do neither good for the smoker nor the people around them.

Eating is one the biggest factors in making us healthy or not and should be part of any company workplace health program. The reason why junk food is called junk is because our body treats junk food as junk. If the company has no canteen or have no way of implementing strict healthy food guidelines, they can always install vending machines to dispense healthy snacks like fruits or fresh juices.

There are tons of other workplace health related topics that are not mentioned here. This article?s only motive is to increase awareness among readers that workplace healthy can be improved with the partnership of both employer and employee. Only by cooperation can we truly make the world a healthier better place.

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Traveling To Mexico Then Buy Mexican Car Insurance

Friday, July 9th, 2010

I have been an insurance agent for about fifteen years and because of this many people have come into the office or just call to ask a question about insurance. Most times these people don’t even have insurance with me; they just want to ask an insurance agent a question about insurance. I like to think that I know a thing or two about insurance. I have studied it and researched it and had daily experience with insurance for the last fifteen years. I still learn something new every day. There is a type of insurance that I sell that most insurance agents don’t offer to their clientele, and that is Mexican Tourist Auto insurance or to simplify it Mexican car insurance.

Most insurance agents don’t have the need to sell Mexican car insurance because it is a rather small niche market. Furthermore, it requires the agent to learn a little bit about a foreign country and their laws and procedures. Additionally, all of the literature is in Spanish and most insurance agents are not bilingual. I am bilingual and have lived in a Latin American country for a couple of years, and that’s why the niche is a natural fit for me.

Mexico is such gorgeous country. It has pristine beaches, and great deep sea fishing, or you can take time to discover all of the ancient Mayan or Aztec ruins, and I haven’t even mentions the snorkeling and scuba diving. The list of things to do is endless. I recall a vacation that I took there a couple of years ago, and my spouse and I tried to do something different every single day more than a week, but we didn’t get to do everything that we had wanted to do. Some people go for the dancing and the nightlife, or for the food and the culture. There is something for everybody, but before you book your trip plan ahead and purchase your Mexican car insurance before you ever get to Mexico.

Most states have adopted some kind of financial responsibility law. This is the law that requires you to carry proof of insurance in your car. If you don’t carry that little card with you the police officer can give you a ticket for failure to observe with the financial responsibility law. Failure to comply is usually a misdemeanor and carries a fine. In the United States it really isn’t that big of a deal. On the other hand, in Mexico it is a felony and not a misdemeanor to not provide evidence of financial responsibility.

There are some major carriers in the US that will provide limited coverage in Mexico. Usually this coverage is limited to within twenty-five miles of the Mexican border. There are some people that think that because they have chosen an insurance provider that provides this benefit that they don’t need to carry Mexican car insurance when they cross the border into Mexico. Remember that only a Mexican insurance company can provide acceptable evidence of financial responsibility in Mexico. It’s not much different than in the United States only a US insurance company can provide acceptable evidence of financial responsibility. We don’t accept their proof and they don’t accept our proof. That means that even if your insurance company will cover the accident in Mexico, but you don’t have Mexican car insurance, then you will most likely be going to jail for failure to comply with the local financial responsibility laws. Jail doesn’t sound like a very fun vacation. Personally, I’d rather stay home and go to work than go on vacation and end up in jail.

The list of things related to this subject is really endless and I am unable to exhaust them is this little article, but I will mention one other thing. Don’t think that just because drove up to the border and bought insurance from the first salesman that hung out a shingle that you are properly covered. Learn about what a variable deductible is, and why you need Legal Aid coverage or Travel Assistance coverage. Take my advice and spend the little bit of extra money to buy these coverages. Additionally, purchase a minimum of a combined single limit of one hundred thousand dollars of liability insurance.

Lastly, enjoy your vacation and to have all the fun that you can. Sweat the small stuff before you go so that you don’t have that hanging over your head while you’re on vacation. Buy Mexican car insurance online before you go.

Mexican car insurance . Check out the specialist when you are shopping for insurance for Mexico today.

What Is The Difference Between United States And Mexican Car Insurance?

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Because of the different legal systems there are some major coverage differences between United States and Mexican car insurance policies. I will outline some the the coverage differences by type of insurance. Please, do not confuse this with a complete list as there and far too many “minor” differences to list.

First of all, let’s talk about Liability Insurance. Civil Law, as defined by statute, determines liability coverage in Mexico. This can be really good or really bad depending on your point of view. Because of this system there is almost never a claim made for pain and suffering or emotional distress. The great majority of claims are paid under “Property Damage to Others” and “Bodily Injury,” these losses are settled on an actual cash value (acv) basis, and are dictated by law.

It is generally assumed (and assumed correctly) that Mexico does not have as many court cases and attorneys as the United States. Indeed it is uncommon to have a claim in excess of $100,000. Sometimes, with a very expensive car, Property Damage to Others claims will get near this limit, but it is not at all common to have a Bodily Injury claim that comes close to the $100,000 number.

Now what I am about to say may seem obvious to some, but not to others: Liability insurance purchased from a Mexican Insurer will not cover any law suits against you in the United States, it will only cover law suits brought against you in Mexico. Therefore, if you are sued, in the United States, for an accident that occurred in Mexico, there will be no coverage under your Mexican policy.

The Second thing that I want to address is car insurance, because there can be quite a big difference in the various rates, coverages, limits, and deductibles that the various Mexican Insurance companies offer. Let’s take a look at some of the things that you should pay attention to. First of all, you will want a combined single limit coverage, as opposed to a split limit, because some insurance companies will reduce the amount payable with the use of split limits. The standard used on a Mexican car policy is a combined single limit of one hundred thousand dollars. I encourage you to stay away from split limits. Another coverage to take very seriously because it is very important is Legal Aid and Travel Assistance. Sometimes these are listed as as additional coverages, but they are not they are essential, and without both of these coverages you will be paying your own legal expenses until liability is determined.

The last thing is that a Mexican car policy has exclusions for both Vandalism and Partial Theft, but in the United States policies are generally “all risk” policies. Not so in Mexico, because Mexican policies are “named perils” policies. These policies provided coverage for collision, fire, total theft, some natural occurrences, and other perils. In the United States almost all insurance companies use a fixed deductible, but in Mexico insurance companies will often have a deductible as a percentage of the value of the car insured.

Learn more about Mexican car insurance. Stop by Luisa Navarrete’s site where you can find out all about car insurance for Mexico and what it can do for you.

Questions About Car Rental Insurance

Sunday, August 16th, 2009

Whether or not to take out rental insurance, when you are renting a car, has been a major decision among all renters. It is important, when you rent a car, that you understand these companies want to sell you insurance because it is a way for them to make more money. On top of that, rental companies encourage you to take out their insurance because it protects their car, and that is all that matters to them.

Here are some of the most asked questions about rental insurance, and the answer are most likely going to surprise many of you.

Q: DOESNT MY REGULAR CAR INSURANCE POLICY COVER ME WHEN I AM DRIVING A RENTAL CAR?

A: YES….Many insurance companies will still cover you when you are driving in a rental car. However, it is advisable that you contact your insurance company, prior to picking up your rental vehicle, just to make sure that is so. Otherwise you will not be completely confident that you will be covered and may spend money, on rental insurance from the rental company, you could have otherwise saved.

Q: IF I RENT A CAR WITH MY CREDIT CARD, WILL THAT COVER ME FOR DAMAGES THAT MAY OCCUR?

A: YES and NO….Most of the major credit card companies, such as Visa, MasterCard or Discover, offer you additional insurance protection when you use the card to rent a vehicle. Because this may not apply for all credit cards companies you should check with your credit company prior to renting your car. This will give you a piece of mind when turning down the rental insurance for the rental car company.

Q: IF I FIND OUT THAT I AM COVERED UNDER MY OWN CAR INSURANCE AND MY CREDIT CARD COMPANY SHOULD I STILL TAKE OUT THE CAR RENTAL INSURANCE?

A: Absolutely not. Many companies will tell you that your insurance wont cover everything or that you are leaving yourself open to liability if you don’t take their coverage, however most car rental coverage doesn’t even cover you as well as your own. Many times the companies and their representatives will lead you to believe that this coverage is necessary, but in reality it will provide you with no benefit at all if you are already covered, and therefore this will just be unnecessary money that you will be handing over to the car rental agent.

So before yo arrive at the rental car company to pick up your vehicle check with your insurance and credit car companies to see what you are covered for. This will make you more confident when you refuse the rental companies insurance and you will be saving a lot of money.

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Is Travel Insurance Necessary?

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

Annual travel insurance policies can be deceivingly luring because you have an entire year to enjoy travel funds without having to repay the loans. Upon closer inspection, many policies reveal incomplete cover of travel needs.

Today people travel for a wide range of reasons and the travel insurance policies accessible to you have evolved to meet the more varied demand for suitable cover. In this guide we will look at which policies are suitable for certain types of travel. If you are plan to take a winter holiday you may want to consider taking out winter sports insurance.

This form of insurance provides cover for activities such as skiing and snowboarding, covering equally injuries and the loss or damage of sports tools. Fewer than 60 countries have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK and without adequate cover a broken leg in Switzerland could cost you around ?25,000.

Backpackers insurance is great when planning to take a backpacking holiday, as it allows up to 18 months of coverage for long term trips. For people like students who are studying or working abroad, traveling insurance can also be useful, as long as you make sure all the countries you are visiting are covered in the policy. Be sure to check if you EHIC card is valid in certain areas, such as third-world countries where coverage may be more difficult to attain.

Business insurance is great for those working abroad, as it covers necessities like business equipment like electronics and documents. It may even cover the traveling expenses of a coworker who takes your place, should you fall ill. These are all things that insurance by your employer may not cover alone.

If your work requires you to travel abroad you should consider taking out business insurance. This type of policy can cover business equipment such as laptops and PDAs and business documents. Some policies also cover the travel expenses if you are taken ill and another member of staff has to fly out and take your place. Something that insurance provided by your employer may not.

Keep in mind that after a certain upper age, usually around 65, insurance can become pricier due to more precautions taken to assure your safety. If this is your case, look for cheaper travel insurance for those over 65. Your age put aside, should you have any pre-existing medical conditions, always keep your insurance company aware of those conditions so to pay the extra fees, if any. Without notifying your insurance company of any conditions insurance may not be able to cover any incidents that involve your condition.

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Discount Travel Insurance For Over 65

Friday, July 31st, 2009

The prospect of traveling, whether within the country or abroad, can be very exciting. There are so many places to go and things to do! It’s a little easy to get carried away with planning events and there may be a need to adjust the budget a time or two accordingly. When preparing for travel, it is wise to keep in mind ways to keep the costs down. There are many ways to decrease expenses and have a pleasant trip.

There are, however, some things that should not be skimped on. One of these is Travel Insurance. It may be fun to frequent a local market a time or to rather than the fancy eatery. But while insurance may seem like an expense that you can forego and the likelihood is great that you won’t have occasion to use it, it is a precaution that you should be prudent to work into your budget.

You’ll want to determine what advantages you’d like to include and locate a reputable agency. There are quote sites available that allow you to enter specific criteria including age. Within a company there are different plans. Determine what amenities you’ll really need. If you are not carrying sports gear or equipment, for example, you will need a smaller amount of coverage. You may be able to rent some of the equipment when you arrive. Take note to the difference in plans- some have cancellation policies that may cause you to lose out depending on the reason. If you have an unexpected event that causes you to cancel your trip, you should be able to re-book when convenient for you without it costing you again. Some plans refund a voucher, some give back cash. Even if you can’t afford the most expense plan, basic coverage will give you a bit of security and peace of mind so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.

To keep the cost down, there are many options available. Many travel agencies have discount program available depending on the age of the travelers. There are plans for the over 65. To take advantage of some of these discounts, it may be as simple as a call to your local agency. Or, you might complete some online searches to compare prices from one company to another.

Often, depending on the trip you’d like to take, there are group rates available for the travel itself or for individual events when you arrive. This is an additional savings that means it may benefit your pocket to travel with friends.

By this point in your life, you may have accumulated ‘frequent flier’ miles. These can help with your budget as well so that that you needn’t skimp on the insurance. Be a bit resourceful, do your homework, and you will be able to have the vacation you want.

With a little hunting, on average, the over 65 crowd should be able to arrange at least a 10 or even 15 % discount from their travel insurance costs.

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