Nobody likes having to buy car insurance, especially when they are paying too much. Big-name insurance companies like State Farm, Progressive and Geico continually hit you with fancy advertisements and it is challenging if not impossible to ignore the flashy ads and find the best price available.
If you have a current insurance policy or need new coverage, you will benefit by learning to find the best rates while maximizing coverage. Finding affordable coverage is not rocket science. Consumers just need to know the proper methods to shop for insurance over the internet.
The best way we recommend to compare car insurance company rates is to know the trick most larger insurance companies participate in online systems to give free rates quotes. To get started, all you need to do is give them rating details like if a SR-22 is needed, the make and model of your vehicles, if you have an active license, and whether you drive to work or school. That information is submitted instantly to insurance companies and you receive quotes within a short period of time.
Companies don’t list all their discounts very clearly, so we took the time to find both well-publicized and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using. If you’re not getting every credit possible, you’re paying more than you need to.
It’s important to note that most of the big mark downs will not be given the the whole policy. Most cut individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. So even though it sounds like you can get free auto insurance, you won’t be that lucky.
Car insurance companies that may offer some of the above discounts include:
Before buying, ask each insurance company what discounts are available to you. Some discounts might not be offered in your area.
When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a one size fits all plan. Everyone’s situation is a little different so your insurance needs to address that. These are some specific questions can help discover if you might need professional guidance.
If you’re not sure about those questions but you know they apply to you, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.
Knowing the specifics of a insurance policy helps when choosing the right coverages for your vehicles. The coverage terms in a policy can be confusing and reading a policy is terribly boring. These are typical coverages found on most insurance policies.
Collision insurance
Collision insurance pays to fix your vehicle from damage caused by collision with a stationary object or other vehicle. You first must pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.
Collision insurance covers things like crashing into a ditch, rolling your car, hitting a mailbox, crashing into a building and scraping a guard rail. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. You can also choose a higher deductible to bring the cost down.
Medical costs insurance
Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance kick in for bills such as doctor visits, hospital visits and prosthetic devices. They can be used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if you lack health insurance entirely. It covers both the driver and occupants as well as any family member struck as a pedestrian. PIP coverage is only offered in select states and may carry a deductible
Comprehensive or Other Than Collision
Comprehensive insurance coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive can pay for things such as theft, hitting a deer, damage from a tornado or hurricane, falling objects and damage from flooding. The maximum payout your insurance company will pay is the cash value of the vehicle, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.
UM/UIM Coverage
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle when the “other guys” either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Covered claims include hospital bills for your injuries as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Since a lot of drivers have only the minimum liability required by law, their limits can quickly be used up. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is important protection for you and your family.
Coverage for liability
Liability insurance protects you from damage that occurs to people or other property by causing an accident. This coverage protects you against claims from other people, and doesn’t cover 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. Your policy might show limits of 50/100/50 which stand for $50,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, $100,000 for the entire accident, and property damage coverage for $50,000.
Liability coverage protects against things like court costs, pain and suffering, repair bills for other people’s vehicles, repair costs for stationary objects and emergency aid. How much liability should you purchase? That is a personal decision, but you should buy as high a limit as you can afford.