Car Insurance Tips
What makes a certain car insurance the best? That question isn’t answered the same by every one. For some people it is just the absolute lowest premium. For others it is the customer service. For still others it is using the company with the best “reputation.” This being true, several recommendations go into finding the very best care insurance. So, whether it’s price, service, reputation, or whatever, (and likely some combination of these), here are some important things to consider.
1. The car you choose to drive
I know that insurance isn’t real high on the list of things you’re thinking about when your looking for a car, but different kinds of car are more, or less, expensive to insure. The differences can be surprising. Cars with certain safety features often qualify for reduced insurance rates. These features include air bags, anti-lock brakes, and automatic seat belts. As a matter of fact some states require insurance providers to give discounts for these features.
A second consideration here has to do with likelihood of being stolen. There are some cars that are more likely to be stolen than others. Car thieves, most often, are not arbitrary in their choices. Insurance companies are well aware of their favorite targets.
2. Do some shopping
While that tip might, at first glance, thrill the ladies, we’re talking shopping for insurance. The TV commercials are true when they say many people can get cheaper car insurance. You very well may save hundreds of dollars if you will do a little serious comparison shopping.
So, find out your present coverage and see how much your are paying for it (both monthly and annual figures), get your driver’s license number, your vehicle registration and get online. There are several quote comparison services. Just know that some companies won’t give direct online quotes. You may get an email from them later. You may have to pick up the phone and call them. Or, you may be put in touch with a local agent. Just be sure you are comparing like coverage.
3. Develop and maintain a good driving record
Your driving record has a big impact on your insurance. Developing good driving habits can go a long way to getting good insurance. Just pay attention to some basic skills like paying attention to your speed, don’t tailgate, and avoid risky actions. If you have points against your record, be sure not to add any more violations and wait till those you have expire. A clean record can reduce your insurance rates (or keep them from increasing, as the case may be).
4. Adjust your coverage
Each state has minimum coverage requirements for the following types of insurance: a) bodily injury liability for one person in an accident, b) bodily injury for all people injured in an accident, and c) property damage liability for one accident. Find out what your state’s minimums are. Do you need to adjust these higher? It all depends on how much risk you are comfortable with.
If you are looking to save some money, other considerations may be dropping the collision coverage (if you are driving an older vehicle) and raising your deductible from the standard $500 to $1,000.
5. Look for discounts
Insurance companies provide discounts for all sorts of things. Ask about the discounts that may apply to you. Discounts are provided for professional organization affiliations (like AAA), occupational discounts (some occupation groups have lower auto accident rates and are therefore cheaper to insure), combined coverage discounts (having your home and auto insurance with the same carrier), etc.