No sane person looks forward to buying auto insurance, especially when they know the cost is too high.
Having so many insurance providers from which to choose, it can be hard to pick the most affordable insurance company.
The best way we recommend to compare policy rates is to realize almost all companies have advanced systems to give rate comparisons. The only thing you need to do is provide a little information such as your general credit rating, how old drivers are, if you have a valid license, and if you lease or own. The data is instantly sent to multiple companies and you get price estimates very quickly.
When buying the best car insurance coverage, there really is not a “best” method to buy coverage. Every situation is different so your insurance should reflect that For instance, these questions may help highlight if your situation may require specific advice.
If you’re not sure about those questions but one or more may apply to you then you might want to talk to a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier
Learning about specific coverages of auto insurance can be of help when determining appropriate coverage and the correct deductibles and limits. The terms used in a policy can be confusing and nobody wants to actually read their policy. Listed below are typical coverage types found on most auto insurance policies.
Comprehensive coverage – This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. A deductible will apply then your comprehensive coverage will pay.
Comprehensive can pay for things like vandalism, hitting a bird, damage from getting keyed and a broken windshield. The most a auto insurance company will pay at claim time 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.
Liability coverage – Liability coverage provides protection from injuries or damage you cause to a person or their property that is your fault. It protects you from legal claims by others, and does not provide coverage for damage sustained by your vehicle in an accident.
It consists of three limits, bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. As an example, you may have liability limits of 100/300/100 that translate to $100,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, a total of $300,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and property damage coverage for $100,000. Occasionally you may see a combined single limit or CSL which limits claims to one amount with no separate limits for injury or property damage.
Liability can pay for things like bail bonds, pain and suffering and medical expenses. How much coverage you buy is a personal decision, but you should buy as large an amount as possible.
Medical payments coverage and PIP – Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP pay for short-term medical expenses like prosthetic devices, chiropractic care and hospital visits. The coverages can be utilized in addition to your health insurance program or if you lack health insurance entirely. Coverage applies to not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and will also cover being hit by a car walking across the street. PIP is not an option in every state and may carry a deductible
Collision coverages – Collision coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from colliding with an object or car. You will need to pay your deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision insurance covers claims like damaging your car on a curb, sideswiping another vehicle, colliding with another moving vehicle, crashing into a building and rolling your car. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are older. Drivers also have the option to choose a higher deductible to save money on collision insurance.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage – This protects you and your vehicle from other drivers when they do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered claims include injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants as well as damage to your Chevy City Express.
Because many people carry very low liability coverage limits, it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is a good idea. Normally the UM/UIM limits are set the same as your liablity limits.