Have you fallen victim to an overpriced car insurance policy? Believe me, there are many people just like you. Because you have many insurance providers from which to choose, it can be challenging to pick the most affordable provider.
There are a lot of ways to shop for insurance, but one way is more efficient than others. You could spend the better part of a day discussing policy coverages with agents in your area, or you can utilize online quoting to get pricing more quickly.
Most of the larger companies belong to an insurance system where insurance shoppers only type in their quote data once, and each participating company can provide price quotes based on the submitted data. This system prevents you from having to do quote forms to each company.
To fill out one form to compare multiple rates now click here to start a free quote.
The only downside to doing it this way is you are unable to specify the companies you will receive quotes from. So if you prefer to choose from a list of companies to compare, we have assembled a list of companies who write insurance in your area. Click here for list of insurance companies.
However you get your quotes, compare apples-to-apples coverage limits and deductibles for each price quote. If you have different values for each quote you can’t possibly determine which rate is truly the best.
The price of auto insurance can be rather high, buy you may qualify for discounts that you may not know about. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically when you complete an application, but a few must be specifically requested prior to receiving the credit. If you aren’t receiving every discount you deserve, you’re paying more than you need to.
A little note about advertised discounts, some of the credits will not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like physical damage coverage or medical payments. Even though it may seem like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, insurance coverage companies aren’t that generous. But any discount will help reduce your premiums.
A partial list of companies that possibly offer these money-saving discounts are:
Double check with each insurance company which discounts you may be entitled to. All car insurance discounts may not apply in your area.
When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no “best” method to buy coverage. Every insured’s situation is different so this has to be addressed. These are some specific questions might help in determining if your situation might need professional guidance.
If you’re not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation then you might want to talk to an agent. If you don’t have a local agent, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area. It only takes a few minutes and may give you better protection.
Learning about specific coverages of car insurance can be of help when determining the right coverages and proper limits and deductibles. The coverage terms in a policy can be ambiguous and nobody wants to actually read their policy. Below you’ll find the usual coverages found on the average car insurance policy.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage provide coverage for bills like rehabilitation expenses, hospital visits and chiropractic care. The coverages can be used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if you do not have health coverage. They cover you and your occupants in addition to being hit by a car walking across the street. PIP is only offered in select states but can be used in place of medical payments coverage
Liability coverage can cover damages or injuries you inflict on other people or property. It protects you from legal claims by others, and doesn’t cover damage to your own property or vehicle.
Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. You might see policy limits of 50/100/50 that means you have $50,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $100,000, and a limit of $50,000 paid for damaged property. Alternatively, you may have a combined limit which limits claims to one amount without having the split limit caps.
Liability coverage pays for things such as medical services, pain and suffering and court costs. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is a decision to put some thought into, but buy as high a limit as you can afford.
Your UM/UIM coverage gives you protection when other motorists either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Covered losses include injuries to you and your family as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Due to the fact that many drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required, their limits can quickly be used up. 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.
Collision coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from a collision with a stationary object or other vehicle. A deductible applies and then insurance will cover the remainder.
Collision coverage protects against things like sustaining damage from a pot hole, colliding with a tree and backing into a parked car. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider removing coverage from older vehicles. Drivers also have the option to increase the deductible to save money on collision insurance.
This coverage pays for damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage pays for claims such as vandalism, a tree branch falling on your vehicle, rock chips in glass and hitting a bird. The highest amount you’ll receive from a claim is the actual cash value, so if the vehicle is not worth much it’s not worth carrying full coverage.