Finding a different company that has affordable insurance coverage probably sounds like a formidable task since most people haven’t used quoting online. But don’t surrender to high rates because finding affordable coverage online is easier than you think.
When comparison shopping, there are several ways to get quotes from lots of insurance companies. The easiest way by far to do a complete rate comparison is simply to get online rate quotes. This can be accomplished by using one of the methods below.
The approach you take is up to you, just make sure you use the same coverage information for each comparison quote. If you enter different liability limits it will be very difficult to make an equal comparison. Quoting even small variations in coverage limits could throw off the whole comparison. Keep in mind that getting more free quotes increases the change that you will find more affordable rates.
Car insurance is expensive, but there could be available discounts that could drop your premiums quite a bit. Some discounts apply automatically when you purchase, but some must be asked about before being credited. If they aren’t giving you every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.
Discounts save money, but please remember that most discounts do not apply to the entire cost. Most cut the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. Just because it seems like adding up those discounts means a free policy, car insurance companies aren’t that generous. But any discount should help reduce your premiums.
To locate insurance companies that offer many of these discounts, click here.
When buying proper insurance coverage, there isn’t really a one size fits all plan. Every situation is different.
For instance, these questions may help highlight if your insurance needs may require specific 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 insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.
Learning about specific coverages of your auto insurance policy can help you determine the right coverages at the best deductibles and correct limits. Policy terminology can be confusing and nobody wants to actually read their policy.
Medical payments and PIP coverage – Med pay and PIP coverage pay for short-term medical expenses for things like X-ray expenses, prosthetic devices and rehabilitation expenses. The coverages can be used in conjunction with a health insurance policy or if you lack health insurance entirely. They cover you and your occupants in addition to getting struck while a pedestrian. PIP coverage is not available in all states but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage
Comprehensive auto coverage – Comprehensive insurance coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.
Comprehensive insurance covers things such as theft, falling objects and a broken windshield. The highest amount a auto insurance company will pay at claim time is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Collision – This will pay to fix damage to your Prelude from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.
Collision coverage protects against claims like rolling your car, backing into a parked car and crashing into a building. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so consider dropping it from lower value vehicles. You can also increase the deductible in order to get cheaper collision rates.
UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage – This provides protection from other drivers when they are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. This coverage pays for injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Because many people only carry the minimum required liability limits, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage should not be overlooked. Normally the UM/UIM limits are identical to your policy’s liability coverage.
Liability coverages – Liability coverage protects you from damage that occurs to other’s property or people that is your fault. It protects you from legal claims by others, and doesn’t cover damage sustained by your vehicle in an accident.
Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. You commonly see liability 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 $25,000 of coverage for damaged propery. Alternatively, you may have a combined single limit or CSL that pays claims from the same limit and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.
Liability coverage protects against claims such as funeral expenses, court costs, pain and suffering and structural damage. How much liability coverage do you need? That is a personal decision, but consider buying as large an amount as possible.