I can’t think of a single person who likes having to buy auto insurance, in particular when their premiums are through the roof.
Big companies like Progressive, Geico and Farmers Insurance all claim big savings with fancy advertisements and consumers find it hard to see past the geckos and flying pigs and take the time to shop coverage around.
It is always a good idea to price shop coverage every six months because rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the lowest rates for SLK-Class insurance last year there is a good chance you can find better rates now. There is a lot of bad information regarding auto insurance online but we’re going to give you the best ways to quit paying high auto insurance rates.
If you are paying for car insurance now, you will most likely be able to reduce your rates substantially using these techniques. Finding the best rates is easy if you know what you’re doing. But drivers must understand how the larger insurance companies price insurance differently.
The cost of insuring your cars can be expensive, but there could be available discounts to help offset the cost. A few discounts will automatically apply at quote time, but some must be inquired about prior to getting the savings.
It’s important to note that most discounts 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 even though it sounds like you can get free auto insurance, companies don’t profit that way. But any discount will cut the amount you have to pay.
A partial list of companies that may offer these discounts include:
It’s a good idea to ask each company how you can save money. Discounts might not be offered in your state.
When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage, there is no “best” method to buy coverage. Everyone’s situation is unique so your insurance should reflect that Here are some questions about coverages that might point out if your insurance needs would benefit from an agent’s advice.
If you don’t know the answers to these questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier
Progressive, Geico, Allstate and State Farm regularly use ads on TV and radio. All the companies have a common claim that you can save if you move to their company. How can each company say the same thing?
Insurance companies are able to cherry pick for the right customer that earns them a profit. For example, a preferred risk might be profiled as between the ages of 40 and 55, insures multiple vehicles, and has excellent credit. Any new insured that hits that “sweet spot” will get very good rates and therefore will save when switching.
Consumers who do not match the requirements must pay a more expensive rate which usually ends up with business going elsewhere. Company advertisements say “people who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save that much money. That is how companies can make those claims.
This illustrates why it is so important to get as many quotes as possible. It is impossible to predict which insurance coverage company will fit your personal profile best.
Having a good grasp of a insurance policy aids in choosing which coverages you need and the correct deductibles and limits. The coverage terms in a policy can be ambiguous and reading a policy is terribly boring. Listed below are typical coverage types available from insurance companies.
UM/UIM Coverage – This gives you protection when other motorists either have no liability insurance or not enough. Covered losses include injuries to you and your family and also any damage incurred to your Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.
Due to the fact that many drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required, it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is important protection for you and your family. Frequently these coverages do not exceed the liability coverage limits.
Collision – Collision coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage caused by collision with a stationary object or other vehicle. You will need to pay your deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.
Collision coverage protects against things like colliding with another moving vehicle, driving through your garage door, rolling your car, scraping a guard rail and colliding with a tree. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider removing coverage from lower value vehicles. Drivers also have the option to bump up the deductible to save money on collision insurance.
Auto liability insurance – Liability coverage provides protection from damages or injuries you inflict on other people or property that is your fault. This coverage protects you from claims by other people, and does not provide coverage for damage to your own property or vehicle.
Coverage consists of three different limits, bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. You might see policy limits of 25/50/25 which stand for a $25,000 limit per person for injuries, a limit of $50,000 in injury protection per accident, and a limit of $25,000 paid for damaged property. Occasionally you may see a combined single limit or CSL which limits claims to one amount rather than limiting it on a per person basis.
Liability coverage pays for things such as medical expenses, legal defense fees and bail bonds. How much liability should you purchase? That is a decision to put some thought into, but buy higher limits if possible.
Comprehensive or Other Than Collision – Comprehensive insurance pays to fix your vehicle from damage from a wide range of events other than collision. A deductible will apply and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.
Comprehensive coverage protects against claims such as theft, vandalism, fire damage, damage from a tornado or hurricane and hitting a deer. The maximum payout you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the cash value of the vehicle, so if the vehicle is not worth much consider dropping full coverage.
Medical costs insurance – Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP pay for bills like surgery, rehabilitation expenses, ambulance fees and doctor visits. They are often used to fill the gap from your health insurance program or if there is no health insurance coverage. They cover all vehicle occupants and will also cover getting struck while a pedestrian. Personal Injury Protection is only offered in select states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay
As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, it’s very important that you do not reduce needed coverages to save money. There have been many cases where consumers will sacrifice full coverage and learned later that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your focus should be to find the BEST coverage at the best price.
Affordable 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class insurance is definitely available from both online companies in addition to many insurance agents, so you should compare both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance providers do not provide online quoting and these smaller companies work with independent agents.