Using the web to shop for auto insurance might seem complicated at first if you have never used online quotes. But don’t be discouraged because there is an easy way to compare rates.
It’s a good idea to get comparison quotes before your policy renews because prices go up and down regularly. If you had the lowest price for Forester insurance a year ago the chances are good that you can find a lower rate today. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because we’re going to demonstrate the quickest way to find the best coverage while lowering your premiums.
Comparing insurance coverage rates can take time and effort if you don’t understand the most efficient way to do it. You can waste a lot of time talking about coverages with local insurance agents in your area, or you can stay home and use the web to get rate comparisons in just a few minutes.
Most of the larger companies take part in a program where prospective buyers submit their information once, and at least one company then gives them pricing for coverage. This system prevents you from having to do quote requests for each company.
To find out how much you can save on insurance coverage click here (opens in new window).
The single downside to doing it this way is buyers cannot specifically choose which companies you want pricing from. If you wish to select specific providers to compare rates, we put together a list of companies who write insurance coverage in your area. View list of insurance companies.
It’s up to you which method you use, but make absolute certain that you use exactly the same information for every company. If each company quotes different limits and deductibles on each one then you won’t be able to determine the lowest rate for your Subaru Forester. Just a small difference in coverage limits can result in a big premium difference. And when price shopping your coverage, more quotes helps you find a lower rate.
Insurance can cost an arm and a leg, but discounts can save money and there are some available to cut the cost considerably. A few discounts will automatically apply when you complete an application, but less common discounts must be asked about prior to receiving the credit.
Keep in mind that many deductions do not apply to all coverage premiums. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So when it seems like it’s possible to get free car insurance, it doesn’t quite work that way. Any qualifying discounts will cut the amount you have to pay.
A partial list of companies that possibly offer some of the above discounts include:
Check with every prospective company how you can save money. Some discounts might not be offered in your state.
When buying the best insurance coverage coverage, there isn’t really a “perfect” insurance plan. Every insured’s situation is different.
For instance, these questions may help highlight if your insurance needs might need professional guidance.
If you’re not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you might consider talking to a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form.
Understanding the coverages of your policy can help you determine appropriate coverage and the correct deductibles and limits. Insurance terms can be impossible to understand and reading a policy is terribly boring.
Collision coverages – This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You have to pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision insurance covers things like sideswiping another vehicle, colliding with another moving vehicle and crashing into a building. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from older vehicles. You can also raise the deductible in order to get cheaper collision rates.
Liability auto insurance – This provides protection from damage that occurs to other people or property in an accident. It consists of three limits, bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. As an example, you may have liability limits of 50/100/50 that means you have $50,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, a limit of $100,000 in injury protection per accident, and a total limit of $50,000 for damage to vehicles and property. Occasionally you may see a combined single limit or CSL which provides one coverage limit with no separate limits for injury or property damage.
Liability coverage pays for things like repair costs for stationary objects, medical expenses and attorney fees. How much liability should you purchase? That is a decision to put some thought into, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase as high a limit as you can afford.
UM/UIM Coverage – This coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants when the “other guys” do not carry enough liability coverage. This coverage pays for injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants as well as damage to your Subaru Forester.
Since a lot of drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits, their limits can quickly be used up. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is important protection for you and your family. Normally the UM/UIM limits are set the same as your liablity limits.
Comprehensive or Other Than Collision – Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You first have to pay a deductible then your comprehensive coverage will pay.
Comprehensive can pay for claims like a broken windshield, rock chips in glass and a tree branch falling on your vehicle. The most you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the market value of your vehicle, so if the vehicle’s value is low consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Medical costs insurance – Med pay and PIP coverage pay for immediate expenses like ambulance fees, dental work and surgery. They can be used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance program or if you are not covered by health insurance. They cover both the driver and occupants and also covers if you are hit as a while walking down the street. Personal Injury Protection is not universally available and may carry a deductible