Many Americans report that shopping for auto insurance, and the decision of which company and which policy to choose, can often be extremely stressful. Companies can vary tremendously in terms of their coverage of claims, availability, and service, and with so many options available, how do you know which is the right choice for you?
Not many people know that taking a driver’s ed course can save them on their insurance. This is usually because most people who take driver’s ed do so out of a court mandate. Often times however, even someone who has not been mandated to take driver’s ed can take it, call their insurance company with the certification, and receive a discount on their policy.
Being a careful driver can really save you money on insurance. Obviously, insurers would rather insure good drivers and will provide lower rates for good drivers, but did you know that causing an accident can make your insurance rates nearly double? It is abundantly clear that driving safely is one of the best ways to keep your insurance rates low!
Before choosing your next car, make sure you understand what it will do to your insurance policy. We all know that some cars will have a higher premium than others, but most people don’t really know which ones are which. Ask your insurance company for recommendations of cars that are lower risk and thus, have a lower insurance premium attached.
Join an appropriate car owners’ club if you are looking for cheaper insurance on a high-value auto. Drivers with exotic, rare or antique cars know how painfully expensive they can be to insure. If you join a club for enthusiasts in the same situation, you may gain access to group insurance offers that give you significant discounts.
Property damage liability is important to buy with any auto insurance policy. This portion of liability coverage will pay for any damages caused to other property in the event you have a car accident. The majority of states require drivers to carry this coverage. If you are involved in an accident, property damage liability can save you a great deal of money.
Nearly all states require you to purchase liability insurance for your vehicle, although the minimum amount of coverage required often isn’t sufficient. For example, if you’re unfortunate enough to hit a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, chances are slim that your minimum property damage liability coverage is going to be enough to pay for the cost of repairs. Increasing your coverage is fairly inexpensive and is a smart way to protect your assets in the event of a serious accident.
Check into how much you would save by using the same insurer for both your home and your car. Some companies offer a discount if you have multiple policies with them. The majority of companies today do insure a variety of items, so it is a good idea to look into the possibility.
Be careful about what kind of repairs your insurance will cover. Some insurances send their customers to specific shops, which might cut costs by using cheap parts or not replacing everything that needs to be. When you choose an insurance, make sure they will pay for repairs and let you choose where you will get your car fixed. Or get a lifetime guarantee on the work performed.
Remember that you didn’t just buy the first car that you ran across, but took time to analyze all of the good options. You should follow the same rule when looking at car insurance. Many times you will just want to accept the first deal you find, but you should be sure to look around at many options both online and in the agencies.
When switching your auto insurance coverage, one important tip is to cancel your old insurance policy just before accepting the new one. Auto insurance is expensive enough without having to pay for two policies at the same time, so be sure to cancel the old policy and have the new one issued on the same day so that there is no period of double payment.
Many auto insurance policies come with an optional roadside assistance program. Consider cutting this program from your policy if you have never used it. Roadside assistance seems like a modest expenditure for a safety feature. You should evaluate your roadside assistance fees by totaling them up annually or per-use to get a better feel for the true cost of the program.
Cut your insurance rates by dropping any uneccessary coverage. If you drive an older model car that is not worth more than a few thousand dollars, you can drop collision coverage. Collision coverage pays to repair your car, but only up to its replacement value, which isn’t much if the car’s only worth a few grand. Comprehensive coverage works the same way, and covers car loss or damage due to fire, vandalism or theft. Compare the cost to replace your older car with the cost to maintain the insurance — it might not be worth it.
Look for multi-car discounts where ever you can get them. If your teen just started driving, you will save money by putting their car on your policy. Newly married? Get quotes from each insurer for a new combined policy and go with the best company that gives you the best features for your money.
If you can afford it, raising your deductible can end up saving you a good bit on the cost of your auto insurance. As with any insurance policy, the higher the deductible, the lower the premiums. Just remember, that you will be responsible for meeting the deductible, so be sure you have enough money available to do so.
Your goal is affordable auto insurance, but what exactly does that mean? By carefully considering the various factors involved, such as the amount of coverage you need, as well as the amount you want your deductible set at, among other factors, you are well on your way to making this important decision.
