Are you drained from trying to scrape together enough money to keep your car insured? You have the same problem as many other consumers. People have many insurance companies to pick from, and although it’s nice to have multiple companies, too many choices makes it more difficult to find the best rates for your vehicles.
Smart consumers take time to price shop coverage periodically because insurance prices fluctuate regularly. Just because you had the best deal on 6 insurance last year the chances are good that you can find a lower rate today. There is a lot of wrong information about car insurance on the internet, but by reading this article, you’re going to learn some great ways to stop overpaying for insurance.
The easiest way to compare car insurance company rates utilizes the fact most larger insurance companies pay for the opportunity to give rate comparisons. To begin a comparison, all you need to do is provide details including whether you have decent credit, if a SR-22 is required, the make and model of your vehicles, and how much you drive. Your rating data is then sent to many highly-rated insurers and they return quotes quickly.
The cost of insuring your cars can be expensive, but you might find some hidden discounts that could help you make your next renewal payment. Many of these discounts will be applied automatically when you quote, but a few must be asked for before you will receive the discount.
Discounts save money, but please remember that some of the credits will not apply to your bottom line cost. The majority will only reduce specific coverage prices like collision or personal injury protection. Even though it appears you would end up receiving a 100% discount, you’re out of luck.
A few popular companies and some of the premium reductions they offer are shown below.
Check with all the companies which discounts you qualify for. All car insurance discounts may not be available in your area. To choose insurance coverage companies who offer free insurance coverage quotes, click here.
When it comes to choosing the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no “best” method to buy coverage. Everyone’s situation is unique and your policy should reflect that. These are some specific questions could help you determine whether or not you would benefit from an agent’s advice.
If you can’t answer these questions but a few of them apply, then you may want to think about talking to an agent. If you don’t have a local agent, simply complete this short form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.
Understanding the coverages of your policy can be of help when determining appropriate coverage for your vehicles. Policy terminology can be confusing and nobody wants to actually read their policy. Shown next are typical coverage types found on most auto insurance policies.
Protection from uninsured/underinsured drivers – Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage provides protection from other motorists when they do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered claims include hospital bills for your injuries and damage to your 2004 Mazda 6.
Due to the fact that many drivers have only the minimum liability required by law, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is very important. Usually these coverages do not exceed the liability coverage limits.
Medical expense insurance – Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage provide coverage for short-term medical expenses for dental work, funeral costs, X-ray expenses, surgery and prosthetic devices. They can be utilized in addition to your health insurance plan or if you do not have health coverage. They cover not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and will also cover any family member struck as a pedestrian. PIP is not an option in every state but can be used in place of medical payments coverage
Liability insurance – This can cover damage or injury you incur to people or other property that is your fault. It protects YOU against claims from other people, and does not provide coverage for damage sustained by your vehicle in an accident.
It consists of three limits, per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. You commonly see policy limits of 50/100/50 that means you have $50,000 bodily injury coverage, a limit of $100,000 in injury protection per accident, and a total limit of $50,000 for damage to vehicles and property. Some companies may use a combined single limit or CSL which combines the three limits into one amount rather than limiting it on a per person basis.
Liability coverage pays for claims such as funeral expenses, emergency aid, attorney fees, loss of income and pain and suffering. How much liability coverage do you need? That is your choice, but you should buy higher limits if possible.
Comprehensive (Other than Collision) – This will pay to fix damage that is not covered by collision coverage. A deductible will apply then your comprehensive coverage will pay.
Comprehensive coverage protects against things like a broken windshield, hitting a deer and falling objects. The highest amount your auto insurance company will pay is the market value of your vehicle, so if the vehicle’s value is low consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Collision – This will pay to fix damage to your 6 resulting from a collision with an object or car. You have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.
Collision can pay for things such as sideswiping another vehicle, damaging your car on a curb, hitting a mailbox and colliding with a tree. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so consider removing coverage from vehicles that are older. Drivers also have the option to increase the deductible to get cheaper collision coverage.