Money Management

Planning to park your car at the airport during your next trip? Check to see if you can get a discount on parking rates. Here is one easy way to save. 

Travel costs add up quickly. Even if you set a vacation budget and plan well, additional costs can creep up on you, making your trip even more expensive. One cost many people forget to factor into their budget is airport parking fees.

If you’re not hitching a ride to the airport or using public transportation, airport parking costs can be high. Here’s how to save money on airport parking fees so you have more money to spend once you arrive at your destination.

You may be able to get a deal on airport parking

As a frequent traveler, I usually avoid leaving my car at the airport. Since I’m often gone for two or three weeks at a time, airport parking costs can easily cost me hundreds of dollars. Driving and parking my car is the most ideal option for an upcoming trip I have scheduled, however. So I found a solution that will allow me to save a significant amount of money on this travel expense.

My airport keeps increasing its parking rates. It’s undergoing extensive repairs and upgrades, so I assume that rising parking prices are helping to fund these projects. The continued price increases are frustrating. But I learned that by making a parking reservation online and pre-paying for this expense, I can save a lot of money and get a better deal.

I’ll need to park my car for 10 days during my next trip. Usually, I’d pay $15 per day or $150 to park in my preferred lot, the second cheapest parking offering available. The lowest-tier lot has minimal parking slots, no shuttle, and a long walk to the airport. I’ll pay $12 per day by pre-booking instead of $15. That means I’m looking at a $120 expense instead of $150.

By taking an extra moment out of my day to book parking, I saved myself $30. On recent rides home from the airport this year, I paid between $46 and $67 for an Uber ride. That is the cost paid before leaving a tip. For this trip, driving and parking will be cheaper than using Uber.

While not available everywhere, some airports offer discounts like this. You may want to see if this service is available at your home airport the next time you need to park your car while on vacation. It could help you reduce your spending and make your travel experience easier.

Another way to save on parking costs

If this isn’t available or onsite airport parking fees exceed your budget, there may be other ways to save money. Another solution to consider is parking at nearby offsite parking lots. Many companies provide more affordable parking options and will take you to and from the airport via shuttle at no extra cost. You may want to see if this strategy could help you park your car while on vacation without depleting the funds in your bank account.

Consider additional travel costs as you plan for your next trip

Airport parking costs are one of many additional expenses that could quickly drive up the price of a vacation. Be sure to budget for these costs so you’re not in for a surprise. When paying for travel costs, consider using a travel credit card to earn rewards on your spending. For additional ways to save money, check out our personal finance resources.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Windshield replacement costs between $200 and $400 on average. Find out if your windshield is covered by auto insurance. 

The first time a pebble mysteriously levitated off the road, smashed into my father’s windshield, and cracked it, I had questions. What just happened? Were we covered by auto insurance? Did the road spirits of Los Angeles just assault our family Jeep? So many questions, so few answers.

We did figure out whether auto insurance covers windshield replacement. Turns out, it depends on the policies involved in the accident.

What policies cover windshield replacement?

Most auto insurance policies can potentially cover the cost of windshield replacement.

Collision insurance covers damage for an accident if you are at fault. If you collide with another car, hit a pole, or crash into a tree, you’re covered. Unlike comprehensive insurance, collision insurance does not cover you if someone steals your car (or angry road pebbles assault your windshield).

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to car windshields and windows in nearly all non-collision situations. These include the following:

Acts of God (e.g., pebbles hitting a window, tree branches falling on the windshield)VandalismTheft (including damage done during theft of your vehicle)A deer crashing into your windshield

Another person’s insurance may cover your repair costs in two situations:

If another person crashes into your car and is at fault, their liability insurance should cover damages done to your vehicle, including your windshield and windows.If another person breaks your windshield and they have homeowners or renters insurance, their liability insurance should also cover the damage done.

If your auto insurance covers damage done by uninsured drivers, you are also covered when an uninsured driver is at fault.

One caveat: Say your auto insurance technically covers the cost of replacing a windshield damaged by demonic road debris. You’re still on the hook for paying your deductible.

How much does it cost to replace a windshield?

Replacing a windshield costs $200 to $400 on average, according to the online dealership Rydellcars.com. Depending on your car insurance deductible, you may be required to foot some of the bill. Collision and comprehensive insurance deductibles range from $50 to $2,000.

If you have a deductible higher than $1,000, don’t count on insurance covering a simple windshield replacement in the event of an accident. Even if you’re covered, chances are, you’ll be paying out of pocket.

If your deductible is less than $1,000, you may still pay fully or partially out of pocket. For example, if your deductible is $400 and the cost to replace your windshield is $450, you’ll have to pay for the $400 deductible before your insurance kicks in.

To get the best rates for car insurance, you’ll want to check out the best car insurance companies.

Sometimes, it’s not worth replacing windshields damaged by small branches or ferocious road rocks. Cracks that don’t impede vision and are smaller than one inch are unlikely to impact your driving experience. Plus, filing an insurance claim may cause your insurance rates to increase.

Consider replacing your cracked windshield when you notice spreading cracks or when a break is longer than six inches. These pose safety concerns and may warrant replacement costs. Your safety is the most important consideration when it comes to windshield replacement.

Our best car insurance companies for 2022

Ready to shop for car insurance? Whether you’re focused on price, claims handling, or customer service, we’ve researched insurers nationwide to provide our best-in-class picks for car insurance coverage. Read our free expert review today to get started.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Business class is about more than a roomy seat at the front of the plane. Take a look at the bonus features you may not know about. 

Flying in business class is generally a far more comfortable experience than flying in the main cabin. Those big seats in the front of the airplane can be far more comfortable and can be much more convenient when it comes to getting work done or sleeping. But one thing many travelers don’t realize is that flying in business class comes with more than just a nice and roomy seat.

While the benefits of flying in business class vary from airline to airline, and may depend on the route you’re flying, here are just some of the perks you may experience in addition to a larger, more comfortable seat in the front of the plane.

1. Priority check-in

Airlines typically allow business class travelers to use their priority check-in lanes that are also available to travelers with elite status with the airline. This can save you time if you need to check bags, and at some airports you may even be able to use a priority security line that can be significantly shorter than the general line.

2. Priority baggage handling

Many airlines will put a “priority” tag on your checked baggage when you have a business class ticket, which means that it will typically arrive at baggage claim in the first batch of luggage. One of the major downsides of checking a bag is the additional time it takes to claim it, and this can certainly help mitigate that inconvenience.

3. Free checked bags

Business class travelers get free checked bags on most airlines. Some airlines even allow for multiple free checked bags, or bags that exceed the typical 50-pound weight limit. For example, United Airlines allows bags up to 70 pounds each for United Business travelers, compared with a 50-pound maximum for travelers in the main cabin.

Some travel credit cards have a free checked bags perk, and in some cases, it can even be combined for extra free bags in business class.

4. Lie-flat seats

I already mentioned the larger and comfortable seats toward the front of the plane, but lie-flat seats are available on many flights in business class (even domestic) that can take the experience to another level. Some airlines, like American, will specifically note that lie-flat seats are available when viewing flight search results.

5. First to board

Business class travelers are typically among the first to board the aircraft, giving you more time to settle in, put your bags in the overhead bins, and have a pre-takeoff beverage. You might not be the first to board — for example, airlines generally let passengers who need extra time board first, and if your aircraft has both first and business class, first class passengers may board before business class.

6. Free drinks and better food

Beverages (including alcoholic beverages) are free in business class cabins, and you’ll typically find that food options are better. Even if a full meal is served in the main cabin, business class passengers typically receive higher-end food options, as well as more frequent snack offerings.

7. More overhead space

Aircrafts generally have dedicated overhead bin space for business class passengers, and because there are fewer seats for the amount of space occupied compared with the main cabin, it is typically easy to find a place for your bag. Anyone who has flown in the main cabin and has been included in a later boarding group knows overhead bin space is far from guaranteed.

8. Airport lounge access

Business class travelers often get access to airport lounges prior to departure, where there is usually free food and beverages, as well as quiet spaces to work or relax. This is far more common when flying internationally or on longer transcontinental flights but can be an excellent perk if it’s available.

The bottom line

This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list, and there are some airlines that have unique perks for business class travelers, especially on long-haul flights. But the key takeaway is that flying in business class is often about more than just having more legroom. There is a surprising number of perks that commonly come with it.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Matthew Frankel, CFP® has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Identity theft could put you at risk for financial fraud. Here’s what you can do to protect your personal and financial information. 

Unfortunately, identity theft is a genuine concern that consumers need to consider. The Ascent’s identity theft and credit card fraud study found about 1.1 million reports of identity theft collected by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2022. If you want to keep your money and personal and financial data safe, you must take extra care to protect yourself. Here are a few ways to protect your personal finances against identity theft.

1. Review your financial statements

Don’t disregard your financial statements. You can stay informed by taking a few moments to scan your credit card and bank account statements. By doing this regularly, you can spot unusual transactions and report them to your financial institution immediately. If you find signs of fraud, your bank or credit card company can help you take steps to protect your account.

If your credit card account has been impacted, your bank will deactivate your current card and send you a new one to protect you from further fraudulent activity. Many credit cards offer $0 fraud liability protection, meaning you won’t be liable for fraudulent charges that you report. But it’s important to report fraud promptly, so don’t delay contacting your financial institution.

2. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication

If you’re using easy-to-guess passwords or the same password for each account, you’re putting yourself at greater risk of having your accounts hacked. Using strong passwords for all online accounts, especially financial ones, is wise. Many companies offer two-factor authentication, which provides an added layer of protection. If available, make sure you use this security tool so it’s more difficult for fraudsters to access your financial accounts.

3. Don’t access financial accounts when using public wifi

Checking your bank account balance at a grocery store, mall, or airport can be tempting, but you want to avoid accessing financial accounts and data when connected to public wifi. Fraudsters can access your financial information, putting you at risk. It’s best to only log in to financial websites and apps when using a secure, private internet connection.

4. Don’t ignore your credit report

It’s also a good idea to review your credit report regularly. Doing this helps you stay informed about your finances and gives you greater insight into what information creditors see. It also allows you to quickly spot reporting errors or signs of fraud.

If you see a new credit card account you didn’t open, someone else likely used your personal information to apply for a credit card. If you have fraud concerns, report your findings to each of the three credit bureaus immediately.

Thanks to federal regulations, consumers can access their credit report from each of the three credit bureaus once every 12 months. Consumers were able to check their credit reports for free weekly through AnnualCreditReport.com throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

But now, consumers have access to free weekly credit reports indefinitely. While reviewing your report weekly is unnecessary, it’s a good idea to check your credit report at least once a year (or more frequently if you suspect your information has been compromised). By doing this, you can act quickly if you’ve been a victim of fraud or identity theft.

5. Avoid giving personal information to others

Be mindful of the personal information that you share with others. When using social media, consider what information you share that could be used against you. Even providing access to your full birth date or the names of family members could put you at risk of fraud. This information could be used to steal your identity and access important financial accounts.

You should also be cautious about who you share personal details with when you speak to customer service representatives. If asked to provide personal information for verification purposes, only do so if you contact the financial institution directly. If you receive an email or text message asking for personal or financial information, be alert — because it’s likely a scammer.

Protect your financial accounts

Fraudsters are getting more creative and finding new ways to exploit others. Make sure you’re doing what you can to protect your personal data and financial accounts. You don’t want to give someone else access to your money. For more tips, check out our personal finance resources.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

 Read More