No one in their right mind enjoys paying for car insurance, especially knowing they are paying too much. Drivers have so many insurance companies to purchase coverage from, and even though it’s nice to be able to choose, it can be more difficult to find a good deal.
It is always a good idea to price shop coverage periodically because insurance rates tend to go up over time. Even if you think you had the lowest price on Malibu insurance a couple years back there may be better deals available now. Don’t believe everything you read about car insurance online but by reading this article, you’re going to learn the best ways to stop overpaying for insurance.
Finding a better price on insurance is not rocket science. You just need to take a couple of minutes to compare quotes online from several insurance companies. This can be done in just a few minutes using one of these methods.
Whichever way you use, compare the exact same information for each comparison quote. If your comparisons have different limits and deductibles on each one you can’t possibly determine which rate is truly the best.
When buying adequate coverage, there is no “best” method to buy coverage. Everyone’s situation is a little different so your insurance should reflect that Here are some questions about coverages that may help highlight if your insurance needs could use an agent’s help.
If you can’t answer these questions but one or more may apply to you, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It is quick, free and may give you better protection.
Knowing the specifics of auto insurance can help you determine the right coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. The terms used in a policy can be difficult to understand and even agents have difficulty translating policy wording. Below you’ll find typical coverages available from auto insurance companies.
Your UM/UIM coverage protects you and your vehicle when other motorists do not carry enough liability coverage. This coverage pays for injuries to you and your family as well as damage to your 2003 Chevy Malibu.
Because many people have only the minimum liability required by law, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage should not be overlooked. Most of the time your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages are set the same as your liablity limits.
Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP kick in for expenses like dental work, EMT expenses, X-ray expenses, nursing services and doctor visits. They can be used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. They cover not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants in addition to getting struck while a pedestrian. PIP coverage is not an option in every state and may carry a deductible
Comprehensive insurance pays to fix your vehicle from damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first must pay your deductible then your comprehensive coverage will pay.
Comprehensive coverage protects against things like a broken windshield, falling objects, hitting a deer, a tree branch falling on your vehicle and damage from flooding. The maximum amount a auto insurance company will pay at claim time is the cash value of the vehicle, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Collision insurance pays for damage to your Malibu caused by collision with another car or object. You have to pay a deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.
Collision coverage protects against things such as scraping a guard rail, sideswiping another vehicle and backing into a parked car. This coverage can be expensive, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Drivers also have the option to raise the deductible in order to get cheaper collision rates.
This can cover damages or injuries you inflict on other’s property or people by causing an accident. It protects YOU from legal claims by others, and does not provide coverage for your own vehicle damage or injuries.
Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. You might see liability limits of 25/50/25 which stand for a $25,000 limit per person for injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $50,000, and a total limit of $25,000 for damage to vehicles and property. Some companies may use a combined limit which limits claims to one amount without having the split limit caps.
Liability can pay for things such as emergency aid, attorney fees, repair bills for other people’s vehicles and court costs. How much liability coverage do you need? That is a personal decision, but buy higher limits if possible.