There isn’t a single person who rejoices having to buy auto insurance, in particular when they could lower their rates if they shopped around. Companies like State Farm, Allstate, Geico and Progressive all claim big savings with ad campaigns and it is difficult to see past the corporate glitz and do the work needed to find the best deal.
If you have insurance now or need a new policy, you will benefit by learning to get lower rates while maintaining coverages. Finding the best rates is not that difficult. Consumers only need an understanding of the most efficient way to shop for car insurance online.
The quickest method we recommend to compare policy rates utilizes the fact auto insurance companies participate in online systems to give rate comparisons. The one thing you need to do is take a few minutes to give details including what your job is, if it has an anti-theft system, daily mileage, and coverage limits. The data is instantly provided to multiple top-rated companies and you will get price comparisons immediately.
Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but discounts can save money and there are some available that many consumers don’t even know exist. Certain reductions will be credited at the time you complete a quote, but some need to be requested specifically before they will apply.
It’s important to understand that most discount credits are not given the the whole policy. A few only apply to individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. Despite the fact that it seems like adding up those discounts means a free policy, it just doesn’t work that way. But all discounts should definitely cut your policy premiums.
A few of the larger companies and some of the discounts include:
If you need inexpensive car insurance quotes, ask every insurance company how you can save money. Some of the earlier mentioned discounts may not apply to policyholders in your area. If you would like to view insurers with discount rates, click here to view.
When it comes to buying coverage, there really is not a single plan that fits everyone. Each situation is unique and your policy should reflect that. Here are some questions about coverages that may help highlight if you might need an agent’s assistance.
If you’re not sure about those questions, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, complete this form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It is quick, free and can help protect your family.
Understanding the coverages of your policy aids in choosing which coverages you need for your vehicles. Policy terminology can be ambiguous and even agents have difficulty translating policy wording. Below you’ll find typical coverages offered by auto insurance companies.
Liability insurance can cover damage or injury you incur to other’s property or people in an accident. This insurance protects YOU from legal claims by others. Liability doesn’t cover damage sustained by your vehicle in an accident.
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. You commonly see values of 25/50/25 that means you have a $25,000 limit per person for injuries, a limit of $50,000 in injury protection per accident, and a total limit of $25,000 for damage to vehicles and property. Some companies may use one limit called combined single limit (CSL) that pays claims from the same limit and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.
Liability can pay for claims like medical expenses, repair costs for stationary objects, bail bonds and pain and suffering. How much liability coverage do you need? That is a personal decision, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase as much as you can afford.
This gives you protection when the “other guys” either have no liability insurance or not enough. Covered claims include injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants as well as damage to your Volvo XC70.
Because many people have only the minimum liability required by law, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is important protection for you and your family. Usually these coverages do not exceed the liability coverage limits.
This coverage pays for damage to your XC70 resulting from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You first must pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision coverage pays for things like driving through your garage door, sideswiping another vehicle and crashing into a ditch. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider removing coverage from vehicles that are 8 years or older. You can also choose a higher deductible to save money on collision insurance.
Med pay and PIP coverage reimburse you for short-term medical expenses for prosthetic devices, dental work, nursing services, funeral costs and surgery. They are used to fill the gap from your health insurance plan or if you are not covered by health insurance. It covers you and your occupants as well as being hit by a car walking across the street. PIP coverage is not universally available and may carry a deductible
Comprehensive insurance will pay to fix damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first must pay your deductible and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.
Comprehensive coverage protects against claims like damage from flooding, hitting a deer and theft. The maximum amount your auto insurance company will pay is the market value of your vehicle, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value consider dropping full coverage.