Tired of trying to scrape together enough money each month for car insurance? Your situation is no different than most other car owners. You have so many auto insurance companies to insure vehicles with, and even though it’s nice to be able to choose, too many choices makes it more difficult to compare company pricing.
Shopping for cheaper coverage is easy if you know what you’re doing. If you have a current car insurance policy or are just looking to switch companies, you will benefit by learning to reduce the price you pay and possibly find even better coverage. Consumers only need an understanding of the most effective way to get comparison rates over the internet.
The most recommended method to compare rate quotes utilizes the fact most larger insurance companies provide online access to provide you with a free rate quote. All consumers are required to do is give them some information including the ages of drivers, if the car is leased, your occupation, and level of coverage desired. That rating information is instantly sent to multiple top-rated companies and you will receive price estimates very quickly.
Car insurance is not cheap, but companies offer discounts that you may not even be aware of. Most are applied at the time you complete a quote, but some must be inquired about prior to receiving the credit. If you don’t get every credit available, you are paying more than you should be.
Drivers should understand that most discounts do not apply to the entire policy premium. The majority will only reduce individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. Just because you may think adding up those discounts means a free policy, you won’t be that lucky. Any qualifying discounts will reduce your premiums.
Insurance companies who might offer these benefits are:
Double check with all companies you are considering which discounts you may be entitled to. Savings might not be offered in every state.
When buying coverage, there isn’t really a one size fits all plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s and your policy should reflect that. Here are some questions about coverages that may help highlight if you may require specific advice.
If you can’t answer these questions then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It is quick, free and may give you better protection.
Having a good grasp of your policy can help you determine the best coverages for your vehicles. The coverage terms in a policy can be impossible to understand and coverage can change by endorsement. Listed below are typical coverage types available from insurance companies.
Comprehensive insurance – This will pay to fix damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. You first have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive can pay for claims like damage from a tornado or hurricane, fire damage and hail damage. The most your insurance company will pay is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.
Auto liability – Liability insurance will cover damage or injury you incur to people or other property that is your fault. It protects YOU against other people’s claims, and does not provide coverage for your own vehicle damage or injuries.
Coverage consists of three different limits, bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. You might see limits of 50/100/50 which stand for a $50,000 limit per person for injuries, a total of $100,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and property damage coverage for $50,000. Some companies may use one number which is a combined single limit that pays claims from the same limit and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.
Liability insurance covers claims like emergency aid, medical services, structural damage, loss of income and medical expenses. How much liability coverage do you need? That is a personal decision, but buy higher limits if possible.
Coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers – Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants when the “other guys” are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. Covered losses include injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants and damage to your Maserati Spyder.
Since a lot of drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is important protection for you and your family. Usually the UM/UIM limits are similar to your liability insurance amounts.
Coverage for medical expenses – Med pay and PIP coverage kick in for expenses like X-ray expenses, ambulance fees and rehabilitation expenses. They are used to fill the gap from your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. They cover all vehicle occupants and will also cover if you are hit as a while walking down the street. PIP coverage is not an option in every state but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage
Collision coverage – This will pay to fix damage to your Spyder from colliding with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. A deductible applies then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision insurance covers claims such as colliding with a tree, damaging your car on a curb and driving through your garage door. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so you might think about dropping it from older vehicles. You can also increase the deductible to get cheaper collision coverage.