There isn’t anyone who looks forward to paying for insurance, especially when they could lower their rates if they shopped around. Vehicle owners have many auto insurance companies to choose from, and although it’s a good thing to have a selection, it can be more difficult to compare rates.
You should make it a habit to shop coverage around periodically since insurance prices are constantly changing. If you had the best deal for SX4 insurance a year ago you will most likely find a better premium rate today. Ignore everything you know about insurance because you’re about to learn the fastest way to save on insurance.
The most recommended method to compare insurance rates in your area is to realize all the major auto insurance companies participate in a system to quote your coverage. To get started, all you need to do is give them rating details including types of safety features, if you require a SR-22, whether you drive to work or school, and how old drivers are. That rating information is instantly sent to all major companies and they provide comparison quotes within a short period of time.
To compare multiple company rates now, click here and enter your zip code.
When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage, there isn’t really a “best” method to buy coverage. Everyone’s situation is a little different so your insurance should reflect that For instance, these questions may help highlight if you would benefit from an agent’s advice.
If you’re not sure about those questions then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, fill out this quick form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.
Understanding the coverages of your insurance policy can help you determine appropriate coverage and proper limits and deductibles. Policy terminology can be impossible to understand and reading a policy is terribly boring. These are the normal coverages available from insurance companies.
Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision) – Comprehensive insurance coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first must pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive insurance covers claims such as hitting a bird, theft, damage from flooding, damage from getting keyed and a broken windshield. The maximum amount a insurance company will pay at claim time is the ACV or actual cash value, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible consider dropping full coverage.
Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist insurance – Your UM/UIM coverage protects you and your vehicle when the “other guys” either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Covered losses include injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Since many drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is a good idea.
Insurance for medical payments – Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage kick in for bills like EMT expenses, ambulance fees, prosthetic devices and funeral costs. They can be used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if you lack health insurance entirely. They cover all vehicle occupants as well as any family member struck as a pedestrian. PIP coverage is only offered in select states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay
Collision coverage – Collision coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage caused by collision with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You first must pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.
Collision insurance covers claims such as driving through your garage door, backing into a parked car and colliding with a tree. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so consider dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. You can also raise the deductible to get cheaper collision coverage.
Liability coverage – This will cover injuries or damage you cause to people or other property in an accident. It protects YOU against claims from other people. It does not cover your injuries or vehicle damage.
It consists of three limits, bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. You commonly see limits of 50/100/50 which means a limit of $50,000 per injured person, a limit of $100,000 in injury protection per accident, and a total limit of $50,000 for damage to vehicles and property.
Liability can pay for claims such as emergency aid, repair costs for stationary objects and structural damage. How much coverage you buy is a decision to put some thought into, but consider buying higher limits if possible.