You don’t plan specifically to cause a car accident (or to be in one at all, for that matter!). Nevertheless, in most states, you still must plan for how you’ll pay for injuries and property damage done to others if you cause an auto accident.

While there are a number of auto insurance carriers out there, we wanted to let you know about several programs that are available directly from the automakers or from their associated finance companies. These programs will help you be prepared in case of an accident – while also providing you some nice auto owner-specific benefits.

Automakers offering car insurance programs include:

• Audi
• BMW
• Chrysler Group (Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles)
• Ford Motor Company (Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury Vehicles)
• General Motors (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC Vehicles)
• Subaru

By buying car insurance from your automaker or its finance company, you’re often able to take advantage of special group discount rates on the price of your insurance. In many cases, you’ll also receive towing or other concierge services that go beyond what other auto insurers might provide. By bundling your auto and home insurance coverage together, you’ll likely receive further discounts. In addition, most auto insurance programs from the automakers require body shops to make collision repairs using only genuine manufacturer replacement parts.

For specific information on each of these programs, check out our article Vehicle Insurance Programs from the Automakers.

Related Stories:  9 Ways to Save on Auto Insurance | Automaker Perks and Programs

Today, The Wall Street Journal reported that it’s getting easier for consumers to buy a car as auto loans become easier to get and dealerships offer better financing deals. Deals can be especially sweet – including some offers of no interest and no down payment – for new car buyers with good credit.

Some of the deals consumers will find include*:

• GMAC Financial Services is offering zero percent interest loans and discounted leases for certain GM and Chrysler cars financed through GMAC.
• GMAC is offering a $499/month, 39-month lease on the Cadillac CTS with $1,000 down.
• Honda Motor Co. has several leasing offers, including a $0 down, 36-month lease on a 2010 Honda Civic LX with payments of $159/month.
• The BMW “spring drive” event offers consumers a $2,500 discount on certain models.
• Lexus also has a 36-month lease deal for the Lexus IS, with the first month’s payment waived and $359/month for the remainder.

In addition, the news continues to be good for consumers with top- and middle-tier credit scores as average loan interest rates continue to fall. For those with weaker credit scores, fewer consumers are being denied outright for auto loans.

Read the full article on The Wall Street Journal Web site.

Related information on CarLocate.com: Tips for Buying and Financing a Car |
Finance Calculator | Shop for a New Car

*See your local new car dealer for complete details on each of these offers. 

Still in need of a Valentine's Day present for your sweetheart? We think that buying a new car makes a sweet - and quite memorable - gift.

This Valentine's Day weekend also falls on the same weekend with President's Day. Many dealerships may be having specials on new and used cars during this time. Use CarLocate.com to find a dealer near you.