Are you confused by the sheer number of auto insurance options? You’re not alone. You have so many options available that it can be a real challenge to find the perfect company for you.
It’s a good idea to check auto insurance prices once or twice a year because insurance rates change frequently. Just because you found the best price on Accord coverage on your last policy you can probably find a better price now. Starting now, ignore everything you know about auto insurance because you’re going to learn the fastest way to save on auto insurance.
Insurance can be prohibitively expensive, but there are discounts available that many people don’t even know exist. A few discounts will automatically apply when you complete an application, but lesser-known reductions have to be specially asked for before you will receive the discount.
As a disclaimer on discounts, many deductions do not apply to the entire policy premium. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like physical damage coverage or medical payments. So despite the fact that it appears you can get free auto insurance, it just doesn’t work that way. Any amount of discount will cut the amount you have to pay.
For a list of insurers who offer insurance discounts, follow this link.
The are a couple different ways of comparing rates from insurance coverage companies in your area. The best method to find the cheapest 2004 Honda Accord insurance rates consists of obtaining rate quotes online. It is quite easy and can be accomplished in a couple of different ways.
The most efficient way consumers can analyze rates is an all-inclusive rate comparison click to view form in new window. This type of form prevents you from having to do repetitive form entry for every insurance coverage company. In just a few minutes this one form gets you coverage quotes direct from many companies. It’s the fastest way to compare.
Another way to compare prices requires a trip to the website for each individual company to complete their respective quote request forms. For example, we’ll pretend you want to compare Auto-Owners, Esurance and Progressive. To get each rate you have to take the time to go to each site and enter your information, which is why the first method is quicker. For a list of links to companies insuring cars in your area, click here.
The most time-consuming method to get comparison rates is to waste gas driving to insurance agents’ offices. Shopping for insurance coverage online can eliminate the need for a local agent unless you have a need for the professional advice of a local agent. However, consumers can get the lowest quotes online and still use a local agent and you’ll learn how to do that later.
It doesn’t matter which method you choose, just make darn sure you compare apples-to-apples coverages on every quote. If you compare differing limits then you won’t be able to determine the best price for your Honda Accord. Quoting even small variations in coverages can mean a large discrepancy in price. And when quoting insurance coverage, remember that having more price comparisons gives you a better chance of getting lower pricing.
Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that play a part in calculating your insurance coverage rates. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that will entitle you to big savings.
When it comes to buying adequate coverage, there really is no “perfect” insurance plan. Everyone’s situation is a little different.
For instance, these questions can help discover if you would benefit from an agent’s advice.
If you’re not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form.
Having a good grasp of a auto insurance policy helps when choosing the right coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. The coverage terms in a policy can be difficult to understand and coverage can change by endorsement.
Collision insurance
This coverage pays for damage to your Accord from colliding with another car or object. You first must pay a deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.
Collision insurance covers things such as scraping a guard rail, damaging your car on a curb and crashing into a building. This coverage can be expensive, so consider dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. You can also choose a higher deductible to bring the cost down.
Coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers
Your UM/UIM coverage gives you protection from other drivers when they either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Covered claims include injuries to you and your family as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Since many drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required, it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is very important. Most of the time these coverages are identical to your policy’s liability coverage.
Auto liability insurance
Liability coverage protects you from damage or injury you incur to other’s property or people in an accident. It protects YOU from legal claims by others, and does not provide coverage for damage sustained by your vehicle in an accident.
It consists of three limits, per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. Your policy might show policy limits of 100/300/100 which means a $100,000 limit per person for injuries, $300,000 for the entire accident, and a limit of $100,000 paid for damaged property. Some companies may use one limit called combined single limit (CSL) that pays claims from the same limit without having the split limit caps.
Liability can pay for claims like legal defense fees, repair costs for stationary objects and funeral expenses. How much liability coverage do you need? That is up to you, but you should buy higher limits if possible.
Comprehensive auto insurance
This coverage covers damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage pays for claims like vandalism, hail damage, damage from a tornado or hurricane and hitting a deer. The highest amount a auto insurance company will pay at claim time is the cash value of the vehicle, so if the vehicle’s value is low it’s not worth carrying full coverage.
Coverage for medical expenses
Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance provide coverage for short-term medical expenses like chiropractic care, dental work and EMT expenses. They are often used in conjunction with a 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 any family member struck as a pedestrian. PIP is not available in all states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay
The cheapest 2004 Honda Accord insurance is possible from both online companies as well as from independent agents, so compare prices from both to have the best selection. Some insurance companies don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
We just presented quite a bit of information on how to save on insurance. The key concept to understand is the more companies you get rates for, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may even discover the best prices are with some of the lesser-known companies.
As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, you should never skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. Too many times, an accident victim reduced liability coverage limits only to discover later that it was a big error on their part. The aim is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at a price you can afford.